Chapter 78: 14th Floor. Great Sea (7)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 78: 14th Floor. Great Sea (7)
[Kuaaa! Kuaaaaaaaa!]
The Kraken thrashed in agony. Its massive tentacles lashed out violently, whipping toward Kang Jun-hyeok.
Jun-hyeok didn't bother dodging. He twisted his body just enough to minimize the impact and continued to churn his spear within the open wound. The Kraken’s tentacles began to tremble like aspen leaves.
Seizing the opening, he reached in with his free hand and pulled out his staff.
[Fireball.]
Boom!
Flames erupted from deep within the creature’s eye socket.
Under normal circumstances, a Fireball’s effect would be marginal underwater, but detonating it from the inside was a different story. The acrid scent of searing flesh immediately wafted through the water.
[Kuaaaaaaaa!]
The explosion inside its eye must have reached its brain.
[Sword Ki and Sword Wind.]
[Shock.]
He didn't stop there. He activated his skills in rapid succession, dealing massive internal damage.
Yet, the Kraken endured.
Letting out a cry of pure agony, it tried to coil its tentacles around Jun-hyeok to crush the life out of him.
[Repulsion.]
Thump!
He pushed the tentacles away and slipped through the gap. He hurled his spear back at the wound, and the weapon buried itself deep inside the eye socket.
[Kuaaaaa!]
The Kraken thrashed convulsively. Its flailing tentacles destroyed everything in the vicinity.
Kboom!
Unable to dodge every strike, Jun-hyeok took a direct hit to his upper body. He was nearly sent flying into the distance, but he barely managed to hold his ground using Balancing.
“Heh.”
Jun-hyeok let out a dry chuckle.
A single blow had cleaved his health in half. Two direct hits would be enough to kill him.
[Kuaaaaa!]
The tentacles swung toward Jun-hyeok with renewed fury. Another direct hit would surely be his end.
Jun-hyeok did not retreat.
He pulled out his Greatsword, bracing the flat of the blade against the incoming tentacles.
Craaaaash!
As the sword and tentacles collided, a titanic force surged toward him.
At that moment, his internal energy surged. It was the Divine Art of the Master of All Weapons. The mysterious principle that governs the flow of power unfolded, channeling the massive impact into the sword itself.
Naturally, he couldn't contain all of it. His proficiency was still far too low. The shock rattled his entire frame, instantly plunging his health into the double digits.
[Grace of Benevolence.]
He restored his depleted health. Even though he had only managed to redirect a fraction of the impact, that alone was several times his total power.
He swung the sword, unleashing that stored energy back at the Kraken.
Slaaaaash!
The Greatsword carved through the Kraken’s flesh. A jagged, deep laceration opened across its massive body.
[Ku... Kuaaaa!]
The Kraken’s body shuddered. The blow had nearly sliced the creature in half.
[Kuaaaaaaaa!]
The Kraken’s scream echoed piercingly. Jun-hyeok muttered, looking almost impressed.
“You’re still not dead?”
He had pierced its eye, detonated a Fireball inside its head, and inflicted a lethal wound that its body couldn't possibly recover from. Any normal creature would have died four or five times over, yet it was still alive. Its health was monstrous.
[Ku! Ah! Ah! Ah!]
The Kraken went into a frenzied fit. The surrounding area crumbled, and the seabed shook as if an earthquake had struck. Jun-hyeok’s expression shifted.
From this point on, there was no need for him to be aggressive. Even if it was still alive, it was mortally wounded. He could simply keep his distance and wait for it to die on its own.
However, the Kraken’s thrashing changed the situation. The Fishmen were still under mind control and fighting the Merfolk; if this continued, they would be lost in the crossfire.
He had to finish this. Jun-hyeok took a breath and kicked off the ground.
[Rift Movement.]
He arrived at the gap created by the Kraken’s wound and thrust himself inside. The Kraken shuddered, lashing out at Jun-hyeok with its tentacles. His bones creaked under the pressure, and his health began to drain rapidly.
[Royal Blood.]
His depleted health began to recover as he gained absolute dominion over blood.
Swish.
He spread his blood out into hundreds of thin threads, driving them deep into the Kraken’s wound. The blood burrowed through the gaps in the flesh, reaching the Kraken’s innermost depths—its brain. The blood slowly coiled around the creature's vital organ.
