Sword Master With One Strike Kill - Chapter 268

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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One-Strike Kill Swordmaster Episode 268

Episode 268. Bad Karma (1)

“Ppakgyu.”

Five days before arriving at the Relic Investigation Team headquarters.

That night when Adelia and Jeungmu finished their sparring match.

Muwolcha called out to me with a slightly subdued voice.

“Can I really… participate in this exploration of the ‘Ruins of Rashutku’?”

The Ruins of Rashutku.

Unlike the Ruins of Rashutku in the parallel world, this was the name for the real archaeological site buried deep within the Uncharted Wilderness.

In fact, Muwolcha had never seen our party engage in proper combat until now.

Of course, there was that moment when we dealt with the human trafficker Franky, but that was closer to a one-sided execution than what you could call a battle.

But today.

Muwolcha witnessed everything.

The combat of Sword Masters. The pressure created by clashing swords. Even the sharpness of sword energy cutting through the air.

The extreme offense and defense that determined life and death, where not even a moment’s mistake was allowed, was enough to make her anxious.

“Honestly, I’m a bit scared.”

Muwolcha honestly opened her heart.

“I clearly realized today that there’s a huge wall between you all and me.”

Level 8.

That was Muwolcha’s current level.

With her being stuck among monsters, it was natural that she would feel intimidated.

“It’s okay.”

I answered calmly.

“Rather, you’ll be safer because you’re with such skilled people. We’ll be able to protect you no matter what happens.”

“…”

“And I’ve told you many times. You’re the key person in this exploration.”

Some would dismiss this as ridiculous nonsense.

And for good reason—what kind of key role could a level 8 martial artist play among a party of Sword Master-level companions?

But…

‘It’s similar to the situation with Strawberry Latte.’

When we explored the Ruins of Rashutku, Strawberry Latte’s level was also very low.

Nevertheless, he was the core of the party.

Information gathering, game knowledge that only a Possessed One could have, and above all, special roles that only a player could fulfill.

Just because his level was low didn’t mean he was useless. Rather, there were things possible precisely because he was a Possessed One.

‘The same goes for Muwolcha.’

For example.

Mukyoo, who was still clinging to her face.

The divine beast transformed into the form of Haewolsumo wasn’t just for hiding her appearance.

There was a special synergy between the martial artist class and the divine beast Mukyoo. If that combination was maximized, Muwolcha could exert influence beyond imagination.

And that wasn’t all.

The Ruins of Rashutku contained mechanics that only the martial artist class could solve. Muwolcha was the only key that could overcome those obstacles.

After hearing my explanation, Muwolcha smiled bitterly.

“Yeah, well… I understand your plan.”

Of course, her expression was still dark. It was the face of someone who understood but couldn’t shake their anxiety.

“But I can’t help worrying.”

Her voice trembled slightly.

“Is it normal for a level 8 to travel with people in their 90s? Honestly, watching today’s sparring really gave me chills. I wondered if there was really a place for me among those people.”

Muwolcha paused for a moment, then let out a self-deprecating laugh.

“So I’m anxious. Worried that I’ll just be a burden.”

A heartfelt confession.

Muwolcha’s hands trembled slightly.

In her eyes visible beyond Mukyoo, fear and impatience were mixed together.

I looked at her silently for a moment.

‘I understand.’

A Possessed One suddenly dropped into this world.

A situation where the world experienced only through games became reality. The confusion of having to live in the body of a character she created.

All of that must have come to Muwolcha as terror.

Moreover, everyone around her was a monster-like expert. The reality of being the only level 8 among them.

It was rather natural for her to worry about the future.

…Even I lived each day in anxiety until I had established some foundation.

“But Ppakgyu.”

Swoosh-.

Just then, Muwolcha looked straight at me.

She spoke in a deliberately calm voice.

“Since it’s a plan you made, I’ll trust and follow it.”

“…”

The anxiety still remained.

But nevertheless, strong trust was covering it.

After a brief silence, Muwolcha spoke again.

“By the way, I’d only heard about it in stories, but seeing it in person is really impressive.”

“…”

“How did you grow to the point where you could intervene in fights between the Strongest Characters in the World in just four months?”

It was a voice mixed with admiration.

And hearing this, I answered calmly.

“Don’t worry. If you follow my plan, you’ll be able to grow significantly in a short time too.”

I would definitely make it so.

Because…

That way, Muwolcha’s survival rate would increase, and by settling her in Dawnguard, I could strengthen my foundation in the Dark City.

* * *

The Relic Investigation Team.

One of the forces representing the Outer Citadel along with Vilopozy.

They too were a group with a long tradition, boasting hundreds of years of history.

Not just for this Rashutku exploration, but they would be an organization that could greatly help us later as well.

‘Human resources are always important.’

As I’ve said many times, material rewards are important, but ultimately it’s people who move the world.

Creating connections with capable organizations would be the greatest asset in the long term.

In that sense, the relationship with the Relic Investigation Team had to be handled carefully.

Just then, a massive building came into view in the distance.

A magnificent stone structure. Walls with ancient patterns carved everywhere. Befitting a group that studies ruins, the building itself gave off the feeling of a history museum.

“Hmm.”

Whoosh-.

Jeungmu looked at the sight and muttered in a small voice.

“It’s been quite a while since I’ve been to this place.”

“…?”

Adelia tilted her head curiously.

“Have you visited the Relic Investigation Team in the past as well, Meister Jeungmu?”

“That’s right.”

Jeungmu nodded and replied.

“I’ve commissioned them with various requests. They take on diverse jobs, not just relic exploration.”

