Infinite Competitive Dungeon Society Chapter 144-146

Chapter 144. What We Can Do (2)

Guild Revival's accomplishments quickly spread. It was only obvious. Father said he'd act alone, so only beautiful girls were left to clear Event Dungeons. No matter how weak they were, they would have received attention. What made it worse was that each of them had incredible strength. Even the lowest leveled Shuna had a special ability pa.s.sed down in her royal family, granting her shocking defensive capability.

Perhaps because she was similar to Sumire in a lot of ways, they got along well. From what I heard in the guild communication channel, it seemed they were best friends. They were around the same age as well.

In any case, the 5 girls didn't hide their ident.i.ties and confidently marched into the gates of countries that allowed foreign ability users to enter them. Of course, Hwaya provided her private plane for transportation.

Regardless of whether the Event Dungeons were ranked C or A, they cleared them thoroughly. Even when Event Raids broke out, they effortlessly cleared them. Since the Flame Witch Hwaya Mastiford was already well known, people at first suspected that they were affiliated with Britain's Guardian. However, after they identified Ludia and Ye-Eun as the girls who fought with Dragon Knight in America, they began to say that the group was under Dragon Knight's command. They were right.

Their decisive and swift action of destroying Event Dungeons regardless of their ranks drew the attention of other ability users and various ma.s.s media. They probably wanted to know our objective, but Hwaya avoided contact with the media. After all, even if Hwaya didn't explain, everyone should already know why Event Dungeons had to be destroyed. Hwaya simply led the others to clear as many Event Dungeons as possible.

Thanks to their action, other regions began to clear their Event Dungeons too. They were probably thinking something like, 'I don't know what's what, but they must be getting something amazing. So Let's do it, too!'

They weren't wrong. Hwaya and the others were getting great benefits from clearing the Event Dungeons. However, these benefits were only available to dungeon explorers, not regular ability users. That said, if they could reduce the harm caused by governments trying to let Event Dungeons turn into Field Dungeons, that would be good for the future.

As each Event Dungeons gave at least 1 bonus stat, Hwaya and the others grew greatly, clearing 88 dungeons in the given time. Since they even cleared Event Raids perfectly, I couldn't help but be jealous after calculating the stat bonuses they must have gotten. Of course, I wasn't so stupid as to make them stop and wait for me. To me, the current training was the most important. I could bear with hearing Hwaya's bragging.

[Huhu, I just cleared my 30th.]

[Congratulations, father.]

Father also destroyed many dungeons by himself. Considering how confident he was of late, it seemed he had mastered high-rank Spear Technique. I was certain, considering how he was bragging about reaching a new height in his spearmans.h.i.+p. He was worthy of the self-proclaimed t.i.tle of world's strongest.

[How are you doing lately, son? Is your spear training going well?]

[It's so-so. I'm coming close to grasping it.]

[Ho, even so, you won't be able to reach father's level.]

[Just wait and see.]

I had to concentrate on Beyond even more. Today was the last day of the one month period I promised.

With Guild Revival's effort, and Guardian and Freedom Wing trying to clear high-ranked dungeons, 222 Event Dungeons had been cleared so far. It was just over half of the total. There were still two SS ranked dungeons in Russia and America, and 14 other dungeons ranked S+ or above. There were 35 dungeons between A rank and S rank, which the government elites were trying to clear, and 167 dungeons ranked B or below, which various governments were scheming to turn into Field Dungeons.

Good. With just that, it was worth a try.

[Kiaaaaaa!]

[Kyaaaaaak!]

Standing in the middle of a long and straight pathway, I glanced at the front and back. Hundreds of Wraith Queens were screaming and flying toward me.

[Soul Guard became level 7. You develop a perfect resistance to almost all mental attacks. Your league of existence increases further. Weapons without mana can no longer hurt you.]

Ooh, just by being here, I can feel my Soul Guard's experience skyrocketing! However, I couldn't just stay here forever. The hasty Wraith Queens had already begun spitting out ectoplasm arrows.

I shot out a few crossbow bolts, shooting down the arrows I couldn't possibly avoid. Then, I lowered my center of gravity. Below my feet, light whirlpools appeared, sending me flying. After Peruta Circuit reached level 7, I became able to apply Peruta Circuit to a certain extent.

"Ha!"

Shooting forward forcefully, I slashed the Wraith Queen in front of me. Immediately afterward, I stepped on the ground, shooting up like a spring and activating a skill. It was Gale Track.

