I Gave Up Being Stronger

“Among many factors, the most important thing was definitely the experience and the feeling left in my body. The Rule Breaker resisted me in exactly the same way.”

Things that were learned through memorization were usually quickly forgotten. But what was learned through the body and experience wasn’t easily forgotten. Jin-Hyeok didn’t know if others were the same, but for him, this was especially true.

“I felt the same way about the Rule Breaker’s resistance.”

The Rule Breaker was an item related to the 4th Seoul Scenario. Through various circumstances, the Greatsword of La’kan also seemed to be related to that Scenario in some way.

“That’s why I changed my Achievement.”

He displayed a screenshot for the viewers.

[All-Clear (Hope Rising From the Ruins)]

[In a place where there was no hope, a white flower bloomed.

Now, one can dream.

Achievement Effect: Subdue all items related to the 4th Seoul Scenario.]

“The Achievement was somewhat disappointing because it lacked versatility, but I didn’t expect it to be useful again like this. I guess I was lucky.”

Jin-Hyeok raised the Greatsword of La’kan. His prediction was correct. This sword was an item related to the 4th Seoul Scenario, and he could subdue it in one try.

“It’s light.”

Although its size was tremendously huge, it was quite light due to its very own gravity magic being cast on it. With a little exaggeration, it was similar in weight to his dagger.

“The weight seems similar to that of my dagger, but the destructive power is beyond comparison.”

Mulinus, who had run off, came back and poured a potion onto Jin-Hyeok’s arm. He said it was good for burns. The effect of the potion seemed remarkable. The burn healed quickly, and new skin grew.

‘Ah, now it looks less dramatic to the viewers…’

“Why do I feel like you’re not grateful at all?” Mulinus said.

“Oh, no. Thank you very much.”

“Your face doesn’t show any sign of gratitude!”

Jin-Hyeok felt like his arms needed to stay burned in order to have better content for his livestream, so it was a bit disappointing.

“Thanks again, Mulinus. Do you think I can use the Greatsword of La\'kan properly?”

“Are you serious? Did you even read the description?”

Jin-Hyeok immediately displayed the reference material.

[...(Exclusive to Swordman-related Jobs)]

“Then, can I change the item a bit so that I can use it?” Jin-Hyeok asked.

Blacksmiths did not really like it when someone messed with the weapons they had crafted. Jin-Hyeok would have still done it whether Mulinus agreed or not, but he still asked. It was a preliminary step to maintain a good relationship with Mulinus. Despite Mulinus’ large appearance, he was a bit timid.

“You’re going to manipulate it? You?”

“Yeah.”

“I don’t mind. After all, it’s not even my own creation.”

It was like Mulinus saying this item was just a fake created by the System. Since the Greatsword of La\'kan did not have Mulinus’ craftsmanship or affection, it seemed like he didn’t have any connection with the item. Jin-Hyeok could fully understand that statement.

“Then I will try manipulating it right here.”

Jin-Hyeok took out the Rule Breaker. He swung the Rule Breaker onto the Greatsword of La’kan.

Clang!

With a loud noise, the Rule Breaker’s ability was applied.

[...(Exclusive to Swordman-related Jobs)(Exclusive to the owner of the Rule Breaker)]

“I’ve acquired a new item. Unfortunately, it’s already Friday. I will rest well over the weekend and try out its actual use on Monday. Thank you all for watching!”

Jin-Hyeok ended his livestream. Saturday was near.

⁎ ⁎ ⁎

Jin-Hyeok headed toward Yangpyeong.

“I know it’s somewhere here…”

Han Sae-Rin’s absence felt particularly pronounced today. Even though Jin-Hyeok had entered the Dungeon dozens of times, finding it was not easy. It felt like he had become directionally challenged.

“It took a bit longer than usual. It was hard to find the entrance.”

His livestream was turned off, but he Played as if he were livestreaming. After all, he was a Streamer.

Just like a Swordsman practicing his swings in the air, a Streamer should always be ready. And it was quite enjoyable.

“I am going to enter the Dungeon. Going by myself… I already feel excited!”

[You have entered the Dungeon 「Tomb of the Greatsword of La’kan」.]

Even though he had been here before, it felt quite different entering alone compared to being with his party members.

“Huh? But someone is inside already.”

Someone was in the safe zone. Swordmaster La’kan had already been summoned. Jin-Hyeok quickly moved and entered the safe zone.

