Chapter: 760
Vwooo—!!!
The ground shook violently from the vibrations.
I steadied myself with a bet and stared into the void.
As if my eyes had opened in that empty space, countless dimensions were being ripped apart.
Numerous magic gates were forming up in the sky.
“You crazy bastard.”
I couldn’t help but curse at the sight before me.
It’s no surprise.
The sheer number of magic gates wasn’t the only issue; they were all radiating a red glow.
This meant that all those magic gates were red magic gates, and red-level monsters were going to burst forth from them.
Monsters that could only be hunted if they were each at their peak maturity.
These were the kind of creatures that could turn the surroundings into ruins simply by their presence.
Of course, they weren’t as much of a threat to me anymore.
‘If there are just a couple, catching them will be easy.’
Objectively speaking, I could probably handle five or six of them at the same time.
But…
‘That number is way too high.’
That was just way too much, no matter how you sliced it.
Even with a rough count, it easily exceeded thirty.
Thirty red monsters?
‘That’s enough to easily wipe out Hanam and still have some left over.’
That’s a number I’ve never seen in my previous life.
This was unexpected.
While it’s natural for numbers to make things harder to fight, this was beyond merely doubling.
Especially in a situation like this.
In a circumstance where fleeing or hunting seemed almost impossible, there was no leaving this place.
‘There’s so much to protect.’
I looked around.
There were currently about fifty people left.
Naturally, their faces were filled with shock.
“W-What? There are so many red magic gates!”
“Crap, what do we do now?”
“How are we supposed to stop that…?”
The hopeless expressions on their faces echoed in my ears.
How can we possibly stop that?
Even in their terrified faces, their words reflected hopelessness.
‘Tsk.’
Instead of running away, I had to think about stopping them first.
I knew what would happen the moment they decided to retreat.
So they realized, instinctively, what would become of those fleeing.
Thus, even in this desperate situation, they couldn’t bring themselves to escape.
‘…Hah.’
This is ridiculous.
‘Is this what they call being righteous?’
They couldn’t be more foolish.
Yeah, with that mindset, they were destined to be wiped out early.
Do you know why the wars were such a mess in my past life?
Because the first to die were the fools like them when trouble started.
‘Incredibly foolish beings.’
They clearly understood they had no chance of winning, yet they chose to confront rather than evade.
And the harsh truth was that, cruelly, miracles just don’t happen.
So they were buried in a pool of blood, eyes closed forever.
That’s the reality.
“Damn it.”
My lips felt dry.
If I make one wrong move, I’ll be in that same position again.
The issue at hand?
‘It’s my own doing.’
This time, it wasn’t the fault of Cheonma or Hyeolgyeop.
It was a result of the situation I had created.
‘Damn it all.’
I swallowed my frustration, trying to suppress the feelings welling up inside me.
Before indulging in self-pity, I needed to assess the situation. Understanding took priority over blame right now.
‘Let’s find a solution.’
And I’d find one somehow.
I quickly turned my head, which was still somewhat sluggish.
Ahhhhhh—!
There was still that obnoxious scream reverberating through the air.
With its body riddled with cracks, it looked like it was desperate to survive.
I tore my gaze away from it and focused on the magic gates this time.
But…
‘…What the hell is that?’
My eyes narrowed instantly.
Upon examining the magic gate, I noticed something strange.
‘There are lines inside.’
Within the open magic gate, I could see unknown lines extending outwards.
What are those?
As I pondered the question, the answer swiftly came to me.
‘It looks like the patterns floating in the sky.’
Before that guy showed up, a scarlet emblem had appeared in the void.
The lines inside the magic gate looked just like the form it took when it was completed.
Focusing closely, I thought, ‘Even though the magic gate has appeared, the demons have yet to manifest.’
Is there some particular reason for that?
If there is a reason…
‘Could it be those lines?’
What if, once those lines are all connected, the monsters might spring out? That thought flitted through my mind.
Of course, I wasn’t completely sure. There simply wasn’t enough information.
But…
‘Now’s not the time to be picky about convenience.’
Even speculating was a luxury I couldn’t afford right now.
Thud—!!
I stomped the ground and enveloped my body in blue flames.
“Listen closely.”
Before I launched my attack, I wanted to add a little something.
If you don’t want to die, kill that bastard. That’s what I intended to say, but I hesitated for a moment.
