episode_0304

These days, I’ve been getting out of the cradle periodically and going outside.

Normally, it would be difficult, as the procedures for obtaining permission to leave and going to the gate terminal are complicated and time-consuming.

But things are a little different now.

The power of space. The application technology through it is long-distance space jumping.

You can’t just fly to a place you don’t know, but if you have the coordinates, some knowledge, and enough magic, you can go to the other side of the world.

Of course, it would be difficult if there was security in the space, but I could also bypass the barrier of the cradle.

– Woof woof… Woof woof…

His right hand gently caressed the empty space. The cloudy, hardened space was the outer wall of the space that separated the dungeon and the world.

‘It’s difficult to interpret.’

Dungeons are something you have to go into and explore on your own. You can tell the level to some extent from the outside, but you can’t find out the detailed internal situation.

That is why we form and dispatch an advance team for the sole purpose of obtaining information.

I have another way.

It is about using the power of space and observation appropriately to figure out the situation inside the dungeon from the outside.

‘It’s difficult when the water level is high.’

That wasn’t working out well right now. I sighed and pulled my hand away.

He nodded his head while caressing the purification he was holding in his left hand.

A wall of space that fills the entire front. No matter how far you look, the wall of space continues without interruption.

Dungeons tend to get bigger as the difficulty level increases.

‘It’s a level 1 dungeon…’

The level of the dungeon right in front of you is 1st level.

I took a moment to recall my memories.

The average rank of monsters appearing in a level 1 dungeon is roughly between level 6 and level 5. Additionally, if an alpha entity appears, level 3 monsters may also appear.

In other words, it is a cave where something like a two-headed dragon could pop out.

Considering that there have been no survivors from the advance party so far, it is definitely dangerous.

‘But it’s something I can’t just leave alone…’

You have to make a plan because it might run wild someday.

Before discussing such orthodox justifications, we need to look at the artifacts this dungeon spits out.

‘The Jewel of Haeju.’

The temporary name of the dungeon is Myeonggyeong. The level is 1.

In the original, the byproduct of this dungeon is the Jewel of Haeju, an artifact that neutralizes status effects classified as curses.

The Jewel of the Sea is an absolutely necessary preparation if my plan is to go well.

“Is there something you can’t solve?”

As I was catching my breath, I heard voices coming from behind me.

[It’s not that there is no progress, but I think it will take some time]

I shook my head and turned away.

The area surrounding the dungeon is a deserted wasteland. It was originally a place where people would gather for a dinner party, and now that a first-class dungeon has been built, even those who used to come here have stopped coming.

What if the dungeon goes berserk? On average, everyone nearby will be wiped out.

A man was sitting on a pile of stones near that dungeon.

Maxwell, a member of the association’s executive committee, maintained a sharp suit even in the wilderness where no one else could see him.

I observed him with a strange expression.

[Do you really have to accompany me like this? It seems like it’s wasting time, and since you’re part of the executive branch, you probably have a lot of work to do.]

“First of all, my superficial status is that I am a member of the Disaster Management Department, so I have to accompany you to the dungeon temple… but don’t worry.”

Maxwell shook his head.

“Just because I’m in the executive branch doesn’t mean I’m the only one there. In fact, it’s much better to have this kind of break between the murderous tasks.”

[Oh, is that so…]

“Yes, and wouldn’t it be better to give the report in person?”

Sometimes, when I go outside the cradle, I meet Maxwell and hear news from outside.

“I enjoyed the birth ceremony. Especially the appearance at the entrance… There was a lot to talk about, both inside and out.”

[What do you think?]

“I am astonished, as you said.”

[thank god]

There is a lot of talk. It is shocking.

That kind of reaction is enough.

Now that you’ve shown your skills, there will be fewer reactions like “Who are you?” when you later give orders as acting president of the association.

“But I wonder if it’s really necessary to do that.”

[yes?]

