"Ugh..."
I groaned as I lifted myself out of the capsule.
Clutching my shoulder, I shivered from the lingering pain that still swirled inside my body.
Thump, thump.
My breathing was ragged; my heart was pounding wildly. All my vital signs were out of control.
For a brief moment, my heart had stopped, and now my body was desperately craving oxygen.
Seulbi's body in the outside world, connected to me, must have experienced a strong shock as well. I could feel Seulbi's heart racing intensely.
*Seulbi, are you okay?*
*You can still hold on, right?*
"Phew."
I barely managed to calm myself down, taking deep breaths as I wiped the cold sweat from my forehead.
How long has it been since I was attacked from behind?
Probably during my early days as a beginner on the continent of Astria, back when I first encountered it in game form. Did it happen in my first elite dungeon?
I had just been killed instantly by having my heart pierced. It didn't hurt that much, but the discomfort was overwhelming, even beyond the pain.
The sensation of death, which I hadn't felt in a long time, was still as chilling as ever.
I let out a sigh as I slumped down.
"As expected, this isn't going to be easy."
Of course, I knew she wasn't someone I could defeat in one go. I might have to die a few more times.
But still, how am I supposed to deal with that *sword dance*?
One cooldown reset wasn't enough to avoid all of it.
Maybe if I use both the sword's and the bracelet's cooldown resets, I might get through it.
But surely, there'll be a second *sword dance*.
If I use the cooldown resets during the first one, there's no way to avoid the second.
I might need to figure out a routine to handle it with just one cooldown reset.
Since the *Rebound Sword Wave* didn't trigger after the tenth hit, if I save the first backward dodge, I might be able to squeeze in an extra dodge or counterattack.
Or is there another way?
Even though the Hero has overwhelming power, she's still under the system's control—a sort of *named* boss.
A game's named boss. In that case, there must be a strategy.
Even the *Ice Ogre King* on the ninth floor didn't force me to endure all eight ice bursts. It was just that my damage didn't register properly due to the level gap; if I had come at the appropriate level, I could have reduced it to two or three bursts using the torch gimmick.
Is there really any unbeatable pattern in the game?
But once the Hero's *sword dance* activates, it's clear that you can't respond without relying on items like cooldown resets. Even I couldn't resist it entirely.
Perhaps it's a pattern that shouldn't activate in the first place.
In that case, before the *sword dance* activates...
"Can I interrupt it?"
---
**Boom! Clang, clang!**
I deflected the shockwave of her sword-infused downward strike with a counter, then immediately blocked the follow-up attack. Taking advantage of the delay in her counter pattern, I landed the remaining ten hits.
With that, the special pattern initiated. This time, I didn't use the backward dodge.
**Wooooong!**
Light quickly began to gather around the Hero's body.
**Clack.**
I immediately gripped my sword with both hands and lowered it.
Named bosses are generally immune to status effects. However, during certain pattern casts, their status immunity changes to resistance. If you time it right and chain skills that induce status effects, you can apply them even to named bosses.
In *Astria Online*, the *Warrior* class could inflict status effects on named bosses and use the *Struggle* skill to immobilize them.
It's a staple for Warriors to secure free damage time for their party through status effect chains.
Swordsmen can do it too. By chaining *Leg Trip* and *Leg Slash*, you can inflict a knockdown status on a named boss solo. Swordsmen don't have skills like *Struggle*, so it's not as effective, but still.
But the Hero is a humanoid named boss.
Maybe I can launch her into the air like in PvP?
**Thwack!**
I slashed upward at the Hero as she was gathering mana.
Her body flinched upward, and I felt a definite sensation of something lifting above her protective barrier. It worked.
I immediately lowered my stance and kicked upward, striking the Hero hard.
**Thwack!**
The Hero's body soared into the air. The golden mana she had been gathering scattered.
**Tap!**
I jumped into the air after her. There was no time to relish the joy of interrupting her pattern. In this moment, I could land more hits through an aerial combo.
But—
**Whoosh! Clang, clang, clang!**
The Hero twisted her body mid-air, regaining her posture, and parried my attacks instantly. Breaking into a cold sweat, I forcefully pushed against her sword and landed.
She doesn't let her guard down even in mid-air.
**Clang, clang!**
Clicking my tongue in frustration, I began responding to the Hero's incoming slashes.
I couldn't land additional hits, but the achievement was clear.
I had proven that I could interrupt the terrifying *sword dance* pattern before it activated.
---
I managed to disrupt the second *sword dance* pattern without trouble.
**Clang! Thwack, thwack!**
And the third one. Eight, nine hits.
The light emanating from the Hero's protective barrier had significantly weakened.
Based on my experience from the previous battle, just before breaking through the final layer of her shield, she'll likely trigger a massive desperation pattern.
