episode_0034

“Ha-yul, was your bed uncomfortable yesterday?”

“?”

“You look very tired.”

I couldn’t sleep a wink last night. With wide-open eyes, I greeted the morning after staying up all night. As a result, my condition remained below average.

Getting up groggily, I prepared to leave with my teammates.

Packing didn’t take long. Thanks to the expensive gear that balanced simplicity and performance, retrieval was quickly done.

The temporary base was mostly organized.

We gathered in the center and quickly had breakfast. Although we only reheated convenience food like yesterday, everyone seemed cheerful, perhaps because we could soon leave for the dungeon.

As we finished packing and headed back on the return journey.

Eliya, who seemed to be scrutinizing me with concern since morning, finally asked. She appeared to be in poor spirits.

[I’m fine. Just had trouble sleeping a bit.]

It wasn’t a lie. Nerves kept me awake all night, eventually forcing me to spend the night with half-closed eyes.

Of course, that wasn’t the only reason.

‘…Ugh.’

The time I was supposed to take over the night shift. I got gloomy with useless thoughts, stewing in unnecessary jealousy while Aiden apologized, leading to pointless self-loathing.

I ended up reminiscing about the past for no reason. I vented silently to the clueless Aiden and wallowed in self-loathing, wasting time.

After handing over the night shift to Attila, I crawled back into my sleeping bag. As my mind gradually calmed down, I realized how foolish I had been.

It was embarrassing to think that I was digging a hole alone in the ground, lost in thoughts, amidst the atmosphere resembling a campsite with heating devices instead of a bonfire.

The shame was greater than the previous day when I slammed my arm on the desk in frustration.

Fortunately, no one else knew about these thoughts. Keeping this midnight embarrassment to myself was enough.

If it had leaked out to someone other than me and spread as a scandal, I might have hung myself out of shame.

“When you get back to the dorm, make sure to get a good rest, Ha-yul. And remember to take your supplements.”

[Yes, thank you.]

I received Eliya’s advice on taking care of my health, looking like I was on the verge of death.

Walking through the forest with lighter steps than yesterday, I occasionally fired magic blasts at monsters we encountered.

A quadrupedal monster. Rank 8. The distance was about 40 meters, but dense trees obstructed our line of sight.

Low-level spell

“Magic Blast”

The vertical blast sliced through the trees effortlessly before hitting the monster. It split into two and collapsed, its entrails and blood splattering on the ground. The sight of leaves turning red was grotesque.

‘Hmm…’

I hesitantly flexed my hand. I tried casting again just to be sure, and the power was still heightened, just like yesterday.

What could be the cause? Is it really due to spatial perception? Does spatial perception have such an impact on magic? Or is it because we’re inside the dungeon? But why would that be?

‘I don’t know…’

I definitely need to seek advice from Professor Liana once we leave the dungeon. My magical knowledge is still lacking, making it unreasonable to judge on my own.

My current magical reserves are minimal compared to other mages. Manipulation… according to Professor Liana, I excel at it, and magical affinity seems to pay off.

But even so, I’ve only been introduced to magic for about two weeks.

Compared to mages who have trained in magic, cores, and circuits for over a decade, and consumed potions, I fall short.

Just using magic a few times already depleted nearly half of my magical energy. Even though I used the staff’s magic as well, this is the result.

‘I need to pay attention to my magical reserves.’

Increasing magical reserves is easiest through potions… but if potions roll around on the ground, they won’t be called potions anymore.

In the original work, one could easily find and sell various hidden pieces early on or resort to fraud to amass wealth and elixirs.

However, here, there is neither money nor the ability to find hidden pieces.

At this point, the only option seems to be gradually accumulating through legitimate methods like in Episode 1.

Soon, there will also be entry into the Tower of Growth. At that time, it will be possible to resolve magical issues to some extent and gain a few benefits.

Moreover, if those hidden pieces are still present in the Tower of Growth… that’s… a bit concerning.

Since this isn’t a game, even if obtained, their utility is somewhat questionable. It’s all just speculation for now, as their existence is not confirmed yet.

Before long, a bluish whirlpool was detected. It was the hole in the dungeon where they first set foot yesterday.

“Alright, let’s go back.”

