Yoon Seo suddenly touched his face.
This mask. Can I take it off now?
Originally, he thought he would be forced to reveal himself upon entering the Great Dungeon. But everyone fought so well that he kept it on.
[The God of Life says
The God of Life seemed more anxious than Yoon Seo himself. He stood up. Just then, Alec approached with a troubled expression.
"Seo Chaeyoon Hunter, I have something to discuss."
"Yes, what is it?"
Alec turned his back. Behind him, Do Deungsoo appeared, leading a group of tense individuals.
Those eight people were Galaxaia followers.
"Why the hell are they here—?!"
"Hyung, please. Quiet."
Soo Jaehee quickly restrained Hong Euiyoon, who was about to erupt.
The leader of the cult spoke.
"We heard that healers are in short supply, so we called Vice Guild Master Do Deungsoo. There are four healers here. Are you going to let them sit idle, even though they're A-rank?"
"And those healers are terrorists. Would you use them if you were in our position?"
"We won't interfere with this dungeon raid."
"And you expect us to believe that?"
"Use your skill to confirm it. We're not here as Galaxaia; we're here as Revengers."
Yoon Seo was about to use
"They've already healed the people here. Even when you collapsed after using the asteroid skill, they healed the injured from a distance inside the camp. They didn't reveal it because they didn't want anyone to know they removed their mana restraints. I didn't tell you either."
It was Hwashim.
Yoon Seo, surprised, scanned the cult members' faces. Their expressions were determined, filled with resolve. What had changed their minds?
'So you're saying I can trust them?'
"You can."
Hwashim's firm answer left Yoon Seo feeling perplexed. Could Galaxaia really not deceive
"You're the one who changed them, Seo Chaeyoon. You've achieved something even
He clicked his tongue as he finished.
Upon hearing those words, Yoon Seo no longer hesitated. He nodded in agreement.
Once Seo Chaeyoon gave his approval, Do Deungsoo and Alec quickly organized the eight additional members.
Yoon Seo watched their backs as they moved away.
They came here, risking their lives out of a grudge, seeking revenge against those who wronged them. Yet, after a few words exchanged with someone they met by chance, they gave up on their vengeance.
In the end, they were still Awakeners—people who had the chance to commit evil when crime was not considered a crime, but refrained until the very end…
[The God of Life says there are 30 seconds remaining.]
Yoon Seo flew toward the direction where Kwon Jihan was fighting, feeling somehow lighter.
Kraaahhhh!
The monster let out a thunderous roar. The golden waves that had wrapped around Kwon Jihan's body were fading. The flame head of the monster was already in shambles, and one more well-placed strike would likely finish it off. Seeing the lightning head prepare to fire a breath attack at Kwon Jihan, Yoon Seo quickly used
Kraaaah!
Boom!
The lightning breath smashed into the temple pillar. Kwon Jihan flew swiftly toward Yoon Seo, relatively unscathed except for a few minor scratches, thanks to the power of
"Wow, Hyung. You just saved me."
"Let's finish off the flame head first. Perfect will handle the lightning head, and the other high-rank hunters will cover us while dealing with the ice head."
After finishing his sentence, Yoon Seo raised his hand, signaling for a healer. One nearby quickly healed Kwon Jihan.
"I'll take full responsibility for the flame head. You go help Perfect deal with the lightning."
"
At that moment, Kwon Jihan flashed a confident smile.
"I still have 12 Cool Time Potions left."
"..."
Just then, Do Deungsoo, who was flying nearby, chimed in.
"Uh, Kwon Jihan Hunter. We still have 14 left. Everyone's been using them sparingly."
"Shut up. Can't you read the room?"
"Oh, sorry!"
[The God of Death doesn't understand why that statement was repeated.]
[The God of Life doesn't understand either, but approves nonetheless.]
Kwon Jihan, who had driven Do Deungsoo away, put on a brave and cool expression.
"It doesn't have to be exactly twelve, right?"
"..."
"Did you get proper treatment for the burns?"
While Kwon Jihan checked Yoon Seo's hands, Yoon Seo also examined him. The scratches on Kwon Jihan's face were being healed in real-time by the healers' skills.
Yoon Seo closed his eyes for a moment and opened them again, dazzled by the radiance seemingly shining from Kwon Jihan.
"Understood. I'll leave it to you."
"Yeah, hyung. Don't use too much mana and fight moderately. Don't get hurt."
"Okay."
Yoon Seo didn't bother adding, "You too."
Kwon Jihan drank his cooldown potion without leaving a single drop.
[Kwon Jihan uses the skill
After exchanging one last glance, the two split up and headed toward their respective targets.
