“Mik!”

“We missed you so much!”

Rain and Teil beamed at the sight of Mimic.

Kids, he guessed—their faces lit up with smiles in an instant.

“Thank you so much.”

The man who received the sandwich bowed his head in a curt nod.

They were now at a spot a short distance from the Teron Kingdom.

Ha Gangwoo had evacuated the survivors to a safe haven.

Boom!!!

Ominous explosions continued to echo from beyond the Teron Kingdom.

‘Did he run into Asrul and Evan?’

Ha Gangwoo stared at the Teron Kingdom and grimaced.

‘No time.’

He’d been agonizing over it this whole time, but now he had to make a decision.

If he kept hesitating like this, even the remaining NPCs would be wiped out.

Ding-

[Survivor Group Found cleared.]

[You have acquired 100,000 EXP!!]

[You have acquired an additional 100,000 EXP due to the Perk’s effect.]

[Level up!!]

[Level up!!]

Right on cue, the newly acquired sub-Quest cleared.

[Level:51(2↑)]

Ha Gangwoo had finally surpassed level 50 — exactly what he’d been hoping for. But his expression was far from good.

‘Annoying.’

Creek-

Without realizing it, Ha Gangwoo’s grip tightened on the hilt of Stoss’ Masterpiece.

Why was he even agonizing over this? It was stupid.

After all, this place was a constructed world. Thousands of Players challenged the Scenarios, and each time, a new world was born.

Each time, they rescued survivors, met Zenon, and Asrul attacked this world.

Manufactured beings in a scripted world. There was no need to think twice.

‘Kill her.’

Ha Gangwoo gripped the Masterpiece tightly and strode over to Rain. A murderous glint settled in his eyes.

“Unni, come over here!”

“Wait for me! Let’s go together!”

Teil ran off somewhere, dragging Mimic along.

Rain, who had been about to chase after Teil, spotted Ha Gangwoo and stopped dead.

“Oh! Player. Where’s Evan and my sister and her Oppa? The bad guys are gone now, right?”

She fidgeted with her clothes as she asked, her voice uneasy. Seeing her bright, innocent face only made the knot in his chest tighten.

Creek-

Without thinking, Ha Gangwoo grit his teeth and squeezed the sword’s hilt.

Just one second. A single motion, and it would all be over.

He’d killed so well up until now, yet at this decisive moment, his hand wouldn’t move.

‘…’

And so, an agonizing minute passed.

“Haa…”

[You have placed Stoss’ Masterpiece:破 in the Inventory.]

Ha Gangwoo sheathed the sword as it was.

‘I can’t do it. I’m too pathetic.’

No matter how manufactured these beings were, stabbing a child for no reason —

He couldn’t do it.

Then another way to take down Asrul surfaced in his mind.

Hadn’t it been there since the Tutorial? The truth that if an easy path existed, a difficult one existed too.

‘Let’s try it.’

Ha Gangwoo met Rain’s gaze and lowered himself to one knee.

Rain stared blankly at Ha Gangwoo’s face with a slightly uneasy expression.

“Yeah. They’re not here anymore. Stay with these people. I’ll go bring Evan and the others.”

“Really?! Yes, I understand!”

Rain beamed, dipping her head in a quick bow before trotting after Teil, following closely at his heels.

Ha Gangwoo watched her go with a faint smile, then pushed himself to his feet.

His expression cooled as he turned his gaze elsewhere.

Crash! A thunderous explosion echoed before the gates of the Teron Kingdom.

Ha Gangwoo made up his mind.

Impossible as it might seem, he’d try the plan that had just surfaced in his thoughts.

‘Let’s go.’

And so Ha Gangwoo set out for the second round with Asrul.

***

“Kkeok…”

“Huh… huk. Huh… huk.”

Evan and Zelta lay groaning on the ground, pain twisting their voices into ragged breaths.

“No… no way!”

The soldiers of Skeron and Dikas, who had been cheering moments ago, collapsed onto the floor, cold sweat beading on their brows.

Three heroes who had felled a colossal monster—crushed by a demon in the form of a small woman. Even seeing it with their own eyes, they couldn’t believe it.

