Chapter 124 — Cleanup Complete
Dungeons typically appeared in places where people lived. But occasionally, they’d spawn underwater, far from land.
Discovering an underwater dungeon was, unsurprisingly, almost impossible. As a result, these dungeons would inevitably break, leaving monsters either submerged at sea or crawling up onto land.
Among those monsters were aquatic types—creatures that naturally lived in the water, in the depths of the ocean. Especially when it came to boss monsters, once they escaped into the vast ocean, hunting them down became extremely difficult.
Unlike inside a dungeon, where monsters would attack as soon as certain conditions were met, these creatures would appear and vanish at their own whim, making them hard to track.
“It’s really massive.”
A monster as large as the hotel itself was crawling up onto the beach under the night sky. Each of its tentacles, lined with countless suction cups, crushed everything in its path. It was a dark red creature, a grotesque combination of octopus and squid.
The symbol of Hong Kong’s downfall—the second-tier giant sea monster, Kraken.
It had first been spotted late last year, but since it stayed underwater, attempts to eliminate it had been abandoned. It was an S-rank dungeon boss. For the next year or so, it would drift peacefully between Hong Kong’s islands. But when a dungeon break caused people to evacuate from the shoreline, leaving only a single building illuminated as a temporary shelter for hunters, its behavior changed.
The creature that had lain dormant beneath the dark waters began to move.
‘After that, the Kraken would rampage for more than half a year, destroying Hong Kong’s beaches.’
It would appear without warning, and if the situation grew unfavorable, it would retreat to the ocean, making it nearly impossible to hunt. By the time it was finally slain, it had grown to SS-rank, possibly due to its prolonged time in the ocean.
Hong Kong, already unstable, was completely ruined under the Kraken’s half-year-long threat.
“Yerim, get ready.”
I borrowed a headset from Noah and contacted Yerim. If only we could use devices like this inside dungeons too. But as of now, there was no communication equipment that worked within dungeon barriers.
[Yes, Mister!]
“A product as unruly as this one is even trying to give orders—will you accept that, Mr. Seong Hyunjae?”
[Of course, items on display and my own possessions are treated quite differently.]
“I’m not yours.”
Drop the possessive.
In the meantime, the hotel, which had been submerged, re-emerged from the water. The lights were all out, and most of the glass was shattered, but the building itself was still relatively intact. Pretty sturdy construction.
“As I mentioned, the first step to subduing the Kraken is to draw it fully onto land.”
Once it retreats into the ocean, there’s nothing we can do. Its defenses and regeneration rate both increase, and facing a monster in the vast sea is a challenge even for hunters specialized in underwater combat.
With our two-fold skill buff, we could melt it down in a flash, but even then, dragging it fully onto land and restraining it would be safest. If it tried to escape, things could get complicated.
“Alright, let’s begin.”
To sync our timing, I connected Yerim and Seong Hyunjae’s senses through my Terrifying Chick Class Teacher skill. Yerim, who was floating near the hotel, raised a mass of water into the air. Seong Hyunjae sent a current of electricity surging through the water.
Each droplet sparkled with light. A cloud of tiny glowing orbs began to settle over the drenched building like miniature light bulbs.
Normally, the electric current would disperse, but here it was trapped within each droplet, forming orbs of light surrounded by a shell of pure ice with seawater inside.
“Looks like Christmas decorations.”
I pulled out a blue shawl from my inventory and used it to dry off Chirp, watching the beautifully lit hotel below. Drawn by the glow, the Kraken began to move.
The Kraken was attracted to that single point of light in the darkness.
Hong Kong’s shores had been filled with countless lights, which kept the creature calm for a long time. But to ensure it would be lured here, we scattered A-rank mana stones in the water near the hotel and turned off all other lights.
‘Thankfully, the bait worked. Those who came here to buy slaves will end up as victims of the Kraken.’
Once the Kraken is dealt with, the cleanup will be complete. We’ll get rid of the traffickers, save Hong Kong’s future, and scoop up a bunch of items. Three birds with one stone.
With its immense magical glow, the hotel must have looked like an irresistibly enticing gem to the Kraken. The creature extended its long tentacles toward the building, wrapping around it as if it were embracing a lover it hadn’t seen in a century.
Crrrack.
