Chapter 34
Chapter 34
34.The Third Subspace (1)
"Huh?"
"What? It's not time yet?"
As soon as I came out of the Gate, I could see people looking flustered. Kim Seung-tae and Park Seo-woong were among them.
It seemed to be because they had checked the time inside the Gate through Kim Seung-tae.
"Don't tell me they all used Escape Secretaries..."
"The Gate is disappearing? Does that mean it was cleared?"
"There was an Ogre, right? How..."
Park Seo-woong and Kim Seung-tae quickly approached.
"Are you alright? We heard there was an Ogre."
"Yes, I caught it."
"Excuse me? You caught it? The Ogre?"
The Gate was disappearing, so they knew the answer, but Kim Seung-tae and Park Seo-woong's eyes widened at my words.
It's funny to use this expression, but they both had a 'Huh?' face.
"Could it get that big?"
Park Seo-woong exclaimed after I told him what happened inside. I hadn't mentioned that the Subspace entrance was getting bigger.
Kim Seung-tae carefully apologized to me.
"I'm sorry. We were supposed to agree before leaving in most situations..."
"It's understandable. I should have said something first."
Originally, the use of the Escape Secretary was to be agreed upon. It could be used independently in urgent situations.
I thought the situation itself was worth using it.
The back was blocked, and the Ogre was approaching in front. If the Ogre had picked up a rock and thrown it, I would have died instantly.
The Ogre appeared just as I was about to explain my plan, so the timing was bad. It wasn't anyone's fault.
It's a shame, but their choice meant they didn't get any experience or rewards either.
"Anyway, you've worked hard. Even if it's a level-restricted survival type, an Ogre in a level 15-20 Gate..."
Afterward, we were able to receive compensation for the association's request. First, all five of us were given Gate Entry Priority Passes.
It was a kind of cheat key that allowed us to enter any Gate we wanted in the country without competition.
This was a very encouraging achievement because it was usually only given to the top Guilds.
Now we can use it on Gates with a high probability of good rewards, like the Desolate Ruins.
'The important thing is that we don't have to use it right away.'
Since we can use it whenever we want, we can save it if there are no Gates we like at our current level.
Since all the Guild members received it, our Guild got a total of three Gate Entry Priority Passes.
'If Lee Shin-hee joins, we'll have four.'
That wasn't the only reward. I received a C-grade Elixir, and the others received D-grade Elixirs.
I had no complaints about the difference.
In the first place, everyone in the party knew that I could clear the Gate alone.
"Can I get a cold-related Elixir, by any chance?"
Mine was just a normal Elixir with no particular attribute.
My Flame Resistance was A-grade, but my Cold Resistance was E-grade, so I asked. It would be good to strengthen the cold side as well.
-I'll see if I can find one.
I didn't really expect much, but Park Seo-woong nodded without hesitation.
I could definitely feel that the association was taking care of us.
Well, considering the Gate Entry Priority Pass and the C-grade Elixir worth billions, it was a reward worth receiving for preventing the Gate Break.
I knew that the compensation Lee Shin-hee and Kim Seung-tae had been waiting for had already been paid separately, so that was the end of it.
"Should I feed this to Yong-yong?"
The Uncle's Elixir was flame-related, as if the association had taken care of it.
"Hmm. How much do I have to feed him to make him grow? It's going to be tough if it takes too much."
Listening to Uncle, something suddenly came to mind. I have Chunbae, don't I?
"Just a moment. I'll ask Chunbae."
"Ah? You had him, didn't you?"
I had already talked to Uncle about Chunbae.
'How can I raise a Dragon?'
-Usually, it takes time. They grow after decades or centuries.
'Can't it be faster?'
-They grow by experiencing continuous combat and absorbing things of the same attribute.
'Combat?'
I had guessed the latter because there had been cases of hatching with Elixirs, but combat was the first I'd heard of it.
-Dragons are higher species. During combat, if they feel their own shortcomings, they sometimes use it as an opportunity to grow.
'So, I don't have to wait decades?'
-Yes. Of course, the opportunity for growth must include things similar to the Dragon's attribute.
