Arcane Sniper [Matan’s Shooter]

It was fortunate that Ghibrid had yet to regain its strength, amidst countless misfortunes, as it was just one small stroke of luck.

“The military strength is increasing, isn’t it?”

Kijung asked.

“Almost. It seems like they are still mainly roaming around areas untouched by the users. The number of Chimeras is definitely on the rise.”

Kijung sighed.

While he had hoped to track down Ghibrid by using Bobae as bait, it was almost impossible to continuously chase after him with Manticores.

Above all else, witnessing the creation of Chimeras made it clear that they had to turn back.

The battle with Ghibrid was not just a simple clash.

If they were to fight against Bluebeard’s Army, death would be the end.

If the power on the users’ side decreased, everything would come to an end. But what about Ghibrid?

“If they become a Chimera, there’s a negative effect on our side and a positive effect on his… It’s a double-edged sword.”

Kijung fully acknowledged this assessment.

But the problem was not just that.

“In the end, it’s just a matter of time. Once they have enough Chimeras, it seems highly likely that Ghibrid himself will head towards the western part of the new continent, likely with Manticores hidden behind.”

“Yes. Pope Urban II also mentioned that. Currently, Ram Hwayeon is in command on our side, but if troops from the old continent are dispatched, it seems we’ll have to extend our defense line starting from the Forest of the Corrupted World Tree.”

“I’ll command the Paleos to push the perimeter in that direction. However, it’s still just a defense. If proper defense forces are not dispatched quickly from the old continent, then probably-“

“I understand. We’ve already sent a formal request to hurry up under the name of the Papacy.”

Kijung looked Ram Hwayeon straight in the eyes.

Ram Hwayeon nodded, swallowing back the ominous hint once again.

Not only could they not commit 100% of the Paleos, but teleportation would become possible from the vicinity of the Forest of the Corrupted World Tree. If they simply blocked that area and the enemies teleported to another side launching an assault, it would be too late to respond.

Therefore, the Paleos should continue to guard various parts of the western new continent while the users and the NPCs living there form a defense line in the central part of the new continent. This was the most appropriate strategy, and even without Ram Hwayeon explicitly stating it, Kijung had already realized this fact.

The Holy Knights had become even more reliable than before. Listening to their conversation, Leeha firmly pounded his fist. There was a separate topic that caught his interest to the point where even the story of Ghibrid couldn’t get through to his ears.

“Kidd, that guy should at least contact me if something like that happens,” Leeha thought, feeling a tingling sensation run down his spine. The fusion of the Manticore and Luger resulted in a “Monster” possessing the full [Pierce] attribute. It was different from when he met Elizabeth Brown. Instead of seeing them as monsters, he had a purpose to extract information from them, which meant he couldn’t fight them with all his might. However, the story would be different if it were a real monster.

How could he deal with it? Leeha could somewhat understand the battle between Kidd and Luger through the stories of righteousness. Unlike the frenzied Luger, Kidd calmly utilized his abilities. Leeha thought it could be more challenging in a sense than actually fighting Luger.

“If Monster Luger were to attack in that form? Running away and hoping for the best… no way. I need to check the explosion range. If I’m not going to snipe from a distance of 36m and even up to 210m, there will be an exchange of fire at a distance where I’d call it ‘close-quarters combat’. If he could fly? Well, then I’ll take his wings with camouflage and sniping, use Jellypong to enhance mobility, and create distance through three-dimensional maneuvers.”

“I don’t know what you’re thinking, but would hyung have come if Kidd had contacted him? That person who said he was busy and asked to talk later…”

“Well, that was– but still! Since Luger turned into a Chimera, I would hurry up and come!”

“No way! Leaving our Hwajung in the grip of the dragon! She didn’t even respond after what Hwajung said earlier, do you know how worried I was?!”

“Thrown her? Who did that? Since Ram Hwajung went on her own!”

Ram Hwayeon let out a sigh, sweeping her chest. The only word Ram Hwajung passed on to Hwayeon, promising an explanation for her sister, was “training.”

“Training, huh.”

“Well, that’s how it is. Although she casually mentioned ‘training,’ even the friend list didn’t show a location, and even Chain Teleport doesn’t work in that area… I really thought something had happened.”

“Ahem. That was probably the only way. She went to the Silver Dragon’s Lair.”

“I don’t think it’s time for you to look so proud, Leeha-ssi. You promised to take responsibility and return with Hwajung.”

“Think positively, think positively. This could be an opportunity for Ram Hwajung to become the partner of the dragon.”

Ram Hwayeon was about to retort, calling Leeha intentionally as Leeha-ssi, but seeing Leeha’s warm smile, she couldn’t bring himself to argue any further.

Although there was no specific evidence, his confidence and composure were enough to inspire trust in those around him. And maybe, as Leeha suggested, Ram Hwajung’s choice could be seizing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in the Middle Earth.

“So, what are you going to do now, hyung?”

“Me? I have a place to visit.”

“Oh? I was going to ask for your help in slaying a manticore near the Forest of the Contaminated World Tree.”

“Hmm, that is important too… But I also need to level up! Clear some quests! Do you think I’ve been idling around and only a couple of things piled up on me? This ‘leisure time’ is really valuable to me. I have to improve my gear and level up somehow now so I can endure later, or else it’s going to be really tough.”

Although Bathory was a significant event, it ended with her death. Of course, it’s still unknown what happened to Chiyou. Anyway, being watched once a month definitely felt like a bother to Leeha.

What about Ghibrid? They will wander around the eastern part of the New Continent until they completely gather their forces.

In other words, as long as they are careful of Chiyou’s surveillance network, there should be no major friction for the time being — there is a temporal gap, to put it that way!

“Kijung, how about you?”

