Chapter 10 – Unyielding Vanguard
The oppressive weight of the Tower's entrance dissipated as Jae-Hyun stepped deeper into its enigmatic depths. The air around him felt still, unnervingly so, as though the Tower itself were holding its breath. Shadows coiled faintly at the edges of his vision, twisting unnaturally before dissolving into nothingness. Despite the eerie calm, a faint hum of energy lingered in the atmosphere, a constant reminder of the Tower’s latent power.
The first floor was eerily unremarkable—a dense, mist-shrouded forest stretching endlessly in every direction. The artificial light filtering through the canopy above bathed everything in an otherworldly glow, neither warm nor cold, but disconcertingly neutral. Jae-Hyun took a cautious step forward, his sharp blue eyes scanning the undergrowth for signs of movement. The sound of rustling leaves drew his attention, but it was nothing more than a falling branch. His muscles relaxed slightly, though his mind remained sharp, instincts honed from countless battles.
"So, this is how it begins," he muttered, his tone low, edged with faint disappointment. "I suppose the first floors were never meant to challenge anyone seriously."
A soft ripple of shadows heralded Kaelzar’s silent appearance beside him. The massive Shadow General’s crimson eyes glowed faintly, his imposing form blending seamlessly into the Tower’s dim ambiance. Kaelzar didn’t speak, but his presence exuded an unspoken readiness, a silent assurance that he would act at a moment’s notice.
As Jae-Hyun pressed forward, the monotony of the forest floor grated on him. The monsters he encountered—small, timid creatures that barely posed a threat—fell quickly to his blade. Each kill was met with a faint shimmer of energy absorbed into his being, a system notification confirming the minor increase in experience. Despite the ease of these encounters, Jae-Hyun couldn’t shake the feeling that the Tower was merely toying with him, lulling him into a false sense of security.
By the time he reached the seventh floor, the monotony had begun to lift. The air grew heavier, and the faint sounds of movement in the distance hinted at stronger enemies. Jae-Hyun’s expression remained calm, though his grip on his blade tightened slightly. The system notification that appeared after defeating a particularly resilient creature caught his attention:
System Notification: Congratulations! Level Up!
The familiar surge of energy coursed through his body, momentarily invigorating him. His senses sharpened, and his movements felt smoother, more precise. Yet, the brief thrill of progress was overshadowed by a gnawing unease. The Tower’s design wasn’t meant to challenge him just yet, but Jae-Hyun knew better than to underestimate what lay ahead.
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Floor 10: The First Test
The atmosphere shifted drastically as Jae-Hyun ascended to the tenth floor. The dense forest gave way to a sprawling arena, its stone floor etched with intricate runes that pulsed faintly with a dark, crimson light. Massive pillars stretched toward the unseen ceiling, their surfaces adorned with carvings of long-forgotten battles. The air was thick with tension, a palpable pressure that seemed to weigh on his very soul.
At the center of the arena stood the boss. The creature—a hulking, armored behemoth—towered over Jae-Hyun, its jagged weapons glinting menacingly under the dim light. Its movements were slow but deliberate, each step echoing ominously through the cavernous space. Jae-Hyun’s sharp gaze narrowed as he inspected the creature, the system’s notification appearing almost mockingly before him:
System Notification: System Notification: Boss: Floor 10 Guardian, Level: 21 Special Trait: Resistance to Physical Damage
Jae-Hyun’s jaw clenched. “Of course this bastard had to resist my attacks,” he muttered, his voice dripping with irritation. “He’s more than ten levels under me, and his only resistance had to be to me.” His grip on his sword tightened as his frustration flared. He had been preparing to test his abilities, to gauge the difficulty of the Tower, and instead, it felt like the system was mocking him.
The Tower Guardian roared, its deep bellow echoing through the chamber as it charged. Jae-Hyun sidestepped the initial swing of its axe, the force of the blow sending shockwaves through the ground. He countered with a swift strike, his blade biting into the creature’s side. The Guardian barely flinched, the faint glow of its resistance absorbing the impact.
“Damn it,” Jae-Hyun growled, leaping back to avoid another swing. His mind raced, frustration simmering beneath the surface. This was supposed to be a straightforward test, not an exercise in futility.
