Chapter 40 Part8 (2/2)

He had only swung his sword twice: once to cut off its tail, and the second to cut through its head. Contrary to its status as an elite level 7 monster, it had died quite pitifully. The paladins and priests, who had just barely defeated the scorpions and turned back towards Lee s.h.i.+n Woo, saw that scene and spoke in awe.

”I knew you were strong, but...”

”To think you'd finish it with just two swings of your sword.”

”I can't even begin to imitate his horsemans.h.i.+p. It felt like they became one.”

”Hm.”

To be honest, Lee s.h.i.+n Woo was just as surprised as they were. There was a huge difference in stats between a normal level 7 monster and an elite level 7 monster, with a huge difference between their skills as well.

For example, the primary skill that increased Lee s.h.i.+n Woo's offensive and defensive abilities was his Rule of Bone skill. When one becomes an elite, they gain a unique attack skill and a buff skill like Rule of Bone. In effect, there would be a huge difference between a normal level 7's attack/defensive power versus an elite level 7's, so much so that it was difficult to consider them both level 7.

This was the primary reason why elite level 6 monsters could be more powerful than normal level 7 monsters. However, he'd killed an elite in just two swings of his greatsword. If he'd used Bursting Thunder as well, then he'd probably have managed to kill it in one. It made no sense, no matter how much stronger he'd gotten. If that's the case, then...

'Zenon, did you feel anything?'

'I think the scorpion could increase its defense and magic resistance with its fire mana. The moment you attacked, I could feel something being sucked away from it.'

'Aha. I felt the mana when we clashed, but I thought it was nothing and ignored it. So that's what it was.'

He understood immediately. Not only had he nullified his enemy's attack, but also nullified its s.h.i.+eld as well. As a result, he was able to cut through it easily. Lee s.h.i.+n Woo felt a bit sorry for the Solar Scorpion King.

'Wait, this... Mm, this won't work either.'

However, the loot was disappointing. He had been hopeful, as it was the loot of a level 7 elite, but its tailbone was no different than an agglomeration of several normal Sun Scorpions' tailbones. He wouldn't be able to reinforce the t.i.tan Bone Golem with this.

”If the elites won't work, then I suppose I have no choice but to hope that the boss... Huh? What's wrong with you guys?”

”T-That's... Sir Kay.”

The paladins and priests, who had been watching him, were now looking behind him. Lee s.h.i.+n Woo tightly gripped his greatsword and looked behind him. Smack dab in the middle of the desert, the sand was... being sucked down.

”Quicksand?”

”No, it's not a natural phenomenon.”

Lee s.h.i.+n Woo sensed the presence of something huge beneath it, drawing the sand towards it. No, it wasn't really 'drawing' the sand in. It was from hot wind. An artificial, powerful flow of air was added to the heat to create it.

The hot air drew in not only all the sand here, but all the sand in the dungeon itself. At this rate, they wouldn't be safe here! Although he was fl.u.s.tered, Lee s.h.i.+n Woo tried to give the paladins and priests their orders, but then saw a message.

[Level 7 elite dungeon - You have found Cradle of Fire's truth path. The dungeon's information has been updated. Magic has increased by 10.]

[Level 8 dungeon - Sun's Nest. All stats are increased by 75 within the dungeon. The dungeon's information is added to your minimap. All actions are buffed within the dungeon.]

”...Ha.”

This was his first time in a level 7 dungeon, yet that same dungeon had been upgraded to a level 8 dungeon. Rather than feeling fear or terror, Lee s.h.i.+n Woo was speechless. But for some reason, a corner of his face was smiling.

”If it's a level 8 dungeon... then a level 9 boss might show up.”

”L-Level 9!? Humanity can't contend with a level 9! Unless the Emperor intervenes himself!”

”Of course it's impossible. It's obviously impossible. ...But what if...”

What if this dungeon hadn't been a fire element dungeon? What if he hadn't possessed the Fire Dragon's Scale Greatsword? What if he hadn't had the good fortune of meeting Zenon and learning how to infuse him into a weapon? What if he hadn't had the t.i.tan Bone Core?

Then he would have had to give up on this dungeon.

”I've come this far, I can't just leave. You guys, get out of here now. Tell the Pope what's happened and make sure no one approaches the dungeon.”

”Sir Kay!? You're not thinking of going in, are you... Keuk!”

The hot air intensified and the sand they (the paladins and priests) were standing on began to crumble. It was clear that they didn't have much time to retreat! The paladins and the priests looked hesitant. The fact that they hadn't run away immediately touched Lee s.h.i.+n Woo to no small measure.

”I'm not interested in your feelings right now, so hurry and run.”

”Sir Kay!”

”Keep these two things in mind. First, I can return alive, whether I succeed in conquering the dungeon or not. Second, it'll be dangerous for anyone besides myself to come near the dungeon. If you understand, then get out and give the pope my message!”

”Y-Yes sir!”

All the paladins and priests simultaneously turned around and began to run at his command. The hot wind had begun to affect the entire dungeon, and the sand began to coil and rise. It attempted to draw them in as well, but before it could, Lee s.h.i.+n Woo extended his greatsword, absorbing and nullifying the hot air.

”You see, I can absorb more than just heat.”

While he was at it, Lee s.h.i.+n Woo used air to push the paladins and priests towards the dungeon's entrance. When he was sure they were safe, he turned around.

Lee s.h.i.+n Woo and Jin slowly sank into the sand while being buffered by the hot air... and gazed into the eyes of the mastermind of this phenomena.

[Lv8 Elite Desert Ghost]

It was time the Sun G.o.d's hero underwent a true test.

</chapter>

<script>