Solo Leveling Ragnarok Chapter 200

Around the same time Suho hatched Ragnar and was struggling against the Dragon Emperor, American society was facing a great shock.

-Thomas Andre murdered Christopher Reed?!

-Oh my God!

– The curiosity of people who have been wondering who is stronger out of the two has finally been resolved!

-But it shouldn’t have been like this!

For some reason, two S-rank hunters representing the United States fought for their lives, and as a result, the consequences were not only just a matter of murder. The death of an S-rank Hunter was truly an astronomical loss for the United States. However, the bigger problem was that the person who committed this shocking crime was also an S-rank himself.

-Hold all the blame on Thomas Andre and put him to death!

– Hey, buddy. We’ve already lost one S-rank Hunter, and you’re asking to kill another? Are you thinking of ruining America?

-You don’t really think that such a thing is possible, do you?

-Thomas Andre is quietly under arrest for now, but if he suddenly has a change of heart, at least half the American population will die.

– But since Thomas admitted his crimes, hasn’t he been arrested by the Federal Bureau?

-Arrest? You don’t seriously consider that an arrest, do you? Didn’t you see the picture of the Goliath stopping at a burger joint on the way to his arrest?!

The disposition of Thomas Andre was hotly debated among Americans. But there was one fact they all acknowledged. No matter how much Thomas Andre was charged for murder, it was a fact that the United States would never be safe economically and physically if he was touched. Furthermore, there was also something that Americans were most curious about.

-So, where is the Federal Bureau confining Thomas Andre?

– It’s in ‘Area-51’ right?

– Yeah, Area-51, that’s the only place he has to be in, no?

Area 51. A first-class military base managed by the US Department of Defense located in the desert of Nevada, USA. Originally, this place was built as a thoroughly secret base for the development and testing of new weapons. In the meantime, the US government has consistently refused to answer questions about this place, but eventually acknowledged the reality of this area with the release of 355 pages of classified documents from the CIA. However, the reason why this secret base was particularly interesting to people was because of the lush rumors about this area.

Inside, aliens are secretly imprisoned and living organisms are being experimented on!

Area 51 was full of all sorts of ugly and mysterious rumors, such as recovering the remains of a UFO and conducting joint research with aliens. And in fact, with the opening of the Hunter era, Area 51 was also an area that was incorporated under the Federal Bureau and used in many ways. So, people guessed that the only place where Thomas Andre could be accommodated in, was Area 51. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹•𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑒•𝙣𝙚𝙩

However, logic and truth are very different.

“One more drink.”

“Yes Mr. Thomas, how much ice would you like in your drink?” Clank**.** The bartender, who was setting a large ice cube in a clear wine glass, glanced at Thomas Andre.

“Hey, Adam! Would you like a drink too?”

“Thank you, but I’ll have to reject it, I’m still in my working hours.”

Adam White, the director of the Federal Bureau of Hunters– who had just entered the mansion– smiled bitterly at Thomas Andre, who was drunk and waving at him. Yes, this extravagant mansion was a ‘prison’ specially prepared for Thomas Andre by the Federal Bureau. It’s a prison, so to speak, but it’s actually more like a resort. Thomas Andre, who was caught as a criminal, was also enjoying a leisurely vacation at the swimming pool, wearing a colorful floral short-sleeved tee and shorts, not a prison uniform at all.

Thomas Andre, clearly aware of Adam White’s position, asked him with a single smile. “So, how is my trial going? Will I get the death penalty?”

“Stop joking around and let’s talk about work.” Adam White sighed and ordered the accompanying secretaries to lay out the research materials in front of him.

Seeing the amount of data, Thomas Andre raised one eye and his eyes lit up. “Hoo? Were there too many?”

“Yes. It was as you said.”

The previous day, the director of the Federal Bureau, Adam White, heard the real reason Thomas Andre killed Christopher Reed, and immediately launched an investigation onto the Foreign Religion. Although the public opinion was leaning toward Thomas Andre– who was usually known for his filthy personality– to have killed Christopher Reed in a fit of anger, Adam White was quite relieved to learn that the truth was different.

“…It turns out that far more Foreign believers are active all over the United States than I thought.” Foreign Religion. An unknown pseudo-religion of unknown origin. “Surprisingly, when I investigated, their goals and actions were quite moderate compared to other pseudo-religions. At best, they would propagate or sell Stardust.”