Unable to withstand the pressure, the walls buckled, cracks spreading like veins. Under the dreamy glow, the slimy, rubbery surface of the massive mollusk gleamed. It was a bizarre and eerie sight. Christmas and a giant sea monster don’t exactly mix well.
“Do you want anything for your birthday?”
The mention of Christmas made me think of it. Yuhyun, who had been watching the Kraken with a slight frown, turned his gaze to me.
“…I haven’t really thought about it.”
“If you come up with something, just say it.”
We’d let enough birthdays slip by already.
“When’s your birthday, Noah?”
Noah, who had been listening in with his ears perked up, turned his head, his gray eyes looking at me with a shy smile.
— April 5th.
“That’s the same month as Yerim’s. In Korea, it’s Arbor Day, the day we plant trees.”
[My birthday is August 30th, by the way. Just around the corner.]
…And why are you chiming in again? We were talking about the kids’ birthdays. Can’t you act your age? What am I supposed to do about your birthday coming up?
“Why don’t you use that time to focus on your job? We’ll have to move soon. What about the chain?”
I asked while removing the Seeker’s Chain from around my neck, checking its item description now that it was in my possession.
[Elegant Seeker’s Chain ? Contract Holder’s Rank +1 (Up to Mythic rank)
A chain forged from the darkest moonlight of a crescent moon. It appears metallic but is, in essence, made of light.]
‘…A crescent moon, huh.’
That’s connected to the rogue known as the “Patricide.” Although it’s not a guarantee that it’s the same person. The Mermaid Queen was also labeled as a rogue, but she was more like a droplet of water.
‘Still, it seems highly likely that this crescent moon is that same Crescent Moon.’
They did call it a chain, after all. And this chain increases its rank by one tier above of its user. Does that kind of thing even exist? Since Seong Hyunjae is S-rank, this effectively makes it an SS-rank weapon. Ridiculous. Dear God, it feels like this man alone is breaking the balance of the universe. Somebody should patch this bug.
[Just toss it, it’ll come back on its own.]
“Do you happen to know anything about Crescent Moon?”
[Crescent Moon? I assume you don’t mean the one in the sky. No, I don’t.]
So, he hasn’t made contact yet. Should I hypnotize him and ask if he has any visions of the future? What did he get up to before I went back in time?
I tossed the chain, and it slid away like a snake swimming through the air. Wow, it’s genuinely impressive. He really has everything.
Clicking my tongue, I turned my gaze back to the monster wrapped around the hotel.
Due to their attributes, Yerim and Seong Hyunjae were at a disadvantage against the Kraken. Its slick skin provided incredible defense while wet, making it resistant to freezing and almost non-conductive, like rubber. Physical attacks didn’t work well, either.
In the past, people had struggled immensely to turn this thing into dried seafood.
‘I’d considered using poison skills, but…’
An S-rank poison with double potency would have severe side effects. And to affect something this large, I’d need to pour out a significant amount, making it unwise to use outside a dungeon.
I’d been considering taking a roundabout approach, but with Yuhyun here…
“Noah, can you watch Chirp for me?”
— Yes, leave it to me.
— Chirp!
I handed Chirp to Noah, who held him in his scaly front claws. Chirp let out a slightly disgruntled chirp, probably not thrilled to be held by a claw covered in scales. Well, you’re the one who came all the way here.
“The spirit?”
“Here.”
The fire lizard flickered to life, perching on Yuhyun’s hand. It looked the same as before, except for a tiny horn sprouting from its head.
Iryn. The fire spirit, after a long spell of stubborn resistance, had finally accepted a name, and its red glow looked particularly intense against the night.
“This little one is the first spirit of our world.”
Ismuar wasn’t part of our world, which is why it couldn’t come out of the dungeon.
“While its flames were already purer than any fire-based skill, being the first gives it an added uniqueness. Even if new spirits are born in the future, none will match Iryn.”
According to the knowledge I’d stolen, the first spirit was the beginning and king of all spirits. Of course, this world didn’t function the same way as those realms where spirits naturally formed from dense magical and natural energies. But I was certain it would become a special strength for Yuhyun.
“So forget about your regular skills for a while and try embracing Iryn instead. After all, skills are just frameworks.”
I activated Terrifying Chick Class Teacher on Yuhyun, letting him share Yerim’s perspective. She was still controlling the water near the Kraken, wielding both ice and water despite lacking a true water-based skill.
