Chapter 495


    Matans Shooter 495


    TL: xLordFifth


    ED:


    Swish-swish-swish!


    It all happened in an instant. As Chiyou lightly bounced in her fixed spot, five swords materialized in the air. Composed of mana, these swords moved on their own, a kind of psychic and Qi-infused sword dance. Chiyou had once told everyone that she was an assassin. How could a dancer from a ss without special weapons perform assassinations? Chiyous top-level attack skill cleanly answered that question. For Leeha and his party surrounding her, it was a worst nightmare.


    Damn- what-


    Its not easy for a ranged dealer to prepare for a sudden close-quarters battle. Especially when thepletely subdued opponent suddenlyshes out in desperation! Bobae was momentarily startled, and Chiyou didnt miss her chance. Two of the floating mana swords swiftly lunged towards Bobaes abdomen.


    Bobae-ssi!


    Bang!


    But by her side was Kijung. ming Kijung for rushing to Bobae first would be unjustifiable. After all, they were practically lovers now. However, there were five mana swords in total. Chiyous sword dance wasnt just targeting Bobae.


    Three mana swords headed straight for the person who immobilized Chiyou.


    Hyein! Wind Barrier!


    Tale-hyung! Look out!


    Boom!


    Mages like Hyein are equally vulnerable in closebat. Hyein rushed to Tail, who used a simple defensive skill, but it was slightly toote. While two swords targeting his chest and belly were barely blocked, his legs were not so lucky. The mana swordspletely prated Hyeins thighs, vibrating intensely. By the time the Space Grab released, he was writhing in pain, surrounded by a brief sh of purple.


    In just over two seconds, all this unfolded.


    Great job, Sasuke!


    Heut!


    Sasuke, who had been staring nkly at the ground, suddenly came to life. Was she waiting for this moment all along? But that wasnt important. What mattered was Chiyous sword dance hadpletely immobilized Byulchos members for those precious seconds, enough for Shinobigumis agents.


    Leeha!


    Theres no need to close the distance.


    Leeha had been right next to Sasuke and Chiyou all along. He regretted not pulling the trigger first. He shouldnt have been intoxicated by victory. He should have blown Chiyous head off!


    Damn, even ugrunn-ssi-


    Mutual Destruction!


    Leehas left hand threw ugrunn. His right hand pulled the trigger.


    The gunshot sounded.


    Sasuke grabbed ck Bass and Leehas arm.


    Arge hole opened in his chest, quickly turning ashen. But before his body turnedpletely gray, Sasukes body began to swell. The ck Ninja assassins secret technique was activated, sacrificing his life toplete the mission.


    A giant pir of fire erupted in the silver ins.


    Phew, Leeha-hyung! Leeha-hyung!


    Kijung-ssi?!


    Bobae-ssi! Step back, further! Donte closer until we secure a safe distance!


    Kijung-ssi is-


    Get back! Prepare to deal damage from a distance!


    Bobae attempted to grab Kijungs arm, but he had already pushed her away. Even as the 10th ranked archer, facing the 7th ranked dancer, Chiyou, was a formidable challenge. In a life-or-death fight like this, Chiyou had enough ability to kill Bobae. Kijungs decision to distance Bobae from Chiyou was crucial.


    The situation was equally grim for Tale and Hyein. As a closebat dealer and a sage, theycked adequate defensive skills. Caught in the unexpected st radius, managing their own HP was challenging as they shared potions to create distance.


    Amidst the lingering dark smoke, Hyein frowned, realizing the gravity of the situation. Chiyou has such a skill We could have underestimated her. The spatial barrier was still intact, set by Hyein, so Chiyou couldnt break it. But what if she ran? With her agility, catching her wouldnt be easy.


    Thump Thump


    Ahahaha! How dare you act so bravely in front of me? Did you really think you could survive?


    Uh?


