novelraw Chapter 278 : Suicide Squad (2)
Chapter 278 : Suicide Squad (2)
An uninhabited island about 80km away from Ulleungdo.
It was a floating island formed by the accumulation of sediment with the carcass of a once-powerful and gigantic S-rank marine demonic beast called "Jormungandr," whose strength was significant enough to be recorded in past history.
A death zone filled with toxin-like magical energy, with nothing to eat, where no human or demonic beast lived.
However, in that area, unreachable even by satellites, there was an entrance leading to [Catacomb].
"To think it was hidden in a place like this."
Captain Son Ji-gwang frowned in the midst of the terrible smell and horribly unpleasant atmosphere as he quietly emerged.
"Are you familiar with this place, Captain Son?"
Captain Baek Seungyun of the 5th Unit asked.
With an imposing aura like a boulder, he held a heavy war hammer suited to his robust physique and had his body wrapped in solid protective equipment.
"Of course I know it. It happened when you all were young."
Son Ji-gwang said.
"Around that time, there was a demonic beast called 'Jormungandr' in the East Sea region. It had a gigantic body reminiscent of that monster from Norse mythology, a sturdy body and deadly poison, and even the cunning habit of quickly escaping underwater when faced with a formidable subjugation team."
"I think I've heard that name."
'Fist King' Jin Seong-geun of the 10th Unit interjected.
"I was young like you all back then. It was finally subjugated thanks to the joint attack of 'Sword God' Lee Un-hak, who was a legend in the hunter industry at the time, and 'Hero' Seo Dong-jin, who was sent from our Execution Force as support. The carcass was so vast that only the main parts were collected, and the rest was left untouched."
"I see. The remaining carcass gathered to form a floating island like this. It makes me wonder just how large and powerful a demonic beast it was."
"I agree."
"So they dug a home and lived under the carcass of such a demonic beast? Like cockroaches."
Captain Kang Ji-min of the 12th Unit, the ‘Grim Reaper,’ who had been listening, didn't hide her contempt.
"Well, doesn't it suit them perfectly?"
Captain Go Seongjin of the 13th Unit spat.
"Cockroach-like bastards swarming in such a cockroach nest is natural."
"Well... if I were to predict the structure, it might be closer to an ant colony."
Captain Seol Ji-yun of the 3rd Unit shrugged.
"Anyway, considering the materials that smuggler transported, there should be quite a vast space spread out inside."
Captain Son Ji-gwang said.
"This is a floating island, but there might also be passages that lead to the underground beneath the sea floor."
"We'll only know everything once we go in."
Jin Seong-geun said with a serious expression.
"That's right. What defenses they've set up, how many forces are hidden. Everything is unknown."
"Don't worry."
Captain Seol Ji-yun of the 3rd Unit stepped forward.
"Whatever preparations they've made, we can just burn everything first and then start."
"And then I'll push through."
Captain Baek Seungyun of the 5th Unit thumped his broad chest firmly.
"With the 3rd and 5th Unit Captains opening the path, this is reassuring."
"I truly agree."
The other Captains nodded at Son Ji-gwang's smile.
"...And Su-hyeon."
Son Ji-gwang turned to Su-hyeon and said.
"I regret that our strength is lacking, requiring us to bring you to this dangerous place."
"I joined because I'm suitable for the task. Rather, I consider it an honor."
"Ah, listening to your words is always a pleasure."
Son Ji-gwang smiled kindly.
"Well, it's time."
Captain Seol Ji-yun stepped forward and regulated her breathing.
"Let's begin."
"Haaap!"
Wharlrlrlruk!
Intense flames that could turn the mortal world into hell rose from Seol Ji-yun's fingertips.
"Here we go."
Kwaaaang!
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A group of Ma-in appeared somewhere on the mountainside overlooking the nuclear power plant complex.
"What is this? A fortress? A castle?"
One Ma-in muttered.
"Well, it's a common sight in this era."
Vast grounds with no visible end.
Massive power plant buildings standing on it.
This was the source of power supplying more than half of South Korea's electricity.
Maximum security facilities had been established in the core areas for protection.
"This looks like it won't be easily penetrated."
As one executive muttered, the Vampire Queen instead wiggled her finger, saying it was good.
"It's killing two birds with one stone. If this place falls into panic, the chaos will be greater."
"However, we must be cautious of any possible explosions."
'Asura' Seong Ji-cheol interjected.