***
Perfect was doing a decent job dodging, but that was all they were doing — just dodging. The plan was for the others to attack the head while Rio, who had transformed into a bat, and Lawrence, possessed by a ghost, lured the breath attacks. However, the breath's wide range and the risk of being hit by another head's attack made it difficult to strike recklessly. The only opportunity to attack was during the moments between the breath attacks when it discharged electricity or unleashed lightning-like strikes.
Frustrated by merely dodging, Hong Euiyoon halted in mid-air, gripping his spear tightly. He was prepared to counter the electricity discharge, but Yoon Seo, who had split from Kwon Jihan and saw this, shouted.
"Don't counter it!"
"Ugh-!"
Hong Euiyoon pulled back his spear and spun in mid-air to avoid the attack. Yoon Seo quickly flew over and yelled loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Dodge all of the dragon's attacks, no matter what they are! Do not try to counter them!"
"But I feel like I can block that much."
"You can't block it!"
Yoon Seo firmly reprimanded.
To tell the truth, both Kwon Jihan and Yoon Seo could block attacks that weren't breath attacks to some extent. Even now, Kwon Jihan was countering attacks with the Heavenly Sword. However, they chose a safe route, as they couldn't predict how the other S-ranks, especially Hong Euiyoon, who was only A-rank, would react.
Hong Euiyoon no longer showed any signs of resistance and simply nodded. Yoon Seo flew over to Hwashim.
"Relay this to everyone via telepathy. When Kwon Jihan cuts off the head, the phase will change, and the dragon's health will recover by 80%. Until then, focus on defense rather than attack. Make sure the other heads can't attack Kwon Jihan. After the fire head is cut off, the goal is to cut both the electric and ice heads simultaneously."
"Understood."
Hwashim immediately used
While moving between the electric and ice heads, Yoon Seo engaged in a back-and-forth battle with them, assessing the situation. Everyone was exhausted. Their stamina and magic potions were running low, and many were bleeding from various injuries. It was likely the same for those fighting on the ground.
Roar!
"Ugh."
"Gasp!"
At the loud roar of the fire head, lower-ranked hunters began bleeding from their ears.
Yoon Seo glanced toward Kwon Jihan, who was in the middle of vertically tearing the fire head from the crown to the neck.
Crack. Thud. The contents of the head spilled out, but Kwon Jihan spread his wings to avoid getting splashed.
The two remaining heads began to thrash about even more violently. Yoon Seo approached Kwon Jihan.
"You're hurt. Go get treated and then rejoin us."
Blood dripped from Kwon Jihan's arm, and his face, soaked in blood, looked as though his head had been smashed.
"I'll be back soon. Don't get hurt, hyung."
"Okay."
Kwon Jihan didn't say anything foolish like, "I'm fine" or "I can keep fighting," and went straight to get treated.
Now, Phase 2 was beginning.
In Phase 2, the dragon's attack power and recovery rate increase by 1.5 times compared to Phase 1.
While the dragon was recovering, Yoon Seo returned to the battlefield and checked the headcount. After confirming the number—301—he gave his orders.
"Only those who can still fight, stay. All injured, retreat immediately! You'll only get in the way if you stay!"
Yoon Seo finished speaking and immediately untied the strap of his mask.
"Seo… Seo Chaeyoon?"
"Seo Chae…!"
Alec and Hong Euiyoon were startled. For a moment, the surroundings fell silent. Jo Mani, who had been dropping icicles on the dragon's head, looked at Yoon Seo in surprise, and the temporary team members, who were each fighting fiercely, opened their eyes wide.
Yoon Seo revealing his face now wasn't just to surprise them. It was to express trust and a strong will to fight.
"The electric head will be handled by Hwashim, Lawrence, Rio, and me. Everyone else, attack the ice head. Alec, you take command of the rest."
"…Yoon Seo, can just the four of you handle it?"
"There's no problem. Make sure the injured are evacuated. They'll only be a burden."
"Understood. Leave it to me, don't worry."
Alec led the S-ranks toward the ice head.
Yoon Seo gestured to Hwashim, who muttered, "Why me…," and followed Yoon Seo. The couple looked like they were about to cry from sheer emotion.
Once the four of them gathered, Yoon Seo gave his instructions.
"Rio and Lawrence, head down to the camper van immediately."
"What?"
"When the dragon goes wild in Phase 2, the ground might collapse. Inside the crimson camper van, there's a small box. Your duty is to protect that box."
"Wait a second. Wait, Seo Chaeyoon…"
Lawrence's pupils quivered.
Protect a box inside an camper van, out of nowhere? Yoon Seo's instruction was clearly to leave the battlefield.
Could it be… because she was pregnant, he wanted her to avoid the battle?
Lawrence's expression stiffened. Yoon Seo continued speaking.
"What's in that box must be protected at all costs. You're not allowed to reveal its existence to anyone else, and the two of you have flying skills, so you're the perfect choice."
Lawrence parted her lips to protest, but Rio placed a hand on his partner's shoulder.