What could be more impactful than that?
Ah, it hit me.
Not that it’s my place to say, but I had something practical to throw out there.
“Now is the time. We have to take him down now to save everyone!”
“…!”
“There won’t be another chance!”
The moment I spoke those words, the atmosphere shifted.
Whether they were paralyzed by fear or swallowed by despair, their gazes all shared a similar look.
If I don’t act, someone is going to die.
I didn’t know why that stuck with me.
But these foolish people deemed that more important than their own lives.
The people here were just like that.
Maybe.
“Therefore…”
Except me.
“We absolutely must kill that guy!”
With that declaration, I propelled myself forward.
Ahhhhh—!!
The one still screaming. In the blink of an eye, I was right in front of him.
Hwararuruk—!! The blue flames coiling around my body leapt into my hands.
With the compressed flames, I forged the energy into an explosive strike at the tip of my fist.
A powerhouse blow.
Just as the strike was about to land…
Kyaaaaah-!!
The shrieking beast shifted and dodged my attack.
Tuwaah—!!
The flames erupted, creating a towering inferno behind it.
I swiftly retracted my hand and twisted my body.
Crunch—!
Its claws dug into the ground.
This bastard was ridiculously fast.
I noticed that its uniform was slightly torn.
While I couldn’t confirm it, it was obvious that it must have gotten hit on the upper body.
But such minor damage wasn’t worth worrying about.
My attention turned upwards.
‘The lines are…’
I observed the line still weaving through the magic gate.
‘Hm.’
It was still active. It seemed that making it move wouldn’t cause it to stop.
That was unfortunate news, but on the bright side…
‘It’s slowed down.’
I could clearly see that the line connecting was moving more slowly.
It seemed like making it act really did have some effect.
What this indicates is…
‘The magic gate and his spirit or power are linked. It doesn’t just elegantly cast itself just by using it.’
Rustle—!
I dodged its claws once again while keeping my attention on it.
‘Is this his power?’
I swung my leg.
Bang—!!
Kiieeek—!
My foot collided, creating a shattering impact.
Because the flames weren’t surrounding it, the hit was weaker, and the damage was shallow.
But none of that mattered.
Shiiriririk—!!
I felt something lurking behind me.
“Yay!!”
A bright voice rang out as something rushed in.
Kwajik—!
Kuiik—!!
A massive, dull force penetrated through the shattered barrier.
It struck the monster’s upper body directly and sent shrapnel flying.
I grimaced at the sight of the debris fluttering around.
‘That’s too unnatural to be flesh.’
While dodging attacks, I noted each one, my head beginning to ache.
“Whew!”
As if one blow wasn’t sufficient, Bong-soon, with an excited expression, tried to follow up with a barrage.
Yet the barrier had just been reformed moments earlier. Even knowing that, Bong-soon didn’t ease up on her assault.
Did she believe it would work? No.
It wasn’t about her faith in her attacks.
Shiih—!!
It was a belief in what was coming next.
Kwajik—!!
A golden flash burst forth again and shattered the barrier.
With a small opening made, Bong-soon seized the opportunity.
“Hiap!”
Kwajik—!!
Kyaa—!!
The monster reeled from the repeated hits in agony.
As it twitched, seeming ready to counterattack, I swiftly grabbed Bong-soon and pulled back.
One swing.
Just as her nails sliced through the air.
“Whew!”
“I’ll join in!”
A few others appeared and lunged at the monster.
Each wore different clothing, and the armor on their bodies was diverse as well.
Their levels were among the most elite.
Though they could be considered taller in relation to their age, they were not at the level to participate in this fight.
I’m sure they realized it too.
‘What’s their game?’
I couldn’t understand their mentality.
If they had their senses intact, they’d know that stepping in here could easily lead to their demise.
‘Is this some sort of misguided heroism?’
What good is that without any kind of negotiation in the decaying Central Plains?
It was utterly preposterous.
Clang—! Crash—!!
“Ugh!”
“Watch out…!!”
A blow struck the inside of the shattered barrier, causing a ripple of shock.
Kyaa—!!
Yells erupted from the continuous impacts, but they were quieter than before.
The monster, overflowing with murderous intent, swung its arms fiercely.
It was dangerous.
If we left it as it was, everyone would perish.
But intervening came at a cost. There was no safe way to guarantee their escape.
In some way, everyone would end up hurt.