Leading the way with her shield, Attila stepped forward. As her figure was engulfed by the whirlpool, her presence vanished abruptly. Following suit, each member entered the whirlpool in order.

After a brief bout of dizziness and vertigo, spatial perception encompassed the vicinity of Siyoram. The increased breadth and precision made it feel distinctly different from before.

Taking in a breath of air, the dungeon itself was a dense forest, so the air was fairly clear, but still, Siyoram’s air felt more comforting.

The tension loosened. Having maintained vigilance until the end, she felt a bit fatigued wondering what might happen.

As they relaxed their weary bodies, Attila led the team straight to the nearby management facility.

“Team 11, Attila and four others, confirmed exit on Tuesday at 10:46 AM. Results will be calculated later. Well done.”

Face-to-face with the facility manager and also registered electronically, they stepped out of the facility after the manager’s words.

“Ah, finally done.”

Stretching her arms skyward, Elia spoke, burdened by her prominent chest, directing her gaze elsewhere.

– Clap

Attila, who had been operating her smartwatch, clapped her hands, drawing attention. Confirming the momentary distraction, she smiled and spoke.

“It ended much more comfortably and quickly than expected. Thank you to all team members for your cooperation. And, especially thanks to Yihayul.”

Continuing the formalities, she suddenly added praise in this direction. Tilting her head playfully, Attila smiled lightly.

“Thanks to Yihayul, we saved an incredible amount of exploration time. I know I was late in saying this yesterday, but you might have wandered around all night.”

“This extermination unusually went smoothly.”

“Yes, despite limited dungeon experience, it was never this easy.”

Navigating monsters directly in a dungeon of such size would indeed pose many inconveniences.

Some teams may lack sensory abilities, and even if they have them, at best, only one person may possess detection abilities, making exploration challenging.

Moreover, having detection abilities doesn’t guarantee smooth exploration either.

Even in the original work, with mediocre detection abilities attempting exploration, days could easily be wasted.

Of course, spatial perception is not a simple detection ability. Initially belonging to a similar category as hexagonal abilities, it could significantly expedite time due to luck.

[Thank you.]

Reacting to the sudden compliment was difficult. Responding hesitantly, Attila nodded and continued speaking.

“It’s been a long two days. We’ve built some camaraderie. Since we’re in the same group, let’s continue to get along well. We never know when we might need each other.”

In essence, it was a plea to maintain connections and foster friendship going forward. With those words, Attila exchanged contact information.

“Well, let’s really disband and take it easy now. Thank you all for your hard work.”

With that statement, the internship truly came to an end.

Feeling tired, Attila returned to the dormitory to rest.

Aiden and Nam Yeon-jung walked in the same direction. They were planning to rent a training ground for a match. It was a continuation of yesterday’s sword vs. spear dispute.

“Does Ha Yul have separate plans?”

Ella, who was checking her smartwatch again, asked while looking this way. I nodded after checking two days’ worth of messages.

[I plan to visit the library. There are still things I’m curious about, and there are magic issues as well.]

“Oh… I see.”

Not only magical combat but also testing other spells in the dungeon. Most of them had increased output. It was an unfamiliar task.

Even if just to confirm that, I planned to visit the library to look for information. Even if I couldn’t find out, it wouldn’t matter. I could study as well, and if I couldn’t find anything, I could always go to Professor Liana.

“I’ll head back now. Make sure to take your supplements at the dorm, get a good night’s sleep! See you in the classroom tomorrow!”

[Thank you.]

I parted ways with Ella, who expressed her concerns once again. It was somewhat unsettling how she worried incessantly, as if I were a child.

Ella waved her hand widely and disappeared beyond the range of spatial awareness.

After confirming that, I changed my steps.

The destination was the library. My mind was tired, but not to the point of collapsing.

Moreover, a sense of unease lingered, and I needed to grasp clues about magical power to be able to sleep peacefully.

‘Hmm.’

As I walked, a familiar figure caught my eye through spatial awareness.

Golden hair down to the shoulders, each step elongating the distance swiftly.

It was Professor Atra.

There seemed to be something slightly displeasing on her face, barely noticeable.

Thanks to the enhanced spatial awareness, I could feel Professor Atra’s internal magical power more vividly than before.

A fierce magical power that sparkled like light.

