Ordinary Art Factor [EN]: Chapter 71

I explained the situation to my party members, or rather, the soon-to-be Guild members, using words that were meant to be simple but somehow became grand, hard-to-understand, and ambiguous. After further complicating the future plans, I called the team leaders and deputy team leaders into what would be the party leader’s (and soon, Guild Master’s) office.

Re-clearing the City Hall’s Rank 6 Armored Dungeon tomorrow is a secondary concern. Right now, we need to discuss the specifics of establishing the Guild.

We need to select 72 new Awakeners, including 20 Rank 7 Awakeners, and fill the necessary positions to operate the City Hall Dungeon and support those who do. Of course, we also need to consider Dungeon clearing and continuous leveling up.

My head feels like it’s about to explode.

Although I appointed Han Deuk and Gil Su as Vice Guild Masters as a shortcut, I figured I should first paint a broad picture as the Guild Master so they could take initiative.

“First of all, we’ve requested cooperation from the Jeju branch regarding the use of the Idea Mirror [a device that records and replays events] video. If we recruit new Awakeners using the clear video, we should be able to fill the ranks fairly quickly.”

“Here are the reports and resumes for the personnel needed for the operation, management, and support of the City Hall Dungeon. We’ve decided to take over the support team linked to the existing Jjang Ssen Party [likely a well-known party] as a whole. Here’s the Dungeon management office portfolio they’ve managed so far.”

“Oppa [term of endearment for older brother or male friend], I think we should just buy a building. It’s getting harder to lease space here. We should either take out a loan or use a portion of the reward from this clear to purchase a building on the outskirts, or even build a new one, even if it takes time.

Including the resident staff and support team, we’ll need approximately 4 floors for about 60 to 80 people, plus a magic item storage and various convenience facilities….”

“This is a request for a proposal regarding the establishment of a magic research institute under the Guild. Based on the magic items held by the Guild members, we’ll classify the distribution of items dropped when clearing the Dungeon, the contribution to it, and the degree of contribution….”

“I’ve prepared a draft for the appropriate compensation and annual salary for each Awakener team and department. The annual salary was calculated based on Article O of the Awakener Act, and includes an incentive system and the four major insurances [health, employment, workers’ compensation, and pension]….”

Everyone takes turns speaking and handing me thick reports and printouts.

You guys!

Did you all plan this? Right?

2 PM the next day.

When I arrived at the large room of the City Hall OO Coffee Shop with Han Deuk, Gil Su, and Ji Hye, I saw Go Yong Seok, the Jeju branch support team leader of the Awakener Association, Han Jae Woo, the magic team leader, Lee Sang Man, the warrior team leader, some familiar employees, and people who appeared to be Awakeners waiting for us.

“Weren’t we supposed to enter at 3 PM? You came early?”

“Ah~ We’ve been working at City Hall these days. You know? The Dungeon management office isn’t operating yet. If you don’t want to see us, you can operate the Dungeon management office quickly. Haha.”

Were they not waiting for us?

“Yes. We need to organize and operate it as soon as possible. By the way, the Awakeners you mentioned….”

“These are the people. For your information, they’re all Rank 7, and they’re Awakeners belonging to our branch.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Han Gi Tae.”

“Hello. I’m Seo Yu Ra.”

“I’ve heard a lot about you. I’m the warrior Moon Chang Sik.”

One in his early 30s, one in his late 30s, one in his mid-40s, and two women in their mid-20s.

As simple introductions were exchanged, Mi Hye, Kim Eun Hee, and Choi Eun Ji arrived.

After ordering coffee, drinks, and pieces of cake, and getting somewhat acquainted, I began to explain today’s situation.

“…As you know, today’s City Hall Rank 6 Armored Dungeon run is a demonstration and confirmation of our support Guild’s Dungeon clear capabilities. The clear will be entirely done by us, and you’re here in case of an emergency, so please understand this point. And who is filming?”

“That would be me.”

