Artifact Devouring Player-Chapter 30: Do Kyungsoo, the Sword Demon - (2)

[Chapter 30]

Shin Taeri emerged from the shower after completing an intense twelve-hour training session that had lasted nonstop since the morning.

New novel 𝓬hapters are published on freёwebnoѵel.com.

She thought she had spent a long time under the cold water, yet steam still seemed to rise from her body.

As always, out of habit, she turned on The Player Channel on YouTube.

It was a channel she always kept on since it broadcasted around the clock and provided updates about players from all over the world.

But today, the face on the channel seemed familiar to her.

Her vision wasn't clear without her lenses, so she put on the glasses resting on the table.

The blurry face soon became clear.

"Shin Sanghyun...?"

On the channel screen, under the breaking news headline, Sanghyun's face was in close-up.

And the person conducting the interview was Park Jungmin, well-known for his close relationship with Kim Miso, the cherished younger guild member and talent.

< I simply did what I had to do. If a rift were to appear near me again, I would step forward just as I did today. >

< Were you confident? That rift was reportedly occupied by the Kobold Tribe, and according to the association, the average level there was around 125. >

< Level is certainly an important factor, but I don't believe it's an absolute determinant of victory or defeat. >

< There was the Jamsil Station incident last time, and the well-known duel at Player Town. Now, your name is becoming even more recognized. Do you feel any pressure? >

< I'm just doing what I need to do. I believe it's up to those watching to evaluate me. >

'It's true that level isn't an absolute factor. But being able to say that confidently means he must be able to assess his own skills objectively.'

Shin Taeri, while drying her wet hair with a towel, watched Sanghyun's consistently calm demeanor with interest.

Just like their first meeting, he was an extraordinary individual.

One might expect someone who stood out at a low level to become arrogant or conceited, but he never crossed that line.

Nevertheless, he was smart enough to speak his mind clearly and respectfully when needed.

▶ Chunsik: Sanghyun hyung is really hot these days. Did he clear the rift alone this time?

▶ TwentyMeals: Heard he was on standby even before the rift opened? At this point, does he have future sight or something?

▶ MiddleFoldNever: Nothing else matters—if Jungmin hyung interviews someone, that says it all. Isn't he basically a talent detector?

▶ It'sTanaka: Detector confirmed. If Jungmin hyung's involved, that player's bound to skyrocket.

'Interesting.'

Shin Taeri smiled faintly.

It was clear to her that Sanghyun was indeed unique.

Even Kim Miso said she could sense Jo Jinho's aura from him.

Feeling the aura of someone in the 400-level range from a player barely around level 50 was no small feat.

She still remembered the vivid memory of exchanging five moves with him. Sanghyun hadn't been flustered at all and calmly blocked her strategies.

Even though it was just practice, Shin Taeri, who never went easy on anyone, had been genuinely surprised.

'Who could his master be?'

She was certain that Sanghyun's current skills couldn't have been developed entirely on his own.

If he hadn't received the guidance of some reclusive master or skilled player—

'Could it be that he's contracted with a Martial God constellation? Or perhaps a Divine Seat?'

There was a high chance that he had made a contract with a top-tier Constellation. The possibility of a Divine Seat couldn't be ruled out either.

'Just like me.'

Just like herself.

Shin Taeri's curiosity about Sanghyun grew deeper and deeper.

While others were calling him a promising newcomer, she thought differently.

'His probation period is already over.'

The label of "rising star" had already fallen away.

He was now a true powerhouse.

After successfully clearing the Bupyeong Station Rift and finishing the loud, bustling interview with The Player Channel,

A week had passed.

A lot had happened.

First, all the artifacts obtained from the rift were sold off since none had any significant merit to be consumed or equipped.

This added another billion won to his bank account.

He also received a plaque of appreciation issued under the name of the Korean Player Union President, and it was officially announced through the association's channel.

Interview requests from various newspapers, led by The Player's Journal, poured in.

He declined them all.

Since he would only end up repeating himself, he didn't feel like parroting the same words over and over again.

For the week, Sanghyun immersed himself in training at a facility within Player Town.

The training room was well-equipped, befitting the high deposit and monthly rent. It rivaled even the high-end facilities of major guilds.

Sanghyun dedicated himself entirely to increasing his Skill Refinement. This was driven by the regrets he felt during the battle with the Kobold King.

Although he was satisfied with the increased number of skills, their levels didn't meet his standards.

Indeed, as skills advanced, their internal coefficients showed remarkable growth.

That's why blindly raising stats wasn't the answer—he needed time to solidify what he already had.

And it worked.

All his skills advanced by one level, and Demon Bash, which he had trained relentlessly, reached the fourth level.

『Demon Bash』

■ Skill Level: 4 (1.3%)

■ Skill Description: Induces a Stiffness state for 2.6 seconds on exposed monsters or players.

...(omitted)

With the additional effect of the [With Overwhelming Strength!] title, the Stiffness duration extended to a staggering 2.86 seconds.

A terrifying status-inflicting skill had emerged.

'Let's push it to level 5 as soon as possible. It'll be tough to refine beyond that, but at least hitting level 5 should be manageable.'

Reaching level 6 from level 5 was notoriously difficult, often referred to as a "cursed stage."

In other words, with sheer grit and determination, reaching level 5 early was possible.

