The Crazy Battle God Has Returned - Chapter 33

—————

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

—————

A Mad Swordsman Returns – Chapter 33

The Lords were stingy with their coins.
Ordinarily, yes. But now they had invaded to destroy another Lord’s trial. In circumstances like these, the rules changed.

[The Lord Alliance has paid the price.]
[The Lords’ soldiers are being reinforced.]

The sound of coins clinking echoed through the air.
And moments later, the Lord Alliance’s soldiers were uniformly enhanced.
A crimson aura flowed from their bodies. With bloodshot eyes, they roared and intensified their destructive assault.

Whoooosh!

“Cough—hack!”
“Insane…!”

The players facing the reinforced soldiers recoiled in horror.
The enemy had unleashed flame magic, but its firepower transcended ordinary incantations. Players caught in its radius were reduced to ash in a single instant.
Our forces were being driven back relentlessly.

[“You have a proposal for me?”]

Desperate combat raged throughout the Theme Park.
Yet Han Yu-sung stood as though observing a world entirely separate from this one.

“Yes, a proposal. Interested in hearing it?”
[“A proposal in this critical moment… No, wait. First, satisfy my curiosity. You knew, didn’t you? How did you find out? Huh?”]
[“Tell me. Tell me, I said. You won’t? Tell me.”]

Han Yu-sung closed his eyes tightly.
It felt like watching a child whine. I didn’t enjoy handling such behavior, nor was I accustomed to it—it was far from easy.

“We’ll discuss that later. Are you interested in hearing the proposal or not?”
[“Tell me, I said? What kind of proposal is it? Just tell me first. I’m curious.”]
“If you make me one promise, I will resolve this crisis myself.”

The chaotic stream of text abruptly ceased.
Eyes materialized in the darkness—pupils steeped in indulgence and ennui.
At this very moment, the Lord of Pleasure fixed his gaze upon Han Yu-sung.
As if seeking to comprehend the human before him.

‘The fastest way to resolve this situation.’

It was simple.
Destroy the gate that appeared first.
Destroying that gate would eliminate all the smaller gates scattered throughout the Theme Park. It functioned as a sort of ‘core,’ after all.
The pupils wavered left and right.

[“No, it’s impossible… Human, I find you intriguing. You’re the first to satisfy my expectations to this degree in such a predicament. Yet impossible remains impossible. Do you see the Covenant Bearer over there?”]

The pupils pointed toward the gate that had appeared first.
A Covenant Bearer stood before it—radiating a crimson aura so immense it defied comparison with the other enemies.

[“A Covenant Bearer serving as a gatekeeper to guard the gate. Among those who’ve attacked this place, it possesses considerable power, and the patronage has made it even stronger. In terms of level, it would be around level 90.”]
[“Even for you, defeating that gatekeeper is… nearly impossible.”]

He was right.
And that wasn’t all—soldiers guarded the gate as well. The Lord of Pleasure could already envision Han Yu-sung’s defeat at the gatekeeper’s hands.
The very thought drained all interest from the outcome.

“Isn’t that precisely what makes it more intriguing?”

At that moment, Han Yu-sung spoke.
With utter composure.

“If I could overcome an opponent I could never match with my current strength, there would be no greater pleasure than that.”
[“….”]

The Lord of Pleasure fell silent.
He could not refute Han Yu-sung’s words.
It was impossible. Yet when that impossibility was overcome, that was when the true indulgence the Lord of Pleasure savored above all else would bloom.
Anticipation bloomed anew within the lord’s heart.

[“…Human. What promise do you seek from me?”]
“Compensation. For clearing this mini-game’s ordeal, and for preventing this erosion. I want all of it combined as my reward.”
[“You desire a high-grade item?”]
“That’s right.”

Han Yu-sung met the Lord’s gaze directly as he spoke.
With absolute confidence.

“I should receive nothing less than a Mythic-grade item.”
[“….”]

The Lord of Pleasure’s eyes narrowed.
Was this not a demand made with utter certainty?
Did he truly believe he could break the gatekeeper?
And more importantly—was he worth granting a Mythic-grade item?

[“Hmm, mm, hm….”]

The Lord of Pleasure calculated swiftly.
Was there truly another way to escape this predicament?
For twenty minutes, direct intervention in the ordeal had become impossible. Calling for outside support was equally futile—the ordeal had sealed itself. I had to resolve this using only the forces within.
The situation demanded a solution with what I had at hand.

‘This is not simple. The possibility of losing this ordeal grows.’

The losses from losing this ordeal. The compensation I should have given from the start. And above all, the pleasure I would savor.
If this human who had satisfied me thus far would satisfy me once more.

[“Very well, human.”]

The value was sufficient.
Undisguised anticipation gleamed in the Lord’s eyes.

[“I swear by my epithet—Pleasure itself. Resolve this crisis, and I shall grant you a Mythic-grade item.”]
“Refreshingly decisive. I appreciate that.”
[“So then, human. How do you intend to overcome this situation?”]

