Chapter 26

◈ Chapter 26. Indeed, the Top Ranker (1)

The blazing sun.

Below it, the Yusra Islands shining brilliantly.

Despite capturing the beautiful scenery of the Yusra Islands in his camera,

the face of the netbroadcaster, Park Hui-gang, was filled with melancholy.

"…I'll wait a little longer."

Who was he waiting for?

That could be seen from the title of Park Hui-gang's live broadcast.

──────

Title: (Ho-yul's Fan Room) Waiting in the Yusra Islands~

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On the day Ho-yul brought down the Ascuran Viscount's knights.

Park Hui-gang had been watching Ho-yul's actions from the entrance of the rift.

In Park Hui-gang's heart, Ho-yul was already a hero.

Wasn't it reasonable?

First of all, the number of viewers was absurd.

Park Hui-gang's broadcasts, which rarely exceeded 50 average viewers.

But after Ho-yul's live stream,

- I've come for a pilgrimage to the holy land~

- Is this the first broadcast Ho-yul picked?

- Oh, how rude to call him Ho-yul

- Call him Lord Ho-yul

Viewers flooded Park Hui-gang's suddenly popular broadcast.

Not just in terms of the number of viewers, but to Park Hui-gang, Ho-yul was a hero.

Absolutely overwhelming.

Even without proper equipment,

the way he dominated the Ascuran Viscount's soldiers and knights.

"…It was just like a manga protagonist."

That's how it was.

Park Hui-gang began to admire Ho-yul.

He edited the recorded videos of Ho-yul himself,

even adding music to create highlight clips.

Perhaps due to Park Hui-gang's efforts,

at least on Netview, interest in Ho-yul did not wane.

That interest was reflected in the number of viewers for Park Hui-gang's broadcasts, which were essentially waiting rooms for Ho-yul.

──────

Current number of viewers: 19,412

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He wasn't even filming the various spots of the Yusra Islands.

He was just filming the portal.

Yet, the chat from the viewers was non-stop.

- Don't you know that the protagonist usually appears at the end? 😂

- But can Ho-yul survive alone in the Yusra Islands?

- What do you mean by that?

- The Yusra Islands are like a treasure island, and the competition for items is intense. I'm worried about what the players, especially the newcomers, might do.

It was a valid concern.

Given the focus on the loot,

all sorts of people would undoubtedly flock there.

Among them, the "Newcomers" could not be overlooked.

Newcomers.

Former Arcana rankers.

Or, new powerhouses threatening the Arcana system.

These were the terms used to describe the players who emerged after the Arcana became reality.

- Well, those guys don't care about the means

- That's why they reached that position

- They're really despicable

Not just players,

but most people had a good idea of the reality of the Newcomers.

Back in the Arcana era,

catching up in the real world was not easy.

Moreover, the Newcomers were never short of incidents.

Given that the Newcomers would also gather in the Yusra Islands,

both players and guilds could not afford to lower their guard.

- Don't doubt

- Just wait

- Those who doubt should rewatch the highlight videos

Of course, that was only possible when the levels matched.

The viewers had faith.

The overwhelming presence Ho-yul showed.

The calm he maintained in any situation.

His confident attitude.

The capacity to handle the world's attention.

He had shown so much.

However,

- …But is Lord Ho-yul really coming?

- Don't doubt….

- Aren't you the one who doubts the most right now??

For some reason,

Ho-yul didn't even cast a shadow.

Debates about this continued.

- Indeed, the attitude of not being swayed by money!

- Just wait

- You can tell just by the fact that he doesn't do ads or appear on broadcasts

- He doesn't need to rush to a treasure island yeah

The fanatical belief in Ho-yul.

The viewers were willing to see everything in a positive light.

Well, that's why

tens of thousands of people were watching a broadcast that had been showing only the portal for hours.

When they could be watching live streams of the Yusra Islands from other broadcasts.

"…Don't doubt."

Just as Park Hui-gang muttered,

"…?"

A familiar silhouette appeared in the frame.

The sparkling sandy beach.

The tall palm trees.

The suit and shoes that didn't fit the scenery at all.

But even the attire,

his unique aura made it seem natural.

Finally,

Ho-yul revealed himself in the Yusra Islands.

"I didn't doubt, Ho-men."

*

─Investigate the great evil in the Yusra Islands. (In progress)

Great evil.

When I confirmed the quest, I didn't think it would be this.

I recalled the words of the demon hunter.

- Great evil. It literally means a huge demon. I haven't faced them myself, but they definitely exist. They are so huge that they cannot hide.

