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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: JayM
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All eyes in the tavern were on him.
But Jeong Yoo-shin’s gaze was fixed on his sword.
It was a truly fine blade. Blood, grease, bone fragments… nothing clung to its surface.
He sheathed his sword and looked around the tavern.
He could see it clearly.
Their fighting spirits had been broken.
Even though many of them still remained, they were just looking for an escape route now.
Strong against the weak, weak against the strong.
Vermin.
He couldn’t let them live.
He charged forward, sword in hand.
They scattered like sheep, pissing themselves in terror.
Screams and pleas for mercy echoed throughout the tavern with each flash of his blade.
They desperately tried to escape, but he didn’t let a single one get away.
Those who ran and scrambled frantically.
Those who used their comrades as shields.
Those who lay wounded on the ground while groaning.
Those who had been blinded, stumbling around helplessly.
Those who begged for mercy, claiming they had elderly mothers to care for.
Those who charged at him in a desperate, suicidal rage while cursing him.
Those who stood still, paralyzed with fear, having soiled themselves.
Those who called him a demon.
He ignored them all while he slashed, tore, and carved like an indifferent butcher.
The once boisterous tavern fell silent.
He had killed everyone who was still alive.
Except for one.
He looked around the blood-soaked tavern, then sat down heavily on his chair.
“Tarman.”
He called out the name of the remaining man.
The killing intent within him still burned.
“Bring me a different drink.”
He saw Tarman’s pants darken as he wet himself.
He stood up.
“P-Please! Spare me!”
Tarman knelt and bowed his head.
He looked down at Tarman, then went to the counter, and returned with a bottle of liquor and two glasses.
He sat down, uncorked the bottle, and poured himself a drink.
Glug.
He sniffed the liquor, then drank it all in one go.
He poured himself another drink.
“When is your leader coming?”
“P-Please!! Spare me!!”
Tarman pleaded, his body trembling.
He sighed.
“Forget it.”
He slowly drank his liquor and placed the glass on the table.
He watched Tarman, still kneeling and begging, for a while.
After some time…
Clatter.
The wooden door opened, and someone entered.
A leopard beast-person.
Male. With sleek black fur.
Just as Aldein had described.
‘Kalik Hyman.’
A former intermediate-rank explorer and a mid-ranking officer of the Crimson Hunters.
He had four imprints:
[Acid Spit]
[Iron Arm]
[Tracker’s Nose]
[Deadly Touch]
He blocked attacks with his reinforced arm, blinded his opponents with acid spit, and then finished them off with a deadly blow.
Jeong Yoo-shin was outmatched in both skill and the number of imprints.
But it didn’t matter.
This man also deserved to die.
Kalik looked around the tavern and clicked his tongue.
“Tsk tsk. You’ve made quite a mess.”
He walked over and sat down heavily across from Jeong Yoo-shin.
“Skar, did you find something good in the labyrinth?”
Jeong Yoo-shin silently took a sip of his drink.
Kalik turned to Tarman.
“Newbie, pour me a drink.”
Tarman stood up and picked up the bottle.
Splash. Spill.
His trembling hands spilled the liquor, and the glass was barely filled.
Kalik scratched his head.
“This idiot is completely useless. Get out of here.”
Tarman placed the bottle on the table and retreated.
Kalik poured himself a drink.
Glug.
“Skar, are you a murderer?”
“…”
He silently drank his liquor.
“These men had families. Sons, wives, parents.”
“Why did you kill Ditto’s family?”
Kalik sighed.
“This is ridiculous. You’re asking the wrong questions, you crazy bastard. We’ve marked you.”
“…”
“And when you saw the symbol on the dagger, you should have come crawling to us, begging for mercy. What were you doing, enjoying yourself in the labyrinth under the protection of that bear?”
Their eyes met.
Kalik grinned.
“I’ve never seen a barbarian who doesn’t have sex. All you do is go to the Swordsman’s Guild and the orphanage. You’re not a real barbarian, are you?”
He turned to Tarman.
“Right?”
“I… I don’t know.”
Tarman stammered, trembling.
“If you don’t know, find out. Idiot.”