[Kiaaaaaa!]

"Third, fourth, fifth!"

Gluttony Spear beamed with golden Spirit Aura as it pierced through all enemies blocking its path. As Spear Technique leveled up, each attack drew out more damage. As a result, the Wraith Queens in Gale Track's path died instantly when they were unlucky. Of course, once I killed ten Wraith Queens, adding 50% bonus damage to my attack, they all died instantly.

"Huaaaaaa!"

[Kyaaaa!]

[My… heart….!]

Peika was infused in my spear, while Ruyue stayed on the outside, hindering Wraith Queens' movements and leading them so that I can kill them more easily. Peika's ability focused on attacking, while Ruyue's ability could be used in various ways.

"Every single one of you, come!"

[You used Provoke! All enemies in the area attack you with great hostility!]

[Kill that human!]

[Make him our ally!]

[Make him our ally!]
[Husband… I mean, ally!]

Huk! The Wraith Queens' eyes were flas.h.i.+ng strangely! They were like the eyes Loretta sometimes had!

Using Gale Track, I charged through to where the gate was, shredding all Wraith Queens on my way. Once I was in front of the gate, I turned around, surging with great rotational force. The wind energy gathered on the tip of my spear, seemingly wanting to burst out at any moment. It traveled around my body, then gathered on the tip of my spear again.

I raised my spear. There were still about a hundred Wraith Queens left alive.

"Elemental Tempest!"

[It's a festival!]

[Super spin spin~!]

Elementals flew toward my spear, where wind energy spiraled around. With the addition of the elementals, the spear gave off a rainbow light. The explosive wind energy and power from the elementals caused my hand holding the spear to shake, but I firmly gripped my spear with a snort.

Then, I thrust it forward.

[Kyaaaaaaa!]

With 50% of my mana instantly leaving my body, a sense of fatigue swept through my body. I stretched my foot back and prevented myself from falling. The Wraith Queens filling up the pathway died in ma.s.s, and I constantly heard messages that I obtained 3,000 gold.

"Hu, it's over."

It was really over. Seeing the wide pathway completely empty, I was deeply moved. Now, I couldn't grind even if I wanted to.

Currently, my Spear Technique was level 9. This had happened almost two weeks ago. Still, I didn't know if the last two months of grinding would let me master my Spear Technique. Skill experience wasn't something I could calculate. However, I couldn't just stay here forever.

Even if I couldn't master high-ranked Spear Technique, it was fine. It didn't mean that the two months of training was meaningless. I grew more used to practical application of Peruta Circuit in battles, and I was confident I had reached great heights in my spearmans.h.i.+p. Soul Guard had reached level 7, and my Elementalist abilities also grew. That was enough.

"Alright then… let's go!"

With a sense of unease, I stepped beyond the gate. In that instant, several messages rang in my ear.

[You conquered Beyond's 3rd floor. You can challenge the dungeon's 54th floor.]

[Your maximum HP and MP increase by 2%. You obtained 5 bonus stats.]

[Experience has been added to skills you frequently used to progress through Beyond's 3rd floor.]

[High-rank Martial Arts became level 5! Positive effects will be added to all actions using your body!]

[Mid-rank Crossbow Marksmans.h.i.+p became level 8. You can shoot without aiming and hit your target's vital points.]

[You mastered low-rank Gale Track! The wind energy gathered for the final blow is amplified.]

[You learned mid-rank Gale Track! Every time an enemy is pushed away, your attack power increases by 7% up to 200%!]

[Mid-rank Dash became level 6! Positive effects will be added to all charge type skills!]

[Peruta Circuit became level 8! Even in fierce battles, you can circulate Peruta Circuit and recover mana like normal. At the same time, you can effectively attack and defend using the flow of mana.]

[Soul Guard became level 8! Your lofty league renders most mental attacks ineffective and reflects them back to their user. You will not be intimidated by enemies stronger than you, and as your existence becomes more complete, your resistance to dark mana increases greatly.]

[Overwhelm became level 2! Just by existing, you cause all enemies to tremble. It decreases all of your opponent’s abilities by 10%. The chance of your opponent failing to activate a skill increases by 10%]

[High-rank Spirit Mastery became level 2. All souls connected to you obtained the possibility to leap past their souls' original potential.]

And.

