Hoarding In Hell [EN]: Chapter 147

147. The Devil Summons (3)

“Its level went up?”

“Yes.”

Hyeon-mu checked Song Yeo-un’s stats.

[Human (LV 31)]

Indeed, the level had increased.

Song Yeo-un was the type who grew remarkably fast within Kang Hyeon-mu’s team.

It was natural, considering he risked his life in every battle, but after hitting the level cap, there was nothing he could do.

But the level went up, which means…

“When you leveled up, did you hear anything else?”

“Huh? Oh… I heard a message saying ‘limit breakthrough,’ and then I leveled up.”

So, it was a limit breakthrough.

It was unexpected, but not a surprising situation. The higher the mana density of the dungeon, the higher the probability of an Awakened’s breakthrough.

Song Yeo-un, despite being only a 2-star Awakened, frequently entered 4-star dungeons recently, and in 5-star dungeons, he literally sacrificed his body to defeat monsters.

‘It seems that not only being exposed to high-density mana… but also the moment of defeating high-level monsters affects the limit breakthrough.’

The only limit breaker Hyeon-mu knew was Park Hwi-so, whom he had made his subordinate. On the other hand, Song Yeo-un achieved a limit breakthrough naturally.

‘Probably because his grade was only 2-star.’

Even if he achieved a limit breakthrough, it would only be around 3-star. But that doesn’t mean it’s not impressive.

“Congratulations.”

Hyeon-mu patted Song Yeo-un on the shoulder.

Song Yeo-un, who had a dazed expression and hadn’t yet understood the situation, smiled brightly after receiving Hyeon-mu’s congratulations. Hyeon-mu smiled at the other hunters.

“Song Yeo-un’s Awakened grade has just increased.”

Surprise flashed across everyone’s faces.

Grade increases were very rare, and it was known that a lot of Modified Moss was needed, so it was just considered a pipe dream.

But this was a fixed idea that came about from hunting without taking risks within one’s own grade.

Basically, grade is a matter of mana density, so it was natural that the grade would increase if hunting in high-level dungeons with high mana density.

“All of you have reached your level cap, right?”

Hyeon-mu’s casual remark caused a stir among the hunters.

It meant that they, too, were ready to have their grades increase at any time, like full glasses ready to overflow.

Soon, anticipation and excitement filled the air, creating an atmosphere like that of predators. Morale soared.

‘The atmosphere is pretty good.’

Hyeon-mu judged that there was no need to worry about this side anymore.

If Seo Ji-hoo was there, they could catch monsters while managing to not die by a narrow margin. He left the preparations for emergencies to Seo Ji-hoo as well.

‘Then I should go see Yo-han now.’

If Hyeon-mu’s prediction was correct, the situation on Yo-han’s side wouldn’t be very interesting.

***

“Another one coming!”

“Be careful!”

The giant rock golem’s fist swept through the air.

Hunters, taking advantage of the large movement, poured out a barrage of attacks.

The hunter standing at the very front, blocking the golem’s attacks, felt the protective power surrounding him gradually weakening.

And usually, Yo-han would use a skill at this point, but for some reason, the skill wasn’t coming.

“Priest Yo-han!”

Eventually, the hunter couldn’t stand it and shouted.

Under normal circumstances, he would endure with his own abilities, but in a 5-star dungeon, against a golem, he couldn’t do that.

He saw the golem raising its hand high. The hunter quickly pushed the golem with his shield.

The attacks of the other hunters had to stop for a moment, but it was able to cause stiffness [momentary paralysis]. Yo-han’s blessing belatedly surrounded the hunter.

The cycle started to return to normal. The golem didn’t last long and soon collapsed, revealing large cracks. The Tae-sung hunters could handle even the second golem with ease.

As they defeated the golems one or two at a time, confidence was slowly building.

“I was so nervous coming to a 5-star dungeon, but it’s easier than I thought?”

The expedition was largely divided into three groups.

