The unexpected announcement came as a surprise, leaving me feeling overwhelmed. Our guild leader, Lee Sang-hee, took charge of educating our party about exploration, and we dedicated our spare time to focusing on our daily tasks.
The reality was that our party had no prior experience in hunting or dungeon exploration. While the tutorial dungeon had given us some insight, it wasn't considered genuine experience by others. We had skipped the typical beginners' growth process and were thrust into an advanced dungeon without considering our experience level.
Despite being a popular party in Lindel, we were well aware that we were still rookies in this field. That's why we were diligently accumulating basic dungeon knowledge before the expedition.
In a well-coordinated party, forming precise battle formations and memorizing monster types and characteristics were crucial. We were cramming both mental and physical training to prepare for the dungeon, which caught the attention of the Blue Guild, as they wanted to ensure our readiness.
"I don't know if we'll be successful, but..."
We consider ourselves fortunate to have been granted this opportunity so quickly, even as newcomers. Moving with parties from other guilds was a bit strange, but it guaranteed our safety. Moreover, we could learn from their formations and how they reacted to dungeon situations.
However, this didn't mean we underestimated our own party. In fact, our fellow guilds' levels weren't significantly higher than ours; it was the dungeon experience that set us apart. So, we still considered ourselves lucky for this chance.
"By the way, are you really taking Kim Ye-ri with us?" I asked.
"Yes, it might be risky, but it'll be a valuable experience for her. Being young and new to this can be both an advantage and a disadvantage," replied Kim Hyunsung.
"I see," I acknowledged.
It surprised me that Kim Hyunsung chose to bring Kim Ye-ri along, but I knew he had a good reason. Kim Hyunsung wasn't the type to take unnecessary risks that could endanger the entire team.
In any case, our party hurried to complete our preparations before the expedition date arrived. Kim Hyunsung was responsible for attending the meetings outside, signaling that our first expedition as the Blue Guild's Seventh Division Party was fast approaching.
Finally, the day of the dungeon exploration arrived.
"Deokgu, have you packed everything we need?" I inquired.
"Of course, well, some guild members already packed their luggage in advance," he responded.
"Miss Hee-young, can you check if anything is still missing? I'm also unsure if others are ready to move," I added.
"Yes, Kee Miyoung," she agreed.
"Jung Hayan, please ensure all the food, drinking water, and potions are ready to go," I instructed.
"Yes, Kee Miyoung," she replied.
In truth, I was the busiest, handling the logistical aspects behind the scenes to ensure everyone was prepared. I didn't want to burden Kim Hyunsung with these details. Someone had to take care of the essential needs, such as checking supplies and preparing for the expedition.
'I'll prepare everything, Hyunsung. You don't need to worry,' I thought to myself.
Kim Hyunsung appreciated the way I managed things. It was important to demonstrate my value to the team. While I might lack power or growth potential, I wanted him to see me as a useful asset.
"Make sure you don't forget any equipment. Hayan, when you're done, bring the equipment you decided to rent from the guild warehouse," I reminded them.
"Yes, Kee Miyoung," she confirmed.
"Don't forget to bring the arrows for Ye-ri," I reminded once more.
"Yes, of course," she acknowledged.
I may have been busy, but it was important to appear even busier. As a first-time expeditioner, I needed to establish my role within the party.
If Kim Hyunsung was the party's father, then I was its mother.
It wasn't a difficult task. I had to review the checklist for any missing items and ensure all preparations were in order.
When I saw Kim Hyunsung approaching, whistling and in a good mood, I couldn't help but smile.
"I think I'm mostly ready. You should also check yourself before we go, Hyunsung," I suggested.
"Don't worry, Kee Miyoung. I'm fine. There won't be any problems. Another party will be waiting outside. Let's start soon," he assured.
"Yeah," I agreed.
This seemingly mundane task felt less bothersome knowing that our leader trusted me enough to handle it. A smile crept onto my face.
"Let's go," he said.
"Yes, sure," I replied.
As we ventured outside, unfamiliar faces awaited us, their attention focused on our party, sizing us up.
"Oh, isn't that Sun Hee-young?" one said.
"Is this the party assigned by the Blue Guild?" another questioned.
"Well, I can see why they paid a premium for them. You can sense their potential just by looking at them."
