Leveling Up through Eating

Minhyuk led his troop of 150 men as he started to take over the Immortals’ Land’s Zone 1.

[User Minhyuk’s contributions have reached 300,000.]

“N, no!!”

“Don’t increase your contributions!”

The Story Creation Team once again came to the Special Users Management Team to tear their heads off.

“This bad punk!”

“Why do you call him a bad punk when he’s so good at playing the game?”

Team Leader Park had told them bluntly. But their reactions were inevitable. Ever since Minhyuk ate up all the ‘tteoks’ their team was struggling to build an update towards a new direction. They only barely managed to sort things out but if things went on like this then they would be in very big trouble.

Having more points meant that they would have more supplies available to them. To be honest, just getting to Rank A would give them a huge benefit. However, it was quite hard to rack up the points that would allow them to go up to Rank A.

For them to be able to do so, they should literally use their individual war points to purchase the upgrade. And they would need hundreds of thousands of points to be able to do that. Usually, if a user exceeded 100,000 points they would be able to purchase an epic item at the Elf’s Shop. This meant that they would give up such an item for them to be able to upgrade the shop. However, it was not as easy as it sounds. Except for those who were not greedy for strength and power or for those who would think about the guild and allow them to go towards a good direction, none of the other users would willingly give up such an item.

This was the reason why they believed that users who could promote the shop to Rank A would only appear towards the end of the war episode. But right now, Minhyuk’s contribution points were already inching closer to the Rank A upgrade.

Furthermore, there was a bigger problem.

“What will happen if the Elf’s Heart falls into the hands of that user?”

His high contribution points were a problem but so was the Elf’s Heart.

In the past, the Ancient Elf, Lumias, was anxious about a war breaking out among the tribes. In the first place, elves hated fighting. However, just because they did not like fighting did not mean that they would just let their tribes go and be devoured by the war. So each of the three Elf Chiefs gathered their enormous and outstanding strength to create a powerful weapon that they could use in war. And that was none other than the ‘Elf’s Heart’.

The Elf’s Heart could only be used if they were in the land of the elves. Whether it be a village, a town, or a big city. It could be used anywhere in their lands.

“……What’s worse is that User Minhyuk has the mineral antarinium. It’s really a problem.”

The mineral antarinium had not yet revealed its full strength. Not long after, Team Leader Park spoke in a lackluster voice.

“There was a red skull mark in the Immortals’ Land area that User Minhyuk had seen. And the information about that area was already confirmed by another user. User Minhyuk can safely use his troops so he does not need to go to that dangerous area where he is not aware of the rewards at all. We can rest assured about that fact.”

“I guess so. His high contribution points is a bit inevitable but I guess I’m still glad about that fact.”

***

Minhyuk’s work and actions in the Immortals’ Land Zone 1 were as follows:

First, he would use his Create a Recipe skill for the 100 Iron Blood and Reapers soldiers who came under his command. Well, to be exact, for the additional 100 soldiers under the Rice Supplement company. He fed them consistently during the three meals a day as he helped them boost their powers.

And that was not the end of it all.

“Sharpen the blade!!”

[You have achieved the best sharpening for the Tong Sword.]

[The durability has increased sharply.]

[The attack power has increased.]

“Wipe the armor!”

[You have achieved the shiniest appearance for the Plate Armor.]

[The durability has increased sharply.]

[The defensive power has increased.]

The weapons and armors of all 150 men under him had increased dramatically! It was not just one or two but 150 people who had a tremendous boost to their strength.

What followed next was them sweeping the entire Zone 1 of the Immortals’ Land with ease. And since his knights moved so well on their own, Minhyuk did not even need to move around with his sword. All he did was to command them and shoot his bow from the rear.

[Caron has leveled up.]

[You have gained 1 charisma.]

[Ravis has leveled up.]

[You have gained 1 charisma.]

And the notifications did not stop there.

[You have broken through Area A-60 of the Immortals’ Land.]

[You have gained 10,000 contribution points.]

[You have broken through Area A-63 of the Immortals’ Land.]

[You have gained 10,000 contribution points.]

[You have broken through Area K-81 of the Immortals’ Land.]

[You have broken through six areas in three hours.]

[Commander User Minhyuk and his troops are running wild and breaking through areas with sheer force.]

[You have proven yourself to be an outstanding commander.]

[You have gained an additional 100 points to your charisma stat.]

Minhyuk checked his charisma stat. It seemed like it had already exceeded 200 points. This was only possible thanks to his good commanding ability that allowed him to level up his troops with only minimal damage.

They continued to move like that until they reached Zone 2 of the Immortals’ Land.

[You have reached Immortals’ Land Zone 2.]

[You have gained 50 reputation points.]

[You have gained 50,000 contribution points.]

Right now, if they were able to pass through Zone 2, then they could meet Prince Argon. So Minhyuk started to fight with his troops.

“Attack!”

The monsters have become more powerful but Minhyuk’s troops, which had all become stronger than him, could not be pushed back at all. And at one point, the notifications began to ring.

[The God of War, Eclei, has given up on the Gods’ Bet.]

