122
* * *
Whenever new functions are added to Veritas Tower, the hunter world becomes chaotic both inside and out. This was because the functions given as rewards each time the first digit of the newly conquered floor number changed were all elements that stimulated hunters’ desire for conquest.
Though it had now reached a level where it was uncomfortable to simply dismiss it as mimicking game systems, perhaps it was because they had grown accustomed to it over three years. Few hunters raised fundamental questions about the system itself. The majority were only interested in what the system would provide next.
Now, with the United States’ achievement of being the first in the world to successfully conquer the 60th floor, all those awakened as hunters were absorbed in another form of entertainment provided by the strange power called the system.
In Korea, the duel between 1st-ranked Magnetic and his former guild master Timer was the biggest topic of discussion.
It drew attention not only because the ‘Duel Opponent Priority Nomination Right’ given only to the top 3 in rankings was used for the first time simultaneously with the opening of duel floors in the Veritas System. But the reason hunters were paying attention lay elsewhere.
It was because of the stale grudge between the two. More precisely, they were anticipating the one-sided revenge Magnetic would inflict on Timer.
No exact duel date had been announced. Yeoun Guild maintained silence, and Timer, who occasionally turned on personal broadcasts, also showed no particular reaction.
People thirsty for stimulating events gathered daily in various communities, pouring out words based only on speculation. The area near the tower, where Magnetic usually appeared frequently with Yeoun Guild members for conquest, was much more crowded than usual. This was to catch a glimpse of Magnetic heading to the duel floor under the pretense of coincidence.
But as if he had anticipated this, the place Doun had arrived at with Samin was a tower on the outskirts of the capital. Arriving at the white tower that soared from various spots across the small land of South Korea, Doun was dressed very comfortably.
Instead of the hunter uniform worn over armor for conquest, he wore a loose-fitting short-sleeved t-shirt and shorts, looking too relaxed to be the party involved in the duel that had caused an uproar in hunter-related communities for several days.
Even his pretty face, which showed a gentle smile instead of tension, indicated this. Before getting out of Samin’s car, Doun quietly murmured the name of the person sitting in the driver’s seat.
“Samin.”
“Yes?”
Samin quickly turned his head. His handsome face was always reliable. To think he had evaluated that face as looking like a thug when he first saw it. Recalling a few months ago, Doun chuckled and said.
“Do you want to go see the ocean again after today ends?”
For Doun, the ocean had been nothing more than a kind of grave he had sought to end his own life. The vast, pitch-black place that seemed ready to swallow his body and make him disappear without a trace had, after meeting Samin, become a place he learned held the brilliance of sunlight sparkling on the waves.
It had become the perfect place to visit again to tie up old grudges with his own hands and resolve to make a new start instead of death. Even as Doun suggested going to see the ocean with his own mouth, he still found his changed thoughts awkward and fascinating.
‘But maybe he’ll say to go later because of conquest preparations……’
A few weeks ago, Samin had told Doun that it would be difficult to visit the ocean again for a while. At that time, it was because they had to research the 55th floor conquest.
Though Yeoun Guild had successfully conquered the 55th floor, the tower had not been conquered. The strange structure whose end was unknown continued to stimulate hunters’ desire for challenge as if it were still insufficient.
Competition among Korea’s top-tier guilds over which guild would be the first domestically to conquer the 56th floor continued. Naturally, Samin was also preparing for the first conquest of the 56th floor, so he might be reluctant about an unexpected ocean visit.
“That sounds good. We have the magic stone carrier too, so I think it would be great to go see the ocean and spend the night there…… What do you think, hyung?”
Samin eagerly embraced Doun’s suggestion.
Today of all days was the day Timer’s pseudo-funeral would be held. There was no need to spoil the mood by talking about conquest preparations on such a day. Moreover, it was a welcome suggestion just as he was thinking about spending time outside the house cozily with Doun.
‘That damn magic stone carrier……’
Doun rolled his eyes at Samin’s obvious scheming. After using the Duel Opponent Priority Nomination Right on Timer, he had gathered information about the duel system during that time.
Attacks leading to death wouldn’t work, and like existing conquests, videos would be automatically saved in the system after duels ended. Timer’s death, which Samin had actively encouraged, was outside the range the system allowed.
While gathering information and practicing for the duel, the magic stone carrier Samin had been eagerly awaiting arrived. As Samin had declared to Doun, he filled it with miscellaneous items like gel, condoms, similarly designed handkerchiefs, and wet wipes.
