Artifact-Devouring Player Chapter 175

175
Same time.

Han Hyun-jung was receiving a phone call from Lee Yeon.

She usually didn’t answer work calls in the early hours of the morning, but Lee Yeon’s call was an exception.

As Han Hyun-jung’s right-hand woman, the fact that she is contacting him means that the matter is urgent.

There was never a time when Lee Yeon dialed Han Hyun-jung’s number to have a petty conversation.

“Oh, Yeon-ah.”

– The tail is definitely attached. Mr. Shin Sang-hyun doesn’t seem to know that he’s being tracked. There’s no change in the route.

“Do you think they’re from the Jeongpung or Taeyang guild?”

– I was able to catch a glimpse of their faces, but they were all foreigners. I checked the secured faces against the database, but there was no match yet.

“What kind of guys are they?”

Han Hyun-jung still doesn’t know the identity of the constellation predator.

However, because Sang-Hyeon has a close relationship with the Eden Guild.

The Jeongpung and Sun Guilds, which are the opposite sides of the Eden Guild, are under suspicion.

But aren’t you a foreigner?

Moreover, if it is not recognized immediately in the player database that Han Hyun-jung secretly holds.

This means that the player has never engaged in any external activities.

That means he’s not a good player. Or he’s just not skilled at all.

But if it was the latter, there would be no reason to follow Sang-Hyeon so secretly. It’s the former, 100%.

“I’ll have Sang-Hyeon contact you. Yeon-i, keep your distance and chase after those guys without them noticing.”

– That’s right. It’s raining a lot, and there’s only one way to get across here, so I don’t think you’ll be suspected.

“thanks for your effort.”

– Yes, Master.

The call with Lee Yeon ended.

From the moment Han Hyun-jung signed a sponsorship contract with Sang-hyun, she always kept someone by Sang-hyun’s side.

Originally, another member of Hyunjung Corporation was attached.

But as the value of Sang-Hyeon increased, it was thought that more certain protection was needed.

So he hired Lee Yeon, his right-hand man and confidant. He was essentially the best bodyguard.

“Something seems strange.”

Han Hyun-jung’s gaze deepened.

The Sang-Hyeon she knows is a very cautious person.

Never be conceited or arrogant, and be careful in everything you do.

Although he often shows a reckless side in the dungeon, that is only when there is a reason for it.

But I wondered if Sang-Hyeon, who was moving alone at dawn, could possibly not know that he was being followed.

I called right away.

Then, as if he had been waiting, Sang-Hyeon answered the phone.

– It’s an ambitious time.

“Mr. Sang-Hyeon, how about a glass of wine?”

– No problem.

A random wine story.

If a third party heard it, they might wonder what was going on, but it was a kind of secret code that had been set between the two.

It was a confirmation that security was maintained for this call, and Sang-Hyeon answered that it was.

By using a relay device pre-installed in the car, the call was changed to a secure call between just the two people.

“We’re being followed. There are three people and two vehicles. At first glance, they look like delivery vehicles.”

– I know.

“yes?”

Han Hyeon-jeong tilted her head at Sang-hyeon’s extremely calm words.

If you knew, why is this situation like this?

Shouldn’t we change direction and return to Seoul or ask for support from those around us?

– Mosquitoes that have once attached themselves to suck blood will eventually return. I plan to lure them out and kill them this time.

Sang-Hyeon’s words were concise, yet full of life.

At that moment, Han Hyun-jung, who was listening, felt a chill run down her spine.

Of course, in a battle between two players, self-defense is recognized as a fairly broad category.

We followed him, and what if he showed even the slightest attempt to attack Sang-Hyeon?

Right away, it doesn’t matter if Sang-Hyeon kills the stalker.

Because the player’s battles do not end with minor injuries.

Moreover, the fact that they were chasing Sang-Hyeon in the middle of the night was enough circumstantial evidence.

“Yeon-i can help.”

– No. I am confident that I can protect myself. At least I am confident that I won’t die.

“hmm…….”

– I hope Mr. Lee Yeon will keep his distance and just watch the situation. If we get involved, it will be more dangerous and I will have a headache.

“I know what you mean.”

To put it simply, it means that Lee Yeon is cumbersome.

If she gets into trouble while trying to help Sang-Hyeon, she has no choice but to help him.

Sang-Hyeon had many skills that could be trusted, starting from the immortal.

– Don’t worry. I have a plan for everything.

“Okay. Should I report it to the association?”

– Let’s sort out the situation. These are the guys that won’t show up in the database anyway.

“Do you know who it is?”

– About 90%? Anyway, don’t worry.

The call is over.

A question mark appeared in her eyes.

How does Sang-Hyeon know about the stalkers that even Han Hyeon-Jeong, who has good information power, cannot guess at?

There was absolutely no possible connection for Sang-Hyeon to believe that he had been tipped off by someone in advance.

Since I have never experienced any personal resentment, I cannot say that this is a situation that is tied together by bad luck.

“I wonder if there is something that knows more about it than I do. Hmm… … .”

In my heart, I was worried about Sang-Hyeon many times.

It was difficult to even come forward because the person in question seemed to be calm and had everything planned out.

If Sang-Hyeon is as confident as he has been up to now, he must have created today’s situation because of his confidence.

Han Hyun-jung decided to trust Sang-hyeon.

Lee Yeon is sufficient in the role of a ‘witness’.

* * *

“It’s raining cats and dogs.”

Sang-Hyeon, who arrived at the meeting place, frowned as he watched the raindrops getting heavier.

