Chapter 70
Chapter 70
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 70
Chapter Title: Soaring Flight
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A short while ago, an apocalypse-class monster appeared at the Korean Hero Academy.
So, how does its danger level compare to the one that showed up near Ulleungdo?
To put it in perspective, the academy monster was like a middle schooler deep in the grips of chuunibyou.
In contrast, the one that appeared near Ulleungdo could be called a seasoned thug.
The gap between a freshly minted apocalypse-class monster and one that's fully mature is stark.
It can even bend the surrounding nature to its will through its malevolent aura.
Once more: the academy monster would normally cause massive devastation.
Numerous cadets would lose their lives, and the academy would suffer horrific damage.
At that level alone, just imagine how powerful a mature apocalypse-class monster must be.
What kind of catastrophe would unfold if such a beast reached the island?
"Unfortunately, I won't get to find out."
Because our monster friend here is going to die today.
With a flawless smile, translucent threads unfurl like a net.
They transform into a moving birdcage, instantly binding the approaching monster.
Kieee!!-
The beast roars as if mocking such feeble threads.
That makes sense. To the monster's eyes, they're just mere strings.
No different from a single spiderweb swaying before a human.
No matter how tough a spiderweb is, it's still just a spiderweb.
It only ensnares insects. It can't hold a person.
Binding a monster with threads made by human hands is impossible.
It spreads its wings, trying to snap the threads and break through the cage.
Kwang! Kbang!-
But the moment the monster's wings collide with the fluttering threads in the sky...
The sound of massive steel clashing against steel echoes across the sea.
Its half-spread wings halt abruptly, and the monster tilts its head.
Kiee?-
It tries spreading its wings again, this time with more force.
But the threads enveloping it refuse to yield.
Instead, they slowly—but surely—tighten around it.
Kyaaak!-
How dare you try to bind this body.
The monster howls and spins its massive form.
Its wings whirl like blades, slicing through the birdcage.
Threads that had never snapped before finally lose a few strands.
"Oh."
Indeed, an apocalypse-class monster. Impressive!
The Smiling Man claps, seemingly in genuine admiration.
Monsters generally grow more intelligent with higher ranks.
An apocalypse-class one would understand a human's smile.
And likely interpret it as mockery.
Paat!-
The monster, gliding over the water's surface, unfurls its enormous wings.
As if declaring it'll fight seriously now, it soars into the sky.
It has no idea how that human is hovering in midair.
But a few meters above the sea must be his limit.
There's no way he can truly dominate the skies like it does.
Kieee!-
Foolish human. I'll claim the heavens and utterly crush you.
You'll regret trying to bind me with these pathetic threads!
"Hm."
Gazing at the monster roaring in overconfidence...
"Monster friend."
The Smiling Man beckons lightly with his hand.
"Come down."
Pat!-
The monster's body plummets straight into the sea.
What is this? The monster flails in panic.
I was flying up? Why is my body crashing down?
Looking closely, translucent threads are tangled around its legs.
That human bastard tied threads here in that split second.
Kraaa!-
Kieee!-
One head screams as if declaring it can snap these threads anytime.
The other swiftly turns its body, trying to use its wing like a blade.
But both heads falter—one wing won't move.
Why won't it move? It was flapping fine just moments ago?
Then it spots it: an incredibly thin strand embedded in the wing.
Unlike the others, it's so transparent it's nearly invisible.
To think something like this pierced its body without detection?!
While one head panics, the other swings its remaining wing.
It first severs the thread controlling the wing.
Then clears the ones binding and pulling down its legs.
It nearly plunged into the sea. They who rule the skies.
Kwaaak!-
Both heads bellow in fury.
Wings spread wide on either side, they lash toward the Smiling Man.
Kwagwagwa!!-
The sea splits in two. It's wind, yet not mere wind.
The sheer pressure shreds and pulverizes everything in its path.
Those fluttering threads will be blown far away.
Even if they endure, it doesn't matter. This is far from over.
Srrrrng!-
Right behind the gale, something hurtles at tremendous speed.
Feathers—yet sharper than any blade.
Far keener than anything forged by human hands.
A mere graze would sever muscle and bone.
No substance claimed to be the toughest can withstand them.
Humans exist to be devoured by monsters.
Monsters exist to sweep away humans.
Even if they are strong, a human has clear limits.
The threads scatter in the wind, and the remnants are sliced by the blades.
"Oh."
Caught off guard, the Smiling Man steps back a few paces.
He tries blocking the raging wind and onslaught of feathers with his remaining threads.
But it's futile. Threads alone can't stand against this.
Like trying to dam a torrent with a sheet of paper.
Dozens, hundreds of threads block the front, but all are severed and scattered.
Powerless threads float in the air and sink into the sea.
Kyaaa!!-
Kueee!-
Humans after all. Pathetically weak as expected.
And yet, it dares stand in my way.
Tear it apart. Devour it without leaving a trace.
The gliding monster folds its wings and dives in one breath.
Locking onto its target and plunging down like a hawk.