[You mastered high-rank Spear Technique! When you're holding a spear, aura will form automatically. Even without a spear, you can create a spear using your aura. You greatly intimidate enemies with lower levels of weapon techniques. Your spear begins to sprout the potential to covet G.o.dhood.]

[Now, you must create your own Spear Technique. This path is long and arduous, and is bound to happen slowly. Do not get impatient. If you can seek help, it is recommended that you do so. Unique Spear Techniques that surpa.s.s high-rank Spear Technique are not created so easily.]

"Thank you for your concern, message noona."

[…]

"But instead of worrying about that, first…"

Seeing Loretta widening her eyes, I grinned and waved my hand. Then, I shouted inwardly.

'Yes! I mastered Spear Technique! '

"s.h.i.+n-nim, you finally came back!"

"Yeah, I obtained what I wanted."

"What is it?"

"High-rank Spear Technique master."

Loretta's jaws dropped.

"Did… Did you just say master? A high-rank weapon technique?"

"Yes. Father seems to have mastered it too. Shouldn't most Gold ranked explorers have it mastered?"

"Do you want come with me to the Residential Area and try shouting that out loud? I can promise you, people will start throwing stones at you within 30 seconds."

"I worked hard for two months, you know."

"Whew, I don't know what to say to s.h.i.+n-nim, but… I'm glad you're back safe and sound."

Because Loretta's gaze was making me feel slightly uncomfortable, I took a step back. Loretta's eyes quickly narrowed.

"This is our reunion after two months. Can't you be happier, s.h.i.+n-nim?"

"I just have a lot to do. I'm going to be busy from now."

Loretta stared at me intently. Her golden eyes were so clear and bright that they seemed to be sucking out my soul.

"W-What's wrong, Loretta?"

"s.h.i.+n-nim, with me…"

"With Loretta?"

Loretta's lips lightly budged. It seemed she was hesitating to say something.

"With me… No, nevermind. It's nothing. What am I saying… Huu, it's nothing. s.h.i.+n-nim is doing well. I'm just feeling a bit uneasy."

"Can you say it so I can understand?"

"I meant s.h.i.+n-nim should let me know when things get rough. Let me know even if things don't. I can at least give s.h.i.+n-nim a ma.s.sage. Though, I'll take proper compensation for it that's not money, huhu…"

"I know you're saying that because you're worried about me, but I won't ever ask Loretta for a ma.s.sage."

"Tsk."

Loretta clicked her tongue. Then, she laughed lightly.

"This much should be fine. But s.h.i.+n-nim, you can't overwork yourself. When things get too tiring and difficult, you have to let me know. I'm saying this seriously, okay?"

"It's not tiring and difficult at all, but sure, I will."

Tiring and difficult? It seemed Loretta didn't know me that well. As I headed to my mansion after saying goodbye, I thought, 'I've never been more full of energy in my entire life! Strengthening my abilities, learning spearmans.h.i.+p! Reaching new heights I've never seen! These things were erasing the irritation I was feeling from everything!'

There was no one at the mansion. It seemed everyone was busy working. That was good. If possible, I didn't want to be bothered.

I headed to the bas.e.m.e.nt training room. Standing in the middle of the dark and s.p.a.cious room, I closed my eyes.

"Deific Manifestation!"

It wasn't someone calling my name1. It wasn't even me calling my own name.

[Using half of your mana and vitality, you manifest the Mythological Heroic Spirit, 'Peruta Rello Vatifoa,' for 37 minutes and 21 seconds.]

It was a call for the guide who would help me take a step forward.

Author's note:

Next chapter is the long awaited appearance of Peruta's Spear Technique! Look forward to it!

Remember, Deific Manifestation = Kang s.h.i.+n (in Korean) = MC's name ↩

Chapter 145. What We Can Do (3)

[I had a feeling you'd call me soon.]

"Really?"

[Yes. Your mana was getting clearer. I knew you would soon reach the necessary realm.]

It sounded like I was a cultivator in a martial arts novel. Of course, Peruta was probably telling the truth.

"I learned a lot from you back in the Luka continent."

[Huhu, it seems you realized something about Peruta Circuit. First, let's have a spar. I can pa.s.s my spear technique down afterward.]

"Sure."

We didn't need to say much. I immediately closed my eyes, and Peruta created an Imagine World. We now had 37 hours to work with. Within this time, I had to learn Peruta's Spear Technique. Otherwise, I would have to wait another month.

