New Faces ? Huh!

The choice was never truly mine from the start. As per Park Deokgu's blueprint, opting for the first alternative would surely repel Jung Hayan. In fact, regardless of my initial inclination, it seemed highly probable that Jung Hayan was already leaning towards the second choice herself.

A soft, rhythmic "Zzzzzzz" came from Park Deokgu sleeping by my side, exacerbating my growing agitation. The concept of pursuing a romantic relationship here was inconceivable. In this environment, where death's timing remained unknown, entertaining such emotions felt nonsensical. Engaging in a romantic affair was a complex matter.

I had a strong urge to reject the idea of an intimate connection with a woman who might, one day, turn hostile. Yet, paradoxically, the only way to avoid the grim fate of being torn apart was to draw nearer to her. The very person carrying the greatest danger was paradoxically the one I could rely upon the most.

Despite my aversion to gambling, I was willing to take the risk if necessary. I reluctantly acknowledged this reality and addressed the still-snoring Park Deokgu.

"Rise and shine."

"Zzzzzzzzz…."

"Deokgu, wake up."

"Unnnngh… What time is it?"

"We're getting an early start."

"Hey, Mooka. Get up, please."

"...."

"She seems to be deeply asleep... Mooka, it's time to wake up."

"...."

"Uhh… Sleeping Beauty seems to have taken over Mooka... Perhaps she needs a kiss from her Prince Charming?"

I silently cursed his teasing tone, unaware of the extent of my annoyance. Almost all my mana had replenished, just in time. For some reason, that casual remark sent my emotions spiraling.

Nevertheless, I had a task at hand, waking up Jung Hayan. I stepped forward reluctantly.

"Hayan."

"...."

"Hayan, it's time to wake up."

"Unngh….."

Only when I lightly patted her head did she stir, rubbing her eyes in a daze. It appeared she was still half-asleep. Despite her surprise and unease upon seeing me, an inexplicable fear lingered in me when I gazed at her.

"Ah… Oh! Yes, man."

"We're preparing to head back to the shelter."

"Okay."

"Let's grab a light meal and get ready."

"Right. Leave that to me."

Following a simple meal, we soon got ready to proceed. Humans were adaptable beings, as evidenced by how everyone welcomed the morning in their own ways.

"I wonder if Hyung-ssi and Kim Hyunsung are alright. We've been gone for a while."

"They're probably fine. As long as they don't decide recklessly to go hunting among themselves."

"But isn't that a good thing? We need more people for the fight anyway…."

If they could hunt effectively, there was no reason to stop them.

"You think those folks, who've been cowering in fear, will suddenly change their ways just because they've had a change of heart? Not only is it unlikely for them to band together for hunting, even if they do go out, they'll end up dead if they're not careful. In fact, that might be the preferable outcome."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean we have to hope they don't end up like Park Hyaeyoung."

Chances of the shelter inhabitants going hunting were slim. Yet, if they formed their own group and ventured out to fight against the creatures, it could lead to an even worse scenario.

Naturally, I couldn't guarantee my judgment was infallible, but...

"The worst-case scenario is they panic, attract creatures to the shelter, and everything collapses."

"That's a grim image."

It truly was horrifying.

"Perhaps that's why Hyunsung-ssi insisted we return separately from him. There might still be creatures trailing us."

"Well, the more I ponder it, the more I realize Hyung-nim is quite clever."

It wasn't due to my intelligence.

"It's not that."

My mind was always occupied with contemplating worst-case scenarios and planning responses.

As we walked along the eerily silent path, my feet moving mechanically, a sense of foreboding crept in. The vivid imagination of the dire situation I had described dried my mouth.

Frankly, I cared little for what happened to the shelter's inhabitants. However, losing valuable resources would be wasteful. The shelter, at best, was a well-established haven. While we didn't know how long the dungeon clearing would take, the shelter remained essential.

Amidst the contemplation, we approached the shelter.

Oddly, the entrance was barricaded. Lee Jihye must have spotted us, as she cleared the rubble and approached us with her customary smile.

She took her time, but as she neared, she began speaking with a concerned expression.

"Kee Miyoung and Deokgu , right? Hyaeyoung-ssi and Hyunsung-ssi…."

