YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW [3]

Regressor's Instructions Manual Episode 996

You Reap What You Sow (3)

"We will live eternally. Until the light that descends upon this land is regained, we will live forever."

"...."

"The body is a vessel for the soul..."

'This... This place didn't seem to be like this...'

"Someday, someday once again... the Angel of Resurrection will come. He will undoubtedly come to the Underground Temple once again. He will surely... someday, he will surely come."

"Is that the end of it?"

"No, there is a little more content, but... it can no longer be read. It has been too heavily damaged and is not easy to interpret. What should I say..."

"This place seemed to be a space for religious ceremonies. It's not exact, but... given the presence of a sacred site for souls..."

"It has changed a bit."

"...."

"It has changed a bit."

"...."

The feeling of strangeness isn't unique to us. The members of the Black Swan guild were also feeling an indescribable unease.

Surely, before the strange space that they named spacetime rift attacked this place—

'This wasn't such a place.'

An Easter egg hidden within the Underground Temple. Discovered in the process of chasing and encountering Templar Simon afterward.

Subsequently, a place we've discovered while pursuing him. Before the spacetime rift occurred, it undoubtedly appeared to be a spacious altar.

I can't remember it properly, but... things that seemed fit for ceremonies were well-maintained and the light kept pouring in... it felt like someone had been constantly bustling about...

'Such a place...'

The current sight is different.

An extremely dark interior, a place where proper light doesn't enter. An offensive stench, bloody red stains. Very ancient skeletons.

Though it appeared temple-like, the damaged areas scattered about seemed to indicate that this place hadn't been entered by anyone for a long time.

Various items were scattered around like a laboratory, and numerous books were left abandoned. It was different from the places they had investigated so far.

The only intact item was the ceremonial altar at the center. Without even realizing it, I brushed the wall where dust had accumulated, and as I moved my footsteps, a voice came from the side.

"What's that?"

"Huh?"

"Step aside for a moment."

"Oh... okay."

It was only natural that I unconsciously stepped back. The most crucial aspect of this kind of search is preserving the scene. Unconsciously brushing the wall was just an oversight.

'Damn it.'

Of course, exactly when I made such a foolish mistake.

It's precisely... precisely when such a thing happened.

It's where all the Ranger members from the continent have gathered.

Well, among those who participated in the Mole Saintess's cozy sanctuary expedition, who wouldn't fall into the top tier...

For the Rangers, this situation was particularly exacerbated.

'Dungeons that are so rare to the extent that they receive a classification other than the usual grades in historical records. Due to the nature of being constantly exposed to danger, searchers could accumulate higher achievements, resulting in receiving greater rewards.'

This was also the reason why the proficient Rangers from the Black Swan were dispatched.

'Damn it.'

From the standpoint of someone who was building a portfolio and track record while taking on commissions from major guilds as a freelancer, it was no different from a bolt from the blue.

Even individuals who had only learned from books during the tutorial dungeons under the related guild's masters can be seen.

For some reason, the absence of the Blue Rangers was a bit of a relief, but...

"What's your name?"

Of all people, it had to be in front of Park Yeon ju from the Black Swan.

'A momentary mistake and my career...'

"My name is Jeong Gapsu. This is... well..."

"Your affiliation?"

"I'm a Freelancer."

"It's odd to see a Ranger like you being a Freelancer."

"Huh?"

A magician chanted a spell toward where I had put my hand before. Before long, several people gathered, dismantling mechanisms.

'What is this?'

"Please speak confidently from now on. This matter will reflect in your achievements. Thank you for your hard work."

"Huh? Uh... okay."

I don't know what happened, but it felt like a sudden change in fortune.

While struggling to hide a subtle smile, the door of the device opened. After everyone held their breath, they began gesturing to start a conversation. There might be enemies inside.

Individuals with skills related to sight glanced inside first, then the first line moved their bodies. The people who went in first were seen clenching their fists.

"There are no enemies."

To say it was a sanctuary might not be entirely accurate, but what was inside was another altar. A small temple where only five people could barely fit.

Unlike the exterior, which hadn't been touched by human hands, this place was oddly well-organized. No, it was well-organized.

More than anything, the most noticeable thing was...

A large mural.

"What is this?"

Despite the considerable time that had passed, the mural maintained a relatively round shape. An angel adorned with multiple wings inside a golden circle was quietly raising its hands in prayer.

It resembled someone. It wasn't easy to recognize, but perhaps everyone might be thinking the same thing. Since there would be individuals who come to mind when thinking of gold and wings.

Turning my head to the right, I saw another mural. An angel opposing a black demon. With wings and arms covering its face, the angel was stepping toward the black demon... And a fallen warrior with red hair who couldn't move was depicted.

