Chapter 162
Chapter 162
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 162
Chapter Title: How to Steal the Protagonist's Woman
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At Yang Ji-hyeon's words, Min Ha-yeon tilted her head and asked.
"A dungeon?"
"Yes. In the center of this village, there is a dungeon that leads to the underground sewers."
She explained that there was a stone entrance to the underground sewers located in the heart of Primum Village.
However, as it was designated as a "dungeon," she added that the monsters were likely higher level and the danger greater than those found in the open fields... at least, that was her speculation.
"Speculation? Has no one ever gone in and come back out?"
"No..."
"Then why are you suggesting we enter a dungeon like that?"
A dungeon where those who entered never returned.
Min Ha-yeon asked as if she couldn't understand why such a suggestion was being made in a setting like this.
But it clicked once Yang Ji-hyun explained its purpose.
"That dungeon is an underground waterway that connects village to village."
"Ah..."
Yang Ji-hyeon's intention was to suggest that since a Red Summoner was dangerous, it would be better to fight simple monsters, even if it meant facing some risk.
However, I couldn't perceive her intentions as purely as she presented them.
'I wonder what she's really plotting...'
[If things go south, we can simply warp, but I believe you should remain cautious.]
We had absolutely no information regarding the paths or the interior of the dungeon..
Because she was suggesting we enter such a place, the others—who had spent considerably more time here than Min Ha-yeon and I—couldn't help but be reluctant.
Seeing the people who were beyond mere hesitation and looking genuinely troubled, Yang Ji-hyeon tried to persuade them.
"The reason I proposed we enter is because Seong Su-ho-ssi is here with us."
"...Su-ho?"
"Me?"
"Yes. Given the skills you displayed yesterday, I believe you will be more than capable of clearing this dungeon."
"Heh heh..."
She's praising me, why are you grinning?
Min Ha-yeon suddenly giggled at the compliment.
Yang Ji-hyun had a point.
No returnees from the dungeon meant one of two things: they died inside, or cleared it and didn't come back.
By the dying metric, my skills should handle it.
However, it wasn't the monsters I was worried about..
'I have a feeling a woman like Yang Ji-hyeon has already obtained information about this dungeon...'
[There is a high possibility that she knows it inside and out, rather than just having obtained some information.]
'Is she trying to separate me from the group because she thinks I'll be a hindrance?'
While I was harboring these suspicions, Yang Ji-hyeon spoke with a calm expression.
"Naturally, I will be entering as well."
"Huh?"
"And I believe we should select a few people... specifically, those with actual skill, to accompany us."
If it was described as a "dungeon," there was too much risk to enter alone.
Yang Ji-hyeon suggested that at least five people should enter.
"But this assumes Seong Su-ho joins."
"Hmm..."
My silence wasn't about going or not.
It was because I wanted to know why this woman was trying to turn Han Bom into a Red Summoner, and why she was trying to drag me into the dungeon.
One question bubbled up.
"But what happens if someone intrudes while we're progressing through the dungeon?"
"You don't need to worry about that. I've heard that once a party enters this sewer dungeon, they proceed within their own individual phase."
Essentially, once a party is formed and enters, the structure is such that they cannot encounter others, as if they are in a completely different space.
Looking Yang Ji-hyun wondering, if she was lying, I asked Gay Peepee.
Since it's a starting village, that woman is probably right.
According to Gay Peepee, the format of the dungeon varies depending on the color of the crystal at the entrance..
If there is a blue crystal, it is a dungeon cleared only by the party members..
If the color is different, he warned that external intrusion might be possible, or the dungeon might operate as a single shared space without phases.
He explained that in a dungeon with a blue crystal, one only needs to deal with monsters and can explore without worrying about outside intruders..
I can't spill on what's inside even if I knew... which I don't...
"Thanks."
So, the place we were going was a dungeon where only party members could communicate and progress.
For now, the worry about a Red Summoner intruding was gone.
While I was still weighing my options, Han Bom raised her hand and spoke.
"If we're going, I'll go too."
"...Since Han Bom-ssi is the best support, you are more than welcome."
Yang Ji-hyeon didn't seem particularly troubled by her decision to join.
Perhaps because she always maintained that serious expression, no one seemed to find her behavior odd.
After confirming that Han Bom was going, I spoke.
"...Alright. Let's do it."
It was certain that dangers lurked within the dungeon.
However, it was a first-floor level dungeon, and I didn't think any absurd monsters like the one from the 0th-floor boss fight would be wandering around..
'If something like Shock Bee shows up, I'll just kill it.'
The plan to enter the dungeon proceeded smoothly.
The members were myself, Min Ha-yeon, Han Bom, Yang Ji-hyeon, the trio of beauties, and...
"...Why the hell are you trying to come in?"
"What? Why does it matter to a piece of shit like you whether I go in or not?"
"Good grief..."
What a mouth on him...
I hadn't seen Han Yeo-reum for a while and wondered if he was out looking for a grave to lie in, but he had appeared at some point and started throwing a tantrum, insisting on participating in the dungeon.
