Blood Demon of the Past Life – Chapter 147

Chapter 147: Controversy （3）

S-rank test.

Kang San himself knew that he could never pass.

Defeating an S-rank monster was a given, and facing ten A-rank Hunters simultaneously wasn’t any different. Kang San’s stats, even including buffs, barely reached the bottom of A-rank. From the moment Im Chan-yeong appeared with a camera, he was trapped, but even though he anticipated the test results, he didn’t avoid it.

3 months later.

Disaster will strike.

When he faced the monsters pouring out from the Gokumsan area, the reputation that had fallen to rock bottom due to this incident would surely cause problems.

‘Now that I have to raise my value even further, there’s no better picture than this.’

The media that condemned what happened in Japan.

Im Chan-yeong and Project A team, with whom he had a bad relationship.

A story was created that people couldn’t help but be interested in.

Even if he lost the fight, if he showed meaningful results, Kang San would pass the B-rank test and soon be evaluated as a talent who had grown by leaps and bounds. Whether the fact that he dealt with the S-rank evil spirit was true or not. Even the appearance alone was enough to be recognized for his future value.

It was an acceptance with that meaning.

Kang San spoke.

“What’s the format of the duel?”

“Ha━.”

Im Chan-yeong’s expression crumpled.

Kang San’s acceptance?

It wasn’t part of the plan.

Of course, he had prepared for contingencies, but he didn’t like the expression on Kang San’s face as he agreed to the duel. It was like that before too. The guy who was just an F-rank human shield but had life in his eyes. The arrogant guy who acted like he was something, taking care of those around him and not holding back his words.

As expected.

‘You’re not going to make it.’

“Follow me. I’ve already prepared the location for the duel.”

Im Chan-yeong showed a vicious smile.

✦✦✦✦✦✦

They moved locations.

Since this test was being broadcast in real time, the broadcasting staff moved busily, setting up cameras.

The series of events.

Jeong Mun-cheol received a report from the PD.

“Mun-cheol. The viewership ratings are skyrocketing right now. Since it’s already surpassed 30% even before the duel has started, your prediction was spot on. The problem is that the higher-ups are a bit concerned. Naturally, it’s great that it’s becoming an issue, but they’re saying that with this many viewers, the situation is too aggressive and provocative. Will it be alright?”

“PD-nim. Have you only been broadcasting for a day or two?”

“That’s true, but…”

“There are two outcomes we can get from this broadcast. Either Kang San loses or he wins. If Kang San loses, our sniping will be a complete success. The righteous media that saw through Kang San’s intention to inflate himself, not being seduced by visible achievements but exposing the truth. This means that along with viewership ratings, we’ll also secure an image that’s recognized by the viewers.”

“What if he loses?”

“Loses?”

He smirked.

Jeong Mun-cheol is a seasoned veteran.

He has dealt with countless issues in this field and has always maintained his position until the very end, walking a precarious tightrope.

This duel?

It was actually too easy.

Kang San’s skills were clearly proven in the B-rank test, and even if his skills had grown by leaps and bounds since then, he’s definitely not at the level to reach S-rank. Moreover, according to what Jeong Mun-cheol learned through his personal connections in Japan, the S-rank evil spirit that Kang San defeated was different from ordinary monsters. It’s a monster that can drive an S-rank Hunter to death with attacks that eat away at the mind, but it’s physically weaker, so the story that it was defeated by Kang San might be true.

Jeong Mun-cheol learned the truth belatedly.

Yet, he didn’t change the report.

In the end.

If it was a result of a special case, then it was true that Kang San lacked the ability to deal with S-rank monsters. Furthermore, Drake had bribed them. Now that the viewers also want a provocative picture, there was no need to lower the broadcasting company’s image by airing a report that made excuses.

Jeong Mun-cheol said.

“There’s absolutely no chance of losing to Kang San. He doesn’t have the skills, and Drake has made thorough preparations.”

On the stage.

He could see people moving busily.

Jeong Mun-cheol was filled with anticipation for the reward he would receive from this broadcast.

