The Automatic Rooting Range Is Too Wide - Chapter 63

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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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Auto Looting Range Too Wide Episode 63

 

Episode 63: Cornered (3)

 

Mincheol laid his spear shaft flat to block the wooden sword.

 

His body tilted backward from the heavy impact.

 

‘If I stay like this, I’ll fall over.’

 

He had completely lost his balance.

 

Rather than resist, Mincheol went with the flow.

 

After flying backward and landing on the ground, Mincheol quickly corrected his posture.

 

“Oh?”

 

William rounded his mouth in admiration.

 

“I thought you’d fall backward disgracefully. But you deflected it like this?”

 

William grinned widely, enjoying himself.

 

In contrast, Mincheol couldn’t smile at all.

 

‘I couldn’t see his movement.’

 

The reason Mincheol could block the attack was because he predicted it by watching the position of his feet.

 

Even then, he had to rely half on instinct.

 

‘In terms of absolute speed alone, he’s slower than the Goblin Knight.’

 

But the body Mincheol was currently controlling was that of young Cardmos.

 

With this frail body, William’s speed felt like that of the Goblin Knight.

 

Moreover, speed wasn’t his only advantage.

 

The strike he had just shown was shockingly clean.

 

As if drawn with a ruler.

 

‘This level of skill at that age?’

 

It wasn’t for nothing that Cardmos had praised him as a genius.

 

He was a formidable opponent on a different level from the trainees Mincheol had fought before.

 

‘Cardmos beat this guy?’

 

Mincheol glanced at Cardmos’s ghost.

 

Cardmos was watching their battle with his mouth tightly shut.

 

‘Truly worthy of being the continent’s strongest.’

 

They say there’s always a sky above the sky.

 

Those words fit perfectly.

 

“Hyung, you’ve rested enough now, right?”

 

William took his stance.

 

Mincheol cut off his idle thoughts and focused on William.

 

At that moment, William appeared right in front of him.

 

There was no time to see the sword strike. Mincheol only looked at his shoulder and jerked his head to the side.

 

Swoosh-

 

The wooden sword made an eerie sound as it grazed past his ear.

 

“Wow, you dodged again?”

 

William smiled brightly and continued his attack.

 

Slashes poured down with the sound of tearing air.

 

Every attack was fierce beyond measure. It was too much for this frail body to handle.

 

But Mincheol had the knowledge he received from Cardmos.

 

Added to this was experience gained through life-and-death battles.

 

The position of feet, the twist of waist, the rotation of shoulders.

 

Mincheol concentrated intently on William’s movements.

 

He gathered all the information he could obtain. He added instinct to this and derived results.

 

‘Left diagonal.’

 

‘A thrust aimed at the solar plexus.’

 

‘Horizontal slash.’

 

Mincheol dodged every attack by a hair’s breadth.

 

“Wow, they say even a worm will turn. I didn’t know hyung had this kind of skill!”

 

William shouted while swinging his wooden sword.

 

But he didn’t seem genuinely impressed.

 

‘He’s still looking down on me.’

 

It was like watching a pet’s tricks.

 

His arrogance conveyed that he could win anytime he wanted.

 

‘This is really pissing me off.’

 

No matter how much of a genius he was, William was the weakest among all the formidable opponents Mincheol had faced.

 

Yet he dared to act so arrogantly.

 

He was nothing but a frog in a well.

 

‘I may not be your hyung, but I’ll fix your manners.’

 

Mincheol licked his lips with his tongue.

 

As his emotions intensified, his body heated up. The desire to crush the enemy before him welled up.

 

Separately from that, his mind cooled down.

 

‘I can’t win like this.’

 

‘He keeps sticking close, so I can’t utilize the spear’s advantages at all.’

 

‘My stamina has dropped significantly. I don’t even have the luxury to land a proper attack.’

 

He needed to deliver a strike with all his power.

 

For that, he needed to induce the enemy’s actions.

 

“This is a bit disappointing.”

 

Mincheol spoke while dodging attacks.

 

Being in such a frail body, he could feel himself getting out of breath just from this.

 

“Huh? What are you talking about all of a sudden?”

 

“Everyone was praising you, calling you a genius and whatnot, so I thought you were something special. But you haven’t even touched the hem of my clothes yet.”

 

William’s attacks stopped abruptly.

