The Player that Can’t Level Up

Chapter 243: Open Fire

While Gi-Gyu was busy taking the 60th-floor test, the number of players swarming toward Eden increased, making the already hectic situation seem like a zombie apocalypse.

Thankfully, the ones swarming in werent just enemies.

Currently, Eden was greeting its allies.

Welcome, El greeted with a bright smile.

Where is Ranker Kim Gi-Gyu? the man in front of her asked. He was the Grigory head and the last remnant of the now-collapsed KPA. He was also a good friend to Gi-Gyu.

El replied, He went inside the Tower. You wont see him for a while.

Ah All right. The man, Sung-Hoon, looked a little disappointed.

Is that your mother on your back? El asked. On Sung-Hoons back was a feeble-looking elderly woman. She might have been a pretty woman in the past, but she was now gaunt and frail.

Sung-Hoon answered, Yes she is.

His mother was unconscious and barely breathing. He brought her here because this was what Gi-Gyu had suggested for safety. But, he had also hoped that his mother would receive better medical treatment here. He was desperate and couldnt help but be disappointed in Gi-Gyu.

El asked, May I have a look at her?

Sung-Hoon nodded. He had heard of Els healing ability, so he couldnt help but feel hopeful again.

When El held Sung-Hoons mother

...! Sung-Hoon gasped when he saw his mothers pale face turning pink quickly.

H-how did you

She is in grave condition. Its good that she is here now. El looked concerned, indicating that Sung-Hoons mother was indeed in terrible shape. It was a surprise that she was alive at all. She could tell how hard Sung-Hoon must have worked to keep his mother alive.

C-can you heal her? Sung-Hoons face glowed with hope.

But, El shook her head and said, Her Life Root is damaged. I could have done something for her; unfortunately, your mother isnt a player.

El could treat non-players, but Sung-Hoons mother was seriously ill. She could die from the shock if El tried to inject Life into her.

Sung-Hoons face turned dark.

El blurted, But my master has arranged something for you.

***

One of the busiest creatures inside Eden at the moment was Tao Chen.

Thank you for doing this, Tao Chen announced.

All right. Hal, a death knight and head of Edens knight order, nodded, holding his signature halberd.

Among all of Gi-Gyus creatures, Hal had the biggest inferiority complex and desire to improve. He was always desperate to become stronger, so he trained tirelessly. It made him very strong, but it never seemed enough.

I hope you know how much I appreciate this, Tao Chen murmured.

Same here, Hal replied.

Tao Chen was like the sweet rain after a long drought to Hal. In a way, he was the same as Hal. Like Hal, Tao Chen did everything to satisfy his desire to become stronger.

Haa Im so relieved, Botis mumbled as he watched the two from afar. Tao Chen had already sparred with most of Gi-Gyus creatures inside Eden. Among them, he had bothered Botis the most. Perhaps it was because of what had happened inside the Gangnam Gate.

He used to bother Botis nonstop; because Gi-Gyu had asked to oblige, Botis had no choice but to accept all the spar invitations.

The biggest problem was that Tao Chen

Botis shook his head.

Kaboom!

Tao Chens Green Dragon Crescent Blade and Hals halberd collided, creating a blast. The powerful magic wave spread widely like a giant windstorm.

They are both very impressive. Botis admired them.

Tao Chen and Hal.

The two became stronger with each battle. They fought each other until they fell from exhaustion, trying their hardest to improve on their weaknesses. When the fight became too intense, Botis had to break them up in the past, but

This was no longer easy to accomplish because the two fighters had become much stronger.

Haa Maybe I should join them? Nervous about Tao Chen and Hal becoming stronger than him, Botis shook his head.

***

Baal stood behind Soo-Jung, who sat on a sofa seductively while holding a wine glass. He looked like a knight protecting his lady.

Soo-Jung leaned back to look at him and asked, What is it?

Why didnt you tell them your identity? About your mission or The burden he must carry.

Baal, Soo-Jung called out to him quietly. She had wanted to tell Gi-Gyu everything this time, including her identity and how his fate had changed when he became her pupil.

This matter was related to a time even before Gaia and Kronos.

I just thought that maybe I can have a little hope now, Soo-Jung whispered.

...

And who knows? She smiled. At a glance, it looked like a happy smile, but there was a deep bitterness to it.

Soo-Jung took a sip and added, Maybe Gi-Gyu will fix everything. For now

The sweet yet bitter taste tickled her nose. Soo-Jung whispered, I think Ill just keep hoping.

...

The reason Baal obeyed Soo-Jung.

The reason Soo-Jung had an inhuman power.

Even Gaia didnt know Soo-Jungs full potential. Her abilities were currently limited, but if all the conditions were met

Baal, thats enough. Soo-Jung stopped Baals trail of thoughts.

Of course. Baal bowed respectfully. They had been sharing their magic for a long time, and with her Evil Eye, Soo-Jung could read Baals thoughts.

It was as if

Were synced together.

Shatter.

Oops, the glass broke! Soo-Jung exclaimed, watching the shattered wine glass pieces. Was this because of her emotions?

Ugh, that might bring us some bad luck. Soo-Jung smiled.

***

Yoo-Bin, Lim Hye-Sook called out. She could permanently maintain her beautiful and youthful appearance, but she was currently in her elderly form.

Yoo-Bin answered obediently, Yes, Grandma.

