The morning light barely touched the peaks of the Devil Sect when Seo Jin was shaken awake. His entire body screamed in pain from yesterday's fight. Even breathing hurt.
The fox bounced on his chest, tail flicking. "Host! Wake up! Important plot event incoming!"
Seo Jin groaned and shoved it off. "If the important event doesn't involve a health potion, I'm not interested."
The door creaked open. A disciple in dark robes bowed stiffly. His expression was as cold as the frost outside.
"You. The Lord summons you."
Seo Jin's head jerked up. The Villain? Summoning me? What now—another beating?
He dragged himself out of bed, wincing at every step. His robes were stiff with dried blood, but he didn't bother changing. If the Villain wanted to see him, he might as well look half-dead.
The fox clung to his shoulder again. "This is it, Host. Flag alert. Big, shiny flag. If you survive, it's good for your romance points."
Seo Jin muttered, "If I don't survive, I'm haunting you first."
---
The main hall was quiet, oppressive. Shadows stretched across the floor like claws.
The Villain sat at the head of the hall, black robes flowing around him. His presence was heavier than the stone walls themselves.
Seo Jin bowed lazily, not even trying to hide his smirk. "You called, Lord Ice Statue?"
The disciples standing nearby froze in shock. One even dropped his sword.
But the Villain didn't react to the insult. His gaze swept over Seo Jin slowly, cold and sharp, like a blade measuring its prey.
"You're coming with me."
Seo Jin blinked. "Coming… with you? Where?"
The Villain stood, towering over him. "Outside. A task awaits."
Seo Jin's stomach twisted. Outside? Already? I just finished respawning from yesterday!
The fox wagged its tail happily. "Adventure time! Also, this is a great chance to bond. Think of it as a date!"
Seo Jin whispered back, "If my dates end with me bleeding out, I want a refund."
---
They left the sect grounds soon after. The path was steep and winding, leading down into a misty valley. Dark trees twisted overhead, branches like skeletal arms.
Seo Jin stumbled along, his weak body struggling to keep up. His breathing turned ragged, but he refused to show weakness in front of the Villain.
The Villain walked ahead, calm and silent, his back straight like an unyielding mountain. Not once did he slow down.
Seo Jin glared at that back. What are you, a walking raid boss? Don't you ever get tired?
The fox patted his cheek with its tiny paw. "Host, you should compliment his stamina. Humans like compliments."
Seo Jin hissed under his breath. "Complimenting him now will just make him kill me faster."
---
Hours passed. The forest grew darker, colder. The air itself seemed poisoned.
Seo Jin finally asked, "So, what kind of task is this? Exorcising demons? Hunting treasure? Or just feeding me to something ugly?"
The Villain didn't look back. "You'll see."
Seo Jin rolled his eyes. Of course. Classic villain line. Always vague. Always dramatic.
The fox whispered, "He's keeping secrets… that's mysterious… mysterious is attractive…"
Seo Jin smacked its head lightly. "Shut up before I sell you for dinner."
---
By noon, they reached a clearing. The ground was scorched black, the trees around it dead. The stench of blood and ash filled the air.
In the center, a pit yawned open, black smoke curling from within.
Seo Jin's stomach dropped. Ah. Dungeon vibes. Great. Just what I needed.
The Villain finally turned to him. "You go first."
Seo Jin blinked. "…What?"
The Villain's gaze was cold, unyielding. "If you can't enter, then you're useless."
Seo Jin's fists tightened. This bastard. He's seriously using me as bait.
The fox squeaked, "Go, Host! Believe in yourself! If you die, I'll—um—revive you in my heart!"
Seo Jin glared. "That doesn't help."
Still, he stepped toward the pit. His whole body shook, but he forced himself forward. Fine. If you want to throw me in, I'll go in. But if something jumps out, I'm dragging you down with me.
He placed one foot on the edge—
The ground rumbled.
A scream tore through the forest as something crawled out of the pit. A beast—its body twisted, skin blackened, eyes glowing red. Its fangs dripped with poison, and its claws left deep marks in the stone.
The disciples following behind gasped in horror.
Seo Jin froze. Oh hell no. That's not a level one mob. That's a mini-boss.
The beast roared, lunging straight at him.
The fox screamed in his head. "Host! Dodge! Left! Left!"
Seo Jin rolled to the side, barely missing the claws that tore into the ground where he stood. Dirt and stone exploded into the air.
He scrambled up, sword in hand, heart pounding. His body was weak, but his gamer instincts screamed at him: Learn its pattern. Watch its moves. Survive the first wave.
The Villain finally moved. His blade flashed, faster than sight.
Shhhk—!
One strike. The beast's arm dropped to the ground, black blood spraying.
But the beast didn't fall. It screeched louder, writhing with rage, eyes burning brighter.
Seo Jin's lips twisted into a grin despite the fear. So it's that kind of fight. Good. At least I won't be bored.
---
The fox shouted, "Host! Don't just grin! Work with him! Romance points! Romance points!"
Seo Jin tightened his grip on the sword, eyes locking on the Villain's back. For the first time, he smirked not in mockery—but in challenge.
"Fine. Let's clear this dungeon together, Lord Ice Statue."
---
Cliffhanger End of Chapter Nine.