《Ranker's Return》Chapter 231
Advertisement
A day before the main scenario was released on the stream, Hyeonu took some special action. It was a decision he made for a more perfect monopoly.
‘It is also a test...’
His armor had changed, and Hyeonu’s specs had changed beyond imagination. The extra stat points that appeared on the information window was more than 2,000. Considering the changes that would occur with Tang-E’s buffs and Hyeonu’s buffs, it was right to think of it as an increase in thousands of stat points.
Currently, Hyeonu wasn’t far from the camps of the five guilds, including New World. However, this location was far away from the place where Hyeonu was originally hunting. Why had Hyeonu come here alone? It was related to the special measures he had taken. The special measures were taken so that ‘they’ could devour the monopoly together, rather than him alone.
‘Shooting a video.’
It was about providing information about monsters. This was a type of attack strategy. Just as he taught the viewers of the arena, he was going to teach them how to hunt the monsters.
‘I have to gather the maps faster.’
The maps the five guilds had given to Hyeonu combined to make a complete map of the beginning of the Balder Mountains. Nonetheless, it wasn’t enough. Hyeonu didn’t need the initial map but the map that went deeper.
‘At this rate, there will be no effect other than an increase in viewers.'
This was the problem. One of the reasons he provided information to the four guilds, apart from New World, was being nullified. If Hyeonu fought alone, then it would be no different from clearing the main scenario alone. It was why Hyeonu made this decision. He wanted to use them more efficiently.
***
The monster’s arm, which was covered in metal, stretched out and destroyed the space where Hyeonu had just been standing. Hyeonu dodged effortlessly and spoke quickly without taking his eyes off the monster, “The name of this monster is the wire monkey. As you can see, its body is covered with iron, and its arms and tail stretch out like this to attack.”
Even as Hyeonu spoke, the attacks of the wire monkeys continued. The silver tail elongated and flew at Hyeonu.
“Of course, it is covered with iron, so it has a very high defense. They also have a lot of health. Instead, there are weaknesses.” Hyeonu stopped talking and flicked his left hand. Tang-E, who had been standing silently behind Hyeonu, fired a blue flame at the wire monkey’s tail. The tail of the wire monkey that was hit by Tang-E’s flames melted little by little.
“Kiiiiik!!!” The wire monkey screamed with pain as its tail melted.
Advertisement
Hyeonu pointed to that wire monkey and said, “As you can see, they are vulnerable to attacks with a strong fire attribute. In addition, one more thing.”
As Hyeonu flicked his finger again, Tang-E launched dozens of blue ice spears at another wire monkey. The ice spears struck the body of the wire monkey in a gruesome manner, and the pierced monkey showed a pained expression. Then something strange happened. The silver objects seen all over the wire monkey’s body started to break.
Hyeonu watched the wire monkey for a while before swinging the Mysterious Sky Sword. The black pure energy that was produced along the trajectory of the Mysterious Sky Sword struck the entire body of the wire monkey.
“Kiing!” The wire monkey gave a last scream and was transformed into a mass of experience.
[A wire monkey has been killed.]
[Experience has been acquired.]
“Once hit with magic of the ice attribute, the armor that covers its body will be broken. Then its defense will be very low. You can kill the wire monkeys like this. So this is the end of the third monster in the Balder Mountains, the wire monkey.”
After the battle, Hyeonu called out to Tang-E, “How was it? Was it okay this time?”
“It was okay this time. It is impossible to show anything more,” Tang-E answered.
Hyeonu sighed with relief at Tang-E’s words. It was already the fifth time he shot it. The first three times, the wire monkey died so quickly that he couldn’t film it.
‘I overlooked one option...’
[-Increase the effect of magic power related skills by 100%.]
Previously, he wasn’t aware of it properly because he was fascinated by Tyrant’s Advent that could summon Caruso. He only realized how strong it was once he started hunting. The monsters that previously needed to be hit by Crescent Moon Cut and Mysterious Sky Range now just needed to be cut at their vital points several times with pure energy.
Hyeonu discovered the reason after that. How had he suddenly become so strong? This option was the answer he found.
‘It matches really well with my class characteristics.’
Hyeonu’s class, Knight of Keon, possessed more magic power related skills than the magician class. He had also gained other additional skills, so the set effect was more efficient.
“Then let’s go hunt the next monster.”
“What is it this time, Master dude?”
“We are going to kill a cow.”
“A cow is good.”
Tang-E was embraced by Hyeonu.
***
The videos Hyeonu had taken throughout the day were spread around by Gang Junggu and fell into the hands of the five guilds. The blonde beauty focused her entire attention on the video on the screen, which showed a man hunting a monster. It was a video with no major features, but the pleasant voice and neat movements of the man made her look at the screen. She wouldn’t have looked away from the screen if it wasn’t for her smartphone vibrating.
Advertisement
“What’s going on? Aren’t you busy, Mascherano?” Reina answered the call with a sharp voice.
-What’s happening today? Why are you so cold? Did I get the timing wrong? Mascherano seemed to have this experience more than once or twice.
