A S-Class Hunter With Great Agility - Chapter 130

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 130: Fox Mask (2)

 

When the fox remained unharmed even after taking Mei’s Falling Divine Star, I instinctively felt it.

 

‘That thing definitely has a nullification skill.’

 

The fact that it could see through my Spirit Form, and could easily ignore Mei and Ren’s attacks.

 

It wouldn’t make sense unless it possessed such a skill.

 

‘So that’s why Spiritual Sight doesn’t work either.’

 

[Status Window]

 

Name : ?

 

Rank : ?

 

[Stats]

 

Health : ◼◼◼ Strength : ◼◼◼ Agility : □□□

 

Mental Power | □□□ Mana | ◼◼◼

 

[Skills]

 

? (?) lv.◼

 

? (?) lv.◼

 

? (?) lv.◼

 

Four Pillars / □□□

 

The Fox Mask’s status window was still pitch black.

 

‘If I could at least see this, it would have been helpful…’

 

Mei and Ren were collapsed on the floor, unconscious.

 

I had no idea what I should do or how to do it.

 

“Wh-what’s happening…?”

 

“Don’t look. …Never open your eyes.”

 

I covered the child’s eyes and earnestly pleaded.

 

This scene was something I absolutely couldn’t let them see. The child gulped nervously.

 

— Only we will die or get hurt in this place. If things go wrong, please take the child and run away.

 

Should I really take the child and run away like this, just as Mei said?

 

“Hello. We meet again.”

 

The fox finally approached me. The child’s shoulders trembled slightly upon hearing that voice.

 

I patted my shoulder as if I was fine.

 

“I can’t say goodbye.”

 

When I spoke through gritted teeth, the fox laughed with a “pahaha.”

 

‘…Did it understand?’

 

However, whatever the opponent’s Korean skills were, that wasn’t what mattered right now.

 

“Now then, what shall we do?”

 

Fox Mask muttered. Even that single phrase was threatening.

 

I tried to pull myself together. Too many lives depended on these hands.

 

“…You need to listen carefully to me.”

 

My palm was damp with the frightened child’s tears. I whispered quietly.

 

“When I give you a ‘signal.'”

 

Tap tap. My finger struck the small elbow a couple of times.

 

“Run straight back the way we came.”

 

I had left marks on the trees on our way here. Moreover, I had wiped out all the monsters to prevent future trouble.

 

The sun hadn’t set yet, so it would be enough for the child to escape safely.

 

‘I hope they understood.’

 

Before long, the child slowly nodded. Fortunately, they seemed to have caught the feeling of “run away” from the tone of my words.

 

Then now I just needed to create the timing to give the ‘signal.’ Then I could save the child.

 

I drew the Spirit General Sword.

 

“What do you mean what. There’s still an opponent left.”

 

At my reaction, Fox Mask snapped their fingers together.

 

“Ah! That’s right.”

 

“….”

 

“Of course it should be that way.”

 

He raised his sword and pointed it at me. It was a reaction showing satisfaction with the provocation.

 

‘Honestly… it’s just bluffing.’

 

I had no confidence. No confidence at all that I could defeat alone a monster that had taken down two S-ranks, especially while protecting someone.

 

But I wanted to believe that just doing my best in this situation was courage in itself.

 

“…Come here.”

 

I took the child’s hand and hid her behind me. When I handled her carefully, as if dealing with something precious, the Fox Mask tilted its head.

 

“…Haha.”

 

It laughed chillingly and gripped its sword tightly.

 

Swoosh!

 

The Kitsune Mask with curved eyes appeared before me in an instant.

 

The sword’s path was aimed precisely at the child.

 

Swish—!

 

The moment the sword swung wide.

 

“I knew you’d do that.”

 

I broke out in cold sweat and extended my hand.

 

“Severe Cold.”

 

Cold breath burst forth. Frigid air filled all directions.

 

Crack!

 

Ice erupted. It was solid ice like the fangs of a tiger commanding winter.

 

Thud, thump, crack.

 

They grew one by one from the ground, soon trapping the Fox Mask.

 

It was the true essence of Severe Cold that I had never been able to fully draw out due to insufficient mana.

 

[Skill]

 

Severe Cold (A)

 

— The breath exhaled by the master of Winter Mountain.

 

A skill filled with the bitter essence of winter. It can create anything that symbolizes severe cold.

 

* Special Advantage in effect

 

“Now!”