Han Gi Tae, who looked about 5 years older than me, raised his hand.

“I see. Please take good angles and make a good video. Haha.”

“The main characters and supporting actors are excellent, so it will turn out well~. Hahaha.”

I joked, and he took it seriously.

I’m excellent enough, I guess. Hehe.

After giving them some time to rest, I checked their condition.

[Art Factor/Warrior: Han Ji Won (Lv-6)

Nationality/Affiliation: South Korea/Support Party,

Age: 40, Height/Weight: 178cm/78kg,

Agility: 12, Endurance: 9, Strength: 10,

Stamina: 12, Intelligence: 8, Luck: 14,

Enchantment: 13, Inventory: 10/10

(Awakener Boots, Gloves, Cloak,

Zergling(Speed Upgrade+100%)(160), Dracan(6),

Dark Assassin(4), Slug Tank(15)

Minerals(105.732kg), Idea Awl(2),

2L Water Bottle(10)),

Buildings: 11

(Forge, Battery, Gateway, Dracan Core,

Gas Extractor, Speed Upgrade Core, Land Core, Stargate,

Black Core, Light Core, Land Spore Core),

Crystal: 0/60, Personal Stats: 0,

Summon Target Stats: 351(Probe),

Zergling’s Top Armor 1,

Possessed Artifacts: Mineral Shard (Absorption) 260,

Gas Shard (Absorption): 30, Idea Pouch (Absorption) 1,

Idea Awl (Absorption) 2]

The coffee is sweet.

The corners of my mouth lift slightly.

Today is a completely different situation than when I was suddenly eaten by the Dungeon last time.

At that time, I only had Zerglings and Dracans in my inventory, but now I have added Slug Tanks and Dark Assassins.

Should I try to clear this time with a large-scale Shuttle and endless Zerglings?

I have plenty of Minerals… Huh?

I didn’t exchange the Minerals after the last clear?

50 minutes after entering the City Hall Rank 6 Armored Dungeon.

‘Thud… Kwagwang [sound of impact].’

‘Kuwow… Kuwooo [monster sound].’

“Oh, my god!”

“Unbelievable!”

“Wh, what is this….”

“…….”

One of the multi bases was simply destroyed in an instant by 160 Zerglings.

The Guild members around me are also watching with me, along with the Awakeners from the Jeju branch, who are exclaiming strangely.

“This place is finished. Moving to the next multi… Huh? Wait a minute!”

That’s right.

This is a multi base!

There’s Gas!

A brilliant idea that I hadn’t thought of before suddenly pops up.

It’s foolish to walk around this vast Rank 6 Dungeon.

Of course, it is.

As I started walking towards the back of the destroyed Nexus [central building in a StarCraft base], Mi Hye, who was moving with me, spoke to me.

“Oppa, like when we left the Dungeon last time….”

“Yeah. I just thought of it.”

“Okay!”

A moment later.

“Oh, how!”

“Wh, what!”

“What is this….”

“It’s not a unit, it’s a, a Shuttle?”

Don’t just be surprised, hurry up and get on.

Time is Minerals, you know. Hehe.

1 hour and 20 minutes after entering the City Hall Rank 6 Armored Dungeon.

‘Thukwakwang… Kwagwang [sound of impact].’

‘Kuwo… Kuwooo [monster sound].’

“What is this….”

“Huh, isn’t this a dream?”

“…Can’t we just have the Support Guild, Guild Master?”

“…….”

There’s Gas here too, and there are spectators.

2 hours and 10 minutes after entering the City Hall Rank 6 Armored Dungeon.

“Attack towards 9 o’clock. Zerglings, go! Activate long-range magic! Launch Shuttles!”

“Wrath of the Goddess Idea! Wall of Fire!”

“Tears of the Goddess Idea, Wall of Ice!”

“Lament of the Goddess Idea! Sea of Despair!”

“Sigh of the Goddess Idea! Dew of Sorrow!”

‘Thukwakhakhang… Thukwakhagwang [sound of explosions].’

