Ordinary Art Factor [EN]: Chapter 73

“Then, doesn’t that mean there’s no point in setting up a base here, Guild Leader?”

“Wherever I move becomes the base. Why assign meaning to it? And if we find the civilians who were first consumed by the dungeon, are you planning to take them with us while we clear it? Where will we leave the injured?”

“… This is, an emergency sickbay, I suppose.”

“Whether it becomes a sickbay or a morgue is something to worry about later. We move out in 10 minutes. Announce it!”

“Understood, Guild Leader.”

“That ‘Guild Leader’ thing….”

Han Deuk kept calling me Guild Leader until he was out of earshot.

Following the rules for titles during dungeon clears is fine, but unless it’s an official setting, can’t you just call me ‘hyung’ [older brother or respected older male figure]?

If you keep calling me ‘Guild Leader’ like that, it makes me look old… Wait a minute!

Han Deuk, you’re not sulking because I told you to split the minerals while everyone was watching, are you?

You petty guy.

Seoul City Hall Random Rank 3 Bio Dungeon Clear Entry: 2 hours 30 minutes.

Exactly 10 people boarded each shuttle.

The ratio of warriors, mages, healers, and priests was set at 1:1:2, and the spare shuttles were occupied by me and supporting guild members.

“We will prioritize examining the northeast area where combat traces were found. Distance limit, shuttle speed approximately one hour. Combat is authorized if issues arise. That is all. Shuttle liftoff! … Depart!”

The 23 shuttles slowly lifted off, rising to a height of 20 meters above the ground.

Some let out cries of curiosity, others of admiration.

As the shuttles gradually increased their speed, some Awakened ones grabbed onto the railings or sat down.

An Awakened one with a fear of heights?

Funny.

Seoul City Hall Random Rank 3 Bio Dungeon Clear Entry: 3 hours 10 minutes.

We had been flying for about 40 minutes.

Along the way, large groups of evolved Zerglings chased the shuttles, and we saw a few Hydras and Roaches emerging from the ground.

Several Wyverns approached the shuttles but were quickly shot down by the mages’ long-range magic attacks, and we also spotted a few Sky Rays floating in the sky.

Sky Rays are non-aggressive units within the Bio Dungeon, named for their resemblance to sea jellyfish. They don’t react unless provoked and simply go their own way, meaningless creatures.

Moving through the air is good because we don’t have to engage with the dungeon’s ground units, and it’s fast.

As long as we don’t encounter any morons, this method should allow for continuous scouting.

Seoul City Hall Random Rank 3 Bio Dungeon Clear Entry: 3 hours 40 minutes.

After passing dozens of hillocks and a few swamps, the traces disappeared.

There were broken branches and signs of fires along the way, making it easy to get this far, but should we turn back now?

Could there be traces in another direction?

Assuming the guilds that entered for the clear are protecting civilians, how would I have acted?

Accompanied the Awakened ones to proceed with the clear?

Or hidden the people somewhere?

Then what about protection and defense?

Assumptions and speculations chased each other’s tails.

Suddenly, the surroundings buzzed, and Mi-hye, who was next to me, called out in a slightly excited voice, as if she had found something.

“G, Guild Leader. D, do you see that?”

Mi-hye pointed in one direction. I turned my head, squinted, and looked closely, and saw something about the size of peas moving around, then a red light… a light? Flames?

“… Found them! Rapid movement. Mages, manifest mana! Warriors, stand by!”

I acknowledged the shuttles floating around and quickly moved in the direction Mi-hye pointed.

Seoul City Hall Random Rank 3 Bio Dungeon Clear Entry: 3 hours 45 minutes.

As we got closer, the peas gradually grew larger, and soon we could identify their forms. The things were Ultralisks.

‘Kuaang… Kwaang.’

‘Ummmer~.’

With a body length of 8-12m, a height of 3-4m, and two horns on its massive head, the Ultralisk is a giant bio-unit that favors physical attacks like a rhinoceros.

That’s right. They appear from Rank 3 Bio Dungeons and above, and when you go over Rank 2, their characteristics are upgraded and evolved like Zerglings.

In simple terms, they are like mindless, oversized trucks within the Bio Dungeon, and there are only a few Awakened ones in the entire world who can withstand their physical attacks head-on.

And there were seven Ultralisks.

The Ultralisks were charging upwards from below the hillock.

On top of the hillock, warrior-type Awakened ones were blocking them from above, using the terrain and their numbers, while mages were supporting them from behind with fire magic, but the situation was not optimistic.