“Kaelzar!” he barked, his voice sharp. The Shadow General materialized beside him, his massive form towering over Jae-Hyun. Without hesitation, Kaelzar lunged at the Guardian, his shadowy blade carving through the air. The impact was immediate—Kaelzar’s attacks bypassed the resistance, slicing deep into the creature’s armor.
Jae-Hyun watched for a moment, his irritation giving way to grudging acceptance. “At least someone can get through,” he muttered. As Kaelzar drove the Guardian back, Jae-Hyun moved to flank it. He called out, “Kaelzar, your sword!”
The Shadow General tossed his weapon to Jae-Hyun, the shadowy blade dissolving into his hands and reforming as a perfect fit. Jae-Hyun gripped it tightly, a faint grin tugging at his lips. With a burst of speed, he closed the distance and delivered the final blow, the shadowy blade piercing the Guardian’s core. The creature let out a final, guttural roar before collapsing into a heap, its body dissolving into shimmering particles.
System Notification: Boss Defeated. Level up!
Jae-Hyun exhaled sharply, his irritation ebbing as he glanced at the notifications. He had leveled up, but the fight left a bitter taste in his mouth. The Tower had already shown its unpredictability, and he couldn’t afford to underestimate it again.
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A Special Trial
As Jae-Hyun prepared to leave the arena, the system’s voice echoed in his mind, its tone laced with an unsettling mix of authority and amusement:
System Notification: 10/? Floors Completed. Special Trial Unlocked: "Unyielding Vanguard."
The world around him shifted abruptly, the arena dissolving into a void of swirling shadows. When the darkness receded, Jae-Hyun found himself standing in a familiar courtyard. The sight of it sent a jolt through his chest—this was his childhood training ground, meticulously recreated down to the smallest detail. But the air was heavy, suffused with an unnatural stillness that set his nerves on edge.
Before him stood a figure cloaked in shadow, its features an almost perfect replica of his own. The system’s voice rang out again, sharp and commanding:
System Notification: Trial Objective: Surpass yourself. No allies. No shadows. Only you.
As if to emphasize the point, Jae-Hyun’s attempt to summon Kaelzar was met with a derisive response:
System Message: "Too reliant on others, are we? Prove your worth alone."
Jae-Hyun’s jaw tightened, a spark of frustration igniting within him.
It was him.
A perfect replica stood before him, mirroring his stance, his weapon, even his cold, calculating expression. The replica moved first, lunging forward with speed that matched Jae-Hyun’s own. Their blades clashed, the impact ringing through the courtyard.
Jae-Hyun dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding a follow-up strike. Even as he moved, the replica’s blade nicked his arm, drawing a thin line of blood. The pain was sharp, grounding. “Damn it,” he hissed, retaliating with a series of precise strikes. The replica blocked each one with ease, its movements fluid and relentless.
The fight dragged on, each exchange leaving Jae-Hyun more frustrated. No matter how fast he was, no matter how calculated his attacks, the replica was always a step ahead. Cuts began to accumulate on his arms and legs, each one a stark reminder of his own limitations.
“You’re not stronger than me,” Jae-Hyun growled, his voice low and fierce. “I’ll prove it.”
He shifted his stance, abandoning his usual calculated approach. Instead, he allowed his instincts to take over, his movements becoming more unpredictable. The replica hesitated for the first time, its strikes faltering against Jae-Hyun’s sudden ferocity.
A grin spread across Jae-Hyun’s face as he pressed the advantage, his blade carving through the replica’s defenses. With a final, decisive blow, he shattered the replica, its form dissolving into wisps of shadow.
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Jae-Hyun dropped to his knees in the aftermath of the trial, his breath ragged and his body trembling. Sweat dripped from his brow, mingling with the faint trails of blood seeping from cuts across his arms and legs. The remnants of his shadowy replica dissolved into the air, leaving behind an oppressive silence in the familiar courtyard. He remained there for a moment, gripping his sword tightly, the weight of his victory heavy in his chest.
The trial had pushed him further than he anticipated, forcing him to adapt, to overcome his own instincts, and to question his reliance on the power he had cultivated. Despite his exhaustion, a small, bitter smile tugged at his lips.