"Park Hyaeyoung is gone, and Hyunsung-ssi will return soon."

"I see."

Upon hearing my calm response, Lee Jihye briefly closed her eyes before nodding.

"By any chance…."

"It's a long story. But did you encounter any problems at the shelter?"

"Um… Can we speak privately?"

She clearly wanted to discuss something confidential.

For some reason, Park Deokgu didn't seem to mind either way, but I was concerned about Jung Hayan's reaction.

Yet, as I needed to hear Lee Jihye out, I patted Jung Hayan on the head and addressed her.

"Would you like to go inside and wait? I'll join you shortly."

"Ah! Alright… Okay. man."

It was purely because I worried Lee Jihye might get torn apart that I sent Jung Hayan inside. For some reason, Lee Jihye repeatedly glancing back at me reminded me of Park Hyaeyoung.

Once they were out of sight, Lee Jihye began to speak slowly.

"How did Park Hyaeyoung die?"

"She brought it upon herself. Screaming in an area teeming with monsters. Do you want details?"

"No, thank you. I can guess."

Her sidelong glances made me think she might have a rough idea of what had occurred, even though it was just a hunch.

Of course, it was merely speculation, but it appeared Lee Jihye caught on quicker than expected.

"Let me sum it up."

"What happened?"

"Yoo Seokwoo and a few others left."

'I suspected this.'

"When?"

"Yesterday morning."

"You."

"I know. I couldn't prevent them from leaving without authorization."

"Then... Why?"

"To be honest, ever since Kee Miyoung and Hyunsung left together, they kept expressing their desire to go hunting. I don't know if seeing Kee Miyoung's magic convinced him, or if he grew tired of his situation, but he and some like-minded individuals set out to hunt. Idiots... Initially, I could persuade them to wait for Kee Miyoung's return, but..."

"I'm just a powerless woman, after all."

Now, I had a clearer picture of the situation. My demonstration of magic had unintended consequences.

Yoo Seokwoo was already at a disadvantage due to the trouble he caused Jung Hayan. It made sense that he might reassess his position and consider his options. Not only would he contemplate gaining inexplicable power, but he likely harbored a secret desire to emulate us.

Except for Lee Jihye, who held a managerial role, the power dynamics of Kim Hyunsung, Park Deokgu, and myself were dominant here.

I let out a brief sigh before speaking again.

"Weren't you responsible for preventing this?"

"I did my best to dissuade them. How could I refuse their request for a rescue mission when they said they wanted to send one?"

"Rescue my foot... These people wouldn't care normally... Is that why you barricaded the entrance?"

"Yes. We don't all have to perish, do we?"

This explained the sealed entrance. Yoo Seokwoo and his "rescue" team might have turned to the shelter if they were pursued by monsters.

Lee Jihye's action of sealing the entrance showed her intention to safeguard the shelter in her own way.

"I hope those foolish, trouble-making idiots meet their end... It seems the wrong person died. What should we do... People are bound to feel anxious... Do you still think we need more people who can fight?"

"The more, the better."

In truth, it was Kim Hyunsung, not me, who was attacking the dungeon (monster's gate). The decision to increase our forces came from him, not me. He believed it was necessary to expand our team before venturing further down the floors.

"What about you Kee Miyoung?"

Though my Eyes' Check categorized Lee Jihye as inferior, she was better than that wretched Park Hyaeyoung. I doubted she would recklessly jab her spear or start screaming midway.

Indeed, she would likely fulfill her role efficiently behind Park Deokgu's back.

"I'd rather decline."

"It's terrifying, and I want no part in fruitless endeavors. While Kee Miyoung's displayed power is amazing, coveting more recklessly is a shortcut to death."

"Do you think a sparrow can act like a stork? Sparrows have their own way of life."

I understood her perspective. Strangely, Lee Jihye's words resonated with what I might have written, and her reasoning made sense.

"Instead of living on a battlefield where death's timing is uncertain... Isn't it better to be with a capable man and live peacefully?"

Our conversation continued, and I sensed the approach of others. I looked and saw several figures approaching.

'Yoo Seokwoo?'

The one in the lead was Yoo Seokwoo.

However, the three figures behind him were unfamiliar faces in the shelter.

"Seems like the guy most eager to die managed to stay alive. He even brought some baggage..."