Squeeze.
Jun-hyeok clenched his fist tight. The blood embedded in the brain constricted violently, like a hand crushing a lemon.
The Kraken’s body stiffened. In a final, desperate struggle, it lashed out at Jun-hyeok’s body with insane ferocity. Jun-hyeok shielded himself with his blood while tightening the grip on the brain even further.
Snap.
Then, with the sound of something breaking, the Kraken’s movements ceased. Its massive body remained frozen for a few seconds before finally going limp.
[Level Up.]
[Health +30]
[Strength +2]
[Speed +1]
[Feat +1]
[Spearmanship proficiency has increased from E to D.]
[Divine Art proficiency has increased.]
[Royal Blood proficiency has increased.]
[Sword Ki and Sword Wind...]
“Phew.”
Jun-hyeok exhaled. He climbed out from within the Kraken’s slumped carcass. His body was covered in filth, giving off a foul stench.
“How unpleasant.”
He shook himself off, letting the seawater wash away the grime. The Master of All Weapons let out a sound of admiration.
[You actually won. And quite easily, at that.]
“It wasn't exactly easy.”
He had used both Grace of Benevolence and Royal Blood. Even then, his health had been on the brink. It wasn't a state one would call 'easy,' but the Master of All Weapons dismissed his claim immediately.
[The entire flow of the battle went exactly according to your calculations. You drew the whole picture from the start; if you don't call that easy, then what is?]
In the Master of All Weapons' estimation, Jun-hyeok’s chances of winning hadn't even been ten percent. Yet, he had pulled the flow of battle to his side, executed his plan, and succeeded.
It was truly marvelous. It felt different from when he had defeated Alessandro. This wasn't something possible just by knowing how to deal with a Kraken. It was the kind of feat one could only achieve after facing it directly and gaining experience.
That was why a question naturally arose.
[You. Have you fought a Kraken before? Otherwise, this makes no sense.]
Jun-hyeok simply smiled without a word. He couldn't explain it anyway. If he tried to speak of it, time would simply rewind.
“Anyway, it’s over.”
Shaking off his fatigue, Jun-hyeok moved. When he climbed back up through the hole, he saw the Fishmen slumped over, shaking their heads.
“Ugh, uuuugh...”
“Wh-what is this? What happened?”
“Ha-tan!”
“You’re awake!”
The Merfolk’s expressions brightened at the sight of the confused Fishmen. They rushed to their side, fussing over them.
“Mr. Kang Jun-hyeok!”
The Tribe Chief hurried toward Jun-hyeok.
“The Fishmen have regained their senses. Could it be?!”
“I killed the Kraken.”
Jun-hyeok nodded and stepped aside. The Chief gasped as he looked down into the hole. The colossal octopus lay dead, its body a gruesome mess.
“M-my god! The Kraken really existed!”
“Did you not believe me?”
“No, it’s not that. I believed you, but... seeing it with my own eyes is just overwhelming. Regardless!” The Chief’s eyes sparkled like a child’s. “You defeated the Kraken! Ha, hahaha!”
They had won.
The Fishmen began to regain consciousness one by one. The Chief shouted loudly toward them.
“Everyone! We have won! We have succeeded in slaying the Kraken! To the Hero who achieved this feat! Everyone, give him your praise!”
The eyes of the Merfolk and Fishmen all turned toward Jun-hyeok.
* * *
First, the Merfolk brought the Fishmen to their village, as the Fishmen’s village had been completely destroyed in the aftermath of the battle.
They explained what had happened to those who were regaining their senses. The Fishmen were struck with horror, trembling at the thought of what had befallen them. But they were safe now. The Merfolk had come to help them. And a Hero from the outside world had saved them.
A festival broke out. Merfolk, with human upper bodies and fish lower bodies, and Fishmen, with fish upper bodies and human lower bodies, mingled together, dancing and singing. As they enjoyed the festival, they occasionally approached Jun-hyeok to offer their thanks.
“Mr. Kang Jun-hyeok! Thank you!”
“You are the hero of our village!”
“I-I don’t know who you are, but thank you for helping us!”
Jun-hyeok responded to them with a gentle smile. Once this festival ended, the quest would conclude. The celebration continued for hours.
Then, the sound of a whale echoed through the water.
