episode_0375

I haven’t been able to sleep since I was little.

To be more precise, I hated sleeping. Whenever I fell asleep, I always had nightmares, and when I woke up, I was in a bad mood.

These days are different.

I don’t have nightmares. Instead, I have good dreams.

It was like that when I fell asleep in the arms of someone precious to me.

A deep sleep, being held in a warm embrace, feeling the steady heartbeat and body temperature, having hands on your head and back, and being buried in affection.

Good luck with that.

Even if you have suffered through many hardships and are physically and mentally exhausted, you can quickly get back on your feet if you are held in a warm embrace and receive love.

…not that kind of sleep. I still hated sleeping alone.

No, I hate it even more now.

[after]

He caressed the pillow he was holding in his arms, then sighed and placed it down next to him.

I didn’t want to sleep alone.

Even now, when I sleep alone, I have nightmares. Since I already know what a sweet dream is, I don’t want to insist on an unpleasant sleep.

‘In the first place, my body didn’t need sleep…’

At some point, my body stopped needing sleep.

I didn’t sleep while looking for the entrance on the other side. I searched for the entrance without losing consciousness for even a moment.

It’s the same even when you go behind the scenes.

Although oppression has slowed down the pace of growth, it has never put it to sleep.

After meeting Sajeo, I was conscious in his arms even while he was sleeping.

There were no problems. I spent almost a month without sleep, but there was no functional decline.

For me, sleep has entered the realm of symbols.

For that reason, I haven’t been able to sleep for two days since I entered the dungeon.

-Grrrr…

[Why]

My share of the tent spread out in the temporary base.

Before I knew it, the spirits that had appeared all around me began to rub against my body. I smiled bitterly as I caressed the water spirit that was rushing into my arms.

[You saw it last time. This much is no problem, so don’t worry… You don’t believe me? What if you don’t believe me?]

Most of the spirits who had risen to the rank of lieutenant. Their heads were filled with clear thoughts that had awakened their consciousness.

Geumjogi, the karma of past actions…

‘Who are these ideas now?’

After a little exploration, I realized that it wasn’t one. My eyes sharpened and my thoughts stopped. Soon, the spirits hurriedly mixed together.

[Does that mean you can’t find it?]

The ridiculous sight made me laugh.

When I entered the tent, I did not sleep, but focused on some matter or did other training.

But it wasn’t all that boring because there were times like now when the spirits thought of me and played pranks on me.

I caught a spirit while laughing. The spirit that was caught as if pulling out a radish opened its eyes wide.

A fire spirit in the shape of a puppy. It is a child who was active in the last birth ceremony while harboring a fearful spirit. It holds the spirit in its arms as it wags its tail.

[I wonder if it’s possible to become a higher spirit…]

Higher spirit.

The highest rank among the three spirit ranks.

It’s been some time since most of the spirits ascended to the second level.

Although it is a very short period of time compared to usual, the experiences the spirits have had during that time are very dense.

He has grown a lot since he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. But I don’t know yet if he feels any signs of promotion.

‘I heard that from the top down, many people transform into humanoids.’

Most of Professor Riana’s higher spirits are human-shaped. Spirits that are not human-shaped can also change at will.

Anyway, this is still a story that I am not sure about.

According to Professor Riana’s experience, reaching the level of spirit is an extremely difficult task.

-Of course, considering the baby’s magic power and race, it may be a bit different.

‘hmm.’

It may be different. I am not sure. So, I think we need to check several cases and try various things.

He placed the haphazardly groomed spirit next to him and raised his body.

.

.

.

“Oh, you weren’t sleeping?”

[There’s also a night watch, so that’s possible. I had something to sort out.]

As soon as they left the tent, those who had been sitting around the hot horse tool turned their heads.

I sat down on the empty chair, replying to Aiden’s words.

-Flutter

There was soup bubbling above the fever pitcher.

It may not seem like a cave, but it’s late at night. After finishing today’s exploration, we set up a temporary base and have a late dinner.

“Ugh… Today was hard too… ”

“It was harder than yesterday. I guess I’m getting closer to the deep part.”

While the soup was boiling, I could hear the sound of someone complaining of fatigue.

Looking at their complexions, fatigue is clearly evident.

It’s been two days since we entered the dungeon. Our group has been moving steadily towards the depths of the dungeon to carry out our tasks.

Naturally, there were many instances of encountering monsters during the process.

“Even though I wrapped it tightly, the blade is still sharp. Even though it’s a variant, it’s all dirty and hard.”

“Aiden, you have a unique ability in the swordsmanship category, so it’s not that bad. Otherwise, you would have had to do it with a blunt weapon like me, right?”

Rock doll.

This is the commonly referred to golem.

