Artifact-Devouring Player Chapter 184

184
“This is entirely malicious.”

“There’s nothing to see. The Taeyang Guild did something about it. They intentionally attached Madongho to Sanghyun.”

“I don’t think it would be a good idea to respond to this. Madongho is picky, isn’t he?”

“It’s clear that his level and artifact settings are lower than mine… … . There seems to be a big difference in his constellations. Madongho, you’re really a difficult guy.”

“Mystery, that guy is a real piece of shit… … .”

Shin Tae-ri’s fingertips trembled when she saw the match news posted on Mystery’s official homepage.

This was because he had made a very malicious matchup. He even arbitrarily decided the nature of the matchup.

It’s a death match.

The fight ends when one side dies, and no safety devices or protective gear are worn.

The simplest way to avoid this ridiculous matchup was actually to ‘reject’ it.

It’s a choice so simple that many people ask why they don’t choose it.

But it was also a difficult choice for players whose honor was at stake.

Because the very fact that you have been rejected will always follow you around like a label.

“This isn’t a matchup worth taking. It’s not a matchup that people would say anything about if you turned it down.”

“I think so too.”

Shin Tae-ri agreed with Jo Jin-ho’s words.

It’s too much of a big shot to say that the mystery just had a high opinion of Sang-Hyeon’s skills.

“What do you think, Sang-Hyeon?”

Jo Jin-ho asked.

No matter what the third party says, in the end, what matters is your own opinion.

When Shin Tae-ri had previously sounded out Sang-hyeon, it is said that he said he would fight no matter who it was.

of course…….

Jo Jin-ho still regarded Sang-hyeon as a skilled person, and in fact, thought he was superior to him.

However, it is not the case that it is not true. Ma Dong-ho is an opponent and enemy that Jo Jin-ho also finds difficult.

“I said it didn’t matter. Just now.”

“what?”

Jo Jin-ho’s expression darkened at Shin Tae-ri’s answer. It was the answer he wanted to hear the most in the world.

* * *

That moment.

Sang-Hyeon was in the middle of a meeting with Han Hyeon-Jeong.

First of all, the first topic of conversation I had with her was about the slaughter of the three constellation predators last time.

“The association is conducting a secret investigation and is completely blocking all information.”

“That’s not a very trustworthy statement. There was a spy within the association to begin with.”

“I think so too. But since the president of the association has decided to step forward himself, I’ll try to believe him this time.”

“Well, I guess we can at least see that they have the intention to solve the problem. For now.”

Sang-Hyeon nodded.

Of course, investigating them won’t reveal that they are constellation predators.

It was a long time ago that the concept of predators became known.

To explain this, the scene of preying on the constellations must be discovered.

Unless they’re stupid, they wouldn’t show us their murder scene in its entirety.

However, if you investigate deeply, it will not be difficult to identify suspicious aspects.

It is almost impossible for a player with almost no external activity history to have such considerable skill.

“I don’t think we need to tell you more about this part. The association will take care of it. Let’s move on to another agenda.”

Sang-Hyeon changed the subject.

The Constellation Predator is not a problem that can be solved overnight.

It is a problem that will fester and come out little by little like pus over a long period of time, and it is a problem that needs to be dealt with as it arises.

Han Hyun-jung nodded, as she had nothing more to add, and immediately brought up the next topic.

“Then, regarding overseas expansion. The first and second lists were completed and confirmed by Mr. Sang-Hyeon.”

“Is it finally confirmed for the third time?”

“That’s right. As I wrote on the list earlier, the evaluation of Sang-Hyeon overseas is pretty good.”

“I heard the evaluation was an A. But isn’t there an A+ and something higher? Honestly, I feel a little bit hurt.”

“You have to realize that it’s a relative evaluation. It’s saying that when you use the well-performing named players as a benchmark, you’re given an A.”

“For example?”

“If we look at it in Korea, players like Do Kyung-soo are successful name players. Let’s use them as a standard.”

“If it’s the same, A+?”

“That’s right. I think it’s a little bit less than that. It’s close to being a huge compliment!”

Han Hyun-jung’s words, spoken with the veins in her neck standing up, were filled with conviction.

“Where once… … .”

Sang-Hyeon looked at the confirmed list.

The country was written in two places.

China, and the United States.

Both countries had their own unique characteristics as entry points. A strategic choice was needed.

‘China has as many players as its population, and so it has many truly skilled players.’

China, it’s a nice place.

If you set aside personal feelings and sentiments about the country of China, the diversity of players is top notch.

Because the population is large.

It was an inevitable natural environment that arose because there were so many people who had awakened as players.

‘But the association has too much influence. They also interfere a lot with overseas players.’

There were definitely some downsides.

The point is that the relationship with them is very important because they want to bring everything under the control of the association.

If the Chinese Players Association treats you favorably, you can enter dungeons or gates that are difficult to get approval for.

Once you get caught, even the simplest dungeon raids will never be approved. It’s a real hit or miss.

“Personally… … .”

“Let’s go to the US. In the end, both sides have their pros and cons, but for now, the US is better.”

“I think so too.”

What Han Hyeon-jeong was trying to recommend was the same as what Sang-hyeon thought.

The United States was a place that evaluated players based on their skills without distinguishing between domestic and foreign players.

