The Player Hides His Past

Demon hunter.

Nowadays, there were a lot of demon-type monsters.

Although demon hunter was occasionally mentioned in the player community.

Back when Arcana was just a game, they were treated as insignificant.

Even when I thought about it again, they were extremely insignificant.

When other classes were excitingly hunting monsters with skills that had flashy names. Demon hunters used to struggle fighting monsters with basic attacks, or at most with [Simultaneous Fire], one of the basic shooting skills.

‘No kidding. Back then I…’

At this point, people who didn’t know about those days would ask.

If it was a class that had nothing to boast about.

Why did I change my job to demon hunter?

I, Lee Hoyeol.

I seemed to get possessed by a serious second-year middle school disease that came out of nowhere.

I did change my job to demon hunter, but.

There was no way other players would have chosen a class for the same reasons as me.

Yeah.

There were faces that led clueless innocent players to Akshan. One of them was Akshan’s guardian spirit, Akshan Wolf.

[You have acquired the class’s unique skill, ‘Akshan’s Guardian Spirit.’]

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Akshan’s Guardian Spirit: Summons Akshan’s spiritual creature, Akshan’s wolf.

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[Akshan’s wolf answers your call.]

The howl of a wolf echoed through Sisley.

Howl–!

Argentress widened his eyes and got up.

“…!”

Argentress was right.

Sisley was a seemingly perfect land.

Calling it a greenhouse was accurate.

I also noticed while walking through Sisley.

Sisley didn’t have anything that could be considered a threat.

‘It was too peaceful.’

You could tell from the fact that the herbivorous animals, that were busy running away at the sight of a person’s shadow on the Arcana Continent, opened their eyes wide instead and approached first.

“How could a wild beast come to Sisley…?”

So it was natural to be startled by the howl of a wolf.

But it’s too early to be surprised, Agentres.

This was Akshan’s mascot.

The one who dragged in the players to Akshan that had nothing to offer…

It was this wolf.

Crack!

The air was torn apart.

You could tell how fast it was from the gust of wind.

Befitting of the guardian spirit of Akshan.

It never showed up normally.

‘Its impression is amazing.’

As I watched, I was reminded again.

Well, even in the Arcana Continent Record’s demon hunter class introduction video.

The presence of the Akshan’s wolf was incredible.

A body larger than an adult male.

Flames bloomed wherever it stepped on.

The impression was not at a level that made any sense.

“…A-Argentress-nim?”

It was so overwhelming that it made even the elves stutter.

Do you understand now?

There was a reason why the demon hunter class was once in the spotlight among players. Although it was only a moment, Akshan was crowded with players.

‘If anything, it would have been called a wolf keeper instead of a demon hunter.’

The goal of the majority of players who changed their job to demon hunter was Akshan’s wolf.

They must have thought that if they could control Akshan’s wolf, they would be able to endure the meager skills, unconventional training methods, and difficult quests.

However.

‘You are truly evil, Akshan…’

I was stunned inside.

…Now that I thought about it, the hype wasn’t exaggerated, was it?

The demon hunter class introduction video!

I looked back.

How I acquired [Akshan’s Guardian Spirit].

This unique skill was actually a reward for [Class quest: Fruit of Good and Evil]. That meant it was an intermediate-level reward that was necessary to advance to the next goal.

The problem was.

‘How long did it take to reach this point?’

To put it bluntly.

‘…I skipped the process.’

I was the overpowering leader among the players.

In terms of level.

In practical capacity.

The level of the items I wore.

Even the tricks that I saved for last.

I was definitely a few steps ahead in every way.

However.

I reached Sisley by skipping so many countless middle steps and even actively radiating Claudie’s halo. This unique skill was acquired by reaching Sisley.

‘I promised myself not to abuse it.’

This time, I could safely guarantee.

If this was back when Arcana was just a game.

Clearly, no one would be able to master this skill!

In the first place, the difficulty level of learning didn’t make any sense!

The moment I realized this fact.

I thought of the expressions of Akshan sunbaenims.

When the players asked about Akshan’s wolf.

‘They just said that we’d find out when the time comes, right?”

Our sunbaenims.

If they had told the truth, everyone would have run away.

Of course, before they even realized this terrible truth.

The players ran away on their own.

At this moment.

I returned after a hiatus of more than ten years.

‘…Is it because it’s been such a long time?’

Akshan’s wolf stared at me.

Of course.

I, Grandfel, would never avoid someone’s gaze. Thanks to the eye contact, I could notice its appearance more.

