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From the beginning, there was no need for a long-winded explanation. Be concise, but include everything necessary. I began recounting the story, starting with the moment we entered the dungeon and discovered the first player's corpse. Before I knew it, Jung Ha-Yeong had put down her spoon and was focused entirely on my words.
Considering she'd just fainted and managed to regain her composure to listen so attentively, I found myself slightly impressed. I continued.
I described finding the male priest, entering the clearing, and encountering the spiders. I also mentioned spotting a female player. At the mention of the female player, Jung Ha-Yeong's eyes lit up, and she asked,
"Ji-Yeon… Oh. She's my younger sister."
"…I'm sorry, but…"
"No way…"
I tried to be as tactful as possible. I mentioned how she was suspended in midair and had become the mother of the spiders, laying their eggs. However, I omitted the parts about the rape by monsters of dungeon and the fact that she had been subjected to such horrors that she lost her sanity. There are things in this world better left unknown.
After a moment's hesitation, I continued.
"…So I killed her. You could say it was for survival, but as a fellow human being, I found it too painful to see her in that state. I thought it would be better for her to die."
After adding that I had killed her, I paused.
A brief silence fell between me and Jung Ha-Yeong. As expected, she was staring at me with a shocked expression. I didn't avoid her gaze. If I had no intention of recruiting her, I might have found a way to lie or sugarcoat it. But since I had decided to put her on the recruitment list, I wanted to be as honest as possible. Of course, it was still necessary to frame it in a way that worked in my favor.
Revealing that I had killed Jung Ji-Yeon wasn't without a reason. It was to make her understand that the situation had left me no choice. If she gave it some thought, she might realize that it wasn't a matter of wanting to kill but of recognizing that there was no way to save her. Rather than let her suffer further humiliation, I believed a swift death was more merciful.
After exchanging glances with me for a while, Jung Ha-Yeong finally spoke, her voice trembling.
"Was it really... truly beyond any chance of recovery?"
"Honestly... she was almost beyond saving. I could go into more detail if you'd like, but I wouldn't recommend it. She looked at me as if she wanted something, and I simply followed what my heart told me to do. I can at least say that I ended it without causing her any further pain. I'm sorry."
"Ha... I see. She was always so proud, full of dignity. To be attacked by the monsters she despised... and if she became pregnant... it makes sense..."
Jung Ha-Yeong trailed off, her voice trembling, but suddenly, she broke down into tears, sobbing uncontrollably. I closed my eyes. Despite that, I could still see the look Jung Ji-Yeon had given me—the look in her eyes, whether it was asking to be saved or begging for death, only she knew.
Jung Ha-Yeong continued to shake and cry, her shoulders trembling with emotion, but it was only for a moment. She quickly wiped her tears and composed herself. Watching her, I couldn't help but notice her remarkable self-control. It reminded me of how many mages managed their emotions so well, and I thought to myself that it was impressive. Despite being overwhelmed with anger inside, she didn't let it show on the outside.
"What happened to that monster? Did you kill it?"
"Ultimately, yes, I took care of it."
"How? Even a group of experienced players would have struggled."
"There's a bit of a complicated story behind that."
I began speaking, embellishing Vivienne's actions as I had told the others. I described how our party was on the brink of annihilation, how I resisted until the very end, and how, just before I was about to fall, Vivienne regained her true nature. Taking advantage of the opening she created, I was able to rescue her.
Since the most significant issue had already been resolved, the words flowed more easily from my mouth. Jung Ha-Yeong nodded occasionally, focusing intently on what I was saying. When I finished, she looked at me with vacant eyes. I sighed and wrapped up my explanation. She sat in silence for a while, thinking, before finally asking a few questions.
"So, the humanoid spider... it turned back into a human and is currently here in this inn?"
"After returning to her human form and regaining her intellect, she deeply regrets what she did. She was transformed into a spider by a cruel wizard, and her intelligence regressed to match her new form. She can no longer think like a human. While some of her original will is still present, it's hard to view it as her true human will."
"I understand. But then, you mentioned you'd be traveling with her for a while... Isn't that dangerous?"
"If it weren't for her, I would've died at that place. It might sound ridiculous, but she saved my life, so I think it's worth giving her a chance."
"Hah..."
Jung Ha-Yeong's expression was complex. I could understand her feelings to some extent, so I spoke in a gentle tone to continue.
"At that time, the spider recognized the players as intruders in her home. She was enraged when her subordinates were killed. I understand that you're upset, but I hope you don't seek revenge on her now that she's human again. Even among our group, there are some who don't have good feelings toward her. But, for better or worse, she's still part of the group."
"...I don't know. Honestly, right now, I just want to get revenge, and I don't think I can accept what you said, Kim Su-Hyeon… Ha, I don't know. I need some time to think."
"That's entirely up to you. In any case, once another player awakens, I'll return the equipment and various items that belonged to your group."
At my words, Jung Ha-Yeong's eyes widened for a moment, and then she spoke with a softer expression.
"Thank you. But it's fine. We failed the dungeon raid, and we were as good as dead. According to the rules of the Hall Plain, all the rewards and items inside should rightfully belong to your group. We're just grateful to have our lives."
"Among those items, there are personal belongings of player Jeong Ji-Yeon. We've received enough rewards from the dungeon."
At my words, Jung Ha-Yeong's expression stiffened, and she looked at me with a slightly touched face.
"...Did you say you were in your first year?"
"Yes."
"I had those days too... It's been so long since I've felt this kind of kindness. Thank you. I'll gratefully accept your kindness. Honestly, when you said you killed Ji-Yeon, I was filled with hatred, but... you saved my life, and you're doing this much for us, so I don't know what else to say. I'm sorry."
