Chapter 325
Filiak shared several pieces of crucial information with Cha Jin-Hyeok. He explained that Mount Kelibergh was essentially one giant Dungeon with about fourteen entrances, some of which had to be avoided at all costs.
“Be wary of this southern entrance,” Filial advised, pointing out a path flanked by oak trees. “If you go through this, you will immediately encounter a sticky swamp.”
The swamp itself was not a significant issue, but it was home to Level-230 monsters known as the Swamp Monsters.
“They are not that strong individually, but...” Filial trailed off.
The real problem was that these monsters seemed endless. Filiak described it like the entire swamp was a Swamp Monster.
“It’s like cutting water with a knife. As long as the swamp exists, the army of Swamp Monsters will continue to resurrect,” Filiak said.
“What if I could eliminate the swamp?” Jin-Hyeok asked.
“We’ve tried that, but so far, all attempts have failed. It’s so notorious it’s called the Sea of Swamps. Just like how humans cannot get rid of oceans, you cannot get rid of this swamp.”
Jin-Hyeok solemnly nodded. “So, no one has successfully challenged this area?”
“Players have tried, but most of them died. Only a few Navigators managed to escape.”
“I see.”
Filiak felt secretly proud. It seemed his information was proving to be of great help to Kim Chul-Soo.
“I have a recommended route for entering,” Filiak continued. Officially, Mount Kelibergh had fourteen entrances. However, Filiak knew one more. “It’s a hidden passage known only to a select few Hell residents.”
Filiak trembled a little. In the world of Dungeon expeditions, such information could be life-saving.
‘Finally, I can redeem myself,’ Filiak thought.
This was crucial information about a hidden entrance. He wondered if this could compensate for his previous mistakes.
“But you already recommended an entrance,” Jin-Hyeok said, looking puzzled.
“Pardon me?”
“The southern entrance. You know, the one where oak trees line the path.”
“But that entrance is...”
‘Did he hear anything I was telling him? Nearly no one survived going through there!’
“I also told you about the hidden entrance,” Filiak said.
“If someone like you knows about it, it can’t be that hidden.”
Filiak was at a loss for words. He prided himself on being relatively strong among non-combatant-class Players, but he had not expected Chul-Soo to dismiss him so easily. However, he could not argue back with the Streamer.
“That place is too dangerous. Even if you were to go, only with a proper expedition team...”
“I already formed an official expedition team,” Jin-Hyeok grinned.
Suddenly, a woman popped up from beneath his feet. “Mole Woman to the rescue!”
With Mole Woman by his side, Jin-Hyeok headed toward Mount Kelibergh.
***
After landing on solid ground, Park Terse was moved to tears of relief. “I am not getting any motion sickness anymore! I have... grown, Chul-Soo!”
The Thunder Dragon's solemn voice resonated.
[“Of course. If you had thrown up on my back again, you would not be of this world anymore. Be thankful you are alive.”]
Jin-Hyeok tapped the Thunder Dragon’s leg. “Good job, Thunder Dragon.”
With a nod, the Thunder Dragon soared into the sky. It mentioned it wanted to enjoy the refreshing air of Hell a bit longer before returning. Hell was a Server more powerful than Earth, with fewer restrictions for the dragon.
That was when Jin-Hyeok had a realization. ‘If Earth becomes as strong of a Server as Arvis... could Thunder Dragon fully unleash its power?’
Then, perhaps as a Tamer, he could even surpass Terse.
“And physique, maybe.”
“What’s wrong with my face and body? I am not that ugly!”
“Yeah, you are cute and adorable.” Muenne took another sip of tea before continuing. “Perhaps, he prefers a type that is more mature and beautiful.”
Lessefim's face turned red. “How can I become more mature and beautiful?”
***
The group had passed through the oak forest path.
[You have entered the Dungeon ?Mount Kelibergh?.]
As Filiak had warned them, the surroundings quickly darkened. The green oak trees disappeared, revealing a vast swamp stretching out like an endless sea.
“The surface of the swamp is undulating,” Jin-Hyeok said.
The rippling surface soon coalesced into a single mass and moved. It resembled a slime but was slightly large, characterized by the sticky fluid continuously dripping from it.
[LV233/Swamp Monster/Skills]
[LV232/Swamp Monster/Skills]
.
.
[LV235/Swamp Monster/Skills]
The monsters’ Levels were around the early 200s.
“Each one does not seem very strong, but there are an incredible number of them.”
The entire swamp was undulating, completely covered with monsters.
“Let’s protect Terse with Absolute Barrier for now, moly!”
“Sure.”
Mole Woman briskly removed her clothes. Jin-Hyeok quickly turned his gaze away, worried it could lead to demonetization for inappropriate content, which slightly disappointed Mole Woman.
“Do you think I am that new to livestreaming? Why are you turning away? I’m hurt, moly.” She was wearing a suit that resembled a wetsuit. The material clung to her, accentuating her body. This caused a slight stir on Wang Yu-Mi’s channel.
-Holy shit! Hassan is a God!
-So, she was a man until recently?
-I love you, Hassan.
-Jesus, she is so pretty!
Even before the adventure properly began, her appearance alone had already garnered significant attention. Under normal circumstances, Yu-Mi would have viewed this reaction quite positively. She believed that appearance was a significant competitive advantage in this era, and if it could help Chul-Soo’s livestream, it definitely had to be utilized.
‘But not now!’ Yu-Mi thought.
At this moment, it was better to focus more on Chul-Soo’s Play rather than being dazzled by Mole Woman’s looks. This was the introduction to an Unexplored Dungeon. The focus should be on Chul-Soo and not Mole Woman. Yu-Mi adjusted the camera to focus more on Chul-Soo, with the help of Kang Eun-Woo.
-That’s what I call an eye candy. T_T
-Chul-Soo is truly a treasure of Earth. T_T
-Our Chul-Soo’s face has turned the Dungeon upside down!
-He even put his hair up today. Absolutely stunning! We must protect Chul-Soo’s face!?
The enthusiasm for Chul-Soo’s appearance had overshadowed the attention on Mole Woman’s looks.
Watching the unfolding situation, Lessefim resolved, ‘I will become beautiful.’
A new challenge had ignited within her, one as pure and earnest as what she had when she first started Playing.