Solo Leveling: Ragnarok Chapter 14

Field-type dungeons were contaminated areas that were created because dungeon breaks could not be completely prevented. This mainly happened because of the uniqueness of the terrain rather than the strength of the monsters that appeared, with China and Russia being notable examples.

 

Due to the vast expanse of the land, it was difficult for Hunters to individually locate and eliminate the monsters once the gate opened, so these areas were often abandoned and left to decay. Furthermore, finding the location of the gate where erosion began was also difficult, so it took several times longer to conquer these dungeons.

 

Similarly, field-type dungeons frequently occurred due to Korea’s narrow but rugged mountains.

 

[Gwanak Mountain Field]

 

※ No entry outside the Hyena Guild

 

 

At the Gwanak Mountain entrance, barbed fences strictly blocked external access.

 

The Gwanak Mountain Field was a dungeon the Hyena Guild had occupied for a year.

 

Sooho was watching Gwanak Mountain from afar, covering his face with a hood and mask.

 

[So this is the place.]

 

Beru, sitting on Sooho’s shoulder, greedily licked his lips. He could feel the energy of the sanctuary that Rakan’s Fang had informed them about. However, even Rakan’s Fang didn’t know what was inside the sanctuary.

 

[Even though we’ve come this far, you still don’t know?]

 

– No matter how often you ask, my answer remains the same. I am just a sword stuck on the ground at best. I can sense the energy of the sanctuary, but I cannot accurately determine its true nature.

 

Rakan’s Fang defended itself as if feeling unjust.

 

In response, Beru chewed on a piece of mana stone and threatened with a menacing expression.

 

[I hope that’s not a lie. I’ll chew you up from the hilt to the tip if it is. Very, very slowly…]

 

– Stop with the threats already, will you?

 

[What if I don’t?]

 

– It’s scary, that’s what.

 

[…]

 

Rakan’s Fang tended to be straightforward. Perhaps it had no pretense because it was a sword.

 

The sun was setting just in time.

 

Sooho, who had been waiting for this moment, looked up at the sky, and his eyes gleamed.

 

“Alright. Let’s go in now.” Sooho walked slowly toward the iron fence, pressing his hood deeper. His Sense stat had increased, so even in the darkness, he had a decent field of vision. It seemed like fighting with this level of visibility wouldn’t be a problem.

 

No, it was even better that it was dark.

 

‘Because the priority is not getting caught by the Hyena Guild.’

 

It was illegal for an unauthorized Hunter to enter a dungeon occupied by another guild. But since he wasn’t going to make money in someone else’s territory, and he was only planning to take the relics of the Beast Monarch quietly, there wouldn’t be any problem as long as he didn’t get caught.

 

If the relics of the Beast Monarch ended up in the hands of an ordinary awakened person for no reason, that Hunter could end up being stripped of their mind like what Rakan’s Fang had done and become a berserker.

 

‘CCTV and iron fences, huh.’

 

Sooho calmly scanned the surroundings.

 

People couldn’t guard each and every one of the vast field-type dungeons, so the only things guarding this place were barbed fences with electric currents running through them and CCTV cameras scattered here and there.

 

‘Ruler’s Authority.’

 

Swoosh.

 

Sooho slowly lifted the black plastic bag he had brought using his telekinesis. Then, effortlessly and naturally, he moved it to cover the entire camera.

 

‘Now’s the time.’

 

Whoosh.

 

Sooho leaped over the iron fence in a single leap. It was the moment when his Strength stat, which he had been raising all this time, shone brightly.

 

Thunk. He landed lightly inside the field and immediately began scanning his surroundings.

 

A blue fog lingered over the entire area of Gwanak Mountain. In fact, it was not the iron fence that delineated the field’s boundaries, but this fog.

 

[This blue fog is the magic power of the outer universe. It is used to forcefully penetrate the dimensional wall and cause cracks to connect the world.]

 

– Right. Because of this fog, the sanctuary where I was before also ended up being connected to Earth while drifting through dimensional rifts.

 

[In the end, those outer universe beings want to spread this fog worldwide and create a massive rift in dimensions so their armies can cross over to our world.]

 

“Shh.” Sooho held his breath and narrowed his eyes. 

