Chapter 141: Hatch (7)

[Shanon (Death Knight) has successfully absorbed his opponent's energy.]

[All stats have increased.]

[Dark properties have increased by 15. You will be stronger in these properties.]

[Shanon (Death Knight) has gained the skill 'Volcano.']

[Ha! Yes. This is it. I wanted to feel this.]

Shanan was exuberant. He was experiencing great pleasure because of his greatly increased stats, since he always worked to get stronger.

But because he absorbed a high ranker didn't mean he got that much stronger. If that was the case, the Monster Portents at the battlefield would've already evolved.

However, his 'rank' was still there. Shannon absorbed his rank and was able to increase his potential. He had increased the limits of what a Death Knight could do.

Increasing the limits was extremely important. That was how much someone could grow, and become more powerful. It was a necessary process to become stronger.

Especially the fact that he received the Volcano skill made Shanon happy.

Volcano was the symbol of fire skills, spewing out lava and ash everywhere.

If he could recreate that, he could do anything.

Yeon-woo satisfactorily nodded looking at Shanon. As his Spirit Familiars become stronger, he would become stronger as well.

Also.

[Shanon's (Death Knight) achievements positively affect you.]

[The trait of Bathory's Vampiric Sword has been applied to take the opponent's energy.]

[The skill 'Fire Rain(Numbering 41)' has been created.]

Through Shanon's achievements, Yeon-woo was able to receive things as well.

[Fire Rain]

Numbering 41

Proficiency: 0.0%

Summary: The signature skill that symbolizes Bahal. It releases gathered fire energy in rain. The speed and power leaves the opponent unable to move.

It is impossible to use it currently because the proficiency is ridiculously low. Some amount of magic power is needed as well.

*Thunder Mark

Depending on the amount of magic power used, the intensity of the rain increases. So at times, it is able to break defenses and force the opponent into confusion.

*Blazing Burn

After the skill is progressed, it is able to leave burning effects. During this time, there's a low chance it may destroy healing magic. Also, it burns through the skill, intensifying the pain.

Fire Rain!

Yeon-woo clenched his fist looking at the new skill. He now had Bahal's skill in his hand. The skill that even his little brother was jealous of.

Actually, even though Yeon-woo had many skills, he didn't have a destructive skill like this. A secret card that could flip the table in the last critical moment.

But with this, the story was different. The destructive power of Fire Rain was well-known in the Tower.

Also, Yeon-woo had a high affinity with fire thanks to Chirpy.

Of course, it said he couldn't use it because of the low proficiency. But he didn't worry.

'Even if a lot of magic power is used, I don't have to worry about that. And if I add Holy Fire to it.....it'll be an immense power.'

Dragon Body was more than enough to turn the proficiency around.

Yeon-woo really wanted to use the Fire Rain's power.

Then.

[But Master.]

Shanon lifted a corner of his mouth blatantly staring at Yeon-woo. Like he wanted something.

"No."

[Ahem! But I didn't say anything y.....]

"It's because I already know what you'll say. Not that guy."

Shanon crossed his arms and complained unlike himself.

[Sheesh! But I don't think he'll be your subordinate. If it doesn't work out, hand it over then. How's that?]

"No."

He seemed like he wanted to feel something stronger after tasting the soul of a high ranker.

But Yeon-woo didn't plan on giving in to Shanon's wishes. Unlike Bahal or Leonte, he was planning on making this guy his subordinate. He had already asked Chirpy.

He lightly waved his hand.

Then, a new Spirit Familiar appeared and calmly looked at Yeon-woo. He didn't speak.

Although it could've been because he hadn't regained his consciousness yet. Yeon-woo knew that he had already had his vestige from the beginning.

Looking into his eyes, he spoke.

"Work under me. Then, I'll save your son. Saber God.]

His calm eyes started to fill with turmoil for the first time.

[My son, he's still alive?]

His tone was unbelieving.

Saber God looked out occasionally when he regained his consciousness. So he somewhat knew of what happened after he died, and gave up on the hope that his son would be able to live.

With Cheonghwado destroyed and Red Dragon not able to freely operate because of the Summer Queen's condition. There was no one to protect his son.