“I guessed the same. After all, the goal must have been to stay quietly hidden. So, did you recover the Stardust and Star Pieces?”

“Yes. All visible kin have been retrieved. There was no justification for arresting them, so the solution was to buy them all with money. Surveillance was attached separately.”

“Haha, man you really are good at your job!”

“…”

Thomas Andre raised his wine glass in the air, as if toasting, and drank it down. Seeing this, Adam White’s subordinates couldn’t help but cry. It was incredibly unpleasant to see Adam White, the director of the Federal Bureau of Hunters, being treated as if he were a mere subordinate. But so what if you are offended? Thomas Andre, That man had the qualifications and strength to do so. Even Adam White himself seemed to have no feelings for this disrespectful attitude towards him. Rather, at the point when he learned that there was an unidentified group working secretly in the United States, Thomas’ help was more desperate than ever for the peace of the United States.

“Back then… You told me the magic restraints doesn’t work on you anymore.”

“Ah, that’s right.”

At Adam White’s words, Thomas Andre shrugged his shoulders carefreely. Right nowThomas Andre’s both wrists and ankles were filled with magic restraints used to arrest the villains. Those handcuffs were developed by the Korean Hunter Association, and we’re a great invention widely used around the world. However, during the arrest process, Thomas Andre obediently put on that restraint, and despite this, his magic was still flowing through his body.

“Didn’t I tell you? I can absorb the mana of outer space. And this magic restraint tool doesn’t work on outer space mana. Similarly, it won’t work for Stardust boosters or Foreign believers.”

“…And you said the one that shared all this information with you was the Korean Hunter Sung Suho?”

“Hehe, yup. He has a very promising future ahead.”

“If someone sees your expression now, they will think he is your secret love child.”

“Oh, it’s similar. He is the son of my old best friend.”

Adam White shook his head at the sight of Thomas Andre smiling proudly at the memory of Sung Suho. He was just frustrated. It was the first time he felt so helpless after becoming the director of the Federal Bureau of Hunters that protects the United States. “I am very sorry to say this, but I feel quite nerved. What the hell is going on on Earth right now?”

“A space war, duh.”

“Ha…” Adam White, who could neither believe nor disbelieve that absurd statement, simply raised his forehead and sighed. Even after saying that, he felt even more sickened when he saw the carefree look of Thomas, who was drinking to his heart’s content.

“By the way, did you seek cooperation from the Korean Association?”

“Yes. I heard that the current president of the association is in North Korea, so I sent someone there.”

“Good. It must be the president of the association. Our Suho told us to never trust other guys.”

…He is going to talk about Sung Suho again.

“Oh, and do you have any high-level Essence Stones left in the Federal Bureau’s warehouse? It would be nice if you could send all of them to our Suho. He says they need a lot of Essence Stones these days.”

“…They are expensive.”

“If this is about money, I have plenty.”

“The auction price– Nevermind, I will see to it.”

“Oh come on. Look at it this way, this is all for the earth. If the earth perishes, do you think our America will be alright? Oh and, if you don’t have a few high-grade ones, feel free to collect intermediate Essence Stones instead.”

“…”

At this point, aren’t you just being a thug? First, it was a hamburger, but once they started listening to it, the staff of the FEderal Bureau couldn’t hide their dejection at the sight of the super criminal who kept robbing them of their resources. And the more shameless that human being came out, the more curious everyone became. Just who the hell is the Korean hunter ‘Sung Suho’ whom the world’s Thomas Andre so blatantly cherishes?

‘I guess I’ll have to meet him in person. In any case, if Thomas Andre is being tricked by him, then this will cause a huge problem.’ It was Adam White, who was determined to schedule a visit to Korea sooner or later.

“Ah! And about our Suho…”

“…”

Please, shut up.

* * *

Meanwhile, Sung Il-Hwan, who had been missing all this timem finally returned home safely. Park Kyung-Hye and Sung Jin-Ah, who were worried about him, barely regained their stability. Of course, that didn’t solve all the problems. It remained unchanged that their precious family members, Sung Jin-Woo and Cha Hae-In, were still missing, and this incident forced them to worry even more than before. However, the solution to this was very simple.

