Han Yuseong followed the direction of the arrow and walked onward.
The place the arrow led to was a desolate ruin.
Surrounding it were numerous monsters forming villages, making it a place not easily accessible.
The destination lay deep within those ruins.
"This must be it."
[Hmm, there's nothing here.]
Han Yuseong flicked the blood off his hand and looked around.
He had broken through the nearby monster villages by using the cover of night,
and slaughtered every monster that inhabited the ruins, eventually arriving at this place.
But upon arrival—there was nothing.
Only the debris of collapsed buildings and piles of stones covering the ground.
"The arrow is gone."
The arrow that had guided him had vanished.
As if to say something was supposed to be here.
And if there was any place that might conceal something—
KA-RUMBLE!
"This is the only spot."
Han Yuseong struck the stone-covered ground with his fist.
A compressed bloodstorm burst out, scattering the rubble in all directions.
Then, the magic circle that had been buried beneath finally revealed itself.
[Hidden Dungeon: Forgotten Laboratory Discovered!]
[This long-abandoned laboratory has effectively become a nest due to the breeding of monsters that were once test subjects. Eliminate the monsters and uncover the result of the research hidden in the deepest part.]
It was a magic circle leading to a hidden dungeon.
The "result of the research" hidden in the deepest part of the Forgotten Laboratory—
that likely referred to the Seed of Evolution.
Han Yuseong looked down at the magic circle with a bored expression.
"A teleportation circle that doesn't even tell you where it leads, huh...?"
[Would be fun if you got summoned right into the middle of the monsters.]
"It's easy for you to say, since you're just watching."
Still, he had to consider the scenario Kakasha brought up.
After checking his gear, Han Yuseong stepped onto the magic circle.
FWOOOSH!
The circle activated, and his vision twisted.
When his sight finally settled—
Han Yuseong was standing in what looked like a forest.
A forest? No… this is…
Looking closely, he realized it was actually the interior of a building.
He had mistaken it for a forest at first because it was overgrown with moss, trees, and tangled roots.
At that moment, he felt a presence.
A hostile one—brimming with murderous intent.
"They say words have power… Kakasha, you'd better watch what you say from now on."
[Kuhuhu…]
Kakasha laughed as if thoroughly amused.
Beyond the overgrown thickets, monsters began to reveal themselves.
Beast-type monsters of all kinds, and even plant-based ones that slithered as if alive, surrounded Han Yuseong in a tangled swarm.
"Well, I expected this."
Han Yuseong kicked off the ground.
A fierce wave of killing intent surged up behind him.
He slashed and tore through the monsters blocking his path, pushing forward relentlessly.
The guiding arrow was gone.
He had no idea where he was supposed to go now.
— Chwiriririk!
— Kurghh…!
But he had the Predator's Sense.
Han Yuseong expanded his awareness.
He could feel the presence of monsters throughout the building's interior—
and among them, a particularly strong one stood out.
"Where there's a strong monster, there's usually something important. That's a universal truth."
[Agreed!]
FWOOSH!
— Keh, hek…!
— Kaha—gaghh!
The screams of monsters filled the building.
A limited space, packed with enemies—
To Han Yuseong, it was nothing short of the perfect battlefield.
He advanced without hesitation and finally reached the source of the powerful presence.
KWA-RUMBLE!
With a punch, he destroyed the massive door covered in vines and branches.
Beyond it opened a wide chamber—a vast space filled with dense undergrowth and all kinds of plant life, with three massive trees dominating the scene.
And at the very center… something was floating.
"Looks like I've finally found what I was looking for."
It was a seed, about the size of a quail egg, radiating a teal-colored energy.
[You found it easier than I expected. Bring it ba—]
[A powerful enemy is nearby.]
[Due to the effect of "War God's Blessing," the buff "Giant Killing" has been activated.]
[All stats +10, Sword Damage +25%, Speed +10%.]
At that moment, a message from the War God appeared.
Its meaning was simple—an enemy was nearby.
But the only things near Han Yuseong were trees.
Which could only mean one thing.
RUMMMBLE…!
[…Would be nice if it were that easy. But of course not.]
"Well, figures."
The giant trees around him began to stir, their roots shifting.
From their thick trunks, grotesque eyes opened and gleamed menacingly.
Elder Trees.
They were likely monsters stationed here to guard this place.
— Kuohohohooo!
As the Elder Trees roared, the ground trembled.
