After finally calming the bickering kids, we set off again, and before I knew it, thirty minutes had passed. Despite the time that had elapsed, the kids were still fidgeting with their weapons, the adrenaline from the battle with the Rengas still coursing through them. The sight of the fallen users had initially dampened their spirits, but now they seemed invigorated. Pleased, I quickened my pace, a soft smile playing on my lips.
The clearing where we had dealt with the Rengas led to another passageway, opposite the one we had entered from. We moved deeper into the dungeon without any interference. While I couldn’t guarantee the layout would remain this straightforward, the dungeon of the ancient alchemist Vivian seemed relatively simple so far.
Honestly, if this was the extent of Vivian’s dungeon, it was on the easier side. I recalled my first time exploring a labyrinth as a new user, getting lost in a place even seasoned users avoided, and suffering for nearly three months. With that experience, this dungeon seemed much more manageable.
Comparing those harrowing memories to now, I couldn’t help but chuckle. Back then, I wouldn’t have dared to imagine being so at ease. I used to tread carefully, analyzing every trap and monster path. But now, I felt my caution waning.
I generally prefer to approach things calmly and methodically. Rushing can lead to mistakes, so I believe in taking things slow but sure. However, with my current abilities and experience, the old cautious approach felt a bit stifling. Plus, with time being a luxury I didn’t have, sometimes a bold, swift approach was necessary.
Being a dungeon in a small town, it was noticeably less challenging than expeditions in larger cities. I had been a bit tense, given its proximity to uncharted territories, but it was a relief to find it devoid of the usual traps and monsters lurking around every corner.
Reflecting on our previous conquest of the Cave of Wails, it had been relatively smooth sailing, save for that one creature at the end that decimated half our caravan. The memory sent a shiver down my spine. Regardless, I maintained a basic level of vigilance as we advanced.
The trail of the previous caravan led us here, suggesting they had passed through the clearing. It was likely the dungeon master had replenished the Rengas, indicating a certain level of intelligence.
As I pondered these thoughts, we came upon another clearing, much smaller than the previous one. It could barely hold fifty people, and beyond it loomed a sheer cliff with four gaping holes leading downward. There was no way forward except through one of these holes.
Stopping in the clearing, the kids halted with me. Without hesitation, I activated my Third Eye and mana detection to scan the holes. Just as I was about to step toward the second cave, I noticed Sol staring blankly at the cliff. Sensing my gaze, she turned to me with a curious tilt of her head. Her cuteness made me want to pinch her cheeks, but with Ahn Hyun nearby, I restrained myself.
As I hesitated, Yu-jeong, ever the impulsive one, sidled up to me. I turned away, hoping to avoid getting roped into her antics, but she followed, twirling a dagger playfully.
“Oppa, you’re trying to decide which way to go, right?”
”…”
Taking my silence as confirmation, Yu-jeong grinned and continued, “I have a great idea.”
“What kind of nonsense this time…?”
“Oh, come on! You always doubt me. Just trust me this once, okay? You just sit back and watch. I’ve got a really good plan.”
Despite her serious expression, the slight curl of her lips suggested she was up to something mischievous. But her earnest eyes made it hard to ignore her. I scanned the area but found nothing amiss.
Deciding to let Yu-jeong have her way, I stepped back. She often surprised me with her sharp instincts, and it was a chance for her to gain some experience. As I retreated, Yu-jeong’s face lit up with triumph. She turned to Ahn Hyun, who was twirling his spear.
“Hyun-ah~?”
“Crazy.”
“Heehee, no, seriously. I just want to check something.”
Ahn Hyun’s immediate response was a curse, and I saw a vein throb on Yu-jeong’s forehead. In the past, she would have snapped back, but she maintained her sweet tone, though I sensed a hint of menace.
”…What is it?”
“Remember during the initiation? You said something about Sol’s intuition being really sharp.”
Sol, who had been busy observing her surroundings, perked up at the mention of her name. She seemed intrigued by the conversation. What makes her so adorably confident? I thought, resisting the urge to pinch her cheeks or tug her ears.
While I indulged in these thoughts, Hyun passionately extolled Sol’s virtues, the epitome of a doting brother.
“Oh, that? Yeah, she’s got great instincts…”
“Okay, okay, I’ll hear more later. But is it really reliable?”
“Of course! She’s spot on every time.”
Yu-jeong cut him off at just the right moment, and I silently applauded her timing. I sighed in relief, though I couldn’t shake the feeling that things were taking a strange turn. Ahn Hyun, too, seemed to sense something was off, but it was too late. Yu-jeong’s mischievous smile widened as she turned away, and Ahn Hyun’s eyes widened in realization.
“But why do you ask… Hey, wait. Yu-jeong, hey!”
Hyun called out urgently, but Yu-jeong ignored him, approaching Sol. Sol, who had been listening intently, watched Yu-jeong close the distance. But Sol wasn’t one to stay put. Perhaps sensing the impending trouble, she darted behind me. I heard Ahn Hyun’s sigh of relief, and Yu-jeong frowned. But she quickly composed herself, speaking sweetly.
“Soo-hyun oppa, could you please pick up Sol and place her at the entrance on the far left?”
