Chapter 870

EP.870 [Light Novel Side Story] Creator of Death 1 Volume 017

Keeaaak!

A goblin emerged from the darkness and launched a surprise attack. However, as if boasting about its lack of intelligence, the goblin swung a rusted sword while letting out a ferocious roar.

“…!”

Raon, who had just turned the corner, tried to block the goblin with his spear but froze at the direction of the raised sword.

The goblin’s blade was aimed straight for Raon’s heart. Nuri, who followed behind, rushed forward in alarm.

“Danger-”

Kaaang!

The goblin’s sword collided with Raon’s suit’s breastplate and deflected to the side. Regaining his senses, Raon jammed the rusty sword under his armpit and kicked the goblin with a raised foot.

Keeaaak?!

Puk! Puk! Like a madman, Raon wildly kicked the fallen goblin. As if it were an old grudge, Raon relentlessly assaulted the goblin until it spat blood and died.

Gurk, Gurrrlek. The goblin corpse dissolved into the dungeon floor, leaving only a single core, a mix of purple and black, lying on the ground. Breathing heavily, Raon touched his suit.

“Haa, haa. Phew.”

Though sharp sword marks remained, there were no wounds on his body. Raon sighed in relief and leaned against the wall as Yuna hurried over and extended her hand.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes. Fortunately, I’m fine.”

Raon’s lips trembled. Yuna ran her thumb over the sword mark on the outside of the suit.

“Don’t worry. It’ll repair itself automatically at this level.”

“Hoo, hoo.”

While Yuna calmed Raon down, Xian retrieved the goblin’s core. After confirming the dark amethyst core contained traces of violet organs, Xian clicked their tongue.

“Looks like we have ‘demons’ around here too.”

“Monsters from ‘the Other World’?”

Nuri asked, and Xian nodded. Putting the core into their pocket, Xian pulled out a gun from inside their coat.

“Whether it’s the boss or a wandering demon, judging by how these low-level mobs are affected… ”

“In the worst case, it could be C-Rank.”

At Raon’s words, Yuna and Nuri’s faces paled. Xian also tightened their expression as they opened the cover of their firearm.

“Yuna.”

“Guild Master.”

“It’s insurance. Don’t worry.”

Yuna glanced between Raon and Nuri before pulling out bullets stored in her shirt pocket. A giant bullet mixed with gray caught Raon’s attention. Nuri showed interest in the bulky bullet’s length.

“Uncle. Is this your bullet?”

“It’s more like insurance. Just keep them safe up front.”

“Hoo.”

Raon also showed interest. Feeling the weight of Raon and Nuri’s gaze, Xian pointed toward the next corner.

“Let’s keep moving. Don’t rely too much on the suit’s defense, and avoid what you can. Got it?”

“Yes.”

The group continued forward. Xian subtly positioned Yuna in front of them and guarded the rear, ready for anything that might appear.

Kyaahh!

“Where?!”

Nuri immediately stabbed the goblin emerging from the floor. As if personally attacked, Nuri drove the sword deep into the goblin’s shoulder joint.

“Now!”

Held back by Nuri, the goblin met its end when Raon’s spear pierced through it. Together, they simultaneously withdrew their weapons as the goblin corpse dissolved, leaving only the core.

“Seems like we’re starting to get the hang of it.”

“For now, we can overpower them with magic power and equipment.”

Xian’s voice was tense. Yuna gripped her staff tightly, feeling the tension herself.

“Technically, this expedition relies entirely on the two of you. If the boss is the usual ‘goblin sorcerer,’ it will be an easy raid…”

But as with the slime case, there’s a possibility a higher-tier ‘elite’ boss may appear.

In the worst case-

“No. That won’t happen.”

Muttering to himself, Xian moved forward, making Yuna feel uneasy.

Will everything really be alright? But there was nothing Yuna could do.

* * *

<At that moment, Gaon Nori's Room 501.>

“Mom!”

“My ears are ringing, brat.”

While peeling fruit and watching TV, Seohyang waved Gaon away impatiently. Although Gaon had the highest mastery of special abilities, the household authority still rested firmly with Seohyang.

Unable to communicate with her mother, Gaon immediately turned to her father—Kim Doyun—and shouted.

“Dad, Dad, aren’t you worried about Nuri?”

“I am.”

