Chapter 5: The First Floor Boss – Flamehorn, the Brutal Minotaur
The Tower's First Floor was a battlefield of shattered stones, glowing fungi, and echoing cries. Despite being the first step for most Players, the danger here was very real.
And at the deepest part of this floor…
…lurked the boss.
Flamehorn, the Brutal Minotaur.
A beast standing over 4 meters tall, its body packed with muscles and flames dancing over its horns. Known for killing hundreds of early Players, it remained unbeaten by solo challengers.
Only party raids ever managed to defeat it.
Lee Hwan walked alone.
No sword. No armor. Only his black clothing and a faint aura that shimmered like heat around him.
Several players spotted him heading toward the boss's den and whispered among themselves.
"Is he crazy?"
"He's going to solo Flamehorn? What is he, some kind of hidden ranker?"
"He doesn't even have gear…"
Lee Hwan ignored them.
He wasn't here for their approval.
He stepped into the wide-open gate of the boss chamber.
Inside, steam rose from molten cracks in the stone. The air was hot and dry. A rhythmic thumping sound echoed—like something heavy pacing.
Then…
THUD. THUD. THUD.
Flamehorn appeared from the darkness, eyes glowing red, two flaming axes in hand. It roared, shaking the chamber.
[Boss Battle Initiated: Flamehorn, the Brutal Minotaur – Lv. 15]
Lee Hwan's level was only 7.
But he smirked.
"Let's test what a Monarch's vessel can do."
The beast charged, axes ready to crush. Most would have dodged, panicked, or defended.
Lee Hwan stood still.
At the last moment, his eyes glowed gold.
[Eye of the Dragon – Activated]
Time seemed to slow. Every movement of Flamehorn became visible—its footwork, balance, muscle tension.
Lee Hwan sidestepped with perfect timing, avoiding the double-axe smash by inches.
BOOM!
The stone where he had stood exploded.
Without pause, Lee Hwan raised his hand.
[Skill: Dragon Aura – Active Form: Crimson Layer]
A burning aura erupted from him like a second skin. The heat pushed back the flames from Flamehorn's body, and for the first time, the beast staggered.
Lee Hwan dashed forward—too fast for a Level 7.
He punched the Minotaur's chest. A golden ripple exploded from his fist.
BOOM!
Flamehorn flew backward, crashing into a pillar and roaring in pain.
The spectators watching through the viewing crystals outside the chamber gasped.
"Did he just knock it back… with a single punch?"
"Who is that guy?!"
Inside, Lee Hwan advanced again.
Flamehorn wasn't finished. The boss stood, furious, flames spiraling up its horns. It launched a full-powered axe wave across the ground.
The energy wave split the chamber floor as it raced toward Lee Hwan.
But he didn't move.
[Dragon Aura – Layer Two: Monarch's Veil]
A golden shield formed in front of him, crackling with raw draconic power.
The wave hit it… and shattered into harmless sparks.
Lee Hwan raised his hand again.
[Skill: Dragon Summon – Unlocked for 30 Seconds]
A flash of light exploded behind him.
A transparent, spectral dragon—massive, with ancient wings and blazing eyes—materialized and roared. The entire chamber trembled.
The boss froze.
Even Flamehorn, a battle-hardened monster, recognized the presence of a higher predator.
Lee Hwan pointed.
"Burn."
The spectral dragon surged forward, engulfing Flamehorn in white fire.
The scream of the boss echoed louder than thunder.
And when the flames vanished…
Nothing remained but ashes and a molten axe handle.
[Boss Defeated – Flamehorn, the Brutal Minotaur]
+12,000 EXP Gained
Level Up! (Lv. 7 → Lv. 10)
+10 Free Attribute Points Gained
Rare Item Drop: Flamehorn's Heart (Fusion Material)
Achievement Unlocked: Solo Slayer – Tier Bronze
Lee Hwan exhaled slowly.
The dragon vanished behind him, returning to sleep.
He looked at his hand, which still burned with residual heat.
So this… was just the beginning of his power.
Outside the chamber, dozens of Players stood frozen as they saw Lee Hwan calmly walking out, body glowing faintly, not a single wound on him.
A scout from the Korean Guild "White Fang" sent a quick message to his leader:
"Sir… We just found someone who soloed the Floor 1 Boss."
"Alone."
"He might be a Monarch Vessel."
Back inside, Lee Hwan didn't notice.
He simply looked ahead.
Toward Floor 2.
Toward the Tower's peak.
And toward the seven International Players who stood above the world…
…not realizing one more had just awakened.
End of Chapter 5