Kang Sihyun could hardly contain his surprise as he listened to the children's stories. Initially, he nodded along with a heavy heart, his eyes widening at the news of the dungeon opening and then sealing his lips when he heard of the deaths. The condition of Ruth and Hahyuk left him pale with shock.
It was also shocking to learn that he had been asleep for three months, but what was even more bewildering was the multitude of events that had unfolded in that time. Why had dungeons suddenly appeared in three different places?
He had known that one day, in his absence, his comrades might dream of Adam and take on dungeons by themselves. However, he had never imagined it would happen three times, nor had he expected the death toll to exceed ten.
The most shocking news was yet to come.
"...Did Laoqian really die?"
The news of Laoqian's death was unexpected.
Despite his initial resentment towards Laoqian, who had tried to kill him and Hamin, Kang Sihyun had never once wished for his death. At first, Laoqian was greedy and malicious, but he had changed significantly while traveling with Kang Sihyun's group, to the point where the saying 'a leopard can't change its spots' seemed inapplicable. Kang Sihyun hadn't expected such a man to die so pointlessly.
Well, of course, it wasn't pointless since he died protecting someone.
Still...
"I died protecting you. I was grabbed by the Irregular when he came to save me."
Hamin added, grimacing as he explained. Kang Sihyun was even more shocked by this revelation. Laoqian had indeed died saving someone—Hamin.
If that was atonement, then it was atonement indeed.
"......"
The atmosphere in the room grew heavy. Kang Sihyun felt guilty for bringing up news that had already been overcome, making everyone's heart heavy, especially Hamin, who had witnessed Laoqian's death up close. No matter how shocking and disorienting, he knew he shouldn't burden Hamin further with his grief.
If he wasn't careful, Hamin might start blaming himself for surviving.
Maybe he already was.
Considering Hamin's temperament, it was a distinct possibility.
I'm grateful.
Even though he had tried to kill me, in the end, he died protecting my friend. Kang Sihyun could no longer see the man who used to snarl at Ruth and Hahyuk, and it felt unreal. He barely moved his lips and closed his eyes in mourning as he decided to carefully prepare Laoqian's grave after everything was over.
"If what Arumus says is true, I should go where Ruth and Iha Hyuk are. Lead the way."
He spoke decisively, and the children, looking worried, vehemently objected. They insisted he lay back down since he had just awakened.
"I'm fine."
"Use your head, Kang Sihyun. If you were me, would you believe that you're alright?"
"Yes."
"Huh."
Hamin scoffed. Why did it seem like his brazenness had increased after waking up? Kang Sihyun just lifted the corners of his mouth. He had just been crying profusely, apologizing for showing his tears to others, even though he hated doing so.
"What about Down and Jihae?"
Hahyuk decided to move, and Kang Sihyun found himself in an empty room within the Redem Guild building. Still, he wondered why he couldn't see the two of them.
"Shift change."
"Shift change?"
"Yes. After the guild leader collapsed, we've been taking turns dealing with the support."
"Ah..."
After Hahyuk had collapsed, it seemed that the kids from Class A were sharing the responsibility for handling incoming support requests. It was a lot to take on at such a young age, impressive yet pitiful. The weight of being the Redem Guild leader wasn't theirs to bear just yet.
They needed to get Hahyuk out of bed as soon as possible.
Honestly, he wanted to let them rest a bit longer...
But a healer had already visited, healing all their physical wounds. Now, they were unconscious for soul recovery, effectively their rest period. They hadn't had much rest since their awakening, so he wanted to give them more time, but unfortunately, the timing wasn't right.
There were still dungeons to conquer and final battles to fight.
After all that was done, then they could finally rest peacefully.
But for now, they needed to get up and get to work.
Kang Sihyun regretted not being able to see Down and Jihae even after waking up, but soon he got out of bed. Gunwoo, Seowoo, and Haru tried to hold him back by pressing on his shoulders and grabbing his arms, but Kang Sihyun shrugged them off. He didn't apply much force;
the kids just let go of their own accord. He wished they would let him rest a bit more, but he wouldn't force them.
