I Gave Up Being Stronger

Chapter 419

“Kim Chul-Soo! You have finally arrived!” Encyclopedia jumped up on Cha Jin-Hyeok’s sofa.

Unable to contain his curiosity after watching the livestream, Encyclopedia had visited Jin-Hyeok’s house. He was sure that the universe-level Scenario had progressed because of this incident even though Jin-Hyeok had not publicly revealed that.

‘He must have skipped at least one stage!’ Encyclopedia wanted to confirm just how far the universe-level Scenario had advanced and what rewards and directions had Chul-Soo received.

“I apologize for barging into your house while you weren’t here,” Encyclopedia said.

Jin-Hyeok remained silent. Encyclopedia observed Jin-Hyeok’s expression. Although Jin-Hyeok had defeated Garbinu, his face was far from cheerful.

“A-Are you particularly sensitive about people coming to your house unannounced?” Encyclopedia asked.

“No, it’s not that,” Jin-Hyeok replied. “It’s just... that... something is bothering me.”

“What is it?”

“You saw that I defeated... well, more like Garbinu ran away, right?”

“Yes, he vanished without a trace. But I don’t think he managed to escape.”

“What do you mean?”

“I think his escape attempt failed. The chances are very high that he died while trying to flee. I didn’t see any dimensional rifts or any signs of escape. In most cases, this indicates a failed escape attempt,” Encyclopedia chuckled. “So, you do not need to worry about future troubles. Why don’t you cheer up a bit?”

“Damn! Was it that obvious?”

“Yes. Anyone could see you’re in a foul mood.”

“No, I mean, was it obvious that Garbinu died?”

“?” Encyclopedia fell silent for a moment, processing Jin-Hyeok’s words. “Don’t tell me you actually killed him?”

“It appears so,” Jin-Hyeok said, crossing his legs as he sat on the sofa with an uncomfortable expression. “I didn’t expect him to die so easily.”

“You’re upset because he died too quickly?”

Encyclopedia thought, ‘I used to think I had studied Chul-Soo thoroughly, but I still have a lot to learn.’

“Don’t be too disappointed,” Encyclopedia said. “There is always a slim chance he used a last-ditch method to escape...”

“I hope so,” Jin-Hyeok replied as his mood darkened further.

Sensing this, Encyclopedia quickly changed the subject. “The universe-level Scenario must have progressed further, right?”

“Yes.” Jin-Hyeok frowned again. Clearly, he was dealing with a series of unpleasant events.

“Why are you so upset? Don’t tell me you didn’t skip any Stages.”

Encyclopedia knew that Players in the Korean Region were quite accustomed to skipping things. While he had not expected even the universe-level Scenarios to be skipped, people had grown used to Chul-Soo’s fast progression. Some even complained if Chul-Soo didn’t skip a Stage, saying the story progression felt slow.

“I did skip, but...” Jin-Hyeok said.

This was exactly what Encyclopedia had been curious about. ‘Judging by his reaction, he could not have skipped more than one Stage.’

Since the previous Stage was (12), Encyclopedia guessed, “So, is it now (14)?”

“No.”

“Hm... Then, (15)?” Encyclopedia expected the Scenario to skip by two stages at maximum.

“No.”

“Don’t tell me... (16)?”

“No.”

Jin-Hyeok’s frown deepened. “It is...”

“What?”

“It is (18).”

Encyclopedia was stunned. Chul-Soo had gone from stage (12) to stage (18)—a full six-stage skip. Yet he did not seem particularly pleased.

“You don’t look so happy about it, “ Encyclopedia said. ‘An ordinary Eltuber would be making a fuss over this.’

“But there was no reward.” This was why Jin-Hyeok could not reveal it on the livestream. He had accomplished a lot but gained nothing. As he wasn’t doing this for charity, working hard without having any results was a surefire way to bore the viewers. “I think there must be a System error.”