 

I lightly touched the child’s elbow. The startled child immediately turned around and bolted from the spot.

 

“Ah!”

 

Though the child stumbled briefly as strength left their legs, they safely continued running.

 

I turned my head toward Fox Mask. Through the transparent ice, I could see the distorted figure of the murderer.

 

‘Took the bait perfectly.’

 

It was as I expected. If I exposed a weakness, that psychopath would obviously target it immediately.

 

Especially if that weakness was a child, they wouldn’t hesitate to attack even more for their own ‘entertainment.’

 

While their target changed from me to the child… I just needed to catch them off guard.

 

‘Though the nullification skill did activate.’

 

However, since I didn’t make direct contact and only affected the surroundings, I thought it might work for a moment.

 

‘Every battle is like gambling…’

 

I swallowed hard. The gamble worked, but it was too early to feel relieved.

 

Crash!

 

Crack.

 

The ice only trapped the fox for a ‘brief’ moment, failing to become a complete cage.

 

Creak.

 

The ice slowly began to shatter.

 

‘I can’t delay…!’

 

I gripped the Spirit General Sword tightly and rushed forward with quick steps. I had to buy time until the child escaped far enough away.

 

Tap.

 

My footsteps ran across the ice.

 

‘Hurry!’

 

When I finally reached the top of the ice cliff.

 

Below my field of vision, I could see a fox trapped within ice fangs like castle walls.

 

“…Ho…?”

 

It raised its head. Looking directly at me as I revealed myself above its head.

 

“How admirable!”

 

The fox shouted. While extending its sword as if requesting a dance.

 

As if asking me to come down and fight together.

 

“Honestly, this exceeds my expectations!”

 

I furrowed one eyebrow.

 

“Shut up.”

 

That place below was a fox den. No one would willingly enter an abyss trapped on all sides with their own feet. I had to avoid direct combat.

 

So the option I would choose was….

 

I rummaged inside my shaman robes’ sleeve.

 

[Item]

 

Golden Dagger (S)

 

— Rash fate flies like a dagger.

 

When aiming for vital points, it flies and embeds at 200% improved speed. At this time, it delivers a critical hit with absolute probability.

 

Do you remember? The other weapon that Yeti’s Gluttony had spat out.

 

A critical hit with ‘absolute’ probability.

 

If this proposition could overcome the nullification skill that Fox Mask possessed.

 

“…Severe Cold.”

 

I threw the blade containing the cold winter.

 

Shreeeeek—!

 

‘Please.’

 

I bit my lips. Fortunately, I had saved the child, but there were still many lives depending on me.

 

— You said you’re good at seeing scary things, right?

 

— …I am, good at it.

 

The man who acts strong but is actually just a timid young man.

 

— Then I thought I should give back the happiness I gained to this world too! ★

 

The woman who uses her power solely for others.

 

I can’t let them die…

 

“Do you think that’s going to be enough?”

 

The fox sneered. But I believed. I wanted to believe.

 

“I told you.”

 

The short blade that seemed like it could only give small scratches…

 

“You will receive divine punishment.”

 

Whoosh—!

 

Without a single inch of error, it flew into the fox’s vital point. It struck precisely at the solar plexus of the fox mask.

 

“Cough, gah! Gasp.”

 

Red blood flowed from the fox’s mouth. His composure shattered, revealing intense displeasure.

 

“What is, this…?”

 

“Does it hurt a lot?”

 

I opened my palm.

 

Swoosh.

 

Then the golden dagger that had been embedded in the fox was retrieved and came into my hand.

 

“…Cough!”

 

Due to the weapon being roughly pulled out, the fox coughed up blood once again.

 

‘…I succeeded.’

 

I clenched my fist tightly. The Fox Mask, which had nullified even Mei and Ren’s attacks, had been pierced by my Golden Dagger.

 

‘The effect is beyond imagination.’

 

[Usage Restriction]

 

Until release: 167 hours 49 minutes 32 seconds

 

Of course, as powerful as it was, there were restrictions. The Golden Dagger required a week-long cooldown.

 

‘Still…’

 

I couldn’t help but feel relieved at the glimpse of victory I had caught.

 

“Divine Punishment?”

 

Just then, the Fox raised his head and met my eyes.

 

“Khhat…”

 

“…”

 

“A punishment from God? To me?”

 

…?

 

I took a step back.

 

Again. He understands what I’m saying… What’s going on? Wasn’t the Fox Mask a Japanese Person?

