"Tell me, what's the deal with being in charge of the tutorial sanctuary?"
"Take it literally. As a sub-leader of the Twilight Syndicate in the mystical realm of Elondria, Blue, I oversee the guidance of the tutorial sanctuary for this chapter."
"Are you saying you brought us here?"
"No, we're in the same boat as you. Once upon a time, I too was whisked away to a tutorial sanctuary and went through the same trial. We simply arrived here a bit earlier. The reasons behind it, the enigmatic summoning, are beyond our grasp."
"Well..."
"Our task is to guide you after this tutorial sanctuary experience ends and to rescue any survivors still trapped within. But it's not only about helping you acclimatize and learn to thrive in this new realm; we're also committed to ensuring the basic right to survival."
"You mean a place to live?"
"Indeed. Consider this your basic living quarters."
"I understand. So, you're saying we can only access this place after the assault ends?"
"Exactly. The entrance to the tutorial sanctuary remains open for about three days following the initial attack. After precisely three days, the portal seals shut again. We're yet to fathom why this occurs, but... anyway, you're here. Let's delve in further once we're inside, before delving into a more intricate narrative."
To put it simply, I was left bewildered. This fantastical world was beyond anything I'd ever imagined. And there was something about Lee Sang-hee's demeanor that I couldn't quite decipher.
[Check the status and abilities of player Lee Sang-hee.]
[Name - Lee Sang-hee]
[Title - Ironheart]
[Age - 33]
[ALIGNMENT - Harmonious Mediator]
[Occupation - Sacred Guardian]
[Occupational Skill - Basic Sword Mastery]
[Occupational Skill - Fundamental Shield Wisdom]
[Occupational Skill - Intermediate Blade Technique Mastery]
[Occupational Skill - Advanced Sword Proficiency]
[Occupational Skill - Fundamental Divine Insights]
[Occupational Skill - Intermediate Divine Enlightenment]
[Attributes]
[Strength - 82/Growth Limit: Hero or Beyond]
[Dexterity - 52/Growth Limit: Rare or Beyond]
[Health - 90/Growth Limit: Hero or Below]
[Intelligence - 30/Growth Limit: Normal or Below]
[Endurance - 91/Growth Limit: Hero or Beyond]
[Fortune - 33/Growth Limit: Rare or Below]
[Magic - 77/Growth Limit: Rare or Beyond]
[Equipment]
[Saint's Edge - Heroic Tier]
[Ironheart Barrier - Heroic Grade, Knight Exclusive]
[Strengthening Band - Rare Tier]
[Ability - Ironheart]
[Overall Assessment - Impressive attributes. She's clearly developed considerably. There's potential for growth in durability and strength stats, but others may prove difficult to significantly enhance. Not at all disappointing, yet there's a slight sense of letdown. But don't underestimate her. Comparing her to player Lee Ki-young isn't quite feasible.]
'Ignore?'
There was no way I could ignore her, of course.
'Monster.'
Even if we all joined forces against her, we'd be powerless. The same applied to her companions.
From a statistical standpoint, the gap was insurmountable. They could eliminate us in an instant if they chose.
Yet…
'Appear friendly.'
My outward demeanor seemed overly amicable. Almost as if I was lowering my pride to ingratiate myself.
"Hwayeon?"
"Yes."
"I'll begin searching for survivors inside. It might take a while."
"Sure, no problem."
As the soldiers ventured into the sanctuary, I couldn't help but feel that it wouldn't be long before all the other individuals, including Lee Ji-hye from the shelter, were rescued.
Here, the inhabitants hailed from various backgrounds.
Our attire seemed outdated compared to theirs, as if we were the ones adapting to a bygone era while they embodied the modern age. They probably saw themselves as the natives of this realm.
Amidst this, Lee Sang-hee's voice sliced through the air.
Kim Hyun-sung responded, though their conversation was difficult to catch from a distance. Opting to eavesdrop rather than engage in person, I inched closer to gain insight from their words.
"It seems you wrapped up the assault remarkably fast."
"Is that unusual?"
"Not at all. Typically, an assault lasts around six months. Concluding a dungeon attack in three is indeed rare. Perhaps the dungeons here have been targeted more swiftly than those in other parts."
"Are there other dungeons, then?"
"Yes. The Alliance of Republics and Kingdoms administers several tutorial dungeons as well. The Holy Empire of Benigore, our realm, oversees a total of three. These dungeons attract participants of diverse nationalities, stationed at their designated locales for training."
"I see. So this is the quickest path to dungeon combat."
"For a simpler explanation, yes. Usually, inquiring about the specifics of the battles is considered taboo, but I'm genuinely curious about how your team managed to prevail so swiftly. And with just four members..."
"There were extenuating circumstances. It's hard to share all the details, but it wasn't a massive crowd. The synergy between us—Kee Miyoung, Jung Hayan, Park Deokgu, and myself—was highly effective. Also, we've established a makeshift camp on the ground floor. Remember to rescue those individuals as well."
"Understood?"
"It's a secure haven we crafted. I assembled survivors I believed could contribute to the fight, leaving non-combatants behind. We ran a distinct raid squad. Protective walls were erected in a safe spot, ensuring their survival. Food was stockpiled as well."
"Ah..." Lee Sang-hee's expression again betrayed her thoughts upon hearing Kim Hyun-sung's account.
'Mm-hm.' Some things started making sense. The bigger picture was becoming clearer, revealing the context enveloping us.
"That... I understand."
