Chapter 61

[Translator – Night]

[Proofreader – Gun]

Chapter 61: The Pestilent Sword (2)

‘……’

Yeongwoo confirmed the fearful cat pointing to the advertiser’s mark and hardened his expression.

「Fearful Cat」 – Epic Compass

【Indicates a threatening target.】

【–Empty slot–】

According to the tooltip of this item, when there is a ‘threatening target’ nearby, the cat wakes up and points to the target.

It probably means to be prepared for a threat.

But what exactly does the term ‘threat’ mean in this context?

Generally, it would refer to a strong target or someone with aggressive intentions, but based on Yeongwoo’s experience, this item didn’t operate on such a simple principle.

Just looking back to when he encountered the original owner of this item, Shin Youngju, it is clear.

At that time, Yeongwoo had no intention or ability to fight against Shin Youngju, who had been continuously wary of him.

However, when the fearful cat pointed him out as a threatening target, the situation changed.

Eventually, Shin Youngju, who had been constantly vigilant against Yeongwoo, carried out a surprise attack, and in the end…

‘I survived, and Shin Youngju died.’

However, if she hadn’t attacked first, Yeongwoo would never have drawn his sword.

Far from harming the opponent, he even felt admiration for Shin Youngju, who had supported the city of Chungju.

In other words, at that time, if this compass hadn’t pointed at Yeongwoo, Shin Youngju might not have suffered any harm.

Of course, in the end, Yeongwoo killed Shin Youngju, so from a consequential perspective, the fearful cat was right.

No, it turned out right.

Kwaaa…!

A sound resembling a roar echoed from beyond the sky covering Icheon City.

It was clear that the advertiser had come even closer.

And around this time, another group of cyclists passed by Yeongwoo and Jongsu along the edge of the road.

Some of them glanced at the conspicuously white foreign car, but most fixed their gaze forward as if eager to get out of here as soon as possible.

“We’re almost there.”

Jongsu murmured quietly, scanning the rear seat through the rearview mirror.

In response, Yeongwoo looked through the car window at the crimson pillar of light signalling the advertiser’s arrival.

Gooo…!

A mark incomparable to the creatures like monsters or mutants, but more like a tornado than a light pillar this time.

“Icheon’s Strongest Sword might be around here. So, if you see anyone suspicious, stop the car early”

It was not only a matter of security on this side but also a concern that the car, which had to present a gift to the advertiser, might be damaged.

Then, Jongsu turned around with a face that seemed impossible.

“Even if it’s the Strongest Sword… wouldn’t they have run away after seeing that?”

It was a fairly reasonable opinion.

Unlike monsters or mutants, this time, the enormous mark appeared without warning, and only Yeongwoo could see the timer.

In other words, from the perspective of Icheon citizens, including the Strongest Sword, it was a situation where an unknown giant mark fell on their heads.

Whether mutants would appear in the place where the mark fell, or something even more ominous, was unknown.

Therefore, it was natural for humans to instinctively take cover and watch.

However, Yeongwoo’s thoughts were a bit different.

“We saw it on the way here, right? The Strongest Swords have all disappeared.”

“Oh, yes. That’s right.”

Jongsu nodded after a moment.

Since leaving Chungju, they had passed through two regions, Eumseong and Yeosu, but in both places, the Strongest Swords had vanished.

They had either lost their titles to the Strongest Swords from other regions or had been killed by the Strongest Swords who came down from Seoul to find mutants.

“But here, the Strongest Sword is guarding the place perfectly. Moreover, this is the closest city to Seoul among all the cities we’ve seen so far.”

“Oh, right.”

Jongsu finally nodded.

Whether the Strongest Sword had been deprived of their title by the Strongest Swords in other regions or killed by the Strongest Swords coming down from Seoul, Icheon was unable to do anything about it.

“Maybe the Icheon Strongest Sword is not an ordinary person.”

Yeongwoo said this while looking at the ‘fearful cat.’

Perhaps what this fellow is pointing at is not the advertiser but the Icheon Strongest Sword.

And if that’s really the case…

Kiiing!

“……!”

Before Yeongwoo could fully form his thoughts, Jongsu abruptly slammed on the brakes, bringing the car to a stop.

He then leaned against the tightly gripped steering wheel, closely observing the scenery ahead.

“Hyungnim, isn’t that…?”

Jongsu uttered uncertainly.

This was understandable as the number of people who had entered their sight was in the hundreds.

Due to the wind blowing the advertiser’s mark right in the middle of an apartment complex, numerous people were fleeing in a panic.

This excluded only the two individuals standing near the apartment entrance.

And precisely these two were the cause that prompted Jongsu to hit the brakes.

Swoosh.

Jongsu instinctively reached for his sword hilt, and Yeongwoo tapped the driver’s seat.

“Why draw your sword? Not even other Strongest Swords could touch those two.”

“W-well…”

“Jongsu, please wait here. I’d like to resolve this peacefully through conversation.”

Of course, Yeongwoo wasn’t entirely sure about his words.

* * *

Kwaaa…!

Once again, the red sky flashed, and the residents who were evacuating shouted in terror.

They would probably never return to Icheon.

Whether swept away by abnormal weather on some national highway or arriving safely in another city, it didn’t matter.

“What the hell is going on?”

44-year-old Kim Byungcheol was dismayed.

He couldn’t find any trust in the eyes of the residents passing by.

No matter how much of a Strongest Sword he was, it was clear that he couldn’t handle this situation.

And there was quite a reasonable diagnosis for such a conclusion.

“……”

Even Byungcheol himself had no idea what was happening right now.

“It’s probably mutants, right? There’s nothing else that could come again, is there?”

Seeing Byungcheol’s face stiffen, the man next to him spoke in a polite tone.