I heard protests from Ahn Hyun and Sol behind me, and I felt a bit queasy myself. But having decided to let Yu-jeong take the lead, I reluctantly picked up Sol. She clung to my collar, her expression puzzled but trusting. Her innocent face, full of faith in me, made me feel guilty.
In the past, she would have panicked or burst into tears if suddenly lifted like this, but not anymore. She looked at me with a face that seemed to say, “Surely oppa wouldn’t do anything to harm me.” Feeling a bit smug at being trusted by a future priestess of light, I carried Sol to the entrance on the far left. It was one of the entrances we should definitely avoid, but I was curious to see Yu-jeong’s next move.
“Hyung?”
Hyun’s voice was filled with confusion, but I ignored it, patting Sol’s head before stepping back. Sol continued to gaze at me with her bright, trusting eyes. Yu-jeong watched with a twisted smile, and I felt a mischievous urge to tease Sol.
Ahn Hyun, unable to protest further, watched in disbelief. Yu-jeong licked her lips and approached Sol, whispering softly in her ear. I strained my ears to catch their conversation.
“Sol, why don’t you go inside? Go on.”
“Huh? Inside?”
“Yes, just you.”
“Me? Alone? What about you and oppa?”
“Yes, just you. We’ll wait outside while you scout ahead for any danger. Soo-hyun oppa agreed it’s a great idea.”
Yujeong was whispering with a subtle intensity, and it seemed to have overwhelmed Sol, who was now mumbling softly in response. Ahn Hyun, caught between the barely audible voices, wore a perplexed expression but stayed put for the moment.
Sol, ever the innocent soul, nodded once and fell into deep thought. With her eyes closed, she tapped her cheek with her fingers, as if carefully mulling over Yujeong’s words. After a moment of contemplation, she opened her eyes and spoke with a trembling gaze.
“But… there are so many dangers inside… I can’t go alone… Suhyeon wouldn’t do that…”
“No, no. You’ve got an important role, you see. You’re the bait. The bait! You know, like in the movies? Thanks to your sacrifice, we can avoid danger, grab the treasure, and return to the city all happy and carefree. How does that sound?!”
As Yujeong kept emphasizing the word “bait,” Sol’s face crumpled, and she turned her teary eyes to me, seemingly convinced that I couldn’t have possibly agreed to such a plan. Her gaze was so dazzling that all I could do was shrug in response. Sol blinked a couple of times before addressing me.
“Oppa.”
”…Yeah?”
“Did you really say that?”
“What, what are you talking about?”
I hadn’t actually given any such permission, but my stammering seemed to convey a different meaning to Sol. Her eyes widened in shock, her lips quivered, and she clenched her hands tightly. With a face that seemed to issue an ultimatum, she spoke again.
“Are you going to make me cry?”
I averted my gaze. Partly because Sol had avoided my eyes earlier, and partly because I didn’t really want to see her cry. As I scratched my cheek and looked away, Sol’s face transformed into a spectacle of disbelief. She hadn’t expected me to dodge the question, and her mouth opened wide in shock. And then, the result I had dreaded unfolded before me.
“Waaah!”
Sol collapsed on the spot, bursting into tears. Yujeong, not expecting her to actually cry, stepped back in surprise, while Ahn Hyun shot a sharp glare at Yujeong. Yujeong stammered and then pointed a finger at me. What did I do?
“Waaah! Waaah! Waaah!”
As Sol continued to sob uncontrollably, Ahn Hyun and I rushed to her side.
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Phew. I wanted to write at a leisurely pace today, but things got hectic, and I lost about three or four hours. Just my luck. If I hadn’t written a bit in the morning, it could have been a disaster. Haha.
From the next chapter, the pace should pick up significantly. Please bear with me if this one felt a bit slow. It was meant to give our characters a breather after their intense journey so far.
Oh, and I recommend the remix track “Legend of the Prankster.” I listened to it yesterday, and it was such a delightful experience. Especially the part with Taric’s lines—it’s just so charming.
『 Reader Comments 』
Hyunoh: Congrats on being first! Haha. The pace might feel a bit slow to you, and this chapter might feel the same. It was also meant to give our characters a break after their intense journey.
Zami: Haha, what a mistake. OTL I guess I have to blame my fingers. ㅜ.ㅠ
Ramude: No, no. Please have mercy.
ChaosSoo: What? What?? What???
Aintje: Thank you. I hope you enjoy this chapter as well.
HumanLife: No. No, Yujin is the protagonist from the March 2012 serialization of “Memorize.”
Blami: Please, I ask for your understanding. ㅜ.ㅠ!
Kedoros: This might become my dark history. I didn’t expect to handle the comments this way….
WeepingSoul: Oh, wait a minute. Aren’t you the author of the Greek and Roman mythology series? Wow. I might not be able to sleep tonight from excitement. Wow.
Repil: I’m sorry. Very, very sorry. Sob.
I always read all the comments repeatedly. Please don’t feel too disappointed if you’re not mentioned in the comments section. If you have any pressing questions, feel free to message me, and I’ll respond! (Please leave lots of comments! And recommendations…☞☜)
With that, I’ll take my leave for today.
I hope you always read my work with a relaxed mind.
Favorites, recommendations, comments, critiques, and questions are always welcome.