Team: HH, thursdays, Yahiko (8/12)

Ted was always confident in his skills. The god he served, Antaeus, symbolized power and battle. He was also a king who had never lost before being defeated by Heracles.

Ted was the same.

He had only lost twice in his life.

Once was when he was captured by Lana, who was his former captain.

And the other was right before Benteke had mutinied, when they had fought in order to establish a hierarchy.

But looking back at it now, Ted felt wronged about both those times.

Back then, I wasnt in my best condition. Lana and Bentekes skills were pretty dynamic..and all else aside, back then, I was young. If I fight them now? It would end differently. Ive definitely changed since then.

Ted was thinking of defeating Benteke and even becoming the leader of Triton. Why wouldnt he be able to do what Benteke did? However, unlike back then with Lana, he didnt have a reason to.

So Ted changed his mind. He would show their subordinates just who was most qualified as the leader of Triton.

He was given a nice chance.

Benteke had fought the Hoarder with all his power, but he couldnt prevail. Benteke was also robbed of Triaina, the symbol of Triton.

And if he brought back the head of the Hoarder?

Things would be very different.

The gazes of the subordinates who looked at him would change, and he would also kill Jinrang, who looked down on him.

If Benteke made a few more mistakes with his right arm gone.. at that point, it would become Teds world.

He got there with such great plans for himself..

But how..!

Ted didnt even have the opportunity to use his skills. He was defeated just like that.

With Boos Inferno Sight strongly embedded in his soul, taking with him an immense amount of fear.

* * *

Teds head crumbled. Brains and flesh flew out, but everything was quickly absorbed by Bathorys Vampiric Sword.

The last of Teds vestige floated into Yeon-woos head.

Yeon-woo snorted at Teds thoughts. He was overflowing with greed and overconfidence. He really didnt know his place. Ted thought he could win against Benteke?

Thats an insult to Benteke.

Benteke was an outstanding player that he wouldve liked to be friends with if they werent enemies.

He was as confident as his skills warranted, and moreover, he didnt hesitate to walk his own path.

He was someone to learn from.

That was what Yeon-woo thought of Benteke. Also, Benteke probably thought the same of him. They were different but similar.

But Ted wanted to be one of them?

Bull****.

He didnt even know the power of his enemies and died because he ran head-first into the situation. And he wanted to do what?

Yeon-woo almost felt bad for Antaeus, who was about to have some of his holy power stolen.

No. Didnt Antaeus die because he was arrogant and ended up being killed by Heracles? I guess the apostle was just taking after the god.

[Poseidon is furious!]

[Poseidon is furious!]

Yeon-woo laughed at Poseidons response, which he was used to now, and completed his absorption.

Antaeuss holy power flowed into his body.

Divine Blessings spun inside of him, and when he absorbed holy power, the Blessings were amplified.

The formation of his cells changed slightly, and he could feel his body becoming firmer.

But compared to the arm of Poseidons apostle.. its a shame.

The amount of holy power was similar to when he absorbed Bentekes right arm. It wasnt that Antaeus lacked holy power; it was that Poseidon just had a lot.

[You have completed 20% of the sudden quest (Cetos Resentment).]

A message saying he was progressing through the quest that Ceto gave him kindly popped up. Thanks to that, the Sea Water Charm around his neck emitted a blue light, and a small amount of holy power was restored.

Is it telling me to work harder?

And on one hand, he was interested in Boo, who had instantly dominated an apostle.

Even though he had the help of Shanon, Hanryeong, and other Monster Portents, the reason why Yeon-woo was able to catch Ted without too much trouble was because of Boos abilities.

Boo is definitelythatperson.

Yeon-woo grinned and looked down the cliff again.

A burning port could be seen. There were also players who were shocked by Teds death. Their pale faces contrasted the red fire.

Take care of the rest.

The Monster Portents moved again.

* * *

The news that Tritons port on the 30th floor was completely blown away spread throughout the tower like wildfire.

When the news that one of the commanders of Triton, Ted, died without being able to do much, everyone was surprised.

One person was behind it all.

The Hoarder.

The famous player, who was now better known by his nickname than the name Cain, repeated what he did on the 28th floor on the 30th floor.

The Hoarder was considered a super rookie who mightve been the next person to reach the level of a king.

Moreover, Triton was one of the new emerging clans who could potentially take the spots of the Eight Large Clans. The Ruler King Benteke, apostle of Poseidon, was also there.

Of course peoples attention would be on this clash.

People thought this was a chance to see the Hoarders real skills, which were shrouded by rumors, and confirm the hidden forces of Triton.

Also, other clans who were competing with Triton considered it a good opportunity to decrease their numbers and began to move busily.

* * *

[All trials have ended.]

[Would you like to register your name in the hall of fame?]

The trial ended when the small amount of soul poison left in his body was digested.

However, he didnt plan on heading up to the 31st floor yet. He moved the message window aside and silently trod on.

He was in a field that was lying bare in the hot sun. At night, sharp winds blew.

