episode_0014

“Hoo.”

I slowly sheathed the knife that had been cutting through the kappa rhino downward.

Ugh, my hand trembles, making it hard to sheathe it.

“[Ryu Charm] consumes a lot of magic power.”

I didn’t realize it when I used it briefly, but using it twice in a short time made me feel like something inside was running out quickly.

It’s probably what they call MP, mana.

It seemed like three uses would be my limit for now.

Truly pathetic.

“…Just a few slashes and you’re already trembling.”

Today, I didn’t even land a single effective hit in the dungeon.

In other words, panting solely from the physical exertion of my own actions without any external factors draining my stamina.

This is a critical flaw as a dealer.

Can’t help it.

If I leave this place, I’ll have to go there.

A hidden oasis set up by GM bastards for newbies, doubling as a hospitality stage.

There, I could gain various growth opportunities.

Naturally, they might cut me some slack with this inadequate body.

“Of course, I won’t go alone.”

I hurriedly ran off.

First, the wheezing Mahana.

Then, the mana-draining Moonbora, muttering ‘Kwueak…’ excessively, causing stars to dance before my eyes.

“We must bring Meonyangi along no matter what.”

There, even Mahana could become stronger.

* * *

“…Ha.”

Breathing heavily, Moonbora slowly set down the water bottle in his hand.

Drinking water after narrowly escaping death served as a good reminder that he was still alive.

[Confirm dungeon clearance.]

[Restrictions based on entry conditions are lifted.]

Upon hearing the welcome news, Moonbora immediately snapped his fingers.

Radiant light enveloped him as his two-meter-tall doll-like figure returned to normal.

“…As expected, arms and legs are elongated.”

This is why he disliked “Backup.”

Feeling greatly restricted in both action and original strength was not something he wanted to experience.

After finishing his thoughts, Moonbora examined his body.

Neatly tied bandages.

Green healing ointment visible within them.

All items brought by Yusehaga, expertly applied by him.

“…Very well tied.”

The clean hemostasis and proper application of ointment indicated perhaps a [First Aid] trait.

“Or maybe he just has a lot of experience with this.”

Regardless, he felt relieved.

Moonbora got up to attend to his business.

“…Meow.”

“Oh! Stay still!”

“…Meow.”

Right in front of him, Mahana, with ears perked like a cat, and Yusehaga observing her closely from various angles.

Even though it seemed like he was overusing the bandages.

He was so desperate that he started taking off his clothes to use as bandages.

Then suddenly covering his mouth, he sniffled.

“Oh! Where can I find something to hit this tiny, adorable Meonyangi?!”

“…”

“…”

At the dizzying remark, both Mahana and Moonbora lowered their heads.

“…Really. This person. Has no shame?”

As Moonbora, he couldn’t fathom such behavior being acceptable in front of the person concerned.

“…Doesn’t he realize he’s a man…?”

Most male hunters feel greatly discouraged when forming a party with female hunters.

Despite having the same skills, grade, and experience, there’s a noticeable difference in growth due to the quantity and quality of magic power based on gender.

Such disparity in growth is despair-inducing.

Facing the colossal fear of a boss, their own powerlessness becomes even more disheartening.

“…It’s unavoidable.”

However, Yusehaga, this uniquely bizarre man, showed no signs of such discouragement.

Rather, he was so lively that it could make onlookers uncomfortable.

“Of course, one might say, ‘Isn’t it because he’s strong?’ but, um. He was a bit different.

In his gaze and actions… love overflowed.

Truly a cringe-worthy expression, but well.

‘…It’s the same for me…and even more so for Mahana.’

Anyway, enough of the digression.

Moonbora approached Yuseha quietly and spoke up.

“…Miss Yuseha. I’m sorry, but could you please step aside for a moment?”

I have something to discuss with Mahana.

*

“……”

“……”

It was a strange confrontation.

Mahana, bowing deeply, and Moonbora looking down at her with a pitiful gaze.

And in the distance, Yuseha trying to eavesdrop by activating [Unprecedented Perception].

It was Moonbora who broke the frozen silence.