“So even the system thinks I’ve been too reliant on shadows,” he muttered to himself, his voice low.
A golden notification flared in the corner of his vision, pulling his attention upward.
System Notification:
* Special Trial Completed: Unyielding Vanguard
* Rewards:
* Stats Buff: All stats +1% per floor cleared.
* Item Acquired: Abyssal Core
The second line caught his attention.
Abyssal Core: A fragment of pure potential. Function unknown.
Jae-Hyun stared at the description for a moment before dismissing the notification. “Typical system,” he muttered, pushing himself upright. The soreness in his muscles and the sting of his wounds served as a stark reminder of how close he had come to failure. Even now, the cuts inflicted by his replica felt as though they lingered, ghostly remnants of the trial’s intensity.
The courtyard dissolved around him, replaced by the dim, eerie expanse of the Tower’s boss chamber. The transition was seamless, almost jarring, as though the trial had never happened. Yet the fatigue in his limbs and the dried blood on his skin told him otherwise. He took a deep breath, his gaze sharpening as he assessed his surroundings.
The other shadows greeted him immediately, forming an organized line in front of him. Each one held out their spoils: small, low-tier crystals gathered from weaker monsters throughout the earlier floors. Jae-Hyun glanced at the haul, nodding slightly. “Good work,” he said, his tone clipped but approving.
A ripple of movement at the back of the group caught his attention. Kaelzar stepped forward, his towering form casting a long shadow across the room. In his massive hands, he held a larger crystal—a mid-tier low crystal, shimmering faintly with condensed energy. Kaelzar presented it with a silent yet unmistakable air of pride, his crimson eyes glowing faintly as if to say, Look what I can do.
Jae-Hyun blinked, taken aback by the sight. For a moment, he simply stared, then sighed, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. “What, are you trying to compete with them now?”
Kaelzar didn’t respond—he never did—but his imposing stance spoke volumes. The massive Shadow General loomed silently, his posture almost expectant. Jae-Hyun shook his head, his smirk widening. “Fine, fine. Good job, Kaelzar.”
The faintest shift in Kaelzar’s stance suggested satisfaction, though his expression remained as stoic as ever. The sight of the fearsome Shadow General behaving almost like an overachieving pet lightened the oppressive mood of the Tower, if only for a moment. Jae-Hyun allowed himself a soft chuckle before turning his attention back to the task at hand.
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The next steps were clear. Jae-Hyun opened his status interface, his sharp blue eyes scanning the updated stats. The buff from the trial had already taken effect, enhancing his skills beyond their previous limits. The increased potential was palpable, though the weight of his earlier struggle lingered in his mind. The replica’s relentless attacks had exposed weaknesses he hadn’t fully acknowledged, forcing him to reevaluate his reliance on brute force and shadows.
His gaze flicked to the Abyssal Core in his inventory. Its purpose remained unclear, but its presence felt significant—a fragment of something larger, something he couldn’t yet grasp. The system’s cryptic nature was nothing new, but the core’s importance was undeniable. He would have to uncover its secrets later.
Before pressing onward, Jae-Hyun decided to retreat to the safety of his quarters. The trial had drained him, and even his enhanced stats couldn’t mask the exhaustion weighing on his body. The day had stretched long, and the toll of the Tower’s challenges demanded rest.
As he stepped out of the Tower, the cool evening air greeted him, a stark contrast to the suffocating atmosphere inside. The city beyond the Tower’s shadow buzzed with life, its streets illuminated by the warm glow of lanterns and bustling with adventurers. Jae-Hyun pulled his hood lower, blending into the crowd as he made his way back to his apartment.
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Once inside, Jae-Hyun sank into the worn leather chair by the window, the faint hum of the city below serving as a distant backdrop. He retrieved his phone, scrolling through a string of unread notifications. Ahri’s name stood out among them, her texts concise yet tinged with subtle concern:
Ahri:
* Found some interesting info on the Tower and about a ranking system.
* Silver Talon’s is gonna be raiding a rank A Gate. Looks like they’re gearing for something big.
* Haven’t heard from you all day. Everything okay?
