Solo Leveling: Ragnarok

“Dragonkin” was a term for magic beasts which featured both characteristics of dragons and humans. They existed in quite a few varieties, from dragon-like creatures to more standard reptilian ones.

But there was a specific type that came to Rio Singh’s mind first of all—the Nagas. India had many myths involving all kinds of animals, but he was reminded of the divine, snake-like Nagas before anything else.

“Did Nagas appear?” Rio asked doubtfully.

“I can’t say for sure, as I haven’t been to the site myself, but reports indicate they bear a striking resemblance.” The employee handed him some relevant documents with a businesslike air.

“Oh, no… Nagas, really?!” Rio exclaimed, his shock palpable. A photograph revealed a reptilian figure rising ominously from the water, eerily similar to what Rio knew of the Nagas.

And, of all places, the location is… He felt a sinking dread as he read about where these creatures had emerged.

“How can this be? The entire Loktak Lake region has turned into a field-type dungeon?” It was unbelievable. He couldn’t fathom that such a major disaster had been happening in India while he was away on business in another country.

Loktak Lake was a massive lake located in Manipur, India, and it was one of the largest freshwater lakes in Southeast Asia. The entire region around that vast lake had been transformed into a field-type dungeon.

Rio turned cold eyes toward the employee. “How many dungeon breaks have occurred nearby?”

“A total of five, all at the same time. One of them has been dealt with thanks to the guild master’s intervention, leaving four remaining.”

“Agh! I shouldn’t have left the country! I should have stayed by the guild master and done everything I could to help!” Rio was deeply disappointed in himself. To think he had been oblivious while such chaos unfolded in his homeland! “I have no time to lose! I must go and help him right away! Grant me command of the remaining forces in the guild!”

“All elite hunters have already been deployed,” the employee informed him.

“Of course! The situation is obviously serious. I’ll go in alone if necessary. Just give me the exact location!”

Filled with urgency, Rio strode out of the guild. Despite being an A-rank hunter, it was reckless to enter the Loktak region alone. Yet surprisingly, no one from the Asura Guild attempted to stop him. Instead, they continued with their own business just like before, completely expressionless and seemingly unconcerned. It was as if they were under some kind of spell.

The necklaces adorning their necks glimmered softly, casting a subtle blue light, mirroring the one around Rio’s neck as he made his way to Loktak Lake.

***

Is this the place?

A short while later, Rio arrived confidently in the Loktak region. Even though he had come here alone, he felt no fear. What did it matter if he was alone? There would be countless guild members to welcome him once he entered the dungeon.

Moreover, he hadn’t come here empty-handed. He had brought incredible gifts for his companions, who were no doubt struggling inside.

Wait for me, people!I have imported Korean-made hunter equipment galore! Rio had driven over a massive truck filled with exquisite items crafted by the talented artisans of South Korea. His original plan had been to show these precious objects to the guild master one by one, hoping to emphasize his contributions. He later reconsidered, since it would be far more dramatic for him to swoop in to help at such a critical moment.

A promotion!This is a guaranteed promotion! He was already feeling his chest swell, imagining how his companions would welcome him and all this amazing equipment. “Now then, let’s go!”

“Rio, are you sure it’s all right for us to go inside by ourselves? This place, it’s…”

The truck driver, Jackson, looked at Rio with a fearful expression. Though he seemed timid, he was a C-rank hunter with stealth skills and had worked with Rio in the past.

Jackson had been fired from the Asura Guild last year for incompetence, but his driving skills in rough terrain like this were unmatched. Of course, driving skills didn’t have much utility for a C-rank hunter, but he was perfect for transporting goods to a dangerous field-type dungeon like this.

“Rio, I have concealment skills that will allow me to escape if danger arises. But your only skills are offensive—”

“Now, now! Don’t you worry about me! Jackson, I’ll take full responsibility for your safety, so just focus on driving!”

“Namaste…” Jackson, knowing full well Rio’s battle prowess, squeezed his eyes shut. When he opened them again, determination to rescue his former comrades burned in his gaze. He gripped the steering wheel and gritted his teeth. “Here goes, then…”

The cargo truck, laden with Korean equipment, drove right into the Loktak field. Immediately, reptilian monsters appeared, blocking their path from all directions. They hissed and screeched, menacingly circling the truck.

“Rio! Lizard men!”

“Jackson! Don’t stop! Keep on driving! Trust me!”