    Hyein quickly had to change his thoughts. Was Chiyou escaping? Why? That seemed like a move of desperation. Was the situation unfavorable for Chiyou?


    No, cant be shes nning to defeat us all?


    Chiyou emerged from the smoke, slightly singed and disheveled but with a fierce glint in her eyes.


    Changg, Changg!


    The sound of two potion bottles breaking was enough indication of Chiyous rtively stable condition. Moreover, the five floating mana swords testified to her prowess.


    No, its not a maybe!


    Hyein grimaced, realizing that Chiyou had gained the most from the exchange between Sasuke and Leeha. Could they, including Bobae, Kijung, Tale, and himself, beat Chiyou, who was in the ranking?


    Retreat, Hyein-hyungnim. Focus on shorter casting debuffs. Tale-hyungnim, prepare as if its a boss raid.


    No this might be tougher than any raid.


    Kijung quickly positioned himself in front. It was a sudden 4:1 situation, but PvP and monster hunting differed, especially in a small-scale elite confrontation.


    You think you can stop me with you guys? You think a ranged dealer like Bobae can hold me back? Tale, with your skills not even touching me? Hyein, you think I cant deflect your two-second casting trash debuffs?


    Step by step, Chiyou advanced relentlessly, her confidence rooted purely in her abilities, which even the members of Byulcho acknowledged.


    Damn, if only Leeha-hyung was here


    Kijung swallowed hard, watching Chiyou approach and then opened his friends list, checking on Leeha, who might have been logged out due to Sasukes explosion.


    Huh?


    Whats this huh?  Wait, what?!


    While Kijung was puzzled, Chiyou suddenly stumbled and fell. Tripping? Even in the dissipating smoke, it was unthinkable for the 7th ranked dancer to lose her bnce over a mere pebble.


    What the- Whats this? Get it off!


    [Mongmongmong!]


    Strange noises filled the ears of the Byulcho members at that moment. Chiyou, iling on the ground, gradually became unable to even struggle. Lying there, she twitched like an insect on its back.


    Could it be


    That sound


    Bobae and Hyeins eyes widened in shock. Beyond Chiyous writhing form, a silhouette emerged through the thick smoke.


    Psh, always making things difficult. To think shed go as far as making Sasuke self-destruct. And that guy, no guts at all, just does whatever hes told. Are you all soldiers or what?


    The person pushing through the smoke with a scowl was none other than Leeha, whom Kijung had to rub his eyes to believe. It was another moment where the gift from Lord Bahamut, the leader of the tinum and metal dragons, shone through.


    Hyein-ssi, keep the spatial lock tight, will you? Just in case someone tries to summon her out. Make itpletely imprable.


    Of course Of course, I will. Dont worry.


    Hyeins demeanor towards Leeha was notably respectful, contrasting with Leehas actions upon emerging from the smoke  ruthlessly beating Chiyou with the butt of ck Bass. The Jellypong wrapped around her cunningly loosened only where the muskets buttnded, adding a level of precision to the beating.


    Kuk, khuh-


    Ah, thats a bit relieving.


    How many minutes had he been hitting her? Given that Hyein used the spatial lock twice more, it must have been almost 30 minutes. The necessity of using potions during this prolonged attack made one wonder if it was really needed, but no one, including Kijung, dared to stop Leeha.


    Chiyou.


    Hu, huh.


    Chiyou could hardly speak. Seeing her react with a flinch at Leehas voice, Kijung shook his head, guessing her synchronization rate must be high.


    What are you going to do with Shinobigumi now?


    What do you mean, what to do?


    Well, asking this seems pointless. Even if I force you to sign a contract, Shinobigumi isnt a specific entity, and I cant restrict you from making money. You havent set up a guild, so you wouldnt have all your assets in one ce.


    Each time Leeha spoke, Chiyous face hardened further. She had hoped for the best possible oue in this situation  to appease Leeha with a superficial contract and end it with a single death. But Leeha wasnt someone to fall for such tactics.


