Not All Heroes From Earth Are Bad [EN]: Chapter 149

“Oh? He’s dead.”

Choi Hyun-seok muttered quietly.

Korkan, who had fallen to the ground, had a gaping hole in his chest.

He had considered him a worthy rival, one he hadn’t encountered in a long time, but he didn’t expect him to die so meaninglessly.

“I guess I used a bit too much power. Did it really kill him in one hit?”
“I think he just took it head-on without even trying to block it with magic,” Rahel said, tapping Korkan’s head with her finger.

“He was so overwhelmed by the Warrior’s power that he couldn’t even think about defending himself!”
“Hmm, that’s possible. I *was* pretty amazing, after all.”

While the Warrior and his dedicated fairy were talking nonsense, an alarm rang in his ear.

[Level Up!] [Level Up!] [Level Up!]

Choi Hyun-seok’s eyes widened.

“What? I wasn’t expecting that, but I leveled up three times.”
“Hey, that’s only natural.”
“Really? He was quite strong, but I don’t think he was strong enough to raise me three levels.”
“Your combat power is similar. Once you reach the Warrior’s level, it’s hard to find an enemy with similar physical stats.”

“Ah, I guess.”

He had been living amongst monsters for so long that he had forgotten.

In a normal world, you hardly ever encounter monsters with a combat power of around 100,000.

Considering that the combat power of a knight, who is called a human weapon, is usually around 10,000 to 20,000, it was only natural that Korkan’s defeat yielded such a reward.

“Kwang!”

Then Bobo got down from Abelson’s arms and approached Korkan.

Bobo’s mouth opened wide.

Crunch!

He swallowed Korkan’s corpse whole.

It was a mystery how he swallowed Korkan, who was several times bigger than him, but it was a good thing the corpse disappeared.

“Nice! Perfect destruction of evidence.”

Choi Hyun-seok stroked Bobo’s head and hugged him.

“Let’s get out of here. There’s no point in staying here any longer.”

“Yes…”

Abelson’s face looked dark as he nodded.

Choi Hyun-seok could guess the reason, but he pretended not to notice.

There was no need to poke at painful memories.

“Then let’s go!”

“Yay!”

Choi Hyun-seok shouted energetically, and Rahel responded.

The Warrior Party’s precarious journey was starting again.

***

Escaping the enemy’s encirclement wasn’t that difficult.

The enemy, realizing that Korkan had been defeated, was extremely cautious.

However, one problem remained: they were being relentlessly pursued.

“Warrior! 11 o’clock and 5 o’clock!”
“Ugh, this is so annoying.”

Choi Hyun-seok frowned and sprinted through the forest.

Soon, he spotted an enemy ambushing from a tree.

“Hiek…!”

Not expecting to be discovered, the guy’s face was filled with embarrassment.

Choi Hyun-seok blew his head off so that he wouldn’t chase him again.

“Why are these guys, who don’t even give me experience points, chasing me so persistently?”

They were all hunting dogs of the Holy Empire of Gatrein.

Their combat power was quite strong, at 20,000 to 30,000, but they weren’t even a warm-up for Choi Hyun-seok now.

He only leveled up once after taking care of more than ten of them.

“It’s not cost-effective to have to play hide-and-seek every time I take care of one.”
“Warrior! Is this the time to worry about that? If we keep getting tracked like this, a *really* strong guy will come!”

“Ah! That’s right.”

The reason why these guys were following so persistently was to keep track of Abelson and Choi Hyun-seok’s location.

If their location continued to be exposed like this, a strong person would come eventually.

It was necessary to shake off the pursuit before that happened.

“Since Kork- or whatever – got defeated, they’ll send someone much stronger than him.”
“That’s right. The next enemy won’t be as easy to deal with as him. If a legend comes, we’re done for!”

Rahel gestured with her hand across her neck, pretending to die.

“Are there legends just lying around everywhere?”
“That’s not the case, but there’s always a ‘what if’ scenario.”

“Hmm…”

This definitely wouldn’t do.

It was dangerous, as Rahel said.

More than anything, it was annoying to be followed and watched all day, and ambushed whenever they had a chance.

“I have no choice. There’s only one way.”

Choi Hyun-seok said with a determined expression.

Rahel and Abelson turned to him.

“Do you have a plan?”
“Abelson, get on my back.”

“Yes…?”

The method Choi Hyun-seok chose was simple.

‘Just run at an overwhelming speed so they can’t catch up.’

Run for hours until his stamina ran out.

Even though he was running with Abelson and Bobo in his arms, his physical abilities were overwhelming, so there was nothing to hold him back.

