The Heavy Atmosphere !

I knew that Park Deokgu must have been less than truthful with them, and I could empathize with his reasons. 

He had likely conferred with Kim Hyunsung and Sun Hee-young, realizing that everyone else had secured heroic-grade positions. 

Although I couldn't gauge how he had fared during the expedition, it was evident that he felt inadequate throughout it.

Park Deokgu's situation wasn't helped by the fact that Kim Ye-ri, a mere child, had secured a higher-ranked job than him. After all, she was undeniably a prodigy.

"She's beyond legendary potential," I couldn't help but marvel. 

Kim Ye-ri's talents transcended her stats; they were evident to anyone who observed her. 

Considering her exceptional performance as a newbie in the Garden of Terror, it was reasonable to anticipate remarkable growth on her subsequent expedition. 

Unfortunately, it appeared that Park Deokgu was unaware of this fact.

Geniuses occupied a different league, far more sophisticated than the average human. I hadn't been around for long, but I'd already encountered my fair share of them.

"Not just on Earth," I mused, noting the numerous exceptional talents here, individuals who defied conventional understanding.

Jung Hayan wielded revolutionary magic casually, as if it were second nature. 

Sun Hee-young possessed legendary potential and held the party's core position with her unique composure. 

Kim Ye-ri, a child from the slums, displayed exceptional talent. Even Kim Hyunsung, a returner from the future, brought an insurmountable sense of potential compared to most individuals.

Ours was the only party where all members could be classified as geniuses. 

Of course, Park Deokgu possessed the potential to become a formidable adventurer, but confronted with the reality of having natural-born geniuses on his team, I could understand his insecurities.

"Everyone here is a monster," I couldn't help but agree with Hwang Jeong-yeon's assessment when she admitted feeling intimidated upon encountering Jung Hayan.

Nevertheless, Park Deokgu's decision to deceive was unexpected. Knowing his personality, it was reasonable to assume that he prioritized his present mental state over future consequences, especially after learning that I too had obtained a heroic-grade job.

By this point, he must have felt as though he were the only one lagging behind.

"The job I got this time is an Archmage," Hayan announced.

"Oh?" I inquired with genuine curiosity.

"Yeah. It significantly boosts magical abilities and enhances affinity for all types of magic. And it's not limited to just elemental magic; it applies to other types as well. I've gained advanced magical knowledge, too. I wouldn't say it's mind-blowing yet..." Hayan explained.

"No, no, that's already impressive!" I responded with an encouraging smile.

"My magic power has also reached 69 this time, Kee!" Hayan added.

"That's fantastic, Hayan. You've grown more than I expected," I praised.

"My intelligence stats are also around 62," she mentioned.

"Why am I not surprised?" I chuckled, allowing her to continue detailing the group's stats.

"Hyunsung said his stats also reached 70. Sun Hee-young's stats increased significantly, even though she didn't hunt much."

"It seems this kind of growth only applies to people like you," I thought to myself. 

Park Deokgu's stats, as well as mine, had plateaued around 60. It was slightly embarrassing to struggle alongside Hayan, but her growth was ultimately beneficial. 

The stronger Jung Hayan became, the safer I would be. Although, there was always the possibility that it might backfire.

Of course, it wasn't only Jung Hayan who had shown remarkable growth; the same could be said for Kim Hyunsung.

I couldn't ascertain the direction of his growth, but at least Kim Hyunsung appeared to have sidestepped a straightforward examination.

"Advanced Swordsmanship Trainee - Heroic Level," I read from the job description. 

There was no need for further explanation; the description itself spoke volumes. For someone like Kim Hyunsung, this low-grade job was merely a stepping stone to something greater. 

I knew he had chosen it for a reason, and I knew him well enough to understand he wouldn't make rash decisions.

It was Kim Hyunsung who spoke up this time. "Ye-ri obtained the Tracker job."

"Tracker?" I repeated, seeking clarification.

"Yes," he affirmed. "Given her affinity for agility and magic, she can handle small and medium-sized weapons, such as daggers and swords, in addition to bows. Her stats support this versatility, and her focus on agility and magic means her options will continue to expand."

