Matan’s Shooter

TL: xLordFifth

ED: 

Ah.

Iniquity, Shin Nara felt the strong force with which Leeha embraced her. And even as the endless sounds continued, she couldn’t open her eyes within his arms. The moment she opened her eyes, she thought she would only see Leeha’s corpse turn gray. It was only then that she suddenly understood Leeha’s heart. How did he think about her? Did he develop an interest in other women? Chiyou tried to ignite the flames with a few words, but how could she have such foolish thoughts?

From the first time they met until now, Leeha had never changed once. He was someone who would risk his life for anyone in danger in front of him. Someone who would sacrifice himself to ensure that others didn’t suffer because of him. Wasn’t she also drawn to his kind and selfless heart? Shin Nara thought that Ram Hwayeon, Ram Hwajung, and even Rubini might share the same feelings.

What could express this feeling? The emotions that had been held back until now unraveled smoothly. Beyond mere possessiveness or shallow love, true ‘understanding’ had found its place in Shin Nara’s heart.

“I’m… I’m sorry. I’m sorry, Leeha.”

There was nothing more to say. Love’s cruelty might be something much more extensive and intricate than words could express. Shin Nara could only apologize to Leeha.

Thump-thump, the sound of the final blow piercing Leeha’s back echoed, and the long series of impacts ceased. Now, all the attacks should be over.

Since she was still alive, there might be follow-up attacks. She was aware of that fact, yet Shin Nara still couldn’t bring herself to open her eyes.

The moment she opened her eyes felt like everything would come to an end. She gripped Leeha’s clothing tightly, pulling him closer. She didn’t want to miss even the ashen body of Leeha, driven by the desire not to let him go.

‘What should I say or how should I react when we meet again?’

Fortunately, Shin Nara didn’t have to worry about that right now. Just say it ‘now.’

“Lee-“

“… Ouch. It hurts a lot. But why are you apologizing, Nara-ssi?”

Shin Nara was startled and opened her eyes wide. Even in the middle of the night, Leeha’s face shone with color. He was not ashen.

“Leeha, are you okay? How did…? Isn’t it painful? Did you take damage?”

“It hurts more than I thought. Imagine getting hit on the back with a giant acupuncture needle. It’s just that… even if they tell me to tank, I can’t. Well, this isn’t the time to talk about that.”

Leeha, who had been hugging Shin Nara, turned his body with a sound like a sweep and shouted toward the towering tree like a barrier, toward the “red goats” standing on it.

“Stop! We are not enemies! We have no intention of fighting you; we want to talk! Stop the attack!”

Leeha’s voice also roared through the darkness, forcefully cutting through it. The red goats indeed didn’t launch another attack. It wasn’t just because Leeha’s voice was loud. It was because he had boldly survived and proved himself amid their concentrated assault.

“We didn’t counterattack even after your surprise, preemptive attack! However, enduring it will only happen once!”

“We have this level of strength! We could have easily defended and launched attacks as well! However, we chose not to! Show us the same understanding! I’ll say it again! We want to talk! If you attack, we won’t hold back this time!”

Empowered, Leeha shouted even more forcefully. The red goats definitely showed no signs of further aggression. Shin Nara looked at Leeha’s back facing the red goats. Something seemed to slip smoothly under Drake’s coat, disappearing into his clothes.

“What is that…?”

It wasn’t just Shin Nara who questioned if she saw it correctly. All members of the New Continent Expedition Team witnessed the thin layer enveloping Leeha in the relentless rain of fire.

“What is that…? A conversation?”

“A defense skill… a powerful one, activated instantly without casting?”

“This is cheating. If even a dealer has such a skill…”

“One was definitely the Lord’s defense shield. The other one… hmm.”

Bailephus recognized the Platinum Shield and nodded. Other users could only speculate that there was something related to dragons after hearing the brief ‘hint’ from the gold dragon.

Of course, what Leeha used wasn’t just the power of the dragon. The effectiveness of Jellypong was not even accurately confirmed by Bailephus! It was as formidable as the Platinum Shield! However, in reality, Leeha had no more room for complacency.

The attacks of the red goats were stronger than they appeared.

‘Still, I can’t withstand it twice. They shouldn’t attack anymore… I barely managed to block it by mobilizing Bahamut’s skill and Jellypong’s defense. Fortunately, those attacks were ‘flame-type skills,’ and I endured them.’

[Water Elemental Protection]

Description: The water elements never forget their savior.

Effect: Reduce damage from water-based attacks by 50%.

Restore 30% of health from damage caused by water-based attacks.

Reduce damage from fire-based attacks by 40%.

The buff from the Water Elemental Protection, one of the rewards from an S-rank achievement, played a significant role. The attacks that should have been more powerful due to the ‘Rain of Fire’ ended up being more weakened than expected.

