The Player that Can’t Level Up

Chapter 300: The City of Angels (2)

Albertos explanation made El flinch, and Gi-Gyu, Hamiel, and the other two angels looked confused.

What do you mean by divine power? Please explain, asked Gi-Gyu.

Alberto looked even more serious now. He mustve thought Gi-Gyu knew something.

Like I said, their auras felt very holy. Much different from other players aura. Also, they all seemed to specialize in healing. Alberto shook his head and continued, What I couldnt understand was How they were using the same unique ability.

Gi-Gyu, El, and the others became even tenser.

They all had the same unique ability. And they used it to take over Italy.

How?

Do you know what is unique about the European Players Association? Alberto answered Gi-Gyus question with another question. Gi-Gyu shook his head. Before coming here, he had researched Italy, but he didnt know every detail.

Like all the other associations, the EPA also manages players. But the big difference is thatAlberto swallowedits affiliated with the government.

Isnt that the same with all the other associations? asked Gi-Gyu. The associations had much power largely because they had their respective governments support. Some believed this was why the associations had become even more powerful than their government. But officially, an association was a part of its countrys government.

No, its very different in Europe, Alberto replied firmly.

***

They arrived at an incredibly extravagant hotel in Rome. Alberto had reserved some rooms here for Gi-Gyu and his groups stay. Resting on a giant bed, Gi-Gyu thought about his conversation with Alberto.

Alberto had explained that a few influential people controlled the entirety of the EPA. This was why the EPA was different from the other associations.

For example, the KPAs authority had been almost absolute before it was destroyed. It had complete jurisdiction over the players. Although the government could advise and make requests, it couldnt force the association to do anything.

Kim Sung-Moo He was the man from the Korean government Gi-Gyu had met earlier. The countrys wealthiest backed that man. But according to Sung-Hoon and Rohan, Kim Sung-Moo was now being incredibly cooperative. He acted like he was possessed; he had even betrayed the people who had put him in this government position.

Of course, this made sense to Gi-Gyu, as he held Kim Sung-Moos life in his hands.

The Korean government has no control over the players. That is why it tried to take the KPAs power through Kim Sung-Moo and his department.

It proved how weak a hold the rich and powerful had over the players. But apparently, things were different in Europe.

Alberto had explained, The biggest problem here is that the most powerful people here are mostly non-players.

Gi-Gyu finally understood everything.

The Vatican and its players had holy power, which they used for healing. Unlike the other players, they could even heal the non-players. Europes rich and powerful coveted this power, so the Vatican used this greed to its advantage.

Alberto had then listed the main conditions the Vatican had put forth. The Vatican wanted them to not publicize its special power. It didnt want to be controlled in any way. And lastly, the Vatican wanted its location to remain a secret.

They had demanded a few more things, and the powerful figures had agreed. The relationship between the Vatican and these people continued for a long time. This was how the Vatican secretly controlled Italy and the rest of Europe.

I only discovered the truth about the Vatican by accident, Alberto had explained. Europe's influential figures kept the Vatican hidden until not too long ago when the Vatican chose to reveal itself.

I think it was about when I began to gain power.

After five years of despair as a weak Level 1 player, Gi-Gyu had gained an incredible ability. And around this time, the Vatican had started to make public appearances.

Alberto had added, They became even more active after the KPAs collapse. And

It seemed Alberto was about to say something else, but he trailed off. Gi-Gyu didnt prod him even though he could tell Alberto was hiding something. As long as it didnt betray him in some way, Gi-Gyu wasnt in a hurry to find out.

Anyway, we want to know about them just as much as you do, Alberto had said before leaving.

-So? Did you find anything?

Alone now, Gi-Gyu contacted Go Hyung-Chul, who was searching the entirety of Italy alone.

-No, nothing. My abilities have improved, but investigative work is still as hard as ever. Being impatient wont help anyone.

-But I wasnt being impatient.

-All right. Ill go to the hotel now.

Alberto had also prepared a room for Go Hyung-Chul, but he had to share it with Hamiel.

Gi-Gyu smiled. So Europe has already been taken, huh?

