Chapter 175: It’s been a while since we got together (4)

All of Western Europe was the Virgo temple’s territory, including France.

“Find him!”

A small city on the outskirts of Paris! Right now, only a hundred meters separated Lee Gun and this place; moreover, this place was being used as a base for the Virgo temple.

All hell was breaking loose over there. The other temples had arrived to kill Lee Gun’s Zodiac Saint, and they were causing a commotion.

Kwahng!!

“Lee Gun is an idiot. Why would he choose a kid as his Zodiac Saint?”

“Find the Serpent Bearer’s rookie Zodiac Saint!”

“Our Constructs should continue to kidnap the Virgo Saint’s Constructs!”

“Steal their goods too!”

“Just the destruction of this holy ground will become power for our Zodiac!”

The eyes of the Cancer disciples and the Constructs flashed as they destroyed the holy ground.

[Steal the goddesses of the battle-type temple! Battle-type Constructs are worth an incredible amount of money!]

[They can’t use their power! This is our opportunity!]

Beings emitting ominous orange lights aimed for the goddesses of the Virgo temple. These beings were in a fog-like state, so identifying them was hard, but they were the ugly Constructs of the Cancer temple.

[Starving Ghost] [Assassin]

The fog destroyed the Virgo Saint’s holy ground and surrounded the goddesses. The Cancer’s power was optimized to corrupt and weaken the power of other temples.

[Koohk. Our power is being taken..]

The goddesses surrounded by the fog were in great pain.

[Shit! We should’ve kept away from the Cancer temple— Oohk!]

When several hundred goddesses were captured, the Cancer Constructs were satisfied.

[The Constructs of the Virgo temple and the Sagittarius temple are known for their beauty. We’ll make a lot of money with this.]

At that moment..

“You dare do such nonsense against Uncle’s Constructs!”

[!]

Accompanied by a yell, a green light flashed.

[The Serpent Bearer’s holy ground is being activated within the corresponding region.]

[Divine Punishment!]

– Punishment has been handed out to those bad-mouthing the owner of the holy ground.

– Zodiac and Zodiac Saint exclusive skill

“Ahhk!”

Lightning fell toward the ones insulting Lee Gun. They turned into charred corpses, surprising the Virgo Saint’s.

“That’s..!”

[The servants of the dirty Crime temple dare covet the Constructs affiliated with the Serpent Bearer.]

[The affiliate Constructs are already considered the Serpent Bearer’s power.]

[Death to those who invaded the holy ground will raise the reputation and EXP of the temple.]

A familiar face appeared as lightning struck. It was a Teleport, but not an ordinary Teleport.

Hwa-roohk!

It was as if the spell was executed using fire. Chun Sungjae looked to be burning with flame, like a green phoenix. His hair, clothes, and green flames fluttered as he walked forward.

When all the disciples and the Constructs saw him, their eyes had totally different looks in them.

‘They said he became a Zodiac Saint..!’

The aura around Sungjae had changed. It was the energy of an apostle, who was directly blessed by a god. He was entirely different from the normal disciples.

The disciples invading the Virgo Saint’s holy ground laughed even as they flinched.

“No way! He really is the Zodiac Saint!”

“That idiot Lee Gun gave a bomb to a kid!”

“Did he just use a Zodiac Saint skill? He was given a skill that he can’t even control!”

“That’s right. He doesn’t have the mental fortitude to control it. There is no way a brat like him can withstand the magical energy of a Zodiac Saint—”

Before that person could finish their words..

Puhng!

As his body turned into flames, Chun Sungjae appeared in front of a man.

Hwa-roo-roohk!

The flames burned like the spark of life; Chun Sungjae became the flame. He grabbed the man by his throat. The man was a span taller than Chun Sungjae, but it didn’t matter to the young man. He said, “I can use it tens of thousands of times better than you, ahjussi. Don’t worry about it.”

“..!”

Flames erupted from Chun Sungjae. “That’s one.”

“?!”

Flames immediately swept up the main.

Kwahng!!!

[An enemy who invaded the holy ground has been killed.]

[The magical energy of the fallen enemy has replenished Temple energy.]

The flustered Constructs tried to move.

[With the authority of the Zodiac Saint, the holy ground skill has been used.]

Stage 1 – [Natural Disaster]: [Earthquake] [Cave-in] [Hail] [Storm] [Volcanic Explosion] [Divine Punishment]

In a flash, storm, fire, and lava surged forth.

This development surprised the Constructs. Their reactions were understandable.

[You crazy brat! If you use it like that, you will bankrupt your temple!]

Holy ground skill was a finisher skill. Basically, it used Temple energy, which the Zodiac and its disciples amassed through EXP and tributes.

Temple energy was different from magical energy, which powered the normal skills. Instead, Temple energy was like a gauge for a special move. In other words, it was akin to an energy that a guild amassed.

[If you use your holy ground skill recklessly, you will run out of Temple energy!]

[That’s right! Do you realize how much Temple energy the holy ground skill consumes?]

[A great amount of time and effort is needed to fill it by just ten percent!]

