1. Name: Kim Da-hye (2nd Year)

2. Class: Normal Sword Runner

3. Nation: Barbara

4. Clan: -

5. True Name · Nationality: Dead Fish · South Korea

6. Sex: Female (27)

7. Height · Weight: 161.3cm · 58.7kg

8. Disposition: Neutral · Obscene

[Strength 51] [Endurance 56] [Agility 47] [Stamina 49] [Magic 61] [Luck 37]

Her stats were unimpressive. I closed the information window without hesitation and noticed Kim Da-hye gently touching my clothes. I felt neither pleased nor displeased. She briefly caressed my belt, then spoke in a nasal voice.

“Wow, this is so soft. Where did you get it? It looks amazing. You must be really skilled.”

”…”

“Oh my, where are my manners? You said you had a question, right? Haha.”

I suddenly realized that female users in the Hall Plain seemed to have a keener eye than their male counterparts. The gear I was wearing—Glory of the Sky, Glory of the Sun, and the Divine Sword of the Sun and Moon—each had their own unique flair, exuding an aura that low-grade equipment could never match.

Gently removing her hand from my belt, I asked what I was curious about.

“It’s nothing major, but I’m wondering why things are so lively right now.”

“Oh, well, a portal has opened.”

“A portal?”

“Yes, they say a portal has opened at the Inn of Beginnings. And this time, the intensity is quite strong, so it seems like a lot might come through. The last one opened six months ago, so it’s really soon compared to the past few years.”

By intensity, she seemed to mean the thickness and color of the blue barrier. I wanted to say, “The number of people and the thickness and color don’t really matter,” but my mind was suddenly overwhelmed with thoughts, and I turned away. I heard a voice calling, “Wait a minute!” from behind, but I had no time to respond.

I ran. The moment I heard about the portal opening, an urgent feeling took over.

I weaved through the crowd of users filling the streets, sprinting down the bustling main road. As I passed between the streetlights embedded with light stones, I saw a plaza packed with users.

Clicking my tongue at the sight, I quickly changed direction. I could force my way through, but running swiftly seemed the only way to quell my urgency.

Soon, the bright streets of Barbara faded, and I found myself in a dimly lit area. Compared to the bustling main streets, this place was relatively deserted. The only light came from the occasional neon glow of what seemed to be shops. The air was filled with a pungent stench, and the ground was filthy.

Even as I ran, the mixed scents of people, beer, damp straw, mud, and the bodies of men and women assaulted my senses. The number of users had decreased significantly, reducing obstacles in my path, but I still wanted to leave this place quickly.

I wasn’t using my full agility, but the surroundings blurred past me rapidly. Despite the city’s size, I still had some distance to cover to reach the Inn of Beginnings. I pushed myself to run faster, relying on my memory.

The portal opening at the Inn of Beginnings wasn’t a big deal in itself. But the reason for my urgency was that the future had taken a significant turn. Normally, the portal at the Inn of Beginnings wouldn’t open at this time. If I thought about it, the next wave of new users should arrive after the first internal conflict had concluded.

Why did the portal open now? Countless thoughts swirled in my mind.

How long had I been running? Gradually, the unpleasant smells began to fade. It was a sign that I was leaving the dark streets behind. Once I was completely out of the dark area, I could finally take a deep breath of the cool night air. It felt like a small relief. At the same time, the quiet of the night was broken by the distant sound of commotion.

“Everyone, stay back! Don’t cross the line!”

“Who do you think you are, telling us what to do?”

“What did you say? Here in Barbara, you dare…?”

“Quiet, everyone! The portal has just opened! The blue barrier hasn’t lifted yet…!”

In front of me stood the Inn of Beginnings, surrounded by a blue barrier, just as the braided woman had said. I stared at the inn in a daze, then glanced around. Unlike the Morning Sun Inn or the surrounding streets, this place was teeming with users who seemed to be of a higher caliber.

“Dare? Did he just say ‘dare’? Wow, unbelievable. Haha.”

“I can’t ignore what you just said. Are you declaring hostility against the Golden Lion Clan here in Barbara?”

“Get real. You guys think you’re still something after failing the expedition? Weren’t you the ones begging for rescue just yesterday?”

“What did you say? You…!”

As a gruff male voice erupted, the nearby users burst into laughter. In contrast, the woman with the golden lion emblem on her chest and her companions wore stiff expressions. Seeing them, it was clear that tensions were rising faster than expected.

I attributed this to the death of the Ten Strong. In the Hall Plain, especially in the northern continent, the presence of the Ten Strong was more significant than one might think. There was a reason I recruited Go Yeon-ju and later killed Cha Seung-hyun and Ban Da-hee, who would become part of the Ten Strong.

The Ten Strong held symbolic importance beyond their individual power. It wasn’t just about having good stats or a good class. Those were necessary, but the most crucial factor for becoming one of the Ten Strong was personal reputation. Only when users acknowledged and empathized with the achievements and challenges of a user could they join the ranks of the Ten Strong.

Of course, there were rare cases where someone with extraordinary stats made a name for themselves quickly, displacing an existing member of the Ten Strong. But such instances were few and far between. In the first cycle, you could count those who became part of the Ten Strong in this way on one hand.

