Chapter 2

Chapter 2

 

A strange tension hung within the boss’s nest. Ha-kyung stared directly at the man who had appeared on the opposite cliff.

'The Diamond Wall, Yoon Chang-ho.'

He was the Master of the Black Water Guild. Famous for his impenetrable defense and smooth charisma, he lived up to his nickname. Rumors even circulated within the public that he might be the number-one ranked tanker, though no official ranking system existed in the Awakened industry.

In any case, the situation was far from ideal. Ha-kyung scanned the strength of the Black Water Guild.

'Are there about twenty people? It will be difficult to face them head-on.'

He had obtained a new power called Abyss Refinement and reclaimed his top-tier artifact, the Reactive Magic Armor. However, the enemy’s numbers were too high. Furthermore, these were the elites of Black Water.

Soon, Yoon Chang-ho stepped to the edge of the cliff and shouted toward Ha-kyung.

"Let us have a talk for a moment."

The distance between the two cliffs was roughly fifteen meters. It was a distance that allowed for easy conversation. Ha-kyung replied succinctly.

"Please, go ahead."

"As you know, we are the Black Water Guild. Instead of being at odds, why don't we reach a compromise?"

"Are you suggesting we raid the boss together?"

"I am."

"Then what do I stand to gain?"

"At least you will not die."

It was quite a dangerous statement. It could be interpreted in many ways. If two or three of Black Water’s Awakened focused on marking him, Ha-kyung would not be able to participate in the raid properly.

Yoon Chang-ho was offering a generous deal in his own way. Though he was known as a man of great character, that was merely his public image. Inside the Abyss, anyone could turn into a devil. This place was almost a perfect lawless zone.

Ha-kyung gazed at the Venom Drake sleeping in the center.

'The terrain is spread out like an island. If I fall down there, I will be kicked out of the dungeon.'

Technically, the conditions were not unfavorable for him. He could jump between islands and carry out a guerrilla operation. If he did that, Black Water would be the ones suffering.

However, Ha-kyung’s gaze was fixed beyond the Venom Drake.

[‘Soul Brand’ is detecting traces of a fragment.]

[The signal has become clearer.]

Ha-kyung was certain. A fragment was hidden somewhere behind the beast. If that were the case, there was no need to be hostile toward Black Water. He turned back to Yoon Chang-ho and spoke.

"Fine. I will cooperate. What do I need to do?"

"How about joining us as a guest member? I will make sure you are well-compensated for the labor."

The Awakened industry was constantly plagued by labor shortages. Exploring the Abyss resulted in numerous casualties, and even super-sized guilds like Black Water were no exception. There were likely several guest members among them already, especially the healers.

Of course, Ha-kyung had no intention of just following along quietly.

"I have no interest in labor costs or the boss's corpse."

"Then what is it?"

"Give me the right of first refusal for the boss's reward."

"……!"

Artifacts were incredibly precious items. They rarely appeared on the open market and were usually consumed through insider trading. It was far more beneficial for a member of one's own guild to grow stronger.

Perhaps because of this, Yoon Chang-ho fell into deep thought.

"I cannot agree to that if the item is a greatsword, shield, or spear type."

"That is fine. I am not interested in weapons I cannot use anyway."

"Then we have a deal. Will you come over to this side?"

"Once the raid begins, I will act on my own."

"Well, if you say so."

He could not be fully at ease just because there were many witnesses. However, once the boss raid started, it would be fine. They would not have the luxury of stabbing him in the back.

Yoon Chang-ho tossed something toward Ha-kyung. Then, he leaped onto the central island as if to show off. Soon, a voice came from the shell-shaped object in Ha-kyung’s hand.

―We will proceed with the raid immediately. You look like a melee dealer, so take care of yourself. If I lose line of sight, it will be hard to support you.

"Understood."

The name of this blue shell was the Whisperer. It was an artifact that enabled short-range communication. Ha-kyung tucked the Whisperer into his shoulder pocket and jumped to the island on the opposite side.

'The tank will hold the aggro for now. I should find the fragment in the meantime.'

Now was the perfect time while the Black Water Guild was buying him time. He searched the surroundings as the Soul Brand led him. It was then.

"Kyaraaaak!"

Suddenly, a yellow liquid was sprayed into the air. Ha-kyung instinctively threw his body to the side. An incredible sight followed; the spot where he had been standing melted away in an instant.

