Pick Me Up!

“Hang…”

I delivered a swift kick to the hilt of the sword embedded in Avant’s back with my foot, causing him to grimace in pain.

“Krrrrrrgh, krrrrrrrgh!”

“Speak up clearly. I can’t hear you.”

“Stop it. We’ve lost! Just leave Avant be!”

“Leave him be?”

I firmly grasped the sword’s handle and gave it a sharp twist, accompanied by the sickening sound of flesh tearing apart. Avant could only let out a strained whimper.

“So, were you willing to leave those people be? It seemed like you were practically drooling to devour them.”

“W-Well, that’s not relevant, is it?”

“It’s relevant if I say it is. Besides, this was a duel agreed upon by both parties. Why are you meddling? The matter ends when the defeated party admits their loss.”

“Hangbo… mph!”

I promptly covered Avant’s mouth, silencing him.

“If you don’t speak, it won’t be over.”

The mercenaries stared at me with bewildered expressions, their faces reflecting their confusion.

I settled myself atop Avant’s back, causing him to writhe in agony from the added weight alone.

“This guy is my prey. Whether he lives or dies is none of your concern. Get lost.”

“You crazy bastard! Do you really think you’ll get away with this? Do you even know who we are?”

“Didn’t you say you were the Fangwolf Mercenaries?”

I turned my gaze towards Edis, who kept her head lowered, her expression steadfast. I inquired,

“Edis, are you truly a member of the Fangwolf Mercenaries?”

Edis tightly shut her eyes, and after a moment, she replied,

“That may have been the case in the past. But now, we’re just…”

“A gang of thieves, right? Or perhaps you go around double-crossing your clients. I had a feeling. Why are you consorting with such scums?”

“I-I’m here because of my father’s request…”

“Edis, think long and hard. Do you truly intend to continue associating with these lowlifes? Or will you come over to our side?”

“I…”

“Are you willing to wag your tail for the enemy? Do you really want to throw your life away?”

“Stay out of this.”

“This bastard… Edis, you must carefully consider your decision. You know what happens to traitors, right?”

“…!”

Edis opened her eyes with a determined look and began walking towards me. I couldn’t help but smile as I spoke,

“As expected, one must skillfully ride the currents of destiny.”

[‘Edis (★★★)’ has parted ways with the ‘Fangwolf Mercenaries!]

[The bond with the ‘[Fangwolf Mercenaries’ is now dissolved.]

“Damn it…”

“The rest of you have no business here. Leave.”

“Hang…”

“You want to say something? But can I truly trust you enough to speak? After all, you’re destined to become my prey.”

Avant groped the ground with his right arm, his sword lying within reach. With a sense of malice, I pressed my foot firmly onto the back of his hand.

“Grrrr, ugh! You, you’ll regret this… krrrrrrgh!”

I seized the sword embedded in Avant’s back and twisted it mercilessly.

“Now I’m growing impatient. Speak up.”

“No, no! Urgh, aaaaargh!”

“This, this bastard! This basta-a-a-a-a-a-rd!”

Three of them brandished their weapons and lunged at me.

Iselle stood firmly in their path.

[The duel is not over! Do not interfere!]

“You little rat, step aside, or I’ll end your life!”

Zacken swung his axe toward Iselle’s forehead.

The other two thrust their spears and swords from the sides.

And then…

[I’ve got you,] Iselle smirked slyly.

“Farewell.” I couldn’t help but smirk too.

[‘Zacken (★★★)’ has returned to the embrace of the goddess. His unwavering determination will be forever remembered.]

[‘Weyf (★★★)’ has returned to the embrace of the goddess. His unwavering determination will be forever remembered.]

[‘Veigin (★★★)’ has returned to the embrace of the goddess. His unwavering determination will be forever remembered.]

[Sudden death!]

[Sign – Suicide due to stress]

[I warned you not to interfere. I won’t give you a second chance.]

The lifeless bodies of three severed heads sprawled in the square. Iselle, with an emotionless gaze, wiped the blood off her hands. Then, with a glimmer in her eyes, she soared towards me.

