00597 Those who fight to the death live, those who run to the death… . ————————————————– ———————-=
Kim Soo-hyun soars high in the sky. Then some users looked into space and said, “Uh, uh.” I made a noise and winced. The ground is still collapsing, but since the collapsing ground is so large, I am worried about what will happen if I fall straight down.
But the worries were unfounded. Just as Kim Soo-hyun reached the top of his leap, he lightly kicked in the air, rose again, and did a somersault.
Once, twice, three times… .
All the worried users stared into space with blank eyes. It wasn’t aimed at the ground, and doing somersaults while floating in the sky was an ability I had never seen or heard of before.
Kim Soo-hyun, who did several backflips in succession, was able to escape the area of influence of the ground collapsing in exactly eight times and reach the shadow hill area where the users were gathered.
Slurp!
“after.”
Kim Soo-hyun, who landed lightly on the hill, put down Shin Jae-ryong, who was carrying him, and let out a deep sigh. All users’ attention was focused on Kim Soo-hyun.
Han So-young was waiting for and watching Kim Soo-hyun from the beginning. I saw her covered in dirt and covered in sweat. But she doesn’t look ugly at all. At least Han So-young knows why Kim Soo-hyun is acting like that… . Therefore, even though her behavior was mean, it gave the illusion that she was shining brightly.
“… “You’re here.”
Soyoung Han spoke, breaking the quiet silence.
“It’s a little late.”
Kim Soo-hyun immediately responded as if it was nothing special.
It was then.
Rumbling!
As if the pit was waiting for Kim Soo-hyun to come out, even the parts that had barely held up until now collapsed and began to sink down quickly.
But it’s okay now. It doesn’t really matter whether it collapses or not.
Most users have already escaped safely, and Kim Soo-hyun also succeeded in getting out of the pit on his own.
This is all over.
… No, it wasn’t completely finished yet.
Suddenly, Soyoung Han felt the heat rising around her. Some users, more precisely those who participated in the pit attack, were giving strange looks.
Eyes that seem to be longing for something. Even Kim Soo-hyun, who had just escaped, is quietly waiting for Han So-young while calming down his clan members who are trying to rush out at his command.
okay. There’s still one left.
Only then did Soyoung Han realize what the users wanted, and she immediately parted her lips.
“We have completed the attack on Operation Sinkhole.”
He slowly but raised his clenched fist high in the sky.
“With this, I declare that as of this time, the Southern Expedition’s second-strength attack on the Steel Mountains has also ended.”
And the moment the complete attack declaration was made, a huge cheer erupted as if they had been waiting.
“Waaaaaa!”
“hurray! finished! “It’s finally over!”
With the Commander-in-Chief’s official declaration as the starting point, the Southern Expeditionary Force finally came to an end in its attack on the second region of the Steel Mountains.
“Damn, that’s great! “It went really well!”
“Clan Lord! Clan Lord! “Why can’t we see our clan lord?”
“Huh… . Ugh… .”
“Oppaaa!”
The cheers soon changed into various colors depending on the position of each user. Some users hugged each other and were happy, looked for someone they couldn’t see, sat down and cried, or ran towards someone as if they were flying.
Just because I attacked a hole didn’t mean it looked like this.
From the fear I felt when the monster first appeared to the anxiety I felt until the pit collapsed. All of that changed into a sense of accomplishment and relief from having done it at this moment, bringing exhilarating joy to users.
“congratulations. Commander-in-Chief.”
“Thank you for your hard work. Istantel Low Road.”
Han So-young nodded to the congratulatory messages pouring in from around her, but continued to look at Kim Soo-hyun.
In fact, Soyoung Han also wanted to share this happy situation and congratulate her. She really wanted to wait, but she couldn’t wait till the end, so she also wanted to say she was sorry.
However, the user who really wanted to celebrate was already surrounded by his clan members.
Yu-jeong Lee let out an inexplicable scream in a high-pitched voice and kissed Kim Soo-hyun’s face. The other Mercenary Clan members all flock to Kim Soo-hyun and make a fuss, enjoying the joy of completing the strategy. However, Kim Soo-hyun was actually shaking his head with a very annoyed expression and pointing at Shin Jae-ryong.