SIZZLE!

The ground bubbled and boiled. It was an incredibly powerful acidic mucus. Ha-kyung felt goosebumps break out over his body.

'The power is immense. If I make a mistake, I will melt away without even leaving bones behind.'

The Venom Drake repeatedly spat at Ha-kyung. Its movements seemed as if it were trying to protect something. Why else would it behave this way? Ha-kyung leaped to another island on the outskirts. Immediately, Venom Drake’s gaze moved away from him.

'It attacks unconditionally if I get close. Damn it, of all places, it had to settle right there.'

It was a very inconvenient situation. It seemed that defeating Venom Drake was the priority after all. Ha-kyung quietly waited for Yoon Chang-ho’s signal.

―I have the aggro. Melee dealers, move in.

Ha-kyung waited for a moment to sync his movements with the Black Water Guild. The melee dealers moved in perfect order. It was a level of coordination expected of a top four guild. Ha-kyung also unleashed his attacks alongside them.

Thud! Leap!

Taking a running start, Ha-kyung threw himself toward the central island. It was a distance of thirty meters, but his leap and landing were perfect. Reducing the impact with a roll, he thrust his sword forward.

WHOOSH! CRACK!

"Kieeeek!"

Perhaps the aggro was held properly, as the Venom Drake did not look back. It only tried to bite at Yoon Chang-ho like a mad beast. However, Ha-kyung’s expression was grim.

'What is this?'

The scales of the Venom Drake had been pierced by his strike. He had used Abyss Refinement, but it felt as if the impact was negligible. The surrounding scales broke together to absorb the shock, and the area healed back to normal in an instant.

Ha-kyung backed away slightly, avoiding the Venom Drake’s thrashing.

'At this rate, the ranged dealers will not have much fun either.'

Soon, a barrage of ranged attacks poured down. After the wave of attacks passed, he scanned the creature’s body. There seemed to be no significant damage. Yoon Chang-ho must have realized this as well, as he shouted into the Whisperer.

―The defense of the scales is considerable, and the regeneration is insane. Can we break through this?

―I will try.

The melee dealers resumed their attacks following someone’s reply. But it was at that moment that the Venom Drake swung its massive tail.

CRASH!

"Aaaagh!"

The sudden wide-range attack sent the melee dealers flying. Five Awakened fell below the cliff. If this continued, the chances of the raid failing would skyrocket. Melee dealers needed to break the outer shell for damage to be effective.

Soon, Yoon Chang-ho’s shout came through the Whisperer.

―Are there no melee dealers left?

"Only one."

―…….

Yoon Chang-ho fell silent at Ha-kyung’s answer. He seemed to feel a massive sense of crisis. Of course, Ha-kyung also realized that something was going very wrong.

'The terrain is too disadvantageous. Every spot where a melee dealer should be is a cliff.'

Should he just cut his losses and pull out? The thought crossed his mind for a second. However, Ha-kyung shook his head.

'If I cannot even overcome a trial like this, how am I supposed to defeat the Abyss Ruler?'

A surge of emotion welled up in his chest, followed by a thick sense of revenge. Ha-kyung gripped the Whisperer as if he were about to crush it and spoke.

"I will give it a try."

―Will that be possible?

"I have to make it possible."

―Then I will leave it to you. My defensive ability is…… because of the miasma…… Ugh!

Yoon Chang-ho held the front line sturdily despite staggering. Thanks to him, Ha-kyung was able to fight more easily. As long as he watched out for the sudden tail attacks, he would have plenty of opportunities.

Ha-kyung began to run up the Venom Drake’s tail.

Pitter-patter!

The scales were very slippery, but his movements were undeterred. In an instant, Ha-kyung climbed onto the Venom Drake’s back. Soon, greyish-white flames began to dance.

CLANG! CRACK!

The Venom Drake’s defense and regeneration were certainly at an insane level. However, it was not without any openings. He just had to move and attack faster than it could heal.

It was easier said than done. Realizing such a far-fetched feat was an incredibly difficult task. Yet, Ha-kyung actually managed to pull off such an impossible performance.

'I cannot go any further.'

[The limit of ‘Wall-Walking Steps’ is approaching.]

Wall-Walking Steps was Ha-kyung’s Awakened skill. It was a unique ability like no other. This technique allowed him to run on walls, ceilings, and even the bodies of enemies as if they were flat ground.

