Our Promise !

[ You have completed the attack towards the rare dungeon known as Garden of Terror. The number of people [18/30] has been checked. ]

A soothing voice echoed in my ears. It wasn't just me; everyone's faces lit up with a sense of accomplishment.

I turned to Choi Young-ki, standing beside me, maintaining a level tone. To these seasoned adventurers, this was just another successful expedition.

"Is this how most normal rare-grade dungeons are?" I inquired.

"Yeah. It gets a bit monotonous once you get used to it. If you defeat enough monsters and boss monsters, the attack will be considered complete. I heard that there are various conditions for completing hero-grade dungeons and legendary-grade dungeons as well... It's embarrassing, but in fact, I haven't gotten to that point yet."

"Ah."

"In fact, it is said that there has only been one legendary-grade dungeon found in the entire Holy Empire."

"I see. Does that mean there are more hero-level dungeons to be found?"

"Actually, even hero-grade dungeons are not very common. This Garden of Terror that we just attacked also seems to be a lower level among the rarest grades, but for other dungeons, the composition may be slightly different."

"I see."

"Anyway, I'm really sorry for letting you feel so much discomfort during your first time."

"No, no, we are the ones to blame," I responded awkwardly as Choi Young-ki bowed towards me to show his sincere regret. I felt a pang in my chest for manipulating such a genuine person, so I could only smile at him reassuringly and deny him of his fault.

"Thanks to you, we were able to experience firsthand what it's like to explore a dungeon. You have also inspired us to do better during the fights."

"Oh, no, you did quite well on your own. It's not only the Red Mercenaries, but also the Magic Guild people who think so. I'm rather regretful that I didn't show off too much."

"Hahaha."

As I glanced sideways, I could also see Kim Hyunsung chatting with the Magic Guild people. Perhaps he was also having the same pleasant conversation as I was. I hoped so.

Because our repressor – Jung Yura – was nowhere to be found, I knew sooner or later the atmosphere would become warmer and friendlier.

We would have survived even if she had been present the whole time; the pressure just felt less intense when she left. There had been no shortage of laughter in her absence.

The biggest obstacle in forming our unity was indeed Yura, but with the Black Swans' exit, the Red Mercenaries' responsibilities doubled. Rather, they had to serve as the main tankers, for both the Magic and Blue Guild parties did not possess an aptitude for durability.

However, this wasn't exactly a bad thing. In this way, the Red Mercenary vanguards had doubled their efforts, and the priests from every party were able to train their potentials even more as they focused on protecting the tankers.

In conclusion, the Black Swans weren't a crucial team to have on the roster. They were more like a backup in case anything happened. If they stayed, I doubted they would receive more contribution rewards than the Blue Guild would.

Through a logical assessment, they should be happy they were cast out in the middle of the expedition. They didn't have to exert any effort, yet they would still receive rewards from the dungeon.

"By the way, are you really sure about this?"

"Hm?"

"Do you still think we should give the rewards to the Black Swans?"

"Ahhh. Yes. You don't have to worry. Besides, Hyunsung also said that it is better to keep the settlement ratio as it is."

"Even so, I think it's right to give a little more to Blue. You all played such a crucial role…"

"The shield that Deokgu received is enough. In fact, I still feel that I am taking too much, which feels very embarrassing." Upon saying this, my eyes immediately sought a happy Park Deokgu out, surrounded by the other tankers who all bore cheerful spirits.

Who would blame him for being happy? He had just received a rare-grade shield item that would surely benefit his class. It was the most valuable weapon our party had received from this expedition.

[Root Shield-Rare Grade]

[This is a hard shield made from plant roots by Araki, the owner of the garden. Originally, it was a shield to equip the garden guards, but all humans in the garden were cursed and could not see the light. As well as increasing defense, it relieves external shocks. Durability can be restored by itself.]

[Health +3]

[Durability +2]

[Magic Power +1]

'It looks like a reliable shield.'

I particularly liked the fact that the shield could fix its durability. It seemed like the perfect beginner's item for Park Deokgu, and we had gotten it at such a low cost! Since Deokgu's potential was quite high, I knew he would also start gaining momentum with his growth.

Originally, that shield was also an item that had to go through several processes to obtain, but all the veterans indicated that it was okay to give it to him. Park Deokgu had probably managed to affect them emotionally, thus allowing him such a big reward.

Besides, there were several other good items to be obtained.

In the first place, the Garden of Terror was a human-made laboratory, and its setting was that everyone turned into monsters under the curse of God. There were many things worth researching about magical power's essence, and it was full of things that were of great value.

