Chapter 54 : Feast Amid the Tempest

Yuseong’s devised method for subjugating the Serpent.

Using the Taegong Net to insert a cable into the creature’s maw and forcibly cause a short circuit, delivering an electric shock.

By sending current through the Serpent’s brain—which was only about the size of a fist despite its massive body—to stun it, preventing it from fleeing into the sea, then concentrating firepower to hunt it down.

All things considered, it was the most efficient way to capture the Serpent at this point.

And the safest method.

In other words, the plan to use Metal Pig as bait to lure the Serpent in directly had been abandoned.

Because it was its spawning season.

That was an unpredictable variable no one but a god could foresee—a situation beyond control.

But a seasoned Explorer always finds the best way despite unexpected variables.

Yuseong had faced too many hardships to panic in such a moment and was as experienced as ever.

“Is this luck, then?”

And he was about to smile apologetically at the bait, which would be soaked in blood, or the frozen Explorer.

“The Serpent’s egg…”

From Yuseong’s perspective, it was an incredibly tempting prize.

The boss monster’s Serpent egg.

No one in the world had dared to taste it, not even Yuseong before his reincarnation.

What did the Serpent’s egg look like?

Given the creature’s massive size, would the egg be huge, or oddly small like a grain of sand, mismatched to its body?

“Maybe it looks like flying fish roe, or like herring eggs, or maybe like salmon roe…”

“Huh?”

Jang Dojin reacted to the words that slipped unintentionally from Yuseong’s mouth.

Yuseong shook his head and stammered.

“When I spear it, the Taegong Net will activate exactly three seconds later.”

Yuseong said this to Park Mi Sun.

Park Mi Sun nodded with a grave expression.

At that moment, Assistant Park caught their attention and warned Yuseong.

“…Half the Explorers have been injured or worse. The Serpent’s retaliation could be dangerous.”

The moment the Taegong Net activates, the Abyss will most likely issue a ‘Punishment’ to the subjugation party.

Originally, 50 people were supposed to share the backlash, but now over twenty Explorers had already been wounded by the Serpent.

No one knew how fierce its retaliation would be.

“Above all, Yuseong-nim…”

Even if Yuseong somehow manages to spear the creature, he has very little time left.

Three seconds is the maximum grace period given before the spear is pulled out.

After that, Yuseong will be exposed to a powerful electric current strong enough to stun the Serpent.

“It’s dangerous.”

“I’m fine.”

But Yuseong spoke as if there was no need to worry.

Assistant Park’s eyes reflected awe.

His expression was embarrassed, as if looking upon a hero willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good.

However, Yuseong didn’t mention the Whisky Bonbon or his unique Privilege, Two Hearts.

This wasn’t the place to reveal such things.

“I do it simply because I can.”

There was no sacrifice involved.

He didn’t want to sacrifice himself, nor was the situation one that required it.

It was merely a calculated risk he was confident he could handle.

Yuseong gripped the spear tightly.

A researcher at Cheonghwa Support Center shouted at the raiders.

“They’re coming up!”

Even without the warning, they noticed the churning seawater.

“Dojin.”

“Yes!”

Jang Dojin had already activated the Armored Giant’s Protection.

The Explorers watched in astonishment at Jang Dojin clad in the massive armor.

While assembling the Taegong Net, Jang Dojin lifted a wide iron plate from the remaining materials.

Yuseong leapt onto it.

Amanda Park told Yuseong.

“We’ll make sure support is solid, so don’t worry.”

Seong Jihoo and Kang Taegun also nodded.

They planned to support Yuseong from behind to ensure he could safely reach the Serpent’s head.

“Understood.”

Yuseong spread his palms toward the sky.

And drew up his mana.

“Ugh?!”

“What, what’s that!”

The Explorers stared at Yuseong in stunned disbelief.

Suddenly, strength surged through his body.

[Activating a reserved ability of the Taste Blessing.]

When he had previously impressed dozens of Explorers with a feast, a new ability called Feast had been unlocked within Taste Blessing.

A simple ability that delays activation and stores power.

It was aptly named because the ability was gained by feeding others.

[Protection Blessing descends upon the Explorers.]

Yuseong used the Feast’s ability to grant the Explorers a Blessing.

[Temporary significant resistance to bleeding, pain, fire, cold, and electric shock.]

[Temporary significant increase in stamina and strength.]

The bodies of the Explorers shimmered with a faint glow.

“Oh!”

“What kind of ridiculous power is this…”

Because the ability required feeding so many Explorers and moving them emotionally through food, the conditions to activate Feast were quite demanding.

But the effect was drastic.

With this, the Abyss’s Punishment would be bearable.

“Then just do as I said.”

