The Hunter Returns Chapter 10

010 – 3rd floor (4)

A pain like crawling bugs ran through my whole body. It was the scream of a body that had passed its limit.

A bitter smile appeared on Kim Yun-do’s lips as he noticed his trembling hands. How much did he have to move to get like this? As expected, with this body that had no stats or skills, he couldn’t reproduce his past movements.

I was just desperate to imitate.

I can’t even follow one-tenth of the movements I picture in my head.

If the Imoogi had been able to control its powers, it might have been difficult to deal with.

Of course, that would have been fun in its own way.

He calmed his trembling competitive spirit and invested all the essence he had acquired into leveling up.

The total number of levels is 5.

Since the distance is greater than a certain amount, there shouldn’t be any essence that entered Jeong Eun-ji. It seems that there aren’t as many essences as expected. One way or another, this isn’t a monster that was created to be caught.

Although it is a little disappointing, there is no need to be greedy.

What really matters is not the level, but the additional stats and skill proficiency.

Simply having a high level was no different from being a pants president.

The snake’s body turned into light and disappeared.

It is different from other monsters that only emit a faint light. Even if it doesn’t become a dragon, it is still a boss monster. The scattered light is beautiful. In the place where it disappeared into star dust, there were black beads and meat.

“The Yeouiju of the Imoogi.

 – The precious treasure of the Imoogi who wished to ascend to the dragon. The Yeouiju, which contains the essence of hundreds of years, contains a powerful magic power that is hard to even imagine. If you wish, the Yeouiju can be a useful item. It may even be possible to gain superhuman strength in an instant. How you use this magic power inherent in the Yeouiju is entirely up to you.

“Imugi meat.

 – Fresh meat from a hundreds-year-old snake. It is a delicacy with a unique flavor and soft texture, but it is not suitable for consumption because it is deeply poisoned. If you still want to eat it, it might be better to ask the residents of the tower. They might know how to cook this poisoned meat.

Dragons do not appear on the lower floors of the Sky Tower.

A monster that appears only in certain fields with at least 4 sections. Among them, dragons that drop Yeouiju were quite rare. Among the monsters classified as dragons, there were monsters like Wyvern, Drake, and Wyrm that did not have Yeouiju in their drop table.

Only dragons classified as oriental gave Yeouiju, but these were also difficult to obtain.

This is because when any dragon loses a certain amount of blood, a pattern appears where it absorbs all of Yeouiju’s magic power. The dragon that becomes like that gains power befitting its name as a true dragon.

Indiscriminate outpouring of power and overwhelming physical abilities.

No matter how many high-ranking successors of the tower gather, it is difficult to deal with them.

Because of this, there was a separate successor who hunted dragons.

Even within the tower, they were called “Dragon Slayers”.

Yeouiju’s abilities were largely divided into two categories.

One is to temporarily use the enormous magical power contained within it as one’s own power, as if a dragon were using it. It is a kind of buff item. Or, it is possible to use Yeouiju as a material to make powerful weapons. Even so, it is a distant story for now. In order to meet a blacksmith who can handle Yeouiju, you will have to go at least to the middle of the tower.

Kim Yun-do, who had taken the Yeouiju, examined the sword of the labyrinth.

There are no missing teeth. There are no cracks. Surprisingly, there is not a single scratch on the sword that has collided with the outer skin of the Imoogi several times. Perhaps it is because the base material is the claw of the white porcelain constellation. It seems like it can be used for a long time.

He came out of the cave carrying the snake meat on his shoulder.

As we approached the entrance, we heard murmuring.

It seems that the two tribes that Jeong Eun-ji brought have arrived at the lake.

“It came out!”

“Look at that. It looks like I really took him down!”

“He’s dead. The master of the lake is dead!”

“I can’t believe it. You can’t possibly kill the master of the lake.”

I could have guessed it when the achievement appeared.

It seems that the Imugi here becomes known to NPCs as soon as it is defeated.

“What, what is it? What on earth happened?”

Outside the cave, rabbits and turtles were huddled together.

Jeong Eun-ji, who came out between the two tribes, couldn’t hide her bewildered expression.

“Nothing happened. I was just hunting the owner of the lake.”

“… … .”

As always, she made a bewildered expression at his calm and composed words.

Even if you treat people like fools, it’s still a waste of time. What do you mean, “nothing happened?”

A man who had not been injured when he had hunted dozens of elder monkeys. Now, he was covered in blood. It was obvious that something big had happened when he saw that a skilled man who didn’t seem to have even shed a single drop of blood was wandering around like this.

Even if you just look at the NPCs’ reactions, it’s like that.