‘Kuwowoo… Kuwooo [monster sound].’

‘Kkuung… Kwagwang. Kkuuuung… Kwaaang [sound of explosions].’

After destroying two multi bases in the same way as last time, I absorbed the Gas and produced a large number of Shuttles, then loaded them with Zerglings and Slug Tanks.

The newly produced Zerglings and the summoned Zerglings were on the ground, and the Zerglings and Slug Tanks on the Shuttles were dropped on the overlapping defense towers, and the Guild members poured out as much long-range magic attacks as they could.

Moreover, the teamwork is more stable and better than the last clear.

Clearing the Rank 6 Armored Dungeon is nothing?

‘Thukwakwang… Kwagwang [sound of impact].’

‘Kuwo… Kuwooo [monster sound].’

After entering the main base along the destroyed defense towers, destroying the Dungeon units, the Crystals, the Gateways, and finally the Nexus, a huge blue light poured out in all directions.

[Ding! The Rank 6 Armored Dungeon has been cleared.]

[Ding! Level 1 is increased due to accumulated availability. 10 personal stats are granted.]

Huh?

Level up again this time?

Along with the Dungeon clear notification, I also hear the level-up notification.

“Aww~ It didn’t work this time.”

“My magic power only increased, but I didn’t level up either.”

“But if you keep getting hit, it’ll be easier to level up.”

“That’s right, that’s why we’re getting hit by the magic waves.”

Hearing the Guild members’ disappointed voices, I should stay still.

I should check my stats later.

If my stats exceed 400, is that Rank 6? Hehe.

The corners of my mouth are slowly starting to rise.

City Hall Rank 6 Armored Dungeon.

The Dungeon clear reward is a reward, but just the reward I receive from the Jeju branch for proving and filming with the Idea Mirror is 9 billion won [approximately $7.5 million USD].

Considering the Dungeon clear reward and the profit from operation, this is a walking gold mine.

That’s why large corporations do all sorts of things to acquire Dungeon operation rights.

Leaving behind the dumbfounded, speechless, wide-eyed, and speechless Jeju branch Awakeners, I also moved to the back of the destroyed Nexus, handed Ji Hye the Idea Awl, and told her to quickly mine Minerals.

Once the Dungeon is cleared, I’m going to make sure to collect the clear reward.

I have to suck up as much Minerals and Gas as possible.

After building a Gas Extractor with one Probe and summoning 100 more Probes to absorb the Gas,

“Oh my, there are so many Probes. Are you absorbing Gas too?”

Two women in their mid-20s approach me.

“Yes. Gas is also needed for building creation and unit production.”

“Is the Guild Master married?”

“Yes. My son is 9 years old this year.”

“Oh~ I see. Are you on good terms?”

“Yes, like other people. But why?”

“Ah, it’s nothing.”

What are you trying to do now?

Were they magicians?

Warriors? Priests?

I don’t remember exactly.

I don’t have a reason to remember.

If that’s the case, why don’t you go over there and help mine Minerals?

That’s how we’ll get out of here quickly!

3 hours and 30 minutes after entering the City Hall Rank 6 Armored Dungeon.

How is it that mining Minerals takes longer, or about the same time, as clearing the Dungeon?

Still, it’s only this much because the Jeju branch Awakeners are lending a hand. If we had only mined Minerals with our Guild members like before, it would have taken all day.

After mining all the Minerals while using jokes and personal stories as snacks, I boarded the remaining Shuttle and returned to the Dungeon entrance.

As soon as the phenomenon of coming out of the Dungeon and the slight dizziness disappeared, Han Gi Tae approached me.

“Excuse me, Guild Master.”

“Yes. Mr. Han Gi Tae.”

“Are you establishing a defense Guild in the Jeju area this time? And recruiting Awakeners too?”

“Don’t you know? That’s right. But what’s the matter….”

“Can I apply too? I’ll quit the branch.”

“Yes?”

