Strongest Man
Alchemist Part 1
The first level match ended. There were many zombies and human corpses strewn on the floor. This was relatively easy compared to some other experiments, but there were still more than a few casualties. Their number had been reduced to under a thousand. Most of the injured came from the last half of the fight when the zombies managed to push the group with their numbers and destroy everyone.
However, the overall strength of the call had also grown. Those who have contributed in killing zombies are given statistical bonuses and rewards.
[First Level match has ended.]
[Blanche Plaza has slaughtered 852 creatures.]
[4th place of 4 Colored Plazas.]
[The overall prize will match the ratings.]
[The Summoning Palace Administration will assess the reward.]
Unexpected events have happened. No, it would be more accurate to say that/that she has a brief memory. Even 25 years ago, prizes were still awarded based on merit. He pondered the reason why he could forget such important details and get an answer.
‘Blanche Plaza is always number one. We never let go of that position even once. It is inconceivable to think that/that another Plazas could beat us. That must be why I instinctively chose this square. ‘
25 Years ago, many famous figures emerged from Blanche Plaza: who had a great charisma that had brought together people, smart people who cleverly formulated how to cope with each trial, he said, and then the silent who firmly holds the front; is of the third category.
He always stood on the front lines to protect the others, and grew strongly involuntarily. A fading face flashed through his mind. Some are alive, others are dead. The survivors had become giants, each of whom now had a great influence on their own territory.
’’ …. ’’
His daydreams were interrupted by a new message.
[Gift section for each plaza completed.]
[Congratulations! You have earned a first-rate award!]
[You've been rated a Class A Prize.]
Basic Rewards:
2x Palace Tokens
1x Fresh meat
5x Apple
1x Week Supply Ration
Selection Gift:
1. The Elixir of Escape Divine
2. Blast Scroll
3. The Wind Master Blade
[Please choose]
The basic reward was the same as he expected. However, the rewards of the selection attracted Sungchul's attention. They are quite balanced in value, Elixir of Escape and Explosion scrolls are consumed while in use, but in turn are very powerful. Elixir guarantees one's survival during Pacman's rule, and the Blast scrolls are powerful during the Alamo rule or Deathmatch rule. The blade is also useful for people who have faith in their own abilities. This increases their dexterity and adds a critical attack effect. It would be a relevant weapon for beginners until they left the Palace.
25 Years ago, Sungchul chose Windmaster’s Blade. But this time, Sungchul chose the blast scroll. The sword was useless to Sungchul and the blast scroll had more use than Escape Elixir. The Elixir was only effective against demonic creatures, but the Explosion scroll could also be used on humans. It will be difficult, but the blast coils can be used to injure serious predators during Pacman rule.
Sungchul browse through small gift packages. Palace tokens, food, and blast scrolls. Sungchul packed up his rewards and returned to the training center. It was obvious, but the chosen ones were already fine, some even made it into the rankings.
’’ Taeksoo, that's awesome! You're third place. You got the highest score among us! ’
The ranking results could be seen from the many Stone of Records scattered around the palace. Sungchul saw the recording from amused.
[1. Ahmuge – 142]
[2. Chun Jungshik – 100]
[3. Kim Taeksoo – 85]
…
[6. Lee Yuhoon – 64]
…
[21. Ha Yungjong – 44]
[22. Kim Sungchul – 35]
[23. Park Ahram – 29]
…
Sungchul let himself smile strangely. ‘Ahmuge and Chun Jungshik. I've never heard of them. ‘
Sungchul recalled the face of the woman he saw during the battle. They competed with bonus monsters, and he was quite skilled. Perhaps his name was between the two people listed there.
Sungchul continued the list until nam laine caught his eye.
‘Park Ahram's. A little 29. ‘
It wasn't intentional, but the zombie he threw during the battle hit Ahram's head. Ahram not only fell unconscious because of it, but also his Spirit Wolf sinister staff was stolen.
Sungchul could see Ahram's sad face in the corner of the training center. He continued to skillfully operate the record stones.
[Do you want to see the previous record?]
Sungchul visualized ‘Ya’ in his mind, and the message in front of him changed.
[Historical Rankings]
[1. William Quinton Marlboro – 301]
[2. Shamal Lajiput – 275]
[3. Kim Sungchul – 256]
…
Looking at his notes, he couldn't help but scratch his head.
‘William .. Shamal .. Such nostalgic name. Even my name is on the record, I wonder what happened? Isn't it now easier to take notes higher than before? ‘
There were no special people in the past, only those with extraordinary physical strength could face the approaching demonic beasts. He expected a much better score to appear compared to the past, but the reality did not reflect his expectations. Those chosen might not try as hard as after being encoded by the factions, or perhaps, the current generation summoned might just fall in quality.
Sungchul was satisfied with what he saw when he returned to the training center. The previously selected few admired their awards. However, there were dark faces between them. The Chosen who received no gifts, despite being given privileges and advantages, could do nothing but hang their heads as their comrades celebrated.
’’ Kim Hyung! Here!”
Ha Yungjong shouted without straining in the middle. He had a transparent glass in his right hand. It was the Divine Elixir of Escape.
’’ Kim Hyung has one too, right? ’
Sungchul shook his head.
”What? Why?”
