"Do you know that this dungeon is one where the children of Gula will appear?"
Before explaining, it was necessary to gauge the level of knowledge the others had. The question posed after observing the reactions was met with nods from the Russian individuals. They were aware not only of the children of Gula but also of the fact that more dungeons like this would appear in the future. It seemed the Russian Association had not been lazy in conveying information about the dungeons.
This matched the amount of information I had known before reading the book. Deciding that only additional information needed to be shared, Kang Sihyun explained about the dungeon and the children of Gula that would appear.
"The creature we will encounter in this dungeon is called Nonus. I am not sure if the dungeon will be a maze like the last one. However, I do know that Nonus is stronger than Dekumanus, who appeared in Egypt. It's strong enough that ordinary Awakened Individuals wouldn't dare to confront it."
As he spoke, Kang Sihyun carefully observed his companions. The team was composed of Awakened Individuals who were at least near S-Class, with three being S-Class themselves. Yet, even with such powerful allies, he could not be completely at ease. As he took a deep breath, the others seemed to agree and looked at the young boy with anticipation in their eyes. Kang Sihyun realized what their expectant gazes meant.
"...I think I know what you all are trusting in to come this far, but I must apologize in advance."
"……?"
The Awakened Individuals expressed confusion at Kang Sihyun's sudden bow. He slightly turned his body to look at someone behind him. The information he was about to share was also unknown to him. With a blink that seemed to convey an apology, Kang Sihyun continued.
"While it may seem like I have a secret weapon or a strong reinforcement after defeating Dekumanus in the Egyptian dungeon, there’s something we need to address. It's true that I was the one who defeated it, but I honestly don't remember how."
"……?"
"In fact, Iha Hyuk knows more about what happened at that time than I do."
With a sidelong glance as he spoke, Iha Hyuk confirmed it. His eyes deepened with thought, clearly chewing over the fact that Kang Sihyun had defeated Dekumanus and then fainted, waking up with no memory of the event. Kang Sihyun scrutinized the Awakened Individuals, who seemed more confused than surprised. The abrupt revelation made them mull over his words, while Kang Sihyun subtly avoided Changsik’s intense gaze.
Fortunately, none of the eight had grabbed him by the collar or twisted his arm, asking why he had only now revealed such crucial information or accusing him of deception. They all seemed decent at heart.
"So how do we deal with this dungeon?"
Misha asked, her brow furrowed as if pondering something. Kang Sihyun responded in a light tone, as if it was nothing significant.
"We'll manage somehow."
"……."
A chilling silence could be described as a blizzard that had suddenly swept in. Kang Sihyun quickly added to his statement, trying to alleviate the situation.
"Unlike the time in Egypt when we entered not knowing it was a dungeon, this time we at least know what we're dealing with. It won't be like blindly charging in. And just because I’ve lost my memory doesn’t mean I’ve lost the power from that time. I'm sure I'll be able to do something in a critical situation."
"What's the conclusion?"
Igor, unable to stand the lengthy discussion, cut in with a question, his brow creasing in frustration.
"I might not know how to use it yet, but the power to defeat Dekumanus is still within me. So let’s not panic before we even start and instead work together to defeat it. Think of my power as insurance for the worst-case scenario."
Briefing was always the hardest part. Opening his mouth let in the cold air, causing Kang Sihyun to grimace slightly as he cleared his throat, which felt sore from talking so much. When Kang Sihyun finished speaking, the Russian Awakened Individuals exchanged looks, but none seemed to be in a bad mood.
Lucia eventually laughed, saying Kang Sihyun was amusing. It wasn’t directed at him but meant for her teammates, yet it was loud enough for everyone to hear, making it not particularly secretive. Kang Sihyun touched his throat, giving those confused a moment to grasp and accept the situation. Then, suddenly, a hand reached out from behind and grabbed his shoulder.
"What are you saying? So, you have the power to defeat the creature from the dungeon, but you don’t know how to use it?"
It seemed Changsik was quiet because he was slow on the uptake. Kang Sihyun forcefully turned his body around to face the speaker, confronting him in Korean.
Changsik then glared at Iha Hyuk with a look of rebuke.
"That's right."
Kang Sihyun responded as he shook off Changsik’s hand from his shoulder, meeting his gaze once more. Changsik looked astonished and then scowled.
"And you came here anyway? Are you out of your mind?"
"I am perfectly sane."
"If you can't control your power, you shouldn't have come..."
"Just because I don't remember defeating Dekumanus doesn’t mean I shouldn't be here."
Kang Sihyun firmly cut off Changsik’s words. The person who had been angry suddenly looked puzzled and softened his expression. After a moment of silence, Changsik frowned and spoke.
"What do you mean?"
