Chapter 77

<Episode 79> Slimes Take Everything

-BOOM!

The man’s head collided with the wall, blood splattering on his face.

Chul-soo casually wiped it off and looked forward.

“Guh… You bastard… What organization are you from… White Lotus?”

“Are these guys only aware of Black Heaven or White Lotus? Everywhere you go, it’s one of those two.”

—

Now, beating and killing people felt like nothing.

Since he didn’t kill them, he was still showing mercy.

He even started thinking that way.

Just how many people had he slashed by now?

“Don’t want your legs cut off? Then stay down.”

Thinking about this situation made him realize just how far he’d come.

Thud-thud.

Walking inside, he approached a dark iron door.

-KABOOM!

Without opening it, Chul-soo kicked it down.

As he entered, several mafia members already had their guns aimed at him.

Ignoring their weapons, Chul-soo glanced around.

“Where’s your boss?”

“…What? Some punk kid broke through our entrance?”

A blonde-haired man stood up from the middle.

Uniquely, he had a sword strapped to both his waist and back.

Chul-soo checked the documents and faces he had.

Frowning shortly after.

“What? Acting all high and mighty but you’re not the boss?”

“Don’t be rude. I’m like a bodyguard. Anyway, swords… interesting…”

The blonde guy grinned as he eyed Chul-soo’s sword.

Waving his hand at his subordinates.

“Hey, put away your guns.”

“Huh? But…”

“Look at him. He’s clearly some hero type who knows how to use a sword. His magic power concentration is too high. Your bullets won’t work on him.”

The subordinates hesitated before putting away their guns.

In place of the guns, the man stepped forward.

“Interesting. I thought I’d just be doing some boring cleanup for the elders, but meeting an opponent like you is fun.”

“…Where’s your boss?”

“Hey, pal. Don’t rush things between fellow swordsmen. This is business, but I want to enjoy it too.”

The man took his stance.

Seeing this, his subordinates quickly backed away.

A battle between swordsmen of a certain level can destroy everything around with just shockwaves.

Having already seen this man fight multiple times, they knew exactly how dangerous it was.

“I may look ordinary, but I’ve fought a current hero before.

After that, no one in the underworld has dared to challenge me. It’s been a while since I’ve had someone decent to play with.”

“…I asked where your boss is.”

“Tsk. Fine. I’ll tell you.”

The man simultaneously placed his hand on his sword hilt.

“If you survive seeing my swift blade technique, then I’ll tell you!”

Suddenly, Chul-soo was right in front of him, faster than any reaction or recognition.

KWAH!

Reaching out, he pressed down on the man’s sword hilt in reverse.

-Sky Piercing Sword, Swift Strike

“…Huh?”

As much as the man tried to draw his sword, it wouldn’t budge.

Not even letting him draw his weapon.

Chul-soo wasn’t even using much force.

He was simply holding it, yet such immense strength came out.

“Don’t try to draw it. Unless you want to die.”

“You little–!”

The man attempted to reach for the sword on his back with his other hand.

Quicker than that, Chul-soo drew his own sword.

-FUHUCK!

The man’s arm flew through the air.

Like a boomerang, it spun and landed with a thud on the floor.

Shortly after, the man fell, spraying blood.

“AAAGH! Cough!”

“Shut up.”

Chul-soo stomped on the screaming man’s face.

He didn’t want to hear pig-like squeals.

While blood might get old, screams never did.

“Putting up with trash like you is already pushing my patience. Shut up.”

Gurgle…

The man let out a groan.

Chul-soo silently increased the pressure on his foot.

‘Guess this isn’t much anymore.’

The blonde man wasn’t weak.

Judging by his flowing magic power, he was genuinely skilled in the underworld.

He just wasn’t a match for Chul-soo.

One practice session is worth ten training sessions.

One real fight is worth a hundred practice sessions, right?

Facing the mafia had drastically improved Chul-soo’s skills.

‘Even so, it doesn’t really mean anything.’

Until he kills that guy, it doesn’t matter how strong he gets.

He only came here for that reason.

Chul-soo spoke to the frozen subordinates.

“So, where’s your boss?”

****

“Our heads, your head, and her head. That’s three heads total to perfectly plan this dungeon run.”

“What about me?”

“Yu-jin, she’s dumb so ignore her.”

Wow, that’s harsh.

Thinking that, Yu-jin still kept quiet.

It’s true he wasn’t helpful when it came to planning.

If told to fight, he fights.

If told to break stuff, he breaks it.

Though it feels a bit like being a Pokémon sometimes.

For his personality, it’s easier to do that than think.

The Class President looked around curiously.

“Still surprising. Knowing all these hidden dungeons. Like Black Heaven’s intel network?”

“Something like that.”

Yu-jin gave a vague answer.

Actually, Soo-hyun introduced him to this place.

