Chapter: 638
Kraaaaah–!
I burst through the roar of the beast.
Despite its massive size, as if it were a hill, the creature’s body is surprisingly agile.
Gkududuk!
Its fingertips slam into the ground with a thud, digging deep.
The ground gets shredded by its sharp claws as if cutting through tofu.
I narrowly dodged it and approached the brute.
My target is its lowered wrist.
With it directly in front of me, I twisted my waist and swung my fist with full force.
Kuung!
My fist connected sharply with the monster’s wrist.
A loud bang echoed, and its hand was deflected away.
But—
Krraaah!
‘This isn’t good.’
Judging from its reaction, it seems my attack didn’t faze it much.
The strike definitely landed, yet it only bounced back without causing any real damage.
Kyaaaaah!!
Seething from the hit, the creature charges straight at me.
I admit, a massive thing coming at me like that is intimidating.
Still, I scrutinized the beast.
‘It’s charging in without thought; does it lack intelligence?’
It has no self-awareness.
If this were the body of the ‘Net’, I would’ve expected some sort of reaction.
But right now, it seemed completely beastly—no different from any wild animal.
Hwa-ruk!!
As I watched it barreling toward me, I raised my energy.
Pouring forth heat like I intended to incinerate everything, flames erupted violently.
Hwaaaaak!!
Kyaaah–!!
The flames clinging to its body seemed to bother it not at all; it kept charging at me relentlessly.
Chak!
Just as its enormous maw opened wide to lung at me—
Whooosh! Kwahng!!
Krrraaaaack–!!
Its head jerked sideways, thrown off-balance as its body trembled.
Pajeon had blocked the attack by slamming a hit against the monster’s head.
“Heh heh.”
He chuckled watching the monster’s wobbling figure.
“He’s pretty tough.”
It seems even Pajeon felt the exchange.
“It’s covered in something unknown.”
“I think so.”
Just like that red monster before.
This beast also looks to be wrapped in something peculiar.
That’s probably why my attacks were ineffective.
The real problem, however, is—
‘I can’t see it.’
While the red monster displayed even the smallest weakness, this creature showed nothing.
‘What on earth is up with this guy?’
Kwaw dak!
Debris flew around as chaos erupted.
Continuing to dodge, I scrutinized the creature.
‘What’s the method?’
How on earth do I take it down?
I had to keep searching for a solution.
If all my attacks get blocked, wasting energy will only harm me more.
In the end, I might tire out first and be consumed.
Kyaaaah!!
Frowning at the prickling sensation, I thought—
‘A hundred-level monster.’
They say its mere existence is a disaster, and that destructive power confirms it.
‘If that is indeed the body of the Net, can we simply label it as a hundred-level monster?’
And originally—
“Is that its main body?”
Could it be that this was what Mang’s true form looked like?
Even so, no matter how I looked at it—
“It’s just a monster….”
The third pureblood dragon.
That’s how Mang introduced itself.
He claimed to be a dragon like me.
‘But that’s neither a monster nor anything special.’
Shhiiik!!
I twisted to evade its flying claws.
Chak!
I couldn’t dodge them all, and a slight scratch marred my upper body.
Pain flared as my clothing tore.
‘Tsk.’
Feeling the sting was likely heightened in the already injured area.
My body speed noticeably slowed.
Krraah!
The creature wouldn’t let up; it swiftly swung its claw again.
As its nails came dreadfully close—
Fwakk!
Suddenly, someone appeared and intercepted its claws.
Chikh!
The sound of metal scraping rang out.
The newcomer swiftly brushed off the creature’s nails.
Bang!
With a surge, I nudged the claw aside gently.
I widened my eyes at the sight.
“I’ll join in.”
A giant with black hair and brown eyes.
The master of Hwagyeong who guarded the gate leading to the princess.
It was the Black Lion.
Just as I was momentarily flabbergasted by his sudden appearance, someone else swooped in to catch me as I stumbled.
“Are you alright?”
“…You.”
This time, it was Seong Yul.
“I apologize for being a bit late in assisting the evacuation.”
I had been wondering where he’d been; it appeared he was busy escorting people to safety.
‘…What’s up with this guy?’
In my past life, a person labeled either a murderer or a sword demon had been busy helping others escape, only to return here.
“If you were going to help evacuate, why didn’t you come with me? What made you come here?”
I questioned him, incredulous about his motives.
Seong Yul responded with his characteristic blank expression.