Han So-young, who had been staring at him for a while, barely took his gaze off and turned around. She thought quietly, nodding her head half-heartedly as she heard the voices around her.
The Southern Expedition’s conquest of the Steel Mountains is now over, but there is still work to be done.
however… .
I thought, wouldn’t it be better to enjoy this joy a little more today?
*
The day after the pit attack was completed.
As soon as morning came, Han So-young ordered to rest for one more day in the name of maintenance. Of course, this was not a rest for everyone, but only those who participated in the pit attack.
Users who did not participate were instructed to stand guard, take care of the injured, or search for suitable locations nearby, and residents were also instructed to prepare for the construction of forts.
Users who did not participate were not at all dissatisfied with Han So-young’s instructions. From the beginning, I had some doubts because there were users who were ‘less visible than expected’, and I was surprised by hearing about the strategy overnight. Who would have guessed that such an enormous monster was hiding in the pit?
In any case, since the matter was already over, there was nothing the users could do but listen to the story and offer comfort.
Time passed quickly like that, and before I knew it, the sun had set and twilight had fallen.
It was when dinner time approached that Ahn Hyeon came to his senses. As soon as Anhyun opened her eyes, she felt extreme hunger. Anhyeon’s exhausted body demanded sleep immediately after the expedition situation was over, and in terms of time, she fell asleep for more than a full day. She hadn’t eaten anything in a while, so it was natural for her to feel hungry.
“… … .”
There is no one in sight in the tent. Ahn Hyeon reflexively looked around and realized that his black spear was not visible. Did someone move it somewhere else? I felt a little empty.
Just as dinner was being prepared outside, the sound of a mess and a fragrant smell wafted through the air, causing Anhyeon to wake up. And just as she was about to regain her appetite and leave the tent, Gongyo Roy stopped in her tracks as she saw a woman passing by the tent. The slender woman with her long, straight hair neatly tied down was none other than Geomhoo, Nam Da-eun.
Nam Da-eun also stopped walking as if she saw Ahn Hyeon coming out. Ami, who was extremely upright, wriggled slightly. Then, her tightly closed, plump lips opened slightly.
“Now, you’re awake.”
The moment Ahn Hyeon heard those words, he couldn’t believe his ears for a moment. The case where Nam Da-eun spoke first was very unusual, except for certain people. Especially if the other person is a man. (Of course, at least one person is excluded.)
It wasn’t that she pretended not to know, but judging by her attitude, she was a woman with whom it was difficult to speak without hesitation. Could it be that she feels a little distant?
As the cold, sunken eyes stared intently, Ahn Hyeon quickly nodded and nodded.
“Yes, yes. Yeah, that’s right. Sorry for waking up late. I’m so tired… .”
“… huh? “I was told to rest today anyway, so there’s no need to feel sorry.”
“Is that so?”
“yes. “I guess you didn’t hear it because you were asleep all day.”
Are you criticizing me? Or is he just telling it like it is?
Grumble!
Just as I was tilting my head at Nam Da-eun’s unpredictable tone, a boiling sound suddenly rang from my stomach. Ahn Hyeon closed her eyes with a slightly embarrassed face, but Nam Da-eun did not show any change in expression except for briefly glancing at her.
“You’d better eat. “I’m just preparing dinner.”
“yes. that… . “That’s it.”
“Well then, take care of yourself.”
“ah. What about Geomhu?”
Nam Da-eun’s steps stopped. Then, she stared at Ahn Hyeon for a moment and then softly opened her mouth.
“Thank you for your words, but I will take care of my own meals.”
After saying that, he immediately turned around and disappeared to one side, leaving behind a cold wind.
Ahn Hyeon, who was wondering if he had made a mistake, shrugged his shoulders and walked away. This is because he felt like he had to first deal with the hunger that was slowly showing signs of burning out.
