episode_0053

Kugugu―!

A fierce battle unfolds, with neither side giving an inch.

Maintaining the taut tension, we have Mahana, a petite girl of only 155cm facing off against an Iron Rhino over 5m tall.

In terms of stats and class, Mahana is at a clear disadvantage.

Being pushed back was to be expected.

“Meaaaah!”

But Mahana did not falter.

This was made possible by her [Shield Lv.5] ability, which she had honed further in her fight against Pyodokju, granting her rock-like durability.

Her unique ability, [Nekomata’s Luck], obtained through [Endurance], provided her with the patience to not waste even a bit of strength.

Empowered by these two abilities, Mahana shines even brighter with her [Shield Raise].

As expected of a skill associated with a , it not only blocks threatening attacks like [Reckless Charge], but also enhances her defense.

“I will not…yield…ever!”

And finally, the one thing that even with all this combined she cannot overcome.

The unwavering will not to betray the faith of the spectators watching her, granting Mahana a supernatural strength.

“Meow…meow!”

In the end, as the battle continued, it began to take an unexpected turn.

“Meow?!”

The ‘Iron Rhino’ unknowingly took a step back.

A look of confusion flashed in its large eyes at this clear sign of being pushed back.

“Meow!!!”

Was it wounded pride?

Or perhaps the hunter’s ingrained sense of ‘kill’ even though it was just a fantasy.

The creature, known for its notorious [skill], unleashed it without hesitation.

“So it begins.”

Professor Bong Michun clicked her tongue.

As her words ended, a gray aura spread around the Iron Rhino.

Thud thud thud―!

“……Meow?!”

Mahana was taken aback by the sudden shockwave emanating from her shield.

It felt like dozens of fists were pounding on the shield.

But this was not the end of the battle fueled by [Reckless Charge].

As the charge continued, Mahana was bewildered by the additional consecutive attacks.

Logically speaking, the Iron Rhino did not have multiple arms to deliver such blows.

“What?”

Mahana infused her shield with magic through the [Shine] attached to it.

Activating [Clear Sight], everything shone brightly like a transparent mirror.

Only then did Mahana fully understand the situation unfolding.

Metal fragments.

Almost adult-sized metal fragments were rotating around the Iron Rhino, forming a circular formation.

“Is that…a sustained damage skill?!”

“Meow!!!”

A [Sustained Damage] skill, considered one of the most efficient among damage-accumulating skills.

Unlike most skills that end with a single blow, this category continuously delivers damage throughout its duration, making it quite challenging to deal with.

Among them, the Hero-grade [Steel Circle] currently activated by the Iron Rhino was particularly formidable.

Summoning 5-6 metal fragments with direct physical force that rotate around the Iron Rhino in a circular formation.

As time passes, the rotation speed, number of fragments, and range all increase.

Furthermore, during its activation, the Iron Rhino’s defense also increases.

In essence, it was a high-efficiency morale skill that encompassed damage, area attacks, and survival.

Kagagagak!!

Boom-!

“Krrugh!”

A metal fragment skillfully dodged the shield and struck Mahana’s side.

Maha was momentarily breathless from the impact that felt like someone gripping a fist and striking her ribcage.

“Muuu!”

With a fierce momentum, Iron Rhino sent her flying backward.

Fortunately, she managed to twist her body in mid-air and successfully executed a breakfall.

“…Hoo.”

“Muuu!”

Iron Rhino unleashed the [Charge of the Rampaging Beast] towards Maha, who was catching her breath.

The resounding impact echoed through the air.

Watching this scene, Moonbora shook her head.

“…It must be tough.”

Maha’s growth was still astonishing to witness.

But even that had its limits.

As the [Steel Circle] unfolded, the once favorable situation quickly turned overwhelming.

Continuing like this would only lead to more damage.

In the end, Iron Rhino would emerge victorious.

Kagagak―!

Maha’s shield emitted a dizzying spark, as if being ground by a mixer.

“Originally, the class is a pure tank without proper attack skills. The opponent was just too strong.”

But it was okay.

In Moonbora’s eyes, Maha had already fulfilled her role as the main tank.

In fact, not only the audience but also most of the professors were surprised, thinking, ‘I can’t believe she held on this long…’

“Even if you lose, you can still aim for a pass…-”

“-Keep your eyes open.”

Yuseha cut off Moonbora’s words.

