Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

Chapter 125 [Title: No, how the hell are we supposed to stop the Face Thief's infiltration?] Content: Just watching this makes me want to say it's complete bullshit Been banging my head against this for 3 hours now and it's just shit -: You did something wrong -[OP]: lol what What did I do wrong? Tell me what I did and how I did it -: When you think it's getting pretty shitty You should just think "oh this is how it is" and move on, but you tried to overcome that shittiness -[OP]: Ah -: How dare you try to achieve something in the game? Trying to avoid shitty developments? You should suffer a bit -: Every time I come here I notice The people here seem to have a really high understanding of the game -: Developer: Get pissed off here User: Yes Developer: Get angry here User: Yes Developer: Struggle with helplessness and despair here User: Yes -: But aren't the real high-intelligence people with high game understanding the ones who tasted whether this game was shit or soybean paste and escaped before getting infected with shit poisoning? -: Agreed -: Yeah we don't need those guys in our game Kids like OP who waste time and emotions banging their heads against the void are our real comrades -[OP]: Fuck you -[OP]: But seriously, is this really impossible to clear? I want to clear it even out of spite -: Setting passwords < Figures it out anyway Setting items to prove identity < Gets them anyway ; Being as careful as possible < Anyway creates opportunity to steal faces by poisoning ; And can copy face+voice+abilities in real time ; How do you stop this This bastard is just James Bond Anyway he does it -: James Bond scratching his balls at home gets startled lololol -: "Director, I can't do that lololol" -: Stop the power struggle with the game and just send the Special Forces At least they let you kill him in the boss fight -[OP]: Ugh *** Face Thief. His infiltration was perfectly executed. So much so that it made the brief mistake he had made while being consumed by the Mental Image contained in the sword he stole from Risir seem meaningless. As someone had expressed, his infiltration produced only perfect results as if the process had been skipped entirely. He shook off the Evil Sword's Mental Image, returned to Brien's appearance, and came back to Gus's Mansion where the Special Forces were stationed. He broke through the Special Forces' vigilance, infiltrated among them, and gathered information. The information that Tua, at Dray's request, periodically met with Risir to teach him swordsmanship. After identifying the exact cycle and timing, he approached Risir. He fed him poisoned food and rendered him defenseless. Thus, he attended the meeting with Tua in Risir's place and obtained the opportunity to steal her sword. It was an absurd infiltration created by combining a Master assassin's skills with the abilities of the Faceless One's Fluid. If someone were to question the Face Thief with "How?", his response was predetermined. Anyway, he did it. Because that absurdity was neither explainable nor understandable. Therefore, seeing through it was impossible, let alone dealing with it. The Face Thief's infiltration was perfectly executed and should have concluded perfectly. But why? The Face Thief's infiltration was discovered, and he faced the worst possible situation without exception. Risir. Entirely because of his existence. "How..." The Face Thief naturally expressed his doubt. How was all of this possible? Risir responded to the Face Thief's question with a serene expression. -Anyway, I did it. His serene expression seemed to be saying just that. "..." Face Thief. It was the moment when the absurdity he possessed was covered by something even greater. *** ▷Fate 74: Face Thief - Has been deactivated. Corresponding Perks will be granted. *** The untimely experience of role reversal brought the Face Thief intense emotional turmoil instead of deep enlightenment. 'Damn annoying bastard...!' The gentle impression of 'Risir' that the Face Thief was mimicking crumbled. He glared at Risir with deep hatred. He wanted to tear apart the bastard who had ruined everything right here and now. 'No, calm down.' However, he was indeed someone who had risen to the rank of Master as an assassin. Even in this situation, he perfectly controlled himself and observed the circumstances. This was the backyard of Gus's Mansion. Their stronghold. Moreover, Special Forces Captain Tua was watching with piercing eyes right beside him. Her hand was positioned on the sword at her waist. The standoff had already begun. The moment either side made a move, combat would immediately commence. 'I don't sense any particular presence around. This isn't an ambush. It's simple discovery. That means only the Special Forces Captain and that mutant bastard are here in this location.' The Special Forces Captain was a 7th Rank middle-tier Swordsman. While the mutant's exact abilities couldn't be measured, his realm itself remained at 6th Rank late-tier. It was possible. If he set his mind to it, he was confident he could face both simultaneously and take their lives. 'But it would take quite a lot of time. And it would involve tremendous commotion in the process.' This was the heart of enemy territory. If combat began, enemy reinforcements would arrive quickly. 'By then, it would be too late even if I tried to escape the location.' He already knew what the best choice was. 'If I'm determined to flee, they have no way to stop me.' 'They have even less way to pursue me.' 