Chapter 246 – Hero’s Gaze Preliminary Group a

“Are you all right? Bro.”
“Yeah… It seems to be alive.”
​
While answering, Yi Poong caresses his neck.
Although he was obviously powerful, he was a swordsman who had no intention of killing.
In the first place, what the sword was aiming for wasn’t Lee Poong’s head, but his stomach.
He had a boil, but for a moment he thought he might really die.
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“Rest of it?”
“It was a buy for time.”
​
Yi Rang pointed the other way with his thumb.
Dozens of people were scattered.

‘Even though it’s because I’ve been able to earn time to some extent.’

If this fight was a real fight and not a contest… At the thought, Lee Rang clicked her tongue.
There is no murderous intent in Yeodere’s sword attack.
If this had been a real battle… I would have been chased down and beaten.
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I guessed that she was a monster.
Yeo-dre, the protagonist of all sorts of gossip.
All she said was so absurd that I thought there was some exaggeration.
However, the Poongrang brothers, who had thoughts similar to the proverbial saying, “Is smoke coming out of the chimney at any other time?” Thought that he must be a competent person to some extent, and was convinced that he was very strong after seeing him actually confront Brat.
So I was careful.
I was careful, so I didn’t want to take them to the finals, where they would fight one-on-one or with a small number of people later, so I tried to incite and collude with other participants to eliminate eight days.
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Yes, I was definitely careful.
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“I was arrogant.”
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What he did as a precaution was an outrageous arrogance.
He should have brought at least Krasche, the knight commander of Grise, with him, rather than some well-known gossip.
Aside from asking if the knight commander from a proud teenage family would come with me, I had to make an offer.
Then, Krachet would have known about the danger of eight days, and would have taken appropriate action…
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Lee Poong, who did not know about the incident between Dre and Krache, was sincerely sorry.
​
“What is he doing now… No, I will have to look.”
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You have to see with your own eyes what happened while he passed out.
When you narrow your eyes, you can see far away with your naked eyes, as if you were looking through a telescope.
Lee Pung um… Groaned.
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“Chai…Was attacked.”
“I got hit during spirit fusion.”
​
Lee Rang, who belatedly rushed in for a time lag attack and was quick to prepare after seeing his older brother suffer, was able to ascertain how things were going in the situation.
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“During the fusion, the spirits must have shielded them?”

I’ve seen Chai in other competitions before.
That shield wasn’t something that could be easily broken.

“They just cut them off. The bodies of the guys from Great Forest were also cut like paper… What the heck. That’s it.”
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Lee Rang looked down at the weapon he had been with for a long time.
The blade of the gauntlet with a blade like a wolf’s claw was cut off in pieces.
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“You’re too absurd.”
“…”
​
Lee Poong deeply sympathized with her brother’s words.
And she was sure.
I don’t know if Chai was fine, but at this moment, I can’t catch him with the remaining troops.
Then…
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“…It can’t be helped.”

Lee Poong’s eyes deepened.
Eight days can’t win.
If so… That’s the next best thing.
​
“There are only four that can go to the finals.”
“…”
“There is no need to attack eight days.”
​
His gaze went to the three wearing the school uniforms of Pryunar Academy, standing at a distance behind her.
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“Yes…”
​
I also laughed.
It wasn’t meant to be mean, it was more like bittersweet feelings.
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“Of course, that man wouldn’t have brought it for nothing. Even though he’s young, he’ll be strong.”
​
The students of Prunar Academy are all the most talented in any field.
If he had been brought to the martial arts competition… He would surely have had extraordinary fighting power.
​
‘But the practical experience is inevitably lacking.’

There are sometimes older students at Prunar Academy, but the fact that they look young at first glance made that idea even more solid.
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The problem is, eight days.
I’m not sure how far his attack range goes.
I have to find out now that I’m not actively moving and I’m walking as if I’m taking a walk. . There is no way to figure out the extras rushing in without knowing the subject and falling out one by one.

It was at that moment that a man’s voice was heard.
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“Gong Lee Poong.”
“…!”
​
Outside rather than at home, rather than a safe place, they are the ones who are always vigilant because they are the main stage in the forest full of monsters and beasts.
I’m a bit distracted right now, but the feeling is still there.
That they didn’t notice someone approaching?
Let’s respond right away Whoa. The man who shakes his hand as if to calm down and smiles at the corner of his mouth…
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“Crache?”
​
The leader of the knights of Grise, whom I just thought we should cooperate with.
The Sacred Bone of Gryze, who always wears a mask.
And… Skill is certain.
He’s only confronting him now, and it feels like he’s getting stabbed.
Lee Poong fixes his broken gauntlet with the feeling that his mouth is drying up.
​
“Is that the only weapon?”