Yeon-woo extended his Magic Armor into a robe, covering his head with the hood, and tracked where Benteke was. There wasnt that much distance between them anymore.

Why hasnt he shown up yet?

Yeon-woo had collided with Tritons forces multiple times while passing through the stages.

Entire ports and fleets had been blown away, so the financial damage they suffered was probably immense. Also, Teds death was a loss of manpower for them. Triton and Yeon-woo had gone beyond a point of no return. A war with their lives at stake had begun.

Unlike Yeon-woos expectations, which was that Benteke would arrive soon, Benteke hadnt shown himself once.

Is he not recovered yet? But by now, his holy power should be recovered.

Actually, Yeon-woo was more injured than Benteke. He could heal himself again with Regeneration, but the same went for Benteke. The frightening regeneration power that brought back his entire body wouldnt go anywhere.

No, even with that aside, considering Bentekes personality, he shouldve come by now. He wasnt someone to avoid a challenge just because his injuries were severe.

Triton mustve thought that they would really be destroyed at this rate because the frequency of their attacks decreased, and they didnt show themselves since the day before yesterday.

Did something happen?

Just when Yeon-woo was considering whether he should invade Tritons base, Shanon suddenly called for him.

Look, Master.

He seemed strangely excited.

What?

You know.

Shanon was speaking in a high pitched voice. It was uncomfortable to listen to.

Yeon-woo narrowed his eyes.

I dont know what youre talking about.

Nah. Not between us.

Yeon-woos face crumpled more.

Master, a servant must read their masters intentions even if they arent ordered. If you feel uncomfortable, sir, what about giving it to me?

This time, Hanryeong appeared next to Yeon-woo and whispered. Shanon shouted.

Shanon and Hanryeong had a fight of wits. It was because of Teds soul that was still in his collection.

Yeon-woo clicked his tongue. The level of an apostles soul was bound to have a high level.

Hey! Thats mine!

Thats for Master to decide.

Yeon-woo glanced up at the sky. He could see Rebecca lightly floating around in her spirit form.

From some time ago, Rebecca, didnt say anything about wanting to become a human again. She changed to her spirit form from time to time and just spun around Yeon-woo.

When Yeon-woo spoke to her, she would only reply with a short answer.

They didnt have to communicate because they were connected, and he didnt care too much, but Rebecca wasnt even looking at him, like it didnt matter to her.

She was different from Boo, who faithfully followed Yeon-woo.

After we get all of Triton. Not now.

Hmph.

If you say so, Master.

Shanon and Hanryeong didnt speak about the soul any further. They that Yeon-woo never changed his mind. Also, they needed to have an extra soul in case of emergency.

I should talk to Rebecca later.

When Yeon-woo looked away from Rebecca, he suddenly sensed something with his Extrasensory Perception. They were a small group of soldiers in the oasis.

Yeon-woo thought it was Triton and put his hand on the Magic Bayonet, but he realized that it wasnt them soon enough.

They were stronger than them. And he was familiar with them as well.

The Fantasy Regiment?

To be exact, it was the Second Squad, the Illusion Knightage, who had been useful in putting distance between him and Waltzs Primeval Body.

Yeon-woos shadow wavered. The Monster Portents were ready to move. The reason that they didnt was because the Fantasy Regiment didnt have any murderous intent towards him.

Rather, they were waiting gladly for Yeon-woo.

When Yeon-woo reached the oasis, they all stood up. They were all wearing shining silver armor that mustve been difficult to wear in the scorching heat, and there were long capes on their bodies.

Nice to meet you, Cain. Im Creutz of the Illusion Knightage.

Creutz stepped up and held his hand out. He looked happy to see Yeon-woo.

Yeon-woo silently looked at the hand and replied without a gesture.

What are you guys doing here?

Creutz mustve felt awkward because he rubbed his right hand with his left hand, but the smile didnt leave his face. He spoke with a bright face that looked sculpted by a god.

Weve been waiting for you.

Me?

Indeed. Actually, I wanted to speak with you at the River of Souls, but the timing wasnt right. It was such a shame. I looked everywhere for you again, and I was able to find you with much difficulty. Its such a relief that I did end up meeting you.

Yeon-woo frowned. Another set of pupils opened within his eyes. It was Draconic Eyes.

Its the truth.

Still, he didnt let his guard down.

Why were you looking for me? For revenge?

Ah, Ill apologize on behalf of the Fantasy Regiment for what the 92nd Squad did.

Creutz bowed his head in an elegant manner to apologize. The other players behind him also bowed their heads.

They didnt seem to have any tricks up their sleeves.

Truth.

Yeon-woo narrowed his eyes even more. Creutz definitely wasnt lying. The same went for the other players. He couldnt see any enmity. They looked to be apologetic and well-intentioned.

However, Yeon-woo was suspicious of their goodwill because he didnt think there was any reason for it.

Only

Why did you look for me?

Creutz lifted his bowed head and spoke again.

Our Regiment Leader longs to meet you. Also, we even have orders to help you no matter what if youre in danger.

What was he talking about?

Who is your Regiment Leader?

He said that youre his dear old friend.