168th Chapter: Sunflowers
The second day of the main tournament concluded without significant incidents.
Only a minor shoulder wound sustained by Han Seong-gwang, whose level was merely around 150, stood out as the biggest surprise of the main tournament.
“Victory in Arena 14! Bloody Moon Shadow wins!”
“Victory in Arena 46! Bloody Moon Shadow wins!”
Following up from the previous day, I obliterated every challenger who came my way.
Ultimately, I achieved a perfect 10-match winning streak.
[1st Place: Challenger 112, Bloody Moon Shadow: 3312 points]
[2nd Place: Challenger 39, Pike Belmont: 1176 points]
[3rd Place: Challenger 1501, Cargas Omen: 1023 points]
[4th Place: Challenger 1933, Oscar Rail: 954 points]
[5th Place: Challenger 7082, Zhin Yue Xiaoxiang: 914 points]
… …
I secured the top spot with an overwhelming score difference.
Through repeated deaths and desperate struggles for survival, I grew stronger. No exaggeration—strong enough to be the unrivaled champion of at least one nation.
My strength was officially recognized here.
“Waaaaaah!!”
At the moment the final main tournament round ended, there was no one left to mock the name ‘Bloody Moon Shadow’.
Instead, I had become an object of popularity, respect, and even cult-like devotion.
“Pii-Jjet-Dal! Pii-Jjet-Dal!”
“Pii-Jjet-Shadow! Pii-Jjet-Shadow!”
Countless spectators wearing masks adorned with a bright crescent moon shouted my name.
Seeing those strange masks made my expression involuntarily twist with displeasure.
“Tch.”
What the heck is this nonsense? I’m just as curious as you are.
I even asked Seseona about it yesterday. Apparently, some profit-seeker was already selling ‘Pii-Jjet-Dal merchandise’.
At least they should’ve asked for the original creator’s permission. Such a lack of business ethics.
“With this, I announce the conclusion of the main tournament! Contestants called out, please step forward to the podium!”
The bearded middle-aged Cavalier announced the end of the tournament, much like before. That night, the award ceremony for the main tournament took place immediately.
Starting tomorrow will be the anticipated Cavalier Tournament.
So, today’s main objective is to hand out all the winners’ prizes and determine which top-placed competitors will participate in the Cavalier Tournament.
That way, those ranked below the top 100 can be given an opportunity to participate more swiftly.
“First place in the main tournament! Contestant 112, Bloody Moon Shadow! You are awarded 10,000 gold coins and the Dragon Extermination Sword!”
Swish.
I carefully took the Dragon Extermination Sword handed over by the middle-aged Cavalier. The dragon emblem gleaming with gold light was blinding.
This sword won’t corrupt me or something when I draw it, will it…? With such thoughts lingering in my mind, the moment I grabbed the hilt:
[ Epic – Notification: The Artifact of Annihilation is resonating.]
A panel appeared. It was pitch black, identical to the one related to Ruci…
[Detailed Information – Artifact of Annihilation]
[The artifact of annihilation, ‘Sword of Oblivion,’ split into two parts, is converging. If a ritual is performed within the witch’s depths, the fragments will combine, restoring the artifact to its original form.]
Whoom.
The Dragon Extermination Sword emitted a low resonance. Its resonance target was the Dragon Extinguishing Sword hanging on my back.
Though others might not notice, it’s clear to me, who possesses both swords, that they interact with each other.
‘…Restored?’
Does it mean these two swords can combine through some kind of ritual?
While the exact meaning is unclear at the moment, it’s certain that the Dragon Extermination Sword I’ve just received and the Dragon Extinguishing Sword on my back interact with each other.
‘As expected.’
Hector Cassas was indeed after this championship prize: the Dragon Extermination Sword.
I narrowed my eyes sharply as I tied the Dragon Extermination Sword next to the Dragon Extinguishing Sword. The dragon emblem on its guard glittered brilliantly in the moonlight.
“Those who have the honor to participate in the Cavalier Tournament, please step forward and salute!”
As the prize presentation ceremony ended, the selection for the Cavalier Tournament followed immediately.
With all attention on the stage, every participant except me moved forward in perfect synchronization.
“Haaat!”
The potential Cavaliers saluted in disciplined Markeuteuriseu style.
The full participation was surprising. The participation rate was higher than expected.
Well, considering that the only masked person here is me, it’s kind of expected. I calmly nodded.
“…”
Suddenly, the gazes of all the potential Cavaliers turned towards me, the largest surprise of the tournament.
“…?”
They stared harshly at me, standing still.
What, are you blind? Step forward and salute already! They were burning with fiery passion through their eyes.
It seems these guys have some misunderstanding. I raised my hand high and responded calmly.
“Ah, I’m not interested in the Cavaliers. Thank you.”
My words were broadcasted loudly to all the spectators through the Reflective Mirror.
An incomprehensible silence fell.