The moment Yuseong spoke, the Serpent’s massive tail burst forth from the sea.

Kraaaak!

Its sharp roar echoed across the entire Seventh Island.

“Steady!”

“Yes!”

As Yuseong gave the signal,

Jang Dojin sprang up.

From such a distance, the only way for Yuseong to reach the Serpent’s head was terrifyingly simple.

“Arrgh!”

Clad in Armored Giant’s Protection, Jang Dojin threw Yuseong toward the Serpent’s head.

He hurled Yuseong along with the iron plate he was standing on.

Whoosh—!

The fierce wind howled.

Like a divine balance, Yuseong stabilized his posture midair.

The perfect arc meant he would safely reach the Serpent’s body.

Kraaak!

But the Serpent didn’t stay still.

It opened its maw wide at the incoming Yuseong.

Simultaneously, ice spikes shot out from that place.

Though not as powerful as its breath, they were enough to knock Yuseong off balance in midair.

But Amanda Park was quick to react.

“Hahaha, no big deal.”

The flying fireball zipped past Yuseong and exploded the ice spikes in front of him.

Seong Jihoo and Kang Taegun blocked the falling debris for the Explorers.

In the meantime, Yuseong reached the Serpent’s massive head.

But he couldn’t land stably.

The Serpent’s slime-coated skin was icy and slippery as if made of ice.

“Ugh!”

Yuseong nearly slipped off.

If he fell, he would plunge into the deep blue sea below.

He quickly drew his long knife and stabbed it into the Serpent’s slime-covered flesh.

Ka-gak.

Sparks of fire and blood mixed.

He barely clung to the creature’s body.

Like climbing an ice wall, Yuseong used the long knife to ascend the Serpent’s head.

Ka-gak, kak.

Despite the burning pain as the Serpent shook its head, Yuseong refused to fall and climbed all the way to the crown of its head.

Raiders with ranged attacks kept bombarding the Serpent, supporting Yuseong relentlessly.

Finding his balance, Yuseong drew the spear he had prepared in advance.

With the added weight of the attached cable, it felt like wielding a steel rod.

“Ah ja aah!”

With a spirited yell, Yuseong thrust the fishing spear downward.

Pak-kam!

But with the sound of ice cracking, the spear bounced off.

“Damn it.”

Yuseong immediately understood what had happened.

Instead of thrashing or retreating underwater, the Serpent chose a simpler defense.

It cloaked its body in an armor of cold.

In an instant, ice began to cover its tail.

The frost was creeping up to Yuseong’s feet.

The Serpent’s ability froze even the smaller monsters nearby in an instant.

That choice was its mistake.

“Let’s see how tough you really are.”

Ignoring it, Yuseong kept driving the spear down.

Even as the ice covered his legs, he paid no mind.

Thanks to his Two Hearts Privilege, he could resist the cold, and he still had some Whisky Bonbon saved.

Kkam, kkam, ka-gak.

Ice shards flew as the fishing line finally pierced the Serpent’s flesh.

The spear was standing firm without him even holding it.

Yuseong took out a steel hammer.

From afar, Park Mi Sun and Assistant Park watched Yuseong’s actions closely.

Soon, the ranged Explorers hurriedly grabbed the Taegong Net’s handles.

It was time to activate the Taegong Net.

With a swing like a hammer, Yuseong brought down the spear.

Kwaaang!

The spearhead drove deep.

It lodged against the skull, catching perfectly.

Kkrrak!

The Serpent writhed in agony.

But because Yuseong’s legs were frozen in ice, he couldn’t fall off.

Park Mi Sun also clearly saw the spear lodged firmly.

Three seconds until the Taegong Net activates.

Yuseong pulled out a Whisky Bonbon from his pocket and unwrapped it.

Even for Yuseong, eating a snack atop a boss monster’s head was a new experience.

Two seconds.

He put the Whisky Bonbon into his mouth.

The chocolate’s sweetness melted softly into his tired body.

Then came the whisky—a heavenly aroma bursting forth.

It felt like a warm fire thawing his cold body.

“As expected, delicious…”

Eating exquisite food atop a wildly thrashing monster’s head.

[Taste Ecstasy]

[Temporarily entering a Transcendental State]

Yuseong’s body glowed faintly.

One second.

The enraged Serpent first turned its attention to the subjugation party in sight.

The Serpent always kept part of its body submerged underwater.

But now, the furious beast emerged onto the island.

Like a snake hunting prey, it rattled ice shards and rock fragments while charging at the subjugation party holding the Taegong Net.

The subjugation party froze rigid at the terrifying approach.

There was no chance to escape now.

The Serpent opened its maw wide, about to unleash its breath.

At the promised three seconds, Assistant Park pressed the button.

The Taegong Net activated.

