episode_0055

The first to react was the class president.

Well, it was inevitable.

He was the only one with the means to protect the majority of the four.

– Intermediate Magic,

Boom!

The barrier, struck head-on by flames, shattered and scattered.

Unstopped, the flames splattered around.

The shockwave pushed Yeonghee and the class president backward.

But that was enough.

They had avoided a direct hit, and no one was severely injured.

“Bad match-up against giant monsters.”

Chulsoo complained inwardly as he drew his sword.

Both Yeonghee and himself, who could be considered the main force of the team, lacked any significant area-of-effect skills.

Their respective martial arts were Sky Piercing Fist and Sky Piercing Sword.

While both were top-tier techniques, they were ultimately limited to one-on-one combat.

In other words, specialists in individual combat.

Against such giant monsters, there was an unavoidable limit.

Originally, in battles against giant monsters, it was standard for over ten mages to pour firepower from a distance.

“Well, complaining won’t make it better.”

There was at least one fortunate aspect.

That he and Yeonghee were considered top-tier in combat.

Yeonghee and the class president were certainly not lacking in skill.

It was manageable.

Chulsoo judged so.

– Intermediate Blessing

– Low-level Blessing

Timely, Yeonghee’s buff also kicked in.

There aren’t many buffers who can provide two buffs simultaneously.

Within the academy, there wouldn’t be more than ten throughout the whole school.

As strength surged into the hand gripping the sword, Chulsoo felt a newfound clarity in his mind.

Keeping his gaze fixed on the twins, he shouted, “Kim Yujin! Do you have any tactics in mind?”

“Huh!”

Surprisingly, a quick response came.

It was hard to believe that a student would pose a challenge, but did she really anticipate this situation?

“What is it?”

“I’ll strike from the left, you attack from the right!”

Chulsoo stared at Yujin with a dumbfounded expression.

Is she joking even in such a situation?

…No.

This guy is dead serious right now.

“…Are you kidding me even in this situation?”

“Huh? You prefer the left too? I’m left-handed, so that’s a bit…”

“Enough.”

Chulsoo shook his head from side to side.

He hadn’t expected cooperation from Kim Yujin in the first place.

If she could handle one opponent, that would be sufficient.

In fact, it wasn’t entirely incorrect.

“No matter how big they are, a strike to the head should do the trick.”

While he prepared his stance, the twins also finished their preparations for the attack.

The size of a snake’s head that could easily swallow a car.

The creatures charged with gleaming sharp teeth.

“Kiyaaaaa!”

The distinct cry of a boss-level monster echoed sharply.

His former self might have faltered in spirit.

But now, he remained unfazed.

“Yujin’s vitality is far superior.”

Reluctantly admitting it.

Facing Yujin had indeed improved his skills.

Though he didn’t want to admit it.

– Sky Piercing Sword,

A swift sword strike wrapped around the snake’s head.

Numerous wounds etched onto its head.

However, he soon realized it held little significance.

The minor wounds healed with a crackling sound.

It didn’t even take a minute for everything to heal.

“Such incredible regenerative abilities.”

Well, it didn’t matter.

It was just a containment technique to prevent Yeonghee and the class president from being disturbed.

Having drawn aggro, it was time for a full-fledged attack.

– Sky Piercing Sword, Chulsoo Original,

Pure magical energy in the air responded to Chulsoo’s call.

In an instant, it took the form of lightning, wrapping around his sword.

The sword resonated with the magical energy, beginning to hum.

If other swordsmen saw this, they would likely say:

A skill surpassing every swordsman’s primary goal – the sword aura.

Originally prepared to bring down Kim Yujin.

If it were the sword he used in the past, it wouldn’t have elicited such a reaction.

Rather, it would have likely broken unable to withstand the magic.

But with his current A-rank equipment, the story is different.

“I should properly thank Banjang later.”

Chulsoo still mistook Yujin’s gift as Banjang’s.

In any case, the blue blade cut through the air.

As Chulsoo swung the sword, the snake opened its mouth wide.

“Kyaah!”

Its massive fangs surged like stakes.

Chulsoo didn’t dodge but struck it with his sword.

A chilling sound echoed.

-Swish!!

“Krooo!”

The snake’s fangs broke off.

A flawless strike, almost artistic in its precision.

The creature writhed in apparent agony from its broken teeth.

Though pushed back slightly, Chulsoo endured no significant blow.

His arm remained unscathed, the sword still wielded.

“Thanks to Yeonghee’s buff?”

Fighting alone was markedly different.

There was no burden of protecting Yeonghee.

Banjang, a skilled mage, securely guarded his back.

Yujin… regardless, she was clearly engaging the other head.

What seemed impossible for Chulsoo individually was now within reach.

“Could I really be evenly matched with a boss-level monster like this?”

How many among active heroes could achieve this level?

Chulsoo realized his own prowess and his friends’ capabilities anew.

“I can do this.”

Truly, he could take down the colossal beast before him.

If he succeeded, the score would be inconsequential.

