Ch. 189 - Everything Froze(3)

Since Lisbond lost its role as a port city, a thousand years had passed, and now no one referred to this place as a port anymore.

Lisbond’s specialty was dungeons and demons, to the point where it was filled with adventurers aiming for instant wealth.

However, even with that being said, the existence of a 'dungeon' wasn't easily discovered.

So, the news of Baek Yu-Seol discovering a dungeon was enough to catch the attention of adventurers.

"Did you hear? A dungeon was discovered after a long time."

"It's been about six months since White Skadia, right?"

"Especially since dungeons have been scarce lately..."

"Hey. They said the discoverer is a student, can we trust that?"

"Haven't you heard? He’s a student from Stella."

"Oh then it's probably reliable."

Perhaps it was because of the trustworthiness associated with Stella's uniform, but overnight, dozens of adventurers expressed their willingness to participate in the dungeon.

However, there was one aspect even Baek Yu-Seol hadn't anticipated.

"It's Baek Yu-Seol?"

"Yeah, that's right. Near Lisbond Harbor, supposedly."

Unit 13, the Shadowblade Division of the Manwol Tower.

The news also reached the ears of the unit leader Kaen and Grace.

"I heard that even other famous adventurers are curious about this little boy named Baek Yu-Seol."

The name Baek Yu-Seol was widely known now, sparking curiosity among people.

"Are you going to apply? I don’t really like it..."

Grace’s specialty was illusion magic.

She received training optimized for dealing with necromancers and mages, so she knew how to handle destructive magic, but she couldn't help feeling apprehensive.

But had Kaen ever considered Grace’s feelings?

"I'm going."

"Aww, I don't want to..."

This wasn't just a matter of simple curiosity.

Although they had encountered Baek Yu-Seol a few times before, they had never truly witnessed his skills.

So, perhaps this was a good opportunity to conquer the dungeon and grasp Baek Yu-Seol’s true abilities...

It didn't seem like a bad deal after all.

‘He's someone we should keep an eye on...’

When it came to Baek Yu-Seol, even the Manwol Tower's master was concerned.

——

Actually, there were more than a few people who shared Kaen’s thoughts.

Even after hearing the name Baek Yu-Seol, if someone had a slight interest, saying, 'Oh, that famous student?'

There were also those who wanted to see his skills firsthand.

"What's this..."

Thanks to that, Baek Yu-Seol couldn't help but feel flustered as he read much more extravagant applications than he expected.

It was because far more skilled individuals applied than he had anticipated.

And most noticeably, there were a few applications that were so blatantly transparent, he couldn't help but laugh.

"Why did this person come..."

Kaen, the leader of Unit 13, the Shadowblade Division.

He showed a bold demeanor in his self-introduction, as if he would kill if not accepted, leaving everything else blank.

Baek Yu-Seol had no choice but to accept this.

In addition to receiving support from quite a few renowned magic warriors and mercenaries, the number of applicants quickly exceeded twenty.

And then.

On the day of the dungeon exploration.

Seeing each other's faces for the first time, the party members looked at each other with expressions like, 'Oh, you're here too?'

As they had been rolling around in this field for so long, their faces were familiar to each other.

"Nice to meet you. I'm the party leader, Baek Yu-Seol."

"It looks fierce."

"A dungeon in a place like this?"

The destination was a sharp crevasse which appeared to be carved out.

Gazing at the endless cascade of ice cliffs, the party members wore tense expressions.

"Were places like this... ever here?"

They probably weren't.

This terrain was likely new this time.

[Dungeon ‘Entrance to the Frozen World Discovered.']

This dungeon would be a very unique and mysterious place which was never experienced by the adventurers before.

Instead of typical demons, spirits would be prevalent.

And at the final destination of this dungeon... lay a forbidden space that humans should never set foot in, the 'Realm of Ice Spirits.'

"Surely, no one's backing out now, right?"

"No! If you do, I'll kill you. I'm actually getting more excited."

"Phew... It feels like it's been quite a while since I embarked on such an adventure."

"Yeah. If I knew it would be this fun, I would have repaired my staff properly before coming."

"Hasn't that staff been unrepaired for 10 years?"

As expected, the adventurers showed quite an excited response.

Baek Yu-Seol couldn't hide his satisfaction at seeing them react like that.

'Well, they seem to like it even more.'

While they enthusiastically battled the spirits ahead, Baek Yu-Seol’s plan was to hang back and observe.

It was truly regrettable for the adventurers who had come to see his skills, but...

... From the beginning, Baek Yu-Seol had no intention of using his staff during this dungeon expedition.

——-

Above the Levian coast.

Hong Bi-Yeon looked down quietly as she welcomed the chilly breeze.

Although the magical barrier of the flying ship blocked most of the cold wind, some air still managed to seep through, brushing against her cheeks.

Whoa...!

In the distance, an eerie cry could be heard from the Black Cross, a sound that had been recorded in history. It was always heard when someone approached this area.

While the identity of the cry remained unknown, most people had their suspicions.

She wondered if it might be a warning from the long-lost Pirate King, urging them not to approach any further...

Each time the flying ship moved closer to the Black Cross, her heart raced with anticipation.

It would be a lie if she said she didn’t feel nervous.

But it had to be done.

“Princess Hong Bi-Yeon."

Turning slowly, she saw Queen Hong Se-ryu approaching with three nuns, her expression equally tense.

Perhaps because she had to break her ancestor's promise on her own terms.

She, too, would never truly feel at ease.

"Yes."

"Start preparing your mind."

After saying that, Hong Se-ryu looked into the distance and continued, "... Whatever happens, don't make any decisions. I'll handle everything myself."

"Yes. I trust you."

While they spoke, they didn't meet each other's eyes.

Neither Hong Se-ryu nor Hong Bi-Yeon trusted each other.

But still, Hong Bi-Yeon could find comfort.

She knew that somewhere out there, someone she could truly trust was still running fast, even in a place as suffocating and dangerous as this.

Perhaps he was fighting a battle that no one else knew about.

Because of that, she knew she could definitely make it through.

Hong Bi-Yeon could firmly resolve her mind.