Chapter 48

"Damn it. No matter how many times I cut it, it regenerates! There's no end to it!"

Yugan was running while deflecting the bone arrows raining down with his sword.

He was weaker in endurance than most S-class adventurers.

However, his agility was outstanding.

The Skull Dragon circled around to block Yugan's escape route and slashed with its claws.

However, Yugan anticipated the attack and quickly moved to a blind spot behind the Skull Dragon.

No matter how agile the Skull Dragon was, its massive body created blind spots that couldn't be avoided.

"Haah!"

Yugan slashed at one of the Skull Dragon's wings from behind.

Dozens of bone wings were torn apart by Yugan's one-meter-long sword.

It was like trying to split a stream with a wooden stick.

"Raaah!"

However, Yugan's sword cut through the dozens of bone wings without wavering.

"Roooooar!"

The Skull Dragon turned around and raised its claws at Yugan, but Yugan dodged nimbly.

(Alright, I can do this.)

Yugan was becoming more confident of victory.

(My agility is far superior. I've grasped all its attack patterns and can predict them. If I keep chipping away like this, it will eventually reach its limit.)

Yugan deflected the bone arrows raining down with his sword.

(It will regenerate the wings I cut off. I'll take advantage of that gap to land a few more slashes.)

Yugan continued to run in a circle around the Skull Dragon, sword at the ready, looking for an opening.

However, the Skull Dragon took a different action than Yugan expected.

It grabbed and tore off its remaining left wing with its right hand.

(What!?)

The bones of the wing it had torn off crumbled and decayed.

(Did it tear off its own wing?)

The Skull Dragon started running in sync with Yugan.

The distance battle between the Skull Dragon and Yugan began again.

Each tried to find the perfect distance for their own advantage.

The Skull Dragon was clearly more agile than before.

It took small steps, trying to lure Yugan into the range of its claws.

A claw that was deflected grazed Yugan's cheek, leaving a cut.

(Damn, its agility has increased!? Stay calm. I can still predict its attacks.)

Yugan moved behind the Skull Dragon, which had lost its balance from the attack.

(Hmph. No matter how powerful an attack is, it's meaningless if it doesn't hit!)

Yugan moved behind the enemy as he had done many times before.

(Once I'm behind it, it can't do anything!)

However, contrary to Yugan's prediction, the Skull Dragon counterattacked.

It lifted its bone legs, which it had never used for attacks, and kicked backward in a capoeira-like move.

(What!? It's kicking with that body?)

That wasn't all.

It continued to kick in waves, and Yugan couldn't avoid the third wave.

Even a graze from it felt like being hit by a truck.

"Gah!"

Yugan rolled on the ground, spitting blood, and barely managed to survive the attack.

He stood up and put some distance between them.

(Damn, I let my guard down.)

Yugan managed to deflect the bone arrows raining down and tried to regain his composure.

He dodged the Skull Dragon's smashing attack with a side jump and drank a potion to recover his health, but his body didn't respond as he wanted.

(Damn, my agility has been reduced.)

Although he could predict the Skull Dragon's attack patterns, he couldn't get behind it as he had before.

He couldn't find a way to counterattack.

(If this turns into a war of attrition... it's bad.)

Seeing Yugan's exhaustion, the Skull Dragon launched all its bone arrows to finish the fight.

"Damn it. It's doing exactly what I hate."

Yugan tried to run while deflecting the bone arrows with his sword but almost had his sword knocked away.

(Gah, my strength is also decreasing.)

Reluctantly, Yugan stopped and held his sword with both hands.

The Skull Dragon took the opportunity to move behind him.

Yugan barely dodged the Skull Dragon's attack.

However, his arm started to go numb.

(I can't do this. I need to recover. Should I retreat?)

Yugan glanced at the Skull Dragon while protecting his arm.

(The problem is... how do I escape from it?)

The Skull Dragon launched more bone arrows.

"Damn it, can't you wait a bit?"

The Skull Dragon circled around behind him again.

(Shit.)

Yugan braced for death.

However, at that moment, a shield flew and hit the Skull Dragon's head.

(This shield...)

Yugan looked in the direction the shield came from and saw Jil running with a large sword dragging behind her.

(Jil Arwin!? What's with her? Her equipment has changed!)

Until now, Jil's sword, though large, was manageable enough to carry on her back.

However, her current sword was so large that it dragged on the ground even when she carried it on her shoulder.

(What was she doing all this time? Changing her equipment?)

Jil was frowning as she dragged the 'Dragon Slayer Hammer.'

(Damn, this 'Dragon Slayer Hammer' is so heavy. Just carrying it is draining my endurance and health. But...)

Jil glared at the Skull Dragon.

(I can't let Roland down. I can't let him be further undervalued and belittled.)

The Skull Dragon locked onto Jil and lunged at her.

(She's going to fight in that state? That's reckless.)

To Yugan, Jil's actions seemed reckless.

