Chapter 43: Team Play (1)
On his way back,
Kang-hoo decided to visit Jung Yuri instead of immediately returning to Seoul, given that he had completed the task quickly.
So, he reversed his direction and headed back the way he had come.
He had a rough idea of where she usually was.
The road was silent and deserted.
As he enjoyed the silence while walking, Dimension Plunderer initiated a conversation.
What do you think is the meaning of a constellation?
Constellation.
In the original work, constellations existed solely to enhance the power of the protagonist, Jang Si-hwan.
There wasnt any detailed planning or consideration for the constellations in the writing.
They were merely one of the means for becoming stronger, with the constellations circling around Jang Si-hwan. That was about it.
In a way, it was a somewhat loosely defined part of the setting.
Thus, when Dimension Plunderer casually inquired about the meaning of constellations, Kang-hoo couldnt easily answer.
I havent thought about it.
He responded honestly.
Obviously, Dimension Plunderer wasnt asking about the literary aspects of the novel.
But given the timing of this topic, it was clear that it wanted to have a deeper conversation with him.
As you know, when you pass the test of a constellation, the fate of the constellation and the contractor become one.
Thats right.
Why do you think the fate of the constellation is linked to the elements constituting the contractors world?
Dimension Plunderers question seemed more like an invitation for Kang-hoo to ponder, rather than a mere query.
Simply because the world of hunters and the system do not just operate within human civilization?
The reason why contractors and constellations are tied in a community of fate is simple. Its not just the contractors war.
So, its a war of constellations?
Exactly. Constellations arent the administrators of this world. Theyre just one of the elements.
What about the existence above them?
[I can't speak about that. But one thing is certain. I don't want to vanish as an ordinary constellation.]
Dimension Plunderers neutral voice was filled with determination as it spoke emphatically.
It added.
[Watching you, I keep getting more ambitious. My heart races. I'm increasingly confident that you can achieve anything!]
Dimension Plunderer, a powerful constellation whom Kang-hoo considered very important, acknowledged him with such intense emotion that it made Kang-hoos heart race.
It was a feeling of adrenaline rushing through him.
A sense of accomplishment and pleasure different from receiving human praise thrilled his body.
For a moment.
His perspective on the world of hunters expanded, reaching the world of constellations and even beyond.
Where was the end?
Could he not see the ending of this world by just overcoming Jang Si-hwan and The Thirteen Stars?
Then, was the Demon King also just one of these elements?
Since it was a question with no answer, it lingered in his mind for a while.
[Soon, I will test you. I look forward to your challenge that will please me.]
Im looking forward to it too. Full of anticipation.
Kang-hoo nodded.
After all, from the moment he became part of this world, he and Dimension Plunderer were in the same boat.
Although other facts and futures might change, his relationship with Dimension Plunderer seemed unalterable.
A brief conversation.
The serious dialogue with Dimension Plunderer gave Kang-hoo new food for thought.
When he first possessed the body, he thought his goal was to live Shin Kang-hoos life and prevent the betrayer ending.
What about after that?
Ironically, he had never thought about it, captivated by the keyword betrayer ending.
The Dimension Plunderer reminded him of the theme he had missed.
He felt it would be a long journey.
On the way, Kang-hoo decided on his next destination after finishing his meeting with Jung Yuri.
That was Gwangju Songjeong Station.
He had received a one-month lease for a dungeon from the Hunter Public Safety Bureau, located at exit 3 of Gwangju Songjeong Station.
It was time for the license to be transferred.
With the dungeons transformation, a total of four skill plunders were possible; it was a place he had to visit.
He couldnt delay, especially when it came to acquiring new skills.
Then.
Youre already here.
Kang-hoo sensed the rapidly approaching flow of mana and immediately recognized Jung Yuris presence.
Her constellation information also appeared when she came into view.
Youre quite early, arent you?
I finished my business quickly.
Her voice came from far above, not directly in front of him but from the top of a tree.
If she hadnt projected her voice, it would have been difficult to communicate because of the distance.
She definitely possessed a unique ability.
When moving through space in the air, she transformed into a form like black smoke.
Such abilities are commonly known as transformation abilities, and naturally, they are rare.
Moreover, transforming into black smoke meant immunity to physical attacks in that state.
It was clear evidence of Jung Yuris potential.
In the original work, she was characterized as such.
Like Lee Ye-rin or An Yeong-ho.
Its perfect timing! Theres a dungeon I really want to enter, but theres a limit on the number of people.
Hmm?
I need more people! No matter how much I try to enter alone, it doesnt work. It seems I dont count as a corpse.
The example she used was macabre, but it wasnt strange considering corpses were common at Ground Zero.
Would that be okay? Its fine for me to enter, but Im not the dungeon owner.
So what? Its not mandatory to conquer it. We can just look around and see if its worth finishing!
Jung Yuris cheerful response left Kang-hoo with nothing more to say.
It was a welcome proposal for Kang-hoo.
