The End of Practice
Morning had broken, heralding the day of our new expedition. Today, we were setting out to explore the “Cave of Screams,” a venture that would take at least three weeks. We needed to ensure our caravan was well-prepared. As I stepped out of the “Modest Lady” inn, a cool breeze and crisp air greeted me. I closed my eyes for a moment, savoring the refreshing atmosphere that invigorated my entire being.
“Wow, the weather’s perfect. It’s an ideal day for a journey.”
I turned to see Hayeon, her hair shimmering as she stepped out, adjusting her small backpack. It was a new purchase for this expedition, a quality pack meant for the long haul. We had bought four in total, entrusting them to the mages and priests, as they wouldn’t hinder them in battle like they might for the melee fighters.
Her bright smile was infectious, and I responded with a gentle laugh.
“In a way, this is just like a trip. There are plenty of beautiful sights in the whole plain.”
“Haha, I’d rather avoid trips where my life is on the line.”
Around her neck was a necklace that glowed with a beautiful hue, undoubtedly the Necklace of Glory we had acquired from the ruins. I was curious about the spells she had memorized, but seeing the rest of our group emerging, I held my tongue.
The others were also well-equipped with gear from the ruins. Ahn Hyun and Lee Yoo-jung, in particular, looked vastly different from when they first arrived in Mule. Back then, they were barely more than novices, but now they seemed to have shed that beginner’s aura. It was a source of pride for me, knowing I had helped them grow.
“Wow, these gloves are amazing. The spear feels as light as a feather.”
Ahn Hyun swung his spear with ease, clearly pleased with the Gloves of Reduction. While they didn’t increase his actual strength, they were undeniably useful. As he twirled his spear with a satisfied grin, I took a moment to observe the rest of our group.
Finally, with Vivian, Shin Sang-yong, and Go Yeon-ju ready, we assembled the team. Go Yeon-ju closed the inn door carelessly and took her place in the center, while I led the way toward the north gate.
On our way, we passed a few other users. Given the time of year, those in Mule likely had predictable abilities or were relatively inexperienced. They watched us with envious eyes, probably struggling to make ends meet. I could empathize, having once been a novice myself, envious of those who set out on expeditions with superior gear.
We exited through the north gate, receiving a hearty salute from the guards. The atmosphere among our group shifted immediately. The chatter ceased, and the excited expressions turned serious as they began to scan their surroundings. They knew I wouldn’t tolerate any fooling around once we were in the field. The training was paying off, and I felt a sense of satisfaction as Go Yeon-ju tilted her head, acknowledging the change in mood.
Our group consisted of eight members. While not a perfect composition, it was a decent setup compared to when we tackled the “Dungeon of the Ancient Alchemist Vivian.” It was time to refine each member’s role. I took the lead as the tank and coordinator, with Ahn Hyun as the sub-tank and support. An Sol stood in the center, surrounded by Vivian, Hayeon, and Shin Sang-yong in a triangular formation. Although the center seemed vulnerable, Go Yeon-ju’s role as a keeper compensated for any weaknesses.
Interestingly, Yoo-jung requested to take the rear and act as a free agent. In the past, I would have dismissed such a request, but I agreed, provided she sought my permission first.
We soon reached the plains where we had previously explored the “Dungeon of the Ancient Alchemist Vivian” and the “Ruins Laboratory.” Without hesitation, I led the group eastward.
The team followed my orders diligently, but their eyes betrayed a newfound confidence. The excitement of a long-awaited expedition, the quality gear, their improved skills, and the envious gazes of other users all fueled their enthusiasm.
However, I intended to temper their spirits. While riding this wave of confidence was good, it was more important to instill a sense of caution. Compared to other users of the same experience level, they had grown significantly stronger, but in the grand scheme of the whole plain, they were still novices. Their confidence could easily turn into arrogance, and I needed to address that. Rather than scolding them, I planned to create a situation where they could learn this lesson themselves.
The group spoke little, focusing on maintaining a steady pace. After some time, I glanced back. Mule was no longer visible, and the sun was rising, indicating it was nearing noon. I consulted the map to gauge our position and decided to adjust our course slightly.
Despite our brisk pace, we encountered no monsters or bandits. While the absence of bandits was understandable, the lack of monster attacks was unexpected. As we continued, I noticed the initial wariness in the group’s expressions beginning to fade. It was time to implement my plan, so I quickened my pace.
Soon, a mountain loomed ahead, the one I had aimed for. I halted and addressed the group.
“We’re going to cross that mountain.”
“Huh? Is that necessary? You said it would take ten days to get there, and as far as I know, the direct route is the same. There’s no need to exhaust ourselves climbing a mountain.”
Go Yeon-ju’s point was valid. She was suggesting we conserve our energy for the ten-day journey ahead. However, I had my reasons and replied smoothly.
“I’ve done some research on other ruins besides the ‘Cave of Screams.’ While we planned to take the direct route, it wouldn’t hurt to pass by some of these sites. We won’t explore them in detail, but it’s better than nothing. Although the path is slightly longer, we’ll still arrive on schedule. However, we’ll need to maintain a brisk pace, so please keep up.”
“So, you’ve researched all the ruins along the way, not just the ‘Cave of Screams’?”
“Yes, I focused on those along our route, just in case.”
I answered humbly and turned away. Go Yeon-ju seemed puzzled, but as the caravan leader, my decision was final. Besides, she had been the one to suggest contingency plans if we couldn’t find the “Cave of Screams,” so she had little room to argue.
