Chapter 105 – Operation: Bro, Why Are You There? (7)

[You have encountered a higher leveled foe. Rebellion buffs all skills by 14%! Half of the effects are shared with your subordinates!]

Lee Shin-Woo hadn't really thought about it that way, but Bone Armory pretty much stored all of his equipment in his body. All the recorded equipment didn't disappear, but instead became one with Lee Shin-Woo; the equipment was also maintained and further developed inside him.

He'd absorbed countless pieces of equipment and stored them, fusing their different attributes in order to create even greater equipment. Thus, Lee Shin-Woo's body was like a treasure house. The moment any Treasure Hunter sensed his presence, it was obvious that they'd turn their attention to him!

Plus, Kratia's rare growing artifact alone was enough to draw the Treasure Eater's attention. It made sense that a Treasure Eater would appear when both of these 'treasures' were in the same place.

"But why now?"

Lee Shin-Woo gritted his teeth. It must have been due to the terrible name he gave to his operation! While he stared at the Treasure Eater, still reeling from the sudden turn of events, the Treasure Eater had continued to advance, sending parts of the undead force flying; he didn't have any more time to spare.

[What’s that?]

[The lord... Protect the lord!]

[Kuahk, these monsters won't let us go!]

The undead realized that Lee Shin-Woo was the Treasure Eater's target and even in their confusion, attempted to stop it from getting to him. Since they were firmly categorized as 'enemies' by the Chimeras, the Chimeras continued to tactlessly attack the undead troops, ultimately resulting in further casualties.

[Kuaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!]

To make matters worse, Steve then used the Treasure Eaters' signature technique, Shriek of the Dead, which instantaneously swept over the entire battlefield.

[The enemy has used Shriek of the Dead! However, Invisible Heart has shielded you from all mental debuffs.]

Should I say, 'as expected of a level 7'? Lee Shin-Woo did a double take and turned around. He was worried that Jin wouldn't be able to endure the shriek, especially since he wasn't currently linked with him. Fortunately, Kratia had used her magic to protect both her and Jin. He wouldn’t expect anything less from a high-level mage.

[That monster's using black magic!]

[Don't be afraid! The lord's watching over us!]

[Let's stab its limbs with our spears!]

The undead are also... Good, they're fine as well.

That wasn’t particularly surprising to him. Firstly, his troops were under the effects of his Command, which protected them from mental debuffs, and secondly, they were already under the influence of Instigate; Shriek of the Dead and Instigate were the same type of skill, with Shriek of the Dead being the lower-ranking one. It was thus not terribly effective.

[Ku-Kuhahk... Y-You bastards...!]

[The Emperor? The Emperor is... No, I won't participate in it!]

[Don't take me there. Not me...!]

However, the Chimeras weren't protected by either Kratia or Lee Shin-Woo, and ended up disoriented by Shriek of the Dead. While the Chimeras were physically enhanced to the very limit, they were susceptible to mental ailments, and all of them fell victim to the Treasure Eater's Shriek of the Dead.

The deeper one's regret and resentment, the more effective Shriek of the Dead would be. It was as though the Golem Chimeras were born to be affected by the skill.

[No, no. Don't nod! Don't!]

[You can't. The Emperor lied to us!]

[Please don't!]

Were they recalling the time when they became sacrificial lambs for the experiments? The Chimeras cried tears of blood as they screamed and rolled onto the floor. Thousands of level 5 monsters had been rendered helpless due to a single skill!

Lee Shin-Woo felt a bit sad when he saw them, but because of the Treasure Eater, the undead army could now breathe easy.

[It's time!]

[Gouge its bones! Charge!]

[Guoooooooooooh!]

The undead troops suddenly pushed past the Chimeras and charged at the Treasure Eater! Lee Shin-Woo shouted quickly in an attempt to stop their indiscriminate attack, but because of the sudden turn of events, the undead weren't capable of properly assessing the situation.

Ultimately, he could only stop even less than half of the undead, and hundreds of them rushed towards the Treasure Eater. Lee Shin-Woo clicked his tongue. He had no other choice but to watch the ensuing battle.

