Solo Max-Level Newbie
chapter-228

Chapter 228: A Veteran Becomes the Lord of the Keep

The unique ability Berserker is a double-edged sword.

While it ferociously enhances the physical abilities of its target, it comes with a significant drawback. The individual who utilizes it loses their rationality and causes indistinct mayhem—

—even to the extent of ruthlessly considering allies as enemies and striking them down without hesitation.

Only now, the need to unleash this particular ability must have been clear; it truly was an undesired last resort.

“ROAAARRR!”

An aura of red flared up around Ograkun’s form.

It appeared that the climax of the battle was finally upon us.

THUMP!

STEP.

The distance between the two adversaries had closed.

A range where one could snatch away life with a mere gesture.

From this proximity….

….the greatsword and axe disappeared from sight.

BOOOOOM!

With a deafening roar, Jinhyuk’s blade halted inches above his head.

A moment’s delay would have seen his skull cleaved open like a split melon.

Yet, there was no time to catch one’s breath as the next attack promptly followed.

BOOM!

If the greatsword aimed for a vital spot,

the axe countered its trajectory.

BANG! CRASH! CRASH!

It was a battle of sheer, unadulterated power—no tricks, just brute force clashing with brute force.

Sparks scattered wildly through the air.

The exchange of blows was breathtakingly intense.

Each hit packed enough force to single-handedly decimate gigantic monsters.

“Mercy me…”

“That giant. Was that not his full power earlier?”

“Do you even see the giant now? It’s this man. This human is the real monster.”

“That’s… yeah. It’s like watching Lord Evraham in combat.”

“Is this even reality…? How can someone move like that…?”

Knights observing the battle lost themselves in astonishment at Jinhyuk and Ograkun’s confrontation.

It was inevitable.

A frantic exchange of blows was unfolding, disregarding defense, at a distance close enough to feel each other’s breaths.

The clanging of metal made their eardrums nearly burst.

Yet, even more astonishing was…

…the fact that a single human, considerably smaller than the giant, possessed far mightier herculean strength.

＊＊＊

‘Ten seconds left.’

Jinhyuk counted silently to himself.

That was all the time remaining to maintain the form of Toomgrave’s right arm.

He subtly loosened his grip on the axe.

Ograkun reflexively swung his greatsword.

BOOOOM!

Differently from the rough clashes before, the overpowered axe spun in the air.

“ROAAAAR!”

Ograkun, sure of his victory, let out another ferocious roar.

Having lost his weapon, it seemed the fight was as good as over in his eyes.

However, this moment was precisely what Jinhyuk had exposed intentionally.

‘…Caught.’

With the axe discarded, Jinhyuk swiftly dived into Ograkun’s embrace.

The greatsword was in the way, but it didn’t matter.

Jinhyuk, his mana surging, placed his palm on top of the greatsword.

‘Heukcheonmahuanggong (Black Heaven Demon Emperor Art)’

Defense was futile before this technique.

After all, the existence of this move was to penetrate defenses.

‘Third Form’

The air felt still, as if everything had vanished.

Dark and heavy mana swirled like the depths of the sea.

‘Hyeoljichimtookyung (Blood Earth Piercing Force)’

Through the arm of Toomgrave,

the sinister martial technique of the Dark Emperor was recreated.

TOOOM!

Not only the exterior but the inside twisted altogether annihilatingly.

Thirteen layers of shockwaves burst through clouds and soared into the sky.

Only the faint afterglow of mana hinted at the devastation caused by the recent strike.

Staggering.

Ograkun collapsed right there and then.

No berserker’s ability to ignore pain could function when one’s insides were pulverized to tatters.

“Keu…ugh…*cough*!”

Foam spilled from Ograkun’s lips.

Blood soon followed, gushing forth.

Jinhyuk slowly stepped backward.

“It’s remarkable you held out this long. Even with just 10% of Toomgrave’s strength, to face the Avatar in a giant’s body for a whole minute is worthy of praise.”

