The Monarch Who Levels Up by Devouring - M.L.U.B.D Chapter 5 (Part 1):

The Dragonfang Soldier suppressed his flustered expression.

A heroic being born from the fangs of Ismenios. [T/N: Likely derived from Ismenian (Greek: Ἰσμήνιος), an epithet associated with Apollo or Thebes (e.g., the Ismenian Dragon in Greek myth).]

Though weakened due to the penalty of the【Trial】, he wasn’t so feeble as to lose to a Player who had just entered the tutorial.

‘My sword can’t reach him.’

*Whoosh—!*

The gladius sliced through the air.

A few strands of Yu Jin-Ho’s hair fluttered through the trajectory left by the passing blade.

At the same time, Jin-Ho deftly stepped forward, closing the distance again.

‘I can’t let him get closer.’

In raw strength, the Dragonfang Soldier held the advantage.

In agility, Jin-Ho was slightly ahead.

But Jin-Ho had a skill powerful enough to overturn their difference in strength—

[Mighty Strike].

The once-gleaming armor had long lost its luster.

Having absorbed part of a Primordial Species’ essence, Jin-Ho’s reinforced body unleashed [Mighty Strike], something the weakened Dragonfang Soldier’s armor couldn’t withstand.

「Things won’t go as you wish.」

The Dragonfang Soldier twisted his wrist sharply.

His joints trembled from the forced motion, but it managed to alter the sword’s trajectory drastically.

“Hmph. That’s still within my calculations.”

Jin-Ho bent backward, dodging the gladius flying toward his spine.

The Dragonfang Soldier was full of openings.

「This isn’t over!」

He twisted his wrist again, slashing downward.

Though weakened, a clean hit could still deliver a fatal blow.

It was an attack meant to counter Jin-Ho’s attempt to close the gap once more.

But—

“Are you performing a sword dance or something?”

Jin-Ho pulled back a beat earlier, as if he had predicted it.

「Why? Why did you retreat when I left myself wide open?!」**

“Because I’m tired.”

Jin-Ho shook out his arm.

His muscles twitched from minor spasms—the aftereffects of repeatedly using [Mighty Strike].

「You never intended to attack—just to keep closing in?!」

“Yep. I got a front-row seat to your panicked sword dance.”

「Grrr!」

Even while taunting, Jin-Ho didn’t forget to relax his arm muscles.

[The Blessing of the Earth Mother is active.]
[Stamina recovery speed has increased.]

A permanent buff as long as his feet remained on the ground.

Thanks to the Blessing of the Earth Mother, he could push his body to its limits, mitigating the penalty of [Mighty Strike], a skill he couldn’t use recklessly.

Being able to hold his own against the Dragonfang Soldier, who outmatched him in strength and stamina, was also due to this blessing.

As the battle dragged on, the line between victor and loser grew clearer.

Jin-Ho hadn’t taken a single solid hit.

Meanwhile, the Dragonfang Soldier’s armor was crumpled beyond recognition.

*Crunch!*

Finally, Jin-Ho’s fist caved in the back of the Dragonfang Soldier’s neck.

[Mighty Strike has been activated.]
[Deals damage equal to 300% of the user’s Strength stat.]

The battered Dragonfang Soldier collapsed to the ground.

「Challenger… Victory is yours.」

“I know.”

「You are a remarkable warrior. If we meet again…」

The Dragonfang Soldier bowed his head, unable to finish his words.

*Clatter—*

His half-destroyed armor scattered across the floor.

[You have gained a large amount of experience points.]
[Your level has increased.]

Even weakened, he was a monster in the Level 50 range.

In an instant, Jin-Ho’s level rose by one.

Only one level could be gained at a time—no matter how strong the foe, the EXP bar never exceeded 100%.

▶ Hidden Quest – Passed the Trial of Ares.
▶ Reward: [Emblem of Valor]

[Token of Valor]
– Rank: Legendary
– Type: Necklace
– A divine artifact bestowed upon mortals recognized by Ares, the God of War.
– Bolsters the user’s courage and awakens latent potential.

– Strength +15
– Agility +12**
– Mental Resistance +10
– [Valor] skill embedded

[Valor]
– Rank: ★★★
– Type: Active
– Effect: Removes all mental debuffs.

“Wow.”

A gasp escaped his lips.

A Legendary-rank artifact from a tutorial stage?

He’d heard about it from Explorer Laurent, but he never expected such a groundbreaking reward.

‘Ares’ rewards vary each time.’

The trial’s reward depended on how one fought the Dragonfang Soldier.

For a Player fresh into the Tower of Babel, defeating it was nearly impossible.

The hidden quest’s true purpose wasn’t victory—it was the process of battle itself.

Seemed like…

That fool—no, that great God of War must’ve taken a liking to him.

As he received the reward, Ares’ presence began fading.

With the hidden quest complete, there was no reason to linger in the tutorial stage.

“Until next time, O Great God of War.”

He’d gotten a good reward—might as well throw in some lip service.

With the uninvited guest gone, he no longer needed to mind anyone’s gaze.

Ares’ reward was just a bonus.

His real goal in this temple was the Dragonfang Soldier’s corpse.

Dangun

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