The Lord of Pleasure asked, bewildered.
No matter how I looked at it, there was no way for Han Yu-sung’s current power to overcome that gatekeeper.
What method could possibly make him so confident?
Of course, there was a method.

“Lord of Pleasure. Activate the buff precisely when I give the signal.”
[“A buff? Ah… I see, so that’s what this is.”]

The Lord’s pupils curved into crescent moons, gleaming with amusement.
The Lord of Pleasure could not intervene in this trial for twenty minutes. He could not provide sponsorship or assistance to his sworn servants and soldiers.
But.

[Pleasure Gauge: 100%.]

The trial’s system was still functioning.
A system where buffs were granted proportional to the rise of the Pleasure Gauge.
Of course, if the destruction value continued to rise, this system would eventually collapse as well.
But seeing that it still held firm meant it could be utilized.

[“That’s right, direct intervention is impossible, but with this….”]
“It’s possible. Don’t forget, Lord of Pleasure.”

Han Yu-sung clenched his fist.

“The promises you made to me.”

The sound of feet pushing against the ground.
In the next instant, a violent wind swept across the circus tent.

* * *

“Huff, huff huff….”

Power surged through every fiber of my being.
Logan, the sworn servant of the Nameless Lord, had his mouth stretched wide open in exultation.
The power sponsored by the Lord Alliance flowed through my entire body.
As one who had contracted with the Nameless Lord and received such sponsorship, I felt myself intoxicated by this overwhelming force.

“Haha… Kuhahahaha!”

Logan’s surging energy swept across the enemies.
The foes before him fell like garbage. It was a sight impossible even for Logan, who ordinarily brimmed with confidence in his own strength and power.

Kwaaaaaaah!

“So, all I need to do is guard the gate with this power.”

Logan surveyed the enemies surrounding him.
Every last one wore terror-stricken faces, unable to muster even the thought of fighting back.
A cruel smile played at the corners of his mouth.

“Hunting those things counts as guarding too, doesn’t it!”

Logan charged into the midst of the players.
A spear wreathed in crimson energy pierced the enemies without mercy, and the soldiers following behind exploited the gaps he created to surge forward.
Everything had to be finished before the Lord of Pleasure could intervene.
Until then, I had to savor this granted power to its fullest!

Shhhhhhiing—

Behind Logan, who had steeled himself with this resolve, shadows cascaded down.
Darkness engulfed the ground, swallowing the very space around it.
As vision plunged into shadow, the soldiers’ movements froze.
And then.

Craaaaaack!

– Kghhhhhhh…!

A blood tempest raged from within the shadows.
It was Han Yu-sung. Concealed within the darkness, he advanced mercilessly slaughtering the soldiers blocking his path.
The Blood Soul Arena drank deep of blood, and the tempest grew ever fiercer.

‘Time is… not abundant.’

Destruction value was rising rapidly.
If twenty minutes passed before the Lord of Pleasure could intervene, the situation would tilt toward the Lord Alliance.
It had to end before then.

‘Hmm. That gatekeeper seems to be experiencing Lord backing for the first time.’

Judging by how he’s running wild, intoxicated by power.
The Lord Alliance must have provided quite substantial backing.
He’s gained considerable strength, and the likelihood of him being drunk on this newfound power is high.
If I exploit this well, the task might become easier than expected.
The problem is that time is not on my side.

[At your current level, you cannot possibly defeat this strong opponent.]
[The Divine Descent buff activates: ‘Giant Slayer’.]
[All stats +20, fist damage +30%, speed +20%.]

Han Yu-sung confirmed the Divine Descent buff.
Still insufficient. This won’t close the gap between me and Logan.
Of course, Logan knows this too.

“What are you? Just some worthless trash….”

Logan recognized Han Yu-sung charging toward him.
He’d been cautious at first because of how boldly the man was rushing forward. He wondered if perhaps he possessed some hidden strength.
But that wasn’t the case at all.
The man was so weak he couldn’t even touch Logan’s feet.

“Is he really coming at me? Does he actually intend to attack?”

Yet he doesn’t stop.
Han Yu-sung cut through the soldiers blocking his path, disregarding them as he closed the distance to Logan. Seeing this, Logan’s brow furrowed.
This worthless trash is ignoring me?
Then so be it.

“I’ll kill you in one blow.”

He would make him pay the price for such insolence.
Logan gripped his spear. He measured the distance between himself and the charging Han Yu-sung, waiting for him to enter his attack range.
And then.

“Now!”
“What?”

Han Yu-sung kicked off the ground and shouted.
Laughter echoed from somewhere—a sound of pure amusement bursting forth, unable to contain itself at the sheer entertainment of the situation.
In that instant, Han Yu-sung’s form dissolved into the shadows like ink dispersing in water.

‘What is this…?’

He materialized within the shadow cast behind Logan’s back.

“Consider it a greeting.”
“Gah—hack?!”

