NOVEL NEXT Chapter 29
In the Valdeon Saga, monsters are classified in a peculiar way.
Long, long ago, before the Empire of Humanity even rose to power.
Back in the days when dungeons were called “Magul,” there existed the first gigantic dungeon.
[Hell]
A name derived from the bizarre monsters that crawled around, resembling a hellish place right out of our imagination, “Hell.”
This dungeon was divided into six floors, and as you descended deeper, stronger monsters thrived.
For example, while goblins and slimes wandered the first floor, on the third floor, orcs and gargoyles appeared, challenging even seasoned fighters.
‘The criteria for monster classification from those days have continued to this very moment.’
Even now, when categorizing the danger of monsters, we refer to the floors they inhabited in Hell.
“If I want to enter Polaris, they expect me to hunt down monsters at least on the third floor level.”
Despite saying any method is acceptable, it still felt spicy difficult.
‘So here lies the problem.’
Among them, the topmost.
What must one do to achieve the highest grade?
“Obviously.”
With a firm grip on the key, I smiled.
“Time to hunt down a fourth-floor-level monster, right?”
*
“Haah~♥”
Karen, who had been watching the screen, let a sweet sound escape her lips.
After tapping her red lips with her finger, her mouth curled up slightly.
“See? There’s a reason I had my eye on him.”
“……”
Meanwhile, the instructor next to her, who had been witnessing the scene, was frozen solid, unable to utter a word.
‘Just now… what did I see?’
The instructor swallowed hard, recalling the scene they had just witnessed.
In the video streamed in real-time from the hidden spots of other instructors for safety.
-Sgu-geok!
-Kuwung!
-Kaaang!
One-sided slaughter.
The third-floor monsters were cut down in one blow, moving like the wind.
Even the way he treated the entrance exam like some trivial flyer.
‘That was no longer an exam….’
Instead, it felt like Ran was the one testing them.
The professor hurriedly rifled through the documents, checking Ran’s information.
There was nothing special.
Just a record stating he had been placed in an orphanage that has now closed.
After that, there were no particularly noteworthy achievements recorded.
‘Where did such a monster suddenly come from!’
Honestly, I never thought he would be able to pass.
A guy wielding a sword.
Aren’t they usually gentle, kind-hearted, and weak?
The saying “The only sword a man can wield is a kitchen knife” isn’t a ridiculous joke for nothing.
Yet, this?
-‘Number 433 has taken down another orc!’
-‘Number 433 has already acquired over eight entrance tickets!’
-‘Crisis situation confirmed. Deploying… 433 has resolved it… no issues….’
What on earth is going on?
“I don’t understand. One entrance ticket should suffice, so why is he going around like a madman…?”
“Hmm~? You still haven’t caught on?”
Karen chuckled softly.
“What that kid wants isn’t just entrance.”
“…Could it be, professor? Are you really considering that?!”
“I originally wanted to abolish it, but my mind has changed.”
And just then.
[Key of Pandemonium]
-‘…I’ve found it!’
In the screen, Ran grasped the key in his hand.
“Arin? Activate it.”
“P-professor….”
“Ah~ don’t nag me~.”
A sinister flame flared in Karen’s eyes.
It was a mix of curiosity and anticipation.
“Open it, Pandemonium.”
It was madness.
*
The moment I obtained the key, a small vibration occurred.
Uuung…
By the way, this key also acts as a compass.
I focused on the key that was buzzing in my hands and wandered through the dungeon.
“This way.”
The method was simple.
You just need to move toward the place where the key’s vibration gets stronger.
Woong! Woong! Woong! Woong! Woong!
Upon reaching the spot where the vibration was the strongest, I saw a five-pointed star shining red on the floor.
‘Just like I saw in the game.’
Standing on it, I inserted the key into the center.
The floor, which clearly seemed blocked, opened up, and the key fit perfectly into the virtual groove.
Clunk!
As I turned it, the sound of mechanisms activating echoed.
Gggggg-!
The spot where the star had been lowered like an elevator.
Descending in the dungeon signified going deeper into a more treacherous place.
Among them, the “Pandemonium” I was headed to.
‘It’s like a boss room.’
A space where powerful solitary beings exist, along with special rewards.
Unlike other areas, you must use special methods to gain access.
Kuwung!
The place I arrived at was a vast interior space.
Blue flames stood in line on both sides like a shrine, and in the center stood a grand throne.
“……”
On the throne sat a creature with the head of a bull and the body of a man.
With terrifying, pitch-black eyes, it ominously gazed at this place, bound tightly by iron chains.
A treasure chest of ‘diamond’ strapped at its waist.
Fourth-floor-level monster.
Minotaur.
‘From the fourth floor, it’s classified as deep-level (深層).’
Starting from the fourth floor, the gap between levels increases dramatically.