But this man is silent. No matter how much I stare at him, it seems like he has no intention of explaining anything.

It’s difficult to get an answer from him like this.

This is something I learned while hanging out with Kim Yun-do these past few days.

He is a man of few words, and his every action is scary. However, he is not fundamentally a bad person.

There is a minimum set of rules of conduct, and as long as you don’t cross that line, there is no touching.

It’s the same now.

Kim Yun-do must have decided that she didn’t need to know what happened here.

You shouldn’t be greedy.

Jeong Eun-ji knew her position well.

“You must have had a hard time doing something so trivial.”

So this is like a little complaint.

Kim Yun-do let out a laugh that was almost like laughter at her sarcastic response.

A turtle and a rabbit jumped in front of Kim Yun-do.

In an instant, they surrounded the two and asked together.

“Successor! Did you really defeat the Lord of the Lake for us?”

“This is ridiculous. You would do this for us.”

The rabbits’ tone has changed to respectful.

Unlike the rabbits who didn’t know what to do, the turtle tribe was a bit more calm.

“You are truly amazing. This is the first time this old man has been wrong. Heir. You said your name was Kim Yun-do, right? I will never forget the favor you have done for us.”

“That’s right. The name Kim Yun-do is three characters that our tribe. No, all the tribes in this forest will remember.”

“That’s right. We won’t forget your name.”

“… Excuse me. I had a hard time too.”

The turtle was easier to deal with than the noisy rabbit.

Kim Yun-do said, pointing to the lake.

“This size should be enough for two tribes. Or do you need more?”

At that question, the two tribes shook their heads absentmindedly.

“Enough is enough. Enough is enough!”

“Thank you very much, Successor!”

“It’s more than enough for us and all the other tribes to use.”

“Congratulations! You have cleared the Ongdal Spring Exploration.

 – The Successor has found a new spring for the two tribes living on the third floor of the Sky Tower. The spring that the Successor has prepared for the two tribes is not an ordinary spring. It is a lake monopolized by the arrogant owner of the third floor of the tower, the Master of the Lake. Surprisingly, the Successor defeats the Master of the Lake and returns it to the tribes of the forest.

 This great achievement will continue to be talked about by the tribes for years and decades to come. Additional rewards will be given to the successor who clears the Ongdal Spring quest.

“Rabbit’s liver, turtle’s shell.”

“I should give you this for your hard work. And I have a suggestion.”

“Are you in a hurry to go? Successor. If possible, could you stay a little longer?”

“You want me to stay?”

It was an unexpected suggestion. The rabbit nodded in response to Kim Yun-do’s question.

“Yes. On such a happy day, we can’t do without a banquet. I would be really happy if the successor who defeated the Lord of the Lake were to attend the banquet!”

“We’d like to make a suggestion, too. If it’s okay with you, we’d like to share the meat left by the lake’s owner with everyone.”

“Forest Banquet.

 – Your brilliant performance has brought down the master of the lake. To celebrate, the tribes of the forest will hold a small banquet. If you wish, you may attend this banquet. However, no one can attend a banquet empty-handed. If you attend the banquet, you will have to use the meat of the Imugi.

“indeed….”

This is a quest I’ve never heard of before.

The quest that was supposed to end with receiving the sample continues on and on.

Kim Yun-do checked the meat of the snake.

It’s a piece of meat that size. It’s hard to carry around. And it’s not even possible to cook it yet.

If you force yourself to take it, you may be able to take some of the fresh parts, but it would be difficult to actually eat them.

Above all, it was impossible to manage it.

If there was even a top bag, I could have forced it in, but it still took some time to get to the rest room.

The snake’s meat is difficult to handle. It’s something you can’t take anyway. The only ones who can cook it are the NPCs in the tower.

In that case, it might be a good idea to take on this quest, even though we don’t know what reward it will give.

There… .

“Banquet? This is not the tower. They can’t come back.”

“You’re talking harshly, Kim Yun-do. That’s why you have to do more. The survivors have a duty to send the dead off with a smile.”

I had a colleague who said that.

The man who led the martial arts union, the king of boxing, Han Seok-hee.

The guy who did his best to the best of his ability was always a man whose actions spoke louder than his words. A boy who could handle strength that was unimaginable for his small body. The guy who shouted that men talk with their fists was always at the forefront.

I haven’t raised a glass for the saint and the swordsman yet.

I never thought I would be bothered by my only ally.

Jung Eun-ji’s eyes looking at Kim Yun-do are also sparkling with anticipation.

A festival hosted by a forest tribe. An unexpected reward may await you.