Logan spun around in panic.
A crimson aura blazed forth, accompanied by a violent blood wind. Through it all came a fist hurtling toward him.
He hastily assumed a defensive stance.
But it was a feint.

Kwaaaaaack!

“Ugh, ghhh…!”

The Blood Dragon’s Fang pierced through Logan’s heart, exploiting the feint.
Logan exhaled in agony. Conversely, Han Yu-sung drew in a sharp breath and unleashed a barrage of punches at Logan, whose movements had frozen momentarily.
A relentless cascade of blood strikes hammered across his entire body.

‘What—what is this? Why has he suddenly become faster? Why stronger?’

Amid the unrelenting onslaught, Logan’s thoughts spiraled.
The man before him, Han Yu-sung, had been pathetically weak compared to himself mere moments ago. That was no longer the case.
Though still far beneath Logan’s level.

Kwadddcrack!

“Khaaaaah!”

He had grown strong enough to inflict meaningful damage upon Logan.
The reason was deceptively simple.

[Pleasure Gauge: 100%.]
[All stats increased by 50% due to Pleasure Gauge effect!]

It was thanks to the buff granted by the Pleasure Gauge.
Han Yu-sung had deliberately rejected the buff until now, but the Pleasure Gauge, as if it had been waiting, bestowed upon him a formidable power.
Power enough to match Logan, who had been strengthened by sponsorship.
Han Yu-sung swallowed hard and ducked his body low.

Whoooosh!

The Spear of the Abyss grazed past his head.
The moment Logan realized he had missed and tried to bring the spear down, Han Yu-sung spun with great force and swept at Logan’s legs.
Lightning erupted from the point of impact, distorting his vision.

“Grraaaaaaah!”

Whooom!

The spear, brought down with all his might, cleaved through empty air once more.
Han Yu-sung, using the recoil from sweeping Logan, had retreated.
Han Yu-sung advanced with swift footwork and continued his relentless assault.

“Tch, grrgh! Like some annoying gnat, you…!”

A fierce battle erupted between Logan and Han Yu-sung.
Or could it even be called a battle? It was far too one-sided for that.
Logan’s attacks never once connected with Han Yu-sung.
Only Han Yu-sung was unleashing attacks unilaterally.

[“This is absurd. How is this man fighting like that? A player whose level isn’t even that high, and he can do this?”]

The Lord of Pleasure, observing the battle, felt genuine admiration.
Han Yu-sung had gained strength from the buff provided by the Pleasure Gauge. But that was merely power sufficient to match Logan.
Logan still held the advantage. The power gifted to him by the Lord Alliance possessed enough force to destroy Han Yu-sung in a single blow.
‘If only it would land.’

[“Innate combat sense? No, this is… experience.”]

Such was the nature of Han Yu-sung’s movements.
How Logan would attack, the trajectory of the spear’s path, how Logan would respond when he struck.
He seemed to be reading all of it.
It was impossible with mere innate combat sense alone. Only one who had endured an enormous number of battles could move like this.

[“My expectations are met, and you even show me unexpected sights.”]
[“Fascinating. Entertaining. Absolutely irresistible. Unknown human, the spectacle you display before me today is… utterly exquisite!”]

It was unbelievable. Nearly impossible.
And that’s precisely what made it exhilarating. The Lord was satisfied, and the gauge responded accordingly.

[The Lord of Pleasure delights in this unbelievable spectacle.]
[Pleasure Gauge: 102%, 110%, 120%….]
[Your stats increase by 70%!]

The gauge surged past 100%, skyrocketing without restraint.
Han Yu-sung’s eyes caught the gauge’s transformation.
My movements became lighter, making it far easier to evade attacks.

“Graaaaaaah!”

A ferocious surge of force crashed down upon me.
But a shadow rose first.
The spell 【Distortion】 transformed the shadow into a shield, deflecting the force in its initial stage.
Seizing the opening, I slipped free and struck Logan’s face with brutal force.
Logan’s furious roar echoed across the arena.

‘His movements have grown sluggish. He’s being overwhelmed by the power.’

A typical image of a sworn servant drowning in their patron’s strength.
Was Logan a weak player?
That couldn’t be it. He was skilled and powerful enough for the Lord Alliance to entrust him with a gate.
The problem was that he’d never received backing of this magnitude before.
He didn’t know how to wield or control such overwhelming power.

“This is more tedious than I expected.”
“Wh… what?!”

Under normal circumstances, I would have relished this situation.
A battle where lives hung in the balance. Combat against a formidable opponent. The thrill of tension.
But with Logan drowning in his own power, it felt meaningless.
It would have been far more entertaining if Logan fought without any backing at all.

“Let’s end this. I’m growing weary of prolonging this fight.”

Han Yu-sung kicked off the ground.
And moments later.

BOOM!

A deafening explosion tore through the air.
A tremendous blast so violent that everyone in the Theme Park couldn’t help but turn and stare.

—————

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

—————