Yoon Seo suddenly touched his face.
This mask. Can I take it off now?
Originally, he thought he would be forced to reveal himself upon entering the Great Dungeon. But everyone fought so well that he kept it on.
[The God of Life says
The God of Life seemed more anxious than Yoon Seo himself. He stood up. Just then, Alec approached with a troubled expression.
"Seo Chaeyoon Hunter, I have something to discuss."
"Yes, what is it?"
Alec turned his back. Behind him, Do Deungsoo appeared, leading a group of tense individuals.
Those eight people were Galaxaia followers.
"Why the hell are they here—?!"
"Hyung, please. Quiet."
Soo Jaehee quickly restrained Hong Euiyoon, who was about to erupt.
The leader of the cult spoke.
"We heard that healers are in short supply, so we called Vice Guild Master Do Deungsoo. There are four healers here. Are you going to let them sit idle, even though they're A-rank?"
"And those healers are terrorists. Would you use them if you were in our position?"
"We won't interfere with this dungeon raid."
"And you expect us to believe that?"
"Use your skill to confirm it. We're not here as Galaxaia; we're here as Revengers."
Yoon Seo was about to use
"They've already healed the people here. Even when you collapsed after using the asteroid skill, they healed the injured from a distance inside the camp. They didn't reveal it because they didn't want anyone to know they removed their mana restraints. I didn't tell you either."
It was Hwashim.
Yoon Seo, surprised, scanned the cult members' faces. Their expressions were determined, filled with resolve. What had changed their minds?
'So you're saying I can trust them?'
"You can."
Hwashim's firm answer left Yoon Seo feeling perplexed. Could Galaxaia really not deceive
"You're the one who changed them, Seo Chaeyoon. You've achieved something even
He clicked his tongue as he finished.
Upon hearing those words, Yoon Seo no longer hesitated. He nodded in agreement.
Once Seo Chaeyoon gave his approval, Do Deungsoo and Alec quickly organized the eight additional members.
Yoon Seo watched their backs as they moved away.
They came here, risking their lives out of a grudge, seeking revenge against those who wronged them. Yet, after a few words exchanged with someone they met by chance, they gave up on their vengeance.
In the end, they were still Awakeners—people who had the chance to commit evil when crime was not considered a crime, but refrained until the very end…
[The God of Life says there are 30 seconds remaining.]
Yoon Seo flew toward the direction where Kwon Jihan was fighting, feeling somehow lighter.
Kraaahhhh!
The monster let out a thunderous roar. The golden waves that had wrapped around Kwon Jihan's body were fading. The flame head of the monster was already in shambles, and one more well-placed strike would likely finish it off. Seeing the lightning head prepare to fire a breath attack at Kwon Jihan, Yoon Seo quickly used
Kraaaah!
Boom!
The lightning breath smashed into the temple pillar. Kwon Jihan flew swiftly toward Yoon Seo, relatively unscathed except for a few minor scratches, thanks to the power of
"Wow, Hyung. You just saved me."
"Let's finish off the flame head first. Perfect will handle the lightning head, and the other high-rank hunters will cover us while dealing with the ice head."
After finishing his sentence, Yoon Seo raised his hand, signaling for a healer. One nearby quickly healed Kwon Jihan.
"I'll take full responsibility for the flame head. You go help Perfect deal with the lightning."
"
At that moment, Kwon Jihan flashed a confident smile.
"I still have 12 Cool Time Potions left."
"..."
Just then, Do Deungsoo, who was flying nearby, chimed in.
"Uh, Kwon Jihan Hunter. We still have 14 left. Everyone's been using them sparingly."
"Shut up. Can't you read the room?"
"Oh, sorry!"
[The God of Death doesn't understand why that statement was repeated.]
[The God of Life doesn't understand either, but approves nonetheless.]
Kwon Jihan, who had driven Do Deungsoo away, put on a brave and cool expression.
"It doesn't have to be exactly twelve, right?"
"..."
"Did you get proper treatment for the burns?"
While Kwon Jihan checked Yoon Seo's hands, Yoon Seo also examined him. The scratches on Kwon Jihan's face were being healed in real-time by the healers' skills.
Yoon Seo closed his eyes for a moment and opened them again, dazzled by the radiance seemingly shining from Kwon Jihan.
"Understood. I'll leave it to you."
"Yeah, hyung. Don't use too much mana and fight moderately. Don't get hurt."
"Okay."
Yoon Seo didn't bother adding, "You too."
Kwon Jihan drank his cooldown potion without leaving a single drop.
[Kwon Jihan uses the skill
After exchanging one last glance, the two split up and headed toward their respective targets.
