Chapter 124: Break Spot - (3)
After that.
The strategy continued.
Due to the nature of the Break Spot Dungeon, the experience gain was exceptionally good.
This was evident as Sang-hyun reached a staggering level of 160 just before facing the boss monster.
Opportunities for such rapid leveling, often called 'explosive leveling,' were rare.
Knowing its value, Sanghyun couldn't help but rejoice multiple times as he checked his rising level.
If he converted the levels gained in the Break Spot Dungeon into time, it would equate to at least a month for other players.
Transforming such a long period into just a day—or even less—was indeed a reason to celebrate.
The old saying, "Time is money," exists for a reason.
The top-tier and highest-ranked players monopolize over 90% of the privileges and rewards.
Sang-hyun had no intention of being a mere spectator among the latecomers; he was determined to be a frontrunner.
His resolve was firm.
'I may have grown rapidly, but the named players still have higher levels. Moreover, they form exclusive networks and share secrets among themselves.'
Sanghyun aimed for even greater heights. He had no other choice.
Having regressed, he couldn't settle for mediocrity. His pride wouldn't allow it.
"Phew."
A temple appeared in the distance.
It looked like something straight out of a fantasy novel, but an eerie aura emanated from it.
The boss monster was there.
Its name was Ivan.
Not a human but a type of thought-form entity.
It had no physical form.
Instead, Ivan possessed the ability to summon numerous minions to the center of the temple.
It forced players entering the dungeon into a 'proxy battle.' A rather tricky opponent.
At that moment.
[The God of Storms reflects on the path you have walked and declares that you are indeed worthy of forming a contract with the Divine Throne.]
The God of Storms had spoken.
Considering that he rarely made public statements, his words carried significant weight.
The Goddess of Fortune had no objections to coexisting with other Constellations or Divine Thrones, so the contract was not an issue.
However, Sanghyun recalled something the Goddess of Fortune had mentioned before.
[A Divine Throne can allow additional contracts with other constellations or thrones if they are willing to set aside their pride and accommodate the player.]
This was it.
Her words meant that if the God of Storms was willing to be accommodating, another contract slot could be opened.
After contracting with the Goddess of Fortune and the God of Storms, he could create an opportunity for a third contract.
'If I misstep, I could completely ruin this... It all depends on how much the God of Storms wants me.'
Sanghyun pondered deeply.
In truth, the very fact that the God of Storms had spoken just now was practically an admission of 'interest.'
From a romantic perspective, it was akin to receiving a confession. Constellations do not make such remarks lightly.
Would he so easily withdraw his expressed interest?
Considering how well Sanghyun had utilized the abilities granted by the God of Storms thus far, it seemed unlikely.
'You can't let go of me.'
Sanghyun was convinced.
Perhaps it was baseless confidence, but given the current situation, he felt certain.
Nothing to lose.
Trusting in the interest and favor the God of Storms had shown him, he decided to take a bold approach.
"A contract sounds good. I am confident that I can meet your expectations, my lord. However, I do not wish to be bound. Please allow me freedom."
At that moment.
Rumble!
A sudden, fierce storm swept across the plain where only a gentle spring breeze had blown moments ago.
The gust was so strong that Sanghyun, wielding a greatsword, was helplessly pushed backward.
[The God of Storms is enraged.]
'Of course, a Divine Throne wouldn't be one if they didn't get angry.'
Sanghyun remained unfazed.
If the God of Storms had easily agreed, he would have found it even more suspicious.
[A Divine Throne's interest alone is noble and weighty. Yet, you ask to share our position with other constellations? The God of Storms expresses displeasure.]
[The God of Storms fiercely criticizes you. He threatens to bring death upon such an arrogant human.]
"I want to become even stronger. To achieve that, I cannot afford to be limited in any way."
[The God of Storms repeatedly expresses displeasure, asking if you belittle his power.]
"Not at all. Just having you by my side is a tremendous honor, my lord. However, I want to see a greater world alongside you."
[The God of Storms dismisses your words as sophistry and shakes his head.]
"I can do it. If you believe in me, I will show you something even greater. Please grant me freedom."
[The God of Storms clicks his tongue at your arrogance. He turns away and vanishes.]
"......"
Did I push too far?
Just then.
[The Goddess of Fortune has opened a private channel. It requires significant divine power to maintain, but she can sustain it.]
A channel suddenly opened.
A space where only Sanghyun and the Goddess of Fortune could communicate and interact. Once again, she appeared before him.
[My lady.]
[Don't be too surprised. The noble and mighty Divine Thrones have great pride.]
[I thought I had done enough to appeal to him, but I guess it wasn't enough.]
[That’s not it. You’re simply performing a play with each other.]
[A play?]
[If a Divine Throne gives their heart too easily... wouldn’t it seem shallow and lacking in depth?]
[Ah... So that’s what this is.]
[Now is the time to plead and cling to the God of Storms. This is how justification is created.]
[I understand, my lady.]
[Do not fear the gods. They are ultimately intelligent beings, capable of thought and judgment, just like humans.]
[Thank you very much.]
[Hehe. I wish you luck. Oh, by the way.]
[Yes?]
Ever since Sang-hyun met the Goddess of Fortune, he had considered it his greatest stroke of luck since his regression.
Originally, she would have contracted with Japan’s Hashimoto Kei, but fate had changed.