Without a single inch of error, perfectly snatching its prey.
In the blink of an eye, the Smiling Man is caught in the monster's talons.
Kieee!-
Kueee!-
How shall I kill it? Shred it to bits with my talons?
Or rip out its head while alive and swallow the body whole?
Or maybe just hurl it into the sea below...
"Kiee! Kueee!!"
Huh? All four eyes on both heads spin in confusion.
Something's wrong. I clearly snagged my prey with my talons.
Why is the human voice coming from above, not below?
"Kiee! Kuee!! Oh. Can't communicate, huh? Pity. I thought mimicking would work."
Lounging casually atop one of the monster's heads.
He's tapping the other head with his hand.
Kyaak?!-
How is this possible? Why is the human up here?
I just caught it? There was something in my talons—what—
Sarak!-
The shed threads drift away from the talons on the wind.
The captured prey turns to threads and vanishes.
The prey I thought I had is right above my head.
"Truly, an apocalypse-class monster is something else. You're the first to cut my mana threads."
Oh. And to actually wound me like this.
The Smiling Man points to a gash on his shoulder.
His clothes are torn, skin ripped, blood flowing from within.
A clear injury. Proof of an effective strike.
However, one massive problem for the monster...
Despite that tremendous gale and barrage of blades...
The only wound on this human's body is that single one.
"But you know, monster friend. Didn't I tell you?"
The reclining Smiling Man slowly rises.
He lightly floats into the air and spreads his hands wide.
"You're too rowdy. So, go down."
From the sky. From the sea. Thousands, tens of thousands of threads surge up.
Even those severed by the monster join the silver wave.
Kieeek?!-
Kueee!!-
In an instant, they bind the monster's legs, wings, body, and even heads.
Like chains, they slowly drag its entire form downward.
It flutters pitifully, like a moth caught in a spiderweb.
But it doesn't break free.
Slowly but surely, it's pulled toward the dark sea.
Tung!-
Kicking one of its heads lightly as he ascends...
The Smiling Man gives a casual wave in greeting and flies toward Ulleungdo.
The monster roars and screeches in humiliated rage.
But before long, its massive body vanishes beneath the waves.
....
… ….
Kieee!!-
It's not over yet, human. I'll tear you apart and devour you!
Endlessly severing the binding threads...
The monster thrashes with all its might, churning the sea depths.
...Kwagugugu!!-
A moment later.
With an ominous roar, a massive tsunami rises.
The house-sized wave surges toward none other than Ulleungdo.
Jin Seo-ah sat dazed, staring blankly ahead.
So much has happened today.
Monsters appeared. She fought alongside the instructors.
She saved citizens, suffered a broken arm—a severe injury.
She thought she'd finally reached safety, but more monsters showed up.
In that moment of crisis, it wasn't a hero who saved them, but a villain.
And as the crowning blow... that massive tsunami visible in the distance.
"Uwaaa!"
"Run!!"
People finally grasp the situation and flee the harbor.
But no matter where they run, survival seems unlikely.
This isn't a monster. It's a wave that sweeps everything away.
Even fleeing to the mountains offers no guarantees.
Louise and Jeong Ye-bin are directing the citizens to evacuate.
Kang Yuna is checking on Seo Ha-eun, who's barely regained her senses.
It seems a bit too late to run now.
Besides, she never intended to flee.
Just in case another monster appeared.
If citizens remain, a hero stays behind.
She uses her sword as a crutch to stand.
To think she'd meet her end swept away by a tidal wave, not a monster or villain.
"What a magnificent sight."
"…?"
Who? No one was beside her moments ago.
"Please give my regards to the Sword Saint. Things will be hectic for a while, so I won't be visiting. Hahaha!"
Jin Seo-ah suddenly realizes her body is gently toppling backward.
The sword in her hand has vanished at some point.
His gait overflows with leisure, like he's out for a stroll.
In his hand—undoubtedly her...
"Smiling Man…?!"
At Seo Ha-eun's cry, Jin Seo-ah lifts her head with an "Ah?"
Smiling Man? That guy? Why is he here of all places?
Kwagwagwa!!-
Now the tsunami surges right upon them.
It'll sweep everything away. The entire island of Ulleungdo will vanish.
"Well now. Apocalypse-class really packs a punch."
He retracts his threads. Draws a sword from its sheath.
The blade hums in resonance. As if rejecting an unworthy hand.
But soon, it accepts the aura of its new wielder.
No flashy techniques. No profound forms.
From left to right. A single, utterly ordinary slash.
But if there's one thing that overwhelms it all...
The smile vanishes from the ever-grinning man's lips.
His closed eyes open, flashing with cold light.
One Sword.
With a single stroke, the tsunami is bisected.
"Ah…."
Jin Seo-ah had witnessed it all from right behind.
Words from the Sword Saint echo in her mind.
No need for subtlety. No need for mysticism.
Devour the storm.
Burn even through flames.
Become a sword that advances by will alone.
The supreme realm even the Sword Saint dreamed of.
The tip of the sword was right before her eyes.