Chapter 510 |
Chapter 510
Chapter 510. What's With You (4)
For reference, the set meal I had with the leader of the Korean Magic Tower was decent. The likes of crispy grilled mackerel were hard to come by on Alphauri, after all...
Anyway, if one could wander about like a loafer while consuming such delicious food, there would be no better life than that.
‘Haah.’
It was around the time a thought close to a sigh drifted through me. Though it was regrettable. In truth, I wasn't able to go home even after finishing lunch with Esther.
[New Body Modification ✧]
[Further Reduction of Sleep Time]
go home even after finishing lunch with Esther.
[Further Reduction of Sleep Time]
On the contrary, there were so many matters to handle lately that I had to take such fearsome measures.
‘Damn it.’
Ah. This is the worst. To think I would voluntarily end up working overtime—the very thing I despised.
‘There’s no longer any obnoxious person giving me orders. But since I’ve created so many schedules for myself, it feels like the sheer amount of research isn’t much different from my previous life.’
Still, I couldn’t act lazily as my heart desired. There was still a magical conduit on this planet that had not been fully deciphered. The matter of the evaporated Gisimche placed immense pressure on the Archmage, and I was able to use that negative emotion as fuel to proceed with various research projects.
–Tap.
And the topic I am currently concentrating on is...It concerns the [Magic that Creates Gates] itself.
'Separate from what's embedded in that special passage, the otherworld itself clearly had the same feed box and spell structure.'
During the previous Great Dungeon raid, I had obtained some objective information. But that enormous entrance—humming and emitting light—was unquestionably a phenomenon I had never seen on Alphauri.
Until now, I had used these two terms for similar purposes. In truth, only the ‘Dungeon’—the term for the strange internal space—was an already familiar concept; the ‘Gate’ itself was a specialty unique to Earth.
"Hmm."
And to clarify at this point. I still regarded that shining passage as a straw. I had not yet changed my hypothesis that its role was to connect to a host.
'If the dungeon creator wasn't a Gisimche who got thrashed by me, then why on earth did they have to keep their distance from Earth?'
I couldn't understand the intentions of the opponent who installed these strange straws on Earth. Gates. As expected, analyzing that magic requires mobilizing every possible method. Thus, in order to obtain information more easily, I have completely reduced my rest time lately.
I couldn’t understand the intentions of the opponent who installed these strange straws on Earth. Gates. As expected, analyzing that magic requires mobilizing every possible method. Thus, in order to obtain information more easily, I have completely reduced my rest time lately.
‘To understand such a miracle, the reality is that I have to reach the level where I can [Create a Gate] myself...’
Developing a new analysis magic. By any measure, this is no easy challenge.
***
Still, as the saying goes, even dried fish is still fish. Since I had served as the Archmage for the longest period on my home planet.
[Development of New Analytical Technique Successful ✧]
After a few days, the hurdles were gradually resolved. I ate less. I slept less. By conducting research relentlessly on a schedule that transcended humanity, my analytical power naturally increased.
‘Yahoo.’
Then today, let's try applying this magic in practice.
Swish, swish.
This occurred after activating the “Clean” spell, a convenience of Alphaurian civilization that restores the body to a pristine state in a single second. Having finished my grooming, I took transportation to a distant location to find a gate.
'An F-rank dungeon.'
With this, it would be relatively easy to cope no matter what happened.
'Furthermore, it's a spawn point for low-value monsters that humans don't particularly care about.'
Since there was no need to worry about other components either, I pushed half my body into the glowing conduit.
'I'm only going to analyze the gate for a moment anyway. There's no need to set foot deep inside...'
After peeking at the internal environment, I immediately triggered a mana phenomenon. First, I executed a veil spell so that the gate creator couldn't perceive the changes here. After that, I took a peek at the important blueprints of the magical conduit from within.
At this moment. The native term “Hacking” popped into the head of the body I occupied.
‘Anyway, it’s a similar process, right?’
However, it seemed this was no time for other thoughts. Upon exerting the brand-new magic used for in-depth gate analysis, strange information was soon caught by my fingertips.
