How the Regressed Munchkin Chews Up the Tower - H.R.M.C.U.T Chapter 22 (Part 1):

Staring at the fleeing Sword Empress, Yujin wore a dumbfounded expression.

‘What the hell? Why?’

Hadn’t he made a point to speak as kindly as possible this time, to avoid any misunderstanding?

Yet, the Sword Empress’s reaction was exactly the same as before.

‘What’s going on? What did I mess up this time?’

No matter how much he racked his brain, he couldn’t figure it out.

He’d even put on an expression he’d never used before, all to win her over.

*Grit-!*

‘How dare she react like that to my kindness?’

Fine, he’d been patient enough, far more than he should have.

Since when had he ever handled things so… gentlemanly?

“Kindness, my ass.”

If he wanted something, he’d take it.

It had an owner?

What did that matter?

He’d just take it.

Got rejected?

That wasn’t a problem either.

Items, skills, people—whatever it was.

Steal, seize, snatch.

Just like he’d always done.

“I’ve done enough.”

No more overthinking.

It was time to do things Sung Yujin’s way.

Whatever the outcome, it was all on the Sword Empress.

With anger and irritation fueling his steps, Yujin moved forward.

*Crunch-!* The ground beneath his foot caved in with a heavy sound.

Using that recoil, Yujin’s figure shot forward like an arrow.

It was a terrifying speed, incomparable to the Sword Empress and her ragtag group’s desperate escape.

In an instant, Yujin crossed the grassy field, appearing behind the Sword Empress in the blink of an eye.

Their eyes met as she glanced back.

Her face, beyond mere surprise, was etched with sheer horror.

*Grin-.*

Yujin smiled.

It was a chilling smile, light-years away from kindness or goodwill.

“Hiiiiiiik-!”

A beautiful, nostalgic scream tore from the Sword Empress’s lips.

It was a sound he’d heard countless times in his first run.

Without hesitation, Yujin reached for her neck.

Whether it was persuasion, intimidation, or abduction, he had to stop her first.

From what he could tell, the Sword Empress was around Level 2.

Her only combat experience was likely that recent skirmish with the Sulfur Deer.

That level of skill could never stop Yujin’s movements.

Even at the same level, she’d stand no chance—let alone now, when his level was a staggering 13.

He hadn’t even used a skill, but he was certain she couldn’t block him.

And yet…

‘Hm?’

Yujin’s eyes widened.

Shockingly, the Sword Empress’s sword reacted.

It was undoubtedly some shoddy, reddish blade she’d picked up in the tutorial floor.

In her panic, she swung it in that fleeting moment, perfectly intercepting the path of Yujin’s hand.

‘Oh-.’

As expected, the Sword Empress was the Sword Empress.

Even at such a low level, her swordsmanship instincts were beyond common sense.

‘Well, if it was just about levels, she wouldn’t be called the Sword Empress.’

A nickname meant she was exceptional, even among the tens of thousands of awakened summoned to the Tower.

Yujin was reminded once again that the Sword Empress was exactly the talent he’d been searching for.

‘Still, she’s just a rough gem for now.’

Her potential was so extraordinary it defied description.

But that was all.

A gem was just a gem.

Whether it became a sturdy blade or an unparalleled masterpiece depended on how it was forged.

And Yujin was confident he could shape the Sword Empress better than anyone.

With a slight twist of his wrist, he evaded her sword.

It was a simple motion, but his hand moved like a salmon swimming upstream against a raging river.

Before she could react, he grabbed her throat.

“Guhk-!”

A speed faster than an arrow, combined with monstrous strength, restrained her body.

She wanted to scream, but no sound escaped her throat.

Yujin hadn’t allowed it.

Her fear-filled eyes glistened with tears in real-time.

She looked like she’d come face-to-face with a serial killer.

But Yujin didn’t care.

He’d already decided to toss aside pleasantries and act as he pleased.

If the Sword Empress rejected his offer, he’d force her to grow stronger anyway.

Scared or not, it didn’t matter.

Looking at her trembling, teary-eyed glare, Yujin slowly opened his mouth.

Or rather, he tried to.

But he couldn’t follow through.

The ragtag group beside the Sword Empress.

It was impressive they’d even dared to hunt, but they were nobodies, not worth his attention.

Or so he thought.

Shockingly, one of them—the youngest-looking one—didn’t flee.

Instead, he turned and threw a punch straight at Yujin’s jaw.

Unlike the others, who were sweating bullets and running, this kid was different.

*Whooosh-!*

The sound of a massive gauntlet cutting through the air was no joke, despite the kid’s small frame.

“Well, look at that!”

Yujin’s eyes sparkled.

A kid.

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!

•