Chapter 17 – Two Spiders, One Plan
The dungeon walls trembled subtly with every thunderous step of the approaching monsters. The giant spiders were the size of trucks, their eyes glowing an eerie crimson like smoldering embers. Each of their segmented legs cracked the stone beneath them as they moved, and the foul stench of rotting flesh thickened the already tense atmosphere.
Ha-Joon's eyes widened. Despite the tension, a crooked smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
— "Guys… I think we've got a serious problem," he said, half-joking, trying to mask the rush of adrenaline surging through him as he prepared for a fight.
Sung Jin-Woo clenched his fists, feeling the overwhelming magical pressure radiating from the creatures. The sheer intensity of it confirmed one thing—these weren't ordinary monsters.
— "Two bosses at once? That doesn't make any sense..." he muttered, narrowing his eyes at the advancing beasts.
The metallic sound of a trembling sword echoed through the corridor. Yoo Jin-Ho, clearly shaken, stepped forward. Despite his fear, he planted his feet firmly and raised his blade, shielding his comrades behind him.
— "Stay behind me! I-I'll protect you!" he declared, voice wavering, courage fighting against instinct.
Ha-Joon, more focused now, turned to Jin-Woo with a sharp, serious gaze.
— "You've gone through a second awakening, haven't you?" he said. "I saw how you dealt with those monsters earlier… when no one else was watching. I didn't say anything because I figured you had your reasons for hiding it. But right now, we don't have the luxury of secrets."
Jin-Woo stiffened for a moment. So, he had been seen.
— Of course he noticed. I'm not an assassin; hiding perfectly was never my strong suit. But it makes sense that he'd think I had a second awakening...
To anyone else, his sudden leap in strength could only be explained that way. After all, they didn't know about the system. A second awakening was the only logical explanation.
He let out a quiet breath and nodded.
— "You're right. Let's say I did have a second awakening. I can handle one of the spiders," he said, gaze locking onto the creatures, which had begun closing the distance with heavy, deliberate steps.
— "But what about the other one?" he asked, eyes flicking back to Ha-Joon.
A sly grin spread across Ha-Joon's face. His eyes gleamed with the fire of boldness.
— "I've got a plan. You see that opening at the top of the cavern?" He pointed toward a jagged crack between the rocks, barely illuminated by a faint bluish glow leaking through.
From his pocket, he pulled out two magical talismans inscribed with glowing runes. The energy surrounding them pulsed with a dangerous rhythm—pure explosive magic.
— "I'll lure one of the spiders up there and blow these talismans. It should deal heavy damage—maybe even take it out entirely. At the very least, it'll stun it long enough for me to finish the job."
Ha-Joon thought to himself, Good thing I summoned this detonating talisman from Naruto. Since it's not a deeply emotional or rare item, it didn't cost me much to manifest. Makes it a believable trick for dealing with one of these things.
Yoo Jin-Ho stumbled back, sweat pouring down his face.
— "Guys… not to ruin the moment, but if we're gonna do this plan, do it now! They're getting way too close!" he yelled, pointing frantically at the monsters now just meters away.
Ha-Joon nodded.
— "Now! Distract them!"
Jin-Woo burst into motion, fast as lightning, hurling rocks and slashing the air with his dagger to catch the creatures' attention. Jin-Ho shouted at the top of his lungs, waving his sword, drawing their focus. The spiders hesitated, splitting their attention between the two men.
Ha-Joon took the opportunity. He began climbing the jagged dungeon wall with practiced agility, the stone scratching at his hands but failing to slow him down. Once at a vantage point, he summoned his weapon.
A bow of blazing crimson appeared in his hands—its form forged from pure, condensed fire magic. It looked like molten lava solidified into a weapon of destruction.
He stared at it for a moment.
— Ever since I reached Rank D, even the weaker weapons I summon have become stronger, he thought, drawing the bowstring. A glowing arrow of fire began to form.
— "Byakugan... lock on," he whispered, eyes narrowing as he targeted the spider's left eye.
SWOOSH!
The arrow cut through the air like a shrieking hawk and struck the spider dead in the eye. A piercing screech filled the cavern, the sound so loud it made the ground tremble. The spider turned, enraged, and locked onto Ha-Joon as its new prey.
— "Jin-Woo! It's all yours now! Don't die!" Ha-Joon shouted, leaping down into the tunnel as the spider gave chase.
— "You too, Ha-Joon…" Jin-Woo replied with a smirk, preparing to engage the second spider.
Ha-Joon sprinted down the stone corridor, the thunderous crash of spider limbs chasing behind him. The monster shredded walls and ceilings in its rage. Every step felt heavier as the air filled with magic and tension.
He emerged into a large, natural chamber, its ceiling covered in glowing crystals that bathed the space in an eerie light.
Ha-Joon skidded to a halt and turned.
— "Now we can begin... ugly freak!" he shouted defiantly.
Flames erupted from his hands. His aura flared—hot, wild, and dangerous. He powered up, the heat distorting the air around him.
— "Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!" he roared, leaping forward and smashing a flaming punch straight into the spider's face.
BOOM!
The impact echoed like thunder. Stone and debris rained down from above. A crack formed on the spider's shell—but it wasn't enough. With a chilling screech, the monster struck back with one of its massive legs.
CRACK!
The blow sent Ha-Joon flying across the chamber, slamming hard into a wall. Dust exploded around him. He coughed up blood as he slid down, groaning.
— "Ugh…" he muttered, dragging himself to his feet. His body shook, but his spirit burned hotter than ever.
He looked up, eyes blazing.
— "If I want to win in base form… it's not gonna happen."
The air around him shifted. His mana surged.
— "Looks like it's time to get serious."
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