I Gave Up Being Stronger

Chapter 94

As always, Joseph had been keeping up with Cha Jin-Hyeok’s livestream. Every day, he diligently recorded the fluctuations in Likes and the increase and decrease in the number of viewers, studying and analyzing Jin-Hyeok. Joseph thought this was necessary to accurately grasp Kim Chul-Soo’s needs and be able to work with him.

‘He must absolutely become a star,’ Joseph thought.

Kim Chul-Soo was someone born for this. Joseph felt he was born to help him with that, and even began to assemble a party for Chul-Soo. It was a party created to make Chul-Soo a star, and Joseph was currently coordinating efforts with Wang Yu-Mi. Anyway, Joseph continued to monitor Chul-Soo’s livestream trend with an unwavering sense of purpose.

‘The past three days, the number of viewers continues to decrease.’

Of course, even with the decline, the number of viewers was high. It was an overwhelming number, comparable to Egan Paul on the Earth Server.

‘Considering that Egan is using special abilities to inflate his viewer count artificially, Chul-Soo is effectively the number one Streamer on the Earth Server.’

However, what was important to Joseph was not just the numbers. In his eyes, Jin-Hyeok had the natural quality of a true star. And a star of that caliber should not compete with others, but instead compete with one’s yesterday self and future self.

‘The quality of the content is inconsistent. Right now, it’s too boring. Chul-Soo’s unique characteristic has been completely missing in the livestreams for nearly three days. What’s important is not the absolute number of viewers, but the decreasing trend.’

However, Chul-Soo, in the livestream, did not seem to recognize the problem. This was good for Joseph. If the content quality fluctuated, Jin-Hyeok would eventually have to recognize his own limitations.

‘Huh?’

But the situation had changed slightly.

‘The situation itself is producing content for Jin-Hyeok!’

Since Joseph was viewing from a first-person perspective, he almost entirely knew what Chul-Soo was seeing. Many Assassins were caught by Broadcaster’s Clairvoyance. Suddenly, the content became interesting.

‘And it’s not just Assassins.’

There were other supporting Players and even a tank-class Player was approaching Jin-Hyeok.

‘There are just too many of them.’

Even Joseph, who was viewing the situation through the screen, felt tense. Someone was speaking quietly to Jin-Hyeok.

⌜Follow me quietly.⌟

⌜You are already surrounded.⌟

In an instant, the viewer count began to skyrocket. The channel’s maximum capacity of twenty thousand viewers was filled to the brim. A cold sweat trickled down Joseph’s back.

‘If Chul-Soo can overcome this… It’s an opportunity of a lifetime.’

The content was rolling in without Jin-Hyeok even having to try. Joseph considered this luck to be part of Jin-Hyeok’s abilities.

‘Just as I thought. He is undeniably a star sent from heaven.’

With eyes half filled with adoration, Joseph began to focus on Chul-Soo’s livestream.

⁎ ⁎ ⁎

Feeling cheerful, Jin-Hyeok grinned and spoke, “I guess Chairman Choi Ik-Hwan must have sent you guys, right? Are you guys in the Milky Way Alliance?”

Jin-Hyeok glanced around. Some flinched, while others pretended not to know what Jin-Hyeok was talking about.

“I have a feeling that a big battle is about to take place here. I advise non-Players to please take the utmost care of your safety. If possible, please move away from this area,” Jin-Hyeok said.

It was scary how habits persisted. Even though Jin-Hyeok was no longer a public official, nor did he have a duty to warn the public, Jin-Hyeok found himself kindly addressing the citizens without even thinking. Some heeded his words, searching for cover, while most just stood still, gawking at him.

‘Nothing’s changed. As usual.’

In truth, people never really obeyed Jin-Hyeok’s orders in his past life, either. Even when big incidents happened, they tended to think they wouldn’t get hurt. And when injuries or fatalities occurred, they always blamed Jin-Hyeok, the public official. However, out of courtesy, he warned the citizens again, “I will say it again. It looks like a big battle is about to happe—”

Jin-Hyeok couldn’t speak any further.

