Chapter 139

Deep within the boundaries of the training fields.

A sudden rush of wind tore through the area.

Hwang Jiwoo remained positioned right by Stormy, who was fully immersed in her Storm Dragon Arts. Jiwoo concentrated deeply, regulating her own internal breathing.

“Inhale… exhale.”

The Sudden Quest assigned to Stormy was finally reaching its ultimate boundary.

[Remaining Time – 99 Days, 23:30:00]

A mere thirty minutes stood between them and the completion of the hundred-day requirement.

Because the timer would conclude cleanly without resetting the duration, the objective was essentially achieved. Even so, Jiwoo remained steadfastly at her companion’s side, refusing to leave before the final moment.

I must maintain absolute focus until the very last second passes.

The moment that countdown reached zero, a massive sum of one hundred billion won would belong to her.

Jiwoo had already firmly resolved to hand over every single cent of that wealth to her father and mother.

After all, she had successfully joined the national roster.

She was now a recognized part of SKY, widely known as the most prestigious guild across the globe.

Acquiring wealth was no longer a pressing concern for her future.

– Giggle.

Stormy brought her concentration to a close, pulling back the swirling embers before slowly lifting her gaze.

– Jiwoo-nim. I can feel the chaotic energy inside my chest finally calming down.

“Is that true? Just yesterday you mentioned your pulse was racing non-stop. Has it truly settled?”

– It feels incredibly bizarre. Could this be comparable to carrying a child? It feels as though a tiny life is shifting, though it’s happening right within my heart rather than my stomach……

“That sounds like it would be rather terrifying. If we keep using that pregnancy analogy, you would basically be at the point of delivery right about now, wouldn’t you?”

– Hehehe, how do our conversations always take such a funny turn?

Throughout these past hundred days, the bond between the two had deepened until they were essentially inseparable companions.

A span of one hundred days might seem brief on paper.

Yet they had shared nearly every single moment of their days, from the hours of rest to the grueling periods of physical conditioning.

It was entirely natural that a powerful attachment had formed.

– I appreciate everything you have done for me, Jiwoo-nim.

“If anyone should be expressing gratitude, it is me.”

– You feel that way, Jiwoo-nim?

“Absolutely.”

If the scales of gratitude favored one over the other, Jiwoo was undoubtedly the benefactor.

Body of Flames (火炎之體).

That fragile, burdensome condition that used to drain her health—Stormy had reshaped it into a profound asset. It was solely because of this transformation that she had been accepted as Baek Jinwoo’s student.

She had earned a spot on the national squad despite lacking a high ranking, and she was now navigating her career as a player under elite circumstances with exceptional backing.

Every aspect of her life had shifted for the better.

Her grandest aspirations were realized, and she was finally capable of providing for her family.

Even if she attended a social gathering with Ajin, she could hold her head up with absolute pride.

Jiwoo was entirely convinced that all of these blessings were thanks to Stormy.

“Let’s make sure to train alongside each other whenever we get the opportunity. Since I possess the Body of Flames, my presence should be beneficial to your progress, right?”

– Without a doubt! I would absolutely love that!

Stormy offered a radiant grin.

In reality, the moment she successfully mastered the ability known as Devour, standard practicing would lose its utility.

Engaging in actual combat and clearing dungeons to accumulate power-ups would always far surpass any routine exercise.

Nevertheless, Stormy had found genuine joy in the past hundred days of companionship.

Above all else, Jiwoo possessed a gentle soul, and Stormy had grown to care for her deeply.

A brief period slipped by.

Baek Jinwoo, who had been practicing his own techniques a short distance away, stepped over to join them.

“Jiwoo.”

“Yes, Master.”

“You did an excellent job.”

“…It was no trouble at all.”

[Remaining Time – 100 Days]

The moment had arrived!

A sharp chime echoed.

The interface confirmed the conclusion of the long-awaited Sudden Quest.

