Panel 1:
The chapter begins with Kang Joon, standing frozen before the shrine. His mind races, the air heavy with an unspoken tension. The glowing inscriptions fade, plunging the chamber into a haunting silence. The violet crystal embedded at its center pulsates with an eerie glow, filling the room with an otherworldly energy.
Kang Joon (thinking):
"This power... it's calling me. But what if I lose myself in it?" Will I still remain human?
Panel 2:
The scene widens, showing the full scope of the chamber. The walls ripple, almost alive with energy. Shadows twist unnaturally as the violet light flickers, casting an ominous atmosphere.
Kang Joon (thinking):
"No... I can't hesitate. If I don't act now, I'll never survive this world. It doesn't matter if I become a demon or something worse... If I can protect seoyeon... If I can avenge my mother."
Panel 3:
Kang Joon extends his trembling hand toward the crystal. The moment his fingers touch it, a violent surge of energy overwhelms him. His body convulses, and the room is engulfed in a blinding violet light.
Sound Effect: BZZZZ!
Panel 4:
A vision suddenly floods his mind—a vast, apocalyptic battlefield. A towering Monarch, clad in bio-mechanical armor, cuts through celestial beings with ruthless precision. Swarms of grotesque, Abyss-like creatures tear apart divine armies, a sea of blood and destruction.
Monarch (voiceover):
"To inherit my power, you must first conquer your fear. Face your inner demons."
Panel 5:
The vision fragments like broken glass, plunging Kang Joon into an endless void. From the suffocating darkness, a shadowy figure materializes—a grotesque, distorted reflection of himself. Its twisted features radiate corruption, and its piercing, malevolent eyes burn with an eerie glow.
Shadow Kang Joon:
"You're weak, afraid and pathetic. What makes you think you deserve this power?"
Kang Joon (shouting):
"Who... what are you?"
Shadow Kang Joon (grinning):
I am you. I know your true self.
Shadow Kang Joon (mocking):
"You're pathetic—a failure who couldn't even save his own family. Your father is dead. Your mother hung herself. And your sister? She's next. Why fight when you've already lost everything? Just give up and fade away."
Panel 7:
The words of his inner demon hit like a physical blow. Flashbacks flood his mind—his sister unconscious in a hospital bed, the doctor grimly diagnosing her with Mana Influx Syndrome. Her body, unprepared for the mana and influx of Abyssal energy, slowly began shutting down.
The scene transitions to a moment when Kang Joon, desperate for answers, asked his mother about his father's whereabouts. Her eyes filled with tears as she broke down, answering him that he is dead.
The memory shifts to the sight of Kang Joon's family being forced out of their house, the loan shark's cold voice echoing as he demanded repayment of his father's debt. The scene transitions abruptly to a dimly lit room, where his mother's lifeless body sways gently from a rope tied to the ceiling. Her feet dangle motionlessly, the harsh creak of the rope breaking the oppressive silence. Shadows flicker on the walls, the haunting stillness driving home the depth of her despair. The weight of her sacrifice, her final escape, leaves an indelible mark on Kang Joon's heart.
Kang Joon's vision blurs as tears spill freely, carving trails down his face. His hands tremble before clenching into fists, his nails digging into his palms. Seoyeon's tear-streaked face flashes in his mind making him promise to never leave her behind like their parents." His resolve hardens, his grip tightening with newfound determination.
Kang Joon (thinking):
"I can't give up. Not now... not ever."
Kang Joon (murmuring):
"I can't die here. There's a reason I must live. I promised Seoyeon to never leave her behind."
Panel 8:
The void quakes violently, mirroring the storm brewing within Kang Joon. His fist ignites with brilliant violet energy as he lunges forward, driving it straight into the heart of his shadowy tormentor.
Kang Joon (shouting ):
"I may be pathetic... but I will fight until my last breath!"
Panel 9:
Kang Joon's fist shatters the shadow's chest, and with a final, deafening crack, the void collapses around him. He's back in the chamber, kneeling before the shrine. The violet crystal pulses steadily, its energy now flowing into him. A voice rings out in his mind, heavy and final.
