Chapter 8

◈ Chapter 8. So Simple

The player community was in an uproar.

─Is this update for real? The balance is completely messed up.

─It’s not just the balance that’s messed up; it feels like we’re going to be messed up too??

─Ahahaha, how are we supposed to defeat the Viscount Ascura? Raymond, you’re crazy! Hahaha.

Actually, there was no need to even enter the community.

News about the new update was non-stop.

"AAU has revealed that the Viscount Ascura is a vampire, which means a demon-type monster."

"Large guilds are also showing reluctance. They are taking a cautious stance, stating that it is not advisable to rashly enter a clearly dangerous rift."

I checked the update late.

And I was shocked.

‘…What, level 430?!”

Level 430 is higher than the current top-ranked player, isn’t it?

I want to retract my statement about the inferior race.

And it’s not just that; it’s a demon-type monster.

Among players, demon-type monsters were known to be difficult to handle.

To safely tackle a demon-type monster, one needed to be at least 10 levels higher, which was a common rule of thumb.

So,

‘Is this update meant for us to tackle this?’

No wonder the community is in chaos.

It’s obvious that large guilds, who are bound to suffer, would show a passive response.

But if everyone keeps watching each other, and the rift collapses,

then it really will be like opening the gates of hell.

Of course, I was fully aware of this.

───────

Natural Enemy: Combat power significantly increases when fighting demon-type monsters.

───────

Natural Enemy.

The effect of the Demon Hunter class skill was more powerful than I imagined.

But imps are only level 200, right?

Hunting the Viscount Ascura, who is at a level far beyond that, is unimaginable.

But that’s just the conclusion my mind has drawn.

At this moment, my heart is beating as it always does.

Yes, it’s a heartbeat that doesn’t care what kind of demon it is.

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

Whether it’s an imp or a vampire,

or even a demon king.

This arrogant pride will never be broken.

It’s a setting that literally means to live and die with pride.

Of course, I have no intention of meeting a tragic end while pursuing style.

I want to live as long and as comfortably as possible.

‘Wait a moment.’

But at this moment, my mind is saying it can do it.

The flashing quest window.

─Hunt the vampire. (In progress) ▲

●Announce the start of the hunt. (In progress)

Looking at the quest objectives, memories from the past come to mind.

I remember the Demon Hunter’s method of hunting demons.

Thanks to this, I have gained confidence.

‘If I follow the quest like before…’

I might really be able to hunt the vampire.

That’s the confidence I have.

Suddenly, a flower field appears in my mind.

How much experience will I gain from defeating the Viscount Ascura?

Will I get any good items?

Ah, I can’t forget the class quest reward.

But my lips didn’t move.

The magnificent flower field I imagined was not even as good as the family garden that Grandfel would see passing by.

In other words, all of this was extremely natural.

It meant that it was something I should rightfully obtain.

─The new rift location has been revealed!!! It’s in Russia?!!

I said in a cold voice,

“Consider additional penalties for the trouble of hiding.”

*

The Tower of Mages.

Its interior was so mysterious that it was hard to describe.

“Crazy. It’s completely different from the outside!”

The vast interior seemed to follow different physical laws.

The countless books that decorated the interior.

The most impressive sight was the ‘Portal’ shining in the center.

“Russia? Without the mage tower, it would be terrifying just to imagine.”

“Indeed, the Master’s decision was right. We’re lucky to have quickly established ourselves in Korea. Look at the Japanese and Chinese guilds. They’re stubbornly trying to fly to Russia.”

“It will be a problem even after landing. It’s said to take about five hours by car from the airport.”

Portal.

A large-scale teleportation magic.

As its effect shows, it belongs to high-level magic.

Among players, only a few can use the portal.

Of course, comparing the player’s portal to the mage tower’s portal is impossible.

“I’ve never used such magic.”

“Even if I max out, it would be impossible, right?”

“…Max out? Is there a max level in Arcana?”

“There isn’t. So it will be impossible for life.”

“Hey, the way you say that.”

The player’s portal is only for emergency escape, not for travel.

The amount of mana required to maintain the portal is no joke.

“Still, when will we ever get to use such a portal?”

The portal provided by the mage tower was originally not free.

But like the world, the mage tower has changed.

Many people were gathered around the portal.

The most attention was undoubtedly on ‘Gaon’.

“Has Gaon discovered the method to tackle the Viscount Ascura?”

“What is the reason for deciding to go on an expedition before other guilds?”

“There is an opinion that even if Gaon fails, the information obtained should be shared with other guilds. What do you think about this?”

World 5th place.

The best guild in Korea, Gaon.

The guild master, Nam Taemin, answered the barrage of questions.

“Unfortunately, there is no method. When have we ever challenged a rift by calculating methods…? The reason for deciding to go on an expedition before other guilds? Of course, to stay ahead in the competition.”

His words were full of confidence, fitting his position.

“And what? If we fail, we should share the strategy with other guilds? Unfortunately, that won’t happen. They can talk about peace and all that, but if they’re upset, they should challenge the rift like us. That’s the real way to peace. Isn’t it?”

The momentum was enough to make the gathered reporters flinch.

But inside, Nam Taemin was burning.

This expedition, Gaon has a lot riding on it.

‘We need to achieve results.’

Due to the mage tower, large guilds from around the world have entered Korea.

It might be a good thing for the government and the people.

Not for Gaon.

Their position in Korea was shrinking day by day.

This movement of Gaon also stimulated other guilds.

The reporters buzzed.

“…Wait, isn’t that the Shining guild?”

World 1st place.

The undisputed strongest guild, Shining.

They appeared at the mage tower, leading the expedition.

