Kim Seong-Hoon (Part 1)

Not even in my wildest dreams would I have ever imagined that one day, I would care about someone other than myself. I grew up quite selfish, to say the least. As the oldest daughter, I had everything. I was a role model for my younger brother, and my parents were always proud of my achievements. To have everything I wanted, all I had to do was keep perfect grades and be good at sports. As the center of attention, I felt the world revolved around me—until I learned the ugly truth about humanity.

After the tournament incident, I learned to care only about myself even more. I knew I could only trust myself. Why bother with others if they would eventually stab me in the back? I didn't want history to repeat itself. But now, because of this mysterious connection, I could feel... I could confidently say that this fox sitting in front of me cared about me more than anyone else ever did.

I vow to protect myself and protect you!

"Eh? Why am I crying?"

Ever since the incident, my tears had dried up into a desert. I forgot what it felt like to cry, but now it all came back to me.

"Woo?"

The fox jumped onto my shoulder and started patting my cheek with its paw. It felt so soft, so comforting, like a tiny pillow punching my cheek.

I softly grabbed Malrang's paw and held it for at least five minutes before I managed to calm down.

"Thank you for being my friend, Malrang."

"Woo!"

It was a happy moment, but we both knew that possessing a skill that could consume your life in exchange for power was extremely dangerous. Letting your emotions control you can lead to downfall. Maybe Malrang knew about her own abilities, and even so, willingly signed a contract with me. I couldn't help but get emotional after everything that happened today. Perhaps I could no longer hold all the pressure inside me, and it suddenly burst into tears.

"Let's go. We have a lot to do today."

I knew I couldn't stay in one place for too long. To be honest, I'd already wasted too much time. This world was dangerous, and monsters grew at a rapid rate. When I inspected Malrang, I noticed that, unlike humans, monsters have double stat growth.

If every monster can grow twice as strong with each level-up, that puts humans at a disadvantage. The only way to keep up is to gain new achievements. It seems that only when I'm granted a new achievement do I gain skill points.

I wasn't certain if I was the only one with a system like that, because I hadn't met a single human I could discuss it with. Well... at least not someone who didn't mean to take advantage of me in this world.

"Ahh! I'm getting pissed off just thinking about those bastards. If any of them were decent human beings, we could have tried to cooperate. Now I know nothing about this world or how others were brought here."

Maybe it was reckless to just straight-up kill them, but at the same time, I had no guilt in doing it. Some people deserve it.

I was so deep in my daydreaming that I didn't notice Malrang looking at me with a curious expression, its head tilted to the side, like a puppy wondering what its owner was doing.

"Woo?"

I finally snapped out of it.

"What? Oh, right. Let me collect the corpses quickly, and then we can go. I have a feeling this silver fur can be traded with other people."

After collecting the rabbits in my spatial pouch, we continued on our journey.

Wow, this forest is massive. I've been here an entire day, and I have no idea when it's going to end.

Crack

The sound of a twig snapping could be heard behind me. I quickly turned around but saw nothing but a bunch of trees.

Maybe it's just my imagination?

I could tell Malrang heard it too, but I wanted to believe it was only a coincidence.

Crack

No... There is someone behind us. I'm certain.

After my soul underwent an upgrade, I could feel my surroundings more sharply.

I lowered my voice as much as possible and whispered to the fox.

"Malrang, we're being followed. Pretend you can't hear anything, and after we get behind that tree, jump up and hide. Be ready for my signal."

This fox was smart—it didn't make a sound or a gesture. I also pretended not to hear anything and walked to a denser area, where several trees made a blind spot for the fox to hide.

After Malrang hid, I walked for another minute before stopping.

"Alright, you can come out now. I can tell you're behind the tree several meters back."

No one showed up, but I could see a foot sticking out from behind the tree.

Does that bastard think he's some sort of spy? I can clearly see him there...

"Your foot is sticking out, you know..."

I couldn't help but speak to him in a mocking tone.

The foot quickly disappeared, but the person still didn't show up.

Wow! I'm actually amazed. How can someone be so stupid?

I summoned my scythe and signaled Malrang to attack.

A powerful flame attack surrounded the tree the person was hiding behind. But to my surprise, a five-meter-tall ice wall appeared out of nowhere to block the flame completely. Even the rabbits' silver fur started to melt under the heat of Hellfire Breath, but this ice wall showed no signs of giving in.

"It's enough, Malrang! Come back!"

I was worried that the enemy we faced this time was truly powerful.

Clap, clap, clap

"Amazing teamwork. Are you a summoner? But your weapon is completely different from theirs... Intriguing!"

A deep, manly voice sounded from behind the tree. After a moment, a tall man in his twenties, dressed in a hanbok1, emerged from hiding. He had a handsome face and long blond hair—not the usual hair color for a Korean. But the most disturbing thing was his weapon, which looked like a living blue dragon in the shape of a thick sword. The tail that was supposed to be a handle wrapped around his arm like a snake. It looked more like a body part than a weapon.

The eye next to the hilt of the blade looked straight at me, and I felt my body shiver slightly, as if I were prey to an alpha predator.

Maybe because he saw my expression, he quickly responded.

"Don't misunderstand me; I'm not here to fight."

"Yeah, right. Who follows someone around for no reason?"

"Hehe... you're right. I had my reasons."

"And what would that be?"

"I saw your fight earlier, and I simply got curious."

"Curious about what?"

"You!"

I was confused by his intentions and his odd behavior. Is he into me?

"Me? What's so curious about me?"

He smiled warmly, and I felt a bit complicated. Is this stranger about to confess his love to me? I understand I'm good-looking, but I don't date random stalkers...

"Your role. You're a gambler as well... am I right?"

Ahh... I see now; he's just a lunatic.

"So what if I am? What does that have to do with you?"

I grew even more cautious. Why would he stalk me just because he was curious about my role? Is he afraid of me? But looking at his weapon and his defensive skills, I can tell he's a very powerful player.

"I'm just happy to meet a strong player. Everyone I met before you was so weak—not even enough for me to warm up. I want a friendly spar with you. You're the only one who's caught my eye so far."

"Why would I fight you? What do I get from it?"

"Nothing!" He sounded strangely proud of that.

"Tsk... Then I have nothing more to say. You can go on your way. I don't fight for no reason."

"Come on, it's only a friendly spar. Don't you also itch to fight someone who could be your equal?"

I stopped before completely turning around.

"See... I was right!"

I can't deny that, deep inside, I want to fight him so badly. But I'm worried he might have ulterior motives and that there could be more people waiting to ambush Malrang and me.

I wish I had a scouting ability. It would make my life much simpler.

"Don't worry. I'm a lone wolf. And it's beneath me to gang up with others to ambush you."

Can he read my mind? This guy's scary. His face doesn't look like he's lying. Perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea to test myself against a strong player. After all, I must grow stronger to protect myself and Malrang.

"Fine, we can have a sparring match. But first, let's inspect each other."

"Heh... I thought you'd never ask."

His sky-blue eyes started shining in a golden light. I can assume this is the effect of the Inspect skill.

Inspect!

-Kim Seong-Hoon, Level 4 Dragon Blood Warrior.-