Temple energy allowed one to use the Bible, Zodiac Descent, and more. It gave one authority to use special moves. This energy allowed one to use outstanding skills that could deal a serious blow to even the Zodiacs.

However, filling it back up was very difficult. The Virgo temple was ranked second, yet they had to do a month of hard work to fill it up by one percent.

That was why they normally didn’t use the precious Temple energy.

[Also, the temple is one with the Zodiac. You’ll burden the Zodiac..!]

The Virgo temple was an affiliate under the Serpent Bearer. Therefore, they were able to get a measure of how much energy the head temple possessed.

And so, they quickly surveyed Lee Gun.

[What’s wrong?]

[S-Something is wrong with Lee Gun-nim.]

[Lee Gun-nim is no worse for wear!]

[M-Moreover, the Serpent Bearer’s Temple energy seems to be rising instead..]

[What?! That makes no sense! The energy is being used indiscriminately! At the very least, he should be getting tired...]

Chun Sungjae laughed as a response. “Since you don’t know this, I’ll fill you in.”

[What is it?]

“The Serpent Bearer’s disciples have a baseline faith of over 100%. Anything given to the Zodiac is amplified.”

[..!]

“For your information, I have a faith of 300%. Anything I give to my Zodiac will add roughly 300% in excess.”

“..!?”

“That’s why I’ll fill up Temple energy to full by just killing all of you guys, idiots!!” As soon as he said that, an explosion erupted. “You dared enter Uncle’s holy ground! Just die!!”

* * *

[You have gained EXP.]

[You have gained EXP.]

[You have gained EXP.]

[An achievement has been inscribed into the Bible.]

[Chun Sungjae(Disciple 1) has used the holy ground skill to crack down on the invaders.]

[Chun Yooha(Disciple 2) has used the confusion to kidnap useful Constructs as prisoners.]

[Chun Sungjae is asking the invaders to praise his uncle.]

[Chun Yooha is killing anyone who refuses.]

[Chun Sungjae has used his Sadist special attribute.]

[Chun Sungjae has attempted to indoctrinate them once again.]

[While he has failed in his missionary work, it all counts as nourishment.]

Lee Gun smirked when he heard the screams coming from all directions.

In contrast, someone reacted in the opposite manner. The man put a hand over his face. Of course, this man wasn’t Jean-Louis.

“Their Zodiac Saints are psychos, too!!”

“Run away! Do not associate yourself with the temple of the Serpent Bearer!”

“Shit! What kind of crazy Zodiac Saint tells you to enter the temple or die?”

“They are powerful— Ahhhhk!”

This man was Hugo. He had been worried about Lee Gun, so he had tagged along.

When he heard the shouts coming from all directions, he had an expression as if he wanted to die.

Lee Gun had safely captured Jean-Louis, and Kevin was unexpectedly unharmed. However, the relief Hugo felt didn’t matter at all!

“Archer Saint! What kind of education did you give to your children? Ahhhhk!”

Hugo was on top of a building. He covered his face as if he was embarrassed. His children had been influenced by Lee Gun. “Ha.. I should really ask the Serpent Bearer to punish Lee Gun— No, he is the Zodiac..”

Hugo despaired. Well, it didn’t matter anyway. One of the futures that he had seen was this scene. In that future, the invaders had been razed to the ground when the holy ground skill was activated. Hugo had just never expected his son to be the one to have activated the skill.

There was more to it.

For some odd reason, something was off about Kevin, who was huffing in anger. Hugo wasn’t certain, but this sensation..

‘Did the Virgo temple become an affiliate under the Serpent Bearer?’

He became sure of it. Aside from the energy of the Virgo, he could feel the energy of the Serpent Bearer from Kevin. This change only surprised him.

Well, he had a feeling this would happen when Kevin had handed over the seal to the holy ground to Lee Gun.

‘This is crazy!’

The temple that went under as an affiliate had to serve the Zodiac of the head temple.

‘In other words, they have to become Gun’s henchmen.’

This was the worst. He would never make such a mistake, but that wasn’t important right now.

‘Jean-Louis.’

A hundred meters lay between them. Hugo aimed his bow toward Jean-Louis from the top of the building.

Although Lee Gun was holding Jean-Louis, the Crab Saint could run away by cloning himself. Therefore, Hugo had purposefully positioned himself in the distance.

Even if the Zodiac appeared, Hugo could support Lee Gun. He was the strongest Zodiac Saint in terms of long-ranged attacks, and he could instantly identify if Jean-Louis was up to something.

Realizing what was going on, Jean-Louis ground his teeth.

Lee Gun just laughed. “Did you see it? My kids are that strong.”

Hugo, who was listening in through his hearing skill, pouted. They were his kids, not Lee Gun’s.

Jean-Louis was in a bind. This was an important situation where he had to soothe the contracted Zodiacs. He also had to hand over Lee Gun’s information to the unknown civilization.

Since he knew he was in a difficult situation, Jean-Louis let strength drain from his power. He acted as if he had given up. Then..

“I’m sorry!”

“!”

Kevin and Hugo furrowed their brows.

