Yong-aaah

While Yu Seha and Moon Bora successfully tackled the <Festival of the Fallen Warriors>, and their bond deepened even further.

At that moment, they were taken aback by the unexpected appearance of Cheon Mira, the <Snow Ice Lady>.

In the [Safety Zone] located in Mount Gwanak, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, where the water is good, the air is fresh, and the spirit of nature is felt.

A truly cute and charming, yet earnest and powerful voice resounded.

-Meowi!
-Meoeow!
-Meow, meow, meow!!!
-Mushaaaa!

“Meowww!!!”

A bedraggled feline girl, worn out from intense training, raised her shield energetically.

What is there to hide?

The girl’s true identity was none other than Ma Hana.

Ma Hana lifted the shield in her hand with vigor.

A fierce shout… described as a hiss.

Currently, the shield Ma Hana was holding was crafted by Im Hyeja, known as the [Sea Dragon’s Shield].

Interestingly, the [Sea Dragon’s Shield] was adorned with a pattern resembling a wolf-like phenomenon.

One might think it’s the shield’s effect, but it’s not.
Any hunter with some insight would look at Ma Hana with astonished eyes.

The first form of <Kallas> shield technique.
It was a powerful skill known as the [Twilight Wolf’s Pattern].

A special protective barrier that blocks enemy attacks and increases speed, serving as a highly efficient defensive and buff skill.

Though it’s the easiest ability to learn in <Kallas> shield techniques, it is crucial and forms the foundation for other basic forms.

Vroooom!

And right in front.

There was someone who unfolded a much stronger and more sophisticated [Twilight Wolf] pattern than Ma Hana’s.

A woman clad in black armor from head to toe.

The woman, holding a shield over 3 meters tall, aptly described as ‘extra-large,’ was pressing down on Ma Hana.

In essence, the shield itself was an overwhelming weapon imbued with mass.

Boom!

In the end, Ma Hana, unable to withstand the continuous fierce attack, was sent flying backward.

“Meoww!”

Rolling, thud!
Meow!

“Meow…”

Perhaps she split her head, as Ma Hana grimaced, rolling on the ground.

With tears welling up, she whimpered, ‘Meow…’

She gently soothed the injured area with her two tails.

Though her appearance was irresistibly cute, the woman wielding the shield remained cold.

“…Phew.”

The woman lifted her helmet.
Inside was a very familiar face.
It was none other than Professor Cha Yeo-ju, who was in charge of the <Hunter Interpersonal Combat Class>.

“……”

Cha Yeo-ju silently looked at the whimpering Ma Hana.

No.
Correction.

To be precise, she was looking at the figure of a woman above Ma Hana’s head.

“……”

A detestable woman with two tails, just like Ma Hana.

Cha Yeo-ju clicked her tongue as she looked at the spirit with emotions close to mixed feelings.

Feeling pity for still being like that…

Yet, recalling Senior Ma Tae-han made her naturally feel hatred.

Cha Yeo-ju lifted her head.
The sun was flickering as if it was about to set.
This place was deep in the mountains.
Thus, the sun set quickly.

“Let’s call it a day here.”
“M-Meow! That can’t be!”

Cha Yeo-ju turned her body, glancing back at the voice she heard.

Ma Hana.
She was trembling as she lifted the shield.

The energy flickering throughout her body soon began to consolidate like a great mountain.

Cha Yeo-ju let out a small exclamation.

‘…She must have reached her limit already…’

It wouldn’t be strange if she let go of her consciousness at any moment.

Yet, that unyielding mental strength that refuses to give up.

Cha Yeo-ju knew well what that meant.

Surely, it was clear that it was to rise up to protect oneself and someone else.

The biggest reason Cha Yeo-ju was able to grow to Grade A was also for the sake of her beloved senior, Ma Tae-han.

“Ma Hana, training is important, of course, but rest should not be overlooked.”
“…Ah, I know. But… just a little more… please!”

Ma Hana clenched her fist adorably.

Her tail spun like a propeller.

Ma Hana could sense it.

She could feel it with an instinctive sense.

‘Seha has definitely become stronger.’

As if she had a Yu Seha-exclusive radar on her head, she felt it with her skin, her five senses, and her soul.

The fact that Yu Seha had surpassed a wall and moved to the next realm…

Therefore, Ma Hana also had to become stronger.

‘I am the shield that protects Seha.’

For that, she had to train more.

Ma Hana clenched her fist.
She didn’t want to regret.
She didn’t want to go back to the past.
She absolutely, absolutely hated just wandering aimlessly by his side, unable to help!

Perhaps it was because of such a determined resolve.
For a moment, Ma Hana emitted an unidentified power.

Cha Yeo-ju, who was watching, widened her eyes.

Though it was less than 0.1 seconds, she clearly felt it.

‘What was that just now?’

Something alien yet magnificent.
At the same time, something enormous was rippling from Ma Hana’s body.

Silent Cha Yeo-ju raised her shield.

“…One hour, just one more hour.”
“Yes!”

Ma Hana ran out.

Vigorously, more vigorously than anything else.

Solely to stand by Yu Seha’s side.

Therefore, she didn’t know.
That her <Status Window> was shaking as if an earthquake had struck.

Several months ago, when Ma Hana first spoke informally to Yu Seha.

Though she knew about it, she left the second unique ability alone because there was nothing she could do.

Now…

It was about to break out of its shell and soar.

A massive corporate building in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

A building that must have cost billions.

Underground beneath it.

This place filled with all sorts of expensive-looking facilities of various kinds.

Among them, the special VIP training room made with the hardest “Lithium” metal.

Bang, bang.
Crack
Boom!

A deafening noise spread out.