[This sub-dimensional creation magic was triggered from the left side of the sky.]
Of course, whether it was left or right didn’t matter much. The only thing that truly needed attention was this part.
‘Why is the origin concentrated on one side...?’
In fact, I hadn’t investigated only one gate today. This one right next to me. That one glowing on the mountain behind. And as a result of passing by all the B-rank gates owned by other hunters that I had caught glimpses of before coming here, this information was delivered to the Archmage.
[This sub-dimensional creation magic was triggered from the left side of the sky.]
here, this information was delivered to the Archmage.
[This sub-dimensional creation magic was triggered from the left side of the sky.]
To think these scattered Gates all ultimately originated from a similar location.
'This feels unpleasant!'
The even more ominous circumstance to reveal at this point is... That “left side of the sky” was the very direction my soul had traversed through in its entirety...
Of course, most Alphaurins were a species with poor eyesight—near-sighted by nature. It meant that despite such advanced technology, no one cared about the “appearance” of the home they stood upon. Therefore, even if I opened an Earthly space science book, there was a high probability I wouldn’t recognize photos or drawings representing Alphauri.
Fortunately, reincarnation was such an intensely powerful process that various experiential pieces of information remained deeply embedded within my soul. Thanks to that, even without a separate comparison process, I could instinctively tell that the left sky was the binary star system where I was truly born.
'Hmm.'
Then, as expected, is the Dungeon Shock that transformed this planet being influenced by creatures of the binary star system? Or is it simply that “evolved Gisimche” naturally came to prefer the south due to solar heat, radiation, or other
'Hmm.'
Then, as expected, is the Dungeon Shock that transformed this planet being influenced by creatures of the binary star system? Or is it simply that “evolved Gisimche” naturally came to prefer the south due to solar heat, radiation, or other reasons? With observation results like this, from a scholar’s perspective, the absolute worst-case scenario honestly begins to come to mind.
'Alphauri, was it you again who committed some wicked act?'
However, the possibility that the people of my hometown were involved in this incident remained low.
'…To say that, the logic doesn’t quite add up.'
There were truly many parts that made no sense. One magical planet in the binary star system had unfortunately been depleted of resources.
Furthermore, the changes in the living environment due to the decrease in mana were extreme, making Alphauri in its modern end-times practically a living hell. What this means is that even if someone had secretly carried out a project without the Archmage’s knowledge... there was simply an absolute lack of planetary energy, leaving no way to interfere with Earth.
'While standing on Alphauri, a mage can absolutely never cause a Dungeon Shock in another region.'
Then, for now, further mulling it over won’t yield an answer.
'While standing on Alphauri, a mage can absolutely never cause a Dungeon Shock in another region.'
Then, for now, further mulling it over won't yield an answer.
Whoosh.
First, I roughly clear the dungeon, which has no particular anomalies, by creating a fake wave. And immediately after finishing work like this, I trudged out onto the path.
[Ding!]
But had it even been a few minutes since I started resting before another contact came?
'Living truly is exhausting.'
Checking my phone, the text that arrived this time said an S-rank gate had appeared in a part of Seoul.
'Damn it.'
My mood is sour because my investigation schedule was ruined, but if such a report comes in, there will be no choice. Being a hunter is a profession that hunts beasts. Thanks to this social role, hunters basically receive high wages. I had no choice but to deploy to the scene according to the cold logic of capitalism.
'Working as much as I get paid is the conscientious thing to do.'
But upon arriving at the Dungeon, an unexpected reality unfolded.
'Hm?'
It means the scene wasn't half bad, contrary to my expectations.
***
2:00 PM. Another top-rank gate appeared in a densely populated area of the Republic of Korea. Upon receiving this report, Jeong Ha-seong hurriedly packed his equipment.
"Driver. Please head to OO-dong."
"It appeared in that neighborhood again? Wow, anyway, it's hard to protect house prices in this world nowadays."
For an S-rank hunter, even the time heading to the scene was precious. The national hero left the driving to a professional and checked his electronic devices alone in the passenger seat.
Tap, tap.