[You have acquired the Food God’s Bizzare Tteokbokki Set.]

[You have acquired the final reward, the Food God’s Kitchen Knife.]

‘Huh? Gave up?’

Minhyuk had no choice but to tilt his head in confusion.

Eclei gave up the Gods’ Bet?

He did not know the exact reasons but perhaps it was because he lost all of his troops so he found it not worth his time.

When Minhyuk tried to check the final reward, the Food God’s Kitchen Knife, the notifications went off.

[You have acquired the world’s first Half-God artifact, the Food God’s Kitchen Knife.]

[Your name has climbed the Hall of Kings.]

***

Eclei immediately ran towards Zone 2 all by himself.

Were you wondering how he got there all by himself and without any troops? No. Eclei had troops but he just did not use them.

[You have summoned the battlefield’s descendants.]

A troop that consisted of thirty stone-like soldiers appeared.

He was saving it for later because of the cooldown. Just like what Bach had told him before, Eclei ran with his troops towards the tomb of the Fallen Spirit King. As soon as he arrived there, he fought against the Fallen Spirit King.

The Fallen Spirit King, Ifrit, was a Spirit King that fell due to the persistent attacks of magi on his body.

Crackle!

Ifrit’s crackling fire spear flew towards him while Eclei’s sword moved.

[War God’s Blessings.]

[The sword of the mighty God of War will penetrate the enemy.]

Flaaaash—

A powerful flash erupted from Eclei’s sword as it clashed against the burning fire spear.

‘As expected, this guy is not easy to deal with.’

The reason why a red skull marked this area in the map was because it was a very dangerous area. It also represented a risk for users to become demonic humans. However, in a way, it could also become a great merit.

Eclei was the first user to become a demonic human. Of course, there would be a fierce battle against other users but there would also be countless quests and rewards that he could gain by becoming a demonic human.

Anyway, Eclei was not a part of any guild and was only an individual! And becoming a demonic human would make him into a more powerful person.

[The God of War’s War Horse.]

Neigh!

A black horse suddenly appeared near Eclei while he was fighting a fierce battle. Eclei climbed up the horse as he began to move forward and push back the fallen Ifrit. And eventually, he was able to successfully hunt Ifrit.

[You have attacked the Tomb of the Fallen Spirit King.]

[The enormous magi that encroached and devoured upon the Fallen Spirit King has started encroaching upon your body.]

[You can’t reject the magi.]

[You have become a demonic human.]

[You have acquired 300 reputation points.]

[In the event of your death, your level will drop by 20.]

[In the event of your death, the artifact drop rate will increase dramatically.]

[The strength of the Fallen’s Fire encroaches upon your body.]

[You have acquired 500 magi stats.]

[All of your stats have increased by 20%.]

[We are announcing the birth of the first Demonic Human User in the entire Korean Server.]

[The first person to hunt the Demonic Human will be rewarded with 400,000 contribution points and the Elf’s Heart.]

Crackle!

A burning black flame penetrated through his body as Eclei’s body began to turn black.

At the same time, the country began to buzz in excitement.

[Nims, Amazing! The first demonic human appears from among our country men!!!]

[Wow. Demonic Humans are a new race, right?]

[That’s right. But what’s surprising is the fact that transforming into a new race is a completely different concept from changing job classes. Once you change into a new race then your job class will be strengthened.]

[Wow. So jealous. Does that mean that if I become a demonic human then I can get more artifacts and rewards from the demons and the demon world?]

[Of course. Wow. Really jealous……!]

And 15 minutes later, the people in the official homepage as well as the community sites were still chatting about the demonic human.

[Then, if you become a demonic human you’ll be able to gain demonic monsters and a territory? Amazing…..]

[And it was said that being a demonic human means that you will get stronger too. And unless the person was not at a very high level, then it will be impossible to challenge him. He’s almost like a very powerful being.]

And that was the time when another message hit the entire country.

[The Fire Demonic Human has been killed.]

[Rewards will now be given to the user who successfully hunted the Fire Demonic Human.]

[……?]

[……?]

[……?]

[……?]

All the articles and comment sections were plastered with question marks for a moment. Then, the comments started to flood in again.

[What kind of punk dies as soon as he becomes a demonic human?]

[Who’s the demonic human? Come out.]

[I feel sorry for the demonic human…… He died as soon as he changed races? Hahahahahaha. I feel really sorry for you. Hahahaha.]

[Wooow! Mom, Dad, look I’m a demonic human! I’m really strong! Bring it on! Then poof! Then uwaaa! You did it like that, right?! Hehehehe. Pathetic! Hahahaha!]

And this article could be seen at the top of the real-time search keywords list.

‘Sympathy for the Demonic Human.’

It was an article that came out as it described their pity and sympathy for the demonic human.

***

Fifteen minutes ago.

Eclei was recalling what Bach had told him before.

According to Bach, the enemy was weak and filled with holes. Of course, his enemy got 150 knights to accompany him but he had 200 corrupted spirits to match against them. And he had also become 20% stronger than before.

Eclei was filled with confidence at the thought of crushing the bastard who became so happy after winning against Bach by such a narrow margin.

