Chapter 23: Ambush (2)
The van rolled across the asphalt before crashing into a roadside tree, barely coming to a stop.
After blocking the vehicle with a thrown hand axe, Cheon Bigang leapt down from the pillar and approached the overturned van.
“…Ugh.”
Through the shattered window, the unconscious driver and passenger could be seen groaning.
From the failed drone ambush to the attempted escape in the vehicle, less than a minute had passed.
They were well-prepared.
“……”
Even though the vehicle had overturned, Cheon Bigang did not lower his guard.
From the rear cargo area, an unpleasant noise scratched at his mind.
Sothing was there.
[Plan A failed]
[Confird vehicle overturn]
[…Complete]
[Checking new command]
[Plan B confird through operational adjustnt]
[Confirming wearer’s intent]
[…Complete]
[Executing Plan B]
[Sword Spirit System activated, eliminating all obstacles]
[Transitioning to Phase Level 3]
Wiiiiing.
A precise chanical hum began.
Thud—blades the size of an adult’s palm shot out from the vehicle.
A faint white glow gathered on their surface, heating the air with a sizzling sound.
‘Sword Energy.’
The mont he saw it, Cheon Bigang stepped back.
Like a snake erging from an egg, the blade surged and began shredding the van.
Shu-hah-hah-hak!
In an instant, the van was cut into eight pieces.
As if considering them obstacles, the blades carved up the unconscious n as well, ending their lives.
Heat radiated from the severed engine, glowing orange.
From within the wreckage, a person stepped out.
A voice echoed through the helt.
The attacker wore a combat helt and a full-body enhanced suit.
This chanical armor, designed for martial artists, was known as Combat Armor.
Just as soldiers once wore helts and armor on the battlefield, martial artists now wore Combat Armor when deployed.
The matte-black armor made the attacker resemble a painted guardian deity.
Swish!
Sothing long and thin moved.
From behind the attacker’s back, a flat, elongated tail made of connected tal segnts rose.
The sa tail that had sliced the van like paper.
‘A tail?’
Cheon Bigang observed it carefully.
It moved like a living creature.
The attacker spoke,
“I’ve never seen it.”
Shu-hak!
The attacker lowered his body.
The tail struck forward.
Its blade, glowing white, resembled a venomous serpent.
“Hmph!”
Cheon Bigang deflected it and grabbed the tail.
Crack.
He tried to pull the attacker in—
But suddenly—
Light surged along the tail.
Sword Energy erupted from each segnt.
“…!”
Slash.
His palm was cut.
Had he held on longer, his fingers would have been severed.
Yet Cheon Bigang imdiately changed tactics and charged forward.
If the tail couldn’t be controlled, he would subdue the user.
Papapat!
As he rushed in, the attacker panicked and raised his arm.
Click.
A gun barrel extended.
Ratatatat!
Bullets flew in straight lines.
Cheon Bigang shifted—
Then—
A sharp sensation pierced his senses.
“…!”
Instinct.
He twisted his body—
Slash!
The blade cut his shoulder.
Boom!
The sound ca after.
Supersonic speed.
The tail curved again, launching consecutive strikes.
Papapapang!
Cheon Bigang retreated, narrowly avoiding them.
The attack patterns were abnormal.
Yet strangely—
The attacker seed confused.
Cheon Bigang examined his wound.
It was shallow.
“That tail’s movent is strange. Is it a whip technique?”
“W-what? You dodged all the bullets? Insane…!”
Despite taking damage, Cheon Bigang stepped back.
‘Strange.’
The attacker couldn’t track him—
But the tail could.
‘Two wills in one body?’
The attacker’s skill was no greater than Gal Sopyeong.
‘He’s not controlling it.’
As Cheon Bigang analyzed—
Reinforcents arrived.
“There!”
“Capture him!”
“Don’t kill him!”
Five guards rushed forward.
Behind them—
Sa Yerin and Muk Sogyeong.
The attacker panicked.
He turned toward the guards.
At that mont—
“Where are you going?”
Bang!
A van door slamd into his head.
“Ghk!”
He fell.
Cheon Bigang threw debris and shouted,
“Fall back! You can’t handle him!”
The guards scoffed.
“Don’t get cocky!”
“Arrogant bastard!”
Gunfire erupted.
But—
“Fools!”
Cheon Bigang struck two guards with debris.
Thud! Thud!
They collapsed—
At that mont—
Slash!
The tail swept horizontally.
Blood sprayed.
Three guards’ heads flew off.
Thud. Roll.
They died instantly.
The attacker rose.
[Obstacle increase detected]
[Adjusting phase level]
[Phase Level 4]
The armor roared louder.
Then—
[Switching operator and object]
“What?!”
Stab.
The tail pierced the attacker’s own face.
Blood filled the helt.
[Requesting user change]
[Link complete]
[Phase Level 5]
[Reaching Peak Master Level]
Wiiiiing!
The Sword Energy intensified.
The tail expanded.
The armor seized control.
The dead attacker spoke—
< I am the sword. >
“…!”
Shu-hak!
The tail moved.
Everything within 10 ters—
Was cut.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Limbs flew.
“Aaagh!”
Sa Yerin and Muk Sogyeong froze.
“Impossible…”
They imdiately prepared—
Golden aura.
Ink Water.
But—
One strike—
Their expressions changed.
“This… isn’t normal Sword Energy!”
They retreated.
Wind howled.
This was beyond Peak Master Level.
And Cheon Bigang sensed it.
The presence.
The intent.
The vibration.
It was telling him—
< I am the sword. >
Cheon Bigang’s expression hardened.
“Sword Demon.”
Blood dripped.
His injuries reopened.
But—
He advanced.
“I can’t believe it… but that feeling… Sword Demon.”
< Sword. >
Whoosh—
No stance.
The attacker appeared above him—
The tail lashed down.
Sa Yerin and Muk Sogyeong rushed in.
“I’ll help!”
“We’ll support you!”
Cheon Bigang snapped,
“Fall back!”
“Why?!”
They attacked anyway—
Golden force—
Ink blades—
But—
Shattered.
Their attacks were cut apart instantly.
‘Impossible!’
They split directions—
But—
The tail doubled—
Encircling them.
Like a net.
‘We can’t block this!’
At that mont—
Cheon Bigang intervened.
He shoved them away.
“Coming to help wasn’t wrong. But your skills are lacking.”
Boom!
They were thrown to safety.
“Ah!”
“Watch out!”
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