Without hesitation, Suho used the key to the Shadow Dungeon on them.

“Ah!!”

“This memory?!–“

Park Kyung-Hye and Sung Jin-Ah, whose memories of their previous lives suddenly returned, were temporarily in great shock, but soon began to accept the whole truth. Suho honestly told them all about the whereabouts of Sung Jin-Woo and Cha Hae-In. Of course, that didn’t mean all the worries were resolved, but at least it made it so that he didn’t have to worry about keeping things vague as he had done up until now.

[My young liege, is it really okay to do this?]

Beru watched Suho’s behavior from the sidelines and showed a little concern.

[If you indiscriminately return people’s memories like this, the world could become confused.]

Of course, when Sung Jin-Woo handed over the key to the Shadow Dungeon to Suho, he did not give specific instructions on how to use it. At least, he gave advice that it would be good to bring back Yoo Jin-Ho’s memories, which can provide the most practical help to Suho, but the rest was entirely up to Suho’s choice. Even so, if everyone’s memories were returned indiscriminately, there would be those who would use those memories to do bad things, and worse, be tempted by the Itarim. However, Suho boldly dismissed Beru’s concerns.

“So what if it’s reckless?”

[Kiek?]

“I can’t keep letting my family grieve for my father who they don’t know whenever he is still alive or dead. Besides…”

Suho looked at Beru with serious eyes. Those two irises were burning hotter than ever.

“…In the first place, I don’t like the fact that the world has forgotten all about my father. If I can, I want to make everyone in the world remember my father again, but I’m holding back.”

[…]

Beru, feeling Suho’s sincerity, had no choice but to keep his mouth shut. As he said, the people of this world have completely forgotten that Sung Jin-Woo saved the earth a long time ago. Although not everyone can appreciate his noble sacrifice, it is Suho’s wish that someone could at least remember. While saying this, Suho thought about the fight he had with the Dragon Emperor a few moments ago.

‘Ever since I was little, I’ve always been curious. How did the burn marks on my father’s hands come about?’ The breath of destruction exhaled by the Dragon Emperor. It was Suho who vaguely realized the greatness of his father, who fought and won a war alone against that terribly dangerous being.

“So I…” Suho decided. “I will continue to make as many people as possible remember my father when the opportunity arises.” He realized. “No matter how much I think about it, that seems like the only ‘gift’ I can prepare before going to see my father.”

[…]

Beru cried.

Yes.

Gift.

That day, when Suho met the apostle of Itarim for the first time, he had promised to himself since then, on what to do for his father.

Hot tears were flowing from Beru’s eyes, he who had walked the road with Sung Jin-Woo for a long time, without any hesitation.

200

At the farthest reaches of the vast expanse of space, the dimensional wall had been melted away, unleashing an unending torrent of enemies. Fierce battles raged across the universe, each skirmish a desperate struggle for survival. Amid one of these chaotic battlegrounds stood a figure, grinning widely.

“Who would have thought my own son would choose to become the heir of the King of Dragons?”

Dark energy coiled around the man like a living shroud. It was Sung Jinwoo, the Monarch of Shadows, his gaze fixed on Earth as he laughed incredulously.

Raising a child, it seemed, was full of surprises. Who could have imagined such a day would come, that the son of the Shadow Monarch would declare himself as the heir to the Monarch of Destruction? This was a future that no great being in the universe had been able to even consider.

That was how unpredictable and perilous Suho’s decision was—a risky gamble filled with countless variables and an uncertain future. Yet…

“Are you sure about this?”

“You cannot trust the Monarch of Destruction.”

“The very act of awakening the Monarchs, beings born of the primordial darkness, does not bode well.”

“In the worst case, you will be nurturing an enemy on the inside in the middle of a war.”

The Rulers each voiced their concerns, but Jinwoo merely shrugged. “It cannot be helped. My son has made his decision. All I can do is support him.”

Jinwoo had decided to put every worry aside and respect his son’s decision. “There’s always the chance that things could go wrong, but if that happens, I’ll take care of it. I haven’t been much of a father to him in a long time.” And if he really thought about it, the decision wasn’t so bad after all. “In fact… if things go well, it could even be advantageous.”

The Rulers exchanged glances, somewhat convinced.

