CH 16

I lost the scent.

“Just yesterday, I’m sure I smelled the talisman.”

Inside the item given by Baron to Lim seon-hee was a scent that he could never miss.

“Ugh… There should be lots of time remaining.”

But the smell (?) disappeared like a lie.

He moved in the direction he sensed the day before, but he couldn’t find any signs of movement.

“Is the madness of the mountain disrupting my senses?”

It was reasonable to assume that the barrier had been deployed.

As a result, he started to heighten his senses to his limits after a long time, and ended up overhearing the conversation between Choi Il-kwon and Jang geon.

It was a place not too far away, and he had something to ask, so he ran to help.

He liked Choi Il-kwon’s attitude of immediately going to find the students when they were in danger, and Jang geon’s willingness to stand up and fight even if he was irritated was quite interesting.

Even if there wasn’t him, it seemed possible to face a dozen orcs, but still, he helped.

There was something to gain from it.

“May I ask you a question?” Baron said, looking at Choi ll-kwon.

“Can you tell me anything about the place where students from Haneul University are doing their practical training in this area?”

In an instant, Baron felt a sense of doubt and wariness flicker in Choi ll-kwon’s eyes. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.He asked in turn,read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“May I know why?”

“One of the student over there is someone I know.”

“Ahh…” Choi ll-kwon seemed to conclude that he was a parent or something.

Although there were still some doubts, given the urgent need for the help of a skilled person like him, Choi ll-kwon gave the information for now.

“We’re not entirely sure ourselves. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.We heard some things over the radio, so it’s difficult to be certain if they’re students from Haneul University. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.There are so many universities that come to the mountains for practical training.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Despite this, he had uncovered all the information he could about the students so Baron nodded his head before turning to leave without saying a word of farewell.

As he stared blankly at Baron’s departing figure, Jang geon spoke up quietly, “Who was that?”

“Hmm…” Choi ll-kwon thought it was a shame that he hadn’t introduced himself properly because he had been so distracted. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.In the midst of it all, one thing kept bothering him.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

‘What’s going on?’

Oddly enough, he didn’t feel like the man from earlier looked unfamiliar.

“Um…” Then suddenly, a face came to mind.

He wasn’t sure why that friend had come to mind at this particular time, but to inject some energy into his team members and offer some motivation, Choi ll-kwon made a suggestion.

“Let’s run hard for the first time in a while. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Today, I’ll buy dinner for the ones who take care of the most.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Yay!”

“After we’re done, let’s meet up at Barun Chicken!”

“Yoo-hoo!”

“Don’t get tired of chicken legs.”

“you are too much!”

“Bring out the beef!”

Leaving the rebellion behind, he started moving first, and the team members followed him obediently while grumbling.

ΔΔΔ

The sudden monster chaos had turned the entire area around Bukhansan into a real mess.

Naturally, such news had also reached the Association of Ability users and the Hunter Union, and each of their headquarters was in an emergency situation.

However, if you were to pick someone who was the most affected by the madness, it would undoubtedly be the guild that manages the Bukhansan dungeon zone and its factions.

While the White Tiger guild, which is affiliated with the union, is primarily responsible for managing the Bukhansan dungeon zone, they played a secondary role, and if you were to name the true leader, it would be none other than the Black Lion guild affiliated with the association.

In general, if the association is the primary organization for managing dungeons, then the union plays a supporting role, or if the union is primary, then the association attaches the guild as a support and divides the role of monitoring and checking each other.

For this reason, the leader of the Black Lion guild, Park Man-ho, was currently furious.

“Damn it! Why all of a sudden? What the hell is this?”

On top of already feeling burned out from the lack of news from the Lion’s Mask unit, now he had to deal with an unexpected monster invasion.

While wrestling with the issue at hand, he was waiting for a report from the analysis team, but the content was truly absurd.

“What? Say that again.”

Even after asking again in disbelief, the response remained the same.

“…It seems to be a monster wave.”

“Are you insane?”

Curses spilled out involuntarily.

“Do you really think that makes any sense?”

The head of the analysis team hung his head low, also taken aback by the outlandish report.

However, after analyzing the situation multiple times, they could not come up with any other logical conclusion. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.The opinions of the other team members were also unanimous.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

In the end, he arrived at the guild leader’s office with this bomb.

“Normally, monster waves only occur in… gulp…7th level dimensional rifts.”

However, sometimes wave can occur in lower level rifts. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.In Korea, the incident related to this was the 6th level rift that occurred in Ilsan.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Although there was no damage to civilians due to the quick response, the damage to hunters and ability users was enormous. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.It was an incident that garnered attention worldwide.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“So what? Are you saying a 6th level rift opened in Bukhansan Dungeon?”