To put it simply…

If there was a gatekeeper who guarded hell.

That would be Akshan’s wolf.

As you could see from the moniker Akshan’s Guardian Spirit.

Just looking at it, the wolf was extraordinary.

Indeed, it looked so handsome that it was worthy of being called the mascot. Even looking at it again, it was a visual that could easily fool players.

Gulp!

I could hear the sound of elves swallowing their saliva.

They must be wondering what kind of sudden situation this was.

But they didn’t have to worry.

Since we just looked at each other’s eyes, they might misunderstand that we were having a staring contest.

Unlike with cats, both Grandfel and I liked dogs.

“I know how you feel.”

Look.

“You must have been endlessly lonely all this time.”

It was a generosity that was completely opposite to the merciless words he said to the Tower Master.

However, it was not a greeting simply out of joy.

Yeah, what kind of end Akshan met.

I knew that better than anyone else.

So it was more of a consolation than a greeting.

Thrud–

Did he recognize it from my voice?

He came up to me and lifted his head.

I put my hand on his head.

Pat–

I continued, lightly patting his head.

“Now that I’m here, you don’t have to be sad.”

…I, have I ever said something that heartwarming?

It was enough to make me reflect on myself.

Most of all, wouldn’t the Tower Master have been shocked if he had watched this scene?

He would ask if he was worse than dogs.

But if you thought about it, it wasn’t strange.

When I entered my first rupture, which now felt so long ago.

– “Looks like you lack discipline.”

I was also quite kind to the dog-like gnoll.

‘I even punished them personally.’

I was particularly merciful to the dogs.

‘Actually, it’s not a dog, it’s a wolf.”

Did the Akshan Wolf notice my love for dogs too?

His tail soon began to wiggle.

Thanks to this, Argentress and the other elves seemed relieved too.

By the way…

You’re too consistent, Akshan.

‘I can’t even catch my breath.’

The first meeting, which could be said to be touching in its own way, was also brief.

Akshan’s Wolf sniffed.

Chasing the demon’s scent.

He moved toward the spot where the World Tree grew up.

Argentress asked.

“…May I ask what happened?”

Have you properly made up your mind, Argentress?

I could feel the formality from his polite way of speaking.

In that case, I should directly answer it.

“The primordial evil ran away from the fallen World Tree.”

“…!”

“From this moment on, I will pursue the sinner.”

New class quest goal.

– Track down the primordial evil. (In Progress)

It was probably not for no reason that I was rewarded [Akshan’s Guardian Spririt] at this timing.

Indeed, it was just as I expected.

Akshan’s wolf immediately raised its head to the sky and howled.

Howl–!

It smelled it.

The primordial evil.

Since this guy had a grand name, I didn’t expect I would be able to find him easily. Just looking at the name, it was safe to say that this guy was the final boss.

Nevertheless, it didn’t matter.

This was the Arcana Continent.

As long as the effect [The Last Adventurer] existed.

Even if I died 100 times.

Four days later in Arcana time.

24 hours later in the time of the reality.

Tirelessly.

I would show up again.

“Just like the dawn that rises every day makes the darkness go away.”

…That’s a very poetic expression, Grandfel.

‘…Anyway!’

It meant that this pride would follow the demon until they were put into hell. Because I suffered from this pride, I knew better than anyone else how persistent pride was.

At that moment.

“Then I’ll join you.”

Are you serious, Argentress?

‘Well, it’s reassuring in its own way.’

Looking at their temperament alone, the elves were second only to dragons in strength. As an example, you could just tell from what Elsidore did to Lakid.

The problem was their extremely nasty personality…

Was it because of the effect of [Noble]?

Argentress’ eyes definitely changed.

He didn’t look like he was scheming anything.

In fact, even if he was planning something, as long as the [Hierarchy of Blessing] existed.

‘I don’t think there will be any problem.’

Our Grandfel’s high pride couldn’t tolerate forcing other people into danger.

However, Argentress made the request of his own will.

Therefore.

“I can’t ignore your pride.”

“…Pride?”

“I will allow you to accompany me.”

“Thank you.”

…More importantly.

Don’t dwell on pride, Argentress.

That pride.

It’s not something you can understand just by thinking deeply about it.

But Argentress was persistent.

“May I ask what pride is?”

The word pride was so difficult to express in words.

At the same time, I also became curious.

Indeed, how would Grandfel define pride?

My mouth opened in anticipation.

“What you see and feel.”