[You have activated the Trait 「Broadcaster’s Barrier」.]

Someone, he didn’t know who, had sniped Jin-Hyeok. He quickly picked up the fallen mana bullet.

“See? This is a dangerous area. Please leave the premises. I warned you.”

Even after showing evidence and speaking, people merely gazed vacantly. They always listened well when a nefarious villain warned them, but for some reason, they tended not to listen to government officials.

Jin-Hyeok continued with his livestream.

“But if I fight here, a lot of innocent civilians will get hurt.”

In the meantime, several more sniping attempts followed, and Jin-Hyeok blocked them all using the Broadcaster’s Barrier. There was a reason why Jin-Hyeok was using Broadcaster’s Barrier despite being in the vicinity to be protected by the Guardian Tree. Firstly, he still had not decided whether to reveal that he was the Planter of the Golden Guardian Tree, and secondly, he just felt uneasy.

‘There’s no crazy person who willingly gets shot just because they’re wearing a bulletproof vest!’

Jin-Hyeok was willing to get slashed, but a bullet was different. The sensation of being slashed by a blade and getting shot by a gun differed vastly. Jin-Hyeok never liked getting shot at.

“That’s why I told you to move.”

“Or you could just not attack me. Don’t try to justify yourself after striking first,” Jin-Hyeok said while shaking his head. He then started to speak to the viewers, “If things escalate here, these guys will definitely manipulate the media to portray me as the bad guy."

“Don’t move.”

‘Damn, this is giving me PTSD.’

Back in the day, Jin-Hyeok really worked hard as a public official, but some journalists and citizens treated him like a terrible villain. They accused him of killing a villain who could have been apprehended alive, or that innocent civilians died during his battles with monsters.

‘It pisses me off even thinking about it again. Why don’t they try it themselves?’

People had no idea how much Jin-Hyeok suffered because of those who, without knowing the actual situation, cried out about human rights. Of course, there were political issues behind the media portraying Jin-Hyeok as a bad guy, but explaining that would take too much time.

Anyway, Jin-Hyeok often ended up as a victim of media warfare.

“So far, about twelve bullets have targeted my head, coming from five directions,” Jin-Hyeok said.

“I’m warning you. Do not move!”

“Dude, I’m livestreaming right now. Just give me a second.”

Jin-Hyeok looked at the five directions they were shooting from. Thanks to the protection of the Guardian Tree and the All-Clear Achievement effect, Jin-Hyeok’s instincts were amplified beyond words. With his Broadcaster’s Clairvoyance, Jin-Hyeok could see everywhere, and how and where the opponents were hiding.

“I’m sure you viewers can see it too, right? Oh, there is even Steel Sniper whom we had met before. Judging by the orange and red colored Jobs, it seems those five are from the Pentagram. Their Levels are mostly in the late 50s.”

If there were a competent Ruler on their side, they would be spying on Jin-Hyeok’s livestream. Sure enough, the Pentagram members began to rise from their positions one by one. It was a significant advancement compared to the last time when they were just standing idly by.

“The distance is too far to kill them right now. I will deal with the enemies surrounding me first.”

Then, Jin-Hyeok stabbed the man who was standing next to him. The dagger that the man had hidden fell onto the ground.

“If you wanted to attempt an assassination, you should have approached without that bloodlust. If that’s too difficult, at least hide the weapon without giving yourself away.”

Chairman Choi Ik-Hwan seemed to have chosen to kill Jin-Hyeok with overwhelming power and strength. Honestly, it wouldn’t be easy if they went all out on Jin-Hyeok. After all, having a lot of manpower was considered an asset, and Jin-Hyeok was lacking in that aspect.

“Hey, Healer! You need to treat this man. Otherwise, he’s going to die soon.”

