The powerful impact of Hargaans electric attack silenced the arena.

What was that?

Hargaan?

Whys he acting like that?

The players around the arena continued to move while watching Hargaan growl at the players around him.

They wanted to know what Hargaan was up to, but they were too busy crossing swords to be in any position to spectate him in peace.

Klang, klang!

Blast, boom!

Swords and spears clashed around the arena amidst a flurry of skills exploding in chaos.

JinCheon folded his fan back up, staring at Hargaan with a serious look on his face.

Can I take it that youll be assisting Kim YuWon? he asked.

Hargaan raised an eyebrow and responded, So what?

My clan was thinking that we could form a good relationship with you.

I dont know whos brain that came from, but thats a pretty stupid thought, Hargaan scoffed.

JinCheons face soured.

This was an idea from the general of the Martial Artists Alliance, Zhuge Jing. And as a strategist, he was the one who had been leading the organization from the shadows.

JinCheon couldnt stand for his father, who he believed to be great and intelligent, to be insulted like this.

Whats wrong, pussy? Hargaan asked.

How can you say something so tasteless?

Its because you guys act with no taste that Im speaking in terms you can understand, Hargaan said while looking around.

He displayed clear hostility at the players that had been charging at YuWon just moments ago.

Wh-Whats up with this?

How are we supposed to fight against someone like that?

Hes a real monster

These players lost morale after seeing Hargaans big attack.

The mood had dampened, which was bad progression for JinCheon.

W-Werent we told that YuWon and Olympus were clearly enemies? someone quietly blurted out.

But with his good hearing, Hargaan heard what the guy muttered.

How do you know about that? Hargaan asked.

YuWon also heard it. He thought, So the Zhuge Clan even has ties with Olympus.

This was new information for YuWon.

He was aware that there was a power struggle in the Martial Artists Alliance between the NamGung Clan and the Zhuge Clan, but he didnt know that Olympus had a hand in it as well.

It became apparent to YuWon that one of the reasons they decided to go forward with this plan was because they thought Hargaan would also fight against YuWon.

Theres so much rot, Hargaan said bitterly. However, this wasnt a comment directed towards the Zhuge Clan but towards Olympus.

Dont pay attention to unimportant details. Rather, decide now. Will you stand with or against YuWon? JinCheon said.

JinCheons words made YuWon glance over at Hargaans back.

They were currently in the middle of not just any public space but participating in the Grand Martial Arts Tournament. There were eyes of countless audiences directed at them, and on top of that, the tournament was viewable from anywhere anytime through the player kits. So whatever action Hargaan took right now, Olympus would find out.

With YuWon being an enemy of Olympus, helping YuWon would be opposing Olympuss will.

You members of the Zhuge Clan always talk too much, Hargaan said while slamming his fists together. Why dont you cut the useless chit-chat and fight me instead? Because I already made my decision long ago.

I see, JinCheon said while reopening his fan. I shall now face him. Quickly take down YuWon and come help me, he said to the others.

Wind started to blow around JinCheon.

Will you be okay?

Youre going to be going against Hargaan

JinCheons comrades voiced their concern.

I know that. Ive also heard a lot about him, JinCheon said.

He could tell from the attack just now how strong Hargaan was. He was stronger than any other player he had seen up until now.

YuWon was called the greatest player, but having seen Hargaan in the flesh, he deemed Hargaan to be a step above YuWon. Despite that

But I am Zhuge JinCheon, he said confidently, assuring his comrades.

Thats right. He was one of the genius players who was set to lead the Martial Realm along with Hoon.

And JinCheons confidence rallied the rest of his men.

But then

Flash

Vzzt

In an instant, Hargaan was in front of JinCheon.

Who did you say you are?

!

Boom!

Vzzzzzt!

A punch flew at JinCheon, and he was knocked dozens of meters back. He couldnt even let out a proper scream as he flew through the air.

Kghah JinCheon grunted.

Spark, crackle

His body was electrified and scorched.

It all happened in an instant.

JinCheon tried his best to hold up his unsteady body. He gave his all to not lose consciousness.

What in the world JinCheon thought.

His mind and vision were hazy as he looked at Hargaan.

He knew that a direct Pure-Blood of Olympus would be powerful, especially considering how Hargaan was the son of Zeus, the King of Olympus. It was only natural for Hargaan to be amazing.

Still! JinCheon thought while gritting his teeth. Theres no way there can be this great of a difference.

His pride had been hurt. At first, JinCheon thought it wasnt possible, but then his subconscious shouted at him, Theres no way to win against this guy.

You should know your place, you nobody, Hargaan spoke while hitting his fists together.

He had called JinCheon a nobody despite being from the Zhuge clan.