Lee Sang-hee seemed to struggle to keep up her composed façade.
'Kim Hyun-sung, you sly fox.'
It seemed our ace and protagonist had been disguising his true prowess with a veneer of humility and skillful acting.
I turned my gaze toward the tutorial sanctuary and witnessed survivors emerging one by one.
These seemed to be individuals who had chosen to hide independently, not within the group we'd left.
Naturally, their behavior differed from ours; their responses were more conventional.
Crying, lamenting, and frantic queries about their whereabouts were to be expected. After all, the circumstances were trying.
The contrast between armed individuals and those without weapons was noteworthy as well; their postures and expressions varied.
They displayed an air of dominance, a condescending stance.
"Where is this? How could...?"
"Mom... Mom... Yes..."
"Once we're settled, we'll provide you with explanations. For now, let's exit together. Hey! Quiet down, please!"
"Hey! Where are we? Is this someplace else?!"
"Hey! Let us out now!"
"Release us!"
"Please, set us free!"
"Wow... Where is this?"
"I'll share the details once we're settled down. Keep your composure, everyone! First and foremost, you must calm yourselves! You're safe now. There's no imminent danger. Please, remain calm."
'Good.'
The difference in treatment of these survivors was a stark departure from how they'd treated us. Expected reactions, indeed.
Crying, confusion, and panic for help—such responses were anticipated. Yet our team was distinct.
Kim Hyun-sung, unflinchingly poised, and Jung Hayan, glued to my side, seemed unfazed by the shifting environment.
Even Park Deokgu, who had an inclination to incessantly question, stood apart from the crowd. It was quite the surprise.
From Lee Sang-hee's vantage point, it must have felt somewhat awkward to witness the true peculiarity of our personalities so early on.
After all, we were the party that had conquered tutorial dungeons scattered worldwide in record time, and with just four members!
And that wasn't all.
We were not only composed but also had the foresight to establish a shelter for the other survivors.
I was beginning to see how Lee Sang-hee might feel chagrined by her initial impression of us.
How they regarded us differed greatly from their treatment of those who opted to 'survive' without fighting, those who hid and evaded combat.
Merely being part of the initial attacking team indicated a proclivity to adapt well in this environment.
If this world revolved around republics and guilds, then the natives were likely on the lookout for individuals who could seamlessly assimilate. It might not be the most accurate analogy, but we were like budding athletes whose value had surged, and figures such as Lee Sang-hee were the scouts aiming to recruit us.
Assuming our kind was scarce, if the number of recruiting parties was substantial, one could anticipate the outcome.
Currently, we were the rare players these recruiters coveted. This could explain Kim Hyun-sung's bid to keep his true potential under wraps until now.
Like a cunning fox, it appeared he was striving to augment our worth by narrating our accomplishments in a way that seemed utterly natural.
When selling, it's wise to boost the price as high as possible.
Of course, our exact role in Kim Hyun-sung's scheme remained shrouded, but I sensed it had to do with how we'd be perceived in this realm.
A smile naturally crept across my face.
'Feels great. I made the right call, for sure.'
"Please, step inside."
Lee Sang-hee ushered us into a lavish room. Its vivid design seemed incongruous with the gloomy ambiance of the dungeon it neighbored.
"We have beverages... and meals, if necessary."
"Is there anything we can eat?"
"Yes. It's not exactly like Earth cuisine, but it's certainly a step above dungeon fare."
"Then, yes, please."
The room's blue flags and embellishments seemed to underscore the guild's dominion over the tutorial sanctuary.
I had been rather observant today.
As for what lay ahead, my course of action remained uncertain. Should I obscure my attributes to heighten my value? But then, what of Kim Hyun-sung's plans?
"Ah, before I forget, I never caught your names. If you don't mind, could you share?"
"I'm Kim Hyun-sung, a prosecutor."
The casual mention of his profession was somewhat surprising.
Park Deokgu and Jung Hayan interpreted this as a cue to introduce themselves.
"Park Deokgu, shield soldier."
"I'm Jung Hayan, a Magician..."
Naturally, Lee Sang-hee's gaze settled on me.
While it might have been prudent to withhold my vocation, I concluded it wasn't necessary at the moment.
Believing it best to align with the narrative of valorization, I nodded and began speaking.
"I am Kee Miyoung. My role is that of an Alchemist," I declared, maintaining a composed demeanor that mirrored my purpose.
Lee Sang-hee's gaze held a hint of intrigue as she processed my words. It was as if she was deciphering something beyond the surface, something concealed beneath our interactions.
"I see," she responded, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and respect. "A strategist, you say? Well, I believe your unique skills will come in handy here."
The room exuded an air of expectation as the weight of our introductions hung in the air. Kim Hyun-sung had initiated a deliberate effort to enhance our stature, and it seemed to be paying off. The atmosphere was ripe with the sensation that we were players in high demand.
"Thank you," I replied, acknowledging Lee Sang-hee's acknowledgment while noting the shift in the room's energy. "We are here to assist and adapt as needed."
Lee Sang-hee leaned back slightly, her demeanor shifting to one of relaxation. "You've all been through quite an ordeal, and it's no small feat to have successfully completed the tutorial dungeon. This is only the beginning of your journey"
Her words resonated, reminding us that we had embarked on a path entirely different from anything we had experienced on Earth.
"Before we delve further into the intricacies of this world," Lee Sang-hee continued, "I'd like to offer you a moment of respite. Refresh yourselves, and when you're ready, we can discuss what lies ahead."