Snow Drake Returns?
-Snow Drake?
-Huh?
-Content unlocked?
-It's coming back?
-Dragon rematch whoa
-First entry lol
-If we don't beat this thing, no reset?
-We're screwed.
-But how the hell do we take it down?
The chat exploded alongside the floating messages. Kim Jaeha, watching the stream screen, spoke up in confusion.
"It's appearing as content? Can we even catch that thing?"
"It's probably nerfed in stats. There are plenty of precedents where bosses differ between episodes and content appearances."
Avant-garde explained, citing past examples. Kang Hanbit agreed with that assessment. If it came in at full 500-level power, subduing it would be way too tough.
So what now.
The formal addition of Snow Drake as content wasn't all that surprising. The real issue was its subjugation being tied to the Episode 2 reset opportunity.
Kang Hanbit refocused on the message details.
[In 48 hours, Field Boss: Snow Drake content will unlock.]
[First-entry rights granted to player Black Dragon's party.]
[Upon Snow Drake's defeat, players who cleared original Episode 2 will receive reset and replay opportunities.]
First-entry rights for Black Dragon's party. It was nice to qualify, but beating Snow Drake with their current power was impossible. Should they just dip a toe in for other players and bail? No way in hell.
Now that it was official content, proper rewards were guaranteed. A first title was likely too.
48 hours...
Two days of grace. They also had to prep for Whirlwind Tower, so time was tight. In cases like this, the go-to was bolstering forces—with top-tier vanguards packing serious punch.
"Let's see how things play out first. We've got time till unlock."
Finishing his thoughts, Kang Hanbit turned to survey Ifrit. Humans and dwarves rebuilding the city together. Seeing them united really drove home that the episode was over.
"Then we'll be off."
"Already?"
"Leaving this soon?"
Jinook and Zenon reacted to the abrupt farewell. He wanted to stick around longer, but no time.
"What about me?"
Bollibo, who'd been lurking nearby, asked in surprise. His eyes screamed don't ditch me, but the plan was set.
Kang Hanbit pulled out a parchment and handed it over.
"You trade with the merchants listed here. I already told the dwarves."
"Huh?"
"Said I'd help expand your business. So hustle."
"...!"
Smelling profit, Bollibo's eyes widened as he snatched it, darting to a corner to scan the contents.
"Leaving now?"
Gorik approached soon after, directing the site. He gazed at the working dwarves and continued.
"Never thought I'd return here. Without you, we'd still be lost in the snowfields. Or trapped in my stubborn pride forever."
Years of anguish after losing the legacy. His wayward royal duties stung in hindsight. Building alongside his people—and even Ifrit's citizens—felt profoundly new.
"And."
Gorik's eyes shifted to Kang Hanbit's side. Kim Jaeha met his master's gaze.
"You have talent. Ditch the impatience, broaden your view. Skill follows naturally."
Advice drawn from his own past. Kim Jaeha got it, nodding slowly.
"I'll keep that in mind."
The conversations wrapped quickly. Outside the walls, Kang Hanbit faced Jinook.
"I'll drop by when I get breathing room."
"You better. Once things settle, I'll prep a reward for Ifrit's savior. Hand over your adventurer card."
"Oh."
The forgotten task hit him. Raising adventurer rank was one goal.
"Here."
Kang Hanbit handed over the silver card. Jinook pressed a small plate-shaped magic tool against it.
Srrk—
Light flared, contents updating. Jinook returned the card and announced.
"Black Dragon, you're A-rank adventurer from now on."
-?
-No way;
-Insane. lmao
-A-rank in second episode?
-Game over. lmao
Guidebooks said D-rank after clearing Episode 2. Kang Hanbit skipped straight to A.
"Generous rating."
"My authority caps at A. Honestly wanted to slap on another A."
A-rank and up shifted scales. Officially A to S, but AA/AAA subdivided. S was a lofty wall.
"Thanks anyway. Should smooth things in other cities."
"Name-drop me anytime. I'll vouch."
"Noted."
With a joking farewell, the group boarded the prepared transport. A magic-tool carriage from dwarves and citizens.
Hiiing—!