‘Mole Man?’

As soon as he saw Mole Man, he knew what was going on. It looked like Mole Man was provoked by Sae-Rin’s performance. To the public, it was all thanks to Sae-Rin’s secret and amazing abilities that they were able to clear the Dungeon.

‘I guess he is here thinking that if Sae-Rin can do it, so can he.’

Since Jin-Hyeok had revealed that the Dungeon could be cleared using the Navigator’s power, it seemed like Mole Man came here to achieve the same thing.

“Unfortunate Player. I can’t see a way to clear it at all, moly,” Mole Man said.

“Mole Man?”

“That’s right, moly. I’m Mole Man.”

“Why are you here?”

“My rival cleared this place using her power. Thus, if she can do it, I should be able to do it too, moly.”

Jin-Hyeok used Multiple Lives to change his identity, so on the outside, they were just two strangers meeting for the first time. However, for some reason, Mole Man didn’t use honorifics, so Jin-Hyeok also decided to do the same.

“So you came here all alone?” Jin-Hyeok asked.

“That’s right, moly.”

Mole Man was definitely crazy. No matter what, coming here alone was quite something.

“What if you die?”

“Sometimes, there is something more valuable than life, moly.”

Jin-Hyeok knew what Mole Man was talking about. However, since Jin-Hyeok was a Streamer, he decided to ask, as if he was conducting an interview.

“What is that?” Jin-Hyeok asked.

“It’s about proving one’s greatness, moly.”

“But don’t you have to be alive for that to have any meaning?”

“Not really. A world where I can’t achieve what Pathfinder has achieved? In that world, I am nothing more than worthless trash who isn’t even worth taking a breath. It’s better to die than live like that, moly.”

Jin-Hyeok was deeply impressed. If his party members had such desperate and resolute minds, they could become even stronger.

“Quite moving,” Jin-Hyeok said.

“Do you understand me, moly?”

“Of course.”

“An exceptional Player with great potential. What is your Job? Are you a Streamer, moly?”

He almost said yes.

“No, I’m a Swordsman.”

Jin-Hyeok took out the Greatsword of La’kan.

“T-That sword…!”

“Yup, it’s the same one as what that guy’s holding,” Jin-Hyeok whispered to Mole Man. “Clearing the Dungeon with a partner would be much more valuable than clearing as a party, right?”

“M-Moly?”

“Let’s try clearing it together, just the two of us.”

As Jin-Hyeok was deeply impressed, he decided to give Mole Man a gift. He stepped out of the safe zone and began to fight with Swordmaster La’kan.

⁎ ⁎ ⁎

Jin-Hyeok knew this already.

‘If I fight that guy head-on, I’m going to lose no matter what.”

Fighting the Swordmaster La’kan head-on would lead to defeat. The Level difference was too significant and Jin-Hyeok’s basic physical attributes were too weak. However, determining the outcome of a battle was never solely based on simple physical prowess.

“The power of our weapons is the same.”

They were both wielding the same weapon, but one of the weapons was being used by someone with a more exceptional physique.

“But its attacks are rather straightforward, and its attack patterns are repetitive.”

The Greatswords clashed with each other.

Clang!

The sound of metal clashing resounded in his ears.

“And the entity that controls the monster is actually the sword.”

Defeating the ‘body’ was meaningless. Attacking the Greatsword yielded much more meaningful results.

Clang! Clang!

The swords clashed continuously. With each clash, Jin-Hyeok’s body was pushed back.

At a glance, he was at a disadvantage.

“Even if two identical cars collide, one might be totaled while the other remains intact. It’s because of the difference in collision angles.”

Jin-Hyeok was not simply blocking the monster’s attacks. He was striking the center of the monster’s Greatsword.

[You have activated the Skill 「Sharper Spirit」.]

“Because the monster’s destructive power and speed far surpass mine, it’s difficult to use powerful Swordsman-class Skills.”

This was where the foundation of swordsmanship shined.

“All I can do is sharpen the edge of my blade and focus on striking the surface of its Greatsword.”

Jin-Hyeok had already learned its attack pattern. He would definitely die if he was hit by one of its attacks, but as long as he didn’t get hit, he would be fine. Jin-Hyeok faced Swordmaster La’kan alone for quite a long time. The monster’s Greatsword was starting to crack, and eventually, it shattered completely.