Moments later, the surrounding plant life began transforming—
Shrubs and vines turned into smaller tree-like monsters, resembling miniature Elder Trees.
Countless monsters now surrounded Han Yuseong, radiating hostility.
"Well, of course they wouldn't give this up easily."
As expected of a hidden dungeon, the difficulty level was high.
It seemed like the kind of place only a well-coordinated party of players with decently advanced dragon souls could barely manage to conquer.
Han Yuseong drew his Wolryeong Sword.
"No one's watching here, so…"
[O Oathkeeper! Are you finally drawing her blade!?]
But then he changed his mind and drew the Blade of War instead.
Conveniently, the tree monsters before him had wooden "armor"—bark shields—covering their torsos,
and that called for something more... direct.
"Kakasha. Burn."
[Grrrr… You're using me like a disposable flamethrower…!]
A surge of war flames erupted from the blade.
With a fierce grin, Han Yuseong swung his sword wide toward the Elder Trees.
FWOOOOSH!
The blade tore through the air—
Unleashing a conflagration of war flames that incinerated everything in its path.
The thick undergrowth of the room, the monsters snarling with hostility,
even the Elder Trees in the distance—
all were consumed by the blaze.
The monsters screamed in agony.
"Let's end this quickly."
Han Yuseong kicked off the ground—
plunging straight into the surrounding flames without a trace of hesitation.
**
The annihilating flames of the Blade of War swept across the chamber.
The Elder Trees, writhing in the pain of being burned alive, were split in half and collapsed one by one.
BOOOOM!
That was the end.
With the fall of the final Elder Tree, every monster in the chamber was defeated.
[Level increased by 5 ranks.]
[Strength +5, Agility +5, Endurance +5.]
[Due to War God's effect: Strength +3, Agility +2 additionally increased!]
[Bonus Reward: Magic Power +3, Fighting Spirit +10 increased!]
[Predation used. Predation stack: 6/15.]
Han Yuseong brushed the lingering flames off his sword and dismissed the notification windows.
In his focus on the fight, he had unintentionally burned down most of the lab—
but fortunately…
"The seed is unharmed."
[Mmmgh… Somehow this feels like a blow to my pride.]
The important thing was that the Seed of Evolution was unharmed.
Looking more closely, it was encased in a transparent, box-like container.
[Hidden Dungeon 'Forgotten Laboratory' has been cleared.]
[You have obtained the reward:
[Seed of Evolution]
· A seed containing the power of evolution. When used on a contracted dragon soul, it grants a special skill:
Nature of Evolution: When a dragon soul reaches its maximum level, its rank advances by one tier. It can evolve up to 5 tiers.
Each evolution grants additional Growth Points.
Han Yuseong took the seed out of the box and checked the item's effects—his eyes widened.
He had a rough idea of what it might do, but to think it would actually have such an effect...
[So basically, if you use that on the little one, you can keep evolving it up to five ranks, right?]
"Exactly. And I didn't expect it to also grant Growth Points."
Dragon souls possessed a stat known as "Growth Points."
These would increase when the soul leveled up, learned skills, or was strengthened in various ways.
Growth Points were used for various quest requirements, rewards, and especially for the final evaluation of a dragon soul.
But since the exact values weren't shown, managing them was tricky.
"There's a limit to how much Growth Points you can earn from raising an S-rank dragon soul. But an F-rank… now that's a different story."
That was because evolution added new Growth Points each time.
Plus, leveling from Rank F onward added even more.
In fact, it might even be possible to surpass a naturally-born Rank 5 soul in terms of total growth.
"This… is going to be fun."
He was beginning to grow more and more interested in this mysterious trial.
From here on, the task was simple.
Han Yuseong met the eyes of Haechuling, who was blankly staring at him.
"You've met a good master. Don't forget it—keep that in mind."
— Kkyurok…?
Well, it wasn't clear whether the little thing was really looking at him, or just staring into space.
He couldn't even tell if it actually had its eyes open.
But once the Seed of Evolution was applied, things would likely change.
Han Yuseong bestowed the Seed of Evolution upon Haechuling.
[You have bestowed the Seed of Evolution upon Inexperienced Haechuling (F).
The skill
[Inexperienced Haechuling has reached the maximum level of its current rank.]
[Nature of Evolution is taking effect…]
Thus, he immediately got to experience the effects of a hidden piece—
the power granted by the Seed of Evolution.
[Inexperienced Haechuling (F) has evolved into a Rank E dragon soul!]