“So just watch. This is how you do broadcasting.”

✦✦✦✦✦✦

Everyone took to the stage.

Preparations were complete.

With the duel about to begin, Ryu Seung-ryeol, an A-rank Hunter belonging to Drake, asked.

“Chan-yeong. Seeing how readily Kang San accepted this duel, it seems like he has something he’s relying on. What do you think?”

“Not at all.”

“There’s no need to worry?”

“Yes. During the B-rank test, Kang San didn’t hide his skills back then. He defeated his opponent with all his might and eventually passed the B-rank test. That’s all there is to it. Even if there’s been some change in Kang San, it doesn’t make sense that he defeated an S-rank monster in just a month since then.”

Im Chan-yeong truly believed it.

Jeong Mun-cheol’s report.

That it would be the truth.

Because he had memories of seeing and experiencing it himself, he couldn’t accept the absurd achievement of defeating an S-rank at face value. Of course, there were questions. How was he connected to the Japanese political scene to have stepped into such a situation? Whatever the background, he couldn’t acknowledge the picture of Kang San being recognized.

After losing to Kang San.

Im Chan-yeong had spent a humiliating time.

The genius mage, recognized by everyone, had fallen into being a nothing who only shone briefly at the start.

Im Chan-yeong expressed his hostility.

“So, let’s crush him mercilessly. That’s Master’s order.”

“I was planning to do that anyway.”

This time.

Drake’s honor was at stake.

Immediately after failing to recruit Kang San, they had accepted Project A team and Im Chan-yeong, taking a completely opposite path from Kang San. Their reputation would only be salvaged by crushing Kang San. And now that they had revealed their hostility towards Kang San, if they didn’t achieve meaningful results, Drake’s reputation would truly plummet.

Swish.

He drew his sword.

He spoke to his colleagues.

He told them to wait at first.

He would create a very interesting picture, defeating Kang San all by himself.

“Are both sides ready? The duel will end when either side admits defeat or when it’s judged that they’re incapacitated, at which point ‘defeat’ will be declared. Then…”

Thud.

The referee stepped back.

He shouted.

“Let the duel begin━!”

Thump.

Papapapapak.

Ryu Seung-ryeol kicked off the ground as soon as the duel began.

He used a skill that increased his speed, instantly closing the distance and spotting an opening in Kang San’s defense.

Whirli.

Kwaang━!

The response was quick.

The moment the snake-like twisting sword was about to slice his right arm, Kang San blocked it with his shield as if he had anticipated it.

“Consecutive Strikes.”

Whoosh.

Kwaang━ Kwang, Kwang!

He struck repeatedly.

Mana erupted explosively as he struck consecutively, and Kang San’s body shook from the powerful impact. As expected. If Kang San was a monster who had defeated an S-rank, he should have proven his class with just one or two clashes. But to be pushed back so relentlessly by this level of attack…

‘His achievement in Japan was a lie.’

He became certain.

Actually, the fool was the one who believed it.

A guy who had just passed the B-rank test, bragging about defeating an S-rank monster.

“You bastard who doesn’t know your place.”

Clang.

He knocked the shield upwards.

It was a perfect opening.

He used Dash.

He dug into the space, aiming to split open Kang San’s chest before he could even react.

But.

“…!”

Suddenly.

His eyes met Kang San’s.

With a sudden surge of anxiety, Ryu Seung-ryeol felt a burning pain.

Thump.

Puk.

The principle of Lure Kill.

Kang San’s sword, which had lured the opponent, sliced straight through Ryu Seung-ryeol’s chest.

✦✦✦✦✦✦

“Keugh.”

Thud.

Tadatadak.

Ryu Seung-ryeol hastily retreated.

Crimson blood dripped from his clutched chest.

“If you’re going to test me, do it properly. I defeated an S-rank, so what are you, an A-rank, going to do all by yourself?”

Kang San sneered.

Ryu Seung-ryeol is strong.