When even a portable tube that could be inflated for use as a makeshift bed came out, Doun had to shake his head at Samin’s lewdness. He said it was prepared so he could sleep if he got sleepy while practicing on the training floor, but who could believe that?
“Huh? Don’t you like it? If you don’t like it, we can just look at the ocean, eat nearby, and go home.”
Samin’s expression as he suggested an overnight trip while they were at it was very lewd. However, Doun obediently nodded. It wasn’t news that his boyfriend was lewd, and being surprised by it again was tiresome.
“I got it, so stop smiling like a pervert. Your expression looks really stupid right now.”
“I’ll just become a pervert and keep smiling. I’m so happy I can’t help but smile, what should I do?”
“Then keep smiling. I don’t care if rumors spread that you’re an idiot.”
“Were you worried about me getting strange rumors? So sweet. Our honey…… But it’s okay. I already have rumors that I’m crazy, so even if rumors spread that I’m a pervert, there’s no damage.”
“……Is that something to be proud of?”
“Haha. Go beat him up to your heart’s content. Don’t think about the aftermath. I told you. Partner-level lawyer with full service, media……”
“Tsk. How many times do I have to say I won’t kill him or make him disabled? You know the system will end it automatically if it’s that level of attack, so why do you keep……”
“I’m just saying……”
Samin pouted and grumbled. Doun, who got out of the passenger seat, adjusted his hat and mask while scanning the surroundings.
Though it wasn’t the downtown tower he always visited but was somewhat quiet, it wasn’t completely devoid of people either.
‘Now it’s really time for me to shake this off.’
He steeled his resolve once more, though he had already done so dozens of times. All that remained was settling the bad relationship. Doun unconsciously touched the artifact that had become as familiar as if it had originally been attached to his earlobe.
Though he would be alone in the place for dueling, it was okay. Because he was no longer alone now. The corners of his mouth hidden beneath the mask curved into a faint arc.
‘That bastard better not have run away without showing up.’
He had run so many simulations of how to beat him up that he was having dreams of fighting Timer even in his sleep. But if his opponent didn’t show up on the actual duel day, he felt like he’d be deflated.
Doun swallowed and headed toward the tower with Samin’s presence following beside him. Before entering the tower, Samin whispered to him.
“You saw that cafe with the terrace on the way here, right? I’ll wait inside there, so call me when you come out.”
“Yeah.”
Doun nodded energetically. After the duel ended, he should drink a peach smoothie. He wanted to cover any bitterness he might feel with a drink sweet enough to rot his teeth.
* * *
His gently closed eyes opened. The circular structure he had seen often in videos was the first thing to catch his eye. Why did this structure seem more original than if it had been modeled after the Colosseum?
Doun leisurely looked around for a moment, then gazed intently at the man who appeared, taking shape before his eyes.
[Alert: Duel opponent ‘Timer (A)’ has entered.]
[Alert: The duel will begin after preparation time ends. Duels arranged using ‘Duel Opponent Priority Nomination Right (L)’ have no time limit set.]
Doun’s eyebrows twitched at the alert message, which was quite different from what he had researched. No time limit on the duel. Didn’t that mean he could beat him up to his heart’s content until death?
“Do, Doun.”
A man’s voice, slightly hoarse as if surprised by the alert, was heard nearby. The man who had once used that voice to give Doun advice disguised as criticism and brainwashing was, aside from his confusion, properly dressed in hunter gear.
This contrasted with Doun’s t-shirt and shorts, as if he had come out for a neighborhood stroll. Facing an opponent who had made full preparations, Doun muttered without showing any sign of nervousness.
“Honestly, I thought hyung might not show up. But…… seeing you, it looks like you prepared well?”
The sarcasm felt in the tone from his pretty face was remarkably similar to someone. Timer, Choi Jeongwook, swallowed dry saliva and moved his lips.
[Alert: Preparation time will end soon. You cannot leave Veritas Tower until the duel ends.]
Magnetic, who glanced at the countdown notification, slowly closed and opened his eyes. The emotions contained in the two bright blue eyes shining brilliantly beneath his eyelids swirled.
“Let’s see the end of this pathetic relationship today. Jeongwook hyung.”
His voice, spat out as if chewing, was low. The time to put a period on their bad relationship was approaching. Doun’s eyes flashed.
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