The place that had roared with cheers now bloomed with dizzying despair.

Everyone was trembling, legs shaking with terror, when—

Crunch—

Asrul’s blue eyes flashed as she seized Shamiel’s neck with one hand.

Shamiel’s body rose helplessly from the ground, as if weightless.

“So it’s you this time. Haven’t Awakened yet? You’re far too weak.”

A chilling smile curled on Asrul’s lips as she looked at Shamiel.

She muttered words that held no clear meaning, then—crunch—tightened her grip on Shamiel’s throat.

“Kkeok…”

Shamiel grabbed at the demon’s slender arm with both hands, struggling with all her might to pry it loose.

Crunch— The pressure on her neck only grew stronger; she couldn’t break free.

“Kk… huk.”

Shamiel’s vision blurred. Strength drained from her body, bit by bit.

Shamiel—she was dying.

“What, that’s it? You’re truly weak. Can’t have you dying yet. I have plenty of experiments for you.”

Asrul smiled that eerie smile and let Shamiel go. In an instant, Shamiel’s body dropped to the ground like a limp wooden doll.

“Huh… huk… huh… huk…”

Shamiel gasped, struggling to breathe as she lay sprawled on the floor, the sudden return of air a shock to her lungs.

Then—thud—Asrul stomped on Shamiel’s stomach, looking down at her coldly.

“Shall we begin, then?”

Her voice was impossibly beautiful, yet it sent a chill crawling over everyone’s skin the moment they heard it.

And then—

Thwack! Thwack!

A searing pain lanced through Shamiel’s arms and legs.

“AHHH!”

Asrul had plucked her own talons free and was driving them through Shamiel’s flesh, pinning her like a butterfly to a board.

Shamiel hung there, helpless as a specimen pinned for display, while Asrul studied her with an expression of pure fascination.

Then she brought one long talon to Shamiel’s throat.

A light graze was all it took—and a line of ruby blood welled up from Shamiel’s fair skin, trickling down.

Asrul’s claw traced a path: down the neck, across the chest, over the belly. A featherlight caress.

Each pass left a sizzling tear in Shamiel’s clothing. Her white underflesh gleamed through the rents.

Asrul gazed at Shamiel’s nude body, a grin of pure horror spreading across her face. She licked her lips.

“It would be a waste to use this only for experiments. So beautiful.”

Asrul savored the taste, then drew the nail of her index finger across the skin of Shamiel’s solar plexus.

In that instant, blood wept from Shamiel’s Jade-White Skin. Asrul’s eyes narrowed, and the corners of her mouth curled upward.

‘Found it.’

That was the moment Asrul began to drive her long talons into Shamiel’s stomach.

Whistling through the air—Crack! Clang-clang-clang—

A single blazing sword flew in, grinding across the back of Asrul’s neck before burying itself in the floor with a thud.

BOOM!!! A tremendous blast shook the ground.

The shockwave filled the air with a thick cloud of dust.

In a heartbeat, Asrul’s expression darkened to something terrible.

Slowly, she turned her gaze to the figure who had attacked her.

The shape of a man wreathed in crimson Demonic Energy—two massive horns rising from his head.

“So you really are alive.”

Asrul grinned at the sight of Ha Gangwoo.

‘Interesting.’

Just as expected from one who carried *that bastard’s* power—even his severed arm had grown back.

Asrul wore a ghastly smile as she glanced at Shamiel.

Arms and legs bound, barely able to draw a breath. Prey already taken.

‘First, I’ll need to deal with *him*.’

Asrul shifted her focus to Ha Gangwoo.

Those blood-red eyes, unique to *him*. Those two massive horns. That supremely self-assured expression.

It all called *that bastard* to mind perfectly.

‘Yes. This is what makes it fun.’

Asrul exuded a thick, cerulean demonic energy from her entire body and began walking slowly toward Ha Gangwoo.

Ha Gangwoo watched her approach and opened his palm.

‘Masterpiece.’

A flash of intense light—and Stoss’ Masterpiece flew into his grip with a satisfying smack.

‘Good.’

Ha Gangwoo narrowed his eyes, scanning the survivors around him.

