The group stood speechless, staring at the imposing research facility that loomed before them. Shin Sang-yong and Jung Ha-yeon were particularly taken aback, their mouths agape in disbelief. Even for them, accepting the current situation at face value seemed a bit too much.
“This… this can’t be real. Beginner’s luck or not, this is just…”
“Wow. This is… quite surprising.”
Jung Ha-yeon, regaining her composure, turned her gaze to An Sol, who stood there with a blank expression. I chuckled softly and approached Sol, placing my hands on her waist.
“Our Sol is truly a lucky charm.”
Despite my touch, Sol showed no sign of discomfort. She simply tilted her head, her innocent eyes meeting mine.
“Am I a lucky charm?”
“Absolutely. You’re the best, Sol.”
Realizing she was being praised, Sol’s face lit up with a radiant smile. I lifted her up and swung her around playfully, making airplane noises.
“Whee! Whee!”
Sol raised her hands in delight, letting out a gentle cheer. After setting her back down, I turned my attention back to the task at hand. It was the third day since we left Mule, and we had stumbled upon the ruins of a research facility.
We had a quick breakfast and left the inn, ignoring the curious looks from Go Yeon-ju as she saw us off. Everything else was in order. The group’s morale was stable, and with the addition of two skilled mages, our strength had significantly increased.
“But, sister, I’m a bit worried.”
“About what?”
Yoo-jung had grown quite fond of Jung Ha-yeon, even dropping formalities to call her “sister.” It was reassuring to see Yoo-jung, who had been so reckless, finally have someone to guide her.
Yoo-jung glanced at me before continuing.
“We’ve been hunting monsters with Su-hyun oppa and the others, getting used to working together. But you and user Shin Sang-yong…”
Her words made my face flush with embarrassment, especially when I heard Jung Ha-yeon’s stifled laughter behind me. I wanted to turn around and pinch her cheeks, but I decided to play it cool.
We passed through the north gate and headed straight north. If we went northwest, we’d hit the Forest of Darkness, but north was just open plains. Beyond those plains lay an endless wasteland, and that’s where we were headed this time.
I had my own plans, so I quietly called out to Vivian.
“Vivian.”
She was in the middle of answering Shin Sang-yong’s barrage of questions, looking a bit annoyed when I interrupted. Lately, she’d been showing signs of rebellion, claiming life was finally interesting. But when I raised my hand slightly, she quickly plastered on a bright smile and sidled up to me.
“Yes, Su-hyun? You called? Hehe.”
“Sorry for interrupting your conversation.”
“Next time, be more careful… Haha, just kidding.”
Vivian, who was 24 like me but had memories of living over a hundred years as a spider, was someone I relied on for information. I had done my research, but I wanted to be sure.
“Do you remember if there was a research facility near the north of Mule, back before you became a spider?”
“A research facility? Yeah, there was.”
Vivian’s clear answer made the group pause slightly. I continued, a bit excited.
“Do you know exactly where it is?”
“Of course not. I don’t remember everything from back then. But if you keep going this way, you’ll find it. Didn’t you already know?”
”…”
Vivian’s response dashed my hopes, but at least it confirmed we were heading in the right direction. The ruins of the research facility were discovered when I wasn’t in Mule, so I didn’t have strong memories of it. I only showed brief interest when I read a report about another caravan’s successful exploration.
Vivian returned to her original position with a slightly disgruntled look. I could find the place using my third eye, but the issue was justifying it. It would be suspicious if a novice user like me kept discovering dungeons that even seasoned explorers couldn’t find.
The clan hadn’t fully settled in with us yet. While some, like the kids and Shin Sang-yong, might take it in stride, it was clear that Jung Ha-yeon would be more skeptical.
From her perspective, joining a clan with something off-putting would be a tough decision. And I wasn’t keen on recruiting someone with doubts. I’d already instructed the kids to keep quiet about certain things, but the future was uncertain.
As if sensing my concern, Sol’s voice came from beside me, offering comfort.
“Brother, it’s okay.”
I wanted to retort, “What’s okay?” but I knew she’d just get teary-eyed, so I gave her a faint smile and turned away.
After a full day of walking, we finally left the plains behind on the second day. The further we got from Mule, the more the lush green earth gave way to barren, ochre-colored land.
