Chapter 25: A Darker Threat – The Third Monarch Appears
As flames whipped around the battlefield, Lee Hwan's aura clashed with Rakun's scorching presence, the ground beneath them starting to melt under the pressure of two Monarchs' Vessels.
Rakun raised a hand, conjuring a massive inferno blade from the sky.
"Let's see if that dragon of yours can withstand true flame—"
But before the first strike could fall…
BOOM.
A wave of black energy swept through the entire 9th Floor, extinguishing every flame instantly. The lava froze mid-flow. The skies turned pitch black.
Both Rakun and Lee instinctively leapt back, preparing for battle—but neither was the source of this power.
A shadowed figure walked out from the abyss. Cloaked in living darkness, his eyes glowed violet, and the Tower itself trembled at his arrival.
[Vessel of the Monarch of Dark – Zareth]
[Level: 240 | Title: Abyss Walker | Rank: 3rd]
He didn't speak immediately. Instead, he stepped between Lee and Rakun with effortless confidence. Even Rakun, known for his temper, didn't move.
Zareth's voice was calm but full of cold authority.
"This is not your battlefield."
"This floor is mine. Try fighting here… and I'll erase both your souls."
Rakun growled but didn't move. Even he wasn't ready to provoke the Dark Monarch's vessel.
Lee narrowed his eyes. "You're Zareth, huh… I've heard about you."
Zareth turned to Lee for the first time, a faint smirk forming.
"You're rising fast. But if you want to survive... stay away from me until the 13th floor."
"That's where real Monarchs clash."
Then, just like that, he vanished—swallowed by the very shadows that birthed him.
Rakun scoffed and turned his back.
"Tch. Lucky you… next time, no one will save you."
He too disappeared, leaving Lee alone.
Lee clenched his fists.
"13th floor… Hmph. I'll be ready."