Chapter 68

Chapter 68

With just a single step forward, a barrage of arrows flew in from all directions.

Sigh.

Its apparent at a glance. This corridor must be a trap room.

And from the start, such fast arrows are soaring towards us; no one can tell what might spring up as we go deeper. Poison? Spikes? Flames?

Regardless of what it is, for someone like me who regresses to the past upon a mere brush with danger, this corridor seems nearly impossible to cross. Clearly, this room isnt designed to be avoided. Its made to be endured, even if it means getting hit repeatedly.

But its okay.

...Chan Hyung.

What is it?

Because

Can you destroy this whole corridor?

Now, I too have a cheat key.

...My power isnt the kind to be used recklessly.

However, Chan Hyung hesitates, showing signs of concern.

Ah.

He seems to be worried about the fragile walls of this cave. After all, there was a precedent where the ceiling collapsed due to a misuse of power against a giant wolf.

I understand your concerns. But in my opinion, it should be fine.

...

But this time, I felt certain it would be okay. The reason is simple.

The area ahead, it looks like its filled with traps, right? Meaning, it must be equipped with sophisticated mechanical devices.

This isnt like the cave where the wolf had been hiding, which was more of a natural formation.

The walls and floors are smoothly cut. Signs of artificial work are evident.

Moreover, it seems like the mechanism for launching arrows is hidden behind these walls...

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Simply breaking through doesnt mean the entire cave will collapse. Given the complexity of the hidden devices, they must have designed it with a certain degree of impact resistance.

The word perhaps was left unsaid. If it turns out Im wrong, I can always regress.

...

Despite this, Kang Chan Hyung remains deep in thought.

Even though my predictions have been spot on so far, earning his trust, he still seems worried about us getting hurt.

Uh...

Stepping in to provide support was Dok Su-Hee.

Ive allocated almost all my stats to magic... so Im really weak against these kinds of traps... If we proceed conventionally, Ill end up like a porcupine...

Dok Su-Hee looked at Kang Chan with eyes brimming with tears, a stark contrast to her usually sharp gaze.

Is there no way...?

Please, Hyung-nim...!

Thus, the two who desperately wanted to avoid the arrows clung to Kang Chan.

...Alright. Stand back.

Unable to resist the pleading gazes, Kang Chan took his stance.

Hum...

Kang Chans fist began to glow slowly.

As the wind howled through the narrow passageway, Kang Chans fist, gradually brightening, finally shone brilliantly. And then

Boom!

Kang Chans fist exploded into the trap-laden corridor.

Wow...

Though I couldnt fully witness the punch from my distant position, wary of being swept away in its aftermath-

Rumble, rumble.

There was a stone door right in front, but no apparent mechanism to open it intuitively.

In other words, something in this room needs to be done to open that door.

Hmm.

In the center of the room stood a stone pedestal. On it lay a small box and a bottle of alcohol, exuding a fragrant grain aroma.

...

As I silently opened the box, two stone cups caught my eye first, and in the center of the box, a sharp needle stood out, almost menacingly.

A needle? Suddenly?

What is this...

The moment my confusion led me to speak my thoughts out loud

{A warrior, what is he? His essence lies in killing the enemy, but his purpose is in protecting. A warrior without something to protect is merely a murderer.}

A mysterious voice seemed to flow from somewhere.

It wasnt a voice heard with the ears, but rather one that felt like it pierced directly into the mind.

{On a grand scale, they fight to protect a nation, but on a smaller scale, they fight to protect their family, and fundamentally, they fight to protect themselves. Therefore, a true warrior must know how to protect themself.}

...

The voice expounded that a warrior exists not to kill, but to protect.

{If we go a step further, a warrior must be able to protect their comrades-in-arms. The true strength of a warrior is manifested when they desire to protect each other.}

Hmm...

A plausible story. And now I understood the concept of this room.

Is it a test to see if we can protect each other? The reason for splitting us into pairs must be because the trial requires cooperation between two people.

Okay, so I just have to fight while protecting Dok Su-Hee.

Just as I was about to nod absentmindedly.

{Drink from the cup of wine mixed with blood, and look straight into your comrades eyes. Understand your comrade, shoulder to shoulder with you. Only then will the true trial begin.}

...

Hearing these words, I was left with no choice but to remain silent.

Finally, I understood the purpose of the needle laid before us.

The intention was to prick our fingertips, draw blood, and then mix it into each others cups of alcohol.

Yes, I was aware of such customs. I knew about the expression blood brothers.

Yes, I knew. But I never dreamed I would find myself in a situation where Id have to do it.

Okay, Im done.

Dok Su-Hee nonchalantly pricked her finger, letting a drop of blood fall into her cup, and then poured the grain alcohol with ease.

Here.

The needle she lightly placed on my palm felt as heavy as a log.

...

Really, does this tower intentionally make my journey anything but easy?

Sigh...

I closed my eyes gently and pricked my fingertip with the needle.

Youve been injured. Regressing to the moment you first entered the floor 3-5.

***

Ill go to the right.

...Are you sure? That image of a man clutching his head looks excruciatingly painful...

Of course, its fine.

Its definitely not fine.

As a regressor for whom mental management is crucial, the prospect of enduring mental damage is anything but welcome.

But what can I do?

Really... Im really fine.

When theres no other choice...

End of Chapter -

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