Peruta Circuit was a method to bring the flow of mana toward its user. The spiraling mana sucked in external mana, and at the same time, strengthened the mana through rotational force. The whirlpool of mana didn't just happen in the mana pathway but spread out through the entire body and the outside. A special flow occurs inside the mana whirlpool, which only the user can manipulate. Depending on how it's used, it can block an opponent's attack or strengthened one's attack.

"Ho, you already learned the practical application of it."

"It can't be compared to your spearmans.h.i.+p though."

A whirlpool completely matching the flow of Peruta Circuit circulated through the spear Peruta was holding. As each of his attacks were heavy, in order to block it, I had to use the same whirlpool in my attacks or pour my aura into the spear until the limit.

Of course, that was the past me. After the special training I went through, I could imbue aura into my spear and draw Peruta Circuit's whirlpool from it. Even so, the difference between mine and Peruta's was like heaven and earth.

"If it's the current you, you'll understand it naturally while we spar."

"I hope so."

"No, I can guarantee you. If you experience it for just 30 hours…"

As he raised his spear wrapped in a whirlpool, Peruta gave a teasing smile. It was my own face, but I wanted to punch it! However, before I could charge toward him, he attacked me first.

I jumped to the side to dodge his spear which was slas.h.i.+ng down vertically, then counterattacked. As expected, Peruta read my movements and struck my spear away with his spear swirling with a whirlpool.

"Oho, your dodging skills improved!"

"I just came back from a place where I'd die if I… didn't!"

"But you're still not there yet!"

Peruta's spear was terrifyingly fast and powerful. His spear technique wasn't just utilizing Peruta Circuit's whirlpool. His spear's movement and its trajectory were as free as the capricious wind. It's methodical flow suddenly twisted and distorted, and if it caught me, it would swallow me like a raging tide. It was light, then heavy. It was calm, then violent. As someone facing it, it couldn't be more annoying.

"You can do it. You already know the key!"

"I don't… think so… at all…!"

Peruta's comforting only gave me despair. Although we shared the same body, the realm of martial arts he embodied was far and lofty. He was called an ancient Martial G.o.d and a War G.o.d. Even so, I…

BOOM!

"Good, you're getting more natural!"

"No, not at all…! I'm only just starting!"

I will catch up to him! It's not like I couldn't see the difference between us before, and now, I knew the height in front of my eyes was a level I could reach!

By the time 10 hour pa.s.sed, my white aura began to swirl around my spear in the shape of a whirlpool. The result of starting to show from repeatedly clas.h.i.+ng with Peruta's spear.

"You took your first step! Good, but are you satisfied with just that?"

"Of course not!"

His spearmans.h.i.+p wasn't the only thing I had to catch up to. His movements as he wielded his spear, his spear flowing with his movements, his footwork, the Peruta Circuit's mana erupting from his feet, the flow that amplified, converged, and released!

"You don't need to try to follow my movements. Peruta Circuit is an unconstrained whirlpool. You just have to mix it however you want."

"Of course, I already… know that!"

The whirlpool enveloping my spear was fast and destructive. Although it wasn't as capricious as Peruta's nor was it as mysterious and elusive, it became stronger as it advanced and overwhelmed the enemy with its unpredictable destructive power! It was persistent and relentless!

Peruta Circuit's current became more and more powerful as it flowed. Even as it stumbled, it did not stop, and continuously and endlessly drew in mana. The pain it gave made me happy. I felt like I finally understood how to wield mana. What was left was to direct it, not just using my spear, but using my entire body!

[You learned the Unique Spear Technique, 'Peruta - Mad Typhoon.' Although it is based on Peruta Circuit, this Unique Spear Technique has been tempered by your martial path, which naturally manipulates its shocking flow of mana into speed and destructive force. You obtained 2 skill points. Current skill points: 10]

This message was heard 24 hours after the start of my sparring with Peruta. Although the way I enveloped my spiraling white aura around my spear was different than Peruta's method, I became able to clash with him without being pushed back. It seemed Peruta had also realized it, as his smile became deeper.

"Congratulations. You paved your own way forward."

"I think it's a bit too straightforward."

"That's just your character. Once your movement is added on top of it, not many will be able to dodge your spear."

After finding out that I had learned my own Spear Technique, Peruta stopped. With a satisfied expression, he looked at me and my spear.

"For me to reach that realm, it took me 70 years in human time. This is only the start, so don't become overconfident."

