Chapter 278

Chapter 278

The next day, Cha Jin-Hyeok met with Kang Chul.

“Did you watch the videos I sent you?”

“Yes, I did,” Kang Chul replied, his expression more serious than ever. He seemed surprised by what he had seen. The idea of editing livestream videos on the spot and broadcasting them was something he had never considered possible.

“Can you edit and broadcast livestreams in real-time?” Jin-Hyeok inquired.

“I do not have the capacity myself, but...” It was commonly thought to be impossible. “But if I do it with the proper intensity, it can be done.”

In this world, everything could be achieved with enough determination. If something was impossible, it was only because the effort was not intense enough. Clenching his fist, Kang Chul declared, “If the editor of Corporation Alpha Male can do it and I can’t, then I am not fit for the job.”

However, this was not entirely true. The editor for Corporation Alpha Male had only one Skill: quickly modifying live videos to make Corporation Alpha Male look as good as possible. He lacked other Skills, which was why major Streamers did not have a contract with him.

But Jin-Hyeok and Kang Chul did not pay much attention to this.

‘If the editor of Corporation Alpha Male can do it, so can I!’ It was all that mattered to Kang Chul.

“I will try even harder,” Kang Chul vowed.

“I’d appreciate that.”

“Yes, I will definitely do that.”

‘I still have so much to learn.’ Kang Chul felt like he was still a novice, burning with a strong desire to grow.

***

‘When should I officially make my comeback?’

Although Jin-Hyeok had been continuously uploading videos, which made it feel like he had not taken a break, he was indeed on a hiatus.

‘Maybe I should use the rematch with Corporation Alpha Male as my official comeback video.’

That seemed like a good idea. Jin-Hyeok was convinced that Corporation Alpha Male would definitely attack again. More than anything, he could not forgive Corporation Alpha Male’s claim of being the strongest Streamer.

Jin-Hyeok reached out to the Guardian Tree to have a conversation.

‘I guess you can control your power at will now.’

The Guardian Tree seemed a bit startled by Jin-Hyeok’s remark, having not realized this ability until now.

-“I guess, I can.”

‘Well, it means you are growing too.’

This incident allowed the Guardian Tree to more accurately understand its abilities. It could withdraw its powers at will and deploy them again.

-“However, it is not easy to control when I am enraged.”

‘You need to practice.’

-“I don’t quite understand why practice is necessary.”

Jin-Hyeok did not bother convincing the Guardian Tree. He could feel what the Guardian Tree was thinking anyway.

‘Everyone’s gone mad except for me.’

The Guardian Tree desired to grow stronger more intensely than ever before. Its longing to become powerful was palpable. Reêad latest novels at novelhall.com

‘Do Guardian Trees usually wish to become stronger?’

The Guardian Tree wanted to become stronger because seeing the universe’s Assassins targeting Jin-Hyeok when it had withdrawn its power had almost driven it insane. The Guardian Tree’s mindset could be summarized as ‘I might let my guard down, but how dare you target my Master! That’s intolerable.’

Another factor stimulated the Guardian Tree’s desire for growth.

-“I wish to showcase an impressive defense like Miri’s.”

Miri’s Absolute Defense was a great inspiration and challenge for the Guardian Tree. It was a defense that not only protected Jin-Hyeok but also injured the opponent in the process. That was a true defense.

-“Well, since I am bored, I might as well practice.”

From that day forward, the Guardian Tree diligently and gradually developed the ability to defend as much as it wished. While the Guardian Tree was focused on its growth and practice, one by one, fruits shaped like hammers began to fall to the ground.

***

The Guardian Tree narrowed down its defensive territory to Yeonhui-dong. This time, thanks to Jin-Hyeok making an early announcement through the MK Foundation, the confusion of the public was minimized.

“This time, I am not going easy on you,” Corporation Alpha Male said.