“Well, Confucius is here, isn’t he?”
“This guy is insane.”
After hearing that, I replied without a second thought.
When did he even start being loyal to me?
We must have met not that long ago; it felt entirely preposterous.
“Didn’t you say you would give me a reason to live? You can’t die until then.”
“When did I ever say that?”
I never uttered such words.
I merely suggested that if he were to lose his life anyway, it would be better to serve me in death.
‘A lunatic interprets things however he wants.’
I felt the urge to sigh yet somehow held it back as I got back on my feet.
“What’s that old geezer up to?”
“Well, I’m not sure.”
Seong Yul shook his head, as if uncertain about anything they had discussed.
‘The one protecting the princess is now joining in to fight that thing?’
Wait, has he not heard what Pajeon mentioned yet?
It wouldn’t be surprising if the person closest to the princess knew about such things.
Then, does that mean Pajeon lied?
Considering the old man’s temperament, that could indeed be the case.
‘But judging by his expression, that doesn’t seem right either.’
Looking at the face of the Black Lion, tightly holding his posture.
It didn’t seem like they were fighting unawares.
He looked solemn and incredibly sad.
Yet still, he had his sword drawn.
I had no clue as to what had occurred.
Whatever it was, it seems Pajeon’s words were mostly accurate.
‘The body of the Net has swallowed the princess.’
That might not even be the truth, but thinking too deeply about it right now is difficult.
Krrrraaaaah!!
The creature tilted its head, directing its gaze toward me again.
Kyaaaah!!
It charged in once more.
As I pondered whether to reset my strategy in this situation—
-Relax your feet. Focus your back strength.
At the premonition I heard, I instinctively gathered my energy.
A chill danced upon my back.
In that moment.
Pwaah!
“Guh!?”
The intense impact pushed my body back, and I shot out rapidly.
Though it was a sudden scenario, I gritted my teeth and clenched my fist.
I raced forward toward the monster with incredible speed.
Before it could open its mouth, I slammed a punch laced with my spirit into it.
Paat!
Grrrk!!
The moment its face was struck, the beast faltered momentarily and halted its movement.
“Well done.”
The one who had kicked me in the back.
With a kick on my shoulder, Pajeon soared into the air.
In one swift motion, he set his focus on the monster’s crown and opened all his fingers, aiming right for the beast’s head.
In that instant—
With blinding speed, he curled his fingers into a fist and drove it straight into the monster.
Kwaaang!
Kyaaaaaaaaaah!!!
In contrast to the simplicity and brevity of the move, the overwhelming destructive power knocked the creature back harder than anything it had taken before.
Then I saw it.
Sshhhad!
The monster’s barrier slightly crumbled, creating a gap.
It’s a gap.
A gap that was made, albeit barely.
I thought I absolutely couldn’t miss this chance, but it was too late to pivot now.
What should I do? I was deep in thought.
Shhiiik!
Something came flying toward me.
“Sorry.”
It was Seong Yul.
What exactly is he apologizing for? Pondering for a moment—
Thwack!
“Hey, you!”
With unphased casualness, he stepped on my back like a stepping stone to elevate himself even higher.
Spinning mid-air, he quickly intensified his speed and aimed the sword he had held downward into the gap.
Thwack!
Kyaaaaah—!!
The blade empowered by his energy sliced into the monster, who writhed in pain as well.
With Pajeon and Seong Yul suspended in air, it was practically the perfect moment for the beast to retaliate.
Observing that opportunity, I expelled energy from my hands, wrapping it around the two and yanking them to safety.
Pheet—!
As the duo escaped, the creature’s tail barely grazed by where they’d just been standing.
It was a narrow escape.
I crashed to the ground, barely able to roll out of harm’s way, and quickly sprang back up to assess the situation.
Krrr…!
As the monster growled, blue blood dripped from its brow.
This indicated that our attack had succeeded.
But—
‘Not deep enough.’
Despite hitting it successfully, the damage seemed minimal.
Sssshhhh.
The barely-created breach was already regenerating at once.
‘This is going to be troublesome.’
Cold sweat dripped as I witnessed this.
Though its speed and power were considerable, it wasn’t impossible to avoid.
This meant it wasn’t impossible to deal with, but—
‘In the end, I can’t finish it off.’
As long as I can’t penetrate that barrier, I can’t kill it.
‘Are all hundred-level monsters like this?’
Whether he was unique or if all hundred-levels were the same, I couldn’t tell.