In that case, it might be smarter to let go and flee.
“Ugh, damn it.”
Like an automaton, my body was already moving.
I maximized my firepower and cranked the speed to the max.
Hwaruk—!
Sparks ignited and hurled my body forward.
I dashed in, extending my hand toward my allies.
There were too many to catch directly. I utilized the void to pull them out.
“Wow!”
Crack—! With a narrow escape, the warriors barely slipped away while my fingertips grazed the ground.
In that moment, the monster’s gaze shifted towards me.
Its attack was imminent.
‘Damn.’
I felt the recoil from accelerating too quickly.
I was too late to dodge its strike. My shoulder felt like it was about to be ripped apart.
Phew—!
Tuang—!!
Kiirik!?
“Huh?”
Something flew beside me and intercepted the creature’s claws just in time.
Upon a closer look, it was an arrow.
An arrow, in this situation?
For just a moment, I was startled by this unexpected object.
“…Duck down.”
Instinctively, I dipped my head at the follow-up command.
The blade grazed the space where my head had been.
Crackling—!!!
Kyaaaaaah—!!
Light burst forth.
The wielder of the thunder, Namgung Bi-ah, had begun to directly confront the monsters.
No, it wasn’t just Namgung Bi-ah.
“I’ll take the right side.”
“…Okay.”
Her voice melded with the sharp flash, intertwining with the golden brilliance in the air.
Simultaneously, Wi Seol-ah’s blade fluttered through the fray.
Sswish! Swish—!
Different colored blades danced fluidly through the void.
It seemed like they were about to collide but narrowly avoided one another.
They expertly avoided obstructing each other’s techniques, all while maintaining their force.
Rustle—!
Wi Seol-ah’s sword cleaved through the barrier.
She was capable of slicing through it since she mastered the heart technique.
With the momentary gap created, an electric energy struck forth.
Crackling—!!!
Kyaa kyaaa!
The monster’s hand swung, and a staff flew forth.
Thump—!!
Bong-soon blocked the attack, while a dagger darted toward her weak spot.
Deflecting the strike with the heart technique, a flurry of sword blows followed.
Kyaaaaah—!!!
Crunch—! Crunch—! Boom—!
The synergy of the four inflicted utter perfection. There were no openings, preventing even other warriors from intervening.
“…Uhh….”
I found myself in the same situation, jaw slightly agape as I observed.
What’s with their expertise…?
It was absurd.
I could chalk it up to them knowing each other for a long time, but then there was Bong-soon.
“Hihihahhaha—!!!”
For some reason, she was grinning widely and swinging her staff, as if thoroughly enjoying herself.
Yet, despite her playful demeanor, her strikes carried great weight.
Even without a direct hit, she was repelling the monster’s attacks.
It was a staggering sight to behold.
Thanks to that, the monster was at a loss, getting pummeled relentlessly.
Kiya… Kiyaaaaaak…!
Now it was almost pitiable. I turned my gaze back toward the magic gates.
At that moment…
‘…Let’s go.’
The lines were still connecting.
No matter how much they slowed, time did not seem to be on our side.
I felt an urgent need to finish this quickly.
Even if the monsters were being pushed back now, if we couldn’t block that magic gate, it would ultimately spell doom for us.
Grr—!!
I steeled my heart with determination.
I rapidly spun the ring, gathering strength throughout my being.
It was to create a spear.
A far larger and more powerful blow than usual.
I packed a considerable amount of energy for that purpose.
‘Tell Wi Seol-ah to break the barrier. And then…’
Even shattering the barrier seemed a waste of strength.
I’d ask Wi Seol-ah to handle that gap, striking with absolute force afterward.
As I pondered this…
Kiieee…!!
It roared loudly—!
“Whoa?”
Suddenly, I felt a reaction deep in my heart.
The monster that was getting hammered. I sensed a surge coming from it.
This can’t be…
“Dodge—!”
“…!!!”
At my urgent shout, everyone immediately distanced themselves from the monster and darted toward me.
In that instant…
Kyaaaaaaaah—!!!
The creature opened its maw wide, unleashing an otherworldly scream.
But that wasn’t all.
Whoosh—!!
Light gathered within its gaping jaws.
Waaaaaah—!!!
A colossal torrent of energy erupted forth.
I propelled myself away from it.
Light spilled down, engulfing my very being.
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