ACHIEVEMENT [1]

Regressor Instructions Manual Episode 962]

Achievement (1)

I was slightly taken aback. I had anticipated that there would be a fair amount of valuable information, but I hadn't expected an item of this kind – one that could potentially influence the strategy beyond just hints for dungeon conquest.

This item could potentially exert an impact on the very strategy itself. Although I'm uncertain about its exact function and how to utilize it, there seems to be abundant room for potential use.

[Underground Church Invitation]

'Could it be interpreted as a means to travel to the past?'

While the exact timing remains unclear, if indeed I received an invitation to the church from the past, it could significantly affect the strategy. Most participants of this church are...

'Perhaps named bosses in a cozy sanctuary...'

Knowing the information about named bosses in advance, categorizing the types and formations of boss monsters, and being prepared in advance.

I might be able to grasp a rough outline of the dungeon's map and confirm the exact goal of the strategy. It might even lead to finding hidden bosses other than Messenger Gerk and discovering unexpected easter eggs.

'This is the crux of the strategy...'

Of course, it's possible to proceed with the strategy without using it. Just like when we had to confront the Cursed Altar.

The precondition for defeating the hidden boss, Gedrik, was present, yet we eventually couldn't overcome Julliana.

This is just one of the possible answers.

"There might not be an immediate need to use it."

While it's a rational choice to use it, there are many concerns. If the time ratio between here and the past in this dungeon differs significantly, there might not be an issue.

But if they are relatively synchronized, there could be serious problems.

Kim Hyun-sung's mental condition might worsen again, and both Ha-yan and the other guild members might become anxious.

They might think that the Messenger Gerk's proclamation, "The Saint will come," is coming true.

Given the current atmosphere of the raid team, it might end up in a mess... Kim Hyun-sung might keep grumbling and raising a fuss.

At the point when he resolved to move forward, to face his problems head-on and not give up, he realized that he is someone who won't back down, even in the face of challenges.

This is a crucial juncture for Kim Hyun-sung's mental state. If I complicate things further, I might not be able to witness Kim Hyun-sung living a healthy life.

Regardless, he'll probably manage to live his life despite severe mental illness or some strange disorder.

The contents of the nightmares might also transform into progressively bizarre and odd scenarios...

'Even if I'm going to be in turmoil.'

Of course, I can't speak about it. Firstly, because I can't speak about it, and furthermore, sending someone else isn't a solution that would sit well with me.

If it were a different type of event and not the church, I might have been able to arrange another person, but since the event's content is predetermined, I can't ask for results that are beyond Jincheong and Noona's caliber.

Passing the invitation to Kim Hyun-sung...

'Uh, uh, uh, I'm Kim... Hyun-sung... Nice to meet you. It will be over soon.'

The first thing to consider is the dungeon's difficulty. If the dungeon's strategy continues to flow smoothly as it does now, there won't be any issues. However, if the difficulty increases exponentially, I might need to take some measures.

[General.]

[....]

[General? I'm sorry for asking this out of the blue, but how do you feel about this dungeon?]

[....]

[Hey. JinCheong,]

[.....]

[Since you want supplies, let me provide them. Just talk. I'm telling you this in case you get suspicious. I didn't do it to mess with you, General. It's strange to even think about having beer and rum in a dungeon.]

[Recognizing the efforts of hardworking soldiers is a virtue of a commander. I'm not saying I'll drink it. You fool. Furthermore, the matter of on-site safety is not for you, who comfortably drinks wine in the tent, but for me, the one directly responsible as the commander. You....]

'Seems a little uncomfortable over there....'

While there haven't been many good feelings, there's definitely a worse sensation than usual. I kind of know why.

'Our expedition speed was fast.'

If we managed to break through Floors 6 and 7 while taking a brief rest, it's right to assess that the commander set a slightly faster pace.

Of course, I would have prepared the troops in advance.

Just a little more hardship. After reaching Floor 8, we'll have a rest. We'll prepare alcohol and meat for you hardworking individuals.

A line I've seen several times in continental dramas passes through my mind, something a grand marshal would say.

Though we eventually reached Floor 8 after achieving our objective, the promised alcohol and meat haven't arrived.

Since Central Command hasn't provided us with supplies, this guy will end up doing something useless like trying to make beer.

The soldiers' morale is sinking, and trust in the command is reaching rock bottom, probably.

[There was a slight misunderstanding between us.]

[Misunderstanding? Are you saying there's a misunderstanding...]

[Oh, it's really not about messing with you.]

Well, actually, I did mess with him.

[We'll send additional forces with the supplies. We'll ensure you can rest safely in the safe zone. I can't just sit quietly as the commander while our troops make progress. I'll do whatever you want, just tell me.]

