SSS Awakening: I am the First Legendary Mage

Author’s Note: I will be opening a 10 Chapter Priv tier early. However, it will cost only 2 coins.

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"So this is where all the monsters of the dungeon were," Emma said.

Alex gave a faint nod. The mystery of the empty dungeon finally made sense. Every Titan Reef Crab had gathered here, likely trying to besiege someone.

He continued watching the battlefield without taking his eyes off the monsters.

"If anyone wants to leave, this is your chance," Alex said calmly,

The others turned toward him. Emma hesitated before asking, "What exactly are you planning?"

Alex didn’t answer. Instead, he silently activated Battle Instinct Spell.

His thoughts immediately sharpened. Fear and every unnecessary emotion faded away, allowing him to focus entirely on the battlefield before him. He calmly began assessing every possible option.

Whoever was trapped inside the swarm was still alive. More importantly, they were still fighting after all this time. That proved they were exceptionally strong.

Alex didn’t know whether the person was as strong as him, but they were clearly capable. Rescuing someone like that would greatly improve the group’s chances of surviving and clearing the dungeon.

’Alright.’

’We’re rescuing them.’

’Even if the rescue fails, I can still retreat. Titan Reef Crabs are slow enough that escaping is possible.’

His thoughts immediately shifted toward possible rescue methods. Slowly killing the monsters from back wouldn’t work because reaching the center would take too long, and the trapped person might collapse before then.

Breaking through together at fast speed was even worse. Alex might survive charging into the swarm, but everyone else would become surrounded long before reaching the center.

That left only one realistic option. Alex would enter alone, rescue the trapped survivor, and bring them back out. It was dangerous, but it also had the highest chance of succeeding.

After reaching his conclusion, Alex released Battle Instinct Spell. The familiar emotions returned, but they no longer affected his decision. He turned toward the group.

"Here is the plan. All of you fall back a little. There’s a narrow section of tunnel behind us where only two Titan Reef Crabs can attack at once. Emma, draw the monsters to that spot. Fight them there, make sure none of them get past you, and use the experience we gained fighting groups of them earlier."

Nobody spoke for a moment. Petra instinctively moved closer to Sarah, and the adults didn’t look much calmer than the little girl. Alex understood their hesitation because the task he had just given them was dangerous.

"What are you going to do? You haven’t said anything about yourself," Emma asked suddenly, noticing he had not explained what he intended to do.

"I’m going into the swarm and bringing that person back," he answered.

The group’s eyes widened.

Before anyone could object, Alex added, "If anyone wants to leave, you still can. I’m not going to stop you. But if you do, don’t expect me to risk my life helping you later."

His tone remained calm throughout. Without waiting for anyone to answer, he turned and walked toward the sea of Titan Reef Crabs.

Every instinct in his body screamed that this was a terrible idea. His heart pounded against his chest, and unless he focused, his hands would begin trembling. He wasn’t some hardened warrior. Until recently, he had been an ordinary college student.

The memory of the first Netherclaw Prowler surfaced in his mind. He could still remember being pinned beneath it while its teeth tore into his flesh. Even now, the memory of that pain made his body tense.

Instead of making him hesitate, it strengthened his resolve.

Alex still didn’t understand why Earth was being integrated into the Land of Origin, or why he had been summoned before others. Those answers could wait. Right now, only one choice mattered.

He could become stronger and survive.

Or he could remain weak and die.

Alex refused to accept the second option. He would survive, continue growing stronger, and one day find whoever started this entire disaster. When that day came, he intended to punch that bastard in the face.

He activated Battle Instinct Spell. Mana surged into his brain, spinal cord, and senses, stripping away fear and every unnecessary thought. Only a single objective remained in his mind.

Rescue the person trapped inside the swarm.

Alex immediately activated Body Reinforcement Spell as well. Mana flooded through his muscles, and he kicked off the ground with all his strength. His body shot toward the nearest Titan Reef Crab.

His sword slipped through the gap between the monster’s armored plates near its front leg joint. The blade sliced through the weak point, and the enormous crab collapsed before it could react. Alex didn’t wait for the monster to crash into the ground.

He was already moving to the next.

The second crab noticed him. It swung a massive pincer at him as soon as he entered its range. Alex activated Mana Thread Spell, and a white glow spread across his sword.

The reinforced blade cut straight through the incoming pincer before continuing its swing.

Another Titan Reef Crab rushed toward him from the front. Just then, a pulse of mana spread through the cavern from somewhere behind him. Alex immediately recognized it as Emma’s skill.

The monster’s attention shifted for a brief moment. Alex took advantage of the opening, stepped into range, and sliced through both of its eyestalks.

Before it could recover, he severed one of its front legs at the joint.

He continued moving without slowing down. His goal was not to kill every Titan Reef Crab. That would drain his mana far too quickly, and take a lot of time.

Crippling them was faster and consumed far less energy.

The fourth and fifth monsters lunged almost together. Alex’s sword carved a broad arc through the air, leaving deep cuts across both of their pincers.

The wounds wouldn’t kill them, but they greatly reduced the strength of their attacks.

A sixth Titan Reef Crab suddenly rushed in from the side, using the confusion to close the distance. Alex shifted toward it and raised his sword, preparing to strike first.

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