SWNOVELXO 92.
92.
“Yes.”
Sehun answered in a small voice and buried his head on Jian’s shoulder. The cozy scent soothed his pounding heart.
If they continued to be ambiguous, he could just kill them all. Header Researcher, Shin Yoonjae, and the other members of the Jeongho Association.
The anxiety he felt now would disappear without a trace if he erased everyone whose minds he couldn’t control from this world.
* * *
“Hoo, hoo, hoo…”
“…Guild Master, are you sure it’s right to take Hyunsu in? I’m actually more nervous right now.”
Jihwan placed a hand on Hyunwoo’s shoulder and asked anxiously as he watched Hyunsu taking deep breaths with both hands on his chest.
“I’m nervous too.”
His eyes were filled with worry as he looked at his younger brother. In the end, Hyunwoo had joined the 4th expedition team along with Hyunsu.
This was because Hyunsu had memorized the entire textbook in just one day, showing his determination to enter the Tower. He had entrusted matters regarding the Jeongho Association and Shin Yoonjae to trusted guild members.
Jian secretly smiled as he looked back and forth between Sehun and Hyunsu, whose reactions were complete opposites. It was amazing how their personalities were so different, both when they were young and now.
Since he was also tense, Jian empathized with Hyunsu’s state of mind. He also clenched and unclenched his fist, which was beginning to sweat, to relieve the tension.
“Everyone please gather by group!”
At the words of the Hunter Management Bureau employee with a megaphone, people who had been scattered gathered in front of the Tower entrance. Jian also walked toward the sign marked “Group 1” with Sehun.
“I want to go to Group 1 too…”
“Yoo Hyunsu, I told you we’re not here for fun, right?”
“I know…”
Hyunsu and Hyunwoo’s voices could be heard from behind. Jian was in Group 1 again this time. The same went for Sehun, Jihwan, and Jungsu.
In contrast, Hyunsu and Hyunwoo were assigned to Group 3. Hyunsu didn’t have much field experience yet, and unlike Group 1, Group 3 consisted mainly of Hunters who had awakened support-type abilities.
“Nice to meet you all. I am Yeon Siyun.”
Thoughts of Hyunsu disappeared as Jian looked at the man in front of him. The midday sunlight reflected off his smooth scalp stung his eyes.
With his sharp features, he looked like a sculpted handsome man, and his bald head suited him quite well. The combination of his black full-body tights and the cape draped over them was also fresh.
Though he had seen him in videos a few times, this was his first time seeing him in person, and it felt like seeing a celebrity.
“Although inadequate, I will be the leader of Group 1. I see some new faces here. I look forward to working with you.”
Yeon Siyun’s gaze swept briefly over Jian and Sehun. Jian also greeted him, following his nod.
Despite being called the best Hunter in Korea by all, he didn’t show any signs of arrogance.
Perhaps due to Yeon Siyun becoming the leader, unlike last time, Group 1 included many Blue Dragon Guild members.
It could essentially be considered an alliance between the Blue Dragon Guild and the Darknet Guild. Looking around for Ahn Yongho, it seemed he was the leader of Group 2.
Feeling their eyes meet, Jian nodded, but Ahn Yongho quickly turned his head away. Feeling awkward, Jian focused on the artifacts Yeon Siyun was distributing.
“They’re giving out so many A-rank artifacts. They must be really rich.”
Jihwan whispered with an impressed expression, covering his mouth with his hand. Jungsu also seemed quite surprised, though not as much as Jihwan.
The Hunter Management Bureau also provided some artifacts and consumable items, but they were far inferior to what Yeon Siyun had given.
From consumable flight artifacts that could make you fly ten times, to temperature control artifacts that always maintained a comfortable temperature around your body.
He provided five A-rank artifacts per person, optimized for combat and convenience.
“Group 1 will be taking the vanguard role again this time. But don’t worry. Because I’m here.”
Jian swallowed dryly at Yeon Siyun’s words as he looked around at people with a satisfied face. This expedition was expected to take quite a long time.
Currently, the Tower had been conquered up to the 30th floor. Although there had been casualties, no S-rank dungeons had appeared yet.
Therefore, the government and the Hunter Management Bureau aimed for this 4th expedition team to reach the top floor of the Tower, no matter how long it took.
“If everyone is ready, shall we go in?”
The people belonging to Group 1 moved toward the Tower entrance, following Yeon Siyun.