"70 years…"

Even though Peruta spent 70 years to reach this height, he only considered it the start? As I thought, I had a lot to learn from his mindset.

After that, Peruta advised me about Peruta Circuit and spearmans.h.i.+p, then disappeared saying he'd see me in a month. Once I was left alone in the bas.e.m.e.nt training room, I collapsed. Since I did 24 hours' worth of movements in 24 minutes, it was only natural for fatigue to build up. I looked at the clock. It was 2 in the afternoon. I didn't have the time to stay lying on the floor like this.

"Ruyue, wash me…"

[Okay!]

In an instant, ice enveloped my entire body, then disappeared. My body drenched in sweat was now clean. Along with the cleanliness, drowsiness naturally swept over me.

"Haaa… I shouldn't…"

No. Go with the flow. Peruta seemed to be telling me so. I couldn't go against master's words, so I obediently went to sleep.

When I woke up, Sumire was in front of me.

"Huh?"

I blinked. Then, I realized I was using Sumire's laps as pillows.

"Um, Sumire? What's going on?"

"The floor is hard, s.h.i.+n-nim. My laps are hard from muscles too, but I thought they were still better than the floor."

"No, you don't have to go so far… Well, thanks though."

"Yes! You trained immediately after coming back from your training, I'm impressed!"

I got up. Sumire also got up slowly.

"Is everyone back?"

"Yes. Because s.h.i.+n-nim is coming back today, we came back after clearing 3 Event Dungeons. I came down to practice spearmans.h.i.+p while we waited, but then I found s.h.i.+n-nim here."

"You should have woken me up… Do you want to lightly spar?"

"Yes!"

Sumire's eyes sparkled. It seemed she was waiting for those exact words. Looking at Sumire grabbing her spear and taking her stance, I grinned. Then, I likewise grabbed my spear.

After the spar, Sumire reached mid-rank Spear Technique. This girl… was really a genius.

"s.h.i.+n!"

"Yeah, I was expecting you."

Ludia ran into my embrace the moment she saw me. I patted her back to calm her down and reported to the others that I was back. We could now talk about the things we needed to do.

"We're at our limit. Even if the remaining Event Dungeon turn into Field Dungeons, the countries they're in can manage them. They have tight security around their gates, preventing anyone from entering without their permission. There are 162 such dungeons."

Hwaya explained as she gritted her teeth. I had already somewhat heard about it through the communication channel, but now that I heard the exact number, I could only sigh.

"How long did it take for the first wave of Event Dungeons to turn into Field Dungeons?"

"Two months, s.h.i.+n-nim."

Sumire answered quickly. Since the Event Dungeons appeared a month ago, while I was in still in Beyond's 3rd floor, we still had a month left.

"They won't be open to discussions."

Walker spoke as one corner of his mouth curled up. Seeing as how he was here, it seemed Yua was already home.

"Even though Mastiford specifically contacted the British government, they're still trying to protect their gates."

"The problem isn't just that Event Dungeons would turn into Field Dungeons. The Event Dungeons might not get turned into Field Dungeons and have their bosses freed. That would be more of a headache…"

"Kang s.h.i.+n, humans naturally delude themselves into thinking they can control everything. If there is a precedent, it is especially so. They'll think they're prepared and that there's no need to worry about it. The result will almost always be disastrous."

Walker had quite a twisted view on the world. Of course, with the way things were going, I couldn't deny him. How annoying.

When I looked at Hwaya, she was frowning. Was it because Ludia was still in my embrace? Like a barnacle, she wouldn't get off of me even when Ye-Eun and Shuna pulled on her.

"What's up, Hwaya?"

"Guardian's leaders are extremely forward in protecting the gates."

"You can say it straight out. Brightman, right?"

"Yeah."

I should've beaten that guy up earlier.

"It's not just Brightman. Most SS rankers are helping to thoroughly protect their countries' gates. So much so that it's taking longer to clear dungeons ranked S+ or above."

"Huu, I at least hoped that the ones who obtained their abilities through the dreams would be better…"

No, I couldn't just stay here and sigh all day. I had to do what I could do.

"Let's start with Korea. Is Korea also protecting its Event Dungeons?"

"Of the 18 Event Dungeons in Korea, the three Event Dungeons ranked D or below were instantly destroyed when they appeared, and Event Raids didn't break out either. There are 4 dungeons ranked S or above, of which two are S rank and two are S+ rank. As you know, Korea doesn't have any SS rankers and only a few S rankers. Because of that, they weren't prioritized in the Guardian's ordering. They probably won't get cleared within the next month."

