“Lee Gun!”
He heard a familiar voice ring behind him.
Lee Gun turned his head. A man stood in the golden hallway that was shaped like an arch.
The man was fuming. A distance of fifty meters lay between him and Lee Gun. This young man clad in a black shirt and a white jacket was Kevin Hazard, the Virgo Saint. Kevin looked like a celebrity with his light blonde hair.
Lee Gun looked at the Virgo Saint’s flamboyant figure with disdain. On the other hand, Kevin ground his teeth as he looked at Lee Gun and said, “I finally found you, Lee Gun!”
Hugo and Goat immediately took out their bows. The Archer Saint’s anger toward the Virgo Saint pierced the heavens. The Virgo Saint had trapped his friend in the Devil’s Tower and was responsible for the monster that had eaten his wife and subordinate; he was the culprit behind many incidents.
Of course, Hugo was angry.
“Let’s end this today.” Kevin ignored the others. Huffing and puffing in anger, he walked toward Lee Gun.
Silver light particles appeared around his arm as the arm turned into steel. This was the Virgo Saint’s blade. The blade was clearly different from the sword Kevin usually carried around his waist.
Recognizing the blade, Goat freaked out. ‘Royal holy item!’
This blade was one of the strongest swords wielded by the Virgo Saint, humanity’s strongest swordsman.
Winter Frost—the transparent and white blade looked like an ice sword. It emanated cold energy. Engraved on it were divine letters.
Everyone flinched at the sight. Sure enough, divine magical energy containing the cold winds instantly surrounded the sword!
[Northern Wind of January]
Kevin let out a murderous intent as he sent the fierce energy ahead of him.
Too-gah-gahhk!
Every disciple screamed.
“What the hell! We are in the palace!”
“That skill isn’t supposed to be used inside the palace!”
This skill was supposed to be used in a vast stretch of land like the US. It was a deadly technique that should be used against only monsters! Moreover, it was an AOE skill that the Virgo Saint never used unless he was fighting Red Zone rank or stronger monsters.
As expected, the terrifying destructive power of the skill ruthlessly destroyed the building.
[Caution! The powerful magical energy has an attribute disadvantageous to you.]
[You are under a penalty. Your durability and defense are not at their full capacities.]
[Your body’s upgrade is still going on.]
[Even a grazing blow to your body will be a mortal blow.]
The fierce ice storm destroyed all the pillars holding up the arches in the hallway. Then, it raged toward Lee Gun.
Kwahng! Kwahng! Kwahng!
When the ice storm was almost in front of him, Lee Gun gripped the scissors in his hands. Then, he pushed over half of his magical energy into the scissors.
Paht!
Exerting strength into his biceps, he took a big swing. A shockwave traveled forth as a direct counter!
Kwahng!
An incredible collision of magical energy ensued.
“Huh-uhk!”
The shock sent the ceiling flying.
Lee Gun let out a sharp laugh. The power energy had failed to send him flying or rip him apart. He managed to stand firm, green magical energy flashing at the tip of his scissors. Like a repulsive force, his magical energy pushed back the harsh storm.
Koo-goo-goo-goong!
Lee Gun didn’t budge an inch.
Pelio, Goat, and the other Virgo disciples felt chills watching this scene.
‘This is nuts!’
‘He isn’t even using a defense skill!’
In theory, stopping an attack skill without using a skill in response was possible. To do that, however, one had to have the capability to predict the skill movement, direction, and speed.
Basically, Lee Gun was aiming for the <Canceling> effect. It was the ultimate defense in theory. If the move was successful, it would be more effective than the greatest defensive skill in existence. Moreover, one could use this technique while the enemy’s skill was on cooldown.
However, no one dreamed about using this canceling technique. If one had to make a comparison, the requirements for executing it were like reading the angle, speed, power, and direction of a bullet.
One could do that with only one’s eyes and intuition. There had to be zero mistakes. This made executing the canceling effect impossible, and thus, most Users tried to awaken high-rank skills.
