Chapter 27

◈ Chapter 27. Indeed, the Top Ranker (2)

Ho Yeol appeared in the Yusra Archipelago!

With that breaking news, viewers flooded Park Hwi-gang's broadcast.

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Current number of viewers: 98,731

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With the increase in viewers, the chat window also quickly filled up.

- Still in a suit?? Whether it's cold or hot, it's always the same lol

- It's not a concept, it's real

- There's a rumor that his silver hair isn't dyed, it's his natural hair

- No way, that's a lie

- Just Ho Men

The viewers were buzzing at his appearance.

Considering the number of viewers, it would be natural for Park Hwi-gang to have a desire to broadcast.

However, Park Hwi-gang firmly stated:

“I will continue the broadcast without hindering Mr. Ho Yeol. If anyone feels uncomfortable, please leave in advance. I apologize.”

Bow─

Park Hwi-gang bowed his head toward the camera.

To anyone watching, it seemed as if he had received etiquette training from Ho Yeol.

But this was an action that came from Park Hwi-gang's genuine heart.

‘The broadcast's success isn't because of me.’

It's just luck.

He was just one of the few who recognized Ho Yeol's true worth earlier than others.

Park Hwi-gang was fully aware of this fact.

Therefore, he didn't want to cause any inconvenience to Ho Yeol.

“I'm quite transparent, you know? Even in dangerous dungeons, I sometimes step on traps without triggering them.”

- That's why I watch Hwi-gang's broadcast

- lol Other streamers are a bit disgusting~

- He doesn't even like it, but he still collects donations

- lol

As always.

Ho Yeol moved forward without hesitation.

After defeating the Ascuran Count.

Ho Yeol's presence soared.

When Ho Yeol appeared in the Yusra Archipelago, it was natural for the players' attention to be drawn to him.

Among them, there were those who sent overt gazes, even from a third party's perspective.

“...His eyes look quite fierce, don't they?”

Park Hwi-gang, with his keen intuition, caught a player glaring at Ho Yeol.

From the start, that gaze seemed out of the ordinary.

- He's a rising star

- It's Kinber, that scum

- Look at that glare, wow

- It's a sacrilege

Kinber.

A player notorious for his cruelty among the rising stars.

It was said that a truckload of players had gone missing or died after entering the rift with him and his gang.

It's just that there was no evidence.

If there was evidence, he would be in jail by now.

He was glaring at Ho Yeol.

“...But it's not just Kinber, right?”

Famous players.

Even high-ranking guilds.

Their gazes toward Ho Yeol were not favorable.

As if they were looking at a strong competitor.

- They probably don't want to share the loot from the Yusra Archipelago

- I wouldn't want to meet him either, lol

- I'm definitely praying he doesn't come our way, 100%

“...I'm getting scared.”

Even Park Hwi-gang, who had nothing to do with the tension, felt intimidated.

But Ho Yeol, the subject of all this, was fine.

No, more than fine, he was confident.

Such gazes.

They were beneath his notice.

Ho Yeol headed straight for the palm grove.

And now.

Whoosh─!

A storm of flames.

The intense heat could be felt even from a distance.

Park Hwi-gang involuntarily let out a gasp of admiration.

“...He's insane!”

When the wall rose in the palm grove.

It seemed Ho Yeol's unique battle style had begun.

A clever battle style based on alchemy, which had been highly praised by players and experts alike.

It seemed to be effective in reality as well.

Due to the rapidly rising stone walls.

The Emerald Tiger seemed flustered.

‘But that storm of flames...!’

It was beyond imagination!

The reactions in the chat window were explosive.

- lol He's finally showing his true skills

- He's an alchemist, right? lol

- Really, how is he an alchemist? Even a Flame Wizard can't do that

Even though he had just entered the Yusra Archipelago.

Ho Yeol was already performing impressively.

The storm of flames showed no signs of dying down.

Just how high must his mana be?

“...It seems he one-shot the Emerald Tiger?”

Sending a 420-level monster to its demise with a single spell!

Level, class, and mana.

“...But his expression didn't change at all?”

Even the size of that container.

The more I watched, the less I could guess about anything.

At this moment, there was only one thing to say.

“...Anyway, Ho Men!”

*

...I feel like I heard something I shouldn't have.

But due to the loud noise.

And because I don't care about others' opinions.

I calmly checked the message.

[Your level has increased.]

[Your level has increased.]

[Your level has increased.]……

The total level increase was 12 levels.

Indeed, a 420-level monster's experience.

Moreover, this battle was not tedious.

‘It was unimaginable during the Ascuran Count raid.’

Tedious.

Building and then destroying stone walls, that was all it was.

Compared to that, this was a significant improvement.

However, I didn't express my feelings.

“Indeed.”

A short comment.

Even that was directed at Marcello, not me.

After all, he was the one who created this magic.

Just being able to use it to this extent.

Isn't that impressive?

But it probably wasn't enough to satisfy his noble pride.

Moreover.

‘If it weren't for the predator-prey effect, it would have been impossible.’

Currently, the predator-prey effect was active.

If the effect hadn't triggered?

That storm of flames wouldn't have even appeared.

So, in simple terms.

‘There's still a long way to go.’

That's why I can't be satisfied.

Of course, I still need to take what I can.

The 420-level monster, the Emerald Tiger.

Its appearance alone was unusual.

‘It really sparkles like a gem...’

It might have dropped a pretty good item.