 

‘Let’s stay alive.’

 

It hadn’t been even a minute since he set foot in the field, but the red-eyed monsters with razor-like claws were already increasing in number.

 

 

[Razor-Clawed Briga]

 

[Razor-Clawed Briga]

 

[Razor-Clawed Briga]

 

 

Monkeys with monstrous appearances revealed themselves one by one under the cold moonlight. Sooho now understood. The level-up system showed the color of their names differently depending on the strength of the monsters. White was relatively weak, orange was equal or stronger, and red was much stronger. And those monkeys were “orange”.

 

[Weak monkeys surrounded us. Still, you’re weaker, Little King, so please be careful.]

 

“Your encouragement is not very comforting.”

 

Sooho smiled faintly at Beru’s encouragement (?) and grabbed Rakan’s Fang. Considering the difficulty and number, it was a bit risky.

 

‘This is good enough.’

 

No, it’s actually better. If we only catch easy prey, the experience points will be minimal.

 

Sooho moved swiftly, his eyes flickering.

 

It was time for leveling up.

 

“Ukkiik!”

 

At that moment, the monkeys fell from the trees, their long, razor-like claws slashing at Sooho’s body with a ferocious speed.

 

In response, Sooho’s hand gripped tightly around Rakan’s Fang, slicing through the cold night air.

 

Slash! Slash! Slash! Slash! Slash!

 

 

[You have defeated Razor-Clawed Briga.]

 

[You have defeated Razor-Clawed Briga.]

 

… … 

 

“Kiik! Kiieok!”

 

Sooho continued to trample the corpses of the relentless monsters as he pressed forward. Of course, he had no intention of wandering aimlessly in the dark night.

 

“Guide us. Which direction is the gate?”

 

– … Impressive. Are you accustomed to such chaotic battles?

 

Rakan’s Fang was genuinely perplexed.

 

The situation was undoubtedly dire. Kill one, and two more would come charging. Kill two, and five more would drop from the trees above. Using the darkness and trees to their advantage, those vile monkeys relentlessly harassed Sooho, even throwing rocks from above.

 

However, Sooho showed no signs of panic as he leaped and dodged through the chaotic battle.

 

– No, even considering that you’re the successor of the Shadow Monarch, aren’t you too skilled in combat compared to the power you possess? Just what kind of trials have you gone through up until now?

 

“Just guide the way.”

 

Sooho smiled wryly at those words. It was all because of the dreams he had during his adolescence.

 

He had to survive and reach the final boss to wake up from those dreams, enduring the grueling experiences that left deep scars on his body. If he died in the middle, he had to start from the beginning again.

 

‘The tutorial was so difficult.’

 

No matter how dire the situation may be now, compared to back then, it felt like heaven.

 

[Ahem. Cough, cough. Fufufu.]

 

But Sooho couldn’t stand the sight of Beru, who kept shrugging his shoulders with a smug expression.

 

At that moment, the tip of Rakan’s Fang sword, held in Sooho’s hand, moved on its own and pointed in a direction.

 

– This way, for now. But the path to the sanctuary will be hellish. It seems you’re quite accustomed to battles, but reaching there alone would still be difficult…”

 

“Who said I’ll be alone?”

 

– What?

 

Sooho smirked and looked around. Just then, black smoke rose slowly from the corpses of monkeys lying pitifully on the ground.

 

 

[Target is eligible for Shadow Extraction.]

 

[Target is eligible for Shadow Extraction.]

 

… … 

 

 

Sooho stretched out his hand toward the shadows.

 

“Arise.”

 

Khikikiik-

 

The echoes of mournful cries spread through the cool night air. Along with them, black hands began to emerge from the shadows of the monkeys that were lying dead on the floor.

 

Thud, thud!

 

Those hands touched the ground and crawled out of the shadows, lifting themselves up on their own.

 

 

[Shadow Extraction succeeded.]

 

 

[Ukikiik!]

 

[Ukii!]

 

There were a total of 5 black monkeys with dark steam emanating from their entire bodies that appeared in front of Sooho.

 

 

[Shadow Monkey Lv.1]

Normal Grade

 

 

[Shadow Monkey Lv.1]

Normal Grade

 

Seeing that, Beru gave a round of applause.

