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Published at 10th of April 2023 07:45:42 AM


Chapter 4.2

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Chapter 4 Part 2: Tension

“Then… How did Miss Seo-Ha know all of this?”

Kim Tae-Byeong asked nervously. As if on queue, Lee Chan-song and Song Da-jeong, who were next to me, looked at me with expectant eyes. I don’t know what they’re thinking, but I’m not a hunter who was hiding my identity or an aspiring hunter, nor am I like the only daughter of a high-ranking government official.

“I told you. I’m very interested about the gate.”

“But you seemed too experienced, just to pass if off with such words, right?”

Lee Chan-song couldn’t contain his curiosity.

“You knew about the Earth General’s weak points. You can use your unique skills freely, you seem to know everything about the monsters we’ve encountered. Also, You’re way too calm to be called an ordinary person.”

Hearing him say all of these, I do indeed seemed suspicious.

“What is your true identity?”

“Is that important?”

Even if I tell them the truth, that I was an ordinary student, they wouldn’t even believe it. So I have no choice but to push ahead shamelessly.

“Isn’t surviving the most important thing right now?”

“It is, but… If we don’t know who we are dealing with. It will be difficult to trust you.”

“If you guys have any complaint, then let’s move separately.”

When I said it like that, Lee Chan-song put on a quizzical look. He changed his expression immediately.

“No, I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Hey. Will you guys help set up the tent if you’re not busy?”

A sharp, and distinct voice interrupted us. Seol Min-joon approached us, while fixing his round glasses.

“I just returned after scouting the area, washed the dishes, and now I’m setting up the tent, while you guys are doing your own things?”

“Oops. Sorry. I didn’t know.”

“Sorry! I will help you soon.”

Everyone instantly dispersed. I also got up with the utensils and tableware, I used. I raised my glasses and glanced at Seol Min-joon passing by. It doesn’t show much on his face, but did he actually helped me? However, he was too busy setting up the tent to even give me a quick glance.

***

We couldn’t travel long distances in a day, since we were all moving carefully. We passed by several monsters, and we could barely breathe. It’s probably due to the Earth General’s corpse. These monsters are moving too fast.

Since the bridge wasn’t too far away, we were able to arrive in an instant.

“That…”

“Was the color of the river, originally like this?”

It’s pretty obvious, there was something abnormal about the river. On the way here, we could see signs of the surroundings undergoing desertification. Natural environment always undergo constant changes inside the gate. It means it’s not just the roads, but even the river.

“Looks like there’s a Cloudy Oil whale around here.”

Everyone gave me a “How did you know?” Kind of look.

“The formation of oil suddenly floating on the surface of the water is a characteristic of their habitat.”

“Are you talking about whales on the river? Are you sure?”

Kim Tae-byeong asked in disbelief. I can understand him. Normally, a “Whale”would mean a sea creature with a huge body that swims only on brackish water. But that’s an animal. A monster “whale” is a completely different life form, although similar in appearance.

“It’s not a real whale. Just try to be careful. That oil film has a paralyzing effect, so if you fall into the water, you won’t be able to move.”

Everyone suddenly tensed up and nodded their heads. Seol Min-jeon as the leader suddenly grabbed his tattered glasses then looked at the surrounding area.

Unique Skill, «Reconnaissance»

I don’t have that skill, but I’ve seen many Rangers and Assassin-type Hunters use it. It was a bit similar to «Spatial Interference», at the start. As it gathers all the information about this neighborhood into the brain, while filtering out the unnecessary ones. The usefulness of this skill can vary depending on the proficiency of the user.

I shouldn’t expect more from Seol Min-jeon, he’s a beginner.

It is sufficient enough to know if there are any traps or if the ground is strong enough and not collapse.

The worst case scenario, is the bridge collapsing and we all fall into the river without being able move and become prey to the monsters.

“I don’t see anything that can pose a huge risk.”

When his voice fell, I took the lead and walked in front of everyone. The whole place looked damaged and dangerous on the outside, but it’s okay if you have the unique skill «Reconnaissance». There was no reason for Seol Min-joon to lie. Everyone then started following me from behind, while unconsciously holding their breath.

There was a strong fishy smell enveloping the air. It was mixed with a rotten odor. I examined the bridge thoroughly, and it seemed pretty stable at the moment. The only variable was the other side of the bridge, it was covered by mist and I can’t see anything.

I carefully slowed down my footsteps until I can finally make out the scenes beyond it. I then clenched my fist and held it high. Everyone stopped in an instant.

There were tension everywhere. I can see it clearly now… There was an Oil whale coming out of the water. I know oil whales often come out of the water but, it’s human nature to hope it doesn’t. I was a bit flustered but I quickly regained my composure.

Something always doesn’t go as planned. I can’t be shaken by this. The most important thing now is to think of ways to solve the immediate crisis. Oh right! Oil Whales have degenerated level of sight and hearing. It’s pretty sensitive to sounds though.

It seems that we haven’t been discovered yet. So if we move carefully, we can go back…

However, if there is an oil whale on this side, there might be another monster waiting for us on the other side.

Therefore, a hasty retreat is impossible. Fortunately, the oil whale was alone.

“Mr. Kim Tae-byeong.”

“Yes, yes?”

“Tell me your defense stat.”

“It’s 16.”

16. A Cloudy oil whale is not as strong as it looks. Apart from the strips of oil that were released on the surface of water and the mucus that was full of paralyzing ingredients around it, its attack power is pretty mediocre.

Rather, the destructive power of an Earth General is stronger. Still, the reason why it was F-ranked is because of that paralytic poison.

“…”

“Who has the highest agility?”

“It’s me.”

Seol Min-joon stepped out. He specializes in both agility and reconnaissance. If trained well, He will become a decent rangernor assassin.

“What about your strength?”

“8.”

That’s quite average. It would be difficult for him to carry me or Kim Tae-byeong while running. I guess there was only one option…

“Are you afraid of fire?”

“Yea..”

***

TL NOTE:

Hah! I knew it! When I read the word “Oil” and “Whale”, I imagined fire to be it’s weakness! But what to do? Seol Min-Joon is afraid of fire. 

Ha! I say just roast that thing! And turn it into BBQ!

Double upload again tomorrow same time at 03:00:00 UTC!

Happy holidays ~




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