Eventually, Anhyeon arrived at a place where a large bonfire was burning, and was able to see Mercenary Clan members in the middle of a meal. At her center was Hannah Im, skillfully preparing her ingredients and threading her meat onto her skewer, playing with her hands brilliantly.
“uh. “Hyun is here?”
Soon, as Ahn Hyun approached him, Im Hanna turned her head and pretended to know in a friendly voice. Anhyun nodded her head cautiously.
“yes. sister. I just woke up. But time… .”
“Yep. “I thought you were tired, so I didn’t wake you up on purpose.”
“ah. I heard. An additional rest order was given today… .”
“Oh yeah? I wish I could have heard it. Anyway, welcome. “Are you very hungry?”
Im Hanna took care of Ahn Hyeon as if she were his own older sister. When she was pulled by her soft hands and slowly sat down, her clan members, who had been waiting for Anhyeon to sit down, turned their gaze at the same time.
“Hey, Anhyeon. I apologized as soon as I came… .”
“You said you just woke up. And I’m eating.”
Just as Woo Jeong-min was about to open his mouth, Im Hanna cut him off in a polite and gentle voice.
“… no. “Just come here.”
Woo Jeong-min then glanced at Im Hanna and gave her a formal greeting in a nonchalant tone, saying, “Welcome.” And then I quietly started to focus on eating again.
Anhyun felt something strange. As soon as she sat down she expected a barrage of questions, but none of them were opening her mouth. Anyway, I know it’s a consideration, but… . Anhyeon couldn’t shake off the strange feeling. If I had to put it that way, she felt like something wasn’t enough?
widely!
“ruler.”
At that time, Im Hanna placed the plate in front of Ahn Hyeon. A piece of juicy meat, a stew, and even a glass of fragrant liquor. Although he was very hungry, Ahn Hyeon did not try his hand at it right away.
“Hey, Sister Hannah. if… .”
“don’t worry. “Because Jaeryong and Helena are both safe.”
As if she had known that question would be asked, Lim Hanna answered right away.
“Oh yeah?”
“yes. Neither of you have come to your senses yet… . She doesn’t have to worry because Sol stays up all night clinging to her. “She was also told that her life was not in danger.”
Im Hanna gently patted Ahn Hyeon on the shoulder as if to tell him not to worry.
“… thank god.”
Anhyeon quietly nodded his head. And he began to eat hungrily.
Some time passes like that.
A large fire broke out in the bonfire, and smoke rose high into the sky. Beyond the smoke scattering into the air, the night sky, which had already deepened, was twinkling with beautiful starlight.
“Whoa…” . driving me crazy.”
After finishing the meal, Ahn Hyeon left the table and walked alone to lie down in a quiet place. Even though he is looking at the open night sky, he naturally lets out a deep sigh. This was because the subtle feeling that I had felt since the meal, or in fact, since the first time I woke up, continued to linger throughout my body.
Everything ended well.
We succeeded in clearing the pit and saved the lives of our colleagues.
But why do I keep feeling this strange feeling?
Why do I keep feeling like I’m dreaming?
It feels like my whole body is caught in chains.
All of a sudden, her heart felt like it was going to explode, and Ahn Hyeon calmly closed her eyes and searched through her memories.
From when you first enter the pit until you leave the pit on the mine train. Go through a passage, battle monsters, encounter a huge monster, chase another monster, fight again, and barely win… .
It was then.
“… ah.”
The moment Ahn Hyun remembered the battle with Joo Hyeon-ho, he clenched his fists without realizing it. His feeling of emptiness became stronger.
“What are you doing? “Here alone.”
At that moment, a familiar bass sound was heard from somewhere. Ahn Hyeon suddenly opened his eyes and was greatly surprised when he saw the user looking down at him from above. I don’t know when Kim Soo-hyun came and suddenly showed his face.
“Tongue, bro?!”
Ahn Hyeon tried to get up, but immediately stopped.
“are you okay. lay down.”
Kim Soo-hyun waved his hand as if it was okay and then flopped down to the side.