Looking at his facial expression, he seems serious?

Why?

Why would an Awakener belonging to the Awakener Association quit that good job?

They don’t make you do dangerous things, the salary is high, the pension will be great later, the welfare is good, there’s no reason to quit….

“Guild Master, I’ll apply too.”

“Me too.”

“We have plus points, right?”

All five Rank 7 Awakeners from the Jeju branch want to abandon their current jobs and belong to the Support Guild.

Isn’t the civil servant status an iron rice bowl [a secure job]?

What are they looking at to do this?

Oh, are they not civil servants?

Well, it would be nice for us to easily recruit Rank 7 Awakeners, but I feel sorry for the Jeju branch if this happens….

Just as I was showing a bewildered look, Gil Su and Han Deuk, who had been waiting nearby, approached.

“Party Leader, you’ve worked hard. Are you okay?”

“You’ve worked hard, Party Leader. The clear time is much faster than I thought.”

“Oh, that’s how it turned out. There are no injuries, and I’m going to exchange the Dungeon clear reward at the branch later… But, who are those people?”

It was difficult to have a proper conversation because the surroundings were noisy.

Dozens of Awakeners were gathered around the Dungeon entrance, and the Jeju branch team leaders and employees were surrounded by Awakeners and raising their voices, and the atmosphere was strange.

“What are you talking about! Why can’t we enter!”

“Aren’t you giving special treatment to the Support Party only!”

“I’ll file a complaint with the main association. What’s going on!”

“The Rank 6 Dungeon only needs 20 Awakeners below Rank 7, right? Why can’t we!”

Huh?

Is it because of us?

Because of the Dungeon clear entry?

This City Hall Armored Dungeon was cleared in about three hours, so there are at least 5 hours left until it regenerates.

Until then, other Awakeners, parties, or Guilds won’t be able to clear and enter, so did they gather to apply in advance?

Well, it’s a Rank 6 Dungeon, so Awakeners are bound to flock to it.

The Jeju branch has been managing the Dungeon clear entry so far, so that’s why they’re flocking like that.

Is there a need to figure out why they’re gathered here like this? I was thinking, but,

“Let’s move to the branch. Submit the Idea Mirror, how about dinner? There are things I want to tell you….”

Han Gi Tae, who had been watching the situation from the side, made a subtle suggestion.

“Okay. Let’s do that.”

Anyway, we are short of Rank 7 Awakeners in relation to the founding of the Support Guild.

Since they are offering support before we make an offer, there seems to be no reason to refuse.

I boarded the vehicles of Han Deuk, Gil Su, and the Jeju branch Awakeners and headed to the Jeju branch Awakener Association office.

Jeju Branch Conference Room of the Korea Awakener Association.

When I arrived at the conference room, I saw older men I hadn’t seen before occupying the seats, including the Jeju branch manager.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Gong Tae Seok, head of the Support Headquarters of the Korea Awakener Association.”

“I heard you’re a Summoning-type Awakener. Nice to meet you.”

“I heard you can clear a Rank 6 Dungeon with a small number of Rank 7 Awakeners? That’s really amazing.”

What is it?

What is this strange blind date-like atmosphere?

Should I bring a matchstick [to play matchmaker]?

It seems like they are the executives of the main association that the branch manager has mentioned before. Seeing that they have yielded the head seat like that, the head of the headquarters must be in a higher position than the branch manager.

I guess that’s how the branch manager lives. Still, the head of the headquarters looks older.

After having a brief introduction time and some time passed, the City Hall Rank 6 Armored Dungeon clear video began to be played on the large screen through the Idea Mirror.

A moment later.

“Ze, Zerglings!”

“How many are there!”

“Sh, Shuttles too!”

“Slug Tank!”

The exclamations, coughs, and surprised voices are no different from the Jeju branch Awakeners who cleared it together.

The most magnificent scene without having to use computer CG is the destruction of the main base overlapping defense towers.