Sitting on the couch with one arm in a cast, Doyun muttered. Seeing Doyun agreeing with him, Gaon brightened up. Doyun grabbed the fork offered by Seohyang with his other hand. A beautifully cut apple hung from the tip.

“I’m worried she might cause trouble with that young man.”

“Dad!”

Not exactly. At least better than the daughter who never comes home.”

Seohyang’s sharp remark made Doyun try to stop her, but once the lid was off, Seohyang growled at Gaon.

“Who do you think helped arrange your father’s medical bills? Thanks to Mr. Xian.”

“But that was when I couldn’t contact anyone!”

“Just trust me. Compared to your foreign guild member daughter who doesn’t even introduce us, Xian is a gentleman.”

“It’s Oracle Studio, definitely.”

Doyun nodded thoughtfully as he mulled over Xian’s identity passed on by Seohyang.

Even though he has lost his special ability and become an ordinary person, the former ‘Round Table Hero’ Oracle’s reputation as a seer hasn’t faded. On the contrary, despite losing his prophetic powers, he continues to pursue world peace using his wealth and efforts, remaining a notable figure.

“That’s definitely a lie.”

Gaon gritted her teeth confidently. Seohyang shook her head in exasperation.

“Stop it. Your sister being in Cheonan right now is much better. If she came back to New Seoul, every guild would go crazy trying to recruit her.”

“So that’s actually better!”

Using magical gear, Gaon sent data collected over the past two days to Seohyang.

“Enough already-”

Seohyang’s expression hardened. Watching from behind, Doyun’s face turned red as he stood up from his seat.

“That guy came to Korea to establish a guild!!”

The link Gaon sent displayed an announcement recruiting members for Xian’s new guild.

* * *

Bang! Raon’s spear whistled horizontally through the air. The faint magical energy emanating from the spearblade startled the goblin, causing it to freeze momentarily. Seizing the opportunity, Nuri darted forward from Raon’s right.

Puck. Taking a large step forward, Nuri thrust her sword into the frozen goblin.

Nuri had discovered an ‘efficient magical output’ technique capable of instantly depleting a goblin’s vitality, disposing of it effortlessly while retrieving the core.

Wiping the splattered goblin blood from her cheek with the back of her hand, Nuri tossed the core.

“Uncle, loot.”

“Right.”

Xian caught the core with his right hand and slipped it into his pocket with unnatural speed, causing Raon to tilt his head in curiosity.

“Xian, did you play baseball?”

“No. I just instinctively reached out because the core is precious.”

Xian twirled his right arm and chuckled, then immediately gestured sternly at Nuri.

“Be careful not to damage the core. The more damaged it is, the less money we make.”

“Yeah, yeah, but it’s just a goblin core worth only a few ten thousand won anyway?”

“Is a few ten thousand won not money? One core lets all four of us buy a cup of coffee at the boss’s café.”

“Ah, yes. Understood.”

Now appearing more relaxed, Nuri responded playfully. Having fought together to defeat the goblins, Raon seemed to develop camaraderie with Nuri and didn’t comment on her attitude.

“Are both of you uninjured?”

Yuna interjected, checking. Both examined their body suits; although some scuffs appeared here and there, none were serious.

“I’m fine. We’re still fully capable of fighting.”

“This way, we might clear it without taking any damage. Heheh.”

Yuna felt slightly choked up but didn’t show it. As a healer, having nothing to heal was a good thing. It meant the raid was proceeding smoothly.

“Clear…”

Calculating the number of goblins slain so far, Yuna murmured. About thirty. According to academy teachings—

“Master. It’s about time…”

“Yeah. You’re right.”

Xian nodded after reconfirming the records.

“All cleared. Now it’s the boss room.”

Sure enough, as soon as Xian finished speaking, an iron door adorned with demonic motifs appeared before the group. Nuri tilted her head upon noticing differences from the slime dungeon’s door.

“The shape looks different from the slime dungeon.”

“The higher the dungeon difficulty, the more such elements change.”

“It’s just a warning that stronger enemies will appear. …Xian?”

Staring intently at the iron door, Xian’s expression contorted.

“Damn it. Today’s luck is atrocious. Everyone, let’s retreat here—”

“What’s with all the hesitation?”

Keeek. Grabbing the iron door handle, Nuri pulled it open. Xian flailed his arms forward in panic, but it was too late. Nuri had already flung the boss room door wide open.

