Chapter 321

Chapter 321

The Great Nobleman Filiak had devised a plan to kill Cha Jin-Hyeok using rather cowardly methods. Native tribesmen from the Laun Jungle were hiding in various places along Jin Hyeok’s way. Unknown to the world, these Players boasted top-notch assassination skills.

‘They are the foremost experts on lethal poisons,’ Filiak thought. However, he was well aware that these Assassins alone could not kill Kim Chul-Soo. ‘That Chul-Soo guy is immune to any poison weaker than that of the Snake King grade.’

This was a type of psychological warfare—using poison against an opponent who was immune to it could lead to complacency. It was a setup.

Muenne’s involvement made Filiak realize something.

‘Chul-Soo did not show his journey here on his livestream... It must have been a tougher struggle than I thought!’

However, Filiak was grossly mistaken.

‘If that’s the case, then he must be nearly out of stamina. Destroying the spire was just a bluff using the last of his strength!’

This made things a lot easier.

Filiak slowly said, “So you’re from the Arvis Server, huh! This has become more complicated than I expected.”

He drew his sword and thought, ‘For now, I will pretend to focus on the duel with Muenne.’

He knew Muenne quite well, including how she handled weaker opponents.

‘She won’t press me too hard right away.’

When fighting weaker opponents, Muenne always showed consideration, especially to those who fought with all their might, valuing their spirit over their lack of skill.

‘I will pretend to fight with all my might, and then...’

Since Chul-Soo was serious about his livestream, there would surely be a moment when he would come close to Filiak.

‘That’s when I will ambush Chul-Soo.’

Filiak did not believe his attacks could harm Chul-Soo; this was another trap.

‘My attack is merely a signal!’

At any rate, Chul-Soo would undoubtedly deploy his ultimate defensive skill, Absolute Barrier.

‘That will be my opportunity.’

For this, Filiak had prepared a former elder of his family, previously confined in the family’s dungeon. To the outside world, the elder appeared to be a feeble old man, disguised as a mere servant.

‘Your powerful Absolute Barrier will become your shackles, Chul-Soo!’

Absolute Barrier was indeed an enviable power. However, such strong defensive Skills could occasionally become a liability. The elder’s attack, known as Conversion Strike, shone brighter the stronger the opponent’s defenses were. It utilized the opponent’s defense to inflict damage.

‘Yes, this is actually for the best. Muenne’s involvement will only make Chul-Soo more complacent.’

Filiak sensed his impending death. He knew he could not win a fight with Muenne.

‘But that doesn’t matter.’

For the freedom of Hell, he was prepared to sacrifice himself to kill Chul-Soo.

‘My death will ignite a great wildfire in the Third Hell.’

***

With his sword in hand, Filiak said, “Let’s have a fair fight, Muenne.”

“...”

Muenne did not properly acknowledge the greeting, a sign that should have alerted Filiak that something was amiss from the outset.

“Ugh!” Filiak yelled.

Muenne had suddenly closed the distance between them and struck Filiak in the abdomen with her left fist. The sky seemed to darken for Filiak, and he found himself unable to breathe. His legs gave out involuntarily, and he knelt, experiencing a level of pain he had never felt before.

Amidst this intense agony, he wondered, ‘Why is she like this?’

This was not like her at all. Normally, Muenne would have ended the duel here, as she had done in most of her victorious battles, typically concluding with, “Stand up. The outcome is already decided.”

However, this time was different.

“Stand up. I need to beat you a bit more,” Muenne said.

Filiak doubted his ears. ‘Did I hear that wrong?’

“Thank you, Muenne. I think we have got enough footage for now.”

Ironically, Jin-Hyeok’s words felt like a ray of salvation to Filiak. However, what Muenne said next was rather shocking.

“So, should I kill him now?”

It was hard to believe that these words came from one of the Seven Paladins of the Sacred Empire of Helen.

“No, no. I would like to talk to him for a bit,” Jin-Hyeok said.

“He labeled you evil and slandered me as being brainwashed. I wanted to kill him immediately, but held back because of your livestream,” Muenne answered.

“And I appreciate that.”

Muenne’s cheeks reddened. “Well, I didn’t do it to be thanked, but...”

“Leave the rest to me.”

Muenne intensely looked at Filiak and nodded.

“Muenne, close your eyes for a moment.”

One could wonder why Jin-Hyeok had asked her to do that, but Muenne simply complied. Though she did not understand why, she also clenched her lips tightly and tensed up.

“Just stay like that,” Jin-Hyeok said.

“Okay...”

“Don’t move.”

“Okay...”

“You promised. Keep your eyes closed and don’t move.”

“O-Of course...!”

Jin-Hyeok walked past Muenne, who was all tensed up, and stood before Filiak. “Filiak, I know your heart is true with the Server, though your actions were misguide—”

Just then, Jin-Hyeok saw Filiak’s eyes change drastically. A deep murderous intent emanated from him.

‘Perfect! I knew this would happen,’ Jin-Hyeok thought. Though he had turned off his livestream, he was still recording everything that was going on.

Filiak lunged at Jin-Hyeok with his sword. “Die!”

Muenne, who hastily opened her eyes, was too slow to react due to the close distance between Jin-Hyeok and Filiak. Jin-Hyeok thought that was fortunate. If Muenne had not been completely frozen with her eyes shut, Jin-Hyeok would not have gotten such a perfect shot for his video.

‘Finally, the guy disguised as the servant is making his move!’

Jin-Hyeok had read the former elder's movements. Filiak, who had made meticulous preparations, thought this was his grand opportunity. However, for Jin-Hyeok, who had experienced similar things in Arvis, it was a trivial plan.

‘That’s why the environment is important for Players,’ Jin-Hyeok thought.

Facing universe-level rankers made an average high-Level ranker feel like nothing. Jin-Hyeok had already gauged his opponent’s Level and fully understood his secrets while observing him during his livestream.

‘So now, Filiak should attack me.’

Jin-Hyeok knew that he could completely block Filiak’s attack, but he chose to take the hit for the livestream.

Shunk!

Filiak’s sword pierced Jin-Hyeok’s abdomen.

Of course, the Shunk! was just a sound effect. In reality, Jin-Hyeok had received only a small cut from the attack.

‘So, this was the signal!’

The elder, disguised as a servant, swung an axe at Jin-Hyeok.

[You have used the Mystery Conversion Strike.]

This Mystery used the opponent’s defensive stats against them. The stronger the defense was, the more it was converted into pure damage against them.

Filiak’s eyes lit up with expectation. If Chul-Soo’s formidable defense were to meet this Mystery’s attack, the moment the axe touched Jin-Hyeok, it would mean instant death!

‘It’s over now, Chul-Soo!’ Filiak thought.

At the same time, Jin-Hyeok also smiled broadly. ‘More great content for my Eltube channel!’