Chapter 48
Chapter 48
Translation: godtl
An Unexpected Reunion (3)
Shark's teeth.
No—it was the illusion of dozens of gaping maws flying toward him.
Si-mun let out a small, impressed sigh as he backstepped away from the razor-sharp magic.
'As expected of a Half-Dragonian.'
Dragonians.
A supreme race among dragonkin, superior in every aspect of magic and combat.
With their wings and magic allowing aerial combat, they were a species that only appeared at Diamond-rank.
Of course, this Dragonian named Sarku was appropriately wingless and small in stature for a half-breed.
Whoosh!
The biting cold radiating outward was nothing to scoff at.
But.
'I can see it.'
His left eye shimmered gold.
Odin's Eye could even trace the flow of magic.
Si-mun easily weaved through the dozens of icy fangs that resembled a school of sharks, advancing instead of retreating.
"Hmm?"
The blue-scaled man—Sarku the Half-Dragonian—twitched his brows.
'A mere human dares to evade the Frostfang Barrage?'
Dragonian magic was on an entirely different level from that of other species.
Infused with Dragon Power—a force only dragonkin could wield—its sheer destructive capability was in a league of its own.
'Even if I'm only a half-breed... this makes no sense.'
Yet this human, with his pitifully frail body, wasn't just dodging Dragonian magic—he was closing in.
This was something even the superior elves wouldn't attempt lightly.
"I took you for a simple alchemist, but you've got some tricks up your sleeve."
Sarku's gaze darted between the icy fangs, locking onto Si-mun's left eye as he advanced.
"Still just a human."
Sarku's lips curled into a sneer.
Simultaneously, his figure blurred.
Or more accurately—he lunged forward.
"I'll carve into you just how inferior your kind is!"
A speed that made even the Draco's movements seem sluggish in comparison.
Like a bolt of lightning, Sarku shot toward Si-mun's head, hand outstretched.
His blue-tinged claws spread wide, resembling the maw of a beast about to sink its teeth into prey.
One.
Thud.
Sarku's wrist was caught effortlessly.
His eyes widened in disbelief at the impossible reality, but that was all.
True to his mid-tier Dragonian nature, he immediately channeled Dragon Power into his trapped hand, unleashing a burst of frost.
Whooosh.
Pale rime exploded outward.
Naturally slipping free from Si-mun's grip, Sarku bit his lower lip and backstepped.
'What was that just now?'
At first, it had been decent movement—for a human.
But against a superior Dragonian, it should have been laughably slow.
'He suddenly got faster.'
No auxiliary magic. No artifact's mana. Nothing.
Literally, just before his claws could seize that head, the human's speed had skyrocketed.
Two possibilities came to mind.
'One: That human is also an Arena participant.'
Unique Traits—special abilities granted only to participants.
If that was the case, the abrupt burst of speed made sense.
It would also explain why he'd appeared so suddenly in the dwarves' domain.
'Two: He's always had that level of speed...'
Meaning he hadn't been fighting seriously from the start, perhaps to lure Sarku into complacency.
If so, the earlier movement was perfectly understandable.
Then—
"Ha."
Sarku let out a short, derisive laugh and shook his head slightly.
"Overthinking a mere human."
Every species had its exceptional individuals.
This human was undoubtedly one of them.
And Sarku had dealt with plenty of such individuals before.
"You just crush them with overwhelming force."
Whoooosh.
Though they stood in an underground passage,
an unnatural wind gathered in Sarku's grasp.
It grew in size, gradually taking on a blue hue.
It froze into a perfectly formed hexagonal shape.
"Consider it an honor to face my full power, human."
The arrogance unique to the Dragonkin.
Sarku, who had fully displayed this trait, thrust the hexagonal ice mass forward.
Sssssssss.
The ceiling, floor, and walls—every surface in all directions began freezing over.
This phenomenon was created by the irregular blue beams shooting haphazardly from the hexagonal ice mass.
Like a flower in full bloom, the fully expanded ice mass froze the entire passageway as it gradually advanced forward.
Watching this, the Philosopher's Stone whispered to Si-mun:
"Huh?"
Si-mun, who had been transmuting the unfrozen walls to block the magic's advance, paused his movements.
After a brief chuckle, Si-mun responded:
"Are you kidding? You know exactly what this Arena means to me."
They'd intruded into another race's Arena outside of a regular match.
And as if that wasn't enough, they'd apparently triggered something that made a Hidden Boss appear.
For most players, this would be an extremely dangerous situation where retreat would be the obvious choice.
But Si-mun wasn't most players.
Why?
'Just how amazing would the rewards be for taking down a Hidden Boss here?'
Exactly.
One of the few merits of the Galaxy Arena was its fair risk-reward system.
Naturally, the rewards for defeating Sarku would be substantial.
Moreover, since this wasn't a regular Arena, there wasn't even the risk of losing his life if he failed here.
