How the Regressed Munchkin Chews Up the Tower - H.R.M.C.U.T Chapter 17 (Part 1):

‘I’ve got him rattled.’

Yujin read the fear flickering in Tailon’s eyes.

And why wouldn’t he? Even if Yujin’s level was low, his swordsmanship had reached a pinnacle capable of tearing Apocalypse itself apart. Unless Tailon’s eyes were as blind as knotholes, he’d have seen it too.

‘Well, if we actually fought, I’d probably lose.’

Even so, levels couldn’t be ignored. Sure, Yujin could narrow the gap with his traits and skills, but a tenfold difference was no small hurdle. Still, he drew his sword without hesitation.

‘With my skill, I could at least take one of your arms. You know that, don’t you?’

Even if Tailon won a fight against Yujin, he’d lose at least one limb in the process. And that would spell his doom. The other four lords ruling Terra would never leave a wounded King of Trash alone.

*Grin-.*

Yujin smirked as he sliced through the neck of one of Tailon’s men, his gaze locked on the lord. Through the spray of crimson blood, he saw Tailon’s hardened expression. In mere moments, eight of his lackeys had fallen. About twenty remained—each one a powerhouse above level 20. But Sung Yujin was confident he could wipe them out in under ten minutes.

‘So, what’s it gonna be?’

Yujin lopped off another man’s arm, his eyes still fixed on Tailon. Even as his men collapsed, the lord showed no hint of fighting spirit.

In other words, he wasn’t going to fight.

‘He’s a clever bastard, at least.’

Tailon knew he couldn’t win outright, so he chose not to engage. Yujin felt a mix of relief and irritation. Tailon had dared to show hostility toward him—a mere level 100 nobody, playing king in the first floor’s Terra. Letting such a fool live was a humiliation to Yujin.

‘If I were just level 20…’

He’d have cut the bastard’s head off in one swing.

‘Gotta level up fast, damn it.’

Clicking his tongue inwardly, Yujin swung 『Black Wing [A]』 again.

“Enough!”

A thunderous shout laced with immense mana erupted from Tailon, sweeping through the surroundings.

*Crack-crack-crack-!*

Spiderweb-like fractures spread across the walls of nearby buildings, dust billowing.

‘Tch.’

Yujin frowned. Even if this was just the first floor, and even if Tailon was a lowlife, level 100 wasn’t something to scoff at. Not yet, anyway. Half by choice, half by force, Yujin halted his attack. Time, which had seemed to crawl, snapped back to normal.

*Splaaaash-!*

Blood poured like rain.

“Aaaaaaagh!”

“My—my arm!”

“Grrgh-.”

Agonized screams and guttural cries burst from the mouths of those cut by his blade. The ones who could still scream were the lucky ones—those whose heads rolled couldn’t utter a word. Yujin sheathed 『Black Wing [A]』 and turned his head. Tailon’s face, rigid with tension, came into view.

“You…”

Tailon’s lips twitched as if to say something, but he sighed and shook his head.

“You said you wanted to talk, right?”

As Yujin expected, Tailon had decided fighting wasn’t worth it. Even as his men groaned on the ground, he didn’t dwell on it, shifting to another topic.

“Yeah.”

Yujin had anticipated this, so he nodded without hesitation.

“Fine. I’ll give it to you. Not for three Coins—just one.”

For Tailon, it wasn’t an easy call. He’d slashed the price to a third, and not through negotiation or diplomacy, but a brief skirmish. That fact alone chipped away at the prestige of the King of Trash. Yet, he’d made the choice. He must’ve figured the loss of fighting a madman like Yujin outweighed the cost of this concession.

But…

Tailon had underestimated Yujin.

“One? Nah, you’re the one who started this. Words are free, and for the emotional distress you caused, you owe me three Coins. That’s a fair deal.”

Yujin wasn’t just a madman—he was *insanely* mad.

* * *

*Clop-clop-.*

The sound of hooves rang out, oddly pleasant.

“Would’ve been nice if it was a bit higher-grade.”

Yujin chuckled, stroking the black horse’s mane.

“But since I got it for free, this’ll do.”

Plus, the three Coins he’d scored as extra income. The gifts from Tailon were quite generous. Of course, the murderous glares Tailon shot him were another story. If Tailon had been even slightly dumber or more emotional, Yujin wouldn’t have pulled this off. It was precisely because Tailon was sharp and colder than most that it worked.

“Still, I should be more careful from now on.”

For now, Tailon had backed off, but as one of the five lords ruling Terra, the King of Trash would surely seek revenge.

“Gotta level up before that bastard comes at me with a blade.”

Dangun

I'm currently Translating the following novels: "Labyrinth Exploration 101" & "The Monarch Who Levels Up by Devouring " If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!

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