‘However, that man…!’
The level of experience they possessed was too different.
Goat gulped. As an SS-rank disciple, he knew how insane this was. The SS-ranks like him could probably pull it off, but in truth, they wouldn’t have the balls to carry out such a move.
A thought entered his mind. ‘There is a reason Saint-nim always praises Lee Gun-nim when he becomes drunk.’
If Goat had seen Lee Gun pull off such feats every day, he would also talk nonstop about it. In truth, the odd thing would be if one didn’t feel a sense of shame when watching this scene.
Kwah-jaeek!
After taking on the murderous storm, Lee Gun swung his weapon.
Kwahng!
An enormous explosion erupted. The bitter cold storm that had been rushing forward at frightening speed suddenly disappeared.
Lee Gun’s magical energy disintegrated the storm into small ice dust and dispersed it. This scene was reminiscent of shiny glass pieces dispersing into the air, an unbelievable sight.
Several Virgo disciples almost fell to their knees.
‘He possesses incredible power.’
However, the Virgo Saint wasn’t surprised at all. He smirked as if he was sure of it now. “You really are Lee Gun.”
“…!”
Kevin had been quick to use his skill because he wanted to make sure the other man was Lee Gun. Of course, he had executed a skill he normally used on monsters, but Lee Gun wasn’t human.
Kevin raised his sword as he let out a sharp laugh. “I had a hard time finding you, Lee Gun! Well, only I could’ve found you so quickly!”
“By the looks of it, you probably got lost again,” Lee Gun replied.
“What!”
“I wonder! Did you get lost for five hours this time?”
“…!”
“You probably didn’t listen to your subordinates either.”
“…?!”
“Do you know why you’re called directionally challenged? You walk without knowing the direction. You’re the eunuch Saint, yet you’re like a kid who gets lost. Aren’t you embarrassed?”
Goat, who had his bow drawn, tilted his head in puzzlement. ‘Eunuch?’
How had a man become the Saint for the Virgo? That had never made sense. And why was Lee Gun calling the Virgo Saint a eunuch when the world disparaged the Virgo Saint for being the harem Saint?
The more shocking part was that the Virgo Saint couldn’t come up with a retort. This was to be expected since Lee Gun was right.
In fact, Kevin had been chosen as the Virgo Saint on the night that he had decided to sleep with his girlfriend for the first time.
The Virgo Saint became impatient. He imbued his sword with magical energy. “Whatever! Pick up your weapon, Lee Gun!” He stabbed the floor with his sword.
Kwah-jeek!
Something surprising happened.
[A powerful seal has been destroyed.]
The palace shook as it emanated silver light.
Kwah-gwah-gwahng!
A sound came from the treasure room. Normally, the enormous golden door to the treasure wall was sealed shut. However, when the Virgo Saint had used his skill, the treasure room’s walls had collapsed.
Something could be seen through those collapsed walls, a storage box that looked like a coffin. The coffin’s lid opened, and a very familiar item appeared from within.
‘That’s…’
It had a long handle like a spear and a wicked-looking blade. This weapon was an enormous ax. Although the weapon was far away from him, Lee Gun saw it wrapped up tight in chains. There was no mistaking this item. It was Lee Gun’s main weapon.
<Heaven’s Punishment>
It was the ax that everyone had seen in textbooks. The weapon stole everyone’s gaze.
Kevin yelled, “Lee Gun! Hurry up and grab your weapon! Let us settle this once and for all! I’ll erase your cursed number from this world!”
Hugo snorted at this development. “He brought out the weapon on his own!” This was a truly fortunate turn of events.
“This is great! He wants to take your head off with that!” After saying that, Hugo immediately shot his arrows.
Kwah-gwah-gwahng!
The arrows’ targets were Kevin’s vital points.
However, Kevin didn’t even need to look at the arrows. As he used his incredible swordsmanship, his sword danced in the air, making all the arrows blow up.
