NOVEL WEB Chapter 62
Above the fallen tyrant, the corpse hunters flapped their wings. The coatl group, seemingly confident of the Earth Serpent’s death, gradually lowered their altitude.
“Krak!”
There’s no need to be scared if it’s not the tyrant. In fact, the black wolf, which was supposed to be on guard, didn’t even glance this way. Instead, when the white deer blocked their path, the head coatl shot a glare, as if annoyed. Just as it warned, “Where do you think you’re flying?”—it became a beehive.
“Krak?!”
Uncomprehending, the sudden demise of the head coatl left the group in utter disarray. Without leadership, they were thrown into chaos. Some flapped their wings to flee, while others bared their fangs, preparing to face the white deer.
“Krak!”
The black wolf turned its head.
The group froze at the sight of its hollow, menacing eyes. Their brains couldn’t move, trapped in a horrific imagination of a monstrous creature looming over them—a figure they had died as dozens of times in their minds. Fear and terror only grew.
“Kki, Kyiak!”
The group remained frozen, paralyzed, unable to act. Finally, as the monster turned to indulge in what was once the tyrant, they fled in madness, their memories of the wolf’s form and presence etched in their minds.
An opponent they should never fight—another tyrant.
***
[Tyrant: Subdues those who feel fear]
A simple enough explanation to understand. It resonated well with the coatl group.
‘If they had fought, it would have been a hassle.’
I wouldn’t lose, but my magic was nearly running low, so I didn’t want to overexert myself. Using intimidation yielded results beyond my imagination. Watching the coatl group flee in panic was oddly satisfying.
‘It feels like a high-tier version of the titles I’ve had.’
Sure, the mountain tyrant and dungeon terror were great, but the tyrant title has no location restrictions.
‘Very versatile.’
I could use my already effective intimidation even more effectively now.
‘Tyrant, huh.’
The experience points from the former Earth Serpent were simply monstrous. I had to deactivate my vision at the grotesque sight of its flesh and entrails spilling out. Swallowing a 400-ton hulk wasn’t just an everyday task.
[Experience points have reached maximum. Lv.29 → Lv.30]
Level 30. I was worried about hitting any achievement conditions, but that didn’t happen. It seems the system is definitely rooting for my growth. If there were restrictions, it would likely be the opposite.
‘…But I still don’t know.’
What exactly is this system? It seemed wary of the queen, and the queen said the system wasn’t part of the truth. Still, lacking clues in every regard left me helpless to grasp any hints. Some answers that didn’t come to mind couldn’t be helped.
‘The lack of upgrade is a disappointment.’
I smacked my lips in regret. Though I defeated the boss, the dungeon hadn’t collapsed.
‘Maybe I can go back once it’s stabilized.’
This was the highest-tier dungeon I had experienced and the strongest boss I had faced. Having defeated such a dungeon’s boss, I should earn a substantial amount of upgrades once cleared.
‘And.’
[Dine (D) Lv.9’s proficiency has reached maximum. Dine (D) Lv.9 → Dine (C) Lv.1]
[Dine (C) has reached maximum level. Dine (C) Lv.1 → Dine (C) Lv.2]
Dine finally reached C rank.
Dine (奪喰). I secretly hoped for a skill to steal skills, but it was nothing so absurd. No way such a skill would be C rank.
‘But it’s still usable.’
[Dine: Temporarily drains health and magic power from the target by consuming them]
Energy drain. A simple yet appealing ability.
‘If only I had gotten it earlier.’
Specifically, when I consumed the dragon turtle. It would have been much easier if I had Dine then.
“Amazing. You really eat it all without getting tired?”
“Not really?”
Looking bored, White Deer asked. Probably due to gluttony, but I’d never felt tired of eating despite it having nothing to do with taste. If anything, I couldn’t have enough.
‘Well, I’ve filled my experience points.’
I reached the condition for evolution at level 30. Now, experience points wouldn’t rise anymore.
‘If the evolution branches go as expected, I’ll need to be cautious.’
I must be careful since it wouldn’t let me turn back. —After all, the system presented it, so it had better handle it. My poor trust in the system still holds true.
‘…….’
