My Skeleton Soldier Is Strange - Chapter 136

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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136
Inferno
Before Kim Jae-beom stretched a long procession of players, all waiting to catch a glimpse of the Necromancer who had become a legend within the Tower of Infinity. Kim Jae-beom offered an awkward smile as he began shaking hands with each of them one by one.
“Hello. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
After finishing the handshakes, Kim Jae-beom signed autographs for the players. As he gazed at his own name scrawled across the paper, he felt a quiet sense of pride welling up inside.
“Thank you so much!”
The player who received the autograph beamed with joy, offered a greeting, and stepped aside.
‘Somehow I’ve ended up hosting an autograph session.’
Lost in thought, Kim Jae-beom continued shaking hands and signing autographs for the players. Then, a familiar voice reached his ears.
“It’s been a while.”
Kim Jae-beom’s movements froze. He lifted his head, and his eyes widened as their gazes met.
“Barcode!”
Standing before him was Barcode, the guild master of the White Guild who had recently aided Kim Jae-beom. He wore his characteristic white armor, and a massive greatsword was strapped across his back. His bearing carried the unmistakable presence of a veteran warrior who had traversed countless battlefields.
Barcode regarded Kim Jae-beom with sincere eyes and asked.
“Have you been doing well?”
A faint smile played at the corners of Kim Jae-beom’s lips.
“I’ve been keeping busy.”
He then studied Barcode carefully and posed a question in return.
“What brings you here? With your skill level, you should be on a much higher floor.”
Barcode offered a bitter laugh.
“I died while attempting to clear the upper floors. So I’m climbing back up from the beginning.”
“I see…”
Kim Jae-beom’s expression darkened, but then his eyes suddenly brightened as another thought occurred to him.
“Perfect timing. Come here for a moment.”
As Barcode drew closer, Kim Jae-beom leaned in and whispered something to him.
“Help me out with the signing. I’m dying here doing this alone.”
“Haha!”
Barcode burst into hearty laughter, clearly delighted.
“Of course!”
Kim Jae-beom exhaled in relief and refocused on the autographs.
While Kim Jae-beom shook hands with the players, Barcode quietly assisted by handing over the signed papers and maintaining order.
As he watched the happy expressions of the players receiving their autographs, Barcode casually struck up a conversation with Kim Jae-beom.
“You usually only deal with the undead, so you seem clumsy with humans. Haha.”
Kim Jae-beom replied with a hint of exasperation.
“At least the undead don’t talk to me. This is far more exhausting.”
The two exchanged jokes and burst into laughter. Between comrades who had fought together for so long, words were unnecessary. Because they understood each other so well, the autograph session continued in a comfortable atmosphere.
* * *
After the autograph session concluded and thirty minutes had swiftly passed, Kim Jae-beom confirmed there were no more waiting players and stretched languidly.
“Phew… that was surprisingly exhausting.”
Barcode gazed at Kim Jae-beom with a gentle smile.
“You’ve worked hard.”
With that, he retrieved his shield from his possession and extended it toward Kim Jae-beom.
“One last favor—could you sign this for me as well?”
A playful smile tugged at Kim Jae-beom’s lips as he accepted the shield.
“Asking for such things, are we?”
Yet without hesitation, he inscribed his name across the shield’s surface. Barcode accepted the autographed shield with eyes brimming with gratitude.
“Thank you so much!”
Soon after, curiosity prompted him to ask Kim Jae-beom a question.
“By the way, when are you planning to challenge the next floor?”
Kim Jae-beom pondered for a moment before answering slowly.
“Well… I think I should wrap up for today. I’ve been at this for quite a while, and I’m starting to feel some fatigue accumulating.”
Kim Jae-beom’s eyes widened as he checked the time. He’d already been logged in for six hours.
“If you don’t mind…”
Barcode hesitated briefly before speaking with caution.
“How about we move together tomorrow?”
Kim Jae-beom showed interest and asked in return.
“How many of us will be going?”
Barcode shrugged his shoulders.
“Just the two of us. The other guild members are still alive, after all.”
“Hmm…”
Kim Jae-beom appeared to fall into thought for a moment.
Then, as if having made a decision, he nodded.
“Alright. Let’s log in at 11 AM tomorrow then.”