Kwahng! Kwahng! Kwahng!
Each arrow had enough power to deal a mortal wound.
Hugo pulled back on his bow. “Gun! Hurry up and get your weapon! I’ll keep him in check—”
Hugo didn’t even need to say he would keep him in check; he didn’t even get to finish his sentence.
Kwah-gwah-gwahg!!
When Lee Gun gestured with his hand, his weapon flew toward him. The coffin came along with it.
Boom!
Finally, Lee Gun put his hand on the ax, which was restrained by chains.
<Heaven’s Punishment (SS rank)>
Among the weapons Lee Gun had made in the past, this was his masterpiece. It was a Gold-rank weapon. Only nine such items existed.
Moreover, this weapon had a special ability that whenever Lee Gun called, it would come flying to him. ‘I can only call for it when it‘s in sight.’
Anyway, this weapon was a mutant like the slime. The ax possessed a consciousness. ‘It decapitated Red Eye.’
Lee Gun had lost this ax when he fell into the trap; it was the moment when he had been taking a breather while the ax was embedded in Red Eye’s corpse.
Kwah-jeek!!
Lee Gun ripped out the weapon from the coffin.
To the others’ surprise, the coffin and the chains broke away as Lee Gun took full possession of the weapon.
[The item is strongly marked with the power of the Serpent Bearer]
When Lee Gun’s hand grasped the weapon, the ax shook as if it were shivering.
Doo-doo-doo-doohk!
It had thought it would never meet its owner again. This situation seemed as if the weapon was sobbing.
Lee Gun laughed when he felt the weapon trembling. He raised it. At that moment…
[The activation requirement for the weapon hasn’t been met yet.]
Lee Gun laughed. Activation requirement! This weapon had to suck in the blood of fallen beings to activate itself. That was why usually Lee Gun started off by striking the low-ranking monsters first to activate the weapon.
As if he were making an offering, Lee Gun would start a battle by decapitating a monster. He used to do it so much that it had become a habit.
The way Prince Pelio and the other Virgo disciples looked at the scene changed. If Lee Gun could activate this weapon, he could take care of the Virgo Saint.
“Shit! Don’t interfere, Archer! My business is with Lee Gun!”
Kwahng!!
Kevin swung his sword. He was angry at Hugo, who had successfully stalled him. His move made cracks appear in the ceiling as the enormous gold walls started to fall.
Then, the Virgo Saint immediately rushed toward Lee Gun. Moving almost as fast as Lee Gun, he instantly closed the distance between them. “Let’s fight! Lee Gun!”
“I don’t want to.”
“?!”
Lee Gun flicked his finger.
[Get Hit Instead of Me (F)]
“Huhk!” Hugo, who had been far away, had been instantly summoned in front of Lee Gun. This took the Archer Saint by surprise. In this strange situation, the first thing he saw was the Virgo Saint’s blade. In fact, the blade was only fifty centimeters away! The blade came at him as if it was trying to split him in two.
“What the…!” Hugo desperately stopped the Virgo Saint’s blade.
Pahng!
He clapped his hands as if he were catching a fly. After blocking the blade, the Archer Saint swore. “Hey!!! I’m a long-distance archer. Why would you summon me in front of you! Fuck!”
The Virgo Saint’s blade contained enough power to split open Hugo’s head. The only reason he had withstood the attack was the fact that he was a Saint.
“Get out of the way, Archer! This has nothing to do with you! If you don't let go, I’ll cut you down too!” Kevin shouted.
Hugo became angry. “It has nothing to do with me?” Magical energy exploded forth from the enraged Archer Saint.
[Sun Detonation]
Kwahng!
The Virgo Saint quickly created some space between them. Immediately after that, arrows started flying at him.
“You released the monster that killed my wife and subordinate, yet you dare say this has nothing to do with me?”
“What?” Kevin was baffled.