Jean-Louis looked at Lee Gun with a remorseful expression. “In truth, I didn’t want you to fall into the trap. I had no choice. Giselle ordered— Kuh-huhk!!”

Heaven’s Punishment pierced through Jean-Louis’s mouth and neck. Appearing to be in pain, the Crab Saint looked at Lee Gun.

“Ah! Your claim was so ridiculous that my hands slipped. I planned on cleanly bisecting you.”

“Oohp..!”

As blood pooled in Jean Louis’s throat, one could see his throat’s exposed blood vessels. It was that deadly of an injury. However, Jean-Louis didn’t die immediately.

[Amoeba special attribute.]

[Blessing of the Zodiac]

He was called the Zodiac Saint of division for a reason. The Crab Saint wouldn’t die even if his neck was ripped open.

Of course, Lee Gun knew this man’s special attribute made it hard to kill him, so he stabbed without worry. Then, Lee Gun said, “You aren’t a pure-blooded human.”

“..!”

Jean Louis was taken aback, but Lee Gun just kicked his arm. Tattoos consisting of unknown letters were on the Crab Saint’s hands.

Lee Gun smirked.

‘These are the seals of the Zodiacs.’

They were the seals of the Zodiacs that made a business contract with the Crab Saint. Therefore, Lee Gun contemptuously asked, “So why did you want to kill me?”

His voice was so cold that it sent a chill running up Jean-Louis’s spine. When he met eyes with Lee Gun, the light in his eyes changed. The light in Lee Gun’s eyes turned colder.

It was to be expected since Jean-Louis was the reason he had to suffer inside the Devil’s Tower.

“You should talk. It doesn’t matter what you say. The result will be the same.”

When Lee Gun put strength into his grip, Jean-Louis vomited blood. The Crab Saint’s face was drained of color as he looked at Lee Gun with hatred. He mockingly looked at Lee Gun.

Jean-Louis always hated Lee Gun. But Lee Gun always blowing up all his plans was secondary.

‘His existence itself makes me sick.’

It didn’t matter if monsters came in droves. It didn’t matter if the situation was extreme. Lee Gun never folded. He was the symbol of iron will and righteousness.

The twelve Zodiac Saints had denied his legitimacy, yet they accepted that Lee Gun was the strongest amongst them. He was a man who had saved prisoners the twelve Zodiac Saints had all given up on. And he did it for everyone to see.

Naturally, Giselle and Jean-Louis had fabricated testimonies with the power of the Zodiacs. They spread rumors that Lee Gun could do it only because of the power of the Zodiacs.

‘We tried to break him, yet he never broke.’

That was why Jean-Louis found Lee Gun much more annoying.

“There is no need to get cocky. Do you really think it’ll end with my death?”

“Oh?”

“This isn’t the end.” Jean-Louis laughed with his blood-shot eyes. “The true culprits who trapped you within the Devil’s Tower were the Zodiacs. I only carried out a request I had received from them.”

“..!”

“The Zodiacs are trying to kill you by any means possible. I have no idea why.” Jean-Louis expected Lee Gun to be surprised. So, he let out a light-hearted laugh in anticipation. “You might be amazing, but how long will you last fighting against monarchs and real gods?”historical

Despite those words..

“Is that all you have to say?”

“..!”

Lee Gun let out a cold laugh. “That’s good to know.”

“Kuh-huhk..!!”

Lee Gun lifted Jean-Louis’s head by grabbing his hair. Then, he turned to Hugo. “Taeksoo. Burn this.”

“..!” Hugo, who had been aiming his bow, was surprised. Burn what? His head? Hugo thought it would be bad optics.

Lee Gun didn’t care as he shook Jean-Louis’s head. “What are you doing? Hurry up and burn it.”

Suddenly..

Boom!

The ground shook.

[The Star of Darkness demands you stop.]

Lee Gun ignored the warning. “If you don’t want to do it, I’ll burn it.”

The next moment, flames erupted from Jean-Louis’s neck. It was the data of the Sun god that Lee Gun had acquired by beating up Hugo.

[Embers of the Sun (SS)]

Jean-Louis screamed in front of those powerful flames.

“Ahhhk!”

“Don’t worry too much about it! I’ll send the others along too in no time.”

“Kuhk, kuh-huhk.. Ahhhk! Lee Gun!”

An incredible beam of light erupted. This phenomenon was none other than the descent of the Zodiacs!

[Warning! The Star of Darkness has descended.]

[Warning! As per the contract, the Zodiacs contracted to the Cancer have revealed themselves.]

Hugo and Kevin were frightened by the light full of murderous intent.

Lee Gun glared at it. “These bastards are coming in droves.”

Yet, he laughed as if he had been waiting for this moment. This was a truth he had come to terms with when he had realized the Zodiacs had cursed him. He had also confirmed the information after he had exited the tower.

“Let’s see the faces of those who tried to kill me.”

Hugo and Kevin looked at Lee Gun with shocked faces.

Lee Gun’s eyes flashed. “Ah! Before that..”

“!”

“I want the bastard who placed the curse of hair-loss and other annoying curses I don’t want to mention to come out first.”