They saw us suddenly appear and seemed to think we were an additional clear team, shouting and maintaining their formation, but the warriors’ greatswords couldn’t penetrate the Ultralisks’ tough hides.

We had to quickly sort out the battlefield.

“Dismiss Zerglings! Summon all Zerglings!”

[Tring! Summoning 360 Zerglings (Evolution +100%).]

I dismissed the Zerglings that were guarding the base and re-summoned 360 of them behind the warriors who were forming a defensive line here.

The mages and civilians in the rear panicked, but there was no time to explain the situation.

“Hold those big bastards! Mages, manifest mana!”

Upon my command, the summoned Zerglings began to rush down the hillock, and magic spells were heard from all directions.

Just as the warriors who were facing the Ultralisks in a defensive formation were bewildered, the Zerglings passed them and clung to the Ultralisks.

With 50 Zerglings clinging to each Ultralisk, their movements gradually slowed.

“Mages, magic attack! Summon all Grub Tanks!”

[Tring! Summoning 7 Grub Tanks.]

“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!”

‘Kwaaang… Kwaang!’

‘Kkuuung… Kwagwang. Kkuuung… Kwaaang.’

‘Ummmer~ Ummmerrr.’

As soon as I finished shouting, 50 magical attacks were scattered and flew towards the Ultralisks, and coincidentally, the number of Grub Tanks in my inventory was the same as the number of Ultralisks.

The Zerglings were holding onto the targets, making their movements almost non-existent.

Magic attacks rained down from the sky, and the Grub Tanks bombarded them.

The smell of burning flesh filled the air.

“Zerglings! Finish them off!”

Hundreds of Zerglings shoved long gauntlets into the bodies of the seven Ultralisks.

Seoul City Hall Random Rank 3 Bio Dungeon Clear Entry: 5 hours 10 minutes.

When the smell of burning flesh and the acrid smoke had cleared somewhat, I landed the shuttles.

Amidst the murmuring civilians and the Awakened ones who had entered earlier, several people walked towards me and spoke.

“Are you reinforcements? Who’s the leader? There was no need to enter with additional forces.”

“Who is the summoner? Zerglings, Grub Tanks, and even shuttles. Impressive.”

“We could have handled it ourselves. It’s unnecessary interference. Since you’ve entered, just take care of the civilians and the injured. We’ll proceed with the clear on our own.”

“You know that the first ones in have the rights to the dungeon title and clear progress, right? If you just cover the civilians who were consumed by the dungeon, we’ll acknowledge some of your contribution.”

Everyone except one man in his early 40s, who seemed similar to my age, looked older than me, and they were all so rude.

What?

They don’t need us?

Just take care of the civilians and the injured and wait?

What a load of crap….

As the surrounding Awakened ones all looked at me in response to their questions, I stepped forward and said one thing. My intention was to take care of the civilians and the injured first.

“Let’s treat the injured first and then talk. This isn’t the time for….”

“Are you the leader of the reinforcements? Nice to meet you. I’m Hong Tae-sung, the Guild Leader of the Four-Star Guild.”

“Kim Tae-soo, Guild Leader of LC Guild.”

“Moon Hong-chan, Guild Leader of SG Guild. Thank you for your help.”

“Kim Baek-man, Guild Leader of Whirlwind Guild. Don’t meddle.”

Oh, I’ve heard of them.

Hong Tae-sung, the Guild Leader of the Four-Star Guild.

A warrior-type Awakened one in his mid-50s, with an oily face and clad in what appeared to be the most expensive equipment.

A golden spoon among golden spoons [born into extreme wealth and privilege].

Anyway, when did these people see me and start acting like this?

We’re clearly meeting for the first time, but everyone except one is using informal language.

Is it because they’re all from wealthy backgrounds?

Is this how the wealthy are?

By the way, judging from their situation, there seem to be quite a few injured. If they have time to introduce themselves, shouldn’t they treat them first?

I gave priority instructions to our healers and priests.

“Healers and priests, prioritize emergency treatment for the civilians, and the rest should return to the base….”

“LC Guild supporters, treat the injured.”

“Four-Star Guild, same goes for you. You, stay put.”

“Ahem~ I told you not to meddle!”

Oh?

Are they going to hit me?

And what? Stay put?

I’ve heard that a lot, what a load of crap.

Seoul City Hall Random Rank 3 Bio Dungeon Clear Entry: 5 hours 40 minutes.

Are we living in different worlds?

Or am I wrong?

No matter how much I think about it, I don’t understand.

Excluding the civilians, about 500 Awakened ones entered to clear the Seoul City Hall Random Rank 3 Bio Dungeon, but now there are roughly 350.