And the overwhelming violence and heat filled the cube-shaped training room.

Bang!

With a single punch, the outer wall was dented and began to bubble and boil.

The “Lithium” that made up the wall, unlike other minerals, was a very rare and privileged metal produced only inside the <Gate> dungeon.

Perhaps because it was a mineral born from a dungeon.

It had an exceptionally strong inherent magic compared to other minerals, and thus its own attribute resistance was outstanding.

The armor made from this was valued so highly that most <Tank> classes would drool over it.

Despite being such an extraordinary metal, the fact that it was boiling and dripping molten was proof.

That the being emanating this heat was no ordinary entity.

“Huff, huff…”

The girl looked at the owner of the heat.

The girl’s identity was none other than Ju Na-young.

Wearing training clothes, Ju Na-young had her rising red hair tied up in a ponytail, and she clenched her fists.

These were not just cute little fists.

Thanks to activating her inherent ability [Dragon’s Child], her fists were enveloped with the power of [Dragon Transformation].

Sharp dragon scales and claws grew on her fists, amplifying them to the size of an adult man’s head.

Additionally, the tail that had grown from her backside was akin to a mace in itself.

The heat enveloping her body was not weak either.

The manifestation of [Burning Flames] at level 8.

Soon, as if hinting at acquiring a new derivative skill, the flames began to spread slightly in different colors.

Lastly, her training clothes were wrapped in thorny vines imbued with fire, like armor.

It was the [Flame Forest] skill of the <Druid> class encasing her entire body.

This was practically the state of Ju Na-young’s full power.

However, none of it worked against her opponent.

“……”

It was a young woman.
The woman bore an almost identical appearance to Ju Na-young.

The slight difference was that while Ju Na-young’s eyes were sharp, she retained a unique puppy-like cuteness.

This woman, however, was overflowing with charisma without such traits.

Moreover, her subtly shadowed face exuded the dignity of a strong person who had weathered the storms of time.

No matter how generously one estimated, this woman seemed to be in her early thirties.

Her identity was Ju Yae-young.

The clan master of the <Dragon Sword Mir> among the Four Great Clans, and one of only five S-rank hunters in South Korea.

Lastly, she was Ju Na-young’s biological mother.

“Huff, huff… Yong-ah!!!”

Ju Na-young clashed her fists and charged at her mother once more.

Bang, bang!!!

Bursting flames.
Fists striking even faster than that.

However, no strike could land on Ju Yae-young.

This was quite a shocking event for Ju Na-young.

‘…Damn it!’

She had clearly grown stronger since before her admission…
Yet nothing worked.

Moreover, her mother’s class was <Magician>.

In other words, a typical class that was weak in close combat and focused on firepower.

Despite having a clear advantage in terms of compatibility, Ju Na-young couldn’t even make a dent.

‘…Is this the wall of an S-rank hunter?!’

Thud!

“…!”
“Clumsy.”

Even her once-confident martial arts were being overpowered.

Ju Yae-young blocked the punch with her palm, then swiftly threw her over with a hip toss.

Bang!

“Yong-kkueeek…!”
“……”

Ju Yae-young dusted her hands while looking at her sprawled daughter.

She was about to turn away but stopped in her tracks.

Ju Na-young had risen, clenching her fists.

“More, give me more!”
“……”

Ju Yae-young looked at Ju Na-young silently.

Then she did something that slightly shattered her charismatic image.

She pouted her lips and fidgeted her fingers.

“…L-let’s stop. You’ll really get hurt if we continue.”
“Yong-ah! Don’t suddenly go soft! Give me more. I can do more!”
“…Daughter. Are you going to make your mother sad?”
“Y-Yong-ah…”

Caught off guard by the sudden emotional attack, Ju Na-young flinched.

Her biological mother, Ju Yae-young.

She never showed such a weak side to others.

Only to her daughter.

Ju Na-young knew this well, but she shook her head and readied herself.

Even though her mother had been the one to call her, it was the starting point.

The reason she didn’t go on the sweet and happy overdose trip with Yu Seha was for this sparring.

‘I must get stronger!’

Before parting, Yu Seha spoke.
He said he had a place to go to climb even higher.

Yu Seha, who always showed unbelievable growth.

He was someone who kept his word no matter what.

Ju Na-young assured.

The next time they meet, Yu Seha will be a completely different person.

He will have become so much stronger compared to before.

Therefore, she had to become stronger to stand beside him.

And now, the opponent in front of her had reached the pinnacle of the path she must walk.

Sparring with her at this moment was incredibly precious to Ju Na-young.

Did she notice that gaze?

Ju Yae-young sighed.

Soon, she had a serious look in her eyes.

Ju Yae-young, too, had reached the pinnacle of S-grade through numerous trials and battles with strong opponents.

She wasn’t so clueless as to not realize that those eyes were a step towards climbing higher.

Nor was she so indiscriminate as to not worry about her daughter’s body being strained.

“Let’s finish this in one go. Daughter, open your mouth.”
“…Yes, yong-ahh!”

Ju Na-young and Ju Yae-young.

True descendants of the dragon, inheriting the blood of <Crimson Dragon King> Ceares.

The two assumed their stances without anyone leading.

The magic power within their bodies surged, starting to stir internally.

The <Dragon’s Power> within each of them.

It emerged behind them, traversing their throats to form a pearl-like flame.

The secret technique that comes to mind first when thinking of dragons. The ultimate.
The judgment known as authority.
Now it has manifested.

“Yong-ah! Yonggg!”
“Yong-ah! Yonggg!”

[Dragon Breath].

In the clash of the two techniques, which created a brilliant light and intense resonance, the entire training room was engulfed in a sea of flames.