SWNOVELXO Chapter 70
Chapter 70. Special Arena – Nature’s Decline (1)
TL: xLordFifth
ED/PR: The reader
[You have entered the special arena ‘Nature’s Decline’.]
[Eliminate the cause of the downfall.]
A series of system notifications floated under the dark sky, revealing a world of ash, black, and red sprawled out below. Kim Shimun slightly furrowed his brow.
“This is dire.”
From all around, unknown smoke spiraled up while the flora twisted into grotesque forms, complemented by the damp air.
“Twisted is the exact word for it.”
The scene perfectly matched the special arena’s title: ‘Nature’s Decline.’
-Awesome atmosphere!
-How long has it been since the debut victory, and already another special arena?
-Every broadcast is legendary lol.
-Seriously lol. Proud to have been watching from the start.
-But this terrain looks familiar?
-Yup. I have a feeling I’ve seen it before.
It seemed the viewers felt the same, the chat bustling with activity. Catching sight of this, Kim Shimun’s eyes widened slightly.
“What’s this? Why is the chat moving so fast?”
Although the broadcast always had an active chat, the current speed was staggering. If Kim Shimun were not the player, it might be difficult to catch up.
Without much difficulty, Kim Shimun pinpointed the reason for the phenomenon.
[Achievement ‘Surpass 100,000 Viewers’ achieved.]
[Awarded 5,000 achievement points.]
“100,000? Really?”
Disbelieving the monumental achievement, Kim Shimun hurriedly checked the viewer count, and indeed, the system wasn’t lying.
[110,471 viewers currently watching.]
The viewer count had surpassed 100,000, more than doubling the average of 50,000 that had been maintained up till now. Moreover, “It’s still increasing?”
Upon noticing the count surpass 140,000, Kim Shimun chuckled in disbelief, “To think nearly 150,000 are watching a gold-tier broadcast…”
Once reaching gold tier, one is recognized as a proper player. However, this level is not much different from the combined bronze, silver, and gold tiers, colloquially known as the “deep sea.”
For an up-and-coming player in the gold rank, where the average viewership hardly surpasses 50,000, achieving 140,000 was unthinkable. Moreover, Kim Shimun had just been promoted to the gold tier.
“Well, it’s not just any debut victory.”
The nation’s top prospect, the next ranker, among other titles, all fit a debut winner, didn’t they? Having been in the viewers’ shoes in a past life, Kim Shimun knew better than anyone what kind of expectation his current self was under.
“This is embarrassingly flattering.”
Kim Shimun spoke up, “Everyone watching, as you might know if you’ve been following my streams, I can’t check the chat often when I’m in the arena. Please understand if I miss any questions or donations.”
-Of course!
-Loyal loyal! ^^7
-Newbies, listen up. Our hyung can’t respond when he’s focusing~.
-It’s cool, it’s cool. We can entertain ourselves lol.
The existing viewers quickly accepted this, managing the chat themselves. As Kim Shimun was about to close the chat, he remembered something and added, “Oh. Manager, if there are any overly excessive chats or someone trolling too hard, please ban them.”
With so many people, managing the chat was indispensable.
[The Constellation Black Goat nods vigorously with twinkling eyes.]
-Wow! Is the Goat lady going to dance with her sword?
-Woah…The almighty Goat…
-Everyone, be prepared to kneel!
Responding promptly was the Constellation Black Goat. Trusting in its reliable presence, Kim Shimun nodded and closed the chat to proceed.
Crunch.
It was like stepping on a thick layer of leaves. With each step, the sound of dry leaves being crushed echoed. Observing the desolate surroundings, Kim Shimun stroked his chin. Special arenas usually have vague goals, requiring the player to use hints to achieve a clear.
“The goal was to eliminate the cause of the downfall, right?”
Combining this with the arena’s name, ‘Nature’s Decline,’ Kim Shimun easily identified his target.
“That must be it.”
A giant tree stood in the distance, piercing through the clouds. Despite its enormous size, the tree was devoid of leaves, twisted and desolated. Kim Shimun immediately recognized it as the World Tree.
The downfall of nature in the Special Arena and the current situation was evident. Just as he was about to step towards that area.
“Hmm?”
Shimun’s head whipped around.
‘Did I hear something?’
And then. Snap.
Shimun flicked his finger.
With [White Dolphin’s Physique] alchemized in his ears, the once faint sounds became much clearer.
“I did it!”
“Piiii…!”
The urgent cries filled the air.
‘That way, then.’
The direction was coincidentally towards the withered World Tree.
Shimun, having alchemized the [Black Panther’s Physique], immediately kicked off the ground and ran.
Before long.
Boom.
“Damn it!”
“Damn it! Do some dealing!”
A trio fighting against a huge monster appeared in his sight. What was surprising was.
“Wait. Players?”
They didn’t seem to be characters that appeared in the Special Arena, but rather, they looked like players. No, they definitely were.
“That bastard is heading this way!”
“Argh! Don’t just talk, try to block him!”
“We can’t catch the aggro! Just leave it!”