His words were sincere.

But it was little consolation.

[Unique ability ‘Berserker’ will now be deactivated.]

[Reason is gradually being restored.]

The red light faded slowly from Ograkun’s pupils.

Clear eyes gazed directly at Jinhyuk.

“The people of the keep…”

“They haven’t been touched, not a single one.”

“…Thank you.”

With that,

the light vanished completely from Ograkun’s eyes.

At that exact moment.

[You have defeated the King of Giants, ‘Ograkun’!]

[You have secured a stronghold that both the Empire and the martial world have long sought after.]

[Your incredible achievement will be recorded in the ‘Hall of Honor’ for one day starting tomorrow.]

[Your level has increased!]

[Your level has increased!]

[Your level has increased!]

…

[Your level has increased!]

[You have met the conditions for replication.]

[You have successfully copied the unique ability ‘Berserker’.]

[The replicated ability will be stored in the ‘World’s Memory’.]

Numerous status windows began to appear.

‘As if he would surrender.’

Given Ograkun’s disposition, he would rather die than serve under a human.

Moreover, now knowing his ties with the Myun Association, Jinhyuk couldn’t let him live.

The least he could do was promise not to massacre his kin.

Jinhyuk’s gaze shifted to the status windows.

Six levels in one raid was a monumental gain, especially since at level 80, the experience required for each additional level was nearly insurmountable.

‘Already 86, huh…’

Even when he ascended the Tower of Trials, achieving an optimal route had seemed ideal.

Now, comparing it with his current rate of growth, it felt trivial.

Then, at that moment.

“…What!?”

Shock flared in Jinhyuk’s eyes.

Among the dozens of status updates, he spotted an unexpected line.

[You have acquired ‘Berserk Warrior’s Greatsword’.]

[Berserk Warrior’s Greatsword]

Acquisition Difficulty: S

Attack Power: 10,250

Weight: 150kg

Details: Ograkun’s cherished weapon, which increases attack power and attack speed by 10% when used in conjunction with the unique ability ‘Berserker’. However, due to its considerable weight, it is quite challenging to use except by a few large species.

Only those who express gratitude upon Ograkun’s demise may wield this sword.

The Berserk Warrior’s Greatsword.

Among the rewards one could receive from hunting down Ograkun, the best had emerged.

It appeared that the greatsword, thought to have disappeared with Ograkun’s death, remained intact.

‘I thought it had almost a 100% chance of following its master…’

Soon after, Jinhyuk realized the reason behind this fortunate event.

‘Right, the monopoly. The privilege I received after reaching the summit of the Tower of Trials.’

The outrageous privilege that assured the acquisition of the best item a monster could drop.

Indeed, a special privilege is truly a privilege.

His body was already itching to try it.

The urge to wield the newly acquired unique ability along with the Berserk Warrior’s Greatsword was overwhelming…

…but for now, there were other matters to attend to first.

Namely, to let the remnants of the Empire and martial world know who the new lord of this keep was.

“From this moment, I shall manage this keep. So, please retreat your forces immediately, if you will.”

Jinhyuk casually swung the greatsword, drawing a line in the ground.

It was a warning.

Whoever dared cross that line would face death first.

“That is…”

“Ugh!”

The knights hesitated, uneasily glancing at each other.

They had orders, and retreating without accomplishing them would be embarrassing.

Yet, the idea of confronting this formidable being was even less appealing.

In contrast…

CRUNCH!

Baek Seol-ryun, who had arrived moments before and assessed the situation, clenched her teeth in frustration.

Having witnessed Jinhyuk’s display of force with her very eyes, she knew even if she charged with the elite warriors of Hwasan clan and herself, the outcome of the battle would remain uncertain…

…better than anyone, she knew this.

‘It’s unbelievable how strong he is.’

An advanced master would struggle.

At the bare minimum…

…only if the very best of the experts from each clan gathered would there be a chance for a confrontation.