“… I’m in a similar situation. I feel like I need to improve my skills.”

“Yeah, I feel you.”

Kijung’s expression became more serious.

“It seems like Ghibrid wants me. No, it seems like they only set its eyes on me.”

“… Sorry, it’s a serious talk, but it’s kinda funny when you put it that way.”

“I-I didn’t mean to be funny! I’m serious!”

Kidd said, and Kijung also vaguely realized that.

Having received a [special mission] from Urban II, Kijung was once again planning a step-up.

“Alright then. Let’s grab a meal sometime soon.”

“Sounds good. Seeing your face here all the time makes me forget how things are in reality.”

Leeha and Kijung looked at each other and took out their communication devices.

“Then, Ram Hwayeon-nim, we ask for your assistance.”

“Don’t worry. I have made sure that the emergency communication network will be immediately activated even in my absence.”

“As expected. Then, hyung! I’ll contact you again!”

After Kijung disappeared using the Modify portal and Leeha attempted to head north towards the Shazrashian Federation, Ram Hwayeon grabbed the hem of his clothes.

“You haven’t forgotten, have you? Only a week left.”

“Forgotten – huh? What?”

“What?”

As Ram Hwayeon’s eyes narrowed, Leeha’s brain went into overdrive.

What was it? Did they have a promise? What did they forget? Something in a week? What was it about in a week?

“Ahaha! Of course, I haven’t forgotten! Let’s, let’s have a meal at a nice place then! Right?! You’re treating! Because I’ll be alive.”

“Well, of course, it’s your treat. We’re skipping the year-end party cum New Year’s party of the group. I’m looking forward to it.”

A promise to spend December 31st together.

As Leeha hastily opened his mouth, Ram Hwayeon feigned a pout, but her smile showed enough warmth for Leeha.

“Well, well. Just trust me and come to Korea. Then, I’m off!”

Leeha activated the portal. In the midst of it, only one thought crossed his mind. With just a week left until the end of the year, could he still make a reservation for the restaurant on December 31st?

“This is insane… Do we really end up eating something like a triangle kimbap from a convenience store?”

Shuaaaa…!

After teleporting, Leeha logged out.

“Are you saying this is Chiyou’s message. But to say she’s in that state-“

“I can’t believe it.”

Bluebeard did not smile. Before him lay the body of Chiyou transformed into light. No, to be precise, it was the shadow of Chiyou.

“Oh, no, I believe you. But-“

“Kakagat, that goddamn woman, she went out without saying a word and ended up doing this alone? Uh?”

“Igor! It seems like Chiyou isn’t dead yet—”

“Do I look clueless to you?”

Igor approached Chiyou, whose body had turned a ghastly shade, and kicked her.

Despite Faust’s attempts to stop him, Igor didn’t pause.

“No response, as expected. This must be the real deal if she’s not coming back after logging out. So, this concept of being in a quasi-state must mean there’s another way of existence within Middle Earth.” he muttered under his breath.

His actions, seemingly a vent of frustration, were actually a calculated move to assess Chiyou’s condition.

Although Igor appeared to be a simple-minded Giant Berserker, in reality, he operated more like a cunning strategist.

“I should’ve been the one to wield that power instead of Bathory. Damn it, those Jars are pushing again.”

The Rankers in Middle Earth had not gathered there without reason. Of course, Faust was observing the scene as well.

Watching Igor and Faust’s actions, Sasuke couldn’t help but tremble.

“When Chiyou returns—or rather, when the [Blood Maiden] returns, we need to be ready immediately.”

“What do we have? Even if Chiyou becomes stronger, it might be pointless.”

Igor stood defiantly with a serrated sword resting on his shoulder and a determined look in his eyes.

Observing this, Le stayed silent.

“Of course, you have to get stronger too. Damn it… it’s necessary.”

Le said, his rugged expression indicating his frustration. Faust and Igor had a rough idea of the reason behind it.

Presumably, Bluebeard’s plan was to resurrect Bathory using Chiyou’s blood and utilize Chiyou in his own way. With both pieces coming together into one, it wasn’t as straightforward just to act ruthlessly.

“Kaka, and on top of that, by acting impulsively, the actual score is probably in the negatives. Foolish woman. Getting greedy like that. But to catch that guy, I need to be there.”

Igor thought to himself.

“I may say it’s a guest appearance in the story, but we should consider her dead. Though no one mentioned who did what to whom, given the circumstances, the person who carried out such an act is probably…”

Igor and Faust both had one person in mind. Ha Leeha. The one who took the Ranker Hunt achievement. It wasn’t someone the two of them would easily forget.

Bluebeard glanced at Igor and Faust, who were lost in their thoughts, before turning his head.

“Hey, you there.”

“Yes, contractor of the Clan.”

Three beings emerged from the shadows.

These were the three vampires who had managed to escape safely from Bransylvania Castle, which was one of the reasons for Bluebeard’s displeasure. Even after hosting countless parties with vampires at Bransylvania Castle, having only three escape was quite disappointing!

“Haha, very well then. I am a contractor as long as Bathory is not here. So, as I was saying, we have a contract, don’t we? Right?”

“Y-yes, but…”

“We need to borrow your strength.”

Bluebeard rose from his seat. As he twirled his staff and whistled, the vampires hesitated and stepped back.

“Y-yes, we will do whatever we can if it is within our power.”

“Ah-ha—simple! Igor! Faust! Can you come over here?”

Bluebeard called out to Igor and Faust, standing in front of the vampires.

“Hmm, let’s see….”

Bluebeard looked between the vampires and Igor and Faust. Not all vampires were the same. They each had their own characteristics, combat styles, and basic stats.

“Igor, you’re on this side… and Faust, you’re here. Good.”

As if pairing them off, Le bound the vampires and users together.