episode_0078

Kuwaaa-!

The rough resonance of the [Provocation] skill spread out.

Like the crimson magic spreading out like a hissing cat.

The eyes of and , who were approaching the Mewling, became cloudy.

“Kwaaah!”

“Shirik!”

Then they began to attack indiscriminately towards the [Zara’s Shield].

Watching this scene, Moonbora couldn’t hide her surprised expression as she covered her mouth with her fingertips.

“…Provocation?”

A crucial element that determines whether a class is in the top tier or not, symbolizing the power of talent.

Moonbora was visibly taken aback by the power of this skill.

“I knew you had gotten stronger, but-”

“-You didn’t expect the [Provocation] skill?”

At my words, Moonbora nodded her head.

Slightly hesitating, she muttered under her breath so that Mewling couldn’t hear.

“…Yes, it’s a concept different from just increasing stats.”

Indeed, as Moonbora said.

Even among tanks, there is a distinction between those who can learn and those who cannot.

Every hunter has their own aptitude and talent.

In the case of Mewling, while the attack ability of [Shield Push] was allowed, essential utility skills like [Provocation] were not permitted.

‘It’s probably something that shouldn’t be there in the first place.’

Unless it’s copied like me, it’s usually impossible.

‘That’s why [Disguise] is a scam.’

From the magic shining through Mewling’s body, I sensed that the contract with [Disguise] was almost complete.

In a few more days, he would probably acquire the [Provocation’s Roar] skill completely.

Then, according to Mewling’s growth, he would be able to acquire an even stronger provocation skill.

Thinking once again that I did well in clearing , I gripped the sword at my waist.

Provocation may be a scam, but it’s not a cure-all for all problems.

After all, enduring a beating is up to Mewling’s discretion.

Thump thump thump thump-!

Thump thump!

“Mew, Mewaa!”

Mewling, who reinforced his defense with [Raise Shield], began to be pushed back.

It was because the number of monsters had swelled like wet cotton.

Mewling, pushing himself to the limit.

Finally, when the monsters were densely packed, he thrust his shield, which had turned red, directly forward, releasing a powerful shockwave.

“[Shield Push-Strong]!!!”

Boom-!

The shockwave, reinforced two to three times, spread out with the momentum to shake the swamp.

The Swamp Kaiman and Venomous Naiki, who were pounding in front, were knocked down.

They were just a few in front.

The rest flew away and then rushed back like crazy under the influence of provocation.

As expected of the type, they were all tough.

“Moonbora! You take care of the ones coming from the left. I’ll handle the ones on the right!”

“Got it!”

Hearing the casting sound in my ear, I charged forward.

I pulled Mewling, who was muttering ‘Mewnya…’ tiredly, back.

“Good job!”

“Mewaa~”

With the sword at my waist raised, I looked at the approaching horde and thought.

If I use [Dragon’s Wrath], it should be somewhat sorted out…

‘But the magic consumption is too high.’

Our goal is to defeat the .

We didn’t have the luxury to spend a lot of magic on these small fries.

But with mediocre firepower, it would take a long time, and there was a risk of retaliation if the provocation was released.

‘The conclusion is minimal consumption.’

And unleashing sustained high firepower based on minimal consumption.

After making my decision, I ran my palm from the starting point of the sword to the tip.

Swish-!

Like igniting a fire on dry firewood, the rising chloride envelops its unique firepower.

Just like a fairy dancing beautifully, it starts to swirl along the blade according to my will.

Unfolding for the first time, the “Burning Flame” was easy to handle like a second nature.

“Here… unleash the thrust!”

Rather than the powerful [Dragon Strike], a drastically mana-efficient [Triple Thrust] was unleashed towards the .

An additional afterimage emerges with each thrust.

An impact as if three people were thrusting in three directions simultaneously unfolds.

With a crackling sound, the Kai Man’s brain is pierced.

It doesn’t stop here.

Turning the sword and taking a step back, I continued to unleash the [Triple Thrust].

The relentless waltz of the sword, striking without pause.

With the addition of the “Burning Flame,” it blossomed beautifully in the air like a fireworks display.

“Shirlik!”

“Kwaaah!”

and are torn to pieces.

The burning begins.

Continuing to thrust forward.

Before I knew it, they had all turned into well-cooked meat, emitting a savory aroma.

“Nice.”

Clean.

The harmony of the mana-efficient rare-grade [Triple Thrust] and the same rare-grade [Burning Flame].

Not as powerful as the momentary firepower of [Dragon Strike], but better in terms of sustainability.

Satisfied, I nodded my head, and soon, Moon Bora, who had finished tidying up, approached.

She looked at me with a surprised expression, twirling the staff gun in her hand.

“…Seha? Wasn’t that the [Burning Flame] just now? Did you learn magic too?”

“…Uh, yeah…”

“…Your reaction is strange. And that thrust, isn’t that a Turtle Knight’s skill? Did you learn it through experience during the entrance exam?”

“Well, I practiced… and it worked.”

Moon Bora looked puzzled at my feeble explanation.

“…No, Seha. Normally, skills aren’t as simple as just practicing.”

That’s true, but I can’t say I have [Ability Copy]…

I shrugged my shoulders and decided to brazen it out.

Anyway, Moon Bora knows that I’m a natural 5★.

