Some time had elapsed since I informed Hyunsung about Park Hyaeyoung's demise. Naturally, I refrained from uttering phrases like "Jung Jinho is acting suspicious' ' or "That individual is the perpetrator" to him. It was crucial for Kim Hyunsung himself to independently arrive at the conclusion that 'Jinho was responsible for Park Hyaeyoung's death. There was no need for me to exert any persuasive efforts; consistency in my demeanor would suffice, allowing Jinho to unwittingly fall into a snare. 'This will benefit us all,' I contemplated.
Hyunsung was a logical partner who, in such circumstances, would question Jinho before doubting me. His future indiscretions would also aid Hyunsung in logically deducing the truth about him. As time went on, Kim Hyunsung grew accustomed to spending solitary hours, persistently observing and assessing. His scrutiny encompassed Jung Jinho and occasionally extended to me. I believed I understood his thoughts during these instances.
Whenever his countenance turned chilly, it seemed Kim Hyunsung was contemplating ways to eliminate Jung Jinho. 'He is an impending adversary, a strategic murderer, the one who ended Park Hyaeyoung's life.' Kim Hyunsung had myriad reasons to promptly expel Jinho from the refuge. Regardless of his extensive empathy for others, he undoubtedly desired to rid himself of a future foe. However, the conundrum lay in how to achieve this.
From Kim Hyunsung's viewpoint, he desired to expedite this process, yet he confronted numerous other predicaments. Identifying the right opportunity appeared arduous, with several factors demanding consideration beforehand. A prime concern was navigating further into the dungeon.
"How about we collectively venture to lower levels?" I proposed.
"Together... What does that entail?" Hyunsung inquired.
"Indeed, Hyunsung-ssi. Jung Hayan's Wizard training is nearing completion... Jinho has also joined our ranks, implying sufficient manpower for an assault. Seokwoo seems to have acquired a class as well... While a more deliberate and cautious progression might be preferable, dwindling supplies necessitate a decision. We initiated training to combat the monsters on lower tiers."
"Um..."
"We can't remain here indefinitely. Despite my reservations, I believe we should attempt it."
Hyunsung appeared somewhat pensive in response to my suggestion. We were left with no alternative but to advance with a group destined for fragmentation. I felt it imperative to lay out the scenario before Hyunsung, leaving the choice in his hands. He had to determine whether he possessed the confidence to breach the dungeon's lower realms and shoulder the ensuing responsibilities.
Should Hyunsung harbor confidence, the outcome would favor us irrespective of any challenges. 'We could orchestrate a dungeon assault simultaneous with the demise of Park Hyaeyoung's murderer.' Essentially, we could utilize Jung Jinho to his fullest extent, given his impending fate.
"Embarking on fresh hunts with recent additions is unfeasible. We're uncertain when another incident akin to Park Hyaeyoung's might transpire... However, it might be judicious to scavenge for provisions rather than await our fate. Food and water are in short supply. If we decide to establish a base without pushing forward, we're doomed."
"..."
Hyunsung exhibited marked caution. Evidently, he harbored reservations regarding the proposed plan, perhaps considering the unpredictability introduced by Jung Jinho's presence. I poised to rekindle the discussion when Hyunsung responded with contemplation.
"I reckon it's plausible for us to embark once more."
"Is that your stance?"
"Yes, indeed. Let's proceed to the dungeon's lower levels. You still have time to prepare. Since we've yet to cooperate with Jung Jinho's party, some practice would be prudent."
"I concur. It seems like a reasonable approach."
It wouldn't be prudent to lower one's guard before a potential assailant. This outlook resonated with both Hyunsung and me.
"I'll summon Jinho, Hayan, and Deokgu to deliberate collectively."
"Agreed."
"Upon reflection, could you communicate this to Hayan and Deokgu instead of me?"
"Certainly. I'm eager to convey this news promptly. I surmise it may be received favorably."
With haste, I proceeded towards them, gradually observing the picturesque surroundings. Eventually, I beheld a heartwarming scene that had been absent from the shelter lately.
"Thank you, Jinho-ssi."
"Thank you, Jinho."
"No need for gratitude. Our survival hinges on mutual support."
Jung Jinho diligently nurtured ties with the vulnerable, endeavoring to secure their favor. Yet, his attempts would prove futile. He sought to manipulate them through elaborate mind games.
"If you require assistance, don't hesitate to ask."
