episode_0026

Kiiing―!

A sharp noise, akin to a laser, reverberated through the air.

The source of the noise was none other than [Water Breath].

The passing trees were instantly split and shattered by its destructive force.

What was even more chilling were the marks left behind.

They resembled traces as if gnawed by something sharp.

The sheer power was not only in its destructiveness but also in its penetrating ability.

Mahana, facing the swiftly narrowing stream of water, recalled Yuseha’s words.

“I’ll definitely fire off [Water Bomb] first. And if it were you right now, you could barely withstand up to four consecutive attacks by raising your shield.”

“…Huh, that’s…?”

“The issue lies with the second attack. Most likely [Water Breath]. It won’t just be a casual shot; it’ll be fired with full force.”

“Wha- I can’t block that…”

“Not head-on.”

“Huh?”

Yuseha explained, “[Water Breath] applies intense pressure to water, launching it at high speed like a water jet, making it a penetrative skill.”

While it boasted strength and speed,

it was also easily deflected.

“All its power is concentrated solely on the initial point of impact.”

Subsequent streams were significantly weaker and slower compared to [Water Bomb].

This was the typical weakness of [Water Breath].

“…But can I react to the speed of [Water Breath]?”

“You can’t. The difference in abilities is too severe.”

“Eh? Th-that’s!”

“So, you need to anticipate and respond in advance. That’s why you asked Hyecha Unni to make a socket for that purpose, right?”

“Right! As expected of you, Meonyangi. Smart.”

“Meow. Don’t sneakily touch my cat ears.”

Mahana, taking a deep breath, adjusted her posture slightly to fit entirely within the large shield.

A sturdy shield of solid metal.

Normally, only a rough metallic surface would be visible, but to Mahana’s eyes, every movement of Tojuwon was clearly reflected inside.

This was possible due to what lay inside the shield.

A smooth, pearl-like gem.

Thanks to the effect of [Shining], which granted [Transparent Vision] to Meongnari, she had enhanced judgment and agility, almost like a clean mirror illuminating all that lay ahead.

Thus, despite being slower than [Water Breath], she could anticipate and react in advance.

Immediately after, [Water Breath] struck the shield directly.

Kagak―!

“Ugh!”

She had anticipated it, yet the impact was so heavy that it elicited a groan.

Cracks formed, and her long-time partner (shield) shattered in an instant, sending a chilling sensation of impending doom coursing through her arms.

Between the gradually crumbling gaps, the stream of water filled with vigor sprayed over her body.

In this life-threatening situation, ironically, Mahana realized her true potential.

“…Scary, isn’t it?”

“…Yeah, even if I look at it… someone like me, who has fallen behind… can’t…”

“No, it’s possible because you’re Meonyangi. I guarantee it. You’re a tank with top-tier specs. No one else can do it as well as you.”

“Why is that?”

“Because you’re a rare species among tanks. And…”

I chose you specifically as my tank.

[Mahana activates strongly.]

“All senses temporarily heightened significantly. Feline blood triggers a close response to danger.”

“Transcending limits in defense is a symbol of pride. The sturdiness of Mahana’s shield begins to resemble rough rock.”

[ level increases.]

“Durable increased by 1 as a level reward.”

“Meooww!”

Tang―!

With a triumphant sound, the initial part of [Water Breath], though subtly, was deflected sideways.

The stream of water brushing against her armpit tore through the leather armor, but it did not cause any damage to her body.

“Good!”

A wide smile spread across Yuseha’s face as she watched.

Parrying.

What Mnyangi had just done was a judgment commonly known as parrying, also referred to as [Perfect Defense], which was crucial in conquering the Garden of Toguwon with low specs, enabling access to rare items on the forums.

This feat was achievable only by Mnyangi. It was the result of her animal instincts and unwavering determination working together.

“Grr?!”

Toguwon finished casting Water Breath and caught his breath. His eyes twitched.

The intruder, who should have been torn to shreds, stood unscathed, causing Toguwon’s face to flush with anger and frustration.

The rage that crossed the threshold flowed from Toguwon’s brain to the tip of his head, eventually affecting the system.

“Toguwon expresses extreme anger.”

“The trait is temporarily granted.”

“The next strike will have a 20% increase in power.”

“I’ve overcome the hurdle…!”

Upon hearing the message, Yuseha clenched her fist in excitement.

Toguwon’s default demeanor was calm and composed, enhanced by his intelligent nature, making him resistant to tricks.

Normally, he would only cast Water Breath, which would lead to no chance of victory.

However, when consumed by anger, his attacks followed a fixed pattern.

This was the true key to defeating him.