Although it has a simple weakness that can be destroyed by destroying the core in its head, the rock dolls in this dungeon are troublesome entities because their bodies are particularly hard.

The weather was strange because Aiden kept cutting through the skin of the black rock doll he was grumbling about.

The other monsters had similar characteristics.

Overall, it has good durability. There are many objects made of dirt and rocks.

“… It took longer than yesterday.”

These were the words of Yusei, who was sipping the soup he had poured into a bowl.

”I haven’t reached the depths yet, but it feels like I’m encountering something that came out of the depths. What do you think, Captain?”

Yusei’s gaze fell on me.

“Considering the time limit, it seems like it would be difficult to get inside with our own strength.”

[Of course, the monsters are like that too, and the traps are increasing in number, so time is being delayed.]

“The problem is that you have to find your way. The magic power is getting stronger and harder to detect. Even if you spend all your time, it seems like you’ll only be able to reach the entrance to the depths. ”

The deep part is the area adjacent to the dungeon’s core. It is a kind of heart area, and it is natural for a normal dungeon to become more dangerous the deeper you go.

[You also have to think about the time it takes to return]

“That’s right. Since it’s an exploration task, I think it would be better to capture the general situation of the dungeon where the abnormal phenomenon occurred and then return.”

What Yusei was worried about was that he would be running out of time and would have to return without being able to obtain information about the depths of the area.

‘That’s the role of the advance team.’

There is so much unknown before we can begin a full-scale attack, so it is the natural role of the vanguard to find information to dig into the unknown.

‘… The dungeon in the Changhae family is probably made in a similar way.’

A special dungeon created in the territory of the Changhae family. It is the reason why the feet of the Changhae family were tied to the territory.

The grade is extremely special. Since the large amount of meat shields that were invested were completely destroyed, it is assumed that the internal environment is dangerous.

[…yes]

[Getting as much information as possible will help you get a higher score]

“Yeah. For him, speed up─”

[There’s no problem for you]

“Huh?“

Yusei, who had been speaking, tilted his head. Those who had been listening to the conversation while doing their own work also blinked.

-Flutter

It flapped its folded wings lightly. The earth spirits inside its wings squirmed.

Thud! A heavy vibration echoed through the floor of the temporary base. This is a common vibration in this dungeon.

“… … ”

However, the crew members looked at each other’s expressions and pulled out the weapons they had placed next to them. They intuitively sensed a sense of incongruity.

Thud! A bigger vibration than before echoed through the wall. Now, I stood up from my seat, my face hardening. I also flapped my wings and raised my body.

“… What does this mean… ”

– Kookookookook!

The floor shook violently. The horse broke off from its shaky balance. Pieces of stone fell from the ceiling.

“… My left!”

At that moment, Lorraine, who had been turning the sensor tensely, shouted

Boom! The wall burst open. A rock worm poked its head into the cavity, scattering a cloud of dust.

“… Hehe.”

Lorraine opened her mouth.

It’s different from the ones I’ve met before. Its appearance is similar, but its head is as big as a commercial building.

-Crunch…!

The Earth Dragon opened its mouth wide. Magical power flashed inside its round throat. It was a sign of the large species’ exclusive attack, the Magic Cannon.

“This is crazy!”

The magical energy that poured out from close range was blocked and spread in the air. It was a barrier I had set up at my temporary base.

Jeez! But since I had lowered the level appropriately, I quickly started to feel dizzy. Aiden, terrified, raised his sword above his head.

For a moment, an invisible momentum rose from the sword. Soon, the sword was brought down.

Expansion ability cut. Crunch! The long, straight magic cannon was cut in half on the left and right.

-Kuaaa …

The blow reached the dragon’s head. Bam! Green blood spurted out from the vertical scar on its face. The dragon let out a roar.

“Did you cut it wrong?!”

“Hey, that thing! Is that an alpha?!”

A loud noise echoed through the large hall. Lorraine, her face ashen, turned around and shouted.

[no]

-Ku-kung! Ku-gu-kung! Ku-kung!

A hollow wall with holes in it, one after another. Similar dragons quickly poke their heads out of the holes.

“Ugh… ”

Lorraine let out a gasp. Although not as blatant, she turned her gaze down at Yusei Gajiryong, whose face was hardened.

-Thump…Thump…Thump…

A dozen or so roads leading to the public space. In that dark place, countless footsteps approached.

There were monsters including rock dolls.

“… Harul. Could you please explain the situation for now?”

Nam Yeon-jung, who was holding the window while sweating profusely, asked. I nodded, flapping my wings.

[The alpha entity came out of the depths leading the monsters to repel the intruders]

“… I see.”

Level 2 dungeon. The monsters in its depths.

You usually won’t encounter it during dungeon practice. It’s because it’s difficult to enter the depths during the dungeon practice period.

