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[Translator - Prøks]
[Proofreader - Prøks]
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Chapter 106
0.
As Seonghyun finished it with the explosion, it wasn't just the ghost who expressed elation.
Naturally, the viewers who had watched the entire thing also went wild.
-Waaaaah! Crazy! Seriously crazy!!!!
-Watched it while holding my breath, seriously.
-Wow, that live stream was worth the money.
-Isn't it actually a bargain??? Seeing this kind of broadcast for this price;;;
-Real talk lol, from now on, I'm subscribing to Rapid Guild and coming right away when the broadcast alert rings.
-This is the way.
-Please, if you're Korean, subscribe to Rapid Guild.
The viewers were in an uproar.
It had been that satisfying of a live stream.
Usually, after such a victory, it's common to say something.
A victory cry, a roar, a celebration.
However, Seonghyun showed no such reaction.
Just calmly.
[Today's broadcast ends here. Thank you for watching.]
-????????
-???????
-?????? Really, this is the end?
-????????
Ending the broadcast with such humble words?
After showing such an incredible performance?
Bearing the title of Demon King?
The viewers lingered, thinking "no way."
Soon, the message "Broadcast Ended" appeared, and the screen turned black.
It indicated the broadcast had been turned off.
Even though the broadcast was off, they could still remain in the chat window.
The reactions afterward were even more intense.
-🤣🤣🤣💀💀
-Lmao who ends a stream like this lololol.
-Even though the performance was amazing, the ending was like that😭😭.
-Saying thanks for watching lol, we're the ones honored.
-Real talk lmao this is super fun.
-It's nice to see the humility.
-Seriously, these days the world is full of cocky guys who aren't even as good as the Demon King;;;
-For real, I'm a fan now!
-Demon King! Stream more often!!!
While the viewers typed such chats and enjoyed themselves, there were those who looked upon the atmosphere with displeasure.
This was mainly true for the high-ranking guilds competing with the Rapid Guild.
Especially.
Eclipse Order, ranked 4th among all guilds.
“Haaah. We won't be able to chase them now.”
“We might just have to stay ranked 4th.”
“...It's unfortunate how things turned out.”
From this result, the executives of Eclipse Order could feel it.
They had intended to somehow compete by establishing a two-pronged system with Meiran and their current ranker, Wade, but the opponent was simply on another level.
The performance Seonghyun had shown was a feat equivalent to reserving a future spot among the single rankers.
In comparison, Eclipse Order's ranker, Wade, was merely ranked 15th, an ambiguous position.
The Rapid Guild already had Yuna, ranked 9th among single rankers.
If Seonghyun continued to rise at his current speed?
“We won't even be able to approach the Rapid Guild.”
“There seems to be no way forward relying only on ourselves.”
“Haaah.”
Most of the executives couldn't help but be engulfed in despair.
Of course, being ranked 4th overall was impressive, but with guilds below them gradually catching up, they had recruited the outstanding talent Meiran to somehow climb higher, yet it wasn't easy.
So, there was only one option left.
“We must accept Echo Willow's proposal.”
“It seems that's the only way.”
“Well, even if we follow them, there's no direct loss for us.”
The Eclipse Order executives smiled as they discussed this, mentioning Echo Willow, who still hadn't shown up even as the large-scale event neared its end.
1.
Seonghyun had ended the broadcast abruptly.
Was there any other reason?
It was to savor the sweet fruit of the main quest rewards.
He had obtained skills and a new summon.
He even gained an additional Legion Commander appointment.
But what Seonghyun was most anticipating was something else entirely.
Before Seonghyun, the skeletal knight knelt faithfully on one knee, offering a knight's oath.
And beside it, in the exact same posture, was a translucent teal ghost, its form looking slightly distorted, like corrupted pixels.
The body and the ghost of Doom Knight, Leonik Evoke, were bowing their heads to Seonghyun together.
“…….”
The skeletal knight seemed unable to speak, remaining silent.
-For the new successor to possess such outstanding talent and skill... Is this not also a virtue of the former Lord? This knight is truly moved.
The ghost was excessively talkative.
It spoke articulately, like a noble, causing Seonghyun to nod awkwardly.
It spoke with courtesy, similar to Nocturnium, but was the complete opposite of the taciturn Nocturnium.
Well, he had heard it was an incredible soul.
Seonghyun nodded and spoke.
No, he tried to speak.
“Ahem, then, I shall receive the memories...”
-Hmph! It pains me to inform you, but while it is indeed a monarch's virtue to care for and look after their subjects, I humbly request that you consider the rank difference between a subordinate and the monarch and lower your speech accordingly.
“...I-I will do that.”
He tried to say he understood, but…
Seonghyun found himself unconsciously speaking a bit like someone in a historical drama.
He wasn't sure why.
Anyway, as Seonghyun lowered his speech as requested, Leonik nodded as if satisfied.
