Above a barren wasteland, where not a trace of the forest that once bloomed there remained, the sky twisted ominously, churning with swirling miasma. It, along with the source of the columns of steam rising in succession far off into the horizon, created the scene of an apocalypse. 2

Thud, thud, thud.0

The sources of the steam marched forward—an enormous horde of beast-like monsters, their numbers too vast to even bother counting. Their bodies, dripping a blackish-red liquid, were completely composed of lava, tainted by miasma.0

“…”0

All Se-Hoon could do was stare blankly at the sight. The never-ending legion surging toward them from the contaminated ley line was completely overwhelming.0

Tap.0

Feeling someone’s arm casually draping over his shoulder, Se-Hoon snapped out of it when they spoke. “Wow, quite the view, isn't it?”0

As always, that familiar, lazy voice was accompanied by a faint scent of cigarette smoke that tickled his nose. 0

With no need to even check who it was, Se-Hoon curtly replied, “You're making comments like that when the world is on the verge of collapsing?”0

“It’s not completely ruined yet. Isn’t that good enough?”0

Hearing not even a shred of seriousness, Se-Hoon couldn’t help but sigh.  0

“Comments like that give blacksmiths a negative reputation, Master.”0

As it was, blacksmiths were already criticized for staying in the rear, making weapons in safety. So if someone like Se-Hoon’s master—a representative figure—talked like that, what more could be said? 0

But while anyone else would have changed their attitude under Se-Hoon’s criticism, unfortunately, he was talking to his master, of all people.0

“That’s why I told you not to make me a representative. I’ve repeatedly advised you to avoid such foolishness, yet you never listen. It’s no wonder your weapons are so lousy.”0

“For crying out loud, why is it always about my weapons…?” 0

Rumble!0

A massive tremor interrupted their idle chat. Feeling the ground shake as if the very ground beneath them was twisting, the...0