Episode 420

Eye of the Storm (2)

Dragon Mountains.

The place where the forces of Noark and the royal army had formed a long battlefront and were fiercely clashing.

“Commander,  There are reports that the traitor has appeared from the western front!’

The Third Corps Commander, Eltora Tercerion, frowned at the subordinate’s report.

“The traitor… Understood. You may leave now.”

“Yes, sir!”

The subordinate assumed that the mention of the traitor had annoyed Eltora, but the true reason was different.

‘The traitor has shown himself again…’

Eltora wasn’t a fool.

A few days ago, the troops from Noark’s Western Front were spotted heading north.

The most likely reason for their mobilization was to pursue the expedition team attempting to escape on their own.

‘…So that means they’ve finished their chase?’

Unconsciously, Eltora clenched his fist tightly.

‘Father… No,  the marquis. What is he planning?’

Just before leading his army into the labyrinth, Eltora had received two secret orders from his father.

One was to ignore any rescue requests from the expedition team.

And the other was…

‘If they manage to return alive on their own, eliminate them without anyone knowing.’

Perhaps fortunately, Eltora had no need to carry out the second order.

Because the path the expedition team had chosen was opposite from here.

‘Are they really all dead…?’

He felt conflicted.

He himself had contributed to abandoning them.

It would also cause him problems if they survived and returned.

But…

Thump!

Somehow, he couldn’t believe it.

Did they really die?

Bjorn Jandel, who came back alive from the Crystal Cave, died just like that?

“……”

Eltora closed his eyes and fell into thought.

He imagined what he would have done if he were the commander of the expedition team.

‘The reason they fled north instead of heading south where their allies were – most likely to catch the enemy off guard’

It wasn’t a bad move.

Especially since they avoided the two bullets.

‘Did he know…?’

Well, Eltora had no way of knowing that.

But even if he did, the result wouldn’t change.

Just because they headed north doesn’t mean there’s an escape route.

Enemy territory with no hope of reinforcements.

A tightening encirclement.

Exhausted team members.

If it were me, what decision would I make?

No, not me, but Bjorn Jandel…what would he have done, that ignorantly decisive man?

‘……Ice Rock.

Suddenly, Eltora Tercerion’s thoughts led him there.

If they kept fleeing without giving up until the end, the only remaining option seemed to be that place.

But…

‘Even if they went there, survival is unlikely.’

No scenario he envisioned led to a hopeful outcome.

Not because he underestimated Bjorn Jandel’s abilities.

Ice Rock?

The Glacier Eye?

If anyone could overcome its challenges, it would be him.

Given his performance in the Crystal Cavern, it didn’t make sense for him to fall to such dangers.

But he faced the wrong opponent.

‘The marquis wouldn’t have overlooked this.’

Heading to Ice Rock.

A daring and unconventional move.

He could surely overcome those hurdles.

Considering the capabilities he showed in the Crystal Cave, it didn’t make sense for him to collapse under such a crisis.

But he met the wrong opponent.

‘Because there’s no way the Marquis didn’t know this.’

Heading to Ice Rock.

A daring and unconventional move.

But ultimately, it was also a move Eltora could predict.

Could his father, who planned for every possible contingency, have left it unchecked?

‘Bjorn Jandel won’t return alive.’

Eltora Terecerion reached that conclusion.

Thump!

Ignoring the inexplicable pounding of his heart.

***

Our current formation is simple.

A narrow path, just wide enough for about four people to stand.

“Schuiz, are you sure you’ll be okay?”

“I told you, didn’t I? If you guys are here, it’s too cramped to even move.”

I’m alone in the front line where I have to block the enemy.

Because this is the solution I’ve come up with.

The one that would save as many as possible.

“Don’t overdo it. We’re right behind you.”

“Yes, that’s reassuring. I trust you—”

“Bjorn Jandel…!!”

Just then, the Dragon Slayer’s voice full of killing intent rang out.

“So, this is where you’ve run to!”

Judging by his arrogant tone, they still haven’t grasped their situation.

But unfortunately, not all of them are as naive as that guy.

“Regal Vargos, calm down.”

An explorer extended a hand to stop the dragon-slayer, who looked ready to charge.

Grit.

Someone gritted their teeth upon seeing the man.

Frankly, I felt no different.

“That bastard… He killed Lady Naria…”

Milburn Naria, the troll summoner.

Whether she was an evil spirit or not, it was that guy who killed the woman who, until the moment of death, wished only for our safe return.

“You’re Bjorn Jandel, correct?”

The one who stopped the dragon-slayer stepped forward and spoke to me.

‘This guy’s the real leader, huh?’

His actions were so natural that I thought that.

If he didn’t have the authority, he’d likely look to others before doing such a thing.

Looking at it, even the Dragon Slayer bastard is just standing still.

“Yes, I’m Bjorn Jandel.”

After some thought, I decided to respond.

