Jinhyuk and the apostle were standing face to face . They both had an aggressive look on their faces . The hunters and the demonic humans stopped fighting as they were waiting for the battle . The apostle formed two swords on both of his hands and held them in an attack position . Jinhyuk also formed two ice swords on his hands . The apostle disappeared as he appeared behind Jinhyuk . He swinged his sword towards Jinhyuk but he dodged it . Jinhyuk attacked but the apostle dodged . Both of them disappeared and appeared high up in the sky . Their blades clashed . The apostles blades pierced through Jinhyuk's defence and scratched him whereas Jinhyuk's blades also pierced the apostle's defence and scratched him .
This fight was on equal footing but the mana bursts were making even the S-Ranks uneasy . Sumi and Sophie were now on the surface with Minji as they stood beside Maria . The apostle had a grin on his face . Jinhyuk had to admit that his demonification was stronger than Jinhyuk expected but it was also true that Jinhyuk could win .
"Don't you think this fight has been dragged for too long ?" said the apostle
"I think so too"
"Then , I am thinking of destroying you . I will use my full power now and wish you to do the same"
"You are quite polite for a demonic human . Anyways , I accept"
"Good"
The apostle closed his eyes . His body released mana which was greater than anything . The waves of mana spreading in all direction crushed the buildings and shattered the ground . The apostle opened his eyes . His form was different . The horns grew as well the wings . The red mana covering him was bursting in intervals and each burst slid the hunters with a few steps .
"I really want to use something I had been saving"
Jinhyuk closed his eyes . His body returned to normal at first but then it started transforming .
[Ding]
[Authority : Dragonification (T) activated]
Jinhyuk's body got covered in scales . His hands covered as well as his legs . His face had few scales scattered around . Two horns came out of his heads as it formed a resemblance of a crown on his head . Two dragon wings also came out from his back as Jinhyuk opened his eyes . As soon as he opened his eyes , the mana burst released was greater than the apostle as it crushed the buildings far away and slid the hunters with the pressure . Jinhyuk's eyes were yellow with a slit instead of pupils representing a dragon .
"You have quite the transformation"
Jinhyuk didn't say anything as he disappeared and appeared in front of the apostle . He got shocked as Jinhyuk placed a punch on his face . The apostle flew away and crashed on the ground forming a deep crater covered with smoke . He instantly came out of the smoke as he attacked Jinhyuk . Both their punches caused massive destruction and the mana released from each impact felt like an earthquake shaking the earth .
'This fight is not going anywhere . I have to finish it with 'that' '
'My body will take a recoil but this is something I must do'
Jinhyuk took out his sword as he closed his eyes in mid-air .
[Ding]
[Skill : Weapon Mastery (S) activated]
[Skill : Aura Sword (SS) activated]
[Skill : Azure Sword Art (EX) activated]
-AZURE SWORD ART : SECOND FORM > SKY BREAKER-
The sword in Jinhyuk's hand started vibrating as mana covered his sword . The mana extended to no less than 10 meters as the time slowled down . Soon a slash which was big enough to cover the whole city was released from Jinhyuk's blade . The sky cracked and a crevasse was formed on the ground as the sword strike connected with the apostle . The apostle released his shield in the last moment but it wasn't able to protect him as the shield destroyed and the strike connected creating a giant explosion and a wave of mana spread throughtout the region . The smoke got cleared as the burnt body of the apostle was seen on the ground . His body was fully burned with not even an inch of skin on it .
Everyone looked towards Jinhyuk . He was also exhausted as he was slowly descending . He inserted his sword back into the inventory as he land on the ground . His body returned to its original form . Jinhyuk stood up as he wiped his sweat .
'Phew , that was close'
Sumi and Sophie rushed towards Jinhyuk . He was covered in bruises but it wasn't anything serious . Sumi held his hand tight as she looked towards her with worry in her eyes .
"Are you okay ?"
"I'm fine"
"But it seems you have used up too much mana"
"It's nothin…."
Jinhyuk suddenly stopped . He felt a beat in his heart . Another beat and it continued as each beat grew faster . He coughed up blood as his body got covered in veins . He fell on his knees trying to breath but was unable to .
