My Skeleton Soldier Is Strange - Chapter 172

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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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Chapter 172
Shiiiiiek!
In that very moment, a brilliant crimson aura erupted from the corpse of the wild boar. It blazed like the final spark of a dying flame, radiant and defiant. The scarlet energy undulated violently, shaking the blood-soaked air. That essence of life itself—sharp and intense—poured forth from the beast’s body and began flowing toward the Giant Scorpion, drawn as if by an irresistible force.
The power swept through shattered flesh and crushed bone in a whirlwind, flowing up the scorpion’s tail and into its body. Like quenching an unquenchable thirst, the tail greedily absorbed the life force. The vivid scarlet spread beyond the tail, suffusing the entire body, and the Giant Scorpion became saturated with that overwhelming power.
Gradually, the scorpion’s flesh began to burn a brilliant red.
The energy stolen from the boar’s life made the Giant Scorpion far more formidable. Its hardened carapace became grotesquely nightmarish, and its muscles bulged with bestial thickness.
One corpse, then another. With each fallen boar, the scorpion’s momentum surged higher. With eyes ablaze with madness, it sought its next victim, driving its tail deep into flesh. The sickening sound of the pointed stinger tearing through muscle and shattering bone echoed across the grassland.
The Grassland became drenched in blood and gore.
In the midst of this merciless slaughter, the Giant Scorpion roared like a tyrant. Thus the Grassland plummeted into the abyss of darkness, shrouded in crimson mist. Everything became stained with blood in that place transformed into a wasteland of death.
* * *
The Giant Scorpion, having absorbed the life force of countless boars, began trembling violently. From its massive body, wondrous radiance poured forth. Crimson energy seeped through its carapace, dyeing the surroundings in scarlet. It appeared as though magical power itself was raging out of control.
Crack, crack, crack!
Ominous fractures echoed across the scorpion’s shell. Fissures began forming on its previously solid surface. What began as microscopic cracks deepened with each passing moment.
The Giant Scorpion writhed in agony, shrieking in pain. The power seeping through its carapace was beyond control. Its body twisted and convulsed as if about to shatter. Then, as though reaching some resolve, the scorpion began curling inward.
With the sound of shell crumbling, it began to molt. The ancient carapace fell away, and beneath it, new flesh emerged. Over the undulating crimson skin, energy rippled and surged. It was as though another power was awakening from deep within the scorpion’s being.
Watching this spectacle, I sensed something. A tremendous transformation was imminent. I leaped swiftly from the scorpion’s back, striking the earth hard. Then, turning toward the darkness behind me, I issued a command with unwavering resolve.
“Arulan. Guard the Giant Scorpion.”
Before my words even finished, a silhouette emerged from the shadows. It was Arulan, wearing a skull mask. Obedient to my command, he stretched both arms forward without hesitation.
Shiiiiiek!
From Arulan’s fingertips, a dark fog erupted. It was as eerie and sinister as malevolent energy laced with poison. The mist flowing between his fingers rapidly spread in all directions.
The darkness swirled and converged around the Giant Scorpion. The black fog writhed as though alive and breathing, consuming everything around it. The pitch-black curtain slowly rose toward the heavens, swallowing the entire landscape.
An abyss-deep darkness enveloped the Grassland. Within the mist, the scorpion’s silhouette flickered faintly. That form, writhing in the agony of transformation, appeared both grotesque and sublime.
A being reborn with new power. It felt like witnessing the moment when ancient magic awakened.
I held my breath.
Enveloped in the mist of molting, the world fell silent. Only the Giant Scorpion’s heartbeat resonated through the darkness.
The pulse of life echoed through the black void. It was the scorpion’s heartbeat. The undead heart, now empowered, beat with an eerie, violent rhythm that seemed to deny death itself.
Then, a miraculous sight unfolded. The scorpion’s body, covered in blood and gore, began turning crimson. From its carapace, heated like molten lava, brilliant radiance emerged. It was the prelude to molting.
My eyes widened as I watched. I forgot the surrounding darkness and the destruction of life, utterly captivated by the wondrous spectacle before me.
Suddenly, I raised my hand toward the empty air. Immediately, dozens of crimson spheres materialized at my fingertips. Gleaming brilliantly like tiny suns, they flew toward the Giant Scorpion. Wherever the spheres made contact, an even more intense surge of life force flowed into the scorpion’s body.