 

[Oh, oh. Five of them! It seems the number of shadow soldiers has increased along with the rise in Intelligence stat! But compared to the millions of legions of our mighty king, it’s too insignificant… Kieek?]

 

“You’re too noisy.”

 

Sooho caught Beru and threw him directly at the monsters.

 

[Kiekhehe. I’m not easily startled by this]

 

Beru spread his sharp claws as he flew, and with one swipe, he tore through all the monsters…!

 

Thunk!

 

[Hmm?]

 

Only to be bounced right out.

 

“Ukkikiik!”

 

The monkeys who kicked Beru down attacked Sooho again. However, the Shadow Monkeys approaching from behind took the opportunity to plunge their razor-like claws into their necks.

 

“… Ukkiii.”

 

 

[You have defeated Razor-Clawed Briga.]

 

[You have defeated Razor-Clawed Briga.]

 

[Level up!]

 

 

Sooho’s body was filled with vitality.

 

[Ukkikiik!]

 

The Shadow Monkeys trampled on the corpses and chuckled deviously. But now that they were on Sooho’s side, they seemed somewhat cute.

 

“Let’s keep going.”

 

However, before they could get attached, it was time to say goodbye.

 

As the mountains grew deeper, stronger monsters blocked the path.

 

 

[Black Shadow Razan]

 

[Black Shadow Razan]

 

 

Swish!

 

Sneaky assassins hidden in the darkness approached with their red-eyed, panther-like bodies.

 

[Ukkikiik!]

 

The Shadow Monkeys readily surrendered their necks. The difference in power was clearly felt.

 

“Hoo.”

 

But Sooho’s eyes shone even brighter.

 

‘They’re mine too.’

 

Whoosh!

 

At that moment, a menacing aura erupted from Rakan’s Fang.

 

 

[Use ‘Skill: Contempt for the Weak’.]

 

 

“…!”

 

Black Shadow Razan’s body instantly became heavy.

 

 

[‘Effect: Fear’ has been activated.]

 

[All targets’ stats are reduced by 50% for 1 minute.]

 

However, Rakan’s Fang’s ‘Contempt for the Weak’ was a skill that only worked well against weaker opponents than Sooho.

 

“Gyaaoooo!”

 

 

[‘Effect: Fear’ is canceled.]

 

 

Black Shadow Razan’s name was orange.

 

As they were on par with Sooho or slightly stronger, just roaring strongly was enough to dispel the fear effect.

 

But that momentary gap was enough. In an instant, Sooho disappeared from their sight.

 

And…

 

Slash!

 

“Agh!”

 

One black panther was decapitated, blood spraying everywhere.

 

 

[You have defeated Black Shadow Razan.]

 

 

Swish!

 

The others quickly vanished into the darkness, but one was enough. Sooho reached out his hand towards the corpse.

 

“Arise!”

 

 

[Shadow Extraction succeeded.]

 

At that moment, one of the Shadow Monkeys disappeared, and in its place, the shadow of Black Shadow Razan rose instead.

 

[Gyaooo!]

 

[Shadow Leopard Lv.1]

Normal Grade

 

 

Sooho smiled contentedly.

 

“Great. A new family member.”

 

[Growl.]

 

The guy that had tried to bite Sooho’s neck now stretched its tail and rubbed its body against Sooho’s leg as if saying, “When did I ever do that?” Then it turned its head and bared its teeth at its own kin, who glared toward its way from the darkness of the forest.

 

Sooho also smiled and said, “Feeling lonely? Go and call your friends too.”

 

[Gyaaaw!]

 

At Sooho’s words, the Shadow Leopard immediately ran out to hunt its fellows.

 

Sooho continued to move forward, upgrading the shadow soldiers one by one into stronger creatures.

 

– … No wonder we lost in the war. Cunning bastards.

 

Rakan’s Fang murmured dejectedly.

 

***

 

After a while.

 

“Everyone, stop.”

 

[Growl.]

 

At Sooho’s command, the Shadow Leopards held their breath and flattened themselves on the ground.

 

– Yes, it’s ahead.

 

There was no need for Rakan’s Fang to say it out loud. A small outpost of the Hyena Guild members had been set up there.