"How fleeting a death it would be to die caught in an explosion in a place like this."
"According to your words, isn't that fleetingness the emptiness of fate?"
Seong Ji-cheol stared at Song Yeonhui's face for a moment before saying.
"You're on edge, Queen."
"Oh my. I suppose I am."
Song Yeonhui, after touching her lips, redrew a smile on her pale face.
"I can't help it. I too feel solemn about the sacrifice of Hwang Won-jae, who has dedicated everything for the descent of Him."
"Indeed."
She knew well that she would probably never see Hwang Won-jae again.
'I've done everything I can. From now on, I entrust to you the mission of opening the door to Nastrond in accordance with His will.'
Recalling Hwang Won-jae's words, Song Yeonhui muttered.
"Hwang Won-jae. That person was annoying, but a good comrade. Without him, we couldn't have come this far."
"I agree."
Seong Ji-cheol said.
"But leave such soft emotions here. They will be useless emotions in His era."
"Yes. I suppose so."
Song Yeonhui smirked.
"Currently guarding that place are the 4th and 8th Units."
"Ahn Byeong-jun and Ma Seungeon. Outstanding warriors, but names insufficient to stop the 'Asura' and 'Vampire Queen'."
Seong Ji-cheol simultaneously drew his six weapons, and...
Dak!
Song Yeonhui snapped her fingers.
"My children who have survived the long battles. And our comrades."
As blood light flickered in the Queen's eyes, vampires and Ma-in stepped forward.
"Go. Open my path with your deaths."
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"Make way!"
As Baek Seungyun, wrapped in brilliant light, swung his war hammer and pushed forward, all the efforts of the Ma-in who had spread dozens of layers of defense lines came to naught.
"Kwaaaak!"
"Don't retreat! Maintain formation!"
"Bullshit! Try coming here yourself and talk!"
The combat personnel boasted by the [Sword of Belphegor].
Their response, having anticipated the intrusion and springing out as soon as they detected the attack, was truly swift.
But Seol Ji-yun's flames rendered their preparations useless.
"Damn it! How can they be so strong?"
"Can't you tell even when you see it? They're all Captain-level!"
"Damn it!"
Every time Baek Seungyun's axe and Seol Ji-yun's flames surged, blood and death dominated the tower that extended deep underground.
"Did these ones anticipate our coming? Their response is swift!"
"Who knows? It's impossible to tell! But they always prepare for the slightest possibility. They've always been that way!"
Son Ji-gwang, following behind, launched materialized fighting energy from a distance, causing explosions.
"You're right!"
Chwajajajak!
Kang Ji-min's chain sickle ripped through the surroundings.
"Leave the rear to me!"
Ppeok! Ppaak!
Jin Seong-geun's hands and feet knocked down Ma-in like maces, solidly protecting the rear.
"How is it, manageable?"
"Yes. It's fine."
Su-hyeon, who had been conserving his strength while occasionally launching Flying Strikes, nodded.
"Good. Don't exert too much here! A secret blade should be saved!"
Kwaaang!
The fortress of the Ma-in, which had never allowed enemy intrusion, was now collapsing like autumn leaves before the 11-member suicide squad.
How far down had they gone?
When the Ma-in blocking the front no longer appeared, and the Captains began to smile in anticipation of mission success, four different staircases blocked their path.
"Hmm."
"In this case, we have no choice but to split up."
Exchanging glances, the Captains each stepped in front of three of the staircases, and Su-hyeon headed for the rightmost one.
"I'll go alone."
"By yourself? Isn't that too reckless, no matter how you look at it?"
At Captain Seol Ji-yun's doubt, Captain Son Ji-gwang shook his head.
"Don't worry. Su-hyeon is the strongest among us."
"...!"
At the declaration of Son Ji-gwang, who was the most senior among them and possessed the most outstanding skills, Baek Seungyun, who didn't know Su-hyeon well, twitched his eyebrows.
"Is he really at that level?"
"Hard to believe, right? But I lost to this guy without even putting up a fight."
When Jin Seong-geun chimed in, Captain Go Seongjin nodded.
"Neither of you are people who would tell lies, right? Let's trust him."
"...Alright. It's not the time for a long debate anyway."
Baek Seungyun turned to Su-hyeon and said.
"If we survive here, and someday peace comes. Then let's have a match."
"Isn't that a death flag?"
"Tsk, don't say such ominous things."
Reproach immediately poured from around.
