There Is No World For ■■

***Due to the intense mana emanating from the Dragon’s chest, Yeomyeong squinted as soon as he locked eyes with the Skeletal Dragon.His eyes burned as if he were standing next to a blast furnace.Without taking his eyes off the Skeletal Dragon, he asked Kim Mansoo."...Vice Captain, what is that thing?"Kim Mansoo, who had been trembling as he stared at the Dragon, finally returned to his senses.Without even attempting to wipe off the cold sweat dripping from his face, he replied in a cautious tone."Kahal Magdu... The Undead Dragon that teamed up with terrorists. Why is a monster that should be in South America here in Manchuria...?"As soon as Kim Mansoo finished his explanation, the Dragon spoke.- Oh, so you know my name? Seeing that no one in this land knew of me, you're not an ordinary mercenary.Was it really so impressive for someone to know his name? The flames in the Dragon's eye sockets softened and curved into the shape of a crescent moon.- I'd love to stay and chat for a bit... but I try to avoid small talk during working hours....- And unfortunately, a mission is still a mission. So, the two of you must die here.The Skeletal Dragon spoke as if trying to console them, wagging its finger, which was now nothing but bone.Then, countless footsteps began to echo from beyond the coniferous forest. Hearing the irregular and unnatural footsteps, Yeomyeong frowned.Uooooooohhhh...Soon, an overwhelming number of zombies emerged from within the darkness of the forest."Goddamn it..."As soon as he recognized the zombies, a curse immediately slipped out Kim Mansoo’s lips.It was because their attire was all too familiar— Military uniforms, combat suits, even uniforms of the other mercenary groups..."North Manchuria is already... done for."Back when he faced the monstrous human with rocket launchers, he still held on to a glimmer of hope, believing that North Manchuria wouldn’t fall to mere terrorists.But now, confronted with undeniable proof, Kim Mansoo could only shut his eyes tightly, and his expression turned grim."Vice Captain."Yeomyeong, who had been observing the situation, interrupted his thoughts and spoke as he watched the approaching zombies."What are you going to do?"Reading the intent behind the question, Kim Mansoo bit his lip.To fight or flee.Neither choice was easy. Because when going against that massive Skeletal Dragon, neither victory nor escape was guaranteed."First... we should flee."The decision was quick, and their feet were even quicker.The two of them kicked off the ground almost simultaneously and ran in the opposite direction of the Dragon. The zombies, dragging their broken bodies, chased after them, but they were unable to keep up with the strides of the Superhumans.- Fleeing in the middle of a mission—how fittingly mercenary-like of you both.The Dragon moved its bony legs to chase after the two. Its steps were leisurely, as if it were a nobleman on a stroll.Thump, thump, thump!The sound of the giant footsteps behind them gradually grew distant, but Yeomyeong couldn't relax.A growing sense of foreboding was creeping up on him, as if something was wrong....What was it?As he frowned, he could sense something moving in front of him.The slow footsteps suggested that they were undoubtedly zombies. Were they already surrounded? Yeomyeong instinctively changed directions. No, rather, he tried to.Kim Mansoo was the first to stop, before Yeomyeong. The two of them looked grimly at the zombies surrounding them."...Damn it."They were all members of Team 3 from the Sonjuk Mercenary Group, who had died in the previous battle."That fucking bastard...!"Seeing his comrades turned into zombies, Kim Mansoo clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white.At that moment, they heard the voice of the Dragon approaching them leisurely.- As mercenaries, you must understand, right? The only thing that matters in a mission is success. Hence, no one will be leaving North Manchuria alive today.When Yeomyeong turned around, the Dragon had its fingers curled, aimed at the two of them.The pose was similar to when a human was about to flick something with their thumb and index finger.Flick, the Dragon flicked its fingers and something was launched toward the two at an incredible speed.Clang!Once again, Yeomyeong swung his sword to deflect the attack. However, this time, it wasn’t a bullet that flew toward them.The object that fell to the ground was a dog tag.A blood-stained dog tag that probably belonged to a soldier or mercenary from North Manchuria.“…What a menace.”The fact that this gigantic creature was carrying something like that clearly showed that it was not as a treasure but purely for provocation.Seeing the expressions on their faces harden, the Dragon burst into laughter. Kim Mansoo gritted his teeth and glared at it."Newcomer, you should run.""...What about you, Vice Captain?""I'll buy some time. Since you're faster than me, use any means necessary to get this news to the Manchurian base."Manchurian base? Yeomyeong pondered as he looked at Kim Mansoo, who decided to sacrifice himself. Could it be… did he not realize?Yeomyeong whispered in Kim Mansoo's ear."Senior Tian Lin is not among the zombies. It seems like he managed to escape.""What?""If the Dragon learns of it, he might pursue them, so let's end this conversation here. And..."Yeomyeong stood beside Kim Mansoo, holding his sword. The sound of the zombies was getting closer."I will fight alongside you.""...It would be better for you to flee.""If we divide our forces even after being surrounded like this, we'll just be defeated individually.""Or we might both die at the same time."Despite saying that, Kim Mansoo loaded his rifle. It didn't seem like he was inclined to dissuade Yeomyeong any further.Yeomyeong glanced between the Skeletal Dragon and the zombies before speaking."Vice Captain, I have a plan.""...A plan? In this situation?"The conversation strangely evoked a sense of déjà vu. Kim Mansoo turned his head slightly to look at Yeomyeong’s face."It's a simple plan. While I’m dealing with the Dragon, you take care of the zombies.""...That’s it?""Yes, and if possible... please don't die."A wry smile appeared on Kim Mansoo's previously rigid face. He tightened his grip on his rifle and nodded."Alright, let's give it a shot... No, let's make it happen."The moment he resolved himself, Yeomyeong kicked off the ground.The zombies rushed at him, but with the mana powering his calves, Yeomyeong had already leaped.He stepped into the air—or rather, kicked off the trunk of a coniferous tree to climb higher.And on reaching the top of the tree, he was finally at eye level with the Dragon. The eerie blue flames in the Dragon's eye sockets met Yeomyeong's golden gaze.