A Tragic Separation!

Earning my leader's trust was undoubtedly a positive thing, but I couldn't say I appreciated this particular kind of trust.

I found it hard to evaluate myself, but if I were to describe it, I felt like a child still in need of Kim Hyunsung's warm love and attention, especially for my growth.

I didn't need to ask why it was necessary to improve my abilities and take on another job; I understood the urgency. However, I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable with this level of expectation.

I couldn't help but think, 'Couldn't he doubt me just a bit...'

Even though I had painted a picture of self-sufficiency, I wasn't too thrilled about being placed in this situation. Yet, at the same time, I knew what Kim Hyunsung was thinking.

"Heading out on this expedition is likely to end in failure."

The reason was clear; my fellow party members were highly reliant on the psychological stability my presence offered.

"If Kee Miyoung isn't going, then I won't either. I don't want to go at all."

The real issue was Jung Hayan. As the expedition date drew near, she came up with various excuses to try and avoid it.

On the first day after our discussion, Kim Hyunsung wasted no time in pursuing the goals he had set for the entire party. He believed that if he could change jobs or improve his stats in the few days before the expedition, he might not have to go. Of course, the problem of Jung Hayan's reluctance still needed solving.

"Of course."

Achieving legendary status in such a short time was an impossible task. While every member had shown astonishing growth, it was clear that this time, we wouldn't reach our target.

On the other hand, Jung Hayan started behaving as though she were anticipating doom. During the preparation period, she gradually went through the five stages: denial, anger, compromise, depression, and finally, acceptance.

She moved through the first stage quite quickly, initially denying the fact that she'd be separated from me for a month. In her mind, Kim Hyunsung's words were probably just a joke.

Park Deokgu and Sun Hee-young, on the other hand, focused on preparing for the expedition, packing everything they needed for the hunt. It was then that Jung Hayan had to confront reality.

Anger soon followed.

She began to resent Kim Hyunsung for the sudden expedition schedule. I was worried for a while, but it didn't seem like her anger would lead to any harm. Deep down, she still held respect for Kim Hyunsung.

However, during this stage, Jung Hayan vented her frustration on Kim Ye-ri, as the child was the weakest target in the party besides me. I knew she was only doing it to find an excuse to avoid the expedition.

She nitpicked the child, seizing every opportunity to criticize her. In short, Jung Hayan was being herself.

It got to the point where she approached Park Deokgu to gossip about Kim Ye-ri behind her back. Given Jung Hayan's personality, this felt entirely out of character.

The next stage, compromise, brought forth numerous discussions.

She made various suggestions, as though possessed.

"I can really work hard. I can improve my stats without going on this expedition. Please..."

That was one suggestion.

"How about we all go together for a week? That might work better."

That was another.

"I think Kee should come, but he should just watch over us, like Hyunsung."

However, I knew her suggestions wouldn't be accepted. Whether she liked it or not, she had to go through the expedition without me, and I had to stay back and work independently. 

I, too, recognized the need for my absence on this expedition and remained silent.

Sun Hee-young and Park Deokgu responded similarly, albeit with less drama. There was no formal protest, but this seemed to bother Park Deokgu.

It was just a guess, but I suspected Park Deokgu was also in the compromise stage. At times, he'd approach me randomly.

Then came the most challenging stage: depression.

Jung Hayan noticeably lost weight and spent nights in tears. She often mentioned that her health was deteriorating, making her reluctant to join the expedition.

'I really hate this...'

Gradually, the moments when she muttered to herself grew shorter. This stage proved exhausting, not just for Jung Hayan but for me too.

I exhausted myself trying to comfort her. Although I tried to soothe her with the rewards she'd receive at the end of the expedition and the warm welcome upon her return, the thought of being apart for a month overshadowed these comforts.

I knew Jung Hayan appreciated my efforts to comfort her, but it only made her feel more despondent. The sweeter our time together, the more bitter our separation would be.

The final stage eventually arrived, but it didn't come willingly.

Since I had witnessed her go through all the previous stages, I expected her to reach acceptance as well. 