Evan and Zelta lay on the floor, apparently unconscious, but they didn’t seem to have any serious wounds.

Shamiel looked like she’d taken a beating, but she was in no danger of dying.

All in all, he’d arrived right on time.

Ha Gangwoo watched Asrul walk toward him, then closed his eyes slowly.

Thump— thump— thump—

It was the same feeling he’d had when he pulled the trigger on Lucifel’s head.

‘Will it work?’

A gamble where failure meant losing everything.

Ha Gangwoo was ready to take that gamble again.

‘Let’s do it!’

Ha Gangwoo snapped his eyes open and thrust his right hand forward, gripping the sword.

Hummm—

Stoss’ Masterpiece:破, blazing with intense light.

Barzel’s Appetite, steeped in alien darkness.

Ha Gangwoo pressed the two together and called up the Activation Word.

‘Devour.’

Shlrp—

Barzel’s Appetite, an aberrant black, began to devour the radiant light.

‘This is the only way.’

Barzel’s Appetite, obtained from a DLC Hidden quest.

It absorbed the abilities of whatever it devoured.

One of the item’s effects was that it always took an ability from the target.

That made this gamble worth taking.

[Stoss’ Masterpiece:破]

Grade: L

Durability: 410/410

Attack Power: 240 (48*5)

Strength: +96 (48*2)

Agility: +96 (48*2)

Vitality: +96 (48*2)

Mana: +96 (48*2)

Description: An armament created by Stoss to block a threat to Skypier. It is a masterpiece unrivaled by any other weapon he forged.

Effects

– Weapon stats scale proportionally with level.

(Attack Power: Level x5 / Stats: Level x2)

– Upon meeting specific conditions, Stoss’ Masterpiece:破 gains the ‘Annihilating Strike’ effect, capable of destroying anything.

(Caution! This item will automatically disappear once Scenario 1 is cleared.)

Stoss’ Masterpiece:破 had only two effects.

The attack power and stat bonuses were derived from [Weapon stats scale proportionally with level.].

So the probability was still fifty percent.

Crunch— crunch—

The gruesome squelching lasted longer than usual, and before he knew it, Asrul was right in front of him.

Asrul watched Barzel’s Appetite devour, then licked her lips with interest.

“Where’d you get that one? You’ve got nothing but the ones I hate most, don’t you?”

‘Ones I hate most.’ She spouted meaningless words, but Ha Gangwoo had no time to think—a system window had appeared before his eyes.

Ding—

[A specific Hidden condition has been met!!!]

Along with the cheerful notification sound.

[Barzel’s Appetite evolves.]

[Weapon has changed to Barzel’s Appetite:破 .]

The system window floated up.

Gulp—

Barzel’s Appetite:破, having completed its Devour.

The eerie undulation faded, and with a sharp hiss—the blazing radiance of Stoss’ Masterpiece guttered out.

Only one thing remained.

Barzel’s Appetite, steeped in alien darkness.

Ha Gangwoo opened his palm and gazed at Barzel’s Appetite:破.

It was still eerily dark, as if devouring every scrap of light. But around the back of his hand, a searing light burst forth in the shape of the character ‘破’ (Destroy).

Ding—

[Barzel’s Appetite:破]

Grade: ???

Durability: ∞/∞

Satiety: 0/100

Attack Power: 122

Strength: +43

Agility: +21

Mana: +6

Description: A glove imbued with Barzel’s Appetite. A voracious hunger clings to it—beware, for it may devour even its wielder.

Effects

– Barzel’s Appetite gains the Devour effect.

– Barzel’s Appetite gains the Ruin effect.

Additional Effects (3/10)

– On hit, 30% (↑5%) chance to explode.

– Gains the Agony of Extremis effect.

– Enables the use of Paralysis Fog.

*Ruin: Destroys and collapses all things.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Ha Gangwoo smiled with satisfaction as he read Barzel’s Appetite’s effects.

‘It came out.’

He’d figured it was a 50% chance. But the System window that appeared after Devour…

Who knew there’d be a hidden condition.

Ha Gangwoo’s choice hadn’t been wrong.