'It's regrettable that I can't steal the Special Forces Captain's sword, but-' 'It's fine. No need to be impatient. As long as I have the Faceless One's Fluid, time is on my side. This world is in the palm of my hand.' The Face Thief made a gesture of reaching for the sword at his waist. Then Tua and Risir stepped back to create distance. This made it easier to prepare for combat, but conversely made it more difficult to catch the fleeing Face Thief. It was exactly as the Face Thief had aimed. Just as the Face Thief was about to take the best choice of fleeing and everything was about to end inconclusively. -You bug who doesn't know your place! How long do you plan to keep mimicking that appearance?! What Risir summoned- No, the ash-gray fire Spirit that Risir brought out. It shouted toward the Face Thief. -I want to bring a mirror right now and show you your pathetic state! -That foolish sight of not knowing your place and trying to imitate the sun only to burn yourself! -It's time to wake up from your dreams! -Live a life crawling on the ground befitting your station, and have a wretched heart grateful for it! -You clown who has no talent other than wearing masks! -Now try wearing the most miserable mask you possess, the mask of your true self! The aspiring non-demon, whose master had been impersonated, poured out cursed words in his anger. "..." An even greater shock was dealt to the Face Thief's pride, which had already been cracked by multiple impacts. His face flushed red, and his eyes became bloodshot as if soaked in blood. The Evil Sword's Mental Image that he had barely shaken off began to penetrate his emotional turmoil and tried to consume him once again. 'Calm down!' The Face Thief berated himself inwardly. He mustn't get caught up in provocation. His path to victory wasn't mutual destruction with them, but escaping from this place. They would worry about his existence and suffer from endless anxiety. He mustn't ruin things with momentary pride and emotion. He had to stick to the decision made when his mind was even slightly intact. Run away. Right now. The Face Thief's reason screamed. -Tsk. Pathetic bastard. Then another voice was heard. Another Spirit that Risir brought out- It was a girl Spirit with navy blue short hair. She looked at the Face Thief and revealed sincere contempt. -From what I see, you tried to imitate Risir's sword and got devoured by its Mental Image. An absolute mimicry ability for someone who doesn't even know his own place... Fine. Enjoy that ability to your heart's content while you can. In your final moment, what kills you will be none other than that very ability. "Aaaaagh! You worthless things! I'll kill you all, all of you!" An aspiring non-demon. A murderer. By the two Spirits who knew better than anyone how to strike at people's sensitive spots, the Face Thief's eyes completely snapped. He drew his sword and charged. Tua blocked his path. Combat began. "Sir Tua! I'll provide cover!" Risir immediately drew up his Magical Power while asking Dangaleon. 'Dangaleon! Why did you suddenly provoke that guy?' -I thought about what I would do if I were in that bug's position! He was probably thinking of running away! That bug's abilities are truly bug-like, more worrying when they're not visible! 'So you provoked him to prevent his escape? For the best outcome?' -Keeping such a foolish bug in the palm of my hand is nothing at all! 'Wow... you really seemed like a demon just now.' Risir was genuinely impressed. -Kraaaaah! What praise! This is truly the height of ecstasy- No, wait! This is wrong! I am not an unclean being like a demon! 'I got it, so tell me from a non-demonic perspective. That guy- how should we deal with him?' For the past few days. Tua had actually taught Risir swordsmanship to lure out the Face Thief, and most of that instruction took the form of sparring. Tua's skill, having left the early 7th Rank and reached middle-tier, was overwhelming. Risir had never once gained the upper hand in sparring with her. "Urgh...!" That Special Forces Captain was showing signs of being pushed back against the Face Thief. -Certainly, he's a troublesome opponent to deal with. Clana, who had been watching with her arms crossed, said. -Late 7th Rank Magical Power and the ability to handle multiple swordsmanship styles simultaneously. That wench Tua isn't an opponent who can handle him. 'Then he'd be too much for me as well.' -Normally, yes. But you have my sword, don't you? If that Enhancement ability is added to it- your sword can definitely reach him. "..." Risir looked down at his hands with a serious expression. -What is it? Don't tell me, just now- Breath Stealing executed in an Enhanced state. That was a technique Risir could only fully deploy when in perfect condition and pouring everything into it. And Risir had just used his Enhancement ability as a password(?), experiencing Overload. Even if he deployed that technique in his current state, not only would its precision and completeness be lacking, but the side effects would certainly be severe. -Then rather than trying to do something alone for no reason, call for support first. The fact that he's too much for the two of you to handle doesn't change. I should have said this first, but I'm only thinking of it now. Damn. 'Ah, don't worry about that.' -What do you mean don't worry? You're not going to spout nonsense about catching that bastard with your own power, are you? 'That's not it, support has already been requested. I sent a signal to Mangnus who was waiting nearby.' -What? When exactly did you-... 