Monarch (voiceover):
"You have proven yourself worthy. My legacy is now yours to wield... but beware—the gods will hunt you."
Panel 10:
Scene transitions to Erynn at the Adventurer's Alliance. She storms into the bustling hall, her presence commanding immediate attention. The receptionist looks up nervously as she approaches.
Receptionist (nervous):
"Uh, can I help you with something?"
Erynn (coldly):
"I need to see the branch manager. Now."
Receptionist (hesitant,trying to maintain composure):
"I-I'm sorry, but the branch manager doesn't meet with just anyone... Can I see your Adventurer's ID first?"
Panel 11 :
Erynn's patience snaps, but she keeps her composure. She slams her D-rank Adventurer's ID onto the counter.
Receptionist (mocking, growing more dismissive as she glances at the ID) :
"So, a D-rank adventurer demanding the manager's time? Really? Sorry, but unless you're someone important, the manager won't entertain this."
Panel 12 :
Erynn's anger flares, and in a swift motion, she drives her dagger into the reception desk, embedding it halfway into the wood. The desk groans under the pressure.
Erynn :
"You really don't understand, do you?" Don't make me repeat myself.
1
Panel 13 :
Taking a steadying breath,Erynn forces her emotions into check. From the depths of her cloak, she pulls a gold coin, its surface engraved with magical runes and intricate patterns, hinting at a rare and mysterious origin.
Erynn (grumply) :
I don't waana use this, but got no other choice. I don't have time for pleasantries." Take this to him. Now.
Panel 14 :
The receptionist's face drains of color, her hands shaking uncontrollably, the fear from Erynn's earlier display of anger still fresh in her mind. When her gaze falls upon the intricate coin in Erynn's hand, her eyes widen in terror. The arcane runes etched into its surface pulse with an unsettling aura of authority, sending a chill down her spine. She swallows hard, realizing this stranger may hold some dangerous background.
Receptionist (in fear) :
Wh-what is this...? I... I... I'll tell him right away.
Narrator :
Intrigued by her bold actions, the eyes of the surrounding adventurers flicker toward Erynn, their curiosity piqued. Whispers ripple through the crowd as they observe her, amused by the tension in the air and the mystery surrounding her.
Panel 15 :
Back to Kang Joon. The shrine's energy wanes, the chamber trembles as rocks fall from the ceiling. A sudden pull tugs at him, and Kang Joon's body begins to fade, vanishing as though he never existed, transported to another part of the dungeon.
Kang Joon (thinking) :
"Where am I? Did I get the Legacy? Why can't I feel its power? Maybe I don't know how to use it yet..."
Panel 16 :
Glancing around, his eyes ccatces a bloodied, battered body, unrecognizable in its condition. Kang Joon approaches, his breath catching as he stares at the wreckage.
Kang Joon (shocked, his voice trembling):
"Is... Is this Minsoo? How... How did this happen?"
Panel 17 :
His brows furrow, rage building within him as he clenches his fists.
Kang Joon (gritting his teeth) :
Those monsters... If only I had strength... Minsoo wouldn't have died. He wouldn't have had to sacrifice himself."
Panel 18 :
Suddenly, the ground rumbles, a deep growl echoes through the dungeon. The demon that had chased Kang Joon earlier forces its way back to the boss chamber, its glowing eyes filled with wrath.
Demon (roaring): "RRRAAAAHHH!"
Kang Joon (thinking):
"I'm not the same as before. But it's not time for revenge yet. Revenge can wait—it's never too late."
Panel 19 :
The chapter closes with Kang Joon crouched in the shadows, his breath shallow. The demon prowls nearby, its growls vibrating through the walls. Sweat beads on Kang Joon's forehead as he grips the jagged rock, his body tense, poised for a single misstep. Will he escape, or will the hunter become the hunted?
Narrator:
"In the shadow of despair, strength is forged—but will it be enough to defy the abyss?"
End of Chapter 9
"To be continued..."
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