Feeling the magical power lurking as if ready to tear apart everything around, like a predator waiting for its chance, sometimes made me break into a cold sweat.

Professor Atra’s gaze also turned towards me. Despite being hundreds of meters away, her gaze pierced accurately in my direction.

I turned my body and walked towards Professor Atra. Since we met like this… well… regardless, I should at least greet her.

Although my schedule had become smoother due to several fortunate events, the foundation was largely due to the knowledge and equipment that Professor Atra had diligently instilled in me.

I intended to express my gratitude for the ease of the conquest thanks to the professor.

“Is everything finished with the schedule?”

As the distance closed, Professor Atra asked. Judging by her tone, she didn’t seem particularly angry. I operated my smartwatch, thinking it was fortunate.

Unpleasant.

?

Suddenly, that word came to mind. A random thought. Why? Unpleasant? Towards Professor Atra? Strange thought.

I tilted my head. My hand didn’t move. Nor did my legs. They seemed frozen, immobile.

‘What’s going on.’

Something was wrong with my body. A ringing sound echoed in my ears. A bewildering phenomenon.

Disgusting?

Why was this sudden thought coming to mind, I don’t know.

I didn’t think of Professor Atra that way. Training was intense, but it yielded results. I felt a desire to survive, even though I seemed a bit clumsy in the dungeon.

Anyway, Professor Atra was faithfully educating me.

– …sniffle

Suddenly, my nose made a slurping sound. Due to a curse, my body couldn’t detect smells.

The scent of early morning air, warm sunlight, the fresh scent of grass, occasionally the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers,

I couldn’t smell them. They were taken away by the curse.

Repulsive.

Dirty.

Unclean.

I smelled it. No, that wasn’t it.

I just instinctively knew.

The lowly smell and sensation that I always felt as a child, a scent that couldn’t be called a fragrance.

The parents, who were reckless enough to buy something as worthless as a mouse’s tail for money, exuded a vulgar scent mixed with magic.

A nauseating smell that made one abandon the reason and intelligence possessed by the parents.

The repulsive demeanor of the parents.

“Ugh…!”

His body staggered. When he came to his senses, he found himself gradually stepping back. His staggering legs desperately widened the distance.

“What… are you okay…”

Spatial perception swayed uneasily. Professor Atla, looking bewildered…

– You shouldn’t have been born like you. Why were you born like this? Damn it…

Professor Atla… approached…

– All this bastard can do is fight over scraps. What the hell are you alive for? Huh?

Atla, the professor… said

– There’s nothing children do for their parents. Isn’t this because they’re sick and weak, not even receiving organs? Or should they just be thrown away?

The parents… a, knife, approached─

“Ugh, ugh…!”

At that moment, his waist broke from the tearing pain in his abdomen. His insides boiled. In unbearable disgust, the contents surged up.

He quickly covered his mouth with both hands. His shoulders twitched. From the tightly closed mouth, it felt like the contents would burst at any moment.

“Gag…!”

Spatial perception read the gesture. Magic affinity accepted repulsive and vile magic.

But instinctively, he realized.

Before sensing through spatial perception, before magic affinity read the magic.

His body reacted first. When someone approached, his body stiffened, and instinctively he stepped back.

Even if spatial perception was withdrawn, even if the disgusting and dirty magic disappeared.

Unknowingly, in the realm of instinct. That gesture will continue to be felt.

“What’s happening! Are you, are you okay!”

He urgently approached. The filthy and repulsive gesture intensified rapidly. Nausea surged violently.

‘Don’t come… P-please.’

“Oh, ─ugh…!”

Unconsciously, he opened his mouth. Immediately, retaliation followed. A pain that tore his throat. Mixing with the boiling insides, he couldn’t bear it any longer.

“Grr! Gag! Gag…! Ugh…! Ughhh!”

Vomit flowed back into his throat. Uncovered holes poured out vomit.

– Beep─!

The ringing in his ears suddenly increased. The world was engulfed in a single sound. His head felt like it was going to explode.

“Calm down! There’s nothi─”

Suddenly, – reached out a hand next to him. Seeing the approaching hand, he acted reflexively.

– Smack!

He swung his arm widely to fend off the approaching threat. It was a natural action taken by the instinct of life without passing through reason.

“……”

– expression crumbled.