Gooo—-

A chilling wind brushed against the group’s cheeks. Nuri froze halfway through opening the door, and the others turned pale as they realized the bizarre situation.

“This can’t be happening. Why is there a ‘rampage’ in a D-Rank dungeon?”

“There’s no time to ponder the reason! Nuri, step back immediately!”

“No. Let’s go in.”

Xian bit his lip while double-checking the bullets in his gun. Their magical gear kindly informed them of the situation.

<Warning> A dimensional gate has opened within the dungeon! Time until the appearance of the Light Magic Dragon (光魔龍): 00:30.

“Shit!”

Xian’s gaze briefly flickered toward Yuna. But before he could say anything, Xian sprinted forward, kicking the door and charging into the boss room. Raon and Nuri quickly followed, standing beside Xian with weapons drawn.

Keeeaaaak!!

A goblin glowing with purple eyes leapt forward. Clicking his tongue, Xian gripped his gun like an axe and deflected the goblin’s sword.

Kaaang!

Despite lacking magical reinforcement, the gun shattered the goblin’s sword. Though possessed by malevolent energy, the goblin clearly showed signs of surprise. Xian capitalized on this and swung his gun again.

Puk! Stamping the goblin’s throat with the gun, Xian planted its head into the ground and then kicked it like a soccer ball with his left foot. The goblin’s ribs cracked as it tumbled across the floor, and the dungeon swiftly consumed its corpse.

The entire process took merely two seconds. While Nu Ri stood bewildered with her sword tucked into her side and her gun in hand, Raon yelled after halting the goblin’s charge.

“Pull yourself together! Our priority now is closing the dimensional gate!”

“To close the dimensional gate, how can we possibly—”

“Yuinah!”

Xian called out. Startled, Yuinah responded.

“Yes, yes!”

“‘We’ will create the path! And—”

Xian pointed toward the dimensional gate at the end of the boss room.

“You’ll close it! Got it?!”

Finally, roles were assigned. Clutching her staff tightly, Yuinah shouted loudly.

“Understood!”

“Good!”

Xian glanced back and dashed forward. Behind them, zombies resurrected from outside the boss room shuffled closer.

“What, what is that?!”

“Run!”

As Yuinah ran forward, she grabbed Nu Ri’s wrist and dragged her along. Nu Ri fired her water gun at the approaching goblin zombies.

Puck! Puck! Compressed water streams burst the goblin zombies’ legs. Calming down somewhat, Nu Ri called out to Yuinah, who immediately released her grip and continued running forward.

“Haaa!”

Raon covered the left flank, Xian the right, and Nu Ri handled the rear as Yuinah, forming a triangular formation, sprinted toward the dimensional gate. Checking the time on her magical gear, Yuinah noted:

Remaining time: 15 seconds.

“What, what are you planning to do?!”

“There’s no time to think! Just keep running!”

As Nu Ri and Raon exchanged words, Yuinah stared at Xian’s back, gripping her staff tightly.

‘I believe in you.’

There must be a way to close it; otherwise, Xian wouldn’t have chosen to stay and fight instead of fleeing from the dimensional gate where an SS-Rank monster could emerge. With firm conviction, Yuinah summoned her magic and sped up.

Just then, the hidden boss blocked their path in front of the dimensional gate.

Kihihihihihi!

Waving his wooden staff mockingly, the goblin sorcerer generated more goblins to obstruct their path. Blocking their way, Raon clenched his lips and stopped in place.

“Ugh?!”

Despite wearing reinforced armor, his legs refused to move—not out of fear of the goblins, but due to the overwhelming malevolent energy emanating from beyond the dimensional gate, which paralyzed his body.

“Eh, eh…”

Nu Ri wasn’t much better, her gun trembling uncontrollably.

Remaining time: 10 seconds.

“Yuinah!”

Xian shouted. Yuinah continued running forward.

“Yuinah?! What are you doing?!”

“Sis?!”

Startled, Raon and Nu Ri watched as Yuinah ran straight ahead as if the goblins blocking her path weren’t even there.

Click. The sound of a hammer cocking echoed as Xian pointed his gun forward. It looked as though he intended to shoot directly behind Yuinah, prompting Raon and Nu Ri to rush toward him.