[You have defeated 「Swordmaster La’kan」.]

[You have leveled up.]

[You have reached Level 61.]

Jin-Hyeok’s body trembled.

‘Did this really work?’

He thought it would work, but actually achieving it made his heart race. He had soloed a boss monster with a Level difference of almost 20. An exhilarating feeling surged throughout his body.

‘I missed this feeling.’

A sense of ecstasy engulfed his entire being. It felt like surrendering to the exhilarating current of a pleasure-filled river. Mole Man, who had witnessed it all, shed tears.

“That was amazing, moly!”

Mole Man embraced Jin-Hyeok and was overjoyed. Even though he had not personally played a significant role, he still witnessed the miracle of a Solo Clear. It brought significant inspiration to Mole Man.

[You have been credited with Solo Clearing the Dungeon.]

[You have unlocked the Hidden Quest 「Another Death of the Greatsword」.]

Thud!

The body controlled by the Greatsword of La’kan collapsed. Flames surged high from every hole.

‘I didn’t know there was a Hidden Quest here.’

It seemed like succeeding in the Solo Clear of the Dungeon activated the Hidden Quest. The flames that shot up high engulfed the fallen body of the monster before flaring up brightly. It was gradually turning into ashes.

Mole Man lifted his head.

“I cannot let that go away, moly!”

Mole Man dashed toward the burning corpse.

“I’ll put on the gloves, moly!”

Wearing gloves resistant to flames, he began to rummage through La’kan’s body. He pulled out a few small mana orbs and then started running around.

“Is it here?”

He inserted the orbs into the holes. From where the flames had surged, beams of radiant iridescent light began to flow out.

“It’s complete, moly!”

Just like the pillars of flames that had shot up earlier, seven beams of light surged high. These beams twisted around, resembling the flames, and this time, they covered the shattered pieces of the Greatsword. The fragments of the Greatsword floated up like dust in the air. When they touched the radiant iridescent light, they disintegrated like sand.

And in their place, a small gate was formed.

[You have unlocked the Hidden Dungeon 「The One Who Buried the Greatsword」.]

Mole Man was about to cry.

“I did it! I found what Pathfinder couldn’t, moly!”

Jin-Hyeok also looked at Mole Man with deeply moved eyes. Mole Man’s movements were determined. The resolution to not let the Hidden Quest disappear right in front of him astonished Jin-Hyeok. His genuine dedication to the Play was truly beautiful.

Mole Man approached Jin-Hyeok and asked, “It’s a Hidden Dungeon! Will you join me, moly?”

“Of course.”

The two of them felt a kind of camaraderie. Without hesitation, Jin-Hyeok entered the Hidden Dungeon with Mole Man.

[You have entered the Hidden Dungeon 「The One Who Buried the Greatsword」.]

Meanwhile, Pathfinder, a.k.a. Han Sae-Rin, was conducting interviews with various media outlets.

“Yes, of course. I successfully cleared the Tomb of the Greatsword of La’kan, a feat that even Mole Man could not achieve. It’s all thanks to my power as a Navigator. It proves the stark difference between Mole Man and me. Well, who knows? I think it will be challenging for Mole Man to show better performance than me for a while. Unless, of course, there are Hidden Quests or Dungeons in the Tomb of the Greatsword of La’kan that I couldn’t find.”

Sae-Rin smiled contentedly.

“Oh, one more thing. If Mole Man proves that he can clear the Dungeon with significantly fewer party members than our party, he might be able to claim he is the better Navigator than me.”

‘However, that is a really unlikely scenario. I have Jin-Hyeok in my party. Hehe’

However, she didn’t say that last part out loud.

“Yes of course. I don’t pay any attention to Mole Man. Not at all. But I have a feeling that Mole Man might care about me.”

A few hours later, a rebuttal post appeared on Mole Man’s social media.

-There is a Hidden Dungeon in the Tomb of the Greatsword of La’kan. I’m posting this right after clearing it, moly. Moreover, I did it with only one other member. The two of us cleared the Dungeon together. I achieved everything you mentioned. Check the Ranking Board, moly.

He even attached a screenshot of the Ranking Board. The top rank of the Navigator class was once again claimed by Mole Man.

-You would be surprised if you knew what I obtained from here, moly. I acquired something tremendous, moly! I will reveal it in an hour.

People were curious about the reward, but the real uproar was among the GMs.