Not long after, Eclei could see him and his men advancing towards Zone 2.

‘As expected, he still pulls his bow from the rear.’

Eclei clicked his tongue before issuing an order. His 200 corrupted spirits with levels at 450 and attacks that could deal with tremendous damages rushed forward. At that exact same moment, a knight, who was cleaning up the mobs in the front, was pierced with a trident on his chest by a Warrior of the Fallen Fire.

Crackle!

“Keok!!”

“……?”

“Keuhahahahaah! You bastards! You should have obeyed us!!!”

The knight who was pierced through his chest collapsed.

The spirits launched a fierce attack and the knights collapsed one by one.

Step, step—

Eclei slowly walked away.

At the same time, Minhyuk tilted his head in wonder before speaking.

“Who……?”

“……It, It’s Eclei!”

***

Minhyuk asked the question even though he knew that Eclei found his appearance to be very annoying. It seemed like those two-legged spirits were much stronger than what he thought.

Then, Eclei said……

“……It’s Eclei!”

“Oh my, my! I know that you’re already ugly but I still did not recognize you!”

Minhyuk bared his teeth as he laughed loudly.

He knew that he needed to minimize the damage on his troops so he decided to make an inevitable choice. The Iron Blood and Reapers might feel a bit tearful but they have already become his loyal subordinates so he believed that it would be fine.

Minhyuk first used the Saint’s Protection. A bright light burst out and covered Minhyuk’s body. And along with the light, all of his stats and attack power increased by 30% of his holy power.

Turn, turn, turn—

Then, he quickly took out his millstone and turned it.

“This fucking bastard! Have you gone crazy before your death……”

At that moment……

Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang!

Hundreds of lightning bolts rained down on Eclei and his 200 corrupted spirits.

“Keuaaaack!”

Eclei was shocked. He had received enormous damage and about 10% of the spirits under him had died.

“Huh? It’s not over yet?”

The soldiers from the Iron Blood and the Reapers company who stood behind Minhyuk all watched the scene with open mouths.

“Blooming Sword.”

As soon as he stabbed his sword to the ground…..

Stab, stab, stab, stab, stab—

Hundreds of sword blades popped out of the ground as they stabbed the spirits.

Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang!

Then, a round of explosions devoured and engulfed Minhyuk’s enemies.

“Keuaaaack!”

[Your HP has dropped below 80%.]

[Your HP has dropped below 60%.]

However, Eclei still remained steadfast so Minhyuk decided to use his new skill. It was a skill that he had received after he received the Food God’s Kitchen Knife and ate the Food God’s Bizzare Tteokbokki Set.

There was a special skill attached to the Food God’s Kitchen Knife……

(Rain of Kitchen Knives)

Artifact Skill

Level: None

Mana Required: 3,000

Penalty: None

Cooldown: 480 hours

Effects: Hundreds of strong and powerful kitchen knives with an additional 200% damage will fall down from the sky and crush your enemies.

“Rain of Kitchen Knives.”

Minhyuk threw the Food God’s Kitchen Knife high up in the sky. When it reached a high altitude, a powerful light bursted out of its body.

Flash—

Eclei couldn’t help but look up at the sky.

Stab!

Then, a kitchen knife dropped from the sky and extinguished a spirit that was standing beside him.

He could see hundreds of knives with glinting blades floating up in the air.

“Yo, you bastard! You’ve been hiding your identity from us……!”

Before he could finish his words, the kitchen knives began to rain down.

Stab, stab, stab, stab, stab, stab!

The hundreds of kitchen knives that fell from the air killed Minhyuk’s enemies.

“Keop!”

Eclei saw his HP drop by 30% when a kitchen knife pierced his body.

‘I, impossible……!’

He’s definitely a ranker too but what kind of goddamn damage is this?

It did not even cross his mind that him being a demonic human was the cause of this all. It was because he transferred and changed into this race that brought about his downfall.

Then, the notifications rang.

[All of your troops have been wiped out.]

[Your HP has dropped below 10%.]

And that was when Eclei realized what it meant when he was told that the rewards would go to the person or being that killed him.

What he did could be explained simply. We can compare it to cooking and eating. He worked hard to cook before scooping up the food with his spoon and bringing it to his mouth while saying ‘Hurry up, have a bite!’. It was a perfect analogy of his situation.

“Shit, you fucker!!”

However, the final kitchen knife fell down and stabbed him on his head.

Stab!

And then, a black screen encroached upon his vision.

Fwiiiiish!

Eclei couldn’t help but stagger and bow down when his capsule opened. He stared in space with a blank and dazed look for quite a long time.

He was quite delighted and pleased by the fact that he became the first demonic human user. However, his happiness was stripped off of him within just 15 minutes of receiving it. What was worse was the fact that he dropped his most cherished artifact that would not be available until the end of the Demon World Invasion Episode.

Plop, plop, plop—

Droplets of hot and burning tears fell down from his left eye as he stared blankly into space.

“Sob! Fucker……”

Later, Eclei was selected by the users as the third most pitiful user in the Athenae game.

***