“Just a little bit. I’ll be there.”

“You have accepted the quest.”

“Okay! It’s a banquet! I’ll invite everyone!”

“Excellent choice. Let’s have a banquet. Invite all the tribes!”

The two tribes shouted loudly at the sight of Kim Yun-do nodding his head.

*&*

The white porcelain overlooked a lake where a lively banquet was taking place.

I tried to look as calm as possible, but I couldn’t stop my face from trembling.

It’s good to have a banquet.

Yes. The tribes of this forest are set up that way. When something happy happens, they hold a banquet and share the joy. The one who gave them that setting was none other than themselves.

If there’s a problem, it’s the meat the guys are laughing at while eating.

Snake meat with a black sheen.

He knew full well that it was the meat of the Imoogi, the hidden boss on the third floor of the Tower of Heaven.

The snake is dead.

That too, to the successor who is just starting the tutorial.

My head feels like it’s going to burst.

Baekja let out a low groan as she felt a headache coming on.

At first, I couldn’t understand what the heck was going on.

Even if it’s irregular, there’s bound to be some kind of line.

The Imoogi here is definitely not a monster made to be caught.

Section 1 of the tower.

This area, which was under the control of the Constellation White Porcelain, was an area where the status of the successors was divided, except for the first floor. In other words, each floor appeared for each successor, and each floor presented the same environment and the same quest.

A story that is as precise as if it were measured with a ruler.

Because of this, it was an overwhelmingly advantageous place for successors who heard various information from outside.

Those who have information from the beginning and those who don’t. It’s okay to say that their starting points are different.

That is why white porcelain took up one section of the pagoda.

This is to prevent successors from using information brought from outside the tower to achieve excessive growth.

But this man went too far.

It seems like the information isn’t just from outside the tower.

Yeah, there have been similar cases before.

At that time it turned out that he wasn’t a bug user, but this time it’s different.

You can be sure.

“I think it would be good to bring Hongyu.”

Baekja didn’t hesitate.

If you have any doubts, it’s best to nip them in the bud. They don’t tolerate mistakes.

Baekja’s body blurred as she looked at Kim Yun-do, who was drinking at the banquet hall.

The white porcelain, whose halo had disappeared, soon disappeared from sight.

*&*

The honey tasted sweet.

Even if you don’t know what brewing method is used, it’s a flavor that makes you reach for it.

I feel like I could keep drinking several glasses because the alcohol is barely noticeable.

“The honey wine of the forest settles in your body.”

“Stamina increased by 1!”

There was a drink that gave bonus stats, but only once. There was no reason to refuse.

Kim Yun-do, who emptied his full glass, filled the next glass.

He stared blankly at the glass filled with mead, then raised his hand over the lake. He turned the glass.

The honey wine dripped onto the transparent water surface. A brilliant golden light spread across the surface.

The gold that had been flowing down the stream soon disappeared into the water.

The honey wine he received this time went into his mouth. The next glass he received was poured into the lake.

Jeong Eun-ji, who was watching the scene carefully, asked.

“Why are you throwing away such precious honey wine? If you can’t drink it, just give it to me. Why are you throwing away such precious honey wine that gives you stats?”

“… … .”

Kim Yun-do filled the glass again and brought the honey wine to his mouth.

This time, unlike before, he empties the glass cleanly.

Jeong Eun-ji had a look on her face that said she couldn’t understand at all.

He looked at the empty glass and spoke softly.

“This cup is for the survivors.”

“The cup we drink is for those who live today.”

The refilled glass is then thrown into the lake.

“This cup is for the one who has left.”

“The cups we pour are for those who dreamed of today.”

His own words seemed to overlap with the voice of a strong boy.

The face of Han Seok-hee, who left with a smile until the end, came to mind clearly.

“Go, Kim Yun-do. I’ll take care of this place. There’s no need to look back. Our pride, our lives. I’ll leave it all to you. Do you understand? In your bow, we all have hope.”

So he didn’t shed any tears.

First, let’s raise a glass to our traveling companions.

When you leave, always leave alone.

Isn’t that what human life is like?

However, the path you take alone does not necessarily have to be lonely.

Wine flows over the lake.

The gold melts on the beautifully sparkling water surface. The wine, which does not flow all at once but slowly spreads into the water, is like a sliver of dawn floating in the night sky. A nameless golden star floating in the transparent sky. The star that started to melt was one step ahead of the restless journey.

The path of stars that continues on forever.

May this sweet cup become a milestone for my companions who are embarking on a long journey.

The wine, filled with a small breeze, flowed down the lake until the banquet ended.