[Stats have increased, and a new skill has been learned!]
Evolution.
And the amazing part—it wasn't over yet.
[Using stored experience via the dragon soul's
Thanks to this, Haechuling quickly hit max level again.
And once again—it evolved.
And once again—it hit max level.
[Inexperienced Haechuling (D) has evolved into a C-rank dragon soul!]
[Stats have increased, and a new skill has been learned!]
It had reached C-rank in an instant.
Even Han Yuseong, who had been watching, and Kakasha, were visibly stunned by the rapid growth.
[O-Oathkeeper, this is… isn't this just too fast?]
"…Yeah. I was just thinking the same thing."
[W-Well, considering the triple EXP bonus and the level of the monsters here, it's not entirely impossible, but even so… this is…]
It was fast—far too fast.
Han Yuseong turned his gaze toward the membrane surrounding Haechuling.
As the evolution began, a white cocoon-like barrier had formed around it.
The sight gave him the same feeling as watching a reptile undergoing metamorphosis.
Soon, the membrane began to tremble precariously.
It looked as if something inside was violently struggling to break free.
TSSHHHRIP!
Unable to withstand the force, the membrane tore open—
and from within, a newly evolved Haechuling burst forth.
The helpless, eye-shut form of the inexperienced Haechuling was gone.
Now, it bore sharp, glossy wings, crimson carapace like blood, and gem-like ruby eyes.
Though its body still retained a general Haechuling-like form, it now looked much more formidable.
[Blood Haechuling (C)]
· Level: 30 / 45
· Strength: C
· Agility: C
· Endurance: C
· Magic Power: C
· Growth Points: 4500
· Current Skills:
(1) Destiny (?)
— A fate that once held no meaning for the immature soul is beginning to awaken. When it reaches Rank 5, its true destiny will fully be revealed.
(2) Growth Reserve (S)
— This soul gains +300% EXP. Additionally, the amount of Growth Points earned through this soul is increased.
(3) Nature of Evolution (S)
— [Effect previously explained.]
(4) Blessing of the Soul (C)
— All of the contractor's stats +20; Strength +10%.
(5) Crimson Rage (C)
— Contractor's attack power x1.5, all stats +10%, attack speed +10%, and occasionally "Overwhelms" enemies.
(6) Ancient Knowledge (C)
— Contractor's magic damage +15%, casting time -15%, mana consumption -15%, and AoE +15%.
Upon seeing Haechuling's skill set, Han Yuseong grew even more dumbfounded.
These skills were far beyond what he had expected.
"Triple EXP gain and increased Growth Point yield? And Crimson Rage, Ancient Knowledge? This… this is the kind of skill set you'd only see on a Rank 5 dragon soul."
If all C-rank dragon souls were like this one, the Destruction faction never would've lost in his previous life.
Of course, the effects were still modest since it was only C-rank for now—
but imagining what it might become after rank-ups was almost beyond comprehension.
"…Wait. What's with its color?"
— Kkyururok?
Han Yuseong stared at Haechuling's coloration.
Haechuling tilted its head, as if it had no idea what he was talking about.
Maybe it was that slight head tilt, or just the timing—but it looked absurdly cute.
And Kakasha shrieked.
[IT'S SO CUTE!! Oathkeeper, I declare—I'm in love with this little one! Uuuugh, I wish I had a Haechuling like this back home!!]
"Shut up. Kakasha, don't you think there's something weird about this thing?"
[Weirdly adorable, yes!]
…There was no reasoning with her.
Han Yuseong let out a long sigh.
Maybe forming a contract with Kakasha was a mistake.
Perhaps she sensed his thoughts, because Kakasha suddenly sobered up.
[Ahem! Deep breath—just kidding, obviously. But still, the fact that it's red… that does catch my attention.]
"That's exactly what I was trying to ask. Red means…"
Han Yuseong, having lived through many experiences in his previous life, possessed a decent understanding of the dragonborn species.
He knew that their body color corresponded to unique traits—
and that some colors were exceedingly rare, tied to special "fates."
[Yes, yes. Gold… and red. Dragonborn of those colors possess incredible power. They're extremely rare, sometimes only born once every few thousand years—especially considering how low their reproductive rate is.]
Gold dragonborn and Red dragonborn—
Even in his past life, Han Yuseong had barely seen any of either.
[It's not guaranteed, of course… but usually, among those born with gold or red scales, only one is chosen to become a "Lord."]