However, it appeared that she had no choice but to accept the reality. No matter how much she cried, the plan was set in motion and couldn't be stopped. It was the collective decision of the party, including mine. Jung Hayan had no option but to follow.

If a month of separation already elicited such intense reactions, I dreaded the possibility of being apart for a year.

Apart from our meetings and Jung Hayan's peculiar behavior, she wasn't accustomed to separation. Having lived alone for a long time after being abandoned by my family, I didn't mind the change as much as she did.

Apart from Jung Hayan's melodramatic schemes, everyone else did their part to prepare for the expedition. However, I couldn't say they were exceptionally well-prepared.

I couldn't understand why Jung Hayan struggled to maintain her composure, but it also seemed like Park Deokgu had been acting strangely.

Sun Hee-young had initially felt stressed, but she soon shifted her focus to the expedition and prepared earnestly. As for Kim Ye-ri, I couldn't discern her thoughts.

Observing everyone prepare for the expedition in their own way, I didn't feel overly anxious about being separated from the party.

'It doesn't seem so bad, all things considered.'

Of course, something felt off about Park Deokgu, Jung Hayan, and Sun Hee-young, as they were unfamiliar with expeditions.

I knew the stress would be doubled with a young child accompanying them, but I didn't expect it to be this challenging. It seemed that even Kim Hyunsung gradually lost his authoritative influence after our initial discussion.

"Are you sure you want to go on the expedition in this state?" Kim Hyunsung asked. 

"Yes. It's unfortunate, but it's necessary. I'm sure you've noticed how much they rely on you." I said. 

"Yes, I have."

"They'll realize it once the expedition officially begins."

"They haven't felt it as strongly as you have, being with them all this time. However, they'll soon understand what I meant during the hunt. If you and I could always be there for them, there wouldn't be a problem, but..."

I understood what Kim Hyunsung meant.

It wasn't just our inexperience in hunting;

Kim Hyunsung knew there was a problem with the party's leadership system. 

With him and me present, the team always looked to us for guidance, hindering their growth. It didn't matter whether Park Deokgu, Jung Hayan, or Sun Hee-young took the lead; they needed to initiate their direction for growth.

Even that would be progress.

In essence, this expedition would test their readiness for the next step for our party.

"Will it work?"

Honestly, I had my doubts. It wasn't just about not having them with me; it felt like a month was insufficient to pack and prepare all the necessary supplies.

All Kim Ye-ri chose to carry were her bow and arrows.

Jung Hayan, on the other hand, was so preoccupied with not seeing me that most of her belongings were reminders of me.

'Many guilds and sponsors who invested in our party would probably withdraw their support if they saw how our team members are behaving now.'

"I have the basics covered. These are items Park Deokgu and Hee-young have managed to pack. I'm worried too, but it's necessary for them to recognize the difference on this expedition." Kim said. 

"I see." I replied. 

"Then, let's get going."

"Yes..."

As Hyunsung and I started to leave, I noticed the rest of our party members waiting for us.

While Kim Hyunsung carried a large bag, he knew it might all be in vain. 

Park Deokgu, on the other hand, seemed to be overloading himself with everything he deemed necessary for the expedition.

Upon seeing me, my fellow party members shared their sentiments.

"Don't worry too much. We won't even take a month!"

I doubted that; I honestly thought it would take twice as long to achieve their goals.

"Kee... Miyoung..."

I wasn't surprised when Jung Hayan rushed towards me, tears in her eyes.

"Please be careful, and..."

"Don't worry about me, Hayan."

I was more concerned about her.

Maybe I worried she might find someone else deserving of her affection, but right now, the pain of separation consumed her.

Following Kim Hyunsung's command for everyone to begin, I gently pushed Jung Hayan away. However, I didn't anticipate her stumbling.

It seemed she was struggling just to stay upright. I couldn't bear to look at her face, filled with tears and snot.

"I'll be back soon."

"Please don't worry."

'Good luck.'

This expedition wouldn't be a comfortable journey for anyone involved. I knew Kim Hyunsung had his work cut out for him.