“Thank you!”
Barcode offered a bright smile and bowed respectfully.
The two exchanged farewells and parted ways. Kim Jae-beom glanced around briefly before pressing the logout button.
The screen gradually darkened until it faded to black. The sensation of returning to reality. As I opened my eyes, the familiar ceiling of my room came into view. I carefully rose and removed the VR helmet.
I slowly surveyed the living room. Everything felt pristine and orderly, fresh from the recent move.
All the old belongings had been discarded and replaced with newly purchased furniture. The soft beige sofa created a cozy atmosphere, while pristine white dishes were arranged neatly atop the transparent glass dining table.
As I made my way toward the bathroom, the teal tiles caught my eye with their immaculate arrangement. The faucet gleamed unused, and the pristine white bathtub completed the picture. Every corner bore the careful touch of meticulous decoration.
Back in the living room, my gaze fixed on one particular spot. A 100-inch TV dominated the wall. The thin black bezels of the massive screen lent it an even more imposing presence.
My pride and joy—equipped with the latest gaming console and sound system. Consumed by VR gaming, I rarely used the television, yet it remained an indispensable element in furnishing the space.
“Nice.”
As I surveyed my new sanctuary, I murmured with satisfaction.
* * *
When the promised time arrived, I logged back into the Tower of Infinity. The moment I arrived at the Rest Area designated as the meeting point, Barcode’s cheerful voice greeted me.
“Welcome, Kim Jae-beom!”
Barcode approached with an energetic expression and offered his greeting. His face radiated anticipation, as though he’d been eagerly awaiting this moment.
“I’m here.”
I offered a brief greeting as I faced Barcode. My tone was relaxed, as though addressing an old comrade. Then I posed a question about our next destination.
“Are you ready to ascend?”
“We can depart immediately. Everything is prepared.”
Barcode answered with unwavering confidence. It was clear he had thoroughly maintained weapons and armor at the Blacksmith District and purchased ample medicinal herbs.
Kim Jae-beom nodded and made his way toward the gate leading to the 11th Floor. Barcode followed close behind. The two figures stood before the colossal dimensional portal, steadied their breathing, and stepped forward with resolute determination.
In that instant, a blinding flash erupted, and the world trembled. When consciousness returned, the landscape sprawling before me had transformed entirely. The 11th Floor was nothing short of a primordial jungle.
Towering trees stretched endlessly, obscuring the sunlight, while humid air clung to my skin. Beneath my feet lay dense undergrowth. The chirping of insects echoed through the thickets, and distant animal cries reverberated across the expanse. The raw breath of the primitive wilderness sent an involuntary chill through my body.
Kim Jae-beom and Barcode swallowed hard without realizing it. The terrain appeared incomparably more treacherous than anything encountered up to the 10th Floor. A creeping sense of dread crept upward—the fear that monsters could overwhelm us before we even adapted.
“From the 11th Floor onward, the difficulty becomes unpredictable, doesn’t it?”
I murmured toward Barcode.
Barcode nodded in response.
“That’s correct. I’ve heard the conditions differ entirely from what we faced up to the 10th Floor.”
Then he reinforced his voice and continued.
“I shall take the lead. It appears we’ll need a shield moving forward.”
Barcode drew a weighty greatsword from its long scabbard. He unhooked the shield hanging at his waist and held it before his body. The sturdy steel shield would serve as a formidable bastion of defense.
As Barcode stepped forward cautiously at the vanguard, Kim Jae-beom followed closely at his heels.
“Arulan. Dercan.”
A low voice flowed forth like an incantation. Black mist rose from the darkness, and within the swirling energy, two silhouettes materialized.
The skeletal soldiers Arulan and Dercan had arrived. With economical movements, they approached their lord’s side, taking defensive positions with sword and staff in hand.
“Guard me.”
With that simple command, Kim Jae-beom began walking forward. The two skeletal soldiers flanked him on either side, forming a protective formation. The party followed behind the advancing Barcode.
Sharp tension pressed against my skin. Even the sunlight filtering through the dense foliage and the birdsong that reached my ears felt somehow menacing.
Kim Jae-beom and Barcode continued their advance deeper into the jungle. Though what dangers awaited remained unknown, their footsteps carried no hesitation.

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