“Mahana, you’ve worked hard. Your best efforts… I acknowledge that, not just for myself but also for Yuseha.”

“T-Thank you…”

“However… you are a tank.”

At the word ‘tank,’ Mahana faltered.

It was a testament to the weight carried by that word.

“A tank is not just a position that blocks enemy attacks. It’s about leading from the front, being the guiding light for those following you. Showing them a back they can trust. That is the most important and fundamental skill of a tank.”

Indeed, tanks often took on the role of a ‘leader.’

The burden they carried was heavy, and the hope they showed by overcoming it was significant.

“I respect you. Despite your small stature and even though I, who rarely visit the guild, have heard plenty of negative rumors about you, among all the tanks I’ve partied with, you have been the most diligent.”

It’s not flattery but genuine admiration.

Mahana, a party member who gives her best like no other.

“But… for whatever reason, you failed to take care of yourself. As a result, you made a grave mistake. If things had gone wrong, it could have led to the annihilation of the party. In the worst-case scenario… both you and I, as well as Yuseha, might have died.”

Yuseha’s unexpected strength led to the successful strategy.

It wasn’t because Mahana excelled as a tank.

Pausing for a moment, Moonbora looked at the bowed Mahana.

She steeled herself against weakening.

This is for her now.

‘Character, cooperation, courage in the face of fear… various virtues are necessary for a hunter.’

Mahana is an excellent individual possessing all three mentioned earlier.

Surely, there is no one better in human relationships.

But as a hunter, she falls short.

She lacks the most crucial element.

‘Strength.’

And the talent to climb the stairs called ‘strength.’

For a hunter, strength is the essence.

Unfortunately, this industry is such, as history has shown.

‘The words of the weak are nothing but futile struggles.’

It’s not merely longing for power.

Moonbora, respected in various circles as a hunter.

She was even a promising figure known as “Snow Ice.”

But it was merely a glory she attained after bitterly lamenting the ‘weakness’ within her.

‘…Even if a glimpse of talent is seen, I want to tell her not to give up.’

One thing can be asserted.

Mahana.

She possesses nothing.

Not even a speck of mineral, let alone a gemstone.

Unlike Yuseha, who is the complete opposite.

“…Right now, I don’t think I can follow you anymore. I won’t say anything bad. Mahana.”

Turning slowly, Moonbora said,

“…Lower your shield.”

“……!!!”

With the most shocking word for a ‘tank’ embedded in Mahana’s heart, she quietly walked towards the gate entrance.

“……”

A quiet sigh.

Unable to hide her gloomy expression, Moonbora raised her gaze at the approaching footsteps.

Yooseha, whom she had just formed a bond with today, was leaning against a tree, looking at her.

Something about him… His awkward stance was somewhat pitiful, but maybe it was because of his appearance.

It was a scene worth watching.

“Thank you for today, Mr. Yooseha.”

With these words, Moonbora took off her gloves and shook hands with Yooseha.

Slightly surprised by her gesture, Yooseha accepted the handshake.

“Thanks to you, we were able to defeat Kappa Rhino.”

It wasn’t an empty compliment.

Undoubtedly, today’s success in ‘Breakout’ was possible because of Yooseha, the hidden joker who strategized the victory.

The MVP of this dungeon was undoubtedly his contribution.

“No, if you hadn’t used ‘Ice Pillar’ appropriately, I wouldn’t have been able to perform so well.”

“…Is that so?”

Moonbora said with a wry smile, letting out a teasing remark.

Yooseha looked slightly puzzled at her comment.

Of course, he heard everything.

‘The Unyielding Spirit,’ could it be… one of those Epic-grade traits that boost morale?

Perhaps Moonbora knows that I possess a similar trait and is making such remarks.

‘Nevertheless… she seems quite sensitive.’

She was like this in ‘Gosla’ as well.

Even if I don’t think of it rationally, whenever emotions are involved, she quickly becomes vulnerable and easily swayed.

‘I wonder if she’s unnecessarily blaming herself again…’

As a ‘Guide,’ I should offer some warm encouragement, shouldn’t I?

“Oh no~. And Mahana must know as well. So don’t blame yourself unnecessarily. It was meant in that sense from the beginning.”