When she’d used the Ruler of Water skill item, I’d hoped to connect Yuhyun to her senses, but he probably would’ve fainted immediately. Maybe a similar chance will come up again. It’s a pity.
“Let’s go.”
Boom!
As if in response, the hotel collapsed entirely. The rubble clung to the Kraken’s legs and body.
— Screech!
The Kraken writhed, but the damp stones that clung to it were already freezing under Yerim’s control. If it tried to tear them off, it would damage its own skin.
I warned Yerim and Seong Hyunjae to retreat and synced my senses with Yuhyun just in case. It wouldn’t do to get caught up in this.
Blue Willow Leaves.
Blue leaves scattered as Yuhyun wrapped one arm around my waist and leaped off Noah’s back. I could hear the crunching of debris being crushed beneath his feet. Glowing orbs exploded one by one as thick tentacles waved in the air.
“Iryn.”
A spirit’s true power is revealed when its name is called by its contractor.
The tiny flame shaped like a salamander expanded like a blooming flower at Yuhyun’s fingertips. Red as blood, the petals floated into the air one by one.
A vividly red, almost otherworldly fire.
“It’s hard to control.”
As he stepped lightly from leaf to leaf, Yuhyun muttered under his breath. A petal of fire he couldn’t control landed on a parked luxury car beneath the Kraken’s path. Just that small ember turned the car to ash in seconds. The scorched frame collapsed with a puff, disintegrating completely.
…That’s a bit much. That was just a stray spark.
“Hey, be careful. Noah, get as far back as you can!”
The flame that had been gathering at his fingertips extended, forming a shape. A sword—no, longer than that. It was more like a crescent blade.
It was only after his skill Blood Flame had advanced that Yuhyun could weaponize flames like this. Ordinary fire doesn’t hold a fixed shape easily.
I glanced up at him, noticing his eyes had turned a deep red, a faint smile playing on his lips.
He looked immensely satisfied with the flame bending to his will, something he had struggled with until now.
— Screech.
The Kraken, focused on the remaining orbs of light, turned its gaze towards us. Its massive, glassy eyes darted around nervously, as if sensing the power in Yuhyun’s flames. But its weight made retreat difficult.
It hesitated, then thrust two of its longest tentacles toward us like spears.
As the massive tentacles, each as thick as several utility poles, hurtled through the air, Yuhyun swung the flaming crescent blade with ease.
Ssssk.
With a soft hiss, the flames barely brushed the surface of one tentacle, but—
— Screech!
The Kraken’s tentacles dissolved as if they had been thrust into the sun. The sight was almost like watching ice thrown into a blazing furnace.
Yuhyun flung a spear of flame, which struck the Kraken’s round body.
— Grrrr…
A small salamander appeared at the tip of the fiery spear, blinking its black eyes as it growled. The flames spread like a tidal wave, devouring the giant sea monster whole. Nothing remained but a charred mark on the ground, and Iryn gently floated down onto it, satisfied as it licked its tongue over the remnants of mana stones.
‘…Turns out I didn’t even need the double skill power buff.’
This was an SS-rank boss, but that seemed almost too easy.
The spirit, looking small and cute, approached Yuhyun, who had landed on the ground. You’re terrifying, little guy.
“Are you going to let go of me now?”
I tapped the arm wrapped around my waist, and Yuhyun tilted his head slightly.
“I was thinking… maybe you should just go missing. For good.”
There was no subject in his sentence, but I understood what he meant. He still hadn’t given up.
“I’m unharmed, you know.”
“But the opportunity is too good to pass up.”
“Opportunity, huh. With Yerim, Noah, and Seong Hyunjae here, do you think anyone would believe I got caught up in a Kraken attack?”
“I could silence all three of them.”
“Good luck with that. Especially the last one; he’d ignore you completely.”
“He’ll listen now. Or I could just eliminate him entirely. Honestly, that might be the better option. Don’t you agree the Sesung Guild Leader is a danger?”
I looked up at my brother, who was asking for my agreement. His eyes were still a deep red. Iryn sat on his shoulder now, and its eyes were black.
A chill ran down my spine as a sudden sense of dread struck me. Something was very, very wrong.
–TL Notes–
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