"A magic stone has been found?"
"Yes."
Inside the El Academy's professor's office.
An elderly professor adjusted his glasses with a weary look on his face.
"Let me see… Hmm. Ah… Uh."
The old professor hesitated, then looked around the empty room, scratching the back of his neck.
"Return the magic stone for now, and go attend your class."
"Professor, isn't this a serious matter?"
"Oh, no, no. It happens occasionally. Don't worry."
The professor waved his hand dismissively. I, taken aback, left the professor's office without a word.
'Is this really okay?'
The discovery of a magic stone in an artificial dungeon was a significant event.
It wasn't unusual for even a small magic stone to cause a disaster.
That's why I came to report it, but the instructor seemed unconcerned.
'Is it truly not a big deal?'
It seemed absurd to doubt the instructor when he spoke so confidently.
After all, what could possibly happen at the world-renowned El Academy?
Even when the cultist group infiltrated, they were quickly subdued, albeit with my help.
Still, I should be prepared for situations like getting trapped in a dungeon.
-Pitter-patter-
Walking down the corridor, I took an airtight container from my bag.
Upon opening the semi-transparent lid of the container, a fresh, natural scent wafted out.
Inside was perfectly made acorn jelly.
'Thank you, cafeteria ladies.'
Acorns were hard to eat as they were, so I casually asked the ladies while going for breakfast, and they happily obliged.
Something about always granting a hero's request? This was where a good reputation came in handy.
I picked up a piece of the jelly with a starch skewer and popped it into my mouth.
Following the salty taste of soy sauce, the distinctively addictive, slightly bitter taste of the acorn jelly surged.
Finely chopped green onions added texture.
It was pretty good.
I finished eating it quickly, and that concluded my meal.
Inside a pitch-black room shrouded in darkness.
Several followers solemnly placed their fists over their hearts in this black space surrounded by thorny vines.
Black cotton hats, an intricate patterned jade bead clattered heavily as it rolled on the floor.
-Clatter-
Those enveloped in ceremonial robes stared coldly toward the center of the execution chamber. And in the center, a girl with eyes rolled back lay motionless.
"Ah. Uh."
Mumbling incoherently, the girl looked down hazily at her lower abdomen. The marks of torment pouring out from there made her expression despairing, but soon, she closed her eyes tightly in resignation.
"Gh, Hn. Ghuk."
The long tussle with death. Beneath the dying girl, the shape of a black tree emerged.
-Woosh-
Countless branches, split into dozens of tendrils, reached up to the ceiling. The tree, encircled in fabric, glanced at its followers before solemnly shaking its branches.
One of the followers approached her.
"Are you ready?"
-Creak-
The tree, covering the girl's corpse, extended its branches over the follower's head. The follower's face flushed in ecstasy, soon surrounded by envious murmurs.
"Ah, the World Tree…"
With a distant and cloudy gaze. And in front of the tree, there stood a man in ordinary attire.
The Saint. Raymond. The World Tree's representative spoke in a stern and resolute voice.
"I will now convey the World Tree's will."
What their revered World Tree desired was:
"Lee Shiheon, a student at El Academy. The World Tree desires his life."
A maggot-like existence that has wormed its way into a pure world.
If left unchecked, he'd undoubtedly become a thorn in their side. Of late, even the Flower had taken an interest in him.
"He maliciously exploited the system,"
Raymond emotionlessly disclosed his transgressions.
"He has deceived the innocent World Trees,"
Taking a step forward, Raymond approached the great tree. The black tree spread its branches, denying him entry. Raymond stopped. Hatred smoldered in his eyes.
"And spread false achievements, deceiving both humans and tree beings."
-Crack-
Blood spurted from his clenched teeth, his jaw trembling.
Their own emotions were irrelevant to their actions. They had to understand the World Tree's position more than anyone else and force themselves to understand any incomprehensible feelings.
Whether or not it was morally right didn't matter. They'd willingly die a hundred times as long as it was the World Tree's will.
The followers, with hands clasped as if in prayer, burned with hatred at Raymond's words. To them, glorious deception was like a blessing.