“I am watching a video of Alley Leader. I’m in the middle of it.”
-Ohh, I was also watching. Shall we watch together?
“No, I will watch it alone. I’m hanging up.” Reina really tried to hang up.
Mascherano noticed it based on previous experience and cried out urgently, -I’m at your door right now. I’m in front of the accommodations. I bought something to eat. It’s a bunch of cakes.
Reina was instantly stunned and stopped trying to hang up.
-I bought them all from your favorite cake shop. It was to the point where I was scolded by the people behind me. So please open the door...
The nail was driven in, and Reina was persuaded. She picked up her smartphone and said, “Okay, I’ll let you in.”
Reina was a cake enthusiast. She really liked desserts. Even if she didn’t eat a proper meal, she would eat bread, cakes, and sweets. Mascherano knew this and used it as a way to gain a visit. A short time later, Mascherano appeared with his hands full of shopping bags. “He...”
“Give it to me,” Reina interrupted Mascherano and grabbed the shopping bags he had brought.
They were filled with cheesecake, chocolate cake, pretzels, macaroons, eclairs, and more. Reina started eating the cakes and sweets like she had forgotten about Mascherano or was just ignoring him. Mascherano was familiar with Reina and pressed the remote control to play the video that had been paused.
Beep.
His eyes never left the screen.
-So this is the end of the third monster in the Balder Mountains, the wire monkey.
Reina cleaned up the desserts while she was absorbed in the video sent by Hyeonu. Mascherano saw it when he turned his head, and he opened his mouth to ask, “Have you killed this monster before?”
“I have. It took me around 20 minutes.”
Hearing Reina’s response in her usual tone, Mascherano pressed the remote control toward the screen again.
Beep.
Then he said, “Does this make sense? We killed one while he is killing two monkeys at the same time!”
“Yes, it took us 20 minutes while Alley Leader took less than three minutes to fight like that. He even knew their weaknesses.”
Mascherano couldn’t understand the videos he had been sent. How could a person be so strong? Hyeonu was also a player like them, yet he was so leisurely against monsters who attacked so fast. He did what he said. They realized this was the commonly called ‘playing Arena with your mouth.’
In short, Alley Leader was like a man of a different world.
“How the hell did he raise his character?” Mascherano said bewilderedly.
Reina scoffed at Mascherano’s words. Mascherano’s face distorted after he saw her ridicule. “What is it?!! Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Do you have to ask? Do you think you could do that if you have the same character?”
“Do you think I can’t?”
“Yes, you can’t. Aren’t you worse than me? I don’t have the confidence either. You still don’t understand him.”
Knives poured out of Reina’s mouth, and Mascherano’s face turned red like he had been struck by a sword. Mascherano’s hands shook. He failed to overcome his anger, but there was nothing he could do. Instead, he just ate the cake he bought.
“Are you crazy? Stop eating.” Reina wasn’t happy as her precious cakes were disappearing into that idiot’s belly. She had to stop him quickly.
At this moment, Reina’s smartphone rang.
‘What?’
The hand that was reaching toward Mascherano changed directions and grabbed her smartphone.
[An email has arrived.]
It was a notification that an email had been sent to the account that was only known to her close acquaintances. Reina tilted her head in a confused manner. This account rarely received emails. Those who knew this email address knew it was faster to make a phone call than to send an email.
‘Who is it?’
Reina accessed her account with the laptop connected to the projector. It showed the sender’s name.
‘There’s no such name among my acquaintances though?’
It was Gang Hyeonu. Reina moved the mouse over the delete button. Just then, Reina was fickle and moved the mouse back again to click on the email.
-I should’ve told you when sending the video, but I forgot. Thus, I am sending you an email. It will be hard to see Zenith or Five Stars in the Balder Mountains in the coming months. Just focus on the league and the main scenario, Reina.
‘Don’t tell me...?’
Did he fight them for her?
All sorts of speculations filled Reina’s mind.
Meanwhile, Mascherano regained his sense of reason and looked at the email on the screen. ‘What does this mean? Focus on the league and the scenario? What is the relationship between the two of them that they’re exchanging words like this?’
Mascherano couldn’t resist his curiosity and asked, “What is this, Reina?”
However, Reina’s reaction was chilly. “Shut up and watch the video. Otherwise, leave.”
