The Return Of The Genius Ranker Of All Times [EN]: Chapter 317

317. The Iron-Blooded Mayongjong.

There wasn’t anyone in God’s World who didn’t know that name.

It was the boss of the tutorial, the biggest culprit behind the Arlen Massacre, and the first being to inflict death and overwhelming dread upon users starting God’s World.

“Crazy… Why is the Iron-Blooded Mayongjong here?”

“I was wondering what was going on when it suddenly changed into the Slothful Mayongjong, but it was inside Garion’s body?”

“But its name is the Dark Mayongjong? What is it?”

“The Dark Mayongjong *is* the Iron-Blooded Mayongjong, and the Iron-Blooded Mayongjong is the Abyss that has infested Garion’s body… Ugh, what is all this?”

It was only natural that such a boss’s appearance would trigger fierce reactions from all directions.

The reactions grew more intense as time passed, and most of them were questioning.

That was the same for Charlie.

No, it was Charlie, of all people, who couldn’t understand it the most.

The Mayongjong of the Abyss appeared?

He knew that much from seeing it through Byran’s will.

But the problem was that the Mayongjong was Iron-Blooded.

‘He definitely died.’

At the hands of his lord.

He didn’t see it with his own eyes, but he felt its massive energy scatter and disappear.

He was moved by that and swore the oath of a knight.

Surely that should be the case…

– …Why is he alive?

A phantom?

It wasn’t something like that.

The mere act of facing those red eyes that bloomed in the darkness sent shivers down his spine, proving that it was him.

[Why am I alive… That’s strange.]

To Charlie’s question, Garion… no, the Mayongjong answered as if he were puzzled.

[It’s as if I *had* died.]

– …Are you saying you didn’t die?

[Why would I die? It’s just that the environment wasn’t suitable for me to descend into the mortal realm for long, so I left.]

– Surely, you were summoned by the Summoner of the Abyss…

[Summon? Ah, are you talking about that? It’s laughable that a mere summoner thought he could order me around. What that guy summoned was just my shell that was stolen by that damn goddess.]

– …?

A shell? Stolen?

The red eyes narrowed as they looked at Charlie, who was dumbfounded by the incomprehensible answer.

[I am a Mayongjong born from the darkness of the Abyss. Darkness is my home and my origin. Darkness has no form. Therefore, to withstand the physical forces of the dimension and descend, I need a vessel to be a host.]

In other words, the being called a disaster and a nightmare was just looking for a host.

To put it another way, the Iron-Blooded Mayongjong summoned by the summoner was just an empty shell that had already left.

In the midst of a confusing situation, Charlie was about to open his mouth when…

[In that respect, it’s very fortunate.]

The voice of the guy who shrugged his shoulders cracked, and soon two voices began to be heard overlapping.

[Because I was able to meet a contractor who shared my intentions.]

A bizarre voice that could not be produced by a human vocal cord.

[We were necessary beings to each other.]

And the voice of a middle-aged man mixed in with it was definitely Garion’s.

The voices continued to overlap.

[To completely descend by turning the continent into the Abyss.]

[To achieve my long-standing goal.]

The two were no longer individual living beings.

Garion was the Mayongjong, and the Mayongjong was Garion.

Unlike the superficial contractors who were only infested in the host, he was a high-level contractor who had become completely one.

– Good heavens…

Charlie couldn’t hide his bewilderment and opened his mouth.

This was absurd.

‘Humans are born with bodies that cannot inherently become one with the Abyss.’

There was only one way for two beings that could not be mixed to mix.

Being assimilated by the stronger one.

That was why those who contracted with the Abyss lost their humanity and were swallowed up.

The human spirit could not withstand the endless Abyss.

In the case of the Destroyer Gaiman, it was possible because he had a fragment of fate.

No, even if it was him, he couldn’t become one with a being like the Dark Mayongjong.

[You look complicated.]

A playful voice pulled Charlie out of his thoughts.

He was laughing in the darkness, and it was impossible to tell whether it was Garion or the Mayongjong.

[You must be curious about the secret to achieving such a great feat.]

Was it Garion?

He continued to speak as if he were praising himself.

[The bloodline of the Arnis Imperial Family is special. Their steadfast spirit gives even the Abyss the will to resist.]

– …

[Of course, it’s just that they can resist a little more than others… But what if their blood is concentrated and refined over a long period of time?]

– That crazy bastard…!!

– Liza!!

Before his words were even finished, furious shouts erupted from Jihad and Eliza.

No further explanation was needed.

Byran, whom he had seen in the tomb, was proof that he was alive.

And if what he said was true, then the next one would be the First Prince.

– How dare you… How dare you do such a thing…

He wasn’t satisfied with sucking the marrow out of his master, whom he had considered a brother, but he was even touching the children of his bloodline.

– Can you really call yourself human!!

He had gone beyond the realm of humanity.

Garion didn’t react to Charlie’s angry roar.

He simply faced Charlie calmly and slowly tilted his head to the side.

