Chapter 62

<Swordsmanship Family's Demon Lord Chapter 62>

Shiuwoung-

Jin Yu-ri emerging, splitting through the clouds.

The magic circle spread by Park Ki-hyuk.

Jin Yu-ri’s mission is to track down and trace the mana of the Sandworm within this artificial mana space.

A thin, trembling line of mana barely holding together.

This line must be found before it scatters back into nature.

“Dragnian. Limit Release.”

– Limit Release.

Behind Dragnian, wings of mana unfolded.

Its official name: ‘Jin-ryong’s Wings.’

A pair of crimson mana wings spread wide, their luminous glow piercing the sky.

– Breaking the Limit.

The mechanical, gruff voice of Dragnian rang out, causing Jin Yu-ri’s vision to flicker.

If her previous flight was merely gliding, now she pierced the heavens like a b*llet shot through the heavens.

Bang! Bang-! Bang–!!!

The thunderous sonic booms roared as she chased the mana’s trail at supersonic speed.

Finally arriving, she quickly sent a radio transmission.

“Found it!”

Park Ki-hyuk’s magic circle crumbled instantly.

Jin Yu-ri, her helmet part removed revealing her hair, looked down below.

Nothing extraordinary. A common sight. It was hard to believe that beneath lay the habitat of the Sandworm.

Had she tried to find it purely through mana detection, it would have taken a long time.

She couldn’t help but be impressed by Park Ki-hyuk’s abilities once again.

“This can work.”

An inactive magic circle covered the field, detecting the unique vibrations of monsters within its radius.

The theory was simple.

But if this field were almost city-sized?

One hundred percent would say it’s impossible.

Not to mention the enormous consumption of mana, and without the proper control, such an endeavor wouldn’t even be feasible.

But Park Ki-hyuk has managed to?

“Even in a state where he’s not at full condition.”

Baphomet and Asura. Chimera and Fenrir.

Each being responsible for an external mana pool, he was missing two out of the four connected to his limbs.

Even with these handicaps, look how far he has reached.

“Feels kinda annoying somehow.”

She had thought she had caught up a lot.

The superpower nation known as Korea.

And there, within Korea, the renowned sorcerer family, Jin-ryong.

Jin Yu-ri, acclaimed as a once-in-a-generation talent of the Jin-ryong family.

A level of talent beyond the term “genius,” and yet, she worked harder than anyone else. All to reach Park Ki-hyuk.

An unmatched genius who worked tirelessly. Moreover, the background of this genius was nothing short of terrifying.

The Jin-ryong family.

This prestigious family had more than enough resources to fully support Jin Yu-ri’s relentless efforts.

Thus, the Dragnian Model-1 was created.

A War Armor made exclusively for Jin Yu-ri, compensating for her physical deficiencies while maximizing her strengths: the Dragon’s Eye and the Mana Drain, bringing them to their full potential.

Still, not content, over the past year, she also elevated her magical skills.

Through diligent focus on magic, she reached a new level—projecting what Park Ki-hyuk had called one’s “own truth” into magic, and entering the realm of “Unique Magic.”

Truly, at this point, within the Academy, excluding Park Ki-hyuk, there was no one at her level—not even among the professors.

Isn’t this enough to prove how strong I’ve become?

Yet, today, her confidence was shaken.

“I need to work harder.”

On the contrary, it’s a positive. Pioneering a solitary path isn’t her style. She doesn’t want to feel lonely anymore.

So, if she follows the path Park Ki-hyuk has taken and reaches him, then at least, before her will stand but one person.

On another note, she thought,

If such tremendous talent merges with my own…

How perfect could that be?

“Of course… We were destined. I can’t do anything but claim you.”

Heeheehee~.

Jin Yu-ri chuckled softly as she picked up the radio transmission.

“Sister TMI, I’ve sent my location. I’ll be returning.”

“All right, understood!”

As Jin Yu-ri disappeared into the distance, she contemplated.

What would be a good name?

I must have been very tired.

When I woke up, it was already the next day.

As I brushed my hair and looked at the clock, it was time for the morning meeting.