The coachman's whip cracked; two horses bolted.
Shk—
Jinook bowed toward their receding backs. His genuine gratitude showed in the act, lasting till they vanished from sight.
***
"Meeting the vanguard?"
In the carriage back to Edlen, Kim Jaeha asked, puzzled. Kang Hanbit had suddenly mentioned the appointment.
-Oh.
-Riwei?
-Maybe Rainzer?
-Blood would be real wild card.
-No Odin angle?
-Ta-da, Nessto assassins for you~
Names popped up with "vanguard." Most linked to Kang Hanbit. But predictions missed.
「Black Dragon」
「Hey. Reaching out 'cause I have a question. Still on Pheria Island?」
Before exiting the walls, Kang Hanbit messaged Luna casually, checking her status. She might still be north.
Reply came fast.
「Luna」
「Hi. Finished Pheria quests two days ago. Wrapping reset Episode in Edlen now.」
The tip he'd shared: a minor north incident when deserted. Great weapon mats as reward—didn't expect such speed. Even reset Edlen as a vanguard.
「Luna」
「Headed to Edlen? Meet up?」
Chat sealed the meet. Not planned, but fit his goals. Wanted to check her out anyway.
"Ah, meeting her. Got it."
"What? Everyone but me knows?"
Avant-garde pieced it; clueless Kim Jaeha looked baffled.
"You were blacksmithing nonstop, bro. Can't just ping for info shares."
"Well... true?"
Luna buying Earth Essence wasn't shared with Kim Jaeha. Unintended, but it flowed that way. Avant-garde just learned recently.
"Good top vanguards haven't descended yet. Sparse info, hard to predict."
Avant-garde warned of potential chaos. Viewers agreed.
-Fr top ranks are nuts.
-All over 300 there?
-Not levels, gear/skills OP.
-Most open-run vanguards?
-But they're busy, don't drop low.
-No clue on their episodes?
-#1 info ever?
-Nah, no sightings.
Kang Hanbit scanned the info dump. #1 intrigued most—zero leaks was wild.
"Famous top vanguards?"
"Plenty known overall."
"Korea?"
"Haemu's Korea's star. Last rank 601."
-Haemu checks out
-Ocean GOAT
-Honorary mermaid fr
-Haven't seen lately tho
-Tops vanish like that
-Stuck months?
Viewers knew Haemu well. Months silent? Curious.
"We're here."
Edlen's walls appeared amid chit-chat. At the gate, they returned the carriage and approached the guard.
"Inspection. Faces..."
The soldier's eyes hit Kang Hanbit, widening as he straightened.
"Black Dragon!"
Black Dragon tales blanketed Edlen. His portrait hung at checkpoints.
"Welcome back! You're clear!"
They entered the familiar, peaceful vibe. Now stroll to the meet spot...
"Black Dragon!"
An unfamiliar voice rang. Then more.
"Real Black Dragon!"
"Whoa!"
"Look here!"
Chill unease prickled his neck. Kang Hanbit paused, slowly turning.
A crowd with huge placards.
<Welcome Black Dragon!>
<Black Dragon and Truth Guardians always cheering!>
<Only you qualify to clear the game!>
The messages were near-worship. Fan support bordering cultish.
-lmao
-Insane. lmao
-Fan club? lmao
-Black Truth Army?
-Sign me up.
-Add one.
-Black Dragon embarrassed af lmao
-Own that cringe.
Viewers' teasing didn't register. A memory flashed: his frail king possession. Goddess's healing couldn't erase that shame fully.
"Whoa, real fan club?"
"RP truth seekers everywhere, but your play must've united 'em."
Kim Jaeha and Avant-garde marveled. But broken Kang Hanbit was funnier.
"Pfft. You good?"
"New side to you."
Hand over face, dodging cheers. They laughed at the fresh side.
Flustered, Kang Hanbit bolted inward.
Someone blocked him.
"Fan club, huh?"
Black-haired woman ahead. Her sheathed sword gleamed pristine white.
[Luna]
The nametag floated clear.
Glancing at the placards, Kang Hanbit swept a hand down his face.
"Can we move somewhere else? Please."