'Like Elixirs?'
-Yes. However, it doesn't have to be an Elixir. It's rare, but items are also possible. The attribute contained in the item will disappear, though.
That was fortunate. Uncle smiled brightly when he heard the story. It was hopeful news for us.
I was worried about what to do if it really took decades, but it meant that he would grow if we kept traveling together like this.
"Is that why Yong-yong growled at the Ogre? He roared when he saw Noll, too."
"Maybe?"
Roaring when facing the Nolls and growling at the Ogre might be an opportunity for growth.
Of course, it will take Elixirs to grow, but that's okay.
The majesty of the Red Dragon I saw during the awakening is still vivid. Even the fear I felt.
If I can invest in Flame Elixirs and get that Dragon, I can do it as much as I want.
And since there's the Dragon Knight Uncle Cheolgi, wouldn't he become stronger than that Dragon with the synergy effect?
Chunbae even said that it doesn't have to be an Elixir. I'm sure I'll find something while going through Gates.
-Hmm.
At that time, Chunbae was about to say something.
"Why?"
-It's nothing. You'll know soon.
"What are you talking about?"
Just as I was about to ask in detail, Uncle tilted his head and opened his mouth.
"Hye-ya, did Chunbae explain how Yong-yong goes in and out of the Subspace?"
"Oh, that's right? What's the reason?"
-It's possible because the egg has been itemized. Other Monsters are also possible if the egg is itemized.
"Oho. If I get another Dragon egg... does that mean I can have two Dragons?"
-It's possible if you can get one.
Hmm. Getting another Dragon egg.
Wouldn't it be possible again later if I get the chance? I know that Dragons appear in level 90 Gates.
* * *
Afterward, there was a company dinner.
The association booked an expensive beef restaurant nearby. Most of the conversations were about me.
"Thank you for your hard work. It wouldn't have been possible without Han Hye."
"That's right. No matter who I went in with, I would have used the Escape Secretary and come out. Well, I would have come out even if I went with you..."
Lee Shin-hee and Kim Seung-tae said the same thing. I didn't bother being humble. It was the truth.
It's a level-restricted survival type, so it's a difficult Gate for its level, but who knew an Ogre would pop out.
"I'll get up first."
As the meal was coming to an end, Kim Seung-tae got up from his seat, looking around.
"Why don't you stay a little longer?"
"I left in a hurry first, didn't I? All I did was use a spirit once. You guys who caught the Ogre should have a good time."
Uncle Cheolgi tried to stop him, but Kim Seung-tae shook his head with a smile, saying it was okay.
"Then..."
It wasn't anyone's fault, but the atmosphere died down a bit after Kim Seung-tae left.
In the slightly awkward atmosphere, Seo Min-jae opened his mouth.
"Did everyone get anything while clearing the Gate? I got a D-grade Elixir."
Apparently, this Gate wasn't giving the clearing reward only to the person with the highest contribution.
Normal Gates don't have a separate clearing reward, but things are different when it's this difficult.
It's random how many people get the reward.
Some Gates only give it to the person with the highest contribution, some give it to the top three, and some give it to everyone.
"Ah, I got one too."
"Me too."
Lee Shin-hee and Uncle Cheolgi's eyes lit up. Fortunately, it was a level-restricted survival type, so it seemed like everyone could get one.
"What did you get?"
"An E-grade pendant."
"I got an E-grade ring that increases strength and agility."
It was given according to the contribution to clearing the Gate, so there was a difference.
Uncle and Lee Shin-hee were active, but I and Min-jae were the ones who dealt direct damage to the Ogre.
"What did Hye get?"
At Uncle's words, the party's attention turned to me. Everyone was curious about what I, the person with the highest contribution, had received.
"I got a Skill Level-Up Ticket."
"......?"
Even Lee Shin-hee, who rarely showed any change in expression, widened her eyes. Min-jae couldn't close his mouth either.
"Wow, that's amazing... I heard it's quite expensive."
Everyone with S-grade Skills among the high-level advance team in Korea and abroad wanted it.
Because the higher the Skill level, the harder it is to raise.
