"Endure the challenges ahead, even though they may be tough," I said with a reassuring tone.
"Are you truly embarking on an extended absence?" The question came, laced with concern.
"Well, I'm actually anxious about the possibility that I might not return at all, you know?" I admitted.
By the way, I noticed Hayan glancing over here. Is she alright? A thoughtful observation was voiced in my mind.
I shifted my gaze to find Hayan entering my line of sight. A composed expression adorned her face. Unlike the time when Park Hyaeyoung's tragic demise had ignited her fervor for me, she wasn't fixated on me anymore. I wondered about her thoughts. Concern crept in—had negative sentiments formed toward me? Unfortunately, I couldn't discern her inner musings.
Engaging Hayan in conversation seemed wise now. Yet, conversing from a distance lacked the intimacy that physical proximity offered. I returned my attention, and Lee Jihye interjected once more.
"You've made quite a significant decision."
"So?"
"I thought you despised gambling."
"I certainly do."
"Then?"
"I'm not foolish enough to abstain from rolling the dice in a game I'm winning."
With careful consideration of all variables, the odds of success here were overwhelmingly in our favor. Familiarity with the dungeon, the collective capabilities of our party members, and the ability to retreat whenever I wished—all tilted the scales toward triumph. The chance of perishing was minimal.
Of course, myriad factors deserved contemplation, yet for someone like me, endowed with modest attributes, this was a rare opportunity. By working collectively, we stood a chance at victory.
Moreover, a tantalizing prospect lingered: 'The dungeon assault might yield rewards.' A substantial incentive was undeniably present. Kim Hyunsung's mention of the chamber he had found echoed in my thoughts—it might very well be one such reward.
Lee Jihye lent me her ear. She lapsed into silence momentarily, then smiled and spoke.
"I genuinely admire your approach."
"Is that so?" I quipped.
Despite her youthful appearance, she held concerns about her looks. Apparently, she believed the younger Hayan possessed a greater advantage for survival due to her prettier countenance.
As I distanced myself from Lee Jihye and approached Hayan, I observed her hastening toward me, clutching the ends of my sleeves.
"Hahah Haha" Park laughed out loud instantly.
The four men—Jung Jinho, Yoo Seokwoo, and the others—patiently awaited me.
"Shall we proceed?" I inquired.
"Yes definitely," Kim said.
Upon reflection, as there were only 8 of us in total, this was still a sizable group. Split into two factions—four each. The counterpart, centered around Jung Jinho, mirrored our own, led by Kim Hyunsung.
We traversed the sinuous path together, their conversations mostly out of earshot.
Jung Jinho mostly directed the discourse, interjecting instructions and commands when needed. Between these moments, the group engaged in casual discussions or kept their senses alert for lurking creatures.
"By the way, you've been exploring extensively. Who would've thought a new entrance existed here?"
"It was discovered inadvertently. As you probably heard at the outset, survival—be it through offense or defense—stood as the fundamental exit criterion. The duration of this survival period remains uncertain, so banking solely on offense seemed unwise. I opted to explore and attack as extensively as possible."
"I see."
"Perhaps this survival period concludes when someone successfully assaults the dungeon."
"I hadn't considered that angle, but..."
"It's a mere hypothesis."
"Does this mean attacking the dungeon becomes a means for shelter residents to escape?"
"That's one perspective. Nevertheless, no matter how you dissect it, attacking the dungeon stands as the most reasonable course for us currently. By the way, thank you for agreeing to this endeavor."
"No need for gratitude. We're equally eager to escape this predicament. Your initiative here is much appreciated. The uncertainty of this prolonged survival was starting to weigh on us..."
Kim's smile was genuinely appealing.
It was the kind of smile that could unconsciously lower one's defenses, but I was familiar with his character—this tactic wouldn't work on me. Instead, my goal was to lower his own vigilance.
Engaging in casual exchanges could serve that purpose well. I initiated tales about Earth, dungeon experiences, and the woman's narrative from the starting point. Eventually, a somewhat awkward topic emerged.
"It seems like you and Hayan spend a lot of time together. Maybe... something's between you two?"
It was a question no one had ever posed. Naturally, embarrassment tinged my response. I surveyed my surroundings and noted several pairs of eyes trained on me, awaiting my answer.
Both Park Deokgu and Kim Hyunsung were interested, each in his own way. Yoo Seokwoo, who had previously harbored an interest in Jung Hayan, gazed straight ahead.
Hayan lowered her head, fidgeting with my sleeves.