In fact, bad weather was actually a condition that Sang-Hyeon preferred, because the environment itself was a variable.

In particular, the ground becomes slippery, making it difficult to maintain balance.

So I’ve seen quite a few instances where people who aren’t used to the harsh weather struggle a lot in combat.

It was familiar to Sang-Hyeon.

All these memories of ‘familiarity’ ultimately lead back to a past life.

Things I experienced, learned, and felt deeply.

As much as he still had regrets and determination about this, Sang-Hyeon never wanted to repeat the same mistake.

“This is a perfect place to fight.”

Sang-Hyeon looked around with a smile.

Even if you were a stalker, it would be difficult to find a battlefield as good as this.

A place that is not too far from Seoul, but is also sparsely populated.

In fact, there are many dungeons and gates in unexpected places, so there is nothing strange about them.

There were a few CCTVs in the middle. They were mandatory installations on the way to the dungeon and gate.

But in this kind of bad weather, it’s almost useless.

Even if we could clearly show who they are on screen, it would be useless. They are people who live outside the law in the first place.

Phew!

Sang-Hyeon waited for the stalkers, leaving the nameless sword stuck in the ground that had become sloppy from the rain.

After a while.

From quite a distance, three figures began to walk towards Sang-Hyeon.

I thought I could drive the car quite deep.

It seems like they wanted to follow him as secretly as possible.

The intention itself wasn’t bad, but to Sang-hyeon, who knew everything from the beginning, it just seemed ridiculous.

“Oh my.”

Sang-Hyeon looked at their faces.

Judging from the way he looked without even covering his face, his purpose seemed clear. He meant to kill Sang-Hyeon.

If I can kill someone, then it doesn’t matter if I see their face or know their name, right? The dead don’t speak.

Inspector, assassin, wizard.

“The composition is good.”

The combination looks pretty good.

In fact, it is also the most ideal combination.

In the front, the Inspector takes charge of tanking, while the Assassin stealthily targets the rear.

And the wizard creates a variable with magical attacks against an opponent who is biased towards physical attacks.

It is a tricky combination when it comes to the most orthodox and skilled members.

“hmm.”

The face didn’t look familiar.

These are not the faces of the predators who would later end up on the World Players Association’s wanted list.

But just by exploring other players’ constellations and absorbing their abilities.

The fact that it is strong remains unchanged.

Right then.

The assassin player ‘K’ who was standing at the very front spoke to Sang-Hyeon. He was the one who used an alias along with his colleagues Jay and Roel.

He took out English, and Sang-Hyeon, who had no problem communicating in English, understood right away.

“Are you just bluffing?”

“What kind of bluff is that?”

“That’s the kind of thing where you act like you’ve been waiting for something when you’re at a dead end.”

“We’re old friends anyway, right? When I was taking on the Blood Tower quest, there was one of them by my side.”

“… … .”

The memory was vivid.

At that time, it was Kay who had his tail stepped on by Sang-Hyeon for a moment. The necklace had reacted.

“No need to talk much. Just come at me. You came here to kill me anyway. Do you really have anything to say?”

“If you tell me two guys who deserve to be eaten by us instead of you, I can spare your life. What do you think?”

“Blow the prey?”

“yes.”

Kay nodded, still holding the arsenic in her mouth.

In fact, this kind of suggestion was made many times to the ‘scapegoats’ who disappeared before.

It’s a pretty sweet offer to a terrified opponent, though it’s foolish to believe it.

“It’s disgusting enough to do a 3-on-1, but listening to you yapping makes me want to throw up. Why don’t you just attack me?”

Swish.

Sang-Hyeon pulled out his nameless sword.

A plain sword that doesn’t look flashy.

If only I could find out what grade this sword was.

Kay, Jay, and Roel would have run away without looking back.

That’s the power of the word Almighty.

An artifact that cannot be dared to be touched! A disaster before your eyes that can kill you with just one attack!

But the three of them had no idea that Sang-Hyeon would ‘dare’ to have such an artifact.

“The other two, stand by. I’ll handle it.”

Kay stepped forward, licking her upper lip with the tip of her tongue.

Currently at level 377, he was a swordsman who was much higher in level than Sang-Hyeon.

Kay was well aware of that fact, and was aware that there was a clear gap between him and Sang-Hyeon.

Moreover, Kay, who had four guardianships – or rather, forced restraints – in her constellations, was full of confidence.

“One on one?”

“As you said, there’s no need to do a 3 vs. 1. I’ll handle it cleanly on my own.”

“Oh my. This will be more fun.”

Sang-Hyeon took an attacking stance.

In one-on-many battles, it is important to always reduce the number of people.

Stamina management and skill distribution are later issues. Sang-Hyeon immediately deployed Over Psychedelic.

Since Sang-Hyeon was already in a state of no thoughts or feelings, the awakening effect of the over-psychedelic was much greater.

Right then.

Don’t miss it!

A flash of light appeared from Kay, and a powerful electric current flew fiercely towards Sang-Hyeon.

The current that started from the sword was clearly ‘sword magic’ to anyone who looked at it. It was a unique form.

but.

[The Way of the Demon]

The unique effect of the Nameless Sword, ‘Path of the Demon’, was activated, and Kay’s magic attack was defended too easily.

It wasn’t like he was taking a defensive stance, or dodging, or even moving carefully.

The magic avoided the upper body and went around it, almost as if it was scared.

At that moment.

“fu*k.”

A curse burst out of Kay’s mouth as he witnessed the absurd sight.