'Shit , the injuries from the fight with Steven wasn't fully healed but this recoil caught up '
'I have to endure it'
Jinhyuk's face turned pale white as it seemed his body wasn't having any blood . Jinhyuk again coughed up blood as Sumi caught him from falling . He was weak in his knees . Jinhyuk tried to stand but couldn't . His eyes looked lifeless for some moment . His face became paler . Blood was dropping from side of his mouth . Jinhyuk stood up with Sumi's help . Sumi looked towards him with frightened and worried eyes . Jinhyuk turned his face as he wasn't able to look Sumi in the eye . He freed himself from Sumi as he wobbled but stood . He said
"Let's go . We still have things to do"
"No ! You aren't going anywhere"
"Sis , please"
"Shut up!!"
".…"
"Stop talking and please listen to your sister once" said Sumi with tears dropping from her eyes
Jinhyuk stopped saying anything . He looked down . He held his chest as he started walking towards Minji . He reached there as he sat down . He placed his hand on her forehead as he closed his eyes and concentrated his mana . The place started to glow green . Sumi was about to stop Jinhyuk but Sophie stopped her . She looked at Sumi's face and looked down . Sumi's face was a mess . The worry and fear in her eyes and the pale look on her face made nobody able to look her in the eye .
Jinhyuk raised up as he completed the healing . He still held his chest with one hand as he turned towards Sophie .
"I have healed her . She should regain conciousness within 2 hours . Take her to a safe place"
"Understood"
"Sis , let's go"
Jinhyuk started walking towards the hotel but wasn't able to . He fell down on his knees once again . Sumi went ahead and caught him again . Jinhyuk just had a tired smile on his face .
"I don't think I can walk any longer"
Jinhyuk's eyes gradually closed as he saw the screen in front of him .
[Ding]
[Host's body has taken more than sustainable damage]
[Forcing Host's conciousness to shut down]
[Rewards received:]
[5 rewards received from the battle]
[Saving the rewards in the notification box]
-3 Days Later-
Jinhyuk didn't wake up these last few days . His body was injured so he was admitted to a hospital . Sumi didn't leave his side for the last days . Sophie used to visit twice a day to deliver some foods for Sumi . Jinhyuk woke up on the third day . When he woke up , he didn't recognise the place and how did he get here but he gradually remember . Jinhyuk felt a weight on his hand as he turned and saw Sumi sleeping there wrapping herself on his arm . Jinhyuk left a smile as he stared at his sister . He brushed her hair as he remembered her face the last time . His face instantly dropped . The movement of the bed woke up Sumi as she looked towards Jinhyuk . She instantly got up as she wrapped herself around Jinhyuk as she cried . Jinhyuk just patted her back trying to calm her .
"It's okay Sis . I am not hurt"
"N-No , you aren't . Y-You got hurt again"
"It's fine "
"I can't lose you too"
"It's really okay . I won't go anywhere"
Sumi let him go as she still had tears in her eyes . Jinhyuk got up as he said
"Sis , let's go for some fresh air"
"A-Alright"
Jinhyuk got down from the bed . He was still weak but was able to atleast manage to walk . Sumi put his arm around her shoulder to support him . They were about to open the door as Sophie barged in . She saw both the siblings leaving Jinhyuk's room .
"Jinhyuk , you're awake"
"Yeah"
"Thank God"
"Thank you too"
"Huh ? Why me ?"
"For taking care of Sis"
"Don't mention it"
"Okay"
"So , where are you going ?"
"For some fresh air"
"Can I come along ?"
"If it doesn't bother Sis "
"It's okay . Please , join us Sophie"
"Thank you , Unnie"
All three of them were left Jinhyuk's room . Jinhyuk released his hand from his sister's shoulder as she looked at him bewildered .
[Ding]
[Skill : Infinite Regeneration (SSS) activated]
Jinhyuk's body was covered in a green light as his body completely healed . Jinhyuk was now able to walk properly and all the places which were wrapped with bandages healed . Jinhyuk started walking without a word as both Sumi and Sophie followed him . Jinhyuk had his screen infront of him .
