How the Regressed Munchkin Chews Up the Tower - H.R.M.C.U.T Chapter 32 (Part 2):

“Huff—huff!”

Ishia’s eyes sharpened.

The 『Black Wing [C]』 in her hand pulsed softly, as if urging her to stay calm.

‘I know.’

『Sword Heart [D]』—the trait that crazy psychopath had given her—was astonishingly compatible with her. Holding a sword had always calmed her, but with 『Sword Heart [D]』, she felt almost one with the blade. It wasn’t just a feeling; her swordsmanship had improved by leaps and bounds. While leveling up and gaining combat experience helped, the influence of 『Sword Heart [D]』 was undeniable.

Even now, 『Black Wing [C]』 seemed alive, harmonizing with her. From its heartbeat to its warmth, it was perfectly attuned to her. Thanks to this, even in this tense situation, Ishia could assess her surroundings with cold rationality.

‘Three enemies.’

Mantises, were they called? Monsters that looked almost identical to praying mantises, except for their five-meter size. True to their insect nature, their agility was beyond imagination. Despite being only around level 10, they matched her speed.

‘I’m level 23, damn it!’

It had been a week since they reached the second floor. Ishia had gained three levels—not as fast as on the first floor, but Sung Yujin seemed satisfied, suggesting it wasn’t slow by any means.

“Hup!”

Had she let her mind wander for a moment? One of the three mantises surrounding her seized the opportunity and lunged.

*Flap-flap-flap-!*

The sound of its wings was chilling, but its forelegs were even more terrifying.

*Slash-!*

The air split with a sharp, bone-chilling sound.

‘Damn it!’

Following 『Black Wing [C]』’s guidance, Ishia swung her arm backward.

*Clang-!*

The mantis’s foreleg collided with her black blade, producing a piercing noise.

*Eeeeek-!*

The creature let out a startled cry, clearly not expecting her to block it.

“Not so fast!”

A crisis was also an opportunity. Without hesitation, Ishia spun 『Black Wing [C]』 and slashed at the mantis’s neck.

*Splatter-!*

Its head and body separated, green bodily fluids gushing out. She didn’t dodge—she was already too soaked to care.

“Now!”

Hiding within the fountain of fluids, Ishia shouted. At that moment, a massive hole—30 centimeters wide—burst through the chest of the mantis charging from her left.

*Boom-!*

Park Jihoo’s gauntlet was visible through the hole. Only one remained. Ishia’s sword sliced through the air, piercing the final mantis between its eyes.

*Shunk-.*

It felt like stabbing melted butter with a knife. The insect’s compound eyes stared at her briefly before losing their light and collapsing.

*Thud-!*

Their corpses would become part of this vast jungle, nourishing countless other lives.

“Hoo…”

Ishia shook the green fluid off her sword and turned. She saw Park Jihoo, looking every bit as filthy as she did.

“Good work,” she said.

He’d never been talkative, but since reaching the second Floor, he’d grown even quieter.

For a moment, she saw a glimpse of the man who had treated them to meals at [Starlight Wayfarer].

‘Is he going to be okay?’

She couldn’t help but worry. But seeing the glint in his eyes during combat, perhaps her concern was unnecessary. His silence didn’t stem from despair; his eyes grew more alive with each fight. He must really love battle.

“Where’s that crazy bastard?”

“Over there.”

Park Jihoo pointed to a dense thicket, too massive to call mere bushes. A chilling wave of mana emanated from beyond.

“Huh? He’s still fighting? That monster?”

Unlike on the first floor, where he’d merely observed their battles, here he was actively hunting—more fervently than them. If they killed ten monsters, he’d return with fifty. It wasn’t just about speed; he hunted longer, more seriously. His level was nearing 30, making mantises mere peanuts to him. Yet he was still fighting?

“What, is he taking on a boss or something?”

There was no other reason for that monster to take so long.

“Wanna check it out?”

They’d already met their daily quota, and the sun was setting. It was time to return to camp, so Ishia decided to see what Sung Yujin was up to. Pushing through grass taller than herself, she felt a sharp, cutting aura.

‘What the hell is he fighting?’

It was so intense it felt sharper than 『Black Wing [C]』’s edge. Maybe he really was facing a boss.

‘I was joking, but…’

Swallowing hard, Ishia cautiously moved forward.

*Boom-!*

A massive surge of mana erupted, sweeping through the area.

“Jihoo!”

The lighter Park Jihoo was nearly lifted off the ground. Instinctively grabbing his hand, Ishia looked ahead.

“W-What the hell!”

Her eyes widened. She couldn’t help it. Sung Yujin was fighting—and with a seriousness she’d never seen before.

‘Who’s he fighting?’

His mediocre 『Fire Dragon Blade [E]』 sliced through space, and she saw what blocked it. The Tower’s Administrator, known as the reaper of the tutorial floors.

“…Didaskalia?”

Its repulsive face came into view.

“Die, you bastard.”

Yujin’s blade flashed once more.

Dangun

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