My Skeleton Soldier Is Strange - Chapter 227

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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 227
Boring.
With that single word, the surrounding noise vanished as if it had been a lie. The two players engaged in combat simultaneously froze, their eyes turning toward Kim Jae-beom.
Kim Jae-beom seemed to relish their reaction. He walked slowly toward the two high-ranked players, his gait brimming with confidence.
“Long time no see, you two?”
The moment Kim Jae-beom finished speaking, he swiftly drew a dagger from inside his robe. It was no ordinary blade. Red patterns were etched into the black steel, and the hilt glowed with an unnaturally crimson light.
The Dark Knight and the Spacetime Mage regarded Kim Jae-beom with wary eyes.
“Who are you?”
The Dark Knight spoke first. The Spacetime Mage remained vigilant, gathering energy between his hands.
A smile spread across Kim Jae-beom’s lips.
“The former Rank 1 player.”
With those words, Kim Jae-beom moved. His speed was almost impossible to follow with the naked eye. One moment he stood several meters away from the two players; the next, he was already charging between them. A faint crimson aura emanated from his body.
The dagger sliced through the air. Kim Jae-beom spun, wielding the blade with such velocity that it became nearly invisible. Only the faint traces of light drawn across the magical circle barely revealed his trajectory.
The two players recoiled in shock at his agile movements. The Dark Knight instinctively thrust his shield forward, while the Magician hastily chanted a defensive spell. Yet their reactions were far too slow compared to Kim Jae-beom’s speed.
The dagger grazed the Dark Knight’s armor with a sharp metallic screech. A deep gouge appeared in the metal, but fortunately, it did not penetrate to his skin. The Magician’s barrier barely withstood the second attack, though the impact sent him staggering backward.
“You bastard!”
The Dark Knight snarled, swinging his massive sword. Black flames now blazed fiercely along its edge. The Spacetime Mage began chanting rapidly, purple energy swirling between his fingers.
The spectators held their breath at this sudden turn of events. The demonstration match had abruptly transformed into actual combat.
Even amid this chaos, Kim Jae-beom remained composed. His movements were calculated, his dagger technique flawless. He wove deftly between the two players, evading their attacks while seeking openings for his own.
Barcode observed the entire situation from the edge of the crowd. His calm eyes tracked Kim Jae-beom’s movements as though he had anticipated this very moment.
The Dark Knight and the Spacetime Mage gradually synchronized their breathing despite their anger and confusion. They began to coordinate, covering each other’s weaknesses and pressuring Kim Jae-beom. While the Dark Knight attacked from the front, the Magician cast spells from behind to restrict his movement.
―Whooooom!
“Okay!”
The Spacetime Mage’s spell activated. The space around Kim Jae-beom warped, beginning to impede his movements.
As if moving through water, Kim Jae-beom’s actions slowed slightly. The Dark Knight seized this opportunity, swinging his sword in a massive arc toward him. The enormous blade, wreathed in black flames, tore through the air in a devastating charge.
But Kim Jae-beom felt no concern.
“Good.”
Rather, as if he had been waiting for this moment, he swung his dagger in a wide arc. In that instant, something incredible happened.
Crimson light erupted from the dagger like a volcano exploding. It was no mere light.
The red substance swirled through the air, multiplying in volume with each passing moment. The crimson radiance penetrated the Spacetime Mage’s spatial distortion magic.
The red light flowed relentlessly toward the Dark Knight. He instinctively raised his shield to defend, but the crimson substance bypassed it, seeping into his armor instead.
At first, it was merely a faint mark. The armor’s surface had only taken on a slight reddish discoloration. But within mere seconds, the situation changed drastically. Microscopic fractures began appearing across the Dark Knight’s armor. They spread like a spider’s web with terrifying speed. What had initially been barely visible cracks soon became deep and distinct.
The Dark Knight realized what was happening to his armor. His Black Dragon armor—the symbol of his defense and his pride—was crumbling before his eyes. His voice, filled with horror, echoed from within his helmet.
“Insane!”
But it was already too late to react. Kim Jae-beom did not miss the moment when the Dark Knight’s attention was diverted to his armor. He moved at a completely different speed than before. In the blink of an eye, he vanished from the Dark Knight’s front and reappeared at his side.
Kim Jae-beom’s dagger flashed.
The next instant, the blade was already buried deep in the Dark Knight’s leg. Kim Jae-beom’s movement had been so swift that neither the Dark Knight nor the spectators could properly follow it.
The Dark Knight stared at the dagger embedded in his leg. Shock arrived before pain. His voice trembled with disbelief and astonishment as he spoke his final words.
“Damn fast….”
His words never finished. The Dark Knight’s body suddenly began glowing with blue light. It was a special effect that appeared just before forced logout in the game. The blue radiance intensified, then suddenly exploded in a brilliant flash before fading away.
The Dark Knight’s body collapsed limply to the ground. His form was now nothing more than an empty shell. His consciousness had already returned to the real world.
The Spacetime Mage appeared completely shocked by his ally’s sudden defeat. He alternated his gaze between Kim Jae-beom and the fallen Dark Knight before speaking.