"I'm going to use this."
"That's right. You're S+ grade, right?"
Of course, I have no intention of selling it. Opening the next Subspace was my top priority.
At that time, Min-jae scratched his head.
"Ha, but I wonder if this is right."
"What is?"
"Actually, it's a Gate we cleared thanks to you, but I'm getting something. Honestly, I would have used the Escape Secretary and come out right away if it wasn't for you."
At those words, Lee Shin-hee looked at me. Of course, Uncle Cheolgi had a 'What are you talking about?' face.
Seo Min-jae held out the Elixir to me.
"I think it's right for you to take it."
"Hey, that's not right."
Min-jae's words were only half right.
Even if I had cleared it alone, I wouldn't have received any rewards other than the Skill Level-Up Ticket because I was only one person.
Of course, my contribution was great, but if I took it like this, it wouldn't be good for the Guild in the long run.
I was planning to create a reasonable Guild.
"That's true, but..."
Min-jae tilted his head at my words and continued.
"You promised to distribute the Magic Manuals first if they come out later. I'm a little self-conscious."
"We distribute job-related items according to the job, so it's okay."
I continued firmly.
"We're in the same Guild and team, so don't be self-conscious about things like this."
This was also a message to Lee Shin-hee. It seemed like she was being self-conscious about Seo Min-jae's words.
Min-jae nodded with a touched face at my words.
"Thank you! I'll work hard!"
I waved my hand at Lee Shin-hee, who had been looking around and taking out the pendant.
"Shin-hee, put it away too."
"Ah, yes."
Seeing her take it out, it seemed like she was really going to give it to me. She didn't have to. Does she not have much attachment to items?
Since the Guild was mentioned, it was time to get to the point.
Kim Seung-tae probably guessed our atmosphere and left first.
"Shin-hee, are you thinking of joining our Guild?"
"Guild?"
I was thinking of recruiting her from inside the Gate. First of all, her judgment was better than most Hunters.
And the timing of applying buffs and healing in battles with mobs was also excellent.
"Yes. We don't have a healer in our Guild yet. It would be perfect if you came."
I smiled awkwardly and continued.
"As a new Guild, we can't provide experience-related items or Elixirs like other large Guilds. We'll mainly go to dangerous Gates. However, I can promise to prioritize the distribution of healer-only items."
Originally, you should say the bad things first. Otherwise, they might expect too much and things could go wrong later.
"Everyone was so skilled today, I'd be grateful if you offered."
I was a little worried because she didn't talk much about personal matters inside the Gate and had a stiff appearance, but Lee Shin-hee nodded more readily than I thought.
Of course, she spoke very concisely and plainly, but it didn't matter.
Judging from her good decisions inside the Gate, it seemed like that was just her personality.
It was better than being too noisy. There were already two noisy people on this team.
"Please take care of me."
A-grade healer Lee Shin-hee.
It was the moment a new Dinosaur Guild member was added.
* * *
[Lv22 Space Master, Han Hye]
Strength: 25
Agility: 25
Stamina: 25
Spirit: 20
Mana: 35
Remaining Points: 19
Skills: Subspace (S-grade) lv2, Leap (A-grade) lv2, Flame Resistance (A-grade) lv2, Fighting Cock (C-grade) lv3, Imperial Basic Swordsmanship (E-grade) lv4, Cold Resistance (E-grade) lv1, *Wind Split (lv1)
I leveled up once in the Tyrant of the Moss Forest with Seo Min-jae, and three times in this Gate, reaching level 22.
Three levels in one Gate.
It was a lot, considering it was a level-restricted survival type. It was encouraging, considering that the amount of experience increases after level 20.
Of course, I was more excited about something else at the moment.
It was the 'Skill Level-Up Ticket' I got as a reward for clearing this Gate.
"You're going to tell me anyway."
-Isn't it more fun to see it for yourself? I'll explain it when you go in.
I was more curious because Chunbae didn't tell me.
[Using the Skill Level-Up Ticket.]
[The level of Subspace (S-grade) has increased.]
Indeed...
What will be in the newly opened third space?