(She can't even carry her sword properly. How can she deal with the Skull Dragon's agility in this state?)

Jil remembered what Roland had told her.

"With your current stats, you can use the 'Dragon Slayer Hammer' only twice."

"Twice..."

"Part of the reason is that we couldn't make fine adjustments for dungeon use, but mostly because of its weight. You can't swing it around multiple times."

"Understood."

"You need to land a decisive blow. Do you understand? Just fight as you normally would. Can you do that?"

"Yes!"

(Roland taught me. Not a graceful fight using agility, but a straightforward fight using endurance and strength, taking the enemy's attacks head-on. That's my way of fighting!)

Jil tried to put as much strength into her legs as possible while carrying the 'Dragon Slayer Hammer.'

This way, she could divert the strain to her agility, conserving her strength and endurance.

The Skull Dragon used its entire body, making its bones flexible like muscles, expanding its arms, and aiming its claws at Jil.

(I can't dodge. It's impossible.)

"Damn it. Run. You'll die!"

Yugan shouted.

But Jil didn't run.

Her determination never wavered from the Skull Dragon's eyes.

The Skull Dragon's claws hit Jil's body directly.

A tremendous impact struck Jil's body.

However, she didn't fly away; she only took a small step back.

Instead, the Skull Dragon's claws broke.

"What!?"

Yugan's eyes widened.

(That armor... not only did it not get scratched, but it didn't even budge? Unbelievable weight! Is it made of a new material?)

"I've got you, Skull Dragon."

(This is the only chance to finish you off while you're off-balance.)

Jil, despite the severe damage and pain, gripped her sword with both hands.

She had thrown the shield to free both hands.

She had dragged the sword to build up strength for this moment.

She activated the skill 'Single Point Focus' (drastically reducing all stats to temporarily double the chosen stat).

"Take this!"

Jil swung her large sword with all her might, striking the Skull Dragon's claws.

The Skull Dragon's arm burst from the palm to the shoulder.

The Skull Dragon was confused by what had happened.

Jil kicked off the ground with all her strength and lunged at the Skull Dragon's chest.

She brought down the 'Dragon Slayer Hammer' in a diagonal slash from the Skull Dragon's shoulder.

The 'Dragon Slayer Hammer' shattered the Skull Dragon's thick ribs and core.

It was a hammer that, despite its sword-like shape, could crush any giant enemy with its weight, truly a blow to destroy even a dragon.

The life force in the massive bone structure was completely extinguished.

The bones decayed and crumbled on the spot.

Jil fell to the ground, buried in the scattered bones.

Yugan watched in shock.

(No way. She did it. She shattered the Skull Dragon's thick ribs in one blow...)

"Jil!"

As Yugan stood in shock, a man ran to the fallen Skull Dragon.

(That's...)

He didn't seem to have much combat power.

From his equipment and movements, he was probably a D-class adventurer at best.

He frantically dug through the pile of bones and pulled Jil out.

"Jil, hang in there."

He seemed to be assessing Jil's condition.

He appeared to be appraising her stats.

(He's an appraiser? Could this be the S-class appraiser they were talking about?)

Yugan remembered the appraiser Monica and the others had mentioned.

(He's the one who delivered the new weapon to Jil. Not only can he identify hidden skills, but he can even develop such weapons?)

"Ugh, Roland..."

Jil groaned as she regained consciousness.

"Jil, I'm glad you're okay."

【Jil Arwin's Stats】

Strength: 1-110

Endurance: 1-120

Agility: 1-105

Health: 1-200

(All stats are at their minimum. She really used up all her strength. Seriously, what a reckless move.)

"Roland, the Skull Dragon..."

"It's okay. It's completely defeated. You did it. Congratulations. Now you're officially an S-class adventurer."

"Really? That's great. Finally, I can give you a title that you deserve, and repay you a little..."

"Jil, you... Anyway, let's get you treated. Can you stand?"

"Yes."

Jil, with Roland's help, managed to stand up.

"The mission is over. Let's go back."

As Roland glanced around, he saw Yugan staring at him.

(I don't need to appraise him. He's an S-class adventurer, 'Crescent Knight' Yugan...)

"Hello."

"Hmph, you're the S-class appraiser, huh?"

"You know me?"

"Yeah, you're quite famous. A skilled appraiser who turns failing adventurers into top-notch ones. But only in certain circles. So, you're Roland, huh?"

"..."

"Finally, I get to see your face. You look harmless, but you've got some sharp teeth."

"..."

"Ugh."

"Jil? Are you okay?"

Roland noticed Jil groaning and had a healer treat her.

"Yugan, I need to take Jil back to the city. Excuse me. Goodbye."

Yugan watched Roland's back for a while.

"Damn it, you're taking my earnings again."

(I see. No wonder Lucius fears you. Roland... Your name will surely spread after this.)

"He's not the type to stay in this city. We'll meet again someday..."

"The Skull Dragon has been defeated. An S-class monster has been slain."

