Global Awakening: Only I Can Respawn

Park Kwon raised an eyebrow, curious about the newcomer. But Minhyuk was seething with rage. He had poured every ounce of strength into that swing, only for the boy to block it—with a

toothpick,

of all things?

Everyone was surprised, but YuWon didn't react. If he had wanted to, he could have easily disarmed Minhyuk. But he wanted to test the [Formless Blade].

The toothpick's tip was enough to stop the blade. But in Crusader's eyes, it was his strength that stopped the blade, not the toothpick. YuWon would not correct them either. The fewer people knew about his weapon, the better it would be.

"We're not here to fight, but to talk," YuWon said, staring at Park Kwon.

Park Kwon raised his hand and Minhyuk stepped back, albeit unwillingly.

"We have nothing to talk about," Park Kwon replied. "I've already conveyed that we're not interested in cooperation—"

"We don't want that either," YuWon replied, looking at them disdainfully.

Honestly, YuWon couldn't care about the criminals. However, those who had grown sensitive to even the slightest provocation would sense he was looking down upon them. That's what YuWon wanted. To make them lose their shit.

"I'm listening," Park Kwon mumbled.

"You can have the boss monster. We won't get in your way. In return, we'd like control over the first three floors. The mobs there aren't worth much, but it's better than walking away empty-handed."

YuWon continued, "Plus, we'll give you 60% of the profits. You won't have to lift a finger, and you'll still rake in the gold. Sounds like a fair deal, doesn't it?"

Park Kwon smiled, but the next moment a sharp murderous aura surrounded everyone. Even Park's people couldn't hold and stepped back. It was the same for Professor Ming. The only one who stood before him unafraid was YuWon.

YuWon's gaze remained steady, as if analyzing the man. He knew Park Kwon had become a paladin. Without a god's help, there was no way he could wield such an overwhelming aura, especially so early in the apocalypse.

"Fine," Park Kwon said, retrieving his aura. "You've proven your strength, so I have no problem with you."

"But sir—"

Minhyuk tried objecting, but Park raised his hand, silencing him. The former could only bite his tongue in silence as Park continued the negotiation.

"But let me make one thing clear. If you try any tricks, I'll kill you all with no hesitation… or so I wanted to say," Park Kwon smiled. "I want some reassurance. That pretty lady would suffice—"

"Keep dreaming," YuWon scoffed. "Why would I leave anyone with a criminal?"

Park Kwon's mouth twitched. It had been some time since anyone had dared to disrespect him like this. The youngster before him was strong, but there was no way he had much experience in fighting with weapons.

All this confidence just because he stopped Minhyuk's blade? These youngsters certainly have a lot of nerve.

Park Kwon took his scythe and swung it towards YuWon. However, YuWon dodged the blade with no effort. Park Kwon expected such a hot-blooded youngster to retaliate, but he didn't.

YuWon kept staring at him as if calculating his next move. Park's men were ready to pounce on the outsiders. YuWon could deal with them, but the problem was Professor Ming.

Using his stat points might raise suspicion, and in this situation, he couldn't guarantee Ming's safety. Normally, he wouldn't hesitate to let her die, but she was a crucial pawn with an exceptional ability. It would be a shame if she died there. That's why YuWon didn't want to make a hasty move.

I don't need to kill them. The boss would do it for me. But getting out of here is another issue.

"Drop your weapons," Park Kwon instructed his men.

The Crusaders were surprised again, yet they complied without question. After a moment of silence, Park Kwon shifted his gaze toward YuWon.

"What is a monster like you doing in the outside world?" he asked.

The others might not see it, but Park Kwon did. YuWon was no ordinary youngster. Despite his youth, there was a depth in his eyes, a sign of years of experience, skill, and power just waiting to break free. It was wiser to retreat… for now.

"I'll accept your proposal," Park Kwon said. "The first three floors are yours. We won't care if you die or live, so everything is your responsibility."

"I wouldn't have it any other way," YuWon leaned to shake Park's hand. "Now you can tell your men to stop hiding in the basement."

"…as expected," Park Kwon scoffed and left.

Just like that, YuWon struck a deal with the Crusaders. However, he wasn't naive enough to think they would honor their word. In fact, he suspected the Crusaders would likely try to kill them before attacking the boss, ensuring no one stood in their way. Find exclusive stories on мѵʟ

I'm eager to see what dirty tricks you come up with, Park Kwon.

***

Sometime later…

"…you're fearless, YuWon," Professor Ming sighed. "I was so scared when he demanded me to stay back. I can't even imagine what would've happened to me if you hadn't been there."

"Forget about it now," YuWon replied. "It's time to arm ourselves. There's probably a shop inside the subway station. Tell everyone to stock up on gear and anything else they might need for the tower."

"I will… but can we trust them?"

"Of course… not. They are criminals from the heart. Backstabbing is like second nature to them. I'm pretty sure they are already planning on how to ambush us."

"…those detestable bastards!" Professor Ming cursed out loud.

YuWon stopped to look at her. It was strangely funny to see the professor, who had always been fixated on manners and etiquette, use such language before her student.

"Don't look at me like that!" Professor Ming looked away. "We all need to adapt to the world."

YuWon chuckled, but said nothing. In the end, Ming was the one who broke the silence.

"Are you sure… we'll be fine?" she asked.

"For the last time, don't worry about them. Just focus on killing the mobs and leave the rest to me."

YuWon had selected a target. So there was no reason for Professor Ming to worry about the criminals anymore. After all, those bastards won't ever walk out of the tower.