That means there are nearly 150 injured, including the dead, and they’re going to proceed with the clear with this number?

What?

Since the incompetent Awakened ones are gone, it’s more efficient and faster to move?

Ha~ Are the heads of the wealthy made of diamonds?

First, I was notifying my supporting guild members about the current situation inside the shuttle—a notification, not a meeting—about my plan.

“Hyung, then….”

“First, we’ll return to the base and observe the situation. Even if we roughly calculate their movement speed and clear progress, we’ll have a general idea in 3-4 days at most.”

“Oppa [term of endearment for older brother or male friend used by females]! Then what about those people? Are we just going to leave them alone?”

“They told us not to interfere, that we’re being a nuisance, so we should leave them alone!”

“Still, wouldn’t it be helpful to proceed with the clear together in many ways?”

“Forget it. I don’t stop those who come, and I don’t stop those who leave. Those damn bastards! Are all large corporations like that? How can their ability to judge high-level Awakened ones be so poor?”

“That’s true. It must be pride. Or vanity.”

“Isn’t that why the dungeon exploded! Those damn bastards! We’ll proceed like this for now. Read the atmosphere later and play it well. Got it?”

“Understood, but still….”

“Yeah, Oppa.”

“Yes. There will definitely be guilds or parties that want to move with us. If not, we’ll just wait until they clear it. Hehehe.”

Shortly after.

I gathered the additionally entered Awakened ones and put on a clumsy act with my supporting guild members.

“… I’m not doing it! I said I’m not doing it! I’m not doing it because it’s frustrating, and I’m not doing it because our goals don’t align. If it’s going to be like this, it’s better for us to proceed with the clear on our own. An army that can’t move systematically is just a disorganized mob that only eats each other alive. Is clearing a Rank 3 dungeon a joke! I said I’m not doing it!”

“H, Hyung!”

“Guild Leader.”

“Denied! I clearly said I’m not doing it! We’re taking the civilians and the injured and returning to the base. Load the injured onto the shuttles first!”

At my command, the guild members hesitated and approached the area where the injured were gathered, and several Awakened ones hurriedly spoke up.

“Supporting Guild Leader! We need to proceed with the clear with them.”

“That’s right, Guild Leader. We have to endure even if it’s unpleasant. They’re the largest guild in the country!”

“No! Isn’t this a dungeon that exploded because they couldn’t clear it? With that number of people, it’s bound to explode again! We have to help them~.”

“What are you talking about! It’s because of the civilians and the injured. If some Awakened ones cover them, they can clear it!”

“Crazy! We have to do it with the Supporting Guild Leader!”

As expected, there are problems on our side too.

I can’t judge with 100% accuracy, but since they couldn’t clear it with 500 people, it’s obviously impossible to clear the dungeon with 350.

I know it, they know it, and those guys know it too….

Wealthy bastards with shit for brains!

They must be saying they’re confident they can survive.

They’re going to throw someone away as expendable and aim for their own gain.

Of course, if they’re incredibly lucky or saved the country about 10 times in their previous life, they might be able to claim even a small portion of the dungeon clear contribution.

Then what are they going to do?

How many Awakened ones can survive until then?

I sighed in frustration and looked at each of the Awakened ones who followed me into the dungeon, and said in a firm voice.

“I clearly said it before entering the dungeon. If you trust me and trust yourselves and are faithful to your assigned tasks, I, you, will definitely clear it! From the beginning, I never thought we would clear it together with them, and it wasn’t in the plan.

If the civilians who were consumed by the dungeon and the Awakened ones who entered earlier are alive!

If they’re injured and can’t move!

If not, even if it’s just their corpses!

I had a plan to take them out of the dungeon, but this isn’t it. I give up on their arrogance and stubbornness!

We’ll only take care of the civilians and the injured. Those who don’t doubt my abilities will follow me, and those who don’t can follow them. We’ll move separately. That is all!”

As soon as I finished speaking, the murmuring grew louder, and most of the warriors and mages maintained their positions, but about 30 Awakened ones from the healer and priest classes began to follow the wealthy ones.

Yeah, it’s better for those who are going to leave to leave now. Not for your sake, but for the sake of those of us who remain.

420 civilians and 90 injured people who were abandoned by them, 50 corpses, and 170 Awakened ones who trusted me to the end.

Alright, you damn bastards! Let’s do it.

The Rank 3 Bio Dungeon clear starts now.

Seoul City Hall Random Rank 3 Bio Dungeon Clear Entry: 1 day 4 hours 30 minutes.

The next day, another unexpected problem arose.

“… Hyung, at this rate, we only have enough food for 3 days at most.”