“Since you already have the authority to act as the president of the association, even if he suddenly appears and gives instructions, you will eventually have to carry them out.”

Maxwell expressed his doubts. I tilted my head in response, caressing the purification.

[But won’t there be noise?]

“Well, those who don’t know the details might think so.”

[I thought it would be a hassle to beat them up one by one to convince them]

“?”

When you wield the power of acting president of the association, you may be busy, so it will be difficult to sort out the noise and direct things.

What’s especially annoying is not when you object when given an order, but when you grumble inwardly and do the work half-heartedly.

After there have already been casualties, it is difficult to resolve the situation by simply going and killing that person.

So, I showed my skills in advance.

It basically means, ‘I’m this kind of person, and I have the right qualifications. If you keep complaining, I’ll kill you.’

“Haha… ”

As I briefly explained the reason, Maxwell suddenly burst into laughter.

[Why are you like that?]

When I asked with a puzzled look, Maxwell shook his head, adjusting his tie.

“No. I think Hero Lee Ha-yul has some similarities to Hero Clyde.”

[…Is that so?]

[delight]

[Ahem]

Maxwell’s flattery made my mind light up for a moment. For a moment, I felt like my favorability toward him had increased.

[Ahem, is there any special news?]

“There isn’t any good news, really.”

Maxwell’s smile turned bitter. He shook his head and began to speak.

“Dungeons and monsters are steadily increasing as always, and monsters that are coming out of the front lines of the Demon Realm are also increasing. In addition, there have been several instances of dungeon rampages without warning, such as Sifnaha.”

‘hmm.’

I nodded calmly at Maxwell’s words. There was certainly no good news.

In particular, dungeon rampage, which has no warning signs, is a major issue.

The reason why most dungeons can be treated as just another accident in modern times is because you can tell where they appear and when they will go wild.

But what if we can no longer observe such signs? Dungeons will become a nightmare disaster like they were in the past.

‘The facility established by the Observatory Tower Master was an observatory.’

The observatory has a variety of responsibilities.

The emergence and rampage of dungeons. Detection of high-level monsters released into the world and detection of vicious criminals. The boundary of the Demon Realm, which is like a powder keg of monsters.

The work of the observatory is so important that it is no exaggeration to say that it is a pillar that sustains the world.

In the original, the observatory stops functioning properly after a few years.

‘That’s because the owner is absent.’

The Observation Tower Master is away from the observation deck. This is something that was discovered several times during the original work when he visited the observatory.

Why did you leave your seat until it got to this point?

I couldn’t tell in the game, but now I know why.

The Observation Tower Master grants me powers, and I am restricted from the tower. That is probably why I do not have the luxury of managing the Observation Tower.

“That’s all for the regular news. As for other news… It seems that a special dungeon was discovered in the territory of the Changhae family, which was in the midst of dealing with the dungeon rampage.”

[yes?]

As I was calmly organizing my thoughts, I was startled by Maxwell’s calm words.

[Is this a special dungeon?]

“Yes, they said it was just discovered yesterday.”

Special dungeon. It is a special type of dungeon that is difficult to classify as level 4 or level 1.

“I heard that they tried putting in a few prisoners, but none of them were able to come back alive. Most of them died within 5 minutes of entering, and even the superhuman prisoners who lasted a long time died after 15 minutes.”

[You didn’t return immediately after entering…]

“Yes, it seems like there are restrictions on entry and exit.”

It’s a dirty condition that restricts entry and exit. It practically blocks exploration through the advance party and forces an attack in one go.

The dungeon right in front of me has those same restrictions. Even though I pushed prisoners into it, not a single one of them came back right away.

When I interpreted the space myself, I found that it was indeed such a limitation.

[It might be a bit difficult for the Changhae family]

“Yes, but there are still no signs of a reckless rampage, so they seem to be prioritizing the containment of the rampage that has already occurred.”

[I see. Thank you for telling me.]

