episode_0044

Ding!

[Dungeon: Entering the corrupted palace of dusk.]

[User: Praying for good luck to Kanarin Lupentel.]

Kanarin took a few steps back and looked around the palace grounds.

Dusk.

It was a fitting expression for the target she was observing.

The current palace was like a realm where shadows intertwined and expanded their territory.

The lush grass fluttered weakly in the wind, losing its original vibrancy and turning black. Amidst this, a towering black tower-like structure stood proudly, spreading black dust into the air.

“Open inventory.”

Numerous menus appeared in the air. Kanarin placed her finger on the item with a long spear drawn on it.

Zing!

Particles of light rose from the empty space and reformed. The flashing, slender object with a sharp tip was undoubtedly a spear weapon.

[Lv.25 Frost Spear]

Kanarin familiarly collected the items she had gathered through the status window.

Cold air lingered at the summoned spear’s tip, condensing the air.

“What a fascinating ability…”

Rahilt opened his mouth slightly.

While the other two were used to the status window, for Rahilt, it was nothing short of a miraculous trick. However, Kanarin could only let out a dry laugh.

“I would love to return the favor from my perspective…”

Admiring a walking nuclear weapon like a child would only make her a laughingstock. The fact that Rahilt had tagged along was a stroke of luck. A powerhouse capable of single-handedly finishing the main quest if she set her mind to it.

Feeling a sense of satisfaction, Kanarin delivered her warning.

“Lord Lihardt, it would be troublesome to destroy the palace like we did with the mage’s mansion. If we accidentally disturb it, the spread of mental contamination could accelerate.”

“Then why do the dark mages guard the palace? Wouldn’t their goal be achieved if they destroyed it themselves?”

Rahilt raised a valid question. Luca, who knew the mages well, took the opportunity to answer.

“They still need to stay alive to achieve their goal. If this much magic erupts uncontrollably, no one will be unharmed, right?”

“It seems the saying ‘there’s no turning back’ was not just a simple metaphor.”

Rahilt nodded involuntarily.

‘…Even if we disregard the magic issue, causing chaos would be troublesome.’

There were still many innocent people in the palace. If they rampaged carelessly, their lives would be at stake as well.

It was when Rahilt had briefly grasped the warning.

Thunk!

Luca flicked her finger.

The ground moved as if responding to the sound.

Stones and dirt gathered sharply like sharp spears with a will of their own.

Luca delicately adjusted the magic to create a straight path.

“First one.”

Thud!

A resounding impact.

Following the path of the created magic, a sharp spear flew.

It was a very simple attack, but it was fast and fierce. In the blink of an eye, the flying spear pierced the chest of the hidden dark mage.

The dark mage fell silent without even a scream.

That was the signal for battle.

“The princess and two princes have appeared!”

“The empire’s princess has been confirmed!”

“Identifying the one who destroyed the mansion is top priority!”

Rahilt still seemed unaware that he was the one who caused the mansion to collapse. The events had happened so quickly that even recognizing it was impossible.

“Raise the barrier!”

As soon as the commander fell, a black storm erupted. It was a kind of illusion caused by the raging magic.

Kugugugugu…

The magic of dozens of people surged. And then, the earth quickly rose up, forming a massive earthen wall.

As a magician, Luca thought the black mage’s magic was quite impressive. They say walking the path of strength is a shortcut to power, but achieving such results was never easy.

“Well… but I guess this is just a cheap time-buying tactic.”

Luca’s prediction was correct.

“Rian!”

“Yes, Serin.”

Rahilt and Serin locked eyes. As if they had coordinated in advance, they both struck the earthen wall simultaneously.

“Haahhh!”

Kwaaaaang!

Serin’s spear and Rahilt’s fist struck with force.

Each of them was a wielder of extraordinary power. The earthen wall, formed only with magic, could not withstand their blows.

Boom!

The sound was not of metal clashing, but of an explosive blast. In an instant, the earthen wall exploded, producing a massive cloud of dust and debris.

“Now…!”

Kanarin threw herself into the dust cloud and ran towards the inner palace.

Whoosh!

From the swirling dust, her figure quickly emerged.

Kanarin’s target was the entrance to the main palace, where many black mages were gathered.

“Ik…!”

“Find her!”

The black mages reacted swiftly. They cast their spells with agility. But they soon had to doubt their own eyes.

“She disappeared…?”

For a moment, they were confused. Then a mage at the back, who had grasped the situation, urgently shouted.

