The Max Level Hero Has Returned!
chapter-451

It hasn't been long since the emergence of the virtual reality system, a technology that surpassed everything modern science could offer. It was, essentially, a gift from the heavens.

No one understood its underlying principles or mechanisms. In fact, a significant controversy surrounded the pros, cons, and potential dangers of the virtual reality system. However, as if possessed by unseen forces, the controversy gradually faded, paving the way for the rapid growth of the gaming community.

Why did the gaming field experience such swift development compared to other sectors? It all boiled down to the actions of the same company responsible for this enigmatic virtual reality technology. They declared their intention to exclusively employ this technology for gaming purposes.

Most people couldn't fathom why the company had made such a decision. Nevertheless, strangely enough, everyone accepted it without question.

Since then, the enigmatic multinational company had only released one game: Alf Online.

"To be honest, I find Alf Online to be a rather cheap and unattractive name. Don't you agree?" chuckled a man.

This man was Woo Jong-Seok, a renowned broadcasting streamer and a top-ranked player in Alf Online.

Following the release of the virtual reality game Alf Online, countless individuals attempted to stream the game and its content. Woo Jong-Seok was no exception. He had previously streamed conventional PC games without achieving much success. However, shockingly, he struck gold in Alf Online, quickly becoming a global sensation. He gained such popularity that he consistently attracted over 200,000 viewers to each of his real-time streams.

Moreover, this peculiar world effortlessly dismantled language barriers, as if they were nothing more than a mere jest.

[We're expecting you to break into the top ten.]

[If his brain malfunctions and he perishes in the beginning, then he's truly a broadcasting genius.]

[Hyung, hyung! I believe in you! You’ll definitely get first place this time. F for Korean’s control! Let’s get it!]

The real-time chat window appeared suddenly, causing a fleeting tension to cross Woo Jong-Seok's face as he let out a sigh. "Hoo... I'm feeling rather nervous."

[Is it possible that a player who ranks in the top 100 among 500 million gamers is nervous?]

[Are there really more than 30 Koreans in the top 100? You guys are true battle enthusiasts!;;]

[Gukppong[1] lezzgo!]

[Here! Have a huge serving of gukppong!]

It was safe to say that it had now become a matter of pride. There was a time when PVP, or player versus player battles, took center stage in E-Sports. The truth is, this has always been the primary focus of Alf Online since its inception. Due to the game's high degree of freedom, it has given rise to a variety of strategies and optimal plays.

Two main factors contributed to Alf Online's popularity: large-scale raids and PVP events, just like the one taking place now. Typically, PVP events involved one-on-one battles or small groups facing off against each other. However, the current event was a large-scale carnival where 200 people had gathered for a battle royale, fighting until only one survivor remained.

As for Woo Jong-Seok, unfortunately, he had only managed to secure second place last year. However, it was precisely because of that performance that many people were eagerly anticipating how the renowned ranker named Woo Jong-Seok would perform this time.

"I'll approach it just as I did last time. Farming is the top priority in this game. I wonder what the setting will be this time. I personally favor the modern and Middle Ages settings. I certainly hope it's not a swamp this time. That sticky and muddy place makes you feel quite dirty, doesn't it?"

The chat window ignited with excitement upon hearing Jong-Seok's casual and cheerful banter while warming up.

[I absolutely hate swamps.]

[I feel sad when I reminisce about the days when I played shortstop.]

[To be honest, you’re very, very realistic. It’s too much. So unbelievable.]

[It’s too much.]

[Too muuuuuuuuuch~]

[Out! You got too many strikeouts.]

The people in the chat often engaged in nonsensical discussions, making it a headache for anyone trying to find meaning in their words. Woo Jong-Seok frequently selected what he needed from the chaotic chat window to keep in mind.

[What place do you think you'll achieve this time?]

"Who knows? To be honest, I consider myself lucky to have secured second place last time," Woo Jong-Seok replied humbly.

However, he had no intention of losing; he was determined to claim the first place in this tournament.

The only reason he had come in second in last year's tournament was due to being pushed out in a fierce battle ultimately determined by luck. Moreover, his opponent for first place had been notably challenging to contend with.

"That guy won't be here this time, so let's aim for first place!" he declared.

[Actually, you would have won if the fans weren't there.]

[That guy's a bit annoying, but his control is very good.]

"Do you want to get banned?" Jong-Seok retorted.

[Goodness, sorry,] the commenter quickly responded.

Jong-Seok warmed up lightly and ignored the viewer who had irritated him.

Ring!

Not long after, the map data was confirmed and started to be released to the public.

"It's a modern urban setting. Ah, this is absolutely no good. Long-distance snipers will thrive on this map," Jong-Seok murmured to himself as he grabbed the common equipment distributed to them and moved forward.

"Then, let's get started. The items in our hands don't matter; this is a battle of control and judgment. Let's try to restore our country's reputation!"

Boom!

Accompanied by cool sound effects, he materialized on the roof of a two-story building. He then placed his hand on the shining box on the floor and grinned when he saw a small hammer that looked like a toy.

[Look… Look at that smile. What a vicious fellow.]

[Wow. This appeared right at the beginning?]

"Kyaa. We're off to a great start today. Don't you think this toy hammer is a cheat-like item? It can be used for both offense and defense."

Its effects were simple: it could render one's body rigid. The issue was that this effect had a significant impact. If someone wanted to escape, they could use it to stun their opponent and make a quick getaway. If they wanted to attack, they could use it to incapacitate their opponents and deal consecutive damage.

Jong-Seok swung the toy hammer lightly before placing it into his pocket and speaking calmly, "Well then! This means I've gained an extra life. Now, all that's left is to f*cking hold out, right?"

[Holding out until the very end is no fun.]

