That showed a reasonable judgment call.
"By the way, which direction..."
"I examined the path to the left last night, and there was no discernible difference."
Not only did he undertake the watch duty twice, but he also proactively scouted ahead.
"Your efforts are greatly appreciated."
When there are laborers as diligent as this, individuals like me can truly enjoy themselves.
I speculated that the right pathway might contain something of interest, yet it remained premature to conclude.
"Hyaeyoung-ssi and Hayan-ssi..."
"I'm fully prepared as well."
"As for our positions, if we come across creatures akin to those from yesterday, then Hayan-ssi will step in for Hyaeyoung-ssi. Agreed, let's commence."
"Yes."
The forthcoming journey appeared to promise exhaustion. However, my greatest concern was Jung Hayan's presence.
I lacked insight into the situation, but Jung Hayan's recent behavior had been far from ordinary. The peculiarity was striking, noticeable by anyone. Her demeanor sharply contrasted with my prior impression of her.
My utmost priority was to uncover the underlying cause of this matter. Though I had a hunch about the root, a sense of bewilderment lingered.
'Could it be envy?'
Yet, this assumption posed a challenge. Jung Hayan and I had scarcely shared adequate time to hastily leap to such a judgment. While the strength of connections didn't always align with time spent, it was undeniable that time played a significant role.
Naturally, our circumstances were somewhat extraordinary. This location wasn't your typical café or restaurant. In scenarios akin to lower-tier films, a man and woman grappling with a crisis often developed an accelerated affection that resembled love.
Conceivably, her emotions followed a similar pattern. Recollections of Jung Hayan's past surfaced. Delving into her personal history, certain reasonable deductions could be made. Her parents had vanished, and her connection with her sisters had long been severed. Given the abandonment she endured from her own kin, it was reasonable why she sought a semblance of support from me. Her upbringing hadn't been one of benevolence.
'A simple inference.'
Nevertheless, I had inexplicably transformed into her anchor, providing her with something to hold onto. I assumed the role of a dependable and trustworthy individual, a safe haven in her life. Perhaps these sentiments had progressed from mere feelings to an all-consuming fixation.
Initially, my intention had also been to become her confidant. It was simpler to forge a connection with someone harboring emotional fractures.
'Shall we put it to the test?'
This was a time-tested, clichéd strategy, but it was worth an attempt. Strolling alongside Park Hyaeyoung, I gradually parted my lips and gently nudged her shoulder.
"Be cautious."
"Ah... Yes."
She appeared somewhat apprehensive.
It appeared as though she believed I had averted her from almost stumbling over a rock. She seemed to be attempting to express gratitude for this, but my intention wasn't to elicit her response. From the corner of my eyes, I briefly glanced at Jung Hayan.
Naturally, it was evident that her gaze was fixed on Park Hyaeyoung. While Kim Hyunsung and Park Deokgu seemed oblivious, my attribute's influence possibly enabled me to perceive it vividly.
Jung Hayan's eyes harbored an emotion that was hard to define.
'I can utilize this.' Her resentment wasn't aimed at me. Labeling it mere jealousy might be a bit excessive, yet considering Jung Hayan's genuineness, it remained within acceptable limits.
If I balanced rewards and penalties judiciously, Jung Hayan would transform into a loyal ally, ready to sacrifice for my cause.
A multitude of thoughts swirled in my mind during our stroll. Before I realized it, we had covered a considerable distance.
"I believe there might be some in the vicinity. Henceforth, vigilance is imperative."
"Cough. Understood, Hyung-ssi." Perhaps, at this juncture, Kim Hyunsung had already encountered everything in this vicinity once.
The air certainly carried a different scent now. It was as if the peculiar odor exuding from those creatures had saturated the surroundings.
What particularly caught my attention, though, was the subtle emanation of mana I could perceive in the distance. The type of mana eluded my recognition, but it did possess a discernibly distinctive quality. Perhaps this was the very essence Kim Hyunsung sought.
"I believe I'm sensing something," I remarked.
"What are you talking about, Hyung-nim? Do you see anything?" asked another.
"There's a faint trace of mana ahead of us. I'm uncertain about its nature... Nonetheless..."