[The Storm Dragon Sorcerer (EX-rank) Sudden Quest has successfully been completed!]

[The dormant power of the Ancient Burst Dragon (S-rank) is now unsealed!]

RUMBLE… RUMBLE…!

An intense, blood-red silhouette of a dragon broke free from Stormy’s chest, rising into the air as the entire room began to shake violently.

“Th-that shape—”

“……!”

Neither Jiwoo nor Jinwoo could divert their gaze from the spectacle.

Was that truly the latent strength of the Burst Dragon, hidden away for so long within the core of the Storm Dragon Sorcerer?

Whish, fwoosh!

The temperature in the room skyrocketed instantly. A wave of heat so overwhelming that it incinerated the very dust motes on the ground surged toward the ceiling.

It closely resembled the awakening of an ancient, apocalyptic mythical dragon—no other description could accurately capture the scene.

Furthermore, the surrounding aura carried a sense that was far less celebratory than it was… deeply threatening.

– UGH!

Stormy gasped for breath, exerting every ounce of her willpower to maintain control.

Jinwoo recognized the situation immediately through his instincts.

Reaching the hundredth day was not the conclusion of the journey.

The true trial was commencing at this exact moment.

“Drill Sarge.”

– Right here, Master.

Drill Sarge had already picked up on the volatile fluctuations in the surrounding energy and materialized before anyone could even call for him.

He was far from the only spectator.

The remaining members of the guild had also begun to stream into the training facility.

“What is happening in here?”

“…What in the world is that entity?”

“Is that a dragon?”

“…It bears a striking resemblance to that golden dragon from before, doesn’t it?”

They assembled one after another, staring in awe at the unfolding phenomenon, when—

– Master.

Drill Sarge initiated conversation, his countenance incredibly dark.

– It appears that the Ancient Burst Dragon is attempting to initiate a psychological battle for total control over Stormy.

“What? A battle for control?”

What exactly did that entail?

– While the Ancient Burst Dragon is a true dragon, it carries a unique trait that allows it to act as a parasite within a host’s physical form.

…A creature that feeds on a host?

The infamous Burst Dragon was actually a parasitic entity?

– Under ordinary circumstances, it would have gradually corrupted her psychological defenses before she could amass sufficient strength, completely erasing Stormy’s own identity. However, due to the intense conditioning alongside the Body of Flames, Stormy’s mental fortitude has expanded exponentially.

“Which means this conflict—?”

– The advantage lies with Stormy. Should she emerge victorious… she will undergo a transformation into an incredibly powerful being. A fully realized Storm Dragon Sorcerer. However, if her will breaks under the pressure……

Drill Sarge lowered his tone significantly, his expression projecting grave concern.

– The Stormy we know will vanish entirely. The brutal nature of the Ancient Burst Dragon will claim dominion over her body.

Good grief.

What kind of ridiculous twist is this?

If I had anticipated this danger, I would have avoided this path entirely!

– This information only just became accessible to me, Master.

The moment Stormy entered this volatile state, the hidden knowledge had automatically unlocked within Drill Sarge’s consciousness. Up until this point, even he had been left in the dark.

“……”

Jiwoo listened to the explanation in absolute silence, her throat tightening.

BOOM-CRASH!

She observed Stormy’s agonizing expressions with a profound sense of helplessness as the dragon entity raged, shattering the surrounding environment to splinters.

“…Stormy.”

The extensive days they had spent training side-by-side had cemented a genuine, unbreakable connection between them.

“Please, you have to fight it.”

– ROAAAR!

– SHREEEK!

The Ancient Burst Dragon bellowed with increasing malice, and Stormy’s breathing turned ragged as she desperately combated the chaotic energy tearing through her spirit.

The crimson dragon form projecting from her figure grew more defined and vibrant, while a subtle shift began to manifest deep within the eyes of the Burst Dragon.

“…This is bad.”