Creak- Squeak-

The angle at which it was tilted was bizarre.

The moment he flinched at the head that had turned 180 degrees with a strange sound.

The corner of his mouth crept up.

[Charlie… The hope of Arlen… The light of dawn…]

And the voice that was heard was not human.

An unforgettable voice.

The Dark Mayongjong was speaking.

[Did you ask me why I’m alive? I want to ask you instead.]

– …

[When did you stop the massacre?]

– …What?

The truth of history that Charlie didn’t know.

[A knight who failed to become the light and withered away. How are you alive?]

– What are you talking about…

[You didn’t protect anything that day and died.]

The moment the Mayongjong was about to continue his voice at Charlie’s confused appearance.

– No! Ttadak-ah!!

– Li, Liza!

Ttadak!! Ughhhhh-!

Jihad’s urgent cry cut off the words, and almost at the same time, the undead legion, led by Gotong and Wooger, pounced on him.

[Activating Dirge.]

[Mana is extremely insufficient.]

[The weapon of the 1st Legion Commander, ‘Gotong’, disappears.]

A desperate blow that scraped together even the last remaining mana.

But that blow ultimately failed to reach.

Whoosh-!

The black wings that had spread behind him, which had grown considerably larger, erased the Dirge without a trace.

That was the beginning.

Crack-

– Tta, Ttadak-ah!

Gotong’s neck bone was broken in an instant as his figure blurred, and he was caught in his grasp.

[The 1st Legion Commander, ‘Gotong’, is reverse summoned.]

The scene that unfolded after that was truly horrific.

Crack! Bang!

Thud-

One blow.

Every time a single attack continued, the flesh of the undead burst and their bones were crushed.

And when about 3 seconds had passed.

[The 2nd Legion Commander, Wooger, is reverse summoned.]

[Ogre Undead is reverse summoned.]

……

[Outlaw Undead is reverse summoned.]

[Cannot summon undead due to all mana being exhausted.]

Not a single undead remained.

Even considering that they were just taking up space while consuming mana, it was combat power that exceeded the limit.

Saaa-

Garion, who was standing on the remains of the undead, had a different appearance than before.

An appearance closer to a monster that was even embarrassing to call a Dragonkin.

A message appeared in front of everyone who was looking at the huge being that had less than half of its human form left.

[Black Knight Garion begins complete synchronization with the Dark Mayongjong.]

[Forced entry into Phase 3.]

[The current synchronization rate with the Dark Mayongjong is 30%.]

[Warning! There is an overwhelming difference in power.]

“Wow, crazy……”

“We’re screwed.”

“Is he getting stronger from there? How do we catch this?”

“Good heavens……”

The users’ whispering voices were heard at the overwhelming presence, but Charlie didn’t have the mind to pay attention to such things.

Thud, Thud-

The same was true of the rain that suddenly started to fall, one or two drops at a time.

Swishhhhh-

The increasingly heavy rain soaked his head and filled his armor, but Charlie didn’t even blink, as if he wasn’t aware of it.

Step, Step.

He was just staring at the darkness that was getting closer step by step.

– …Tell me. What does it mean that I died?

– Liza……

Eliza tried to stop him from the side at the trembling voice, but Charlie didn’t take his eyes off.

At that, he readily answered.

[Heh… Hehehe……]

Smiling as if he were delighted.

[Is there anything difficult to explain? It’s a very simple answer.]

– …

[Pitiful knight who carries a lot. You didn’t protect anything in the end.]

Arlen Castle, family, household, the lord he served, and countless subordinates.

[And even your own life.]

The knight who was supposed to be the light of dawn failed to light the spark and withered away.

Under his feet, which were nothing more than a shell, not even the main body.

He was crushed and died, wailing the names of his lover and comrades.

[I don’t know how you’re alive, but that’s the truth.]

– …

[Charlie de Labion.]

Tting-

[‘Charlie de Labion’ learns the truth of the Arlen Massacre.]

[Guardian Quest ‘Dawn of Light’ reacts.]

[Restrictions are added to the Guardian Quest ‘Dawn of Light’.]

……

– …Ah.

It was the moment when Charlie finally learned the truth.

* * *

It rained that day.

When Charlie was a revered knight.

He received the family’s trust and became the leader of the Knights at the age of 30 and received the territory.

“Do you know what day it is today, Charlie?”

“Of course. Isn’t it the third anniversary of our marriage?”

“It’s also the day that Serena was born two years ago.”

In addition, it was the second anniversary of meeting a lover like fate, getting married, and having a child.

The two were whispering sweet nothings as always.

“…I remember you had a hard time when we went out to eat on our wedding anniversary.”

“You remember?”

“How can I not remember when you shouted that you were going to kill me with a murderous look and tore my hair out.”

“Please forget about things like that!”

She buried her head in his arms and grumbled sullenly with her lips pouting.

As he stroked her head and chuckled, she looked around and wriggled her cherry-like lips before opening them.

“…Was it a big wound?”

“No.”