Raymond, with his sullen gaze, surveyed the followers.
"Punishment!"
"Death to Lee Shiheon!"
Shouting, drooling figures. Their transformation may be attributed to a form of brainwashing, but what would they know? They were just puppets meant to be used.
Raymond reached out to two of the followers, gently patting their shoulders. They lifted the fabric from their faces, revealing themselves to him.
Two lovely girls with brown eyes looked at Raymond with a dull gaze.
"My daughters."
""Yes.""
"Give yourself a day, my daughters."
Without hesitation, the two nodded in agreement. Raymond finally showed a faint smile.
Alpha. Beta.
Nameless wooden beings.
"Always keep in mind that the World Tree finds joy in cruelty."
"Yes, Father."
"We understand."
The two girls, bowing their heads, rose from their seats, gathered their tools, and forcefully opened the door to leave.
-Creak, creak.
The sound of rusty hinges echoed, and a sliver of light peeked through the dark curtains.
"World Tree, our preparations are finally complete."
Raymond exclaimed in ecstasy, unable to restrain a poisonous smile spreading across his face. He had prepared relentlessly for weeks, and the World Tree's transcendent power made the realization of his plan possible.
A plan specifically designed to kill Lee Shiheon.
Even if he was innocent, the plan wouldn't change.
If the World Tree wished for his death.
The man had to die, even if they had to fabricate his sins. No, merely earning the World Tree's ire was as grave a sin as any.
Raymond stood up and spread open a notebook. All that the World Tree had prepared for him was densely recorded in this notebook.
How to lure him… and how to kill him so it ended delightfully.
His thought process was eerily similar to that of a serial killer.
We were in the central part of a cave, more confined than usual. Breathing was a chore in the high humidity, and we continued, shoulder to shoulder, navigating through the narrow crevices.
"Shiheon, can't we move a bit faster? It's so cramped here."
"Stop complaining… scanning itself is hard enough."
I responded nonchalantly to Sooyeong's complaint.
Indeed. The narrower it became, the more uncomfortable it felt. Poor conditions directly affected the use of magic or mana. Even pro hunters always strived to maintain optimal condition for a reason.
-Woosh-
My magical range extended only about 20 to 30 meters despite normally being capable of 50 meters. Considering such a drop in ability, the environmental impact was undeniable. I proceeded slowly, attentive to every detail.
-Screeeech-
A cave snake hanging from a stalactite lunged.
"Eri!"
Upon spotting the snake, Jin Dallae shouted, her mana swiftly channeled to the ceiling-bound spirit.
-Twinkle-
The small angelic spirit shot a burst of light at the snake.
"Keeek!"
Its head was soon severed, falling before us. The snake's eyes, still gleaming, were cold.
"Handled it."
"Thanks."
At my words, Jin Dallae beamed. I drew a dagger from my bosom, stabbed it into the snake's head, and covered the head with pebbles. Each of these actions added points to our score.
After handling the corpse…
-Roll-
A sizable magic stone rolled out from the snake's throat. A red magic stone. Upon infusing it with mana, it was already activated. My facial muscles tensed, sensing an emergency.
"Sooyoung."
"What?"
"Is a magic stone usually used to sustain artificial beasts?"
"Huh? I've never heard of that."
I turned to look at Jin Dallae.
She, too, seemed puzzled, her eyes widened in disbelief. I pulled out the unusually active magic stone to show her.
"… What's that?"
"A magic stone. Judging by its size, it's a high-grade one."
"Really? You're not mistaken?"
"Don't trust me?"
"No, it's not that…"
Jin Dallae looked closer, her eyes widening even further in shock.
As expected. This was no ordinary occurrence.
'No wonder I had a bad feeling about that professor yesterday.'
Always too laid-back, always rushing through tasks. And I had to deal with such a person.
'Let's hurry.'
Even now, getting out quickly was the best option. Currently, there are seven teams training in this dungeon. We had ventured too far to head back to the entrance. Reluctantly, we had to abandon our exploration and find an exit.
I increased my pace.
A flustered Dallae immediately called out from behind me.
"Wha, why are you suddenly speeding up?"