– We must prepare ourselves for an immediate engagement. If the Storm Dragon Sorcerer fails to overcome this… an unprecedented disaster could be unleashed upon this realm, Master.

“Is the danger truly that immense?”

– To be perfectly honest, I cannot say for certain. However, judging strictly by the presence it is emitting…… wouldn’t you concur that it poses an extreme threat?

True.

He couldn’t find a single argument to counter that logic.

Perhaps because this representation was the absolute manifestation of the Burst Dragon?

The sheer aura it projected rivaled the oppressive weight felt when facing a boss on the highest floors of the Tower of Trials.

“No.”

At that critical juncture, Jiwoo stepped forward to intervene.

“I don’t believe we will need to resort to violence.”

“What?”

Jinwoo’s eyebrows knit together in confusion.

Jiwoo began taking measured steps directly into the epicenter of the raging spiritual storm.

“Jiwoo, what do you think you are doing?!”

“Jinwoo-nim. I can’t explain the logic behind it, but I feel an overwhelming certainty that I must step in. Stormy is reaching out for me in her mind.”

“…Stormy is?”

What could possibly be transpiring within that storm?

Was it wiser to simply observe the situation a moment longer?

An endless, dark vacuum.

That was the realm where Stormy found her consciousness trapped.

To be precise, she was suspended within the void, drifting through a state of deep insensibility.

She was forced to witness the painful memories of her younger years all over again.

– Go away and die.

– Word is that a malevolent entity has been sealed directly inside your physical body.

– Just knowing that you breathe the same oxygen as the rest of us makes my skin crawl.

– Why can’t you just… stop existing?

Stormy felt entirely disoriented.

Why were these buried memories suddenly resurfacing to plague her?

She saw herself dropped to her knees, pleading with those around her.

Please allow me to live. I am a human being, no different from any of you. I only wish to be cared for.

– A human being, just like us?

She could still vividly recall the intense disgust radiating from her peers’ eyes.

Even her own flesh and blood had regarded her as though she were an unnatural aberration.

All due to a single curse.

The presence of the Burst Dragon bound inside her very heart.

– I am truly sorry, but you do not qualify as a human. You are nothing short of a monster.

– For the preservation of our community, there is no alternative. Who can guess what terrible abominations an entity like you might bring into the world if you reach adulthood? For the safety of everyone, please submit to your Quarantine.

They confined her deep within an underground vault.

Deprived her of sustenance. Bound her limbs with thick layers of heavy iron links and issued strict decrees ensuring that no living soul would ever cross her threshold.

She developed a deep hatred for humanity.

She was utterly isolated.

She was starving.

Every single one of those bitter, dark sentiments accelerated the reawakening of the Burst Dragon, and approximately a decade down the line—

The historic magical empire crumbled to dust.

Decimated entirely by the wrath of a lone Storm Dragon Sorcerer who had been kept in chains beneath an isolated hamlet.

– AGH!

Stormy exerted her remaining will to shatter the oppressive memories.

She had successfully conquered psychological trauma of this nature in her past.

During the events of the Battle of Summoners, she had overcome it with the guidance of her revered lord, JinuGod.

However, during that prior trial, she had failed to completely eradicate the core of the Ancient Burst Dragon.

She had merely established a temporary state of internal harmony and learned to walk alongside the entity.

The current situation was entirely different.

Even the most passive creature will strike back when pushed to its absolute limit.

In her attempt to thoroughly tear out the roots of the Ancient Burst Dragon by utilizing the Body of Flames, the dragon entity was thrashing violently.

Its core survival mechanisms had been fully triggered.

– YOU FOOLISH CHILD! What do you imagine you are doing?! Have your memories truly faded? Have you entirely forgotten the sheer cruelty those humans inflicted upon you?!

The Ancient Burst Dragon was growing increasingly frantic.

– Recall the agony! The subterranean prison cell! That pitch-black, suffocating environment! Bound by heavy iron, weeping from the gnawing hunger and absolute isolation! The sheer horror of being utterly helpless against the mortals who crushed your spirit and labeled you a MONSTER!