Those who can single-handedly take down a third-floor monster shouldn’t casually pick a fight with a fourth-floor one.
“Introducing something like this as an exam…”
Karen is definitely not normal.
At least she had the conscience to half-seal it with the [Chains of Exorcism], but it still remains overwhelmingly stronger than a third-floor monster.
‘And there’s one more advantage.’
This was a tip from the game.
In this treasure hunt exam, that Minotaur is a type of hidden boss.
Due to the extreme difficulty, there’s a slight leniency given.
‘Preemptive strike.’
That Minotaur won’t move unless the player strikes first.
So if I deal a solid blow first, I can start the battle from a relatively advantageous position.
‘I’ve memorized its weaknesses and patterns so well that it’s nearly automatic.’
So let’s try.
I can do this.
“Grurrr…!”
As I approached, its arms trembled.
The battle axe in both hands reflected the flames coldly.
Once it takes a hit, it would undoubtedly break free of those chains and charge at me.
‘So, I need to create some distance.’
Preparing for the attack.
The best technique I can manifest at this moment.
“Su….”
Breathing deep within me.
I draw forth the fragments of her soul lying dormant in my spirit.
[The potential power responds to the user’s call.]
[Using “Soul Bond: Ornika Peron”!]
The figure of Ornika overlays my body.
Unlike before, it feels like Ornika’s form has become clearer.
‘Maybe it’s because I’ve improved?’
The “Soul Bond” incurs greater burdens the larger the gap between me and the summoned soul.
Conversely, the smaller the gap, the more perfect the bond.
‘Since I’ve had growth during this time.’
From the “Sword Mastery” to the mastery of ki.
If anyone is to compete by their growth rate, I’d likely be the fastest in this world.
Tsuzuz-!
The energy of “Blood Moon Style” floated over the blade.
‘…I want it.’
It had the power to knock Marco out cold for a moment last time.
If now, with all the growth I’ve achieved, I pour everything into this.
‘How strong will I be?’
Thump thump!
My heart raced for no real reason.
After barely suppressing the rising emotions, I wrapped the blade with ki strongly.
Shuuu…
A blue, solid energy cloaked the sword.
“Ugh!”
Was it too much force exerted?
A wave of pain surged through the arm gripping the sword.
“I guess my physical growth is still lacking…!”
It felt similar to the first time I faced Ornika.
My body couldn’t handle this overwhelming talent.
Having thought I reduced the gap…
‘But I can’t back down now.’
I’ve come this far; to run away with my tail between my legs?
That’s unacceptable as a man.
Pashuk! Pazu-zhik!
Shhhh-!
Two forces clashed and merged repeatedly.
The surroundings trembled as dust flew about, and rocks crumbled.
“Gra-ra-ra-ra!”
The Minotaur’s eyes gleamed, its jaws dripping with thick saliva.
It seemed ready to smash me with its axe at any moment.
“Just hang in there, buddy.”
I’ll let you have it easy soon.
Swift!
I gathered my stance.
Then, I swung with all my might.
That otherworldly power.
[Running “Blood Moon Style” and “Fierce Storm Style” simultaneously.]
[Skill “Lunar Surface Destruction: Extreme” activates!]
A menacing blow that cleaves and smashes the moon.
An intent to leave not even a handful of the target on the end of the blade, a strike that resembled restrained violence.
Kuwhahhhaaa—!
Advancing while obliterating everything in its path.
Cutting through the world, I unleashed a cataclysm.
Everywhere was red.
—Kwaang!
A slicing strike hit the Minotaur.
“…Hhraah! Haaah….”
My strength drained away from my body.
I expected it, but it was clearly a skill transcending my level.
Shivering, my entire body felt numb as my vision flickered with darkness.
[The use of “Soul Bond: Ornika Peron” is canceled.]
[This skill cannot be used for a while.]
‘Damn… I’m in deep trouble.’
To make matters worse, the “Soul Bond” ended.
It turned out to be too much to handle by overexerting “Blood Moon Style” all at once.
‘Now the real fight is about to start…!’
With my preemptive strike dealt, the Minotaur would surely start moving for real.
But in this state, there was no way I could even dodge an attack, let alone fight.
“Did I just bite off more than I can chew….”
As the bitter taste lingered in my mouth.
Hooom…
As the dust settled in front of me, the Minotaur came into view.
“…Uh?”
In a shape unlike what I expected.
“Why the hell is it dead…?”
Bound by chains, its body was shredded.
The protruding tongue, with blood and guts gushing out from the severed end.
Eyes that lost focus and a neck half-cut and barely hanging on.
It wasn’t a charade of dying.
It was unmistakable death.
It had perished without even being able to let out a dying breath.
“Um, uh….”
This was something I never anticipated.
I scratched my neck and spoke, aiming toward Karen, who must be somewhere listening.
“Was this a one-hit wonder?”