But I had saved my cooldown reset for this. As long as I could interrupt the *sword dance*, I didn't need to use the cooldown reset up to this point.
And just as I delivered the final strike to complete the hit count—
A soft breeze.
"!?"
**Tat!**
The moment I felt the initial gust, I instinctively used a backward dodge.
**Papapapap!**
A barrage of wind-like sword slashes erupted around the Hero, swirling violently.
"The *Rebound Sword Wave*!"
If I hadn't seen it before, I would have definitely been hit.
Is she frustrated that her *sword dance* isn't working? In the fourth special pattern, she unleashed the *Rebound Sword Wave* she had used before.
Good, this makes it easier. Once that pattern ends, she'll return to the initial sequence.
I just need to wait until the storm of sword slashes subsides.
**Wooooong.**
Then, within the storm of slashes, I saw it.
The Hero gripped her sacred sword in a reverse grip.
Without time to think deeply, I immediately activated the cooldown reset on my bracelet.
**Flash!**
Moments later, a crescent-shaped sword energy burst forth from the Hero's blade.
Just before it could slice me in half, I barely managed to use a backward dodge.
**Whoosh!**
By the time the invincibility frames ended, cold sweat dripped as I saw the sword energy near my chest. I immediately followed up with a *Flash Slash*.
The storm of sword slashes? Still raging. I couldn't get close.
**Papapapap!**
The Hero, still hidden within the storm, continued to unleash volleys of long-range sword energy.
Gritting my teeth, I even activated *Astaroth's* cooldown reset. Backward dodge, *Flash Slash* again. With this, I'd used up all cooldown resets and invincibility skills.
**Papapapap!**
The barrage of sword energy didn't cease.
**Boom!**
I stared blankly at the mass of golden sword energy filling my vision.
Then, I let out a wry smile.
"This is just cheating."
**Slash!**
I was sliced to pieces.
---
[Tower of Trials, 10th Floor]
"Phew."
I knelt down for a moment to calm myself before I could continue thinking.
A storm of sword slashes combined with long-range attacks? How am I supposed to defeat that?
I feel like my resolve is crumbling.
*Ding.*
A flashing light in my skill window indicated that I had acquired a new skill.
**[Starlight Sword Energy]**
*Cooldown: 1 minute*
[Unleashes five starlight-infused sword energies toward a 15m x 3m area in front. (Four at 500% power, one at 1000% power)]
A new skill from the Ice Tower, following the *Flash Slash* I obtained from the Tower of Trials.
It's the first long-range, high-damage skill given to Swordsmen. Its damage multiplier can't be compared to ranged skills like *Blade Technique*, which are mainly used to maintain aggro.
This skill will allow me to deal effective damage from a distance to bosses with tricky patterns during special phases.
Other players will likely obtain this as they conquer the Ice Tower.
Of course, for elite dungeon runs, this level of skill is more than enough. For me, it's overkill.
But I have an obligation to obtain the real thing from her.
"This isn't my real skill."
I'm going to use that golden sword energy too.
---
**Papapapap!**
As I completed the final hit count, a storm of sword energy erupted around the Hero's body. I immediately used a backward dodge to create distance.
**Clack.**
Within the storm, the Hero gripped her sacred sword in a reverse grip.
**Clack.**
Mimicking the Hero's stance, I firmly planted my feet and held *Astaroth* in a reverse grip.
Then, I narrowed my eyes.
I won't dodge. I'll confront it head-on.
That sword energy is considered a melee slash, not a ranged attack.
In that case, I can deflect it with the *Starlight Sword Energy* I acquired.
But there's an absolute difference in power. How much of the Hero's powerful sword energy can I neutralize with mine?
**Boom!**
The Hero swung her reversed sword, unleashing golden sword energy.
**Whoosh!**
I responded by releasing my *Starlight Sword Energy*.
**Flash!**
The two energies collided mid-air, emitting a strong light. At the same time, a burning pain surged from my waist.
"Guh!?"
A sharp pain as if I had been slashed by a blade. Half-success? It seems I didn't completely neutralize the Hero's attack. Before I could blink, a second golden sword energy was headed straight for me.
I unleashed another *Starlight Sword Energy*. This time, faint traces of gold mixed within it.
**Flash!**
A burning sensation spread from my left shoulder to my right side. But it hurt less than before.
**Flash**, it hurts. **Flash**, it doesn't hurt.
**Wooooong!**
Before I knew it, my sword, from which the starlight had vanished, was enveloped in a vivid golden glow.
I released it with all my might.
**Boom, boom, boom, boom!**
My golden sword energy swallowed the Hero's, pierced through the storm of slashes, and swept over the Hero's body.
