The Monarch Who Levels Up by Devouring - M.L.U.B.D Chapter 29 (Part 1):

Some time later.

I approached the water’s edge with Lee Ji-Young in tow.

“Are we… hunting right away?” she asked, her voice tinged with hesitation.

“There’s no better training than real combat.”

“Still, it’s a bit…”

Lee Ji-Young trailed off, her words fading into uncertainty.

Sure, she looks younger than she did before my regression, but still.

Seeing the woman once known as ‘The Wall of Lament’ for her ruthless reputation fidget like a nervous rookie—it’s quite a refreshing sight.

“You called me your master earlier, didn’t you?” I said.

“I did.”

“Then trust me without doubting. It’ll work out.”

Lee Ji-Young’s mouth fell open.

Did I sound too confident without any proof?

I’ve seen her future—her pre-regression self.

Her talent and ability are far from ordinary.

Does she think becoming a High Ranker is a fluke?

No amount of innate ability alone can propel someone past countless Players to stand tall as a High Ranker.

“I-I’ll give it a try!”

Her voice carried a firm resolve.

Judging by how she’s talking, she’ll hold up fine in real combat.

“What’s the maximum range of your barrier?”

“It’s 100 meters.”

“Good. I’ll lure the fish within range, so use your barrier the moment it charges.”

“Yes, sir!”

*Splash-!*

I dove straight into the lake.

Spreading [Ultrasound] underwater, I pinpointed the monsters’ locations.

– ‘Contractor, I’m not sure if that woman will truly be of help.’ The voice of Nyx rang in my mind.

Tch, just wait and see.

This goddess always picks the worst moments—when I can’t respond—to start a conversation.

Using [Seven Deadly Sins – Blessing of Greed], I corrupted the water, stirring the catfish slumbering nearby.

The Tyrant Catfish opened its round eyes.

Spotting me, it charged without hesitation.

It followed the same pattern as the Iron-Scaled Fish.

But it was about 1.5 times faster.

Its larger body suggested its charging force was likely more than double that of the Iron-Scaled Fish.

I seized control of the nearby water with [Seven Deadly Sins – Blessing of Greed].

Mana drained rapidly from me.

This was the only way to hold that catfish, even for a moment.

‘The Tyrant Catfish is a master of hit-and-run.’

Its sleek, slippery body.

Unlike the Iron-Scaled Fish, it doesn’t stay still after ramming.

It strikes and immediately retreats.

It circles wide before charging again.

If you don’t catch it on its first charge, hunting it becomes nearly impossible.

That’s why.

‘Lee Ji-Young’s role is critical.’

I spread my arms wide, waiting for the Tyrant Catfish to charge.

[Spiked Armor’s durability has decreased by 17%.]

The Spiked Armor, reinforced with the Iron-Scaled Fish’s essence, [Iron Scales].

Thanks to it, I could absorb much of the impact.

I stretched my arms toward the Tyrant Catfish as it barreled into me.

My hands slipped on its slick surface.

With no foothold underwater, applying strength was even harder.

“Grrrooar.”

The Tyrant Catfish thrashed side to side.

I was far stronger, but the underwater penalty made it tough to hold the beast.

At that moment.

[Vibration Barrier x 2]

Rainbow-hued barriers formed around the Tyrant Catfish’s head and belly.

*Ziiiiiing!*

The vibrations from the barriers amplified through the catfish’s body.

– ‘The fish’s movements have slowed!’ Nyx exclaimed, surprised.

Of course.

The utility of those vibrations isn’t limited to ‘destruction.’

When placed at regular intervals around an object, they may not crush it but can significantly slow its movements.

It’s a kind of debuff.

Far easier to use than grinding an enemy to molecular dust.

Weren’t you just doubting her?

She’s doing great!

‘The future High Ranker is something else.’

With a faint smile, I activated [Sharp Claws].

A dark crimson aura enveloped my razor-sharp claws.

[Seven Deadly Sins – Blessing of Greed] can only erode one property at a time.

Since the barrier was handling the task of restraining the Tyrant Catfish, I could focus on enhancing my attack power.

[Blood Claw Technique activated.]

[Both feet are off the ground. The technique’s power is reduced.]

Even a claw-based technique loses its full strength when performed underwater.

Martial arts rely on both arms and legs, after all.

Without a proper stance to maximize power, I had to accept the limitation.

*Papapap!*

My hands, enhanced by [Sharp Claws], tore through the Tyrant Catfish’s slippery hide.

Red blood spread through the blue water.

Unlike the Iron-Scaled Fish hunt, this one was a bloody affair.

The Tyrant Catfish twisted violently.

At first, it rammed me with its head, then opened its maw to bite.

But.

[Spiked Armor’s durability has decreased by 8%.]

[Spiked Armor’s durability has decreased by 7%.]

The Spiked Armor, strengthened by the Iron-Scaled Fish’s essence, absorbed most of the impact.

The Tyrant Catfish, growing desperate, opened its maw to bite me.

‘Perfect.’

I planted my foot on its tongue, stabilizing my stance.

My claws traced even more intricate arcs.

Some time passed.

The Tyrant Catfish suddenly stopped moving.

[You have gained 0.9% experience.]

The system’s voice announced the catfish’s death.

It was more than twice as fast as hunting the Iron-Scaled Fish.

– ‘Truly impressive. Your judgment is always spot-on!’ Nyx marveled.

What, surprised by this?

I ground the Tyrant Catfish’s corpse with [Devour].

* * *

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!

•