"That should alleviate her concerns about being isolated," I commented.

"Yes, indeed. It was a considerable issue for our party. Oh, and Sun Hee-young also transitioned to the Supreme Court job. Her divine power has noticeably increased. Deokgu mentioned that he secured an avant-garde job related to tanking skills."

Upon hearing this, I immediately assessed Sun Hee-young's title with my ability.

"Dark Priest Supreme - Heroic Level," I noted. 

Sun Hee-young hadn't gone into detail about her new job when Kim Hyunsung mentioned it earlier. She simply nodded when her name was mentioned. Her new job appeared to be an evolved version of her previous one, although I couldn't determine its specific spells or abilities.

In any case, our party was thriving exceptionally well. Apart from Park Deokgu, who appeared somewhat embarrassed, we had made significant strides. 

Truthfully, Park Deokgu had achieved remarkable results, especially when one ceased comparing him to our genius party members. He was highly sought after at this point.

"I hope you'll speak up at least once," I silently wished for Park Deokgu. It was foolish to compare oneself to geniuses, and I wanted him to realize that.

Although our conversation had initially carried a weighty atmosphere, it eventually took on a lighter, happier tone. 

We laughed about the mistakes made in the dungeon and my confinement in the workshop for an extended period.

When I learned that Jung Hayan had cried daily, and Kim Hyunsung had often saved the party from danger, I couldn't help but burst into laughter. 

Even Kim Ye-ri, who rarely spoke, began participating in the conversation with a bit more confidence.

At that moment, the guild's door creaked open.

We all turned to see Lee Seolho and Lee Sang-hee entering with grave expressions.

"I'll get ready for the meeting now. Please summon all the remaining executives in the guild."

"All of them?"

"Yes, without exceptions. Please gather everyone. The meeting will take place in my private office. How many parties have returned by now?"

"I know that the 2nd unit is back."

"The 7th unit returned this morning too, Lee Sang-hee, Lee Seolho."

"In that case, please send for Hyunsung and Kee Miyoung as well."

"Even them?"

"Yes, all of them. Please summon everyone. I have important guild news."

"What on earth is going on?" I couldn't help but wonder. It was evident that something was amiss, judging by their expressions. Lee Sang-hee, who typically had a warm and motherly demeanor, now looked ashen, and even Lee Seolho seemed concerned.

"You can go ahead. I'll catch up with you later."

"Sure, Mr. Seolho."

I noticed that general guild members were also heading upstairs, likely to inform Hwang Jeong-yeon of the unexpected meeting.

As far as I could recall, the second unit resided on the fourth floor.

"Is something wrong?" I asked Kim Hyunsung.

"Kee Miyoung, let's head up."

"Ah, alright."

The light-hearted atmosphere from moments ago had taken a drastic turn.

I could see Lee Seolho glancing in my direction. Normally, I wouldn't meddle in others' affairs, but in this instance, my actions seemed justified.

"Feel free to use this time however you like. I'd suggest taking a break."

"Understood."

"Okay, got it."

"What's going on?" I asked again.

"Ah, then I guess I'll head up as well."

The guild member tasked with alerting all members nodded and hurried out.

As I rushed up to Lee Sang-hee's office, I saw an armed guard holding the door open. Kim Hyunsung and I were allowed inside without any issues.

"Is everyone assembled?"

"Yes, it seems so."

Lee Sang-hee stood before us, her expression somber. Hwang Jeong-yeon and Lee Seolho were also present.

"Is this everyone?" I wondered aloud, finding the absence of several members odd.

"Kee Miyoung, Hyunsung, please take a seat. It's time for me to deliver some troubling news."

Despite the gravity of the situation, I still couldn't piece together what was happening. Kim Hyunsung, on the other hand, appeared to anticipate something.

"Does he know what's about to be revealed?" I pondered. It suddenly struck me why we had chosen to join the Blue Guild.

"He knows," I realized. Kim Hyunsung knew what was happening, and that knowledge was likely the reason he had selected the Blue Guild, despite having numerous other options during recruitment.

Lee Sang-hee, the designated Vice Guild Master, then began to explain.