The Monarch Who Levels Up by Devouring - M.L.U.B.D Chapter 6 (Part 2):

*CRACK!*

The crisp sensation of impact.

‘Annoying bastard.’

Even with my hands submerged in slime acid, the searing pain had faded.

[Boss Monster – Deep Slime has been hunted.]

[Outstanding achievement recorded. Player Yu Jin-Ho’s name will be inscribed in the Tower.]

[Additional rewards will be granted upon completion of the tutorial.]

[Level Up!]

One level.

And boosted tutorial rewards.

A message I’d grown sick of hearing in my past life.

No real excitement.

I glanced at the player group, expressionless.

“This guy’s corpse is mine.”

“Fair enough.”

“You’re more reasonable than I expected.”

Surprising.

These players were clearly elite recruits from a major guild—their gear alone proved that.

At least Rare-grade. Equipment worth hundreds of millions.

Either they were rich, or backed by a guild.

Moving as a team from the tutorial’s start made it obvious.

“If it weren’t for you, our team would’ve died here.”

“True.”

“We almost got wiped in the tutorial. We owe you.”

Ji-Won spoke calmly.

His movements had been decent despite his lack of experience.

“Your name?”

“Oh Ji-Won.”

I rubbed my chin.

No memory of him.

With his temperament, potential, and ability, he should’ve risen to fame.

Unless he’d died recklessly trying to hunt the Deep Slime.

Tutorial deaths meant losing player privileges entirely.

“You all.”

“Huh?”

“Don’t push yourselves too hard.”

I pointed at Ji-Won’s team.

“Excuse me?! Who do you think you—mmph!”

The fire mage girl turned red, but Ji-Won covered her mouth.

“We’ll remember your advice.”

*Hoh.* Knew when to swallow pride.

If saving him was a side effect of my regression, I wondered how this guy would grow.

‘Too sentimental.’

A bitter smile touched my lips.

The Tower’s masters—the Ancient Gods—were monstrous.

Even the future [Monarchs], the pinnacle players, struggled against them.

Hopefully, he wouldn’t die pointlessly.

I pushed the thought aside.

I could only rely on myself.

Time to get to work.

I plunged my hand into the Deep Slime’s remains and activated [Devour].

The corpse shriveled.

[Deep Slime’s essence has been devoured.]

[Essence Devoured: 100%]

[Stamina +4]

[Mana +3]

[Skill Acquired: Acidic Blood.]

[Acidic Blood]
– Rank: ★★
– Type: Active
– Effect: Transforms the user’s blood into acid. The acidity level changes depending on Mana consumption.

At a glance, it’s an ambiguous skill, like [Dissolve].

But the true value lay in the ‘concept’ of altering blood itself.

‘The first step toward Divine Blood.’

Transcendence required fulfilling multiple conditions.

Divine Blood was one.

Normally, you’d need a god’s blessing or to consume nectar or golden apples, etc.

But I had zero interest in becoming a god’s pet.

‘The Ancient Gods are bastards, but the regular gods are no better.’

Accepting their blessings meant being powerless when the Tower consumed Earth.

“Promised salvation”?

They can shove it.

That’s why I had to reach transcendence through [Devour].

I’d done it before.

No need to overthink it.

Like solving a math problem when you already know the answer.

“The Deep Slime’s body shriveled up.”

“Its remains are a key ingredient for mana potions. They’re worth a fortune.”

“Wasn’t ours anyway.”

The Phoenix recruits’ whispers were loud enough to hear.

My old title, ‘The Man Who Turns Gold Into Trash’, came to mind.

“No complaints, right?”

“You’ve earned the right.”

“Try again in ten days. I won’t need it by then.”

Unique monsters only needed to be devoured once for 100% essence.

By the time they raided again, I’d be far stronger.

No near-death experiences next time for them.

“One question.”

“What?”

“Your name.”

Ah, right. I’d asked for his but never gave mine.

“Yu Jin-Ho.”

“I’ll remember it.”

“Planning revenge?”

“No. I want to become as strong as you.”

Ji-Won’s eyes burned with resolve.

Not a bad look.

Too bad he’d probably die nameless in the future.

“Don’t die screaming.”

I said it flatly, but I meant it.

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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