My Skeleton Soldier Is Strange - Chapter 52

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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 52
Kim Jae-beom and Ye-jin exited the Training Ground and made their way toward the Plaza.
“All raid participants, please wait here!”
“We’ll be departing soon!”
“Check your equipment! We won’t be responsible if you die!”
Before their eyes stretched a sea of players—hundreds, perhaps thousands—gathered to vanquish the demon Dalikssor. They stood in formation like soldiers, their orderly ranks radiating a palpable tension that hung heavy in the air.
‘Hmm, I’ve gained plenty, but the truth is I haven’t learned much about Dalikssor himself.’
Separate from what the Quest had revealed, the only information I’d obtained was that Dalikssor had some connection to Apep, the master of the black fog.
At the very front of the formation stood players adorned in ornate equipment. Gleaming armor and cloaks embroidered with intricate patterns shone brilliantly. Weapons forged from premium materials radiated a keen, cutting edge. These were the elite vanguard who would face Dalikssor in direct combat.
‘The White Guild and the Black Guild… it looks like other mid-tier guilds are participating as well.’
Banners bearing each guild’s emblem fluttered magnificently at the front. For them, this subjugation was a matter of guild pride.
‘From the middle onward, it’s ordinary players.’
From the center rows onward stood those equipped with relatively modest gear. Those armed with beginner-grade armor and weapons bore expressions of slight tension on their faces. Yet all of them burned with resolve to stand against the demon.
The rear ranks were occupied by mages and healers. Mages wielding staffs embedded with brilliant jewels prepared to chant their spells. Healers radiating sacred light would play the vital role of protecting their allies during battle.
Between the ranks, one could also spot the imposing figures of knights. Clad in heavy, weighty armor and bearing massive shields, they resembled guardians protecting a fortress. They would serve as a steadfast shield to directly withstand Dalikssor’s assaults.
―Tap tap….
“So, what were you doing in the Training Ground?”
“Ah, I had a sparring match for a bit.”
“A sparring match? With whom?”
Ye-jin asked with a puzzled tone, having seen no one else in the Training Ground.
“With Dercan and Arulan. I had a 2-on-1 match, and it went better than I expected. Though there’s still much more I could teach them.”
….
Ye-jin’s eyebrows furrowed at his words. She never imagined he’d actually fight her own summons.
“You don’t need to worry. I’m perfectly fine.”
“So it seems.”
“Those two can be resummoned in just a bit longer. Since they said it’ll take quite a while to reach the combat zone anyway, it shouldn’t be a problem.”
Kim Jae-beom insisted to Ye-jin that his actions were reasonably ‘justified.’
“Besides… I gained something good from beating those two.”
“What’s that?”
“A Hidden Achievement. If I fight alongside two skeleton soldiers I’ve summoned, several of my stats increase.”
“…What?”
Ye-jin was taken aback, though even this was an understatement on Kim Jae-beom’s part. The stat increase was likely several times greater than what she imagined.
“You’re taking all the good things for yourself.”
“Well, I was just lucky.”
“Hmph.”
Ye-jin snorted at his response.
She knew full well that none of this could be attributed to luck alone.
“So that’s why you left me waiting for five minutes?”
“…Isn’t that something I should be upset about?”
‘Five minutes of watching, huh.’
Getting caught singing excitedly in the Training Ground was already embarrassing, but five minutes? That was mortifying.
“Ah, that’s not going to work.”
Ye-jin played innocent, but Kim Jae-beom wasn’t particularly angry. After all, he’d been the one singing in the first place, and the fact that Ye-jin had logged in at that exact moment meant she could have been swept up in the battle. She’d likely made that comment with that calculation in mind.
‘She probably timed it that way on purpose.’
I was freshly reminded that Ye-jin was no ordinary person.
“Actually, I was watching for about six minutes and twenty seconds.”
“….”
Maybe she just enjoyed teasing people….
―Thud!
That was when it happened.
A player ascended the platform set in the center of the Plaza with elegant movements.
Judging by the dazzling white armor that commanded attention, he appeared to be a Knight class.
The brilliantly gleaming armor was a pristine white that hurt the eyes.
On the shoulders of the armor were magnificent wing-shaped ornaments.
The White Knight’s face, now that his helmet was removed, was strikingly handsome.
Golden, curly hair glimmered in the sunlight, accentuating his appearance.
From his blue eyes radiated an unwavering light of determination.
Just as Kim Jae-beom thought to himself that it was excessive,
“Huh.”
Ye-jin murmured softly.
“Do you know him?”
“I think… he was a ‘previous customer’ when I went there last time.”
Kim Jae-beom understood from the nuance that “customer” meant one of Kim Ji-min’s clients.
“….”
His exaggerated gestures and expression seemed somewhat pitiful.
While the two of them murmured quietly, the White Knight slowly turned his gaze toward the crowd and opened his mouth with a solemn voice.