The secondary attack unleashed was not just Water Breath; it was a full-powered Water Breath, depleting stored water and mana without mercy, resulting in a long cooldown period.

His only attacking skill at this moment was “[Furious Headbutt].”

With Toguwon’s strength stat at only 12, the power of Furious Headbutt wasn’t significant. Moreover, his condition wasn’t favorable either.

Could Mahana, with her shield almost broken and most of her strength depleted, withstand the Furious Headbutt empowered by anger?

Rationally speaking, it seemed impossible. But that was okay.

“Just this much is enough.”

Even if she were knocked back and fainted, she had already done her part. In fact, she could just turn around and run without hesitation now.

The rest was up to me.

I raised my head to shout for her to flee, but I couldn’t bring myself to utter a word.

“…”

Mahana. Our Mnyangi. My favorite character.

Despite being injured and torn apart, bloodied all over, her whole being was shouting.

Her eyes were speaking to me.

‘That it can be done.’

Above all, they were shining brightly.

In that light, I found myself speechless.

So, I chose to believe.

She was the character I selected, the one embodying the tank’s resolve.

—

Crash!

“M-Mnya…Mnyaah!”

“Grrraaagh!!!”

Toguwon emerged from the water’s edge, delivering a powerful blow that Mahana blocked with all her might.

Their shields and rock-hard foreheads clashed as their final weapons engaged in a showdown of sheer force.

“…Guhh!”

Mahana suppressed a faint groan. Even though she successfully parried, blocking a Rare Boss’s finishing move rated (B+) exacted a brutal toll.

‘…My shield is completely wrecked!’

The gauntlet part fell off, the handle turned golden, emitting a metallic scream.

In essence, she was as good as dead already.

‘I’m sorry.’

Mahana apologized to her partner.

It was an insult to the deceased.

To hold a corpse and block enemy attacks was nothing short of disrespect.

‘…I’m sorry.’

She apologized once more.

And she was grateful.

‘For sticking with me until the end…’

For bringing me here.

As her strength waned, Mahana thought briefly.

Just getting this far was a miracle.

Hadn’t Yuseha said so? Just parrying Water Breath was more than enough.

She had fulfilled her duty abundantly and still had more to give.

‘…Just a little more…’

Wouldn’t it be okay to take a short break?

Yes, just a little more…

―I don’t think I can trust and follow you.

‘…!’

A voice echoed in his ear.

Far away, he saw Moonbora turning her back on him and disappearing.

―…Lower your shield.

“…Ugh!”

Mahana put strength into the hand trying to escape.

If lacking strength, he pushed with his shoulder, adding his weight.

Feeling bone-rattling pain, he didn’t care.

“…No!”

Not allowed.

It’s not enough to do just his part.

He wouldn’t let anyone make him disappoint himself like Moonbora again.

‘…I am a failure.’

A loser.

A defeated one.

That’s why he crawled on the underground floor for a long time.

He survived by gratefully accepting even the fallen crumbs.

A life with no hope at all.

While others climbed up the stairs far away, he didn’t get permission for even a step.

A miracle came to him.

A light that seemed like it wouldn’t be allowed even if he died descended.

‘…’

Yuseha.

He led him.

He said.

He would lift him up.

But Mahana heard those words in reverse and had a different thought.

‘I want to lift him up.’

I want to protect Yuseha.

I want to be his unwavering shield.

I want to walk alongside him.

Beyond that!

Kwooo―!

“…Huh?”

Tojuwon, who had been continuously pressuring Mahana, was momentarily confused by the dazzling blue light.

Even Yuseha, who had been watching, was surprised.

‘…What’s that?!’

The essence of the light is mana.

Mana is the most fundamental power in the world of ‘Gosra,’ a miraculous creation.

Mana is greatly influenced by the efforts and emotions of its owner.

It rewards even greater power to those with stronger light.

The will that Mahana had bent and broken until now stood firm again.

It was rewarded right here and now.

[The will of Mahana forms a solid barrier. Her heart, which raised the shield for her precious one, deserves praise.]

[ level increases.]

[Strength increases by 1 as a level reward.]

[Acquire a derivative skill of .]

[ recorded.]

[Strength and durability increase by 1 as an acquisition reward.]

“Mweaaaah!”

Magic began to coil through Mahana’s hands.

It soon connected to the shield she was holding.

“[Shield Push]!”

Thud―!

It ended with the newly learned skill.

A massive shockwave spread across the area in a 180-degree range.

Strictly speaking, it wasn’t a powerful blow.

Mahana isn’t a , so it’s unavoidable.

But the shockwave hit Tojuwon’s brain significantly.