I was curious as well.

“And who are you?”

At my question, he answered without much hesitation.

“Manua Rephless”

The name to be added to my kill list.

“Leave that bastard to me…”

No, it was a name that would likely be added to all of ours.

From the moment he started the conversation, killing intent began to rise in the eyes of the team members standing behind me.

But no one acted rashly.

“Manua Rephless, huh? Never heard of you.”

“Well, that’s to be expected. Officially, I’m something of a secret weapon.”

His words added weight to my suspicions.

I had wondered when I saw them armed with higher level essences supplied from the 8th floor.

These guys really seem to be one of the 8th-floor attack teams.

“So, what is it you want to say?”

Having confirmed my suspicions, I added his name to my kill list and got straight to the point. He didn’t seem to be one for long introductions, so he spoke up immediately.

“As I said, I have a proposal.”

“A proposal…?”

“As I mentioned earlier, we are in a position akin to a secret weapon. Even if we successfully eliminate all of you, the loss of just one or two of our members would be a significant blow.”

“Get to the point.”

Manua spread his hand.

“Five.”

“…?”

“Hand over just five people. That will satisfy us, and we’ll leave. And no, Bjorn Jandel, you don’t have to be one of them.”

Heh.

The absurdity of the suggestion left me speechless for a moment.

“Not a bad deal, is it? Five lives for the rest of you to walk away unharmed.”

“Well, that sounds like the kind of offer I should be making.  If five of you offer up your necks, I’ll let the rest of you return alive. Oh, and of course, you and Regal Vargos must be included.”

“Are you sure you won’t regret it?”

What is he talking about, that idiot?

Poison dressed as wine remains poison.

“Regrets are for your mother, not me.”

“What…?”

He flinched, perhaps not having heard such language even in rough Noark. Since we weren’t on laughing terms, I continued without hesitation.

Looking at the bastard’s bald head, reddened by the flare’s glow, I smirked.

“Your mother probably didn’t know that the son she bore with pain would be a coward, one who only flaps his tongue in front of the enemy.”

“……”

“You didn’t wet yourself because you’re scared of us, did you? It’s hard to tell since there’s such a strong stench coming from you.”

“……”

“Why aren’t you saying anything? Oh, perhaps because you don’t have a mother—”

“You bastard…!”

“Oh, so it’s true, huh? Seeing how agitated you are. Don’t get too worked up. I understand.   I get it. You being a coward must be because you weren’t raised properly.”

“…”

“And your bald head? That’s probably from all the stress you endured back then—”

“I’ll kill you!!”

Ugh, why does he keep interrupting me?

Although I felt a bit hurt, I achieved my goal.

After all, the world always works the same way.

“Yeah, no, you won’t.”

“Arghhh!”

The one who loses their temper first always loses.

***

“Rephless! Don’t get agitated; that’s how he is! If you fall for his tricks, it’ll only benefit him…”

Surprisingly, the dragon-slayer tried to calm him down.

But…

Heh.

As if that would work.

His bald head, with blood rushing to it, was already turning red.

Tap.

Soon, he clenched his fist and charged at me.

His class is boxer.

It’s a rare class in the Labyrinth.

It’s a class that can be useful in the lower levels, but doesn’t have a good core essence in the middle.

Well, there are many good skills in the later stages.

Such as what he’s using now.

[Manua Rephless has cast [Iron Fist]

[Iron Fist], obtainable from the 8th-floor rift.

The effect is simple.

Flash!

A dash of about four meters, almost like teleportation.

And then…

Boom!

An unconditional knockback that defies the laws of physics.

And…

“It gives fixed damage proportional to the caster’s strength level and the target’s physical resistance level.”

True damage that hurts more the tougher you are.

In the last battle, everything was ruined because of this skill.

After a few hits, the mana shield shattered, and the battle line collapsed, forcing us to fall back. In the midst of all this, because we chose to retreat rather than defend, I failed to achieve one of the tank’s main goals: holding the enemy.

But things are different now.

“……Ugh.”

An impact that shakes my insides?

Since I don’t have a Mana Shield, I can feel the pain directly, but…

So what?

[Royta Mamender has cast [Emergency Regeneration]

A heal comes in immediately after being hit.

[Benjamin Orman has cast [Sanctuary of Moonlight]

A glowing zone appeared, boosting natural regeneration between me and the enemy.

Swoosh.

Looking down at his fist embedded in my abdomen, I shouted.

“Bethel—raaaaahh!!”

He flinched, perhaps his ears hurting from the sudden loud shout.

As I swung my hammer down, he retreated backward.

He’s trying to use [Iron Fist] again after widening the distance.

That skill is great and has no cooldown, but it requires a certain distance to dash to use it.

‘As if I’d just let him do that.’

I immediately linked [Transcendence] and [Eye of the Storm].

At that time, I couldn’t respond like this because the front line had collapsed and many enemies were passing over me.

