episode_0172

Jeong Yu-shin went to the table that Lena guided him to.

Two people were sitting at the table.

Jeong Yu-shin paused as he pulled out a chair to sit down.

It was because the man in the clergyman’s robes across from him was staring intently.

Around mid-30s in age.

A muscular physique bursting out of his clothes.

And heavy makeup that women would usually wear.

He could tell at a glance that he wasn’t going to be an easy one.

The clergyman man rested his hand on his cheek and smiled sweetly.

“Oh my, Lena brought a new colleague?”

A mix of a husky voice and a syrupy tone scratched at his eardrums.

Chills!

A cold sensation ran down his spine.

Lena sat demurely next to him and shook her head.

“Mr. Scar has come, but it hasn’t been decided yet whether he will join our party or not.”

‘Calm down. He might just be an Engraver who likes makeup.’

Jeong Yu-shin desperately managed his expression and sat down.

Next to the made-up man, another human man was sitting with his arms crossed.

A familiar face.

Mick.

He was a warrior he met when he was with the Iron Mask Party.

To be more precise.

He had met him while camping at the 5th floor Engrave just before entering the Forest Zone.

He almost got misunderstood because he had a Lewd Talk Engraving.

But he was a Searcher who told him the Forest Troll’s weakness and gave him pain relief cream for free. Of course, the misunderstanding was quickly resolved.

If it hadn’t been for Mick’s help, he wouldn’t have survived in the Forest stratum.

“Mick, nice to see you. Seeing you here again.”

“…”

“It’s Scar. We ran into each other while camping at the Engrave last time. I lived thanks to your advice. Thank you.”

Mick stared at Jeong Yu-shin intently for a while, then nodded slightly.

Judging by the fact that he didn’t try to open his mouth, it seemed he hadn’t erased the Lewd Talk Engraving yet.

The made-up man smiled and reached out his hand.

“Ah! So you’re that Barbaroi? Nice to meet you. I’m Sartre.”

Jeong Yu-shin looked down at the hand of the man called Sartre and shook his head.

“I ate fried fish before coming here, so there’s still oil on my hands. Let’s postpone the handshake to the next time.”

“Heueung? Okay. I understand.”

Sartre made a nasal sound and put his hand back in.

Jeong Yu-shin secretly sighed in relief and looked around.

“Is this everyone?”

Lena shook her head.

“There’s one more person. It seems like they went to the bathroom a little while ago, so I think we can start first.”

What are we starting?

Sartre winked at Jeong Yu-shin.

“It’s introduction time. I’m Sartre, a mid-level clergyman who serves the Water Spirit God. I can use most mid-level divine magic.”

“I see.”

As Jeong Yu-shin nodded in response, Sartre wagged his index finger.

“It’s not over yet?”

Is there something left?

“I’ve also completed an Engraving Link, in addition to mid-level divine magic. It’s called Spirit Stream!”

Jeong Yu-shin tilted his head.

“Do you also name Engraving Links?”

“Of course you have to! Oh my! You really don’t know anything?”

I would know if I had ever heard of it.

After spitting on Astaroth’s face, he could feel that the rugged-looking Searchers were slowly avoiding him.

Since there was no interaction, it was difficult to obtain information.

“Do you know how difficult it is to achieve an Engraving Link? It’s only natural to name it and cherish it!”

Sartre seemed very proud of his Engraving Link skill.

Lena interjected.

“Generally, Searchers name their Engraving Links. Engraving Links with names exert a stronger bond. Of course, it may just feel that way psychologically. Unfortunately, I haven’t achieved an Engraving Link yet, so I don’t know much about it.”

I see.

Then should he also name the Engraving Link he achieved?

What should he call it, combining Revenger, which means avenger, and Death Suspension?

He couldn’t think of a suitable name right away.

While he was pondering, Mick took out a piece of paper from his pocket and placed it on the table, tapping it with his finger.

Tap tap.

Upon closer inspection, a few engravings were written on it. A brief explanation was added next to the engravings, so he understood it immediately.

Taunt Engraving.

An ability that uses magic power to forcibly fix a monster’s attack target to the caster.

Perfect Block Engraving.

An ability that recovers health and magic power when blocking an enemy’s attack using a shield.

Combat Movement Engraving.

An ability where movement gradually becomes faster as the battle goes on.

Jeong Yu-shin, who was intently reading the text, raised his head.

“You’ve also achieved an Engraving Link?”

“…”

Mick nodded in affirmation.

Jeong Yu-shin handed the paper back to Mick and leaned back in his chair.

Forcibly attracting aggro to block the enemy’s attacks and recover health and magic power. As the amount of leeway increases, the battle time will naturally increase, so the movement will become faster. Is the principle to use the recovered magic power to attract even more aggro?

In short, an Engraving Link technique that continuously sustains aggro infinitely while recovering health and magic power, and at the same time, speed also increases.

