Ice Cave
Shick! Swish! Clang! Paaat!
It had been just under an hour since the wave began. The plaza was now packed so densely with monsters that there wasn't even room to set foot inside. A one-versus-hundreds battle. It wouldn't have been strange if he was getting pushed back right now, but none of them could get within three meters of him.
The fourteen sword blades guarding Park Taemin swirled around him, mercilessly slicing apart any that dared approach, regardless of offense or defense. Under that firepower, dozens of monsters collapsed at once, crumbling into dust.
Far exceeding his expectations, the skill's power left Taemin standing calmly in place, surveying his surroundings with a fairly relaxed expression.
"This is basically nap time."
It was the kind of statement that would shock anyone else who heard it. But that's how the situation was. With the blades' attack power greatly increased, each strike took out three or four monsters. Fourteen blades in total. That meant they could handle 40 to 50 at a time.
'Wish people could see this.'
Watching the endless monsters surging forward no matter how many he killed, he gripped his sword tighter and charged back at them. One hand is better than none, two better than one—three even better. To end the fight early, he had to keep attacking too. That was the only way to see the wave's end.
After four hours of frenzied movement, the monsters finally vanished completely from his sight. In their place, materials, items, and corpses piled up like the Han River.
Letting out a sigh of accomplishment, he checked the time.
"About five hours? Including the run from the field, around eight total. Not bad for eight hours."
Muttering to himself, Taemin opened his status window to calculate his experience.
"From 61.7 million to level up, with about 44 million left. How many did I kill? Average 10k EXP per? At least 8,000."
A hollow laugh escaped Taemin at the insane number. Writing out "eight thousand" would take half a day.
"They really spawn like crazy. Should've brought a team."
Muttering, Taemin began rummaging through the piled corpses for the best loot. He knew exactly which field drops were valuable and which weren't. He picked the expensive ones first, filling his inventory in no time.
Still, the ground was littered with materials beyond description.
"If I'd come with people, we'd split this. Should've brought Ji-young."
The leftovers were enough for one more inventory—worth at least 400 million won. A bit regrettable. But coming back just for that? Spending a day on 400 million was inefficient for him now.
He considered bringing Yoon Ji-young or Seo Ji-hoon, but their speeds meant it'd take all day—not efficient either.
After pondering, he decided to abandon them.
"Yeah. I'll tip them off later. With this EXP, no need for ruins? Can steadily hit 60. Wrap up here by next Monday."
With things sorted, Taemin turned to leave the cave. Then, something flashed in his mind.
'Wait.'
Stopping, he glanced back at the opposite tunnel. Unlike the eight large ones, a small cave facing the entrance—the boss room where Kaiser lurked.
"Might as well peek."
Curiosity lit his eyes. No trace of fear. He'd faced ancient golems up close; a lower dungeon boss like Kaiser was nothing. Couldn't kill it maybe, but sightseeing? Sure.
"Came this far—feels wrong to leave. Got time..."
Resolved, he strode confidently into the opposite cave. Narrow entrance, but vast inside. Little intel, so he heightened his senses, stepping slowly.
Soon, a wide clearing appeared. Bathed in light leaking from the ceiling, Kaiser lounged like it was sunbathing.
'Whoa, check the size.'
First impression: wolf. Silver mane on its neck, pointed snout, blue eyes—just like on TV. But enormous.
'1.5 times Sphinx.'
Shaking his head, Taemin appraised it.
Taemin groaned low at Kaiser's stats. Surprisingly high. HP, defense, speed—nothing to sneeze at. Especially 5,000 defense; his attacks might barely scratch.
Plus ranged magic.
'Too much, huh.'
But he started calculating.
'Even with 5k defense, crits could dent it. Defensive shaves 1k, so real damage higher. Breach one spot and Assault inside... might kill. Dodge the magic.'
He'd decided to try. Main reason: item. Silver Mane—150 billion won per Ha Jung-woo's tip. One drop, a month's profit.
Checking potions: about 30 total HP/MP. Only 3 HP left.
'Barely one or two tries. Gotta widen the wound deep.'
With the thought, he charged, Hydeger and Defensive Critical active. No Orb Blade or Room Blade—useless against that defense.
Sensing him, Kaiser whipped around with a roar.
Kuuaang!
Thunderous, shaking the cave. It stamped and charged.
Shuuuk!
Huge forepaw swung at his head. But Taemin dodged, leaped, and slashed its neck.
Thud!
Dull impact—sword bounced. Expected. He swung again.
Thud! Paaat!
Critical exploded, mane tangling. A thin red line—damage landed. Barely visible overall, but Taemin brimmed with confidence.
'Good. Doable.'
Many high-defense monsters before, but all felled. Visible damage meant he could pile it on. Like first Ice Golem—tiny scratches that grew to shattered ruin. Sphinx same.
Kaiser no different. Problem: low potions, no long siege. But Assault's one-shot punch could shorten it. Explosive damage scattered, though—needed deep embed.
Landing, he leaped again, striking the neck repeatedly.
'A bit more. Just deepen it.'
Persistent attacks made Kaiser shake and howl. Then—it leaped, forepaw raised in irritation.
Boooung!
'Damn.'
Too fast. Taemin crossed his swords, blocking. Shock hurled him into the wall, pain nearly blacking him out.
Kaiser gaped wide. Blue flames erupted, blinding.
Right in front, Taemin stifled agony, diving aside. Azure inferno swept past.
Shuuuk! Kwaarr!
Air screamed; ice wall gouged deep.
Taemin patted his chest, standing.
'Close call. Didn't expect that...'
He swallowed his complacency. Overconfidence from recent wins. Boss, first time—time to get serious.
"Alright, round two—for real."