Level 4 Human in a Ruined World

Chapter 51

Chapter 51: The Judge with the Longsword (4)

‘What…’

Yeongwoo looked blankly at the approaching Chungju’s Strongest Sword, with her hair fluttering in the air.

Contrary to the fearsome strength, the actual appearance of Strongest Sword was surprisingly slender.

Her arms were so thin that it seemed doubtful if she could properly wield a sword, and her thin lips and dry cheeks gave a frail impression.

Of course, judging combat power based on appearance in a world where ability points exist was a futile act.

However, aside from that, on the first day of the reset, wouldn’t she have overcome the chaos at the money exchange with that weak body?

While Yeongwoo was fumbling for the first day of the Chungju’ Strongest Sword’s reset, which was not easy to picture, the other side made the first move.

Swish!

The opponent swung his arm while looking at the SUV that Yeongwoo and his group were riding and threw the sword.

“Ik!”

“Huk!”

Myeongho and Myeongae, who recalled the moment they first met Yeongwoo, screamed in shock.

Even Jongsu, who had shown a calm demeanor so far, looked at Yeongwoo with a bewildered expression at this moment.

On the other hand, Yeongwoo…

“…”

He silently watched as the thrown sword flew like an arrow and stuck on the left side of the road.

Paeaeang!

He had noticed that it was not a sword thrown at a person from the beginning.

‘What’s this? Is she trying to see how we react?’

Moreover, what the opponent threw was an early bird.

It was a provocation that was very expensive unless there was a way to remotely retrieve it, like having a belt similar to a remote control.

“Since the Strongest Sword has come personally, there’s no need for you to guide us so hard.”

When Yeongwoo casually spoke after taking his eyes off the early bird stuck in the ground, the police officer who had been stiffly standing in place belatedly regained his composure.

“…Huh.”

Then, as if fleeing, he opened the back seat door and rushed outside.

Tatat!

The direction the police officer ran away was none other than behind Chungju’s Strongest Sword, and Yeongwoo, after seeing this, slowly got out of the car.

Chuk.

Yeongwoo’s bare feet touched the common asphalt.

Then, the eyebrows of Chungju’s Strongest Sword, who was closely examining the car from a distance of about 30 meters, twitched slightly.

It was because there was nothing floating above Yeongwoo’s head that indicated the status of Strongest Sword.

In contrast, Strongest Sword Shin Youngju22, like other Strongest Swords, had a splendid title above her head, attracting Yeongwoo’s attention.

‘If she assumes the role of the city’s public security, she might have taken the golden route… Was she such a reckless character?’

The artifact tattoo ‘Stealth Mark,’ which allowed hiding the title, was given as a reward when Yeongwoo first opened the achievement system through the Golden Ratio.

At that time, it was thought that the reward was given to anyone who opened the achievement system, but looking at the fact that all the Strongest Swords encountered so far did not know how to hide the title, it was likely a special reward for the Golden Ratio.

In other words, the Strongest Sword in front of him probably chose to monopolize 3 million karma with a high probability.

‘Well, if she took the golden route, she should be wearing some golden equipment or something, but I don’t see anything like that.’

Yeongwoo looked at the Chunju Strongest Sword, who wore an unbelievably ‘businesslike’ outfit.

Black slacks, a navy shirt, and a watch with the petrification released on her left arm.

Of course, she was also barefoot and held a longsword in her right hand, making her appearance quite awkward.

“From what I heard, you were looking for me.”

Strongest Sword, who opened her mouth first after a while.

Suddenly, the tone was mild compared to when she threw the sword.

In response, Yeongwoo nodded and greeted.

“Yes, I’m Jeong Yeongwoo from Gumi. As I mentioned before, I didn’t come here to fight…”

As Yeongwoo tried to continue his words, glancing at the police officer hiding behind Chungju’s Strongest Sword, Shin Youngju22 raised her left hand slightly and intervened.

“Sorry to interrupt, but what’s your number?”

“…Excuse me?”

“Your number. The number after your name.”

She was asking for the identification number assigned based on the order of contact with the exchange office among people with the same name.

For example, if the name of the Strongest Sword is Shin Youngju22, it means she was the 22nd Shin Youngju in the country to contact the exchange office.

In other words, the smaller the number of this identification number, the more daring the movements on the first day of the reset could be considered.

‘Checking if I’m a dangerous person.’