“Kwaaek!”

Tojuwon’s pupils shook, blood trickling between them.

It was a result of his brain receiving a significant shock.

[Tojuwon is in an abnormal state: Paralyzed.]

[A lethal force strikes Tojuwon’s vital point!]

[Abnormal state: Paralysis transitions to unconsciousness.]

[Tojuwon temporarily receives 30% increased damage.]

“Mweaa.”

Wobbling, Mahana collapsed to the ground along with the shattered shield, only the handle remaining.

But even then, she didn’t forget to shout.

“Yuseha!!!”

Rushing as if waiting, Yuseha ran forward.

Her calf muscles reacted elastically, explosively propelling her at a rapid pace, dropping the bowstring as if releasing tension.

“Phew…!”

Tojuwon is a creature designed for beginners to catch, an environmental factor pulling them out of the water.

And a weakness element for defeating.

This fellow has clear gimmicks.

Tojuwon’s endurance isn’t high.

So attacking anywhere might be fatal, but…

Its body is a whopping 10m.

‘Attacking the vulnerable arms and legs or the armor-filled shell underbelly is not very efficient.’

However, there is a crucial weakness when using [Soulful Strike].

It directly exposes a vulnerable neck.

The unexpected growth of the cat beyond expectations even made him faint.

I clenched the hilt of my sword and leaped as if my legs would break.

“If I can’t pull this off…”

Arrogant fool. Don’t ever mention the title of an instructor again. You brat!

[ activates. Final power of the fencing skill increases by 100%.]

[ activates.]

[ effect is added. Grants , increasing physical damage by 20% and speed by 20%.]

My body, flying without knowing how to stop, evoked a sensation of becoming a single blade of the sword.

With a sharp sound, the blade pierces the enemy’s neck.

Splitting the skin, cutting the tendons, severing the muscles, and finally slicing through the neck bone—a chilling sensation of taking a life.

Good!

I won!

“…Huh?”

A fleeting moment.

I saw the tip of the sword wrapped in white flames.

“…What?”

Closing and opening my eyes, the flames had completely disappeared.

“…Was it a hallucination?”

[Your will soon becomes a sharp blade.]

[Injecting new strength into an inexperienced blade.]

[Mastery of greatly increases.]

[Level of rises.]

[Strength increases by 1 as a level reward.]

Ah, seems like it was a hallucination.

“Seems like a level-up effect.”

Nonchalantly, I wiped the blood off the sword.

Unexpectedly, an information window popped up.

[Your insight allows you to perceive the enemy’s movements and gain a high level of understanding.]

[A talent that should not exist begins to sprout.]

defies the laws of heaven.

[A skill of Legendary grade.]

[Target: Tojowon.]

[Acquire from Tojowon. It is a Level 2 Normal attribute. Acquired by downgrading to Level 1.]

[Endurance increases by 1 as an acquisition reward.]

“Huh?”

This suddenly activates here?

It never appeared until now?

Dazed, one hypothesis crossed my mind.

“Oh, maybe because I watched [Soulful Strike] from start to finish? So, did the related skill come out?”

“Hmm.”

Something feels strange, but I decide to overlook it. Good things are good.

I sheathed the sword and briskly moved aside.

Right beside me, with a thud—Tojowon’s large head rolled over.

No need to check if it’s alive or dead.

So, I tried to rush towards the cat.

But soon, I had to stop due to the noise coming from behind.

“…Huh?”

Splatter—!

Blood erupted like a wave from Tojowon’s severed neck, covering both me and the cat.

“Mew, Mew!”

“Mew!”

Hey, chew! It’s all in your mouth!

Disgustingly slimy and tasteless.

I tried to spit out the blood immediately, but…

[Consuming the blood of a mystical creature with adventurous effects.]

[Endurance of all party members who consumed it increases by 1.]

Wait, what?

What’s increasing!?

“Ugh, ugh!”

“Mew! Don’t spit it out, drink it all!”

“Mew, Mew! Is this all!?”

“[Endurance] is increasing!”

“….?! O-Okay, I’ll drink it!”

“Good!”

*

A while later.

“My… My stomach feels like it’s going to burst.”

“That’s… burp… true…”

Our greed, towering as high as Mount Nam, gazed at the sky with our bellies as big as a mountain.

Indeed, greed is not good.

Still, the effect was good.

“The endless greed is the potential of humanity. The system applauds your greed.”

“Here’s another piece for the ugly ones. Eat this and get lost.”

[Endurance increases by 1.]

“…Se, Sehaya… I’ve never seen my system look down on someone before…”

“Cough… What does it matter…”

As long as the results are good, that’s all that matters.