[ Crepitus Mode ]

Organs like craters appeared on the back of Choi Hyun-seok’s hands and calves. (Crepitus Mode is a state where the user’s body undergoes extreme physical enhancement, often at a cost.)

“It might be a bit shaky because I’m not good at controlling it. Hold on tight.”

“W-wait a minute…!”

“Let’s go!”

Mana exploded in an instant, and Choi Hyun-seok shot into the sky.

“Kyaaak! Warrior! This is so much fun!”

Rahel, who was grabbing Choi Hyun-seok’s clothes, laughed.

On the other hand, Abelson’s face, who was on his back, was pale white.

“T-too fast! Just a little slower…”
“It’s just getting started.”

Choi Hyun-seok grinned and began to increase his output in earnest.

Kwaaaaa!

Choi Hyun-seok, Abelson, Rahel, and Bobo were united as one and shot out like a beam of light.

The hunting dogs who were chasing them on the ground could only stare blankly at the sight.

“What *is* that…”

“Write a report. It’s his new ability.”
“Ugh, another repentance execution [likely referring to a harsh punishment or demotion]. I’m sick of it now.”

The hunting dogs prepared to return with a dejected look.

***

Kiaran.

He, who belonged to the hunting dogs, had recently gained the Pope’s trust.

With the disappearance of the existing confidant, Cardinal Elrond, and his replacement, he was given tremendous power.

The very center of power.

It was only natural to be by the side of the Pope, who was like a god.

However, recently, a big problem had befallen him.

Important operations had failed one after another.

In particular, not a single thing related to Choi Hyun-seok and Abelson Mariotte had succeeded.

‘This is really a big deal.’

A report came up that Korkan, who belonged to the same hunting dogs, had died.

Korkan was a talented elite even within the hunting dogs, so this was a serious matter.

What’s worse, they missed Choi Hyun-seok and Abelson Mariotte, who they had almost caught.

What would happen if he reported this situation?

There’s no way the Pope would just let it go.

‘It would be fortunate if I could have a time of repentance and return to the hunting dogs’ original mission as before.’

This was if he thought about it in a good way.

If he was not careful, he might be branded as incompetent and purged.

The Pope had even kicked out Cardinal Elrond, who was like his limbs.

Kiaran was also just one component after all.

He would be replaced at any time if the Pope wanted.

Maybe he had already found another component.

‘I have to report it anyway.’

Kiaran knocked on the door of the Pope’s private chapel with a dark face.

“It’s Kiaran.”

“Come in.”

When he opened the door and went inside, an old man in white clothes was sitting in a chair.

‘He’s not even pretending to pray anymore.’

The former Pope always looked like he was kneeling and worshiping.

However, he hasn’t shown that appearance since some point.

He was just sitting in a chair, staring out the window.

Pope Orban turned his chair and looked at Kiaran.

“Is it a report?”

“Yes.”

“You’ve come to tell me that you’ve missed Choi Hyun-seok and Abelson.”

Kiaran’s eyes widened at that moment.

‘How does he know that…?’

This report was just delivered.

As the chief person in charge is Kiaran, the Pope should not know until he reports it.

However, the Pope already knew everything.

“Also, Sir Korkan has died.”

“That’s right…”

“He was a young and talented person, it’s a pity. Another star of the Empire has fallen.”

“Yes…”

Kiaran lowered his head.

His heart started beating fast.

‘Who is it? Who reported to the Pope first…’

The only ones participating in this operation were Kiaran’s direct subordinates within the hunting dogs.

Nevertheless, the fact that information flowed into the Pope’s ears at the same time as him, or even before him, meant a lot.

‘Could it be…’

Just as Kiaran was clenching his teeth, the Pope opened his mouth.

“I trusted Sir Kiaran. Because he was smart, quick-witted, and had excellent execution skills. He wasn’t a genius in one field, but he was an outstanding talent in all aspects, so I thought he was the right person.”

“…”

“But recently, you’ve only brought disappointing news. Was my judgment of you wrong?”

“That is…”

Kiaran tried to say something, but the Pope cut him off.

“Sir Kiaran.”

“Yes.”

“Do you want to live?”

Kiaran’s pupils trembled.

The Pope’s eyes, facing him, were buried in wrinkles.

On the outside, he was just an old man, but his eyes contained a sharp energy that seemed to dig into the other person’s heart.

Kiaran felt that he couldn’t breathe well and his breathing was getting faster.

“This is your last chance.”

Pope Orban said, closing his eyes.

“Choi Hyun-seok’s growth rate continues to exceed expectations. We can’t give him any more time.”

“Yes…”

“I will give you additional support. Take care of it within a month.”

“Thank you!”

Kiaran cheered.

One month left.

