Chapter 184
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 184
Chapter Title: To the Primitive Village
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"But didn't you say there's no civilization in the [Primordial Forest]?"
A murmur like that reached my ears. It was Han So-hee. Sharp as ever. To remember that detail even in the midst of everything. I smiled and replied.
"The term 'civilization' is pretty vague to begin with, isn't it?"
"Well, I guess you're right."
"And check the quest again."
Han So-hee tilted her head and did as I said, then blinked in surprise.
"That line's gone...? It was definitely there before."
Yeah, that's how it works. Quests change based on the player's situation.
Like just a moment ago, when a problem arose and we recognized it, the quest updated.
Just as it refreshed when Varkus died in Haran, or when we entered the labyrinth and the trial objective shifted.
Quests adapt continuously to fit the player's circumstances.
"Then let's head out."
In any case, we moved straight to the [Primitive Village Bersh]. No one opposed the decision. We'd already confirmed our survival points weren't safe anymore.
Honestly, I worried the path there wouldn't be easy, and that the mountain dragon might interfere, but fortunately, nothing like that happened.
That thing probably planned to focus on hunting and evolving rather than bothering with small fry like us.
"This blue line is amazing, though. It must only be visible to each person individually, right?"
"Yeah, that's probably it."
In the selection process, the pillars of light and blue lines served as guides.
Like a deus ex machina arranged by the gods.
Of course, just because it's divine intervention doesn't mean it's a walk in the park.
Kuwaaaak!
"Seven monsters ahead!"
"Everyone, battle positions!"
Just like the ordeal we went through in Haran to reach the pillar of light, we faced constant ambushes on our way to the divinely prepared [Bersh Village].
"Damn, it feels like we're running into monsters more and more."
"You're not the only one feeling that."
Kim Jin-woo and Hao Zifeng grimaced as they cut down the beasts.
As far as I knew, Bersh Village was located in the heart of the Primordial Forest. So it made sense that things got more dangerous.
Kraaaak!
Thud.
The last monster screamed and collapsed, and we all wiped the sweat pouring down like rain. But when the Saintess cast her recovery, everyone's expressions eased with relief.
"Getting healed by that lady would bring you back from the brink of death."
"Tell me about it."
Maybe that's why?
"Thank you. We'll protect you no matter what happens."
Hao Zifeng clasped his hands in respect toward the Saintess.
Just by healing others, the Saintess pulled her weight anywhere she went and was always treated well.
No one dared touch her carelessly. Her value was too immense—they worried something might go wrong if they did. Of course, that didn't mean flies didn't buzz around.
"You're truly beautiful. Any chance you'd join our guild? We promise generous treatment."
Kim Jin-woo flashed her that line.
In the first playthrough, the Saintess would stammer and fluster at such offers, too indecisive to refuse outright, always needing guildmates by her side. But not this time.
"No, I'm good."
She refused flatly.
I'd taught her to assert herself over time, but that alone wouldn't make her this sharp...
"Unnie, good job."
"Yeah."
Ah, so these two were the culprits. The pair of brats who'd contributed to corrupting the Saintess.
"Come on, don't say that..."
But the persistent guy. Then Hao Zifeng cut in with a steely glare.
"Hey, Kim Jin-woo. Pull that crap and you'll die."
"Huh? You done talking?"
"If your antics cause discord and break this group apart, you'll pay with your life."
As Hao Zifeng and Cheongbang exuded a menacing aura, Kim Jin-woo scowled and backed off.
Cheongbang had fifteen members now, Jeju Alliance nine. If Hao Zifeng wanted, wiping out Jeju Alliance would be child's play.
Realizing that too late, Kim Jin-woo tucked tail quietly and returned to his crew.
"So where are you folks from?"
Hao Zifeng asked in Chinese, and I answered.
"Seoul."
"...Must've been hell. Total inferno."
"How'd you know?"
"A plain party of five matching our strength? If the gap's that wide, no need to see more. Must've been pandemonium."
Maybe it's the age—impressive insight.