'Well... if you have regression, it's important to dig up information even if you have to risk death.'
Whether he lived or died, confirming what was inside would be a profit for him..
"Everyone needs essentials."
"First, there is something everyone must bring."
"Potions?"
"Something just as important. This right here."
Yang Ji-hyeon held out her hand and showed us a compass resting on her palm.
However, the shape of the compass was a bit different.
There were no cardinal directions written inside; only a red needle in the center moved to indicate direction.
"This is a compass that allows you to return to your original position when you've lost your way."
As one ascends the floors of Yggdrasil, the scale of the world grows, and consequently, getting lost becomes more frequent.
The tool that guided the way was this 'Guide Compass' held by Yang Ji-hyeon.
"If you accurately remember and visualize a place you've visited, it will guide you in that direction."
"...That's definitely a must-have."
The advantage was that you could return to a previous location even if lost.
The disadvantage was that it couldn't guide you to a place you had never been. She also warned us to be careful, as it wouldn't guide us properly if we remembered the location vaguely.
Yang Ji-hyeon distributed the Guide Compasses to the party members.
"Did everyone pack their potions, food, and consumables?"
"Yes."
"Please double-check if you have portable tents in your inventory. Above all, the tents sold here are strictly single-use. Please verify that you have several of them."
The other party members checked their inventories again, fearing they might have bought the wrong thing, ensuring no items were missing.
Everyone answered after a thorough check, and upon hearing this, Yang Ji-hyeon nodded and spoke.
"Then, let's depart."
After confirming the party members, Yang Ji-hyeon placed her hand on the stone entrance of the waterway. With a feeling of being sucked into the sewer, a brilliant light greeted my eyes.
As the bright light faded, I looked around to find myself inside a massive tunnel with stone walls.
Just from a quick glance, it was far too ornate for a sewer, emitting a certain sense of intimidation.
However, the atmosphere felt as if it had been abandoned for a long time, exuding a damp, gloomy energy that made one reluctant to venture further.
While everyone was looking around, Park Jin-hee began to shout in a panicked voice.
"The path we came from is gone! How do we get out of here?"
"As expected... One-way till the end."
"Ahh..."
Reality sank in—no retreat. Unease was sprouting.
Nothing more vital in battle than an exit.
But one quelled it.
"No sweat! Su-ho's got it covered."
And the one who was naturally infuriated by Min Ha-yeon's action was Han Yeo-reum.
However, he didn't throw a fit like before; he was simply cursing me with his eyes.
'He used to annoy me so much, but now that he's being so quiet, it's almost disappointing.'
[I believe it would be wise to be careful. He is undoubtedly plotting a way to harm you, Su-ho-nim.]
'Its Fine, regression is his only trick...'
When I first fell victim to the regression, I thought I was going crazy.
I was that fired up.
But after overcoming the regression and capturing Min Ha-yeon's heart, I felt a sense of emptiness..
If there was anything that could ignite my motivation now...
''But what should I do about Han Bom...'...'
[If all else fails, I recommend just letting it go. Negative Traits are easily regenerated even if erased. If you apply Subjugation, there won't be a problem, but that ultimately requires winning her heart first, and Han Bom does not seem like an easy target.]
'No way! I'm going to devour Han Bom!'
[...]
Han Bom is Seong Su-ho's!!!
I began progressing through the dungeon with the party, while acting out wildly toward Armonia via telepathy.
Yang Ji-hyun led.
Min Ha-yeon and I followed behind her, with the remaining members trailing in the rear.
Min Ha-yeon and I chatted while retrieving arrows embedded in monsters.
"...This isn't as hard as I thought?"
"Right... actually, because we have so many people, it feels easier than the open field..."
In terms of raw monster strength, they were stronger than those in the fields, but having a large group made them easier to take down.
The only thing more annoying than the fields was the stench of the sewers, which made one's mind hazy, and the fact that maintaining visibility was difficult.
However, the visibility was only an issue for monsters positioned far away.
Lanterns were installed here and there in the waterway, so it wasn't a major problem.
[Su-ho-nim.]
'Yeah?'
[Why don't you try learning the Night Vision skill that Yang Ji-hyeon possesses?]
-[Night Vision LV 11]-
According to the description, it was an ability that allowed one to see clearly in the dark as if it were broad daylight.
It noted that mana consumption was low, but there was a duration of one minute per level and a side effect of dizziness after use.
It seemed that as the level increased, the duration would increase and the side effects would decrease.
'It would be useful... but for now, I'll keep it on hold!'
[Understood.]
Although Yang Ji-hyeon was dangerous, she was progressing through the dungeon quietly without any suspicious behavior.
Since the area was relatively dark but no particularly dangerous monsters had appeared, I didn't think I desperately needed the Night Vision skill.
As we continued through the dungeon, a safe zone came into view.
"Ah! There's a safe zone."
"Thank goodness."
Everyone had gained confidence while fighting monsters, and once the existence of a safe zone was confirmed, the anxiety from earlier vanished completely.