Jae-Hyun stared at the screen for a moment before typing a brief response:
Jae-Hyun:
* Busy with some stuff. Forgot to check my phone. I’m fine.
He hesitated before hitting send, his thoughts briefly lingering on Ahri’s unspoken worry. Despite her sharp tongue and guarded demeanor, her concern slipped through in moments like these. He shook his head, dismissing the thought, and placed the phone aside.
The weight of the day pressed down on him, his body aching for rest. As he closed his eyes, his mind drifted to the challenges ahead. The Tower loomed large in his thoughts, its secrets and dangers pulling at his resolve. But beneath the fatigue, a spark of determination burned brighter than ever. No matter what lay ahead, he would continue to climb. He had no choice.
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System Notification: Hidden Item Detected. Location: Next Boss Floor. Proceed at Your Peril.
The message appeared faintly in the corner of his vision as he drifted into a restless sleep, a final reminder of the trials yet to come.
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The sun filtered through the curtains of Jae-Hyun’s apartment, casting warm rays that danced across the floor. The quiet hum of the city outside was a stark contrast to the oppressive silence of the Tower he had faced the day before. Sitting at the small cafe table, Jae-Hyun sipped his tea, the warmth grounding him as he scrolled absentmindedly through his phone. Ahri was already perched on the couch, her legs tucked under her as she meticulously sharpened her blade.
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Breaking the silence, Ahri glanced up, her sharp eyes catching his attention. “You know,” she began, her tone casual, “I found out something interesting last night.”
Jae-Hyun raised an eyebrow but didn’t look up from his phone. “Hmm?”
“There’s a place here in the city where adventurers can get their strength officially ranked,” she said, a spark of curiosity lacing her voice. “They have specialized tests to evaluate combat abilities, mana reserves, and overall potential.”
Jae-Hyun finally set his phone down, giving her a skeptical look. “Why would we need that? I already know where I stand.”
Ahri rolled her eyes, setting her blade aside with a clink. “You might, but don’t you think it’s useful for others to know how strong we are? And besides, I want to see where I rank. It could be fun.”
“I don’t need to announce my strength to the world,” Jae-Hyun replied bluntly, leaning back in his chair. “And neither do you. What’s the point?”
Ahri crossed her arms, her lips curving into a sly smile. “Well, for one, it’ll make it easier for us to navigate certain circles. People take rank seriously, especially guilds. And secondly, you’re no fun.”
Jae-Hyun’s expression remained unchanged. “I have no intention of joining any guilds, so that doesn’t matter.”
Ahri stood, brushing off imaginary dust from her outfit. “Fine. Don’t do it for the guilds. Do it because I want to know my rank—and I want you to come with me.”
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Ahri—”
“And,” she interrupted, leaning slightly forward with a teasing glint in her eyes, “you don’t even have to announce your entity or your rank. Just do the test and keep the results to yourself if you’re so worried about privacy. No one has to know.”
Jae-Hyun opened his mouth to argue but found himself faltering under her determined gaze. Finally, he pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. “You’re not going to drop this, are you?”
“Nope,” she said brightly, grabbing her jacket. “So, let’s go. We don’t have all day.”
Grumbling under his breath, Jae-Hyun stood and grabbed his own coat. “You’re impossible.”
“That’s why you are with me” she quipped, heading for the door. “Come on, Mr. Mysterious. Time to get ranked.”
As they stepped out into the bustling city streets, Jae-Hyun couldn’t help but wonder how the day would unfold. Something about this felt unnecessary, yet he couldn’t entirely shake the curiosity brewing in the back of his mind. If nothing else, it was a chance to see Ahri’s determination in action—and that, at least, promised to be amusing.
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Ahri waited patiently in the lobby of the ranking center, her sharp eyes scanning the room. The space was bustling with adventurers, some chatting excitedly about their evaluations, others brooding quietly. She leaned against the wall, her sword resting by her side, exuding an air of quiet confidence. Despite her casual demeanor, she felt slightly out of place. Most of the adventurers here were part of guilds, their crests proudly displayed on their armor, while she and Jae-Hyun had walked in as independents.