"Please, there's no need to apologize. If there had been a way to save Jeong Ji-Yeon back then, I wouldn't have hesitated. I'm just grateful that you understand."
"This is the Hall Plain. I will definitely not forget this kindness."
Her face as she spoke was filled with bitterness. But, on the other hand, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction inside, thinking that everything was going according to plan. She was not someone who would make empty promises, judging by her character and disposition. Jung Ha-Yeong was a very practical person. She might be confused by her sister's death for now, but as time passed, she would come to accept my words and feel that she owed me a debt.
At the moment, I still had over 500 gold, a pouch of jewels, a pouch of potions, and a book that could upgrade someone to a rare class. Even if I gave her the items the other players had, if it helped ease her suspicion, it would be a small price to pay.
With that, I had successfully set the first piece of the puzzle. Now, how I would handle these players in the future was something time would resolve. To build a lasting relationship, I needed to create as many good connections as possible.
I urged her to eat again. Jung Ha-Yeong lowered her head slightly before picking up her spoon. However, her hand was visibly trembling as she did so.
*
After that, one by one, the others came downstairs, including Vivienne and Shin Sang-Yong. Shin Sang-Yong had a face that not only looked kind but almost awkward, to the point where he seemed somewhat clumsy. Jung Ha-Yeong and I shared with him everything we had discussed, and Shin Sang-Yong bowed repeatedly, thanking me profusely. When we mentioned returning the items, he was almost moved to tears.
"Th-th-thank you! Thank you so much! I'll never forget this kindness you've shown me!"
When I asked what their plans were for the future, Jung Ha-Yeong shook her head. I realized that I had been too hasty in asking, as she likely needed more time to think about things. However, the fact that she asked if we would continue staying here indicated that she probably planned to visit again at some point.
As promised, I handed over all the items related to their party. Jung Ha-Yeong, gently stroking Jeong Ji-Yeon's robe, turned to Vivienne and spoke.
"Now that I think about it, the archer who ran away first when you were a spider was probably the start of everything going wrong. There are more than a few people to blame and curse. I understand your situation. But I can't accept it. It's fine if you want to call me shameless. Humans are selfish creatures by nature. For Su-Hyeon's sake, and because of the kindness you've shown us, I want to look at you without prejudice. But, for now, I can't quite do that."
Vivienne didn't say a word. However, when I gave her a subtle nod, she responded by slightly bowing her head in acknowledgment. With that, Jung Ha-Yeong and Shin Sang-Yong exited the inn. Shin Sang-Yong seemed like he wanted to stay a bit longer to ask us something, but he appeared to understand the situation and glanced at Jung Ha-Yeong, who was giving him a signal to leave.
Before leaving, Jung Ha-Yeong gave us an unusually polite bow, and I told her I hoped to see her again sometime. She responded with a slight nod, acknowledging my words. Although I didn't know when it would happen, I was sure that when she had sorted out her thoughts and feelings, both Jung Ha-Yeong and Shin Sang-Yong would likely come back to us. I only hoped it would be sooner rather than later.
As they walked further away, we all remained silent for a while. The first to break the silence was Lee Yun-Jung.
"That woman is really impressive. If it were me, I'd probably just start swinging a dagger without thinking twice."
"Hmm. Yeah, it's pretty cool," An-Hyun added, nodding in agreement with Lee Yun-Jung's admiration. An-Sol, on the other hand, kept her gaze fixed on the direction they had gone, her eyes full of sadness.
I, too, stared at the inn's door they had just exited, and in a calm voice, I spoke.
"Yeah, it's surprising to see a player with such deep self-discipline. If she keeps surviving, she could definitely make a name for herself."
What I had just said was sincere. Despite the fact that her sister had died, Jung Ha-Yeong showed almost extreme self-control. It was a stark contrast to my own reaction when I lost my older brother. Perhaps, I had just made a connection with a player who could become one of the top 10 in the future.
"Heh. Becoming one of the top 10 isn't that easy, though. I don't know..."
"Huh? What are you talking about, Oppa?" Lee Yun-Jung asked, her curiosity piqued.
For a moment, I had let my thoughts wander, and I shook my head, realizing how much of an impression Jung Ha-Yeong had left on me with her composure during our conversation. I silenced Lee Yun-Jung with a firm look and continued in a calm tone.
"Nothing, really. By the way, how's everyone feeling?"
"I'm fine. Yesterday I was so exhausted it felt like I could die, but today, I think I'm okay." Lee Yun-Jung replied.
"My muscles are sore, and everything feels tight," An-Hyun said, rolling his arms as if to show he was still in good shape. Lee Yun-Jung let out a small groan, and when I turned my gaze to An-Sol and Vivienne, both of them nodded in agreement.
I noticed the faint traces of tears still on Vivienne's cheek. Letting out a small sigh, I continued speaking.
"Resting is over as of yesterday. From today, we'll get back to work and training. We'll be heading out of the city from time to time, but it'll be for practice. The next expedition will be better prepared. We'll make sure of it."
In the past, I might have heard complaints or whining from others, but this time, it was different. Everyone's faces were filled with determination. After this last expedition, they had all recognized their shortcomings and had a sense of what they needed to improve and what kind of training to focus on.
I planned to organize the items we obtained from the exploration and get new equipment for the group. And now that Vivienne had joined, I also intended to organize group training for everyone. But more importantly, we needed to find the ruins of the alchemist's dungeon, just like we had found Vivienne's. We needed to go through records to locate the Ruined Laboratory.
For now, I'd let the others focus on their training while I took care of other matters in Mule. To find the next destination, the Ruined Laboratory, I needed to keep moving forward.
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