According to the case summary hurriedly sent by the Hunter Association, this gate was even an S-rank that appeared due to an [Abnormal Mutation].
'Is it almost to the point where it's rarer for there to be a day without an S-rank in the world?'
Jeong Haseong scanned the PDF document with his eyes.
'I thought it had been quiet for a while.'
Mutation. While that phenomenon had always occurred steadily, it was statistically difficult to experience personally, so most hunters lived having forgotten about it.
'I wish technology to predict gates that will undergo rank changes would come out.'
Most hunters lived having forgotten about it.
'I wish technology to predict gates that will undergo rank changes would come out.'
However, this was also a phenomenon that almost always resulted in casualties once it broke out. Furthermore, since the mutation entity that appeared suddenly was said to be an S-rank...
'Hmm.'
Jeong Haseong tensed and stepped out of the vehicle. He had already arrived at the S-rank Gate in question.
'Oh?'
But if this person had already arrived at the scene, the story was different. Jeong Haseong called out to the other person with a look of joy, as if he had met a close relative.
"Hunter Kim!"
It hadn’t even been a few days since the [Misaligned Corpse] incident. Jeong Haseong notably raised his voice and made such a remark.
"Have you been well? I didn’t dare contact you because I thought you’d be busy! It’s good to confirm that you’re healthy even now."
It hadn't even been a few days since the [Misaligned Corpse] incident. Jeong Haseong notably raised his voice and made such a remark.
“Have you been well? I didn’t dare contact you because I thought you’d be busy! It’s good to confirm that you’re healthy even now.”
“Uh? Uh-huh.”
For the record, in the last giant fish dungeon, the Number 1 ranker had escaped first in an emergency role to deliver information. But once the Great Dungeon situation ended, other countries belatedly became a mess due to the boss’s escape...
Because of that, Korea’s powerful water-attribute Awakened was called here and there without even having a moment to strike up a conversation. In other words, Jeong Ha-seong had truly found it difficult to see Kim Giryeo during that time. He actively expressed his gratitude to his industry colleague in a suit, even now.
“Anyway, I was really thankful that you used an artifact back then in the dungeon.”
“Artifact? Ah, that?”
“Of course, it was a point where information sharing with those outside was necessary, but on the other hand, thanks to Hunter Kim, I got out to the safe zone first, so...”
Rescuing the pyromancer with a single item. Furthermore, he had cleanly finished off the fearsome fish monster on his own. In any case, would there be another such reliable hunter in the world? Jeong Haseong sincerely harbored positivity
Of course, it was a point where information sharing with those outside was necessary, but on the other hand, thanks to Hunter Kim, I got out to the safe zone first, so...
Rescuing the pyromancer with a single item. Furthermore, he had cleanly finished off the fearsome fish monster on his own. In any case, would there be another such reliable hunter in the world? Jeong Haseong sincerely harbored positive thoughts, and speaking of which, there were somehow familiar faces at the scene where they were conversing.
Whoosh.Thus, the national hero belatedly asked a question.
“By the way, the people behind you—”
“Ah.”
“Why are they here?”
Pitch-black short-cut hair. A somewhat intimidating tall height. Attire bundled up to a stifling degree. With hunters of this appearance reflected before his eyes, how could he fail to recognize them?
Choi Jin. A top-tier A-rank Hunter. Because this famous figure was standing at the front, the national hero easily categorized those gathered there.
'Both seem to belong to the [Kim Giryeo Guild].'
But the blond man's reply was even more unexpected.
"Ah! That's because."
"Yes?"
"If Hunter Jeong Haseong allows it, I'd like to enter the dungeon together with these people today."
"Pardon? With them in an S-rank? I understand Choi Jin, but one of them seems lower-ranked."
"Listen to the explanation first."
Around the time Jeong Haseong reflexively showed unease. Someone spoke up calmly.
"I checked first. Only the boss is S-rank."
Around the time Jeong Haseong reflexively showed unease. Someone spoke up calmly.
“I checked first. Only the boss is S-rank.”
“It wasn’t that the overall rank was high?”
