At the same time, a different battle in Zepar’s territory was also reaching its end—with the expedition team’s defeat. Ru Amuh kneeled on one knee and tried to prop himself up with his sword, but eventually faltered. Despair overtook his expression as he stared at the weapon in his hand; half of its blade was gone. The sword had melted, unable to endure their enemy’s strong attack, and what was left was also damaged. Since it was impossible to repair it, Ru Amuh unsheathed another longsword from his waist.

However, since even the magic sword that Chi-Woo gifted him had turned out like this, it was unlikely that a normal sword would be able to last long. Ru Amuh somehow picked himself back up and looked around. Three out of five of his group were combatants, but two of them had already collapsed. The young man protecting Abis was on the ground and groaning in pain. Nangnang seemed to have received a severe injury, as there were deep scars all over his body, and he lay prone in the muddy puddle without moving.

One of Ru Amuh’s arms dropped to his side; his condition didn’t look good, either. His left arm suffered severe burns with patches of skin melted. In comparison, their enemy was still very much alive and well. She looked the same as when she first appeared in front of the expedition team, in fact, and a slight smile played on her lips. Ru Amuh smiled bitterly as he lamented his insufficient skills. The absence of his teacher made too much of a difference. Of course, Ru...