In truth, Jin-Hyeok had intended to kill him because that man had tried to kill Jin-Hyeok first. It was only natural for a person to be prepared to be stabbed when they were about to stab another person.

But then, a voice brushed past his mind.

[I wish no life was taken in my domain.]

It was the desperate voice of a child. Jin-Hyeok reflexively looked toward the Young Golden Guardian Tree. As if the words he had just heard were an illusion, no more voices were heard.

‘Hm…’

Jin-Hyeok could have dismissed it as a hallucination, but he chose not to. There was no doubt that the Guardian Tree had spoken to Jin-Hyeok.

Also, Jin-Hyeok was accustomed to capturing enemies without killing them, so he was willing to fulfill the voice’s wish.

“At this point, my party’s Healer still hasn’t come. She had to have seen my livestream,” Jin-Hyeok said.

This place was not far from Jin-Hyeok’s home. Since he confirmed that Jin-Sol was at home, she would have rushed here or called if she had seen the livestream.

“It seems the enemies have moved quite strategically this time.”

They had to have taken Jin-Sol hostage or attacked her. There was a high probability that Ik-Hwan had sent other Players to Jin-Hyeok’s party members.

Jin-Hyeok walked among the crowd.

“Now they’re starting to run away!”

The people didn’t run when he kindly warned them earlier, but they began to flee only after he stabbed a person.

“The members of the Milky Way Alliance, disguised as the crowd, are eagerly targeting me, and it’s a bit intimidating.”

‘Oh wait. I shouldn’t get too excited about livestreaming. Let’s pretend to be scared and intimidated.’

Jin-Hyeok had learned it last time about pretending to be scared even if he wasn’t and pretending to be in a crisis even if it was not one. This would enhance the quality and entertainment aspect of his livestream.

“I’m quite afraid, but I will fight until I fall. Thanks to Broadcaster’s Clairvoyance, I can clearly distinguish who is an enemy and who isn't.”

Jin-Hyeok was now a pro.

⁎ ⁎ ⁎

His name was Lee Jin-Seong and his Player name was Moist Liu Bei.[1]

Jin-Seong was a skilled Player, ranked seventh in the ruler class in the Korean Region. He was also a talent scouted by the Milky Way Alliance of the Shinil Group. Despite possessing remarkable skills, he was unable to join the Pentagram due to Ik-Hwan’s unusual love for snipers.

However, with the failure of the recent attack on Jin-Hyeok, the importance of a Ruler was highlighted, and Jin-Seong was able to rise rapidly as an essential figure of the Alliance.

‘My strategy is perfect,’ Jin-Seong thought.

He expected some casualties, for he never underestimated Jin-Hyeok.

‘Jin-Hyeok has mastered the effective usage of Broadcaster’s Barrier.’

Jin-Hyeok’s Broadcaster’s Barrier was an ability on a completely different level from other Streamers. Jin-Seoung thought it was appropriate to give it an entirely different name.

‘If Jin-Hyeok’s stamina is good, it’s reasonable to consider the Skill as an invincible barrier that blocks all attacks.’

Jin-Seong decided that thinking this way was the only way he could capture Jin-Hyeok.

‘Overall, his actual Level is at least 80.’

Jin-Seong followed his plan as conservatively as possible.

‘It’s better to assume he’s a Player with all abilities overwhelming the top-ranked Player in every class.’

This was especially true when it came to Jin-Hyeok’s use of his sword and his use of Broadcaster’s Barrier—they were exceptional.

‘However, human stamina is not infinite.’

No matter how resilient a person might be, they eventually tire. Through the screen, Jin-Seong could hear Jin-Hyeok’s breathing becoming faster and faster as time went by.

‘Jin-Hyeok values justice and public reputation.’

That was why Jin-Hyeok was not killing people. In fact, restraining them was much harder than killing them. Thanks to this, Jin-Hyeok seemed to tire more quickly than expected.