’’ What do you mean why? ’
” I saw that/that Kim Hyung also killed more than 30 of them. What did you choose? Do you ignore your Guides and choose another? ’
Sungchul just nodded, and Yungjong jumped in shock.
’’ Dang .. You have guts. I said, You can die in the next ranked match without one. That Pacman or something game. ’
’’ Don't worry about me. ’’
Yungjong briefly spoke with the others in the group, and they had decided on the same. Their guide may urge them to get the item to ensure their survival in the Pacman round. This was definitely why those without the award looked so gloomy.
’’ Uuu .. Shit .. ’’
Ahram, who was usually full of energy, also sat in the corner and picked up his nails. He even lost his staff which was his failure.
There were others who were also marked for death among his group. Sungchul easily recognized the desperate expressions on their faces. It was the girl who was covered from head to toe in the branded clothes she had met on the first day.
Bae Sunghae's.
He can't kill a single zombie. It was not that his strength was lacking, his weapon was better than the average previously chosen. The score was 0 because he could not muster up the courage to take down the zombies. It may be out of disgust or it may be out of fear. No matter the reason, the result was that he now had to worry about his future.
Sungchul felt his gaze for a while now. He kept peeping at her every now and then. He could not get close to her because Yungjong made a huge commotion beside her.
Before, he looked down on the two of them. The reason is that/that ugly, unfriendly, and shy man is the perfect target for ridicule. Things are different now, her glamorous persona and status as the daughter of a real-world wealthy family have given her a golden ticket, which now has no value due to the failing score she got in this match. Even ‘friend’ who had socialized with him while eating now completely ostracized him.
Shortly after, Sunghae finally approached Sungchul.
”Now! Now! A human! You might catch some nasty disease from zombies and corpses lying around! Let's work to move it quickly! ’
Homunculi brought a goat-driven cart to load the corpse. Sungchul joined in the cleanup and started putting the bodies into the cart one by one.
”Excuse.”
He could hear a doubtful yet familiar voice from behind him. Sungchul turned around and faced Sunghae. Not a confrontational glare but also without a warmth. Sunghae felt tense accepting this kind of indifference.
” Me ... why should I .. plead to him .. ‘
However, it is a matter of life and death. Sunghae squeezed all his strength into something similar to the smile on his face.
”Halo?”
”What do you want?”
There was not even a second that wasted such a woman. Sungchul replied very briefly.
Sunghae was already feeling extremely frustrated, and now he could only crawl lower. He avoided Sungchul's cold gaze and spat out the speech he trained.
’’ Um... I'm really sorry for the first day. It was all because I was so shocked and scared. ’
’’And you're here because?’ ’
Sungchul quickly cut it off. Sunghae always felt that/it, in all his years of popularity, he knew how the beast called ‘male’ worked better than most. His experience told him that/that this man did not care to comfort him even in the slightest, this conversation was impossible from the start. Sunghae could feel cold sweat dripping down his back.
’’Then that's it.’
Sungchul turned around and started walking towards another pile of corpses. He quickly blocked his path and spoke in a mocking tone.
’’ You're also a man, aren't you? Young at the time. What if there's someone like me? ”
He had abandoned his pride and threw himself at his feet. Sungchul continued to look at him with cold eyes and spoke clearly.
’’ How about you? ’’
”Stop pretending. I'll just say it straight away, help me. ’
”What do you want?”
Sunghae looked at the staff tied to Sungchul's back. Energy bolts shot out a magic wand, Moonlight. With this, he might be able to overcome his weak heart resolve and increase his value. This was why he approached Sungchul.
’Staff it. Let me use it, and I'll do whatever you ask. ’
When he finished, he unbuttoned the top of his shirt. His body part peeked out from among his black bra.
” You must be frustrated after all this time, right? I can do it now if you want. ’
Passers-by looked at him in shock and disdain, but he had nowhere else to turn.
“If I can take his staff .. It doesn't matter what people say.”
However, Sungchul did not show any response. He looked at the hemisphere of Sunghae with the same indifference as Warren Buffet would see gold. Sunghae suddenly started to feel nervous.
‘This bastard ... this guy hangs around that catfish bastard ... could it be …?!
”Lost.”
Sungchul finally spoke, and Sunghae buttoned the top of his back.
”Yes?”
He spoke indifferently while pointing at his bottom.
’’I praise your courage, but mine no longer stand.’
He turned around and quickly left. Sunghae's thoughts revolved in chaos.
‘Rejected by such a bastard ... that stinking country's bastard!’
He did not realize that/that he also did not wash in some time and now it smells just as bad, if not worse. However, Sunghae was a stoic woman. He caught up with her again and blocked her path once again.
”Moving.”
Sungchul has no mercy this time. Sungbae could not help but collapse under his cold eyes, with a killing intent that sent him goosebumps out. Tears began to flow out of his eyes and his voice came out pitifully.
” Please ... please, that staff ... let me use it .. please .. ’
Sunghae hugged her desperately.
’’What will you give me?’
Sungchul. It was not out of half-baked sympathy, but to see if there was even the slightest item he could get from this woman.
’’ A-what do you want? ’’
When he asked, he spoke in mysterious terms that pointed above his own head.
”Ask him. Ask him what he can offer me. ’
Witches don't want their charges to die. It could be said that his/her magician might be as desperate as Sunghae. Sungchul recalled Krill's desperate face and laughed to himself.