Sanghyun planned to raise all his skills to at least level 5—a mandatory goal rather than a choice, since the power difference at higher levels was enormous.

'Now that I've developed a solid defensive skill, the week-long training marathon has paid off.'

Sanghyun checked the newly added skill in his skill window—one that had taken a full week to develop.

Skills didn't come easily, even after repeatedly practicing the same motion.

At one point, he had considered giving up, but clearing his mind and persistently focusing on repetitive training had helped.

Maintaining self-control without rushing the process or timing himself also contributed to the outcome.

『Defensive Sword』

■ Skill Level: 1 (0.0%)

■ Skill Description: Creates a rectangular sword barrier in front for defense.

However, while the barrier is maintained, forward movement becomes impossible—only backward movement is allowed.

Consumes 2 mana per second, and if the barrier breaks, Defensive Sword must be reactivated.

Nickname: Defensive.

This skill significantly compensated for the defensive shortcomings Sanghyun had felt while facing the Kobold King.

Shields reduced mobility significantly, and Sanghyun didn't like using them.

Moreover, blocking projectiles like magic or arrows with a sword alone was more difficult than it seemed.

But with Defensive Sword, which created a rectangular barrier, defense became much easier.

In addition, since it was a form of deploying a shield with just the sword itself without any separate armor, the sword he had was enough.

'I'll enhance the skill later or combine it with status ailment resistance and apply it to Defensive Sword.'

He also made plans for the future.

Anyway, by adding defense to his attack-focused repertoire, he had now achieved balance.

At that moment, a phone call came in.

It seemed to be a response from the Korean Player Union's Dungeon Management Department regarding the dungeon raid application Sanghyun had submitted a week ago.

"Yes, this is Shin Sanghyun."

"Yes, that's correct."

"That's right. I've confirmed it. Thank you."

The approval came much faster than he had expected.

Since Silent Ground Dungeon was located in the metropolitan area, Sanghyun had anticipated at least a one-month wait.

But it had only taken a week to get approval. It seemed like some sort of privilege had been granted.

'Is this some kind of reward for the Bupyeong Station incident?'

It felt as though the Union was giving him special treatment.

The approval came so quickly it wouldn't be strange if rumors of favoritism started circulating once it became public.

'Well, I deserve that treatment.'

Public organizations like the Player Union favored factors that had a positive influence on public order.

There was no better material than Sanghyun's recent deeds. They were already preparing related promotional materials.

He had even received notice of a campaign being run to inspire patriotism and responsibility among players.

Sanghyun didn't mind, as long as they compensated him properly for using his image rights in the promotions.

"If I get some sleep and leave in the morning, the timing should be perfect."

Sanghyun glanced at the evening moon hanging in the sky as he stepped out of the training room.

Silent Ground.

It was a journey to obtain 'Silence,' the fourth status ailment option following Stiffness, Freezing, and Intimidation.

After a good night's sleep, Sanghyun left home in his car as soon as morning came.

It was an RV he had bought during a short break from the intense training over the past week.

The price was around 50 million won.

He didn't buy an expensive car since he expected to drive long distances frequently. Though he was tempted, practicality took priority.

"Why is it so jammed?"

For some reason, the area around Gangnam Station was particularly congested today.

When he rolled down the window to check, he saw that some sections of the road were blocked.

Several lanes were closed, creating a bottleneck, and traffic was crawling along at a snail's pace.

As he craned his neck out further, the reason became clear.

An elite team was preparing to enter the dungeon located right next to Gangnam Station Exit 1.

It was a massive team of 20 players with as many as 50 dedicated porters supporting them.

There were over 70 reporters gathered to capture their actions in photos and videos.

With so many people crowded around Exit 1, it was no wonder the area was completely blocked.

'Is that Do Kyungsoo?'

The cause of the traffic jam revealed itself.

Among the players lined up in front of the dungeon entrance by Exit 1 stood Do Kyungsoo.

Whoosh—.

An intense killing intent could be felt.

This was the ultimate form of hostility, capable of making anyone who sensed it instinctively shrink back.

"It's Do Kyungsoo-nim! Wow!"

"Oppa! I love you! Kyungsoo Oppa, you're going to crush everything in this dungeon too, right?"

Fans swarmed around Do Kyungsoo, cheering for him with wild enthusiasm.

Do Kyungsoo, with popularity rivaling that of a celebrity, was also a renowned swordsman and a proud name in South Korea's player community.

'A monster beyond level 500. At my level 57, I'm nothing but a rookie in front of him.'

The world of players beyond level 500 was entirely different from that of players below level 100.

It was a realm for the elite.

In that realm, countless skill exchanges, intense clashes, and various status ailments occurred within mere seconds, and at least one deadly tactic would always be in play.

In comparison, players below level 100 experienced battles that were, at the very least, predictable.

The concept of time operated on an entirely different scale, with combat quality and level being worlds apart.

Realizing his own position, Sanghyun let out a bitter smile. He still had a long way to go.

"Huh?"

Just then, a reporter who had been turning their camera around suddenly lowered it.

It was because they had locked eyes with a man.

That man was none other than Sanghyun, whose popularity had skyrocketed recently after the interview at Bupyeong Station.

"Isn't that Shin Sanghyun?"

The reporter's casual remark!

With just that one sentence, all eyes around them suddenly turned toward Sanghyun.

An unexpected, awkward situation was starting to unfold.