Rio climbed atop the truck, balancing on his feet and gripping a sword in each hand. He glared at the lunging creatures, a malicious grin spreading across his face. “I thought you were dragonkin! So, it’s just lizard men?”

At that urgent moment, a familiar face flashed through his mind. Sung Suho, my companion. Rio had been through so many adventures following Suho around thus far. There had been the Pyramids of Egypt, the Glacier Dungeon of Facade, and so many others. Each had tested their limits, yet he had survived them all with Suho, returning home alive.

“It is I, Rio Singh!”

An elaborate flurry of sword strikes erupted from his blades, creating a dense net of violence. The lizard men screamed in agony as they were cleaved apart.

“Bring it on! I could fight all day!”

As Rio leaped and danced around, slaying the monsters while protecting the truck, he couldn’t help but feel a kinship with Suho. I really do resemble him!I am his treasured companion!

The cargo truck sped through the puddles of blood he had spilled. “Rio! I see the lake up ahead! This is where it gets real!” Jackson shouted, flooring the accelerator.

“Yes! The fortress of the Asura Guild is just past here!” Rio shouted back, his body already drenched in lizard blood. Remarkably, there wasn’t a single drop of his own blood in the mix.

Jackson grinned, baring his teeth as he caught sight of Rio’s cold determination through the blood trickling down the man’s forehead. Ha!I didn’t know he could smile like that!

Rio, the A-rank hunter, was an elite member of the Asura Guild who had been acknowledged as one of the most powerful rookies. However, he had a fatal flaw—he often focused more on cunning tactics than on genuine effort and honest work. His only interests seemed to be getting a promotion while craving respect, attention, and honor from others.

How did such a man turn into this? Jackson felt a fire ignite within him as he watched Rio fight without regard for his own safety, a stark contrast to the man he once knew. He began to feel, with all his heart, that he wanted to help Rio.

He took a long drag from the cigarette between his lips and grinned. Clenching his fists around the steering wheel, he shouted confidently, “All right, Rio! I’m putting my trust in you! We are reaching the lake shore! Keep our path clear, and—”

“S-stop!”

“What?”

Time seemed to slow as Jackson’s pupils dilated. He saw Rio rushing toward him, confusion etched on his face. At the same time, he heard a splash of water from right beside the truck.

Jackson instinctively turned his head, and before he could fully comprehend it, a massive magic beast erupted from the water. A Naga?!

At the same time, the truck was sent careening off to the side.

“No…!” Rio launched himself toward the truck, which was instantly crushed and sent tumbling. Using the extraordinary strength of an A-rank hunter, he somehow managed to halt its movement.

Before he could check on Jackson, still in the driver’s seat, the Naga’s enormous shadow loomed ominously over him. A grotesque and massive reptilian hand descended upon Rio’s head.

His eyes widened in horror as he calculated the odds. I am not a tanker. There was a significant difference between a tanker and a damage dealer. While he possessed enough power to stop a truck, he lacked the health and skills to withstand an attack from such a colossal creature with his body alone.

The efficient movewould be to avoid the attack, then strike back! This would be the perfect strategy for a damage dealer who gave up defense to wield dual swords. But if I do,Jackson dies!

A determined look in his eyes, Rio readied his stance and crossed his dual swords. Recalling what he remembered of Suho, he shouted a battle cry.

To his dismay, the Naga had far heavier defenses than he had expected. The massive hand crashed down, shattering Rio’s swords and filling his heart with despair. No!

The reason for his despair was not out of fear for his own life. Even if he was a damage dealer, he was an A-rank hunter, and he would not die from a single blow. But one truth was undeniable—that attack would spell the end for Jackson. Rio had brought him here! He had pulled him into this!

No! The situation was critical.

It was at that moment that Kira, the shadow assassin who had been lurking nearby, revealed himself at his master’s command.

[Skill: “Shadow Swap” has activated.]

Rio’s eyes widened in astonishment as he looked ahead. A figure with a powerful, muscular back stood before him, effortlessly halting the Naga’s mighty swing with a single hand.

“So, you found a pretty useful one, huh?” There was a faint smile on the young man’s face.

The Naga growled viciously, perhaps offended by this, striking down with even greater force. Somehow, its hand didn’t budge.

Suho glanced briefly at Rio and said, “You take a breather. I’ll take it from here.” Then, as he turned his gaze back, his eyes transformed like a hunter who had spotted prey. “Arise, Greed.”

The S-rank hunter, brought back as a shadow soldier, rose before the monstrous Naga.

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!