Sungyoon and Chelsea looked up at the man who had intruded on their conversation.

Who is he?

The very first thought that came to Sungyoons mind was to question the identity of this man. He had a sour expression on his face, so Sungyoon could surmise that the man didnt have any good intentions in coming towards them. Who was this man? Why did he look like he wanted to squash both of them? Sungyoon had no answers to these questions.

Who are you?

Chelsea spoke up from next to Sungyoon. She didnt hide her annoyance as she directly asked the man a question. If one looked at how she reacted, one would say that she didnt know this man either. Nicholas, who was already in a foul mood, felt much worse when he saw her reaction. His pride hit rock bottom.

You dont remember me?

It wasn't as if she was purposely dismissing him. He could tell by her eyes, expression, and attitude. She didn't show a single iota of interest in Nicholas as she spoke. Nicholas had an understanding. He wasnt worth anything to her. He didnt even deserve to be kept in the temporary storage of her memory. He wasnt even on her radar.

Chelsea snorted at his question.

You should stop there. You are probably gonna say, Have we met before? I feel like I know you from somewhere? I heard that line so many times that Im sick of it. The answer is always no.

She was treating him like a third-rate pickup artist. In fact, his past actions indeed made him look like a pickup artist. It had made him look like a good-for-nothing wastrel. Of course, Nicholas didnt see himself that way. Unfortunately, Nicholas was someone that had a lot of confidence in himself, but not in a good way.

His anger was boiling up, and he was close to blowing up.

Sungyoon observed Nicholas face. The sneer on his face was completely gone as he looked down at Chelsea. Now, he looked like the devil that was about to strike down an angel. Moreover, his face was beet red, looking like a volcano about to blow up.

This is dangerous.

At a glance, he could tell this man valued his fists over the law. He was someone that would use violence instead of words. However, Chelsea kept glaring at the man in order to stand up to him.

Did she have big balls, or was she just inexperienced in dealing with people?

He had a powerful hunch. He knew a really big incident might occur here if he did nothing.

It is about time to leave.

Sungyoon folded the paper bag containing the potatoes given to him by Chelsea. Nicholas eyes were naturally drawn towards Sungyoon.

This bastard.

He was wearing dirty and ragged clothes. He hadnt shaved, so he had an unruly beard covering his face. He hadnt washed properly, so a stench emanated from him. If one considered the high prices of commodities in Armstrong city, there was only one group of people that went around the city looking like beggars.

He is a beginner Connector!

All of the humiliation he had suffered in recent days had started in the Beginners Labyrinth. It was all thanks to the bottom feeders, who made their living going into the Beginners Labyrinth.

Oh. So thats how it is?

The paper bag in the hands of the bottom feeder sparked a memory in Nicholas. He remembered the scene of that fucking bitch carrying cheap food within the paper bag. From what he had just seen, this pathetic bottom feeder had been eating the potatoes.

She turned me down to meet this bottom feeder?

The failed commission in the Beginners Labyrinth had hurt his professional pride. And this revelation hurt his pride as a man.

Nicholas mood worsened. Seeing that, Sungyoon inwardly clicked his tongue.

It seems we wont be able to get away scot-free.

In some ways, this man was more dangerous than the monsters within the labyrinth. Nicholas had many Devices equipped all over his body, and by the look of the Gems slotted in those Devices, one could tell that he was a high-rank Connector. At the very least, he wasnt someone Sungyoon could defeat. He readied himself to activate the Gold Gem if things went really wrong. He grabbed Chelseas hand, and he tried to get out of there with her.

Of course, a hand got in the way. In some ways, it was to be expected.

Hey, trash. Who said you could go?

Nicholas grabbed Sungyoons shoulder. Sungyoon frowned. Nicholas gesture wasnt friendly at all. A lot of strength had been used to squeeze Sungyoons shoulder.

Wait a moment! What the hell are you trying to do right now! Do you really think youll get away with this!

What? Do you plan on threatening me again by saying youll call the police?

Again?

Chelsea, who had shouted sharp words towards him, shut her mouth. According to his words, this man really knew her. Chelsea looked at the man in front of her once again. She paid extra attention to his appearance, and her eyes widened.

You are the annoying pickup artist that hit on me last time!

Finally, Chelsea remembered him. However, Nicholas wasnt happy. It only served as further proof that Chelsea had really forgotten about him. Moreover, she had labeled him as the annoying pickup artist. It made him mad.

I was wondering why you were so busy to get away. You were on the way to meet this trash?

Nicholas looked over Sungyoons clothes in an exaggerated manner. Then he gestured towards Sungyoon as he made an invidious remark.

Chelseas mood worsened. In the beginning, she had started to meet Sungyoon to check up on his moral character. However, she had become fond of him recently as they continued to meet. Of course, she didnt like someone talking bad about him.

You should watch your mouth.

Ah ah. I see. I used the wrong term. Hes lower than trash. He is a maggot that eats discarded food. Thats a more accurate description.

Of course, Nicholas didnt stop there. He glared more fiercely towards Chelsea.

Tahk!

Sungyoon slapped away the hand grabbing his shoulder. The grip had been fierce, but Sungyoon was also a Connector. And since both of them werent using Gems, Sungyoon was able to break the mans grip.

Lets go.

He once again grabbed Chelseas hand, and he tried to get out of there.

Hey, maggot! I told you to stay!

Once again, Nicholas used his hand roughly to keep Sungyoon in place. Sungyoon looked at Nicholas.

What do you want?