The Lapis Lazuli Team led by Lee Ji-tae, the Obsidian Second Team led by Yoo Seong-yeon and supported by Yo-han, and the Omnipotence Alliance Team led by Kang Hyeon-mu.

Yoo Seong-yeon’s team had more members, but there were also many hunters with relatively little experience, so expectations were low. But with Yo-han, they thought they would at least not die. The important thing was experience.

“Don’t be careless.”

Yoo Seong-yeon scolded the hunter who was making careless remarks.

“Golems are just hard, but physical attacks work well on them. Even if they look slow, if you get hit by one, you’ll become minced meat.”

“Yes, I’m sorry.”

“And… we’ve only just arrived at the entrance of the Taebaek Dungeon.”

Yoo Seong-yeon looked around with uneasy eyes and said.

“And not like this crude guy…”

Yoo Seong-yeon kicked the debris of the broken golem.

“If you see any nicely carved ones, get out immediately and report it.”

“What kind of carved ones?”

“The shapes vary. If it’s just a soldier statue, it’s okay… but if a guy on a horse appears, run away without looking back. A wall shape… is okay as long as you don’t get close.”

The hunter was reminded of chess pieces by Yoo Seong-yeon’s words. It was as if he was describing pawns, knights, and rooks [chess pieces with specific movements].

Yoo Seong-yeon noticed the hunter’s thoughts and continued.

“I know what you’re thinking, but I haven’t found a king or queen yet. I’ve only seen a knight once, and even the Lapis Lazuli team lost two people at that time. Lee Ji-tae hasn’t even found a way to attack a rook, so we’re still bypassing it.”

“Ah, are they that strong?”

“Basically, they’re similar to golems, but they use unique skills. Plus, they’re a little faster and stronger. It might be a little different now that we have experience.”

But Yoo Seong-yeon was uneasy.

It was his first time entering the Taebaek Dungeon since he entered Difficulty: Easy.

If the changes in the Taebaek Dungeon were due to the increase in difficulty, he didn’t know what else might have changed. The danger of the Taebaek Dungeon wasn’t just the strength of the monsters.

‘It would be okay if Priest Yo-han was there, but…’

Yoo Seong-yeon approached Yo-han.

“Priest Yo-han, are you okay?”

Yoo Seong-yeon brought a hunter who could speak German and asked. Yo-han nodded blankly.

His sunken eyes looked even darker today.

‘He doesn’t look good.’

It wasn’t just because the blessing was late when he caught the golem earlier.

Mistakes can happen.

You can’t mechanically manage everything in a hectic battle situation.

But Yoo Seong-yeon didn’t miss Yo-han’s subtle strange reactions.

He was interfering with other hunters’ movements, and he was using healing skills more than necessary. His reaction was also slightly slow when called.

“Priest Yo-han, if you’re not feeling well, you can stop here and leave.”

This team was proceeding with only Yo-han’s skills in mind. Yo-han, with his powerful blessing and healing abilities, was, to put it rudely, like a walking infinite potion.

But if Yo-han’s condition wasn’t good, it was better to stop and leave quickly.

“I’m fine.”

But Yo-han refused sharply. Then he ignored Yoo Seong-yeon and started to lead the way.

At that time, Yoo Seong-yeon grabbed Yo-han’s hand as he tried to put it in his pocket.

Yo-han’s eyebrows furrowed at his rude behavior. But Yoo Seong-yeon’s expression was also not easy.

“Priest Yo-han, don’t tell me…”

Yoo Seong-yeon had already seen several hunters who relied on drugs to fight against the fear of death. Yo-han’s symptoms were something he couldn’t miss.

“It’s because of a cold.”

Yo-han shook off his arm. Yoo Seong-yeon followed Yo-han with an angry expression even before hearing the translation.

He could tell what he was saying without hearing it.

“Don’t mind? We’re entrusting our lives to you right now. Do you know how my brother died?”

Yoo Seong-yeon tried to mention the drug, but quickly became aware of the surrounding hunters and omitted it.

Already, the hunters’ attention was focused on the unusual atmosphere between Yo-han and Yoo Seong-yeon. If the fact that Yo-han was a drug addict was revealed in this situation, there would be unrest.