The story quickly turned into a lecture.

- So, what exactly are these great evils….

…The lecture is over.

I had just come from a regular academic meeting.

Let me rest a bit, too.

I thought this as I threw myself into the portal.

"…!"

And the moment I set foot in the Yusra Islands,

'…They are so huge that they cannot hide.'

I understood the demon hunter's words.

[Skill, 'Predator-Prey Relationship' has been activated.]

…The activation of Predator-Prey Relationship.

It meant that there was a demon nearby.

But I didn't panic.

Because of the demon hunter's intuition.

I could feel it under my shoes.

'In the Yusra Islands, every place is within the influence of the great evil.'

This quest wasn't just making a big deal out of nothing, was it?

I can feel the reality of facing a literal 'great evil.'

The Yusra Islands, which look beautiful on the surface.

Even knowing the truth behind them,

there was no hesitation in my steps.

…No, I was even overflowing with confidence.

『No temptation, deceit, or trial of any demon can mar the noble pride of Grandphel.』

Any demon.

Of course, that would include 'great evil.'

So, I could confidently

express my thoughts on entering the Yusra Islands.

I declared to the great evil I could feel under my shoes.

"Your humiliating posture is quite a sight."

.

.

.

『A new area is coming to your side.

New area, 'Yusra Islands' has been added.

New monsters have been added.

'Golden Sand Scorpion' : Lv.390

'Golden Sand Viper' : Lv.400

'Jewel-Collecting Giant Bat' : Lv.400

'Emerald Tiger' : Lv.420…….』

The new update details.

There was a reason I couldn't ignore the Yusra Islands.

First of all, the levels of the monsters appearing were no joke.

If it were a rift, the appropriate level would start at least from 400.

In that sense, it was fortunate.

‘Thankfully, it’s in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.’

In the case of a new area update, the monsters that appear in that area are often summoned together.

For example, imagine if the Yusra Islands were summoned right next to Jeju Island.

‘The rift would collapse without a chance to do anything.’

A national disaster might have been declared by now.

Anyway, it was fortunate in many ways.

───────

Predator-Prey Relationship: Combat power significantly increases when fighting demons.

───────

I was inadvertently benefiting greatly from the 'great evil.'

Regardless of Grandphel's impatient nature,

I had confidence.

‘Still, how can I manage to fight it?’

Predator-Prey Relationship.

Plus, the new magic I learned from the academic meeting.

And the mana regeneration item I borrowed from the magic tower.

This confidence was based on some grounds.

‘Even so, the Emerald Tiger is quite a burden….’

Starting with the scorpions would be a good start….

I was thinking this as I wandered through the Yusra Islands.

Rrrrrr─!

…Surprised!

The roar was extremely majestic.

The playful howl of a blood-soaked wolf.

It had the power to turn it into a whimpering sound.

I could sense it.

When the tiger speaks, it comes.

This is exactly the situation they mean by that saying…!

“Damn. Healer, I have an abnormal status!!”

“Recovery!”

“Damn. That kid is too shiny to hit properly!!”

The dense palm forest.

The Emerald Tiger rampaging beneath it.

Indeed, its movements were as formidable as its level.

Even with the impressive equipment, the players seemed to be skilled.

But it felt more like the Emerald Tiger was hunting the players.

‘It’s only natural.’

The terrain was too advantageous for the Emerald Tiger.

The palm forest and the emerald color.

The Emerald Tiger was effectively camouflaged.

With the intense sunlight.

The players could only move cautiously.

“Damn. That’s why I said not to split the group!”

“Really, blinded by the achievement…!”

“There’s no choice. We have to run based on the situation!”

It seemed they were taking a step back.

Yes, a wise decision.

There’s no business without customers.

If they join forces with their comrades, they can easily hunt the Emerald Tiger.

But unfortunately,

I have no comrades to join.

However.

Thud─

Just avoiding a tiger and taking a detour.

That’s not an option.

I took another step forward.

Rustle─

The palm leaves touching my suit.

The players flinched at the sound.

“…What? Oh? Y-You?!”

Leaving those players behind,

I faced the Emerald Tiger.

“Wild beasts cannot be handled like dogs.”

I manifested a spell.

“So, understand even if it’s rough.”

…Will I ever get used to such lines?

Fortunately, my limbs didn’t freeze.

I was able to manifest the spell.

At this moment, the rising wall was proof.

Boom─!

My head spun quickly.

The urgent task was to limit its movements.

With my stats, it was already a struggle to keep up with its movements.

Strength 27 points.

Agility 33 points.

Total 60 points.

Even with Predator-