‘If I’d known it would be like this, I should’ve consulted with Noya.’
Shin Noya had a history of taking down hundreds-level monsters single-handedly.
He would’ve been a tremendous help here.
But that thought only serves as a complaint.
Who would have guessed that a hundred-level monster would suddenly appear?
“Phew….”
While I sighed heavily in this dire situation—
“Hmm.”
Pajeon next to me adopted a contemplative expression for a brief moment.
After some seconds of thought, he said—
“Disciple.”
“Yes.”
“Can you use your heart technique now?”
“Excuse me?”
I pondered over what Pajeon just asked.
If we’re speaking of imagination—
“Heart technique?”
“…?”
Pajeon’s brow furrowed slightly at my response.
“Did you actually name it that?”
“Well, since there’s a heart sword, why wouldn’t there be a heart technique?”
“Hmm. That’s unimportant. Can you use it?”
So he wants me to use this heart technique on that beast? I nodded to Pajeon’s inquiry.
“I can use it about twice.”
“Try it out.”
The moment the order dropped, I infused my spirit with no hesitation.
An image wrapped around my palm.
And directly aimed toward the monster.
The energy released from the tip of my fist surged straight into the beast.
Doosh—! Kwaaaaang—!!
Krrrraaaaah!!
Engulfed by the energy, the creature reeled back dramatically.
I blinked as I witnessed that.
“What’s going on?”
The monster’s reaction to being hit by the heart technique was bizarre.
When I had previously struck with intent, it looked unfazed.
Yet this somewhat lesser utilization of the heart technique drew such a strong reaction?
Moreover—
‘It even broke the barrier.’
Compared to when Pajeon hit it, the hole was significantly larger.
“Hmm…. as expected.”
Upon noticing, Pajeon nodded as if he expected this result.
“It seems to hit the mark.”
I stared directly at Pajeon in disbelief.
Surely not.
“Are you saying it’s because I used the heart technique that it broke?”
“When I mixed it earlier, it felt different. So I decided to test it. It seems to be working that way.”
“Great.”
I smirked in disbelief at his words.
So to break the barrier, it has to be approached through the realm of imagination?
‘What a load of nonsense.’
This is so absurdly difficult.
Still, a method has finally surfaced.
“So then, let’s use that to break it. Shall we?”
“Where to?”
“Where? We have to subdue it first!”
“So, what do you mean?”
“Excuse me?”
The communication wasn’t making much sense to me.
If I just found a method, I should be using it right away!
I pondered when I heard—
“Disciple, who here besides you would be able to do this?”
“…!”
I had to consider Pajeon’s questioning again.
I surveyed the surroundings.
Seong Yul stood alert, mature and composed while the Black Lion, too, seemed capable.
Though it appeared that neither had reached the level of this heart technique.
“If so, Elder….”
“That was my limit. I haven’t built my vessel yet.”
Damn it.
It means, that here, only I can utilize my heart power to break the barrier.
‘…So I really am at my limit.’
I, too, wasn’t in the best shape.
Having just come back from confronting Mang, my energy was definitely running low, and the heart technique isn’t something I can use plenty of times.
Even though I had just discovered a method, I could only use the heart power once.
“This is hopeless.”
The situation was worsening by the minute.
As I wrestled with how to overcome this hurdle, Pajeon stepped forward.
“Five minutes at most.”
“I think I can manage that.”
“Elder?”
“Gather the children and open up the passage.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
What in the world was he saying?
I let slip harsh words without realizing it, while Pajeon’s face remained stoic.
“Unfortunately, you can’t die here.”
“Didn’t you just say you wouldn’t teach me how to run away? So why now?”
“We could simply call it a strategic retreat, couldn’t we?”
“Seriously, don’t spout nonsense.”
Heh heh.
Pajeon chuckled lightly.
“But I’m still from the righteous faction, you see.”
I had never seen anyone live like that.
Pajeon did belong to the orthodox side of martial arts.
“It troubles me greatly to see young disciples dying here.”
“So, do you want to die instead? We’ll survive.”
“Hmm. Isn’t it nice that I’m a bit more like a teacher now?”
“Why the sudden kindness? It’s making me shiver.”
I growled at him, but Pajeon’s demeanor remained unchanged.
Does that mean he’s serious?
‘Didn’t you say you wanted to witness the end of martial arts? What are you doing now?’
This was outrageous. I was entirely puzzled by his reasoning.