In the recent expedition, seven members of the Ten Strong participated. Except for one, all were confirmed dead or missing. And that one was reportedly in a critical condition, unconscious, with their life hanging in the balance. This meant that only three of the Ten Strong remained intact, and since I had Go Yeon-ju, the other two were with non-participating clans.

In the first cycle, three members of the Ten Strong returned alive. So, in terms of numbers, the participating clans still had the upper hand, and their symbolic presence helped maintain some order. But in the second cycle, that symbolism was completely shattered. With their basic strength clearly superior, the discontent that had been simmering beneath the surface was now beginning to show.

The atmosphere was growing increasingly tense. While no one had resorted to brandishing weapons, the glances exchanged were charged with palpable hostility. After observing them for a moment, I turned my gaze toward the inn.

I had rushed here in disbelief, but now that I was here, there was nothing I could do. All I could do was confirm the reality of the situation and accept it. My mind was already troubled because of Ansol, and now things seemed even more tangled.

I bit my lip lightly and let out a long sigh. Out of habit, I reached into my pocket, but the familiar feel of a cigarette was absent. My mood darkened further. Still, I dug deeper just in case, and thankfully, a few thin sticks met my fingers. I breathed a sigh of relief and immediately lit one.

A few users were passionately discussing the portal at the Start Inn, which had lit up for the first time in six months. Amidst the chatter, I could hear occasional voices blaming the participating clans for the recent expedition failure and the resulting shortage of users.

Honestly, the portal lighting up after six months wasn’t all that surprising. In my ten years of experience, I’d seen it happen a few times. The shortest interval had been three months, if I recalled correctly.

What unsettled me was the timing. The portal had opened at a moment that could be considered almost too convenient, with the Golden Lion’s summons possibly coming as soon as tomorrow. I couldn’t predict how this would affect the future, given the Start Inn’s significant role in the whole plane.

After taking a few more drags from my cigarette, I decided to head back. The users’ conflicts were gradually easing with some mediation, and there was nothing more for me to do here.

Just as I was about to turn away, something caught my eye—a blue barrier. In that instant, a thought flashed through my mind: the Third Eye. Nothing in this world could deceive the Third Eye, so perhaps I could glean some information about the Start Inn.

I took a deep breath to calm myself. Even a little information could help prevent any unforeseen disasters. With the Third Eye activated, I focused on the blue barrier. And then, a message appeared before me in the air.

『Start Inn』

Rite of Passage Participants: 587

Survivors: 252 (Day 7)

Deceased: 335 (Day 7)

Completed: 2 (Completed on Day 5)

Reading the numbers of survivors and those who completed the rite on the fifth day, I felt as if my breath had been stolen away. At the same time, the cigarette slipped from my lips.

---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=

Hello, this is Royujin.

Haha, it took me a while to decide on the subtitle. I pondered a lot about how to best capture the essence of this chapter and the ones to come. To those who were uncomfortable with Ansol’s inner thoughts in episode 193, I apologize. It was a part that could have been glossed over quickly, but the detailed expressions seemed to have been bothersome. However, many readers were anticipating that part, and I had promised to address it in a previous note, so I couldn’t just skip it. (I did intend to address the content of that action!) I ask for your generous understanding. (__)

PS. Thank you so much to everyone who sent recommendations, comments, ratings, and coupons. :D

『 Reader Comments 』

1. Kuroshion: Oh, many strong figures have appeared lately, but it seems Kuroshion is showing their might. It’s like they’re saying, “I’m the original number one!” Congratulations on being first. :)

2. Cheonghong’s Flame: Ah, I made a promise. I said I’d do a continuous update if I didn’t get the first comment. Haha, I won’t make such rash promises again.

3. juan: No, no. The two share a mental connection and a platonic, um, bond. Just being together would have brought them great satisfaction! Yes, definitely. (?)

4. dbgkgus: Thank you for the coupon. (__) It’s about time to activate the continuous update mode. Haha. I’ve mastered the art of cliffhangers, so I’ll soon learn the art of continuous updates. :)

5. hohokoya1: Thank you. Haha. Ah, Hanbyeol will appear soon. Very soon. In an upcoming chapter, they’ll be clashing with the protagonist. Hehe.

6. Flute: If you’ve read this episode, you might have a sense of it. One thing is certain, Hanbyeol will definitely appear. In some form or another. :)

7. Hansel and Gretel: Thank you for the coupon. (__) I’ll respond to the call for a continuous update this weekend. Haha. :D

8. Lancelot du Lac: What! Another persona! How many of you are there! One seemed very sharp, but I don’t know which one it was. ㅜ.ㅠ

9. Black Whirlwind Ikyu2: I’m glad you had a pleasant afternoon. I hope this episode allows you to have a peaceful night.

10. Kashin M: Yes, it’s possible. For example, think back to when you first acquired Vivian. Her magic and other stats were in the negatives.

Your recommendations and comments are the driving force behind continuous updates. (This is the truth.)

I always read all the comments repeatedly.

Please don’t be too disappointed if you’re not mentioned in the comments.

If you have any pressing questions, feel free to message me, and I’ll respond!

With that, I’ll take my leave for today.

I hope you always read my work with a relaxed mind.

Recommendations, comments, ratings, critiques, and questions are always welcome.