Chapter 48

Screeeech!

Two swords fiercely competed against each other in strength. Both of the mana-filled swords continued to seek the slightest opportunity to slice their opponents neck off.

It seems like all my underlings are dead. Are they all dead? the man asked.

Did you honestly think that they would still be alive with their level of skills?

No, I know better. I shouldve expected it from people I picked out in a hurry.

Tang!

Zich and the man pushed each others swords and increased the distance between them. It was a brief confrontation. Zich glanced at Snoc for a moment and then looked directly at the man.

I am asking to make sure. You are the one who made Snoc like that, right?

Didnt I do well, sir?

Like he was proud, the man placed his hands on his waist, puffed up his chest, and assumed an air of confidence.

You know, our friend here is quite the shy guy. So, I went out of my way to do him a favor. I was worried that he might not be satisfied.

Dont be so humble. He seems to be satisfied by the way he is literally exploding in confidence. Well, I just asked because I was curious about why he suddenly became so confident about himself.

In a potentially dangerous situation, they spurred out bloodlust, but it almost felt as if they were engaging in a calm and joyful conversation.

There are very few ways to instantly boost a normal persons self-esteem, especially someone who has been mining all their life. Since he is not holding anything, it doesnt seem like you handed him a magical sword or anything like that. Theres a high chance that somebody poured power into his body or fused another being into him. Back then, I saw that even though he lost his senses, his use of his new power didnt seem awkward or stiff, which suggests that the latter is right. What did you put inside him?

You have a wide spectrum of knowledge, sir.

The man pretended to be calm even when Zich deduced the answer from just the situation around him. His wariness about Zich increased one level higher.

Rather than compliments, I would like you to satisfy my curiosity.

Do you perhaps know a man named Drew?

The man answered with a question, and Zich nodded.

Zich answered, Since he didnt seem to know his place, I taught him a lesson with my fists. But dont worry; everythings been resolved, and I dont hold a grudge against him.

I found him! The unknown variable!

Considering Zichs formidable skills and his constant interference with their plans, the man had just guessed. The man was glad that he finally found the person he had been looking for and a feeling of loathing rose up inside his heart.

Thank you for your answer. I also want to answer your question in return, but unfortunately, I cant satisfy your curiosity. We have to make a living too.

Hm, I cant keep asking questions if you say that, since making a living is an important matter.

I do like people who are understanding. I bet you are quite popular, right?

Ah, its embarrassing, but I cant deny that. If I count all the people who follow me, assuming that they like me, its enough to fill this whole mine.

Wow! Of course! I thought your appearance was brilliant, but as expected, you are well liked!

Hahaha! I dont know what to do myself with all your flattery. But lets go onto the next topic. I dont want togive Snoc moretime to get stronger.

Zichs smile changed from bright to serious.

Oh, dear! Thats heartless. Were you lying about having a generous heart? I feel like my faith in you has been shattered a bit.

Sorry for disappointing you. But I just got the answer to my last bit of curiosity.

Zichs eyes moved to Snoc.

His body regenerated. The only thing that can fuse with a human is a magical beast or a spirit. A spirit without a body doesnt increase ones regenerative skills. Seeing how it gives regenerative abilities to its host, it seems like the object of the fuse is a magical beast; and the energy it spouts out shows that its a beast related to the earth. And now that I think about it, isnt there a legend about a mining monster that lives in Iruce Mine?

Zichs eyes shone.

It must be him.

The man couldnt respond this time.

Who is this person?

With only a few pieces of information, Zich hit the mark. The man knew Zich was a formidable variable who thwarted his plans, but he didnt expect Zich to be so perceptive. However, his surprise didnt end there.

Is Nowem that magical beasts name?

!

I must be right!

Now, Zich knew why the man had called Snoc with the title, Nowem. But in contrast to Zich, the man had more questions now. From what he knew, after Snoc named the beast of the earth as Nowem, he didnt tell anyone about it. The man also wouldnt have known if it wasnt for the information he got from his organization.

Yet, Zich said everything in a matter-of-fact tone. Similar to how his underlings were astonished when Zich mentioned the name: The Tyrant of the Earth, Nowem, the man also found it difficult to repress his shock.

I must extract information from him!

He thought Zich was simply an unknown variable who distorted their plans, but now Zich was a mysterious human who held important information.

Then may I ask where you got this information? the man asked while raising his sword.

Sorry, but this is also a problem related to my living. I cant just tell you.

Is that so? Then I guess it cant be helped.

The man shrugged.

Lets talk with our swords.

Im all for that. Snoc seems to have also finished his regeneration, so I guess he can join us.

Using Snocs shriek as the signal, they swung their swords. In front of the mines entrance, the battle commenced again.

* * *

It was a three-way battle at the mine. The man tried to only attack Zich, but Snoc attacked recklessly without caring whether his opponent was Zich or the man. Everything was fine until that point. Unlike the other two who tried to defeat everyone else but themselves, the mans sole target was Zich. The man thought he could block Snocs attacks with low effort and focus most of his attention on Zich. However, he quickly found out that he had underestimated Zichs powers.

This bastard is used to three-way battles! No, should I say that he is used to dog fights?