It wasn’t a mockery, it was just a confirmation, but the Poongrang brothers couldn’t afford it.

“…Why did we come?”
​
Instead of answering the question, Lee Poong looked around and explored.
…There is no sign of ‘human’…
I don’t feel any hostility at all.
​
“Are you going to get rid of us weakened?”
“Isn’t the fact that you’re talking like this a disprove that that’s not the case?”
​
Right.
If Krache attacked now that I was dizzy after being hit back by eight days… To be honest, I didn’t have the confidence to handle it.
​
“I think that the only ones who can make that man drop out here are me and you.”

Seeing the stormy brothers’ round eyes, Krache ate a bitter taste.
​
‘Honestly, I was expecting Chai too…’

Elemental Synthesis. It’s not a noisy technology for nothing.
The power to bring out the power beyond the limit by merging with the spirit is very powerful… But the magician himself is weak enough to be no different from an ordinary person.
There’s no way that vicious Eudere had a hand in it, so his elimination would already be a fait accompli.
​
“Why don’t you cut it down and cooperate with me?”
“…”
​
Lee Pung looked around.
It’s gentlemanly now…But if you turn down this offer, well? How will it change?
But you can’t blindly accept the offer. You have to listen carefully to what they are asking for.

‘I want to negotiate amicably with mutually beneficial conditions.’

It might sound dangerous, but it was still powerful enough that we had to cooperate.
There was also a way to hit the back of the head by pretending to accept the terms Krache demanded, but the Pungrang brothers valued the contract, so they didn’t want to do that.
Besides, the enemy wasn’t just Yeodere and Krache, but I didn’t want to do good things for the other contestants for no reason.

There are some contestants who haven’t made an appearance yet.
They were not even exposing themselves to the extreme, hiding in the plaza earlier.
​
After thinking it over carefully, Yi Fung said.
​
“Okay. I’ll help.”
“Good idea!”
“However, we will make a decision after hearing your thoughts, and if we are pushed back even when we fight according to our thoughts… We will only beat those students and leave. This is our condition.”
“…”
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Krachet shut her mouth.
I thought for a moment that it was a coward… But it’s a realistic proposal.
There is no particular reason to refuse. Because they will win
​
“Great.”
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Thus, a temporary alliance was formed.
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“So, sea god does not refer to a real god, but to a water dragon?”
“It’s not a dragon, I heard it’s an oriental dragon.”
​
‘The Sea God’s Cave’
​
In this place, where the preliminaries are currently actively taking place, in ancient times, an evil being… Presumably a demon king, was sealed away by a water dragon.

There is an oral tradition that these huge spaces and pillars were created in the aftermath of the fighting at that time.
Water dragon, no. The sea god got rid of the evil being, but he could not purify the land that was polluted by his mighty power. The only limit was to protect people with his power.

Knowing that the weak human beings would not be able to endure even for a moment and die from corruption when the god of the sea left, the god of the sea stayed here for a long time, and people flocked to the divine being right next to him and worshiped him.
​
Over many years, this lake, which was connected to the sea, was filled up and a continent was created.
However, the place where he stayed left traces of that time intact, and it became a sacred place and relic with a clear oral tradition.
​
It has become a famous tourist attraction.
​
Opening up a place that had only been seen from afar and using it for the preliminary rounds is reprehensible to scholars who value relics, but it went ahead because the locals said that Haesin liked to see people having fun and competing in martial arts.

And, here is the story of the dream.
Somewhere in this cave… It is said that there is a space where the sea god lived.
There is also an oral tradition that if you find the place, you will get a great thing.

