Suho grinned at the system notification.

*“To think I’d actually get my hands on one of the Shadow Lord’s treasures.”*

The Shadow Lord wouldn’t emerge as a powerful player for several years yet; right now, he was still an unawakened civilian. It was only after obtaining the Guiyoung Spear that his rise began. Just as Jang Pyung-ho’s powers were tied to his Pocket Dimension House, the Shadow Lord's strength stemmed from this spear.

But in this life, the Shadow Lord would not appear. The Guiyoung Spear, his Alpha and Omega, now belonged to Suho.

*“Better in my hands than in a criminal’s.”*

Suho checked the spear’s description.

**[Guiyoung Spear]**

- Rank: A+
- *One of the Shadow Lord’s treasures.*
- *Made from the bones of a Shadow Divine Beast.*
- *The first person to awaken its consciousness will be recognized as its owner. The spear can be summoned from the owner’s shadow using ‘Guiyoung (A).’*
- *If damaged, the spear can be repaired and resummoned from the shadows with ‘Shadow Regeneration (A),’ provided shadow and mana are present.*

The spear’s A+ rating was due to it being part of a set. When combined with other treasures of the Shadow Lord, the power would increase synergistically, potentially reaching an S+ rank. Suho was determined to collect all the Shadow Lord’s treasures, knowing they would open new strategic possibilities.

To test Guiyoung’s shadow-summoning ability, he threw the spear far away and reached toward his shadow. The spear, miles away, reappeared instantly in his hand, emerging from his shadow.

*“Perfect.”*

With his preparations complete, Suho opened the exit portal of the Pocket Dimension House. Through it, he could see the Tower Dragon, now resting, its massive form attached to the stone pillar, recovering.

*“Attacking from here would be ideal.”*

But from within the Pocket Dimension, Suho couldn’t launch attacks outward. He would have to face the dragon directly. Taking a deep breath, he gripped the Guiyoung Spear and dashed out, running up the stone pillar to leap at the dragon.

**[Leap activated.]**

Before the dragon could stir, he hurled the spear at its weak spot—the reverse scale.

**[You have demonstrated high proficiency in spear throwing.]**

**[The system is evaluating your talent.]**

**[Congratulations! You have learned Spear Throwing (B).]**

With newfound skill, Suho’s throw was fast, accurate, and powerful. The spear struck the dragon’s reverse scale, fracturing the protective layer.

*“Enter!”*

**[Entering Pocket Dimension House.]**

**[The Tower Dragon is enraged by the attack on its reverse scale.]**

**[The Tower Dragon uses Dragon Fear.]**

The moment Suho entered the safety of the Pocket Dimension, the dragon roared in fury, but he managed to escape the effects of Dragon Fear just in time.

*“Hit-and-run it is.”*

Although this method was tedious, it was also effective. Opening the exit, Suho observed the dragon as it gradually calmed down. Notably, the damage to its scale hadn’t fully healed. He planned to keep this up, attacking repeatedly to weaken the dragon.

---

Time passed in this relentless cycle.

**[The Tower Dragon’s strength is waning.]**

**[The dragon’s power has dropped below 10% after repeated attacks to its reverse scale.]**

Suho’s sustained strategy of wearing down the dragon had proven successful, but now a new problem emerged: the dragon was no longer sleeping. It had become highly vigilant, watching its surroundings carefully.

*“No more hit-and-run… it’s a straight fight now.”*

There was no other choice. Steeling himself, Suho rested briefly, then stepped out and hurled the Guiyoung Spear once more.

**[Spear Throwing activated.]**

With practice, Suho’s aim and power had improved considerably.

**[Your proficiency in Spear Throwing has increased.]**

**[Your skill level has risen to A.]**

The spear struck the dragon’s reverse scale again, sending a shattering noise through the cavern.

**[The Tower Dragon is enraged by the attack on its reverse scale.]**

**[The Tower Dragon uses Dragon Fear.]**

A rush of status effects hit Suho:

**[You are in a state of fear.]**

**[Your body is immobilized.]**

**[You experience auditory hallucinations.]**

**[You cannot hear any sounds.]**

Suho felt his body stiffen and his senses warp. Before he could fall, he managed to pull out a Purification Potion and drank it just in time.

**[Purification Potion consumed. Status effects removed.]**

After stabilizing, Suho threw the Guiyoung Spear at a high point on the stone pillar, used it as a foothold, and leapt toward the dragon’s head.

**[You have demonstrated high proficiency in Leaping.]**

**[The system is re-evaluating your skill.]**

**[Congratulations! Leaping has been upgraded to A level.]**

Now lighter and more agile, Suho found himself face-to-face with the dragon.

The enraged creature roared, unleashing another Fear effect right in his face. This time, however, it was less intense, and Suho held his ground. Seizing the moment, he summoned the Guiyoung Spear and threw it directly into the dragon’s eye.

**[Spear Throwing activated.]**

The dragon, proud and fearless, underestimated the attack. The spear struck, embedding deeply in its eye.

“Krraaaahhh!”

**[The Tower Dragon uses Dragon Fear.]**

**[You are in a state of fear.]**

The immense pain pushed the dragon into a frenzy, and another wave of Dragon Fear shook Suho. Gritting his teeth, he downed another Purification Potion and scrambled up the dragon’s massive form, clinging to his weapon and enduring the dragon’s wild thrashes.

His tenacity paid off.

**[Your tenacity in holding on is commendable.]**

**[The system is assessing your ability.]**

**[Congratulations! You have learned Clinging (B).]**

With the system’s boost, Suho maintained his grip, even as the dragon threw itself against the cavern walls and rolled across the floor in agony. Using Healing Light to sustain himself, Suho managed to keep hold.

Finally, after a prolonged struggle, the dragon’s movements slowed, its energy depleted.

*“This is it.”*

Suho pulled himself up and approached the exposed, damaged scale, now a vulnerable spot of exposed flesh. Drawing a fresh sword, he drove it deep into the dragon’s reverse scale, twisting to anchor himself.

The dragon let out a final, furious roar as its body convulsed, then fell, its strength utterly spent.

As the life faded from the dragon’s eyes, it collapsed, its massive form plummeting to the ground with a resounding crash.

TL NOTE: Please don't skimp on the stars for the translation - I'd really like to see how far Leon goes and how far we can increase the number of chapters. Thanks~!

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