Magnus of Ice

AS STRONG AS THE DARKNESS

"You know... This outcome... Reminds me of a quote I once read." Magnus said in a low voice, his piercing gaze landing on Kang Tae-Shik's body. "'He who fights with monsters... Should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. When you gaze long into the abyss, the abyss... also gazes into you.' Friedrich Nietzsche." Even though he was gazing into Tae-Shik, Magnus was speaking to Jin-Woo. "But don't worry, for if you turn into a monster... I will gladly become one first in order to guide you back to humanity... even at the cost of mine." He finished as Tae-Shik started to speak.

"As hunters, we witness countless deaths. Sometimes, we are the cause. We often find ourselves in life-or-death situations... and we not only fight against monsters but also against each other. We are already 'perfect' killing machines." Coughing, blood spilled out of his mouth, but that didnt stop him from continuing. "Us three... Say, you wouldnt lump hunters and ordinary humans into the same category, would you? So..." The state Tae-Shik was currently in was pitiful.

Jin-Woo's dagger was impaled into his chest, but the force behind this strike wasn't what made him limp against the wall. Instead, the icicle embedded in his chest forced his body to the wall. His four limbs were impaled with the four scythes Magnus created, making sure he wouldnt be able to make any sudden movements. His entire being was slowly losing its color as if it was dyed with a dark purple pigment, as arctic blue ice started to spread from all five locations. It started from the four limbs, then from his chest. The blue was sharply contrasted by the deep crimson spilling from Jin-Woo's dagger. His eyes lost their lilac pupil and were replaced by the wine-red color. His mouth spilled blood as he spoke, "I'll die because I lost. It's only natural... Let me ask you just one question. What are you? An assassin-type with healing magic... and even debuff abilities.... A mage archetype that likes to play as a brawler... also with healing magic... I've never heard of anything like these before."

With a bored look, Magnus and Jin-Woo took turns answering him. "Hm... I'm not too sure myself." Jin-Woo started as Magnus took over. "Does it matter? As long as I have Jin-Woo by my side, I don't care what I turn into." Hearing these two responses, Tae-Shik let out a small chuckle. "Haha... A blabbermouth may be useless... But having a lot of secrets isn't that great, either. Not caring about your image is worse."

[EFFECT: PARALYSIS WAS ACTIVATED.]

[EFFECT: BLEED WAS ACTIVATED.]

Two notifications rang out, causing Tae-Shik to shout in pain. "GAH!" With red wine tears spilling from his eyes, Tae-Shik said, "You won't be able to hide your skills anymore now that you've killed me." At this statement, the two hunters remained silent. Magnus turned to look at his baby, a worried look blossoming on his face. Jin-Woo, on the other hand, had a pensive look. Due to the fact that Tae-Shik was in his final moments, Jin-Woo decided to reveal it. "Let's say we're hunters who grow stronger from each fight. How strong do you think we can get?"

"Huh... For you... Your shadow... is connected to the darkness. You will become as strong... as deep as that darkness gets." He said as he gazed into Jin-Woo's now grey eyes. With great difficulty, he stares into Magnus's arctic blue eyes as he says, "And you... Your frost envelops... protects his shadow... You will become stronger than him... just to protect him." At the final syllable, two notifications rang out.

[QUEST COMPLETE

YOU HAVE COMPLETED {EMERGENCY QUEST: KILL THE ENEMIES}.

QUEST REWARDS

SELECT YOUR REWARDS

{YOU MAY CHOOSE FROM THE REWARDS BELOW.}

(REWARD #1. STAT POINTS +5)

WILL YOU ACCEPT YOUR REWARDS?

{ACCEPT} {REFUSE}]

[QUEST COMPLETE