 

The smile had completely disappeared from his face.

 

“…Hyung, I was going easy on you because I was calling you hyung, but now you’re acting like a dog?”

 

Mincheol burst into derisive laughter.

 

It wasn’t acting but came from genuine feeling.

 

A child’s threats weren’t particularly scary after all.

 

“What’s dog-like is your skill.”

 

At that moment, the atmosphere changed.

 

A chilling killing intent emanated from William.

 

“…I was planning to go easy on you and let it slide because what you were doing was amusing.”

 

William raised his wooden sword.

 

The atmosphere was ominous. He seemed to be planning to end the sparring match with this attack.

 

‘I knew you’d react like that if I thoroughly wounded your pride.’

 

Mincheol also took his stance.

 

He planned to focus solely on attacking without worrying about defense or evasion.

 

“I’ll show you that even a wooden sword can tear a person’s body.”

 

William stomped the ground hard with his front foot.

 

At that moment, William’s body disappeared.

 

Because he had fallen forward.

 

“What?”

 

William looked down at his feet with a bewildered expression.

 

William’s front foot was stuck deep in a cube-shaped hole.

 

“When did this hole…”

 

William snapped to attention and looked ahead.

 

But it was already too late.

 

The spear, thrown with full force, struck his solar plexus.

 

“Guhk!”

 

William made a choking sound and flew backward.

 

“Cough, cough.”

 

William clutched his solar plexus and couldn’t get up easily.

 

No matter how fast and strong he was, he was still just a child.

 

He couldn’t be fine after taking such an attack.

 

“Whew.”

 

Mincheol caught his breath. Sweat was streaming down his forehead.

 

‘I thought I could use additional functions since Auto Looting was activated.’

 

He couldn’t use it when fighting the knight.

 

Not only were the knight’s feet larger than the holes, but his movements were also hard to read.

 

But William was different.

 

He was just fast, but his movements were easy to read. That’s why the cutting technique worked so easily.

 

‘But why isn’t he declaring victory?’

 

Mincheol looked back at the Duke.

 

The Duke was staring at William with an expression of utter disbelief.

 

“Wait, were there holes like that before?”

 

Suddenly, the Duke spoke as if something was strange.

 

It would be dangerous to dig deeper here. Mincheol quickly approached the Duke and said.

 

“As you said, I’ve won three times. So I’d like to receive the ring.”

 

At those words, the Duke’s brow furrowed deeply.

 

His reluctance to give Mincheol the ring was obvious.

 

But it was a reward he had already promised. Moreover, many people were watching.

 

The Duke had no choice but to refuse.

 

“…Congratulations.”

 

The Duke held out the ring to Mincheol.

 

Mincheol approached closer to take the Blue Moon Ring the Duke was offering.

 

“You’re worse than a pile of filth.”

 

Then the Duke whispered in a low voice.

 

At that moment, Mincheol could feel hatred beyond disgust in the Duke’s expression.

 

Even though he had nothing to do with Cardmos, it was incomprehensible.

 

‘…Why does he hate his child so much?’

 

In this moment, Mincheol truly pitied Cardmos.

 

What would it feel like to be rejected by your father, the only one in the world?

 

Mincheol couldn’t even begin to imagine.

 

Mincheol slowly picked up the Blue Moon Ring.

 

【You have acquired the ‘Blue Moon Ring’!】

 

【You have completed the second Quest of ‘Cardmos Dunwall Duke’s Secret Memory Stones’!】

 

Then messages appeared.

 

At the same time, the world turned gray and stopped.

 

Mincheol spoke to Cardmos.

 

“Now give me my reward.”

 

-…

 

Cardmos showed no reaction.

 

‘He’s not going to throw a fit like last time, is he?’

 

Mincheol became unnecessarily anxious.

 

-You, is this really your first time using a spear?

 

“Ah, I’m telling you it really is.”

 

-Be honest with me. I can’t believe what you’re saying.

 

Mincheol made a dumbfounded expression.

 

A person should be moderately despicable, but what’s the point of being persistently petty to the end?

 

“Ah, then how should I prove it to you? Should I take out my memories and show them to you?”

 

-That’s a good idea.

 

Mincheol felt goosebumps rising.

 

“…I don’t know how to take out memories though?”

 

-You just need to stay still.