“Above!”

Kanarin leaped into the air, wielding her spear like a javelin. They tried to adjust the path of their magic, but the golden opportunity had long passed.

“Skill activated – Dance of the Celestial Maiden!”

[Assist mode engaged.]

[User: Kanarin Lupentel’s movements are being corrected.]

Swish!

Her body spun rapidly. The icy spear, suspended in the air, danced gracefully in accordance with Kanarin’s movements. The moisture in the air traced beautiful lines following the spear’s path.

“Ugh…”

Their blood froze in the cold, preventing bleeding. Instead, their skin necrotized, slowly draining their life.

By the time she landed on the ground, the entrance to the main palace was wide open.

“Wow…”

Serin approached, her mouth agape.

“Wow, Kanarin unnie shouting out the skill name is so cool…”

“To be honest, I agree.”

“I… honestly, I don’t really understand, but if Serin and Luca think so, then it must be true.”

Kanarin felt embarrassed by the reactions of the rest of the group.

“This, this can’t be helped!!! This is how the skill is activated… ugh…”

Kanarin was more concerned about the mental corruption from her allies and status effects than the black mages’ corruption.

Especially the forced acknowledgment from Rahilt, who didn’t seem to understand at all, pressed Kanarin’s embarrassment button.

“Let’s go, guys. Quickly!”

Despite trying to suppress it, once the admiration started, it was hard to stop.

“Rian, should I shout out a skill too? Like, 900-degree backflip or something.”

“Serin will definitely look cool.”

Kanarin was annoyed by the excited Serin and the easily convinced Rahilt.

“No, Rihardt. You said you didn’t know?!”

“…”

Rahilt clenched his teeth, then reluctantly spoke.

“I… thought… it would be cool…”

“No, forget it. I just feel embarrassed…”

Kanarin, overwhelmed by a sense of defeat, rubbed her temples. Luca, seeing her like this, gave her a thumbs up.

“To me, you’re the coolest! Kanarin!”

“Please shut up, Luca! Hweeung…”

As Kanarin earnestly revealed his serious thoughts, the three individuals rolled their eyes in different directions.

“Let’s go, Lian.”

“…Because the road is long.”

“Right, Kanarin. Now is not the time, right?”

“Sigh…”

Why is Luca always the most annoying one? Kanarin pushed aside the lingering doubts and stood up.

“I’ll go ahead, so…”

With determination, Kanarin pushed open the door to the main palace.

Ding!

[Dungeon: Palace Invaded by Darkness – Entering the main palace.]

[Progress of the main quest has increased.]

[8500pt rewarded as compensation.]

Just by entering, rewards poured in. It seems like this is not just the end of the main quest.

As Kanarin inwardly felt satisfied and took a step forward, Luca reached out his arm to stop her.

“Wait, there are many traps.”

“What kind of traps are you talking about?”

Serin asked.

“Mainly magical traps that react to stimuli. The most common type is one that strikes when stepped on.”

“To install mines in the royal palace… Are they crazy?”

After Serin’s cursing ended, Luca continued his advice.

“Except for me, the three of you should be careful. I and the dark mages can fight even in place…”

“So we have to jump around?”

“That’s right, Kanarin.”

Reaching a conclusion, Serin sighed lightly.

“It’s unfair that walkers are disadvantaged everywhere we go…”

“True.”

Serin and Kanarin, who had experienced PvP games in modern times, shared the same sentiment of being in a difficult situation surrounded by mages.

At that moment, Luca cleared his throat and earnestly said, “I’ll take care of trap detection, so please follow me closely. If there’s a battle in the middle, I’ll try to cover as much as possible.”

“Is Luca… really an incredibly talented mage?”

“You’re just realizing that now?”

Although aware that Rahilt’s question could be seen as impolite, Luca proudly puffed out his chest.

Even from the reader’s perspective, Serin could easily understand.

“Well… he does have some talent. He was originally an extra character in the original work, but it turns out he’s a tremendously talented individual.”

“Yeah, it’s a common cliché.”

“Hehe…”

While Serin and Kanarin exchanged secretive conversations, they chuckled.

Even though they were in the midst of enemy territory, they showed a sense of ease.

Their confidence grew as they easily subdued the dark mages when breaking through the main gate of the palace.

At that time, they didn’t know.

What consequences their confidence would bring.

What disasters it would bring about.

The moment they realized was rapidly approaching.