After thanking Maxwell, he stroked his chin and rolled his head.

‘A special dungeon in the territory of the Changhae family… This is something that has never been observed in the original work.’

There is nothing new. No matter how much effort the top owners put into the simulation, there are bound to be errors.

‘Should I go back soon? Or should I look around a bit more and then go…’

There are two main reasons why I go out.

Exploring the dungeon ‘Myeonggyeong’, where the Jewel of Haeju is located, from the outside.

And roughly figure out where the back entrance will be.

The latter was not very fruitful. It seems that I will have to spend a lot of time and lick it thoroughly.

Although the former is showing some results, it is not entirely efficient.

I also received a request from the owner to refrain from going out. If you have nothing better to do, then you should just go back now…

– Snap!

‘huh?’

While I was lost in thought, something snapped in my head. My eyes opened wide on their own.

The magic I installed was broken. Where is it?

‘A laboratory… inside the mansion?’

Among them, the barrier that surrounded the hated medicine that was about to start to concentrate.

His complexion naturally hardened.

* * *

It’s fucked.

What other trivial additional explanation is needed?

Hong Yeon-hwa is fucked.

“… I knew you were ugly before, but now that I look at you, you’re really dirty.”

“What the fuck, you’re talking shit.”

Hong Yeon-hwa glared at Atra, who was standing a little way away. Atra, who was covering his mouth and nose with his hands, shrugged his shoulders.

“It seems to be the effect of the medicine, so I can’t help it. Please understand that harsh words are coming out of my mouth.”

Despite what he said, Artra is trying to restrain himself from his actions.

It’s not that I didn’t like it, but the moment I saw Hong Yeon-hwa, I almost threw a punch.

It’s unpleasant and repulsive. It’s as if there’s a strange stench in the tip of my nose.

When Artra encounters such a situation, he usually starts by beating her up.

The reason why it’s not like that now is because, as Artra’s feelings show, Hong Yeon-hwa is someone Lee Ha-yool cherishes.

But I can’t bring myself to approach it, so I stay far away and cover my mouth and nose with my hands.

“Isn’t it your fault for drinking the potion that was in the lab in the first place? Why did you pick it up and drink it?”

“No shit, I didn’t eat it because I wanted to… It was definitely something, like it was tempting me to eat it… ”

“The temptation effect? That effect does exist. Even so, in the end, it’s your fault for not being able to resist him.”

“Ugh… That’s because the side effects of the fear are too strong… ”

“The ability to control the side effects well is the ability of the manifester. You lack training.”

Hong Yeon-hwa clenched her teeth. There was no room for excuses. This original sin was ultimately Hong Yeon-hwa’s fault for entering the laboratory without permission and taking the medicine.

Also, my body has been in a bad state recently, so I haven’t been able to suppress the side effects of the fear properly…

“Professor Atra, is there any way to solve this?”

“Is this also a type of curse? What was Harul making in the lab? ”

Hong Yeon-hwa and Atra weren’t the only ones in this living room.

Elia, who was there from the beginning, and Baek A-rin, who arrived a little while ago.

The two people stared at Hong Yeon-hwa with expressions that seemed to hide their rejection and a strange expression.

“… Hmm.”

When I turned my gaze in that direction, Elia shrugged her shoulders and quietly averted her eyes. She also covered her mouth and nose with her hands.

Hong Yeon-hwa’s eyes trembled.

Although I always call her a lecherous cow with big udders, I know Elia’s gentle nature very well.

How could someone like Elia react like that?

That wasn’t the only shocking reaction.

– Ugh, what is this…

– Hey, uhhh…

The fairies who lived in the mansion and served her felt nauseous as soon as they saw Hong Yeon-hwa and fled from sight.

– What? Wake up…

– Grrr…

The spirits that used to rub their heads and act cute when they saw Hongyeonhwa? As soon as they saw Hongyeonhwa, they jumped up and growled, becoming wary.

