Chapter 1

Level Up IlDanSimPanGwan – Episode 1 & Prologue (1/227)

Episode 1: Prologue

A carriage was making its way through a dense forest path.

The six travelers already aboard kept sneaking glances at the man who had joined them.

“That bridge you tried crossing earlier? It’s crawling with undead. You’d have been dead meat if you’d walked straight through. Lucky for you, you ran into us.”

“I’m truly grateful.”

As the man smiled lightly and expressed his thanks, the group of six surrounding him exchanged odd looks and chuckled.

Anyone perceptive would’ve noticed the lack of goodwill and suspicious glances, figuring out their true nature. But this guy seemed completely clueless.

– Haha, this dude doesn’t suspect a thing.

– He’s such an idiot. My hands are itching!

– Just wait a little longer, we’re almost there.

They whispered to each other using the private chat system.

Their true identities were those of a professional PK (Player Killing) thief gang operating in this area, targeting players.

These villains got a kick out of ambushing players from behind, stealing their items and gold, relishing the thrill of betrayal.

Unlike amateurs, they constantly changed locations, making it nearly impossible for victims to track them down.

‘This face seems familiar… but whatever, doesn’t matter. This job is going to be huge.’

The man’s black armor decorated with red crosses, his white sword, rings, and other expensive-looking equipment suggested he was loaded with cash.

Probably some rich kid flaunting gear beyond his level, either bought with real money or connections.

His level seemed decent, but around here that wouldn’t make much difference. Even if he was significantly higher, they outnumbered him six to one.

With how relaxed he was, launching a surprise attack now would leave even a Ranker no chance.

With such a wealthy target secured on their carriage, tonight’s victory party was guaranteed.

“Hmm…”

The guild member sitting up front barely suppressed a smirk while driving toward their destination.

They could kill him and take his loot anytime, but caution was key.

Waiting until the carriage reached a secluded spot deep within the forest would ensure no passing players witnessed the deed.

Screech!

Without warning, the front-seated guild member abruptly stopped the carriage.

The passengers stumbled, trying to regain balance.

“Sorry about that… looks like the wheel hit a rock.”

“I’m fine.”

Despite the insincere apology from the guild member, the man in black armor politely responded.

Unbeknownst to him, that apology was actually the signal.

Swish!

The guild members surrounding the naive man instantly drew their weapons.

Swords, axes, spears, maces, daggers – all swung at once to cut off his escape.

Clang!

“Wha…?”

But none of the weapons touched him.

With just one sword, he deflected all six attacks.

Then he swung his longsword in a wide arc.

Swoosh!

While the others scrambled out of the carriage to create distance, the two assassins closest to him fell lifelessly with severed necks.

One of the remaining guild members couldn’t contain his anger.

“You bastard! Did you know about our plan all along!”

“I’m the one who was attacked here. I’m curious why you’re angry instead.”

Leaping down from the carriage, the man said with a mocking tone.

Already feeling humiliated, the guild member lost control and charged at him with a raised mace.

“A knight class without any party members! Stop showing off!”

Crack!

The mace flew backward and embedded itself in the ground, while its wielder collapsed instantly.

Blood splattered as he logged out immediately.

The other guild members watched in disbelief.

Their main tank, known for his high HP and defense, had just been killed in one hit.

His thick plate armor was completely warped, and his health drained instantly.

Impossible unless an extremely high-level assassin attacked from behind.

“One thing you got wrong – I’m not a knight.”

The armored man raised his sword.

White flames erupted from his longsword.

“The sword and flame of the goddess, and the executor of Her will.”

Now only three guild members remained, backing away cautiously.

They felt they had messed with someone far above them.

“It’s true! That’s Lu’s IlDanSimPanGwan!”

“What? You mean that crazy fanatic?”

At the mention of their deity’s name, the guild members paled.

They turned to flee.

But it was too late.

In an instant, the black-armored IlDanSimPanGwan’s sword pierced through their legs.

“No way! This can’t be happening… Gahhh!”

He wasn’t done yet.

He slashed again at the fallen guild members, dealing damage just short of killing them.

Among the half-dead bodies, the last remaining guild member gritted his teeth.

“You… you insane bastard…”

“Crazy? I’ve heard that so many times it doesn’t affect me anymore.”

The blood-stained sword-wielding man approached in his black armor.

“Wait! I was forced into this by those PKers! I was just supposed to be bait to lure others in! It’s really unfair! Aren’t you supposed to uphold justice? Shouldn’t you save me then? I’ll definitely repay you if you let me live, promise!”

Panicking, the guild member desperately made up excuses.

48-hour login restriction, item drops, level downs.

The massive death penalties meant he absolutely couldn’t die.

“Hmm, bait… that could be possible. It’s a common tactic used by scumbags.”

Amazingly, the man stopped and nodded in agreement.

Though initially thought to be completely insane as a follower of the notorious Goddess Lu, it seemed he could still hold a conversation.

“But you know…”

“Huh…?”

“The chances of you lying to save your own skin are much higher.”

“I swear it’s true! Please believe me! Are you going to kill innocent people too?”

“Of course not. Don’t worry about that point. The Goddess sees everything.”

With an eerily gentle smile, the man suddenly changed tone.

Then without hesitation, he activated a skill, producing a thick tome in his left hand surrounded by bright light.

Rustle!

Though untouched, the pages of the closed book rapidly flipped through.

When the pages finally stopped, the man nodded once and slammed the book shut.

Instantly, a large cross emerged from the ground, and he bound the three helpless thieves to it.

“Attempted murder of believers… punishable by hanging according to law. However, since the target was not an ordinary believer but a representative of the deity, an Apostle, the sentence changes. I hereby sentence all of you to execution by burning.”

Whoosh!

The white flames from his sword violently surged.

“What the hell are you talking about! I’m innocent! Untie me, you son of a bitch!”

“If you’re truly innocent, you can prove it. The Goddess can distinguish between sinners and innocents. Everything will become clear when I burn you. If you’re falsely accused, She will surely save you.”

“Are you insane?! Let me go!! Dammit!!”

Terrified, the guild member struggled fiercely.

But the ropes and stake held firm.

“If I die this time, it’s over for me!”

“Only Sacred Flames can decide your fate. I hope you survive too.”

Regardless of the guild member’s protests, the man’s sword touched the hay beneath the stake, transferring the white flames.

The rapidly spreading fire surged toward the guild members tied to the cross.

“No… please no!”

Whoosh!

The flames engulfed the thieves tied to the cross.

[Severe burns detected!]

[Remaining HP 1%, Death approaches.]

“Aaaaaaagh!”

Even though the pain wasn’t real, the intense heat felt just like reality. Being consumed by fierce flames while tied to a cross was certainly a unique experience.

As the white flames incinerated the bodies without leaving any remains, the one who started the fire knelt on one knee and clasped his hands in prayer.

“I have sent six tainted souls to the side of the Goddess. Guide them and punish them according to their sins. In these times when justice has fallen, only the words of the Goddess can lead us to righteousness. As Her Apostle, I shall walk the path of punishing heretics and unbelievers, eradicating all evil from this world and returning to Your side.”

Opening his eyes after praying, a status window appeared before him.

[You have leveled up!]

[You have eliminated heresy!]

[Light Church Contribution +145]

[Faith Stat +6]

[Madness Stat +6]

[‘Lu, Judge of Light’ expresses satisfaction with your actions.]

[Goddess Favor +0.96% (Current 200%)]

“All things happen according to the will of the Goddess.”

A faint smile appeared on his lips.