An achievement of this magnitude would be unparalleled in academy history.

“Kyaah!”

The snake lunged once more.

Unlike before, it aimed to crush using its elongated neck.

Chulsoo swiftly dodged the attack like a flying squirrel.

“Even if my attacks land, that size is undeniably menacing.”

Yet, it also meant ample opportunities to strike.

Chulsoo swung his sword forcefully.

Blood spurted from the open wound.

“Kyaah!”

Seemingly enraged, the creature charged recklessly.

Flames ignited from its mouth, surpassing 100 degrees Celsius.

However, Chulsoo was prepared this time.

“I won’t fall for it twice!”

Unlike the ambush earlier, he was ready.

The creature spewed flames again.

Timed perfectly, Chulsoo swung his sword.

Filled with blue magic, the blade shot out a beam.

-Heavenly Sword,

The flying strike clashed with the flames.

Blue and red energies wrestled in the air, obscuring their surroundings in a burst of energy.

Amidst the chaos, Chulsoo didn’t miss a beat.

-Heavenly Sword,

Chulsoo vanished in an instant, reappearing mid-air.

His sword, glowing faintly blue, landed on the snake’s head.

Realizing too late, the snake tried to evade but failed.

Without giving it a chance, Chulsoo swung his sword mightily.

-Heavenly Sword,

Thud!

The snake’s neck was severed, blood spraying.

-Kuung!

The hefty body collapsed.

Chulsoo, landing on the ground, turned to observe.

Nearly two-thirds of the neck had been cleaved.

Twisting but showing no signs of recovery.

“I wanted to finish it in one clean stroke if possible.”

Given the size of the neck, it would require a dragon-slaying sword.

With his current skill and weapon, it was challenging.

This alone should merit a passing grade.

-Kuung!

Soon, another head fell.

It seems like Yujin fell without much difficulty.

But then again, it’s not like Yujin would feel any trouble.

Due to the nature of a striker, they are at a disadvantage against opponents with excellent recovery abilities.

Yet, considering there isn’t much of a difference, one can easily guess Yujin’s capabilities.

“…What would the outcome be if we fought now?”

A renewed sense of competitiveness arose.

Although they fought together now, ultimately Yujin is an opponent who must fall.

He has a duty to protect Yeonghee and even the captain.

“…No, let’s stop.”

However, Chulsoo shook his head immediately.

Now is not the time for that.

At least until this test is over, they must wait.

“You won quite handily with your bare fists.”

“I just hit him, and he fell.”

Yujin responded very lightly.

There was no exaggeration or showing off in his words.

It felt like he was calmly stating the facts.

This level of combat must be nothing to him.

Indeed, he’s not someone to underestimate.

“Great job, both of you~”

A clear voice reached them.

The captain approached, waving his hand.

Their contributions in this battle were definitely not insignificant.

Chulsoo was about to respond with a smile when suddenly the captain’s face turned pale with shock.

Simultaneously, a sense of danger emanated from behind.

He intuitively grasped the situation.

“He didn’t die from that blow?”

Turning back, he saw flames blazing fiercely from the two heads of the snake.

He didn’t rise. He lay fallen, mouth agape.

It was more of a final desperate act than an attack.

A technique to squeeze out the last bit of strength to try to kill the opponent in front of him.

Just a few seconds.

In that time, their flames would directly hit this side.

Still, he could block them for now.

If there was a problem –

“Their directions are different!”

One was aiming for the captain, the other for Yeonghee behind.

Perhaps because of their higher rank, they were more sinister.

They knew how to diminish their forces on this side.

“Which side should I block…!”

Naturally, there was no choice to give up on either.

But he couldn’t block both flames alone.

Chulsoo’s eyes flickered.

He quickly checked towards Kim Yujin.

Ultimately, the most crucial point now is –

Will Kim Yujin… choose to protect Yeonghee or the captain?

“Sigh, damn it.”

There was no need to ask.

Who was the girl that guy wanted to gain even if it meant defeating him?

Chulsoo clenched his teeth until blood appeared, raised his sword, and moved.

Behind him stood the captain.

Should he consider it fortunate?

Or should he have expected it?

Yujin was moving towards protecting Yeonghee.

“…Damn it.”

His actions were right.

It was to protect both of them.

But why, somehow,

Why couldn’t he bear the thought of Yeonghee behind him?

No, he knew the reason.

Suppressing his surging emotions, Chulsoo swung his sword.

-Boom!!

The flames from both sides were neutralized by the two boys.

No one was hurt.

But no one rejoiced either.

Instead, an awkward atmosphere flowed between them.

Breaking the awkwardness, Yeonghee spoke up.

“Mm~”

She raised her eyebrows and looked at Chulsoo with lifeless eyes.

Yeonghee carefully chose her words with all her might.

The words she uttered now seemed to aim to torment Chulsoo’s heart.

“Chulsoo, in a critical situation, do you think of the captain before me and act?”

Chulsoo silently turned his head.

The gazes of the two childhood friends collided in the air.