It was infuriating, but retreat was the only option here.

Silence from both sides indicated consent, Jinhyuk shrugged.

“Then, we’ll take that as an agreement. Both forces suffered substantial damages today, so let’s end the battle here. I will take care of this place.”

“Don’t think this is the end.”

Baek Seol-ryun spat out coldly.

Then she turned, along with her colleagues from Hwasan clan, retracing her steps back the way they came.

“Understood… Player Kang Jinhyuk. Also, might you grant an audience with Count Hobeier soon to explain this situation?”

“Count Hobeier, as in the supreme commander sent by the Empire?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Understood. There is indeed a need to explain this incident to the Empire, so I shall do so.”

Having apparently lost the fortress so abruptly, not only would Hobeier but also Duke Vainstelern be greatly shocked.

However, what was to be done?

This place was already thoroughly consumed by me.

‘If a suitable price is paid, I can let it be used.’

If a very… suitable price is tendered.

A smile crept across Jinhyuk’s lips.

He could already envision a path paved with gold before him.

＊＊＊

Exactly one day had passed since the fierce siege had come to an end.

In the meantime, Jinhyuk had employed the captured giants for a major renovation of the fortress.

The damaged walls were rebuilt.

Through the coin exchange, supplies and provisions were replenished.

Of course…

…the most important task was to change the flag of the keep.

FLAP…!

The flag, now flying atop the keep, sported not the giant’s emblem but the fossilized dinosaur logo of the ‘Veteran Corporation.’

[The small force ‘Veteran Corporation’ has secured its first major stronghold.]

“Hmm…”

Jinhyuk nodded with satisfaction.

Thanks to T-bone and the ancient warriors bustling about, even the castle’s interior quarters, where the lord resided, were mostly refurbished…

Now all that remained was to leisurely enjoy the long-awaited respite.

And then.

“This place doesn’t look so bad now that it’s been repaired. By the way, where’s my room? Naturally, you’ve prepared the best one for me, right?”

Nearby, Ellis began with a whimpering gasp.

Just as he’d been feeling particularly happy,

his blissful state evaporated in an instant at the intervention of this nuisance.

As usual, lacking any semblance of tact.

“Your room?”

“Yeah. My personal room. Lately, I’ve been pushing myself too hard without proper mana supply, so I’m out of energy. I need to rest and recover.”

Out of energy, is she…?

Honestly, is that so?

“Of course, your room is ready. In fact, it was the first thing I considered upon arriving here.”

“…!”

Ellis tried to contain her excitement and adopted a dignified expression, as if that was what she considered nobility.

“Indeed. Not too shabby for a human. I do not require much. Just a 100-pyeong space with a bed made of furs and the finest wine. A fireplace crafted from Akadrim wood would suffice. Otherwise… it might be nice to have a little taste of your blood after all this time. It is unparalleled for mana recovery.”

Ellis smirked seductively.

Despite its diminutive size, the little creature managed to pull off a disturbingly provocative look.

For a moment, Jinhyuk clicked his tongue in disbelief before waving his hand dismissively.

“Yeah, I got all of what you wanted, so just head on over.”

The best room had been prepared.

The dungeon.

Damp and musty—it was just perfect for refined tastes.

Especially located next to the roots of the Tánggrísni tree, so if she got thirsty, she could sap some essence for a drink.

“T-bone. What are you waiting for? Hurry up and escort Ellis… Ah, I mean, the most gracious nocturnal noble to her special room.”

“Yes, Master.”

T-bone took Ellis by the hand and scurried off, leading her to the depths of the keep.

“Hey. Aren’t rooms usually above ground?”

“Recently, semi-basement rooms are all the rave. Lady Master.”

“Really? Why do I have this weird feeling, though?”

“It’s all in your head. All in your head. After all, would the Master tell lies to the Lady Master?”

After the ordeal with Ograkun, T-bone fulfilled his role flawlessly, completely charmed by Jinhyuk.