The announcement at the quest office sent the city into a frenzy.

Finally, an S-class adventurer had been born.

People rushed to the dungeon entrance to catch a glimpse of the brave adventurer.

Soon, Jil appeared.

The crowd cheered and applauded.

Jil looked bewildered.

"Jil, everyone has come to see your heroic appearance. Respond to them properly."

"Yes."

Jil held up a fragment of the Skull Dragon's heart.

The crowd's excitement grew even more.

"A new S-class adventurer is born!"

"Cheers for the city of adventurers! Bless the brave adventurers!"

The area was soon filled with cheers and blessings.

People gathered on both sides of the street, forming a parade-like scene.

When Roland and Jil reached the square, the crowd's excitement reached its peak.

"Bless the S-class adventurer, Jil!"

"Bless the S-class adventurer, Jil!"

"Bless the S-class adventurer, Jil!"

"Bless the 'Golden Eagle'!"

"Bless the 'Guardian of the Magic Tree'!"

"Bless the 'Spiritual Workshop'!"

People were unsure which guild to bless and called out different guild names.

Jil and Roland smiled wryly.

"Roland, can I borrow the 'Dragon Slayer Hammer' one more time?"

"What!? But, Jil..."

"It's okay. I won't overdo it."

Jil took the 'Dragon Slayer Hammer' from Marina and held it up for the crowd to see.

The sword bore the emblem of the 'Spiritual Workshop.'

The crowd responded to Jil's message.

"Bless the 'Spiritual Workshop'!"

"Bless the 'Spiritual Workshop'!"

"Bless the 'Spiritual Workshop'!"

"Roland, raise your sword too."

"Me? Is that okay?"

"Of course. Please, go ahead."

Roland placed his hand on the sword Jil was holding up.

A spectator tilted his head.

"Who is he?"

"That's Roland, the appraiser."

"An appraiser?"

"Yes, the guild leader of the 'Spiritual Workshop.'"

"So, he made that weapon?"

"Yes, that's right."

This conversation quickly spread among the crowd.

"Bless the S-class weapon 'Dragon Slayer Hammer' and its maker, the appraiser Roland!"

"Bless the appraiser Roland!"

"Bless the appraiser Roland!"

Roland, though a bit embarrassed, accepted the crowd's blessings.

"Feels good, doesn't it? To be blessed by everyone."

Marina, walking beside him, said proudly.

"Why are you so proud?"

A male healer asked.

Roland and Jil looked at each other and laughed.

Lilianne was watching the parade from the sky.

She had just returned to the city after clearing the 'Forest Dungeon.'

(Good for you, Roland. You've raised Jil and helped her earn the recognition she deserves.)

"Congratulations, Roland!"

Overwhelmed with emotion, Jil hugged Roland and kissed him on the cheek, very close to his lips.

Lilianne tilted her head.

(Hmm?)

Jil's lips didn't pull away immediately; she kissed him multiple times.

Roland, though embarrassed, accepted the kisses.

Finally, Roland kissed Jil's cheek in return.

Jil closed her eyes in pleasure, savoring Roland's reward.

(Well, it's a teacher-student bond. A teacher-student bond. I'll let it slide today.)

Lilianne decided not to think too much about it.

In a hotel room, the investors of the 'Golden Eagle' were gathered.

They watched the parade with bitter expressions.

"What a disgrace!"

"Not only did they fail to clear the dungeon, but they also let the S-class monster be slain by Jil Arwin."

"All the profits from the S-class monster's defeat will go to the 'Guardian of the Magic Tree.'"

"The 'Golden Eagle' will have zero income this month."

"Moreover, a movement to remove Lucius from his position is intensifying within the guild."

"How much more will that man damage our interests?"

"What responsibility will he take for this?"

The investors grumbled and complained.

At an opportune moment, a banker who had been silent spoke up.

"Ladies and gentlemen, shouldn't we pass judgment now?"

"Judgment?"

"Yes, judgment on Lucius. We've given him enough time and chances, and we've been patient. But he has betrayed our expectations. I propose we remove Lucius from his position as the guild leader of the 'Golden Eagle' and hire a new guild leader."

When the banker said this, the investors' spirits sank, and they looked down in despair.

"Who can replace Lucius?"

"The 'Golden Eagle' is full of adventurers who rely only on their own bravery, swinging weapons and walking through dungeons."

"They're all rough and tumble, barely a step away from thugs."

"None of them have any business acumen."

"On the other hand, the 'Golden Eagle' is in a mess."

"The finances are in shambles, and the organization is in disarray. It's large and difficult to manage."

"There's no one in the guild who can take the helm, especially in this crisis..."

"I have one person in mind."

"Someone in mind?"

"Yes, someone who once belonged to the 'Golden Eagle' and was one of the driving forces behind its rise. He is now the guild leader of the alchemy guild 'Spiritual Workshop' and a special advisor to the 'Guardian of the Magic Tree.' He