“If we don’t clear the dungeon within 3 days, 4 days at the most, we’re going to starve. We need to reduce the rations.”

“We’re already only eating two meals a day, what are we going to do if we reduce it further? We should continue to ration the young children, the injured, and the elderly over 70 as before, and the Awakened ones should be more generous.”

“How can we clear the dungeon if we can’t eat and can’t shit? Awakened ones aren’t machines.”

“I didn’t think this far either. I didn’t expect so many civilians to be alive….”

“What does that mean? Even so, that’s not right.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Still….”

“Ha~ Damn it. I really didn’t think of this.”

Han Deuk and Gil-soo were arguing, and Ji-hye, Kim Eun-hee, and Choi Eun-ji were shrugging their shoulders. The guild members were just as clueless as I was.

I hadn’t thought about this problem at all.

Before blaming anyone, we need to find a solution.

The number of people who entered the dungeon for the first time, excluding the supporting guild, was 200.

I don’t misunderstand their habits, but considering the scale of the Rank 3 dungeon, I instructed each Awakened one to bring at least 8 days’ worth of water, potions, emergency medical supplies, and food (the average clear time for a Rank 4 dungeon is 4 days), but as expected, they’re Awakened ones.

They prioritized their weapons, armor, and magical items.

The inventory storage space of Awakened ones varies depending on their rank, stats, and whether they have absorbed items like the ‘Idea Pouch,’ but one thing is common.

They fill their inventory storage capacity with ‘types,’ not the number of items.

For example, one bibimbap [Korean mixed rice dish] is identified as one ‘type’ and can be stored dozens of times, but the bean sprouts, red pepper paste, sesame oil, etc. that go into the bibimbap are distinguished separately and recognized as three storage spaces each, occupying dozens of red pepper pastes, dozens of sesame oils, and dozens of bean sprouts.

In other words, even if it’s the same water, ‘Jirisan’ [mountain in Korea] and ‘Seoraksan’ [another mountain in Korea] are recognized as two storage spaces depending on the type. Because of this, warrior-type mages occupy most of their inventory with weapons, armor, and shields, and mage-types prioritize storing magical items that increase or decrease mana absorption, consumption, and range. I didn’t anticipate this habit in advance.

Healer and priest-type Awakened ones are mostly operated as supporters in guilds or parties, and they are mainly responsible for dungeon items… I should have told them to leave those behind!

Even in my inventory, the only thing I can eat is water called ‘Hallasan’ [another mountain in Korea].

And only 10 2L bottles of it. The rest is with Han Deuk. Tsk.

In the end, it’s a butterfly effect ‘caused by most of the 30 Awakened ones who followed the wealthy ones being healers and priests.’

The food supplies were already insufficient due to the civilians and the injured who were consumed by the dungeon, and now the food storage that we had prepared has been blown away.

We’re screwed.

We were discussing (reading as silence) how to cope with the depleting food supplies and discussing (reading as unilateral notification) the clear progress method for a long time, when,

‘Tukukukung… Kwaaang~.’

‘Kieeeek… Kieek.’

‘Kkuwak… Kkuwaak.’

Less than 5 minutes after the faint vibrations and gunshots of the dungeon floor were felt even in the tent, a warrior-type Awakened one came inside and reported the situation. Another surprise attack?

“Supporting Guild Leader. 19th base defense successful! 35 evolved Zerglings, 9 Hydras, and 1 Ultralisk were destroyed by the defense towers and Zerglings. 3 first-line defense towers and some of the gateway were damaged, and the green-grade alert continues. No casualties.”

How many times a day do these Bio Dungeon units launch surprise attacks?

Stupid dungeon units throwing themselves against unbreakable rocks….

Ah~ I made those rocks. Cough cough.

“… Let’s go out for now. My head hurts.”

“Yes.”

To cool my head, which was about to explode from overload, and to repair the broken defense towers and gateway, I moved near the perimeter of the attacked base.

Several warrior-type Awakened ones were busily moving the corpses of Zerglings, Hydras, and Ultralisks towards the base, and the smell of burning flesh was coming from the Ultralisk corpse passing by me… Huh? Meat? … Meat!

“Hold on!”

At my shout, the movements of the Awakened ones who were moving the Ultralisk corpse stopped.

The Bio Dungeon that officially exploded for the first time in 17 years.

The highest-grade magical items and potions made from Bio Dungeon unit corpses have mostly been imported from China, Russia, India, Australia, the United States, and some European countries, and they are incredibly expensive, to the point where the asking price is the value.