A Hunter Management Bureau employee, whom Jian had seen before, acknowledged him. Jian smiled back and took a deep breath to calm his nerves.
He glanced sideways, curious about what expression Sehun was making, but it was the same as before. Worry and relief simultaneously washed over him at Sehun’s peaceful expression, as if he was just going for a walk.
Beyond the door that opened with a creaking sound, Jian could see something different about the old castle.
“It’s super clean, right? They thoroughly cleaned it.”
Jihwan shrugged, seeing Jian’s surprised expression. The space that had smelled of musty dust now shone everywhere, clean enough to throw a party right away.
In particular, the chandelier on the ceiling had regained its original color, pouring out dazzlingly brilliant light. Thanks to this, Yeon Siyun’s bald head shone even brighter.
Yeon Siyun, who walked to the portal first, turned to his companions and said:
“We’ll go straight up to the 30th floor. Everyone, please be careful not to fall behind.”
Jian was the only one looking around at the changed scenery. Quickly gathering his wits, Jian joined the long line with Sehun, his face flushed.
It took less than 10 minutes to move from the old castle to the 30th floor. This was possible because safety stones were installed around all the portals.
When they finally reached the 30th floor, Jian felt the air around them change. Yeon Siyun, who had maintained a relaxed atmosphere throughout, took off the cape he was wearing with a solemn face.
The other Hunters were the same. Everyone prepared for battle by taking out their weapons and activating their skills.
Yeon Siyun, standing in front of the portal to the 31st floor, looked back. He made eye contact with each team member one by one, then clapped his hands once loudly.
“From now on, we don’t know what kind of dungeon will appear. I’ll go in first, and I’d like Han Sehun to follow next.”
Everyone’s attention, including Yeon Siyun’s, turned to Sehun.
“Yes. I understand.”
Without further comment, Sehun went and stood close to the portal. Jian also raised his right hand to attract attention.
“I’ll go in with him.”
“Hmm. Alright.”
Yeon Siyun’s expression was peculiar as he looked at Jian. Jian had a feeling that he might know his real Hunter rank.
Yeon Siyun disappeared into the portal first, and Jian and Sehun simultaneously stretched their legs toward the blue light.
As soon as the scenery changed, a salty wind struck their cheeks. A dark blue sea with no visible end spread widely before their eyes.
“It could have been dangerous if the portal was in mid-air.”
Yeon Siyun, who had arrived first, planted the safety stone he was holding on the ground. As he said, except for the small island where they were standing, water surrounded them in all directions.
Moreover, the island was embarrassingly small to even call it an island. It seemed to be barely 100 meters in radius.
“So it’s the sea this time.”
Jihwan, who had entered the 31st floor dungeon next, looked around with a defeated expression.
“Beginning magic power measurement.”
A Blue Dragon Guild member activated a magic power measuring device. When the rapidly rising number stopped, everyone was tense.
“It’s an A-rank dungeon. The difficulty is estimated to be high-level.”
People’s expressions darkened at the mention of “high-level.”
“High-level already…”
Jungsu frowned as if it was giving him a headache. They didn’t even know how many floors the Tower had yet, and an A-rank high-level dungeon had already appeared.
The 30th floor had been measured as a mid-high level among A-rank dungeons. It was also the dungeon where the first casualty occurred.
Although it was somewhat expected, the atmosphere became heavy as the difficulty was challenging from the start.
“Use your exploration skill.”
“Yes.”
It was Yeon Siyun who refreshed the sunken atmosphere. At Yeon Siyun’s command, a man wearing a black hood used his skill.
A blue light swirled in his previously black eyes. He quickly shared the information coming into his mind.
“Multiple marine monsters detected. A-rank Water Snakes, Megalodons, Black Squads, and… a Kraken.”
Jian inhaled slightly at the appearance of the Kraken. It was a monster that had never appeared in Korea before.
Although it was an A-rank monster, it was known to be extremely strong among A-rank monsters due to its strong regenerative ability.
It was even mentioned as one of the strongest monsters until S-rank monsters appeared.
“The Kraken will be handled by me and Hunter Han Sehun. Hunter Lee Jian and Hunter Im Jungsu will provide support. Does anyone have any objections?”
Facing the Kraken was dangerous, as its power alone was comparable to the combined strength of dozens of A-rank monsters currently detected by the exploration skill.
To avoid casualties, it was best for S-rank Hunters to take the front line.