***
Perfect was doing a decent job dodging, but that was all they were doing — just dodging. The plan was for the others to attack the head while Rio, who had transformed into a bat, and Lawrence, possessed by a ghost, lured the breath attacks. However, the breath's wide range and the risk of being hit by another head's attack made it difficult to strike recklessly. The only opportunity to attack was during the moments between the breath attacks when it discharged electricity or unleashed lightning-like strikes.
Frustrated by merely dodging, Hong Euiyoon halted in mid-air, gripping his spear tightly. He was prepared to counter the electricity discharge, but Yoon Seo, who had split from Kwon Jihan and saw this, shouted.
"Don't counter it!"
"Ugh-!"
Hong Euiyoon pulled back his spear and spun in mid-air to avoid the attack. Yoon Seo quickly flew over and yelled loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Dodge all of the dragon's attacks, no matter what they are! Do not try to counter them!"
"But I feel like I can block that much."
"You can't block it!"
Yoon Seo firmly reprimanded.
To tell the truth, both Kwon Jihan and Yoon Seo could block attacks that weren't breath attacks to some extent. Even now, Kwon Jihan was countering attacks with the Heavenly Sword. However, they chose a safe route, as they couldn't predict how the other S-ranks, especially Hong Euiyoon, who was only A-rank, would react.
Hong Euiyoon no longer showed any signs of resistance and simply nodded. Yoon Seo flew over to Hwashim.
"Relay this to everyone via telepathy. When Kwon Jihan cuts off the head, the phase will change, and the dragon's health will recover by 80%. Until then, focus on defense rather than attack. Make sure the other heads can't attack Kwon Jihan. After the fire head is cut off, the goal is to cut both the electric and ice heads simultaneously."
"Understood."
Hwashim immediately used
While moving between the electric and ice heads, Yoon Seo engaged in a back-and-forth battle with them, assessing the situation. Everyone was exhausted. Their stamina and magic potions were running low, and many were bleeding from various injuries. It was likely the same for those fighting on the ground.
Roar!
"Ugh."
"Gasp!"
At the loud roar of the fire head, lower-ranked hunters began bleeding from their ears.
Yoon Seo glanced toward Kwon Jihan, who was in the middle of vertically tearing the fire head from the crown to the neck.
Crack. Thud. The contents of the head spilled out, but Kwon Jihan spread his wings to avoid getting splashed.
The two remaining heads began to thrash about even more violently. Yoon Seo approached Kwon Jihan.
"You're hurt. Go get treated and then rejoin us."
Blood dripped from Kwon Jihan's arm, and his face, soaked in blood, looked as though his head had been smashed.
"I'll be back soon. Don't get hurt, hyung."
"Okay."
Kwon Jihan didn't say anything foolish like, "I'm fine" or "I can keep fighting," and went straight to get treated.
Now, Phase 2 was beginning.
In Phase 2, the dragon's attack power and recovery rate increase by 1.5 times compared to Phase 1.
While the dragon was recovering, Yoon Seo returned to the battlefield and checked the headcount. After confirming the number—301—he gave his orders.
"Only those who can still fight, stay. All injured, retreat immediately! You'll only get in the way if you stay!"
Yoon Seo finished speaking and immediately untied the strap of his mask.
"Seo… Seo Chaeyoon?"
"Seo Chae…!"
Alec and Hong Euiyoon were startled. For a moment, the surroundings fell silent. Jo Mani, who had been dropping icicles on the dragon's head, looked at Yoon Seo in surprise, and the temporary team members, who were each fighting fiercely, opened their eyes wide.
Yoon Seo revealing his face now wasn't just to surprise them. It was to express trust and a strong will to fight.
"The electric head will be handled by Hwashim, Lawrence, Rio, and me. Everyone else, attack the ice head. Alec, you take command of the rest."
"…Yoon Seo, can just the four of you handle it?"
"There's no problem. Make sure the injured are evacuated. They'll only be a burden."
"Understood. Leave it to me, don't worry."
Alec led the S-ranks toward the ice head.
Yoon Seo gestured to Hwashim, who muttered, "Why me…," and followed Yoon Seo. The couple looked like they were about to cry from sheer emotion.
Once the four of them gathered, Yoon Seo gave his instructions.
"Rio and Lawrence, head down to the camper van immediately."
"What?"
"When the dragon goes wild in Phase 2, the ground might collapse. Inside the crimson camper van, there's a small box. Your duty is to protect that box."
"Wait a second. Wait, Seo Chaeyoon…"
Lawrence's pupils quivered.
Protect a box inside an camper van, out of nowhere? Yoon Seo's instruction was clearly to leave the battlefield.
Could it be… because she was pregnant, he wanted her to avoid the battle?
Lawrence's expression stiffened. Yoon Seo continued speaking.
"What's in that box must be protected at all costs. You're not allowed to reveal its existence to anyone else, and the two of you have flying skills, so you're the perfect choice."
Lawrence parted her lips to protest, but Rio placed a hand on his partner's shoulder.