Why, isn't the Yusra Archipelago supposed to be a treasure island from legend?

The Yusra Archipelago!

Full of sinister thoughts.

But they were just thoughts.

The setting of Granfel, who had transcended material desires.

‘After all, he didn't waver even in front of a trillion.’

Thanks to that, I calmly collected the loot.

[Pure Emerald Crystal]

[Grade: Unique]

[Limit: None]

[Effect: Visible during crafting]

[Description: A top-grade emerald crystal. It retains the pure properties of emerald.]

A unique material item?

‘It's picky...’

After all, the value of a material item is determined by the crafter's skill.

Even with the same unique material.

Depending on the crafter's skill, it could become an item with unique or even greater effects.

So it's picky.

That's what I thought.

Until I met the Magic Tower.

Yes, I had a connection with the Magic Tower, didn't I!

More specifically, with the Chief Mage, Marcello.

“Everything is part of the research.”

I said boldly.

Well, it's not a wrong statement, is it?

After all, I proved the power of the magic Marcello created through practical application.

So I have every right to demand.

‘Wait a moment.’

The level of the Magic Tower.

The level limits of the magical tools and items they lent out were all mind-boggling.

To me, it felt like I would never be able to use them.

But if I could use this emerald crystal to create an equipment item right away...

‘It might be better to have obtained a material item.’

That was the extent of my happiness.

Until someone spoke to me.

“Thank you. Are you Mr. Ho Yeol?”

Players who were struggling with the Emerald Tiger.

They greeted me.

I nodded.

Perhaps encouraged by my response.

“Wow, you're really impressive. I was actually skeptical? I had to see it to believe it! I thought it was just the media creating another star player...”

He rambled on.

Then he came to the point.

“...So, would you consider joining us? Not permanently, just for the Yusra Archipelago. What do you think?”

My answer was simple and clear.

“I decline.”

“...What?”

Unnecessary suspicion.

Jealousy and envy.

And a subtle use of informal language.

‘It seems to be mainly because of the informal language.’

The old-fashioned nature of Granfel was speaking.

“I regret to inform you that I will not be traveling with you.”

I won't get involved with you.

My words were quite firm.

The players didn't push further.

I moved on, leaving them behind.

─Investigate the evil in the Yusra Archipelago. (In progress)

The quest was still ongoing.

.

.

.

Rank 7 guild.

The Second Sun, the top guild in the UK.

They were trying to restore their pride in the Yusra Archipelago.

Above them was the 3rd-ranked guild.

The Bohemian, an EU guild, and below them was the Berserker guild, which was rapidly rising.

“The Ascuran Count raid was a humiliation for us. While the Berserker achieved the first clear, we had nothing to show for it.”

3rd in player rankings.

The guild master, Schreig.

He made a decision.

“The Yusra Archipelago is a good opportunity to redeem that humiliation.”

The Second Sun split their forces.

They planned to split up to achieve as many accomplishments and loot as possible.

But the plan went awry from the start.

Because the monsters in the Yusra Archipelago were tougher than expected.

“Damn. It's already tough enough!”

Not to mention the competition.

There were too many things to worry about.

In the end, Schreig had to admit it.

“My ambition was too great. I'll join forces.”

Of all people, with the Heaven Unification.

2nd and 3rd.

Just one step apart.

But there was an invisible, thick wall between them.

Schreig planned to lead his main force to join the other side.

“Should we head to the palm grove?”

He immediately contacted them.

- ...Hey, Schreig.

What's wrong?

His usual manly, gruff voice was not there.

It was a timid, almost fearful voice.

Schreig asked, just in case.

“Don't tell me, did someone get hurt?”

Or did an Emerald Tiger appear?

If so, casualties would be understandable.

He needed to join them quickly.

Schreig immediately gathered his equipment.

“Let's join. Wait for me. I'll head over right away.”

- ...No, don't come!

“...What's going on?”

- We'll come to you.

It didn't seem to be an emergency.

But joining this side would be meaningless.

“We're on the same route as Heaven Unification. If we join...”

- No, no. Heaven Unification is better!

“...What do you mean by that?”

- It's better to face off with the Heaven Unification kids than that monster!

“What do you mean by 'monster'? Speak clearly...”

- Ho Yeol!

...Ho Yeol?

Why did that name come up suddenly?

Schreig, tilting his head, heard a shout.

- That guy is much stronger than he's known to be!

Schreig was flabbergasted.

Stronger than known?

It didn't make sense.

After all, Ho Yeol was already treated as a top-tier player.

While he was momentarily speechless, the call ended.

- Anyway, we'll come to you.

“...What do you mean by that?”

Buzz─

At that moment, the phone vibrated again.

This time, it was Seoul.

A guild member who had participated in the Magic Tower's regular meeting.

As soon as Schreig connected the call.

His face crumpled again.

“...What, you're talking about Ho Yeol too?”

Of course, it didn't take long for him to regain his composure.

“Not only did he take a quest, but he's also heading to the upper levels of the Magic Tower?!”

Is that even possible?

Ho Yeol.

He is much stronger than known.

Somehow, Schreig could understand that statement.

*

The quest's goal is always to investigate the evil.

Let's speculate based on that.

First, the evil is not fully awakened.

‘I can feel it crouching.’

The presence felt underfoot.

A rare sensation, perhaps unique to demon hunters.

Thanks to this, I could quickly grasp the quest's intent.

‘Even if we set aside the investigation.’

First