Jung Jinho's curiosity was unmistakable.
'Impossible...'
So, not only did we have the "muscle-brained" types, but the astute killer had also deciphered some connection.
'A budding relationship?'
That wasn't plausible.
However I dissected it, my excuses mirrored those offered by celebrities fending off dating rumors. True, my rapport with Jung Hayan had grown stronger. After contemplation, a conclusion emerged for how to respond.
Gently, I grasped the hand Hayan had used to hold my sleeve, saying, "I can't definitively say... but your assumption about us might not be far off."
"Ah, I see..."
Park Deokgu wore a gaping expression, while Kim Hyunsung nodded in agreement.
In Park's case, it seemed he believed that a closer relationship with me would favor Jung Hayan.
With Park Deokgu's bewildered look and Kim Hyunsung's supportive nod, our conversation continued.
We strolled onward, a group of eight on this twisting path, the murmur of their discussions intermittently reaching my ears.
Jung Jinho led the discourse, offering guidance and directives, while the others engaged in lighthearted chats or maintained vigilance against potential threats.
As we moved forward, my mind continued to churn with thoughts. My attention shifted between the path ahead and the unspoken dynamics within our group.
The possibility of a new entrance to the dungeon intrigued me. It was a revelation that held significance beyond its immediate implications. If survival's timeframe depended on someone successfully attacking the dungeon, it altered our objectives considerably.
"By the way, Kiyoung, you have a reputation for being logical and pragmatic. Yet, you're taking quite a risk with this dungeon venture," Jung Jinho commented, a hint of curiosity lacing his words.
"Logic isn't about avoiding all risks. It's about assessing them and making informed decisions. In this case, the potential gains outweigh the risks," I responded, my gaze focused on the path ahead.
Jung Jinho nodded, seemingly appreciative of my perspective. "Your willingness to navigate uncertainties with calculated steps is admirable."
As the path wound on, the group continued to share tales. Amidst the anecdotes and discussions, a sense of camaraderie grew stronger, fostering an atmosphere of unity.
"Kiyoung, Hayan, you both seem to share a special bond," Yoo Seokwoo ventured cautiously.
I exchanged a glance with Hayan before replying, "We've grown closer, that's true."
Yoo Seokwoo's contemplative expression suggested he sensed a story beneath the surface, but he didn't press further.
The path eventually led us to the entrance of the dungeon. Its imposing presence reminded us of the challenges that lay ahead. Kim Hyunsung's voice cut through the air, breaking our momentary reverie.
"We're here. Let's proceed with caution."
As we entered the dungeon, the atmosphere shifted. The air was tinged with a sense of anticipation and a trace of apprehension. Our footsteps echoed through the corridor, the sound a reminder of the unknown that awaited us.
Jung Jinho's leadership became even more pronounced as we encountered the first signs of resistance. His directions were crisp, and the group responded with practiced coordination.
In the midst of the action, I stole a glance at Hayan. Her focus was unwavering, her movements graceful. I couldn't help but marvel at her growth since we had entered this surreal world.
Hours turned into what felt like minutes as we delved deeper into the dungeon's depths. Each encounter with a creature was a test of our mettle, a chance to prove our capabilities.
As the initial excitement waned, fatigue began to set in. Our steps were no longer as brisk, and our voices were hushed as if acknowledging the growing challenge. Yet, we pressed on, resolute in our purpose.
At a momentary pause, Hayan turned to me, a glint of determination in her eyes. "We're doing well, Kiyoung. Let's keep this up."
Her words were a silent promise, a testament to our shared resolve. I nodded, a sense of camaraderie cementing itself in that brief exchange.
As we ventured further, the challenges escalated, but so did our cooperation. Our movements became synchronized, our unity a potent force against the obstacles we faced.
Jung Jinho's voice broke through the tension. "We're nearing the core. Stay vigilant."
The final stretch was marked by heightened tension. Our anticipation was palpable as we approached the heart of the dungeon, the culmination of our efforts drawing near.
As we stepped into the chamber that held our objective, a mixture of awe and trepidation washed over us. The sight before us held the promise of reward and the threat of danger.
Jung Jinho's voice resonated with authority. "This is it. Let's proceed carefully."
The room was a testament to the culmination of our journey, a space rife with potential. We stood on the threshold of a pivotal moment, our actions here capable of shaping our fates.
Amidst the uncertainty, I felt a reassuring squeeze on my hand—Hayan's unspoken support, a reminder that we were in this together.