"What about the others?"

"The list of the other 11 Event Dungeons are: 1 A+, 2 A, 1 B+, 3 B, 2 C+, and 2 C. The Korean government is also trying to protect the dungeons ranked B+ or below. The dungeons ranked higher than that can't be cleared because of their lack of ability users. Once they enter, they can't get out until they clear the dungeon, so they're being careful about where to send their troops."

After thinking for a bit, I came to a decision.

"I want to clean up Korea first. Is that okay?"

"Son, you know that the government is protecting the gates, right?"

"Yes, father, but I'll do it forcefully. It'll be fine. Our country is too weak to stop us."

"I'm surprised you can say that as a Korean…"

But it's true! Even if Korea's 3 S rankers worked together, they won't even be able to pierce through Sumire or Shuna's defense!

"Let's split into three teams. Hwaya, you go with Walker and Shuna."

"Okay."

"Father, go with Sumire and Ye-Eun."

"Ooh, going on a stroll with my new daughter candidates doesn't sound so bad."

"I'll go with Ludia."

Ludia looked ready to burst into tears, so it was probably difficult to separate from her again. Plus, with her power of the earth for defense and healing ability, she was undoubtedly the best candidate to bring with me. Ah, Ludia's face lit up. How cute.

"The way I split the members is simple. I made it so that no one in Korea will be able to stop us. Even if Event Raids break out, we should be able to take care of them. Let's split the eleven low-ranked dungeons into three based on their distance and start. Don't openly reveal your ident.i.ties. Equip something like Otus' Secret."

"How pleasant. You're giving us orders right after coming back."

"This is only the start, Walker. My goal is to completely sweep through all the Event Dungeons on Earth."

"Regardless of people coming to stop us?"

"Who's going to stop us?"

With a grin, I retorted.

"No one can stop me now, Walker."

Author's note: N/A

Chapter 146. What We Can Do (4)

Ludia and I were in charge of Gangwon-do province, where the B, A, and A+ ranked dungeons were. As it was far from Seoul, it was the most efficient for me to go, as I could ride on Lotte, who was faster than fighter jets.

"But…"

After getting on Lotte's back with me, Ludia muttered coldly. She pointed towards the girl wrapping her arms around my back with eyes shaped like stars. She wore a water-colored dress that was perfect for going on strolls.

"What's this?"

"She's Plene, a siren. She's a companion of mine, like Lotte."

[Hi! I'm Plene! Isn't it a pretty name? s.h.i.+n gave it to me!]

Plene smiled innocently and unwrapped her arms from me. She held her hand out to Ludia, but Ludia simply glared at her.

"I… I thought you were asking me on a date."

"No, we're going to a dungeon. What date?"

"You're really a fool."

"You're the fool."

[She's a meanie! She won't accept my greeting! s.h.i.+n, scold her!]

"Ludia is normally a bit rude. Forgive her, Plene."

"She even stole my spot. I hate her…!"

Plene was perfect to hold Ludia in check. Although it might be a bit cruel to Ludia, who I met in two months, I thought Ludia was using all sorts of excuses lately to be intimate with me!

I'm a man and Ludia a woman. It would be fine if were dating, but as we weren't, sticking so close was troublesome. Both Hwaya and Ye-Eun were giving Ludia strange glares as well. I said I would take responsibility for Ludia's dependence on me, but that didn't mean I would marry her! If she became even more intimate than she currently was… my… Kuhum.

But what about now? Plene, who liked being intimate just as much as Ludia, held Ludia in check! As Ludia spends more time separated from me, she would realize she doesn't need to always cling to me!

… But, strange. Why did I feel like nothing had changed other than that Plene replaced Ludia!?

In any case, we first decided to clear the B rank dungeon. This Event Dungeon had appeared in the middle of Gangwon-do's camping ground. I was shocked by how many Guardians were lined up and protecting it. With that number, they could just go in and clear it themselves!

The Guardians didn't see us in the sky. It was because Lotte was a cheaty wyvern that was even specialized in stealth. Her skills, 'Presence Concealment' and 'Invisibility', were hiding us perfectly! It was also the reason that I couldn't recognize her when we first met, even though she appeared right in front of my eyes.