And shortly afterward, an incomprehensibly loud clamor erupted.
After announcing my withdrawal from the Cavalier Tournament, I gathered everything I needed and promptly left the arena.
As I removed my disguise near the arena entrance to wait for news, sighs from the citizens resonated from all around.
“Such a waste. A monster like that should’ve become a Cavalier.”
“I was hoping he’d flatten the noses of those arrogant Mittelrand bastards!”
Most of the discussions were regarding ‘Pii-Jjet-Dal’s’ unexpected refusal to participate in the Cavalier Tournament.
“What an incredible power wasted on earning pennies! It’s already a crime, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, that’s exactly what I thought. Hmm… Should I throw away this Pii-Jjet-Dal mask I bought? It was expensive.”
“Throw it away. Definitely.”
Pii-Jjet-Dal masks were scattered around the streets like trash. The treatment was vastly different from just an hour ago.
I smirked slightly, disregarding it.
“Talk however you want.”
Public opinion doesn’t matter to me.
Why do you feel entitled to my protection when you’ve done nothing for me? Selfish bastards.
Get run over by a demon king summoned on the street if you keep talking like that.
“Hyung-nim! Sir, it’s finally over!”
While silently cursing the citizens, I heard the voice of someone I was waiting for.
I glanced up. Han Seong-gwang was running towards me from the commercial district.
“How did it go?”
I suppressed my anticipation and asked quietly, carefully observing Han Seong-gwang’s face.
“Who do you think I am! I’m Han Seong-gwang, the fastest in Mapo District!”
An involuntary smile spread across my lips due to Han Seong-gwang’s proud expression.
He confidently handed me a scrap of paper.
“I found the guy you mentioned! Just go there!”
“… Hoh.”
I clenched my fist.
Success. As I thought, following my expectations… he was still keeping an eye on me.
Last night, I gave Han Seong-gwang one task.
To find a middle-aged man named Fredel Marsh somewhere in this city.
The crucial hint? The guy must be hiding in a bar with a Reflective Mirror.
“Don’t worry, sir! I used to run a detective agency in Korea! This is my specialty!”
Han Seong-gwang accepted the task more willingly than expected.
He forfeited his own second day in the martial tournament and immediately began the search. And within just half a day, he successfully located the target.
He really did work as a detective.
“Fredel Marsh – Male. Black hair, partially balding. Black eyes. Potbelly. Appearance aged 40s-50s.”
“Drunk Giant – X”
“Giant and Witch and Fairy – X”
“Love-Sick Giant – O”
“Love-sick giant? What a stupid name for a bar, Hector Cassas.”
You should’ve picked your offering spot a bit better.
‘Alright, let’s settle this, Hector Cassas.’
With every step forward, the deep-seated hatred within me bubbled up furiously.
“Ah! Who’s that over there? Mr. Bloody Moon Shadow! Come sit down here, please!”
Hector Cassas… or rather,
Fredel greeted me as soon as I entered the tavern.
“Congratulations on winning first place in the main tournament! This one’s on me, come on in!”
I sat down at the table as Fredel gestured. The table was laden with far too much lavish food for one person.
I glanced over the feast briefly before asking.
“…What’s all this fuss about? Is it someone’s birthday?”
“Hm? Haha! It’s a joyous day for you, isn’t it! I just wanted to take care of you, you’re like a son to me, my dear boy!”
It was as if he had expected, or even anticipated, that I’d come here.
No, he was definitely waiting. If I hadn’t approached first, he would have sought me out.
Looking for an opportunity to reclaim the Dragon Extermination Sword, he must have put on a show of friendliness, exactly like this.
‘I knew it.’
As long as I had the Dragon Extermination Sword, he would go to any lengths to establish a connection with me. That’s why I pushed through to the end of the martial tournament.
He’d surely believe I had no idea about his real identity, allowing him to say things like “you’re like a son to me.”
Coming to me voluntarily, how commendable.
‘Do I look like your son?’
You X-something bastard. My real dad never set such a lavish table when I was alive. My home was practically impoverished due to overwhelming debt.
What a twisted irony of fate that I’d receive my first feast in this alternate world from the fake father who was out to kill me.
“X…”
I turned away from Fredel, my emotions too complex, and stared at the Reflective Mirror instead.
Bera, the Seventh Demon King, and Berkel stood together on the podium, decorating the sky above the arena with luminous light birds for the pre-dawn festival of the Cavalier Tournament.
“Ah, it’s the eve of the festival.”
Fredel, following my gaze, stared intently at the Reflective Mirror.
The light birds illuminated the night sky like stars. They were truly three times more beautiful compared to the daylight, just as Fredel had said.
He was entranced, mesmerized by them, reminiscent of the childlike excitement he showed during our previous world’s closing ceremony.
Perhaps his genuine love for magic wasn’t entirely a lie. That’s what crossed my mind.