Zzjjeojjeojjeojjeong.

Like a lightning storm.

The ice covering the Serpent’s body shattered and scattered.

The Explorers immediately received the Abyss’s ‘Punishment.’

Crack.

Electric shocks from the Taegong Net’s handles struck sharply, but thanks to Yuseong’s Blessing, he could endure it.

He eyed the Serpent, familiar with electric shocks.

The damage the Serpent took was more severe than that suffered by the Explorers.

The breath it had gathered in its mouth turned into a snowstorm, dissipating into the air.

Its blood-red pupils lost their strength.

The creature slammed its head into the ground with the same ferocity it had charged the subjugation party.

Kugugung.

A huge cloud of dust rose.

As the ice shards vaporized from the electric shock, steam billowed thickly.

The subjugation party dropped their hands from the Taegong Net and drew their weapons.

They waited tensely for the dust to clear.

“Will he be okay…?”

Seong Jihoo muttered worriedly.

The expressions of the other Explorers darkened.

Though Yuseong said he would be fine, the Taegong Net’s power was no joke.

Even with over twenty people sharing the backlash, the shock was harsh.

Few believed Yuseong would come out unscathed.

“He’s fine. Because he’s Yuseong hyung.”

Except for Jang Dojin, no one dared say otherwise.

Then, through the dust cloud, a silhouette appeared.

Of course, it was Yuseong.

He was shrouded in smoke from the chute as he descended.

But he was definitely walking on his own two feet.

“…What are you doing?”

He scolded the Explorers staring blankly.

“Why haven’t you finished it quickly?”

Only then did the Explorers recall the original plan.

After stunning the creature with the Taegong Net, they would focus their firepower to bring it down.

“Charge!”

Kang Taegun raised his gun and rushed forward, initiating the subjugation party’s assault.

The Serpent, stunned and exposed above ground, began to be ruthlessly attacked without mercy.

Amanda Park smiled warmly at Yuseong.

“You did well.”

“Yes.”

“Wasn’t that too reckless?”

Amanda Park examined Yuseong’s condition.

Yuseong gave a wry smile.

Though he had withstood the Taegong Net’s shock using the Transcendental State, he wasn’t completely unharmed.

The wave of electricity and impact from the collision made him feel as if he might vomit blood at any moment.

“But, good food cures everything.”

Yet, Yuseong’s spirit was light.

The operation had succeeded.

And by the contract with the Adventurers’ Guild, Yuseong would claim all the delicious parts of the Serpent.

Before long, the Serpent, overwhelmed by the Explorers’ combined efforts, met its end.

For the first time, a special boss was subjugated.

Soon, a Field Message rang out.

[Special Boss ‘Serpent’ subjugation successful.]

[The Explorers’ Great Accomplishment will be permanently recorded on the Achievement Board.]

[Environmental restrictions on the 10th Floor are slightly relaxed.]

As the Serpent died, the sky began to clear.

The snow that had been falling vanished, and the turbulent sea calmed.

The glowing roots of the world’s Abyss gently illuminated the subjugation party.

“Uwaaaah!”

The shout came from none other than Assistant Park.

Having participated in the Taegong Net’s design from the start, this success was more moving than anyone else’s.

Soon, the cheer spread to the entire subjugation party.

“We got it! We got it!!”

“Damn snake bastard! Die!”

Though excessive, these were expressions of relief.

Kang Taegun smiled and credited Yuseong.

“Thanks to you, everyone.”

Seong Jihoo and Amanda Park also praised Yuseong without reserve.

“That’s right, hyung. How on earth did you survive up there?”

“Awesome, Chef.”

And it wasn’t just the subjugation party who recognized Yuseong’s achievement.

After the Field Message rang,

individual messages echoed on each Explorer’s device.

Yuseong was no exception.

[Hero Achievement: ‘Serpent Subjugation’ accomplished.]

[Achievement Privilege granted: ‘Navigator’.]

[You will not receive attacks from aquatic species. Your attacks will be more threatening to aquatic species.]

[Movement underwater becomes freer.]

The rewards for subjugating the Serpent.

Just as the information Yuseong had acquired previously stated.

[Calculating contribution to boss raid…]

[…Explorer Baek Yuseong’s contribution]

[51%, ranked first.]

But what came next was unexpected.

[Contribution exceeding 50%.]

[Special condition unlocked.]

This was because Yuseong alone accounted for over 50% of the subjugation contribution.

[Hero Achievement ‘Serpent Subjugation’ has evolved.]

[Hidden Narrative Achievement ‘Serpent’s Executioner’ accomplished.]

[Hidden Privilege ‘Lord of the Islands’ acquired.]

An unprecedented, monumental Achievement.

A smile spread across Yuseong’s lips.