Ranker's Return

NEW NOVEL: First and foremost, I'm delighted to announce that our long-time veteran translator littleshanks has finally launched his new novel, Rise!  Rise is a novel about the esports scene in Shanghai, the competitive gaming capital of China. It follows the story of Lin Feng, a boy who has just moved to the city for his last year of high school. He's a passionate gamer and dreams of being the best professional League of Legends player in the world. The twist? He almost achieved his dream, but failed at the...

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Apart from the rapidly flowing development of the fifth main scenario, Hyeonu was also faithful to his role as a streamer. He worked with Nike to pick a second Alley Leader Academy student.

“So according to Mister Gang’s words, just pick a completely ordinary player? Is this the right thing to do?” Kale asked again with an expression of confusion. However, that didn’t change the answer.

-Yes, this is what I want—an ordinary person’s success story. 

In Arena, Dwayne was a type of second-generation chaebol. His items and skills were good. Moreover, he had a good class. If it had been someone else, Hyeonu would likely have been cursed at a lot. He thought the good result was due to Dwayne’s personal behavior.

Kale opened his mouth and said, “Of course, you can choose anyone. However, once that happens, the stream will become less interesting and fun. That is a clear fact.”

-NO! That won’t happen. Rather, it will rise even more. Definitely. I guarantee it. 

You still don’t seem to understand it well. The other day, only celebrities were able to participate. This time, the academy will be for the lower 90%. It doesn’t matter if they don’t have good items, good skills, strength, or money. The academy is open to anyone in the bottom 90%. That is the concept of this academy.

Hyeonu’s resolute words made Kale and the staff of the planning office stay quiet. It sounded much better than their own plans.

“Just do as he says... The target audience is perfect. Everyone can see it. We won’t lose to any of the other Arena programs in terms of ratings.”

“Honestly, I wonder why we’re here. Speaking frankly, we can’t beat Alley Leader.”

“I know my content best but...”

Voices emerged with words of self-mockery. Nike’s role was small. They felt that Alley Leader alone was enough. Kale sent a gesture to cheer up his staff and wrapped up his call to Hyeonu. “I understand. I will go with Mister Gang’s opinion. Please send us the details by email, and I will contact you again after reviewing them.

-Thank you, Kale. I’ll send you an email soon.

Kale put down the phone and clapped. Clap clap.

“From now on, we will have our own meeting. Mister Gang has set the whole framework. It is our turn. We need to create the details.”

Nike was busy again.

 

***

 

“Go see Suped again. Tell him that we have found Alkyl’s base and ask him to join us as soon as possible.” Garon gave Hyeonu a quest.

This was a case that occurred once Mascherano found Alkyl’s main base. Hyeonu just sat still, carrying out quests and sucking up experience.

‘Groan... Good.’

“I’ll be back soon.”

 

[A quest has been created.]

[To Suped]

[The base of Alkyl has been found.

Let Suped know this and ask him to quickly join.

Rating: MS

Conditions: Suped’s answer 0/1.

Rewards: Experience.]

 

‘I have to go back to Laek once anyway...’

“It’s great.”

Hyeonu thought that things had worked out well. He had to find Suped anyway. So, he just had to go there. Hyeonu tore one of the five scrolls that Suped had given him.

 

***

 

“What is going on?” Suped greeted Hyeonu with the same blunt attitude as when they first met.

Hyeony was also unconcerned with Suped’s greeting. “It has been a while. Things have changed urgently.”

“Changed urgently?”

“Alkyl’s base has been found. An accurate map is being made by adventurers. Garon asked you to join.”

“Hmm... Is this the only reason why you came?”

‘You’re a ghastly old man.’ Hyeonu smiled bitterly at Suped’s words. 

“It is for a dual purpose. I wanted to convey the news and do something. By the way, has Laek’s Stage 10 recovered?”

Hyeonu didn’t show it on the surface. Rather, he drove Suped into the corner. However, who was Suped? He was a great magician of the empire. “Laek’s Stage 10 has recovered. You didn’t know because you didn’t come.”

Hyeonu didn’t respond to Suped’s arrogance. His mind was only filled with Stage 10. In the meantime, Hyeonu calmly completed the quest. “I will hear your answer first before challenging Stage 10.” 

“Tell him I’ll come soon. Laek’s recovery is over, and my research is complete. I will help him deal with them.”

 

[Suped’s answer 1/1.]

[The ‘To Suped’ quest has been cleared.]

[Experience has been acquired.]

 

‘The amount of experience is great.’

Hyeonu smiled at the experience that rose instantly. This was why it was called the main scenario.

 

[A quest has been created.]

[To Garon]

[Go back to Garon with Suped’s answer.

Rating: MS

Conditions: Deliver Suped’s answer to Garon 0/1.

Rewards: Experience.] 

‘I have to grab everything...’

“Where should I go to clear Stage 10?”

“There is no need. I’ll send you.”

Once Suped clapped, Hyeonu disappeared from the laboratory. He moved Hyeonu to the space to challenge Stage 10 with one clap.

“You might’ve broken through Laek like a monster but, Stage 10 won’t be so easy.”