The splendid magic manifestation of the surrounding supporting actors in the video’s protagonist’s cry.

“Attack towards 9 o’clock. Zerglings, go! Activate long-range magic! Launch Shuttles!”

“Idea Goddess’s Wrath! Wall of Fire!”

“Idea Goddess’s Tears, Wall of Ice!”

“Idea Goddess’s Lament! Sea of Despair!”

“Idea Goddess’s Sigh! Dew of Sorrow!”

‘Thud, thud, boom… Thud, boom.’

‘Whoosh… Whooosh.’

‘Boom… Crash. Boom… Crash.’

The scene unfolded with splendid long-range magic attacks and hundreds of Zealots [a type of warrior unit] on the ground charging towards overlapping defense towers, dozens of Shuttles [air transport units] floating in the sky, and Zealots and Slug Tanks [heavy assault units] falling from those Shuttles.

My slightly scorched face and the sweat-drenched hair of the guild members, captured on the screen, looked quite dashing.

The astonishment of the headquarters executives echoed through the conference room a few more times, and I also had a pretty fun time watching myself.

The video stored in the Idea Mirror [a device for recording and playing back events] was completely played, and the lights in the conference room were turned on, but no one readily opened their mouth.

Well, I also look pretty successful when I see it in a video like this, but those seeing it for the first time must be bewildered.

“…Is this not manipulated, right?”

“How can it be manipulated? It’s the Idea Mirror.”

“This is, you said, the guild leader’s job of the defense guild? Summoner? Magician with an Art Factor [a measure of magical talent]? Rank 7? Don’t joke around.”

“You said it was a support guild earlier, right? Han Jiwon from the Jeju area defense guild? Are these your actual stats?”

What? So what!

You saw it with your own eyes!

Should I go in and show you again if I get eaten by the dungeon?

Or, does this look like a manipulated video to you now?

Or are you curious about the authenticity of my identity?

Even if people tell you the truth and prove it with a video, what more do you want!

While I was quite perplexed by the questions from the headquarters executives,

‘Thump~.’

Huh? What is it?

A man in his mid-30s, who appeared to be an employee of the Jeju branch, burst into the conference room and hurriedly approached the branch manager, whispering something in his ear.

His face was flushed, and his eyes were bloodshot, so it seemed like something big had happened.

“What! Rank 3?”

The branch manager was startled and asked the employee.

But what? What did I hear earlier?

Rank 3?

“Yes? What do you mean, Rank 3?”

“What’s going on again?”

“Perhaps, could it be….”

The headquarters executives next to the branch manager asked instead of me, satisfying my curiosity.

“A random Rank 3 Bio Dungeon has appeared in Seoul!”

“Wh, what?!”

“R, Rank 3!”

Until now, the highest-ranked dungeon in Korea was the Rank 4 Armor Dungeon managed by the Four-Star Guild.

As the employee was about to whisper something to the branch manager with a flushed face to see if there were any more issues, people around him shouted.

“Just say it! Is this a security matter now?”

“Yeah, everyone will find out anyway. What’s going on?”

The Jeju branch employee, who had received a lot of attention, stammered and continued.

“Th, this is news that just came in. Around 11 a.m. today, a random Rank 3 Dungeon appeared near Seoul City Hall in Jung-gu, Seoul. The Special City Defense Guild, the Four-Star Guild, and the LC Guild have entered, but they haven’t cleared it yet….”

“Hey~ then it hasn’t been long. It will be cleared if we wait….”

“Wait a minute! Who did you say entered earlier?”

“The Four-Star and LC Guilds both?”

“If it’s 5:30 p.m. now, then about 6 hours have passed since they entered, and the respawn time for clearing a Rank 4 dungeon is double, so it should normally take about 8 days, right? Well, it’s nothing much.”

The executives were initially surprised, but then seemed to gradually calm down.

“About 300 civilians who were identified were eaten up because there was an event nearby. And….”

“What, 300 people?!”

“Damn it! What kind of event is being held near City Hall….”