Shiiiiiek!
The crimson spheres, instantly absorbed into the body, unleashed explosive power. The Giant Scorpion’s form convulsed with that force, and its massive frame began swelling to an unbelievable degree.
As the tremendous transformation occurred, the scorpion’s shell shattered into fragments. The countless cracks and fissures scattered into the air like oxidized flesh. And from within, the Giant Scorpion’s new form emerged.
The newly reborn Giant Scorpion was incomparably larger than before. Its massive frame, appearing at least twice its former size, radiated an overwhelming presence that defied imagination.
The new shell, glowing crimson, was hard and beautiful. The elaborate patterns carved into its carapace like ornate designs were magnificent.
“Ahhh!”
An exclamation escaped me unbidden. My eyes remained fixed, captivated by the wondrous sight. The perfect icon of destruction I had envisioned was materializing before my very eyes.
Kuuuoooong….
Then, a roar that shook the entire world tore through the atmosphere. The Giant Scorpion, having completed its molt, slowly rose to its feet. That massive and majestic form was nightmare incarnate.
Eyes burning brilliant crimson turned toward me. Within them dwelt no emotion whatsoever.
“Kruuung….”
The Giant Scorpion growled, lowering its massive head. What emanated from that gesture was not fear or submission, but something far more profound—a mysterious communion.
A victorious smile played at Kim Jae-beom’s lips. A perfect undead creature—this was exactly what I had been seeking. I now held in my grasp another game piece that would shake the world.
* * *
Adorned in its fresh carapace, the Giant Scorpion entered the City alongside Kim Jae-beom, their shoulders aligned in perfect stride. The pristine shell, newly molted, caught the sunlight and shimmered with a vivid crimson brilliance, and even its gait exuded an air of magnificent confidence.
As they arrived at the Plaza, a breathtaking vista of the City unfolded before them like a living painting. From the fountain standing majestically at the center, water jets danced with sprightly grace, painting shimmering rainbows across the air. Along the sprawling merchant streets, rare treasures and colorful shop signs captivated every wandering eye. The cheerful murmur of conversation and laughter echoing from every corner infused the bustling streets with vibrant energy.
It was then that the players gathered in the Plaza began to fixate their attention upon the Giant Scorpion. The unexpected sight sent tremors through their pupils.
“Good heavens.”
“What in the world is that?”
At the appearance of this unbelievable entity, waves of astonishment and admiration poured forth. Their gleaming eyes sparkled with fascination and wonder. Yet there was no fear. In this game world, death was never the end.
The way they scrutinized the Giant Scorpion with their individual gazes was remarkable. The massive legs supporting its heavy frame pressed against the earth with the steadfastness of stone, while its sharp pincers cleaved through the air as though ready to repel any threat.
Amid the admiring stares, Kim Jae-beom nodded graciously.
“Thank you.”
After offering his warm greeting, he proceeded forward confidently alongside the Giant Scorpion. The Central Avenue, which led to the heart of the City, was crowded with foot traffic. Those enchanted by the mysterious creature had begun to gather in ever-increasing numbers.
As the suffocating tide of attention focused upon him, Kim Jae-beom burst into hearty laughter and called out.
“You are welcome to approach!”
Reassured by his words, the players could no longer contain their curiosity and crowded around the Giant Scorpion. With trembling hands, they began to caress its hard, smooth shell.
“This is truly remarkable.”
“I cannot believe it.”
Gasps of wonder escaped unbidden. They had encountered a masterpiece that even genius could scarcely imagine.
Thud-thud-thud!
At that very moment, heavy footsteps echoed from one corner of the Plaza. A contingent of Armored Knights emerged from within the City, their forms imposing and majestic in their polished armor.
Yet the instant their gaze fell upon the Giant Scorpion, bewildered murmurs tinged with shock spilled forth.
“This cannot be….”
Faced with this unbelievable sight, the Armored Knights stood speechless and dumbfounded. Then, as though remembering something, they hastily drew their swords from their sheaths with violent force. The gleaming blades scattered a languid brilliance in the sunlight.
A thunderous roar erupted across the Plaza.
“Attack!”

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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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