[Please provide the promised supplies...]

[Yes, of course. But, General, how do you feel about this dungeon? I'd like to hear your thoughts on the difficulty.]

[...]

[...]

[I don't know what kind of answer you're hoping for.]

[What do you mean?]

[If I say the difficulty is low, will you feel reassured? You're a fool.]

[Why suddenly like this?]

[There's no such thing as a safe expedition. We always have to move with the worst-case scenario in mind. Otherwise, those who trust you will die. You're an incompetent fool.]

[.....]

[Why so spiteful?.]

[.....]

[Think about how desperate you were in the past. You'll realize how foolish it is to ask me such a question.]

Don't use those cliché rival phrases on me.

You came here to play games and yet you're acting so serious.

[I understand what you mean now. I got it for now.]

[Keep your promise.]

[Yes.]

[Oh! And... I'm currently ahead by 1,000 points.]

Look at this. This guy's really cunning. He's someone who views people like chess pieces.

But I feel like I understand what he's saying.

Of course, some soldiers dying is an inevitable sacrifice.

It's what they call an honorable death.

Personally, I feel a bit more relieved, but it's not that I've fully relaxed.

I've tied up all the loose ends and resolved all the tasks at hand.

Honestly, even if they call the Dungeon of the Mole Saint a unique dungeon, it doesn't feel as threatening as intercontinental wars or continent-wide battles.

I've seen Hidden Boss Herald Gelk's raid, and capable individuals handle their tasks without my orders. The system is well-structured, that's for sure.

General Jin's counterattack about the supply issue irritated me and felt like nonsense, but...

There's still some room for thought.

For some reason, I'm unfolding another achievement.

[Templar Training Experiment Report]

How about this one?

- As the power of the Mole Saintess diminished, the abilities of the Templars also began to decrease. Despite attempting various methods to preserve the strength of the Templars, they couldn't hold onto the dwindling powers that started slipping away like water. They couldn't understand the reason, but many Templars lost all their strength. They couldn't face demons as they did before and had fallen into being ordinary knights. Among the Templars who maintained their powers thanks to the Mole Saintess, there were now merely... 8 left. They were anxious, not out of fear that they couldn't protect the continent's threat.

When the number of Templars with powers became 7, they gathered together and consumed the lifeblood of the Mole Saintess.

The result was ideal, but those who couldn't bear the immense power died.

Now, only 4 Templars remained.

These 4 Templars were chosen. Yes. They believed they were chosen to be here.

The power received from the Mole Saintess was different from before. They believed it was power that gods should enjoy.

They thought that the power the many Templars possessed was now held by these 4.

It felt as though they had become gods. No, undoubtedly, in that moment, they had become gods. However, even that was just a makeshift solution.

The Templars began to age. Whether it was a side effect of consuming the Mole Saintess's lifeblood or not, they were growing old.

One Templar was uneasy. It seemed he didn't want to disappear like this.

But despite their wishes, due to the weakening power of the Mole Saintess, their aging was accelerating.

Another Templar was worried. After they were gone, he worried about the continent. He said they needed to train new Templars.

He argued they had to create individuals to succeed them.

He brought a child from the order and had them drink the Mole Saintess's blood.

The child from the order took their last breath on the spot. They couldn't withstand the weakened Mole Saintess's blood.

Another Templar wanted freedom. While he was maturingly accepting his own aging, he seemed to be unable to let go of his longing for a life he hadn't lived.

He argued they had to protect the core members of the earthly order. Among those core members... one of them might become the Mole Saintess's successor, he said.

While the other Templars nodded in approval, he didn't seem interested in the Mole Saintess's successor.

He seemed to only value his own life. I was afraid too. I was anxious too. Dying was frightening and fearful. It was exasperating to think I might close my eyes like this without seeing the end. I wanted to live forever. I wanted to keep living. Omitted...

Years passed like that, and a worried Templar asserted:

"Why are we growing old? If our power is so sturdy and radiant, how come our bodies are so feeble?

Spirit and body are different. The body is just a container for us, and our essence lies in the spirit," he said.

A Templar yearning for freedom was puzzled, but I could understand what argument he was making.

The body is merely a vessel that confines the soul. We can live eternally. If we can find a suitable vessel for us, we can once again...

Starting now, the report on the experimental subjects that will be our vessels...

"Aaaaahhhh!!!!!"

"ahhh! Damn it! You scared me!"

I turn my head towards the source of the sound.

Katsugano Yuno was looking at me with black eyes.

What's reflected in her pupils... Kim Hyun Sung and Jung Ha Yan, as well as the remaining members of the Blue Guild.

What was different from usual...

All of their throats were slit.

"It's dangerous, Master."

"....."

"It's dangerous."

It was an inexplicable sight.