Chapter 57:

Chapter 57:

Chapter 57

[The Chamber of Poisonous Snakes has begun.]

[Please protect ■■■.]

[Time Limit: One week]

Similar to the previous stage, the mission was not clearly specified, leaving them in a perplexing situation. It was unclear what they needed to protect, which left them in a quandary. Yun Geoul looked at it and casually remarked, "I don't know what it is, but at least this time it seems more comfortable. It's better than killing something."

"Yeah, it's certainly better than a mission where we have to kill something, but..."

Yohan, on the other hand, groaned in discomfort.

"I have no idea what we're supposed to protect. Since it's the Chamber of Poisonous Snakes, should we protect something from snakes?"

To this, Dokgo Jun lightly chuckled and said, "Well, who knows? Maybe it's something like that. But where would the snakes be?"

Indeed, the Sixth Stage was open in all directions. The place they were in seemed like it could be the sea or a lake, but it was impossible to tell for sure. It was just a wide expanse of water with a bridge that stretched out into infinity. Massive trees, grown from within the water, obstructed their view, making it difficult to see what was in the vicinity.

"We should be careful. If we fall into the water..."

"Oh? Sister Shin Sooah?"

Yohan, who had been looking around, suddenly became alarmed as he noticed Shin Sooah's absence. She had been beside them just a moment ago, but now she was gone. Then, a voice came from above.

"I'm up here."

When they looked up toward the source of the voice, they saw Shin Sooah perched on a tree branch. She was scanning her surroundings and then, after spotting something, she gracefully leaped down and spoke to the others.

"I can see land over there. There seem to be containers... or something similar."

"Containers?"

"I might have seen it wrong, but there was something eye-catching. I think it's a good idea to check it out."

Seo Gangrim nodded in agreement with her words. Then, guided by Shin Sooah, they began crossing the bridge. The sound of the waves filled the air, and people whispered softly.

"Containers... We've never seen anything like that in the previous places before, right?"

"That's right. Could it be a demonic spirit?"

"Well, I doubt it. It doesn't seem like that's the case, but if it turns out that way, it could be interesting."

"Brother Dokgo Jun's words are hard to understand... Eek!"

As they chatted, Yohan suddenly screamed and dropped to the ground in fright.

His face turned as white as if he had seen a ghost.

Seo Gangrim helped him up and asked, "Father, what happened?"

"Oh, it's nothing. I thought I heard... something below..."

Amidst the silence, it seemed like they had heard the sound of something passing by. Yun Bom also had a frightened expression on her face.

"Ma-maybe it's a monster...? I've never fought with a water-dwelling monster before..."

"It might be a fish. It's probably nothing to worry about, but let's quickly get onto dry land."

Seo Gangrim's words were met with swift nods from the two of them. Fortunately, it wasn't long before they reached the end of the bridge, and land came into view.

"Follow me this way," Shin Sooah spoke and took the lead.

On the land, as on the water, numerous trees filled the surroundings, so much so that no grass grew beneath their shade. The rustling sound of snakes could be heard, or so it seemed. In the midst of this, the group suddenly stopped in their tracks. In front of them stood a massive tree.

With that, he waved goodbye and disappeared from sight. Left alone with their group, the people of Zone Two looked at each other. Everyone was holding a piece of cloth with their names engraved on it.

Yohan smiled brightly and said, "Still, I'm glad it seems like a mission I can do alone...!"

For the first time in a long time, Father Yohan was in a good mood. But Seo Gangrim knew that his face would soon be clouded with frustration. Dokgo Jun seemed to have realized this as well and said abruptly, "Whether that's up to Father's liking or not..."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"First, we need to find the snakes, right? We don't know if the snakes will listen to us obediently."

Dokgo Jun continued nonchalantly, "Just think about trying to tie a regular snake with cloth. Do you think they'll stay still?"

"......."

It was only now that Father Yohan realized the situation, and his expression stiffened. Dokgo Jun smirked when he saw his face.

"If you're thinking of asking for help, I'll refuse."

"I-I didn't have that in mind..."

"Alright, alright. You should be capable of that much to become one of us."

Seo Gangrim began to worry about who might be included in Dokgo Jun's 'us.'

Dokgo Jun then turned around with light steps.

"Well, I'm going to look for snakes. No need for all of us to stick together until then."

As he left, Shin Sooah also nodded her head.

"I'll search separately. And..."

Shin Sooah hesitated with her words before turning to Father Yohan.

"Father Yohan, don't pay any attention to that person's words. If you need company, I'll go with you."

"W-Well... For now, I'll, uh, try doing it alone..." Father Yohan might struggle alone, but Seo Gangrim didn't insist. He could always help later on. Seo Gangrim also got up from his spot and said, "Then, I'll also go ahead."

"Oh, I'll go with my master!"

"Me too!"

"Me too!"

The twin siblings raised their hands eagerly. Linnie also seemed to want to go with them, as she was nodding vigorously. Seo Gangrim started walking as if he didn't mind either way. They started following without a word, as if Seo Gangrim had told them to do as they pleased. After walking for a while and maintaining silence, Yoon Geoul was the first to speak. "Master, where are we going?"

He was retracing his steps. Seo Gangrim answered dryly, "We're going to the water."

"The water...? Aren't the snakes inside there?"

Yoon Geoul pointed toward the forest. It was only natural for snakes to live in the ground. Nevertheless, Seo Gangrim didn't stop.

"Master, you're going alone again without saying anything," Yoon Geoul grumbled but followed behind quietly.

Seo Gangrim then stopped at a place near the bridge he saw when he arrived at this stage. He stepped onto the bridge and headed inward.

Yoon Bom asked, puzzled, "Master, are you trying to go back to the lobby?"

Then, Yoon Bom's scream tore through the silence.

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