[Ding]
[5 Rewards are not claimed]
[Open Notification Box]
[Congratulations on defeating an 'Apostle' of the Demon King]
[Rewards :]
[Obtained 'Light Armour (SS)']
[Obtained 'Light Sword (S)']
[Obtained 'Hell Sword Technique (S)']
['Potion Inventory' unlocked]
['Training Module' has leveled up]
'These rewards are amazing'
'Light Armour and Sword , huh !? Interesting'
Jinhyuk was smiling when he was walking . This made both Sumi and Sophie curious but they didn't say anything . Jinhyuk suddenly stopped on his tracks as he turned his head towards the opposite side of the street . He wasn't sure but he felt someone's presence from there . Jinhyuk didn't say anything and continued walking .
[Ding]
[Skill : Dragon Senses (SS) activated]
Jinhyuk scanned the whole area . He found that two people were following them . Jinhyuk's smile returned as he was feeling a bit excited. Suddenly , out of nowhere , two people came towards Sumi . Sumi was caught off guard with this sudden attack but the attacks never reached her . The attacks were blocked of by a barrier. Sumi looked towards Jinhyuk as his hands were inside his pockets , displaying as if he wasn't the one who cast the shield .
The assassins jumped up as they striked the shield once again but it was unscathed . Jinhyuk now turned towards them with his glowing blue eyes . He said in a cold voice
"You got some guts coming here"
"S-Shut up . You are now in a weak state , if we kill you now then we will receive heavy rewards"
"Hmm , that's a bit troublesome . Who said I was in weak state ?"
"W-What ?"
[Ding]
[Skill : Commander's Authority (EX) activated]
Jinhyuk lifted the both of them as he held them up . Jinhyuk took their daggers from them as he tossed them on the ground .
"So , now tell me . Who send you ?"
"Y-You think you can get away"
"Me ? Get Away ? Why would I be scared of you ?"
"Sung Jinhyuk , don't think you are the strongest . Many people are stronger than you ."
"Oh , giving me advice ? Interesting"
"Our Lord is searching for you"
" 'Lord' ? Which demon is searching for me ?"
"How dare you call our Lord a demon ?"
"So , what will I call them ?"
"Call them 'Lord' they are at the level of 'Gods' "
"Then I too am a 'God' . You see I already killed off two of your so-called 'Lords' "
"W-What ?"
"Surprised ?"
Jinhyuk's grip on them became tighter as their bones cracked . Jinhyuk now levitated as he went to the same height of the Assassin .
"Who send you ?"
"….."
"Not gonna answer ?"
"….."
Jinhyuk pulled him near himself as he said in a rock hard voice .
"Does it look like I am playing ?"
"I-I'm Sorry"
"What for ?"
The man couldn't answer as both of their bodies started to inflate . Jinhyuk released him as he fell on the ground near the other assassin . Jinhyuk removed the barrier as he looked around . It was the center of the city so the population is dense here , if they explode here then there would be a large number of casualties . Jinhyuk covered the both of them in a barrier as he poured as much mana possible to make it stronger .
Both of them exploded inside the barrier as the force trapped . However , the force was too much for even Jinhyuk's barrier to remain stable . He placed another barrier surrounding the first one as it shattered . The second barrier started to form cracks as he placed another barrier . The second barrier didn't shatter as it finally stabilized the force of explosion .
Jinhyuk released the barrier . He clenched his chest as a backslash to use his powers with an injured body . Sumi caught him before he fell down . He was able to stand up on his feet after a little try . Sophie who was standing beside them said
"Jinhyuk , how are you feeling ?"
"I'm okay . My healing skill recovered the injuries but I guess some minor injuries still remain . I will be fine after a few days"
"Then , will you stay in Spain for the next few days ?"
"Until , Minji is totally healed"
"Alright"
"Where is she ?"
"She is inside her room in the hospital"
"Did she wake up ?"
"No"
"I understand"
At that moment , a nurse came running towards them . She came near them as she started to take deep breathes . After some moment , she said
"Ms . Sophie , the patient woke up"
"Who ?"