Jin-Seong reported back to Ik-Hwan.

“Jin-Hyeok will soon realize that he’s running out of stamina and will retreat. The expected retreat routes are these two. Either follow this main road to retreat or bypass this side road. The destination is his house where the Healer, Cha Jin-Sol, is at, or perhaps the Sareoga Mart Dungeon, where he can exert greater power.”

Ik-Hwan nodded approvingly.

“The Pentagram has moved to the location I designated earlier, pretending to leave their positions. They will hunt the tired Cha Jin-Hyeok there.”

Jin-Seong wanted to tell Jin-Hyeok that no matter how strong he was, he couldn’t do anything alone. Jin-Seong was confident that ultimately, this fight would be the Ruler’s victory.

In fact, Jin-Hyeok was actually becoming exhausted.

‘It’s harder than I thought when I’m outnumbered like this,’ Jin-Hyeok thought.

In a disorderly brawl, it might have been different, but Jin-Hyeok could feel that someone had diligently planned this. Little by little, following the main road, Jin-Hyeok retreated as Jin-Seong had orchestrated. Jin-Seong’s plan was meticulous, and the intermittently placed traps and Players greatly disrupted Jin-Hyeok’s concentration.

Continuous use of Broadcaster’s Barrier and Star Shield had significantly dulled Jin-Hyeok’s senses. Steel Sniper sensed the moment of opportunity.

‘It’s time to seek revenge,’ Steel Sniper thought.

Jin-Hyeok’s head was visible. This happened occasionally when the target appeared so large. In such cases, it was always a direct hit.

‘Bye.’

Steel Sniper used his most lethal Skill: Hyper-Sonic Mana Bullet.

[You have used the Skill 「Hyper-Sonic Mana Bullet」.]

He knew as soon as he pulled the trigger.

‘It’s a hit!’

Just as he expected, Jin-Hyeok couldn’t dodge it. Even his prided Broadcaster’s Barrier seemed to have failed.

‘His head must be gone by now.’

Steel Sniper lowered the barrel of his rifle, filled with a sense of achievement and relief. Various complex emotions welled up within him.

Pant. Pant.

He was supposed to be the hunter, yet he was also exhausted. But then, a voice came from behind.

“No! No! I’m disappointed in you again!”

It was Jin-Hyeok, wielding the Greatsword of La’kan.

“Y-You are…!”

“You should have confirmed that the target was dead. What are you doing not confirming the kill?”

Jin-Hyeok didn’t know why Steel Sniper kept ignoring these basics. It was true that Jin-Hyeok was a bit tired, but it was by no means a condition where he couldn’t use Star Shield. Jin-Hyeok easily blocked the attack with Stsr Shield at the right timing.

Jin-Hyeok sighed and swung his Greatsword with an indifferent face.

Slash!

The Greatsword rushed past the sniper’s head. A few strands of hair were cut off, and Steel Sniper fell on the floor.

‘Huh?’ Steel Sniper thought.

Jin-Hyeok had disappeared from his sight.

“It seems like he still hasn’t learned that in a situation like this, you must run away to gain distance,” Jin-Hyeok said to his viewers.

Steel Sniper felt someone grabbing his wrist, followed by a sense of emptiness.

Blood spurted out.

“ARGH!”

Steel Sniper no longer had his right hand. His life as a sniper came to an end.

Meanwhile, Jin-Seong, hiding his bubbling anger, said, “The situation is unfolding exactly as I have designed. With the small sacrifice of Steel Sniper, we will be able to kill him.”

Unaware of what was going on on Jin-Hyeok’s livestream, Jin-Seong continued briefing Chairman Choi Ik-Hwan with a sly smile.

1. Liu Bei was a warlord and the founding emperor of the state of Shu Han. He is most known for his role in the ‘Romance of the Three Kingdoms.’ He was portrayed as a virtuous and compassionate leader. ☜