Inside the dungeon, whether facing a middle boss or a main boss, defeating them would guarantee a skill plunder.
He was taking advantage of the relationship he had previously formed with Jung Yuri.
Of course, he could only know what kind of place the dungeon was once inside, so he didnt jump to conclusions prematurely.
He thought it was fortunate.
This would be a good opportunity to thoroughly examine her abilities.
Is this my first team play?
Reflecting on his memories, it seemed this was the first time he was conquering a dungeon with someone else.
Usually preferring to go solo, Kang-hoo was grateful just for being included, given his status as a guest this time.
The dungeon entrance was unusual, nestled between two large intertwined tree trunks.
The area was encircled by dense trees, barely touched by sunlight.
The entrance itself was pitch black, making it impossible to spot at a casual glance.
One could only recognize its existence by closely observing the fluctuating spatial flow.
Thus, the dungeon exploration began, resembling a sort of dungeon date(?).
The dungeon wasnt vast, nor was it teeming with monsters.
If 1 is barren and 10 is teeming with abundance, this dungeon would rate about a 2.5.
Consequently, the sporadically appearing monsters were dispatched leisurely, as we synchronized our movements.
The dungeons level was around 200.
It would have been challenging for Kang-hoo to tackle it alone, but with Jung Yuri, there was no lack of firepower.
As a two-person team.
Matching the concept of entering, Kang-hoo focused on coordinating with Jung Yuri in every task.
He meticulously analyzed her abilities.
And he reached a conclusion.
There was no need to worry about her growth.
Transformation ability and magic utilization.
Plus, the capability to open portals from one space to another.
Jung Yuri, like Kang-hoo with his versatile options, had a broad array of attacks at her disposal.
She said she knew about ten dungeons like this one, known only to her.
With this information, it seemed feasible to continually grow by resetting and rotating dungeon explorations.
As they progressed, his level steadily rose to 46.
The high-level monsters provided substantial experience points.
Even though they shared the experience, my levellow as it wassaw a significant increase.
Thanks to Jung Yuri, he unexpectedly gained a lot, repeatedly expressing my gratitude.
He wanted to make sure to show appreciation for her consideration.
He never took any act of kindness for granted.
While moving, the two of us naturally continued our conversation.
Kang-hoo listened to her words attentively.
Being alone and lonelier than anyone, having someone to talk to was most important to her.
He trusted her nature, which was purely shaped from birth. Jung Yuri was like a blank canvas.
Thats right. I trusted and followed you because you said you needed me for the conquest. But then I was abandoned.
They used you as a guide, understandable. But to leave you behind injured without trying to help?
It seems, as Chae Gwanhyeong said, having hunters with such abilities isnt desirable.
Okay, lets say they had a reason to leave you. But why strip you of your clothes why?
He said he didnt want to waste letting me die, so he wanted to have his fun before that.
So you threw yourself down a slope and accidentally fell into a swamp, where you gained your transformation ability.
Yes thats right.
The story of Chae Gwanhyeong as told by Jung Yuri was dirtier than anything Jo Gu-bin could do.
He could now hear in detail the painful story of her past, which was omitted from the original work.
In summary,
During her time as an active mercenary, Chae Gwanhyeong used her well as the teams guide.
When she got injured and her utility decreased, instead of helping her recover,
He decided to leave her in the dungeon and even attempted to violate her in the process.
Leaving a hunter in a dungeon implies one thing.
When the dungeon conquest ends, they vanish without a trace along with the reset.
Its akin to murder.
Therefore, it was natural for Jung Yuri to seek revenge on Chae Gwanhyeong and bear a grudge against the Jeonghwa Guild.
The teammates with Chae Gwanhyeong must have belonged to the Jeonghwa Guild.
Even if they were merely following Chae Gwanhyeongs orders, they were still accomplices in abandoning Jung Yuri.
I see why you came to Ground Zero. Its better here, where you only have to look out for yourself, than in a world where you cant trust anyone.
Thats right. Thats exactly what I feel.
In a way, our thoughts are alike. Different in expression and response, but alike.
Kang-hoo lightly patted her shoulder.
In truth, he wanted to give her a deep hug to soothe her wounded heart
But such physical affection didnt suit Shin Kang-hoos desiccated emotions.
It would have been too awkward and cringeworthy.
As our conversation deepened, we began to understand each other better.
Then
Kuaaaaang!
An explosion, reminiscent of a sonic boom, erupted not far ahead.
In that instant
Kwaddddduk!
Trees blocking the view all toppled in one direction, their trunks split in half.
A fierce and sharp storm of swords, capable of slicing through the center of any tree, regardless of thickness!
It was clearly a deadly technique from a middle boss, heading straight for them.
Kuaaaaang!
And the attack kept coming at very short intervals, not even lasting two seconds.
I can tell which boss monster this is.
A name sprang to mind.
He wasnt certain if it was just good luck today, but it appeared to be a great chance to acquire a useful skill.
Things seemed to be looking up.
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