 

“How dare anyone do this to me!”

 

He screamed. It was a desperate cry. I gripped the Golden Dagger I had retrieved.

 

‘What is he trying to do now…’

 

The Fox didn’t seem to have any intention of losing consciousness, even for a moment. Even after receiving such a fatal wound.

 

| Wait a moment. |

 

“Yes?”

 

The Mountain Lord, who had maintained his silence throughout, muttered.

 

| Something is strange. |

 

“What….”

 

While listening to God’s words, the fox hung his head low. Then he began muttering like a madman.

 

“Only that person can punish me….”

 

Soon he brought his hand to his mask.

 

Crack.

 

The fox gripped his mask. Unable to withstand the force of his grip, the mask cracked.

 

Then a different voice flowed from his vocal cords.

 

“It’s nice to see you again— pleased to meet you.”

 

It was Korean. Very clear and precise pronunciation.

 

“You really… there’s a limit to how much trouble you can cause each time.”

 

“…!”

 

“Do you know how hard I tried to hold back my anger when I encountered you again?”

 

The opponent asked back, still in fluent Korean.

 

“Don’t you remember?”

 

“….”

 

“It should be a voice you’ve heard before.”

 

I searched my memory. But nothing came to mind immediately.

 

‘A Korean Person…?’

 

If that were the case, it would be a big problem. It would naturally escalate into a diplomatic issue, and various controversies would surface.

 

‘This is the worst.’

 

Moreover, the fact that this murderer might have stepped on the same homeland ground… was unbearably unpleasant.

 

“Ahahaha!”

 

The fox laughed loudly as if amused.

 

“You don’t know, I see. Yes, that’s right….”

 

Soon the blood-covered thing gathered its remaining strength and leaped.

 

Kwaaaaang!

 

It was a strength so powerful that it was hard to believe it came from someone who had suffered fatal injuries. Fox Mask soon completely shattered the ice that had trapped them.

 

Wobble.

 

As the ice castle wall I was standing on cracked, I momentarily lost my balance.

 

Grab.

 

Fox Mask caught my falling wrist.

 

“Kuk…!”

 

It was a painful grip. The hand holding the Spirit General Sword trembled violently. I couldn’t even think of swinging my weapon.

 

“Do you really not remember me? How disappointing.”

 

Wait, at this rate—

 

Crack.

 

It’s breaking.

 

“Keuuk, aaaaah…!”

 

Fox Mask twisted my wrist. Intense pain spread from my arm. I held my breath for a moment.

 

“Heouk.”

 

It wasn’t simply twisted. He was using all his strength to break my wrist. Every connected nerve screamed.

 

‘Why the hell?’

 

Damn it, why suddenly target my wrist when it’s not even a vital point…! I forced my sluggish mind to work, trying to gauge my opponent’s purpose.

 

‘Is he planning to catch me off guard by causing pain? Or maybe he intends to cripple me completely to eliminate future threats…’

 

However, the next words I heard made all my assumptions crumble.

 

“Still nothing?”

 

“…!”

 

“You cut off my wrist just like this.”

 

‘…Cut off the wrist?’

 

Ah.

 

I opened my mouth slightly.

 

“No way….”

 

A scene flashed through my mind.

 

— That’s enough for today. I don’t like getting hurt either. A mere Bishop doesn’t have much strength.

 

That day… in Busan.

 

The Silver-haired Man from whom I had received the wrist.

 

Crack.

 

The cracked mask shattered. His bare face was revealed underneath.

 

Rustle….

 

Glittering silver hair scattered through the gradually darkening night sky.

 

…Strange People Cult’s… Bishop.

 

“It’s been a while.”

 

That was the true identity of Fox Mask.

 

My mind was in chaos. This was clearly reality, yet I couldn’t understand it.

 

“Ha!”

 

Why on earth was that face coming out from under that mask?

 

| Grrrowl…. |

 

Mountain Lord, having confirmed the opponent’s identity, growled. He seemed ready to cancel the Divine Descent Ritual and bolt out like last time.

 

“Mountain Lord, calm down.”

 

| Grr…. |

 

I muttered. If Mountain Lord started rampaging here too, the situation would become uncontrollable.

 

Whoooosh—

 

A blue gleam flickered in my eyes.

 

The Mountain Lord seemed to be struggling to control his emotions, gradually beginning to calm down.

 

‘Thank goodness.’

 

I blinked a couple of times in relief and asked in a grinding tone.