To the party members, the dungeon was now simply a slightly more tedious version of the fields.
Everyone entered the safe zone to take a rest.
While resting, the trio of beauties spoke cautiously, covering their noses.
"The difficulty isn't even the problem here."
"The thought of ever coming back here is completely disappearing..."
"Exactly. I think I understand why people from other villages don't return."
The dungeon's difficulty wasn't the issue.
If they had to progress through this dungeon for three days, like the distance between villages, they wouldn't want to experience it a second time.
Moreover, even inside the safe zone, the smell of the sewer was creeping in.
Camping and eating in a place like this was bound to be an ordeal.
However, Han Bom spoke with a serious expression.
"Still, I will come back. I have to let the others know."
"Right... Bom, you're right. When we return later, let me come with you."
"...Thank you, eonni."
The words of the three women weren't problematic.
It was a natural thought.
Having struggled to settle in another village, there was no reason to struggle to return to the central village.
But Han Bom was different.
She felt a sense of responsibility and intended to return.
'Her sense of responsibility is top-notch.'
[Seeing as she continues to look after Han Yeo-reum despite hating him intensely, she seems to place a high value on caring for those she has a connection with.]
While my favorability toward Han Bom was rising, Yang Ji-hyeon spoke.
"Now, let's move out again."
..
..
Everyone showed clear signs of exhaustion.
The monsters themselves weren't strong, but progressing through a place where not a single ray of sunlight reached, while smelling sewer fumes, was wearing down their psychological state.
Even Min Ha-yeon, who had relatively high mental fortitude, was visibly losing energy.
The biggest problem, however, was the number of safe zones.
Aside from the one we saw at the beginning, we hadn't seen a single safe zone during the seven hours of walking.
Looking at the exhausted people, I spoke up.
"I think as soon as the next safe zone appears, we absolutely have to set up camp and pitch tents."
"Yes, we'll do that. Everyone, hang in there."
Regardless of other things, sleeping without a safe zone had to be avoided.
Because they were already tired, the mental fatigue of sleeping while worrying about monster attacks would be too great.
Above all, if they had to take watch shifts in a place like this, morale would likely plummet.
'I think I know why people don't come back.'
Even I would be reluctant to go through this and return.
[According to the Zodiac, high-difficulty dungeons do not have safe zones.]
'Well... a dungeon is a dungeon for a reason... Ah! A safe zone!'
I shouted immediately so the party members could hear.
"There's a safe zone over there!"
"Whoo!!"
Everyone cheered as if they had found an oasis in the middle of a desert and rushed into the safe zone.
Everyone collapsed onto the floor, while Yang Ji-hyeon, showing no sign of fatigue, spoke calmly.
"Let's pitch tents and sleep here for now. Use the tents you brought, and we will depart again in eight hours."
"Yes."
As soon as she finished, Han Bom rushed over to Min Ha-yeon, linked arms with her, and said with a beaming smile.
"Eonni! Let's sleep together!"
"Ah... s-should we?"
"...Why? Do you not want to?"
"No! Let's sleep together."
Min Ha-yeon looked at me with a wistful expression before entering the single-use tent Han Bom had set up.
Han Yeo-reum, who was next to me, stared intently at the two of them, then turned to look at me and quietly spat out a curse.
"Dumbass..."
"Seriously, this piece of shit does nothing but curse."
"I intend to curse every time I see you, so if it makes you feel shitty, get lost forever to a place where I am not."
"Ho-oh..."
It was a blatant provocation.
It wasn't just cursing because he was in a bad mood; it was an intention to somehow ruin my mood.
I muttered while setting up my tent.
"Don't you want to see Ha-yeon?"
"What the fuck are you talking about..."
I whispered quietly, so only Han Yeo-reum could hear.
"If I leave, Ha-yeon will probably get a taste for my cock and follow me."
"You son of a bitch!!"
After provoking Han Yeo-reum, I slipped inside my tent. Han Bom, annoyed by Han Yeo-reum's outburst, yelled from inside her tent.
"Stop making a racket and just go to sleep!"
"Kugh... fuck..."
Serves him right.
Looking around the inside of the temporary tent, I exclaimed via telepathy.
'Oh... this is better than I thought?'
[It feels a bit expensive at a thousand points for a single-use item, but it looks decent.]
Actually, I could have made a tent cheaper using Enel.
But since other people were watching, I just bought it with points.
Lying down, I listened to the whispering conversation between Min Ha-yeon and Han Bom.
"Sleeping like this... with eonni..."
"I know..."
Even though the tents were right next to each other, their voices were too low to hear clearly.
Although the fresh voices of women weren't sounding in my arms, it was enough to make me feel pleasant.
Eventually, the whispers of the two fell silent.
'They must have been tired.'
[Given the environment, it seems inevitable.]
'...Wait.'
[...?]
I looked toward the tent Han Bom and Min Ha-yeon had made and communicated.
'...Let's try a Dream Intrusion!'