“What are you doing right now—”

“You’ve gone insane—”

Kwa—ang!!

With the sound of thunder, a grey bullet soared through the air. Spinning rapidly, it grazed Yuinah’s earlobe and surged forward, unleashing a fierce magical storm that obliterated the goblins before her.

Keeeeeek?!

Startled, the goblin sorcerer turned to flee but was swept away by the near-explosive force, his lower half exploding into pieces.

Yuinah dashed through the space cleared by the bullet. Three more steps, and she’d reach the dimensional gate’s core.

Remaining time: 5 seconds.

Keee!

The upper torso of the wounded goblin sorcerer lunged toward Yuinah, but a jet of water severed his staff and head.

“Haa, haa.”

Nu Ri, sprawled on the ground, barely managed to aim her gun and snipe the goblin sorcerer. As Xian helped Nu Ri up, Raon held off the zombies with his spear while shouting at Yuinah.

“Destroy it!”

Yuinah gasped. How? She hadn’t even learned how to destroy dimensional gates yet.

While Yuinah hesitated, two seconds passed. Remaining time: 3 seconds.

Grrrr.

From beyond the dimensional gate, a vertically slit golden eye glared menacingly at Yuinah. Startled, Yuinah stumbled backward.

“Smash it!”

Hearing Xian’s voice, Yuinah instinctively raised her staff high.

Puk.

Yuinah’s staff struck the core of the dimensional gate.

The abyssal dragon’s eye narrowed further, and the dimensional gate’s core violently trembled before dissipating like mist.

Remaining time: 1 second.

[<Notification> The dimensional gate opened in the D-Rank Goblin Dungeon has been destroyed by Yuinah!]

Relieved, Nu Ri exhaled deeply upon receiving the system’s friendly notification.

“With that, the dimensional gate is closed—”

“Raon!”

Xian hastily scooped up Nu Ri and ran toward Yuinah. His hand accidentally brushed an inappropriate spot, prompting Nu Ri to flare up, but the sound from behind chilled her spine.

Keeeeeek!

The goblin zombies began charging.

“What, what is that?!”

“The dungeon clearance and the dimensional gate closure are separate matters!”

Raon gripped his spear and assumed a throwing stance. The spear he hurled mid-dash embedded itself into the goblin sorcerer’s upper body.

Keeek!

[Dungeon confirmed all monsters eliminated. D-Rank Goblin Dungeon cleared.]

Swish. Simultaneously with the goblin sorcerer’s death, the goblin zombies dissipated like mist. The four collapsed onto the ground, catching their breath as the tension eased.

[Returning to the surface in 30 seconds.]

“Haa, haa, haa.”

“Kuh, is it over?”

At Nu Ri’s question, Xian panicked and covered her mouth.

“You shouldn’t say that…!”

“…Fortunately, nothing happened. Lucky us.”

Raon chuckled and sprawled flat on the ground. Yuinah sat down, still clutching her staff, her tension finally easing.

“Haha, ha.”

She had just closed a dimensional gate that almost opened unexpectedly. Yuinah couldn’t believe she had personally prevented a disaster for humanity.

“Ahhh, seriously, my mind’s going to explode.”

Twisting and writhing, Nu Ri screamed as if her circuits had short-circuited.

“Why did the dimensional gate suddenly appear?! Why is the closing time only one minute?! Why does it even exist in a D-Rank Goblin Dungeon?! Uncle, what kind of firepower is that gun?! Uuuuaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!!!”

As if her logic circuits had broken, Nu Ri collapsed on the ground, flailing around. Xian sighed helplessly and shrugged.

“How would I know? Still, since we cleared the D-Rank dungeon, we can register our guild….”

[Dungeon Share: ■□□ 43%, Kim Nori 32%, Park Ra-on 24%, Yuinah 1%.]

“…Guess we can’t. Damn.”

Xian sighed deeply, looking at his gun. The group’s expressions stiffened as Xian scratched his cheek and forced a smile.

“Sorry. My gun’s too powerful.”

As the dungeon crumbled, the group lost consciousness.

Yuinah, [‘Achievement’ unlocked! <Destroyed a Light Attribute Dimensional Gate> <First to Clear a D-Rank Dungeon>]

Kim Nori, [‘Achievement’ unlocked! <First to Clear a D-Rank Dungeon>]