I Gave Up Being Stronger

Chapter 293

Chapter 293

It was the first time in a while that Cha Jin-Hyeok had felt such a thrilling sensation. ‘Is he going for my neck?’

In an unavoidable and indefensible position, Jin-Hyeok made his decision in a fleeting moment.

‘I will let him hit me.’

He was still wearing the Berklev Necklace.

[Reflection +1]

[Ability to reflect an attack that results in instant death. (Base probability: 70% +10%)

However, an attack that results in a fatal injury may be converted into an attack that results in instant death instead. (Probability: 30%)]

The problem was that Jin-Hyeok did not know if he could actually reflect Hyde’s attack with the Berklev Necklace. Hyde was among the strongest Players in Arvis, and if his attacking power far surpassed the necklace’s capacity, the reflection effect would be rendered useless.

‘I might just die here...’

Sensing something amiss, Hyde altered the trajectory of his attack at the last moment. Being a veteran of many battles, he sensed that Jin-Hyeok had something up his sleeve. Instead of severing his opponent’s neck, he aimed for the artery, opting to give Kim Chul-Soo a fatal injury rather than aiming for an instant kill.

Jin-Hyeok could not help but admire the quick change in Hyde’s offensive strategy. ‘This is fun.’

It had been a while since he had experienced this kind of excitement.

‘After all, the thrill that comes with risking one’s life is the best.’

Though Jin-Hyeok’s body was in shambles, his mind was clearer than ever, and he was fully focused on every moment, reading Hyde’s intentions.

‘He must have instinctively pinpointed the necklace’s weakness.’

[However, an attack that results in a fatal injury may be converted into an attack that results in instant death instead. (Probability: 30%)]

In fact, Hyde had already figured it out. ‘Chul-Soo, I know you are wearing the Berklev Necklace or something similar.’

A regular Berklev Necklace would have been no issue, as a sufficiently powerful attack could completely nullify the necklace’s abilities. However, Hyde had to be cautious. ‘This guy is backed by MoneyShot and MoneyShower.’

With the level of sponsorship behind Chul-Soo, it was hard for Hyde to predict the quality of his opponent’s items.

‘I will have to aim for a fatal hit.’

That was exactly what Hyde did. Without treatment, Jin-Hyeok’s death seemed certain.

‘If I go for a fatal injury instead of an instant kill, Chul-Soo is going to self-destruct.’

Jin-Hyeok was somewhat able to read Hyde’s mind as well. ‘This is what real fighting is all about.’

Simply flailing hammers and scythes was not considered a proper battle. As one advanced into the realm of experts, the mental and strategic battle was even more intense.

‘Hyde has accurately identified the weakness of my necklace.’

Thus, Hyde kept focusing on delivering attacks that would result in fatal injuries rather than instant death.

‘But my death is inevitable anyway,’ Jin-Hyeok thought. If this were true, he had to go out giving his best. Jin-Hyeok was more focused on the battle than he had ever been.

‘Now!’ Jin-Hyeok exposed his chest once again, and Hyde’s scythe plunged deep into his chest.

[This attack qualifies as a fatal injury attack.]

[It will be converted into an instant death attack.]

His vision instantly darkened, which was exactly what Jin-Hyeok had been aiming for.

[The Trait ?Extra Life? has been activated.]

With the last of his strength, Jin-Hyeok summoned Elly. Elly began to cry upon seeing him. Since Jin-Hyeok was not in a normal state, Elly appeared semi-transparent.

“Elly, I don’t think I can play with you next time,” Jin-Hyeok said.

“No! You promised Elly! You said we would play together forever and ever!” Elly tightly hugged Jin-Hyeok before disappearing, as Jin-Hyeok no longer had the strength to maintain the summon.

“Han Sae-Rin, you were a truly great companion. And Miri, you were an excellent weapon.”

His mental connection with Miri was also fading. Miri seemed to be saying something, but Jin-Hyeok could not make out the voice.

“Are you done with saying goodbyes?” Hyde asked.

Jin-Hyeok could not answer. He had already lost consciousness and was on his knees.

“What a madman!”

Even without consciousness, Jin-Hyeok maintained his posture.

“It’s regrettable,” Hyde continued. He stood in front of Jin-Hyeok, raising his scythe. It was time to put an end to this. However, someone interrupted him.

“Stop, you son of a bitch!”

Hyde found himself unable to move. ‘If I move now, I...’

He instinctively knew that if he moved, Harkoen would be in danger. Turning slowly, Hyde witnessed an unbelievable scene.

‘Muenne?’

One of the Seven Paladins of the Sacred Empire of Helen, Radiant Lance Muenne had arrived on the scene with Lessefim.

‘Is that really her?’

Radian Lance Muenne was a figure revered by the citizens of the Helen empire. Many of her subordinates idolized her as an ideal and a person of aspiration. She had earned the Radian title not just because of her exceptional spear skills but also because her very existence shone brightly, always a luminous presence.

“Captain Muenne? She is like sunshine. She is infinitely generous and warm to the weak.”

“There were some unsavory rumors about her in the past, but I’m sure those are just rumors. Captain Muenne is the embodiment of light for us.”

“I have never seen her use profanity or slander anyone. I doubt I ever will.”

Yet, here was Muenne, swearing and seething.

“Stop acting, you bitch! I know you’re awake! Open your freaking eyes!” Muenne grabbed Harkoen by the collar and slapped her face, causing Harkoen to scream and her cheek to swell red. “Hand over Mr. Chul-Soo safely to this side.”

“...”

“Or I will chop off this bitch’s head!”

Hyde was shocked. He had no clue why the captain of Muren’s guards had ended up here.

‘I thought we had an agreement with the empire...’ Hyde thought.

This entire operation had the empire’s support. The empire did not need Chul-Soo, but a hero instead, preferably, a deceased hero. A dead hero could be idolized, which would draw all eyes to Trituri, who had raised such a hero.

“I am going to count to ten. In ten seconds, I will chop off this bitch’s head and cut off your limbs too.” Muenne already had her spear drawn.

Hyde was forced to make a decision. “Harkoen, you stupid bitch! All my beautiful dolls have been exposed! How could you mess this up so badly, you goddamn bitch!”

He raised his scythe, intending to take on all of Harkoen’s sins and commit suicide. This was the best course of action Hyde could take.

‘Harkoen, I truly loved you, my dear.’

Just as he was about to commit suicide, a hand caught his scythe. Blood dripped from the bare hand. Having failed to kill himself, Hyde was in shock. ‘What the hell...?!’