“Wait a minute! Don’t interrupt! Do you have anything else to say?”

“Yes, even after the Four-Star and LC entered, the SG, Rodeo, and Jilpung Guilds also entered, and the report is that the number of Awakeners [people with supernatural abilities] who have entered to clear it so far exceeds 500….”

‘Bang~ Crackle.’

“Branch Manager! The Seoul City Hall Dungeon has burst!”

Another employee burst into the room, and the conference room fell silent with the one word he threw out.

A moment later.

The rooftop smoking area of the Jeju Branch Awakeners Association.

“Hyung [older brother/male friend], it’s the first time in 17 years that this has happened! And it’s Rank 3!”

“So what do you want me to do?”

“Oppa [term used by younger women to address older brothers/male friends], let’s go. We might be of help.”

“Rejected! Go if you want. I’m not going.”

“Hyung, didn’t they request help after watching the clear video? If you don’t go, we’re not needed.”

“Party Leader, they said that you can go up first and see how things are going and then deploy, so don’t necessarily step forward….”

You guys!

Does this look like a joke to you right now?

It’s a Rank 3, no less!

Han Deuk, Gilsu, Jihye, and Kim Eunhee are urging me to go clear the Seoul City Hall Dungeon.

Their argument is that there was a request from the headquarters executives for us to accompany them anyway, and since there is already a large number of Awakeners and guilds deployed, we can just add a spoonful [contribute a small amount].

I’m against it!

My wife’s words while crying in the emergency room of Jeju National University Hospital after the last City Hall Dungeon incident are still vivid in my ears. Where are you going!

Silkworms only eat mulberry leaves [stick to what you know].

A stork will tear its legs trying to catch up with a crow-tit [don’t overextend yourself].

But, is that right? Silkworms only eat mulberry leaves?

Anyway, I’m against it.

The headquarters executives hurriedly moved to the airport and left Jeju on an emergency flight.

How do I know?

Because I’m at the airport right now!

“Ah~ I’m telling you. I’m not going!”

“Hyung! Let’s just watch from afar. It’s absolutely not dangerous. Look. They’re issuing special reports that civilian control has been completely implemented.”

“Awakeners are setting up double and triple barriers within a 5km radius around the burst dungeon. It’s not that dangerous.”

“Party Leader, it’s a request from the headquarters executives. It might be the best way to promote our guild’s establishment and gain fame. Let’s go?”

“Oppa, we absolutely have to go! This is a huge opportunity!”

“Hey! Watch your mouth! How can you talk about promotion and opportunity when people’s lives are at stake! I’m rejecting this kind of opportunity first! Screw it!”

I shouted at them and strode out of the waiting room into the smoking area.

Is it so good that the dungeon burst?

Or is it good to be able to be on national television and be on the same stage as guilds nationwide? I don’t understand at all.

Of course, I can somewhat understand the guild members’ position.

It’s been at least a few years since they awakened, and I can roughly guess that the values and standards that Awakeners, ordinary people, and civilians think about are different, but isn’t this too much?

It’s not a low-level dungeon, but a Rank 3, no less.

The Rank 3 dungeon burst for some reason.

17 years ago, an Rank 8 dungeon burst, causing several civilian casualties.

Of course, it was quickly resolved, but still, I don’t want to trade people’s lives for money, opportunity, or fame.

Ah! No, that’s not it!

I’m also clearing dungeons at the risk of my own life to make money, so is it all the same?

Was I the only one pretending not to be! Are the guild members also Awakeners like me? Was I still not understanding this world properly?

Suddenly, my face turned red, and a sigh escaped my lips.

What should I do?

Should I really go up to the mainland [Korean peninsula]?

If the details of the request from the headquarters executives have been processed electronically, I should be able to enter the dungeon barrier without any problems. Should I just watch from afar? Or should I join in?

While I was thinking about this and that, I kept smoking cigarettes, and through the glass window of the smoking area, I saw dozens of Awakeners entering the main waiting room.