Hmm.
Sounds like a dog
If it was polluted here in the first place, couldn’t we live somewhere else? Why did you have to stay and protect the water dragon?
Still, it’s a legend that has been passed down for a long time, so let’s refrain from making detailed tackles.
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“It is said that being able to fight in such a sacred place not only spreads the dignity of the hero’s gaze, but also inspires the contestants…They say. Kids.”
“You heard it from the kids? Didn’t you like it?”
“Oh yea..?”
​
Shukak! Kakak!
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“A person who travels alone.”
“Uh, I guess…That’s right.”
“Then you pretended to be asleep and listened. You insidious bastard.”
“Damn it! I overheard it by accident!”
“It’s kind of unpleasant to remember everything.”
“Damn it…!”
​
Shukak. Kaka Kak.
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Rius, who couldn’t answer because it was a fact, came up with a question.
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“Huh? How do you know that well? Perhaps…”
“I was ugly.”
“…”
“I’m not ashamed of myself.”
“I guess so.”
​
Rius thought so sincerely and looked at Dre’s sword attack with eyes full of enthusiasm.
Yeah… With such skills, can such a past be a big deal?
​
The celebrities whom Rius glared at were never weak.
It’s just that this man is strong.
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‘Awesome…’
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One person per room.
I knew it was strong, but I never thought it would be this overwhelming…
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Shukak! Pug. Quaang!
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‘But… But…!’
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“Keah!”
“What, billion!”
“Damn it! Run away!”
“What kind of freaks are all these?!”
“Come! That invisible sword!”
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Shukak!
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“Ah!”
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When Rius suddenly screamed, Dre, who had been cutting away while looking away, turned his head away in surprise.
​
“Oh, I’m surprised… What’s wrong?”
“No…!!”
​
What should I say about this
Dre… Is still knocking down contestants at random.
Should we call it an elephant among ants or just a disaster?

Once Dre sees it, it’s over.
None of the contestants lasted a single shot.
It was definitely exhilarating to see many, or even themselves, believing in themselves and laughing at them to the fullest, and falling down or running away in a frightened manner.
But…
​
‘Is this still going to happen…?’
​
The Hero’s Gaze is a tournament of great stature.
Even if you pass the preliminaries, you can confidently write it down in your future career.
I think I’ll pass the finals if I just stay still, but it’s a very sweet situation.
​
But… I wondered if it was too comfortable.

‘Why did I train?’

Rius cautions that it is not good to be comfortable when possible.
That’s why he got the feeling that this is a little cowardly.
And the longest five hours of hell training. That time was a good training with a sense of fulfillment, so it was a pity not to use it.
​
Of course, it happened because Dre’s pure skill was so strong that it was far from cowardly… But it didn’t seem like something.
Reus thought.
How are you now? How strong are you? Obviously, it would be laughably weak to even mention it.
I thought there would be something to be gained from this qualifier, but is it okay as it is?
It wasn’t just that he had to escape this position, but Rius sincerely wanted to acquire his skills and become successful later on. He wanted to improve his skills.
Can I blow this chance like this?
​
‘I can’t even say don’t knock it down.’
​
It’s not a bad thing to defeat the enemy in sight, it’s just because of Rius’s desire.
That’s why Rius couldn’t stop him.
I hoped that Mei-Chi, who seemed to be friendly with Dre, or Dia, who was sociable, would come forward, but Mei-Chi stared at Dre, while Dia exuded respect with her eyes.
​
As Rius thought, Diamond’s respect for Dre’s inaction, which was otherwise high, was rising in real time.
She also had a desire to become strong, but she did not dare to speak to her.
​
Dre scratched her head and said.
​
“Wait.”
“Ok?”
“Because I’m pruning.”
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Pruning?
Dre stared into the distance, not answering Rius’s questioning face.
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​

***
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I gazed into the distance.
Three people who are looking for me from afar.

When are they going to attack you?
First of all, did you say “Pungrang Brothers…”?
They are definitely seasoned. I would have thought he would block that attack right before it and run away.
Even so, it must have been quite exhausting.
​
Right now, as I thought…, It’s walking around me and giving off a presence.
It’s not that he can’t hide his presence, he’s deliberately getting on my nerves.
He must have made an agreement with Krache, who was with them.

I already sensed that the two of them were in contact.
I’m just looking forward to seeing how they attack.
What I’m curious about here… Is whether Krache is doing this under Leo’s command, or whether it’s his own will.
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Whatever it is, I’m going to knock it down and see.
I glanced behind me.
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Students who are both happy and sad.
I know what they think, but the tournament was more violent than I imagined.
I tried to determine whether or not to drop out by using some kind of magic, but if I fainted, I would be eliminated.
In fact, other tournaments use magic to detect elimination, but I think…
​
Of course, they may not care about getting hurt.
Rather, it may be called a useless meddling.
I don’t want to hurt you though.
Like in a cartoon or novel somewhere, you guys do it on your own here with your arms folded proudly. If I lose here, I can’t do anything from now on! Can’t you hold on to the weight and tremble?
It’s not that I don’t have the desire to try it… Because there is a better way.