 

“…What are you?”

 

At my question, the Fox Mask—no, the Bishop—wiped the blood flowing down his chin and chuckled.

 

“Haha. That’s funny. That seems like a question I should be asking.”

 

“….”

 

“What exactly are you that you keep interfering with our business at every turn?”

 

Then he clicked his tongue and muttered.

 

“The losses we’ve suffered because of that…”

 

Losses?

 

I made an incredulous expression as I thought about all the incidents I’d been involved in with the Strange People Cult.

 

“I only did what I had to do. I couldn’t just stand by and watch you disrupt order and harm others.”

 

“….”

 

“I’m the one who should be asking. What exactly do you want? Why are you doing these things?”

 

At first, I thought it was just the attention-seeking behavior of a crazy murderer. But if it was the movement of a religious organization rather than an individual, there had to be a deeper reason.

 

“…Hehe.”

 

The face that I hadn’t been able to see expressions on until now showed various emotions.

 

“I’d like to play around and give you an explanation too.”

 

Cough.

 

The Bishop coughed up blood again.

 

“But we’re both in bad shape, aren’t we?”

 

Soon he straightened his sword. Like when he had used the Escape Stone to disappear, he seemed to be preparing to leave.

 

The Bishop shrugged his shoulders and said.

 

“Unfortunately, it seems we’ll have to stop here for today.”

 

…Right, that was the truth. Fighting any further here would honestly be overambitious.

 

No matter how fatally wounded the opponent was, if I couldn’t even hold a weapon, it wasn’t an opportunity.

 

‘Besides, that thing is a monster that took down two S-ranks.’

 

If I really had my head screwed on straight, not advancing further would be the wise choice. Even if I didn’t want to admit it.

 

“Huh.”

 

The Bishop pressed firmly on his solar plexus. Then he looked at his blood-stained hand and muttered.

 

“Well, I achieved my purpose anyway.”

 

“….”

 

“I won’t get scolded….”

 

It was all incomprehensible talk. I sharpened my nerves.

 

“Now then, good work?”

 

Through my blurred vision, the Bishop smiled slyly. Soon—

 

Whoosh!

 

Dripping red blood, drop by drop.

 

The fox… no.

 

The Bishop of the cult.

 

Leaped up with his silver hair fluttering.

 

“…Wait…!”

 

I tried to stop him urgently but it wasn’t enough. Even if I tried to use the Golden Blade again…

 

[Usage Restriction]

 

Until Release: 167 hours 49 minutes 32 seconds

 

There was a restriction time so I couldn’t attempt it.

 

Thud.

 

It began to flee far away, up into the treetops.

 

‘Damn it.’

 

I gritted my teeth.

 

The lives it had killed, my broken wrist. Next time, I would definitely make it pay a corresponding price.

 

Pitter-patter, swoosh—

 

Soon after, it began to rain.

 

* * *

 

The sound of drizzling rain could be heard. Sakura Mei opened her eyes.

 

“Where is this…?”

 

She saw a green tent. It seemed to be a base camp temporarily set up in the village.

 

‘How…?’

 

She suddenly sat up on the hospital bed. The blanket that had been covering up to her chest fell away.

 

‘I’m… alive.’

 

She could breathe. Mei fumbled around with her hands, touching the spot where she had been attacked. As if healing medicine had been applied immediately, the wound had completely disappeared.

 

“Ugh.”

 

Mei staggered as she got up from the simple bed. Dizziness struck her, perhaps due to severe blood loss.

 

Clatter.

 

But this wasn’t the time for that. Mei gritted her teeth and went outside the tent.

 

“Ren! What happened? Earlier, for sure…”

 

“I… don’t really know either.”

 

Hanasaki Ren was standing in front of the tent. He was breaking out in cold sweat, holding his forehead with a confused expression.

 

“What about the child? Is she safe?”

 

“…Ah. Yes. The child is in that tent over there right now. As soon as I came to my senses, I checked if she was alive first.”

 

“That’s a relief…”

 

Ren pointed to one of the tents. Thank goodness. If something had happened to the child in this situation, it would have been hard to bear.

 

Mei swallowed hard and asked again.

 

“Then what about Eun Hae-dam? We clearly collapsed without being able to kill Fox Mask. Where is he…?”

 

“….”

 

“Don’t tell me….”

 

Mei’s complexion turned pale.

 

“He’s not… dead, is he?”

 

Saving everyone at the end… or something like that.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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