Even if you check the Awakened ones’ shopping mall right now, one mid-grade potion costs over 300 million won, so the highest grade is needless to say.

The problem is supply.

The demand is enormous, but the supply is not, so the price is skyrocketing, and the taxes are also considerable when trying to import normally from foreign countries.

So, some people deliberately explode Rank 10 or Rank 9, or even Rank 7 Bio Dungeons.

Foreign countries also supply Bio unit corpses under thorough verification, but the problem is the domestic situation.

If we could normally explode Bio Dungeons and supply corpses smoothly, there would be no problem, but it’s difficult to do so in places like the United States or China, where the land is vast and the population density is low.

Even if we miss any dungeon units, the numerous mountains and rivers in the country make it easy to conceal and cover them, and the optimal environment for unit breeding is the problem.

Of course, it’s not like there aren’t any at all.

The lower-level Bio Dungeons operated by large or medium-sized companies are the targets, but there is no way to confirm that they are deliberately exploded.

Rumors abound, but facts are unconfirmed.

The funny thing is, we can only roughly guess that the amount of potions and corresponding magical items distributed domestically exceeds the imported quantity.

Anyway, regardless of the dungeon’s rank, the corpses of units within a Bio Dungeon that has failed to regenerate and exploded are worth a fortune.

Moreover, this isn’t just any Rank 9 or 10 lower-level dungeon; it’s the first random Rank 3 Bio Dungeon to appear domestically.

It’s a tempting target that guilds belonging to large corporations would pounce on, and the actions of the privileged yesterday are somewhat, just a little bit, understandable… Bullshit!

Because of whom am I here worrying about food for ordinary people and the injured! But I can’t just turn a blind eye.

Should I tell the ordinary people and the injured to be taken care of by some Awakened individuals and proceed to clear the dungeon alone?

Forget it, stop it.

Due to unnecessary greed, today might be the last day of my life. Damn it!

Still, I am incredibly curious about the magic wave, the so-called Spell Shockwave, that is released when destroying a Rank 3 Bio Dungeon’s mature tower.

I leveled up twice when I first cleared the Rank 6 Mechanized Dungeon, and I leveled up once after that, so what will happen with Rank 3? I think it will be a level-up storm… Tsk.

Let’s think about that later for now.

I approached the Ultra corpse, summoned the Idea Awl, stabbed it deep into the torso, and slightly licked the blood.

“What are you doing? Uh, uh? Oppa [Korean term for older brother, used by females]! That’s poisonous!”

It tasted a bit fishy, but it seems okay?

“I know. But this blood is a material used to make potions… Ugh, puke.”

[Ding! Absorbed the weight of a Bio Rank 3 Dungeon unit. Level-up weight increased by 0.0018%.]

“Wh, what? What the… Ugh, puke.”

“… Idea Goddess’s arrangement! Personal Heal!”

“Ugh~ What on earth are you doing!”

“G, Guild Leader. Are you okay?”

I feel somewhat better after Han Deuk heals me.

Anyway, what was that notification just now?

Unit weight?

Level-up weight?

As I drooled and pondered blankly, Ji-hye approached and waved two fingers in front of me.

“Oppa! How many do you see? Are you okay? Aren’t you poisoned?”

“… Get that away. And Han Deuk.”

“Yes, hyung [Korean term for older brother, used by males].”

“Do you have any potions?”

“Yes. I have two low-grade and one mid-grade, but…”

“Give me one of the low-grade ones.”

“If you’re poisoned, I can heal you. There’s no need to use a potion…”

“Just give it to me. I need to check something.”

“Yes.”

Han Deuk takes out a low-grade potion from his inventory and hands it to me.

A low-grade potion contained in a fist-sized white ceramic bottle.

It shows excellent effects on most cuts, punctures, lacerations, and burns, and also heals most poisons. One low-grade potion costs between 70 and 80 million won [approximately $50,000 – $60,000 USD].

Most Awakened individuals receive support from healers or priests when clearing dungeons, but that’s not the case in every situation.

What if they don’t have supporters?

Considering the chaotic battles during dungeon clearing, their absence, betrayal, or neglect, potions might be essential for Awakened individuals.

Of course, it’s best not to get hurt in the first place, but that’s not always possible.

“What are the ingredients in this?”

“Potion? Well, it’s naturally made by processing the blood of Bio unit corpses… Eh~ S, surely not!”

“Oppa. I know what you’re thinking, but you can’t make it here. You need advanced facilities. Based on some chemical changes…”

“That’s not what I meant… Never mind. Han Deuk, find something to hold water, and Gil-soo, cut off about 1kg of the Ultra corpse.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Shh~.”