If the system truly harbors malice, and if I took a wrong turn without being able to return.
‘…I want to keep the dragon’s wasteland for a bit.’
Finding a dungeon that provides this much experience is no easy task. Although my experience points have hit the limit, post-evolution would change the narrative. When I mentioned this to White Deer, he nodded, saying to go ahead.
“Very well. Thanks for your help.”
Honestly, I worried he might brush me off with a “don’t talk nonsense,” but I was surprised he accepted straightforwardly.
“As far as stabilization goes, it was a huge serpent crawling the ground. I covered your reckless actions with your wisdom and skill. What more can I say?”
“…….”
The naked praise was a bit burdensome. White Deer added.
“In exchange for asking, meet the child of the third winter before you leave.”
“Child of the third winter?”
“Yes. Looking rather lonely.”
Busy as I was, I had completely forgotten about the squealing fairy who had been crying not to go.
‘Ah.’
I recalled the vague answer I gave when she asked how many nights until I return.
“A child pure among fairies. It’s understandable since she’s emotional.”
“…sure.”
I didn’t dislike fairies, but thinking about calming her down felt a bit overwhelming. It would surely be a long endeavor.
“As for this dungeon.”
“I’ll leave it alone.”
I nodded slightly. I walked with White Deer until I reached the big battle. If I use spatial contraction, I can get there quickly, but since White Deer’s legs weren’t right, it couldn’t be helped. I asked with concern if monsters would emerge if we left the dungeon unattended, and he said other beasts would come soon.
‘They’ll manage.’
With White Deer’s confident proclamation, there was no need to dig deeper. Surely they could take care of themselves. Meanwhile, the Fairy Dragon inside the skull twitched. I thought it was waking up, but colorful breaths emerged again.
‘Looks like it’ll take longer.’
I was slightly worried it had fallen into a deep sleep, too deep for magic regeneration to cover.
‘…For now, let’s focus on evolution.’
Suppressing my worries, I turned to my immediate task. With level 30 reached, both the path of illusion and the path of corruption opened up. If I wished, I could evolve right now. I tentatively sought advice from the system, but it remained silent.
‘It feels like it’s gradually getting quieter.’
Previously, when I was a slime, it had a solid identity. We even exchanged jokes; now, it only shows its presence during critical moments.
“White Deer! Wolf!”
In the midst of my thoughts, it appeared that we’d arrived at the great battle. The fairy approached, rubbing against me. Rubbing against my rough skull wasn’t particularly pleasant, but she kept smiling.
“Why are you so late! I waited! I really waited~!”
After some calming words, the fairy finally spotted the Fairy Dragon and gasped in surprise.
“What happened to Fairy?! Huh? White Deer~!”
Fairy. Clearly, they took just the letters from “fairy” and added “Dragon.” I laughed softly.
‘Now that I think about it.’
I realized I had never actually named or asked this creature about its name. If it weren’t for this little one, we would have been in a dire situation. By now, both White Deer and I would have been a meal for the Earth Serpent. My thoughts had changed dramatically since my experience in the dragon’s wasteland, leaving the creature in the fantasy world.
‘A name…’
Lost in thought, the fairy tapped my nose.
“Hey! Are you not listening to me~?!”
Her hands on her hips, puffing out her cheeks in discontent. What had she said? I turned my gaze just as White Deer nodded at the emerald sea that had replaced the sky.
“…Yeah. Queen.”
“That’s our wolf! You listened!”
She seemed to be calling out to me. The delighted fairy flapped her wings, saying, “When will you go to meet the queen~? You’re not leaving right away, are you? Huh?”
While the noisy creature fluttered around, I started nodding in thought.
The queen’s summons was something I too hoped for. The system and the queen—the only ones who could provide answers to the unresolved issues. But if the system won’t speak, I have no choice but to ask the queen. Plus, it seems I’ll be visiting the fantasy world frequently going forward.
After a short exchange, I mounted the fiery butterfly as before. I reached the emerald sea, the trees, and finally the palace doors.
‘Let’s go in.’
Taking a deep breath, I opened the palace door. The crowned fairy was taken aback, then threw her arms around me.
