Solo Max-Level Newbie - Chapter 389: Two Masters, Two Disciples (2)

A month.

While only about five hours had passed outside, a full month had gone by within the virtual space.

*Kooom!*

Dozens of swords hovered in the sky.

Dark blades created through the *Heavenly Demon Sword* technique surged forward in a line.

[The Heavenly Demon activates the Heavenly Demon Divine Art: ‘Meteoric Destruction’!]

It resembled a meteor shower descending upon the night sky.

The descending swords carved out a breathtaking scene as they fell in straight trajectories.

At that moment, crimson swords rose from the ground.

Though they lacked the power and numbers of the Heavenly Demon’s swords, their intensity was just as fierce.

Blades of different colors clashed.

Known as the ultimate swords only achievable at the apex of the *Hyungyeong* level, these swords collided and erased each other’s trajectories as they converged on a single point.

*Boom! Boom! Boom!*

The clash of swords shattered fragments into the air, illuminating the dark night with flares of flame.

A moment later, the Heavenly Demon descended from above, nodding in satisfaction.

“To match my *Heavenly Demon Sword* imbued with five-star energy… It seems you’re ready to succeed me.”

His tone was one of genuine admiration.

Despite pushing him to his limits, he hadn’t expected Jinhyuk to master the *Heavenly Demon Divine Art* so swiftly.

Even he, who was called the *Heavenly Martial Physique*, had taken over ten years to reach the five-star level…

*If this one had been in the martial world, he could have unified it single-handedly.*

But it was clear the disciple before him didn’t plan to stop there.

Not bound to a single step, nor any faction, he would continue to ascend.

He would aim for places no one had ever reached.

“It’s all thanks to your guidance, Heavenly Demon. I may not have said it, but it feels like I lost at least a hundred lives in the process.”

Every inch of his body ached.

He’d had to check three times to make sure his neck was still attached.

“We did get a bit intense. But it was an enjoyable time.”

“Same here. I doubt I’ll ever have another period as fierce as this.”

He meant it.

Though he’d faced countless insane challenges within the Tower of Trials, this month had undoubtedly been the most intense.

*This… has yielded better results than expected.*

He could already feel his body buzzing with anticipation, itching to test his newfound strength.

Jinhyuk savored the quiet circulation of mana within him.

“Indeed, you’ve grown stronger. Strong enough to strike fear into most, even the world’s greatest warriors. You have become formidable.”

But then.

“Are you not afraid? Knowing that even with such strength, there are enemies you may never defeat?”

The Heavenly Demon’s voice took on a complicated tone.

Jinhyuk understood why.

Shub-Niggurath.

A transcendent entity that had nearly pushed the Heavenly Demon to death by mere manifestation alone.

Ascending the tower would mean facing similarly unimaginable monsters.

The Heavenly Demon was asking if he was truly prepared for that.

*Afraid…*

There had been a time when he’d felt that.

When he’d trembled before foes beyond reason, frozen with fear.

But.

Not anymore. Those days as a newbie were long gone.

And just because this was now reality and not a game didn’t mean he’d lost the experience and instincts he’d gained.

A faint smile appeared on Jinhyuk’s face.

“…I shouldn’t have asked.”

Seeing that smile, the Heavenly Demon felt certain.

No matter what monster lay ahead, Jinhyuk would never feel fear.

That was enough.

Further words were unnecessary.

“It seems our time is up. When you’re exhausted or in need, visit the martial world anytime. Wuho also eagerly awaits, and I too look forward to our next meeting.”

The Heavenly Demon gave a quiet farewell.

＊＊＊

*Crack!*

As the virtual space shattered, Jinhyuk stepped outside.

“Haa…”

The damp, humid air of the labyrinth filled his lungs.

After fighting for his life in there, even the dreary atmosphere of the labyrinth felt welcoming.

“Were you training inside the barrier?”

The first to greet him was Chun Yoosung.

The dark energy clinging to the tip of Ryuhwa’s blade had thickened considerably, showing he had grown stronger over that time.

“Yeah, I was doing some things. It’s good to see you too, Sword Saint. How’ve you been while I was gone?”

“You’ve only been gone a few hours. Stop acting like it’s been years… Ugh, just stop being so clingy. It’s gross.”

“You’re always so cold. Makes it hard to feel any warmth. Sigh.”

“Quit talking nonsense. As soon as we clear this labyrinth, be prepared. You’ll be shocked at how much stronger I’ve become in this short time.”

Chun Yoosung declared with a confident expression.

He’d clearly grown more audacious in the time he’d gone without facing him one-on-one.

“Oh no… I’m terrified. If the great Sword Saint is serious, my life is as good as over.”

“Enough. I’ll go train more. Just call me when it’s time to face the boss.”

“Sure thing. Take care.”

Brushing off his remarks, Jinhyuk turned to the owl.

But then—

“…You.”

Jinhyuk’s face darkened.

The owl’s right arm looked different from before.

“Even for an administrator, using this level of ability comes with a price. Don’t worry. This was my choice.”

The owl’s body was crumbling into dust.

By using the virtual space, he’d paid the penalty of consuming his own life.

*Rustle.*

Dust scattered along his shoulder.

