Chapter 222: Fortress of Giants (1)

Chapter 222. Fortress of Giants (1)

A colossal white tree towers in the center of the giants' fortress.

[Dreamscape Eden]

A 12-star barrier with an absolute judgment effect, it's one of the strongest barriers below the 30th floor.

Entering it not only inverts one's perceptions of up, down, left, and right, but even the flow of magical power coursing through one's veins becomes distorted.

For knights and martial artists who thrive on precise control, fighting giants within this barrier was tantamount to suicide.

'And the numerous curses messing with senses and abilities... No one can even guess precisely how many there are.'

This was to name just a few.

The white tree of Dreamscape Eden was, even now, likely synthesizing new curses.

It was no wonder the giants were said to be invincible within their fortress.

'But the risk is worth taking.'

Storming the fortress would be acknowledged as conquering a floor.

In other words, humanity could buy another 90 days. And if they defeated the boss monster, they'd get massive rewards too.

'I have to start by carefully scouting the area around the fortress.'

Jinhyuk, hiding in a thicket, surveyed his surroundings through 'Thousand Li Divine Network'.

But then...

'What's this?'

Jinhyuk narrowed his eyes.

A wide area scan with Thousand Li Divine Network (天羅地網) picked up several magical reactions.

Not just giants.

The Empire and the Martial World had their camps here too.

Especially the Empire's side, which was deploying troops covertly as far away as possible.

'So they made these plans while telling me to leave it to them, huh.'

The reason for the sudden switch was unclear.

But there was definitely something fishy going on.

Meanwhile, on the Martial World's side, some very familiar figures appeared.

Nangong Cheon.

China's top ranker who led the Zhonghua Guild was standing at the forefront.

And beside him...

Baek Seolrin was fiddling with plum blossoms...

'Cheon Yuseong.'

That grimly annoying enemy also revealed himself through Thousand Li Divine Network.

Though he wished against all odds for it not to be true, this confirmed Cheon Yuseong was working with the Martial World.

"Hmm. So that swordsman joined the other side?"

Ellis muttered, resting her chin on her hand.

"There has to be a reason."

"A reason? It's obvious... the boss was such a villain they fled. If only you'd treated your underlings better, they wouldn't have run from being overworked... Ugh! Ugh!"

Ellis, who had been rambling on, suddenly began flailing wildly.

Something had filled her mouth.

A lump with an unusual taste and fragrance.

Before she could spit it out, Jinhyuk had sealed her mouth with his hand.

"A bit of dog poop is the medicine for foolish talk..."

"Again... ugh!?"

"Don't worry. It's not real dog poop. I just put a lot of the seasoning I'd been saving for this company dinner."

Wasabi, which he'd brought with the intention of enjoying sushi due to the Empire's fish being fresh and chewy, along with dessert of mint chocolate, came together to form a perfect punishment.

"Eugh... ugh!"

Ellis's neck turned bright red, soon followed by her entire face.

But it only lasted a moment.

"..."

After a few seconds of frantic motion, Ellis calmed down.

"Next. Anyone with something to say, feel free to speak up."

Jinhyuk smiled wryly.

As the head of Highwater Corporation, he was always ready to address any grievances with an open mind.

"Ma, Master. I have no complaints. As a loyal underling, I'll fight till my bones wear out."

Sensing danger, Tibone hastily clanked his lower jaw.

"... I, too, am satisfied. After all, now you truly are the Dark Emperor's disciple."

Yeolyeong quickly nodded as well.

"Good. Seems there are no more complaints. Now, let's get to our roles in the operation."

With a gentle voice, Jinhyuk began the briefing.

***

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The sound of heavy impacts echoed along the path to the fortress.

"Krur..."

A 7m-class giant was patrolling with a double-handed battle axe.

All the nearby wild animals and monsters fled upon sensing the giant, leaving the area silent but for insects.

As it was meant to be.

For the giant, it was a normal part of life.

Until...

"Kru?"

Standing ahead on its patrol path was a puny human.

Was the giant pleased to find an unexpected snack?

Drool began to drip from around its mouth.

No need to think about it.

It must be devoured whole.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

The giant moved to close the distance swiftly.

Then, suddenly!

A severe impact jolted its body, sending agony straight to its brainstem.

"Kruow! My... my leg! My leg!"

The giant clutched its punctured leg.

"Hmm..."

In the man's hand was a bow.

"Mixing Blood Demon Energy with red magic bullets doubles the pain. Didn't think that would work on these high-tolerance giants, interesting."

Jinhyuk nodded, finding it intriguing.

"Kraaaaa!"

The enraged giant, limping, grabbed its battle axe again.

Boooooom!

An explosive sound that seemed to cleave the heavens echoed.

But the sensation of slicing flesh and shattering bones never came.

Instead, an entirely different kind of pain seared its body.

"Kraaaa!"