Choi Hyun-seok’s destination is roughly known.

If he receives additional support here, he was confident that he would succeed.

“Instead, since it’s an operation in another country, there must be no noise. I trust you know what I mean.”

“Of course!”

“Then go.”

Kiaran bowed deeply and left.

The door to the chapel closed.

The Pope sighed.

“Tsk, if there are so few talented people like this, how can I proceed with the great work with peace of mind.”

“I am sorry.”

The Pope was alone in the chapel, but a voice answered from the air.

The Pope naturally continued to speak.

“It is presumed that their destination is the Mariotte Kingdom based on their travel route. Contact the Mariotte Kingdom and take measures.”

“Yes.”

“And we need to reorganize the intelligence department. They haven’t been right since the Red Nightmare Operation.”

“I will take care of it.”

One of the main roles of the Imperial Intelligence Department is to analyze the military power of other countries and the Demon King’s army.

In particular, the military power of Raidrun and Choi Hyun-seok, who are considered key figures, is very important, but it did not match at all.

“Ah, lastly…”

The Pope paused for a moment as if thinking about something.

That meant that the next issue to be brought up was important.

“What about the matter regarding mana and necromancy?”

“We are investigating the entire territory of the Empire, focusing on the capital.”

“We must turn the crisis into an opportunity. Be careful not to let information leak to other countries. Someday, if they are cornered, they will have no choice but to take our Empire’s hand.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

The Demon King’s army prepared a counterattack with all their heart.

The Pope was thinking of using it in reverse.

‘We can deal with the Demon King’s army anytime. Now is the time to use the schemes they have laid out.’

The Pope sensed that the day when the Empire would swallow the continent was not far off.

***

“Hoo, I think we’ve shaken off the pursuit by now.”

Choi Hyun-seok lightly adjusted his breathing.

His stamina had dropped a lot because he had moved for a long time in Crepitus Mode, which consumes a lot of mana.

“How much further is it to the Mariotte Kingdom?”

“I don’t know the exact location because I don’t have a map… but I think we’ve entered the kingdom’s territory.”

“Oh, really?”

Choi Hyun-seok’s face brightened.

The end of the long journey was finally approaching.

“Maybe we’ll arrive within four days at the latest, if we can just get the direction right.”
“Then let’s stop here for today and get some rest.”

Choi Hyun-seok slumped to the ground.

‘I’m tired.’

Belated fatigue washed over him.

He fought Lopar Dozer, a legend revived with necromancy.

Before his injuries could heal, he moved to rescue Abelson and fought.

From there, he moved recklessly again to shake off the pursuit.

No matter how strong Choi Hyun-seok was, fatigue was bound to build up.

“Hoo…”

“Warrior, are you very tired?”
“It’s okay. I’ll feel refreshed after a nap. By the way…”

Choi Hyun-seok turned to Abelson.

He remembered something he had to do even in the midst of his fatigue.

“Abelson, do you have a communication device?”

“Yes. Here.”

The communication device that Raidrun had given him.

Choi Hyun-seok took it and examined it carefully.

‘I should contact her.’

This was an issue that had been lingering in his mind since the beginning.

When he met the demon, Jalmus, who used necromancy in the village, he asked the guy who belonged to the 4th Corps if he was Park Hyun-ah’s subordinate, and the guy shouted.

“That b*tch is not the corps commander!”
“Of course it’s Onyx. She’s the only true 4th Corps Commander!”

Then he left behind meaningful words.

“Hoo, that b*tch is going to die soon anyway. Or, she’ll become Onyx’s loyal subordinate.”

It was unsettling to just pass this by after hearing this much.

‘Still, she helped me out, so… I should let her know.’

It was clear that a crisis would befall Park Hyun-ah.

It would be better to contact her before it’s too late.

However, one big problem remained.

“How do I use this?”

Choi Hyun-seok didn’t know how to operate the communication device.

Then Rahel, who was next to him, came up to the communication device.

“This is operated with mana!”
“Just put in mana?”
“No way! Warrior, use your brain. This isn’t a toy, you can’t just shove mana in and expect it to work. It’ll break if you do it wrong!”

She could have just said no in one word, but she had to ramble on.

Choi Hyun-seok unknowingly clenched his fist and then released it.

Rather than getting angry, it was more important to find out how to use the communication device first.

“Then how *do* you use it?”

Rahel sank into thought with a serious expression.

“Hmm…”

She stroked her chin and frowned, then suddenly smiled.

“I don’t know either!”

“…”

“What do I know about how to use mana!”
“Yeah. It’s none of your business.”

Choi Hyun-seok grabbed Rahel’s collar with his fingers and lifted her up.

Rahel panicked and struggled.