"The one you brought the other day"
"I guess she is talking about Minji" said Sumi
"I guess you're right" said Jinhyuk
"Let's go" said Sophie
All of them rushed towards Minji's room as they entered . Minji saw many people to enter from the door . She wasn't able to recognise them but then she saw a familiar face .
"Jinhyuk Oppa ?"
"Yo , you still remember me"
"What are you doing here ?" she asked
"Well , it's a long story . Do you know where you are right now ?"
"No ?"
"You are in Barcelona , Spain"
"Why are I here ?"
"You really forgot ?"
"What ?"
"Try to remember . You came to Spain for holidays"
Minji looked at Jinhyuk for some time before she closed her eyes . She was applying pressure on her brain to remember until she finally said
"Ah , yes . I remember now"
"What do you remember ?"
"My last memory is of the day I came to Spain"
"What memory is it ?"
"I-I went for sightseeing then came back to hotel and slept . I don't remember after that"
"Understood . You were kidnapped by the Demonic Humans to offer as a sacrifice"
"Huh !? B-But why me ?" Minji asked in a scared tone
"Don't worry . You are now safe but if you ask the reason , I have to say that it's quite a mystery"
"Mystery ?"
"Yup . They captured you because they believe you have an enormous amount of mana inside you"
"Me ? Mana ? But I am not a hunter"
"I know that . I also know that a person who isn't awakened does not have mana"
"So , can you help me Jinhyuk oppa ?"
"That's why I'm here"
"Thank you"
"No problem . Sis , please hold out her hand facing me"
"Alright" said Sumi
Sumi did as Jinhyuk said . She held out Minji's hand towards Jinhyuk . He placed his hand on top of her as he closed his eyes . Jinhyuk opened his eyes . He found himself in air and below him was an ocean . He wasn't sure what that was but he was sure that this isn't normal . Jinhyuk descended towards the ocean . He sank into it and picked up some water from the surface . He was shocked to find out that it was 'mana' .
This whole ocean is an ocean of mana which is dormant inside Minji . The amount of mana was enormous . It wasn't near enough the size of Jinhyuk's mana but it was still bigger than Deok-gu . It was about the same size as Seol-ah or Sumi. Jinhyuk released Minji's hand as he came out of the sea of conciousness . Jinhyuk opened his eyes . All the others looked at him with curiousity .
"Minji , tell me the truth . Do you really don't feel any magic power ?" asked Jinhyuk
"H-Huh !? No ? I don't"
"That's scary "
"What happened Jinhyuk ?" asked Sumi
"She has an enormous amount of mana inside her"
"What ? How much ?"
"That ….. It's the same size as you Sis"
"What !!!!?" all of them said together except Jinhyuk
"Yes , she is an S-Rank"
"B-But that's impossible"
"It's real"
"What will you do now ?" asked Sophie
Jinhyuk thought for some time before replying
"Minji , will you join my guild ?"
"Guild ?" asked Minji
"Yes , I have thought of a plan to hide her mana"
"How ?"
"I will place a temporary seal on her mana as we reach Korea . She will go to the Association for a rank assessment . I will leave enough mana for her to be a mid-tier A-Rank . She will join our guild so we can defend her secret "
"Good idea"
"But ….."
"You don't have to worry about anything . I will arrange a place for you to stay near us"
"Thank you oppa"
"No problem . I will leave Deok-gu with you"
"Alright "
"Minji , you will learn magic"
"Magic ? Yes , you will become a mage"
"But where can I learn that ?"
"That's not a problem . Sis , can teach you"
"Huh !? Me ?"
"Yes , don't refuse"
-sigh- "Okay"
"Thank you Unnie" said Minji
Sumi patted her head . Jinhyuk got up from the seat as he went towards the door . He placed his hand on the door handle as he looked back
"Rest for today Minji . Tomorrow we are heading back to Korea"
"Alright"
They left Minji's room . Jinhyuk went towards his room .
-yawn- " Sis , you and Sophie should take a tour of the town . I am gonna sleep until tomorrow morning"
"Go and rest . Don't worry about us"
Sumi and Sophie left . Jinhyuk left a sigh as he entered his room . He secretly placed a tracker on Sumi and Sophie as well as Minji . He went towards his bed as he lied down and dozed off to sleep.