[Group 2, who came in through a different entrance, has already been hit]

“… Oh, I see.“

The cold sweat on Nam Yeon-jung’s forehead grew. Those who had been listening to my explanation also had pale faces.

Meanwhile, Yusei bit his lip and let out a hollow laugh.

“There will definitely be no problem with time. Since you came out to greet me like this, there must be enough information.”

[Yes. Of course, it will be recognized as data only if you return alive…]

“Lee Ha-yool. Was he always this mischievous?“

[Why did you pass the buck to me?]

“… I never imagined you’d let that build up as ill feelings. You’re more petty than I thought. ”

[You guys were the ones who told us to limit our abilities and cooperate first.]

Actually, if I had caused a ruckus from the beginning and solved the problem, the cooperation score would have been zero.

I shrugged my shoulders and raised both arms. Kwung! The cavity rippled loudly, then began to shrink rapidly as if it was squeezing the insides.

At the same time, three pairs of wings spread out behind me. The wings shed a halo of light. The earth spirits contained in the wings displayed their dominance.

-Kugugugu!

“Huh, huh… ”

The compression stopped. The joint shook as if an earthquake had struck. A power struggle continued, with the push and pull of dominance.

‘A power struggle is established.’

Through my pure magical power, I can summon hundreds of earth spirits that are more powerful than the average mid-level spirits.

-Ku, kukugung…!

Eventually, it got to the point where they were being pushed out more and more. The opponent’s dominance was getting stronger and stronger.

No, it’s not that you’re getting stronger. Another force is being added to the opponent’s strength.

‘… Dungeon?’

Dungeon correction. My expression became strange.

I was hoping, and it turned out to be true.

The alpha entity of this dungeon is a spirit.

‘Hmm…’

The situation was one of strength struggle. He waved his staff. The magical power that spread through the air formed a spell.

Some were cast into the air, some were cast upon my crew, and some were cast upon me.

[I’ll do the same as the wizard. I’m thinking of opening a path and heading towards the exit, but do you have a better plan?]

“Those below do not follow the leader’s orders.”

Yusei, who was playing around, wrapped his sword blade in a silvery aura.

Others also took up positions with dead faces.

-Yes, then I will share the situation with you through phone call.

Woohoo! He poured out a moderate amount of magical power from his entire body. His hair and the hem of his clothes fluttered slightly.

The wings did not flap.

Because they have no wings.

***

Eliminate intruders.

As the guardian and gatekeeper of this space, it was his duty to fulfill. The earth spirit did not abandon the duty he had been given.

-Woof! Woof! Woof…!

“… … .”

…a strange wave that keeps shaking his duty.

The spirits here barely resisted, but the purer spirits were already dragged away by that wavelength.

The spirit raised both hands and narrowed its brows. Kkugugun! The small hollow that hid the spirit trembled.

The barriers are stacked in layers. They block out waves coming in and out from the outside.

-… Woof…

No matter how hard you try to block it, the waves will inevitably reach you. The spirit that was waving its head tried hard to divert its attention.

‘…intruder.’

A consciousness that has become one with the earth. The intruder’s situation is reflected in the spirit’s consciousness.

The best course of action is to remove the intruder. However, if that is not possible, the intruder must be driven out.

It seemed difficult to kill them, the spirit thought.

It seems that they are of a higher level than the first group, and even if they send troops, they are not easily repelled. Rather, they are breaking through the troops and stirring up space.

But, as if feeling a sense of crisis, he is running towards the exit.

The spirit thought of pushing forward and repelling the intruder.

‘…?’

At that moment.

A noise was heard from a place a little further away. The creation of space forces? But the spirit did not intend it.

I assigned my consciousness to the spirit that raised the question.

-Wooow…!

‘Ugh.’

The owner of the sound was the one who had been sending waves, the intruder. Three pairs of fluttering wings. Earth-colored wings full of copper?

It is difficult to manipulate the surrounding lands because there is a lot of conflicting powers. Individual capabilities are superior here, but there are too many on the other side.

The spirit furrowed his brow. Should we pursue the one running away? Or, should we, should we, should we pursue the intruder?

-Kwarrr!

-…?!

A moment of hesitation. In the meantime, the hollow swayed.

No, it was a mistake. Not only the hollow where the spirit was, but the entire ground shook. The spirit, whose eyes were wide open, regained consciousness.

A being with three pairs of wings. From it, tremendous dominance over the earth arises.

Homogenization of expansion capabilities

Taishan

Now, only beautiful wings were visible.

A rock armor surrounding a small body. The man, whose stomach had grown considerably larger than before, turned his head.

It was in the direction of the hollow where the spirit was hiding.

-… Huh

The spirit was not even breathing, but was squeezing my throat without me knowing.