Infinite System Inheritor Return From The Abyss-Chapter 340 - 338: Left him behind

"No, we have a mission And he's not part of it." The guy with a stern expression and sharp eyes stepped forward. He was tall and well-built, with a confident air that made it clear he was second-in-command. He ran his fingers through his hair casually.

Fumiko's eyes narrowed, obvious frustration in her gaze. "What are you talking about? Mr. Han is the mage of this raid. He's just as important as the mission itself!"

He chuckled, shaking his head like he couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Come on, Fumiko, don't act dumb. If that kid is really the mysterious S-ranker, he should be standing right here with us, not getting dragged away by a C-rank river monster." His voice was dripping with skepticism.

Fumiko clenched her fists. "You—are you doubting his rank? He just got caught off guard! It happens sometimes!"

He scoffed, crossing his arms. "Caught off guard? An S-ranker? Don't look down on real S-rankers like that. They don't just get pulled away like that, not by some Mid-level Monsters." He leaned in, lowering his voice but keeping it sharp. "Or... did he just use his wealth to buy that rank? Huh, Fumiko? Some rich kid trying to play with the big leagues?"

Fumiko's eyes flared with anger. "You have no idea what you're talking about," she shot back, voice cold. "Chairman Alexander approved him himself. Are you questioning the chairman's judgment?"

The guy raised his hands in mock surrender. "Hey, hey, I'm just saying... We've never heard of him before, and now he's just... here?" He pointed to the river. "And now he's gone? Doesn't sound like an S-ranker to me."

Fumiko took a step closer, "I suggest you stop your nonsense and focus on finding him. Mr. Han is part of this team, and whether you like it or not, he's coming back with us."

The guy chuckled, then casually draped his arm over Fumiko's shoulder, leaning in as if they were old friends. "Oh, Fumiko," he started with a sly grin. "We all know how much you adore the chairman. Well, he did adopt you, right? So, technically, he is your father... just not by blood."

Fumiko's expression hardened. She immediately shrugged his arm off, taking a step back. "What's that got to do with anything?" she snapped, eyes glaring at him.

He just shrugged, a smug smile still on his face. "Well, let's think about it. You trust the chairman blindly. You follow his orders like a loyal dog... but come on, Fumiko," he leaned in, tapping his finger against his own temple, "Why don't you use your brain a little? Deep down, you doubt that kid too, right?"

Fumiko opened her mouth to protest but hesitated. Her fists clenched at her sides, and she looked away, unable to respond. It was true—somewhere deep inside, she couldn't shake the feeling that Seojun didn't exactly fit the image of the mysterious S-ranker.

Seeing her silence, the guy's grin grew wider. "See? I knew it. Even you feel it." He straightened up and crossed his arms. "And at the wave? That S-ranker showed some skills, sure... but it was his beast that did most of the work. All he did was smash that mirror boss, and I'm pretty sure it wasn't even that sturdy."

Fumiko's jaw tightened, her eyes flashing with irritation. But she couldn't argue—she had seen it too. The beast had done the heavy lifting, not Seojun.

The guy took a step back and spread his arms. "So... how about we stop wasting time? Let's catch up with the Guildmaster before he clears out everything alone, huh?"

He reached out, casually sliding his hand around her waist as if it was natural. Fumiko instantly stepped back, eyes narrowed. "Don't touch me," she said sharply.

He just laughed, waving his hand as if it was all a joke. "Alright, alright. No need to be so cold." He glanced at the rest of the group. "Let's go, everyone. Don't wanna be left behind, right?"

They stepped deeper into the dense forest, The trees loomed high, their shadows stretching like claws. Fumiko walked with the rest of the team while the second-in-command led at the front with his massive greatsword resting on his shoulder.

Suddenly, a faint growling noise echoed from the shadows. Everyone stopped. The second in command raised his hand. "Hold," he whispered, eyes scanning the surroundings.

The three Ironhide Fangbeasts emerged from the shadows, their sleek, jet-black fur shimmering under the sunlight that pierced through the canopy. Their eyes glowed crimson, and sharp fangs jutted out from their snarling mouths. Long claws scraped against the rocky ground as they circled the group, muscles tensed and ready to pounce.

the System's notification rang in their heads. [System Notification: Detected Ironhide Fangbeasts (B-Rank)]

"Positions! Shields upfront, range behind! No one moves without my order!" the second-in-command barked, his eyes fixed on the beasts.

The team reacted instantly, moving like clockwork. Shields clanked together as the frontline set up a wall of defense, spears and swords ready. The range units pulled back, arrows notched and crossbows aimed.

One of the Fangbeasts lunged forward, its claws aiming straight for the frontline. "Hold!" shouted the second-in-command. The shield bearers braced themselves as the creature slammed into their defenses, claws scraping against the metal. It snarled, pushing harder, but the shields held.

"Push it back!" he ordered. The shield line grunted, shoving forward as one, knocking the creature back a few steps. "Archers, now!"

Bolts and arrows flew through the air, piercing the beast's thick hide. It howled in pain but didn't falter, its eyes locked onto its attackers.

The second beast rushed in from the side, aiming for the ranged units. "Right flank! Intercept it!" he yelled, pointing his weapon toward it. A group of swordsmen broke formation, sprinting to meet the beast head-on. Their blades flashed under the sunlight, cutting through its fur. Blood sprayed, and the creature screeched, swiping its claws wildly.

"Careful! Don't get sloppy!" the second-in-command snapped, watching as one swordsman narrowly dodged a claw swipe.

The third beast paced back and forth, its eyes analyzing the formation. Suddenly, it bolted, leaping high into the air, aiming for the archers.

"Incoming! Range, fall back!" he shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. The archers scrambled backward, but the beast was fast. It crashed into one of them, sending the archer flying.

"Get it off him!" he commanded, motioning for two spear-wielders to attack. They lunged forward, jabbing at the creature's side, forcing it to retreat.

While the team struggled with the beasts, Fumiko stood back, her hands clenched tightly. The second-in-command glanced back at her and smirked. "Stay where you are, Miss Fumiko. You're not needed here."

Her eyes narrowed, but she said nothing, her fists tightening.

The battle raged on, their weapons clashing against thick hide and sharp claws. The second-in-command moved swiftly, his blade cutting deep into one of the Fangbeasts' flanks. It staggered back, snarling, but the group pressed on, relentless and well-coordinated.

"We end this now! Push forward!" he roared, and the entire team surged, their weapons flashing with precision. frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓

After a series of well-placed strikes and coordinated attacks, the three beasts finally fell, their bodies slumping to the ground with heavy thuds. The team exhaled in relief, wiping the sweat and blood from their brows.

"Not bad," the second-in-command said, flicking the blood off his blade. He turned to Fumiko and smirked. "See? We don't need your help after all."

Fumiko kept her expression neutral, but her eyes were sharp. "Just make sure no one gets killed," she replied calmly.

The second-in-command chuckled, patting her shoulder as he walked past. "That's the plan, Miss Fumiko. That's the plan."