“He’s gonna die but keeps smiling. Definitely not right in the head.”

“Maybe the pressure got to him…”

Sinkred was set off by Yushin’s smile. This bastard, in this situation, still smiles?

He rushed forward even fiercer than before, even a bit too rushed. He is also facing a race against time, the magic buff will not last forever and the opponent’s calmness is surprising. By ending this duel quicker, hidden dangers can be avoided!

A sword-like Flow of Soul fills the whole air, everyone around can feel this change and wrinkle their brows. Sinkred even takes a step back. There are many unknowns about Mana and Soul, but the consensus is that their concept is definitely based on real-life Qi. A lot of players are calling it [Soul Qi] or [Magic Qi] instead.

How he is controlling the Flow of Soul, even Yushin is not completely aware of the details. Activating skills is easy, but breathing and feeling the Soul circulate through his body is only a faint and warm feeling. This in-game system relates to [Neuro Linking and [Virtual Reality Immersion]. He did not launch sharp Qi forward in a conscious act, but because of the changes in his attitude!

Yushin’s body weaves left and right in a circular movement, steps in and out of range to confuse his opponent, the spear strikes like a whip!

Sinkred is taken by surprise. Yushin out of nowhere became fierce incomparable, that circular whip-like strike is very hard to dodge. He barely gets out of the way in time. Yushin is finally dead serious. Everything about him changed, he is now like the tip of a powerful spear, ready to pierce to kill at any moment.

Sinkred inwardly shudders, his body feels fear. As if this was not a game, but that he is about to be killed in real life!

Yushin is not smiling anymore, the peaceful look from before is gone, only left is a proud imposing stance. The crowd is startled and completely silent. Silvery Blue Hair lady is also struck, mainly because, even her that has no Soul Skills can feel the Flow Of Soul around the place!

Yushin steps forward, begins to strike from different angles. He aims at the feet, at the head, then strikes like a whip again. Sinkred, even with buffed speed, cannot dodge, took several hits!

‘This bastard, did he get a buff too!?’ His HP is now at half, managed to avoid damage to the critical areas and even reduce the damage a little. After a few bouts of strikes and dodges, Sinkred sees an opening and rushes forward, wants to deal a killing blow. [Quick Stab] explodes forward!

But, that opening, is Yushin’s trap. He lured Sinkred in and waited for the skill, knowing it would probably come. This time, with confidence and swiftness, the side of the spear reached forward and deflected the blow in flawless timing.

[Parry]!

The timing Yushin didn’t grasp before is now in his control. That little window of opportunity, in his eyes, is as wide as a castle gate. Without losing momentum and giving Sinkred time to react, [Spear sweeping] hit with the shaft behind his legs. Sinkred was knocked down, falling with his back on the ground. As soon as he fell, Yushin did not wait, but initiated [Double Thrust] aiming at his throat and face!

Sinkred cannot dodge and is double pierced to death in front of a silent, stunned crowd. Yushin retracts his spear and stands there like a matchless warrior.

“What just happened…”

“My god, what skill!”

“WHO is that guy?!”

“That timing… can you match it often?” One player asked a blond one next to him, yet his answer is only silence. A while back, when Sinkred got quicker, Yushin thought about switching to the sword. He may not be as experienced as with the spear, but his level with it is nowhere low. In martial arts, both the spear and sword have a common foundation. Techniques learned in one will benefit the other in some ways, especially from the spear to the sword.

But, as an aspiring spear master, needing to switch weapons every time he fought with a good opponent would instead harm his progress. He could also see his real-life Spear Master shaking his head in disapproval. He is not opposed to switching weapons, even encourages it, but running away from challenges can cause a rift in your heart!

Some of the crowd is still stunned, but some of them also roar and go crazy. Red Hair Swordsman and Calm Bow and Arrow are also mad, their friend died and his loss is very serious. The most agitated ones start to band together, they want to disregard what was agreed before and go forward to kill Yushin.