Go Hyung-Chuls findings had revealed that the Vatican was working with the Caravan Guild. And the various spies and demons Gi-Gyu had sensed while exploring Italy with Alberto only proved the point. Andras had already infiltrated the Italian branch.

Hmm Gi-Gyu couldnt eliminate them since he didnt want to reveal himself fully yet. For now, he would remain hidden and help Alberto a little without getting directly involved.

I cant sleep Gi-Gyu mumbled. He wondered if El and Hamiel had already unpacked. Were they resting now? He was about to activate his senses to check on them when he heard a knock on the door.

Master, may I come in? El asked from outside the door.

As soon as Gi-Gyu gave permission, El entered and gazed at him. Just looking at each other was making them both uneasy.

El broke the uncomfortable silence. Master, about what that man Alberto said

About the Vatican?

El nodded.

El, I know what you want to say. Gi-Gyu asked, They are angels, arent they?

***

Do we have to go everywhere together? Gi-Gyu asked, his tone suggesting he was uncomfortable with this plan.

Unfortunately, yes. There is no other way. If you go around alone, you will face some difficulties. Alberto gave Gi-Gyu a smooth smile. Well I guess you wont be in danger, Mr. Morningstar, since youre so powerful.

Alberto's smile turned playful as he added, But it sure will annoy you.

Hows that?

Italys public safety level isnt great. I need to accompany you mainly because your presence in Italy must remain a secret.

A serious look appeared on Albertos face as he continued, And also because I must protect Italy from you if an unfortunate situation arises.

...

I hope you understand, Mr. Morningstar. Ive heard some things about you from Heo Sung-Hoon.

Just what did he tell Alberto? And I can see that they are very similar. Gi-Gyu was beginning to see a resemblance between Sung-Hoon and Alberto. Alberto was smoother and more annoying, but his overall demeanor matched Sung-Hoons. Gi-Gyu could tell why they were close friends.

Anyway, what do you plan to do now? Alberto asked. He understood that Gi-Gyu and his group came to Italy because of the Vatican.

We havent seen much of the Vatican players lately. Even if we try, there is no way to meet them. All we can do is wait for them to appear, Mr. Morningstar.

Gi-Gyu had no idea Michael belonged to such a secretive group. He also never realized what an influential figure the pope was. He almost regretted not doing anything when he first met the pope. But at the time, Gi-Gyu hadnt felt any suspicious energy from him.

He must be a truly powerful being since I couldnt sense anything from him, Gi-Gyu murmured.

Pardon?

Ah, its nothing, Gi-Gyu replied and turned to El, who nodded in agreement.

We plan on just looking around for a while, Gi-Gyu said to Alberto.

Just blindly? Alberto asked; Gi-Gyu raised one hand.

Fwoosh.

A small light appeared from his hand and began spreading. Feeling the magic Gi-Gyu was scattering, Alberto asked, Wait, isnt that the support category players detection magic?

Thats correct.

But how? I thought you specialized in the offense. But given what you did yesterday, I guess youre different. Alberto nodded in understanding.

I am hiding my presence, which means I cant use my power. If the populace finds out I am here, you will end up in an awkward position as the branch manager. Isnt that right? asked Gi-Gyu.

Alberto grinned. Exactly. I didnt even report your arrival to my superior.

Gi-Gyu liked how quick Alberto was on the uptake. The detection magic could detect the other players nearby. Gi-Gyu only used a small amount of magic, so he was safe from being found out.

Now that its activated, we can just roam the city. My sensor will get triggered if someone notable is nearby. This should be convenient for both of us since you cant use any of your men from the association, Mr. Alberto.

Then Alberto smiled. Where would you like to go first? I can tell you that Im an amazing guide.

For a branch manager, Alberto seemed to like to brag too much. Gi-Gyu didnt think this was something to be proud of, but perhaps it was a good thing in this situation.

Im glad to hear that, replied Gi-Gyu.

Shouldnt he be busy since hes the branch manager?

***

Hmm a cloak-wearing man groaned. The night was getting darker, and as if frustrated, he swore, Dammit!

Ultimately, he took a step and was about to leave the alley when suddenly someone stopped him. Hey!