Now that it's come to this, I suppose I have to sacrifice them to find out my opponent's abilities...

He clearly remembered his first encounter with their kind, his desperate battle against a level 3 Treasure Eater, and even the level 5 Treasure Eater he’d run into.

Every time, he was always screwed over by some unique ability. With this Treasure Eater being level 7, Lee Shin-Woo wouldn't be surprised if it could teleport and take a bite out of his 'heart'.

[Guoooouuuuh!]

As Lee Shin-Woo expected, the Treasure Eater had a special ability. Fortunately, it wasn't teleportation, but the Treasure Eater’s scream made Lee Shin-Woo shudder, followed by crackling blue light; it was lightning!

[Kuaaaaaaahk!]

[M-My lord!]

The Treasure Eater twisted its body, discharging lightning everywhere. The undead that came into direct contact with the lightning screamed, but they were better off than the rest. The weaker level 4 and level 5 undead vanished without even the time to make a sound.

Lee Shin-Woo gritted his teeth at the power the level 7 elite displayed. He was frustrated how the Treasure Eater seemed as formidable as ever despite his best effort.

I barely got control over this army, yet they become a barbecued bone platter in the blink of an eye...!

Being level 1 or level 5 made no difference; they ended up decimated in about the same amount of time. It would be stupid to just stand still and do nothing. With his mind made up, Lee Shin-Woo used Instigate to its very limit and yelled, “All troops, retreat! We'll fight him in the city!”

[B-But my lord...!]

“All forces! Protect Kadinan!”

[I... I understand!]

None could refute Lee Shin-Woo's stern command, and all of the undead turned toward the city. Their movements were so organized and systematic that...Lee Shin-Woo's movement, or lack thereof, became considerably more noticeable.

[M-My lord!?]

"I’m its target," Lee Shin-Woo said bravely. "I'll keep it busy, so you return to the city and evacuate all the civilians. Once I'm sure that everyone has been evacuated, I'll bring him over."

[It's too dangerous, my lord!]

[I cannot allow it!]

"You dare question me!?"

Lee Shin-Woo's booming voice startled even the most powerful undead in Kadinan, the Knight Leader Selloin.

While Lee Shin-Woo was his lord and a level 6 Undead Commander, the Knight Leader had thought that his abilities surpassed the lord’s. However, he realized that might not be the case once he heard the strength in Lee Shin-Woo’s voice.

"Go. Even now, our precious soldiers are being sacrificed! I don't plan on dying in vain, you fool. Kadinan and I are one. I will not fall so long as Kadinan remains standing!"

[M-My lord..!]

[Kuheuk, as expected of the lord we serve...!]

The Knight Leader, as well as the surrounding knights, were touched by Lee Shin-Woo's brave declaration and were on the verge of tears. He'd managed to fool them completely. Lee Shin-Woo actually planned on destroying Kadinan in its entirety so that he could safely annihilate the Treasure Eater!

"Go. Go tell them. Arm yourselves and be ready to die for Kadinan!"

[All citizens will follow your command!]

[My lord. At least let me stay by your side...]

"You fool. Only you can command the troops in my absence! Don't say something so stuipd and just go!"

[Keuk... I understand! I will carry out your command without fail, I swear!]

Despite the insult, Lee Shin-Woo reminded the Knight Leader that he was the next in command and that he had to be responsible for the troops in the lord's absence; that spurred the Knight Leader into action and ignited goblin fire in his eyes before he turned to leave.

Even the undead that had been indiscriminately attacking the Treasure Eater began to assemble to the best of their ability. At least 20% of the troops had been burnt to crisp already, but it was comforting that most of their casualties were level 4s.

[Guaaaaaaaaaah!]

Of course, from the very beginning, the Treasure Eater's target had been Lee Shin-Woo and Lee Shin-Woo alone. Therefore, when the obstructing skeletons got out of its way on their own accord, it beelined towards Lee Shin-Woo, seemingly grateful. Some of the knights couldn't help themselves and turned around, drawing their swords, but Lee Shin-Woo stopped them once more.

"I won't repeat myself! Go!"

