Learning how the system worked within our group here wasn't too challenging. Much like the food or popularity hierarchy back on Earth, one had to understand their position to act accordingly. This meant I couldn't suddenly assume command, as I was accustomed to doing with my party members back in the guild. But that didn't mean I'd let others boss me around.
Whenever we stopped to set up camp and take a break, conversations flowed freely. While the atmosphere remained amicable for the most part, seriousness prevailed during exploration and combat.
The Magic Guild clearly preferred Jung Hayan, whilst the Red Mercenary Guild members had warmed up to me. This meant I could rely on the Magic Guild members to back us up if any issues erupted as a result of Jung Hayan.
"Mr. Kee, your potion seems almost as effective as divine magic," a Magic Guild member remarked.
"That's a bit of an overstatement. Please, keep your voice down. I don't want to offend any priests," I replied.
"To be honest, your magical prowess doesn't seem impressive. How do you do it?" he inquired.
"Ah, that's somewhat insulting," I chuckled. "I apologize for my brusque response. The thing is, memorizing or casting spells takes time to activate. However, with the right catalyst, you can use magic efficiently."
"What do you mean by 'efficiently'?" he asked.
"With less magical power, you can achieve the same impact with spells and skills," I explained.
"I see!" he exclaimed.
"Of course, there are drawbacks. Memorizing spells with catalysts can be quite expensive, around 30 gold, mainly using magical essence," I continued.
"Wow, 30 gold for essence? That's pricey," he said, clearly surprised, and gradually losing interest in his inquiry.
"That's the cost of using lower-grade magic essence," I added.
The man's expression revealed his astonishment, but also his waning curiosity. It was a natural reaction; spending 30 gold each time to cast a powerful spell due to low magical power wasn't a viable option for most.
However, I had the support of the Blue Guild and still possessed many of the gifts Cha Hee-ra had given me. For me, the cost was not an issue.
"Is it safe to assume that Rare Grade or higher Magic Power Essence disappears after use?" he asked.
"Yes, it does," I confirmed.
"That's a bit disappointing," he admitted.
"If there's an essence capable of extracting magical power indefinitely, it would be the Sage's Stone," I mentioned.
"Sage's Stone? Ah, I've heard of it," he replied.
Magicians and sorcerers often found such topics fascinating.
"Can you make one?" he inquired.
"The book I'm currently studying only briefly mentions it. Proper research hasn't been conducted yet. I don't have much to go on, but one day, I'll certainly create one," I assured him.
"You mean you'll initiate the research?" he questioned.
"To be honest, I think the hype about the Sage's Stone is exaggerated," I said with a sly grin.
"Really?" he responded, clearly intrigued.
"Yeah, but I'll give it a shot. It's an investment I believe is worth making," I replied.
As our expedition's dungeon raid progressed smoothly, our party seamlessly blended with others.
Kim Hyunsung seemed uncertain about my intentions, but there was more to gain than just experience or end rewards.
Park Deokgu had successfully integrated into the tanker community, gathering valuable information. Kim Ye-ri, too, adapted well, thanks to her natural talent with the bow. Sun Hee-young and Jung Hayan, with their stats and reputation, needed no worry.
However, Kim Hyunsung faced a different challenge. He had not yet found the right opportunity to showcase his potential because the expedition had been remarkably smooth.
"I'll catch up with you later," I said to my conversation partner.
"Yeah, I think I'll stay here for a while. If you have the time, we can continue discussing the Sage's Stone," he replied.
"Certainly, I'd be glad to," I affirmed before moving away.
Soon, Jung Yura approached me, faster than I expected.
"I thought you were here for the experience, not socializing," she commented, her bluntness catching me off guard.
"Do I appear that annoying to you?" I wondered, slightly embarrassed by her directness.
"Perhaps I'm annoyed that you're so successful at achieving your goals," she retorted.
"Hahaha, it seems like the rose has shown its thorns to me," I chuckled.
"I'm telling you this because it seems like you're overdoing it, Mr. Kee Miyoung," she said more seriously.
"I don't understand. Building friendships for teamwork is natural, isn't it? When we first arrived, I hardly knew anyone here," I reasoned.
"You're being too comfortable," she accused.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Remember what I said about dungeons? The unexpected can happen at any moment. It's not good to be too comfortable around others," she warned.
"I thought I was helping by improving the atmosphere. I just don't know what more you expect from me," I replied with a cold smile.
"If I were you, I wouldn't be so concerned about how much influence I have in the group. You shouldn't be greedy for dungeon rewards. Hero-grade items might be enticing, but pressuring someone for a share isn't a good tactic," I continued, provoking her.
Jung Yura's expression grew dangerous.
"Hey," she began.
"Yes?" I replied.
"Do I look like a joke to you?" she questioned.
"No, and I don't find you funny either. After all, you're Jung Yura of Black Swan. By the way..."
"Why are you speaking to me so plainly and rudely?" I asked.
Yura appeared taken aback by my sudden change in tone.
"I am a guild member registered in the official Blue Guild party. You shouldn't disrespect me," I reminded her.
"Are you threatening me, Mr. Kee?" She challenged me.
"What?" I said, exhaling in frustration. She seemed utterly clueless.
I decided not to waste more time arguing with her. Instead, I raised my voice, making sure it carried to the rest of the group.
"I'm sorry!"
"What?" Yura asked, perplexed.
"I'm really sorry!" I apologized once more, trying to appear sincere.
Jung Yura's confusion only deepened. It was clear she hadn't expected this apology, especially since it wasn't warranted in the first place.
As she began to comprehend my intentions, her face contorted.
"What happened?" Choi Young-ki and his party approached us, along with members from the Magic Guild and Black Swan. Even my party members and other members of Black Swan turned to watch.
"I'm really sorry, Miss Yura," I repeated.
"You..." Yura started.
"Kee? What's going on?" Choi Young-ki inquired.
"Ah... It's not a big deal," I downplayed it.
"Yes, Yura is right. It's not a big deal, Choi Young-ki," I added.
"I didn't ask you, Yura. Mr. Kee, can you explain what's happening?" Choi Young-ki pressed.
Thankfully, Choi Young-ki, my staunch supporter, began to investigate. Jung Hayan, initially confused, started to realize the situation's gravity, her expression turning slightly angry.
"Ah, even Sun Hee-young..." I thought, noting her displeased look.
"Then, I'll see you in a bit," I told Choi Young-ki before addressing Yura.
"Excuse me, Mr. Kee?" Yura spoke up.
"Yes, Yura?" I replied.
"I don't think it's been a while since I've been here... A dungeon is a place where you don't know what threats will happen, and where they may come from. No matter how much they let you approach during the breaks... Don't you really know that you've been hindering the party?" she asked.
"I intended to improve the environment in my own way... I apologize if it isn't working."
My remarks had some truth to them, and I had not lied. This was what Yura had told me, except with the correct accent and facial expressions, I could make it sound worse.
Jung Yura was so enraged at this point that it was almost comical.
Everyone's expressions became ridiculous once I finished speaking.
"My Sincere Apologies to you ...…."
A voice from behind interrupted my attempt to apologize once more.
"There is no need for you to apologize, Kee Miyoung," said Kim Hyunsung.