It wasn’t long before someone approached her—a tall, cocky adventurer with an easy grin. He looked like the type who thrived on attention, his posture relaxed but calculated. “Hey there,” he said smoothly, his tone dripping with charm. “You must be new around here. I’d remember seeing someone like you.”
Ahri raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Someone like me?” she echoed, her tone flat.
“Strong, capable, beautiful,” he said with a wink. “You don’t see that combination every day.”
She crossed her arms, her expression unchanging. “Right. And you’re what? The welcoming committee?”
The adventurer chuckled, undeterred by her sarcasm. “You could say that. Name’s Dae-Ho. And you are?”
Before Ahri could respond, Jae-Hyun’s voice cut through the din, sharp and commanding. “Ahri.”
She turned to see him approaching. His presence was as imposing as ever, and the shift in the room’s energy was palpable. Without a word, he placed a hand on her shoulder and said, “It’s your turn. Let’s go.”
Dae-Ho’s grin faltered as he stepped back, his confidence momentarily shaken. Jae-Hyun’s sharp blue eyes met his for a brief moment—a silent warning—and then he turned, guiding Ahri toward the evaluation chambers.
As they walked away, Dae-Ho’s friend nudged him with a smirk. “Yo, bro, you don’t stand a chance if that’s her boyfriend.”
Dae-Ho scowled, muttering under his breath. “Didn’t exactly see a ring on her finger.”
“Yeah, but did you see that guy? He looks like he could tear you apart with a glare, and I'm not talking about looks” his friend replied, laughing.
Meanwhile, Ahri glanced up at Jae-Hyun, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “Boyfriend, huh?”
“Don’t start,” he muttered, his tone exasperated but not entirely dismissive.
Ahri smirked but let the matter drop as they reached the evaluation room. She couldn’t resist, though, sneaking one last glance at Dae-Ho, who was now trying—and failing—to look unfazed.
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Ahri exited the evaluation chamber, her steps slower than usual. Her grip on the hilt of her sword was tight, her expression composed, but the faint tension in her posture betrayed her thoughts. She had received her rank—C. It wasn’t a bad rank, especially for an independent adventurer without guild resources or specialized training. Yet, deep down, she had hoped for more. Something in her heart had wanted validation, a sign that her efforts were enough.
But she wouldn’t let it show. Not to Jae-Hyun. She’d die before admitting she was even slightly disappointed.
Jae-Hyun leaned against the wall just outside the chamber, his arms crossed and his sharp blue eyes scanning the room. When he saw her approach, he pushed off the wall and stepped toward her.
“How did it go?” he asked, his tone neutral.
Ahri looked away, her voice carefully even. “Rank C. Nothing too surprising.”
Jae-Hyun nodded once. “C is solid. You’ll catch up.”
She shot him a sidelong glance, catching the subtle implication in his tone. “You make it sound like that’s an easy thing to do,” she said, her voice light but edged with a hint of bitterness. “You know how hard it is to move up the ranks once they’re set. The ranking is brutal.”
Jae-Hyun tilted his head slightly. “Hard doesn’t mean impossible.”
She huffed softly. “Sure. It just means endless grinding, taking on missions way above your comfort zone, and praying the ranking system deems you worthy of another evaluation. Most people stay stuck where they are for years.”
Jae-Hyun shrugged, his tone dismissive. “Most people don’t try hard enough.”
The response wasn’t meant to be cutting, but it stung nonetheless. Ahri felt her grip tighten slightly on her sword’s hilt.
He doesn’t get it, she thought. Not everyone’s like him, breaking through every obstacle like it’s just another step. It’s not that I don’t want to try, Ahri thought, keeping her expression neutral. It’s just… so many adventurers never move past their initial rank. Some spend their entire lives stuck, no matter how much they fight for it. What if I’m one of them?
She pushed the thought aside, forcing a faint smirk onto her lips as she turned back to Jae-Hyun. If she was going to rank up, she wouldn’t do it by worrying. She would do it by climbing, fighting, and proving herself—just like he always seemed to.
“And you? What did you get?”
