#21
Why were there so many regional festivals? Even attending only the representative festivals left him short on time.
Though Seo Yi-young wondered if he really needed to do all this, he had to endure it since this too was part of an S-Class Hunter’s duties. Apparently, it was essential for creating a good impression on the public and improving the perception that Hunters monopolized wealth.
In the midst of all this, he participated in dungeon raids a couple of times.
Paradoxically, this made him realize how easily Choi Do-jun had conquered dungeons. He wondered if dungeon raids typically took this much time. Seeing himself naturally comparing everything to Choi Do-jun, Seo Yi-young scolded himself. The only fortunate thing was that through practice, he could heal injuries faster than before. He could now heal certain injuries the moment he placed his hands on them. It also helped that no Hunters had suffered serious injuries during this period.
But was this enough? He wished he could directly observe how the original Seo Yi-young behaved in dungeons, but he could only imagine based on Hunters’ interviews and speculation. He could only guess that it must have been extremely impressive. However, he couldn’t exactly ask Hunters who had entered dungeons with the original Seo Yi-young, “How did I heal in the dungeon before?”
Placing his hands on the wound area and healing it. That couldn’t be all there was to it. But how else could he heal? He was completely unable to imagine and felt stuck on this point. The original Seo Yi-young must have been able to do much more. He felt anxious.
He couldn’t stay like this forever.
He needed to find a method, but he couldn’t figure it out.
In YouTube videos explaining how Awakened Ones use their abilities, targeted at those who haven’t awakened yet, they only said “you just know.” It meant using abilities came as naturally as breathing.
But no matter what Seo Yi-young tried, it didn’t work that way for him.
Was it because he came from another dimension that he couldn’t use it properly?
It was frustrating that he couldn’t share these doubts with anyone or resolve them.
The dungeon he was entering tomorrow was quite high-ranked.
According to Preliminary Investigation Team 1’s report, this dungeon was an “Original.” Since he had only entered New-type dungeons until now, this would be his first Original.
Searching for information about previous dungeons, it seemed established that Originals were much harder to conquer than New-types. This meant there was a high possibility he would need abilities beyond healing this time.
He repeatedly practiced by buying slaughtered meat to cut and slicing untrimmed organs. That was the best Seo Yi-young could do at the moment. But this felt utterly insufficient, making him more anxious. Even though what he was doing was his best effort, the thought that there might be a better method created an unbearable sense of unease. He couldn’t help comparing himself to the original Seo Yi-young.
One should never let their guard down in a dungeon. In such a place, could Seo Yi-young, who could only use healing in one way, truly pull his weight?
After finishing today’s practice, Seo Yi-young looked over the list of Hunters entering the dungeon with him tomorrow one more time.
“Oh? Lee Ji-woong is here too…?”
He spotted a familiar name on the list.
Though he had participated in several dungeon raids, he had never encountered the same person twice. Finding a familiar name amid all this was very welcome news.
Other than that…
Seo Yi-young was the only S-Class, and it was somewhat reassuring that there were five A-Class combat Hunters, including Lee Ji-woong. Looking at the rest of the team, composed of rear support Hunters, he prayed that hopefully none of them would get injured. Honestly, that would be the best outcome. After all, Seo Yi-young healing someone meant that person had been injured. The Healer Seo Yi-young’s performance was predicated on people getting hurt. Seo Yi-young hoped nothing would happen to the point where it would seem like he came for no reason.
He needed to get to bed soon. He had to get styled and do broadcast interviews before entering the dungeon, just like when he went to the exchange meeting. Though he didn’t think he’d be able to sleep, it was better to at least close his eyes rather than staying awake, so Seo Yi-young lay down on the bed.
And then came the morning of dungeon entry day.
As he had feared, he barely slept. With a heavy head, he finished his preparations and headed to the dungeon.
As he was about to enter after doing interviews in front of reporters, he stopped at one reporter’s question.
“How do you feel about working with Hunter Choi Do-jun again this time?”
“Excuse me?”
Choi Do-jun is entering the dungeon?
Him? Why?
If that were the case, Seo Yi-young would have known.
However, when he checked the list of Hunters entering the dungeon yesterday, he didn’t see his name.
“It seems you haven’t heard yet. It was decided early this morning that Hunter Choi Do-jun would be deployed to the dungeon.”
“It seems so. Well, I’m glad to meet him again, and since we’ve already completed one dungeon raid together, I think we’ll do better this time. If you’ll excuse me.”
Seo Yi-young’s steps quickened as he headed inside.
Choi Do-jun is entering the dungeon with him?