It was the moment when I realized what it meant to make money from a dungeon attack.

The Red Mercenary and Magic Guild members insisted that we take more than what was initially agreed upon, but Kim Hyunsung was firm about the matter and did not take any more than what we were supposed to take.

From Kim Hyunsung's point of view, the rest of the rewards weren't necessary. I knew it was also a way to create good relations with the other guilds, but I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.

The next problem to focus on was what and how many rewards the Black Swans would receive, seeing as exiled halfway through the expedition.

"To be honest, their rewards seem a little too much from my point of view. I think it's better if the Blue Guild takes a bit of their rewards. We won't let them protest against you, of course!"

"No, no. After everything has been said and done, Jung Yura did have a point. We blundered right at the beginning and did cause additional burdens for everyone. They deserve their rewards."

"That's…"

"It would be natural for me to feel angry if I was a veteran as well. Besides, I know they must've been crushed to be cast out halfway. What better way to console them than with their contribution rewards in full?"

"Hahaha, I suddenly feel ashamed for making such a proposal. I honestly think there is no one in Lindel who's as warm-hearted as you, Kiyoung. Now I know why the renowned priest Sun Hee-young has chosen to join Blue."

"Your face is turning red for no reason."

If only Choi Young-ki knew that I was the most manipulative and calculating person in the entire group. I only conceded because it was necessary to build good relations with everyone, just as Kim Hyunsung had planned to do.

However, this would also serve to dirty everyone's opinions on Yura's party even more. I didn't just let such chances go away for nothing.

"Then, can we go back to our guilds now?"

"Yes. The materials that have not yet been settled will be settled and paid within a week. Of course, you will also receive a document proving ownership of the dungeon where the attack has been completed."

"Ah."

"Of course, this is a meaningless document, although it's better than nothing. Anyway, let's go back. It's been a long expedition, so I want to take a rest right away."

"Yeah, that sounds good. I'll contact you later."

"I will contact you first. You shouldn't forget our agreement on the drinks!"

"Sure! Haha, I'll wait."

It wasn't just me who was receiving such warm treatment; everyone from my party was. It felt like the earlier troubles brought about by Jung Yura never happened.

I was pleasantly surprised with how everyone else was so willing to get along with other party members. After seeing how Lindel's society worked, I thought everyone would criticize us, but it turned out that this wasn't the case.

Rather, we had developed trust in each other, and I knew this bond would last for a long time.

I could see a satisfied Kim Hyunsung, who had let us learn so many new things, a delighted Park Deokgu with his new shield, and a happy Kim Ye-ri, who had not felt left out during the entire expedition.

Even Sun Hee-young wasn't alone, and Jung Hayan did not look particularly disappointed at not being able to spend as much desired time with me as she would've liked.

After a short trip filled with nonsensical conversation, we soon found ourselves back at the Blue Guild building, which, embarrassingly enough, now felt like my home.

After reporting to the guild's receptionist, we were required to make a report. Of course, I also had to meet Lee Sang-hee, the master of the sub-guild, to discuss the ratio and settlement.

As we belonged to the Blue Guild, we also had to distribute the things we got with the other guild members. We didn't complain, nor did we harbor any hard feelings about it. They had treated us so well that it felt only right to give back now that we had proven ourselves capable.

However, even amid everything, I knew there was something else I had to prioritize.

"Hayan."

"Yes, Kee Miyoung"

"Let's talk in private for a minute." I said.

"O-Oh, sure."

"Hyunsung, we will go up for a moment first. Deokgu, you can go eat first. We'll see you in a while, everyone!"

Everyone nodded in response to my words. I ignored Park Deokgu's suggestive expression and took Jung Hayan by the hand upstairs and to my room.

Looking at my red-colored face, it felt like I was about to do something misleading. However, I knew some basic needs couldn't be tended to within a dungeon's confines.

Upon opening my door, Jung Hayan began to look around my room.

"Oh, Kee."

"Hayan."

"Yes? What is it?"

"Can I ask you for a small favor?"

"Of course, I'll do anything you want! You just have to ask."

'Why is she like this…'

"Don't feel pressured, Kee. You just have to say it, and I'll do it."

Looking at her expectant face, it suddenly felt much harder to get my request out. However, I had to. It was crucial.

"Can you find out about how the media works in Lindel?"

"Ah…"

As expected, Jung Hayan's expectant expression shifted into one of disappointment. However, she knew that she would get what she wanted with every achievement she did for me. I reinforced this thought by giving her a kiss on the cheek.

"Yes, of course…" Jung Hayan nodded, almost as if possessed.

'Right.'

She still remembered the promise between us.