I Gave Up Being Stronger

Chapter 320

Cha Jin-Hyeok addressed his viewers. “As you all know, to win the hearts of the residents of the Third Hell, Hell Man has allied with me to spread Earth’s culture to Hell. This initiative has proven quite effective and is beneficial for both Earth and Hell. I want to emphasize that we pursue a peaceful and legal merger.”

For the first time in a while, Jin-Hyeok conducted his livestream in the third-person perspective. He practiced an expression of deep regret before letting out a heavy sigh. “However, things do not always go as planned.”

He then released a series of prepared video clips. In one of them, a presumed noble of Hell was seen hanging a resident upside down and whipping him.

?You traitor!?

“The residents sympathetic to Earth and the Fourth Hell are being kidnapped and assaulted. It’s truly regrettable.”

He showed another video. This one showed Technician Players, sent from Earth, being bombarded with mass-destruction spells at their lodging.

“I was nearby and barely managed to intervene. If I weren’t there, it would have been catastrophic.”

These Technicians were disguised Tanks, but there was no need to divulge that detail.

“We are fully prepared for our Technicians’ safety, but accidents can happen at any time.”

Opposition to the merger was expected.

“I cannot just stand by any longer. I am now in front of the grand mansion of Filiak, one of the great nobles of the Third Hell.”

The journey here had been perilous. Jin-Hyeok had feigned exhaustion and suffered minor scratches here and there—deliberately incurred for dramatic effect. Filiak, anticipating Jin-Hyeok’s arrival, had prepared thoroughly.

“Three days ago, I sent Filiak a letter, demanding his surrender and an end to the harsh oppression of the residents. Instead, he killed the messenger delivering the letter,” Jin-Hyeok said. His expression darkened. He had not anticipated the death of the messenger. “I should have asked Angel Girl to secretly drop off the letter and leave... I am sorry. This was my oversight.”

Many viewers were infuriated by his apology.

-Why is he apologizing?

-Should the blacksmith apologize if someone is killed with a sword?

-It’s Filiak who did the killing, but Chul-Soo is the one apologizing. This is outrageous!

“Frankly, I wanted to storm in without following these protocols, but... we all have to abide by some basic rules; it is these rules that maintain the order of our world.” Jin-Hyeok received the signal from Wang Yu-Mi to wrap up the livestream. It seemed the theatrics could end here. “It looks like I can no longer rely solely on peaceful methods.”

Jin-Hyeok focused his energy, mimicking Shin Yu-Ri’s Babylon Cannon, and raised his right hand.

“My right hand...,” he announced dramatically. Then he used Streamer effects for added flair, and a hexagram-shaped golden magic circle formed at his feet, generating strong winds. A soft golden glow enveloped his body, his clothes and hair fluttering in the wind. Parts of the golden glow shattered, appearing like scattering sparks. Of course, these effects had nothing to do with the actual power of the skill. “...paves the way.”

Jin-Hyeok muttered inwardly, ‘O Black Flame Dragon of my right hand!’

He spread his palm, and a thick golden beam shot forth. He intentionally aimed slightly toward the ground, leaving a long scar on the earth, as if a giant shovel had gouged the land.

With a tremendous roar, the beam struck the medial European-style mansion, toppling a spire. Its destructive power was formidable.

***

Filiak, the Great Ruler of the Third Hell, had been preparing for Jin-Hyeok’s invasion. He had put considerable effort into his preparations.

‘I would love to kill him before he even gets here... but that would be difficult,’ he thought.

Given that Chul-Soo was a Player with extreme defensive Skills such as Absolute Barrier, Filiak was also monitoring Chul-Soo’s location and strategies. However, he sensed something was off.

‘Something is different!’

He did not see any of the scenes he expected to, whether it was Assassins being eliminated or traps being destroyed.

‘What’s going on?’ Then, it dawned on him. ‘Chul-Soo is manipulating his livestream in real-time!’

This was the handiwork of the editor Kang Chul. Kang Chul had reached a level where he could analyze and edit a livestream within seconds.

Jin-Hyeok did not need to show Assassins or destroyed traps. Given his experiences in Arvis, he found the difficulty of this place significantly lower. So, he had allowed himself to be hit a few times to create minor injuries on his body, but showing that process could spark allegations of a staged livestream. That was why he decided it was better not to livestream low-quality content.

Filiak, however, saw things differently.

‘This coward! How deceitful must he be to cut those parts from his livestream! What kind of dirty tricks does he have up his sleeves? But none of that matters.’ Filiak preferred using his intellect over physical confrontation. ‘I have deployed drones in anticipation of this.’

While Filiak could not check the footage right then, he was certain all of Jin-Hyeok’s underhanded tactics were being recorded. Suddenly, with a loud boom, the ground shook. A spire was obliterated.

‘Wait, I thought I activated the barriers. Could Chul-Soo’s attack have that much power even after breaking the barrier? Or did he break the barrier beforehand? Either way, it’s clear that he is monstrously powerful.’