Dont you dare try anything cunning, Hargaan threatened JinCheon while walking closer to him.

Hargaan glanced over at YuWon to signal him.

Step

We should continue where we left off, YuWon said while approaching the players of the Martial Realm that were circling him.

YuWon had decided to take care of the annoying small fry before the real fight.

* * *

I-I give up!

M-Me to!

I give up as well!

Well Im not givingahhhhh!

The main stage event was starting to reach its climax.

As time went on, their staminas wore out, and more players were forfeiting from injury. There were also players who refused to give up until the end, losing their lives.

And in the midst of this chaos, JinCheon shouted while raising both his hands, I lost!

Fwoosh

Hargaans fist, which had been traveling rapidly towards JinCheons face, halted. He wasnt the type who would continue attacking an opponent that lost the will to fight.

Relieved at seeing Hargaan stop his attack, JinCheon said while letting out a sigh of relief, Its my loss. I give up.

So youre forfeiting?

Thats right.

The fight hadnt gone on for that long. With his skills, all he could do was stop a few of Hargaans punches. And even then, had Hargaan been serious, he probably wouldnt have managed to block a single one.

I cant believe you tried to pull some funny business with your skills, Hargaan said.

If you hadnt stepped in, we would have been successful.

Do you really believe that? Hargaan asked, looking at YuWon flying around amidst the Martial Realm players. Do you really think that you would be the difference in being able to defeat him?

JinCheon remained silent. His silence was louder than words.

Although Hargaan muttered while staring at YuWon.

He was confused by YuWon taking them down one at a time by swinging his sword around.

I dont think his skills should have gotten worse. Is he maybe conserving his strength? Hargaan wondered.

It had been a while since the two had seen each other.

After the Tutorial and the events of the 1st Floor, Hargaan went through explosive growth. And he assumed the same would have happened to YuWon, considering he was now even rumored to be the strongest player ever.

In that case Hargaan thought while stepping towards YuWon, Im going to draw it out of him.

Most of the Martial Realm players that were being a nuisance had been taken care of.

Seeing how climactic the mood of the main stage had become, Hargaan thought this should be good enough of a stage.

Stomp

With each step Hargaan took, the ground caved in under his feet.

YuWon, who was swinging his sword, put his sword down after noticing Hargaan approaching him.

Are you going to start now? YuWon asked.

Ive waited long enough, Hargaan answered.

His face was ecstatic.

Vzzt

A powerful current of electricity started enveloping Hargaan, as if he was ready to explode.

Theres nothing sweeter than picking a fruit thats perfectly ripe, Hargaan said.

YuWon could tell how much Hargaan had been looking forward to fighting him again. And now, no longer able to wait, Hargaan was getting closer to him.

YuWon thought, There are still quite a lot of them left, but

It didnt matter to him whether the true final fight happened now or later.

Before getting in formation, YuWon decided to say, Let me ask you two questions first.

Two whole questions?

Youve waited a long time, so its not like its gonna kill you to wait a bit longer.

Hargaan nodded, What are they?

First off, are you not going to regret your decision just now?

Hargaan had helped YuWon, an enemy of Olympus, and fought the Zhuge Clan, a clan allied with Olympus. That was showing blatant opposition against Olympus.

Im not stupid, Hargaan said without hesitation. I know what results my actions will bring. I acted before thinking.

Does that mean?

Of course I dont regret it.

YuWon got the answer to his first question.

And whats your second question?

Hargaan started getting more pumped up, knowing that they would be going at it at any moment now.

YuWon was also getting just as pumped up.

My second question is

Vwoom, vwoom

A beautiful-colored mana started enveloping the ash-colored sword.

Did you already forget how I flung you away with a single punch?

Remembering that incident made a vein pop up on Hargaans forehead.

Of course I remember.

There was no way Hargaan could forget it. It was the first time had ever lost to someone who wasnt a Ranker, and the shock of that moment was still as clear as day in his mind.

Ill ask you something now, Hargaan said, now at a spitting distance from YuWon. Do I seem like Im the same as I was back then?

No, YuWon answered.

YuWons answer eased the tension on Hargaans face, but that didnt last long.

You seem even smaller, YuWon continued.

Fine. Hargaans electricity shot up into the sky. Lets go then.

Fwip

Hargaan got ready to swing his fist.

YuWons sword and Hargaans fist were in reach of each other.

YuWon didnt try to create distance, nor did he try to evade Hargaans attack. He planned to take Hargaans full electric punch head on.

Vwoom, vwoom!

YuWon prepared his [Arcane Sword,] which let out small vibrations.

Crash!

The sword and fist clashed together, sending out a loud ring across the arena.

Crack

From the impact, a tiny fracture appeared on YuWons sword.

This thing must be at its limit, he thought.