His A-rank proves it, but his attacks didn’t feel overwhelming to Kang San, who had survived the hell of Kitakyushu. Thanks to that, he succeeded in his attack by exploiting Ryu Seung-ryeol’s carelessness. Since Kang San could only achieve results if his opponent gave it their all, he openly provoked the rest of the people watching from behind Ryu Seung-ryeol.

“Heal.”

Whoosh.

The wound was healed.

It was a sign that he would join the fight together.

Ryu Seung-ryeol glared with anger.

“Alright, I admit it. This is an S-rank test, so don’t say our joint attack is harsh from now on.”

That was the signal.

Ryu Seung-ryeol took his stance.

The moment he kicked off the ground again, ranged attacks flew in from behind him.

“Focused Shot.”

“Throwing.”

Thump.

Tutututuung.

Arrows and daggers stuck into the shield.

It was a swift defense, but as he lowered his shield, he saw Ryu Seung-ryeol and the other A-rank Hunters charging straight at him.

Hook.

Kwaang━!

He blocked the first attack.

At the same time, he saw murderous intent aiming for his blind spots, and Kang San blocked each one, deflecting the attacks. There was no time to counterattack. The relentless attacks, coming at him like cogwheels, didn’t allow him a moment to breathe, and as he stepped back to secure some space, a blazing inferno caught his eye.

“Fire Cannon.”

Hwarurururuk.

Kwaang━!

It was a tremendous attack.

The intensely rising flames engulfed Kang San.

Fortunately, the damage wasn’t significant.

Fire Resistance.

With the cheat-like skill that reduced damage from fire-type attacks by 50%, Kang San instead broke through the flames and attempted a counterattack against his opponent.

“Blood Demon Sword Technique, First Style: Blade Kill.”

Flash.

Kwaang━!

“Don’t even try.”

His opponent’s reaction was also quick.

As if proving that he was an A-rank, he swung his sword and countered the sudden surprise attack. From then on, a frantic exchange of attacks and defenses ensued. Attacks came from all directions, above, below, left, and right, without a break, and among them was Jo Dong-jae, the former team leader of Project A team. His attack, now that he had been promoted to B-rank, aimed for vital points with murderous intent.

“Die!”

Hook.

It sliced through the air.

He felt a chilling sensation.

It was a situation that was difficult to handle with individual ability alone.

Kang San used Sanctuary and Aura of Glory to bridge the gap, but even then, it wasn’t easy to endure.

‘There are too many opponents.’

Nine A-ranks.

And Im Chan-yeong and Project A team.

Even if he reduced the gap between individuals with buffs and debuffs, dealing with that many heads was impossible from the start. He knew how difficult this fight was. But he had accepted it not only to prove his worth, but also because he knew that if he couldn’t handle even this, his only option in three months would be death.

Think about it.

The S-rank Dark Lord.

When that monster came surging in with the undead, Kang San had to block that overwhelming force all by himself. Would it be harder than this? Absolutely not. If he was at a level where he would collapse against this level of force, it would be right for Kang San to give up on Azmoon’s Trials and look for a new way.

‘I have to overcome this.’

Grit.

He clenched his teeth.

The media’s condemnation.

Im Chan-yeong’s malice.

The conspiracy to bring him down didn’t matter at all.

Hook!

He saw Ryu Seung-ryeol’s attack.

The sharp, gleaming tip of the sword, empowered by the Priest’s buff, dug into the space even more fiercely.

Dodge?

Block?

Defensive options came to mind.

But if he truly wanted to overcome this situation and win, even if it was a fight he had started expecting to lose, he had to believe he would win and charge in. He needed that mindset right now.

Tadaak.

He dug into the space.

Through the murderous attacks pouring in from all directions.

“Blood Demon Sword Technique, Second Style: Pursuit Kill.”

Whirli.

Puck.

“Keugh.”

He pierced his opponent’s shoulder.

That was the moment.

『You have met the special conditions for Mindset.』

『The Mindset of Certain Victory increases your stats by 50%.』

5-star skill.

Its secret ability shone at the necessary moment.