Yeongwoo felt that the opponent was a very cautious person.

“…7. Jeong Yeongwoo 07.”

“Jeong Yeongwoo is a common name, but you worked very hard. Number 7…”

Chungju’s Strongest Sword, hearing Yeongwoo’s number, pondered the number 7 and showed an unknown smile.

Then, she took a few steps to the side and glanced into the SUV.

“Are they your companions over there?”

“Yes. They are not people I’ve known for a long time. I borrowed the car on the way here.”

“Oh, I see.”

Looking at Yeongwoo’s bare feet, who said he borrowed the car, Chungju’s Strongest Sword cast a fleeting glance.

Then, she bowed deeply towards Yeongwoo and introduced himself.

“I am Judge Shin Youngju22 from Chungju branch.”

Her long hair extending towards the ground created a slightly eerie atmosphere, but for Yeongwoo, it was quite surprising.

To bow without hesitation to someone who may be an enemy and who is much younger than you…….

“Although I’m a Strongest Sword, I’m doing my best to maintain order in this area. I apologize for throwing the sword earlier. From my perspective, I needed to see how Mr. Yeongwoo would react.”

“Ah…! It’s, it’s okay.”

Yeongwoo was greatly surprised by Shin Youngju’s background.

It was amazing enough to break through the exchange zone with such a small physique, but to be a judge as well.

‘So, is she receiving support from the citizens? It seems that she’s not just supporting the city with strength alone. Her personality seems extraordinary…’

Many things have happened, but considering that it’s only the second day since the great upheaval called the reset occurred, everyone still held onto the values and systems of the previous world.

“Mr. Yeongwoo, what about you? You were giving your introduction, but I cut it off in the middle.”

“Ah, right.”

A Strongest Sword from Chungju, the guardian of order in Chungju City.

After learning about Shin Youngju’s splendid background, it was difficult for Yeongwoo to speak out.

Following the opponent’s introduction format, there was nothing particularly outstanding to present here.

Jeong Yeongwoo, who worked at a display factory in Gumi.

Somehow, he became a Strongest Sword in Gyeongbuk, and in order to achieve achievements, he defeated mutants and is heading to Seoul without a clear purpose…

There was no impressive profession, and he didn’t have a lofty sense of purpose.

“I am…”

When Yeongwoo could not easily continue his conversation even after he began to rumble, Shin Youngju spoke with a gentle smile.

“Are you feeling a bit pressured because I’m a judge? It seems like I said unnecessary things. Don’t worry about it.”

Then, glancing at the peculiar-looking Yeongwoo, she asked.

“How old are you? Can I ask what you did in Gumi?”

“Yes, I’m thirty-four. I worked at a display factory in Gumi.”

“Oh, I see. Gumi has quite a few factories. It must have been tough for you, especially coming from Gumi, which is quite far from here.”

After finishing this sentence with a friendly smile, Shin Youngju quietly looked at Yeongwoo.

It was time to get to the main point.

Yeongwoo slowly opened his mouth in response.

“I’m sure you’re curious about why I came all the way up here.”

“I guess so.”

Nodding, Shin Youngju narrowed her eyes.

Yeongwoo pointed to the SUV behind him.

“Well… They mentioned that their family is here. I wanted to help those who I was indebted to and, at the same time, help them find their family.”

“Family?”

To the surprised expression of Shin Youngju, Yeongwoo briefly explained the reasons for coming to Chungju, from leaving Gumi to encountering the Jeong family on the highway, killing mutants on the way to Seoul.

Then, Shin Youngju looked at the SUV and said thankfully.

“Fortunately, we conduct a headcount in front of the city hall every day at 7 PM. Not everyone attends, but… Anyway, you can try finding the husband there.”

“7 PM is two hours before the start of the nightly quest.”

“Yes, that’s right. When we gather at that time, we inevitably end up renting a house near the city hall. It’s a measure to create a densely populated area. It helps with maintaining public order, and I always sleep near the city hall, contributing to security.”

“Ah, I see…”

Yeongwoo marveled at Chungju City’s management system, which was different from other cities.

Of course, the outskirts of the city might become blind spots in terms of security, but it was much better than the entire city becoming lawless.

Chungju City found the best practical solution.

“Now, shall we hear why Mr. Yeongwoo came to see me? What business could there be when there are no mutants here?”