“Yeah, they should come out like this.”

Shining has moved.

Other guilds will surely follow.

The reporters who were focused on Nam Taemin moved to Shining.

Nam Cheolmin, his brother, finally approached and patted his shoulder.

“No need to be hasty. It will be a long-term battle anyway.”

“I know. I just got a bit motivated.”

“Still, the first day on the job is quite dynamic. Me too.”

“Bro, just think of it as a stroke of luck.”

Nam Cheolmin participated in this expedition as an analyst for the Gaon guild.

He didn’t expect to be involved in such a grand strategy from the beginning.

But he was diligent in his duties as an analyst.

Even if it was a parachute.

He couldn’t hear the sound of a parachute with a hole in it.

“I’ve finished briefing the guild members.”

“Briefing?”

“Yeah, the new rift has a very unique layout.”

Nam Cheolmin took out a tablet PC.

Three circles were drawn overlapping each other.

Nam Cheolmin pointed to the outermost circle with his finger.

“This is the outer rift of the territory. It’s not just a circle for show; hundreds of rifts have been discovered in a truly circular form.”

“…Hundreds? Wait, then what about the inner circle?”

“That’s the rift of the viscount’s territory. It’s a bit smaller, about 30 in number.”

“So, the innermost circle is the viscount’s castle, right?”

Nam Cheolmin nodded.

“Yeah, the Viscount Ascura is in the innermost castle rift.”

“Wait, it looks like a real castle…?”

“Exactly. That’s why I had this thought.”

“?”

Swipe─

Nam Cheolmin touched the tablet.

The next screen showed a medieval castle.

“What if, when the rift collapses, the real castle of the Viscount Ascura is summoned?”

“…Bro, isn’t that a bit far-fetched?”

“Why not? With the mage tower appearing.”

“…”

Nam Taemin couldn’t respond.

Because there was nothing wrong with his brother’s words.

But what is certain is that if the rift collapses,

and the castle of the Viscount Ascura is really summoned…

“…Isn’t there a possibility of it turning into a siege battle?”

“Yeah, I’m worried about that too.”

“This is crazy. We’re already on the edge?!”

In Arcana, the defender has a significant advantage in a siege battle.

In this case, the defender is, of course, the Viscount Ascura.

Nam Taemin was certain.

“Then it will really become impossible to tackle.”

Nam Cheolmin shrugged in response.

The brothers fell silent for a moment.

Nam Taemin spoke first.

“We can only do our best.”

“Good idea.”

“Bro, try to be enthusiastic.”

“The first task is too heavy.”

Nam Cheolmin also had something to say.

“I was planning to focus on recruiting rookies. I was adjusting the contract and writing polite messages, but the update came out suddenly…”

The rookie Nam Cheolmin was talking about was, of course, Ho Yeol.

In fact, at this moment, Nam Cheolmin was still thinking about Ho Yeol.

Nam Taemin was the same.

“Sigh. Each player is precious in this strategy.”

“That’s why I said we should increase the ratio!”

“Bro, it was 9.5 to 0.5. We were the 0.5! Where’s the room to increase? Buying a house, a car, and supporting activity costs. If the ratio is like that, it will take more than 10 years to recover…”

“Ah, forget it. It’s your fault.”

After a brief spat,

“Anyway, let’s get ready.”

It was time to enter the portal.

Nam Taemin, who said this, tilted his head.

“…What, are you ready?”

“What does an analyst need to prepare?”

“No, bro, did you not smoke on the way?”

“Oh, cigarettes?”

Nam Cheolmin smiled.

“I quit. Since my worries disappeared, I didn’t feel the urge to smoke.”

*

I opened the wardrobe.

The new rift is in Russia.

The current average temperature in Russia is about 2 degrees Celsius.

I should choose thick clothes.

But I was dressed in a suit.

This is also due to the setting of dying for formality and dignity.

I have to adapt, there’s no other choice.

But it’s fortunate.

One of the few jackets I have is quite thick.

I checked my reflection in the mirror.

As if I was born with silver hair.

There was not a trace of black in my hair.

My face had also changed.

Though my features couldn’t change like my hair, the change in my eyes must have affected the overall impression.

I could feel that the aura I exuded was different from before.

My physique had become more solid through repeated training quests.

The suit, which was loose before, now fit like a tailored one.

Thanks to my noble taste, I had strictly followed a diet.

Significant muscle growth was only natural.

I looked at my reflection in the mirror and said,

“It’s me.”

Yes, I know that this changed appearance is still me.

It’s not someone else.

This is my, Ho Yeol’s, dark history.

Knowing this, there is no hesitation in my actions.

The preparations are complete.

I am going to Russia.

To do that, I headed to the mage tower.

…Wait a moment.

“I almost forgot.”

I stopped, about to put on my shoes and leave.

I opened the cupboard and grabbed a handful of barley green tea bags.

I put them in the inner pocket of my jacket.

…Yes, being obsessed with tea time is also part of me.

Of course, having tea bags doesn’t mean I can brew green tea.

But it doesn’t matter.

I can 『Search』 and 『Interfere』 to 『Manifest』.

Yes, it means I have successfully manifested 『Magic』.

I looked at the teacup on the table and said,

“A teacup is also unnecessary.”

The stack of paper next to the teacup is proof.

.

.

.

I arrived at the mage tower.

I looked at the brilliantly shining portal.

“!”

The high-level magic, ‘Portal,’ which only a few players can use.

And this is the portal manifested by the NPCs of the mage tower, comparable to archmages.

But,

‘Why?’

To my eyes, this high-level magic,

seems simpler than the ‘Ignition’ I saw on NetTube.