If China is where the competition is about quantity and diversity of players.

America was a place where specialized expertise and elite capabilities were at the forefront.

As soon as Sang-hyeon and Han-hyeon met eyes, Han-hyeon-jeong continued speaking as if she had been waiting for it.

“I’ve already contacted the guild and association officials. However, they seem to be very interested in this issue. They said they absolutely had to look into it.”

“You mean the invitation?”

“Yes… … . This is the invitation that I want to tell you to reconsider whether or not you want to accept it. Sang-Hyeon, do you really have to accept it?”

“We need to shake off the bad relationship.”

Sang-Hyeon laughed.

Madongho.

Of course, it is a name that is familiar to Sang-Hyeon, who has lived two lives including his past life.

A tanker in the inspection department who is evaluated as being difficult enough that it is difficult to compete with Jo Jin-ho according to the world’s evaluation.

People around him, including Han Hyeon-jeong, thought that Sang-hyeon had accepted the invitation out of pride.

However, the parties involved had different thoughts.

‘It’s worth a try. It’s actually quite simple.’

Rather, Sang-Hyeon was much more picky about Jo Jin-Ho, the perfect hexagonal tanker. Contrary to popular opinion.

Madongho is a player who focuses extremely on defense.

A style that focuses on defense to the extreme, drawing in the opponent and then counterattacking.

Since the strategy was obvious, it was easier for Sang-Hyeon to devise a strategy.

“Are you sure it’s okay?”

“I can’t guarantee 100%, but I have my own thoughts. Let’s make it a solid showcase.”

“yes?”

“Whether you go to America and do a cooperative strategy, or choose a guild that only operates locally, or even a mercenary, you’ll need to negotiate a ransom.”

Sang-Hyeon caressed the nameless sword.

When you go overseas, you will now meet a lot of players like Madongho, who are your basic base.

The baseline for the player who will become the partner is set at that level.

Therefore, if we fail to surpass Madongho, we can say that the meaning of advancing overseas has faded.

“I don’t know what Mr. Sang-Hyeon is thinking.”

“Don’t worry. I know better than anyone that I am Hyunjung Corporation’s most treasured product.”

* * *

since.

While preparations are progressing steadily.

Sang-Hyeon took a brief break and said goodbye to the connections he had made.

Kim Mi-so was delighted.

Because the stage where she is currently active and training is the United States.

The American guild that wanted to make contact with Sang-Hyeon was also a place that was influenced by Kim Mi-So and the Eden Guild.

On the other hand, Ham Ji-yeon was very disappointed. It couldn’t be helped since she had clearly expressed her affection for Sang-hyeon.

If there was a flight, couldn’t it be done in a day or so?

Her reaction, as if they were going to break up forever, was a little strange, but I could completely understand it.

Do Kyung-hye said to call her whenever she needed a buffer.

It was a natural reaction, as I had often been overseas as a mercenary before meeting Sang-Hyeon.

And I met Shin Yun-hyeok in person, with whom I had been in contact more frequently recently, and had an in-depth conversation.

As Sang-Hyeon had expected, Shin Yun-Hyeok’s growth was dazzling.

If the growth is this great without direct instruction, it is hard to imagine what it would be like if there was close training.

Sang-Hyeon checked Shin Yoon-Hyeok’s current status and gave him a ‘homework’ that would take at least a month to complete.

By the time my homework was finished, I would have probably wrapped up my overseas schedule and returned.

I’m finally ready to say goodbye to those important people around me.

All that remained was to digest the last issue before leaving the country.

*

“Is it today?”

The day stated in the invitation arrived.

A day when Korea’s most promising and talented people gather in one place due to someone’s bad taste.

As expected, the player community exploded with criticism of the absentees.

Pansrun. Coward. Coward.

Stuffed black history, sick X certification, etc.

He trampled on everything about the absentee with his insulting words.

Some of the players who were absent made an official statement, saying that they would not be fooled by the mystery trick.

In a situation where those who did not participate were already labeled as cowards, no statement or appeal was meaningful.

People were crazy about it because it was a big issue that could be the most eye-catching thing in the midst of a free daily life.

The meeting place was Mystery Hall. That’s right. It was a huge facility built in the name of mystery.

Each country had at least one such facility, which always provided a stage for invited players.

The scene was crowded with reporters who had come to film and cover the story, and among them was Park Jeong-min.

and.

‘It must have been your fault. I expected it, but I think it turned out better because of it.’

Sang-Hyeon met eyes with two people who were clearly one of the masterminds of this incident.

The two players who were ranked 3rd and 4th in the Sun Guild hierarchy were Joo Eun-hye and Ma Dong-ho.

Their eyes met, Madongho strode towards Sanghyeon and calmly held out his hand.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Madongho. I had no choice but to fight like this, but I ask for your help. If it’s burdensome, you can avoid it, but I don’t mind.”

I couldn’t help but feel upset when I saw Madongho talking nonsense that he didn’t mean.

Maybe that’s why.

“Eat this, kid.”

Sang-Hyeon, who is stingy with expressing his emotions, coolly extended his middle finger towards Madong-Ho.

It was at that moment that numerous reporters’ camera angles were focused on Sang-Hyeon and Ma Dong-Ho.

It was the most certain declaration of war.