No matter how much I dislike being disturbed, as a member of the Investigation Team, there are basic responsibilities I must uphold. It’s simply proper etiquette, right? At the very least, I should make an appearance.

“Hey, Jin Yu-ri.”

“Meow~ Good morning~ Miss Gahuri~.”

“Jin Yu-ri, wake up.”

I lifted her out from under the sleeping bag. Her body folded at the waist due to gravity, and she woke up startled.

“…Dear?”

Yeah, she’s not fully awake yet.

“Ahhh! I’m awake, I’m awake! Don’t shake me!”

After a brief struggle, we headed out of the tent straight to the meeting room.

Park Jin-yong, who had been leading the meeting, glanced our way and nodded in greeting. I gave a slight bow as an apology for being late and took my seat.

Meanwhile, Kim Ha-ni, who was talking to some guy, ran over towards us once she spotted us.

“You’ve arrived?”

“Ooooh~ Sister TMI. Who’s that? Boyfriend?”

“Ah, no. Just a classmate.”

“Nah, the vibe isn’t just classmates. Tell me, sis. Is it a boyfriend or just a potential candidate?”

“No, it’s not,” Kim Ha-ni insisted while waving her hands.

The amusing spectacle of Jin Yu-ri finding new entertainment and Kim Ha-ni desperately refusing attention was entertaining, but my attention was elsewhere.

“Hmm.”

That man. The one Kim Ha-ni was talking with just now—why does he grab my attention so much?

Strange.

Is it because he’s wearing earrings? That large cross earring is indeed quite unique.

Sensing my gaze, the guy smiled lightly and bowed towards me.

I must have stared too long—awkward.

“Ugh, maybe it’s just my imagination.”

As I turned my attention away, other things began to catch my eye.

The atmosphere was restless yet slightly serious. There was an unprecedented tension in the air, unlike the usual meetings we’ve had.

Curious, I called Kim Ha-ni over to get a rough idea of what was happening.

“What’s going on?”

“Well, this morning, a messenger came from outside…”

As if expecting the question, Kim Ha-ni began to explain.

A messenger from the outside. His report contained the latest information about the ‘Ecosystem Collapse Phenomenon’ currently occurring at all global Gates.

“…You know the ‘collapse phenomenon’ we’ve been talking about so far, right? It’s where different species of monsters are summoned within Gates, clashing with existing monsters.”

“Right.”

“But it seems to be evolving in a different way.”

In any conflict, there are victors and losers.

However, it was unusual to simply say one side had won.

In most cases, the losing side faces ‘extinction,’ but creatures with some intelligence may be ‘absorbed’ as subordinates or slaves. And even more cunning entities may manipulate defeated beings, creating entirely new forms through ‘mutation.’

There are countless changes, but there is one common factor.

“…’Enhancement’ is progressing.”

“Wait. Enhancement? Are you saying monsters are getting stronger?”

Jin Yu-ri’s question was met with a nod from Kim Ha-ni as she answered.

“Not only are the monsters becoming stronger, but the Gates themselves are also experiencing enhancement.”

Kim Ha-ni used the example of ‘Black Forest.’

It’s a national hunting site, known for black trolls, and it’s the Gate we most recently explored.

“Currently, the Black Forest is hosting unique trolls called ‘Elites,’ which can enhance their previous abilities of ‘weakness’ or ‘debilitation,’ turning them into versatile effects like ‘hallucination’ or ‘rage.'”

Precisely from the point where all Bench S’s disappeared, Elite monsters were created, and they boast more than triple the combat power of normal trolls.

“It’s not just that. They’ve confirmed that a ‘Nightmare’ debuff has been applied across the entire ‘Black Forest’ field.”

‘Nightmare,’ a curse that drains the target’s stamina during sleep.

It may not cause immediate, fatal damage, but it’s a stacking curse, and prolonged exposure causes significant harm over time.

“Ultimately, this is why both the ‘Association’ and the ‘Management Bureau’ plan to upgrade the level of the Black Forest Gate.”