“Wow~! Wolf! Wolf! Monster Wolf! You kept your promise! You came to play with me?!”
‘Ah, right.’
I realized she asked me to visit her next time, but I completely forgot. Thankfully, the Skull Wolf remained expressionless. After indulging in a little whining, the creature crowned me with a laurel, and the world shifted.
***
With trembling arms, Euna was on the verge of tears.
“Ah, are we there yet?”
“One more minute.”
Euna, having no more strength to endure the pulling in her abdomen that felt like her intestines were going to burst, tried to distract herself.
“A full minute?”
“If you wanted to avoid this, you should’ve built up your stamina earlier!”
This wasn’t some special training. Just exercise. Stamina training. Even if you’re a mage, it’s her belief that one must at least train their body.
‘Hmph.’
Initially, Hong Yu-ri thought Euna wouldn’t last more than a few days. She was frustrated hearing Euna’s ridiculous complaints about slimes and other nonsense. Talent and diligence are not always proportional, after all. It was the same case for the 2nd team’s slacker. Of course, she wouldn’t force anyone who couldn’t bear the training to continue.
‘More than I expected…’
Planks for 3 minutes running 10 sets. Euna, who couldn’t last a minute before, had seen her stamina rise sharply over these past few days. Nevertheless, it was still only a slightly better level than an average person.
“Hah?! Wasn’t a minute done already?!”
“?”
Suddenly realizing the timer had indeed ended, Hong Yu-ri casually replied.
“20 seconds.”
“That’s a lie.”
With a forlorn expression, Euna held her position, but as soon as 20 seconds hit, she collapsed. Her quivering lips gave away her feelings. Hong Yu-ri nodded inwardly.
‘Surprisingly long.’
“Hey. Who said to fall over? Do you want to start over from the beginning? Uh-oh. Are you nuts? You little worm!”
Of course, the words that slipped out contradicted her true thoughts. After the teasing and hellish training came muscle cramps. It was clearly overwork, but it was enough. With Euna’s magic, she would recover on her own. By morning, she would be back to full health.
“That’s it for today. And take that card you bought coffee with earlier.”
“What?! That was my money?”
“Then why be stingy about having something to drink while watching me train all day? Huh?”
“That’s not it! I still have a long way to go before my pay gets reinstated…”
Was it six months of pay cuts? As I hesitated, Hong Yu-ri scoffed at Euna.
“That’s none of my business. Now come over here.”
“Again?!”
With a satisfying nod, Hong Yu-ri finally smacked Euna’s head. Conversely, Euna cradled her forehead, her legs giving way as she fell to the ground.
‘If I rolled like this for a few more months, I’d be able to use it.’
Even if one is clumsy, once stamina builds, the desired image will emerge. While I was thinking about the future, the door abruptly swung open, making me frown.
“Who opens a door like that?”
“You’re the one to talk?”
“What the?! You.”
Hong Yu-ri tilted her head in confusion at the hurried entrance of Gu Jin-ha.
“Hong Yu-ri. Why aren’t you answering your phone?”
“I didn’t know.”
With it on silent mode, I didn’t notice an incoming call until now. Unlike Hong Yu-ri’s calm reply, Gu Jin-ha seemed anxious.
“…First, let’s change our location. Euna, good work.”
“Oh, I’ll leave!”
Eager to leave, despite her wobbling, Euna swiftly made way. Hong Yu-ri frowned once more.
“What’s all this fuss about?”
“Anela. I received a call.”
“Anela?”
“Yes. Anela.”
Hong Yu-ri didn’t ask why. She already knew of the trade relations between Gu Jin-ha and Anela regarding the night in the great battle.
“Faster than expected. The plateau folks are already digging up behind us?”
***
Another vast universe. A lonely space devoid of stars. Standing blankly in that darkness, I heard her voice.
【You’ve come. My dear. I was waiting for you.】
—The same unchanged figure. The queen, nearing the abstract appearance of a god, as if spun from stars. I still wasn’t used to her calling me “my dear.” Just like I observed her, she observed me back and nodded.
【Yes. You’ve grown quite dependable. Have you thought about my question?】
The system is not a part of the truth. Think back again. She posed such questions in our previous encounter. Yet, within me, the answer still remained undiscovered.