"I'm now truly a Quadruple. I may lack experience compared to everyone here, but I believe my skills are on par."
"Can't you explain so that it's understandable?"
As Kang Sihyun spoke in circles, Iha Hyuk frowned, preferring a more direct way of speaking. Kang Sihyun glanced at the Russian Awakened Individuals, who were paying attention to the conversation, and continued.
"I’ve completed my fourth Awakening Mark. I’ve awakened all four classes, making me a true Quadruple."
He deliberately spoke in English for this part. Seeing the Russians’ shoulders twitch, Kang Sihyun withdrew his gaze and faced the man before him. Changsik looked surprised, and Iha Hyuk, hearing this for the first time, demanded an explanation.
I didn’t expect even him to be unaware.
If Iha Hyuk didn’t know, it meant Hahyuk had kept it tightly under wraps.
"It's exactly as I said. I finished the fourth Awakening Mark the day I returned from Egypt. I’m not yet fully adapted to the new class, but I can manage it to some extent. I didn’t come here to die. I came to clear this dungeon safely."
And to gather information and find a weapon for my voice. Kang Sihyun kept these thoughts to himself as he reflected on his statement. If it had been before, he wouldn’t have uttered such words so easily; it was clear that he had picked up some of Lee Hamin’s bravado from spending time together.
"…What a guy."
There it is. Swallowing those words, Changsik stepped back, and Kang Sihyun turned around. The Russian Awakened Individuals who had been listening to their conversation now faced him. He stepped forward to close the distance.
"Since you’ve heard our conversation, let me reintroduce myself. I’m Kang Sihyun, who has newly awakened the Archer class, making me a Quadruple."
"Of all things, an Archer…"
Ignoring Changsik’s lament, Kang Sihyun extended his hand, and Igor, standing somewhat reluctantly, took it. Kang Sihyun firmly grasped the man’s hand, scanned the Russian Awakened Individuals, and showed them a friendly smile.
"I know I may not look reliable because I’m young, but I hope you can trust me and follow along. At the very least, I won’t be a burden."
After a moment of awkward silence, the Russians, representing their side, once again assessed the Awakened Individuals from Korea before Misha, a woman with short hair who had stepped forward, smiled slightly.
"The new Awakener of Redem resembles its guild leader."
He had just been insulted. Caught off guard by the comparison to Hahyuk, Kang Sihyun momentarily frowned in displeasure before regaining his composure. Regardless, those who had seen the boy's expression burst into laughter.
The tense atmosphere lightened. Deciding not to correct Misha’s words, Kang Sihyun shifted the topic. Having talked enough about himself, it was time to explain the dungeon again.
"Now that things are settled, let's start the explanation again. The children of Gula all have the ability to affect the mind. Naturally, Nonus is no exception. If you let your guard down, you could be enchanted or have your mind read, so please be careful. Misha will need to pay extra attention to prevent mental attacks."
Misha’s help was essential to block mental attacks, and Kang Sihyun looked apologetic, thinking she would have a hard time. Changsik then stepped forward and leaned in to look at Kang Sihyun’s face.
"You’re not lying with that expression, are you? Where do you get such information?"
"It’s a trade secret. Can you do it, Misha?"
After a brief reply in Korean, Kang Sihyun asked the woman again. Worried she might refuse, he was pleasantly surprised when Misha readily agreed. The first step had gone smoothly.
"Great. Then let me tell you the next precautions."
Kang Sihyun continued to share what he knew about the dungeon, advising not to scatter, to report immediately if anything happened, and to
doubt and verify if anyone got separated and then reunited with their group, to ensure they were indeed ‘human’. Igor narrowed his eyes suspiciously as Kang Sihyun kept advising without pause.
"Is all that information trustworthy?"
It was a question Kang Sihyun had anticipated, so he nodded without hesitation.
"If you don’t believe it, it’s your loss."
"……."
"And after all, if it’s not me, there’s no one else who can provide information about the dungeon. It’s better than nothing, right?"
Igor’s shoulders twitched at the pointed remark. Not understanding the Korean phrase ‘better than nothing’, he repeated it questioningly, and Kang Sihyun, without adding further explanation, looked at the group.
"Shall we head out now?"
When asked for their opinion, everyone nodded.
Finally, the lengthy briefing, during which only he had grown tired, was over. It was time to enter the dungeon. The group, including Kang Sihyun, stood looking at the grand ice castle before calmly stepping forward. As they approached the entrance, the massive castle gates, seemingly 3 meters high, creaked open as if inviting them in.
The Awakened Individuals, startled by the automatic doors, looked at each other before stepping inside. One by one, they passed through the entrance and disappeared into the ice castle. From the outside, it looked as though the ice castle was swallowing them whole.
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