“…What?”

“Because it’s starting now.”

“What…?”

Looking at his smile, Moonbora turned her gaze back to the front.

Only then did she realize.

Beyond the bursting sparks, Maha’s shield was gradually turning crimson.

No, it was more than that—it was becoming increasingly red, as if engulfed in flames.

*

“…Hoo!”

Shoulder, side, thigh.

Thud―!

“Ugh!”

This time, it was the solar plexus.

This was a bit dangerous.

The impact ringing in her brain almost made Maha drop her shield for a moment.

‘…Stay focused.’

This was nothing.

Just a little pain in the body, right?

Compared to the mental agony, it was just a drop of blood.

‘Muahh!’

She could do it.

She could do it because Yuseha was watching.

Even if she didn’t see it, she could feel it on her back.

As always, he silently watched over her.

His determination flowed through Maha’s body, reaching even the [Rune of Protection] deep within her.

She felt the numbers etched in her mind steadily rising.

The numbers had already reached 8.

Then 9.

And finally, she succeeded in reaching 10.

The reward of patience seeped into her shield, unleashing its unique and intense power.

Thud―!

Maha landed on the ground, plunging into Iron Rhino.

Despite the intensified resistance of the [Steel Circle], she forcibly pushed through and finally reached the creature’s head with her shield.

She unleashed everything she had built up so far onto the beast.

“The rune [Shield Push] (B+) engraved on the shield exerts its power.”

“A stacking effect is applied. For each stack, all attack power increases by 2%. (Current stack: 10/10)”

“The effect of the skill [Zara’s Fury (P)] is activated. The skill is enhanced with [Reinforcement].”

“The skill [Shield Push-Enhanced] is enhanced.”

“[Shield Push-Enhanced]!!!”

Kwaaang―!

A resounding roar echoed out.

The formation made of [Steel Circle] was swept away by a massive shockwave of crimson light.

“…Muu.”

Iron Rhino, struck directly in the brain by the tremendous shockwave.

Its pupils swayed back and forth, blood trickling down.

“Muahh!”

Maha didn’t stop.

Even if it was just a significantly weaker illusion than the original, a boss was still a boss.

Thinking she could win with just one skill was a foolish notion.

She gripped the dagger at her waist in reverse.

Level 3 [Dagger] infused with a blue magical power.

Whoosh!

It relentlessly attacks the weak eyes of the opponent.

Iron Rhino, who had lost his sight completely, staggers.

Thud! Eventually, not long after, in front of Mahana, he crumbled and started to disintegrate into data fragments.

“…Huff, huff.”

Mahana’s rough breathing.

The information window for the [Shield Push] and [Dagger] skills leveling up rings in her ear.

Each durability and speed increase by 1.

Normally, one would be happy about it, but perhaps she exerted too much energy.

Mahana just let out a deep breath.

“……”

“……”

For quite a while, no one made a sound.

There was no applause or surprise bursting out as if it were obvious like at .

Just astonishment.

The majority looked at the test results as if they couldn’t believe it.

At the same time, eyes of ‘distrust’ as powerful as the astonishment were also cast.

Mahana was used to it.

Those who would not acknowledge even if shown directly would never be acknowledged.

Especially if it was a matter of their own pride.

But it didn’t matter.

Even if everyone in this world denied her, only one person would believe in her.

She knew that well.

Clap, clap, clap!

And as expected.

A thunderous applause broke the frozen silence.

“Mahana!!!”

Yuseha.

The savior and benefactor who had come to her.

He was clapping his hands until they were red.

Applause began to spread from all around.

Did you see that?

Impressive!

Various praises were heard.

Then, a word of praise from the professors was heard.

Mahana, who had been quietly listening, couldn’t hide her surprise at the final words of the professor.

The cool expression that the female professor had.

The person who had helped her.

A faint smile appeared on her usually expressionless face.

Her eyes, as if seeing something proud, strangely resembled Yuseha.

“Well done. You have succeeded in proving yourself.”

“T-Thank you.”

Mahana bowed her head and stood up straight.

Moonbora lightly clapped her hands with an amazed expression.

And…

“As expected of our Meonyangi!”

Yuseha even ruffled her hair.

“Meow~”

Mahana let out a sincere ‘meow~’ and smiled happily for the first time in a while.

* * *

“Next~ Participant number 324~”

Yuseha, please come forward.