"While we usually forage for food, your contributions have alleviated this burden. Please rest. In the meantime, we'll distribute the provisions among others."
"Allow me to assist. The task isn't overly demanding, and fostering a sense of unity and sacrifice could be advantageous."
His words amused me.
"These naive individuals..."
In this realm, favors were seldom given without strings attached. There was invariably a cost. Perhaps Kim Hyunsung aided these individuals out of empathy and personal gratification.
From Kim Hyunsung's perspective, shelter life wasn't all that dire. However, Jung Jinho's true intentions were anchored in a darker realm – he coveted the lives of those presently fraternizing with him.
Yet, this played into my hands. The unsettling glances aimed at Park Deokgu and me, who had declared our independence, intensified due to Jung Jinho's actions.
"People are starting to draw parallels."
The shelter's populace began equating us with Jung Jinho, likely muttering, 'Who do they think they are?'
Jung Jinho shared his acquired sustenance and even engaged in menial chores, in stark contrast to our reserved behavior. Such comparisons were inevitable.
As I walked on, my focus was riveted on Jung Hayan and Park Deokgu conversing.
"Hayan-ssi."
"Hello, man."
Drawing near, Jung Hayan, absorbed in testing a simple magical spell, eagerly approached and clutched my sleeve.
Park Deokgu grinned at the sight.
"We're heading outside?"
"Yes, perhaps."
"That's fantastic!"
Although not officially a couple, our camaraderie was already established in the shelter's eyes. Whether Jung Hayan was aware of it or not, she'd grown more comfortable initiating physical contact.
The support from our shelter-mates heartened me; they didn't exhibit the same reservations as others did. However, I grappled with nocturnal disturbances due to Hayan's burgeoning boldness.
If not for Park Deokgu's presence, our proximity might have exceeded its current limits.
"Weren't you supposed to meet Kim Hyunsung-ssi? You've returned early... Did your discussion yield results?"
"I've just wrapped up a conversation with him. It seems we're facing a decision... Is there enough time?"
"Some time remains."
"May I inquire about the matter, Hyung-nim?"
"Absolutely. It seems we're approaching the lower dungeon levels, sooner or later."
"Are we finally descending?"
"While I lack comprehensive details, it appears more people are inclined to follow Jinho
."
"I suspect their allegiance won't last."
"Indeed. But it's essential for us to act together promptly. Hyunsung-ssi acknowledges the urgency of this endeavor."
"In any case, can we succeed in this venture, Hyung-nim?"
"Our chances of survival are favorable. That's my assessment."
Kim Hyunsung maintained optimism about our impending dungeon exploration.
"I must emphasize, avoid close association with Jinho's faction. Though maintaining a cordial facade externally is advisable..."
"Understood. We'll ensure this, Hyung-nim."
"The same applies to Hayan."
"Of course. I won't fall for his tricks."
Her confidence amused me; Jung Hayan was bound to be ensnared sooner or later.
"Impede concerns regarding Yoo Seokwoo."
"Frankly, I have no concern for him whatsoever."
"Excellent, Hyung-nim."
Led by Park Deokgu, we proceeded along a path, our gaze inevitably drawn to the group surrounding Jinho. Their inexplicable expressions rendered me momentarily speechless.
Their curious stares had to be met with nonchalance.
At this point, nothing untoward had transpired. I was merely returning from a discussion with Kim Hyunsung. Disregarding their scrutiny, I made my way toward Hyunsung, who stood with an item in hand.
My spirits lifted. The nagging void in my equipment window was finally on the brink of being filled.
Anticipating the day when I'd wield equipment adorned with various stats, the reality surpassed my expectations.
Hyunsung, alleviating his own apprehensions, distributed these items. Yet, the rings and bracelet he produced, though rudimentary in appearance, radiated an enigmatic magical aura.
"I've prepared something for you."
"You've been harboring these, Hyung-ssi? Your expression resembles a grandmother offering cherished toys."
Suppressing an urge to exclaim, I acknowledged Hyunsung's slightly embarrassed demeanor. He responded with an amiable smile.
"These are aiding artifacts."
I was certain of it. A smile tugged at my lips. These weren't ordinary weapons like swords or shields.
The items extracted from Hyunsung's bag included a bracelet and two rings. Though simple in design, their magical resonance felt profound.
"Thank you, Hyunsung-ssi. These will prove invaluable."
I knew that these items would serve as crucial assets on our subterranean journey.