Chapter 124

Level Up IlDanSimPanGwan – Episode 124 (124/227)

Episode 124: Arena (2)

Kagagang!

In the middle of the sandstorm-filled arena, a fierce battle was underway between two users.

The warrior wielding dual axes swung wildly, but Ail swiftly leaped back to evade the onslaught.

However, just as Ail tried to create distance…

The warrior used the powerful active skill ‘Fierce Charge’, closing in on Ail in an instant.

Whoosh!

The axe only slashed through empty air.

Using ‘Reverse Grip’, Ail instantly turned around behind the warrior and struck his armor.

Chheeng!

The man who had been sent flying slid across the floor, barely maintaining his balance.

After the intense exchange, only about 10% of his HP remained.

“Damn! To lose to someone who’s just level 80…”

The warrior clenched his teeth in frustration.

At first glance, the level 80 user seemed like easy prey.

In contrast, the warrior was level 140, and under normal circumstances should have easily dominated.

But he struggled to gain the upper hand.

“Huff…”

Having passed the critical moment, Ail took a brief moment to catch his breath.

With 30% HP remaining, it wasn’t an ideal situation, but things weren’t too bad.

Earlier, the warrior had used a powerful buff skill to boost his stats temporarily, then launched a fierce attack aiming for victory.

Ail narrowly avoided being defeated by carefully buying time until the skill duration ended.

Considering this was one of the warrior’s saved cards, it could be seen as a missed opportunity.

Now it was Ail’s turn again.

“One Island’s cooldown is up.”

After checking the status of his skills, Ail glanced around.

Unlike when he first entered, the arena was now bustling with activity.

The spectator seats were packed with other users who had gathered to watch Ail, who had become a well-known figure in Esmaier.

Since Ail had stayed in the same arena area for consecutive matches, spectators could keep watching without moving.

“At least I’ve prohibited recording, so there’s less risk of exposing my full strength.”

Tata!

Ail immediately charged at the warrior with his sword drawn.

Reacting quickly, the warrior raised his axe to block the trajectory of Ail’s raised longsword.

Attempting to predict the path and block the attack…

But suddenly, Ail had switched to a small dagger in his hand.

Phuuk!

The One Island skill using the dagger grazed his neck, followed by enveloping flames.

While dealing less damage than the longsword, it allowed for precise control of the damage dealt.

Thud!

The warrior collapsed to his knees, reduced to near-death status. Standing coldly before him, Ail summoned the pyre with a kick.

Hwoorrrr!

“Uaaaaaah!”

The fallen warrior was inevitably dragged by Ail and burned alive.

“Crazy…”

“Is he here to duel or just burn people?”

Users who had just arrived and witnessed their first execution sat in shock, muttering among themselves.

While taunting defeated users was common in the arena…

Seeing someone carry out executions and then pray before them was unprecedented.

Of course, this only applied to those who hadn’t yet adapted to Ail’s style.

This was already the 29th execution since Ail entered the arena, so most users were more interested in the outcome of the match.

[Victory in Duel!]

[Current Record: 29 Wins 0 Losses, 1654 Points]

[Bonus points and rewards granted for winning streak!]

[‘Ail’ has achieved 29 consecutive victories!]

“Truly a monster…”

“How is he doing this at level 80…”

Despite watching, it was hard to believe.

Ail had already achieved 29 consecutive victories, defeating opponents despite being at a much lower level compared to other players in the ranking.

Even those who initially thought his rise was exaggerated video footage couldn’t help but be convinced of his skill.

Even after finishing his prayer, Ail stood expressionless, as if achieving 29 consecutive victories was nothing special.

‘Honestly, that wasn’t easy…’

Though outwardly calm, inwardly things were different.

Just the opponent he faced moments ago was a high-level warrior at level 140.

Compared to the earlier duelists he faced, the difference in number of skills became increasingly apparent.

Fortunately, while Ail had fewer skills, most of them were high-grade, ranging from Heroic to Unique levels, which helped compensate.

The problem was that opponents were no longer at low levels.

Reaching the 1600 point mark meant these were users very familiar with arena combat, and ranked highly in skill.

‘There were several close calls during the winning streak…’

Contrary to what the audience perceived, reaching this point wasn’t as smooth as it seemed.

Especially the black knight user encountered during the 27th victory, who was extremely skilled and well-equipped, posed a real threat.

As expected, the higher the score bracket, the tougher the opponents.

It wouldn’t be surprising to suffer a defeat anytime soon.

“Now there’s just one left… Hmm.”

Checking his earned points, Ail slightly furrowed his brow.

Achieving 29 consecutive victories brought his score to 1654 points.

An incredibly high score for someone who just started in the arena today.

However, this revealed that Ail’s original plan had gone slightly awry.

“At this score level, even achieving the 30th victory might not be enough…”

Winning the 30th match would grant significantly more honor points than the first victory.

Still, even considering that, earning 50 points at once would be difficult.