*Ding.*
【Golden Sword Energy 'True' usable when HP is below 1%】
---
Covered in blood, I collapsed onto the floor, watching the Hero disappear into a radiant light.
Then, I grimaced.
"So I have to get hurt to use this."
---
"Ugh."
Rising from the capsule, I let out a groan.
Clutching my shoulder, I shivered from the lingering pain that still swirled inside my body.
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Thump, thump. My heart was beating weakly but diligently.
*Whirr. Click.*
As I gritted my teeth, fighting the pain, I heard the sound of mechanical wheels outside, and the door opened.
I hurriedly swallowed the medicine the housekeeping robot had brought, washing it down with water. It was the painkiller and sedative prescribed during my last hospital visit. Medicine in this future era works quickly and has minimal side effects.
The pain swirling inside me gradually subsided, and my body began to calm down.
"Phew."
I felt drowsy. The medicine kicked in quickly, making me sleepy already. Did it have sleep-inducing components as well?
My body was covered in cold sweat. My clothes were soaked through.
I need to wash up. I should eat dinner, too.
Well, at least I didn't get a nosebleed this time.
I gently touched my face.
A faint, relaxed smile appeared on my lips.
I definitely felt good.
Today, I reclaimed what I needed from my past self. Though it came with conditions.
But there was a problem.
I flailed my arms lightly while still seated in the capsule. Then I let my body slump.
"I have no strength."
Thanks to the medicine, the pain had lessened significantly, but getting up was a struggle.
In the past, even if I lacked strength, I would've mustered every last bit to get up.
I guess it's because that hungry spirit has faded. I'm not desperate enough to risk my life grinding gold while whipping my aching body, and my body isn't sending me constant danger signals like before.
Besides, if push comes to shove, I can go to the hospital quickly. In this future world, everything heals if you go to the hospital or take medicine. You don't need holy powers from a saint or priest. Oh, Elena, I'm sorry. I didn't mean you're unnecessary.
I silently apologized to my comrade and tried once more to get up.
*Flail, flail.*
Knock, knock, knock.
Just then, I heard a knock on the door.
"Rain~? Can I come in?"
It was Chris.
Her voice carried a hint of concern.
"Ah, just a moment."
*Flail, flail.*
I tried again to lift myself.
And gave up.
"...Come in."
*Click. Thud, thud, thud.*
Chris opened the door, quickly assessed my condition, and approached me with a slightly flustered expression, wrapping her arms around me.
"Rain, are you okay? Goodness...! Look at all this sweat! What happened?"
"I-I'm fine."
I lowered my head slightly, avoiding her gaze.
"Fine? You're trembling! Sh-should we go to the hospital?"
"I'm okay."
This time, I looked into her eyes and spoke firmly.
She paused.
Chris, who had been touching me all over, stopped her movements. She lowered her hands and sighed.
"Haah, alright."
Then she met my eyes with a determined look.
"If I ever judge that it's truly dangerous, I'll take you to the hospital whether you agree or not. Got it?"
"...Yes."
I nodded deeply. Chris hugged me.
I had overexerted myself without telling her. It was clearly my fault.
The fact that Chris came running as soon as I returned to this world means that she had been monitoring my connection status through the messenger while I was attempting the Ice Tower.
I didn't want to make her worry, but perhaps I ended up causing her even more concern.
"I'm sorry."
"What are you sorry for?"
"For many things."
"It's okay."
"I'm sorry."
I wanted Chris to enjoy this beautiful continent of Astria purely as a game.
Honestly, I wasn't confident in explaining everything to her. It's enough that I'm the only one obsessed with shadows of past comrades and immersed in my mission.
From the perspective of people in this world, I probably seem like someone mentally ill, unable to distinguish virtual reality from the real world.
The process of reclaiming my past strength. The accompanying pain.
Even as I received her unconditional kindness, I hid that unspeakable secret.
At the same time, I was grateful for her consideration in not prying.
For a while, I remained in Chris's embrace, repeatedly apologizing.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
---
After staying quietly in Chris's arms for a bit, my body calmed down significantly. The pain had almost disappeared.
Indeed, living with Chris and receiving her care to maintain my health had paid off. If I had experienced this level of pain with my previously frail body, I might have collapsed, nose bleeding profusely.
My body felt better now. But there was a problem.
I lifted my face from Chris's embrace, fiddling with my clothes, and frowned slightly.
"I'm kind of sticky."
"Right? Do you think you can wash up? If it's tough, do you want to just change clothes and lie down?"
I still didn't have much strength, but I wasn't so weak that I couldn't shower. Still...
"Um..."
I felt sluggish and icky. I wanted a full-body bath rather than a shower.
If I could soak my whole body in the tub, I'd feel much better.
