Chapter 146

Chapter 146

It was only natural for Antony to react like this. Most times, the powers constellations bestowed were gorgeous. It had to be majestic enough to represent their pride and name, so they paid attention to what they gave their minions!

... In comparison, the power that Choi Yeonseung showed was modest. However, from the perspective of those with discerning eyes, something had definitely changed.

“Magic power...!” Illeya exclaimed, sounding completely astonished. Antony used detection magic as soon as he heard her. The flames of magic power enveloping Choi Yeonseung became clearly visible to him.

“!”

Despite seeing how strong it was for himself, he found it hard to believe. The magic power was so intense that it could be considered one of the best among A-grade hunters.

“I see! In exchange for looking plain and simple, it buffs up the amount of your magic power!”

If so, then Antony could understand the reasoning behind it. A buff that increased magic power was one of the strongest powers that a constellation could bestow.

It seemed simple at first glance, but increasing one’s magic power was difficult. After all, it didn’t just give them more of it. Rather, the power also had to strengthen the user physically to withstand the increase and mentally to ensure they would be able to control it.

From a constellation’s perspective, humans were no different from mere ants. They had to handle and strengthen the humans very carefully so that the humans wouldn’t explode. That was why they didn’t care about human lives. The constellations just gave them skills and used them as they saw fit, much like what the Warrior Stained with Madness and Blood did.

Considering Choi Yeonseung’s constellation increased Choi Yeonseung’s magic power like this without making him suffer any penalty, it was understandable that Choi Yeonseung believed in him. So what if it was a bit plain? The power was still amazing!

‘... Is this okay?’ Choi Yeonseung wondered. While fighting, he used his five senses to observe the situation around him.

Was this too plain? Hearing someone say it was plain bothered him a bit.

Since he had to get more business—no, faith in the future... Should he think more about its appearance? Letting out steam, shooting beams out of his eyes...

-Don’t think about nonsense!

‘Don’t worry, I am concentrating.’

The combat experience Choi Yeonseung had accumulated over 10,000 years had been tempered to the point where he could create a course menu for what to eat tonight while fighting to the death. His calm mind no longer lost composure regardless of the circumstances. It was one of Choi Yeonseung’s weapons.

‘It’s tougher than I thought.’

Compared to the hydra, which couldn’t even lift its head up in comparison, the Argo was definitely a strong monster. It was called a sea dragon for a reason.

The Argo had a large body covered in scales dozens of times harder than steel, absorbing and dispersing the impact that it received. It even ignored all magic that hit it. Due to its immense defensive capabilities, it was treated as an A-grade monster.

‘But it’s not like I can’t kill it.’

There were martial art techniques that could damage monsters with high defense. The Internal Heavy Strike Technique was one such technique. It destroyed what was inside of any surface it struck. It was a very advanced technique, but Choi Yeonseung had to learn it as soon as he fell into the Abyss. He couldn’t have defeated the bastards that had great defenses there without using internal energy to destroy them from within.

Other martial artists would still have to concentrate even in a restricted environment to perfectly activate the Internal Heavy Strike Technique.

Bam!

-■■■■!

However, Choi Yeonseung just moved quickly from side to side as he struck the Argo’s torso with his fists. The enormous energy each hit contained dug into Argo, causing a huge ripple. The two looked like David and Goliath, but it was David who was overpowering Goliath.

‘Ah. Even though I just raised my power to peak class, this is far more comfortable.”

Choi Yeonseung conserved his sword energy since still had to minimize his internal energy consumption. He had just barely reached the peak-class level again, after all. Nevertheless, raising his level from 300 to 380 was insanely comfortable.

Concentrated energy? There was no need to force it. He could just keep hitting and running instead of using a strong technique, which would require a lot of internal energy, to cut through his opponent in one blow.

Choi Yeonseung planned this to be a long battle from the beginning anyway. Like an out-boxer tying up his opponent’s feet and swerving around to unleash attacks, Choi Yeonseung intended to make Argo sustain accumulating damage.

Having raised his level, he currently had plenty more internal energy to use for dodges and attacks.

Bam bam bam!

He repeatedly appeared, attacked, and disappeared. Antony and Illeya couldn’t help admiring Choi Yeonseung during the battle. From the perspective of Choi Yeonseung’s opponent, he was probably like an annoying dog!

-■... ■■■■!

Beaten over and over, the Argo came to a realization. This little mortal was toying with it! Finding Choi Yeonseung unbelievable, the Argo roared with anger and tried to shake him off.

[The Argo is calling out ‘Storm of Awls.’]

‘Please...! Choi Yeonseung! Just buy us some time! I’ll save you!’ Jeong Wonuk gritted his teeth.

‘He can’t die...’ Han Seha thought.

“?”

They became flustered as they rushed over. The dark clouds and storm forming on top of Hallasan disappeared. What?

“......!!”

Upon reaching the top, they saw an even more amazing sight. Choi Yeonseung and the Icarus hunters were standing on Argo’s corpse.

“That’s such a bad angle. The photos are.. not that good.”

“Can’t we stick with just one photo?” Choi Yeonseung asked.

Illeya shook her head. Lee Changuk, who arrived late, also shook his head and chimed in.

“Photography is really important.”

“... Fine. I understand. Take as many photos as you want.”

“......”

“......”

Jeong Wonuk and Han Seha stared at the scene with open mouths. The hunters here had already finished their hunt and were taking verification shots.

What the hell happened?

***

“Chairman-nim.”

“What is it?”

“I don’t have any complaints about your orders, and I don’t intend to disobey them either, but...”

“Yet what you’re saying shows that there are some doubts lurking in your head,” Hwang Gyeongryong said as he turned around, causing the hunter to lower his head.

Hwang Gyeongryong had suddenly sent a text message to available hunters saying, ‘I’m going on vacation.’

As a result, the hunters entered a state of emergency.

-What is this?

-What does he mean?

How could they understand the meaning behind Hwang Gyeongryong’s deep words? The hunters had no choice but to cry and follow along.

Currently, they were on one of the most elite US military aircraft carriers of the 7th fleet, which was in charge of the Western Pacific region. At Hwang Gyeongryong’s request, it headed to Jeju Island.

“Is he trying to attack South Korea?”

“Possibly. He used to hate South Korea.”

“Maybe he wants to occupy Jeju Island and declare it as an independent country...”

It sounded crazy, but the hunters took it seriously, Considering Hwang Gyeongryong’s influence and power, it was certainly doable.

Hwang Gyeongryong took out his smartphone. It was a text from Choi Yeonseung.

-Hyung. I already defeated the monster. I don’t think I need your help anymore.

“......”

The hunters around him thought they saw moisture gather in the corners of Hwang Gyeongryong’s eyes.

... Was it due to the atmosphere?