Artifact-Devouring Player

Chapter 185: Unmeasurable – (3)

Byeon Kitae: Shin Sanghyun, is he insane? He’s provoking Ma Dongho like that right to his face? He’s going to get shredded, bones and all!

OctopusGame: Hey, Shin Sanghyun’s coin is mooning right now. What do you mean shredded? Even Ma Dongho can’t be so sure!

Dudungtak: No matter what, there’s a gap. You think Shin Sanghyun’s going to win? That guy is just plain screwed.

DogThatBarksAtCrazies: Bark bark bark bark bark!

Sanghyun’s act of raising his middle finger in front of Ma Dongho was broadcast live across all kinds of media outlets.

Not to mention the popular Flutube channel. The manager even belatedly slapped on an age restriction.

“Hoo.”

From behind Ma Dongho, Joo Eunhye observed Sanghyun with folded arms.

Until now, not a single player had shown such an aggressive reaction to Ma Dongho.

The reason was simple.

Anyone who had done so had been completely destroyed.

Perhaps because of that learned response, only those who acted politely had survived afterward.

But Sanghyun provoked Ma Dongho without hesitation.

As expected, Ma Dongho furrowed his brow deeply and leaned toward Sanghyun, speaking.

“Are you confident?”

“Of course. Why else would I come out here and play along with your cheap tricks?”

Sanghyun spoke in a low, calm voice with a smile, showing no hint of wavering.

Spectators strained their ears to catch their conversation, but couldn’t hear anything.

That’s how intense the heat of the scene was, and naturally, emotions were rising.

“It’s not too late, Shin Sanghyun. It’s a death match. If you’re unlucky, you’ll die. At best, you’ll end up half-crippled.”

“That’s what I should be saying to you. If you don’t want your career to end here, scram.”

“You’re fearless.”

“You’re not even embarrassed? Asking for a match with a player way lower than you.”

“What?”

“Forget it. What’s the point in talking to someone whose head is filled with nothing but udon noodles, just scheming to screw others over?”

Sanghyun’s words were clearly intentional. It was a tone he rarely used.

Especially the last line was loud enough to immediately go viral on the broadcast.

Apata: He’s insane, lol. He just straight-up said Ma Dongho’s head is full of udon noodles!

Maseokdo: Honestly, looking at the matchup, it’s obvious someone paid Mistery off properly.

Lee Joongoo: Hah, today’s just the perfect weather for Shin Sanghyun to die.

PantyHouse: What’s the Union doing? No matter who dies, it’s a loss for the country.

MisterLee: But if he wants to become a name, he can’t refuse this. All our national name players came from Mistery Matches.

Fiery chatter poured out in the live broadcast chat.

Most admitted the power gap—yet they still wanted to see the match-up.

Many defended it as a kind of rite of passage.

It also showed that while they were cheering for Sanghyun, they still doubted his growth.

In short, there was a strong desire to see his skills officially verified.

Some even harbored a petty desire to see the rising star brought back down to earth.

“Let’s see if your mouth still runs inside the arena. Mistery match? I don’t give a damn about that. You’re dying today.”

“Do as you please. If you had to beg to rig the match like this, then it’s clear what kind of guy you are. See you later.”

Sanghyun quickly walked away, looking at Ma Dongho with utter disgust, as if he were trash.

His expression was so vivid that even Joo Eunhye’s face changed as she watched.

“That little bastard.”

Ma Dongho ground his teeth as he watched Sanghyun’s retreating back.

He was the one who rigged the board from the beginning. So why did he feel so irritated?

It was probably because Sanghyun reacted in a way he hadn’t expected—without a hint of fear.

The rumors spread like wildfire.

While waiting in the lounge for his match with Ma Dongho.

Sanghyun was checking messages from numbers he had saved—only those he had personal connections with.

Kim Miso had only sent a short message wishing him to stay safe.

Probably out of consideration, not wanting to worry him by saying too much.

Messages from Ham Jiyeon and Do Kyunghye were filled with concern, so he stopped reading halfway.

Their sorrowful feelings came through. Of course, it was the expected response, so he didn’t take it to heart.

What caught his interest was the message from Kosaka Yui in Japan.

[Your real-time video related to Mistery’s invitation is being broadcasted locally in Japan.]

[There’s a lot of interest. We really love stories of growth with drama.]

[I’m honestly very worried, but I believe you must have your own conviction!]

At her words, he searched on his smartphone.

Sure enough, Japanese Flutube channels had even more viewers than the Korean ones.

Especially on channels related to him—Sanghyun—the visitor traffic was so high it caused delays.

“It really turned into a showcase.”

He had accepted it with that intention, but the stage had grown even larger than expected.

Add a bit of exaggeration, and anyone remotely interested in Player content was now paying attention.

The invitation had begun just like that.

As expected, the sparring matches labeled "Safe Matches" drew little response.

Both players wore full protective gear and safety equipment, draining gauges like a fighting game.

Of course, there was still some entertainment value in it, but viewers weren’t exactly thrilled.

Because they knew it was all a prearranged scam.

