Suicide Before Defeating the Final Boss

Suicide Before Defeating the Final Boss – 19

EP.19 Broken Predetermined Fate Part 2

Ending the dungeon rampage wasn’t that difficult. All Jeong-hyeon had to do was enter the source and destroy the dungeon core that was glowing red, as if it were about to explode.

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[You have destroyed the dungeon and earned achievement points!]

[Congratulations! You have gained all the points needed to level up.]

*To level up, you must take the promotion exam.

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With that message, a small white key descended from the sky before him. It seemed he was supposed to use this key to take the promotion exam. As he picked it up, an item description appeared.

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[Key of Growth]

– This key allows you to enter the Trial Chamber from anywhere to take the promotion exam.

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Levelling up would fundamentally change his ‘rank,’ making him significantly stronger than before. Although he wanted to use it as soon as possible…

‘There are too many eyes on me right now, and I have a lot to clean up.’

Jeong-hyeon decided to postpone it for a bit and put the key in his pocket, making sure it was securely tucked away. Then, he looked at the last remaining message.

[You have cleared the quest!]

– You have received a mysterious seed as a reward!

A mysterious seed?

Curious, he checked its description.

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[Mysterious Seed]

– A seed unlike any you’ve seen before. ■■ are desperately seeking this seed.

* It might grow if planted in the ground and infused with divine power.

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Jeong-hyeon stared at the ■■ in the description. With just those two characters and the plural marker, it was hard to guess what it referred to. However, one thing was clear: growing this seed would likely yield rewards from a ‘group’ rather than an individual.

‘And since it requires divine power to grow, it’s likely compatible with me.’

He decided to try cultivating it. Feeling that he had gained quite a lot this time, he began the final cleanup in preparation for the instructors who would soon arrive.

***

Two days had passed since the dungeon rampage. A lot had happened during that time, but the most significant event was the resignation and demotion of the headmaster and vice-headmaster.

“In some ways, it’s an inevitable outcome.”

Miria explained, nodding as she spoke.

Jeong-hyeon nodded back, somewhat surprised. He had expected her to resent or dislike him for holding her life over her head, but instead, she had clung to him, providing valuable information.

‘When I asked why, she said it was because her life was already in my hands. She figured it was better to get on my good side and build rapport.’

Every day, she gathered various pieces of information and explained them to him. It was beneficial for him, so he didn’t mind, but it was still surprising.

He nodded, thinking he could never act the same way. Miria continued speaking as she watched his response.

“The joint evaluation exam was incredibly significant.”

The joint evaluation exam was not just a stage to test the first-year students. Given the current situation, where the Demon King’s power had grown too strong, it was also a crucial opportunity to assess the potential of those who would bear the responsibility of the future.

‘But due to the dungeon rampage, instead of assessing potential, many promising young talents died or disappeared.’

Someone had to take responsibility for that.

“Usually, no matter how serious the issue is, it ends with the head instructor’s resignation. But this time, the situation was too severe, so it seems they swept out everyone from the headmaster to the vice headmaster.”

Indeed, it was unprecedented for the academy’s headmaster to resign and be sent to the front lines.

“If someone is capable of becoming the headmaster or vice headmaster of the academy, they are generally treated with extreme respect due to their significant influence. But they not only dismissed them but also sent them to the front lines…”

Miria clicked her tongue and shook her head as she continued.

“Anyway, that’s that. The real problem now is the parents of the dead or missing students. They’re furious.”

The parents of the deceased or missing students wielded immense power and wealth, making the repercussions even more severe.

“Even if just one noble’s child gets hurt, the academy would be in a panic. But with over 200 dead or missing… there’s no way to handle it.”

Listening to her words, Jeong-hyeon looked at the now-empty Swordsmanship Department and let out a hollow laugh. Just a few days ago, it had been packed, but now it couldn’t even fill half the seats.

“Many students have also dropped out because of this incident… As you can see, the academy’s future is not about dreaming of reconstruction but merely hoping not to collapse. The fate of the academy is pretty much sealed.”

Upon hearing that, he couldn’t help but laugh. The thought that the academy’s downfall also meant the end of the world’s future was quite satisfying to him.

‘The future is gone, huh. I wonder what the kingdom thinks about this?’

They were probably envisioning nothing but a bleak, doomed future. He thought about how amusing it would be to see their faces while munching on popcorn. Just then, Miria continued speaking.

“Well, the academy will probably keep running somehow. If it completely stops, the problems will be even bigger than they are now.”

From his perspective, needing to maintain excellent grades, it wasn’t a bad outcome. After all, he had to clear the main quest.

“But there’s been a massive reshuffle among the instructors and professors. So, we might not have any classes for a while.”

He couldn’t hide his smile. If the academy wasn’t running properly, it meant more free time. More free time meant more time to dedicate to training.

‘Maybe I can finally work on raising my stats again.’

He thought about taking this opportunity to rigorously improve his abilities. While he was thinking about training, Lucia, who hadn’t shown her face for two days, came to mind.

“By the way, how’s Lucia?”

“She’s not doing well, but she’s eating well, so don’t worry.”

“That’s a relief, at least.”

He wouldn’t have cared if it were anyone else, but Lucia was his first friend in this world, the first person to reach out to him. He couldn’t help but be concerned. After some hesitation, he decided he’d check on her if things didn’t improve.

“Take good care of Lucia. Let me know if there are any issues.”

For now, he decided to leave her in Miria’s care.

***

While they were chatting about various things, someone approached them.

“… I need to talk to you.”

He looked to the side to see the First Princess. Frowning, he wondered why she was here despite the clear boundary he had set. She sighed deeply and spoke to him.

“I didn’t come here because I wanted to, so don’t… never mind. I’ll get straight to the point.”

With a complicated expression, she continued.

“You’re going to receive an award soon.”

“… An award?”

“Yes, for stopping the dungeon rampage.”

At those words, his mind started racing.

The fact that the First Princess herself came to inform him about the award was an ominous sign.

“Who’s giving the award? The academy?”

“… Considering I, a princess, came here personally, isn’t it obvious?”

Her words made it clear why he felt so uneasy. Her presence meant the award was from the kingdom. Jeong-hyeon felt a headache coming on and pressed his temples lightly.

‘Going to the kingdom to receive an award…’

While receiving the award itself wasn’t the issue, his face was identical to his appearance as the Hero before his suicide. Arriving at the kingdom would undoubtedly trigger problems he couldn’t handle yet.

‘The biggest problem is that my divine power is the same as before I died.’

If it were only a matter of resembling the Hero, they might give up and leave him alone. However, the significant amount of divine power he possessed would likely prompt the kingdom to reappoint him as a Hero, turning him into a living divine power bomb.

‘Damn it.’

As he pondered how to resolve this sudden massive issue, the First Princess sighed and spoke again.

“Fortunately… or maybe not, given the current chaos, they plan to call you after things settle down. So, in about two to three months. You don’t have to go right away.”

Two to three months. Depending on how one viewed it, it was either a short or long period. He wondered what he could accomplish during this time and asked hopefully.

“Is there any way to opt-out?”

“If you want your name on a wanted list as a public enemy, be my guest.”

His attempt to opt out was hopeless. Jeong-hyeon cursed inwardly, realizing that these bastards had been doing things their way since the first time he met them. Their nature hadn’t changed.

‘Fine. I’ll prepare as best as I can. On the day I go to receive that award…’

Obsessed with leaving an indelible scar on the kingdom, his determination solidified into a burning purpose.