In fact, this was precisely the kind of situation where he should be actively seeking out challenging Arenas if given the chance.
And besides—
'I need to help Marnel too.'
Glancing at Marnel engaged in fierce combat with the mutant Drakan in the distance, Si-mun transmuted the walls—
Creeeak—
delaying the ice mass's advance.
"6-Star? That's a 6-Star spell?"
Si-mun's eyes widened in shock.
At the Philosopher's Stone's following words, Si-mun's eyes calmed again.
'True. If it were 6-Star, this passage would've collapsed long ago.'
Magic was typically classified from 1 to 10 Stars.
While a 6-Star spell's power could vary based on attributes and other factors,
generally speaking, it possessed missile-level destructive capability.
Just imagine—
What would happen if a missile detonated in this underground passage connected to the sewers?
Yet this ice mass was only gradually taking over the passageway—
unable to completely demolish it like a true 6-Star Class spell would.
"So fundamentally, it's at a 5-Star level?"
Craaaack.
The ice mass easily shattered the thickly transmuted walls as it slowly advanced.
While it clearly wasn't a 6-Star Class spell, its power was too great to simply classify as 5-Star either.
Si-mun nodded slowly in understanding.
"It's because the caster is Dragonkin."
Like the Demons' Demonic Energy,
the Dragonkin—being one of the supreme races—use their own innate energy called Dragon Power.
And if the caster is a Dragonian, a species particularly skilled in magic,
mixing Dragon Power into spells would be easier than breathing.
Si-mun let out a hollow laugh as he flexed his fingers.
Now he understood why the Philosopher's Stone had asked if he would retreat.
"With my current specs, I can't counter that spell, can I?"
"Technically, I could break into early Platinum too."
The Philosopher's Stone laughed brightly as Si-mun pouted slightly.
Then—
Sssssssss!
As the ice mass suddenly drew closer, the stone asked in a serious voice:
"From the looks of it, they've poured quite a bit of power into that spell. Let's retreat until the magic weakens, then fight. That way, Oppa will definitely win."
"Run away?"
"Let's call it a tactical retreat instead. That's more accurate anyway."
Si-mun fell into brief contemplation at those words.
But then.
Thud.
Thump.
Feeling the consecutive vibrations from behind, he stretched his hand forward defiantly.
The Philosopher's Stone grumbled softly in response.
Tch. I knew this would happen.
"What choice do I have? If I back down now, Marnel will be in danger."
Nice excuse. It's not just because you're worried about that Dwarf girl, is it?
At the Philosopher's Stone's question, a faint smile tugged at the corner of Si-mun's lips.
"It's not like there's no other way, but retreating like this just doesn't have any style."
Honestly, I'll never understand what goes on in men's heads, now or ever.
Now or ever?
The odd phrasing stood out, but Si-mun chose not to pry.
Truthfully, he didn't have the luxury to dwell on it.
Whoooosh!
By now, the cold had grown so intense it was hard to breathe.
Feeling the encroaching frost, Si-mun shouted.
"Philosopher's Stone!"
Yep, ready when you are~.
Familiar text floated before his eyes.
Si-mun tapped 'Yes' without hesitation and flicked his fingers.
KRRRRUMBLE.
A thunderclap, utterly out of place in the underground passage, shook the corridor.
Si-mun grabbed the lightning bolt that had struck before him and hurled it straight ahead.
"Roar, Astrapē."
KWAZAZAZAK!
Dozens of lightning streaks.
As Astrapē, wreathed in crackling tendrils of electricity, met the massive ice block—
KRUUURRR.
The corridor trembled violently with a deafening roar.
A common phenomenon when supernatural forces collide.
A contest of power, in essence.
The outcome was inevitable.
ZZZAAK!
Even in its weakened form, this was the lightning of a high-ranking Constellation.
Astrapē pierced through the cannonball-sized ice mass.
The lightning strands coiled around its white form tore through even the residual frost left by the ice block—
And surged toward Sarku, the caster.
"T-This power...!"
Sarku stared at Astrapē with wide, horrified eyes.
But even a half-blood Dragonian was still a Dragonian.
"Eek! Ice Spear!"
Clasping his hands together, Sarku cast another spell, launching a freezing spear wreathed in cold energy in an attempt to neutralize the attack.
"Frozen Barrier!"
He channeled his Dragon Power to its limit, erecting a solid wall of ice for protection.
CRACKLE.
The barrier shook violently as the lightning reached it.
But that was all.
Though cracks formed in the ice, the threatening momentum had dissipated.
How did a mere human summon Astrapē...?
Perhaps it was the inherent limitation of the human species.
He must not have been able to replicate the true power of Astrapē.
The fact that his Frozen Barrier remained intact—and he himself unharmed—was proof.
Had it been the real Astrapē, a half-blood like him would have been obliterated by the mere aftermath.
As this realization settled in—
Grrk.
To think I'd be humiliated like this by a mere human!
Bitter shame rose to his throat, his teeth grinding on their own.