“Requests?”

Adelia made a puzzled expression.

It was a natural reaction. The name “Relic Investigation Team” itself sounded like a group specializing in relic exploration.

‘But the reality is a bit different.’

The Relic Investigation Team conducted relic investigations themselves. Finding traces of forgotten civilizations, restoring history, and excavating ancient knowledge. That was their original purpose.

However, that activity alone wasn’t enough to generate the revenue needed to operate their organization.

It wasn’t easy for a group exploring ancient ruins to make money.

‘The problem is that instead of putting the artifacts they excavate up for auction, they keep and research them themselves…’

It’s not like they could receive government support like in modern Earth society.

To begin with, this world barely had any nation-level organizations. Middletemple, the Ruin Guild, Wintershield. These major powers each governed their own territories.

And the Relic Investigation Team was an independent organization that didn’t belong to any faction.

In the end, they had to generate their own revenue.

‘So the method they chose was taking on commissions.’

Most members of the Relic Investigation Team were versatile skilled individuals.

To explore ruins, they needed combat ability, skills to disarm traps, and knowledge to decipher ancient texts.

Therefore, like the Adventurer’s Guild, the Relic Investigation Team also took on various types of work. From escort missions to collecting specific items and investigating dangerous areas.

Of course, their specialty was still relic-related work.

“But…”

After hearing my explanation, Adelia tilted her head and carefully asked.

“…Meister Zengmu, what did you commission the Relic Investigation Team for?”

If he was a Sword Master, he should be able to handle most things alone, so what reason would there be to commission them?

Psshhhh-.

Jeungmu released steam for a moment, then tapped his chest with his hand.

Thunk, clang-!

A dull metallic sound echoed.

“The Ferric Clan’s body is special.”

Jeungmu began explaining calmly.

“We can replace most of our flesh with machinery and metal. And the rarer and superior that metal is, the stronger we become.”

“…”

“That’s why I’ve spent my lifetime searching for rare metals.”

Jeungmu’s eyes gazed into the distance. It was an expression as if recalling memories from long ago.

“The volcanic region of Vilopozy. I formed connections with the dwarves there for that reason. I visited the mines near Haslpart several times. I wandered all over the continent searching for even slightly better metals.”

Psshhhh-.

After catching his breath for a moment, Jeungmu continued.

“But among all those places, my favorite is…”

His voice dropped lower.

“The ruins of ancient empires.”

“…?”

“Ancient empires used Proteum abundantly. Especially prosperous civilizations like Rashutku even more so. If you go to well-preserved ruins, you can obtain large quantities of Proteum.”

Adelia finally showed an expression of understanding.

“So by commissioning the Relic Investigation Team, you found ruins with such Proteum?”

Jeungmu nodded.

“That’s right. Of course, I provided the maps leading to the ruins and clues like ‘Openers.’ That was almost hundreds of years ago…”

Clatter clatter-!

Just then.

Suddenly the main entrance of the Relic Investigation Team headquarters burst open, and someone came running out in a hurry.

“Hah, hah!”

A girl in a sand-colored shirt and shorts.

She had a bag larger than her frame on her back, and various exploration equipment hung jingling from her belt.

Breathing heavily, she ran up to us and bowed deeply.

“I’m sorry for keeping you waiting so long!”

A member of the Relic Investigation Team I had connected with in Dungarrd, the Dark City.

It was Natalya Koshat.

“Oh, and.”

Catching her breath, she quickly continued.

“The Director asked me to tell you he’s really sorry he couldn’t come out personally. A guest just arrived and he’s attending to them…”

“A guest?”

“Ah, Pean arrived first.”

I nodded inwardly.

I had already informed Pean of the exploration schedule by messenger bird, so it was a natural sequence.

‘He came early.’

That was just like Pean. Always acting leisurely and relaxed, yet punctual when it came to appointments.

It was then that Natalya continued with an apologetic expression.

“Normally I should interrupt the conversation and escort you both together, but they’re discussing something quite serious right now…”

“…?”

“…?”

As the group tilted their heads in confusion, Natalya hesitated for a moment before carefully speaking.

“Pean said he was attacked by someone on his way to the Relic Investigation Team headquarters.”

* * *

I immediately headed to the director’s office.

Natalya led the way, walking quickly down the corridor, with Adelia, Jeungmu, and Muwolcha following behind.

Tap, tap-.

Only the sound of footsteps climbing the stairs broke the silence.

‘At this point, there’s only one reason Pean would be attacked.’

The Intruder.

The monster from the Abyss. That being that even defeated Heukgol.

If Pean had encountered that thing…

‘Damn.’

My throat went dry.

If something happened to Pean, it would greatly disrupt future plans. He was more than just a companion.

Creak-.

Natalya opened the door to the director’s office.

At that moment.

“Ah, The Protagonist! Meister Zengmu! And even Adelia von Goldhart! It’s been a while! Haha!”

A cheerful voice rang out.

I stopped short-.

Pean was sitting perfectly fine in a chair.

Holding a teacup and leisurely drinking tea. Clean clothes without a single wound. No sign of injury anywhere, and even a pleased expression.

He looked so perfectly fine that it was impossible to believe he was someone who had been attacked.

* * *

“Why didn’t I fight the Intruder and immediately ran away?”

“…”

“Well, an official notice was issued that Sword Masters other than The Protagonist shouldn’t engage in solo combat.”

Pean shrugged his shoulders as he finished speaking.

“It’s obviously an order from Lord Gaon, so of course I have to follow it.”

“….”

No.

Was this guy always such an obedient character?

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