Yoo Seong-yeon bit his lip.

“I don’t think so. It would be better to go back. I’ll report to Lee Ji-tae…”

“Nein!” [German for “No!”]

As soon as Yoo Seong-yeon took out the return scroll, Yo-han slapped his hand.

Even though he was a priest, he was a 4-star level cap achiever. Yoo Seong-yeon felt the pain of his finger bones breaking and staggered back.

Yo-han made an angry expression, but soon turned pale. Yoo Seong-yeon tried to maintain his composure before treating him.

“Priest Yo-han.”

Yoo Seong-yeon called the interpreter and instructed him to deliver it secretly.

“Your condition is not normal right now. Are you experiencing withdrawal symptoms right now? I saw exactly what happened to my brother next. At first, it’s just trembling hands and decreased concentration. Then there’s a moment when it seems like you’re getting better. But then there’s a rapid…”

“Team Leader Yoo Seong-yeon!”

It was then. A shout came from the side that was dismantling the golem fragments.

A soldier-shaped statue golem was approaching.

The golem was taller than two adults combined and had the shape of a person wearing crude but armored armor. In his hand, he held a huge spear that seemed to reach the ceiling.

It wasn’t the time to argue with Yo-han.

“Get in formation! It’s a pawn!”

The pawn golem swung its feet and attacked the nearby hunters.

The hunter who tried to block it with his shield like when dealing with a golem soared into the air the moment he was kicked in the foot.

The hunter’s face, which soared up to the 3rd floor in an instant, was filled with horror.

At that moment, the pawn golem raised its spear.

“Priest Yo-han, blessing!”

Yoo Seong-yeon screamed, but Yo-han belatedly raised his hand as if waking up from a dream.

Before Yo-han could raise his hand, the pawn golem’s spear pierced the hunter’s body, which was floundering in the air.

The atmosphere turned cold the moment the blood splattered. The hunter pierced by the spear trembled convulsively and then slumped down.

Yoo Seong-yeon ran quickly.

The pawn golem swung the spear with the hunter pierced towards Yoo Seong-yeon. But that was what he wanted.

Yoo Seong-yeon swung his greatsword and cut off the tip of the spear in an instant. The pain of the broken finger was great, but he could cut off the relatively thin end if he gave it his all.

“Block it!”

At Yoo Seong-yeon’s roar, the Tae-sung team came out of shock and started to move again.

While the other hunters attacked the pawn and drew attention, Yoo Seong-yeon dragged the hunter who was still pierced by the spear and retreated.

He was in shock, but he wasn’t dead yet. But if he pulled out the spear right now, he could really die.

“Priest Yo-han, please heal him!”

Yo-han started healing with a pale face.

Yoo Seong-yeon picked up his weapon to rejoin the battle. But soon his face hardened.

Thud. Thud.

Pawn golems were appearing one by one.

The hunters, who were focusing on one, were attacked by pawn golems that appeared from unexpected directions and began to fall.

It was usually difficult to deal with two golems at the same time, let alone pawn golems.

It would be possible if they were willing to take fatal damage, but there was no reason to do that. This confirmed the anomaly in the Taebaek Dungeon.

“Return! Gather!”

The hunters began to retreat, dragging the injured and gathering together.

Yoo Seong-yeon took out the return scroll and prepared to tear it. The hunter who was being treated by Yo-han seemed to have passed the critical moment.

But Yo-han was nowhere to be seen.

“Priest Yo-han?”

Yoo Seong-yeon called out to Yo-han, but there was no answer.

Then a scream was heard.

Yo-han was dragging someone out of the pawn golems. There was one hunter who had been left behind at some point.

But he was already surrounded on three sides. There was no way to get out in that state.

Then Yo-han also took out a return scroll. Yoo Seong-yeon tore the return scroll with relief.

All the team members had already gathered. There was no more time to delay.

But the last thing Yoo Seong-yeon saw was Yo-han handing the return scroll to the fallen hunter.