Kalik rubbed his eyes in frustration.
“Skar, you have two choices.”
He held up two fingers.
“One. Work for me.”
“Two. Die here.”
Jeong Yoo-shin leaned back in his chair.
They stared at each other in silence.
Kalik looked into his eyes.
“I don’t usually make this offer. I’m only doing this because you’re skilled, and you have guts despite being a rookie explorer. Work for me.”
Was he generous, or did he not care about his subordinates?
“I’ll teach you how to survive in the Labyrinth City. You have potential, you little demon.”
Jeong Yoo-shin slowly spoke.
“Fuck off.”
Kalik shook his head.
“Sigh. Crazy bastard.”
Jeong Yoo-shin’s eyes narrowed.
His vision blurred. He couldn’t suppress the surge of killing intent.
The world alternated between red and blue.
‘To be a moderator or a super moderator, that is the question.’
Strange visions flashed through his mind.
Goblins and Simus danced together under the red lights of a brothel. Human-faced centipedes sang alongside Dalmong.
He couldn’t take it anymore.
“On second thought, I accept your offer. Yes.”
Kalik sighed.
“Too late.”
“Asurabalbalta.”
The first move wins.
He kicked the table.
Crash!!!
The wooden table exploded, sending splinters of wood and shards of glass flying.
He drew his sword and lunged at Kalik.
“Crazy bastard!”
Kalik yelled, drawing his long sword.
Clang!!!
Their blades clashed, sending sparks flying.
‘This lunatic! Where did he come from?!’
He had only been on three labyrinth expeditions, and one of those was as a porter.
He had underestimated Jeong Yoo-shin and paid the price.
He was on the defensive now, dodging Jeong Yoo-shin’s attacks.
Clang! Clang!
The sounds of their clashing blades echoed through the tavern.
Tarman, too terrified to move, cowered in a corner.
They exchanged blows.
Jeong Yoo-shin’s foot landed on a pile of intestines. He stumbled, losing his balance.
‘Now’s my chance!’
Kalik’s eyes gleamed.
He swung his sword horizontally.
Slash!!!
Aiming for Jeong Yoo-shin’s arm.
Whoosh!
Jeong Yoo-shin twisted his body and dodged, the sword grazing his shoulder and drawing blood.
[Revenger]
The imprint activated.
His eyes glowed with a blue light.
Clang!!!
Sparks flew.
Their blades clashed again.
‘What power?!’
Kalik gritted his teeth.
The force behind Jeong Yoo-shin’s attacks was tremendous.
They fought among the broken furniture and corpses.
Clang! Clang!
With each clash of their blades, more cuts appeared on Jeong Yoo-shin’s body.
Kalik was an intermediate-rank explorer, and a veteran of the Labyrinth City’s underworld.
The difference in experience was undeniable.
But Jeong Yoo-shin didn’t flinch.
The blue light in his eyes burned brighter with each wound.
Clang!!!
Their blades clashed again.
They locked swords, testing each other’s strength.
Screech!!!
The sound of grinding metal echoed in the tavern.
Their eyes met.
In that split second…
Kalik closed his mouth and puffed out his cheeks.
‘Here it comes.’
[Acid Spit]
Jeong Yoo-shin turned his head.
He couldn’t dodge completely.
The viscous spit splattered on his neck and shoulder.
Sizzle!!!
His flesh and clothes burned.
Thwack!!!
“Ugh!!!”
A searing pain shot up his leg.
He gritted his teeth.
Something sharp had pierced his shin, shattering the bone.
He pushed Kalik’s sword away and stumbled backward.
Something protruded from Kalik’s shoe.
A jackknife hidden in the sole.
“How do you like that?”
Kalik grinned.
“…Not bad.”
He replied calmly, tightening his grip on his sword.
Kalik roared with laughter and swung his long sword.
He was a veteran of the underworld.
He wouldn’t let go of his advantage.
Jeong Yoo-shin raised his sword and blocked, his movements hampered by his injured leg. He couldn’t put his full weight behind his attacks.
The situation was turning against him.
Kalik, enjoying his advantage, pressed his attack relentlessly.