[Holding out is f*cking p*ssy behavior.]

[Go! Quick!]

[Go quickly!]

Seeing the increasing number of messages in the chat window, Jong-Seok realized that he couldn't simply sit back and employ the well-known "holding out until the end" strategy.

"Well... I have no choice but to go and use the Liu Bu meta."

How should I put it? It was just that Jong-Seok's opponents had terrible timing. Since things had been going his way, it would be absurd if he lost just like that!

"At this stage, if I still lose, then I'm no longer a human being."

[That’s some real fighting spirit there.]

[It’s a freaking game, punk.]

[This f*cking luck game.]

In fact, the viewers' reactions were quite similar. The key factor here was control. As for the auxiliary items that Jong-Seok had acquired from the beginning, they were meant to provide support and enhance his abilities.

"Let's go and secure a quick kill while we're at it. You all know we'll earn extra points for the first kill, right?"

Jong-Seok leaped off the roof and skillfully navigated through the city, which was eerily quiet, resembling a ghost town. However, everyone was aware that more than 200 people were engaged in a life-and-death struggle in this place.

At that moment, Woo Jong-Seok spotted a man and a woman. They seemed to pay a great deal of attention to their appearance and were dressed in fashionable attire. However, the two of them were wandering aimlessly, not bothering to pick up any items in their vicinity.

"What on earth? Are they newbies?" Woo Jong-Seok sneaked closer, concealing himself behind a wall to observe their actions without being seen.

Their lack of concealment and inaction signaled that this was likely their first time playing the game, bringing a broad smile to Woo Jong-Seok's face.

[Ah, it’s a newbie. A newbie!]

[No, isn't this the finals? It's an event where 200 of the strongest players among millions in the game will battle it out. And there's a newbie?]

[For real. Look at him, he totally looks like a newbie. Right?]

The viewers were somewhat puzzled. To make it to the top 200 players, one would need both the strength and skills to compete effectively. Yet, the two individuals in front of them were behaving cluelessly, as if it were their first time participating in such an event.

"They're not even trying to farm resources; they're just standing there lost. What should I do? We were advised to go easy on the newcomers, but... What's the right course of action? Should I just leave them be?"

[Love the newbies.]

[Have mercy and send them away all at once.]

[First Kill, let’s get it!]

‘As expected, the viewers are very vicious,’ thought Woo Jong-Seok.

Well, he shared the same sentiment. He contemplated dispatching those two newcomers first.

"We were advised to take it easy on the newbies, but... well, remember, only one person survives, and the rest will be eliminated, right? So, there's no need for further consideration," Woo Jong-Seok said calmly.

Just as he was about to make his move, he had a peculiar sensation that the two individuals were fixated on him. Goosebumps momentarily rippled across his body, but he dismissed it as a mere feeling.

‘It appears that some lucky few managed to reach the finals of the tournament, even though it's their first time playing the game,’ he thought to himself.

Perhaps they inadvertently joined the event and ended up unexpectedly in the finals. That was Jong-Seok's assumption. He felt a twinge of sympathy for them, but he couldn't let down the tens of thousands of viewers watching his broadcast.

"Newbies learn and grow through life's hardships, right? Anyway, you're just characters. Tch, tch. Let's get to it then. I'll demonstrate how it's done. Pay close attention. Alf Online's PVP is quite generous when it comes to judging and targeting vital points. Because of that, it's a kill-or-be-killed battle that can be decided in an instant. Even if someone is a genius, it's difficult to defend their entire body, right? That's why you have to take the initiative. Underline this and put an asterisk beside it: The one who strikes first will surely win. With that in mind, I'll send them off before they can lay a finger on me."

[Hahahahahhahahahahahhahaha.]

[Crazy shit. Hahahahahahaha.]

[Keep your distance and go for the kill.]

Woo Jong-Seok slipped away from the wall and crouched down, ensuring he was out of their line of sight. He activated an auxiliary item that instantly boosted his speed. Unless they were machines, there was no way the opponents could react to his attacks.

"Gotcha," Woo Jong-Seok said, the words rolling off his tongue like a reflex.

He often used this phrase because it made it seem as though he was predicting his victory and showcasing his excellent control.

With a flash, Jong-Seok shot toward the boy. But just as he was about to strike...

Slash!

An eerie sound echoed in his ears, and a white flash blocked his vision. When he regained his senses, he found himself back in the waiting room, the very same room he had left just moments ago.

[???]

[??????]

[???]

[What just happened?]

An unbelievable event occurred, something that even the top-ranking player Woo Jong-Seok and the tens of thousands of people watching the live broadcast couldn't fathom.

—You died.

He had thought it would be a good idea to eliminate a newcomer and kickstart the tournament with great momentum. So, why had he met his demise? However, Woo Jong-Seok vividly remembered the words the man had uttered just before dying.

"Who's killing who?"

The voice had a calm and relaxed tone, as if the words were spoken from a distance, murmured far away.

***

Perserque's eyes narrowed as she observed the human in front of her disintegrate into fragments of data. It became apparent to both of them that this world was not one of flesh and blood but a game world.

"So, the humans aren't real either," she remarked.

"Perhaps most of the people in this world aren't real. Well, that settles it. We need to make the first move. Let's hope those who come to interfere with us are as careless as the guy earlier," Davey replied.

At this moment, Woo Jong-Seok, the man who had ranked second among all participants in the previous tournament, was labeled a careless individual.

"The dimensional key will only unlock if there's a goal or purpose. There must be something here too."

1. 국뽕 - From 국 - which means nation and 뽕 - from 히로뽕 which means methamphetamine. A term that is used negatively to refer to people that are unconditionally patriotic. Recently it has been used positively to refer to people that are proud of their country. ☜