Once we entered the wasteland, the group’s lively chatter faded into silence. Jung Ha-yeon and Shin Sang-yong were quiet, and even the kids, remembering past experiences with me, were on high alert, scanning the surroundings.
Our expectations were soon met with a monster encounter.
We were taking a break, sipping water and chewing on jerky, when I sensed a group of monsters approaching. Unusually, they were closing in on us from underground.
“It seems monsters are approaching. Everyone, prepare for battle.”
The group looked puzzled, but then the ground around us began to bulge. The monsters had arrived sooner than expected, and I stood up, frowning.
“What… what’s happening? An earthquake?”
It couldn’t be an earthquake. Despite the surprise in their voices, the others quickly got ready. Ahn Hyun had already drawn his spear, and Yoo-jung moved into formation. Sol, holding her staff, was ready as well, and I spoke calmly.
“It’s not an earthquake. It’s land moles.”
“Land moles?”
“Ground-dwelling creatures.”
I answered briefly and drew my sword. The moles were surrounding us, as indicated by the growing number of bulging spots in the ground. We were effectively encircled. I could sense more of them coming up from below, beyond the visible holes.
Soon, the ground split open, and a rough, sturdy hand emerged. As the creature pulled itself up, a land mole appeared, just as I had anticipated.
With their round, reddish-brown bodies and limbs resembling those of humans, the land moles were a formidable sight. I quickly planned to form a defensive line.
Then it happened.
”───. Stream of Aqua!”
Jung Ha-yeon, speaking so quickly I could barely catch the words, finished her incantation in just three syllables and thrust her staff forward. Water surged from her staff, rising into the air before splitting into streams that shot down into the ten holes around us.
Her speed in casting, her method of dealing with the monsters, and her application of magic were all impeccable.
Though land moles lived underground, as monsters, they primarily fed on human flesh. They weren’t the plump moles people imagined. They were tough creatures with stone-like bodies, human-like height, and sharp claws.
Their bodies were so hard that ordinary weapons couldn’t pierce them. The best way to deal with them was to imbue weapons with magic or crush them with overwhelming force. But there was an easier method: dousing them with water. Jung Ha-yeon had immediately chosen the most effective strategy.
The land moles, emerging with confidence, were instantly soaked and began to turn a reddish-brown. Their initial bravado faltered.
Seizing the moment, Shin Sang-yong stepped forward.
“Miss An Sol, I’ll start preparing my magic. Please ready a protection spell, and when I cast my spell, shield the land moles.”
“W-what?”
An Sol stammered at the unexpected request to shield the land moles. But seeing Jung Ha-yeon quickly cut off her magic and start a new incantation, Sol hurriedly began chanting her own spell.
Shin Sang-yong immediately began casting. The land moles, which had been hesitating for a moment, started charging with a shriek as they saw the wizard chanting another spell. It seemed they knew their weakness and decided to attack quickly now that they were wet. However, our caravan had another wizard—a formidable chimera alchemist who could withstand an attack from hundreds of land moles without a scratch.
“Come forth, Aranya! The deathly web that commands the 32nd Legion!”
Vivian, who seemed prepared from the start, had already summoned a metaphysical magic circle beneath her. As the circle glowed, a spider emerged—one I recognized from before. It was Aranya, a chimera-enhanced beast spider, different from ordinary ones.
“Aranya!”
At Vivian’s call, Aranya seemed to understand her intent, opening its mandibles wide.
“Sssssssss!”
Silver threads shot out from Aranya’s jaws. These threads, like living snakes, danced and spread in all directions, skillfully avoiding our party and ensnaring every charging land mole.
“Kurick? Kurick?”
The land moles tried to dodge or cut the threads with their sharp claws, but it was futile. The sticky, tensile threads tightened around them, and all they could do was let out pitiful cries.
Having just finished his casting, Shin Sang-yong aimed with his left hand and spoke.
“Ansol, I’m going in now. I’ll be as careful as I can, but just in case, be ready to use it at the right moment.”
“Huh? Yes, yes!”
“Chain Lightning!”
As Shin Sang-yong’s incantation ended, a zigzagging bolt of lightning erupted in a chain reaction. The lightning struck the leading land mole, creating a spectacular scene.
“Kurararararara!”
“Kuriririririri!”
“Kueeeeeee!”
The combination of water and lightning magic was devastating. But Shin Sang-yong’s spell wasn’t over yet. He maintained his left hand’s position and extended his right hand. Was he double-casting?