“Wow.”
That single word captured everyone’s sentiment perfectly.
Not just the Spacetime Mage, but every player gathered in the Plaza shared the same emotion in that brief exclamation. The shock of witnessing an unbelievable sight—a high-ranked player defeated so easily.
Kim Jae-beom gazed at the Dark Knight sprawled on the ground. His eyes held not satisfaction from victory, but focus directed toward the next stage. He ignored the Spacetime Mage for the moment and walked slowly toward the fallen knight.
“It’s not over yet.”
In the silence of the Plaza, his words reached everyone’s ears with absolute clarity. Tension surged among the spectators. The Dark Knight had already been forcibly logged out of the game. What more could possibly be done?
Kim Jae-beom stopped before the fallen knight. Then he slowly extended his right hand toward him.
In that instant, an incredible sight unfolded. Red electricity began spreading from the tips of his fingers throughout his entire body. It was unlike ordinary electricity. It was denser, more viscous, and maintained its form even in the air.
The red current poured from Kim Jae-beom’s body toward the fallen Dark Knight. What had begun as a thin thread of electricity gradually thickened and expanded. The current, moving like tentacles, began to completely envelop the Dark Knight’s body.
The spectators watched this sight with shock and horror. Even the Spacetime Mage remained frozen in place, unable to take further action. This phenomenon had never been witnessed in the game before. It appeared to be an ability from an entirely different dimension—not a regular skill or spell.
The red current began seeping into the Dark Knight’s body. Like a sponge absorbing water, the Dark Knight’s form accepted the current. Yet more accurately, the current was absorbing the Dark Knight’s body. His form grew increasingly faint until finally, he was completely consumed by the red electricity.
Silence descended upon the entire Plaza for a moment. Then, breaking that silence, an astonishing transformation unfolded before their eyes. Where the Dark Knight had been, a perfectly spherical red orb now pulsed, suspended in the air.
The red sphere hovered briefly before slowly moving toward Kim Jae-beom. As if drawn by a magnet, it moved directly toward his chest. Kim Jae-beom stood motionless, his expression devoid of any fear.
The moment the sphere touched Kim Jae-beom’s chest, something remarkable occurred. The sphere began slowly seeping into his body. At first, only part of it was absorbed, but gradually more of it merged with him. Finally, the entire sphere vanished completely into his body.
Kim Jae-beom’s body was suddenly engulfed in red light. The light was so intense that those nearby had to close their eyes. The radiance persisted for several seconds before abruptly disappearing.
When the light faded and everyone opened their eyes, the Plaza no longer held Kim Jae-beom in his magician’s attire. Standing in his place was a Dark Knight clad in black plate armor, wearing a helmet with glowing red eyes. The Dark Knight—the very same one who had been lying defeated moments before.
toward the horizon.
Beyond the horizon, the Castle Wall of Den’s city gradually began to reveal itself.
The wall was constructed of gray stone, bearing natural weathering marks accumulated over the passage of time.
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 who inspected those entering and leaving.
There stood everyone from NPCs to ordinary players.
They all had to undergo inspection equally.
Tap!
“We’ll have to wait here.”
Kim Jae-beom and Barcode stopped at the city entrance. Before them stretched a long line of travelers and merchants, all patiently waiting to enter the city.
“Next!”
The Guard Captain’s resonant voice rang out. It was Kim Jae-beom and Barcode’s turn. They walked slowly 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.”
Kim Jae-beom answered calmly.
The Guard Soldier scrutinized them with a suspicious gaze, paying particular attention to Kim Jae-beom’s appearance. Instead of his usual red clothing, he wore neat magician’s robes—a deep blue robe with silver-trimmed sleeves and neatly arranged hem that differed markedly from his typical image.
“Are you carrying any weapons?”
The Guard Soldier asked again.
“Yes, a single short sword for self-defense.”
Kim Jae-beom answered and revealed a small dagger concealed within his 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 they finally stepped into the City. The streets of the Den were far more bustling than I had anticipated. Adventurers and merchants of various races mingled with the local residents, all moving with purposeful energy.
Barcode gazed curiously at Kim Jae-beom, who was now dressed in neat Magician’s robes. The ominous crimson aura that usually surrounded him was nowhere to be seen; instead, he emanated the composed elegance of a scholar.
Kim Jae-beom felt Barcode’s gaze and smiled awkwardly.
“I’ve worn nothing but red clothes for so long—dressing like this feels strange.”
Barcode let out a soft chuckle.
“It suits you quite well.”
The City’s first impression was vibrant. Shops of every variety lined both sides of the street, their windows displaying an endless array of goods.
Birds soared across the blue Sky, and children laughed and played freely in the streets.
Then Kim Jae-beom spoke to Barcode.
“Let’s head to the Plaza.”
Barcode bowed respectfully.
“Yes.”
The two of them navigated through narrow alleys and broad avenues in alternation, making their way toward the City’s center. The Den was designed in concentric circles. The outer ring housed primarily residential areas and small shops, while the inner rings grew progressively more elaborate, featuring larger establishments and public facilities.