After Shin Youngju subtly exerted some strength in her body and asked, Yeongwoo looked at the sword held in the opponent’s hand.

“You might think this is ridiculous, but I wanted to know why you were willing to take on something like this, so I asked to see you.”

“This… What is it?”

Shin Youngju had a face that didn’t immediately understand Yeongwoo’s question.

In response, Yeongwoo gestured with his arm around.

“Chungju City. In essence, you’re volunteering for people who are complete strangers. It’s certainly a good thing, but I’ve never seen a Strongest Sword of this type, so I found it fascinating.”

“You must have met many Strongest Swords so far.”

A significant tone of inquiry.

It was not an illusion that Yeongwoo felt the will to survive from the opponent.

However, the alarm to detect an attack by the Golden Flash did not ring yet.

The opponent still maintained composure.

“Citizens see me as just a stranger? It’s true. Depending on the perspective, it might be accurate to say that I am doing volunteer work. However.”

After a brief pause, Shin Youngju looked up at the sky.

“I had to do it.”

“Yes…?”

“The first Strongest Sword was just a criminal, and the second was too narrow-minded. If I had left them alone, the Strongest Sword himself might have survived somehow, but the city would have collapsed.”

“You consider the city’s preservation very important.”

When Yeongwoo responded this way, Shin Youngju’s expression suddenly became very cold.

“Of course. If monsters are pouring down every day, and there is no order in the city, what would happen?”

“Well…”

Yeongwoo knew the result, as he had witnessed it firsthand.

If a strong figure emerged, a dictatorship would begin, as in Sangju City.

In the worst-case scenario, the city could face extinction due to a single mutant, as happened in Gimcheon.

“Of course, it originally started as witch hunting, so I don’t expect wisdom from people. In a way, it’s like living in a world that suits their level.”

Then, Shin Youngju added with frustration.

“But I’m not like that. I wasn’t a person vile enough to throw votes in witch hunting, and I lived sincerely. I had no reason to share the punishment with others.”

Yeongwoo had nothing to say in response.

He understood Shin Youngju’s perspective.

She asserted that she hadn’t lived badly enough to deserve such ‘punishment.’

If there had not been a reset, or even if a reset had occurred, if there had not been a senseless witch hunt, this world might have been a little more normal.

However, the situation took a turn for the worst, and Shin Youngju ended up having to deal with it.

‘To take control of her own destiny rather than leaving it to others.’

The 3rd Strongest Sword.

If her claim about not participating in the witch hunt was true, her growth assets would be the massive Karma obtained through currency exchange.

‘How she managed to escape the exchange and bring that money with her is still unknown…’

Nevertheless, it was clear that Shin Youngju was an extraordinary individual.

Many citizens of Chungju City must have willingly joined the witch hunt.

Despite that, she faithfully fulfilled the role of guardian of Chungju City.

“You’re truly remarkable. Compared to a judge like you, I…”

As Yeongwoo was about to lower his head, a new figure suddenly appeared from the SUV belonging to the Jeong family.

It was none other than the golden goblin, a unique slave.

-Keet.

He jumped out of the car to stick close to Yeongwoo, his owner, when Yeongwoo didn’t appear in his sight for a while.

Then, when he stuck to Yeongwoo’s leg, Shin Youngju’s eyes lit up.

“What’s that? Could that… Yeongwoo?”

“Yes, um, it’s like a pet.”

“A pet…?”

Although Yeongwoo introduced him as just a pet, Shin Youngju found it hard to believe it literally.

She, too, had experienced facing extraterrestrial beings.

“Do merchants sell living creatures too? This is the first time I’ve seen something like this.”

While Shin Youngju gazed curiously at the goblin, she soon shifted her gaze to scan Yeongwoo from head to toe.

Finally, the things that the alien possessed began to be visible again.

A snake wrapped around his forearm, a golden bracelet, a black cape draped over his shoulders, a belt that looked different from standard issue, and on the belt, there was another black sword along with the early bird.

Not to mention the charm hanging around his neck and the ring on his finger.

“…”

Shin Youngju unconsciously counted the items that seemed like artifacts and then, inadvertently, her eyes widened.

She started looking at Yeongwoo up and down once again.

Yeongwoo, who was about to bow his head in embarrassment, closed his mouth when he saw Shin Youngju’s eyes.

Her eyes were familiar – the same gaze he saw in the eyes of the thugs during the incident at the currency exchange two days ago.