"The absence of magic is stifling. Hyung-ssi, can you sense it?" Kim said.
Also, he said, "I'm uncertain. Nevertheless, since he is a Magician, he's probably more skilled at detecting nuances than us. It wouldn't hurt to investigate. We might find clues on how to navigate this place."
Kim Hyunsung's attempt at deception left much to be desired. The subtle mana presence ahead seemed linked to solving this dungeon's enigma.
"We're headed in that direction anyhow, but exercising caution won't hurt. I'll lead the way," I assured.
"Be careful," came the response from Kim Hyunsung.
Cautiousness was superfluous. If Kim Hyunsung had perceived a disturbance here, we wouldn't linger.
Stepping forward warily, the source of the mana became evident with a single glance. 'Stairs.'
"Those steps lead downward," I pointed out.
They were literal steps descending to a lower level. It became evident that this dungeon comprised multiple tiers. Kim Hyunsung nodded, seemingly convinced that his artifice had merit. Odd as it was, playing along wasn't a terrible notion.
"While it's a common trope, could this imply increased difficulty with each descent?
There might be a correlation to solving the dungeon," I pondered.
"Um, do you really think so, Hyung-nim?"
"I can't say for certain, but we've found no other leads on this level, the initial stage. Dumping us into this vast expanse just to face monsters contradicts the objective of clearing the dungeon. Descending from here likely marks the commencement. I can't predict the outcome, but there's potential for more clues than we currently possess."
Kim Hyunsung listened, nodding in agreement with my analysis.
"I share the same sentiment."
'Good.'
"Given the circumstances, let's note this spot for now and revisit the lower level another time. We didn't come here to conquer the dungeon today. Exploring down there might yield something useful. We might also encounter diverse monster species."
"I'd rather avoid dealing with more annoying foes."
Likewise.
Though implausible, Kim Hyunsung's revelation of the underground entry appeared convincing.
This achievement probably meant much to him, yet the rapid progress of Jung Hayan and Park Hyaeyoung demanded precedence. We could descend only when we had a capable fighting force.
"The route."
"I have a rough idea."
"Shall we scout for monsters around here from now on?"
"That seems prudent. Let's start slightly away from here."
"Understood, Hyung-ssi."
Like the prior day, we searched intently and soon spotted nearby creatures. These beasts seemed to have originated here, radiating outward.
Three monsters were close.
I exchanged a glance with Kim Hyunsung; he affirmed the plan.
"If Deokgu tackles two, Kee Miyoung can swiftly handle one, and I'll take the last. The remaining creature can be our training target. Hyaeyoung and Hayan you'll assume positions akin to Kee Miyoung." Kim Hyunsung commanded.
"Affirmative."
"Okay."
Park Deokgu and I moved forward with determination.
Park Deokgu took the lead to gauge their response.
I followed, leaving Park Hyaeyoung and Jung Hayan, visibly apprehensive, behind.
Park Deokgu wielded his shield to provoke one, while his leather-covered arm fended off another.
Kim Hyunsung, looking surprisingly composed, approached one and efficiently severed its arm.
'His agility is astounding.'
Expectations of his speed, buoyed by his high agility, were surpassed.
Simultaneously, I infused my spear's tip with mana and hurled it at the creature Park Deokgu engaged.
Puuk! Blood sprayed as the sound reverberated, yet caution prevailed.
'It's not down yet.'
As I prepared to thrust my spear again, Park Hyaeyoung stood by me, gripping her own spear as if ready to act.
'Not bad.'
For now, her willingness to engage was paramount.
No need to look at Kim Hyunsung. He'd likely employ controlled force to maintain appearances.
This left the one designated for practice.
Before Park Deokgu could move against it, Park Hyaeyoung, her enthusiasm evident, lunged with her spear.
'Inept.'
Predictably, the monster evaded Park Deokgu's range as the spear veered off course.
"Ack! I-I'm sorry...."
"Gah."
In every group, there's bound to be one deadweight.
This adage had merit.
"Deokgu-yah."
There was some truth to that saying I'd heard before.
"Raaaaaakkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk!!"
'What a reckless fool!'