 

Cardmos placed his hand on Mincheol’s head.

 

And he closed his eyes and remained still for a long time.

 

-…Are you really insane?

 

And then he suddenly spat out profanity.

 

“Isn’t that language a bit too harsh?”

 

-Harsh? You’re the one who’s harsh! Successful Golem? Goblin Knight? What is all this when you haven’t even reached the 20th floor!

 

Cardmos questioned Mincheol accusingly.

 

Mincheol brushed it off casually and asked Cardmos.

 

“Anyway, you believe me now, right?”

 

-…Yes, I’ll believe you.

 

Cardmos extended his hand toward Mincheol.

 

【Reward: You acquire the second skill of ‘Meteor Spear Technique’ – ‘Falling Star Earth Collapse’!】

 

【Reward 2: You acquire the application technique ‘Refraction’ of ‘Holy Light Heaven’!】

 

At the same time, Cardmos’s knowledge flowed into Mincheol’s mind.

 

The knowledge Mincheol gained through the first Quest was basic.

 

And this time, he gained knowledge that was one step further advanced.

 

In terms of levels, it was beginner level.

 

But befitting Cardmos’s knowledge, the amount was enormous.

 

Mincheol closed his eyes and absorbed the knowledge.

 

And when the wave of knowledge ended, one memory was replayed.

 

* * *

 

It was a night with pouring rain.

 

A man wearing a cloak was getting rained on while standing on the drawbridge.

 

The man silently stared at the opposite side.

 

There, a group of knights were guarding the castle gate.

 

“Count Cardmos, please withdraw for today.”

 

At the knight’s words, the man removed his hood.

 

Then the face of young Cardmos Dunwall was revealed.

 

His eyes were cold, and a faint sneer lingered at the corners of his mouth.

 

“I am also a member of the Dunweal Family.”

 

“There were orders from His Excellency to forbid Count Cardmos’s entry, just for today.”

 

“So father is now openly treating me with contempt.”

 

Cardmos looked up at the castle.

 

Unlike this place shrouded in darkness, bright lights were pouring out from the castle.

 

“The succession ceremony must be in full swing right about now.”

 

“That’s right.”

 

“I’d like to give William my congratulations though.”

 

“That’s not allowed.”

 

The knight spoke firmly.

 

Cardmos fell silent for a moment before opening his mouth.

 

“Captain Gisgar.”

 

“Please speak.”

 

“Stand down.”

 

Killing intent seeped from Cardmos’s voice.

 

Hesitation flickered across Captain Gisgar’s face.

 

But his attitude remained unchanged.

 

“I cannot do that.”

 

“Do you want to die a dog’s death?”

 

“Even Count Cardmos would find it difficult to face all of us.”

 

“If you won’t stand down, then I have no choice.”

 

Cardmos unwrapped the long bundle he was holding.

 

A silver gleaming spear revealed itself.

 

“…Everyone draw your swords!”

 

At Captain Gisgar’s shout, the knights all drew their swords in unison.

 

But the next moment, bewilderment appeared on everyone’s faces.

 

“Count Cardmos has disappeared!”

 

“What? Where did he suddenly go?”

 

“Everyone don’t panic! Look around!”

 

Captain Gisgar raised his voice. Then, someone shouted.

 

“Above, he’s above!”

 

All the knights looked up.

 

They could see Cardmos floating in mid-air.

 

Captain Gisgar’s eyes widened at the sight.

 

“Everyone take cover…”

 

Cardmos threw his spear toward the knights.

 

The spear plunged downward and collided with the ground.

 

CRASH-

 

Immediately after, a massive explosion occurred. The bridge shattered completely and came pouring down.

 

Among the falling debris were torn body parts mixed in.

 

Cardmos landed nonchalantly on the opposite side.

 

He didn’t even check if any knights had survived.

 

As if it was natural that they were all dead.

 

“Now that the obstacles are cleared…”

 

Cardmos looked up at the castle. Restrained hatred surged in his eyes.

 

“I should go offer a toast to my brother.”

 

* * *

 

Mincheol’s eyes snapped open.

 

‘Wow, what was that just now? He threw a spear and the bridge collapsed.’

 

No, the bridge collapsing was nothing.

 

The knights guarding that place were annihilated in one strike.

 

Knights protecting a great family like the Dunwol Duchy, no less.

