I Gave Up Being Stronger - Chapter 293

It was the first time in a while that Cha Jin-Hyeok had felt such a thrilling sensation. ‘Is he going for my neck?’

In an unavoidable and indefensible position, Jin-Hyeok made his decision in a fleeting moment.

‘I will let him hit me.’

He was still wearing the Berklev Necklace.

[Reflection +1]

[Ability to reflect an attack that results in instant death. (Base probability: 70% +10%)

However, an attack that results in a fatal injury may be converted into an attack that results in instant death instead. (Probability: 30%)]

The problem was that Jin-Hyeok did not know if he could actually reflect Hyde’s attack with the Berklev Necklace. Hyde was among the strongest Players in Arvis, and if his attacking power far surpassed the necklace’s capacity, the reflection effect would be rendered useless.

‘I might just die here…’

Sensing something amiss, Hyde altered the trajectory of his attack at the last moment. Being a veteran of many battles, he sensed that Jin-Hyeok had something up his sleeve. Instead of severing his opponent’s neck, he aimed for the artery, opting to give Kim Chul-Soo a fatal injury rather than aiming for an instant kill.

Jin-Hyeok could not help but admire the quick change in Hyde’s offensive strategy. ‘This is fun.’

It had been a while since he had experienced this kind of excitement.

‘After all, the thrill that comes with risking one’s life is the best.’

Though Jin-Hyeok’s body was in shambles, his mind was clearer than ever, and he was fully focused on every moment, reading Hyde’s intentions.

‘He must have instinctively pinpointed the necklace’s weakness.’

[However, an attack that results in a fatal injury may be converted into an attack that results in instant death instead. (Probability: 30%)]

In fact, Hyde had already figured it out. ‘Chul-Soo, I know you are wearing the Berklev Necklace or something similar.’

A regular Berklev Necklace would have been no issue, as a sufficiently powerful attack could completely nullify the necklace’s abilities. However, Hyde had to be cautious. ‘This guy is backed by MoneyShot and MoneyShower.’

With the level of sponsorship behind Chul-Soo, it was hard for Hyde to predict the quality of his opponent’s items.

‘I will have to aim for a fatal hit.’

That was exactly what Hyde did. Without treatment, Jin-Hyeok’s death seemed certain.

‘If I go for a fatal injury instead of an instant kill, Chul-Soo is going to self-destruct.’

Jin-Hyeok was somewhat able to read Hyde’s mind as well. ‘This is what real fighting is all about.’

Simply flailing hammers and scythes was not considered a proper battle. As one advanced into the realm of experts, the mental and strategic battle was even more intense.

‘Hyde has accurately identified the weakness of my necklace.’

Thus, Hyde kept focusing on delivering attacks that would result in fatal injuries rather than instant death.

‘But my death is inevitable anyway,’ Jin-Hyeok thought. If this were true, he had to go out giving his best. Jin-Hyeok was more focused on the battle than he had ever been.

‘Now!’ Jin-Hyeok exposed his chest once again, and Hyde’s scythe plunged deep into his chest.

[This attack qualifies as a fatal injury attack.]

[It will be converted into an instant death attack.]

His vision instantly darkened, which was exactly what Jin-Hyeok had been aiming for.

[The Trait ⌜Extra Life⌟ has been activated.]

Depending on who used it, how it was utilized, and the level of focus at the moment, the same Trait could have vastly different effects. The same was true for Extra Life. Some would resurrect minutes after death, others just a few seconds later. Some Players could revive immediately upon dying. Jin-Hyeok had planned to use Extra Life and had been focusing on it. Suddenly, his vision cleared, and he swung his weapon.

Thwack!

A crisp sound of impact echoed in the room.

‘I aimed for the head…’ Jin-Hyeok’s weapon had struck Hyde’s wrist instead. His attack had been blocked.

***

Hyde felt a slicker of unease while facing Jin-Hyeok. ‘His spirit isn’t dampening!’

This was a realm separate from mere skill. Normally, even the most skilled Players would lose their spirit in such dire conditions, their abilities failing to shine through. Yet, Jin-Hyeok was exhibiting the exact opposite.

‘It feels like he is getting even stronger!’

Jin-Hyeok’s focus was intensifying, and his attacks were becoming more precise. Hyde sensed he was fortunate. ‘If I had encountered him a few years later, I would have lost.’

By then, Hyde would not have been able to protect Harkoen, and it would have been him, not Jin-Hyeok, who would be dying here. The thought was frankly astonishing. Hyde wondered how could a monster like Jin-Hyeok emerge so soon when the Earth Server was still fairly new. He was just glad that he had met such an opponent now and not a few years later.

‘I need to kill him now.’

If Jin-Hyeok survived, he would undoubtedly pose a significant threat to Harkoen. Hyde had taken precautions just in case. “I cared for the Swampland Crew like they were my children.”

Jin-Hyeok sneered. “Are you turning this whole situation into some kind of personal vendetta against me?”

“…”

It seemed like Hyde wanted to create a situation where Harkoen had no involvement whatsoever. Jin-Hyeok, more focused than ever, saw right through Hyde’s plan. “If that’s the case, I guess you are planning to kill me and then kidnap Harkoen. I’m assuming then that Harkoen will eventually escape. The world will hear the dramatic tale of the poor noblewoman escaping from her murderous chamberlain. Sympathy will rise. Harkoen will return to her normal life with a warm welcome from the public. Is that your plan, Hyde?”