Before Jae-Hyun could answer, a presence approached them, one that immediately commanded attention. A woman in ornate yet practical gear strode toward them, her auburn hair tied back in a loose braid and her striking green eyes sparkling with a mix of curiosity and authority. She moved with a natural grace, though her slightly hurried steps gave her an air of clumsy determination.
Ahri stiffened slightly, recognizing her instantly. “That’s Han Min-Seo,” she whispered quickly to Jae-Hyun, her tone low. “Leader of Arcane Concord.”
Jae-Hyun tilted his head, leaning slightly toward her. “Who?” he whispered back, keeping his voice quiet.
Min-Seo stopped a few paces away, raising an eyebrow as a faint smile tugged at her lips. “You know, it’s rude to whisper in front of people,” she said, her voice playful yet commanding.
Jae-Hyun straightened, his expression shifting to mild annoyance as Ahri tried to stifle a laugh.
“Forgive us,” Ahri said quickly, stepping forward and bowing her head slightly. “I’m Ahri. It’s an honor to meet you, Leader Min-Seo.”
“Just Min-Seo is fine,” the guild leader replied with a warm smile. “No need to be so formal. So, what brings you two here?” Her eyes flicked between them, lingering on Jae-Hyun for a moment longer than necessary. “I felt your aura earlier,” she added, her tone casual but her gaze sharp. “It’s stronger than the last time I saw you. You’ve been busy.”
Jae-Hyun’s sharp gaze lingered on Han Min-Seo as she spoke. There was something in her tone—friendly, almost too much so. Her eyes carried a glimmer of curiosity, but beneath it, Jae-Hyun thought he caught a flicker of something else. Was it calculation? Interest? Whatever it was, he didn’t like it.
Why is she paying so much attention to me? The thought crossed his mind unbidden, but he quickly pushed it aside, unwilling to let paranoia cloud his judgment. Still, he made a mental note to tread carefully. Leaders like her didn’t rise to prominence without a knack for reading people and playing games.
When she mentioned his aura, his expression darkened subtly. The evaluation should have been private, yet she was able to sense something had changed. It was a reminder that no matter how strong he became, there would always be eyes watching, waiting for a weakness to exploit.
Jae-Hyun’s expression didn’t waver. “Have we met before? We were here for evaluations,” he said simply.
“Not really. What ranks did you get?” Min-Seo asked, her curiosity genuine.
Ahri stepped in first. “I got Rank C,” she said, her tone steady though she avoided looking directly at Min-Seo. “It’s nothing impressive, but it’s a start.”
Min-Seo’s smile widened. “That’s a great rank. Plenty of people never even make it that far. It’s a solid foundation to build on.”
She turned to Jae-Hyun expectantly. “And you?”
Jae-Hyun’s gaze was unwavering as he replied, “I can't share my rank”
Min-Seo blinked, slightly taken aback, but her surprise quickly turned into understanding. “Ah, I see. Some people like to keep that private. That’s fair.” She gave him a knowing look. “But if you’re ever interested, Arcane Concord is always open to strong, independent adventurers. You two would make excellent additions.”
Ahri opened her mouth to respond, but Jae-Hyun cut her off. “Thanks, but no. We’re not interested.” His tone was firm but polite, leaving no room for argument.
Min-Seo tilted her head, studying him for a moment before nodding. “Fair enough. But the offer stands. If you ever need help or change your mind, don’t hesitate to reach out. Arcane Concord is always willing to support promising individuals.”
“We’ll keep that in mind,” Jae-Hyun said, his voice steady.
Min-Seo’s smile softened, and she stepped back, giving them space. “Take care, both of you. And Ahri, don’t underestimate Rank C. It’s a good starting point, and I have no doubt you’ll climb higher. As for you…” She glanced at Jae-Hyun, her gaze lingering. “I’ll be watching your progress. Something tells me we will meet again.”
With that, she turned and walked away, her braid swaying slightly as she disappeared into the crowd.
Ahri let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “Well, that was… something.”
Jae-Hyun’s expression remained stoic, though his gaze followed Min-Seo for a moment before he turned back to Ahri. “Let’s go.”
As they left the evaluation center, Ahri glanced at him. “You’re really not going to tell me your rank?”
“No,” he replied simply.
She sighed dramatically. “Fine. Be mysterious. But you’re buying lunch to make up for it.”