This man in police uniform was 28-year-old Kwon Taeyoung, a rookie officer at Icheon Police Station.

And the original profession of Kim Byungcheol 139, the Strongest Sword being guarded by this rookie cop, was also…

“I can’t do police work anymore.”

Icheon Police Station Chief, Superintendent Kim Byungcheol.

He intentionally wore a police uniform and worked to show that law enforcement still existed to the citizens.

But just like the uniform that had quickly torn apart due to the fierce battles, the law enforcement he tried so hard to preserve became meaningless in just two days.

What was the meaning of having police in a city without citizens?

Moreover, even if he searched for a new city, if such incidents could happen anytime in the future…

“……”

As Byungcheol gazed up at the crimson pillar of light with a disheartened expression, Taeyoung, who had been surveying the surroundings, opened his mouth in surprise.

“Chief…?”

“…What’s going on again?”

In fact, there was nothing more surprising than the city disintegrating in midair.

[Translator – Night]

[Proofreader – Gun]

Turning his head following Taeyoung’s gaze with a puzzled expression, Byungcheol soon wore a similar expression to the rookie cop.

“…?”

In the distance, a man covered in gold from head to toe was getting out of a white Audi.

“No way.”

Although it looked quite different from what they had imagined, the end was coming in any case.

Byungcheol, turning away from the swirling crimson pillar of light, stared at the bizarrely dressed man in his thirties approaching from the other side.

Upon seeing this, Taeyoung placed his hands on his belt and spoke with a voice tinged with fear.

“Um, doesn’t he have a lot of equipment?”

“Yeah. This guy feels different this time.”

Byungcheol said, wrinkling his nose as he took a deep breath.

Right now, he was looking at the outsider who had the smallest physique among those who had visited this place yet was adorned with the most equipment.

“How many people has he killed? And even the Strongest Swords…”

In this world, there are three main ways to obtain ‘equipment’: defeating mutants, killing those who have defeated mutants, or accumulating a large amount of karma and meeting a merchant.

However, since merchants had only appeared less than a day ago, the only option for someone to have such a large amount of equipment was to defeat the Strongest Swords.

And even then, a few wouldn’t be enough.

And in reality, this guy deliberately came to Icheon, not staying in his territory.

It was certainly not a mistake; he could easily check the regional status just by turning his eyes a bit.

|Currently staying in the area of ‘Icheon.’

|The Strongest Sword in this area is ‘Kim Byungcheol139.’ Rank 2, 6 defenses.

In other words.

‘Even this time, a Strongest Sword came to kill me.’

Although it was a situation that could instill fear, Byungcheol had a corner of belief.

That was his trusty companion slung diagonally on his waist, a .38 caliber revolver.

Not a fake one, but a real pistol.

Unsealing cost: 1 million, bullet cost: 200,000 each.

To acquire this deadly weapon, he had spent almost all of the 3 million rewards obtained by defeating mutants.

He had even bought two guns, giving one to the rookie officer Kwon Taeyoung.

This was a gesture of respect and a token of trust to the rookie cop who had returned to the station on the first day of the reset.

Of course, it was a fact that a partner with sufficient firepower was needed.

“Do you still have a bullet left?”

Byungcheol asked without taking his gaze off the golden outsider, and Taeyoung quickly nodded.

“Yes, I have one bullet left.”

“I only have one bullet left now too. So, we have to shoot carefully. When the time comes, aim precisely.”

“Yes, yes! Of course!”

The original five rounds of live ammunition were now reduced to just two.

Thanks to the numerous powerful individuals, including the Strongest Swords, who had invaded over the past two days.

Fortunately, the majority had retreated upon seeing the unsealed guns, but for the very few who stubbornly challenged them, using expensive bullets became inevitable.

‘Whether it’s a Strongest Sword or not, if it’s a human being, you can’t avoid bullets. And that applies to you too.’

While firmly grasping this reality, Byungcheol slowly pulled out the revolver with his right hand.

Once again, he hoped the opponent would retreat peacefully.

If a new mutant appeared from behind the glowing pillar, he might have to use bullets on him.

The metallic footsteps of the golden outsider began to be heard.

The distance between them and the Icheon police improved, and both sides’ shooting accuracy increased.

The distance gradually shortened to about 15 meters, and at this point, Byungcheol aimed his gun at the opponent and shouted.

“Stop moving! If you take another step, I’ll shoot!”

Taeyoung also moved along the diagonal to aim at the opponent, reducing the evasive angle.

It was a tactic to limit the evasive angle, a kind of pincer movement.

However, with a somewhat surprised expression, the golden outsider, Jung Yeongwoo 07, slowly raised both arms.

“Are you the police? It seems there’s a misunderstanding. I didn’t come here to harm anyone…”

During Yeongwoo’s dialogue, a chilling roar echoed from the sky, sounding like the cry of a giant beast or the creaking of a ship.

Everyone raised their gaze to the sky.

Simultaneously, their pupils dilated, tinged with iridescent colors.

Finally, the red sky opened, and dozens of gigantic heads descended, coiling around the glowing pillar.

These heads were connected by neural networks emitting iridescent light, and each emitted an indiscernible sound, screaming in their own ways.

“Oh, what is that…?”

Byungcheol muttered, unable to comprehend the spectacle, and Taeyoung, who had been standing on the diagonal, suddenly vomited.

His brain couldn’t process the situation, and malfunctioned.

“Ugh…!”

“Taeyoung..…!”

While Byungcheol was calling out to his startled partner, the golden outsider, who had been standing on the diagonal, opened his mouth.

“I think I unintentionally caused a lot of trouble. That… is my advertiser.”

[Translator – Night]

[Proofreader – Gun]