The entity’s tone amplified with terrifying gravity.

– I am prepared to grant you absolute dominance. A tier of power that completely eclipses anything you currently command. No living soul will ever possess the capability to look down on you again. I will bestow upon you the raw strength required to bring every last human to their knees, forcing them to BEG for your clemency!

Dominance?

She certainly required strength.

Because amassing power would bring genuine pride and joy to Jinwoo-nim.

Perhaps that minute opening of hesitation exposed her inner conflict.

The Ancient Burst Dragon shifted its tone, adopting a smooth, deceptive murmur.

– That is the correct path. Jinwoo-nim? Embrace my strength solely for the benefit of that Jinwoo-nim! Merge your consciousness with mine completely.

However.

At that exact crossroad—

– Stormy.

An entirely different voice cut through the darkness to reach her.

In stark contrast to the vicious, alluring tone of the Ancient Burst Dragon, this presence felt incredibly gentle. Perfectly comforting.

– You are absolutely not a monster. That is complete nonsense. If you were truly an abomination, do you honestly believe that Jinwoo-nim or I would choose to stand by your side?

To whom did that comfort belong?

The moment that question crossed her mind, the visage of Hwang Jiwoo materialized vividly within her thoughts.

– And what exactly are YOU supposed to be?!

The Ancient Burst Dragon recoiled in absolute disbelief.

No external consciousness should have been capable of penetrating into the deepest chambers of the dragon’s psychological domain!

Unless they commanded the legendary properties of the Body of Flames (火炎之體)—it was completely impossible to interfere with its internal reservoir of power.

– If Stormy qualifies as an abomination, then what does that say about Drill Sarge, Ramba, and Rolly—are they supposed to be ultimate abominations? Pay no attention to this miserable parasite and follow me out of here instead.

– A p-parasite?! Hold your tongue! Those are nothing more than the deceitful manipulations of a mortal! She is merely offering you comforting illusions because she terrifies herself at the thought of your eventual retribution!

– Is Jinwoo-nim a deceitful manipulator? Or is this parasite the true manipulator here? That feels like an incredibly straightforward riddle for a clever girl like Stormy to solve.

The choice had already been determined from the start.

Stormy offered a subtle, decisive nod.

I am truly sorry, Ancient Burst Dragon. I am no longer a helpless creature. I am no longer isolated, and I am no longer desperate for nourishment.

Her reality had completely transformed.

She could state with absolute sincerity that every single moment she spent in the company of Jinwoo-nim brought her immense joy.

Stormy was completely unwilling to allow that precious joy to be destroyed.

I have no desire to coexist with your bitter malice any longer. My only wish is to…… exist as myself. Complete, whole, and unburdened.

– Cough… argh! HAHAHAHAHA!

How UTTERLY IMPUDENT!

Did she truly believe he would allow her to cast him aside so effortlessly?!

Very well. If the situation had devolved to this extreme, so be it.

Instead of attempting to claim dominion over the girl’s psyche, he would simply force her entire system into a state of absolute Rampage!

Once he obliterated that Jinwoo, the girl would no longer have any anchor to create such a dilemma!

– ROAAAAAAAR!

The crimson dragon’s terrifying cry vibrated through the absolute foundations of the training facility, and immediately following the sound, a catastrophic wall of fire burst outward in all directions.

– WATCH OUT, MASTER!

Drill Sarge hoisted his massive weapon, stepping forward to intercept the incoming blast.

“Jinwoo.”

Hong Ari, who had been closely tracking the development, advanced to the front line.

“There is no need to panic over those embers.”

She elevated her arm toward the sky.

SHUUUUSH!

In response—an overwhelming entity forced its presence into reality.

The absolute ruler of the element of fire.

– KREEEEEE!

The Vermilion Bird (S-rank) unleashed a piercing battle cry.