“That is correct.”

“If someone inherits the powers of the dead Monarchs, our strength will only grow.”

“Even though the Monarchs are creatures of darkness, they’re still our allies when it comes to fighting the beings from beyond the outer universes.”

“That basic instinct for destruction will not change, but if your son can control it…”

“Enough chatter.”

The conversation came to an abrupt halt.

“Here they come again.”

Jinwoo’s eyes burned coldly as he spotted yet another breach opening in the distance.

“All of you! To stations!”

“A new gate has appeared!”

“All of you, to battle!”

At the commands of the Rulers, soldiers soared into the sky, their radiant wings unfurling.

The power of the Brilliant Light collided with the dark forces of the Outer Gods. At the heart of it all was Jinwoo, his teeth bared as he activated the Monarch’s Domain. “All rise!” he commanded, and his shadow army responded.

“Commander Bellion! Our unit will take the lead this time!”

“No! Commander Igris! Follow me!”

At their king’s command, the soldiers of death, recovering from their wounds and wreathed in dark, searing vapor, threw themselves back into the fray.

“Bring it on!”

“Our lord protects us!”

As long as they remained under the shadow’s protection, they were an immortal force that could be wounded but would never die. The immortal army surged forward like thunder rumbling in the deep, broad shadow of the Monarch of Shadows.

Jinwoo took a brief glance away from the battle, murmuring to himself as though his words could somehow reach his son, struggling alone somewhere far beyond. Suho, my son.I respectyour decision.You’ve chosen to become the successor of Antares.So grow stronger.You must.

The Trial of the King of Dragons was not a simple quest. Against all odds, Antares’ ambitions had aligned with Suho’s goals, allowing this fragile alliance to take shape. That also meant that the moment their interests conflicted, the balance could shatter in an instant.

So Suho,if you do not manage to conquer the Trial of the King of Dragons, he will eventually try to devour you. Jinwoo gritted his teeth, a father’s worry lingering even as he sent a silent blessing for his son’s future. Getstronger, Suho.You must be the one to devour Antares, not the other way around.In order to survive, you must become the hunter, not the hunted.You are a hunter, after all.

***

[Skill: “Monarch’s Domain” has activated.]

Suho spread the Monarch’s Domain around him, and his shadow soldiers roared as they charged forward. Wherever they went, magic beasts fell, blood spilling and screams filling the air.

[Level up!]

[Level up!]

Suho had thrown himself into dungeons one after another, determined to level up as quickly as possible.

The first trial set forth by Antares—to reach level ninety-nine—was both straightforward and grueling. As his level climbed higher, so did the amount of experience required for each new advancement, naturally slowing his progress.

To increase his leveling speed, he had to seek out even more dangerous and powerful magic beasts. This was easier said than done, however.

“Dogyoon, where’s the next dungeon?”

“Mr. Sung! We’re done for today. I’ll reserve the next dungeon as soon as possible.”

At some point, Dogyoon began addressing Suho with utmost respect, despite their small age difference. It was inevitable, as he was the only ordinary human who had witnessed Suho’s astonishingly swift dungeon raids from start to finish. His admiration had evolved into pure awe.

Suho’s shadow soldiers not only hunted quickly, but they were also swift at mining and pulling apart the corpses of the beasts. Sometimes, the very shadows of the beasts he had just slain would rise on their own, dismantling their own corpses to offer them to Suho. It was a good thing that magic beasts were generally disgusting and monstrous—if these had been humans, it would have been an immensely chilling and horrifying sight.

Watching all this unfold directly, Dogyoon could no longer see Suho as a simple buddy as he had done before. What was it that he felt toward him now? Fear, terror? No, it was something else entirely.

I’ve hit the mother lode! Dogyoon marveled, feeling it from the bottom of his heart. I’ve found the perfect job!

The work was easy, and there was no risk to his life. Even the salary was outstanding. To Dogyoon, the E-rank hunter, the Woojin Guild offered such stability that he would gladly devote the rest of his life to it, as long as Suho remained in charge.

“Mr. Sung! I’ve secured another dungeon! The Hyunmu Guild has attempted it twice without success, so it may be a little dangerous—”

“Even better. Let’s go right away.”

The more dangerous it was, the better. Suho’s eyes glinted as he strode forward, with Dogyoon trailing behind, his own steps full of triumph.