"s.h.i.+n, what are you going to do? Are you going to talk to them?"

Ludia asked as she raised her staff. Strange. Why do you look like you're in your combat mode rather than normal mode? Did you hit the s.p.a.cebar twice by mistake?1

Although I was dumbfounded, I would be troubled if she shouted, 'O Earth!', so I quickly answered her.

"No, we're going to sing."

"Sing?"

Ludia tilted her head. Soon, she looked at Plene, clearly thinking, 'Is it her?'

When I eyed Plene, she nodded with a shy smile. Then, she began to sing.

"Lalala~"

"Mm? Where is this sound coming from?"

"Idiots, it might be a monster's attack. Stay on your…"

With Plene's voice ringing from the sky, the Guardians began to collapse one by one, starting from the one admonis.h.i.+ng the others to stay alert. After becoming my subordinate, Plene's singing ability was increasing the more she practiced. In essence, it was being treated like a skill by the dungeon's system. As she continued singing ever since we met, her ability, which even affected S rankers, had grown much stronger. Even magic type Awakened with innate resistance against mental attacks would find it difficult to resist Plene's singing.

"This song, how beautiful…"

"To us, it's just a beautiful song, but to them…"

To them, a special effect would be added. One that helps them fall asleep in just 10 seconds.

Just by singing for 30 seconds, Plene made all nearby ability users drop their weapons and fall asleep. When they woke up, they would find themselves relieved of fatigue. If you're suffering from insomnia, I recommend you get a siren! They would be super popular. Thinking rather useless things, I lightly tapped Plene's shoulder.

"Lalala~ Mm? Why?"

"You can stop singing now, Plene."

"But I want to finish this song…"

"You can sing later. I'll listen to the full song then."

"Okay!"

Just in case an Event Raid breaks out after we cleared the dungeon, we moved the ability users elsewhere. Shortly afterward, we were the only ones around the gate.

"What an unbelievable ability."

"Plene, Ludia is complimenting you."

"Really? Thank you! I like you!"

"N-No! That wasn't a compliment!"

As always, it was too easy to earn points with Plene. Listening to them bickering behind me, I grinned and ordered Lotte.

"Charge into the gate."

[Understood, Hero!]

Lotte flapped her wings once and swiftly flew into the gate.

Our surroundings warped and the Event Dungeon appeared. It was an open gra.s.sland with deer running around playfully. They had turquoise skin and were three times as large as normal deer. On each of their foreheads was a spiral-shaped horn, and their feet hooves were shaped like scissors. If not for these characteristics, the entire view would have looked extremely peaceful.

"Deer meat doesn't even taste good… d.a.m.n it."

"You were thinking about eating them!?"

Plene performed outstandingly even inside the dungeon. By changing her tune, she could apply various status effects. Currently, she was using the status effect sirens were known for. Right, her singing was luring its listeners toward her like mindless zombies. Whether the deer were grazing on the gra.s.s or having mixed martial arts fights, they turned their attention to Plene's singing. They stopped what they were doing and walked across the gra.s.sland toward us. As Plene continued singing, we flew around the gra.s.sland on Lotte's back.

"s.h.i.+n? What are you doing?"

"Can't you see? I'm collecting the deer together."

"Lalala~!"

Around the time I could confidently say that we looked around the entire Event Dungeon, there was a gigantic herd of deer following us.

"Kraaa…"
"Krrrrr…"

In the past, I wanted to hunt monsters the moment I saw them. Now, weak monsters couldn't draw out my fighting spirit in the slightest. I was glad that I brought Plene along.

"Do we need to hunt all the monsters before the boss appears? How was it in the other dungeons, Ludia?"

"I think it's based on how many monsters you encountered, not how many you defeated. Since all you need to do is find monsters, it should be appearing any time soon… Ah, it's here!"

[Kuooooooo…!]

[Kiladeer Gra.s.sland's boss monster, 'Iron Kiladeer,' has appeared! Defeating the Iron Kiladeer and clearing the Event Dungeon will grant special rewards!]

At the same time the boss appeared, I finally found out what these monsters were called. Kiladeer! As for the boss, just its body was over 3 meters tall, while its legs were made out of steel! Its large, thick horn looked like it would be a good decoration. That said, why did all animal type boss monsters appear as metallicized versions!? I carefully raised my spear.

"Heroic Strike!"

[You defeated the Event Dungeon boss monster, Kiladeer!]