“You’re spouting nonsense.”

This was a battle of wits beyond combat. While Hyde was holding the upper hand in physical combat, Jin-Hyeok surpassed him in crafting a narrative. Hyde could acutely feel this, realizing Jin-Hyeok was not a combatant-class Player but a Streamer.

Hyde changed the subject. “Honestly, I am surprised. I didn’t expect you to be this good. It was quite fun.”

“The feeling’s mutual.”

Hyde was taken aback by Jin-Hyeok’s smirking demeanor. He had seen many madmen, but none quite like Jin-Hyeok. Hyde was reminded of an old friend, a lunatic who used to rave, “Only when you risk your life is it fun! What is a fight without some danger?” Jin-Hyeok’s face overlapped with that of the long-missing lunatic.

“Let’s end this,” Jin-Hyeok said.

Merely standing was a miracle for Jin-Hyeok. Though he was holding on through sheer willpower, he had reached the limit. After a few exchanges of attacks, he eventually fell to one knee. ‘I can’t move.’

Jin-Hyeok did not have the strength to twitch a finger. It felt like a heavy rock was crushing his entire body.

[The End.]

Jin-Hyeok changed the title of his livestream. Even if he died here, he had no regrets. The fight had been too enjoyable. It was a rare feeling of genuine happiness.

‘But…’ After he reflected on it, his thoughts became complicated. ‘Would my parents be sad if they saw this video?’

He knew the video would be great content. As a Streamer, it was natural for him to livestream this. Yet, the thought of his parents watching it was profoundly saddening. Jin-Hyeok had grown to consider such things as a Streamer.

Jin-Hyeok said, “I have one last request.”

Hyde was as conflicted as Jin-Hyeok. He felt like he had grown fond of Jin-Hyeok through the battle and even felt a twinge of regret about killing him. If Jin-Hyeok had been born in another era, he could have been the successor of Garbinu.

“I will grant your last wish,” Hyde said.

Jin-Hyeok nodded and ended his livestream. ‘Am I doing the right thing?’

He was not too sure. He contemplated whether he should keep livestreaming or not. As a Streamer, he had to, but as a son, he felt he should not.

‘I should at least record it.’

With the last of his strength, Jin-Hyeok summoned Elly. Elly began to cry upon seeing him. Since Jin-Hyeok was not in a normal state, Elly appeared semi-transparent.

“Elly, I don’t think I can play with you next time,” Jin-Hyeok said.

“No! You promised Elly! You said we would play together forever and ever!” Elly tightly hugged Jin-Hyeok before disappearing, as Jin-Hyeok no longer had the strength to maintain the summon.

“Han Sae-Rin, you were a truly great companion. And Miri, you were an excellent weapon.”

His mental connection with Miri was also fading. Miri seemed to be saying something, but Jin-Hyeok could not make out the voice.

“Are you done with saying goodbyes?” Hyde asked.

Jin-Hyeok could not answer. He had already lost consciousness and was on his knees.

“What a madman!”

Even without consciousness, Jin-Hyeok maintained his posture.

“It’s regrettable,” Hyde continued. He stood in front of Jin-Hyeok, raising his scythe. It was time to put an end to this. However, someone interrupted him.

“Stop, you son of a bitch!”

Hyde found himself unable to move. ‘If I move now, I…’

He instinctively knew that if he moved, Harkoen would be in danger. Turning slowly, Hyde witnessed an unbelievable scene.

‘Muenne?’

One of the Seven Paladins of the Sacred Empire of Helen, Radiant Lance Muenne had arrived on the scene with Lessefim.

‘Is that really her?’

Radian Lance Muenne was a figure revered by the citizens of the Helen empire. Many of her subordinates idolized her as an ideal and a person of aspiration. She had earned the Radian title not just because of her exceptional spear skills but also because her very existence shone brightly, always a luminous presence.

“Captain Muenne? She is like sunshine. She is infinitely generous and warm to the weak.”

“There were some unsavory rumors about her in the past, but I’m sure those are just rumors. Captain Muenne is the embodiment of light for us.”

“I have never seen her use profanity or slander anyone. I doubt I ever will.”

Yet, here was Muenne, swearing and seething.

“Stop acting, you bitch! I know you’re awake! Open your freaking eyes!” Muenne grabbed Harkoen by the collar and slapped her face, causing Harkoen to scream and her cheek to swell red. “Hand over Mr. Chul-Soo safely to this side.”

“…”

“Or I will chop off this bitch’s head!”

Hyde was shocked. He had no clue why the captain of Muren’s guards had ended up here.

‘I thought we had an agreement with the empire…’ Hyde thought.

This entire operation had the empire’s support. The empire did not need Chul-Soo, but a hero instead, preferably, a deceased hero. A dead hero could be idolized, which would draw all eyes to Trituri, who had raised such a hero.

“I am going to count to ten. In ten seconds, I will chop off this bitch’s head and cut off your limbs too.” Muenne already had her spear drawn.

Hyde was forced to make a decision. “Harkoen, you stupid bitch! All my beautiful dolls have been exposed! How could you mess this up so badly, you goddamn bitch!”

He raised his scythe, intending to take on all of Harkoen’s sins and commit suicide. This was the best course of action Hyde could take.

‘Harkoen, I truly loved you, my dear.’

Just as he was about to commit suicide, a hand caught his scythe. Blood dripped from the bare hand. Having failed to kill himself, Hyde was in shock. ‘What the hell…?!’