Turning my gaze to the left, I saw the red-haired warrior praying toward the winged angel.

"This is the first mural."

"The images seem to continue from the left."

"It might have be an altar for this angel."

"It seems like a clue for conquering the dungeon... although it's a bit vague..."

"There's a possibility that it's a hidden boss like Messenger Gerk, right?"

"We'll need to investigate that a bit more. For now, let's check if there are any other devices here."

"Yes."

Slowly, I turn my gaze once again. An angel standing against the black demon...

Then, what appeared next was another demon.

An orange-colored demon. Different from the black demon, it has a slightly different appearance.

Larger and bulkier than the black demon, the orange demon looks like a mix between the red-haired warrior and the angel.

Large fire, numerous bat wings. He's depicted fighting against the black demon in a way that closely resembles the typical depiction of a demon in combat.

Amidst this, the angel trembles... and...

'Could they be describing a clash between the angel and these two?'

The one who emerges victorious from the battle is the orange demon. The black demon retreats, dispersing mist, and... the red-haired warrior rushes to protect the angel.

"...."

The red-haired warrior falls helplessly, and the orange demon grabs the angel.

It's a frightening and terrifying depiction. Perhaps this orange demon might be the dungeon's boss.

The mural depicting it is distinctly different from the ordinary ones. And next. The angel disappears, and nothing remains on the wall.

"Is the mural ending here?"

"No. There's more over here. It's another passage."

"Are there traps?"

"No, there's no reaction at all."

The investigators move forward again. The next mural comes into view.

Yes... this is the continuation of the story. The tale of the red-haired warrior left behind after the angel and the orange demon depart.

The red haired warrior reached out to the sky, though depicted, none of them extend a hand to the red-haired warrior.

They move forward again. He reaches out to the black demon seen before. But even he doesn't extend a hand to the red-haired warrior.

The mural depicts a figure speaking to the black demon, but the black demon merely lowers its head and says nothing.

The red-haired warrior cries out. The continent itself crumbles. The underground temple's door closes, and the continent seems to welcome a new era.

And then... A long, black-winged, long-haired demon reaches out to him. After that... Nothing is visible.

Let's move a little further inside...

"A trap?"

"No, it's not a trap... It's more like a box to store something important."

"Open it."

"Yes."

"It's a Feathers."

"What?"

"It's a Feather that emit light on their own. It's not categorized as an item. There's no information... It seems like this is..."

And then. With authority, the voice booms.

"Templar Simon!"

"He came on his own?"

"Prepare for battle."

"You must have come correctly. Ms. Park Yeon-joo."

"Ms. Park Yeon-joo? How..."

"What are you all... What in the world are you doing?"

"What?"

"I asked what in the world you're doing!"

"You really need to ask what we're doing!"

After we exit outside, we quickly surround him.

As a scouting team comprised only of rangers, it's not impossible for us to carry out a raid. If the opponent is just one Templar, it might even be more efficient than a traditional party setup.

Although it's less efficient compared to conventional wizards and priests, wizards and priests who've learned ranger skills are also present... And they've received training for battles similar to this.

I'm not sure what happened, but even the fellow's condition doesn't seem too good.

Clutching his head and gasping for breath, he appears as if terror-stricken. As if he's recalling something...

"I remember everything... Everything..."

He's muttering something incomprehensible.

"What are you doing... I asked what you're doing!"

'Was he originally like this? I heard he was a bit more rational... Well, maybe not.'

"Get out immediately! Right now! Right now, release that feather!"

"...."

"Bahamut is coming. Ahhh... ugh... Ahhhhh! Bahamut is coming!"

"...."

"I'm sorry, Bahamut! Bahamut! I'm sorry... Ahhh... ahhhhh!"

"...."

Continuing to clutch his body and head, he trembles, as if overwhelmed by terror.

Something sharp pierces him, going right through his body. His appearance begins to change gradually.

His size grew larger, and he takes on a form that's far from human... almost like a spider

. 'Demon...'

"Bahamut is coming, ahhhhh!"

"Demon..."

"Bahamut... He won't forgive me... you all... Bahamut, ahhh! Bahamut is coming!"

"Retreat! Retreat!"

"Ahhhhhhhhh!"

The creature he's turned into clings to the ceiling with its four limbs, and its long legs emerge from its back, piercing the bodies of the Rangers in a haphazard manner.

"Release it! Release that feather! By your deaths... you'll receive His forgiveness! Kiki... Bahamut is coming! Bahamut is coming!"

The elongated legs of the approaching creature were the last thing I saw.

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Author, why would you give us a detailed point of view of someone and then suddenly kill them??