SHADOW BEFORE CREATION

Standing After a Painful Fall

"Alright… do it."

With those words, Kio charged forward with great force, raising his hand and directing his fist toward Arthur's head without hesitation. However, Arthur smiled calmly, and in the next moment, his body completely vanished from before Kio's fist.

It was not an disappearance using a stealth skill, but the result of terrifying speed that surpassed perception.

Kio's eyes widened in genuine astonishment, and he immediately turned around, only to find Arthur standing directly behind him.

"My lord… how did you become this fast?"

A look of astonishment and disbelief was clearly visible on Kio's face as he stared at Arthur.

Arthur answered in a calm tone, as though he were speaking about something ordinary:

"After I consumed Bokrog's and Baston's power, my strength increased tremendously, along with everything that comes with it… but the real problem lies here."

He paused for a moment, then continued in a lower voice:

"I cannot use my full power for a long period. If I do, the power of the heavens will notice me, and then I will either be killed… or expelled from this world."

Arthur lightly cracked his neck as he continued:

"That is why I set a limit for myself. I can use only a portion of my full power for no more than twenty seconds… and what you saw just now was only a small part."

His aura gradually decreased until it settled at the level of an S-Rank Hunter.

*My current strength is more than enough…

And my Necromancy skill has undoubtedly grown stronger.

I can now summon two hundred and fifty soldiers… That is an excellent achievement.

But the main quest is still there… How am I supposed to create a guild in the first place? I don't have the slightest idea.*

Arthur sighed deeply, then lay down on the floor of the spacious training hall, staring at the blue sky above him, as the hall's ceiling was capable of opening.

"Only one week remains until Cain returns…"

Nearly an entire year had passed since Cain entered the updating phase, and only seven days remained until its completion.

At that moment, Arthur's phone rang.

"Yes?"

"Lord Arthur, this is Go Gun-Hee… Have you heard the news?"

"Old man, no. As you know…"

"Ah, yes, yes… I am truly sorry for what happened to you and your son."

"There is no need to apologize. Tell me, what is it?"

"Well… it concerns the attack on Jeju Island."

"Wait a moment, Chairman."

Arthur looked at his phone, and another incoming call from Sung appeared.

"Yes, Sung."

"Arthur, can you come?"

"Is it related to Jeju Island?"

"Yes. I'm going now to meet Go Gun-Hee."

"Alright, I'll come by and pick you up."

Arthur ended the call, then returned to Go Gun-Hee.

"Sung and I will arrive shortly, and you can explain everything in detail."

"I'll be waiting for you."

…

After some time had passed, Arthur and Sung stood before Go Gun-Hee.

Go began explaining the plan for the raid on Jeju Island and how they intended to eliminate all the ants in one final, decisive strike, with no turning back afterward. He also explained that they needed Arthur and Sung's help, as they were both S-Rank Hunters… and perhaps slightly above that level.

Arthur listened in silence, a faint smile appearing on his lips, as he felt a hidden excitement at the thought of returning to the battlefield after such a long absence.

He looked at Sung and noticed the change in his expression.

*He is thinking about his family… about his mother…

But…*

Arthur sighed quietly, reading Sung's expression as though it were an open book.

Suddenly, the two of them felt the pressure of a nearby battle.

"Oh? Did you feel it, Sung?"

"Yes… magical energy. There are people fighting."

Go Gun-Hee interjected with an astonished smile:

"Truly amazing. How can you feel a battle despite the distance? Yes, there is a combat training session between S-Rank Hunters in the gymnasium."

"Let's go watch."

Arthur moved calmly, but inside, excitement was burning within him; it had been a long time since he had experienced a real fight, with the exception of Kio.

…

Arthur and Sung stood watching the fierce battle before them, while on the other side, Japan's Hunters had gathered under the leadership of Ryuji Goto.

The clash intensified, and their auras continued to rise.

"Old man, I'm excited now… Let's do it the old-fashioned way."

"What?"

"Arthur, wai—"

But before either of them could finish, Arthur removed his shirt, revealing his well-built, muscular body. He took part of the shirt and covered his face with it, leaving only his eyes visible.

In the next moment, he leaped high into the air, then landed heavily in the center of the hall.

Dust scattered everywhere.

Arthur advanced with steady steps, his voice echoing throughout the place:

"Some of you may not know…"

He paused for a moment, then continued in a murderous tone:

"I'm here to kill everyone. So, who wants to come first?"

He moved his hands carelessly, as though the entire world were between his fists.

The leader of the White Tiger Guild charged forward and began his transformation as he lunged at Arthur.

Arthur smiled calmly, then raised his hand and pressed down on the air.

"Heaven's Crush."

In an instant, a transparent layer of air wrapped around the guild leader's body and compressed him with suffocating force until he lost consciousness and collapsed to the ground.

"Who's next?"

Silence fell.

Everyone raised their weapons toward Arthur, without knowing who he was. No one recognized him; his features, body, and voice… were all different from what they had been before.

"Hunter Sung."

"Yes, Chairman?"

"Are you not going to intervene?"

Sung smiled sideways and said:

"Not yet… That bastard hasn't had his fun yet."

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