Whoooosh!

“……!”

I swung my hammer in perfect timing as the guy was being sucked in with a startled expression.

But unfortunately, it wasn’t very effective.

Because he’s also in a tank position, after all.

[Manua Rephless  has cast [Indestructible]

Crossing his arms above his head, he blocked my attack.

As that brief exchange ended, the guys behind him started to join in and charge.

[Ricky Aymond has cast [Thunder’s Mark]

[Kale Elbad Zeneger has cast [Earthspike]

Abilities fired at me.

Some skills ignored physical resistance and pierced into my body, but concentrated healing from the priests quickly restored me.

[Anne Parbella has cast [Lightning Dash]

The melee explorer flew past me in an instant, with no time to block.

And then…

Anne Parbella has cast [Gathering]

A skill combo that teleports two allies within a certain distance.

[Fruan Cullin has cast [Spirit Enhancement]

[Marione Treeder has cast [Dance of Cataclysm]

It’s like they’re some kind of assault unit.

It made sense. Coming to our position would neutralise the field effects working against them. They probably thought that fighting here would turn the tide in their favour.

‘They’ve underestimated us.’

Even if their individual skill levels were higher, did they really think three of them could take us down?

“Don’t worry about this side! We won’t let any more through here!”

I decided to leave the assault unit to my comrades.

Even if one managed to slip by and stab me in the back, the healing field ensured I wouldn’t die.

Not that they’d have a chance to target me in the first place.

“Kill them! It’s time to draw the sword of revenge!”

“Do you think we’ll be helpless like last time!”

“Waaahhhh!!”

Thus began the melee.

The enemies beyond the boundary, including the bald guy, charged to break through me,  and the three who had crossed the line swung their weapons, covering each other’s backs, trying to break our front line.

Swoosh!

The priests and mages on the hill provided relentless support, simultaneously dealing damage and healing.

“Priests! Take out the priests first!”

So they tried to target the priests by pouring out various skills, but…

Swoosh!

Only for their attacks to dissolve into nothing before reaching the top.

That was thanks to the carefully drawn magic circle.

As long as the priests were protected, we couldn’t lose.

“A barrier…!”

Realizing projectiles wouldn’t work, they began to devise alternative plans.

「Mike Roimus has cast[Slimewalk].」

「Lia Andes has cast[Flame Glide].」

Abilities designed to scale the cliff.

「Erwin Fornacci di Tersia has cast[Rapid Fire].」

Naturally, they were intercepted by our ranged attackers.

And so, time ticked by.

“These weaklings!”

Just as I predicted, the battle swung heavily in our favor.

The three who had crossed over with such momentum couldn’t overcome the numerical disadvantage and were being thoroughly beaten, and I, standing firm like an iron wall, continued to prevent the remaining enemies from crossing.

“Damn it…!”

“Why doesn’t that monster get tired!”

“Kill him! Kill him somehow!!”

As the situation became unfavorable, they charged even more aggressively.

For a very simple reason.

Because they were all injured.

They realised that if they backed down, they wouldn’t get another chance.

“Everyone, don’t hold back!”

“No matter how much you get hurt, as long as we win this battle, it’s over!”

Their attacks grew fiercer as their injuries piled up.

This was the same for the Dragon Slayer, who was swinging his sword at me in sync with the bald guy right in front of me.

“Hey, let me ask you one thing.”

“……?”

“I’m curious—when is it coming? That moment when not even death can save me?”

“……Grit.”

He froze for a moment, his blade hovering in hesitation. Then, as if snapping out of it, he stepped back, glaring daggers at me.

“Yes, you’ve always demanded sacrifice from me.”

With a determined expression, he activated his ultimate skill.

[Regal Vargos has cast [Dragon Speech: Silence of the Soul]

Oh, so he’s finally using it.

[Your character lacks soul power]

[Gigantification] has been canceled]

In an instant, my body shrinks.

The hammer and shield that felt as light as feathers now feel as heavy as a thousand pounds.

[Your character has entered a state of Soul Exhaustion]

[All stats are temporarily reduced by 70%.]

It’s that state I experienced in Larkaz’s Maze.

Wow, how nostalgic.

Back then, I really thought everything was over with just that one move—

“Ugh! Cough! Gwaaaah…!”

What the—what’s up with this guy?

Why is he suddenly coughing up blood?

Ah, did using the Dragon Speech put a strain on his body?

Jeez, he’s like one of those bees that dies after stinging.

“Regal Vargos! Are you alright?”

“I’m fine… Just kill him… Heh heh heh”

He staggered, but his hateful gaze remained locked on me.

It was… kind of awkward.

「Character casts [Soul Dive]」

「Soul energy regenerates proportionally to the energy consumed.」

Should I feel bad for him or something?

「Soul Exhaustion state lifted.」

Not really, though. One skill and I’m back to normal.