Chapter 328: Gate Opening Before 11 Hours (3)

Ssssshhhh……

An island reached after traversing the waves.

The coast, embedded with bluish crystals, was already perfectly occupied by a plethora of monsters.

‘As expected, it must be under the care of the Water Dragon Clan.’

Jinhyuk, who had hidden behind a rock, scanned the monsters along the coast.

Their appearance boasted reptilian heads and blue skin.

They were the intelligent and notoriously brutal Water Dragon Clan.

‘They even have Armored Drakes with them.’

Jinhyuk’s gaze shifted to a huge monster accompanying the Water Dragon Clan.

An Armored Drake was a mid-sized monster of 5 meters, lacking intelligence but possessing high physical and magical defense.

It seemed to have a symbiotic relationship with the Water Dragon Clan.

‘In truth, it’s more like they’ve been domesticated by the Water Dragon Clan.

With their unique ability to divide offensive and defensive roles, this combination was significantly threatening.

At that moment.

“…We have no news from the other groups.”

Yujinah cautiously broke the silence.

From the north, east, south, and west.

The original plan was to attempt entry from four directions, but all communications were lost immediately after the space transfer.

Whether they were defeated by the sea dragons or lost due to the thick sea fog was uncertain.

There’s no doubt this was a serious setback to the plan.

This must be the work of Haesting.

He is undoubtedly intent on manifesting Shub-Niggurath.

If a transcendent of the 50th floor were to be released, destroying a whole world would be as easy as eating cold porridge.

“First, let’s assume that the other assault teams are no longer alive and proceed accordingly.”

If they were complacent, clinging to a sliver of hope, the entire raid could fail.

Given the circumstances, they had no choice but to attack through the northern route in the shortest distance possible.

“It’s risky to break through from the front. If we make the slightest noise, all those nearby creatures will pounce on us.”

Cheon Yuseong added his piece of advice.

The multiple magical signatures felt beneath the sand.

What could be seen was not all there was.

Then…

“We’ll have to split into two teams from here.”

“You’re planning to choose a sacrificial lamb to be the bait, I take it. But just so you know, I have no intention of being fooled by your tricks and won’t be playing the part of bait.”

Cheon Yuseong instantly grasped the hidden intent in Jinhyuk’s words.

This guy always manages to cut in at crucial moments.

How can he bluntly say ‘bait’ when it could be phrased more kindly?

“Don’t worry. I’m not going to ask you to do it. I’ll handle this myself.”

Jinhyuk’s words took Cheon Yuseong by surprise.

“To hear such words from your mouth, it’s like the sun rising from the west.”

“Well, the truth is, I can’t entrust it to anyone else. Assigning such a dangerous task to someone less competent could cost them their life.”

“…I can’t let that comment slide. It sounds as if you’re saying you’re more skilled than I am.”

“Hmm. So you’re better, are you?”

“Isn’t that obvious? If you don’t believe me, I can prove it right here and now.”

Sssshhh!

Cheon Yuseong half-drew his sword.

After receiving the ‘Soul of Heaven’ from the Ghost of Mourning of the Martial World, his internal energy had soared dramatically.

This time he would settle once and for all who truly was the greater warrior.

However…

“Then I have no choice— I’ll have to leave the beach to you.”

“Huh?”

“You’re stronger, superior, and a more perfect ranker than I am. I’ve seen your magic power just now… yikes. I wouldn’t stand a chance against you.”

Jinhyuk feigned sheer terror, trembling slightly.

“It’s only right that the strongest person takes on the most dangerous job. Right?”

“B-But that’s true, however…”

Cheon Yuseong trailed off.

It seemed to have turned out just as he wanted, yet he couldn’t shake off a nagging feeling of unease.

He felt like he had been duped somehow.

“Make sure to attract their attention on the beach strongly. Not one of them should follow us. Got it?”

“That… Yeah. Understood.”

Cheon Yuseong reluctantly nodded.

＊＊＊

[Unique Ability ‘Song of the Sword’ has been activated!]

“Uaaaah!”

Cheon Yuseong confronted dozens, hundreds of Water Dragon Clan and Armored Drakes on the beach.

“Intruders!”

“To think anyone would come this far alone. You’ve got guts.”

“We’ll chop you up into little pieces and use you for festival food.”

The Water Dragon Clan wielded their tridents.

Whump! Thump, thump!

Giant crustacean monsters as big as cars erupted from the sand.

The enemy numbers multiplied in an instant.

Yet…

Like a formidable bulwark blocking a tidal wave, there stood Cheon Yuseong, single-handedly holding off all enemies, justifying the title of the ultimate shield.

Kaboom, kaboom, kaboom!

Slicing through the enemy lines with a margin as thin as a sheet of paper, Cheon Yuseong’s sword moved like a raging storm, mercilessly splitting the monsters in two.

That guy was a monster himself.

A monster sure, but…

There’s no winning against sheer numbers.

Within less than five minutes of fighting, the encirclement began to tighten.

“Are you sure he’s okay?”

Yujinah looked worriedly at Cheon Yuseong.

No matter how important the mission, wasn’t this too dangerous?

“Hm.”

Jinhyuk pondered for a moment.

“He should be fine about 90% of the time. You know, fools don’t die easily.”

The guy had a life-line as tough as steel cable; even if thrown into hell, he’d come back alive.

“What about the remaining 10%?”

“It won’t be fine.”

He answered naturally as if it couldn’t be more obvious. There is no absolute certainty in the world.

Jinhyuk offered a faint smile.

He then hurried along the path leading into the inner parts of the island.

“What are you doing? Are we going to waste this opportunity created by the Sword Saint?”