Since I'm already being a bit spoiled, maybe I can ask for more.
I looked intently at Chris.
"Um, I want to take a bath. I think it'll be a bit tough alone."
"A bath?"
"Yes. I want to soak my whole body and take a full bath."
A shower or half-bath is one thing, but a full-body bath is hard to do alone with my uncomfortable body.
The biggest issue is the size of the tub. It's unnecessarily spacious compared to my small body.
Even if I stretch my short legs, they won't reach the other side.
If my upper body slips during the bath, I might flounder in the tub and swallow a lot of water.
But if Chris helps, I can bathe without worry.
"Could you help me with my bath?"
Chris's eyes widened.
---
*Splash, splash, trickle.*
I turned off the faucet after confirming that the large tub was about three-quarters full.
*Swish, swish.*
I lightly stirred the water with my hand. The temperature was just right.
I smiled brightly.
Finally, I can take a full-body bath.
"Gruuu! So you wanted to repay your debt so quickly! Fine, I'll let it slide! I even took a calming pill! I've grown! Did you think I'd keep falling for it forever?!"
"...?"
I heard Chris growling outside the bathroom.
Chris is quite lively today.
"I'm all set."
*Click.*
"Gruuu!"
Chris entered the bathroom with a growl. She was quite spirited.
But as soon as she stood before me, her eyes grew hazy, and she softened.
Like a shy girl, Chris twisted her body, carefully lifting me from the wheelchair in my bare state and moving me into the tub.
I felt her hands tremble slightly as they touched my bare skin.
*Splash.*
The warm water pleasantly enveloped my entire body.
Closing my eyes gently, I let out a sigh.
"Ahh... this is heaven."
"Heaven? Haha, you sound like an old soul."
"I'm neither a child nor old."
Chris laughed with a slightly flushed face. I looked at her and smiled.
With only my head above the water, I pouted a bit.
"The tub is big enough; we could bathe together."
"...I really don't have the confidence for that."
Chris turned her face slightly, grumbling.
I tilted my head.
Even in my faint memories of the past life, there were public baths. I'm clearly a woman now.
Is it uncommon in this future era for women to bathe together?
---
I washed my body and shampooed my hair.
Chris kindly helped wash my long, silvery-white hair.
Today, Chris rolled up her pants and sleeves like a bathhouse attendant and took care of me. She even applied body wash, gently lathering every nook and cranny, each finger, every part of my body.
Feeling refreshed and clean, I changed into pajamas and lay down on the bed.
Chris lay beside me, gently patting me. I expressed my gratitude to her.
"It felt really good, sis. Thank you so much."
"Are you sure you're okay skipping dinner?"
"Just for today..."
My eyes began to close immediately.
I had definitely overdone it today, but I enjoyed a wonderfully relaxing bath.
I felt that after a good night's sleep, I'd return to my usual self.
*Pat, pat.*
Even in Seulbi's uncomfortable body, being in her arms made it a bit more bearable.
Feeling Chris's gentle pats, I buried my face into her embrace and quickly drifted into dreamland.
Between reality and the virtual world, somewhere in between.
---
*Soft breathing.*
*Pat, pat.*
Chris listened to Rain's breathing as she fell into a deep sleep, gently patting her.
Then, she whispered into her ear.
"Good night, Rain."
A little wounded bird that had flown into her embrace before she knew it.
A mysterious little bird with many secrets, constantly tempting Chris with her sweet voice and delicate gestures.
As Chris patted Rain, she fell into deep thought.
"Was the Ice Tower tough today?"
Rain wouldn't have struggled against the likes of the 'Ice Ogre King' on the ninth floor. With the power of *Astaroth*, which Chris had gifted her, she would have conquered the tower without much trouble.
Rain had a satisfied smile on her face all day. She must have gained new strength at the end of the Ice Tower.
But Rain's condition was undoubtedly poor today.
Had she experienced great pain at the end of the tower?
If Rain was affected to this extent, it wouldn't be an opponent that ordinary players could handle. Did she venture somewhere she shouldn't have?
It was hard to imagine anything in *Astria Online* that could harm Rain.
Rain's synchronization rate and psychological state—she was clearly accepting *Astria Online* as reality. Perhaps it's her way of affirming her existence in virtual reality because she couldn't find meaning in this world.
Chris wanted Rain to smile brightly wherever she was.
But outside of virtual reality, Rain still seemed adrift.
Even when she was in Chris's arms, her gaze always wandered somewhere a bit distant.
"I wish she'd rely on me a bit more."
Rain certainly depended on Chris, but she was hiding something deep in her heart.
What motivates Rain to become stronger, even at the cost of great pain?
Will there come a day when Chris learns the secret that Rain can't share?
As the night deepened, so did Chris's worries.