【Now, will you share your answer?】
Her question became a roundabout.
Under the principle that I had to answer the question, she awaited my reply, so I spoke without hesitation, and the queen calmly nodded.
【I see.】
If there was no answer, then that was that. The queen did not pry anymore. Or perhaps, accepting that I couldn’t answer at all was an answer on its own. She seemed slightly disappointed.
“…So was it for this reason you called me?”
Was the queen’s purpose in summoning me simply to know my answer? She shook her head.
【It is to lend you a small aid. I can show you the path you are considering.】
Path. Branches. Without a doubt, she meant to help me with the choice of evolution. Something I earnestly hoped for. But how would she show it? In that moment, the queen waved her hand.
Then, a shimmering light flickered, slowly revealing a form. There, a gigantic green wolf appeared.
“This is…?”
【This is one of the paths you can take.】
I instinctively knew that this was the path of corruption.
The colossal green wolf, every time it moved, its body flowed down, dripping away, melting the ground beneath it endlessly.
‘…….’
What if I were standing before it? Another illusion creeped in, revealing an orc armed with a club. The orc wasn’t small either, but it looked pitiful compared to the green wolf. Summoning its courage, the orc yelled.
“Guooooo!”
It swung its weapon, and the wolf swayed violently, splattering liquid in all directions. Everything it touched melted into oblivion. A gruesome sight. After scorching everything for quite a while, the orc who had touched it slowly began to rot away. A horrific poison. The orc, writhing in agony, could only take its last breath.
“…….”
Still not finished, dozens of orcs appeared. The green wolf roared at the charging swarm, and dozens of eyes opened all over its body.
‘—All of them are corrupted eyes.’
Like the corrupted eyes Aranea possessed, they would paralyze, poison, and dissolve everything. So many that counting them would be a headache. Naturally, thereafter came the wolf’s one-sided desecration. Orcs aren’t weak monsters, but they were no match for the green wolf. Eventually, as all the orcs disappeared without a trace, the wolf howled loudly at the sky.
【To defile is called a Defiler.】
Corruption and impurity. The name of the Defiler engraved itself in my mind. The image of the defiler gradually faded, but another wolf appeared this time.
“This is…?”
It was invisible. More accurately, it had a form but lacked visibility. A creeping shadow surrounded it, concealing its presence. This time, the enemy became dozens of raptors. The running raptors leaped toward the wolf, but at that moment, the wolf disappeared.
‘Where to?!’
The vanishing wolf. As the raptors landed again, the shadow quivered. Suddenly, the wolf pounced out and tore into the raptors. Startled, the raptors lunged toward the wolf again as black mist—no, shadows began to spread slowly. Ultimately, the mist transformed into numerous tendrils, striking at the raptors’ vital points accurately. Then the wolf vanished together with the shadows of the fallen raptors. As if the shadows served the wolf.
【The wolf that commands shadows. Its name is the Shadow Wolf.】
The two branches of evolution the queen showed were before me.
Defiler. And Shadow Wolf. They were beyond my imagination. They were not simply the “slime wolf” and “shadow wolf” I had envisioned. In particular, the vision of the Defiler’s corrupted eyes and the shadow-controlling nature of the Shadow Wolf remained vividly etched in my mind.
【My dear. I hope it helps you with your choice.】
“…Thank you.”
It was not just a small aid. Thanks to her, I could now decide on which path of evolution to take. It seemed the queen could see through my innermost feelings as she smiled and bid me farewell. —As I returned to the fantasy world, she whispered.
【Remember.】
【Destruction and end are not the same.】
***
More than evolution—my head was swirling from the queen’s last words.
‘Looking back,
The queen had already informed me. I simply hadn’t realized it. She had already given me hints without me noticing.
【Yes. I know. Soon this place will also witness destruction, no, an end.】
Those words were clues. Why didn’t I dwell on them sensibly? They were not without hints. I had let slip the clues myself. Suddenly, a certain phrase floated into my mind. End. I still don’t know what it is, but one thing is certain.
[I died, and the world faced its end. (End)]
‘—This damned world is far more bleak than I had thought.’