Lee Shin-Woo raised his sword, and the undead gave in, turning around to head to the city. It hadn't occurred to them that they had never seen that sword before.

"Now, let's see how good a lightning element monster is...!"

Once he confirmed that the undead troops had fully retreated, Lee Shin-Woo moved quickly and infused mana into the Lightning Tooth, as if to lure in the Treasure Eater.

He transformed his frightening reserve of mana into pure lightning and the Lightning Tooth with it. Covered in flickering blue sparks, the blade looked like a weapon sent down by the goddess herself. Seeing that, the Treasure Eater growled and opened its mouth.

[Guuuuuuoooooooooh!]

"Hah!"

It spat out a lightning sphere! But because Lee Shin-Woo had sensed its mana concentrating at its throat, he had already anticipated the kind of attack it would make. Lee Shin-Woo threw his body out of the way, dodging the lightning sphere, all the while throwing the Lightning Tooth at the Treasure Eater.

[Kihahk!]

Powered by Rule of Bone, the Lightning Tooth shot out with lightning speed and burrowed into the Treasure Eater's throat before it could close its mouth.

It had come to resemble a dragon after reaching level 7, gaining thick and durable scales all over its body. Even so, its inner organs must be much less durable than its scales! Lee Shin-Woo immediately detonated the Lightning Tooth, and despite being level 7, the Treasure Eater writhed in pain and made one full rotation on the floor.

[Kihaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!]

"Keuk!?"

That was all his attack did, however. Although the Treasure Eater should be in considerable pain and sustain severe injuries from the lightning-infused blade and resulting explosion, the Treasure Eater immediately regained its composure after a brief moment of whining, and it charged straight at Lee Shin-Woo!

"Come, fortress!"

Startled by the Treasure Eater's unexpected speed, Lee Shin-Woo summoned a giant shield from Bone Armory—he could use the skill without shouting, but he wanted to do it this way—and placed it in front of him before making his retreat.

The giant shield embedded into the ground consisted of giant interwoven bones. It truly resembled a fortress.

[Bone Fortress]

[Lv5]

[Durability - 2,250/2,250]

[Defense - 1,200 - 1,400]

[Options - Effectiveness of defense +50%]

It was a treasure through and through with its level, ridiculous defense stat, and even more ridiculous additional buff! He'd gotten this shield from one of the undead heroes he killed, but it had gone through some retrofitting after being absorbed into his Bone Armory. Of course, it was an item that was bestowed upon a hero by the goddess, but...

[Kuaaaaaaaaah!]

"Uuuuuuhk!"

The shield couldn't even withstand the Treasure Eater's charge for one second and broke apart! The attack had become weaker after smashing through the Bone Fortress, but it still retained an absurd amount of power; the Treasure Eater got close and almost hit Lee Shin-Woo. While Lee Shin-Woo had avoided being hit directly, the resulting force still flung him several meters away, leaving him with no other option but to endure the pain.

As Lee Shin-Woo diligently restored his body, he thought, Damn, this is...100%.

He hadn't expected the Treasure Eater to recover from the shock and charge at him so quickly. It must have Lightning Resistance. It’s the full package! He had a hunch when it unleashed its lightning, but now his speculation had been proven right.

I have to take it down. There’s no other way.

He had thought he would lead the Treasure Eater somewhere else whilst finishing up all his business here, but upon realizing that it had something he wanted, he knew he had to take it down.

"This probably won't be enough..."

Nothing good would come of him leading the Treasure Eater into the city. The undead wouldn’t be able to do anything but sacrifice themselves to use up some of its mana.

That wouldn’t be enough to take down a level 7 elite. Not even if he took the Chimeras rolling around from the earlier shriek into consideration, as well as Kratia and Jin, who were hiding behind him on standby.

"Well then..."

Lee Shin-Woo evaded the Treasure Eater’s next attack and moved around hectically; he steeled himself before taking out a small marble-like object. This was the obvious course of action. There was an opponent he couldn't beat with his original plan...

"Lightning General, the great sword of the Empire. I, Nellopa, the Empire's loyal servant, have an urgent report for you."

He just needed to come up with a new plan!