Seeing the Awakeners who got off several vans and minibuses moving quickly, did the Jeju branch request it from other parties or guilds in the Jeju area?

There’s no way the headquarters would send an official letter to the Jeju branch, which is the farthest away, so something is strange.

Are they just going?

To watch?

Or to rush to the mainland to add a spoonful, as the guild members said… Huh? That, that guy!

It’s definitely him.

The guy who used to indulge in entertainment and gambling with me 15 years ago.

The guy who gave me all kinds of trouble in the Rank 10 Armor Dungeon that appeared on Yongdam Coastal Road last year.

A typical petty person who is weak to the strong and strong to the weak. It’s definitely Hyun Ga.

That guy must belong to the Aria Guild’s Jeju branch, but why is he going to the mainland… Hmm. Wait a minute.

Seeing him, a fleeting puzzle passed through my head.

The Aria Guild’s Jeju branch was originally the Jeju area defense guild, and the Jiwon Party, to which I belong, was changed to that by the Jeju branch.

And the back of the head I got hit with.

I suspected it, but I didn’t have any confidence, so I was still collecting the data until now.

If, by any chance, he instigated it, he wouldn’t have done it clumsily, and there must have been another reason….

Am I just making assumptions? A misunderstanding?

Suddenly seeing him, clumsy reasoning like unnecessary thoughts lingers in my head.

‘Buzz~.’

It’s Han Deuk.

I put out my cigarette, came out of the smoking area, and answered the phone.

“Why?”

“Hyung, where are you? The Aria Guild’s Jeju branch is coming soon….”

“I saw them. And I’m in front of Exit O here.”

Before the cold canned coffee could wash away the stuffy mouth, Han Deuk and the guild members arrived.

“Hyung, I’m sorry for earlier. Shall we go back to the office?”

“Guild Leader, I’m sorry for being stubborn. I’ll make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

“I think I was temporarily possessed by something. Hyung is right. I admit that I was blinded by money, using people’s lives as an excuse.”

“Oppa~ sorry.”

Jihye is the coolest.

No, is she the most indifferent?

“No. I’m sorry. And I think I’ve been mistaken until now. I haven’t been awakened for long, so I made unnecessary excuses and fussed. I’ll make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

As I bowed my head with an apology, the guild members didn’t know what to do.

“H, Hyung!”

“Oppa, why are you doing this?”

That’s it.

What needs to be admitted must be admitted and passed on.

Embarrassment is momentary, but disappointment lasts a lifetime.

When I raised my head, I saw the guild members looking at me with anxious eyes, and I felt a bit proud that I seemed to be quite trusted.

“Vice Guild Leader Go Han Deuk.”

At my stiff voice, Han Deuk, like a thief with a guilty conscience, eagerly took the bait.

“H, Hyung. We were wrong. Pl, please….”

“What are you talking about? What’s wrong?”

“Ah, no, that’s not it. Th, then, how….”

He’s so quick-witted, but he’s immature.

“Find out the fastest flight and contact the Jeju branch and headquarters. We’re leaving.”

“…R, really?”

“Yes, yes! I’m calling now. Han Deuk, call the headquarters! I’ll call the branch. Eunhee-ssi and Eunji-ssi, immediately book that flight from earlier, and Jihye, Mihae, put the luggage back in! Ah, no, both of you go together. Hurry~.”

“Okay. Oppa~ the best~.”

Gilsu is faster than Han Deuk.

And Jihye hands me bread after a long time and raises her thumb.

That’s right.

I’m not a civilian, an ordinary person, but an Awakener.

Rather than watching the dungeon burst as an Awakener, I’d rather go back to my old office.

It’s not a moral conscience to save even one more person, or a sense of duty as an Awakener to deal with the units.

I’m an Awakener.

I just need to make money doing what Awakeners do best.

I’m too clumsy to have any more meaning than that or any less meaning than that.