He clenched his fist.

Crunch—

A pleasant grinding sound echoed from Barzel’s Appetite:破.

‘Let’s go.’

Ha Gangwoo fixed his gaze on Asrul, his eyes burning with a crimson light.

Asrul was watching him, leisurely licking her lips.

Seeing her so relaxed, she must have tremendous faith in that absolute barrier.

But that barrier was about to be shattered.

Ha Gangwoo lowered his stance, both fists clenched tight.

Asrul, still utterly at ease, parted her alluring lips and spoke.

“What? Want to try again? You’re as slow a learner as that one. Go ahead, give it a shot.”

Asrul spread both arms wide as if to invite him, leaving herself completely defenseless.

Ha Gangwoo looked at her and grinned.

“Who do you think you’re looking at?”

She was probably acting like that because she trusted the System’s protection. But if she was going to be that cocky, he needed to put her in her place.

Ding—

[Extreme Strike Stance has been activated.]

[Your next attack deals 10x destructive power.]

A violet radiance surged across Ha Gangwoo’s entire body.

He’d beaten the 9% chance—Extreme Strike Stance had activated.

But this alone wasn’t enough.

‘I need one big hit.’

Asrul, with Demonic energy unleashed. She outclassed him in every single Stat.

That’s why he needed a single, overwhelming blow that would keep her from ever striking back.

‘Let’s do this.’

Ha Gangwoo closed his eyes tightly, feeling the Demonic energy flowing through his body.

[Demonization]

Grade: ???

Description: A core that generates Demonic energy is created within your body. You can use the power of the Demonfolk.

Effects

-All Status 100% increase.

-Recover physical damage. (Consumes significant HP.)

-Madness takes over the mind.

-Gain Demon Eye effect.

-Gain Demon Horns effect.

-[Unlocked at LV.75.]

-[Unlocked at LV.100.]

-[Unlocked at LV.150.]

*Demon Horns: Two massive horns unique to the Demonfolk. Grants the power to channel Demonic energy.

The Demon Horns he’d earned upon hitting Level 50. Two enormous horns had sprouted atop his head as a result.

The ability they granted: the power to channel Demonic energy.

He intended to put it to use right now.

Gloop—

The Demonic energy surging through his body began to coalesce into his fist.

Vwoom— A violent crimson Demonic energy took substance, gathering into his clenched hand.

Thud!

Ha Gangwoo shifted his weight onto his left leg, twisted his hips smoothly, and—whoosh—threw his fist straight out.

‘Force Discharge!’

The moment the Activation word crossed his mind—

Ding!

[You have achieved a great enlightenment.]

[You have learned Force Discharge: Demonic.]

Along with the welcome chime—

Crack!

A colossal shockwave slammed into Asrul’s abdomen.

In that instant, thud-thud-thud—

Asrul’s body burst apart like an explosion,

Ding!

[You have defeated the Lord: Asrul.]

[You have acquired 400,000 EXP!!]

[You have acquired 400,000 bonus EXP from your Perk.]

[You have acquired 200,000 bonus EXP from your Aura of Growth.]

[You have acquired 2,000,000 Gold.]

[You have cleared Scenario 1: The Final Journey.]

[You have acquired 1,000,000 EXP!!]

[You have acquired 1,000,000 bonus EXP from your Perk.]

[You have acquired 5,000,000 Gold.]

[Your level has increased!!]

[Your level has increased!!]

[Your level has increased!!]

[Your level has increased!!]

[Your level has increased!!]

…………

……

….

..

A cascade of welcome chimes rang out in succession.

Ding—

“Haah… haah…”

Ha Gangwoo exhaled deeply and looked up at the sky.

The sky, once dyed crimson, was turning blue.

A massive System window rose up from the blue heavens.

[You have cleared Scenario 1.]

[Calculating score…]

[Rain: Survived.]

[Evan: Survived.]

[Shamiel: Survived.]

[Zenon’s Hideout: Discovered.]

[Evan’s Growth Rate: S+]

……….

……

…

Final Grade: L

[You have acquired a special reward.]

And so, Ha Gangwoo’s Scenario 1 came to a clean end.