Isn’t that a Tanker’s dream?

No wonder he didn’t even bat an eye even when he brought along a bunch of Huntsman Clan members made up only of ranged dealers. He had this cheat Engraving Link?

“Does the Engraving Link have a separate name?”

Mick lifted the paper and pointed to the very bottom.

‘Infinite Recycle.’

“…”

He was speechless.

It seemed like he made it up roughly, but it also seemed like he was revealing the core of the Engraving Link as it was.

Sartre smiled and made eye contact with Jeong Yu-shin.

“Scar, aren’t you curious about my Engraving Link too?”

“I am curious.”

“Spiritualization Engraving, Possession Engraving, and an Engraving that can stack blessings on the target of Possession. The name of the last Engraving is Endless Devotion. Can you imagine?”

“Su…surely?”

“That’s right. It’s just a waste of words to say it. It’ll be faster to experience it directly.”

Before Jeong Yu-shin could react, Sartre got up from his seat and reached out his hand.

“Spirit Stream!”

Sartre turned into a translucent form and flew around in the sky.

Not only Lena’s party members but also the people in the guild all raised their heads to look at Sartre.

“Scar! Let’s become one!”

Then suddenly, Sartre plummeted from the sky while making some incomprehensible noises.

Jeong Yu-shin, who was blankly watching, was startled and quickly waved his hand.

“Ah, wait a minute!”

Thud!!!

Sartre collided with Jeong Yu-shin’s body and bounced off.

“Open your heart!!!”

Sartre shouted strange words again and ran at Jeong Yu-shin, sticking to him tightly.

‘What the…?!’

Jeong Yu-shin was flustered and hit Sartre with his fist, but he couldn’t inflict any damage and passed through the Spiritualized Sartre.

“Sartre, please stop. You’re making Mr. Scar uncomfortable.”

At Lena’s restraint, Sartre pouted his lips and returned to his original form.

“Anyway, my Engraving Link amplifies the effects of divine magic on the possessed target. Subjectively, it’s said to be 3 times stronger than when you just receive a blessing magic.”

“No, it’s amazing, but just say it with words. Why···.”

Sartre wore a frustrated expression.

“Most people don’t understand. No matter how much I explain it.”

Indeed.

Did they really not understand?

Or did they pretend not to understand?

He could immediately see why the vanguard position was vacant.

A muscular clergyman with makeup on his face turns into a ghost and clings to you, saying let’s become one. Who would want to come?

When he looked at Mick, he was making all sorts of faces.

It seemed like he had already experienced it once.

“Mr. Scar, you may be awkward since it’s your first time, but Sartre’s Engraving Link is excellent. You’re the only one who can rely on him and take charge of the attack in the vanguard. Please understand.”

“I’ll try.”

Jeong Yu-shin glared at Sartre and continued.

“My engravings are Sacred Weapon, and Revenger Engraving.”

“Heueung. I know. I heard you made a fuss in the Eastern Zone this time?”

Has the rumor already spread?

“Yeah. Some crazy guy came to pick a fight, so I sent him to a good place. But is the next Searcher here yet?”

“They’ll be here if you wait a little bit. Oh! There they are!”

Something was wagging its tail and walking over from afar.

“What…?!”

A dog.

No.

It was much bigger than a dog.

A wolf with cloud-like silver-gray fur fluttering.

‘Suddenly, what’s with the wolf…?’

The wolf walked over leisurely and looked up at Jeong Yu-shin.

“Are you the vanguard who came this time?”

Did the wolf just talk?

Jeong Yu-shin gaped for a while before barely regaining his composure.

“Uh…yes.”

“Varg, nice to meet you. I’m in charge of the party’s guide, but I haven’t achieved a separate Engraving Link. I have several engravings specialized in scouting and trap detection. Would you like to hear about them?”

“No. I’ll listen to them later.”

For a wolf, it spoke fluently.

The introductions were over, and he looked around.

It’s bizarre.

Guide wolf, Varg.

Lewd Talk Tanker, Mick.

Muscular Makeup Clergyman, Sartre.

And the magician, Lena.

It was a combination that was both reliable and made him tilt his head.

It seemed like each of them still had hidden stories left.

“Mr. Scar, there’s one thing lacking in our party. Do you happen to know what it is?”

“There are no ranged attackers.”

“That’s right. I heard that you handle several weapons, can you use a bow?”

Jeong Yu-shin shook his head.

“No. I’ve used throwing weapons like daggers or short spears a few times, but honestly, my accuracy isn’t that high.”

“I see. Then have you ever used a crossbow?”

“No. But, I think I can get used to it quickly if I practice. But do I have to be in charge of ranged sniping too?”

“I can take down monsters with magic, but I can’t take them down as quickly as archers. Mr. Scar’s performance is needed in this area, will it be difficult?”