Suddenly.
Gkak!
I ground my teeth in disbelief.
It was unacceptable that Pajeon reacted this way after only a few rounds of combat.
The old man must not falter, nor can he retreat here.
At the very least, he should not do that.
“…Don’t kid around with me.”
In a place like this, with a traitor’s death on the line?
Are you trying to save me?
Don’t be absurd.
Whoosh whoosh-!!
Engulfing flames enveloped my hands as I conjured a fire prison.
I added rotation and compression.
Oho.
Pajeon’s eyes sparkled at the sight of my martial arts.
It was a strangely intrigued look from a man who just claimed he’d be willing to give his life.
“Did you finally succeed?”
“…”
I remained silent.
Having focused all my intent on my hands, I took a deep breath and told Pajeon.
“Thirty seconds. Hold out for me.”
That seemed sufficient to perform the technique.
Pajeon chuckled, clearly amused by my concise words.
“Honestly, your stubborn nature never changes.”
Gradually reshaping the spinning flame core, I placed the vessel of my imagination over the ever-expanding fire.
If the heart technique works, then surely this will too.
I ensured that the fire held firm, layering both vessel and imagination over it.
That was the goal were trying to accomplish, yet it was also, in essence, a defense rooted in the heart technique.
If you purely assessed its performance, it didn’t seem odd to regard it as a countermeasure against hundred-level monsters.
Shattering the barrier with imagination and igniting the flames inside it—
As I secured this carefully.
Kraaaaah—!!
Pajeon was already in a brawl with the monster.
Seong Yul maneuvered alongside him, assisting. The Black Lion brought his prowess to bear without hesitation.
At first glance, it seemed they faced it quite competently.
However, gradually, it was evident they were being overwhelmed.
The barrier was undoubtedly the crux of the problem.
Chwang!
I felt it react at my fingertips.
Thirty seconds had already passed, the Flame Spear was complete.
Phew….
I exhaled deeply.
It was the largest and richest technique I had ever crafted.
Given I poured everything into it, there could be no other outcome.
I contemplated the weapon I completed.
This was enough. Surely this would be able to kill him.
Huuk.
I stretched out one leg—
The moment I secured my stance for a javelin throw—
“I’m going in.”
I declared, bracing my shoulders.
My whisper, although barely audible, must have sounded loud to a martial artist’s ears.
As if to validate me.
The trio engaged with the monster fell back momentarily.
Simultaneously, I hurled the spear I had been holding with all my strength.
KWAAAAAAAHHH–!!
Spinning like it was caught in a whirlwind, the javelin—
Krraaak—!
Impacted the beast’s barrier directly.
Whack—!!
As expected, the energy surrounding the spear shattered the monster’s barrier.
Once the opening formed, the spear surged through and penetrated its flesh.
Kyaaaaah–!!
Fwoosh!! KABAAAM!!
The spear that burrowed inside soon erupted with raging flames.
It connected.
Filled with elation, I beheld the creature engulfed in flames.
But—
Kyaaaaah—!!!
I soon found myself grimacing.
The flames that engulfed its body rapidly dissipated as it thrashed about.
Once the flames cleared—
“…Damn it.”
Although its skin had singed, the damage wasn’t as dire as I’d hoped.
Sure, its body was considerably torn, but it seemed to be healing at a rapid rate.
I had targeted its vital point and struck true.
Yet all it did was huff lightly, displaying it was far from weak.
“Damn it. Seriously.”
Does that make any sense? How the hell am I expected to catch it?
Should I genuinely consider running away?
In a ridiculous turn of events, I ground my teeth in frustration.
And thus, I remained unaware.
Thud.
Someone was approaching from behind.
“Not bad.”
“…!”
I froze at the sound of the voice.
It was weighty. A deeply resonant, and gravely voice.
Such an utterance could not possibly belong in this cold meadow.
As my weary knees buckled and I turned my head—
Someone swept past me.
In that instant—
Swish, a massive hand stroked over my hair.
I didn’t think to question who it was right away.
The only thought that flashed through my mind was why on Earth that person was here.
“Father—?”
I called out in startled tones.
A short, winded breath brushed past.
Guuuung—!
A thunderous tremor pulsed through the air.
When I redirected my gaze to where the sound had come from—
“…!”
Gulp…
No matter how fiercely I battled against it, the hundred-level monster—
With a sudden burst—
It began to topple down, its body cleaved in half.
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