'When I said I'd provide cover just now. While diverting attention by saying I'd provide cover, I actually requested support.' Just then, Mangnus appeared from across the backyard, confirmed the situation, and immediately drew his sword to charge at the Face Thief. "No, how already...!" He couldn't hide his bewilderment at the support that arrived faster than expected. His breathing and sword wavered for a moment. They didn't miss that opportunity. The Face Thief, who had been constantly pressuring Tua with his superior realm and irregular swordsmanship, was suddenly driven into a defensive position. -...What kind of bastard is this. Clana muttered as if fed up while looking at Risir. *** Risir immediately joined the coordinated attack. He provided cover with sand winds while carefully observing the combat situation. 'Damn, the level is disgustingly high.' His expression contorted. That speed. Power. The Magical Power contained in sword and movement. The combat of 7th Rank swordsmen literally proceeded on a dimension one level higher than Risir's. He couldn't dare to think of interfering. If he could leave the close combat to the two of them and end the situation with long-range support, that would be truly desirable, but- 'He's really like a monster.' The Face Thief ruthlessly trampled on Risir's expectations. Tua and Mangnus's swords constantly pressured the Face Thief from both directions. The coordination of the two masters who had countless exchanges was like one body. Nevertheless, the Face Thief wasn't easily caught up in that coordination. Whenever their coordination showed signs of gaining momentum, the Face Thief would invariably change his swordsmanship to break their flow. As the exchanges continued, the Face Thief's interference became more cunning. He began to steal Tua and Mangnus's swords, intervening in their coordination. He, who had been driven into defense, was somehow regaining momentum. Even while being attacked by two people. "Urgh-" "Monster bastard...!" A temporary stalemate. Tua and Mangnus's groans burst out in between. Risir intuited. That at this rate, it would obviously become a war of attrition. When additional support arrived and the Face Thief was completely subdued. Someone among them would be down. Definitely. A decisive blow was needed. A decisive blow that could break through the Face Thief's unreasonable coping ability. "!!!" That's when it happened. Risir's pupils dilated. His senses had caught the Face Thief's opening. 'I have to do it now!' Risir set aside all thoughts and drew out all his strength. His heart pounded! His Magical Power ran wild and began drawing out power beyond his limits. Step by step, Risir closed the distance with the Face Thief matching the pace of his Enhancement. When all preparations were complete. "Both of you, step aside!" Tua and Mangnus stepped aside in unison, creating a path between Risir and the Face Thief. Risir's body cut through the wind as it sprinted down that path. All movements of Breath Stealing were fully deployed. It was the moment when Risir, having approached within striking distance of the Face Thief in an instant, swung his sword at him. "Cough!" Blood poured from his mouth. The moment he tried to infuse his sword with energy, his limit had been reached. "Urk...!" The Face Thief kicked Risir away. Risir's body flew through the air. Mangnus and Tua quickly ran and caught his body. In the meantime, the Face Thief grabbed his own throat and checked. A smile spread across his lips. 'Shallow.' Risir's strike had failed. And- "Risir, are you alright?!" "Cough...!" Risir was pouring blood from every opening in his face. Symptoms of severe Overload. The biggest threat had been eliminated. "Kahahaha!" The Face Thief burst into mad laughter while looking at Risir vomiting blood in Tua's arms. It wasn't just rejoicing at the hateful enemy's pain. Right now he was feeling surging elation. The Enhancement ability that had backed Risir's strike just before. The Faceless One's Fluid had finally managed to steal even that incomprehensible ability. 'Yes! This is it! This is the Faceless One's Fluid! He is nothing before this power!' The experience of being consumed by the Mental Image when he stole that bastard's sword came to mind. But now he was in a state of surrendering to instinct rather than reason. The Face Thief was instantly intoxicated by that omnipotence and willingly accepted everything that power brought. "Ahh..." The Face Thief fell into ecstasy. Power was boiling up. Power was boiling up and boiling up. Power was boiling up and boiling up and boiling up and boiling up and boiling up and boiling up and boiling up-... "...?" The Face Thief's expression, which had been immersed in ecstasy, changed rapidly. Something was wrong. It was the moment when he belatedly felt something amiss and tried to take action. Hot liquid like boiling water flowed from his eyes. Then from his ears- Then from his nose- Then from his mouth- "...???" He poured blood from every opening in his face without knowing why. Something was wrong. He looked at Risir to identify the cause. Risir, who was dying like himself from the side effects of this power- "Huh?" He made a nonchalant sound and stood up from his position. He too was bleeding from every opening in his face, but his expression was completely serene. *** ▷Fate 74: Face Thief - Has been deactivated. Corresponding Perks will be granted. ... ... ... [Experience Points are automatically distributed] ■Risir Level 60(58) > 59 Status Ailment has been recovered. [Status Ailment: Overload (High)] *** "..." Risir looked at the Face Thief and scratched the back of his head. -Anyway, that's how it turned out. It was as if such a voice could be heard. Soon, he composed himself as if nothing had happened. The dried bloodstains drawn all over his face were overlaid with newly flowing blood. He spoke quietly to Tua and Mangnus. "Let's go right away before he regains consciousness." Tua and Mangnus, who had not yet regained their composure, could not react.