"Anyway, no fighting among ourselves during this trial."
"Agreed."
Of course, I didn't take those words at face value.
Words and actions differ, betrayal strikes anytime. That's the selection process.
Hao Zifeng moved away, and we resumed marching.
Shin Seo-yeon sidled up beside me.
"Dickhead. It was Bersh Village, right?"
"Yeah, why?"
"What's the reason for going there? Know something?"
"You'll see when we get there."
I should've told her earlier, honestly, but with so many ears around, no point blabbing now.
Besides, nothing dangerous there anyway—no need to explain.
"Come on, tell me. Huh? What is it? Spill."
Still, her curiosity piqued, Shin Seo-yeon kept rubbing against me with her chest, prodding. The Crimson Flame Witch was like that—once curious, she had to satisfy it immediately.
And in those moments, she ditched her usual nagging and turned adorably cute. More coquettish, too.
"......"
Lee Eun-jeong watched with a baffled look. Wondering if this was the same woman who'd punched me earlier.
"...They say South Korean women overflow with charm. Seems true."
"Right? Hey, Eun-jeong, why not try some aegyo on me?"
"Hah? You call that talk? I can't do that crap."
"For real? Come on, give it a shot."
As I pleaded with sparkling eyes, Lee Eun-jeong raised a fist instead of aegyo. Her face flushed red, eyes trembling like she might cry.
"I'd rather die than do something that embarrassing."
Haha, this was cute in its own way.
If I attached a tail to her butt like Seo-yeon's later, she'd be even cuter. Though I'd have to brace for a beating.
'Lee Eun-jeong—pure like the Saintess in some ways.'
Where the Saintess was selfless and kind, this one felt untouched by 21st-century society.
That fresh innocence.
Valuing people over material, caring more about hearts and actions—that purity.
"What're you staring at so intently? Won't do it no matter how you look."
Playful types like Seo-yeon were fine, but personally, this temperament suited me more.
Healing, somehow. I wanted to pull her into a hug and kiss her, but I held back.
"Spit it out if you have something to say. Don't hem and haw like a wimp."
"Here, drink this."
"Huh?"
I pulled a cool ion drink from my inventory and handed it over. Lee Eun-jeong blinked at it, then bowed her head shyly.
"...Thanks."
Lee Eun-jeong looking bashfully grateful—first time in ten years.
As she twisted open the bottle cap, she glanced belatedly at the back label.
"I'll take care of your comrades later. Too many people around now."
Nod.
[Lee Eun-jeong's favorability toward you has slightly increased.]
"Hey, so what is it? I'm asking!"
Even then, Shin Seo-yeon nagged relentlessly from the side.
"You'll find out when we arrive."
"Don't do that—tell me now! Now!"
"Yeah, no."
Truth be told, Shin Seo-yeon jumping around like that had its reasons.
I opened the quest window.
Stage: Fourth Trial
Objective: Slay the offspring of the Mountain Dragon Dracalon. (7/9)
📍 Background: Failed to prevent the Mountain Dragon's evolution...
[View Details]
[Background: Failed to halt the Mountain Dragon's evolution.
It's faster and more agile now. No human legs can catch it.
But it's not over yet. The Primordial Forest has ancient primitive tribes who've lived here since time immemorial. With their help, you can resume the hunt.]
No human legs can catch it.
Sharp as ever, Shin Seo-yeon must've zeroed in on that part.
Quick on the uptake, as always.
"Halt."
"Hm?"
Suddenly, the vanguard stopped.
Currently, Lee Eun-jeong led the way.
Her War God's ability—"Detect all beings within {Strength x3} meters in real time"—made her perfect for guiding the group safely.
'Of course, it guzzles mana, but we've got the Saintess.'
And now, that detection pinged, halting everyone.
First time this happened on the march, so tension spiked as she spoke calmly.
"Looks like we've reached the destination."
"Ooh, finally."
"But why stop here?"
Lee Eun-jeong parted the bushes slightly.
"Armed guards at the cave entrance."
We each peeked through the foliage gaps ahead.