“It worked, right?”

“…Haa. Damn talented people.”

Well, you’re a natural 4★ yourself.

“Seha~”

As I brandish my sword, a distinctive clang-! sound is heard.

She smiles brightly and spreads her hands.

Like a snack that fits perfectly in one bite, our Meow Nyang nestled in my arms.

“Amazing! The flames, whoosh! And the thrusting, shoo shoo, so cool!”

Truly a Meow Nyang-like way of speaking.

By the way, she knew that I had obtained the [Burning Flame].

When I felt sorry for having it all to myself, she didn’t care at all.

‘…No, she was actually happy.’

―How much did I get from Seha! I’m so happy to have it all.

“……”

“Meow?”

I pet Meow Nyang’s head and made a promise to myself once again.

‘I’ll get you a Hidden Pith.’

I have to fill our Meow Nyang’s chubby cheeks.

The battle continues.

Avoid if possible.

If you have to fight, defeat as quickly as possible.

Around 20 minutes had passed.

“Seha, over there!”

Finishing her sentence, Moon Bora quickly aimed her staff gun with [Guns Weapon] towards the front.

Something thick and threatening wriggled.

Breaking through thick trees like twigs, a giant anaconda appeared.

“[Encountering .]”

[It’s the mid-boss of the dungeon.]

The giant snake in the swamp, imbued with the magic of the dungeon, warns the intruders not to escape.

“The Eye of the Snake” is activated. You cannot flee for 30 minutes in this battle.

“Ah, darn.”

“Mweaaa… Sehayah.”

I slowly touched my forehead.

It seems like…

“It was us who had bad luck.”

Meanwhile, at the same place, at the same time.

Junayong silently cheered inwardly at the sight of a roughly 4m tall figure in front of him.

“I found it!”

With rock-like skin and a grotesque appearance.

Even the characteristic toughness of the earth element emanating from its body.

There was no doubt that the dungeon boss of the “Deep Swamp Marsh,” the Stone Troll, was there.

“Good.”

Luck was on his side.

Perhaps Yuseha was encountering the Grand Cobra.

Junayong gathered magic power throughout his body.

Currently, he was among the top C-rank hunters in terms of strength.

Even if it was a boss like the Stone Troll, he could take it down alone.

Junayong was about to rush forward.

But he hesitated for a moment.

Turning his gaze, he saw Ryu Darae, looking at Hwang Kippeum with joy.

Junayong briefly recalled last night.

Before entering the dungeon today, he remembered a conversation he had with Yuseha, whom he coincidentally met at a convenience store.

– Junayong.

– Yes?

– You’re strong. Probably one of the strongest people I’ve ever seen in my life.

– W-why the sudden praise?

– But in the end, you’re alone.

– Huh?

Yuseha smiled brightly and placed her hand on his head.

Then she patted him.

-…Yong-ee…

– Should I stop if you don’t like it?

– I-It’s okay…

– I do it almost every day. It soothes my heart.

Junayong was a little surprised by her words.

Maha…

The cute kid…

Does she receive this pleasant feeling every day?

– Anyway, I’ll finish my words.

Yuseha explained quietly.

She said her vision was too narrow.

– I won’t say difficult words like “look around during a fight.” Just take a moment to look back before rushing in.

– …Look back?

– Yes. Most likely.

Because the team members who trust and look up to you will be waiting.

– Remember this last thing.

You are never alone.

“…”

Junayong took a deep breath and looked at the two people while rubbing his cheeks with both hands.

“Daray, Kippeum.”

The two people looked at him with puzzled eyes when he called them.

Junayong, feeling embarrassed, spoke as if crawling in.

“Will you fight with me?”

The two people were surprised by Junayong’s words and looked at each other.

They nodded their heads.

“Of course!”

“We’ve been waiting for those words!”

A moment later.

“…Krrrk?”

The Stone Troll, who was eating weeds by the roadside, turned his gaze at the sensed presence.

A woman holding a shield and a sword with primitive eye makeup and shamanic terms written on them.

Ryu Darae.

The appearance of her made the Stone Troll’s eyes twitch.

“Kwaaaah!!”

“Let’s begin!”

As soon as the Stone Troll recognized her, Ryu Darae signaled the start of the operation.

She raised her sword and struck the ground.

A tall, slender wooden totem appeared from where she struck.

The primitive totem, seemingly made for shamanism, had human features carved on it.

As it slowly opened its mouth, emitting sound waves that drew the Stone Troll’s aggro towards it.

[Ryu Darae summons the ‘Authority of the Central Pillar.’]

[The shamanistic totem imbued with the power of provocation exerts its power.]

[The Stone Troll is afflicted with a status effect: Provocation.]

Ryu Darae’s class is Shaman Warrior.

A main tank commonly known as a hybrid, combining the power of shamanism and warrior.

As the Stone Troll was drawn to the provocation, he approached the totem as if possessed.

“Nayonga!”

At the signal from Ryu Darae, as if waiting, Juna-yong popped out of the bushes.

He leaped high.

Clutching his fist tightly, he aimed at the Stone Troll, who was showing his back defenselessly.

“[Combo]!”

Thud-!

“Roarrr!!!”

It was the moment when the boss of the , the Stone Troll, faced off against Juna-yong’s team.