“… Hey, how about you?”

Hong Yeon-hwa turned her gaze to the side. Baek A-rin was standing next to Elia. She did not cover her nose or mouth, nor did she avoid eye contact.

Rather, it is a face that belongs to the peaceful axis. The face seems fixed like a mask.

“Me? Well… I think it applies? Like Professor Artra said, I think I’m usually so bad that I can’t tell the difference? ”

“You bitch.”

Baek A-rin shrugged her shoulders and giggled.

“… I can’t think of a solution.”

Artra closed her eyes for a moment, lost in thought, then shook her head.

Although Artra has a wealth of practical experience, this is not something that can be easily encountered.

‘Perception change? Or a curse? Either way, it’s a tricky one.’

Art made an impression. What on earth was the disciple handling in the lab? I thought he was just doing that, but he was silently touching such a dangerous potion…

“Anyway, since it is taken in the form of a potion, it probably won’t last long.”

“Certainly, the type of medication has a short duration. But how long will it last? If it lasts long, will it last for about a day?”

“Fuck.”

A curse came out of Hong Yeon-hwa’s lips without her knowing.

I don’t know what I ate.

But I knew that it was not going to be very effective, seeing the strong awkwardness of being stared at by those around me and the crow covering my mouth and nose.

Normally I wouldn’t have cared. Ah, it was the type I couldn’t handle, but fortunately there was no direct harm…

“No shit, what the heck, Haru… ?”

“That’s not exact. If it’s long, it could be like that.”

“Ah… ”

Tomorrow. Until the day of the event, can the effects last?

A shocking news of a bolt from the blue pouring down from a clear sky… no, a gloomy sky.

Hong Yeon-hwa’s face repeatedly turned dark and then white.

“Ah.”

Suddenly, Hong Yeon-hwa had an idea.

Others narrow their brows, frown, and look at us with a look of rejection in their eyes.

Others are fine.

It sucks, but didn’t they say that the effect wears off? Hong Yeon-hwa doesn’t think this can be a permanent effect.

– Ugh…

– Huh, Hayul…?

That rate.

Narrowing the space between their eyebrows, frowning, and glaring at Hong Yeon-hwa with eyes full of disgust, they eventually avoid eye contact, cover their nose and mouth as if they don’t want to smell anything, and if they feel nausea coming out of their covered mouth…

“Huh, huh… ”

My breath caught in my throat. My heart felt as if it was being squeezed tightly, and the tips of my limbs felt numb. My mind became dizzy as if the sky had collapsed and hit me in the head…

“I, I’ll be out for a bit.”

Just imagining it is like that. If you actually witnessed such a reaction…

I closed my eyes tightly, not wanting to imagine any more.

Hong Yeon-hwa quickly got up from her seat. She didn’t know when Lee Ha-yool, who had gone out, would return, even though he was not there right now.

“Huh? Where are you going with that potion… ”

“How are you doing!”

“Wait a minute… .”

Hong Yeon-hwa hurriedly left the mansion. She heard the spirits startling in the garden leading to the entrance.

“Ah… ”

Elia stretched out her hand but couldn’t bring herself to stop him, so she sighed and pulled her arm back.

‘Can I escape from Hayul…?’

Words that I couldn’t even say lingered in my mouth.

Elia tilted her head.

Considering Lee Ha-yul’s sensing abilities and spatial magic, it seemed impossible to escape and hide from Lee Ha-yul in this cradle at least.

* * *

[Player Compensation System: Favorability]

Lee Ha-yul → Maxwell

●●●●●○○○○○(51▷52/100)

“Association Executive” “Business Relations” “Weak Favors”

..

[The “Curse of Beauty’s Twilight” consumes life force…]

– Support…

[The Tower of Tuning suppresses the “Curse of Beauty’s Twilight”]

[Use points]

…

[The top lord of tuning swallows a scream]