Sarku straightened from his crouch and dispelled the Frozen Barrier.
The barrier melted away like fresh snow.
In its place, the scorched surroundings and the human standing before him came into view.
If he used that much power, he can't be in perfect condition either. I'll tear him to shreds!
Just as Sarku gathered his remaining Dragon Power to cast another spell—
CRACK.
A sound like a bolt from the blue rang out.
No—it was a bolt from the blue.
"H-How is Astrapē here again?!"
Because there, clutched in the human's hand, was the same white rod that had threatened his life moments ago.
"Ah, this?"
The human he had dismissed as lowly shrugged his shoulders and curled the corner of his lips upward, as if amused.
"I can use it conditionally without limit."
"What kind of bullsh—"
Before Sarku could even finish his question—
"Wail, Astrapē."
A second Astrapē came streaking down.
The white frost that had coated the corridor was gone without a trace.
Chiii—
All that remained in the charred-black passage was a scorching heat and billowing white steam.
[Hidden Achievement 'Defeat Hidden Bosses (3/?)' has been completed.]
[You have single-handedly defeated the Hidden Boss 'Half-Dragonian Sarku'.]
[You have earned a total of 2,000 Achievement Points as a reward.]
A message announcing Sarku's death appeared.
Si-mun glanced in the direction where Sarku had once stood.
'Hah. I ended up synthesizing Astrapē twice in a row.'
Even if it was a half-breed, was this the power of an Upper-level Dragonian, a Dragonian?
Contrary to Si-mun's expectation that a single Astrapē would be enough—
Sarku had forced him to use it twice.
Truthfully, after the first Astrapē, he could've finished the fight with close combat using the Heavenly Demon Arts, but—
'The taste of victory was just too sweet.'
Astrapē's overwhelming firepower, combined with the dazzling nature of lightning, had an oddly addictive quality.
'Well, whatever. I did rake in 2,000 Achievement Points, after all.'
Even after deducting the cost of two Astrapēs, he still netted 1,000 Achievement Points.
And on top of that—
[You have completed Constellation Odin's mission.]
[You have earned 5,000 Achievement Points.]
With the additional 5,000 points from completing Odin's mission—
Adding everything up, his total Achievement Points now stood at 11,500.
"Sweet, so sweet."
Si-mun grinned in satisfaction at the sudden windfall.
"Benefactor!"
A bright voice rang in his ears.
Turning his head—
There was Marnel, sprinting toward him, leaving behind the Mutant Drakan that had been reduced to a bloody pulp.
Si-mun's eyes widened slightly at the sight of Marnel completely unharmed, without a single scratch.
'She took down a Mutant Drakan without a single injury?'
Even a rough estimate suggested—
This level of skill was easily worthy of Platinum-rank.
"Amazing! That was incredible!! What kind of magic was that just now?"
Whether she noticed Si-mun's surprise or not—
"Out of nowhere, there was this huge kaboom! of thunder—I was so startled I almost smashed my own foot with my hammer! Heehee!"
Marnel's face was lit up with excitement as she bombarded him with questions.
Before Si-mun could even respond—
[You have cleared the Arena 'Northern Sewer Facility'.]
[You will return to the waiting room shortly.]
A system window popped up, and Si-mun's body began to fade.
"Wha—?! B-Benefactor!"
Marnel cried out in panic.
Since this had also happened in the previous Special Arena—
"Ah... You're returning to your original world, aren't you?"
Instead of trying to grab him, Marnel fidgeted with her hands, her face full of regret.
"I caught glimpses of your fighting earlier... So you're a participant in the Galaxy Arena too, Benefactor?"
"Yeah. I had no idea you were a Player in the Arena either, Marnel."
"Of course you wouldn't know! I only got my participant qualification recently. Hehe!"
"Oh? You fight pretty well for that. Had I known, I would've left the Dragonkin cleanup to you."
"Huh? Cleanup?"
"That way, your rewards would've increased. I only needed the Hidden Boss and the clear."
"Benefactor? I think you've misunderstood—this isn't my Arena."
"......What?"
Not your Arena?
Si-mun's mind went blank in an instant.
But perhaps she didn't hear him—
Marnel simply bowed her head deeply and offered her thanks.
"Thank you so much for helping me. I never expected there'd be a Dragonian here... If not for you, I would've died."
"Wai—"
Along with his body, Si-mun's voice was gradually fading.
Hastily, Marnel continued.
"Uncle Makur told me! That those who participate in the Arena will meet each other again someday! So if I ever see you again, I'll definitely..."
Unfortunately—
Neither Si-mun's question nor Marnel's words reached the other.
Fwoosh.
Si-mun, now completely translucent, was enveloped in light and vanished.
For a while, Marnel stood there dumbly, staring silently at the spot where he had been.
Then—
Clank.
She slung her hammer over her back and murmured the words she hadn't been able to finish.
"I'll definitely... repay this kindness, Benefactor."