Some other members of Red Clay also join in the fun, claim it was very suspicious. Yushin air changed, he got faster and fiercer, possibly has the outside interference to help. With this many people, kill the guy and then testify together that he cheated, can the City Guards even do anything to them? Are they willing to make a big fuss out of this matter, especially if Yushin is a loose player?

Yushin smiles, does not take a single step back. Whoever wants to kill him, can step forward instead!

Right now he is in the zone, his perception is matchless, thinks no one in the whole world can take him down easily. His stance is proud, is not exuding sharp Qi as before, but still feels very dangerous to approach. He tags the enemies one by one, even if death comes, revenge will someday follow!

Yet, at his side, Silvery Blue Hair Lady stood. Lots of people in the crowd also stepped forward, took his side and stood behind in support. These people, Yushin doesn’t know. His bravery and skill inspired many. Red Clay lost, now brings numbers to cause injustice, must everyone bow down to them?

Even though here is Red Clay territory, some of these players are loose players, some with players guilds and a few with Free Forest. Now both sides are similar in numbers, tens of people, and conflict is ready to erupt. Some City Guard Players and NPCs sent for their captain, but he still hasn’t arrived, so they are disinclined to make a move. Now Red Clay side is insecure, Yushin alone is already trouble, with this much backup, they are not sure of victory. When all hell is about to break loose, a golden-haired figure with blue eyes, an axe and a set of medium iron armor stepped forward.

Yushin remembers seeing him before, he is Collapsing Snow’s friend, the one she has argued with about changing her character before leaving Red Clay. Judging by his equipment alone, this guy is one of the leading players in Red Clay right now. Behind them, the same two men and a woman, only missing Snow.

“Everyone think about what you are doing. Are you trying to lose Red Clay’s face like this?” The Golden Hair has a natural presence and also prestige inside the guild. Most of the people would be inclined to attack Yushin, but not pick a fight with this guy.

“But bro, this guy’s a cheater!” Red Haired Swordsman steps forward and accuses Yushin, a few other people in the crowd also raise their voices in protest. Calm Bow And Arrow is not that impulsive, in his heart even criticized his friend for saying that in this situation.

Silvery Blue Hair Lady makes another disgusted face, is already at her limit. Honorless people cheat on the duel, manage to lose and still wants to lynch and blame the other side. She could never stay quiet!

“Hah, your Red Clay Guild, but a bunch of scoundrels!” Her words are harsh, but her cute face makes them lose a bit of the edge, “Sinkred is the one who cheated!”

“What the f**k are yer saying!” Red Haired Swordsman lost it.

“You think everyone here is blind? That guy over there in the corner casts [Buff Agility] on him during combat! I don’t think I’m the only one who saw it!

Some other people nodded, they are also magic users, saw the Flow of Mana. One other guy also steps forward and confirms this, the crowd goes into an uproar. Now everyone knows, Sinkred, even with help still lost to an unbuffed Yushin!

“Ah, Red Clay, so low!!!!”

“That guy is good, he still won!”

Red Clay face is lost, but Golden Hair did not care. That Sinkred is considered a top-tier player, if he loses face then it also benefits him in the long run. Ultimately, this screw up is not on him, but on the trio.

Yushin fame rises with this duel, also his infamy inside Red Clay Guild. Even if he didn’t want to spread his accomplishment, but this duel can already be considered a reference in the game and will make way to a bunch of information brokers.

In fact, Golden Hair also witnessed the duel. The reason he stepped forward now is not only to avoid conflict but to build his fame a bit and try to get Yushin to join his side.

“Your skill is really good,” Golden Hair praised Yushin honestly, “I am Regyr, currently the only [Guild Leader Candidate] in Red Clay.”

Yushin brows knit a bit. To be a Guild Leader candidate means to be the highest ranked member, and at least Rank Four or a Full-Fledged member, if the system is similar to Free Forest. He bows slightly, “Yushin.”