Evidence that the collapse isn’t simply about territory disputes has emerged. The problem is that even knowing this, there’s not much we can do.

It’s certain that the Gate ecosystems are changing, and it’s time for humanity to adapt to Gates.

“This is why the meeting is dragging on. The direction of our investigation has changed. Previously, our goal was to understand the newly formed ecosystems, aiming to minimize the damage caused by the collapse phenomenon, but now that’s irrelevant.”

“Headache.”

After hearing Kim Ha-ni out, I understood the restless atmosphere in the meeting room.

Park Jin-yong surveyed his surroundings with an exhausted look.

“Further prolonging this won’t lead anywhere useful. Let me wrap this up. Everyone agreed that we need to continue the ‘investigation.’ The only remaining question is, what should we actually investigate… Any suggestions?”

Voices emerged from various corners.

The stats and abilities of newly appeared monsters, how their territories transform based on monster characteristics, the relationships between different monster factions, and the expansion of their activity ranges.

Some reasonably good topics.

However, they clearly deviate from the core issue.

‘Queen Mantis’ Palace is currently in the middle of the collapse phenomenon.

And without any conclusive results, what’s the point of investigating now?

It would be an investigation for the sake of investigation.

It’s not that I don’t understand. Everyone here is thirsty for results.

But I dislike it.

Isn’t it embarrassing enough to pile meaningless achievements on each other?

It’s pretty poor form.

Once a pinnacle of magic, I find it inappropriate to attach my name to meaningless achievements.

Thus, can I just sit here without raising my hand?

“Captain, can I ask something? Is there support available?”

“…What kind of support do you mean, Junior Park Ki-hyuk?”

“Equipment and tools, various reagents, a bit of weaponry, and perhaps adding one more person to the team. Is that possible?”

“…If the reasoning is valid, it’s not impossible.”

“Then that’s easy.”

Let’s keep it short and sweet.

After all, aren’t we here to investigate the Ecosystem Collapse Phenomenon?

A truth-seeking sorcerer should always aim for the core of any issue.

“Let’s try to adjust this Collapse Phenomenon.”

Let’s adjust the Collapse Phenomenon with my own hands.

Isn’t it worthy to boast as a real achievement?

*

Let’s attempt to adjust the Collapse Phenomenon.

The room fell silent as everyone was stunned by the bold suggestion.

Who would’ve ever thought of something like this?

If we succeed, it’ll be a world-first. It won’t be just an achievement but something worthy of academic acclaim.

Of course, skeptical glances from the Investigation Team were expected.

Led by Park Jin-yong and accompanied by Jeong So-i and other seniors, even juniors from 3rd and 2nd years, unanimously agreed to Park Ki-hyuk’s suggestion.

And thus, the support parade began.

– Magic Gems and detection-disrupting equipment… urgently requested.

– We may be rewriting history here, Association President. If you want a stake in these achievements, provide as much support as you can…

– Dad, send everything listed here. And brand it with the company logo when you do…

Through their connections, all the members of the Investigation Team requested support.

The main players in the team are the 4th-year top students, Park Jin-yong’s 1st Team and Jeong So-i’s 3rd Team.

Though they had lost to Park Ki-hyuk, it was clear that they were among the top prospects of the year outside of his irregularity.

Naturally, their team members were also highly sought after.

When they all earnestly requested support, piles of supplies accumulated in front of the Gate.

“Director, what is all this? Is there a war going on?”

“Well, you see, the investigation team went in a few weeks ago. They requested support.”

“No… Why would we need mana engines for support? And what’s this? Mana explosives? What are these even needed for?”

“There’s also manpower support. One person from the same academy.”

“Director, are you approving this? This feels weird.”

“Go ahead. We’ve received a formal document from above, so what’s the problem. Just approve it.”

Gradually, the support materials piled up in the base camp, entering a full-scale preparation phase.

Adjusting equipment, planning operations, simulation-resembling repetitive drills.

One week later.

“Let’s go.”

“Yeah!”

Park Ki-hyuk and Jin Yu-ri pushed off the ground and soared into the air.

Operation Name:

King Maker

Execute.