The disintegration continued, even now.

“How much time is left?”

“About five minutes. If I don’t hurry back, it won’t just end with losing my arm.”

He might even die…

“It’s unfortunate I won’t see the labyrinth to the end, but I’ve confirmed your potential. You truly have… transformed.”

The owl looked directly at Jinhyuk.

Though his face was obscured by a mask, Jinhyuk could sense the look in his eyes.

“With you, we’ll achieve our goals. And you’ll fulfill your own ambitions as well.”

“Alright, I look forward to seeing you again at the top of the tower. And then, let’s have a proper conversation without the mask. No need for secrecy.”

“Of course.”

The owl nodded.

Now, he had yet another reason to aim for the top of the tower.

＊＊＊

With the owl gone, Jinhyuk and Chun Yoosung picked up their pace.

With the Resistance Stones in hand and their training complete, there was no reason to delay.

[Chun Yoosung activates his unique ability ‘Song of the Sword’!]

“Kieeeek!”

“Keeeeh!”

Large, eel-like monsters resembling morays emerged from the dark corridors.

Of course, their intent to tear into them with razor-sharp teeth didn’t last long.

Ryuhwa, glowing with a green hue, sliced through the monsters’ heads in one swift motion.

*Slash!*

The time was too short to fully master left-handed swordsmanship.

But Chun Yoosung, often called a ‘talented monster,’ was already displaying remarkable progress.

“Hmph! How’s that? This is my sword.”

“Look at you, already getting cocky. Don’t let taking down a few monsters go to your head. Stay focused. The real challenge is just ahead.”

Jinhyuk pointed forward, where the moray monsters had come from.

Distinct symbols etched across the bridge ahead.

It was a path filled with layers of magic and barriers.

“This is the spot where previous residents failed repeatedly?”

“Yeah. There are over a dozen different traps. Though we’ve prepared for the most difficult with the Resistance Stones, we can’t take it lightly. Watch this.”

*Step.*

As Jinhyuk’s right foot moved forward…

*Koom!*

*Boom! Boom!*

Fire fell from above.

[The Fire Resistance Stone absorbs the flames!]

*Sizzle!*

Red flames appeared around Jinhyuk, but they quickly dissipated, absorbed by the Fire Resistance Stone.

But at the same time—

*Whoosh! Whoosh!*

Various other traps activated around him.

Poisoned darts, crossbows, and arrows.

*Clang!*

Jinhyuk swung Balmung, splitting the projectiles in half.

*Click.*

The trap hadn’t ended. A creaking sound echoed, and a giant sword-wielding arm emerged from below the bridge.

The arm, towering hundreds of meters, rose as if to reach the ceiling before crashing downward.

*Boom!*

A massive blow that could have sliced through the entire bridge.

But Jinhyuk sidestepped, avoiding the attack.

A massive wall of blades formed right in front of him.

“This is what we’re dealing with. It’ll only get more complicated from here.”

“It’s not too hard to respond to what I see. But as you said, it’s a nuisance. Wasting mana here would only make the boss fight harder.”

“Exactly. So we need a way to navigate these traps without depleting our mana.”

“Do you have something in mind?”

“Yes.”

A mischievous smile played on Jinhyuk’s lips.

It was an unsettling smile.

A shiver ran down Chun Yoosung’s spine.

From experience, he knew what usually happened when Jinhyuk wore that kind of smile.

“You’re not planning to use me as bait, are you?”

“Come on. Do you think I’d go that far?”

Actually, he’d been planning to do exactly that.

If Chun Yoosung hadn’t mastered left-handed swordsmanship, he’d have turned him into a guinea pig for the labyrinth…

How unfortunate.

But the good news was he had plenty of other friends to take his place.

“Alright, everyone, come on out. I have your first mission.”

*Whoosh!*

As the subspace inventory opened, a swarm of small salamanders poured out.

“You called, Master?”

The salamander puffed out its chest.

Perhaps it was because he had a horde of his own kind as underlings, but there was an unmistakable hint of pride in his posture, as though he were a king of spirits.

Jinhyuk held back the urge to roll his eyes and instead smiled warmly.

“My adorable fire lizard. See that… way over at the end of the bridge?”

“I see it, Master.”

“Head over there for me.”

“Huh? There? Why?”

The salamander’s eyes widened.

“It’s nothing much. Just go there. My legs aren’t the best… And if you do, I’ll send you right back to a cozy campfire in the subspace.”

“A… campfire?”

“A campfire made with the red logs from the 8th floor. It’s the ultimate delicacy.”

Known for their rich aroma and intense heat, those fires were a rare treat for salamanders.

*Gulp.*

The sound of the salamander swallowing could be heard.

“Alright, I’ll go right away, Master. You better keep your promise!”

*Doo-doo-doo.*

The salamander scurried across the bridge on all fours, drooling in anticipation.

*Boom!*

“Kyaaah!”

It didn’t take long for an enormous explosion.

The salamander, spinning through the air, turned into a tiny star in the sky.

“Hmm, that took out five traps?”

Avoiding the mine-like traps was a decent result.

Jinhyuk’s gaze shifted to the remaining spirits.

“Next volunteer.”