“Not…as of yet, there have been no reports of that.”

He asked the association, but the response was the same as always: only low-level rifts opened, and there were no traces of higher-level rifts.

“Then what information do you have to support such a conclusion?”

At Park Man-ho’s question, the head of the analysis team, who had swallowed his dry spit, opened his mouth.

“As you may know, there has never been a 6th level rift in the Bukhansan area, but there have been several detections of 5th level dimensional rifts. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.We’ve cleared a few, but there are still many we haven’t dealt with.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

If it was a 5th level rift, then it was the kind of monster that only the top-level experts in South Korea would have to deal with.

Despite constantly sending in skilled individuals, the number of rifts opening seemed to remain the same.

“We’ve estimated that at least 7-8 top monsters have settled in the area, according to our analysis team. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Moreover, their numbers have increased too much.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Why is that?”

“I believe it’s a natural consequence for anyone, including humans, to build up power and then explode.”

“What they’ve been building up and now exploded?”

“That’s how we’re analyzing it.”

So far, most monsters haven’t deviated too far from the crack, so they were able to establish boundaries and form dungeons based on that.

However, those boundaries are now collapsing.

“Based on the reports we’re receiving, not only are the mid-level monsters that are hard to find in the border zone showing their faces there, but also the top monsters.”

Fortunately, guild members are being mobilized in each dungeon to prepare for ceasefire line cleanup operation.

The same is true for the Bukhansan dungeon.

According to reports, they are responding quickly, and have barely managed to prevent the boundaries from collapsing.

“I’m only assuming for now, but if this is really a wave situation, we won’t be able to handle it alone.”

He had only one thing to say.

“We need to ask for help.”

Of course, the Association and nearby guilds were included in that list. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.But what made it difficult to say was that he had to make a call to another administrator of Bukhansan.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

The White Tiger Guild!

Although they were called administrators, they were only assistants, with a larger role as advisors or observers. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.From Park Man-ho’s point of view, he might as well be dead.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

“Damn it!”

Bang!

Unable to control his temper, he struck his desk, smashing it to pieces and scattering the debris everywhere.

Soon after, the Association contacted him, also concerning the wave situation. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.By that time, Park Man-ho was already on the move.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

And,

The White Tiger Guild also began to move to Bukhansan.

ΔΔΔ

“Groooar!”

A furious roar accompanied by a piercing attack of aura bound and immobilized the students.

Ogre!

The upper-level monster, a level 5 Ogre, had ensnared not only the students but also the professors who accompanied them with his aura.

The fear in their eyes was no different from that of the students.

‘Why did an Ogre come here?’

It was an unbeatable opponent for them.

However, they could muster the will to carry on due to their sense of duty to protect others, finding a sliver of determination within themselves.

The resolve and determination to face death imbued their steps with strength.

Kim Jin-nok, a professor in the Hunter Department at Myeong-gang University, made eye contact with other professor accompanying him, and they understood each other’s unspoken agreement.

Professor Joo Won-il made eye contact with him, his eyes bloodshot.

“Let’s die!”

“Let’s do it!”

Their conversation was short, but their intentions were clear.

With a nod to each other, they charged towards the Ogre. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Both professors had earned up to B-Rank experience in their respective fields.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

For a brief moment, the students had time to escape.

The professors unleashed their power, exploding with the flames of life.

Perhaps the Ogre was attracted to their force? At least for a moment, the students’ ankles became lightened.

However, exposure to the Aura of the higher-tier monster had made their knees weak and difficult to move properly.

Quack! Quack! Crash!

Had they only walked about ten meters?

Suddenly, with a massive explosion behind them, two professors were knocked off their feet and were slammed into the forest in front of them.

Despite their shaky attempt to stand up, it was apparent that they were still recovering, and any further combat would be futile.

“Is that an ogre…?”

Contrary to their memories, the professors were overwhelmed by the ogre’s strength. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Had their bodies weakened while pursuing their academic careers?read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

No, that wasn’t the case.

They had been training themselves. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Although they couldn’t compare to during their prime, they hadn’t neglected their physical strength to the point of misery.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Nevertheless, the overwhelming difference in power was inexplicable.

“Uh…uh…uh…”

The sight of frightened students made the two professors even more despairing.

‘Is this the end…?’

‘It can’t be…we can’t leave the students…uhh…’

As their knees gave out, the two professors pathetically writhed on the ground.

“Kekeke…”

Ogre’s satisfied expression was followed by a wicked laugh, as terror and despair reached it’s climax, he appeared.

