The Player that Can’t Level Up

rrier further. With the barrier and spells, including the space expansion and intensity control magic, Gi-Gyu’s basement now looked similar to the association’s basement training hall. 

Soo-Jung stood in the middle of the basement as she explained, “I warned Ironshield before to steer clear of Korea because it’s where you live.
I have also punished him for daring to harm me.”

After a short pause, she continued, “So Ironshield planned a sneaky trap.
Ignoring my warning, he used the Korean branch as an excuse to send Rogers Han and his players here, probably expecting me to retaliate.
And to prevent that retaliation, he used Lee Sun-Ho.”

Gi-Gyu asked, “But you gave Lee Sun-Ho the elixir.
Doesn't that mean you’re free of Lee Sun-Ho now? What’s stopping you from going to the U.S.
and killing Ironshield?”

Gi-Gyu wanted to kill Ironshield himself, but he was still curious about what was stopping Lucifer from doing it.
With a lopsided grin, Soo-Jung explained, “It’s not as simple as that.
Lee Sun-Ho and I are archenemies, so we can’t exist together.
I haven’t been in Korea much, even though it’s my home because it’s Lee Sun-Ho’s territory.
For a reason I can’t disclose, I have been staying hidden.
It’s also why I didn’t contact you until now.
And have you ever wondered what’ll happen if your identity as my heir and disciple becomes public? You will be in grave danger.” 

Lucifer and Lee Sun-Ho being archenemies was news to Gi-Gyu.
Walking in a circle around Gi-Gyu slowly, Soo-Jung continued, “Well, because of Ironshield, Lee Sun-Ho figured out our situation.
I had no choice but to make this deal with him, but the deal only included one-year protection for you, not me.”

“…”

“We’re okay here because of the barriers, but we can’t hide from Lee Sun-Ho anywhere else in Korea.
If I try to leave Korea or try something funny, Lee Sun-Ho will come after me with an elixir-fueled, much-improved body.
And this is exactly what Ironshield wants.” With an irritated frown, Soo-Jung added, “Ironshield is trying to keep me from moving since I’m exposed here.
Even as we speak, I’m sure he's preparing for our next fight.”

Gi-Gyu quietly stored all of this information in his head.
With a laugh, Soo-Jung shrugged and said, “Well, that doesn’t mean I’m easy prey for Lee Sun-Ho.
He may be powerful, but he won’t come out unscathed if he ends up fighting me.” 

Soo-Jung finally stopped circling Gi-Gyu.
She continued, looking at him, “That is why you must become strong.
You’ve to become someone even Lee Sun-Ho is wary of.
You’ve to become strong enough to make him think twice before making a move against me.”

Her dainty lips closed quietly.
After a moment of silence, she said, “If you can’t become as strong as Ironshield in a year”—with a teasing look, she ran her thumb across her neck—“you’ll die.”

“…”

“You’re growing at an explosive speed.
Even faster than Lee Sun-Ho.
I’m sure he’s monitoring you with interest already.
It was another reason I had no choice but to make an appearance.”

Soo-Jung smiled at Gi-Gyu’s dazed look and asked, “It’s a bit complicated, isn’t it?”

“Quite so.” Gi-Gyu scratched his cheek, giving up on understanding the situation.
“In simple words, I need to get strong, right? I don’t think there is any reason to think too hard about it.
It sounds pretty simple: Become powerful.”

“Hehehe.” Soo-Jung laughed loudly and announced, “I gotta admit that I picked the right man to be my pupil.” 

Suddenly, a black flame appeared in her hand, while Lou and El materialized in Gi-Gyu’s hands.

***

“There isn't much I can do to help you grow,” Soo-Jung stated.

Clang!

Soo-Jung added, “If you had passed the 50th-floor test and gone through the secondary job change, things would’ve been different.
But for now, this is all I can do.
Got it?” 

Lucifer’s black flame crashed into Lou’s purple smoke, creating a loud explosion.
Despite the booming sounds, Gi-Gyu could hear Soo-Jung’s instructions clearly. 

Soo-Jung continued, “After clearing the 50th-floor test, a player gains new skill and strength that’s truly out of this world.
Honestly, defeating all those Iron Guild members without going through secondary job change is an incredible feat.
I’m so proud to have you as my pupil.” 

Soo-Jung looked playful, but she never stopped attacking Gi-Gyu.
Meanwhile, Gi-Gyu was having a hard time just blocking her sword, not to mention actively attacking her. 

She murmured, “An ordinary player would be satisfied with where you are, but you are a unique ability holder.
When unique ability holder goes through a secondary job chang—”

Crackkk!

Soo-Jung’s black flaming sword struck Lou as if it wanted to gnaw at it.
Surrounded by purple smoke, Lou fought back with determination. 

“Not only does it strengthen a player’s attributes, but also their unique ability.
In some special cases, it’s even possible to gain another unique ability.” Soo-Jung smiled and took a step back, her black flame sword glowing dangerously. 

Impressed by Gi-Gyu’s defense, Soo-Jung complimented him.
“Wow! No wonder you’re my pupil! I can see your great potential.
Or maybe this is Lou’s power? After all, he is the original.”

“Haa… Haa…” Gi-Gyu huffed, covered in sweat, failing to make a sound through all that heaving.
Suddenly, Soo-Jung opened her other empty hand and another black flame sword appeared in it.
She smiled and dashed forward.
“The only thing I can do for you now is to give you some good sparring matches and advice.” 

Then, with a nod, she made black flames erupt all around Gi-Gyu with a nod.
With a fearful flinch, Gi-Gyu rolled away from them.
Her grin becoming wider, Soo-Jung announced, “So do your best to survive my lessons and not die.
If you do, you’ll definitely become stronger.”

Gi-Gyu’s hellish training was just about to begin.

1.
Bibimbap is a Korean rice dish topped with sauteed vegetables, gochujang, and a choice of protein. ☜