“Hold!”
The target of Shin Sang-yong’s hold wasn’t the land moles but the energy he had unleashed. He artificially controlled it so that the electricity wouldn’t spread further once it touched all the land moles. That was the moment Sol was supposed to act.
“Ansol, now!”
“Really…?”
“Quickly!”
Though still jittery, Ansol bit her lip and chanted the spell at Shin Sang-yong’s urgent words.
“Protect!”
Soon, a protective barrier formed around some of the monsters, if not all the land moles. And then, Jang Ha-yeon’s clear voice echoed around us, seizing the opportunity.
“Reverse!”
“Ha.”
Only after hearing Jang Ha-yeon’s voice did Shin Sang-yong sever the magical link he had been maintaining. Was this what they had been planning all along? I looked at the two in admiration. And then…
The land moles within the reversed protection spell were turning into ragged scraps. Trapped in the web, the lightning that spread out was blocked by the protection and rebounded back onto their bodies. Although the protection spell cracked a little with each lightning strike, it was an impressive combo. Ansol, too, seemed surprised at how her protection spell was being used, blinking in disbelief.
Protection magic blocks external impacts but allows attacks from within to go out. By reversing this property, they had turned it inside out. Reverse is a high-level applied magic, and seeing it executed so effortlessly was quite impressive.
The land moles, once all the magic had dissipated, were in a pitiful state.
Those within the protection spell had already turned into rags and lay on the ground, while those outside weren’t much better off. More than half were writhing on the ground, and the rest, though still standing, looked on the verge of death. It was time for the melee fighters to step in.
“Anhyun, Yujeong.”
At my low call, the two, who had been watching in a daze, snapped to attention and looked up.
“They’re as good as disarmed. Go and have at it. I’ll stay here as the keeper.”
The two exchanged a glance and then dashed forward as if ignited by a competitive spirit. I chuckled lightly and turned my gaze, still holding my sword, to where Jang Ha-yeon stood.
Jang Ha-yeon looked at me and smiled brightly, as if to say, “This is my level. Did I do well?” I smiled back at her.
And then, I raised my sword and charged toward her.
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Hello, this is Royujin.
Ah, there are so many interesting works these days. As someone who was a novel reader until recently, I always enjoy reading works that suit my taste. Is there anyone who can recommend a truly enjoyable work? (By the way, I’ve read most of the top-ranked ones.)
『 Reader Comments 』
Saramin: Wow, what a terrifying self-made drama. Anyway, congratulations on being first today. Hahaha. As expected of a midnight first comment.
MTBear: Haha, I think it’s about time to step down. I appreciate the anticipation, but there are so many fun works these days. ㅜ.ㅠ
Amish: Aha, I just checked. I’ve corrected it immediately. Thank you for pointing it out. :)
GodAbove: Hahaha. You might think that, but Suhyeon isn’t entirely unreasonable. He treats those who do their part fairly.
zjekfksqlc: Thank you for pointing out the typo. Four unique abilities, that could have been a disaster.
LatiDoll: Ahhh. I’m waiting for your message. When will it arrive~? (Whining.)
WeepingSoul: Th-that… Actually, I have a tendency to always add a zero after numbers. So please do a 20-chapter marathon soon! (Forcing it.)
Dangryong: You’re right. If you read the early parts closely, you’d naturally have questions. However, the current party has no reason or justification to capture them. (Even though Shin Sang-yong has Vivian, it’s not something permanent.) Suhyeon thought it better to take the risk and bring them into the party, then slowly make them family. Since their abilities are as good as revealed in the small city of Mule, there’s no need to expose them further. And the books and such have already been kept under wraps. I’d like to explain more for your understanding, but it would spoil the clan creation and Suhyeon’s inner thoughts, so I’ll stop here. If you’re really curious, send me a message, and I’ll explain further. Thank you for the question. :)
Yami: Here’s the marathon. Hahaha. Thank you for the coupon. (__)
hohokoya1: That’s been my dilemma lately. I need to revise the introduction, hold a poll, and decide on the direction of relationships with the female characters. ㅜ.ㅠ
Your recommendations and comments are the driving force behind the marathon. (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 questions, feel free to message me, and I’ll respond!
I hope you always read my work with a relaxed mind.
Favorites, recommendations, comments, critiques, and questions are always welcome.