“Yushin, I’d like to invite you to join Red Clay and work with me. As soon as I become Guild Leader you will be my right-hand man and enjoy many resources,” This time Regyr didn’t say it out loud, but private messaged Yushin instead.

However, Yushin to Red Clay has no goodwill, to this blonde also a lot of prejudice. He thinks about how he kicked his friend out of the group and the guild, but now invites him over to join, and is even a little mad. His devious side thought about rejecting him openly and making him lose face, but held himself back.

“Thank you, but I wish to roam free a little longer,” Yushin rejects politely via Private Message.

The blonde inwardly sighs, he expected a little resistance but no flat-out rejection, “I’ll be waiting in case you change your mind. Soon this whole city will be under Red Clay control.”

He didn’t say it out, but of course, this control is under his hands!

Yushin smiles and bows. Everyone understood they are talking about something and were curious, but had no way of knowing what. Regyr thought highly of Yushin’s skills, but at the same time thought a good player that cannot be used by him can definitely be a hindrance in the future.

“Ask someone to keep an eye on him from now on,” Regyr said to the party, and one of his friends nodded in response. Red Clay members also started to leave with their heads down, not even Red Hair and Calm Bow had the guts to stay. As for Sinkred, he rage quit the game after realizing how much he lost with this silly duel!

“Everyone, thank you.” Yushin bows in the direction of everyone that helped him and even shoots a quick smile at Silvery Blue Hair Lady. She was the one most helpful right now.

The lady chuckles, then scratches her head and put the tongue slightly out playfully before waving goodbye and disappearing into the city. She has some interest in Yushin, but not enough to fawn over him. Many people also come forward and introduce themselves, some even request to be added as friends. Yushin smiles, answers them all and accepts the requests happily.

Yushin receives the duel rewards, but no technique. This probably meant there were no suitable techniques. Seeing as Sinkred used [Quick Stab] in battle, it was certain he had at least one skill. In other words, skills like [Spear Thrust] may not yet be considered techniques. He has some thoughts about it but will save them for later because a better analysis is needed.

After waiting a bit more Aurei and Bitter Cat finally logged back in. They message Yushin, asking to meet at Free Forest. When he gets there, the first one he sees is Moina, the dwarf NPC of Free Forest. Moina walks up to Yushin on her own, then strikes a conversation about wines and how the guild has been very busy, inviting him to join one more time.

Yushin politely refuses, then chats a bit and reminds himself to buy her wine next time. Inside Free Forest, Aurei and Bitter Cat give him [Guest Status] and form a party. They are both Rank Two members. By inviting people to be guests their contribution also rises, although only by a little bit.

“Follow me, we go to the gate,” Bitter Cat didn’t want to lose any more time so she went straight to the Gate Room in Free Forest. On the way, a couple of known figures spot Yushin and come to greet.

“Spear Bro!” The Half-Orc voice is loud, like genuinely happy. Kobold is also with him, follow behinds silently, slightly bows to Yushin.

“Oh, hey!” Yushin smiles and bows, to these two a very good first impression. Back on the Faint Forest, they did not take the easy way out and betray Rain Falls but instead fought to the death. Later on, Rain told him they indeed died in the forest, but to a pack of wolves, not Red Clay’s duo.

“Bro, what are you doing here? Did you also join?” Half-Orc asked, really excited.

“I’m a guest. These two are members.” Yushin points to Bitter Cat and Aurei. Aurei bows shyly while Bitter Cat has a not so friendly face on, but nothing rude. While Aurei is invisible inside Free Forest, Bitter Cat is almost a celebrity. Being the only awakened player on Free Forest certainly has its benefits.

“Sister Rain isn’t on, are you guys going on the dungeon? If so, three people is too dangerous, me and kobo-bro can join!” Half-Orc cheerfully invited himself to the party and at the same time sent a friend invite to Yushin. The Kobold also silently sent the invite.