“Then… Was it a little wound?”

“I was happy. That Serena was born. It felt like you and I had truly become a family.”

At Charlie’s soft voice, Erina, who had been looking around, smiled brightly.

She stuck to him as if she were acting spoiled and suddenly complained.

“When did you say you wanted a son?”

“…Ahem. If you’re a man, you have at least one romance in your heart. At that time, there were many subordinates around me who had sons… It looked good to see fathers and sons together…”

“Oh my, didn’t you say that long words are the habits of sinners?”

“……”

“Hehe, I’m just kidding. You treat Serena more precious than anyone else now. Sometimes I even get jealous.”

Charlie, who was sweating at Erina’s words with a bright smile, was bewildered for a moment.

Soon, he looked at her round, clear eyes and smiled back.

Her small lips were drawing a pleasant arc.

“It rained that day too.”

“Are you talking about the day we first met?”

“That’s right. I still remember it vividly. You came into the inn looking like a drowned rat [soaked to the bone] and asked for a room.”

“…Was I really that bad?”

“You were still handsome even when you were wet. That’s why I offered to wrap a bandage for you, but you didn’t notice?”

“Um. I actually noticed a little.”

“Geez, how can someone like that tell me to get out of the way because I’m annoying?”

“…It was my own awkward way of expressing myself.”

“If you express it twice, I’ll draw a knife?”

Charlie, who had nothing to say, closed his mouth.

But Charlie’s words were true.

He was embarrassed by her touch, so he spoke roughly on purpose.

Does she know that he kept going to that inn far away after that day because he kept thinking about her?

“I thought, ‘What kind of person is this?’ at that time.”

“Why did you marry such a person?”

“Well, he’s only rough with his words, but his actions are different.”

“Actions?”

“There are many things… The most memorable thing is the day the robber appeared. I was so scared that I couldn’t sleep when I heard that the robber had appeared. But I kept hearing strange noises outside the door, so I secretly looked through the peephole and saw you standing guard with your arms crossed with the most solemn look in the world…”

“…Stop talking about that.”

Charlie, who was embarrassed for no reason, turned his head, and Erina’s eyes sparkled as if even that look was cute.

“You’re always like that. You’re taciturn and I wonder what kind of man you are, but you remember and take care of even the smallest things.”

“…I’m grateful if you think so.”

“It’s not a thought, it’s a fact. I’m really happy. To meet such a wonderful man… Huh? You smiled! Your mouth is wide open?”

“…I think you saw it wrong.”

“No! I definitely saw it.”

They were joking and giggling for a while.

Erina, who was getting sleepy, said in a small voice as if she were muttering.

“I wish this moment would last forever.”

“Are you talking about the moment when you’re teasing me and having fun?”

“That’s too good, but just these little moments. I really cherish this happiness that is melted into every little moment. Right, Serena?”

“Uh, Mom……”

“Uh…? Uh-uh! Oh my god, Charlie. Did you just hear that? Serena called me Mom!”

“…Serena.”

“Mom… Mom.”

“Puhahaha… I should tell her to call me Dad, what will come out if you just wait with your eyes twinkling like that?”

“…Ahem.”

It rained that day.

Rainy days were happy days for the two.

The day they first met, the day they got married, and the day their child called them Mom for the first time.

‘Maybe she’ll call me Dad on the next rainy day.’

He chuckled and was thinking about that.

“Please wait a little. Now that I’ve become the leader of the Knights, if the policies promoted by the lord go well, people will no longer suffer…”

“I know, Charlie. Don’t worry, I can wait.”

“…Thank you.”

“Instead! You have to be by our side at that time. I’ll make up for not being there for a long time!”

“Of course. I promise. Ah! When that time comes, it’s good to go down to the countryside you wanted to go to… Erina?”

Charlie turned his head in doubt when he didn’t hear any answer from her, who would have shouted happily right away.

“Protect…”

“…Erina?”

A creepy voice erupted from Erina, who had her head down.

Soon, the woman who raised her head was no longer the Erina he knew.

Empty black pupils without eyeballs.

Black tears flowed down from under it, and the blood that flowed down from her already pierced stomach filled the bed.

“Ah… Ba… Aba… A… Pa…!”

Serena, who was also shedding black tears on top of it, was shouting with empty eyes.

At the nightmarish scene, he took a deep breath.

Kuaaaaaaa-!!

The window shattered and the castle began to collapse.

Behind the rain that poured in, the scene of the terrible disaster was visible.

– Ah……

The castle, which had become a sea of fire, burned everything in the end, and soon turned the room where she was with him into ashes.

Then came a terrible darkness.

Sss- Sss-

Charlie nodded as he saw the dead crawling out of the darkness.

They were all people Charlie knew.

It couldn’t be helped.

“Co… Commander……”

“Charlie… Are you happy… Living instead of me…?”

“You said you’d protect…”

“I want to live… I want to live……”

‘It’s the memory of that day.’

The memory of the day he lost everything was grabbing Charlie’s ankles as a ghost.