Chapter 45 (1/2)

Chapter 45 –  Day 12, Flame

”…” A groan emerged from Kim Tae-hyun's mouth instead of words. I understood enough. It seemed like he was still making calculations.

Seuk.

I felt the suited man's arm stiffen from where I was holding it by the elbow. It was very light, but the weight of the arm had changed. He had taken something out from his inventory and was holding it in his hand.

I put strength into both arms and pushed. The suited man wobbled and I used the gap to kick him in the abdomen.

Kung.

The suited man was thrown backwards and the dagger in his hand fell down. I looked at Kim Tae-hyun again.

”…72.”

”72?” It was a pretty vague and small number.

Kim Tae-hyun held a machine in his trembling hands. It was like a smartphone PDA device. ”This machine keeps me from giving out points too recklessly… No. There is a clear quota for every point…”

”Kuok!” A moan came from the suited man. There was pain and anger on his face. I hadn't controlled my strength when kicking him. He was definitely a worthy opponent.

I didn't think that 72 points were all I could get, but I shouldn't be too greedy here. The suited man stretched out his palm again.

Tang!

There was a noise like a cannon being fired. As fire emerged from the palm of his hand, I turned my body to the side. The source of the explosion swept past my chest. The shape of the ball was one metre in diametre. As it crossed the distance, it became thinner and longer.

It seemed like he could freely change its shape and size. The suited man extended his other hand. A second flame emerged and I barely managed to avoid it. At the same time, he pulled out a spear.

Syuok!

Peng!

There was a third explosion. Then the tip of the spear crossed the gap between us, but it failed to hit its target. The only thing I felt was a pain in my left side as I backed up. It wasn't a direct hit, but the explosion had slightly struck me.

”…!” I realized that I had failed to avoid the fourth explosion. The suited person stepped backwards. He was trying to run away, but he was at a disadvantage. My reaction speed was higher. In addition, the narrow corridor and difficulty in firing ranged weapons meant I could easily catch up with him.

I closed in on him. I didn't want to expose all my secrets to the guy behind me. Still, it couldn't be helped. I triggered Darkness Cloud.

”What the!?” The suited man cried out with confusion. He randomly fired his explosions. Although the length and thickness of the explosive b.a.l.l.s were smaller, a large number of them crossed the darkness.

Face. Torso. Arm. Legs. I ignored the explosions. .h.i.tting my body and ran forward.

”Eek!”

I was only a few steps away. The man gathered his two palms together. I moved forward even faster than before. Some hits were expected due to the close proximity, but I took advantage of the width and length of the corridor as much as possible.

I would see how long he could sustain that firepower. I took a deep breath.

My vision was filled with flames.

&

'Dammit.' Kim Tae-hyun was able to take out a potion just before Hee-chul spread out the darkness.

It was a potion that temporarily maximized the regeneration power and immunity of the whole body. He didn't know how he could consume such a valuable bottle that was the size of a milk bottle here, but it couldn't be helped.

The medicine was amazing. It would take a considerable amount of time for his wounds to be healed, but that was better. Otherwise, he might become involved in the explosions.

Peeng!

”Ack!” Flames filled the narrow corridor. He guarded his body with his arms, but he couldn't stop his hair and skin from screaming silently.

Swaahh.

The sprinklers turned on and the fire alarms sounded loudly. The explosions disappeared but smoke filled the entire corridor. The smell of burned flesh hung thickly in the air. Kim Tae-hyun clearly smelt it. It wasn't simply the smell of hair or skin burning. It was the gross smell of fat burning.

‘They've both died.' It wasn't the worst thing he faced, but it was right up there near the top. For Kim Tae-hyun, explorers were resources. Killing them to gain their abilities wasn't the only solution. He had the benefit of being a spokesperson for the country, as well as acquiring talents as an explorer. His plan was to climb to the top using these two things.

This could become a reality through the dungeon.

In the history of mankind, the leaders had never been a flawless ironman. A sole willpower that reigned over the ignorant majority. Still, his perspective was different after the dungeon. While some people dismissed the dungeon as nonsense, he was quick to understand.

'I have no interest in being king of the world.' He would be the hand behind the world's king. Kim Tae-hyun took a step into the smoke.