    Even idiots like Rising-Sun couldntpletely break through with that method. So, its unlikely for a more sophisticated organization like Shinobigumi. I cant put something like follow my orders for life in a contract. And it doesnt seem like Middle Earth would enforce such restrictions. So, what do you think Im going to do?


    Leeha squatted in front of Chiyou, his grin devilish.


    What are you going to do?


    You probably already know. With your intelligence, you should already be aware.


    Damn it Are you really going to go through with this? Youre going to do such a thing to me, is that it?


    Chiyou clenched her lips. In fact, the situation was chilling enough to even startle Leeha momentarily. As with the boss of Rising-Sun, when people are cornered, they inevitably beg for mercy with tears and snot. At least, thats what Leeha had experienced.


    A real big shot is indeed a big shot. Shes not an ordinary woman. She anticipates what Im going to do and still doesnt beg for mercy.


    Of course, Chiyou was ring daggers, and Leeha knew better than to let such thoughts show. Leeha decided to take an even stronger stance.


    Shh, shhiiii Lets not do this. Lets not show each other such ugly sides aftering this far. Lets ept the conclusion cleanly. Okay?


    Click, Leeha cocked the hammer of ck Bass.


    And since you already know what were going to do, you must be prepared, right? Youre probably already whispering to the Shinobigumi here and there Go ahead. Spill everything you can do. We wont be sitting idly by either. Right, Kijung?


    Uh, yeah, thats right. Former members of Byulchos guild also agreed to actively participate. After all, many people still shudder at the mere mention of words like Shinobigumi, Sasuke. Kijung nodded. Leeha showed a satisfied expression.


    If you die here, youll respawn in Chesi, a very, very, very small vige near the border of Minis. The defense force is just 7 people. Hmm. Perfect.


    Hearing Leehas words, Chiyou bit her lip even harder, to the point where blood was visible.


    This was another thing Leeha had considered while contacting Byulcho.


    Leeha didnt want to end it by just killing Chiyou once. Should an opportunity like this end merely as a reward forpleting a quest? Leehas answer was NO.


    The death of a ranker once can bring significant losses, but its still possible to recover.


    What Leeha wanted was theplete annihtion of Shinobigumi, an irrecoverable loss.


    There was only one way to achieve this.


    Are you prepared to drop out of the rankings?


    Infinite hunting.


    Byulchos guild members would continuously stay in Chesi. If Chiyou logs in, theyre prepared to PK her within the vige without hesitation.


    Of course, such a strategy was possible because of Hyein, Bobae, and Leeha. Even if she could log in after 48 hours, she wouldnt dare to do so easily. If she logs in, she faces substantial actual damage due to death; if she doesnt, Shinobigumi loses its overallmander. Either choice is a prison for Chiyou. Leehas trap had reached Chiyou. And ck Basss bullet would prate her from the back of her head.


    Are you ready to fight me to that extent?


    Despite being aware of all these situations, Chiyou, who lifted ck Bass first, was the one to speak.


    What preparation? Youre talking about infinite hunting. And youre the one who started fighting to that extent. What are you talking about?


    What else could be left? However, Leeha shook his head. He mustnt think like that now. Chiyou must be acknowledged as a genius in handling information and manipting peoples psychology. Even her bravado must be seen as seeking room for negotiation. He must ignore her words. Chiyou has nothing left. There are no more secret weapons! Leeha thought so.


    Okay, Ha Leeha. Then Ill use everything too.


    You think I cant kill you if you say that? However, Chiyou did not offer any negotiation to Leeha. Hearing the words infinite hunting, she sparkled her eyes and only expressed confidence until the end.


    Kill me.


    She did not refuse death. Okay, bye-bye.


    Baaaaaaaaang!


    A white radiance emanated from Leehas body.


    Yet, despite being the executioner, Leeha couldnt understand why he felt an uneasy premonition.