Huh? What? There isnt anything a bottom-feeding maggot like you can do for me. Do you really think thats possible?

No, it is impossible. Then we have nothing to talk about here.

Sungyoon once again tried to leave.

You bastard!

As expected, Nicholas stopped him once again.

Did you not understand what I said! You are a maggot! You continue to live by eating rotten meat. The only future you have is to become a fly. Your life is a joke! You are a bastard destined for nothing!

I guess so.

You were born as a male, yet you cant even deny it even once! You are better off having a sex change! Why dont you just become a girl! Ah. You are a maggot with no money! You cant even afford to do that!

I guess so.

You son of a bitch!

It was an odd situation. Nicholas was saying all kinds of insults, yet the one that was getting angrier was Nicholas.

Nicholas was a violent bully. He picked fights at the drop of a hat, but he had never faced someone that reacted to his insults like Sungyoon.

When Nicholas normally provoked others, they reacted in either two ways. Their veins bulged, and they shouted back. The rest lowered their eyes. They swallowed their anger and ran away.

However, Sungyoon did neither. If he had to nitpick, Sungyoons reaction was closer to the latter choice. However, one could tell from Sungyoons demeanor that he wasnt holding back his anger. Chelsea, who was next to Sungyoon, was the one shouting louder instead of him.

What the hell is up with this bastard!

There was no anger or rage. Sungyoons eyes were like glass marbles, and that really bothered Nicholas. It was as if Sungyoon didnt feel the need to dignify a response to Nicholas. He was being treated like a dog barking in the distance. If that was not the case, how could he be so calm after being insulted like that? It was like throwing his anger into the abyss. It made him feel like an idiot.

However, Sungyoon didnt really think that way. He didnt pay much attention to the insults, as his self-esteem was extremely low. Unlike Nicholas imagined scenario, Sungyoon wasnt looking down on Nicholas.

However, there was no way Nicholas knew this. This was why Sungyoons attitude continued to feed his anger.

You should stop now! Ill really call the cops!

Chelsea took out the crime prevention buzzer. She treated it like a legendary weapon that would solve any problems. She had only focused on her studies during her school days, and when she became an adult, she had practically lived at her research facility. She didnt have too much real-world experience.

However, the world wasnt rational. Things didnt always turn out as one expected.

Call them. I dare you.

Nicholas was overflowing with anger. It was as if his anger bled into his growl. Chelsea was small but solid. However, she had never been threatened with violence by someone like this tall man. Moreover, this person could eat normal humans like snacks. His main occupation was to hunt monsters.

Ah!

Chelsea became scared when she saw his murderous eyes. She finally realized it. Her opponent wasnt like the stupid pickup artists she had faced until now. His rage consumed the logical part of his brain. He was an unpredictable and irrational monster.

Kyaa!

Someone pulled the frightened Chelsea. She let out a sharp scream as she stumbled backward.

Someone moved in front of her.

M... Mr. Woo?

It was Sungyoon. He was like a parent protecting his child. He was like a knight guarding his princess. Sungyoon protected Chelsea from Nicholas sinister gaze.

Sungyoon had always looked like he lacked confidence. His shoulders were usually hunched, and he always stooped forward to eat the potatoes. This was why Chelsea subconsciously thought of Sungyoon as being slight of build. However, she had to completely change her opinion when she saw his broad and tall back. He had stepped forward to protect her, and his back had the effect of calming her heart. Until that moment, she had been shaking in fear.

Are you trying to play Prince Charming now?

Nicholas nose twitched. Things were becoming more and more interesting. This asshole and bitch, who made him extremely angry, were copying a scene out of a fairytale. If they planned on doing that, he was willing to take on the role of the bad guy. Of course, he wouldnt be a normal villain. He would be the Devil King that would crush both the prince and princess.

I dont know what we did to offend you. At this point, could you just forgive us?

Forgive?

Nicholas snorted at Sungyoons question.

You charged in like a prince riding a white horse. Are you suddenly scared now? Only if I can beat you to a pulp, and that bitch can open up her legs for me, then Ill think about sparing both of you.

Nicholas let out an evil laugh. Chelsea felt her anger surge, but she couldnt yell at him like before.

As expected, hes taking that route.

Sungyoon inwardly let out a sigh.

If Nicholas wanted it, Sungyoon would get on his knees. He would have even kowtowed and begged for their lives. However, the man in front of Sungyoon wouldnt be satisfied with that.

We cant run away.

If he had been alone, he wouldnt have cared if it was possible or not. He would have attempted to run away. However, Sungyoon wasnt alone right now. He turned his gaze slightly backward to look at Chelsea. Unlike her energetic and bold self, her face was pale. She was holding tightly to his shirt.

If it was anyone else, he wouldnt have cared. However, Chelsea was Jimins friend, and she had done him small favors. Sungyoon was indifferent when it came to others, but even he couldnt leave Chelsea behind.

Sungyoon looked towards Nicholas once again. He still had an evil smile and murder in his eyes.

I dont think hell stop even if he hits me a couple of times.

Sungyoon firmed his resolve.

If it comes to it, Ill use the Gold Gem.

Jimin would be understanding if the Gem was destroyed in saving Chelsea.

What are you going to do, Prince Charming?

Sungyoon was firm. He shook his head from side to side.

Ill decline that offer.

Ah. Is that so?

Nicholas grinned. He raised his arm, and the bracelets on his arm shook. Sungyoon was also ready to activate his Gems at any moment.

Then di!

Stop right there!

Someone interrupted them.