"I'm a bit jealous. Their starting point is different from ours."
"They haven't even showcased their true abilities yet."
"Isn't that the whole point of this expedition?"
"So, does that mean we'll have to support them?"
Among the curious looks, one expression stood out: jealousy.
We had rented equipment from the guild warehouse, but what set us apart was the quality. Most of the equipment worn by the other expedition members appeared worn-out and dull in comparison.
I couldn't blame them; I'd probably make comparisons too if I were in their shoes.
Park Deokgu, for instance, had upgraded from his fragile wooden shield used in the tutorial to an iron-encrusted one with better defense stats. Instead of the usual leather armor, he now wore chainmail.
If only Park Deokgu's strength stat were a bit higher, he could have worn a full suit of plate armor.
Although none of us had hero-grade equipment, we weren't displaying items that screamed "beginner" either.
As we approached, I couldn't help but notice the guild emblems on their members.
"Nice to meet you," Kim Hyunsung greeted.
"It's nice to meet you too," they replied.
Since we had met several times before, the party leaders were familiar with one another. The Red Mercenary Guild member, Choi Young-ki, seemed particularly interested in our party.
"Nice to meet you. I am Choi Young-ki of the Red Mercenary Guild. I've heard a lot about you from the master," he said.
"Ah, it's nice to meet you. I am Kee Miyoung," I responded.
Cha Hee-ra had likely employed people who would report back to her about my standing and the expedition's outcome. The Red Mercenary Guild members were easily distinguishable by their red attire.
One of the Magic Guild members engaged Jung Hayan in conversation, showing genuine interest.
The members of the Black Swan Guild greeted Kim Hyunsung. As expected, they wore their guild badges, and their party consisted of five women and one man.
It seemed that the rumors about the Black Swan Guild having mostly female members were true. Though there were slight differences, they appeared to be a formidable party.
With so many guilds and parties present, greeting everyone was challenging. However, it was clear that some individuals were not thrilled about our party's composition, particularly Kim Ye-ri's presence.
"We didn't hear anything about you bringing young children on the expedition, Mr. Hyunsung," one of the Black Swan Guild members remarked.
"She won't be a hindrance. Before being a child, she's a talented archer. I'll ensure she doesn't disrupt the expedition," Kim Hyunsung replied firmly.
"Still..." the member hesitated.
"I'll take care of her," I chimed in.
"What..." the member murmured.
We expected some tension between the guilds and were prepared to gauge their reactions. I had already assessed everyone's status upon arrival, but I decided to take another look. So, I slowly activated my ability.
[Check player Yura Jung's Show Details and potential.]
[Name - Jung Yura]
[Title - None. You should try a little more.]
[Age - 29]
[Propensity - Calculating Strategist]
[Job - Assassination Thief - Rare Grade]
[Job Effect - Acquisition of basic archery knowledge]
[Occupational Effect - Acquisition of basic dagger skills]
[Occupational Effect - Acquisition of basic trapping knowledge]
[Job Effect - Acquisition of Basic Assassination Knowledge]
[Capacity]
[Strength - 41 / Growth limit: Hero or higher]
[Agility - 55 / Growth limit: Hero or higher]
[Health - 43 / Growth limit: Hero or less]
[Intellect - 40 / Growth limit: Rare or less]
[Durability - 20 / Growth limit: Rare or higher]
[Luck - 23 / Growth limit: Rare or less]
[Holy - 43 / Growth limit: Hero or higher]
[Summary – Has the stats and potential to be useful as an assassin. It is noticeable that the disposition, occupation, and stats are very well matched. Must have the talent to grow smoothly. If you assume that she gets a legendary item or job, she is a talent who can grow explosively. However, her personality doesn't look as good. Of course, compared to player Kee Miyoung, she still looks like a saint.]
'Ah, so she's alright.'
I'd seen much more impressive stats, but Yura Jung still held great promise for growth. It seemed she excelled as an assassin.
From a top to bottom appraisal, I could figure her job to revolve around trap destroying or back aggravation. As a result, I could comprehend the sarcastic tone. Her obligation was likewise to ensure that we wouldn't be trapped or surprised. This additionally implied guaranteeing that there were no conceivably points of failure in the party.
"We aren't here to babysit," someone muttered from behind.