Regardless, it was now time to read the memories.
His stats would surely rise, but Seonghyun was far more excited about the memories of swordsmanship.
The swordsmanship Seonghyun currently used was Fluid Swordsmanship.
Soft, flowing with the battle.
It could be called a style more suited for defense than offense.
But the swordsmanship he fought against when facing the Remnant of Doom Knight was a rigid, domineering style with a dominic disposition.
‘Can I do that too?’
With that thought, he reached out his hand.
Teal energy flowed from Seonghyun's grasp, warmly embracing Leonik's form.
Like waves, the tides of memory surged and washed over Seonghyun.
It could have been a frightening sight, but Seonghyun, as if accustomed to it, accepted Leonik's memories with anticipation.
He could certainly perceive swordsmanship on a different dimension from the ones he had obtained before.
He realized the Remnant of Doom Knight's skill must have been incomplete as well.
"Ah..."
Should it be called the essence of swordsmanship?
As he felt those things, a message appeared, one he hadn't seen in a long time.
[You have achieved something impossible at your current level using 'Unknown Power'.]
[Strength +15, Agility +8 permanently increase.]
The total stat increase was a whopping 23 points.
When he absorbed Fiora's memories, the total increase was 20.
Compared to that, this was 3 points higher.
‘Incredible.’
From level 20 onwards, no matter how hard Seonghyun tried to read, there were memories and experiences he couldn't access.
Parts that were difficult to even glimpse.
Still, should he consider it fortunate that he could read all the parts related to swordsmanship?
‘I’ve definitely gotten stronger.’
He had obtained the Domineering Swordsmanship.
But this wasn't the end.
Was it because he understood the very essence of swordsmanship itself?
Or was it thanks to the Fluid Swordsmanship he already possessed?
His Fluid Swordsmanship had also improved further.
‘I might be able to fight using only swordsmanship now?’
At this rate, with his existing swordsmanship effects being so good, he felt he might even reach a stage where he rarely needed to use magic.
Now that he had absorbed the memories, wasn't there something left to do?
Seonghyun now naturally infused Leonik's soul into the skeletal knight, which was still kneeling on one knee with its head bowed.
Then, within the knight's empty eye sockets, an ultramarine radiance burst forth, and it stared at Seonghyun with blazing eyes, as if in disbelief.
-Ah, aaaah!!!
But could this be the end?
Seonghyun, as if it were only natural, this time used a skill, not his own inherent ability.
As Seonghyun used that skill, a cluster of teal light poured down onto Leonik's head, as if performing a baptism, and a brilliant singing sound could be heard from somewhere.
The teal light descending from the sky enveloped Leonik, and soon, teal mixed with the ultramarine aura, creating a sight of two swirling auras.
Furthermore, the form that was once a skeletal knight became shrouded in darkness, turning now from white bone to black bone. All its bones took on a hard, obsidian color, proudly absorbing the light.
As it transformed into this heavy, solid form, a message appeared.
[『Doom Knight, Leonik Evoke』 has been appointed as a Death Legion Commander.]
[Becomes stronger and leads the Death Legion.]
-Ahhh!!! To have committed such disrespect to the new master from the very beginning... Yet, for you to trust me so... Thank you!!! I!!! Leonik Evoke!!! Even if all my bones turn to dust and crumble, I pledge my lifelong loyalty to my master!!!
Seonghyun nodded with satisfaction as he watched Leonik shout the resonant knight's oath.
He seemed extremely pleased.
So much so that one could almost feel a grin on the skull's head.
Was he that happy to return to being a Legion Commander?
Seonghyun couldn't understand, but he accepted it and finally checked the new skill he had obtained.
It was Almighty Rank this time too.
What kind of skill would it be?
『Order of Ruin』
→《Almighty》
→[Lv 1][Growing Type]
[Passive Effect][Active]
[Cooldown 24 hours]
[Summon Duration 10 minutes]
It is said that nothing can remain where the Order of Ruin moves.
They are ruin, they are death, they take everything away.
→Overlord Exclusive Skill.
→Summons the Order of Ruin from the Demon World.
→Upon summoning, knights equal to 10% of the summoner's level are summoned. During the duration, they move according to the Death Legion Commander's orders.
→If the Death Legion Commander's Leadership is insufficient compared to the Order of Ruin, they will not obey orders.
‘Hmm? Leadership?’
The performance of an Almighty skill would undoubtedly be excellent.
But Leadership?
Was there such a stat?
Feeling a bit puzzled, he first read the other effects.
Knights summoned equal to 10% of the summoner's level.
The 10-minute duration was ample.
The 24-hour cooldown was a bit restrictive, but he could likely use the Hourglass of Regression to use it multiple times, so he wasn't particularly concerned.
‘What does it mean if the Legion Commander’s Leadership is insufficient?’
Did it mean lower rank?
He didn't quite grasp it yet.