He had always wondered how Hashimoto had grown so brilliantly in his past life, but now he understood.
She was the best constellation in terms of consideration and support for her player.
To be honest, he even felt that she was worthy of ascending to the rank of a throne herself.
Sometimes like an older sister, sometimes like a mother. She was a truly compassionate being. The title of 'goddess' suited her well.
[A late-blooming model student. Can you tell me why you are searching for that constellation?]
[Hmm.]
[Even if you tell the Constellations or the Divine Thrones, is it such a great secret that they wouldn’t understand?]
[That is correct. That is all I can tell you.]
[I can feel it. The whirlpool of fate revolving around you.]
[Goddess, what kind of fate do you desire? What future do you envision?]
[What I desire, lacking as I am, is only peace. I wish for a world full of goodwill. However.]
[However?]
[The enforcers of the Dimensional Order, despite their name, are closer to chasing evil rather than upholding good. There is something about them.]
[If that is the case…]
[I will do my best to investigate that Constellation’s whereabouts. But from now on, it will be done in secrecy.]
[Goddess, will you be alright?]
[Even in the world of gods, there are many loopholes. Illegal acts and corruption run rampant. It is no different from humans. Hoho.]
[Thank you.]
[Do not forget that there is always someone watching over you and cheering you on. I am on your side!]
From the way she clasped her hands tightly, one could feel her determination and energy in supporting Sanghyun.
So, this was the kind of bond one could have with a Constellation!
The diligent and reserved Constellation he had encountered in his previous life had been so taciturn that even getting a single word from them was difficult.
"Divine Throne of the Storm! I need you! So please, do not abandon me!"
Following the intimate feedback left by the Goddess of Luck, Sanghyun immediately switched his stance.
Now, it was time to pull the Storm God with all his might. So hard that the deity would stumble forward, unable to resist.
The grand boss battle.
"Hoo."
Sanghyun took one last deep breath in front of the temple.
Psyche Fragment Ivan.
This entity would summon the most optimal minions based on the characteristics and tendencies of the intruders who entered the dungeon.
This made things incredibly tricky for the challengers. As a result, a significant amount of time was often spent on reconnaissance.
However, according to records left behind by players who had cleared this dungeon in their past lives, the faster one eliminated the minions, the more likely Ivan would panic and make poor decisions.
If a minion died, the next one had to be summoned to the center of the temple within 30 seconds.
By winning four consecutive battles against the summoned minions or Ivan himself, the boss fight would conclude.
Notably, the faster the minions were eliminated, the higher the probability that Ivan would personally appear.
This was exactly what Sanghyun was aiming for.
Eliminating Ivan would forcibly bind the Constellation contracted to him to himself.
At the same time, he could earn a title along with numerous rewards.
<Intruder! A foolish intruder has appeared to become my new plaything!>
"Do you really have to add that annoying tone at the end of every sentence? It’s grating on my ears."
<Hah! Do you think you can defeat me just because you bested my foolish replicas? Do you think you can overcome Ivan?!>
Ivan's voice was exactly like that of a ten-year-old child.
"Your mouth sure runs fast. Just bring it on. Whatever you send out, I'll smash them all."
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Sanghyun swung his Madness Slayer Blade and energetically dashed across the central platform of the temple.
He had to keep his body in a warmed-up state at all times.
Since his strategy relied on overwhelming speed to throw Ivan off balance, he needed to be ready to enter combat instantly.
<Go forth! Troll Quartet! Show them the might of the undying troll warriors!>
Whoooooosh!
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The four trolls were instantly summoned in midair and landed on the ground with a slight delay between each.
Each of them was armed with different melee weapons: a sword, an axe, a club, and a spear.
'A swift attack is key.'
『Apex of Resolve』
Sanghyun immediately charged into the midst of the troll horde, unleashing his taunting skill with full force.
With their overwhelming numbers and regenerative abilities, the longer the fight dragged on, the more disadvantageous it would be for him.
On the other hand, trolls were notoriously stupid. If he could put them into a taunted state, he could seize the initiative.
KROOO! KAAOO! KUOO!
The four trolls, now brimming with hostility, roared upon spotting Sanghyun.
Their cries conveyed a murderous intent to tear him apart immediately.
『Weakness Amplification』
『Cold Blast』
『Wind Mastery』
A relentless combination of chilling storm attacks.
Thanks to the preemptive activation of Weakness Amplification, all four attacks landed cleanly, each counting as a multiplied strike.
Krgghh?
The quartet froze solid in unison.
Despite their exceptional physical prowess, trolls had a fatal weakness: poor resistance to magic.
'In that case!'
『Back Step』
Sanghyun repositioned himself.
He found the perfect angle to strike all four frozen trolls in a straight line.
Next.
『Sage's Whisper』
『Tempest Strike』
With Weakness Amplification now stacked five times, he activated Sage's Whisper to further empower his blade before unleashing a devastating windstorm.
But the chain of attacks did not end there.
Just as the one-second freeze from Cold Blast was about to wear off...
『Machiavellian Schemes』
Sanghyun extended the freeze duration by another second, using his skill to buy himself a crucial moment.
And then.
RUMMMBLE!
The charged-up Tempest Strike was ready to be unleashed from his greatsword.
Hell was about to descend upon the Troll Quartet.