Chapter 21
Chapter 21
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 21
Chapter Title: Man Tears the Bear
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“Um... sorry about earlier.”
Several things had happened, but in the end, Han So-young's group decided to help us.
Actually, they had no other choice.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙
[The current dungeon is in a closed state!] [You cannot leave until the dungeon is cleared!]
To get out, we had to clear the dungeon.
Honestly, that was impossible for Han So-young's group.
For us, finding the letter took priority over the dungeon itself.
So they had no choice but to cooperate in the search for now.
Of course, Han So-young's influence played a role in that decision.
I wasn't sure why, but she seemed to have decided she couldn't let us go here.
“Dong-sik oppa isn't usually like that. He just gets excited easily.”
“I understand. Given the situation.”
And so, we were rummaging through the museum.
With more people, things went much faster.
“Uwaaack! What the hell is this?!”
“F-Fall back!”
Occasional unexpected traps popped up, but thankfully, none were too threatening.
We didn't have a shortage of hands either.
We handled them somehow and pressed forward.
“Still, I was worried you might have taken offense...”
“If anything, we're the ones getting help here.”
Han So-young flashed a bright smile.
“I'm glad you see it that way. What's written in the letter you're looking for?”
“No idea. It says not to open it, so it might be cursed or something.”
“Haha... In a world like this, that doesn't even sound like a joke.”
I'd only told Han So-young's group we were looking for a letter.
I hadn't mentioned the reward.
10,000 coins might make their eyes roll back in greed.
In the end, we got lucky.
Either way, we'd gained unexpected manpower.
The problem? Han So-young kept sticking close.
“Hehe, I saw you fight earlier—you were amazing. Got any secrets?”
“Nah, he was just off guard.”
Han So-young kept prying, even batting her eyelashes.
“You looked so cool fighting.”
“Is that so.”
“Handsome face, great fighter... I'm kinda smitten.”
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙
[The opponent has used the mental skill 'Charm' on you.] [Trait 'Metafiction' deflects the opponent's skill.]
...Can't she stop with the Charm already?
It had zero effect.
But the constant pop-ups were getting annoying.
“At first, all this apocalypse talk scared me. But meeting someone reliable like you makes me feel so much better~”
“Yeah?”
“So, Ji-hoon, what's your type?”
“Dunno.”
Someone with a lot of coins.
Bonus if she's capable like Yoo-ri or Hye-na.
“Ahem! Ahem!”
That's when Hye-na, who'd snuck up, glared at us.
“How about less chit-chat and more searching?”
“Oh, we were just talking for a sec.”
“...It wasn't just a sec.”
“It was!”
Sparks seemed ready to fly between the two women.
I'd actually been searching hard, though.
-Kwang!
A massive boom echoed from behind.
Turning, I saw Yoo-ri kicking a wall.
Hard enough to crack it slightly.
“Hey, you lot. Get serious.”
Her killing intent filled the air.
Han So-young glanced nervously and backed off.
She must've sensed messing with the protagonist meant death.
No idea why, but Yoo-ri had been moody since earlier.
“Haa, why's that girl so into you?”
“She figures she can use me for safety.”
Her group had numbers, but no reliability.
“I crushed their strongest guy. She thinks grabbing me secures her safety.”
“Pathetic. To survive, you build your own strength, not borrow others'.”
Yoo-ri didn't like Han So-young either.
Hye-na asked me sullenly.
“What about you, Ji-hoon?”
“What?”
“What do you think of her...?”
What did I think?
Obvious, right?
“Annoying.”
People dying everywhere, and she's flirting?
Makes me question her head.
Better to search diligently.
Artifacts could pop up anywhere.
“Heh, heung! Really? Got it!”
Hye-na beamed at my answer.
Then thumped my back.
Good that she's cheered up.
Though my back hurt.
Hye-na doesn't like her much either, huh.
We'll split when we leave the museum.
Can't risk team discord.
“...Anyway, come here. Found something weird.”
“Weird?”
Yoo-ri pointed to a firmly shut door.
Touching it brought up a message.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙
[This is the 'Beast's Labyrinth.'] [You must clear the labyrinth to proceed to the next room.] [Entry limited to 2 people.]
Beast's Labyrinth?
What now?
“Dungeon within a dungeon?”
“Can't proceed without clearing it. No searching beyond till then.”
“Problem is... only 2 can enter.”
Beast's Labyrinth.
The name alone screamed danger.
Dolls first, now beasts. And only 2 can go.
I scanned Han So-young's group.
Strongest here were me and Yoo-ri.
Didn't want to leave Hye-na with them, though.
Can't throw Hye-na into danger either.
Not just because she's my childhood friend.
Her job: Best Driver.
Can pilot anything.
Too OP to lose.
So... pick one from their side.
Only one choice then.
I pointed to Han So-young, hanging back.
“So-young, come with me.”
“M-Me? Why?!”
“Better if reps go, right?”
Her group's leader was obviously Han So-young.