“No, of course not. We have to go.”

Yujinah led the Situational Guild forward.

Soon after, the assault team left the beach and entered the forest deep within the island.

Step, step.

How far had they gone?

Finally, with a brief moment of respite, Jinhyuk used ‘Eyes of Gluttony’ to check Yujinah’s status window.

Ding!

Name: Yujinah

Gender: Female

Age: 28

Level: 77

Strength 45 Agility 55 Health 46 Magic Power 88

Available Stat Points: 0

Occupation: Tamer

Unique Ability: Mantra Taming

Skills: ‘Customized Feed’ Lv17, ‘Multiple Rapport’ Lv16, ‘Amazon’s Bridle’ Lv15, ‘Javelin Throw’ Lv13, ‘Noble Sacrifice’ Lv11

[Copy Condition: Yujinah had been interested in animals since her youth. Before the emergence of the Tower of Trials, she worked as a zookeeper, and after the tower appeared, she transitioned to a Tamer with taming skills. To copy Yujinah’s unique abilities and skills, you must truly bond with monsters or summons. (If affection reaches 100%, the copy conditions are met)]

[Current Affection: 0%]

The unique ability ‘Mantra Taming’.

This skill could domesticate even the fiercest beast and would be incredibly useful in the upcoming raid and future tower climbing endeavors.

Especially when synergized with his existing ‘Rapport’ ability, taming even higher-tier creatures could be possible.

A glint of excitement flashed in Jinhyuk’s eyes.

This was something he needed to acquire.

To start with, earning Yujinah’s points through a summoned creature would be advisable.

Just then, he sensed a reconnaissance group comprised of the Water Dragon Clan and Armored Drakes not too far away.

“Miss Yujinah.”

The mages of the Situational Guild, belonging to the Situational Guild, also noticed the presence of the enemy a moment later.

“Is it the enemy?”

“Yes. There are five. The same ones we encountered on the beach.”

“Looks like we’ll have to force our way through.”

Due to the dense vegetation, there was no room to maneuver around.

Moreover, the assault team didn’t have the luxury of time to find an alternative route.

Thankfully, their number was small, if anything.

Ssshhhh! Clang!

Various weapons were drawn forth.

The tankers moved front and center while the damage dealers positioned themselves in the rear.

But as the assault team was about to prepare for the ambush.

“Would it be alright if I take care of it?”

Jinhyuk stepped forward slowly.

“Player Kang Jinhyuk, you want to personally do it?”

“We’d be grateful if you did, but perhaps conserving your magic would be wiser?”

Their concern was evident.

The key to this raid was Jinhyuk.

It would be best for everyone if he could fight the island’s boss while maintaining optimal condition.

“Don’t worry. The magic consumption won’t be significant.”

“But if you fight directly, avoiding magic use would be impossible…”

“I suppose so. That’s why I plan to fight in this way.”

Vrooom!

“Salamander.”

At Jinhyuk’s call, a Salamander appeared from the other side of subspace, licking its tongue lasciviously.

“Oh? It’s a fire elemental.”

The rare sight of an elemental beast drew Yujinah’s intrigued gaze.

[+10 Affection from Yujinah was gained.]

[She expresses her admiration, stating that only humans with pure hearts can make contracts with elemental beasts.]

Good. As expected, cute elemental beasts like these were the best for making an impression.

“My master, we have arrived.”

When Undine joined in, the perfect coupling of elementals was complete.

But then.

“What are you trying to do with us this time?”

“Don’t make us do something too hard. We almost died because we used too much power last time…”

Salamander and Undine clung to Jinhyuk’s trouser leg, sobbing as if they were being mistreated.

To the others, it looked as if Jinhyuk was the very embodiment of an abusive employer.

“Player Kang Jinhyuk…”

[-20 Affection from Yujinah was lost.]

[Disappointment flooded her as she observed the elementals, who appeared as if they had been abused earlier.]

His already insufficient amount of affection suddenly dropped further into the negative.

Crack.

A thick vein popped on Jinhyuk’s forehead.

“Ha-ha. Why are you doing this all of a sudden? Have you already forgotten how well I treated you?”

“Eh?”

“Has, has the master treated us well? To us?”

“Behave normally. If you do, there won’t be a problem. Not a single one.”

Jinhyuk’s warning came through a strained smile.

In life, there are always crossroads moments where one must decide which path will lead to survival or doom.

“Ah! That’s right. The master used to give us premium flames as food. And provided a warm, soft bed when we’re needed.”

Luckily, Salamander sensed the imminent crisis with its draconic instinct.

“The master, what’s wrong? You’ve always lorded us around. You gave us good stuff in your dreams, is that it?”

Undine did not come to that realization.

“Go away.”

“Moth?”

“Deal with it.”

“Moth!”

Goguma, the little sweet potato spirit, bit into Undine’s leg and disappeared behind a rock.

“Yikes! My bad, I made a mistake.”

A pitiful voice echoed through the air, but it was brief.

“We saw a little embarrassing display there, didn’t we? Training isn’t complete, so we ask for your understanding.”

“Can you really take down five with just a single elemental?”

“What you see might look cute, but they’re by no means simple creatures.”

Having made enough of a fool of himself, it was now time to shift the mood.

“Salamander.”

Jinhyuk’s voice took on a new tone.

Simultaneously.

Flare up!

Salamander’s gaze transformed as well.

Its playful spark vanished.

Heat intensified around it, magical power converged to a pinpoint.

Thud! Thud!

Bracing for the storm to come, the four limbs of the Salamander gripped the ground firmly.

Then, at that very instant.

[Salamander activates Lv10 ‘Path of Flames’!]