It was a rather unexpected turn of events, but not entirely surprising considering the substantial amount of experience points I had gathered thus far. Since securing my first job, I had often teamed up with Kim Hyunsung, engaging in battles against monsters for the most part. Even upon entering this new realm, my confrontation with these creatures remained ceaseless.
Despite my efforts, I couldn't help but think that my progress was advancing at a slower pace than I'd hoped. The irony wasn't lost on me when, after dispatching Yoo Seok-woo, another job opportunity promptly presented itself.
"Even by taking human lives..."
Experience points increased.
It seemed that this phenomenon extended beyond mere combat as well. Actions of all kinds apparently held experience points within them. The calculation mostly encompassed contributions and decisive blows. Though gathering accurate data was a challenge, I'd observed stats rise for individuals within the shelter, myself included.
I considered various avenues for harnessing magic to enhance my intelligence, even entertaining the thought of employing magic-amplifying spells. Nonetheless, other stats such as stamina and agility remained unaffected.
I pondered whether this new job might be analogous.
**[A new path awaits. Choose the role that resonates with your needs.]**
**[Explore available jobs.]**
**[Summoner - Rare Grade]**
**[Magician - Rare Grade]**
**[Warlock - Rare Grade]**
**[Alchemist - Rare Level]**
**[Flame Wizard - Rare Grade]**
The array of options was extensive. While I entertained concerns about potential fraudulent roles, my apprehensions proved unwarranted. To my good fortune, each of the rare classes appeared genuinely appealing. I felt almost compelled to allocate points to all the alluring options before me.
While I didn't delve deeply into them, no job seemed inherently disadvantageous. What delighted me most was the conspicuous absence of a commander class. Though there was a possibility it remained covert, I dreaded falling back under Park Deokgu's sway – a puppet of the commander.
Though I hadn't voiced my misgivings, Park Deokgu somehow caught on. He broached the topic cautiously, "Hyung?"
"Ah, sorry, Deokgu. I must search for something first."
"Did you secure a new job?"
"Yes, a bit unexpectedly. It appears that slaying even human foes contributes to experience."
"No..." I witnessed Park Deokgu grapple for words, though thankfully, he didn't seem shocked. I had worried he might stray into uncharted thoughts, but he appeared stable.
Despite my previous taunts about his lack of cerebral prowess, I began to reevaluate my stance. His reaction didn't single out him, but rather cast a spotlight on both of us. Today's events were bound to etch themselves into our memory.
Deokgu chose to embrace this reality. He disrupted the stifling silence, determined to reestablish a semblance of normalcy. "I can't say if Kim Hyunsung hyung is safe."
"Rest assured, they'll be fine. I can vouch for Kim Hyunsung."
"How can you be so sure? Is it due to your magical power?"
"Similar. It's harder to sense as the distance increases, but your own magical abilities might offer some insight."
This wasn't to say that magical detection guaranteed safety. However, considering their aptitudes and tendencies, it was a logical deduction.
As expected, I took a step forward, spotting a familiar figure. Upon closer inspection, I noted that her sprint, combined with her wide-eyed expression, struck an oddly endearing chord. However, the bloodstains on her sleeves were a stark contrast.
Her customary dash towards me, followed by a tight embrace, seemed more fervent this time. Her unwavering concern provided a heartening boost.
"Where are you hurt? Are you unwell? How are you feeling now? Ugh... Yoo Seok-woo... How could he...?"
"He's gone."
"Ah, ah, ah. That's a relief."
I hadn't anticipated Hayan's reaction to be one of shock, but her calm acceptance still took me aback. There was an inkling of regret in her demeanor, something subtle but discernible.
Rather than probing her for insights into her introspection, I watched as she brushed dust off her clothes, a gesture that appeared rather incongruous given the gravity of the situation.
Frankly, our exchange felt a bit absurd at the moment. I abstained from contributing further, focusing on suppressing the memories of my actions.
Nevertheless, it felt impolite not to acknowledge what I had sensed. Summoning the courage to address the matter, I spoke up.
"You went to assist Hyunsung, didn't you?"
"No, Kee Miyoung. I... It's not like that. I'm not overly concerned... I just..."
"Huh?"
"I'm not worried about Mr. Hyunsung."
Her reactions betrayed her intentions more than she likely wished. Although she clearly detested being misunderstood, I didn't press the issue any further.
"I'm just... so angry..."
"Ah..."
"That person just infuriates me... It happened unconsciously."
In reality, Yoo Seok-woo had initiated the attack, yet Jung Hayan hadn't witnessed it firsthand. What intrigued me was the audacity of someone who had previously struck me and even wielded a dagger against me, now daring to attempt it again.
As memories of that moment resurfaced, tears welled in my eyes once more.
Recognizing the emotion in my expression, Park Deokgu's face turned beet-red with embarrassment. It was a look quite incongruous for someone known as the Casanova of Gangwon-do. I could practically read his thoughts like an open book.
'He's attempting to play the role of a love guru even now?'
"No, no, no. I suppose you've got a point there, sis. Truth be told, I felt like making a run for it just now... bro, take a shot at it, but man, how do you manage to..."
"Hmm. That's a bit... I keep mulling it over..."
"Sis, everything's okay now, so don't let those tears flow, alright? Now that everything's settled... both you and your brother are fine, can't you see?"
"Wow..."
"Goodness gracious... Bro! How on earth can you... My eyes were already puffy... What's this..."
Seeing him shoot a tender, beseeching gaze our way, I couldn't help but chuckle. It was as if the throbbing in my head had started to subside, bit by bit.
Finally, I saw my shoulders quiver a bit as I gave the girl a gentle hug, just as she had wished.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.."
I wasn't quite sure what she was apologizing for, but I kept patting her back, a steady rhythm of comfort.
"It's alright."
"I'm sorry, Kee Miyoung!"
"It's okay."
If anything, I should have responded with a thank you. There was a palpable warmth to this connection.
A sense of relief washed over me, erasing a bit of the griminess I felt.
It was while I was casting a sidelong glance at Park Deokgu, who was reassuring Hayan, that I spotted the glint of an odd smile on his face.
'That rascal...'
The more I pondered it, the more ludicrous it appeared. Of course, Jung Hayan had managed to regain her composure, and Park Deokgu's smile in return began to seem odd.
However, it wasn't the kind of heartwarming smile he had when he was around Hayan.
'Could it be a ploy...?'
The unease that gripped me was akin to what I felt when I faced off against Yoo Seok-woo.
'That...'
"They make quite the pair, sis."
The beloved doctor of Gangwon-do, Park Deokgu.
I needed to do something to test the waters and confirm whether my gut feeling held any truth.