“… Yes. I’ll be back.”

Potions are made from the blood of Bio Dungeon unit corpses. Of course, I know that too, but the problem is the notification I received earlier.

If that small amount of blood increased the level-up weight, what about the corpse?

If I do well, I might get more than a twofer, or even a threefer effect?

After a while.

I filled a 2L PET bottle [Polyethylene terephthalate, a type of plastic] cut in half with water and dropped a drop of low-grade potion into it.

Then, I thinly sliced a nail-sized piece of tissue from the Ultra corpse that Gil-soo had cut off, washed it in the water, and brought it to my mouth.

“Oppa, what on earth are you doing? I told you, you’ll get poisoned again.”

[Ding! Absorbed the weight of a Bio Rank 3 Dungeon unit. Level-up weight increased by 0.0175%.]

“Munch, munch… Hmm, the taste is not bad? And it’s roughly 10 times more?”

The guild members are staring at me with dumbfounded expressions, but Han Deuk, realizing something from my mumbling, hurriedly follows me.

He slices a piece from the Ultra corpse, washes it in water, closes his eyes tightly, and carefully brings it to his mouth.

“… Ugh, unbelievable!”

“Wh, what is it?”

“Hey, what? What is it?”

Ji-hye, who is the quickest to notice after Han Deuk among the guild members, quickly reaches for the Ultra corpse.

After a while.

We were completely settled down, eating the Ultra corpse raw.

The Awakened individuals around us were bewildered at first, but soon started to follow suit, and this situation spread throughout the garrison.

Some Awakened individuals were vomiting, others were replacing the water containers with larger ones, some were meticulously checking the dilution ratio of water and low-grade potions, some were grilling the corpse pieces because they were tired of raw meat, some were smoking it, and some were eating it with the distributed food supplies.

An unexpected group feast began in the area.

“I, I can’t eat any more!”

“Munch, munch, this is all becoming flesh and blood. You have to eat until you die since you can increase your level-up weight just by eating.”

“You’ll really die if you keep doing this.”

“I’ve never seen an Awakened individual die from being full. By the way, hyung, I think this will solve everything at once? It might just be similar to regular meat for ordinary people, but for Awakened individuals… Look. This situation, isn’t this a scene that can happen in a Bio Dungeon? Solving the food problem, the Awakened individuals’ dissatisfaction with dungeon clearing, boosting morale, etc., amazing. Hyung.”

Han Deuk is right.

No matter where you look in the garrison, dozens of people are gathered around, lighting fires and tearing apart the Ultra corpse, and hearty laughter echoes.

At first, there were protests and resistance from some Awakened individuals who witnessed this situation, but they were restrained by others.

Of course, it’s true that the Ultra corpse is worth money, but that’s for the bones and horns, not the meat. As for the blood, everyone is still collecting it in their emptied drinking water and PET bottles.

And I don’t know where it started, but the Ultra corpse was transformed into the so-called ‘Giant Korean Beef’ and spread throughout the garrison.

For the sole reason that its taste and texture are similar to beef.

Seoul City Hall Random Rank 3 Bio Dungeon Clearing Entry: 1 day, 16 hours, 50 minutes.

That evening.

Some healers and priests who had left with the privileged, along with SG Guild Leader Moon Hong-chan and 78 Awakened individuals, including the injured, visited the garrison.

Since it was dinner time, they were shocked to see us chewing, tearing, and tasting the Ultra corpse, and we were shocked by the progress of the clearing they told us.

“Please help us. Support Guild Leader.”

SG Guild Leader Moon Hong-chan, who had the best impression among the privileged.

He is still bowing his head to me and asking for help.

“More than 100 casualties to break through one multi [likely refers to a section or level within the dungeon]? The total number of Awakened individuals in the clearing progress is about 400, right?”

“Yes. It’s exactly 391, but since we’re out, it’ll be a little over 300.”

“If 100 of them are injured, then one-third are unable to fight, so how…”

“The healers and priests are squeezing out their magic power, but they still haven’t given up on clearing it. There are quite a few deaths too. As I see it… there’s no hope.”

A stuffy silence circles and disappears inside the tent.

“Is there enough drinking water or food?”

“There are many support-type Awakened individuals, so it’s still okay.”

“I guess so. That’s why we suffered.”

“I know. I apologize once again.”

“Stop it. It’s not the Guild Leader’s fault.”

Despite Gil-soo’s grumbling, the SG Guild Leader bows his head.

Moon Hong-chan, the SG Guild Leader of a KOSDAQ [Korean stock market index]-listed company, who is 43 years old this year, three years older than me.