She said there might be an item here that could restore Young-hee’s memory loss.

‘Of course, she said she wasn’t sure if it would work. But trying won’t hurt.’

Even if it fails, it’s not a loss.

They decided to experience the dungeon anyway for Young-hee’s treatment.

At worst, it’s break-even. At best, it’s a jackpot.

There’s no reason to refuse.

Getting this kind of hidden dungeon info alone was already a big help.

‘Still, how does Soo-hyun know about these kinds of dungeons?’

Dungeons exist in a world full of monsters, sure.

But it’s unbelievable that an ordinary student knows about these hidden ones.

This is definitely not information obtainable by normal means.

The idea that this world is some sort of adult game is still hard to believe,

but Soo-hyun’s info seems trustworthy enough.

‘I should thank her later.’

Thinking that, Yu-jin slowly looked around the dungeon.

At first glance, it didn’t look different from a large cave.

The path was wide enough for five people to stand shoulder-to-shoulder.

Such paths stretched endlessly.

This dungeon seems wider than expected.

After checking inside briefly, Rime spoke.

“Then I’ll take point. Follow in order: Class President, Young-hee, and Yu-jin.”

Young-hee tilted her head slightly.

“You’re taking point, Rime-san?”

“Of course. I can’t put this idiot at the front.”

“That’s too harsh.”

“Do you want to find the way yourself?”

“I’ll act stupid.”

While reliable in combat, Yu-jin unfortunately isn’t in other areas.

He can deal with all traps and monsters that appear.

But navigating this cave? He’d probably get lost within ten minutes.

“But isn’t point the most dangerous position? Are you sure you’re okay with that?”

The top-tier slime let out a derisive laugh as if hearing something ridiculous, then puffed her chest out.

“Slimes are always, under any circumstances, the most charming women in the world when in front of loved ones.”

In short, she wants to look good in front of her crush.

Of course, neither Young-hee nor the mage Class President could be put in front.

Given the current situation, this was a fairly reasonable suggestion.

“Still, isn’t it concerning that someone as small as Rime-san is taking point?”

Rime shrugged lightly.

“I don’t die easily, so don’t worry.”

“Oh my, does that mean your abilities are related to healing or tanking?”

!!..

!!..

.

“Well… I guess you could say that. Monsters capable of killing me can be counted on one hand.”

Counted on one hand?

Does that mean she’s confident in her skill to that extent?

Or maybe this dungeon’s level is that low?

Either way, if she guarantees it, there’s nothing more to say.

“But… Won’t it be dangerous fighting monsters for my sake? You don’t have to…”

Young-hee worriedly spoke from behind.

Already known for her kindness, Young-hee finds it burdensome when others take risks for her.

Rime smiled faintly.

“Annoying. Shut up and follow. Before I beat you.”

“Eep! Sorry!”

Rime swiftly turned her body.

Started walking ahead as if signaling to follow.

“And don’t worry. Getting hurt is more trouble anyway.”

The meaning of Rime’s words became clear soon after entering the dungeon proper.

Monsters appeared.

And Rime’s tentacles moved.

– SWISHHH!

The tentacles literally tore the monster apart.

As easily as cutting cake.

Her expressionless face was almost cruel.

“Oi, Young-hee. Annoying. Don’t stand next to me.”

“Yes, sorry!”

The moment Young-hee stepped back, blood splattered the spot.

Seeing this, Young-hee laughed softly.

“Rime really is strong, huh?”

“WHAT? Did you think I was just posturing without being able to catch a single monster?”

“To be honest, yes.”

“••••••.”

“AHAHAHA! Wait! Sorry!”

The tentacle changed direction.

Grabbing Young-hee’s arms upwards, leaving her defenseless.

Then mercilessly tickling her armpits.

Young-hee burst into laughter, shaking her head left and right.

“Hehehe! Okay, I surrender! Surrender!”

“Monsters don’t accept surrenders.”

“Rime is human though!”

“Highly evolved monstrosities can’t be distinguished from humans.”

Watching from the side, the Class President sighed and interrupted Rime.

“Hey, stop tormenting the sick girl.”

Rime’s expression soured.

The nearby Young-hee stopped the Class President.

“Ah, don’t mind it, Class President.”

“Huh?”

“She’s actually looking out for me in her own way.”

“Class Pre… ‘President’?”

“Hm?”

Young-hee tilted her head.

Then Rime shouted from ahead.

“Oi, Young-hee! What are you doing? Stay close because it’s dangerous.”

“Ah, yes! Coming!”

Young-hee went toward Rime.

They seemed to have gotten closer somehow, smiling brightly.

‘A••••••.’

Watching this, the Class President suddenly realized.

That he too had lost something precious.

His beloved person, his closest friend.

And the person taking everything away was right in front of him.

“••”

With a habitual click, he bit his nails.

The Class President’s gloomy gaze turned toward Rime.

---