Jin-Hyeok somewhat assumed that the System had been lacking lately, but now it was clear. This had to be an error. He had already contacted Kihael, a former GM, about it. Kihael had promised to look into this and get back to him.

However, Encyclopedia had a slightly different opinion.

“I think differentl—oh shit!” Encyclopedia hastily closed himself and hid on the bookshelf.

Jin-Hyeok’s gaze had become too intense. He retrieved Encyclopedia from the shelf, opened him, and irritably scribbled on his face.

[Explain how it’s different.]

[I think you have become too strong, to the point where you do not need rewards anymore.]

[You’re not qualified to be an internet debater.]

[...]

***

The Sword Emperor Unit’s captain, Kyle, felt like crying a little. ‘I should have handed in my resignation earlier...’

Being ordered to go to the Earth Server and capture Kim Chul-Soo was the last thing he wanted. Having grown sick of Chul-Soo’s madness and strength, Kyle did not want to carry out this order. However, he had a family to support. As the one responsible for providing for his household, he had no choice but to follow orders.

‘If I disobey and run away now, I will never be able to work in this industry again.’

He could not retire so dishonorably as the Sword Emperor Unit’s captain. It was not just about the money; he wanted to be a father his children could be proud of. So, he had no choice but to head to Earth, swallowing his bitter pill.

‘What should I do? Will Chul-Soo come with me without a hassle?’

Kyle arrived on Earth with his mind in turmoil. The Sword Emperor Unit’s members were also somewhat tense.

“The Guardian Tree’s influence is strongest on Earth, Captain,” said one of Kyle’s subordinates.

“I know.”

“It will take quite a long time just to neutralize the Guardian Tree’s power.”

“Hmph, that measly Guardian Tree is nothing.”

Kyle put on a brave face befitting his role as captain. His subordinates looked at him with admiration. ‘As expected of our captain.’

“We will arrive in Seoul soon, Captain.”

“Alright.”

Kyle drew his sword. He could feel the power of the Guardian Tree. The tree’s barrier repelled anything with hostility toward Chul-Soo and blocked anyone who Chul-Soo designated as an enemy.

At that moment, the Guardian Tree spoke to Jin-Hyeok.

-“The Sword Emperor Unit has arrived!”

“Is Kyle with them?” Jin-Hyeok asked.

-“They’re shouting that they will capture you! But strangely, I do not sense any hostility from them!”

Jin-Hyeok started to feel better. Although the recent incident with Garbinu had not turned out to be beneficial for him, he was lucky he had good friends around him.

‘First Garcia, now Kyle...’ Jin-Hyeok thought.

Garcia was the head of the Feyler Family, and Kyle was the Sword Emperor Unit’s captain. Jin-Hyeok felt grateful that such prominent figures were helping him with his content.

-“It would be nice if you would allow me to smash their heads! Hehe.”

“No... let them pass, moderately.”

-“Moderately?”

The Guardian Tree wondered if smashing five out of ten heads would be considered moderate. Acknowledging the instruction, it pushed back against the Sword Emperor Unit.

***

Kyle felt a twinge of frustration. “Ugh... They weren’t kidding about Earth’s Guardian Tree being powerful...”

Half of the Sword Emperor Unit’s members were incapacitated. The incapacitated members were sent to the back for treatment, which left only about fifty fighters at the scene.

“Still, it’s not as bad as we thought,” one member remarked.

“It seems weaker than the Arvis Server’s Guardian Tree,” another added.

As if by cruel coincidence, blood suddenly burst from the forehead of the member who had spoken those words. It was a fatal wound.

“The Guardian Tree is exhausted too,” Kyle said. “We will advance while we have the chance!”

The Sword Emperor Unit’s soldiers began to dash forward. Soon, they arrived in Yeonhui-dong and surrounded Jin-Hyeok’s house. Their mobility was truly worthy of the Sword Emperor Unit’s reputation.