"Ahem. That wasn't my intention."
Baek Seungyun apologized with a fake cough.
"Well then, I'll arbitrarily form the groups. Is that okay?"
Son Ji-gwang said.
"Yes, we'll follow Captain Son's intention."
"Thank you. Sometimes being old has its advantages."
Son Ji-gwang, who laughed softly, decided the groups.
"Captain Seol Ji-yun and Captain Jin Seong-geun on the far left. Captain Kang Ji-min and I will take the one next to it, and Captain Go Seongjin and Captain Baek Seungyun, please take the one to our right."
"Understood."
"With Captain Go accompanying me, I feel reassured."
"The remaining four Deputy Captains can stand where they wish."
"Yes."
Having completed the arrangement, Son Ji-gwang looked around at everyone and said.
"We don't need long words. Be faithful to the operation, but decide according to your own judgment. I wish you good fortune."
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The rightmost staircase I chose had looser defenses than expected.
'Is it a dud? Or the winning ticket?'
I just continued to descend underground, barely exerting any effort, simply launching a few Flying Strikes or running by stepping on Mana Shields.
There was an elevator nearby on the way, but...
'Getting in there would literally be asking to be trapped and killed.'
What if they released poison gas or set off a bomb?
'Especially chemical attacks like poison gas are dangerous regardless of strength.'
"Intruder! Stop right there!"
'He's strong. Must be A-rank.'
Occasionally, combat personnel with outstanding strength blocked my way, but...
Deng-gang!
With one swing of my Moonless Sword, their heads inevitably flew through the air.
'It should be about time for an executive to appear.'
Just as I thought I should be reaching the deep level after coming down this far.
"Kuhahahahaha! I knew you would come!"
With a familiar laugh, 'Battle Maniac' Jang Su-il blocked my path.
"It seems I've drawn the winning ticket! I was just hoping you would come, you bastard!"
"Jang Su-il. So it's you."
"Yes, you little shit! We've finally met on the one-log bridge!"
Jang Su-il growled and burst forth with fierce magical energy.
"I see. I agree. Even you, who used to run away at the slightest disadvantage, would have no way to escape here."
I put my Moonless Sword back in its sheath and provoked Jang Su-il.
"I'll specially not use my sword, so don't run away and show me your mettle too."
"What did you say, you bastard?"
Jang Su-il's brow furrowed as if hearing something unexpected.
"Don't you think it's pathetic that you run away when things are disadvantageous and you might die, even though you pride yourself as a Battle Maniac? That's what people call fake madness."
"Huh."
Blood vessels popped up on Jang Su-il's forehead.
"You've got quite a mouth on you."
"It's the same this time too. If it seems like you can't win fighting me, you'll try to run away, but unfortunately, this is your base. You probably don't have a way to escape."
"Huhuhu."
Jang Su-il laughed with a face full of killing intent, as if it wasn't funny at all.
"Now you look a bit scary when you laugh like that."
"Shut up!"
Bwoong!
A powerful straight punch comparable to a shell came flying unexpectedly, but...
'So predictable. The trajectory, the speed, the power.'
I no longer felt any threat from the fist of Jang Su-il, an S+ rank Ma-in who once made the mortal world tremble with fear.
Tak!
After lightly parrying the fist by extending my front hand...
Ppaak!
I planted a whip-like front hook into Jang Su-il's temple.
"Kughk!"
Despite staggering from the ominous power, a reckless follow-up strike flew toward my face, but...
Swoek.
After flowing away from the fist with a light head movement...
Ppeok!
I detonated a weighted backhand straight into Jang Su-il's glabella.
"Kughk!"
Bewilderment appeared on Jang Su-il's face as he stepped back three paces.
"'Battle Maniac' Jang Su-il. Until now, you've probably prided yourself as the strongest solely with your innate power and physique."
Taking two steps toward him, I said.
"Without that, you are nothing."
"Huh."
Jang Su-il ferociously bared his fangs.
"Isn't that obvious? The strong are born, not made."
"That's why you couldn't surpass the Vampire Queen and Asura."
"Huhu. A year ago, you were just a bug rolling your eyes trying to somehow withstand me. You've grown a lot."
Woooong!
The tattoos densely covering Jang Su-il's entire body emitted a bright light.
"Let's see if you can still say the same after taking my full-power punch."
"As much as you want."
I said.
"But when you hear those words again, it will be after your legs have given out and you're kneeling before me, bowing your head."