Then Suho halted abruptly. “Hm?”

“Oof!” Dogyoon bumped into his boss’s solid back. Holding his nose, he looked up at Suho. “What’s the matter?”

Suho stood motionless as if deep in thought, staring off into the distance. “Dogyoon, cancel that dungeon.”

“What? All right. But why…?”

“There’s somewhere I need to visit,” Suho replied, and in the next instant, he was gone.

“Huh…?” Dogyoon looked around in bewilderment. Suho was nowhere to be found. “Should I… go home, then?”

***

Rio Singh arrived in India almost immediately after Suho had made his request. He headed straight for the Asura Guild.

“I must meet with the guild master right away! I have a huge business deal on my hands!”

Rio was seeking out Siddharth Bachchan, the guild master of the Asura Guild and India’s most renowned S-rank hunter, to discuss a business opportunity Suho had presented. He had brought up the rights to distribute the Echo Forest Spring Water, the Scavenger Guild’s antidote potion that was currently the hottest thing in the hunter industry.

Rio could already envision a bright future ahead now that he had such a solid prospect in hand. This time, I’m getting a promotion for sure!The guild master will agree, even if I demand the highest salary an A-rank hunter can earn! Heart racing, he strode into the guild office.

“Huh…?”

He stopped instinctively, a chill creeping down his spine. Something wasn’t right. At first, he brushed it off. After all, he hadn’t visited his home country or his guild in a long time, so it was only normal for him to need a second to adapt. Besides, the guild staff seemed to be going about their duties as usual.

So…What is this feeling?Something’s different. Rio could not shake this odd feeling. As he made his way toward the guild master’s office, he studied the faces of the staff. Then he noticed it.

There is no expression on their faces. Even as they worked, there was an eerie lack of life in their eyes.

And nobody seems to recognize me. Despite his recent business trips, quite a few employees should have known him on sight. Any one of them could have come up to him and said hello, but no one said anything.

“I’m… Rio Singh. I’m here to see the guild master.”

“Oh, is that so?”

Each staff member responded when he spoke first, but their voices were flat, with those same blank expressions, as though they were hollow shells of their former selves.

“I contacted the guild master’s office, but he didn’t answer. Is he not in at the moment?” Rio asked.

“No, he is not.”

“Where is he? Is he clearing a dungeon?”

“Yes.”

“Is that all you have to say?”

“Yes.”

What…? Rio hesitated, unsure whether to keep asking questions or leave. The lack of genuine interaction was unnerving.

What on earth has happened here? With no answers in sight, Rio reluctantly turned away from the office door and headed back down the hall. As he walked, something caught his eye.

What are those necklaces? He hadn’t noticed at first, but now it was clear: every single employee was wearing the same necklace, regardless of their role or gender. Each one featured a large blue gem, shining faintly against their chests.

“What’s with those necklaces?” he asked, stopping one of the employees.

“Oh! This necklace?”

“Did you ask about this necklace?”

Huh? Suddenly, everyone around him turned their heads to look at him simultaneously, bright smiles on their faces.

“These necklaces were recently made. They are a form of ID, if you will, showing that you are a member of the Asura Guild,” one employee said.

“Would you like one?” another person chimed in, holding out a necklace.

“I can give you one!”

“No, let me!”

Before he could react, multiple hands reached out, pressing the necklaces into his grasp. Reluctantly, Rio slipped one over his head, feeling the cool metal chain settle around his neck.

The moment the clasp clicked shut, a voice broke the silence. “Rio Singh? The guild master would like to see you.”

“That was sudden. You said he was in a dungeon.”

“Yes,” the employee confirmed, their tone unsettlingly calm. “You’ll have to enter the dungeon if you wish to meet him.”

“Well, fine then.” Rio felt the potion samples Suho had entrusted to him tucked safely in his pocket. “I have a gift for him, as it so happens.” Suho had said these were a sample, and that Siddharth Bachchan was to taste them himself no matter what.

“What kind of dungeon is it, anyway?” Rio asked as he was led toward the exit. “Has a dungeon formed recently that warrants the guild master’s presence?”

“Yes, sir. He has been clearing the dungeon of the dragonkin recently.”

“Dragonkin?”