“What I see and feel…?”

“That is what pride is.”

No, this shamelessness has gone too far!

I wondered if the prickly Argentress would be convinced by something like this.

What is that unexpected reaction…?

You’re laughing when you hear that answer?

“I see. That ‘something’ was pride.”

…What something?

As expected, the more I thought about it, the more I would lose.

If it continued like this, even I would get into pride…!

So I wouldn’t waste time anymore.

“Let’s leave before the smell vanishes.”

Argentress felt the same.

“Don’t let anyone approach Sisley.”

He ordered the elves.

‘Because you don’t know what information may have leaked.’

From now on, Sisley would need to be a little more vigilant.

The elves bowed their heads to Argentress.

He added.

“But… Dragons are an exception.”

Dragons, not lizards.

The moment he mentioned them, his eyebrows furrowed.

Just changing the nickname was a huge improvement.

‘You’re better than me who calls my sisters nemesis.’

Anyway.

Shall we get going?

As if it was waiting for me to take a step.

Aooo–!

Akshan’s wolf leaned down.

Who would have thought that the demon hunter hype would materialize like this.

It felt new to me.

I reached out to Akshan’s wolf.

If I hadn’t prepared anything, I wouldn’t have been able to get on it.

Well, just by appearing, this Akshan’s wolf caused huge wind pressure.

Even from the elves’ perspective, his speed seemed fast.

‘It’s probably close to max level.’

Unless you had a decent level of horseback riding skill, it would be difficult to maintain balance on top of Akshan’s wolf. But who am I? A leader in cheats who skipped the middle steps since long ago.

[Achievement: Ride the dragon, king of all things.]

[Effect: Mastery of all vehicles increases to maximum.]

[Duration: Permanent]

So I didn’t hesitate.

In one seemingly seamless motion.

Without a problem.

I gracefully climbed onto the wolf’s back.

Then I looked at Argentress.

What are you doing, Argentress?

Shouldn’t you keep your word?

Of course.

Grandfel was not a great man who would put someone in the back seat.

The reason was simple.

My jacket, which I put a lot of effort into tidying up, would get wrinkled.

‘…Just for that one reason, it’s just like me.’

Anyway, get on that deer over there and follow me, Argentress…!

*

Leader of the Shadow Mercenary Corps.

Kitch extended the hand that was covering her nose and placed it on the rock.

From the palm to each palm print.

She felt a tingle.

Soon.

Rattle!

The rock moved.

Slide!

With the loud noise, the entrance to the hideout was revealed.

Kitch’s pupils quickly scanned the darkness.

First of all, there was no sign of intrusion.

Sk–

Only then did Kitch remove the hand covering her nose.

“Who would search through a place like this?”

Nameless corpses.

Or corpses whose names should not be known.

『Canyon of the Forgotten』, where dozens of them were abandoned every day.

The Shadow Mercenary Corps’ hideout was hidden at the bottom of the canyon. The bottom of the canyon was a place where there was no sunlight, no vultures eating corpses, and no rats.

“The vibrating rotten smell is still there.”

Kitch sniffed and walked into the darkness.

Since it was her job.

More than just being accustomed to the darkness, the hideout was like her own home.

She could even tell where everything was with her eyes closed.

Kitch had a thorough understanding of the structure of the hideout.

‘These are basic skills.’

The position of leader had to be like that.

Although she might look easygoing on the outside.

In actuality, this position didn’t allow her to be.

That was why it was a position where she had to carry a lot of things.

Sk–

When she lifted the curtain on the wall, a rock appeared.

Kitch reached out again.

Then, with a numb feeling, a hidden space was revealed.

It was the place where the wealth accumulated by the Shadow Mercenary Corp was concealed.

The members and even the Vice Leader Wolf.

They didn’t know about the existence of this space.

Naturally, they had never looked at the ledger.

“Ugh, look at all this dust.”

Huft– Kitch blew out the accumulated dust.

As soon as she opened the ledger.

From the past to the present.

A list of continued requests was visible.

They were really terrible requests.

“You’ve lived a rough life, everyone.”

As Kitch smiled bitterly and read the ledger.

The corners of her mouth stiffened.

A low voice came out of her lips.

“…I was just wondering, but it turns out I wasn’t mistaken.”

Kitch read the written list of requests.

She read it again, pressing it down with her fingers.

However, no matter how many times she read it, nothing changed.

That request.

In red ink.

Definitely.

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Claudie assassination √

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It was marked as successful (√).