Return of the Sword God-Rank Civil Servant novel Chapter 99

The Lion of Nemea.

A mythical creature known to those well-versed in lore. It was the first of the legendary Twelve Labors completed by the demigod hero Heracles.

‘And it’s also infamous as the qualification test for those aiming to become “Heracles Candidates.”’

The Lion of Nemea wasn’t named so for nothing. Its alias, the “Monster Lion,” was derived directly from the myths surrounding the Lion of Nemea.

Defeating this creature granted the victor one of the Powers of Heracles.

‘The Power of Heracles... This time, it’ll be mine.’

Su-ho recalled the man who once bore the title of Heracles in his past life.

He was a towering Black man, the first to complete the Twelve Labors spread across the world.

‘That’s how the “Black Heracles” was born.’

It wasn’t about racial stereotypes—he had chosen the name himself.

He took immense pride in his skin color and referred to himself as Black Heracles, or simply Bless.

‘Bless... He was a good man.’

Su-ho didn’t just know of Bless; he was close friends with him.

Bless, proud of the Heracles title, walked a path of heroism and ideals that aligned closely with Su-ho’s.

Because of this, Su-ho knew all the strategies for overcoming the Twelve Labors.

But now...

‘Sorry, Bless. This time, I’m taking the Power of Heracles.’

While trustworthy allies were important, that principle had changed after Su-ho’s betrayal in the wake of conquering his first cataclysmic gate.

The knife stabbed into his back had reshaped his values.

Where once he believed in delegation—letting experts handle what he couldn’t—he now resolved to acquire every skill and power for himself.

Su-ho discarded his sword.

If the Phantom Spear couldn’t pierce the lion, his Blood Sword wouldn’t fare any better. Neither would his blade techniques like Steel Slice or Cloud Cleave.

Deactivating the Blood Sword, Su-ho transformed the Blood Weapon into double gauntlets that encased his arms and shoulders.

Blood Gauntlets.

Su-ho decided to call them Blood Gloves.

Bang!