Yushin glanced sideways at the brother and sister, he definitely didn’t have an issue with more people joining but their thoughts come first. Somehow, Aurei is very shy around people and Bitter Cat is very protective of him.

“I-If Brother Yushin knows them, t-then I don’t mind,” Aurei gathered all his courage to say before turtling away again. Since he agreed, Bitter Cat won’t object. If he was uncomfortable there is no way she would accept.

“Thanks, kid.” Yushin smiles and invites Half-Orc and Kobo-bro to party.

[Player Shum has joined the party.]

[Player Gron Spiderfinger has joined the party.]

“I’m Shum, my weapon is a mighty axe, I’m a pure warrior!” The Half-Orc said proudly.

“Gron. Short Spear. I’m going for nature magic as well.” The Kobold also introduced himself.

“Yushin. My weapon of choice is a spear. I also know support magic, but nothing useful right now,” Yushin added.

“Au-Aurei. My weapon is a c-chain, I’m an alchemist and I also know defensive magic… b-but only at rank o-one,” the youngest quickly added so as not to draw attention.

“Bitter Cat. I’m a smithy. Weapon is Warhammer. No other useful skills.”

Shum gave a thumbs up approving her weapon of choice. Everyone could see he is very envious of her size and awakened state!

‘I should’ve made a much bigger Orc!’ He complained to himself.

Except for Aurei’s chain, this is pure close combat physical party!

If they were thinking about optimizing the party’s strength some players had to be added or changed. But Yushin, aside from a single addition, had no interest in going for the elitist approach.

“We need a healer for safety, anyone knows one?” Yushin asked.

They also shook their heads negatively, so the solution was to go around looking for someone to join. If any of them was a full-fledged member they would be able to invite some NPC from the guild, but they were expensive and had much higher requirements since death is permanent to them.

“Yushin? The one that took out that Red Clay’s top three players?” One plain looking girl with freckles and short hair asked when he introduced himself. The duel had spread around and made it to Free Forest’s guild chat. Shum and Gron didn’t pay much attention to the chat so they knew what happened but didn’t link it to Yushin. Aurei and Bitter Cat logged in and rushed to meet Yushin, so they didn’t know about it.

“WHAT? SPEAR BRO DID THAT?” Shum's eyes shone brightly, spear bro is amazing!

“Ooh…” Bitter Cat looked at Yushin in a new light.

“B-Big brother Yushin…” Aurei also looked amazed. Kobo-bro nodded his approval.

Yushin blushed with all eyes on him, “Eeem… that is… Rain thrashed him far worse than I did...”

“Oh, that guy?” Shum laughed.

“I’ll go!” Plain girl agreed to join.

[Player Cella has joined the party.]

“The amazing six is born!!” Shum yelled excitedly.

“More like the Ridiculous Six!” Bitter Cat added.

“T-that’s u-uncalled for, sister…” Aurei quickly said.

Yushin and the group laughed, and finally stepped into the room with the [Dungeon Gate]. Since Yushin was unanimously designed party leader, he inspected it with analyze dungeon:

DUNGEON INFO

TREE OF MANY PATHS

TYPE ONE:

ADVENTURE, QUEST, ENDLESS

TYPE TWO:

BOSS, TOWER-TYPE

TYPE THREE:

FIXED

DURATION:

PERMANENT

MASTER:

FREE FOREST GUILD

AVAILABILITY

ALL MEMBERS AND GUESTS

HARDCORE

NO

QUALITY

RARE

PARTY SIZE

TEN

LIMITATION

UNLIMITED

Yushin jaw widens, Free Forest’s permanent unlimited dungeon is called “Tree Of Many Paths”. His companions tell him it is a HUGE dungeon, each branch representing a floor and each flower some kind of room inside that floor.

This means there are thousands of rooms and paths to explore, enough for an entire guild to go over and over many times. The entire dungeon is a wooden world, as if inside of a huge divine branch!