Of course, being such a magnificent ability, its mana consumption was enormous. Ha-kyung quickly jumped off Venom Drake’s back.

'I cannot leave without a parting gift.'

As he slid down, he slashed his sword with great force. The greyish-white fire of Abyss Refinement left a long wound behind.

SLASH!

"Kieeeek!"

The Venom Drake twisted its body while letting out a shriek. Its scales were certainly impressive, but they were only strong against impact. They proved vulnerable to being stabbed and then sliced, or to continuous attacks.

Yoon Chang-ho let out a hollow laugh at Ha-kyung’s overwhelming performance.

"Ha! Those movements…… but I feel like I have seen them somewhere before."

The man was handsome, but his face was not one that remained in his memory. If he were a promising rookie, there was no way Yoon Chang-ho wouldn't know him. Every guild was desperate to recruit such Awakened. Furthermore, didn't he possess such powerful skills?

Yoon Chang-ho, who had been tilting his head in confusion, suddenly snapped back to his senses.

"This is no time for this."

He was surprised by Ha-kyung’s performance, but the important thing was to seize the opportunity. Yoon Chang-ho quickly picked up the Whisperer.

"Are the ranged attacks ready?"

―Huh? Yes! We are ready.

"Pour it on them as much as you like."

―Understood.

The ranged dealers’ response was a bit delayed. It seemed they were all admiring Ha-kyung’s skill. Soon, the Black Water Guild’s counterattack began.

A myriad of skills poured down. Perhaps because Ha-kyung had left a large wound, the attacks landed properly this time.

THUD! BOOM!

"Kieeeet!"

The Venom Drake writhed in pain. Having reached the limit of its patience, the light in its eyes grew explosively intense.

[Venom Drake Ultimate Skill Deployment: Poison Snipe]

[Unstoppable waves of Abyss energy detected.]

Flash!

A flash of light burst out from within the yellow mist. It felt as if the Venom Drake’s rage was taking physical form.

THUD!

"Gah!"

With a look of shock, Yoon Chang-ho was sent flying far away. He had responded correctly, but because he was at the edge, there was nothing he could do. Below the cliff between the islands, Yoon Chang-ho fell into the depths of the Abyss.

Ha-kyung hurriedly grabbed the Whisperer.

"Yoon Chang-ho?"

―…….

However, there was no answer. Moreover, the crisis was not yet over. The Venom Drake opened its maw wide once again.

Flash! RUMBLE!

The second ultimate attack was aimed at the Awakened of Black Water. A mass of hazy Abyss energy was fired at an incredible speed. It was so fast that it was impossible to react.

"Aaaagh!"

"Damn it!"

The Awakened of Black Water screamed. The island they had been standing on just a moment ago was completely destroyed. They had no choice but to fall down below, just like Yoon Chang-ho.

Watching this, Ha-kyung’s heart skipped a beat.

'If Black Water is out, the boss raid is over. I have to save them somehow.'

Ha-kyung threw himself forward without a moment’s hesitation.

Swish! Whip!

Long strands of greyish-white energy caught four of the Awakened. It was the result of him manifesting Abyss Refinement directly with his hands. He planted his feet into the ground and pulled them up with all his might.

An Awakened in armor weighed over one hundred kilograms. Veins popped out on his arms, and his legs trembled violently. After pouring in all his strength, Ha-kyung was able to save the Awakened.

"Huff! Huff! I survived."

"Th-thank you."

The Awakened of Black Water expressed their gratitude. Thanks to his actions, they had not been plunged into the pit of the Abyss. If they fell down there, there was no telling where they would be ejected. If they were unlucky, they might get caught in strange terrain and die a miserable death.

"Do not mention it."

Answering simply, Ha-kyung kept his eyes on Venom Drake. One of the Black Water Awakened then spoke up.

"To get out of here, we have to go that way."

His finger pointed toward the back. However, Ha-kyung shook his head. The Venom Drake was heavily wounded, and its ultimate skill was spent. Why on earth should they throw away such an opportunity? Someone else might finish the raid while they were regrouping.

Ha-kyung looked back at the Awakened and spoke.

"I am carrying out the raid. Follow me if you want to live."

It was the same dual-meaning expression Yoon Chang-ho had used. The Awakened of Black Water could not say a word. Their mouths were shut, but they all knew. 

The fact was that Ha-kyung was the one dominating this battlefield.