Similar height to me, muscular physique, tanned brown face, and eyes of conviction.

A well-known warrior-type Awakened individual in the late Rank 5.

What made him bow his head to insignificant people like us?

I asked a strange question with a strange curiosity and vague expectation.

“SG Guild Leader.”

“Yes. Support Guild Leader.”

“If you had to choose between the clearing reward of this Rank 3 Bio Dungeon and one of your affiliated guild members, which would you choose?”

“Of course, the guild members. I exist because the guild members exist, right? Even now, I am grateful for the choice of the guild members who willingly followed my decision…”

A reply that comes back without a moment’s hesitation.

Simple and clear.

But most people can’t answer this easily or simply.

If it’s a well-known regional defense guild in the country, a Guild Leader.

Okay. If it’s someone with this level of character, it seems like we can work together.

“Let’s proceed.”

“Yes?”

“Let’s proceed with the clearing. We’ll proceed right after breakfast tomorrow morning. Go Han Deuk, Choi Gil-soo!”

“Yes. Guild Leader!”

“Yes!”

“Calculate the minimum number of ordinary people and injured personnel within the garrison’s boundaries, and report the quantity of drinking water, food, potion quantity, and available clearing personnel by job. Tomorrow morning, we will proceed with the re-clearing of the Seoul City Hall Random Rank 3 Bio Dungeon. Announce it!”

“Understood. Guild Leader!”

As Han Deuk and Gil-soo hurriedly left the tent to spread the instructions, the SG Guild Leader looks at me with strange eyes.

Seoul City Hall Random Rank 3 Bio Dungeon Clearing Entry: 2 days, 03 hours, 20 minutes.

The next day.

As soon as breakfast was over, I created additional defense towers, crystal bodies, and gateway buildings within the garrison’s boundaries.

If we had defended the garrison with a tertiary barrier until now, it is now a quaternary barrier or higher.

This is to prepare for the possibility of having to summon all the Zealots on standby, as happened last time, and to alleviate the anxiety of ordinary people and the injured due to the departure of a large number of Awakened individuals.

Combining the existing 170 Awakened individuals with 45 combat-capable personnel from the SG Guild, 215 Awakened individuals, excluding me and the guild members, boarded 23 shuttles.

“We will proceed with the re-clearing of the Seoul City Hall Random Rank 3 Bio Dungeon. Shuttle liftoff! Mages, unleash your magic power! Depart!”

At my shout, 23 shuttles rose simultaneously, and the magic spells shouted by the mages were heard from all directions.

“It’s Ultra heaven.”

“Ultra, my ass, it’s Korean beef.”

“To be exact, it’s Giant Korean Beef. One of those would be enough to feed everyone here.”

“I know, but I’m starting to get tired of it? Heh heh.”

SG Guild Leader Moon Hong-chan has a dumbfounded expression at the conversation of the Support Guild members who boarded with us.

Is it because this atmosphere is strange when proceeding with dungeon clearing?

He cautiously offers his opinion to me.

“Wouldn’t it be better to maintain tension?”

“Continued tension makes the body heavier. It’s okay until the start of the battle. And it’s actually true.”

“Yes? What is?”

“Aren’t you seeing it? It’s Korean beef heaven.”

“… Seriously.”

Why?

It’s the right expression.

Leaving the SG Guild Leader, who doesn’t understand and is dumbfounded, I turned my gaze downward.

Ten or so Ultras, hundreds of Zerglings, and dozens of Hydras are chasing the shuttle, or they are entangled with each other and struggling before jumping in another direction.

As expected, it’s a Rank 3 Bio Dungeon.

It’s fortunate that we’re moving through the air; if we had moved on the ground, we would have been in trouble too. Heh heh.

Seoul City Hall Random Rank 3 Bio Dungeon Clearing Entry: 2 days, 05 hours, 10 minutes.

After flying for nearly two hours from the garrison in the direction that the SG Guild Leader told us, we were finally able to find the privileged, but the situation seemed similar to when we first met them.

Except for the Awakened individuals taking care of the ordinary people, the situation of fighting back on the hill while surrounded by Ultras, Zerglings, and Hydras was so pathetic.

Where did the 300 or so people go? About 200 Awakened individuals were desperately blocking the dungeon units.

The guild leaders and warriors belonging to large corporations were rampaging in the front, but they were exhausted and tired, their armor was tattered, and they were full of injuries everywhere.

The mages’ ranged magic attacks were also occasionally exploding, and the healers’ and priests’ healing and blessings were hardly visible.