"You mean a Dragonborn Lord."
[Exactly. Those chosen live a life as if fate itself had hand-picked them to walk that path. Though…]
Kakasha trailed off, letting out a soft, ironic laugh.
[In a world like this, what meaning does that even have anymore?]
The Dragon Graveyard had been destroyed.
The dragonkind—all extinct.
All that remained were their spirits: dragon souls.
Han Yuseong met Haechuling's eyes as it quietly stared up at him.
"That… sounds fun."
— Gyurok?
A small smile crept across Han Yuseong's lips.
No one could say for certain what this "noble fate" truly was.
But if Kakasha was right—if it really was the fate of a Dragonborn Lord—
And if this little Haechuling was originally destined to become such a being…
"Then let's see it through to the end. I've never been the type to ignore something I'm curious about."
The Altar of Dragons was where the dragon souls were judged.
And at the very end, only one dragon soul would be chosen—
the sole survivor.
If Haechuling, once fated to be a Dragonborn Lord, were to become that one survivor—
what would happen then?
Han Yuseong wanted to see it with his own eyes.
"I'll have to change my plans. Leveling it up comes first."
And while he was at it, he'd teach it the necessary skills too.
He now had a clear direction.
Han Yuseong began walking again—
with a new goal in mind: to make this Haechuling the final survivor.
*
"Finally…"
A hidden dungeon within the Dragon Graveyard—
A group of elite guardians had been challenging it.
And now, at last—
the dungeon's boss monster had fallen.
"Damn, that thing hit hard. Didn't expect to get smacked around like that."
[The noble Golden Dragon (S) has appeared!]
The dragon soul they were after revealed itself.
A golden dragon so massive it filled the entire dungeon with its presence.
The leader of the guardian party, Garbeon, stood before the golden dragon, admiring its majestic form.
"Congratulations, Garbeon!"
"A Rank 5 dragon soul—seems all that effort finally paid off."
"Indeed. More importantly, it's a soul that truly suits me."
Golden hair fluttering, Garbeon stood proudly before the Golden Dragon.
A Rank 5 dragon soul.
It had taken considerable effort to obtain it,
but with the highest-tier soul in hand, it would be an enormous asset in overcoming the trials ahead.
And surely—it would make him the final survivor of the trial.
[You have selected your dragon soul.]
[The Noble Golden Dragon (S) has become your soul companion.]
Garbeon completed his contract with the Golden Dragon.
And when the soul's status screen appeared before him, its dazzling array of powerful stats made all the hardship feel worthwhile.
"With this, our party has all completed our dragon soul contracts."
"Yes, Sir Garbeon. And now… just a bit longer…"
"It'll be three hours soon."
The time mentioned in the warning message.
Garbeon and his team waited inside the dungeon,
waiting for the moment that would determine everything.
They didn't have to wait long.
[3 hours have passed.]
Soon after, a message appeared before them all:
[Current number of survivors: 591,556]
[Among them, 60,390 Guardians have failed to achieve their designated objectives.]
[49,198 Destroyers have also failed.]
[As previously warned…]
The designated objectives:
Guardians must find a dragon soul within 3 hours.
Destroyers must either destroy a soul or kill a guardian within that same time limit.
And those who fail—
[Will die.]
The guardians standing beside Garbeon swallowed hard.
Over 110,000 players had just died.
They couldn't see it from inside the dungeon,
but if they were to go outside now…
countless corpses would be waiting for them.
[Guardians who have completed a soul contract must now put their lives on the line to nurture their dragon souls.]
[The standard for evaluation is "Growth Points."]
[From this moment, you have 6 hours to achieve a minimum of 6,000 Growth Points. Failure to do so will result in death.]
[During this challenge, quests that reward Growth Points will be generated.]
[At the end of the time limit, a special reward will be granted to the guardian who has achieved the highest Growth Points.]
A new trial had begun.
A lethal condition—accumulate at least 6,000 Growth Points within 6 hours or die.
The moment they saw that number, many guardians went pale.
[Announcing the current top-ranking guardian based on Growth Points.]
But that panic didn't last long.
The moment the next message appeared, every guardian was stunned.
Even Garbeon—who had just contracted with a Rank 5 dragon soul—
froze in disbelief.
And for good reason.
[Guardian: Han Yuseong]
[Growth Points: 15,060]
[Currently the highest-ranking guardian.]
It was a number that no one could believe.