Suped imagined Hyeonu going to Stage 10 and meeting a monster.

‘The last play should suffice.’

Suped lowered his hand as he smiled widely. It was an obvious laugh. “A monster will encounter a monster. Who will win? How interesting.”

 

***

 

-Welcome to Stage 10. Stage 10 is to go beyond your limits.

If you pass Stage 10, you will receive a certificate of completion.

‘Going beyond my limits?’ Hyeonu thought calmly.

Transcending his own limits… 

These words were tremendous. Even so, this was Arena. It was a game. Transcending your limits in a game—Hyeonu already knew what it meant.

“A doppelganger... or a clone. It is one of these two options.”

It was obvious within the framework of the game. A voice rang out confirming Hyeonu’s speculation.

-Shout ‘start’ to begin the Stage 10 test, and the duel with your doppelganger will begin.

‘The rules behind this are already widespread.’

It was clear that the doppelganger was probably a slightly improved form based on Hyeonu’s character data. However, some data couldn’t be copied. This was the cheat key to solving this problem. The cheat key was usually a truly unique item that appeared in the second half of the game. Items that couldn’t be copied. It was winning with an item that could not be used by the doppelganger. For Hyeonu, it wasn’t an item but one thing that couldn’t be copied.

“Tang-E, come out.”

It was Tang-E. Tang-E was such a pet. He was a named NPC that existed before Hyeonu summoned him from a random pet egg. The title of ‘Bung Bung Island’s Heir’ was the proof.

“Why call me, Master dude?”

Tang-E was consistent with his poor attitude. In fact, it felt worse these days. Seeing this, Hyeonu felt that he should give Tang-E a gift. It was a gift that Tang-E would be satisfied with.

“Tang-E, do you want to hit me?”

Tang-E struggled to answer. In his heart, he had already slapped his master several times. However, it was impossible in reality, so he had put up with it. His stingy and vengeful master would use this to torture him for months if he replied positively. “No. Why would I want to hit Master dude?”

Eventually, Tang-E shook his head. He was convinced of reality, but he couldn’t stop his expression from becoming slightly sullen. Hyeonu smiled as he watched such a Tang-E. ‘Cute guy.’

“I’ll let you hit me. Time and time again.”

Was it unexpected? Hyeonu’s words were terrifying as Tang-E’s eyes widened. Tang-E asked again, “Really? Really? Master dude?”

“It isn’t really me, but it looks the same. Think of it as me, and beat me up.”

“Thank you. Thank you, Master dude. I will do well in the future.” Tang-E wept emotionally.

Hyeonu smiled bitterly when he saw this.

‘Is it that good? Damn bear.’

“Then give me buffs first, and fight when my doppelganger comes out.”

“I know. Doppelganger... hehe...”

 

[You have received Bear’s Momentum.]

[Physique has increased.]

[Strength has increased.]

[You have received the Forest’s Blessing.]

[Physique has increased.]

[Health will continue to recover.]

 

Hyeonu saw the buffs and immediately used his giant skills.

“Start.”

Around 10 meters away from Hyeonu, a doppelganger that looked exactly like Hyeonu appeared.

“Die. Kill it by burning or kill it by freezing,” Tang-E muttered with a crazy expression as he faced the doppelganger.

Tang-E already seemed half out of his mind. His eyes were white, and fire, ice, and lightning covered his body. Tang-E used Giant Transformation and charged toward the doppelganger. Hyeonu didn’t move. Only Tang-E rushed toward the doppelganger.

‘Enjoy the majesty of your master, stupid bear.’

Hyeonu was convinced that Tang-E would be out in 5 minutes. He knew better than anyone that his doppelganger could never be killed by Tang-E.

‘You have to face me before knowing to be scared.’

Hyeonu had already seen the future. It was Tang-E holding onto his legs and crying. Indeed, it was like he expected. Eventually, Tang-E was thrown back by the doppelganger’s fist and fell at Hyeonu’s feet. Tang-E’s body was covered with wounds. “Master dude... why am only I fighting? Shouldn’t you be helping me?”

Hyeonu responded to Tang-E’s words naturally, “Your momentum was so great... I thought it would be enough for you alone.”

“I don’t think it is possible, Master dude. I will support you from behind.”

“Yes. Use your magic well. Please restrain your fire,” Hyeonu gave Tang-E new orders and then walked toward the doppelganger.

Hyeonu hadn’t simply been watching the battle between Tang-E and the doppelganger with folded arms. He had been observing calmly. The doppelganger used possessed skills and skills that were built into items. He didn’t let go of a single thing.

‘Considering that he wasn’t pushed by Tang-E’s strength, he must’ve used one of the giant skills...’

“Five minutes have passed.”

This meant the doppelganger had only one giant skill left while Hyeonu had two giant skills left. Additionally, the doppelganger didn’t have Tang-E’s buffs. It was an overwhelming dominance in power. Finally, once Hyeonu and the doppelganger were only 10 meters away from each other, the doppelganger moved.

“Haap!”

Laek’s last gate, Stage 10 began in earnest.

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