The ground swelled with a blinding golden wave, and soon, dozens of ropes bound the giant tightly.

A crowd control skill based on 'Mandala's divine power.

Adding 'Glacial Sculpting' ice needles stuck to the soles, creating a decent makeshift prison.

'Having copied so many skills, my options are endless.'

He still had a long way to go, but...

With his growing arsenal of abilities and skills, he couldn't help but feel proud.

'I'll get even more amazing in the future.'

If he could copy the abilities of top rankers, residents, and even gods...

And if he could fuse those abilities into higher-tier skills...

He would be able to challenge the beings on the top floor of the tower again.

With that thought, his heart pounded with excitement.

"Kruuuu... uh aahh!"

"Don't bother. You'll never break free with your strength."

"Who... What are you? How can a human... possess such power?"

The giant, who had met many mages of the Empire, knew none with such short casting times.

A combo impossible to approach.

"Enough chit-chat. I've got some questions. Hope you're ready to answer."

"I have nothing to say. Kill...ah!"

"Hoh. You'd rather die than betray your kin?"

"That's right. I'd rather die alone than throw everyone else under..."

Oh, touching.

Is this what they call kinsmanship?

Jinhyuk mimed wiping away a tear.

Of course, his dry eyes held not a trace of moisture.

"Let's hope that resolve never falters."

Jinhyuk took a step back.

And nocked an arrow.

It was oddly blunt instead of sharp - suited not for penetration, but for wrecking havoc.

The giant gritted its teeth defiantly, as if ready to die.

Then...

Thwack!

The blunt arrow struck and the giant's resolve crumbled like a castle of sand.

"Ah... Uh... Aah?"

Pain had limits, but this transcended those bounds.

"Hmm. Haven't shot arrows lately. It hit a bad spot. Aimed for the head, but it went too low... Let's see if trying again will change things..."

Jinhyuk readied another arrow.

"Waaaarghh! Wait, wait just a minute...!"

Crack!

A sound of breaking. Then...

"Kruuuuck!"

"Sorry, sorry, haha. Guess I slipped again. Maybe meeting Orun made me clumsy too."

"Please... stop, I'll answer anything. Just stop."

Now, fear was all that filled the giant's eyes.

But it was too late.

The chance for peace had passed.

"Just now, you looked ready to go to war, third rank. Why cower now?"

Recompense must be had for complications caused.

"I'm going to use all these arrows. If you want to talk, you can do so after they're gone."

"How many arrows do... you have left..."

The giant looked towards Jinhyuk's waist.

At a glance, there were at least 20 arrows left in the quiver.

Oh mother...

The giant shut its eyes tight.

***

As the sun fully set behind the mountains, countless stars filled the heavens.

On the western edge of the giants' fortress was the encampment.

The Martial World's elite were stationed here, numerous torches brightly lit.

To prepare for any giants breaking out or an imperial detachment attacking, guard troops were deployed with no gaps.

Not even a mouse could get through.

Or so everyone thought, until the shadowy figure approached.

A man in black robes slipped between the tents, evading the guards.

"An intruder?"

"This aura..."

"..."

Three people reacted to the ki signature.

Nangong Cheon, Baek Seolrin, and Cheon Yuseong left their tents, heading towards the shadow.

There stood...

A boy with a youthful face.

It was Wol-yeong, the Black Wind Association's top assassin.

"Are you not the one who was with Kang Jinhyuk during the outbreak in Europe?"

Baek Seolrin identified Wol-yeong immediately.

Nangong Cheon's eyebrow furrowed.

"Kang Jinhyuk. That damned one I crave to chew up. Why is his follower here?"

"I've come to convey a message from my liege."

Wol-yeong spoke evenly.

"Tomorrow night. A part of the barrier around the giants' fortress will dissipate. It's a prime opportunity to attack. My liege wishes you not to miss it."

"This is preposterous. You expect us to believe that?"

"Just verify it with your own eyes tomorrow night."

If the barrier remains, don't attack, that's all.

But if it's weakened, strike.

Either scenario means no loss.

But one thing...

"Even if we take you at your word. Why would Kang Jinhyuk give such critical information?"

That snake couldn't be sharing premium intel without a personal gain.

Even if others doubted, Nangong Cheon, burned more than once by Jinhyuk, found his words suspect.

"My liege's motive is unknown even to me. One thing's for sure... if you don't take action, the Empire will."

Only one can claim the spot, but two forces aim for it.

One must lose by default.

"Remember. The barrier weakens at midnight tomorrow."

Having said his piece, Wol-yeong turned back into a shadow.

But then glanced briefly at Cheon Yuseong.

"And lastly."

A chilling voice pierced Cheon Yuseong's eardrum.

"The liege says he'll hang you upside down in front of the medical school lounge at Korea University. Out of sentimental value, he'd allow you to keep your underwear on."

"..."

An icy chill.

Sweat slid down Cheon Yuseong's spine.