[Loki, how did I do? Wasn’t it impressive? Did I perform well? What do you think?]

“You did splendidly.”

[Fantastic!]

Iselle spun around once on the spot and vanished.

I turned my attention to Avant. With vacant eyes, he gazed upon the lifeless bodies of his comrades and murmured.

“Hang… I surrender…”

Avant’s head slumped down.

[‘Han (★)’ has been released from the berserk state.]

I gently dragged the limp Avant to the synthesis chamber. He offered no resistance.

[‘Han (★)’ emerges victorious in the duel against ‘Avant (★★★)’! Avant will be synthesized.]

Various notifications flashed across the Master’s control panel, capturing their attention.

He absentmindedly tapped the screen repeatedly seemingly angry.

“He probably wants to cancel the synthesis.”

If that were the case, permission shouldn’t have been granted in the first place. It seemed he was unaware of the existence of the dueling system.

[Synthesis complete!]

[‘Avant (★★★)’ has transformed into radiant light and vanished.]

[‘Han (★)’ has leveled up! ‘Low-level Swordsmanship’ and ‘Pain Resistance’ skills have increased!]

“The hero has reached the maximum level. To further increase their level, raise their grade!”

[Tips/You can promote heroes with promotion tickets or with heroes of the same grade or higher, at a certain level. Promotion is possible up to 7 stars.]

Stepping out into the square, I couldn’t help but smile.

He hadn’t even had the chance to fully utilize the advanced heroes he had initially acquired before losing them. Judging by the fact that he had used a free 10-pull solely for synthesis, his expectations had been quite high.

But things didn’t turn out as anticipated.

Regardless, it would only lead to losses if he invested in them. Even if there was a temporary surge in power, the disruptions caused by such individuals would hinder the smooth functioning of the waiting room. He would appreciate what I did once they discovered the reality.

“He knows I’m the core.”

I’ve reached level 10.

I possess four skills and my overall stats rival those of 3-star heroes.

I’ve earned the MVP title in almost every battle.

Anytng knows that I’ve crafted C-grade equipment that he couldn’t even imagine having, accumulating an overload of rare materials from the weekday dungeon.

“If you’re going to make a move, go all out.”

If a master was foolish enough to discard me in this situation, climbing the tower would become an insurmountable task.

The lifeless bodies in the square gradually transformed into radiant light, dissolving into nothingness.

Edis observed the scene with a bewildered expression on her face.

“Do you have any sense of sympathy for your comrades?”

“No, but still, I was part of their downfall…”

It hardly mattered.

It was all in the past. My own life had never been ideal.

“When you regain your composure, come inside. Find an empty room for yourself.”

I passed by Edis and made my way back to my quarters.

The hour was late. As soon as I opened the door, the collective gaze of dozens of individuals in the lobby immediately fixated on me. A considerable crowd had gathered.

“Is that what happened?”

“Indeed, hyung, you’re awesome!”

Dica clenched his fists tightly, his eyes glistening with admiration.

‘Haah, she just can’t keep her mouth shut.’

I approached Jenna, who was perched somewhat awkwardly on the couch.

And without hesitation, I gave her a firm tap on her forehead.

“Ow, ow, ow, what are you doing?”

“Didn’t I tell you not to utter unnecessary words?”

“I-I was just trying to share your awesomeness.”

“Save it.”

I firmly gripped Jenna’s forehead.

She winced, clutching her forehead with a reddened face.

Amidst the commotion, a middle-aged man approached us.

It was Jeffery, the one who had overheard our conversation earlier.

“Han, I heard the conversation. Thank you. I heard about their misdeeds. They were trying to kill the newcomers, threatening them with a knife…”

“That’s right! They were truly despicable!”

A middle-aged woman who had been sitting in the corner of the lobby chimed in. She was one of the people who had narrowly escaped death in the square just moments ago.

“You seem to be mistaken.”

“I’m aware. We’re not so shameless. Nevertheless, I still want to express my gratitude. We owe our lives to you.”

“The ones I saved were just the newcomers. As for you guys, you’re finished.”

“W-What are you saying?”

I smirked and replied.

“It seems like the Master is really furious.”

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