Chapter 56: Heat of Battle

"Hang."

I delivered a swift kick to Avant's back, causing him to grimace in pain.

"Krrrrrrgh, krrrrrrrgh!"

"Make some noise, undoubtedly. I can't hear you."

"Stop it. We've lost! Just leave Avant alone!"

"Leave him be?"

I firmly grasped the blade's handle and gave it a sharp turn, accompanied by the disgusting sound of tissue being obliterated. Avant let out a pained cry.

"At least, were you ready to leave those people be? It seemed like you were just eager to devour them."

"W-Well, that isn't relevant, right?"

"It's relevant if I say it is. Besides, this was a duel agreed upon by both parties. Why are you interfering? The matter ends when the defeated party acknowledges their loss."

"Hangbo mph!"

I quickly covered Avant's mouth, silencing him.

"If you don't speak, it won't be over."

The recruited troopers looked at me with puzzled looks, their faces reflecting their confusion.

I settled myself on Avant's back, causing him to writhe in pain from the additional weight alone.

"This person is my prey. Whether he lives or dies is none of your concern. Leave."

"You crazy jerk! Do you really think you'll get away with this? Do you even understand who we are?"

"Didn't you say you were the Fangwolf Mercenary officers?"

I turned my gaze towards Edis, who kept her head bowed, her demeanor stoic. I inquired,

"Edis, are you truly a member of the Fangwolf Mercenaries?"

Edis firmly shut her eyes, and after a moment, she replied,

"That might have been the case before. But now, we're simply..."

"A band of criminals, right? Or perhaps you prefer deceiving your clients. I wonder. Why are you associating with such scum?"

"I-I'm here because of my father's orders."

"Edis, think carefully. Do you really intend to continue associating with these villains? Or will you come to our side?"

"I..."

"Are you really willing to betray your principles? Do you truly want to throw away your life?"

"Stay out of this."

"This is your last chance, Edis. You know what happens to traitors, right?"

"!"

Edis opened her eyes with a determined look and began walking towards me. I couldn't help but smile as I spoke,

"As expected, one must skillfully navigate the twists of fate."

"[Edis has parted ways with the Fangwolf Mercenaries!]"

"The bond with the [Fangwolf Recruits] is now dissolved."

"Damn it."

"Most of you have no business here. Leave."

"Hang."

"You want to say something? But can I ever trust you enough to talk? After all, you're likely to become my prey."

Avant grabbed the ground with his right arm, his sword within reach. With a sense of urgency, I stomped my foot firmly onto the back of his hand.

"Grrrr, ugh! You, you'll regret this, krrrrrrgh!"

Advancements by Pubfuture

I gripped the sword embedded in Avant's back and twisted it mercilessly.

"Now I'm getting impatient. Scream."

"No, no! Urgh, aaaaargh!"

"This, this scoundrel! This ba- a-a-rd!"

Three of them brandished their weapons and rushed at me.

Iselle stood firmly in their way.

"[The duel isn't over! Don't interfere!]"

"You rat, move aside, or I'll end your life!"

Zacken swung his axe toward Iselle's head.

The other two thrust their spears and blades from the sides.

And then...

"[I've got you,]" Iselle smiled cunningly.

"Goodbye." I couldn't help but scoff too.

"[Zacken has returned to the embrace of the goddess. His unwavering determination will be forever remembered.]"

"[Weyf has returned to the embrace of the goddess. His unwavering determination will be forever remembered.]"

"[Veigin has returned to the embrace of the goddess. His unwavering determination will be forever remembered.]"

"[Unexpected death!]"

"[Sign Implosion due to stress]"

"[I warned you not to intrude. I won't give you a second chance.]"

The lifeless bodies of three severed heads lay in the square. Iselle, with a ruthless look, wiped the blood off her blade. Then, with a gleam in her eyes, she dashed towards me.

"Loki, how did I do? Wasn't it impressive? Did I perform well? What do you think?"

"You did splendidly."

"Fantastic!"

Iselle twirled around once on the spot and disappeared.

I directed my attention toward Avant. With empty eyes, he stared at the lifeless bodies of his comrades and muttered,

"Hang... I surrender."

Avant's head hung down.

"[Han has brought Avant to surrender in the duel!]"

I gently led the limp Avant to the synthesis chamber. He offered no resistance.

"[Han emerges victorious in the duel against Avant! Avant will be synthesized.]"

Various notifications flashed rapidly across the Operator's control panel, capturing their attention.

He absentmindedly tapped the screen repeatedly, seemingly agitated.

He probably wants to cancel the synthesis.

But if that's the case, consent shouldn't have been given. It seemed he knew nothing about the existence of the dueling system.

"[Synthesis complete!]"

"[Avant has transformed into bright light and vanished.]"

"[Han has progressed! Low-level Swordsmanship and Pain Resistance abilities have increased!]"

The hero has reached the maximum level. To further enhance their level, raise their grade!

Branching out into the square, I couldn't help but smile.

He hadn't even had the chance to fully utilize the common heroes he had initially acquired before losing them. Because he had used a free 10-pull just for synthesis, his expectations had been quite high.

Advancements by Pubfuture

However, things didn't turn out as expected.

Yet, it would likely lead to disruptions if he invested in them. Even if there was a temporary surge in power, the disturbances caused by such individuals would disrupt the smooth functioning of the waiting area. He would appreciate what I did once they discovered the truth.

He knows I'm the center.

I've reached level 10.

I have four abilities, and my overall stats rival those of 3-star heroes.

I've earned the MVP title in almost every battle.

And Tang knows that I've crafted C-grade equipment that he couldn't even imagine having, using an abundance of rare materials from the dungeon.

If you're going to make a move, go all out.

If a fool of an operator was to discard me in this situation, climbing the peak would become a daunting task.

The lifeless bodies in the square slowly dissolved into bright light, fading into nothingness.

Edis watched the scene with a stunned expression.

"Do you have any sense of loyalty to your comrades?"

"No, and yet, I was part of their downfall."

It hardly mattered.

It was all in the past. My own life had never been perfect.

"When you recover, come inside. Find an empty room for yourself."

I brushed past Edis and headed back to my quarters

The hour was late. As I opened the door, the collective gaze of many individuals in the lobby immediately focused on me. A sizable crowd had gathered.

"Is that what happened?"

"Indeed, hyung, you're amazing!"

Dica grasped my hands firmly, his eyes brimming with admiration.

"Haah, she just can't keep her mouth shut."

I approached Jenna, who was seated somewhat awkwardly on the couch.

"And precisely, I gave her a firm tap on her forehead."

"Ow, ow, ow, what's gotten into you?"

"Didn't I tell you not to speak foolish words?"

"I was just trying to express your greatness."

"Save it."

I firmly grasped Jenna's forehead.

She flinched, holding her forehead with a flushed face.

Amidst the commotion, a middle-aged man approached us.

It was Jeffery, the individual who had overheard our conversation earlier.

"Han, I heard the conversation. Thank you. I investigated their offenses. They were attempting to harm the newcomers, threatening them with a blade."

"Really! They were truly despicable!"

A middle-aged woman who had been sitting towards the edge of the doorway chimed in. She was one of the people who had narrowly escaped death in the square minutes earlier.

"You are clearly mistaken."

"I'm certain. We're not saints. But, I truly want to express my gratitude. We owe our lives to you."

"The ones I saved were only the newcomers. As for you all, you're finished."

"W-What are you talking about?"

I smiled and replied.

"It seems like the Master is truly angry."

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