Jae-Hyun gave her a sidelong glance but didn’t argue. For now, the quiet companionship between them was enough.
Ahri followed Jae-Hyun in silence as they exited the ranking center, her grip tightening on the hilt of her sword. She kept her posture relaxed and her expression neutral, but inside, a faint sense of dissatisfaction gnawed at her.
Rank C… It’s fine. Good, even. Plenty of adventurers would kill for it. The thought did little to ease the tension in her chest. She had hoped for more—needed more. In a world that rewarded strength above all else, "good" wasn’t enough, specially if she wanted to stay by Jae-Hyun side.
She glanced at his back as he walked ahead, his posture exuding an effortless confidence. He didn’t even need to share his rank; his strength was self-evident. Compared to him, her achievements felt insignificant, no matter how much she tried to rationalize otherwise.
With a quiet exhale, she shook her head. Focus. This isn’t about comparing yourself to him or anyone else. This is just the beginning. Despite the doubts that lingered at the edges of her mind, determination burned quietly within her. If Rank C was her starting point, then she would make it her mission to climb higher—no matter how long it took.
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The streets were alive with the usual hum of city life as Jae-Hyun and Ahri exited the ranking center. The warm glow of lanterns lined the sidewalks, casting long shadows as adventurers bustled about, lost in their own worlds of quests and ambitions. But for Ahri, the vibrant cityscape faded into the background, her mind consumed by an internal storm she could no longer suppress.
The two walked in silence, Jae-Hyun’s gaze fixed ahead while Ahri lingered a few steps behind, her hand clutching the hilt of her sword. The rank—that stupid rank—clawed at her mind with every step. C-rank. The words felt like a branding, a declaration of mediocrity she couldn’t shake. She clenched her jaw, trying to push the thoughts away, but the weight of it bore down harder with each passing second.
Finally, unable to hold it in any longer, she broke the silence. “How did you get this strong?” Her voice was quiet but carried an unmistakable edge, as though she’d been turning the question over in her mind for hours.
Jae-Hyun glanced at her, caught off guard by the sudden question. He shrugged slightly, his tone detached. “I kept training, set some goals, and eventually, by pure luck, I got this strong.”
The words hit Ahri like a punch to the gut. She stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening in disbelief as they locked onto his back. For a moment, she was speechless, the storm inside her erupting all at once.
“Pure luck?” she echoed, her voice trembling. Jae-Hyun turned to face her, confusion flickering across his expression. “You’re saying you’re this strong because of pure luck? Are you kidding me?”
Her words came faster now, a torrent of frustration and self-doubt that she could no longer hold back. “Is that all it takes, then? Am I just unlucky? Is that why I’m so weak? Why can’t I be stronger? Why can’t I ever be of real help?”
Jae-Hyun’s eyes widened slightly, and he opened his mouth to speak, but Ahri pressed on, her voice cracking as tears began to pool in her eyes. “Do you even understand how it feels to constantly fall short? To watch you stand there, so far ahead, while I—I’m stuck here, useless?”
The tears began to fall, her voice softening but no less filled with pain. “And you… why can’t you open up to me? Did I ever do something to make you shut me out? I know you’ve been keeping secrets. At first, I understood. But I thought we were closer now. I thought you trusted me.”
Jae-Hyun stepped forward, his hand raised slightly in a gesture of reassurance, but she shook her head. “I thought you’d at least tell me how you became so strong. But you don’t even trust me with that.”
For a moment, silence hung between them, broken only by the muffled sounds of the city in the distance. Jae-Hyun’s lips parted, his voice quieter now, tinged with regret. “Ahri…”
He hesitated, then said, “I got B rank.”
Ahri froze, the revelation cutting through her turmoil like a blade. Her tears stopped as she stared at him, her disbelief evident. “That’s impossible,” she said, shaking her head. “From what I’ve seen, you’re far stronger than that. You’re lying.”
Jae-Hyun sighed deeply, his sharp blue eyes softening. He placed a hand gently on her shoulder, his touch grounding her in the moment. “I’m not lying. And I’ll tell you everything, but not here. We need to go somewhere private.”