[Buooooooo!]
It was the grand and majestic cry of a whale, one that brought a sense of peace to the ocean. The expressions of the Fishmen and Merfolk brightened.
“Alfram!”
“The Guardian of the Great Sea has returned!”
[Buooooo!]
The whale circled above Jun-hyeok’s head as if expressing its gratitude. Then, something trickled down from its eye. Jun-hyeok reached out and caught it.
It was a gem that looked like a small pearl. The Chief made a huge fuss.
“M-my goodness. The Tears of Alfram!”
“Is it valuable?”
“It is a tear condensed over Alfram’s long years! In terms of value, you could easily buy this entire village with it! It seems Alfram is quite grateful to you as well!”
“Is that so?”
Jun-hyeok smiled with satisfaction and tucked the gem away. He could check the details after clearing the floor. Seeing that Alfram had returned, the people rejoiced even more and continued the festival. After several hours, the celebration was finally drawing to a close.
‘Is it over now?’
The quest would likely end soon. He had no choice but to wait patiently. As he watched the festival blankly, a thought crossed Jun-hyeok’s mind.
‘By the way, how is one supposed to clear this normally?’
Jun-hyeok had achieved a Perfect Clear by facing the Kraken directly. But that was only because he was special. It wasn't just that he was strong; he had won because he perfectly understood how to counter the Kraken. If he had been lacking in either area, he would have been the one to fall.
The difficulty was too high. The moment one asked the Merfolk Kingdom for help, a Perfect Clear became impossible. The difficulty of Perfect Clears on previous floors had been high, but this was the first floor that seemed to require prior knowledge.
Something was strange. It felt as if there was another way.
Just as he was thinking that, a quiet voice spoke.
“Hello?”
“...!”
Jun-hyeok instantly threw himself backward.
He hadn't sensed a single trace of a presence until the voice spoke right next to him. It meant this was a powerhouse capable of approaching him while completely hidden. Just as he was reflexively about to draw his weapon—
Jun-hyeok’s eyes widened when he saw the stranger’s face.
It was a Fishman with a vacant expression. She wore brilliant silver armor, held a silver trident in one hand, and was gently wagging her tail. She bowed her head deeply.
“Ah. I’m sorry for startling you. I approached while hiding my presence out of habit.”
“...No. It’s fine.”
Jun-hyeok lowered his weapon. He forced back a dry laugh.
“May I ask you one question?”
“Go ahead.”
“Thank you.” She leaned forward and showed her respect. “I am the twenty-fourth believer of Pokatoria, the God of the Sea. My name is Aloanian Hasat.”
Aloanian Hasat.
Jun-hyeok knew her. She was one of his connections from his past life—a top-tier player who never needed his help. She was one of the survivors who had remained until the very, very end.
‘To think I’d meet her here.’
He had wondered how one was supposed to clear this, and it seemed the intended way was to receive her help. A strange sense of nostalgia washed over him. She asked politely.
“My God told me there was a problem here... but looking at everyone now, they all seem so happy. Has the problem been resolved?”
“It has been resolved.”
“...Is that so? How...?”
“I took care of it.”
“Pardon?”
Her eyes went wide like a rabbit's. Jun-hyeok smiled and extended his hand.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Aloanian. I am Kang Jun-hyeok.”
“...Uh. Yes. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Aloanian awkwardly shook his hand. At that moment, the quest clear window appeared.
[14th Floor Quest Cleared.]
[Rewards will be determined based on your performance.]
[Calculating achievement rate...]
[Calculation complete.]
[Achievement Rate: 100%]
[Perfect Clear. Congratulations! Additional rewards will be granted.]
[You have obtained the Merfolk's Orb.]
[The effect of the Title: Perfect Player has been added.]
[4,514 Gold has been awarded.]
[Perfect Clear Reward [Shoes: Kraken's Tentacle Mass] has been obtained.]
[Perfect Clear Reward [Tears of Alfram] has been obtained.]
[Perfect Clear Reward [Title: Monster Slayer] has been obtained.]
[Players who have Perfect Cleared the 14th Floor: 1.]
[You are the only one!]
[Universe Announcement.]
[Please offer your congratulations! Everyone in the universe! A Perfect Player for the 14th Floor has appeared. This is a feat that no one has ever achieved before!]
[Feat +4]