Sure enough, about 300 meters away, a cave mouth with four sentries on watch, as she said.
The blue line led inside.
"It said to seek help, so why not just go ask?"
Innocent someone said.
Not entirely wrong, but didn't explain why Lee Eun-jeong stopped us.
"Woman, why halt us?"
As expected, Hao Zifeng asked, and she scanned around.
"Presences approaching from all sides."
"!!"
Instantly, weapons out, we guarded all directions. Faint, cautious footsteps converged on us, just as she said.
"Damn, fully surrounded by natives?"
"Careful, everyone. Don't attack rashly. Bloodshed makes getting help harder."
"If captured, negotiations are off. Deals need equal footing, right?"
"...Not always, but yeah, we'd be at a disadvantage."
As we tensed, scanning quadrants, bushes rustled from one side—one presence emerged.
"Ah?"
He beamed upon seeing us.
"I-I lived! Guild Master Kim Jin-woo!"
"...Jin-gyu?"
He was from [Jeju Nohyung Alliance].
"How'd you get here?"
"Quest updated saying move, so I did!"
He was one sent scouting the forest on day one here.
"Ambushed, scattered... I survived caked in mud under a tree."
As expected, his state was wretched.
If he hadn't called Kim Jin-woo's name immediately, we'd have mistaken him for a local.
"Guild Master?"
And he was just the start.
"Whoa."
"Everyone's here!"
More survivors emerged from bushes. The presences Lee Eun-jeong sensed were lucky holdouts.
Thus, twenty-seven Jeju Nohyung Alliance survivors joined, swelling our numbers from thirty-eight to sixty-five.
Kim Jin-woo was thrilled most of all.
"Hahaha!"
His sullen face from Hao Zifeng's earlier dismissal lit up instantly.
These were his elite survivors— like gaining an army.
So maybe that's why?
Kim Jin-woo suddenly puffed up, eyeing me and Hao Zifeng arrogantly.
He even approached Lee Eun-jeong on the spot, offering her a spot in his guild.
"Scram."
Rejected in one word, of course. But buoyed by his subordinates' return, one rebuff didn't faze him.
...Understand the joy, but damn, he's dense.
'Out of four hundred, twenty-seven survived.'
Due to his own lax judgment, most died, leaving that number.
If it were me, I'd be happy but inwardly reflect deeply on what went wrong. This guy's hyped like he's throwing a party.
'Yeah, early selection process vibes.'
Not even two months in. Cut him slack. Back on Earth, weirdo personalities thrived even in cutthroat society.
They're bound to differ from me. Rationalizing it, I stepped forward.
"Dickhead, where?"
Stick around longer, his dumb energy might rub off. Better push ahead as I know.
"Hey!"
I burst through the bushes toward the cave.
"Who goes there!"
Hands raised, I approached to about 150 meters and stopped.
"We seek the Goddess's aid to hunt the mountain dragon, but hit a snag. Can we get your help?"
Shin Seo-yeon, rushing to stop me, awkwardly halted behind, hands up high too.
The others followed hesitantly, hands raised—including the Saintess, forcing Cheongbang out.
Then cocky Kim Jin-woo and his gang emerged.
Rustle. Rustle. Rustle.
Kim Jin-woo strode forward like a triumphant general.
"We need your tribe's help to slay the mountain dragon."
I'd already stated the purpose, but oblivious, he acted the mythic hero, pressing on.
But what came back was...
Whoosh!
"Wha...?"
A long spear shaft lodged between his legs.
Seeing it quiver, Kim Jin-woo gulped and finally raised his hands high.
The primitive guards snorted.
"Wait. We'll report to the village chief."
"Y-yeah, sure. We'll wait here. Haha, everyone stay put, got it?"
The primitives shooed him away—step back.
Kim Jin-woo retreated awkwardly to his rearmost subordinates.
'Sigh.'
That guild's future worries me. What's with his mentality? Not just heat exhaustion.
'Not my problem anyway.'
Soon the primitives beckoned us, and we followed into the cave depths.