Thinking he had one match left, it seemed unlikely he’d reach 1700 points even with the 30th victory.

Scores varied depending on the rating of matched opponents, leading to situations like this.

Now, facing the threshold of 1700 points, he’d need two more victories.

But Ail decided to slightly alter his original plan.

“Hmm… Might as well go straight to the team battle and try to advance in one go.”

[Duel type changed!]

[Searching for next match…]

Manipulating the screen, Ail altered the previously set matching conditions.

The duel type he just selected was 4v4 Team Battle.

Each side forms teams of four, and battles are conducted one-on-one until a winner is determined.

Though the process takes longer with more participants, more honor points are awarded compared to 1v1 duels.

In fact, among users, the differences in selection methods weren’t significant.

However, in Ail’s situation where achieving 30 consecutive victories would grant a major bonus, it made a difference.

Winning a team battle could potentially earn up to 50 points at once.

[Matchmaking complete!]

Paat!

Due to the option change, Ail was transported to a different arena this time.

Upon entering the waiting room and looking around, Ail saw three other users standing beside him.

These were his teammates for the upcoming team battle.

“Nice to meet you!”

“Let’s win together!”

During the short waiting period, the team members introduced themselves.

There was the Warrior-type ‘Berserker’, Rogue-type ‘Ron’, and Martial Artist-type ‘Mudoja’.

Given they were in a high scoring bracket, all were PVP-specialized classes.

“Hold on, isn’t that person’s level…”

“Wow, really?”

Sensing something odd, the team members looked at Ail.

While all the other team members naturally had triple-digit levels, Ail was only level 80.

Moreover, his class was the non-mainstream IlDanSimPanGwan.

Though gaining attention recently, having him as a teammate in such an important match was somewhat unsettling.

However, before the skeptical teammates could check Ail’s record…

[Each team’s order of appearance has been decided!]

[‘Ail’ will appear fourth.]

The system randomly determined the order of appearance.

Ail ended up being the fourth and final contestant.

“Hurry up and check your equipment and get ready! We need to head out now.”

“You’re appearing last though. Let’s hope the frontliners perform well.”

Occasionally, subpar players get matched.

In such situations, the team might complain, but the members tried not to show their disappointment.

The team quickly moved out of the waiting room, with Ail following while scratching his head.

As Ail entered the arena, he could see four opposing players coming in from the opposite side.

“Then I’ll go first.”

“Good luck!”

Under tense conditions, the first players from both sides stepped forward.

From Ail’s team, a male Berserker at level 130 stepped forward.

On the opposing side, the woman who appeared to be a Rogue based on the two daggers at her waist stepped forward.

[First duel begins!]

As the message appeared, the duel started immediately.

Kaang!

The Berserker made the first move.

Using a rapid approach skill, he closed the distance instantly and clashed swords with the rogue, who was typically weaker in direct combat.

Not stopping there…

“Gyaah!”

After deflecting one dagger to the side, he raised his sword high, and a yellow light flashed from the descending blade.

The Berserker’s exclusive skill ‘Break Defense’.

A powerful technique that nullifies any defense stance and deals additional damage.

An unavoidable timing strike.

But the rogue’s lips curled into a smirk.

“Parry!”

Kaang!

Her dagger deflected the skill-enhanced attack.

The sword passed harmlessly by without dealing any damage, and in that moment, the rogue landed a critical blow to his side.

Phuuk!

“Guh…”

“That counter timing…?”

What’s more, it wasn’t an ordinary counterattack.

The dagger that slipped through while deflecting the attack not only dealt damage but also applied bleeding effects, gradually draining his HP.

Normally, when applying bleeding effects, prolonging the fight would be the standard play.

But she didn’t give up the opening she created.

Phuuk!

She stabbed the retreating Berserker’s side again.

The frowning man swung his sword trying to push her away, but the result was the same.

Instead, she activated the ‘Counter Stab’ skill on him, adding another stack of bleeding effects.

“Damn, can’t keep up…”

Being pushed back relentlessly, the Berserker bit his lip.

He couldn’t even properly block attacks, let alone see where the unpredictable daggers were heading.

This was due to her passive ability, ‘Chaotic Blades’.

Phuk! Phuk! Phuk!

One-sided exchanges of damage continued.

Teammates watching couldn’t help but be shocked.

“She’s just stabbing the same spot over and over…”

“She’s completely playing with him.”

The rogue persistently attacked the same side where she first landed a hit.

This wasn’t part of any strategic plan.

It was clearly done to show off her skills to everyone present.

Phuuk!

“Khack…”

The Berserker fell limply to the ground as the match concluded, being teleported back to where his teammates waited.

“Why so weak?”

The rogue smirked mockingly.

But none of the teammates on the opposite side dared to say anything.

Her confident attitude was matched by incredible skill, and the stunned teammates finally checked her record.

[Level 171, Rogue]

[29 Wins 0 Losses (Win Rate 100%), 1660 Points]

“Come on, next person!”