But the cause of all this said himself that his son was still alive.

He couldn't believe it.

But Yeon-woo sincerity was still delivered to thim.

Yeon-woo uncrossed his arms and spoke.

"If you don't believe me, follow me."

[.....]

Yeon-woo didn't listen for a response and headed off.

Saber God stared at him, and quietly followed after him.

***

Yeon-woo arrived at a medical facility located within the village. There, Hanbin was in a deep sleep after being treated. His face wrapped in bandages was extremely haggard.

[.....Bin.]

Saber God was lost in sadness seeing his son in that state. He realized why his son was like that even without being told anything.

His son had lived drowned in drugs because his pain was too intense. Forcefully being cut off from it and receiving torture on top of that would unquestionably leave him in this state.

And although the One-horned tribe was treating him, they wouldn't put up with his stubbornness. So he was living in constant anxiousness.

More than anything, his father, whom he had used as his winning card every time, was gone. Now, he didn't have anywhere to rely on, so it was obvious he would collapse.

But the Saber God was still utterly grateful his son was alive.

Although he walked a twisted path, and hurt others. And he turned a blind eye to it. But he was still his special son.

[When.....]

"When did I bring him?"

Saber God silently nodded his head.

"Before the war began. I secretly snuck him out when Bahal told me to deal with him because he was feeling lazy"

"As expected. Red Dragon had no plans. To keep my son alive.]

Saber God grit his teeth. Then he whipped his head around and glared at Yeon-woo. He knew precisely who had put them in this situation.

But that was only for a while.

He had to bow his gaze. He realized who had the upper hand. With his son on Yeon-woo's side, he had to lower himself.

And Yeon-woo accepted it like it was obvious that was the case.

"You should be thankful to Chirpy."

[Chirpy?]

"The offspring of the Phoenix that you killed."

[.....?]

The Saber God's face was filled with questions. The baby of the Phoenix?

"Because he said to keep him alive."

[.....!]

"That there was no need to put others in the same situation as him. Asking if there was a need to take unnecessary lives."

[.....]

The Saber God couldn't say anything.

Yeon-woo's voice was cold as ever.

"Since he saved that guy, bow or whatever to him when you see him."

[I.....will.]

The Saber God wasn't able to say anything more than that. In the world of the Tower, players did unspeakable things to others to get what they wanted.

It was typical to return what they took with even greater revenge. But Chirpy had limited that revenge to just the Saber God.

Because he knew what a difficult thing that was.

The Saber God was speechless. And he was utterly grateful to the Phoenix's offspring for it.

So the Saber God bowed even deeper.

Once upon a time, he was the most prideful ranker in the Tower. Now, he folded all grudges and surrendered.

[Greeting Master.]

That was enough.

Along with other healing materials, Yeon-woo gave the remaining dark energy to Saber God.

[The Spirit Familiar has successfully evolved. The second Death Knight is born.]

[You have achieved an accomplishment not easily achieved. Additional Karma is rewarded.]

[You have earned 3,000 Karma.]

[You have earned an additional 2,000 Karma.]

.....

[Death Knight has pledged allegiance to you. From now on, he will be bound to the 'Black King's Despair' and become your knight and sword.]

[Will you choose a name?]

[Hanryeong."

It was the Saber God's real name.

[The Death Knight's name has been set to 'Hanryeong.']

[Loyalty has increased by 15.]

[Control has increased by 5.]

[Hanryeong's (Death Knight) physical body cannot handle his 'rank.' The attributes are being reassigned.]

[All attributes have decreased by 21.]

[All attributes have decreased by 17.]

.....

[Hanryeong's (Death Knight) attributes have been reassigned. But his soul's 'rank' is the same, and his potential is the same. With the growth of his existence, his lost previous 'rank' can be regained. Rapid growth is advised.]

[My body, it feels a bit heavy.]

The Saber God, no, Hanryeong, muttered, uncomfortable with the black armor he was wearing.

Even with dark energy infused, his body was definitely less powerful than when he was a high ranker.

So the system had reassigned the attributes according to it.

But Yeon-woo wasn't too worried.