"I have a bad feeling."
"Really? Then let's run even faster."
Sooyoung and Jin Dallae accelerated their pace in succession. The tight cave space gradually expanded, and a glow enveloped us.
Two-thirds of the way through. An open space with little oxygen.
-Flash!
"Growl."
Dozens of magical beasts awaited us, ready to strike.
"This is…"
"It doesn't seem like we can escape."
Jin Dallae muttered, trying to catch her breath.
'It's worse than I imagined.'
Cave snakes, gray bears, kobolds, cave bats, and more. The beasts surrounded us, ready to pounce at the slightest movement.
They behaved as if they possessed intelligence. Some had set up barricades with pebbles and stones. I even noticed traps that seemed rigged.
Not typical behavior for artificial beasts. The situation was becoming more complex.
"Grrr."
A kobold took a step closer. In response, the beasts began snarling, baring their sharp teeth and claws.
"Hey, hey, what do we do?"
Sooyoung, pulling her bowstring taut, inquired.
"I don't know."
Honestly, I had no answers. We'd have to engage in close combat. I channeled my mana throughout my body, ready to give the signal to shoot.
"First, let's deal with these creatures-"
-Sting.
A sensation pricked my spine.
My combat instincts responded urgently.
The sheer, overwhelming fear that the weak experienced.
I hadn't felt this in a long time. I braced myself, scanning the area behind with my heightened senses.
Something was unfolding magical energy towards us.
And it wasn't ordinary magic.
"Shiheon…?"
Jin Dallae, with a questioning look, gazed at me. Noticing my expression, her eyes widened in shock.
She probably noticed my pale face. While they were oblivious, my instincts recognized the imminent danger.
-Thud thud thud thud!
From behind us, a wave of magical energy surged forward like a relentless pursuit. The familiarity of it made quick analysis possible. It was a spatial magic, a variant of the "Teleportation" spell. Judging by the magic's intensity and its formula's complexity, it wasn't something prepared in a day or two.
'This is troublesome.'
A drop of sweat slid down my chin.
Should have pressed harder back then.
The regret of my ignorance was palpable. I turned to Jin Dallae and asked in a low voice.
"Hey, if I bind these creatures, can you manage to break free?"
"What are you talking about?"
"What?"
"Summon the instructors. Quick."
Using all my magical power, I pressured the surrounding space.
It was the "Heatwave Plate" spell I had used back then.
"Kik!?"
It wasn't enough to suppress the strong creatures here, but it was sufficient for the lesser ones.
"What are… No, not that. Are you mad? You want to stay behind?"
"Seems I have to. Something's coming."
"But… this is an emergency."
"I know."
"You're leaving me behind again?"
Without answering Jin Dallae, I gave Sooyoung a discreet nod. She immediately understood my intention, nodded, and grabbed Jin Dallae, sprinting forward.
"Thank you. Let's meet again if we survive."
"Wait, let go! Let me go!"
"Damn, just run. And don't stop someone who's willing to sacrifice himself."
Sooyoung left nonchalantly. She mentioned once about her previous real-life combat experience. It indeed showed in her reaction. As for Jin Dallae… Well, I owed her from back then.
'But I never said I'd die for her.'
I swore, when I saw Sooyoung again, she wouldn't get off easily.
I turned to face the incoming flash of light.
The light enveloped me rapidly.
-Flash!
Everything went white. My stomach churned.
Adapting to this new environment required time.
I was suddenly ejected somewhere, and overwhelmed, I vomited.
"Cough, choke. Damn."
Blood spurted out from the force of a spell that didn't consider its target's condition. Even with my power, the pain didn't subside quickly.
But where was this?
[What is that?]
A creepy voice whispered directly into my ear. I lifted my head slowly, groaning.
[A human being.]
[Human?]
[Good heavens.]
Several trees and dozens of Ents.
No, calling them Ents was an understatement. They were literal tree humans.
[A man.]
[That smell… it's intoxicating.]
The trees murmured in creepy, eerie tones. I hardened my expression.
[A sexy man♡]
Chills ran down my spine.
"Damn it."
I realized I was in deep trouble.