 

‘I’m going to learn something like this? This is crazy, absolutely crazy.’

 

The name of the second chapter of Meteor Spear Technique was Falling Star Earth Collapse.

 

Roughly translated, it meant a fallen star crushes the ground, so it must be the technique he just witnessed.

 

As Mincheol was making a fuss, he noticed Cardmos with his back turned.

 

-Go back now.

 

Cardmos spoke without turning around.

 

As if he didn’t want to have a conversation.

 

‘What a petty bastard.’

 

For Mincheol, it was enough to just gain knowledge and skills.

 

“Then I’ll be going.”

 

-…

 

Cardmos didn’t even acknowledge the farewell.

 

Mincheol left Cardmos behind and returned to Earth.

 

* * *

 

-Ursongbarsong, come out.

 

After Mincheol disappeared, Cardmos spoke to the air.

 

-There’s no use pretending you didn’t hear. No matter how far I’ve fallen, do you think I wouldn’t notice you watching?

 

Ursongbarsong walked out from a black hole.

 

“As expected of Count Dunwol.”

 

-Cut the flattery. More importantly, what the hell was that?

 

Cardmos’s voice was rigidly hardened, unlike usual.

 

Confused? It wasn’t even at that level. Right now, Cardmos was feeling fear.

 

-That day, I couldn’t defeat William.

 

Thanks to obtaining the Meteor Spear Technique, Cardmos realized he had talent for spearmanship.

 

To gain his father’s favor, he practiced with the spear day and night.

 

Along with that, he observed and analyzed the trainees every day to defeat them.

 

What he particularly focused on was William.

 

William was a genius called the greatest masterpiece born to the Dunwol Duchy.

 

He memorized every single movement of his brother. He didn’t miss even the smallest habits.

 

But all those efforts were in vain.

 

Despite making full preparations, he was ultimately defeated.

 

No, could he even call it defeat?

 

Cardmos couldn’t even block a single strike.

 

No matter how much he analyzed, he couldn’t react to his brother’s speed.

 

-But that bastard… won. He accomplished what I failed to do.

 

“You’re making too harsh an evaluation. The reason that Awakened could win was thanks to his unique skill.”

 

-Who doesn’t know that!

 

Cardmos shouted angrily.

 

-I’m not giving him high marks because of that! That bastard read all of William’s movements!

 

He dodged the initial strike that Cardmos couldn’t react to.

 

He deflected all the following consecutive attacks as well.

 

He accomplished what even Cardmos Dunwall, who reigned supreme on the Rooftop Continent, had failed to do.

 

-Could such a genius, no, such a monster really exist?

 

Cardmos’s eyes trembled wildly as he asked.

 

As if hoping Ursongbarsong would deny it.

 

Ursongbarsong quietly observed such a Cardmos before speaking.

 

“How about it? Isn’t he a perfect match for your goal?”

 

Cardmos Dunwall’s body stiffened with a jolt. Soon after, he fell into thought, resting his chin on his hand.

 

‘Cardmos Dunwall.’

 

Ursongbarsong watched such a Cardmos intently and thought.

 

‘The absolute ruler of Loftop Continent.’

 

Cardmos had lamented that he couldn’t defeat William, but Ursongbarsong knew the truth.

 

This was the only time Cardmos had ever lost to William.

 

After that, Cardmos grew at an overwhelming pace, surpassing not only his younger brothers but even his father.

 

‘And then he killed them all and inherited the Dunwol Duchy.’

 

On the day of the succession ceremony.

 

Cardmos massacred all the knights protecting the ducal family and killed the Dunwell Marquis as well.

 

He didn’t stop there and even murdered William, who tried to stop him.

 

William, who was called one of the Seven Swords of the Continent at the time, was helplessly defeated.

 

‘He tore off his limbs with bare hands, and finally crushed his head.’

 

People called Cardmos a demon and condemned him.

 

Even so, Cardmos’s position remained solid.

 

Because there was no one who could stand against him.

 

-…Fine. I’ll raise him properly.

 

Having finished his deliberation, Cardmos spoke up.

 

“Really?”

 

-Yes, I’ll pour everything I have into that boy.

 

Hearing the answer, Ursongbarsong smiled with satisfaction.

 

“Count Dunwol, you’ve made a truly wise decision.”

—————
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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