SFRW-Chapter 247

Ch. 247 Sword God From The Ruined World

“…Analysis suggests no further monster emergence.”  

“World Hero Association agrees?”  

“Confirmed.”  

“Thank God.”  

Jung In-joo’s face brightened for the first time in months. Park Sung-wook mirrored her relief.  

Breaking news! UK initiates mass evacuations after London’s 4th defense line collapsed—”  

The broadcast shattered their momentary peace.  

“After all their efforts… London falls too.”  

Park Sung-wook’s shoulders slumped. Europe’s situation mirrored globally—Frankfurt, Munich, Prague, Madrid—all gone. Africa suffered worst, while Russia and China reeled.  

Only South Korea retained all cities, though peripheries lay ruined. Compared to Japan’s abandoned Tokyo, their losses seemed minor.  

“I thought we’d caught a break…”  

Jung In-joo’s brief hope faded at the staggering cleanup ahead.  

“At least we’re just mopping up now.”  

Park Sung-wook’s optimism rang hollow. Reactivated rifts would mean certain defeat.  

Clap! 

“Domestic purge first, then overseas deployment. Park Sung-wook—prioritize aid requests.”  

“Understood.”  

“Your work’s invaluable.”  

Park Sung-wook bowed stiffly. “Frontliners bleed while I push papers.”  

As Jung In-joo prepared for departure, her phone shrieked.  

“Choi Do-yeon?”  

“Guild Master! Seattle’s rift—active after 6 days!”  

“…What?”  

Her stomach dropped. One reactivation meant others could follow.  

“But listen! It attacked other monsters!”  

Monsters never fight each other beyond accidental collisions.  

“Details. Appearance? Numbers?”  

“Single entity. Winged lizardman. Melts targets with energy beams!”  

Flight plus unknown weaponry. Even fearless Choi Do-yeon avoided engagement.  

“Current status?”  

“Slaughtered dozens then vanished. Tracking now—continue?”  

“Observe only. No engagement.”  

Hanging up, Jung In-joo massaged her temples.  

“What fresh hell…?”  

Reactivated rift. Single overpowered entity. Monster-killer behavior.  

She dialed Na Tae-hwang.  

***

Chicago  

A million monsters converged from Rockford and Cisna Park rifts.  

“Goddammit!”  

Cain’s blood-crusted hands gripped his degraded staff. The fourth defense line had fallen.  

“We’re abandoning Chicago?”  

“Like London. Reinforce smaller cities.”  

Cain’s jaw clenched. He hated their logic but knew it was sound.  

Sarah gripped his shoulder. “Our hometown’s gone. Return to guild.”  

The Magician Guild stood decimated.  

“Effort means nothing. I failed.”  

“We all did.”  

Sirens wailed—fifth line under assault. Despite knowing Flight Magic, Cain ran to conserve magic.  

“Magicians—positions! Archers—final volley! Melee—hold!”  

The Black tide advanced—mostly C/B-ranks but endless. Scattered A/S-ranks and sub-bosses explained previous losses.  

“Last stand.”  

“Retreat when hopeless.”  

Even S-ranks planned withdrawal. Cain loathed their pragmatism but understood.  

“Contact!”  

He unleashed triple fireballs. BOOM! Ice spears followed, then terrain explosions—each spell bleaching his face further.  

“Cain! Stop!” Sarah screamed.  

ROOOOOAR!  

A fire dragon materialized behind enemy lines, bathing thousands in hellfire.  

“What—?!”  

The construct became a flaming vortex, summoning meteor showers. Lava geysers erupted as entire battalions vaporized.  

“…Kusak?”  

Sarah gaped at the skyborne figure.  

“Casserian…you came back.”  

Tears cut through the grime on Cain’s face.