Captain Kyle steeled himself. ‘It is okay to lose in this fight. Even the mighty Garbinu lost to Chul-Soo.’

While this was not entirely honorable, fighting and losing was far better than fleeing without even trying. At least this way, he could maintain a modicum of dignity. That was his strategy.

So, he provoked Jin-Hyeok with as much bravado as he could muster. “Throw down your weapon and surrender immediately, Chul-Soo! I am ashamed to have taught you the ways of the Spirit Sword, not knowing how corrupted you were. If you surrender now, I will at least spare your life!”

Kyle’s voice and aura were intense, but to Jin-Hyeok, he sounded sweet. There was not a trace of real killing intent in Kyle’s voice.

‘The acting could use a bit of work,’ Jin-Hyeok thought.

Although it wasn’t perfect, it was good enough for him. Ordinary people would not be able to distinguish these subtle differences. By most standards, it was quite an impressive performance.

Jin-Hyeok opened the front door and walked out. “Kyle, is all this necessary? I haven’t committed any crime.”

“That’s for the Imperial Family to decide.” Kyle closed the distance between them, as if there was no need to converse anymore. “Full Moon.”

Sword energy dispersed from Kyle’s blade, forming a silver sphere that transformed into a massive lunar shape, bearing down on Jin-Hyeok. It was Kyle’s most powerful offensive Skill, boasting tremendous destructive power. Though it appeared slow, that was deceptive. It embodied the principle of the Heavy Sword—visible but unavoidable. The weighty Full Moon cut off Jin-Hyeok’s escape routes and slowly descended.

“Activate defensive Mystery Phantom Swordswoman.”

The Phantom Swordswoman materialized and swung her hammer toward the Full Moon.

Clang!

Cracks began to form in the Full Moon.

“Ugh!” Kyle shouted.

The Full Moon was a sword technique Kyle had manifested using his mana. It was a powerful ability connected directly to himself. When the Phantom Swordswoman struck it directly, Kyle coughed up blood. Although he had known about Jin-Hyeok’s strength and had mentally prepared himself, the defensive Mystery’s power surpassed his imagination.

‘Chul-Soo was this strong?’ Kyle thought.

The mana running throughout his body was in disarray. He wanted to collapse right there, but he couldn’t. His subordinates were watching, and Chul-Soo was likely streaming this across the universe. Kyle knew that even if he was going to fall, he had to show his best until the very end.

“Moon, shatter!”

The Full Moon transformed into hundreds of sharp fragments that rushed toward Jin-Hyeok. It looked like a rain of jewels. Dodging the attack seemed impossible.

The Phantom Swordswoman swung her hammer at superhuman speeds, desperately trying to protect her master, but the shattered fragments were too fast and numerous. The Phantom Swordswoman’s clothes were torn to shreds. The same happened to Jin-Hyeok.

“Ugh.” Jin-Hyeok’s easily torn armor was ripped in various places. Outwardly, it seemed he had taken significant damage.

However, Kyle knew better. ‘His clothes are torn, but there is not even a scratch on him.’

Kyle realized how powerful Chul-Soo was, in both offense and defense. To take his attack head-on without using Absolute Barrier and come out unscathed—it was incredible. Kyle had learned a few things after meeting Jin-Hyeok.

‘I need to show the most spectacular swordsmanship possible,’ Kyle thought.

That way, the public would accept this defeat. That acceptance would secure his life after retirement. Kyle leaped high into the sky, concentrating his sword energy.

To the Sword Emperor Unit’s soldiers, Kyle did not seem normal.

‘Why is he moving so inefficiently?’

‘I thought he didn’t specialize in aerial techniques.’

‘Doesn’t our captain usually despise flashy techniques?’

Jin-Hyeok was impressed. ‘Is he abandoning his usual principles for my sake?’

It felt like they were comrades in the content war.

‘If that’s the case, I will respond with equal flair,’ Jin-Hyeok thought.