Whoosh!!!
The sword sliced towards his right arm.
He calculated the trajectory instantly.
He twisted his body, but his injured leg prevented him from dodging completely. He rolled across the floor.
Sticky blood clung to his coat and hair.
Kalik charged forward, swinging his sword downwards.
He was trapped.
He couldn’t dodge.
He raised his sword, still kneeling.
Clang!!!
The impact twisted his wrist.
Blood spurted from his right shin.
Clang!!!
Kalik struck again.
His defense crumbled.
Crack!!!
Kalik’s foot slammed into his chest.
He flew backward and crashed against the wall, his sword clattering to the floor.
“Gah!!!”
He gasped, his body convulsing.
Kalik grinned, resting his long sword on his shoulder.
“You’re a tough one. I apologize for momentarily doubting you weren’t a barbarian.”
“…”
“Let’s end this. Stick your neck out.”
He struggled to his feet. Kalik clicked his tongue.
“I almost mistook you for a harmless cub. You’re a dangerous fellow. Now die.”
Whoosh!!!
Kalik’s sword aimed for his throat.
[Sacred Weapon]
A golden longsword materialized in his hand. He gripped it with both hands and raised it.
Clang!!!
Their swords clashed, sending sparks flying.
“That imprint!! I knew it!! You pathetic…”
Kalik growled, his teeth bared.
He pressed forward, refusing to yield, locking swords with Jeong Yoo-shin again.
Jeong Yoo-shin’s golden sword was slowly being pushed back.
One second.
Two seconds.
Three seconds.
The golden long sword vanished. He had reached the time limit for the spell.
Kalik grinned.
There were no more obstacles.
He thrust his sword forward, piercing Jeong Yoo-shin’s body.
The sharp blade tore through his intestines and emerged from his back.
The cold sensation of the blade in his gut…
And then the searing pain… his mind went blank.
He gritted his teeth, his vision flashing.
“How do you like that? Should have taken the easy way out. You pathetic little…”
Kalik sneered.
Spit!!
He spat a mouthful of blood at Kalik.
“You little shit!!!”
Kalik recoiled in disgust.
The blood splattered on his face, blinding him.
Grab!
Kalik tried to pull his sword free.
But the hilt wouldn’t move.
Jeong Yoo-shin’s hand was gripping it tightly.
‘What the…?!’
His surprise was short-lived.
Crack!!!
Kalik’s head snapped back.
His vision flashed, and blood spurted from his nose.
Jeong Yoo-shin’s headbutt had shattered his nasal bone.
Kalik screamed and spat acid at him.
He ignored the burning sensation and headbutted him again.
Crack!!!
“Aaaaagh!!!”
Kalik screamed and twisted his body. But Jeong Yoo-shin was faster.
[Sacred Weapon]
A light dagger plunged deep into Kalik’s stomach.
“Gah!!!”
Kalik screamed, stumbled backward, and knelt down.
Pull.
With trembling hands, he pulled out Kalik’s long sword from his stomach. He should have left it in and gone to the temple for healing, but he trusted his Revenger imprint.
Clatter.
The long sword fell to the floor.
Drip, drip, drip.
Blood pooled beneath him.
He limped towards Kalik.
The man’s eyes widened in fear.
“Cough… Hack…”
He looked at Jeong Yoo-shin pleadingly, as if he wanted to say something, but he only coughed up blood.
Jeong Yoo-shin grabbed his jaw.
‘What…?!’
He tightened his grip. Kalik’s mouth opened slightly.
Sizzle.
His fingers burned from the acid residue, but he ignored the pain.
Kalik’s body trembled as his jaw was forced open.
‘Please!! Please!!’
His lips began to tear.
Kalik struggled with all his might, but Jeong Yoo-shin didn’t budge.
“Aaaaagh!!! Agh!!!”
Tears streamed down Kalik’s face.
Rip!!!
His jawbone shattered, and his mouth was ripped open.
“Aaaaagh!!!”
Kalik’s eyes rolled back.
Jeong Yoo-shin released his grip and stood up.
His wounds were slowly healing thanks to the Revenger imprint.
