Volume 2: Rise of the Vessel
Chapter 13: The Monarch's Challenge
The crowd around Lee Hwan blurred into a background hum as he walked down the cobblestone path of the sixth-floor city. His heightened senses caught the rustle of blades, murmurs of conversations, and the distant clang of a blacksmith's hammer. Yet, all of it faded the moment a cold, mechanical voice echoed in his mind.
[Private Quest: The Monarch's Challenge]
Objective: Reach Strength 200 and Agility 180 within 24 hours.
Reward: Unlock a new hidden skill of the Dragon Monarch.
Time Remaining: 23:59:58
Note: Only a vessel can receive this quest. Refusal or failure will result in quest expiration.
Lee Hwan stopped in his tracks.
"A hidden skill… from the Dragon Monarch?" His heart raced.
He immediately opened his status window.
Strength: 187
Agility: 169
Required: Strength 200 (13 points away), Agility 180 (11 points away)
Available Attribute Points: 0
"No spare points… I need 24 total attribute increases in a single day."
He clenched his fists.
"It's not impossible. But it won't be easy."
The only way to gain stats now… was to level up. Fast.
He quickly dashed toward the outskirts of the city, using his Shadow Step to blur past unaware players and guards. His figure flickered like a ghost through the alleys. The city's gates opened to vast hunting fields—filled with monsters ranked between level 60 to 80.
Just what he needed.
Within minutes, Lee Hwan was standing at the edge of a vast canyon, filled with creatures snarling in the distance. He activated Eye of the Dragon, instantly scanning the landscape.
Dozens of monsters. A perfect grind zone.
He didn't hesitate. Lee Hwan summoned his dragons—two majestic beasts, one crimson and one dark emerald, both radiating terrifying pressure.
Dragon Summon (Level 3): Active
Summoning: Flameclaw (Lv. 66), Venomfang (Lv. 66)
"Flameclaw, cover the left. Venomfang, take the skies. I'll clear the ground."
The hunt began.
Fire roared through the canyon. Acidic mist rolled over enemy lines. Lee Hwan weaved between monsters with inhuman speed, his Shadow Step and Dragon Aura amplifying his presence. Each attack was precise, devastating. A slash through a beast's throat. A burst of flame obliterating three more.
Ding!
You have leveled up! Current Level: 62
+5 Attribute Points gained
Ding!
You have leveled up! Current Level: 63
+5 Attribute Points gained
He didn't stop. The system messages flashed over and over. Sweat dripped from his brow, but his momentum didn't falter. The dragons roared beside him, shredding through wave after wave of beasts.
By the 18th hour, he collapsed under a cliff for a short rest.
Current Strength: 195
Current Agility: 175
Unused Attribute Points: 10
"One more level… just one more…"
He bit into a recovery fruit, his mana surging again.
And then—he stood.
"This is it. Let's finish it."
He plunged into the final horde, a pack of steel-armored wolves. His movements blurred—18 afterimages flashed around him thanks to Shadow Step Level 3. Flame Burst erupted from his hand, vaporizing the beasts. The sky glowed from his aura.
Ding!
You have leveled up! Current Level: 64
+5 Attribute Points gained
He opened his status window and quickly allocated the final points:
+5 Strength
+5 Agility
Strength: 200
Agility: 180
Ding!
You have completed the Private Quest: The Monarch's Challenge
Reward Unlocked: Dragon Monarch's Wrath (Sealed Skill – Upgradable)
Description: A devastating attack infused with pure Dragon Monarch aura. Can be used once per day. Deals overwhelming damage and temporarily suppresses enemy regeneration.
Lee Hwan fell to his knees, breathing heavily.
But he smiled.
"I did it… I've taken another step toward becoming a true monarch."
Far above, within the abyss of the Tower, a sleeping presence stirred—watching its vessel rise faster than anyone