“Do you intend to repay kindness with enmity?” Jin-Hyeok was thrilled that Corporation Alpha Male had decided to attack him, though he did not show it outwardly. The narrative was complete.

“What kindness? You’re delusional.” Corporation Alpha Male’s axe charged forward.

Jin-Hyeok quickly lifted Miri to block the axe. Having faced this opponent once before, Jin-Hyeok could not block more urgently, appearing more desperate than he actually was. In other words, Jin-Hyeok had become more at ease.

“Show me that Absolute Defense of yours again.”

“...”

Corporation Alpha Male taunted Jin-Hyeok, who bit his lip as though he was infuriated and then used Absolute Defense to block Corporation Alpha Male’s axe.

Clang!

A series of loud noises rang out.

“You’re slower than I thought, Kim Chul-Soo!”

That was what Jin-Hyeok wanted to say. The axe attack was slower than expected, perfect for a flashy defensive move. It felt less like a fierce battle and more like an action scene from a movie. In any case, it was a favorable situation for Jin-Hyeok in many ways.

“Ugh!” Corporation Alpha Male clutched his chest and staggered back a few steps. It seemed like Chul-Soo had activated Absolute Defense. Although his chest felt slightly sore, Corporation Alpha Male internally celebrated. ‘I’ve exhausted one of his Absolute Defense!’

Corporation Alpha Male’s efforts in focusing on increasing his defensive capabilities had paid off. He felt only a bit of shock and had not taken any significant damage to his body.

‘This is the price you pay for bragging and revealing all your information!’

He just needed to avoid targeting Chul-Soo’s head. Dodging reflection damage from other parts seemed manageable.

As time passed, a seemingly intense battle unfolded.

‘It’s done!’ The two instances of Absolute Defense were exhausted. ‘Now, all you have left is your Absolute Barrier!’

The opportunity had arrived.

‘You’re just unlucky that you’re facing me.’

Due to the nature of his Job as a Streamer, Chul-Soo had no choice but to reveal and exaggerate his abilities, inevitably giving his opponent a way to strategize against him.

Corporation Alpha Male smiled triumphantly.

[You have activated your Mystery ?Broadcaster’s Nemesis?.]

***

[#Your end is near. #My victory. #I am the strongest Streamer!]

Seeing Corporation Alpha Male’s status, Jin-Hyeok could not help but feel a great sense of anticipation. ‘Is that Mystery really that amazing?’

It seemed like a Mystery capable of neutralizing Absolute Barrier. Such things could only be understood by experiencing them firsthand.

“Hahahah!” Corporation Alpha Male intuitively knew that the Mystery had worked exactly as intended. He addressed both Jin-Hyeok and his viewers. “The reason you were so powerful was that Absolute Barrier of yours.”

“...”

“Do you think you are truly strong without your Absolute Barrier?”

Jin-Hyeok muttered as if he were slightly dismayed, “My Absolute Barrier has been weakened. It’s been debuffed and changed to Broadcaster’s Barrier.”

“That’s right. Your boasted Absolute Barrier is now gone.”

Corporation Alpha Male instantly closed the distance between them and swung his axe. With only Broadcaster’s Barrier, Chul-Soo could not block the axe. The Level disparity between them was too great.

“I have faced countless combatant-class Players and built up my know-how through battles.” Corporation Alpha Male’s axe nearly touched Jin-Hyeok, barely grazing past him. “Defeating a rookie armed with just Skills is quite easy. Isn’t that right?”

“...”

Jin-Hyeok continued to dodge Corporation Alpha Male’s axe with a face full of dismay.

Seeing Jin-Hyeok’s expression, Corporation Alpha Male was filled with confidence. ‘He is terribly flustered!’

Empowered, Corporation Alpha Male pressed on more aggressively.

After a bit of time, Jin-Hyeok asked with a remarkably bewildered expression, “Is this really all you’ve prepared?”

Jin-Hyeok was genuinely taken aback.