In reality, players knew they wouldn’t kill each other, so they often staged moves according to a set plan.

They used it as an opportunity to show off their flashy skills—not to stake their lives.

Only after all the Safe Matches, like homework done in a rush over summer break, did the atmosphere start to heat up.

Viewers who had the channel running in the background but weren’t watching suddenly began flooding in.

A battle between spear and shield.

Media outlets were already packaging the match-up between Sanghyun and Ma Dongho in flashy headlines.

Simultaneously, real-time odds from foreign betting sites were being updated.

The payout ratio for betting on Ma Dongho’s win was 1.05! In other words, everyone predicted his overwhelming victory.

People must have seen it as an easy chance to make a 5% gain, as a massive amount of money was pouring in on Ma Dongho.

‘A high-speed blitz should do it.’

Sanghyun concluded his thoughts before the battle.

Naturally, he had no intention of showing mercy to Ma Dongho, nor of sparing him at the last moment.

There are no games in life.

Risking your life isn’t something to take lightly either.

For Sanghyun, who had deeply experienced the precious value of life, it was only natural.

“Five minutes.”

It had to end within this time. Because Ma Dongho was indeed stronger than him.

The more time he gave, especially to a defense-oriented player, the quicker any gaps would close.

Considering all variables, the result had to be decided within five minutes—either Sanghyun would die, or Ma Dongho would.

Welcome, audience!

At that moment.

The voice of the announcer rang out.

It was the voice of a famous caster who had worked across various fields including e-sports.

Sanghyun had often heard this voice when he used to watch game TV before awakening as a player.

A death match hosted by Mistery and approved by the Korean Player Union is about to begin!

Before the match, we’ve invited two experts. For commentary, we have So Hyeongjun and Dokgo Yoon!

The appearance of these commentators was unexpected. Usually, it was common to bring in reporters who were former players.

So if it was a hot topic, it was typically because Park Jungmin was doing the commentary.

Most of the time, it was unknown journalists trying to make a name for themselves.

But this time, the weight of the commentators was entirely different.

Sword God So Hyeongjun. Sword Devil Dokgo Yoon.

Two top-tier swordsmen, not just spectating, but personally offering insight and perspective as commentators!

‘This’ll be fun.’

Sanghyun grinned.

Actually, this was perfect.

Eventually, he’d have to face both of them during his growth.

And the odds of them being adversaries rather than allies were extremely high.

It wouldn’t hurt at all to leave a strong impression on them now.

“Whether I win or lose, I’m definitely becoming a known name.”

A simple conclusion.

Sanghyun stood from his seat.

All preparations were complete.

Today, the Nameless Sword in his hand felt more comfortable than ever.

It was as if even without thinking, the sword would naturally sync with him and follow his rhythm.

Step. Step. Step.

The heat of the gathered crowd outside didn’t yet reach the perfectly soundproof waiting room.

But as Sanghyun stood in front of the exit that led outside.

Psssh. Shhhh.

With a hissing sound, the door to the soundproof room opened.

Waaah! Waaaaah!

And the roar of the crowd reached him.

The first thing that caught his eye were the many players directly ahead, and the flags waving above them.

It was clearly the emblem and flag of the Sun Guild. They were Ma Dongho’s supporters.

‘At this level, it’s pretty much an away game.’

Sanghyun chuckled bitterly.

It felt like watching South Korea’s national team playing an away World Cup qualifier in Iran.

Everyone visible in the crowd was cheering for Ma Dongho.

But right then.

“Shin Sanghyun, fighting!”

“We believe in justice! Someone get rid of that bullying bald-headed swordsman!”

“Our Flaming Sword Demon supports Do Kyungsoo, but we support Shin Sanghyun even more! You can do it!”

From behind him, from above, loud cheers erupted—so loud that Sanghyun couldn’t ignore them.

All of them were shouting Sanghyun’s name, cheering for him with all their strength.

‘Wow. There are more than I thought?’

The other side was filled with supporters for Ma Dongho and the Sun Guild.

But this side was packed with people cheering solely for Sanghyun.

Giant placards, no idea who made them, were proudly displayed in several spots.

And across from him.

Boom. Boom. Boom.

The hulking Ma Dongho marched with arrogant steps, slowly approaching Sanghyun.

The greatsword in both his hands looked twice as thick and heavy as the one Sanghyun held.

‘That’s at least a legendary-grade Artifact. If I win, that means it’s mine, right?’

In Mistery’s death match, of course, the winner takes all. The loser loses everything.

Shiiing.

Facing Ma Dongho head-on, Sanghyun raised his Nameless Sword.

Five minutes. Or 300 seconds.

The match had to be settled within that.

It wouldn’t be easy.

But if he won, he could gain so much. Enough to call it a massive turning point in his life after regression!

To defeat a name-class player was, realistically, a miracle that shouldn’t be possible.

Then, now we begin the death match between Player Ma Dongho and Player Shin Sanghyun!

As the caster’s voice boomed across the entire arena, the life-risking battle began.

And the very moment it started—

Fwoosh!

“Ohh!”

“He vanished!”

Sanghyun’s figure completely disappeared.