Shouldn't he just try summoning them?
He had Leonik, who had just become a Legion Commander.
Wouldn't it be perfect for testing?
Since Leonik was also a knight, maybe it would fit?
As Seonghyun considered asking Leonik about it, Leonik beat him to it.
-My Lord, might I perhaps request that you try using the newly acquired skill, Order of Ruin?
“Hmm?”
Leonik had asked first, quite suddenly asking to be summoned.
Could there be some connection?
Seonghyun looked at Leonik curiously.
Leonik explained with almost excessive politeness.
-Actually, I had a small connection with them back when I served Lady Helena, so I have a small wish to see if the Order of Ruin still carries on its reputation. Also, since it will be my role to train and command the knights on the battlefield in the future, I thought it might be best for me to meet them beforehand. Also...
“Th-that's enough. Alright. I'll summon them.”
-Ah! I know not how to express my gratitude for the Lord's mercy, which is like the vast ocean!
He could have just said thank you, but he spoke at length again.
Seonghyun shook his head, looking fed up.
Anyway, Seonghyun wanted to test it out too.
Thus, as he used the new skill, Order of Ruin, the surrounding sky quickly darkened.
Then, as if the Netherworld itself was opening, a teal portal mixed with black opened, and from it, the resonant neighing of horses echoed out.
Hwiiiiiiing——!
Clip-clop! Clip-clop! Clip-clop! Clip-clop—!
Along with the neighing, the sound of warhorse hooves approaching in a group merged together.
The reverberation gradually grew louder, making the nearby ground and air tremble.
As an immense aura pressed down on everything, spreading in all directions, nine shadows shot out from the teal portal mixed with darkness like arrows.
A knightly order, each riding a ghost horse wreathed in intensely burning black flames.
Their number was merely nine, yet the presence each of them possessed seemed equivalent to hundreds.
Seonghyun recalled when Balthar was first summoned.
Individually, they might be weaker than Balthar, but the presence felt like just three of them together could easily overwhelm Balthar.
The same applied to Leonik, who had just become a Legion Commander.
Sure enough.
“Mere undead dared to think of commanding us?”
The one standing at the very front of the Order of Ruin looked down on Leonik with contemptuous eyes.
Knights of the Demon World, indeed.
Their arrogance seemed to pierce the heavens.
It seemed Leonik's leadership ability was lacking.
‘Should I seal the skill for now?’
Judging by the atmosphere, it seemed they wouldn't obey until Leonik subdued all nine of them.
However, Leonik glared at them, his ultramarine eye-light flaring explosively.
Ah, is he going to fight already?
He just became a Legion Commander, but it seemed he truly was Helena's former commander.
His appearance was quite valiant.
The demeanor he had shown so far was a bit talkative and fuddy-duddy-like, but Seonghyun, having read his memories, knew very well.
He knew Leonik's swordsmanship was undeniably top-tier.
Just as he thought Leonik might overwhelm the Order of Ruin with pure swordsmanship alone—
-Hey!!! What's your class number!!!!!
“……?”
“...Y-yes???”
Seonghyun.
The Order of Ruin.
Everyone's pupils trembled in bewilderment.
And.
-I asked what your class number is!!!!!!
“Ru-Ru! In! 1263rd! Class! Sir!”
-Sound off properly!!!!!!
“Ru-Ruuuuu!!!!! Iiiiin!!!! One Thoooousand!!! Two Huuundred!!! Siiixty!!! Thiiiird!!! Class!!! Siiiiir!!!”
-I'm Ruin 3rd Class. Heads down, nowwwwww!!!
With the shout, numbers indicating their class year appeared above Leonik's head and the heads of the Order of Ruin members.
Spotting this, the faces of the Order of Ruin members turned deathly pale, and they shouted loudly.
“Ru-Ruuuuuiiiiin!!!”
“Ru-Ruuuuuiiiiin!!!”
“Ru-Ruuuuuiiiiin!!!”
At Leonik's command, the Order of Ruin members instantly dismounted from their ghost horses and slammed their heads to the ground.
The so-called "Wonsan bombing" punishment posture.
As Seonghyun stared blankly at the scene, Leonik spoke.
-My Lord. May I conduct some brief training? Ahem, how have they been managing the juniors these days... honestly...
“…….”
[The 『Order of Ruin』 obeys 『Death Legion Commander - Doom Knight, Leonik Evoke』.]
It didn't seem particularly necessary, but Seonghyun just nodded.
-Thank you, my Lord!!! Now!!! You lot heard me!!! Your mental state is the first thing that needs...
As Leonik began, Seonghyun moved a good distance away.
It wasn't that he particularly disliked hearing it.
It definitely wasn't because he couldn't have imagined hearing that kind of talk even though he'd just recently finished his own military service.
Definitely not.
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[Translator - Prøks]
[Proofreader - Prøks]
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