From their speech to the equipment they wore. It was obvious they were players who participated in the Galaxy Arena.
-What? They’re players?
-Holy shit! For real.
-Isn’t this a solo Special Arena?
-Right. I joined alone, why are there other players all of a sudden?
The chat was flooded with messages at an astonishing speed.
-Wait. Isn’t that swordsman Park Taemin?
-Really? But Park Taemin is Platinum.
-The archer next to him is White, the healer is Black. This seems like Platinum zone, right?
-Lmao. It makes no sense for other players to appear in the Special Arena, and on top of that, Platinum?
-Come to think of it. I knew the map looked familiar. Is this the Corrupted Forest?
-Yeah, looks like it. Corrupted Forest is a zone that appears from Platinum onwards.
Although he closed the chat.
‘It seems they’re Platinums.’
Shimun also knew, being in the higher ranks, that from Platinum onwards, the world would match.
Moreover, the monster they were facing, was non other than the Cockatrice, a high-ranking dragon species that appears from Platinum.
Kokokok!
The distinctive crowing of a chicken could be heard. Because of its massive size. The sound was incredibly menacing. And it truly was.
“Cover your ears!”
“Cough!”
“Argh!”
The swordsman Park Taemin hurriedly covered his ears.
However, the white archer pulling the bowstring and the black healer preparing their prayer couldn’t react in time, and vomited blood before collapsing.
The Cockatrice’s crowing. They were victims of its howling.
“Damn it!”
Perhaps it was because the two supporting party members had fallen, Park Taemin, despite enveloping his sword with energy, “Damn it! What am I supposed to do alone!”
Began to retreat, gradually getting pushed back by the Cockatrice’s attack.
Then.
Thud.
“Cough!”
Struck by the long tail, Park Taemin flew through the air, landing right in front of Shimun.
“Uh… Who…?”
Knowing it was a three-person cooperative condition, Park Taemin couldn’t hide his surprise at the appearance of another player.
“Tsk.”
Clicking his tongue, Shimun sighed softly as he faced forward. The reptilian lower body. And the oddly placed head of a rooster was staring at Shimun.
‘As expected, it noticed me a long time ago.’
Although it only had its gaze on Park Taemin’s group. The moment he entered this area, he was detected by the Cockatrice’s senses.
Although its intelligence was low enough that it couldn’t speak a simple language.
Kokok.
Being a beast-type dragon, it inherently possessed exceptional animal instincts.
Snap.
Shimun, having alchemized [Ogre’s Physique] alongside the others, immediately propelled himself forward. With an immense crash, the solid tail slammed right onto the spot.
Then, the tail of the cockatrice shot into the air, ghostly fast.
Swoosh.
Crack!
A cool, striking sound echoes along with the cockatrice’s scream of agony.
Kim Shimun has kicked the soaring tail of the cockatrice.
Considering that the cockatrice was of a superior dragonkin, focused not on intellect but significantly advanced in physical strength, it wasn’t an easy feat, even for Kim Shimun, who had used human alchemy simultaneously.
But Kim Shimun accomplished it. The reason was simple.
‘As expected of the Heavenly Demon Divine Art. Just progressing one level makes such a difference in feeling.’
Ascending to two stars with the Heavenly Demon Divine Art.
Consequently, the level of magic used from the Philosopher’s Stone has changed.
Examining the growth level of typical combat skills and martial arts, the extent of advancement was incomparable.
‘It’s not called the Heavenly Demon Divine Art for nothing.’
Crrrok!
Was the tail that he kicked sore?
The pupils of the cockatrice, which oddly matched its rooster-like head, dilated largely. Even without activating his special ability, ‘It’s pissed.’
Realizing the cockatrice was infuriated, Kim Shimun naturally relied on the further advanced techniques of the Heavenly Demon Divine Art.
Then.
Crash!
Like a high-level thunder attribute magic, the cockatrice’s beak plummets down at incredible speed.
Within this salvo-like offensive, swoosh. Kim Shimun dodged the terrifying rapid strikes without a hint of disarray. Even more so.
Quirrk?!
Kim Shimun, pressing in even further despite the rapid strikes pouring out like lightning.
‘I haven’t mastered the Heavenly Demon’s Supreme Step yet, but this level of evasion is more than enough.’
He casually walks through, making the cockatrice, which was pouring out attacks, retreat instead.
-Wow… Damn! What is this?
-What am I witnessing right now?
-Ok, combat experts, please step up.
-Experts or not, those who’ve experienced this snake-chicken bastard know. Dodging like that doesn’t make sense.
-Agreed. It’s so fast that even average players don’t think to dodge.
-Even players who specialize in agility barely manage to evade. To dodge consecutively like that…
The viewers simultaneously exclaimed in horror at the frightening sight.
Crack!
Perhaps sensing a crisis as Kim Shimun continued to invade rather than just dodge, the cockatrice suddenly screamed. It was a howling that had rendered Park Taemin’s party members unable to fight before.
However.
Tap tap.
Kim Shimun, with no reaction, indifferently narrows the distance.