Like the panel said, as long as his rank didn't disappear, he would be able to regain his prowess from before. It was clear he would grow faster than Shanon.

Also, for Yeon-woo, it was better for the attributes to be reassigned.

If Hanryeong's attributes were too high for him to deal with, he could be uncontrollable at an important time. He wanted to avoid the risk of being stabbed in the back by his own Spirit Familiar.

Shanon lightly sighed looking at Hanryeong. It was because it was a shame he wasn't able to absorb Hanryeong, and he felt like he would need to work harder to stay ahead of him.

Hanryeong moved around to get used to his new body and looked back at Yeon-woo.

[I have something to request of Master.]

Since Hanryeong was a martialist to the bone, he was more formal with Yeon-woo than Shanon.

"Speak."

[I would like for you to recover my Nine Swords for me.]

"Is it because of your skill?"

[Yes.]

Hanryeong nodded his head.

The two signature skills that symbolized the Saber God, Grave of the Nine Swords and Sword Whirlpool, needed to meet strict conditions to be used.

To own sturdy swords.

Sword Whirlpool created a huge tornado everytime the swords were swung around. Without the proper weapons, it was impossible, and the same went for the Grave of the Nine swords.

So when Hanryeong used to go around challenging players, he challenged players that had strong swords and took their swords.

After he was on a certain level, he didn't need to do that.

But now, he had returned to the old days.

[The previous swords I have were all broken by the Sword God. To activate the skill, I need many swords, and the stronger the sword, the more threatening the skill.]

"There'll be several usable swords in Intrenian, so use those for now. I'll try to get swords for you as they come in the future."

[Thank you.]

Hanryeong nodded his head and entered the subspace Yeon-woo opened for him. And he slowly pulled out his iron box with the swords that he could use in them.

Clink. Clink.

Yeon-woo silently watched him, and focused his consciousness on Chirpy, who was watching through his eyes.

'Thanks.'

Chirpy just nodded his head.

His firm eyes were no longer those of a weak baby that longed for its mother.

He was becoming a teenager that would soar higher.

***

From the next day.

Yeon-woo pushed himself with his individual training.

Kwang! Boom!

Everytime he swung Vigrid, the air was split.

Fire Rain turned over the ground several times with the added Holy Fire. And it even completely crumbled a wall.

From the mess, dust flew around. It was a sight that would cause one to shiver just by looking at it.

But Yeon-woo, Draconic Eyes open, didn't give it a second glance and continued to move.

He searched for something along the flaws and lifted his head at a chilling feeling.

And he awakened the Dragon's Authority.

His skin flipped around and dark blue scales covered his upper body. The scales that grew up to his chin clattered around bumping against each other as he sought his target with his strengthened senses.

Under normal conditions, he would have to thoroughly hide.

The opponent was someone that he couldn't fight against.

His opponent was someone that he couldn't beat even at his full strength, and the test-giver who always tested his limits.

Furthermore, Yeon-woo knew too well that he had to reveal everything that he had to become stronger.

His 360 Cores was completely opened, and this Magic Circuit spun around, blooming his wings of fire.

He pulled out the fire-covered Vigrid once again. Grinding his teeth, with all his strength. Using the best skills he had all at once.

[Blessing of the Blue Spirit]

[Holy Fire]

[Fire Rain]

Rumble!

He focused all his magic power on once place, and with the Blessing of the Blue Spirit, he used the Fire Rain that he had increased the proficiency of up to 7%.

It was a power that seemed like it would destroy the world. Fire Rain poured down.

But his opponent pushed away Fire Rain like it was nothing and lightly waved his hand in the air, sighing.

It was a devastating result of his threatening power, but the opponent, Martial King, just smiled.

The Martial King laughed, thinking that he had indeed become stronger, and punched his fist forward.

It was the same force as when he destroyed Kuram. Pagong, one of the Eight Extreme Fists.

Yeon-woo realized that he had no chance if he faced it head on, and spun his body like a top.

Whoosh. The wings of fire twirled around to wrap his body and gathered to Vigrid's tip. And it flew past the blade to soar to the center of the Pagong.