If I’m faithful to the present, something will happen. Unnecessary suspicion and speculation are just delusions.

Thank you, guys.

Whether it’s a coincidence or not, for awakening me.

But, Jihye.

I thought we decided not to look for bread anymore….

Huh? Thinking about bread makes me feel hungry for some reason.

Did we have dinner after clearing the dungeon…?

I have a dinner appointment with the Awakeners from the Jeju branch… Um… Let’s eat first.

I had a simple dinner at a restaurant in the airport and boarded the plane to Gimpo.

Apart from the Rank 3 dungeon bursting near Seoul City Hall, all daily life went on as usual.

Of course, if only one or two people gathered, most of them would talk about that.

As soon as the plane took off, Jihye and Choi Eunji were spreading their wings of imagination next to me, chattering about the upcoming dungeon clear, but I quietly shouted the status window.

The unwritten rule of Awakeners.

When an Awakener checks their status, don’t talk to them or touch their body.

As both ears became quiet, I checked my status.

They’re also checking their status, so it seems like Awakeners are Awakeners.

[Art Factor/Warrior: Han Jiwon (Lv-7)

Nationality/Affiliation: Republic of Korea/Jiwon Party,

Age: 40, Height/Weight: 179cm/78kg,

Agility: 12, Stamina: 9, Strength: 10,

Health: 12, Intelligence: 8, Luck: 14,

Enchantment: 13, Inventory: 10/10

(Awakener Boots, Gloves, Cloak,

Zealot (Speed Upgrade +100%) (310), Dragoons (50),

Dark Assassin (4), Slug Tank (20)

Minerals (246.348kg), Idea Awl (2),

2L Bottled Water (9)),

Buildings: 11

(Forge, Battery, Gateway, Dragoon Core,

Gas Extractor, Speed Upgrade Core, Land Core, Stargate,

Black Core, Light Core, Land Spore Core),

Crystal: 0/70, Personal Stats: 10,

Summon Target Stats: 401 (Probe),

Zealot’s Top Armor 1,

Possessed Artifacts: Mineral Fragment (Absorption) 360,

Gas Fragment (Absorption): 360, Idea Pouch (Absorption) 1,

Idea Awl (Absorption) 2]

I’m proud.

If the summon target stat is 401, is it Rank 6? Hehe.

I think I did a good job filling up the gas fragments, mineral fragments, and summonable units after clearing the City Hall Rank 6 dungeon today.

Where should I distribute my personal stats?

Health? Agility? Strength? … Huh?

I’ve also grown 1cm taller?

Wa, wait a minute! I still haven’t exchanged it?

The minerals have increased even more.

As soon as we arrived in Gimpo, Han Deuk made a phone call with someone, then grabbed a taxi and headed towards Seoul City Hall.

As I was getting tired of the news flashes shouting on the radio in the middle and the taxi driver’s lamenting complaints, we arrived at the restricted area controlling civilians.

The Seoul City Hall Rank 3 Dungeon Clearing Headquarters, located in a chaotic place mixed with soldiers, police, firefighters, employees of the Korea Awakeners Association, and Awakeners.

Whether a battle is taking place not far away, acrid smoke and occasional shelling sounds, and red firestorms appear and disappear.

‘Is the clearing in progress? In the city center? No way….’

I don’t know how the Rank 8 dungeon burst and how it was handled 17 years ago.

I just remember it appearing on the evening news a few times for a few days… Actually, I don’t remember it well. I wasn’t interested, and it wasn’t serious.

But this time it’s a Rank 3, no less.

Each time the rank goes up by 1, the dungeon becomes more than twice as big and wider.

As the size of the dungeon increases, the number of dungeon units also increases and becomes stronger, but I can’t guess at all.

If it’s Rank 3, how many times is it Rank 8?

32 times, right?

Even if you just convert it into numbers, it’s this much, but in reality….

Han Deuk, who was moving around, walked towards a large red tent where soldiers were guarding with automatic rifles, handed over his license, and identified himself.