“Ugh…another failure…”

A sudden new voice caught the attention of the professors and students, who turned their heads with hopeful eyes.

Finally, the guild’s professional hunters they had been waiting for had arrived.

However, they soon realized it was a disappointment.

‘A beggar?’

‘Ah…ahh…’

It was because of the shabby appearance of a rough-looking man.

Sometimes, there were homeless people, such as debtors or criminals who lived in the vicinity of Bukhansan mountain range to avoid pursuers. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.He looked exactly like them.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Sometimes they take a wrong turn and cross the border, and that seemed to be the case here.

Despite surviving up to this point, it was now coming to an end.

Professors wanted to warn him, but unfortunately, there were no one here who had the spirit to do it.

In their desperation, the ogre reached out to the man.

A few faint-hearted students squeezed their eyes shut at the thought of the homeless man’s brains spilling out.

“Why the handshake?”

The man grabbed his hand without hesitation.

From that point on, a series of inexplicable events began to unfold one after another.

It was already not normal that the man was unharmed by the ogre’s strength, but the man showed something even more surprising.

“Brush your teeth, you stink. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Tsk!”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

As the homeless man spoke those words and exerted his strength, suddenly the ogre’s knee buckled.

The man turned to the ogre, who looked at him wide-eyed in disbelief.

“I’ve wanted to say this line for ages. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.It’s such a classic, but nobody in that world knows it.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Then came the next line.

“Kneel down, punk. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.This is our eye level.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

At that moment, the ogre’s nose spurted blood.

“Ugh…ugh!”

The Baron’s fist slammed into the gaping mouth.

“Gah!”

“Crunch…groan…”

The ogre writhed and thrashed, but soon the man’s grasping arm held the ogre’s arm in check.

“Oh, don’t resist. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Just let it in. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Let it in.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

As he pushed deeper, it seemed like his fist might reach the ogre’s shoulders, but at that moment the ogre’s pupils rolled back, and the situation ended anticlimactically or disappointingly.

“Phew…”

The man, who was picking the saliva and brain matter off his fist, looked at the members of the prestigious Myeong-gang University and asked.

“Does anyone know location of Haneul University’s training class?”

Perhaps because his nonchalant and weak appearance didn’t match the earlier situation?

Without thinking about questions or answers, they just stared at the man’s face dumbly.

As the silence grew longer, Professor Kim Jin-nok, who had been leaning against the floor, finally straightened up and spoke.

“I…I know. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Cluck…”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Judging by the blood pouring out, the situation seemed dire, but the man showed no signs of concern and only hastened to answer.

Kim Jin-nok had some hope, but after realizing that it would be difficult to get any help from this man’s attitude, he conveyed what he already knew cleanly.

After all, just saving his life was enough of a favor.

“His name is Jang Gil-sang…Cluck! He used to be a friend I worked with in the same party and is now a professor at Haneul University…Ahem…Hm…I know the direction where he is.”

Since universities typically have similar training courses in similar locations, he said that finding one team would make it easy to find the others.

The man looked at the mountain range of Bukhansan for a moment before muttering.

“Oh…this is taking longer than expected.”

He furrowed his brows and let out a deep sigh.

“I guess I have to push it a bit.”

He then looked directly at Kim Jin-nok and the students from Myeong-gang University and warned them.

“It’s better to use your abilities to the fullest and block your ears. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.I don’t want any harm to come to you guys, but it’s been a while and I’m a bit rusty.”read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

He then pulled out something from his pocket and put it in his mouth.

‘It doesn’t look like junk food,’

Kim Jin-nok, who had approached for a conversation, realized it was a magic stone.

Suddenly, the beggar like man took a deep breath. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.His chest expanded so much that it seemed like he could barely contain it.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

‘huh… !’

Kim Jin-nok felt a dizzying sensation climbing up his spine.

For a moment, it felt as if all the air and atmosphere around them had vanished, and he was being pulled into a vacuum. read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.Warning signals were going off in his head like emergency lights.read only at salmonlatte . com. This annoying watermark is not there.

Recalling what the man had said earlier, Kim Jin-nok protected himself by blocking his ears and focusing his mind, even though it was exhausting.

He had a hunch that something was about to burst out.

And then, a moment later,

“Whoooooosh…”

The man opened his mouth, and a long breath flowed out.

It was a calm breath, unlike the angry roar of the ogre from earlier.

Yet it was distinct, and Kim Jin-nok felt a fear like never before, as if his limbs were bound and his entire body was being compressed.

And then, a moment later,

The entire area around Bukhansan fell into silence.