"You know the situation isn't good. I've been in top condition for the last three months. I've rested enough, now take me to them."
His refusal left no room for argument. The kids looked at Kang Sihyun, realized he was unyielding, and sighed as they got up. Instead, they supported him as they walked him to where Ruth and Hahyuk were. Anyone watching would think he was the one with injured legs.
"Guys, I'm fine."
"Say that and you might collapse again. At least let us support you while you walk, Kang Sihyun."
Their voices were gentle, but their tone was firm. Kang Sihyun looked at Seowoo's resolute face and clicked his tongue.
It's not that; it's just you guys keep touching me under the guise of support.
He swallowed the words he couldn't say and shook his head.
If they really meant to support him, one person would have been enough, but four were attached to him. Seowoo held his right arm, Hamin his left, Haru seemed to embrace his waist, and Gunwoo supported from behind. He looked at Haewoon with pleading eyes, but the boy just grinned and didn't stop the others at all. The twist in his eyes was annoying. He was clearly enjoying the situation.
Eventually, Kang Sihyun, whether supported or escorted by the four, made his way to where Ruth and Hahyuk were. The guide, Arumus, opened the door, and a rush of heat burst out. At the same time, Kang Sihyun scowled at the heavy aura that flowed out with it.
His senses, sharpened after waking from a dream, analyzed the extraordinary aura and recognized its nature.
It was the aura of death.
That meant someone was dying inside.
As that thought crossed his mind, Kang Sihyun quickly broke away from the Class A kids and rushed into the room. Kang Sihyun! The kids, startled, called out to him and followed him inside.
The room, firmly closed, had three beds. Kang Sihyun first checked on Ruth and Hahyuk and then sighed. Fortunately, their soul wavelengths were weak but definite. Just as Arumus had said, their wounds had healed, but they were suffering from a lack of life force due to depleted divine power.
However, there was someone whose wavelength couldn't be felt at all.
The last third bed. Death's aura flowed from there, and Kang Sihyun slowly turned his head. A sigh escaped him.
"Kang Uihyeon..."
The most powerful Awakener of the Korean Awakeners Association and a man who lived buried in his duties, almost to the extent of being considered a slave of the association.
It had been a very long time since he had seen him, lying on the bed with a haggard face, breathing faintly as if he might go out at any moment.
Priorities had changed.
Kang Sihyun, leaving Ruth and Hahyuk behind, walked straight to Uihyeon's bed, puzzling the kids. Arumus approached.
"His breath is too faint. He'll die soon. If you use your power to save him, you won't be able to recover those two behind you today."
"Is that so?"
"……?"
Arumus tilted his head at the meaningful response. Kang Sihyun stretched out his hand toward the massive Irregular.
"Give it to me."
"What."
"The sixth piece of the Divine Relic."
If there was only one dungeon left, then the sixth piece of the Divine Relic must have already appeared. Arumus, knowing the energy of the relics, wouldn't have left the dungeon without it. Smart as he was, he surely would have taken it with him. The Irregular looked into his eyes and soon grinned.
"I was planning to make it a bit more dramatic when giving it to you."
He flicked his finger, and something wrapped in cloth appeared on his large palm. Kang Sihyun, realizing the identity of the cloth that wrapped the relic, opened his mouth in astonishment.
"That's my clothes, isn't it?"
"Did you think anyone could touch the relic? You need some of your power imbued in it to handle it, so I took it out with this."
Arumus confidently revealed the fact. Kang Sihyun, dumbfounded, stared at the Irregular for a moment before unwrapping the cloth from his hand. The sixth Divine Relic was there in the form of a rod.
The Sixth Spear of Glory.
"Temperantia."
Kang Sihyun softly called its name as he grasped the relic, and a bright light burst into the room. As the relic broke its seal and returned to its original form
, Kang Sihyun directed the divine power emanating from it towards Uihyeon.
Arumus's eyes widened, and Kang Sihyun slightly lifted the corners of his mouth.
What? Thought there wouldn't be enough divine power?
For Kang Sihyun, who had six auxiliary divine power chargers that recharged over time, saving three lives was hardly a task.
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