“Huuh… Crying… Huh… Crying…”
Suddenly, a deeply emotional sob resonated from somewhere nearby.
It was close. Perhaps someone was moved to tears by this splendid scene. The sobbing was remarkably clear and laden with emotion.
Fredel clicked his tongue in disapproval.
“Tsk, Tsk. On such a joyous occasion, who’s crying so pitifully?”
He narrowed his eyes, inspecting the other tables for the culprit.
After muttering briefly to himself, he turned his attention back to the Reflective Mirror and said.
“It’s me, you bastards.”
I teleported behind Fredel using my skill.
With a flash, I drew Veshtarck and plunged it deep into his throat.
Kacha-Kacha-Kacha!
A vivid skull marking appeared above Fredel’s head, emitting a grotesque laugh before disappearing. The mark of my quarry placed upon him since my entry into the tavern confirmed the fatal blow.
Perhaps you’ve forgotten.
Or maybe you never experienced it before, but I know you well, Hector Cassas. In our previous life, you clearly said:
“I may look tough, but I’m quite weak in hand-to-hand combat.”
“You… should never have come here.”
Understand. After living for hundreds of years, you’re still primarily a wizard.
Your reflexes and movements could never match the technician like me.
That’s why it was so hard. Suppressing this boiling rage and waiting for my perfect, once-in-a-lifetime chance was…
X Damn hard. Got it?
“Urgh… Uh, Uh…”
Hector alternately staring at me and the Veshtarck in his throat. A black blade protruded from his convulsing larynx as crimson blood trickled out.
I wiped the tears streaming down my face with my collar. The blurry vision revealed the faces of Xenon and Gena.
Lucy’s face, fading into ashes, also floated before me.
“Did you really have to… take everything…!”
I withdrew the sword and plunged it into his chest.
I drew it out again and pierced his stomach.
Pop, Squash, Snap, Crack!
“Feels so… rel…ieved…!”
I drew Espada as well.
I stabbed, withdrew, stabbed again. I kept stabbing. Following my instincts like a madman, I swung my swords wildly as Hector’s agonized screams reverberated.
“Ka, Ka, Ka!”
I won’t give you any chance to excuse yourself, to rant, or even open that mouth of yours.
Not a word. Just perish in extreme pain, Fredel.
No, Hector Cassas.
“X Damn bastards…”
Breathing heavily, I muttered curses.
When Hector’s human form disappeared, replaced by minced meat, my attacks finally ceased. The lavish feast on the table was drenched crimson with blood.
My face and entire body were coated in the same red.
“…”
Heavy silence enveloped the area, making the sound of my harsh breathing eerily distinct.
Glancing around, I saw the petrified, horrified gazes of everyone directed at me.
“Park Jeong-yong has returned. Our Park Jeong-yong is so grief-stricken, what shall we do?”
Older Brother Sooho assessed the situation and humorously echoed my parody.
He really does have a keen sense for such moments. I found the perfect situation so amusing that I broke into uncontrollable laughter.
“Hahaha…”
The people nearby let out a shrieked sigh at the sight.
I cast a pale, cold glare at the source of the sound.
“Uhh… I-I’m sorry, please… D-don’t kill me…”
Suddenly, a nearby female server collapsed, tears streaming down her face. Her groin rapidly soaked with urine.
I tilted my head slightly and spoke briefly.
“Uninvolved individuals, please leave. If you don’t want to die, go.”
“Hik! T-thank you so much!”
In a flurry of commotion, everyone in my vicinity, including the servers and bystanders who didn’t understand the situation, screamed and rushed towards the entrance.
“…”
When the crowd was instantly gone, an oppressive silence filled the tavern.
About ten people remained, all staring rigidly at Hector’s corpse.
“Looks like we’re having a small gathering? Hm?”
Far fewer than before. Fewer than when the tavern was filled entirely with his organization members in the previous life.
Of course. Already, his attempt to ambush me at dawn a few days ago had failed, and all infiltrators into the martial tournament were assassinated.
This was likely the maximum he could gather, despite his efforts.
“When someone sins, it’s proper for them to be punished, isn’t it?”
I muttered while shaking the blood and flesh off Veshtarck.
Moving one step at a time toward them, I scanned their faces. I could read the expressions of sheer disbelief on those faces.
Looking at human garbage like Hector and displaying such expressions, none of you could possibly be civilians.
“Right now, I’m going to punish you.”
Checking conditions? Waste of ten hours. I gave fair warning. Those not involved were told to leave.
From now on, everyone here is Hector’s subordinate. Whether they are or not, I’ll consider them as such.
I will kill every single one of you.
“Accept your punishment.”
Keeeey!
I directed the blood-drenched Veshtarck at the remnants.
Channeling mana into Espada with my skill, Espada naturally detached from its scabbard, circling around me like an ominous halo.
“Haaaseeee!”
Before the remnants could recover from their shock, I charged at them like a savage beast.
A storm of blood erupted.