The cloaked man turned around and saw a group of thugs. The group was a medley of races.

Haa The cloaked man sighed and patted his chest. You scared me there for a moment.

What? Hahaha! The thugs seemed surprised at first before they burst into laughter. It was quite late in the night, so their laughter echoed in the nearly-empty alley.

One of the gang members replied, Well, I guess we did scare you. Would you like us to apologize?

The group began to surround the man, who hesitated before watching the thugs quietly.

Good boy, one of the thugs, seemingly the group leader, walked up to him and took the mans hood off.

The cloaked man didnt resist or make a move.

An Asian?

But why are his eyes blue?

Kekeke.

Those eyes dont suit you, idiot!

The thugs smirked and chatted among themselves. The Asian man with eyes the color of a gate frowned.

Were sorry we scared you, but youll have to give us everything you have! the group leader demanded.

Hey, Asian! If you want to keep your legs, leave your wallet here! another gang member yelled. It appeared that they were here to mug him.

The Asian man sighed deeply again. Do you know how scared I was when I thought the Caravan Guild had caught me?

The man, Go Hyung-Chul, was in the middle of searching Rome for Vatican players. His new job, Shadow Lord, gave him incredible power. Unfortunately, it wasnt enough to find the Vatican. Go Hyung-Chul was annoyed and had been on his way back to the hotel when these thugs appeared.

Because he didnt feel them nearing him, Go Hyung-Chul, at first, thought they must be incredibly powerful.

But I couldnt feel you guys because you are too weak, Go Hyung-Chul muttered. They were non-players, and these fragile men had apparently decided to mug a Shadow Lord.

Is this how thugs make a living in Italy now? What if you pick a fight with a player? asked Go Hyung-Chul in confusion.

Who cares?! Kekeke!

We just need money!

The thugs laughed and shouted, and Go Hyung-Chul realized he couldnt hold an intelligent conversation with them. Several buildings surrounded them, and he heard the windows being shut. With his enhanced hearing, he could also hear the people inside.

Just close the window and stay quiet.

Lets go back to bed.

Theyre at it again.

No one was calling the police, which was not a usual reaction. This was a tourist-loved countrys capital city, so Go Hyung-Chul couldnt believe what was happening.

Are you guys high? Guess there is no need to chat then. Go Hyung-Chul grinned. He had a frustrating day and needed to let off some steam. It seemed that he had found his target.

What the hell is he saying?!

If you arent going to give it to us, well have to take it from you!

The men shouted and ran toward Go Hyung-Chul. These thugs might have sensed that something was wrong if they werent intoxicated, but they were not in their right minds.

The thugs rushed toward Go Hyung-Chul.

Fuck! Why is he so fast?! the group leader shouted. Not a single one of them could land a hit on Go Hyung-Chul.

Haa This is getting even more annoying. Tired of wasting time, Go Hyung-Chul moved.

Hhes a ghost! a thug screamed. A thug who had been swinging his fist gasped when Go Hyung-Chul suddenly appeared before him. Go Hyung-Chul flicked the mans forehead hard. He didnt use his full strength, so he knew the man wouldnt die.

However, Go Hyung-Chuls eyes widened in shock when the man stood back up and yelled, Dammit! That hurt!

The finger flick should have knocked the man out, yet he seemed perfectly fine. And he even seemed to have enough energy to try to punch Go Hyung-Chul again.

...! Go Hyung-Chul couldnt believe how fast this man was. You are

The thug couldnt be a non-player, but Go Hyung-Chul couldnt feel any magic from him. Go Hyung-Chul continued to dodge the thugs attacks while studying them.

Haa Haa Get him Get him

W-we need the money to buy more drugs

Catch him!

The thugs mumbled and tried to hit Go Hyung-Chul. With an ugly grin, Go Hyung-Chul glared at them.

Mmph! All the thugs stopped as if they had been tied down. Their shadows were seemingly stopping them from moving. The streetlamp brightly lit the alley, so each of them had a shadow. But even without this new skill, Go Hyung-Chul could take a thousand of them at any time.

Go Hyung-Chul grinned and whispered, I would love to try this drug too.

He finally found the clue he had been seeking.