Hugo continued, “Also, you stabbed Gun. You’re the one who dropped him into the trap!”
“What the hell are you talking about! That wasn’t me!”
“How dare you deny it!”
Goat was taken aback by this sight. He wanted to help Hugo, but he found Lee Gun’s reaction odd. “Aren’t you going to help him?”
Lee Gun laughed as if Goat were talking nonsense. “Why would I fight that attention hog?”
“What? The Virgo Saint caused harm to Saint-nim and you!”
“Ah! He’s not the culprit,” Lee Gun replied.
“What?!” Goat was shocked, but Lee Gun just let out a sharp laugh.
Yes, from the beginning, Lee Gun had been sure the Virgo Saint wasn’t the culprit. Why?
‘There is no way that an attention whore would secretly stab me in the back.’ The Virgo Saint was narcissistic who wanted to broadcast his achievements to the world.
If it were him, he would want the entire world to know that he had beaten Lee Gun. So why would the Virgo Saint try to kill him in such a fashion? ‘That makes no sense.’
Lee Gun explained, “There is no way that attention whore would commission me to kill a monster here.”
“…?!”
“This place is his land. If I do well here, it would tarnish his reputation. There’s no way he would let me operate in his land.”
“Then…!” These words had left Goat puzzled.
It was true in Hugo’s case too.
‘As soon as I received the commission, we found out Hugo’s nemesis is in the same place?’
Lee Gun continued, “At a glance, this looks like someone’s scheme. So why would I move to the tune of their beat? That would be crazy.”
“Someone’s scheme…”
“Well, it doesn’t matter since I’m going to kill them all.”
“!”
At that moment…
“Lee Gun-nim! Please hurry!” Pelio had brought out weapons and armors from the treasure room. He had done this for Lee Gun. “If you kill the Virgo Saint, you’ll be able to activate your ax!”
“Yes. I do have to activate it.” Lee Gun put strength in his ax. Then…
Poo-hahk!
Pelio’s blood flew into the air.
“Kuh-huhk…!”
Lee Gun’s ax sliced open Prince Pelio’s body.
“Elder!”
Shocked, the Virgo disciples looked at Lee Gun.
“Lee Gun-nim! What is the meaning of this!”
Lee Gun smirked as he took large swings with his ax.
Poo-hahk! Poo-hahk!
His ax ruthlessly cut down the Virgo disciples who had accompanied him.
“Kuh-huhk!”
Goat was surprised by the sight.
As for the Virgo Saint, he glared at his nemesis. “Lee Gun!”
“Lee Gun-nim!” Prince Pelio twitched as he glared at Lee Gun. “Lee Gun-nim! Why would you—”
“Why? That’s what I want to ask you,” Lee Gun asked him instead.
“What?”
“You guys smell like the toad I killed today.”
“…?!” Pelio’s face crumpled.
The Virgo disciples yelled out.
“You promised to—”
“Promise? Do you mean the story about the Virgo Saint losing his way? You wanted me to kill him?”
“!”
Lee Gun scoffed at their foolishness. “What are you guys trying to pull? You guys aren’t even Virgo disciples.”
“?!”
Lee Gun looked at the disciples with contempt. His reaction was understandable.
[Virgo Faith: 3%]
[Virgo Faith: 5%]
…
[Virgo Faith: 1%]
Lee Gun could see their faith from the start. It was another reason he had realized they were trying to pull a fast one on him.
[Libra Faith: 90%]
[Libra Faith: 92%]
[Libra Faith: 93%]
“Your faith is much higher to a Zodiac that is not the Virgo. It bothered me.”
“…!”
Lee Gun let out a cold laugh. “Speak! The person moving the strings behind you is the Libra Saint, right?”
“?!”
The faces of Kevin and Hugo were a sight to behold.
Pelio ground his teeth in response. “Shit. I have no choice now… We’ll carry on with the plan! We will follow the Libra’s will! We’ll kill both Lee Gun and the Virgo Saint!”