Could the reporters have incorrect information?
If it’s true that Choi Do-jun is being deployed as the reporters said.
If that’s the case…
Seo Yi-young opened the waiting room door and stopped in his tracks.
Choi Do-jun was really there.
He was in his usual white techwear outfit today as well.
Seo Yi-young had thought his blood pressure would rise upon seeing Choi Do-jun, but when he actually saw his face, a different emotion emerged.
Relief.
Considering what happened the last time they met, it wouldn’t have been strange to throw a punch immediately. However, rather than displeasure or other emotions, the overwhelming feeling was relief that they could safely conquer this dungeon. Though Seo Yi-young was perplexed by his own reaction, he soon accepted it. The abilities Choi Do-jun had demonstrated so far were that impressive. Regardless of Choi Do-jun’s attitude, his abilities were undeniable.
With him there, other Hunters might not get hurt.
On a personal level, Choi Do-jun was a damn bastard he never wanted to see again.
But as a dungeon raid teammate, S-Class Hunter Choi Do-jun?
There couldn’t be a more reassuring companion.
His displeasure toward Choi Do-jun couldn’t take precedence over safely returning from the dungeon. Though it was obvious he would say irritating things, Seo Yi-young could trust Choi Do-jun. At least for Seo Yi-young, who couldn’t properly use his abilities, there was no more reliable teammate.
His face was about to relax involuntarily from the feeling of welcome.
“…You. Why are you here?”
The one who reacted to this sudden, unintentional outburst was Choi Do-jun. Though Seo Yi-young had spoken out of gladness, it seemed to have a different meaning to Choi Do-jun. He raised an eyebrow once as he stared at Seo Yi-young. With a dismissive snort, Choi Do-jun stood up from his chair.
He was just getting up, but the pressure was immense. Seo Yi-young’s body instinctively stiffened as Choi Do-jun approached him.
“What a nice greeting.”
“Huh? …No, that’s not what I meant.”
Seo Yi-young finally realized how his words might have sounded to others and tried to clarify. But Choi Do-jun was quicker, grabbing the back of Seo Yi-young’s neck and pulling him closer.
“I came to cover for you, and that’s all you have to say?”
Seo Yi-young was momentarily speechless.
He couldn’t tell whether Choi Do-jun had volunteered or if the association had requested his support.
What mattered was that Choi Do-jun was entering the dungeon with him. He already knew how amazing Choi Do-jun was. To think he could be with such an impressive Choi Do-jun. For Seo Yi-young, who couldn’t use his abilities, this was incredibly reassuring.
“I feel secure.”
Seo Yi-young honestly expressed his feelings.
He didn’t add or subtract anything.
But it seemed different to Choi Do-jun. He made a very strange expression.
Seo Yi-young had forgotten other things because he was glad about the improved chances due to Choi Do-jun’s participation. For instance, how artfully poor Choi Do-jun’s manners were.
However, Choi Do-jun soon reminded him personally. Just how artistically poor his manners were.
“Flattery won’t get you anything.”
“Ah- …hey.”
Flattery? Did he really need to speak like this?
Seo Yi-young narrowed his eyes.
Shouldn’t good intentions be met with good responses?
Why does he always have to be so abrasive?
Though Seo Yi-young wanted to retort, he chose to move away instead. Choi Do-jun was essential for the upcoming dungeon raid. He might consider arguing after the dungeon was cleared, but for now, it was best not to quarrel. Who knows? With that temper, he might not properly handle the monsters if provoked.
Seo Yi-young took a deep breath while mentally drawing the character for “patience” three times.
“Hello, Hunter Seo Yi-young.”
Hearing Lee Ji-woong’s greeting, Seo Yi-young turned his head. Though it hadn’t been that long since they last met, Lee Ji-woong seemed to have become more accustomed to dungeons. He wasn’t trembling nervously like when they met at the hall before.
A wound near Lee Ji-woong’s cheek caught Seo Yi-young’s eye. It seemed to have been acquired during a dungeon raid. Being A-Class, he must have participated in quite a few dungeon raids by now.
Noticing Seo Yi-young’s gaze, Lee Ji-woong smiled awkwardly.
“Ah, this? I got this when I did something stupid in the first dungeon I entered.”
Seo Yi-young nodded as he looked at Lee Ji-woong, who spoke so casually. He must have experienced various things in dungeons by now. He would have felt the same fear that Seo Yi-young had felt initially. Knowing this, Seo Yi-young patted Lee Ji-woong’s shoulder.
“Preliminary Investigation Team 2 has returned!”
A shout was heard.
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