Dozens of Awakened individuals, whether injured or dead, were lying on the hill, and some were staring blankly at the sky in resignation….

Damn it! We’re caught.

“I, It’s the Support Guild!”

Starting with someone’s shout, the commotion grew, and when they confirmed that we had arrived, shouts and screams spread in all directions as if a stone had been thrown into a well.

“… Yippee!”

“Wow!”

“It’s true! SG brought reinforcements!”

“We’re alive! We’re alive!”

“The Support Guild has come to save us!”

Perhaps because they were suddenly attacked by the aggressive prey?

The Ultras, the so-called Giant Korean Beef, hesitated slightly, so I quickly summoned the Zealots and gave instructions.

“Zealots, stick to them! Mages, magic attack!”

“Idea Goddess’s Wrath! Wall of Fire!”

“Idea Goddess’s Tears! Wall of Ice!”

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

“Idea Goddess’s….”

‘Kwaang… Kwaang.’

‘Kkuwak… Kkuwak.’

‘Ummeo~ Ummeo.’

“That’s enough! Warriors, rush out! Pour out heal and blessings!”

“SG Guild! Everyone, charge!”

“Wow!”

“We’re going too! 3 o’clock direction! Depart!”

Hundreds of Zealots and 215 Awakened individuals with full magic power rushed in like a wave from behind, and the dungeon units panicked.

The battlefield gradually became organized as the privileged also began to exert their strength as if matching our pace.

Once the situation was somewhat organized, the injured were treated first, then the defenses were strengthened with defense towers and gateways, and tents were set up to allow the exhausted Awakened individuals to rest.

Seoul City Hall Random Rank 3 Bio Dungeon Clearing Entry: 2 days, 08 hours, 30 minutes.

Thanks to our healers and priests running around with sweaty feet and treating the injured, and the rest they took, most of them had returned to normal complexion.

However,

“Heh heh. First of all, I want to say thank you. Thank you.”

Sa-sung Guild Leader Hong Tae-sung’s insincere greeting, and

“How about lending a hand instead of lazing around in the garrison? I’ll give you a spot in the clearing.”

LC Guild Leader Kim Tae-soo’s bullshit,

“It seems like you guys need to help too. Let’s proceed with the clearing together.”

Even Jil-pung Guild Leader Kim Baek-man’s nonsense.

Why are these old men doing this?

I folded my arms and pondered without saying anything.

‘Is there any reason for me to proceed with dungeon clearing with these people? Their stats and Awakened rank are definitely higher than ours, but they’re a pathetic organization that can’t even break through one multi in the dungeon, so should we do it together? Can we really destroy the multi and the main base with our current personnel?’

While I was immersed in these thoughts, LC Guild Leader Kim Tae-soo was being a jerk.

“What are you doing? Why don’t you agree quickly?”

“… What?”

“Are you asking because you don’t know? Didn’t I say I’d give you a spot in the dungeon clearing? Agree quickly and reorganize the unit….”

“Why?”

“Wh, what do you mean! To proceed with the clearing, you need to reorganize the current personnel according to their job….”

“So, why do we have to do that?”

“Ugh! Are you trying to mess with me right now!”

“I have no intention of messing around, and there’s no reason to reorganize the unit. We’ll be on our way now.”

As I got up from my seat and tried to leave the tent… this bastard!

“If you don’t sit down right now, you’ll get a taste of pain!”

The bastard takes out a greatsword and threatens me.

“… Is this a PK [Player Kill] situation right now? I’ll play along. Zealots, full summon!”

[Ding! Summons 185 Zealots (Upgraded Speed +100%).]

With a white light, the Zealots who had been guarding the perimeter were summoned, bursting through the tent.

“Shall I kill you?”

In a situation filled with silence, the SG Guild Leader shouts.

“… Support Guild Leader! Hold on! PK, absolutely not!”

Seoul City Hall Random Rank 3 Bio Dungeon Clearing Entry: 2 days, 09 hours, 10 minutes.

After regenerating the Zealots to the limit, I began to destroy the crystal bodies, defense towers, and gateways in order.

As the defensive perimeter that would protect them gradually disappeared, the guild members belonging to the privileged murmured and watched my actions.

“Why is he destroying that?”

“I don’t know. Is he trying to move?”

“I overheard them having a staff meeting earlier, and it seems like the Support Guild is trying to clear it separately.”

“Why? Our Awakened rank is higher, right? Wouldn’t it be better to proceed with the clearing together?”

“Who doesn’t know that? The problem is the higher-ups.”

“Ha~ It’s obvious without even looking. The old farts must have been acting up. The Support Guild Leader must be pissed. Right?”