The Transmigrated Author
Chapter 234: Passing By

[Rel's POV]

[South Korea, Mireuksan Mountain]

Mireuksan Mountain

Countless mid-grade and higher-class mid-grade monsters inhabit the area, standing out against the vast green landscape.

Years ago, I hiked here and was amazed by the thriving ecosystem in this peaceful scenery.

The memory of that hike had inspired me to recreate this location in my novel, but I had populated it with a plethora of deadly creatures, a challenge for any hero foolish enough to trespass.

However, the mountain's role in the story went beyond mere monster-infested terrain.

It was here, in a hidden area deep within Mireuksan, on the far east side, that Jan would discover one of the key components of his ultimate weapon: the Sword of Hope.

My presence here today had a simple explanation: the story had reached a point where Jan would begin his solo dungeon leveling. (reference)1

He would face dangerous monsters, sell his spoils, and gradually amass the strength and resources needed to become a true hero.

A hidden dungeon lay somewhere within these mountains, and given Jan's new routine of hunting high-tier monsters, it was only a matter of time before he stumbled upon it.

Thankfully, I had been keeping tabs on him for the past few weeks.

Everything, including the plot, seemed to be progressing as intended, except for Jan's training regimen, which had become increasingly intense.

He was pushing himself to the limit, slaying monsters far beyond his supposed capabilities.

Despite the chill in the air, I pulled back on my black hooded cloak, obscuring the black fury coat beneath.

A shiver ran through me as the cold mountain breeze bit into my skin.

Winter in this world felt just as brutal as it did back in Australia.

Navigating the zigzagging paths through the decaying monster corpses, I followed the trail Jan had blazed.

Today might be the day he stumbles upon that hidden dungeon, his usual 50-monster quota already filled.

Although I'd hoped it would happen a little later, I was fine with it being now. The sooner Jan got stronger, the better.

Just as that thought crossed my mind, a towering beast charged from the shadows.

[Special Passive: Sixth Sense Has Been Activated!]

[Special Passive: Monster Hunter Has Been Activated!

Instinct took over and I leaped into the air, extending my right arm outwards.

[Special Ability: Pocket Realm Has Summoned the item: Axel]

Blue particles swirled around my hand, coalescing into the familiar shape of my sword, Axel.

[Standard Ability: Trickster At Arms Has Been Activated]

As the familiar weight of Axel settled in my hand, a whisper echoed through my mind, barely audible above the pounding beat of my heart.

"Destroy…"

Without a moment's hesitation, my resolve hardened. My right hand ignited with a surge of aura, transforming Axel's silver blade into a dark, menacing obsidian. Sparks of lightning danced across its surface, crackling with power.

The flow of aura intensified, surging through my body, and enhancing my strength and speed.

"Divine Severance,"

I snarled, unleashing a powerful downward swing.

SHAAAAA!

A long, black slash erupted from the blade and a tilted projectile of pure energy hurtled towards the charging monster.

BANG!

The beast had no time to react.

The attack ripped through its chest, sending it flying backward and crashing onto its back with a resounding thud.

I lowered my sword, my gaze fixed on the fallen creature.

I gazed down at the creature, recognizing its hulking form immediately.

It was a Fellbark Bruin, a species of bear native to the outer worlds, known for their immense strength and resilience.

They typically resided within dungeons or their collapsed remnants, but this one had clearly wandered out.

Judging by its solitary presence, I assumed Jan had already cleared out most of its pack.

The Fellbark Bruins were notorious for their hardened fur, a natural defense against the harsh climates they inhabited.

But this one seemed different.

The way it had effortlessly shrugged off my attack suggested a mutation, perhaps granting it enhanced resistance to aura.

Its overgrown fur, normally matted with gnarled roots and fungi, bristled with an unnatural energy.

Its eyes, usually a piercing blue, now glowed with an eerie red light, adding to its menacing aura.

GRAHH!

The bear roared, its claws and teeth elongating as it rose to its feet.

The forest trembled under the sheer force of its enraged cry.

I covered my ears and the bear's roar reverberated through the forest.

This wasn't going to be easy.

"Looks like I'll have to defeat it without aura," I muttered, studying the beast's movements.

Even with this sword, the sharpness and cut depend on the user.

And frankly, I'm at a disadvantage here.

STOMP!

The bear stomped its massive paw, and a circular chunk of earth rose from the ground.

As it took a deep guttural inhale, a powerful blast of flames erupted from its mouth and the massive piece of earth followed, creating a blazing meteor that bursted towards me.

Instinct kicked in, and I infused my blade with a surge of aura, the black lightning crackling around it.

SLASH!

Swinging my sword downward the blade met the meteor, cleaving it in two.

Without missing a beat, I charged towards the Bruin.

GRAH!

The bear enraged ripped a tree from the ground, its massive paws wielding it like a club.

"Oh shit..."

I realized its intentions a split second too late.

BANG!

The makeshift club slammed into my stomach, sending me flying through the air.

I crashed into a tree stump and the impact rattled through my spine.

"Shit... that hurts..." I groaned, clutching my stomach.

"Why is it so smart... or am I just stupid?"

I panted, summoning a potion from Pocket Realm, and a purple vial materialized in my hand.

Thank God I put these recovery potions in Pocket Realm.

—gulp!

I chugged the liquid and felt a wave of relief washing over me as my stomach felt at ease

"Tastes like lemon and... green tea together?"

I muttered, surprised by the unexpected flavour.

But there was no time to savour it.

STOMP!...STOMP!...STOMP!...

The heavy footsteps drew closer.

The Bruin was on my trail.

I had to replace a way to take it down, and fast.

__________

Authors Notes:

- Outer world is just another term for monsters that are not from this world.