Filiak strode out the main building’s gate, crossing the central garden with its fountain and moving toward Jin-Hyeok. He appeared very imposing. “What right does a filthy invader have to come here?”

The content had already been laid out in the letter—a duel to determine the winner, with the loser accepting the outcome and submitting to the victor.

“I came here at the behest of Hell Man to capture you. As I mentioned in my letter to you, I propose a one-on-one duel,” Jin-Hyeok said.

“Hmph!” Filiak saw through Jin-Hyeok’s play. ‘He must know I am not best suited for combat and chose me for that reason.’

There were still oppositions to Hell Man and IntenseMan in many places in Hell.

‘Choosing me from all those people means he is particularly cunning and manipulative,’ Filiak thought. However, the reality was slightly different.

Jin-Hyeok chose Filiak because Filiak was the most famous and, thus, the best target for his content.

‘But that will be your downfall and mistake.’ Filiak had no illusions about defeating Jin-Hyeok in a one-on-one fight. ‘You have underestimated my loyalty.’

Filiak was prepared to die here if necessary. For the sovereignty of the Third Hell and the traditions he had defended, he was ready to give his all.

‘You will not leave here alive, Chul-Soo. My preparations are complete.’

At that moment, Jin-Hyeok spoke. “Of course, since I am a Streamer, I intend to avoid direct combat.”

“What?” Filiak looked at Jin-Hyeok with disbelief, reflexively glancing behind him. He saw the completely destroyed spire, at a loss for words.

‘He wants to get out, saying he’s a Streamer, after doing all that damage to my mansion?’ It was an utterly ridiculous statement, yet there was a sincerity in his eyes that suggested he was not lying. ‘Is he more physically depleted than I thought?’

But then came the real issue.

“I shall appoint Muenne as my champion,” Jin-Hyeok said. Muenne, a top ranker from Arvis, was stepping forward to fight for Jin-Hyeok.

Filiak scoffed. “Hmph! A top ranker of Arvis is here?”

“Yes.”

“Do you think I will fall for that?”

Muenne was a stringent rule-follower, never known to have taken a vacation in her life. It was unthinkable that she would assist in an invasion.

‘So, why is he acting so calm when everyone knows he is bluffing? Filiak thought.

There had to be a reason behind this seemingly transparent lie, and Filiak racked his brain for answers.

Then, at that moment, the person who had been standing quietly behind Jin-Hyeok removed her robe to reveal her face—it was indeed Muenne, one of the Seven Paladins of the Helen Empire.

***

A few days ago, Muenne had submitted her resignation.

“Think carefully, Muenne. You only have one year left.”

Muenne was not someone who would merely remain the commander of the city’s guards. The mayor knew this best. Once a member of the imperial guard who was demoted for assaulting her superior, Muenne was a top talent who could return to the imperial service in just one year.

“Just endure for one more year, and you can reclaim your former glory. Why resign so suddenly now?”

“If I don’t resign now, I will fall behind,” Muenne said.

“Fall behind? Behind who?”

“If things continue this way, I will fall behind Lessefim.”

The mayor was puzzled. Lessefim was a Navigator, and Muenne was a Paladin. Their paths were completely different, so he didn’t know what Muenne was talking about.

“I want to present myself in a way that is not embarrassing for the Chul-Soo Land.”

The mayor was shocked. “So... you are a part of what...?”

“A fandom, Sir.”

“Right. So, you are quitting your job to pursue a fandom?”

“I have saved enough money.”

The mayor desperately racked his brain. He needed to retain Muenne at all costs. Saying that Muenne was responsible for half of the city’s security was not an exaggeration.

“I want you to think hard before you make your decision, Muenne,” the mayor said.

“I have already given it a lot of thought, Sir.”

“Wait, so in the end, you want to be a fan of Chul-Soo, and even more, you want to be of great help to him?”

“That is correct.”

“Wouldn’t it be better to stick it out here for another year, return to the imperial guard, and gain power? Wouldn’t that help Chul-Soo more?”

“...”

“Do you remember lobbying me to bring Chul-Soo to Arvis?” the mayor asked.

“Yes, I do remember.”

“Imagine if you had that much power. You wouldn’t need to ask me for anything. Imagine if you could wield unlimited authority for Chul-Soo. Maybe then you could be a far more competent Chul-Soo Lander than Lessefim!”

“...”

The mayor realized he had gone too far. ‘What am I saying to this staunch principled woman?’

Even in his urgency, he knew what he had just said was offensive to Muenne, essentially dismissing her long-held beliefs. Muenne briskly approached the mayor.

“No, no, Muenne... What I meant was that...”

Just as the mayor was about to hastily explain himself, Muenne tucked the resignation letter back into her pocket.

Visibly relieved, the mayor sighed deeply.

“Then please grant me some leave,” Muenne said.

That was how she could now join Jin-Hyeok.