As they approached the central circle, the scale and grandeur of the buildings increased dramatically. Beautiful structures of blended stone and timber captured their attention. Most notably, the City’s heart featured a magnificent fountain, around which a circular Plaza sprawled in all its glory.
The Plaza was the heartbeat of the City. Thousands of people gathered to converse, conduct business, and exchange information.
Kim Jae-beom and Barcode crossed the vibrant Plaza slowly.
When they reached the vicinity of the central fountain, Kim Jae-beom paused and surveyed his surroundings.
The Plaza was far more lively than I had expected. Thousands of players occupied their respective spaces, engaged in conversation. Their clothing and equipment were wildly diverse.
From Armored Knights in plate armor to Magicians in robes, rogues in leather armor, and druids—the variety was extraordinary.
Centered around the fountain, the Plaza divided itself into smaller districts like a miniature Village. In one section, players bought and sold goods in bustling trade; in another, adventurers recruiting party members shouted loudly to attract attention. And in the East section of the Plaza, a remarkable spectacle unfolded.
Dozens of players gathered in a circle there, testing their skills against one another. It was not full-scale combat, but rather a kind of exhibition—a display of technique and ability.
A Magician in a crimson robe launched fireballs skyward, creating a spectacular display of flames, while beside him, a Knight in silver armor wielded an enormous greatsword with practiced grace, drawing gasps of admiration from the onlookers.
“No matter how you look at it, Magicians are broken.”
“No way. Knights are better when you level them up.”
Heated commentary from spectators scattered through the air. Each defended their preferred class and techniques.
What stood out most was the duel taking place at the center.
A Magician in a black robe and a Knight in golden armor faced each other.
Lightning crackled from the Magician’s fingertips, while waves of energy rippled from the Knight’s blade.
“Perish!”
As the Magician shouted, he extended his hand toward empty air. In an instant, dozens of small lightning spheres materialized around him.
“Protect!”
The Knight drove his sword into the ground and chanted. A golden barrier enveloped him, deflecting all the lightning spheres.
“Hmm….”
I watched the entire spectacle with fascination. My gaze lingered longest on the area where the skill exhibitions were taking place. The energy and passion there felt far more intense than anywhere else.
I leaned toward Barcode and whispered in his ear. He nodded in acknowledgment. We circled the fountain and headed toward the area where players were conducting their duels. With each step, the roar of the crowd, the explosive sounds of magic, and the clash of weapons grew clearer.
As we drew closer to the dueling area, we naturally positioned ourselves at the outer edge of the spontaneously formed ring of spectators. Directly before us, a heavy warrior in red armor and an ice Magician in blue robes were locked in combat. The warrior pressed forward with a massive axe, while the Magician erected ice barriers to block the onslaught.
“Hya!”
“Well fought!”
“Those stats are insane!”
The spectators erupted in cheers.
They all possessed a keen understanding of the game’s statistics and attributes, and based on that knowledge, they evaluated the players’ abilities.
Kim Jae-beom and Barcode observed quietly, moving slowly along the circular path. Since various matches were unfolding simultaneously across multiple locations, they navigated toward the most captivating confrontations.
In one corner, archers wielding bows fired arrows at targets positioned in the distance.
Elsewhere, two Thieves engaged in a contest of speed and agility. They moved with such blinding velocity that they appeared to the spectators only in fleeting glimpses.
Kim Jae-beom and Barcode finally reached the Central Arena. It was far more spacious than the other venues, and a greater crowd had gathered there. At its center, a blue magical circle was inscribed, and upon it, two high-ranked players clashed in combat.
One appeared to be a Dark Knight. Clad in black plate armor and wearing a helmet with crimson eyes, he wielded an enormous greatsword. The other was a Magician. Dressed in robes, she twisted the very space around her as the battle raged on.
The clash between the two players was overwhelming.
“Let’s see what we have here….”
I observed every detail of this spectacle with meticulous attention. My eyes gleamed with cold calculation. Barcode, too, silently assessed the situation.
Tap… tap.
Barcode and I slowly wedged our way through the crowd and pressed forward.
As we drew closer to the Central Arena, the vibrations generated by the collision of magic and force became increasingly intense. The confrontation between the Dark Knight and the Spacetime Mage had reached its crescendo. The spectators cheered and applauded at the dazzling techniques displayed by the two high-ranked players.
I gazed upon the entire spectacle with an impassive expression. My eyes held something far deeper than mere interest.
A thin smile.
I crossed the boundary of the arena with deliberate slowness, my lips curving upward. Barcode followed without hesitation.
The two high-ranked players were so absorbed in their combat that they initially failed to notice my approach. They continued exchanging attacks and defenses. The Dark Knight’s blade cleaved through the air, and the Magician’s incantations warped the space itself.
I walked toward the center of the magical circle. Only then did murmurs ripple through the crowd. The spectators’ gazes fixed upon the unfamiliar Magician who had violated the rules and entered the arena, their expressions filled with bewilderment and consternation.
As I approached the heart of the two players’ battle, I opened my mouth.
“How tedious.”
Those words reverberated across the entire 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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