The recent power you gained will change you in a way you never imagined.

Lim Hye-Sook was usually a kind grandmother. But today, she was exuding an unignorable solemn and dominant aura. After all, she was one of the very first high rankers and the very few aware of the worlds secret history.

Ill remember, Yoo-Bin remembered. She had absorbed an Asmodeus piece because of the recent incident, so she understood what Lim Hye-Sook was talking about. It was impossible not to notice how she had developed completely new abilities and

My stat screen.

The incredible numbers on her status screen confirmed her changes. It was as if she were a completely different person.

Lim Hye-Sook continued, Great power comes at a great cost. And uncontrollable power is nothing more than poison.

A smile appeared on Lim Hye-Sooks face as she asked, Do you want to help that man?

Yoo-Bin blushed. Somehow, absorbing Asmodeuss Ego had connected her to Gi-Gyu. She wasnt his Ego, but she had become something extraordinary. She was like an Ego-human hybrid.

Yes Yoo-Bin replied shyly, I want to become someone capable of helping him. I want to be by his side even if my help doesnt amount to much.

After hearing the story of how this world came to be, Yoo-Bin couldnt treat Gi-Gyu as comfortably as before. He now felt like a giant mountain she could never dare to climb. Consequently, her words and attitudes toward him had changed.

Lim Hye-Sook warned, It wont be easy. The path he must walk is something most people cant even imagine. It will be filled with death, and You know that he already has

I know. Yoo-Bin knew very well that he already had El by his side.

There could only be one woman by Gi-Gyus side, so she would have to fight El fair and square for his attention.

Will I be able to do this? Against El?

Yoo-Bin felt like getting Gi-Gyus heart would be impossible.

For now, you must get used to your new power. You need to learn to use it perfectly.

Yoo-Bin looked confused.

Lim Hye-Sook ordered, Ill help you, so you must do your best. Work hard until he returns.

Yes Grandma. Yoo-Bins eyes filled with determination.

Lim Hye-Sook was special because of her power and her ability to teach others. After all, she had trained Lucifer.

***

Hmm Lou sat down quietly and touched his hair, which was completely white.

Is it because of Satans physical form? he wondered out loud.

Satan originally had white hair. He was a monster from another world, but his human form was a beautiful man with white hair. And pieces of that form now made up Lous body. As Lou collected and used more of Satans physical form, he would resemble Satan more and more.

This is so annoying, Lou smirked and plopped on the bed. Gradually transforming into someone he had killed with such hate was strange.

But

Well I guess it cant be helped.

This wasnt the worst thing. Lou didnt hate this entirely because it wasnt just hatred he felt toward Satan.

There was also

Ugh, I dont want to think about this.

Lou shook his head and rolled lazily on the bed. He was in his child form, so it looked like a cute, white-haired boy was tossing and turning on the bed. His body was still stabilizing from having absorbed Satans piece. So, just by rolling on the bed, he was training his body, familiarizing himself with his new form.

By the wayLou stared at the ceilingI wonder if hes doing okay.

A cruel smile appeared on his lips. Just imagining Gi-Gyu suffering was enough to make him happy.

***

The day Gi-Gyu left for the Tower, the attacks on Eden from the Iron Guild players lessened significantly. This was because Lucifer had joined Eden.

Sending mediocre armies would only increase Iron Guilds damages, so Deputy Guild Master Rohan changed his strategy. He prepared for a bigger battle by forming and training a much more powerful army.

The Korean government was desperate to recapture the Bukhan River region, as it was like a new country in the middle of Korea, which was unacceptable. So, the necessary preparation to retake it continued.

The Bukhan River region was bulging with never-ending tension. The last battle began when Eden initiated it. There was no way of knowing when the next battle would occur.

So finally

Korea had decided it couldnt solve this problem alone, so foreign soldiers poured into Korea.

And today

Are they the ones? The Iron Guilds reinforcements? asked a player posted in the Bukhan River region.

They sent quite a number, didnt they? I see some from other world-class guilds too! his companion exclaimed.

The Bukhan River area was crowded with players now. Those that led the way included some famous players, but

Most of them dont look familiar. Ive never seen those rankers before, someone from the crowd muttered.

Indeed, most of the players sent to Korea looked unfamiliar. Strangely, their aura was threatening as if they were absurdly powerful.

Players with such strength rarely remained unknown. And most of the reinforcement was sent by the Iron Guild and the Caravan Guild.

The rumor about the Iron Guild must be true, a Korean guild player whispered.

Hush, be quiet! another player standing next to him warned.

There was a widespread rumor among the players nowadays: Caravan Guild and the Iron Guild were experimenting on their players to make them stronger. There were also talks about a potion that could instantly make a player stronger.

Its too late to fight them. We must stay quiet and obey. Many believed this, but

Tsk. Some glared at the new arrivals in displeasure.

Some believed in these rumors, and some didnt. Some thought this mattered, while others thought it didnt make any difference.

They were all standing in front of Eden now, waiting for the dangerous storm.

Suddenly, Iron Guilds deputy guild master and chief of the Korean branch, Rohan, appeared. The crowd split to open a path for him. Standing in front of everyone, Rohan thought, 10,000 players.

Had there ever been a time when this many players gathered in one place?

Rohan turned to look at Eden. Ten thousand players were about to attack his master.

This isnt just an attempt to close a gate. Rohan unsheathed his sword and announced, It is war.