Her influence bordered on dictatorship.
Didn't know Charm's exact effect.
But the guys obeyed her blindly.
In other words.
Without her, they'd be useless scarecrows.
“You won't run, right?”
“B-But... I'm no fighter. I'd just get in the way...”
She hesitated, eyes darting.
I stepped close, whispering just for her.
“You use Charm a lot.”
“H-How did you—?!”
She yelped, clamping her mouth.
What if her guys learned she Charmed them?
“Don't want it exposed? Follow quietly.”
“Eek.”
She bit her lip in frustration.
So what'll you do?
“Then how about my two oppas go first?”
“Oh.”
“Ehehe... good idea, right?”
“N-No, th-three...”
“F-Fine! I'll go, I'll go!”
Han So-young blurted.
Her followers panicked, naturally.
“No, So-young, but...”
“Ahem! Don't worry, oppas.”
She explained to the guys.
I turned to Yoo-ri.
“Just in case, watch Hye-na.”
“I could go instead of you...”
“Fights would break out with me there.”
They hated me already.
No need for provocations.
Leaving a girl with guys was iffy too, but.
“If they try anything, kill 'em all.”
“Would've anyway.”
Yoo-ri'd handle it.
I knew that sword's terror best.
Thus, Han So-young and I opened the door and entered.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙
[Entered the Beast's Labyrinth!] [Complete exploration to escape the labyrinth.]
“Hey, you! How'd you know?!”
“Know what?”
Door shut, and she exploded.
Clingy before.
Now that Charm failed, attitude flip.
“Why doesn't Charm work?! How'd you even know about it?!”
“Why tell you?”
“Argh!”
She bit her lip.
No comeback.
Shameless anyway.
She struck first.
“If you tell anyone...”
“Then what?”
I twirled the bat casually.
She flinched back.
“I-If anything happens to me, my oppas won't let it slide!”
“We'll see.”
Charm probably lifts on death.
Would they avenge?
No biggie if they swarmed.
One swing from Yoo-ri's blade.
“Not planning to spill anyway. No gain.”
“R-Really?”
Her followers were useful bait.
No need to sabotage.
Least till we find the letter.
After? Don't care.
“...Promise?”
“Don't want exposure? Move. Wanna get out fast.”
“Wait! Promise here! I won't... uh?”
I turned to her.
She stumbled back at my sudden move.
“W-What? You wouldn't kill me here... Eek!”
I charged, swinging the bat.
-Ppak!
It boomed against something behind.
Force shoved me back.
“Grroooar!”
A bear appeared suddenly.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙
['Beast's Labyrinth' monster 'Bear' has appeared.] [The bear recognizes you as an enemy.]
Beast's Labyrinth, huh.
Like this.
“Eek!! W-What's that?!”
Han So-young collapsed at the bear.
Pissed herself? Her skinny jeans darkened wetly.
“Don't wanna die? Move.”
“Khek!”
I grabbed and tossed her aside.
Bear's paw swiped at me.
-Jjeng!
Claws met bat mid-air.
Never thought I'd fight a bear.
Fierce, but not boss-level.
It swiped repeatedly.
I dodged narrowly, retreating.
Exploiting openings, I bashed with the bat.
Heavy feedback through my arms.
Won't one-shot like zombies, but it's working.
Damage accumulating steadily.
Just needed one big hit.
“Grroooar!”
Raging bear charged with a roar.
I feigned fleeing, luring it back.
Toward the stairs.
Once at the base...
Now!
I kicked off, leaping.
Yellow Cat Shoes boosted jump.
Shot up meters instantly.
⚔ ITEM INFO ⚔
▶ Name: Yellow Cat Shoes ▶ Type: Shoes ▶ Grade: B ▶ Effect: Grants user 'Cat's Blessing' ▶ Description: Shoes usable only by those acknowledged by cat spirits. An item embodying butlers' dreams.
Cat's Blessing
- Speed greatly increases. - Balance greatly improves. - Can land safely from high falls. - Improves vision in the dark. - Affinity with all cats +50%.
Gotcha!
Leapt right onto its back.
Then smashed the bat down on its head.
⚡ SKILL ACTIVATED ⚡
[Consuming 50 Mana.] Skill: 'Full Power Heavy Hit'
-Jjeng!!!
Bat crashed into the bear's skull with a boom.
“Kuo...”
Its head snapped.
Tumbled down the stairs.
Bear
Door
Bear
Door
Bear
Door
Bear
Door
Bear
Door
Kuung!
Its huge body rolled far before flopping.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙
[Defeated the 'Beast's Labyrinth' Bear!] [Acquired 300 Coins!] [Defeated Named Monster!] [Effect of Skill 'Monster Devour': Acquired 'Roar'!]
“Oh, jackpot!”
Coins expected.
But a new skill too?!
Monster Devour effect? Didn't expect a full skill.
Need to check it out.
Confirmed the bear dead, turned.
Han So-young stared, dumbstruck.
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