The bleeding from his stomach had subsided.
He limped over to a chair and sat down heavily.
The tavern was a mess of blood, corpses, and broken furniture.
He tapped the table.
“Tarman, bring me a drink.”
Tarman, still paralyzed by fear, didn’t move.
“I said, bring me a drink.”
He repeated.
“Y-Yes!”
Tarman rushed to the counter, rummaged through the liquor cabinet, and brought him a bottle and a glass.
He poured himself a drink.
Glug.
He took a sip, swished it around in his mouth, and then spat it out.
Spit.
The blood-tinged liquor splattered on the floor.
He leaned back on his chair.
He inhaled the stench of blood that filled the tavern, savoring it, then exhaled.
“Who’s teaching who how to survive in the Labyrinth City?”
He muttered as he looked up at the ceiling.
The killing intent within him, refusing to subside, gnawed at his mind.
He turned to Tarman.
“Tarman.”
“Yes!”
“Kneel.”
“What?”
“Kneel.”
Tarman knelt on the blood-soaked floor.
“P-Please… spare me.”
He tapped his glass.
“You’re a pathetic excuse for a man. Kidnapping, torturing, and murdering children and their mothers for money? Are you even human?”
“I… I didn’t do it.”
“You were complicit, weren’t you? Do you expect me to believe you?”
He looked at Tarman.
“Why did you join them?”
“I… I needed money.”
“There are jobs in the southern district.”
“…I lost my job because of the labyrinth closure. They offered me a lot of money… Please believe me!! I didn’t know what they were doing!!!”
‘What should I do with you? Should I spare you for Anne’s sake?’
The killing intent within him surged and receded like the tide.
“My mind is… a mess.”
He ran a hand through his blood-matted hair and looked up at the ceiling again.
Tarman, his head bowed, mumbled something.
He couldn’t hear him.
He stood up and walked among the corpses.
He found a dagger among the mangled bodies and picked it up.
“Tarman, look up.”
Tarman looked up, saw the dagger in his hand, and froze.
He slowly walked behind Tarman.
“What should I do with you? This is a difficult decision.”
“P-Please…”
He lowered his voice.
His killing intent surged again as he gripped the dagger. His head spun.
“Shut up.”
What was Tarman thinking?
Was he reflecting on his sins?
Or was he just begging for his life?
He didn’t know.
The human heart was another labyrinth.
The thought gnawed at him.
He grabbed a handful of Tarman’s hair.
Snip.
The severed hair fell to the floor.
He cut Tarman’s hair whenever the killing intent surged.
‘Should I kill him?’
‘Or should I not?’
More hair fell to the floor.
He had no talent as a barber. Tarman’s hair looked ridiculous.
How pathetic.
He had already killed thirty-one people, and now he was struggling with the last one, making a scene in the middle of the night. It was absurd.
Had Tarman’s devotion to his friends led him down the wrong path?
What would he have done in Tarman’s position?
Would he have stood by and watched? Would he have stubbornly clung to the righteous path?
Perhaps.
‘Stop.’
He stopped thinking.
He glared at Tarman, his eyes bloodshot, then he threw the dagger away.
“Don’t ever let me see your face again. You pathetic fool. Leave the Labyrinth City. Redeem yourself.”
He thought of Simus, then dismissed the thought.
He retrieved his sword and walked through the corpses.
He saw Kalik with his mouth ripped open, and his eyes rolled back, but still alive and breathing.
He hadn’t died yet?
He stomped on Kalik’s neck.
Crack!!!
His work boot crushed Kalik’s throat.
His long tongue lolled out of his mangled mouth.
A pathetic death.
Would he die like this someday?
He left the tavern, lost in thought.
It was a dark night.
Someone was standing outside the tavern.
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T/N – Rip and tear, my dude! F*ck yeah! Though his madness seemed to be worsening. Still, I’m at least glad that he let Tarman go. It shows that he still has a handle on himself and his morals despite everything that’s happened to him.
If you find any mistakes, feel free to point them out in the comments.
Damn.
MASS RELEASE! MASS RELEASE!
Doomguy would be proud!