“under… . I’m so tired. Are you at the beginning of the year too? . ah. “You don’t bloom.”
While Ahn Hyeon didn’t know what to do, he suddenly heard the sound of a small fire being lit. Kim Soo-hyun took out a cigarette and lit it. Anhyun carefully opened her mouth.
“brother. Where have you been all this time? “I didn’t see you during meal time earlier.”
“I couldn’t eat it. busy. “I had to get to the wounded and find a suitable place to build a fort.”
“yes? Why did you do that… . “There was an order to rest.”
“… “Because there is no need to rest.”
Kim Soo-hyun, who muttered quietly, suddenly raised his eyes and glanced at Ahn Hyun. Anhyeon instinctively swallowed her saliva.
“Ahn Hyeon.”
“yes.”
“Nothing has changed. We’re still in the middle of the Iron Mountains, and we’ll have to stay that way for some time to come. “I’m not going back to the clan house and celebrating just because I’ve finished exploring.”
“… … ?”
“I’m talking about you. It’s not the end once you’ve conquered one hole. In other words, this is the difference between an official expedition and an expedition.”
“Yes. “I know that much.”
Ahn Hyeon responded in a natural tone. Then, Kim Soo-hyun, who exhaled smoke, let out an awkward laugh.
“flaw. Then why is Cheongseung shaking like that? … Just like a dreamer.”
“Well, me?”
Ahn Hyeon asked back as if it was not true, but he felt his heart pounding. And she thought quietly. Did she do that?
An Hyeon’s physical condition was certainly as Kim Soo-hyun said, but he did not forget the basic purpose of this expedition. The reason he was feeling strange right now was because of something else.
Ahn Hyeon thought so and shook his head.
“… no. I know what my brother said… . It just feels like a dream. Everything that happened in the pit… .”
“Hmm, really? why. “Have you experienced anything shocking?”
“is it? … I don’t know It feels like I can’t catch something… . I also feel like something isn’t enough… . I feel empty. Why are you really doing this?”
“… … .”
Is it because Ahn Hyeon’s voice is unusual?
Now that I think about it, Ahn Hyeon’s behavior seemed quite strange from earlier. Her mouth is helplessly open, her hands keep clenching and opening meaninglessly, and her body is loose.
However, although the eyes look blurry at first glance, they give off an unknown light as if they are longing for something.
It seems like he doesn’t even know.
As if a possibility had occurred to him, Kim Soo-hyun stared at Ahn Hyun with slightly sunken, profound eyes.
In that state, there was a bit of silence.
After a while, Kim Soo-hyun let out a laugh and calmly groped next to him.
“Huh. “Is that really the case?”
“You mean something like that?”
“… no. Are you… .”
“yes?”
At that time, something suddenly flew towards Anhyeon and landed on his abdomen. A slight shock. As Ahn Hyun felt confused and groped her abdomen, she felt like her grip was being grabbed by something that looked like a pole.
At that moment, Ahn Hyeon swallowed his breath and slightly opened his eyes. Although it was a little bit, the empty feeling went away.
“Do you want to fight now?”
“!”
And the moment Kim Soo-hyun continued speaking, Ahn Hyun let out a loud sigh that he had swallowed.
I want to fight.
Just like then, I want to fight again with everything I have.
Ahn Hyeon raised his upper body without realizing it. She suddenly felt as if she had been splashed with cold water, waking her up.
—————————= Review of the work ——————– ——-=
ah. It was an hour later than scheduled. The writing itself was finished a little after 1 o’clock, but the completion took longer than expected. -_-a Still, I feel like my pace is gradually recovering. For now, I’m concentrating on not going into a funk, but I think I may consider returning to the midnight series soon. 🙂
This part consists of a total of 4 parts, 2 of which are a light rest part and the remaining 2 are a situational summary part. If the first two episodes focused on organizing the inner lives of the characters, the latter two episodes focused on organizing the revealed situations. I think that if anyone has paid attention to the battle with Joo Hyeon-ho among the previous content, they will be able to know what this subheading means. 😀
fantasy,