‘As a dragonkin, that won’t work on me.’
Kim Shimun had faced the highest quality dragonkins like Nagas in his debut without a shred of intimidation.
Unless it was a Naga princess with eight arms like Ashaz, it was impossible for a superior dragonkin’s howling to affect Kim Shimun, a descendant of the dragon god Tiamat.
Perhaps realizing this, the cockatrice?
Crrrok!
It stops its howl and starts brewing a grey light in its eyes. The ability that made the cockatrice a superior dragonkin.
Petrification.
“Kim Shimun, look away!!”
Park Taemin’s voice comes in urgently from behind. Being a Platinum-ranked player, he knew the cockatrice’s abilities well. But Park Taemin wasn’t the only one aware of its petrification ability.
‘I was waiting for this.’
Grinning with confidence at the cockatrice’s eyes shining grey, Keeeeeng.
Kim Shimun activated Odin’s Eye immediately. In the activated eye, the distinctive long pupil of a reptile appearead, crr, crrrok?!
Facing the technique, the cockatrice froze as if it had been petrified itself.
Then.
“Farewell.”
Staring directly into the creature’s eyes, Kim Shimun extended his right hand. Within it, demonic ki, swelled immensely.
Heavenly Demon Divine Art.
Wave Annihilation Cannon.
Demonic ki shot in a straight line.
Ironically, the beam, apt to be called a ray, of black energy cleanly pierced through the head of the cockatrice. With a whoosh, it was as if space itself had been carved out. Through the vast forehead of the giant rooster, the vision of a rotten forest behind became visible. And the outcome that followed was singular.
Boom.
Leaving behind a heavy vibration, the cockatrice collapses. At the anticlimactic end of a high-ranking dragon species, “…….”
-…….
For a brief moment, the chat window, including Park Taemin, fell into silence.
* * *
‘What in the world….’
A platinum-rank player.
With a perplexed expression, Park Taemin gazed at the handsome young man with distinct features. Shortly after, “Wait. That person!”
Park Taemin’s eyes widened. He hadn’t been able to properly confirm it earlier because he was hit by the tail of the cockatrice. But now that his composure was somewhat regained, it was a different story.
“Could you possibly be Player Kim Shimun?”
“Yes, that’s correct. Do you know me?”
“How could I not!”
Park Taemin’s tone naturally rose. And for good reason.
“You’re the winner of this Gold debut match!”
The title bestowed by winning the Gold Rank debut match was truly tremendous. In fact, higher-ranked players kept a watchful eye on the Gold debut match. After all, it revealed strong competitors who would inevitably appear in their tier.
“So, meeting the winner of the debut match here of all places, I wouldn’t have dreamed of it!”
Park Taemin couldn’t harbor any competitive spirit. The reason was simple.
‘That insane dodging ability earlier, and the magic that took down the cockatrice, known for its high magic resistance, in one hit.’
He was much stronger. Having witnessed that fact firsthand, how could he possibly harbor any sense of rivalry? Instead, curiosity was sparked.
“But, Shimun-ssi, are you possibly a Platinum?”
“No, I’m Gold.”
“That, that’s right? You just had your Gold debut match…… Haha!”
But why is he here? Regardless of rank, how did Shimun, who wasn’t even a participant, appear in my arena? Without daring to ask, Park Taemin merely scratched the back of his head. Perhaps sensing his puzzlement, “I’m currently participating in a special arena. I came over here because I heard some noise.”
Although Park Taemin had never heard about the special arena being matched with another player’s arena, considering the various extraordinary events that unfold within a special arena, “That, that makes sense. A special arena….”
Unable to pose any further questions, Park Taemin simply nodded.
“Then, I’ll be on my way.”
“Ah! Yes! Thank you for your help—”
Park Taemin’s farewell was abruptly cut short. Even before he could finish his goodbye, Shimun’s figure was already moving far away.
‘Gold rank?’
Staring at Shimun’s retreating back with a dumbfounded expression, Park Taemin thought, ‘Wait a minute. What if this works out?’
“Ugh…”
“Mmm…”
Glancing at his teammates writhing on the ground, he immediately ran in the direction Shimun had disappeared to.
‘If a Gold rank is this strong, there must be something others don’t know.’
Even if he could just briefly participate in the special arena Shimun mentioned, he would likely be able to reap substantial rewards. With a hopeful expression, Park Taemin continued to run through the forest for a while until, thunk.
“Oof!”
He was repelled by an invisible wall.
In front of him, [You do not meet the entry requirements.]
A brief message popped up.
“Damn it! How does it make sense that I can’t enter as a Platinum when he is a Gold player?!”
While Park Taemin was not unaware that possession of an entry item was a condition for entering special arenas, being blocked by the system made him burst out in frustration. Into his ears, cock-a-doodle-doo.
Cock-a-doodle-doo?
The distinct crowing of roosters resounded.
Instantly freezing, Park Taemin turned his head like a malfunctioning machine. There, “Oh, no…”
Three cockatrices were approaching, their grey eyes flashed ominously.