“The average mana concentration is A-rank, and the difficulty is similar to or a bit lower than the [Six-Foot Corridor]. But it seems the Association made a bit of a mistake while hurriedly reporting the information.”
Indeed. While it’s ultimately unavoidable for errors to occur in human work.
“But no matter how low the difficulty is, it’s a bit much for a single S-rank to take responsibility for this gate, isn’t it?”
“Does it feel burdensome?”
Kim Giryeo continued.
“If lower-rank hunters enter together, we can save the mana used when dealing with the minions.”
“Hmm.”
“I’ll take responsibility for safety matters.”
Hmm.
I'll take responsibility for safety matters.
That, of course, I trust you.
Additionally, this is a personal opinion, but since Hunter Jeong Haseong's skill control is also excellent now, I thought it might be good to practice collaborating with others...
Jeong Haseong nodded.
I see. Alright then. Let's all enter together.
Really?
It wasn't out of bad intentions anyway. The intent was, to the end, to save the S-rank's power for the sake of safety. So what would be gained from refusing this?
Thank you, Haseong-ah.
The discussion regarding the abnormal mutation ended quickly. Kim Giryeo. Jeong Haseong. These two S-ranks would accompany each other without fail to kill the boss. Hunter Choi Jin, and the other guild member with a special skill...
“Thank you, Haseong-ah.”
The discussion regarding the abnormal mutation ended quickly. Kim Giryeo. Jeong Haseong. These two S-ranks would accompany each other without fail to kill the boss. Hunter Choi Jin, and the other guild member with a special skill, would enter just to assist while gaining experience. That was the plan confirmed for now.
‘To think he was personally arranging the scene for the improvement of his guild members’ skills. Even with his own work, he must always be busy, but Hunter Kim Giryeo is truly...’
The problem was that Kim Giryeo had not made the proposal for such admirable reasons as Jeong Haseong assumed.
***
‘Damn it! Good. I’ve finally dragged these troublemakers into my line of sight.’
Glance.
After finishing the conversation with Jeong Ha-seong. I, the Archmage, wiped away cold sweat—quite unlike myself.
‘That brat Hunter Choi Jin is completely insane!’
As one can tell from this thought, I had actually called her because I wanted to personally suppress a specific employe
'That brat Hunter Choi Jin is completely insane!'
As one can tell from this thought, I had actually called her because I wanted to personally suppress a specific employee. Honestly, if given the chance, I wanted to stop Choi Jin from hunting even by making up all sorts of excuses.
'I have to stop her work somehow...'
To explain the impact she was having on her affiliated guild, four days would be insufficient. Furthermore, the owner of the [Appraisal] skill near her was equally aggravating. I thought if I hired employees around C-rank, they wouldn't stand out. But looking back later, oops, such a big-shot skill owner had been hired squarely as an employee.
'Well, if I were HR, I would've passed anyone with analytical abilities without question.'
However, that appraiser, who said they applied because they respected the guild master, has been continuing a legendary streak to the point of hitting Number 1 within the C-rank.
'Why would such talent... why join this kind of guild?'
Appraisers are generally rare. But if such an appraiser even enters a dungeon, their value skyrockets even further.
Therefore, so that rumors of our guild monopolizing such talent wouldn't spread further, I resolved to bring these workaholic lunatics here and lock them up for a few hours. Of course, this measure... Was a sort of futile effort that would soon leave only a sense of emptiness.
Therefore, so that rumors of our guild monopolizing such talent wouldn’t spread further, I resolved to bring these workaholic lunatics here and lock them up for a few hours. Of course, this measure... Was a sort of futile effort that would soon leave only a sense of emptiness.
'At least I should try.'
Besides, even if I suppress those two ace employees, the guild is already achieving immense growth for “certain reasons” even at this moment, so the goal of living quietly is already ruined...
'And there’s no harm in training employees in advance. The appraiser is physically weak, so I should teach more know-how.'
Aquatic creatures do not cry out loud.
“Anyway, let’s head in soon.”
I swallowed my sorrow. And decided to deal with the work at hand first.
Author's Thoughts
Hi, from now on, I will update this novel 3 chapters/week. Thank you for all your support so far:)