I felt a bit sorry for Hayeon, Shin Sang-yong, and Vivian, but this was a necessary step. The “Cave of Screams” was essentially a practice run, a final exercise in Mule. They might think they could handle it, given the small-town setting and the lack of other users.
However, once they ventured into larger cities, the situation would change drastically. Users would be everywhere, and bandits would strike at the slightest lapse in vigilance. The dungeons would be more challenging, and the monsters more formidable. To survive in such an environment, they needed to understand their current standing.
Thus, I chose a march as the method to humble them. A march was the most basic requirement for users in the whole plain, and I intended to use it to bring them down a notch.
We soon stood before the mountain we had aimed for. From a distance, it hadn’t seemed so imposing, but up close, its vastness was undeniable. I reiterated my instructions to the group before we began the ascent.
“We’re going to cross this mountain. It doesn’t have a name yet, but according to library records, it’s part of a range of three peaks. Climbing will be tough, but we won’t extend our travel time. Keep pace with me, maintain vigilance, and be aware of your surroundings. Monsters are more frequent in the mountains.”
I heard someone gulp audibly. The sound made me chuckle, and I sent Ahn Hyun to the rear with Yoo-jung, just in case the mages or priests faltered. Ahn Hyun, still confident, followed my orders. He seemed to recall the forced march through the “Forest of Darkness.”
However, that had been a march tailored to their abilities. This time, I intended to show them how regular users conducted their expeditions.
“Alright, let’s get moving.”
At my words, the group nodded in agreement, and I confidently led the way into the mountain.
“Huff, huff.”
“Pant, pant.”
The initial enthusiasm quickly waned, and it wasn’t even an hour before everyone was gasping for breath. The first to admit defeat was An Sol, unsurprisingly, given her role as a priest and her usual lack of stamina. But I didn’t slow down for anyone.
The rest of the group gritted their teeth and kept up. It would have been laughable if An Hyun and Lee Yoo-jung, who were physically stronger, had complained when even the mages were managing. Eventually, An Sol started to lag behind, with An Hyun and Lee Yoo-jung helping her along. It was clear the extra effort was taking a toll on them.
I could feel the silent pleas for a break from behind, but I pressed on without hesitation. Watching me leap over the high terrain, the group must have felt like they were on the brink of collapse. Whenever someone fell out of formation, I was quick to call them out.
Their desperate faces were hard to ignore, but I remained firm, chastising them with sharp words.
“Get it together. Keep the formation. If you can’t even handle a simple march, what are you going to do in a real fight?”
Despite the harshness, they kept pushing forward, gasping for air. Seeing their determination, I picked up the pace even more. I wanted them to realize how easy they had it back in the city.
After another grueling hour, I finally found a small clearing and stopped. Glancing back, I saw the group drenched in sweat. After scanning the area to ensure it was safe, I spoke calmly.
“We’ll rest here for ten minutes. I’ll keep watch, so feel free to relax.”
At my words, they collapsed where they stood. Go Yeon-ju stretched with a satisfied look, as if she hadn’t exercised in ages, while Vivian and Ha Yeon shared a bottle of water. Shin Sang-yong also offered sips from his canteen to the others.
“Isn’t the pace a bit too fast?” Go Yeon-ju asked, approaching me with a cheerful expression, taking in the scenery.
“Anyone with a stamina stat of 50, or even 45, should be able to keep up. After all the training we’ve done, it’s disappointing if they can’t manage this.”
She chuckled. “Well, they did keep up in the end. The mages barely made it, and the two melee fighters had to expend twice the energy helping the straggler.”
I turned to see An Hyun blowing into Shin Sang-yong’s canteen like a trumpet. He was managing, but had clearly spent a lot of energy helping An Sol. Lee Yoo-jung was in a similar state, having practically dragged An Sol along. An Sol’s lips were pressed tight, her eyes trembling as she fought back tears.
“If they struggle with a simple march, it’s a problem. The mages did well enough, but it shows their mindset needs work.”
“My, you’re much stricter out here than in the city,” Go Yeon-ju said with a sly smile, covering her mouth.
I watched the group for a moment, then shook my head and looked away.
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Hello, this is Ro Yujin.
Ah, I’ve been feeling under the weather lately. My throat’s been sore, and now I’ve got a runny nose and dizziness. Smoking makes my throat sting terribly. It’s hard to focus on anything else. ㅜ.ㅠ
I considered taking a day off to rest, but I decided I’d rather collapse in front of my computer than not write at all. I’ll update this chapter and then get some sleep. Hopefully, I’ll feel better after a nap. Please take care of yourselves during this change of seasons. (__)
Also, to my readers, you’re amazing. I didn’t think anyone would guess it, but you did. I won’t say which comment it was, but it left me stunned. How did you figure it out so quickly? ㅜ.ㅠ
PS. I’ll start organizing comments from the first chapter. I apologize if this causes any inconvenience.
『 Reader Replies 』
破天魔痕: Congratulations on being first. Thank you for your support. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
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운수대통: Yes, there are mounts, but they’re a bit different from the usual ones. Think unicorns and pegasi.
타지아: Of course. The past can change. :)
pgh21c: I can answer all your questions with “No.” That won’t happen. Haha.
베르주라크: Even though it’s over 100 chapters, the characters have been in the Hol Plain for less than six months. Watch them grow gradually. :)
착한몸매: There will be challenges, for sure. Look forward to how Kim Han-byeol’s recruitment unfolds. :)
hohokoya1: An Sol’s fans might be in for a shock. ㅜ.ㅠ
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