If it’s a crossbow, it’s a direct-fire weapon. It wouldn’t be difficult. He was confident that he would get used to it quickly after practicing a few times.

“Not at all. If I handle a crossbow, I’ll get used to it. If it doesn’t work out, I can approach and throw weapons.”

Lena nodded and looked around at the party members.

“I see? Okay. Everyone, are you willing to accept Mr. Scar as a member of the party?”

“I approve.”

Nod.

“Good.”

All of the party members approved.

Lena got up from her seat.

“Let’s go back to Ms. Nelia. Now that all the party members have gathered, we need to hear about the mission.”

Jeong Yu-shin and the party members went up the stairs again and entered Nelia’s room.

As soon as Nelia saw Jeong Yu-shin appear with Lena’s party members, she immediately grasped the situation.

“Everyone has gathered. From now on, Mr. Scar will be assigned to the Labyrinth Investigation Unit 3rd Party.”

Nelia got up from her seat and started briefing, handing out pieces of paper one by one.

“You know that the zones divided on the 5th floor merge again on the 10th floor, right? The Forest Zone, the Corridor Zone, and the Sewer Zone all meet on the 10th floor. And···.”

Nelia’s explanation continued.

“According to the reports of the Searchers who returned from the 10th floor, a unique individual monster that has never been seen before has appeared. Therefore, your mission is to help the high-level Searchers observe and organize the characteristics of the monster. If you have the time, you can help the high-level Searchers subdue the monster.”

Nelia immediately began explaining the monster’s appearance.

“···That’s the end of the rough introduction to the mission. I know there are several rumors circulating in the city. But please refrain from going into too much detail.”

“I understand.”

“The reward will be a basic pay of 50 gold coins. If you bring better information, I will reward you accordingly. The departure is in a week.”

The party members nodded in agreement.

Jeong Yu-shin parted ways with the party members in front of the guild headquarters and walked down the street.

On the way back to the temple.

A carriage passing by on the main street stopped next to Jeong Yu-shin.

The window of the expensive-looking carriage opened, and a seductive voice was heard.

“Scar.”

A familiar tone.

There was only one person.

When he turned his head, he saw a Dark Elf who had half of her face out through the window.

“Vivian? What’s the matter?”

“I heard you owe 100 gold coins.”

“No…where did you hear that…? So?”

“I’ll pay it off for you.”

Suddenly?

A gloomy voyeuristic Dark Elf appears and says she’ll settle the debt?

He couldn’t understand.

“Why?”

“Of course, on the condition that you grant me one request.”

Jeong Yu-shin inwardly swallowed a sigh that was about to come out.

If that’s the case.

“What’s the request?”

“Get in first.”

Jeong Yu-shin opened the door and got into the carriage.

“So what are the conditions?”

As the carriage slowly started to move, Vivian fidgeted for a moment.

“That…um, I’d like you to release the restriction on me.”

“Excuse me?”

Restriction?

Jeong Yu-shin’s eyes widened at the sudden words.

“Do…do you remember when I was under a psychic suppression spell last time? Didn’t you tell me to say everything honestly to you? That restriction hasn’t disappeared yet.”

Jeong Yu-shin scratched his cheek.

“Is that restriction something that’s easily placed?”

At Jeong Yu-shin’s question, Vivian bit her lip tightly.

Superhuman willpower and intense emotions were required to place a restriction close to a verbal command.

She never dreamed that Scar, who was barely close to twenty years old, would have that level of ability.

Vivian had tried various things to lift the restriction in her own way, but they were all in vain.

All she could rely on was Scar’s goodwill. She couldn’t stay like this any longer. If she delayed any longer, her business would be greatly disrupted.

“···It’s a unique case. I’ll give you some of my power, so use it to release the restriction on me.”

Jeong Yu-shin pondered for a moment and then smiled and crossed his arms.

Isn’t this an opportunity?

An opportunity to pay off the debt and receive useful equipment.

‘Is the sky helping me?’

After all, it’s right to live kindly.

“Vivian, I don’t think that’s enough.”

“Wh-what do you mean?”

“What is it. Isn’t there a saying that debt is also an ability? Who would lend 100 gold coins to someone who doesn’t have the ability to repay it? The fact that I have this much debt means that I’m a talented person with both ability and credit. Do you understand?”

“…”

Vivian looked at Jeong Yu-shin with a dumbfounded expression.

“Sc…Scar, then what do you want?”

Jeong Yu-shin shook his head.

“Vivian, that’s the wrong question. The correct question is.”

He raised his finger and pointed at Vivian.

“What can Vivian give?”

Black eyes that were strangely shining.

It was like the color of hell, as if foreshadowing destruction.

‘Wh…what?’

Vivian, whose heart sank, ended up hiccuping.

“Hiccup!”