Chapter 43 – Rule 18: The Leader Thwarts the Villain’s Plan (7)

 

Goliath.

 

One of the six sinners.

 

He is one of the Great Villains that bring about dystopia, and in the game, he is the final boss villain renowned for being the most difficult challenge.

 

Undoubtedly, he was the worst task I had to deal with.

 

Goliath’s tier isn’t clear.

 

However, he is at least in the upper echelons of the 7th Tier.

 

He is the first of the New Humanity predicted to reach or have reached the Argonaut stage.

 

Even though I trained relentlessly to become stronger in Goliath’s manner, or even more intensely, I still judged myself as ‘ordinary.’

 

Anyone would think the same when compared to someone like him.

 

Come to think of it, the rain had stopped. It seemed that Goliath’s fall had dispelled the thunderclouds.

 

“…Sorry, but it’s going to be difficult.”

 

Oh Baek-seo couldn’t comply with my command to flee. She just clutched her white sword tightly and raised her magical power.

 

“We can’t shake off something like that…”

 

“No.”

 

Thanks to the brief rest, I managed to regain a bit of strength, enough to prop myself up against a tree.

 

“Go alone…”

 

“What?”

 

“I have a plan… Don’t worry and just go.”

 

Holding my broken rib, I barely managed to walk and stood before Baek-seo. Unable to support myself, I leaned against a nearby tree with one hand, panting.

 

Baek-seo tried to support me, but I gestured her away.

 

“It’s better if you withdraw now. Tell the Disciplinary Committee to stand by…”

 

Goliath’s gaze was fixed on me. His steady steps approached in my direction.

 

He clearly had business with me.

 

‘He must have sensed the magic power.’

 

Goliath must have felt the magic power that erupted when my unique ability bloomed.

 

I couldn’t stop the magic from bursting forth.

 

It felt uncontrollable, like soda fizzing uncontrollably when you drop candy into it.

 

Moreover, Goliath would have sensed the magic power emitted by the 7th Tier monster that burst from the ground. That magic power blatantly screamed, ‘Here I am, come catch me.’

 

‘So, in the game, Goliath defeated that monster and left?’

 

In the game, Goliath seemed to lose interest after defeating the monster in one blow and left immediately.

 

‘That guy enjoys fighting strong opponents.’

 

Goliath is the kind who enjoys fighting strong opponents. As soon as he felt the 7th Tier magic power, he would have rushed over in excitement. No, he must have flown here.

 

Anyway, my unique ability’s bloom has become a variable.

 

Goliath, who should have left immediately, was now held here, curious about me.

 

‘What’s worth betting on is that I’m in a lousy state right now. That guy wouldn’t be interested in fighting me as I am now.’

 

Meeting an opponent with a decent ability that can’t fight right now?

 

What fun would there be in fighting someone like that?

 

He might let me go, like saving the best dish for later.

 

‘So if only Goliath and I remain here, I might spoil his mood and buy time to come up with a plan.’

 

But if Baek-seo shows fighting intent or the Disciplinary Committee launches an attack?

 

Goliath would think we were picking a fight and would try to crush us right here.

 

Fighting Goliath should be based on my game knowledge, using the right strategy at the right time.

 

That’s why I wanted to send Baek-seo away and have the Disciplinary Committee stand by.

 

‘If he still attacks then…’

 

There’s no choice.

 

Whatever happens, happens.

 

“The Disciplinary Committee is prioritizing student evacuation and providing long-range support,” Baek-seo said.

 

“Since the target disappeared, they’re probably waiting for orders now.”

 

She meant they were already on standby.

 

“And I…”

 

Baek-seo couldn’t finish her sentence.

 

Seeing her hesitation, it seemed she couldn’t bring herself to run away.

 

As I was about to urge her, Goliath spoke up.

 

“You’re the one…! The one who leaked ‘that magic power’!”

 

His deep yet energetic voice vibrated through the air.

 

Considering his words and the context, it was certain he had sensed the magic power.

 

Slam!

 

I pulled out the Iron Dragon staff from my belt, swinging it to draw out the iron rod inside.

 

“Why did you appear before the Disciplinary Committee?”

 

I asked calmly, pretending to be at ease.

 

“Here for a fight?”

 

“State your name!”

 

He’s not listening…

 

I didn’t expect much.

 

I knew Goliath’s name well.

 

And I didn’t want to see him trying all sorts of tricks to learn my name.

 

So, I answered honestly.

 

“…Ahn Woo-jin.”

 

“I see… Remember that!”

 

At those words, Goliath suddenly bent his knees.

 

“Leader!”

 

“!”

 

Boom!!

 

Goliath pushed off the ground and leaped toward me.