Advertisement
- In Serial44 Chapters
The Realm Beneath: A Dungeon Story
This is the story of a dungeon, not a reincarnated soul or a human trapped in a soul gem, but a dungeon. Born as a dungeon, it lives as a dungeon, and kills like a dungeon. Guided only by its experiences, vague ideas and knowledge from somewhere else and the mysterious system that greets it upon awakening it strives to build and live and learn. Immerse yourself in the tale as you read about the dungeon and the adventurers that challenge its depths, puzzles, traps and creatures. Read about the realm beneath as a world comes to life within a mountain in the centre of the land. Forests, swamps, deserts, tundra and more can all be found in the cavernous chambers that blossom with life. Author's note. There is an overarching plot that is more than just the dungeon getting bigger. I will be uploading at least one chapter a week until furthur updates on my schedule get posted and hopefully more once I finish off the other book i'm working on. You can expect me to try and craft unique challenges and floors, stuff you most likely haven't seen before in dungeon books whilst still having a hopefully decent plot. I can't promise much about it but I will certainly read all the comments, respond where appropriate and take on board suggestions. I promise to keep you updated and not drop away without saying anything. I would consider this to be part of the writers pledge but if circumstances force my hand I may have to drop it. (no plans) A Note on tags: Profanity: Not excessive but where i find appropriate. Gore: Well that depends how well I do my job doesn't it. If I can paint a vivid picture that has the potential to be gory, then my writing may be to an acceptable quality. Traumatising content: Again, this depends on my skill as a writer, I guess I hope you find it traumatising - no that’s not right. Well you know what I mean anyway. Hopefully I can paint a vivid picture in your mind that makes the book all the more special.
8 197 - In Serial46 Chapters
The Arcane Prince
Book 1 is complete and fully posted here on RoyalRoad. The story is on break as I work on Book 2, which will be posted once I have finished writing it. Max is a twelve-year-old boy from the slums who dreams of seeing the world, learning magic, and adventure. On the same day that Max learns his first spell, he meets Colt, a noble-born lad on his own path to power. Colt is kind. Oblivious to the world, but kind. By his grace, Max begins to learn under Colt's instructor, even hunting monsters in the forests to the north. Max is talented and grows in power quickly, but as he prepares for the first of his adventures, the kingdom faces the greatest threat in centuries. Posting Schedule: Every 3 days until the end of Book 1 (Chapter 45). IMPORTANT NOTES: 1) This is a story about an OP boy doing OP boy things. By the end of Book 1, there will be few fights that he struggles with, and he will rarely, if ever, find his life in peril. 2) This is a slice-of-life and adventure story, which means that there will be periods of chapters without any action or conflict, but also periods of chapters with battles and exploration/adventure (the latter mostly being Book 2+). 3) There will be NO petty squabbles or conflicts going on in this story, because it is meant to be a fun one, not a high-tension, drama-filled story. So it will NOT be that. If you want lots of action or lots of conflict, then find another story to read because this isn't it. 4) There will never be an overarching evil/villain/conflict to deal with in this story past Book 1. Ever. 5) Book 1 is entirely written and can be considered a standalone story on its own. Right now, the story may last 2-3 books, or it may last 7-10 books. It is guaranteed to make it through Book 2 or 3, and if I decide to go with the bigger journey I have planned after that, then it will be longer. There will be a several-month wait between Book 1 and Book 2. 6) The story contains the sexual content tag, but it will not contain any unless Max and his future boyfriend reach 18+ years of age in-story. If I decide to bring the story to a conclusion with Book 2 or 3, or they never reach that age in the full story for the long journey, then I will remove the tag. 7) There are currently absolutely no plans to make this story into a harem if I write the extended story. If I write the extended story and decide at some point to make it one, then I will add the appropriate tag and inform readers of this decision. However, there are currently zero plans to make it one. 8) This story takes place in its own story universe, with its own rules. Please keep that in mind when reading it and other stories.
8 83 - In Serial17 Chapters
The Czarina's Buccaneer
RELEASES EVERY MONDAY AT 18:30 CST ----- After suffering the torments of slavery, the destruction of his nation, and the massacre of his band of brothers, Rodion Kazansky craves revenge and yearns for the freedom owed to him as a proud Cossack. A lost horse and a chance meeting with the Catherine the Great set him off on a journey that will take him from the steppes of the Crimea to the beaches of the Gold Coast of Africa and back again. There he will face British slavers, pirates, and the ghosts of his past to become the bane of his enemies as the Czarina's Buccaneer. ----- DISCLAIMER: This novel acknowledges the fact that the Cossacks, and the Ukrainian people by extension, are unique and not simply a "different variety of Russians." The main character views the Russians as "moskal foreigners" and does not see himself as one. This also acknowledges the fact that the czarina deprived many of the Cossacks of their freedom, something that the main character resents.
8 134 - In Serial33 Chapters
A Thousand Years
My name is Nina Ōtsutsuki. A thousand years ago I made a promise; one that I have never forgotten. Unfortunately, my friends seem to have some troublesome descendants, and their reincarnations are no better. [Madara x OC]
8 116 - In Serial19 Chapters
I've been having weird dreams about a ruined castle as well as a man locked in a glass cage that has beautiful piercing eyes. That glows and shine like the stars however I feel as if he is looking directly at me. There's this odd feeling in my chest that I can't explain...Disclaimer: The Sandman and it's character's does not belong to me they all belong to the amazing and talented Neil Gaiman and Sam Kieth. The pictures also used in this story does not belong to me so credits to the artists and owners.
8 153 - In Serial14 Chapters
Please... Wake Up (Ruikasa)
Rui saves Tsukasa from a drunk driver (this is my first time writing sorry if it's bad)
8 291