[30,000 gold is distributed evenly amongst party members. You received 15,000 gold.]

[Kang s.h.i.+n-nim's contribution is the highest. Choose your reward.]

2. Iron Kiladeer's Antler]

Of course, kiladeers didn't disappear just by killing the boss. First, I selected Iron Kiladeer's Horn Sword and fed it to Gluttony Spear (it didn't even grow by 0.3%). Then, I swiftly took care of the kiladeer with a single Elemental Tempest. Meanwhile, Ludia…

"Ludia, what's that?"

"Antler."

"… What are you doing?"

"Pulverizing it."

"For what…?"

"To make s.h.i.+n eat it."

Ludia's devotion toward me was truly admirable. Antlers were indeed good for the body, so I was thankful[2. Western scientists disagree.]. That aside, it seemed I needed to question mother. Just what was she teaching Ludia!?

[You completely cleared an B rank Event Dungeon! All party members received 1 bonus stat!]

[You will now return.]

We cleared the other two Event Dungeons, but no Event Raid broke out. Altogether, we receive 4 bonus stats. Clearing the A+ rank dungeon only gave 2 bonus stat. It was most likely because I had long surpa.s.sed its standard.

[We're done. How about you guys?]

[We're still on our second one.]

[We're also on our second, son. How are you done so quickly?]

[Do you want to know, father?]

[No, it's fine. You should go ahead and clear the other dungeons.]

After checking the news through my phone, I leisurely cleared the other two dungeons. The Korean government had found out that we were destroying the Event Dungeons and sent additional forces to uncleared Event Dungeons. They even criticized us through the media. In any case, their actions didn't stop me in the slightest. Plene simply put everyone to sleep, and we cleared the dungeons. afterward, news began to spread that unidentified a.s.sailants with malicious intent were going around invading Korea's gates.

"Although Guardians are guarding the gates, in truth, they have no right to prevent us from clearing the Event Dungeons."

Although there were laws regarding Event Dungeons, as long as the dungeons and the potential Event Raids could be dealt with, neither the government nor the Guardian could say anything about it. After all, the gates appeared on their own. They did not belong to anyone.

In any case, the news claimed that we were terrorists trying to release monsters into Korea by clearing Event Dungeons and making Event Raids break out. If that were true, the Guardian undoubtedly had the right to step in.

Hey, who knew being a terrorist was so hard?

[They were confirmed to be the same group of people, who were actively destroying various countries' gates within the past month. This group, known to be led by the SS ranker Hwaya Mastiford, has…]

[Breaking news. A picture has been taken of a group of people riding on a wyvern. The man on top is suspected to be the Dragon Knight, who recently made headlines with his accomplishment in America. His current goal seems to match that of Hwaya Mastiford.]

[Why could they be doing this? Some say that they are destroying Korea's gates for the same reason that they destroyed the other gates within the past month.]

[The government has heavily deployed Guardians to the uncleared ga… Ah! We just received the report that all gates other than the four S or S+ ranked gates have been destroyed!]

I couldn't say it was pleasant, as they made it sound like I was a criminal. Of course, I could understand where they were coming from. They must be thinking, 'Why us!?' If I could, I would tell them.

Don't worry, the same will happen to all the other countries!

I headed to Seoul on Lotte, where we promised to meet. The other two teams were heading over as well. We were purposefully being conspicuous. That was more convenient. I didn't want to have to explain twice.

"Yep, looking good. I'm sure s.h.i.+n will s.h.i.+ne even in front of the camera."

"s.h.i.+n is cool!"

"I don't need the flattery. Thank you though."

For the past month, although I wasn't there, Guild Revival had gotten rid of Event Dungeons. Their accomplishment would help make my announcement incredibly powerful. Thanks to them, I was ready to step in front of everyone.

It was the time for Revival to step up to the world stage. Not as everyone's ally, but as a strange group that mastered the Provoke skill.

'Ciara, you wanted to me to lead the world's ability users, but the method I chose is different. It's going to annoy you, ha!'

Author's note:

I'm not saying this just because I put a Mabinogi reference this chapter, but I heard they made a Mabinogi Café near Sadang Station's 11th exit.

I. Want. To. Go!

d.a.m.n it, from 6th grade to the second year of high school, I poured in my youth to Mabinogi! Mabinogi Café, a Mabinogi Café! I want to go!!

That's enough of my tantrum.

Mabinogi reference. ↩