“I don’t know how many there are, but their attack rhythm is incredible. It probably means there are a lot of them. Despite having this godly Platinum Shield, it still endured for 15 seconds… Even if I took damage once, it means the attacks of those who tried for more than 15 seconds hit me. If I had used Force Barrier, I might have died…”

Platinum Dragon’s defense skill boasted nearly invincible defensive capabilities. Even in an abnormal state, it was able to block the stab of the Sea God. However, its drawback lay in the duration. It only lasts for a mere 15 seconds, making it impractical for use throughout a normal battle—rather, it can only serve the purpose of blocking a single attack.

If, however, Leeha had used Force Barrier with a longer duration during the recent attack? Most likely, Leeha would have died. Leeha was well aware of how much damage he had taken. In the final moments, Jellypong was the one that saved him.

The Meta-Water Elemental, which ‘absorbs’ attacks, showcased the power of a legendary item.

[Legendary Meta-Water Elemental: ‘Jellypong’]

Total Health: 30,000

Current Health: 20,100 (67%)

Effects: Constitution +13, Mind +13

Requirements: Achievement [Resurrected Origin of the Sea]

Description: A water elemental containing the essence of the Sea God. While it governs water elementals, it is not one; it includes the essence of the Sea God born in the abode of the deity. It envelops the user’s body in the desired form, absorbing danger. However, one must always be aware that Jellypong is a living being.

‘An armor item that boosts health instead of defense. It was strange even when used as an offensive item, but it’s not to be underestimated as a defensive one either.’

And it has a total of 30,000 HP! According to Drake, Jellypong was a growth item. If the current 30,000 means it could potentially increase in the future, it implied that Leeha, with a total HP of around 6,000, had an extra life. Whether he used Force Barrier instead of Platinum Shield or even if he used Platinum Shield but didn’t have Jellypong, this was the reason why Leeha acknowledged his death. Jellypong, with a total health of 30,000, currently has only about 20,000 left.

After the disappearance of Platinum Shield, the incoming damage of 9,900 confirmed Leeha’s death, as he couldn’t survive that much damage.

‘Anyway, I survived. What’s left now.’ Leeha as well as the members of the new continent expedition team eagerly awaited the reaction of the red goats with a pounding heart, and he couldn’t act hastily at the moment.

There was an option to rush out, bring Leeha and Shin Nara, and use defensive skills, but they couldn’t move impulsively right now. Each action could be seen as a signal for an attack.

‘Good. Everyone is doing well. Don’t move hastily. They must be frightened right now.’

What Leeha contemplated was the clash of civilizations. NPC races using primitive methods, coupled with an unknown possession. While communication was possible, it was evident that dialogue wouldn’t work from the start. What’s the best way to convince them?

One way is to completely suppress them through a show of strength. Another is to demonstrate complete goodwill, showing that they didn’t come to fight.

‘Or show both at the same time.’ 

Leeha was still looking at the red goats with no clear response. The voice resonated when it happened, coming from the tree trunk-like structure.

“I’ll give it a try. Stay still and wait right there.”

With the voice, black silhouettes descended from the giant tree trunk.

“I saw something like this in a documentary where goats were walking on cliffs. No, was it goats or maybe sheep?”

“See, did you see it, Raphaela-ssi? Did you see it? Master Kay was such a person! What’s so cool about this guy!”

After the awkward admiration that made even the listener uncomfortable, Bobae, perhaps out of rivalry(?), tried to check Master Kay. The tension of the New Continent Expedition members, who were quite nervous, eased a bit. The number of red goats descending from the tree was considerable. Including the humanoid Bailephus, there were about 42 in total. 

However, the red goats could surround them in two to three layers, showing a significant level of organization.

Were they here to observe?

It seemed like they were saying, “Let’s welcome those who attacked us first.”

Nara: Ha Leeha-ssi! What’s the plan? Just stay still like this?

Leeha: Right now, we can’t show any intention to attack. We have to wait.

Nara: But the current position is too disadvantageous. It will get even worse as time goes on. If those guys suddenly launch a surprise attack, we won’t even have time to cast anything!

It was natural that the users’ complaints reached Leeha. The anxiety was escalating.

Whispering to each person individually, Leeha eventually had to raise his voice through group whisper.

Leeha: Is everyone going to build a mana relay tower? If anyone wants to end the quest right now and attack, feel free to do so! Otherwise, follow my instructions for now!

Leeha’s shout had a clear effect. Everyone trusted his judgment, which had never been wrong so far. Of course, Leeha was also thinking about it. Thanks to the Platinum Shield and Jellypong, he realized one thing! If they fought, they would win.

This became even clearer as they were able to defend against the ambush. They were attacked, but their strength was preserved, and Bailephus had not yet revealed his true form. With the power of Bailephus and Alexander alone, they could easily deal with them.

But what comes next?

If the first move goes wrong and the battle begins, there will be no chance of restoring relations. Everyone knows this fact.

If they win this battle and build the relay tower, what’s next?

This is not their land. It’s their land. Through constant battles, if the intimacy becomes -100%, the relay tower will eventually be destroyed.

No, even before that, it might become impossible to build it at all.

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