As soon as he realized that Snoc wasnt on the mans side, Zich lightly bounced off Snocs attacks to the man or purposefully induced Snoc to clash with him. The man tried to resist Snocs attacks, but Zichs swords skillfully guided Snocs attacks to collide with the man. On top of that, Snocs attacks grew stronger andsharper, so they were becoming harder to block.

Hes still young.

The man glanced at Zichs face. Zichs face looked youthful, and it was a wonder how he could possess such skill and proficiency at such a young age.

However, even Zich wasnt that composed. The mans skills were noteworthy, and Snocs strength was continuing to increase.

Craaash!

All of their attacks collided in one area and created an explosion. The three created more distance between each other.

I will admit it. You are really amazing.

The man clapped lightly at Zich.

I didnt think I would meet such a troublesome fellow on a mission that I took in my free time.

You wont get anything even if you compliment me.

I am telling you the truth. Its very rare for a master of lies like me to express my feelings so truthfully. Thats how impressive you are. Yes, enough to make your capture take precedence over my mission.

At that moment, the mans aura changed. It wasnt that he became stronger; it was just that with his change of heart, the aura he exuded also changed.

Kooooo!

Snoc seemed to also feel the difference. Since he moved instinctively now, Snoc might have become more sensitive to changes in peoples spirits.

Ah, I really hate using this.

Wiiing!

Strong energy poured out of the mans body, and Snocs body shuddered while Zichs expression stiffened. The surrounding mana circled the man.

Rustle! Rustle!

The robe that tightly wrapped around the mans body puffed up. It looked like he was forcefully putting muscles inside a layer of skin, and the robe ripped apart and revealed the mans face. The mans face was finally out in the open, but his appearance wasnt helpful in figuring out his identity. This was because the man's face had changed so much that he looked like a monster.

Huff! Huff!

The man gasped. As if to check the success of his transformation, he moved his body in an exaggerated way.

Your stunt is good. Are you from the circus?

Im not from the circus, but after I retire, I am thinking about starting a new career there. How is it? Isnt this quite a talent?

The mans tone was light, but his voice was considerably rougher. The contrast in his tone and voice stressed the mans overwhelming presence.

Ku-Kuaaaaaaah!

Snoc ran towards the man. His movements looked like he was trying to rule out the danger that suddenly appeared in front of him. Stone pieces shot up and wrapped around Snocs arms, and his arms looked like those of a stone giant.

Hm, I dont want to hurt you since you are the result of my struggles, but

The man avoided Snocs arm and pierced Snocs insides.

I have someone more important than you now.

Punch!

The mans arms hit Snocs stomach. Although Snoc covered his stomach with rocks like armor in that short amount of time, the mans punch was strong enough to rip apart the armor and send Snoc flying.

Kuaaaaah!

With a painful scream, Snoc disappeared far away. Judging by the trajectory, it seemed like he fell somewhere in the middle of the mountain.

Okay, now that our hindrance is gone, lets enjoy our sweet time fighting.

Will that be all right? I thought you went through a lot of trouble to make that guy.

What can I do when you are stealing all my interest away? Also, he is all right. He wont die from that much, and he can heal most wounds. And since he doesnt have his own will, he will be waiting there until I take care of you and go look for him. Of course, all of this is considering that he doesnt meet anyone.

And after you take care of him, will you guide him to Suol?

Ding-ding! Your mental sharpness is out of this world. Do you have any thoughts about joining us? I think you will be able to climb up positions really fast in our organization.

Its not my style to serve another person, so I will have to decline your offer.

Oh, I got rejected. How sad. Then, I guess I should let out this pent-up anger.

* * *

Hans felt troubled as he stared at the mountain top. At his side, Sam looked anxious. To check the Iruce Mine, they were climbing the mountain. Since monsters hadn't penetrated the area yet and wild beasts didnt pose a threat to Hans, they climbed up the mountain with ease.

When they reached the mountain top, they suddenly felt a commotion. It was apparent that there was a battle going on, and Hans immediately recalled Zich who had abruptly run out of the room.

I feel like Sir Zich is involved.

Hans thought that was very likely. Now, the problem was what they should do. They both heard shrieks from the mine, and Hans felt it was out of the question to bring Sam to a place like that. He wondered whether he should guide Sam back to the city or leave Sam here for him to run to the battlefield where Zich was. He thought for a bit longer and quickly made up his mind.

Considering Sir Zichs skills, I will just be a bother if I try to go help. Even if I participated in the battle, wouldnt it be better to ensure Mr. Sams safety first?

Hans made his decision and was about to tell Sam to go back down when something fell from the sky.

Crash! Craaash! Bam!

The figure broke off a couple of tree branches and landed with a huge collision sound.

Clang!

Hans unsheathed his sword instinctively and stood guard against the object. His natural movement highlighted the results of his strenuous training.

A human fell in front of them. Parts of his body were twisted from the fall, and it was evident that the person had suffered significant injuries; however, the person got up like nothing was wrong with him. His movements, which reminded the duo of a zombies, caused goosebumps on their skin. Then, Sam brought the torch closer to the person, and the light revealed who the figure was.

Snoc? Sams surprised voice spread across the mountainside.