My Skeleton Soldier Is Strange - Chapter 226

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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 226
The next morning, I set my sights on Den, a city where players gathered. Crossing fields where droplets from the previous night’s rain glistened in the morning sun, Barcode and I pressed forward toward our destination.
Beyond the horizon, the Castle Wall of Den gradually came into view.
The wall was constructed from gray stone, bearing the natural weathering marks of time scattered across its surface.
Den’s main gate was magnificent.
Two pillars supported the gate, and above them, a flag bearing the city’s emblem fluttered in the wind. Before the main gate stood several Guard Soldiers, inspecting those who entered and exited.
There were NPCs and ordinary players alike standing in line.
All of them had to undergo the inspection equally.
Tap!
“We’ll have to wait here.”
Barcode and I came to a stop at the city entrance. Before us stretched a long queue of travelers and merchants, all patiently waiting to enter the city.
“Next!”
The captain of the guard’s booming voice rang out. It was our turn. We slowly walked forward toward the Guard Soldiers.
“Please state your name and purpose of visit.”
One of the Guard Soldiers asked with an expressionless face.
“I’m Kim Jae-beom and this is Barcode. We’re here on business for the Central Guild.”
I answered calmly.
The Guard Soldier scrutinized us with suspicious eyes, paying particular attention to my appearance. Instead of my usual crimson robes, I wore a neat mage’s outfit—a deep blue robe with silver-trimmed sleeves and neatly arranged hem, quite different from my typical image.
“Are you carrying any weapons?”
The Guard Soldier asked again.
“Yes, a single short dagger for self-defense.”
I answered and showed him the small dagger concealed beneath my robe.
The Guard Soldier nodded.
“Weapon use is prohibited within the city. If any problems arise, please summon the city guard.”
The brief inspection concluded, and we finally stepped into the city. Den’s streets were far more bustling than I had anticipated. Adventurers of various races, merchants, and city residents moved about busily.
Barcode gazed at me with curiosity, seeing me in my neat mage’s attire. The ominous crimson aura that usually surrounded me was nowhere to be found, replaced instead by a scholarly refinement.
I felt Barcode’s gaze and smiled awkwardly.
“I’m not used to dressing like this after always wearing red robes.”
Barcode let out a small laugh.
“It suits you quite well.”
The city’s first impression was vibrant. Various shops lined both sides of the streets, their windows displaying merchandise.
Birds soared across the blue sky, and children laughed and played in the streets.
Then I spoke to Barcode.
“Let’s head to the Plaza.”
Barcode bowed respectfully.
“Yes.”
We navigated through narrow alleys and broad avenues, making our way toward the city’s center. Den was designed in a concentric pattern. The outer ring housed primarily residential areas and small shops, while moving inward revealed larger establishments and public facilities.
As we approached the central ring, the scale and grandeur of the buildings increased. Beautiful structures of mixed stone and timber captured our attention. Particularly striking was a magnificent fountain at the city’s heart, surrounded by a circular plaza.
The Plaza was the city’s lifeblood. Countless people gathered to converse, conduct transactions, and exchange information.
Barcode and I slowly crossed this vibrant Plaza.
When I reached the area near the Central Plaza fountain, I paused and surveyed my surroundings.
The Plaza was far more vibrant than I had anticipated. Thousands of players conversed in their respective spaces, their attire and equipment as varied as the stars.
From Armored Knights in plate armor to Mages draped in robes, Rogues in leather armor, and Druids—the diversity was striking.
Centered around the fountain, the Plaza divided itself into distinct districts like a small Village. On one side, players traded goods and haggled; on another, adventurers seeking party members called out loudly. And in the eastern section of the Plaza, something extraordinary unfolded.
Dozens of players gathered in circles, testing their prowess against one another. It was not true combat, but rather a kind of exhibition—a showcase of technique and ability.
A Mage in a crimson robe launched fireballs skyward, creating a spectacle of flames, while beside them an Armored Knight in silver plate wielded an enormous greatsword with such skill that the onlookers gasped in admiration.
“No matter how you look at it, Mages are broken.”
“No way. Knights are better if they level up.”
The heated commentary of spectators scattered through the air as they championed their preferred classes and techniques.
What captured attention most was the duel unfolding at the center.
A Mage in a black robe and an Armored Knight in golden plate stood facing one another.
Lightning crackled from the Mage’s fingertips, while waves of energy rippled from the Knight’s blade.
“Take this!”
As the Mage cried out, they extended their hand toward empty air. In an instant, dozens of small lightning spheres materialized around them.
“Gal!”
The Knight drove their sword into the ground while chanting. A golden barrier enveloped them, deflecting all the lightning spheres.
“Hmm….”
I observed all of this with keen interest. My gaze lingered especially long on the area where the skill exhibition was taking place. The energy and passion there felt more intense than anywhere else.
I leaned toward Barcode and whispered in his ear. He nodded in acknowledgment. We circled the fountain and made our way toward the area where players were engaged in their duels. With each step, the roar of the crowd, the explosive sounds of magic, and the clash of weapons grew clearer.
As we approached the dueling area, we naturally positioned ourselves at the outer edge of the gathered spectators. Directly before us, a heavy warrior in red armor clashed with an ice Mage in a blue robe. The warrior pressed forward with a massive axe, while the Mage erected ice barriers to defend against the onslaught.
“Hiya!”
“Well fought!”
“Those stats are insane!”
The crowd erupted in cheers.
They all possessed keen knowledge of in-game statistics and attributes, and based on these, they evaluated the fighters’ abilities.
Barcode and I observed quietly, moving slowly along the circle. Since various duels were occurring simultaneously in multiple locations, we sought out the most captivating matches.
In one corner, archers wielding bows fired arrows at distant targets.
Elsewhere, two Rogues tested their speed and agility against each other. They moved so swiftly they were barely visible, revealing themselves to the crowd only in fleeting moments.
Barcode and I finally reached the Central Arena. It was wider than the other areas and drew a larger crowd. A blue magical circle was inscribed at its center, and upon it, two high-ranking players engaged in combat.
One appeared to be a Dark Knight. Clad in black plate armor and wearing a helmet with glowing red eyes, they wielded an enormous greatsword. The other was a Mage. Robed and twisting space itself, they continued their battle.
The clash between these two players was overwhelming.
“Let me see….”
I observed every detail of this spectacle with meticulous attention. My eyes were cold and calculating. Barcode, too, quietly surveyed the situation.
Tap… tap.
Barcode and I slowly pushed through the crowd, advancing forward.
As we drew closer to the Central Arena, the vibrations from the collision of magic and force grew increasingly intense. The duel between the Dark Knight and the Spacetime Mage had reached its climax. The spectators cheered and applauded at the spectacular techniques displayed by these two high-ranking players.
I regarded the entire scene with an expressionless face. My eyes held something other than mere interest.
Smirk.
I curved my lips into a smile and slowly crossed the boundary of the Arena. Barcode followed without hesitation.
The two high-ranking players were so focused on their combat that they initially failed to notice my approach. They continued exchanging attacks and defenses. The Dark Knight’s blade cut through the air, and the Mage’s incantations twisted space itself.
Kim Jae-beom walked toward the center of the magic circle. Only then did murmurs ripple through the crowd. The spectators’ gazes fixed upon the unfamiliar mage who had brazenly entered the Training Arena in violation of the rules, their eyes brimming with bewilderment and consternation.
Kim Jae-beom approached the heart of the two players’ combat and opened his mouth.
“Boring.”
Those single words reverberated across the entire Training Arena.

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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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