Ahri’s lips pressed into a thin line as she searched his face for answers. Whatever she saw there—his sincerity, his determination—it was enough to make her nod. “Alright,” she whispered. “But no more dodging. I want the truth.”
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They found a secluded rooftop overlooking the city, the cool evening air wrapping around them like a comforting shroud. Jae-Hyun leaned against the edge of the rooftop, his gaze distant as he began to speak.
“There’s a lot you don’t know about me,” he said, his voice low and steady. “And it’s not because I don’t trust you. It’s because it’s hard to explain.”
Ahri stood a few feet away, her arms crossed, waiting silently. She didn’t press him, letting him find the words on his own.
“My family betrayed me,” Jae-Hyun began, his tone calm but laced with an undercurrent of pain. “They took everything from me. My home, my future, my… my sister. They left me for dead.”
Ahri’s eyes widened, her lips parting slightly in shock, but she remained silent as he continued.
“When I should’ve died, I awakened to… something. A skill, if you want to call it that. It allows me to grow faster than normal people. To get stronger in ways that most can’t. But it came with a price. It’s… complicated.”
He paused, his gaze shifting to her. “I’ve been trying to figure it all out, but it’s not just about me anymore. I’m doing this for my sister, for the people I lost.”
Ahri’s breath caught at the last part, her chest tightening. “Jae-Hyun…”
He shook his head. “I’m not telling you this to make you feel sorry for me. I’m telling you because I need you to understand why I’ve been the way I am. Why I’ve kept things to myself.”
Ahri stepped closer, her expression softening. “I’m sorry,” she said quietly. “For everything you’ve been through. And for pushing you tonight. I didn’t realize…”
Jae-Hyun gave her a faint smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You don’t need to apologize. If anything, I’m the one who should.”
He hesitated for a moment, then said, “There’s something else. A skill I have. It's like a bond.”
Ahri tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her gaze. “What does it do?”
Jae-Hyun’s expression grew serious. “It’s a skill that allows someone to grow alongside me. To share in my strength. But it comes with risks.”
Her brows furrowed. “What kind of risks?”
He looked away briefly, his voice dropping. “The skill doesn’t explain much. All I know is that if one of us dies… the other suffers severe consequences. And there might be other risks I don’t even know about yet.”
Ahri’s gaze didn’t waver. “Why are you telling me this?”
Jae-Hyun met her eyes, his voice steady. “Because I want to offer it to you. I know you’ve been feeling like you’re not enough, and I know that feeling, but trust me, you are. You’re strong, Ahri. But if this bond can help you reach your potential faster, I want to give you that chance.”
Ahri stared at him, her mind racing. The offer was tempting, but the risks loomed large. She thought of the battles ahead, of the strength she’d need to stand beside Jae-Hyun. Finally, she spoke, her voice quiet but firm. “If I say yes… will you promise me something?”
“Anything,” Jae-Hyun replied without hesitation.
“No more secrets,” she said, her gaze piercing. “If we’re going to do this, I need to know I can trust you completely.”
He nodded, his expression resolute. “No more secrets.”
Ahri took a deep breath, her decision made. “Alright. Let’s do this.”
She swallowed hard, her earlier doubts still echoing in her mind. But standing beside Jae-Hyun, she felt something else—a fierce resolve burning in her chest. She would not let fear hold her back. If this bond could make her stronger, then she would take the risk. For him, for herself, for the future that she wanted.
As Jae-Hyun activated the skill, a golden notification appeared before his eyes:
System Notification: "Abyssal Bond will now commence. Warning: Activation will trigger a chain of unforeseen consequences. Proceed?"
He hesitated for a moment, the weight of the warning sinking in. Turning to Ahri, he saw her nod, her trust in him unwavering.
He hesitated, the weight of the system’s warning bearing down on him. What did it mean by "unforeseen consequences"? His mind raced through the possibilities. Was it worth the risk? If something went wrong, could he bear the thought of Ahri suffering because of him?*
But then he looked at her—standing firm despite her own doubts—and knew he couldn’t let her face the world unprepared. Whatever came of this, he would carry the burden if it meant keeping her safe.
With a deep breath, he selected Proceed.