Among the participants, I plan to have those guys fight against those who are quite strong and can properly play their hands.
For example, those like the storm brothers.
It will be a very good experience.
​
Other than that, fools who can’t even control their own strength are being eliminated.

However, besides wanting to train the students, my reason for knocking down the contestants at random is to preserve their strength.
Among the contestants who haven’t stepped forward yet, there are those who care.
The signs are normal, but… Able to know. I deliberately make it feel that way.
Being able to do that means you have a lot of skill.
Are you waiting for the right time or something… It’s unmatched to win.

Anyway, it’s different from what I initially thought, but it’s quite fun to defeat the enemies who have ulterior motives.
​
And dozens of minutes passed.
Destroying suitable enemies while listening to the sea god’s cave and various stories. Finally, there were no more guys running at me, no guys in sight.
The rest of the participants are watching the transition from afar.
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Papapat.
​
“Oh.”
​
The storm brothers appear as if they have been waiting for this moment.
By any chance, did I judge that I was exhausted from dealing with a large number of participants?

‘No way.’

They have intuition like wild beasts.
It would be reasonable to see that there are other intentions.

“Rius.”
“Damn it. I’m not Rius… Uh. That’s right.”
​
He pointed a finger at the storm brothers.
​
“The three of you, take care of them.”
“…Ok?”
​
It must be sudden
You can see the bewilderment on the three faces.
However, fights are often sudden rather than agreed upon at a set time like sparring.
I hope you get used to it.
​
“I have to take on someone else.”
​
Instead of the perplexed Rius, Mayal stepped forward with a determined expression.
Dia panicked and followed her, and Rius hurriedly drew her sword.
I deliberately jumped backwards to get them some distance… The moment I got a fair distance from them.
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“Bouncer.”
​
Hearing Krachet’s voice, he immediately fell into darkness.
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…What is this?
Is it night? No…It’s just dark.
And there are a lot of signs around… That’s not even a sign of a person.
Monster? Or not…
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Crackle.
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The sound of teeth clashing.
Soon, dozens of sharp teeth appeared from the darkness, attacking me from all sides.
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But this tooth shape… Where did you see it?
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***
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“Done.”
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You can’t win eight days with your own strength.
I hate to admit it, but Krache wasn’t stupid.
​
That’s why I called ‘support’ this.
Joint Spell ‘Fiddle’s Prison’
​
The power of him and his ‘fellows’, who send power from afar, is optimized for interpersonal warfare.
Dozens of Ryunar sent by his kind would be attacking the one in the dark by now.
The way to get out of there is to find Saint-Lo.
​
Crache’s Ryunar is the center and Saint-Lord of this spell.
The fellows are sending power through the path created by Krache’s Ryunar, so it’s just a matter of coming out there.
​
‘It doesn’t matter if I get out.’
​
You just have to walk again.
It’s a skill that sets the coordinates and creates them right away, not blowing them away, so you can walk them again the moment you get out.
Originally, it would not be possible to escape if it were not for those who had more power than imagined… But Krache was sure that it would come out.

But by the time he got out of there, he would have been a wreck.

‘I won’t be able to blow it away with only my strength like the highest level strongmen I’ve ever met.’
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A person with strong skills is not a strong man.
However, when you get out… That’s the key.
At the timing of escaping, he repeats putting him in prison again, breaking his heart.
​
‘I will definitely make them kneel down and apologize.’
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I will receive an apology for the humiliation of that time and the insult towards my lords.
The moment I glared at the prison made of black fog with such a single thought.
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“It’s fun.”
“!”
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The darkness that had enveloped him for eight days lifted and he walked out confidently.
Krasche immediately reached out and concentrated his strength, creating a ‘fiddle prison’ again.
Dre didn’t respond.
No…

‘Why don’t you resist?’
​
And eight days later got out of prison in one second.
I didn’t break it, but walked out alive.
Dre smiled at the dazed Krache.
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“It was quite fun when I asked what they had prepared.”
​”Kuk!”
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Putting out his palm again, Miller set the coordinates and activated Fiddle’s prison.
Krache is neither stupid nor does he try to ignore reality.
He escaped twice, never expecting to be caught.
He was only going to tie it down for a moment and temporarily retreat or insert his sword into the gap.
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Shukak.
​
“…What?”
​
Before the prison of darkness was created, Ryunar was cut and scattered.
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“I’ve been through a lot, so there’s no need to suffer more, right?”
“…”
​
Krachet felt it.
He says he loses here.

No… Maybe…

‘I might die.’

I don’t know why.
I didn’t think that he would die even for eight days ago, when he lived so much.

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