“Greetings. I am Aran, appointed as commander of the subjugation force by the White Guild.”
All eyes focused on Aran’s words. However,
“I understand that many players are anticipating a hidden event through this demon subjugation.”
Aran, who seemed to be jumping straight to the main point,
“So I would appreciate it if you would follow the guild’s instructions well.”
“…??”
“Pardon?”
He ended his speech without any context. Watching the crowd murmur in confusion, Kim Jae-beom understood.
‘He’s saying don’t show off. As for the explanation… I have no idea. Did he have a script and forget it?’
Then Ye-jin murmured beside him.
“Sometimes… people who suddenly become handsome develop poor vocabulary because everything they say gets accepted favorably anyway.”
“….”
An even more pitiful reason. Then, sensing the murmuring atmosphere, Aran added one more thing.
“…That is all?”
Why a question? And why did I think that single phrase would resolve something?
Without filling that void of uncertainty.
“…Then we shall depart!”
“Players, maintain formation as you move!”
Members of the White Guild and Black Guild hastily began directing the players into order.
It seemed they had no intention of extracting anything further from Aran.
“Still….”
As Kim Jae-beom murmured softly, Ye-jin nodded as if she understood without needing to hear the rest.
“Combat power is top-tier. I’ve heard he’s among the highest-ranked rankers.”
So that’s why he obtained command authority despite his inability to articulate himself.
Just as it was in Warlord Online, in Evern Online, combat prowess was authority and power.
―Boom! Boom! Boom!
With the thunderous beat of drums, the demon subjugation force began its expedition.
Aran still wore an expression of unwavering confidence.
* * *
Beyond the city’s boundary, the subjugation force encountered a desolate forest suffused with eerie silence. Ancient trees stood densely packed like sentries guarding against intruders. Thick branches obscured the view ahead. Sunlight filtered through the canopy in scattered patches, creating an unsettling atmosphere.
As the players reached the forest’s entrance, they halted their formation with visible tension, surveying their surroundings. When their gaze turned inward, only profound darkness filled their vision. A sinister aura crept forth on the wind, raising involuntary goosebumps. An oppressive atmosphere hung heavy enough to make anyone hesitate before advancing.
The White Guild’s knights stepped forward without hesitation, their raised swords pointed toward the desolate forest. Their armor, radiating holy light, emanated presence even within the darkness. The Black Guild’s mages followed, chanting incantations in preparation. Mana dripped steadily from the tips of their staffs.
The other players, though somewhat lacking compared to the two major guilds, wore grave expressions as if they had steeled themselves.
A mixture of fear that they might die without receiving compensation and hope that success would grant them experience or achievements seemed to permeate their minds.
In heavy silence, the subjugation force took its first steps into the forest. The clanging of armor and the clatter of weapons shattered the quiet.
That moment.
―
…should have stopped!
―…should have!
―…have!
A chilling laugh echoed from deep within the forest. A sinister, creeping cackle that resonated in the ears. It was a sound so wickedly ominous it raised the hair on one’s skin.
Upon hearing that voice, Kim Jae-beom and Ye-jin simultaneously turned to face each other.
That sound bore a chilling resemblance to the voice they had heard in the footage from the Shadow Region.
* * *
As the subjugation force ventured deeper into the forest, a horrifying sight unfolded before their eyes. The ground was scattered with the corpses of dead animals. From small rodents to large, powerful beasts, every living creature appeared to have been brutally slaughtered.
A nauseating stench of blood assaulted their nostrils. Fresh blood streamed from the mutilated bodies of animals with flesh torn away. The sight was grotesque enough to turn one’s stomach. Everyone trembled at the realization that all this carnage had been wrought by demons.
As their gaze shifted, broken trees came into view. Sturdy ancient trees lay toppled on the ground, snapped as if crushed by tremendous force. Trees uprooted entirely were scattered in all directions.
The White Guild’s knights gripped their swords tightly, standing at the vanguard and scanning their surroundings for any demon that might attack without warning. The Black Guild’s mages held their staffs firmly, concentrating their mana. The healers had also completed their preparations to restore their allies.
“We shall continue forward.”
“Keep watch ahead.”
The subjugation force advanced cautiously toward the Forest Center, their footsteps measured and deliberate. The only sounds were the rustling of fallen leaves and branches brushing against the wind. In the profound silence, their heartbeats seemed unnaturally loud.
The corpses of massive beasts lay scattered throughout. Their armor-like hides, once sturdy, were mangled beyond recognition. Bodies torn and shredded as if they had become prey instilled terror in all who witnessed them.
The forest’s trees were no exception. Ancient trees that should have stood majestically reaching toward the sky lay broken and uprooted. Splintered branches were strewn in all directions. The devastated forest had lost its vitality and transformed into a desolate graveyard.

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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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