“What-”

“-It’s a message to lower your shield… You’re worried, right? Concerned that if things continue like this, you’ll either end up disabled or dead.”

“…”

Moonbora fell silent at the piercing words.

This man… hasn’t even revealed his true feelings, yet he seems to understand so well.

‘…Does he have the ‘Poison Tongue’ trait…?’

That can’t be true.

There’s not even a hint of magical flow visible.

Chuckle―.

Moonbora coughed lightly, ran her hand through her hair, and subtly turned her slightly reddened face away.

“…You interpret me too kindly. I simply did my best because I didn’t want to die.”

Like a typical tsundere, Moonbora replied calmly with a hint of pride.

Watching her, Yooseha felt a pang in his heart.

‘Yes… this is the feeling.’

Leveling up is good, defeating strong boss monsters is great, but this is the true essence.

The taste of smiling while watching cute actions of pretty girl characters!

This is the true flavor of “Gonys Archive Life.”

‘At first, it seemed a bit cheesy and lacked depth…’

But as I got more into it, I started enjoying it.

Moonbora may not be the main character, but she was diligently nurtured.

As a ‘Sorcerer,’ she couldn’t deal damage but excelled as a ‘Supporter.’

Therefore, her character.

One of them being ‘Silent Warmth,’ as someone who knows her well, I understand that all her actions are filled with consideration and kindness.

‘Pretending to be a feeble villain without any real intention…’

She was so adorable that I almost wanted to scold her.

If I had a daughter, I’d wish for her to have this kind of personality as the eldest?

“Well then, I’ll take my leave.”

As Moonbora finished speaking while lost in thought, she passed by.

Huh? Is she really going to leave just like that?

“Are you not going to take the reward?”

With the tip of his finger, he pointed at the body of Kappa Rhino and the bluish sphere lying next to it.

“…It’s fine. It’s not a rune that suits me anyway.”

“Still, after all your hard work, you should take something…”

“Thank you for your consideration. But right now, reporting to the guild seems more urgent.”

Moonbora promised to inform the guild in advance.

She added that they would generously provide the reward.

“…Then someday when we meet again—”

“—Academy.”

“……!”

“See you at the Gones Hunter Academy. Us.”

“…Did you even do any background check on me?”

“No? Just saw ‘going to the academy’ in your fortune! That’s all.”

Moonbora was taken aback by his nonchalant response.

But… she got valuable information.

‘Ah, so this man is also aiming to enter the academy…’

After a brief silence, Moonbora nodded quietly.

“…I’ll be your fellow student.”

In essence, a confident response confirming each other’s admission.

For Moonbora, a promising individual nicknamed “Seolbing,” it was only natural.

The praise she received from the stranger today was almost like an enthusiastic endorsement.

Upon hearing unexpected words, he added:

“Yes. The three of us.”

“…Three…?”

Moonbora stared blankly at Mahana, who pointed subtly with her eyes.

“…Are you serious?”

“Of course.”

“Ms. Yuseha, she has talent—”

“—Just wait and see.”

“…What?”

In response, Yuseha smiled slyly.

For a moment, Moonbora thought it was a cheating smile.

How could someone who rolled in dirt, fought monsters, and did dirty work everywhere look so dazzlingly beautiful?

The words she heard were warmer than a sun-like smile.

“Our Meonyangi’s back.”

She will make sure you believe and follow her.

“…”

It was a resolute answer.

Various questions and confusion swirled in Moonbora’s mind.

Why address her by a nickname?

Because Mahana asked her to do so frequently?

Despite that, there was a sense of familiarity, no, a familial bond felt between them.

Was their connection really that deep?

Was this not their first encounter today?

Decisively…

‘Why so much…’

Mahana.

Why trust her?

How can she be so certain about people?

For Moonbora, trusting someone always led to betrayal.

That’s how it was in the past, with family, and with the sister she loved.

It was something she could never accept.

“I’ll keep my expectations.”

Therefore, Moonbora could barely utter those words and hurriedly escape through the gate.

Compared to his warmth…

‘…I’m despicable.’

So utterly despicable.