NOVEL NEXT Chapter 22
After eating the lobster, Baek Seo Ha returned to his room and slowly reflected on the recent events surrounding Baek Eun Ha.
‘First of all, all the new friends seemed fine…’
In fact, the reason Baek Seo Ha invited them all home was for a simple confirmation.
He wondered if they were trying to use their relationship with an A Rank Hunter family member for their own selfish desires, and although he hesitated to think it, he questioned whether they might entertain improper feelings based on appearances.
‘The contents might be a bit ambiguous, but they’re all pretty and cute.’
However, there seemed to be no issues at all.
They didn’t even know that they were family with Baek Eun Ha.
The way they became friends was quite simplistic.
‘… No matter how you slice it, mackerel bones, huh?’
It was absurd, but it was also quintessentially what made his brother who he was.
To be honest, if someone filleted fish bones for him in an instant, he’d probably develop some fondness for them too.
Then there was a minor accident during the dungeon tour.
When he heard the news initially, he was shocked, but amidst it all, he found out his brother played a crucial role in successfully clearing the dungeon without getting hurt.
Baek Eun Ha certainly had the ability to be responsible for himself. Realizing this brought Baek Seo Ha some relief.
‘Of course, there are still many unstable aspects when it comes to sending him out into society…’
Compared to the first reunion over a year and a few months ago, things had improved significantly.
Back then, he couldn’t even step outside unless he was tightly held in his arms.
‘Lastly, regarding today’s events.’
Not only did he pass the test at once, but he also started off at D Rank. Honestly, he could be considered quite talented.
‘… I didn’t expect him to do this well.’
It was impressive, but at the same time, strange.
Everything was fitting together a little too perfectly to be simply coincidence.
No matter how he looked at it, he couldn’t help but start to wonder about other thoughts.
‘Could it be that what was said before is really…?’
Despite that, he still didn’t feel very sure.
He couldn’t believe the stories about conquering a castle alone or subduing a god-like being and making them his subordinate; those experiences Baek Eun Ha had talked about all seemed utterly ridiculous.
Baek Seo Ha carefully listed the memories he had of his brother.
[Brother, are you sick? Why are you like this?]
[… I played all day and got demoted.]
The image of him rolling around under the blankets with a gloomy face because he lost the game.
[H-how do you wear this?]
[… Should I help you?]
Even the time he bought women’s clothing for the first time, struggling on his own and eventually asking for help.
‘Is this… the Lord of Death?’
No matter how he thought about it, it didn’t match up. Baek Seo Ha decided that his thoughts were merely a simple delusion.
“Still, it’s clear he has talent…”
Baek Eun Ha would likely level up quickly and become a high-ranking Hunter.
Of course, that was assuming he could normally form a party and explore dungeons.
‘I guess I need to have a conversation with him.’
Once he sorted through his thoughts, Baek Seo Ha slowly headed towards his brother’s room.
#
Knock.
Knock.
“Ah, it won’t open…”
After devouring the lobster, I returned to my room and began checking my abilities for the first time in a while.
Nom.
The ominous book, complete with sharp teeth and a suspicious tongue.
It was my original artifact, the Book of Death, which I had painstakingly crafted over a long period of researching various metal arts.
Knock knock!
“Ugh.”
Since it was directly connected to my soul, now that I had completed my awakening, it was somehow possible to summon it.
Nom.
However, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t even open the first page. Right now, using it seemed utterly impossible.
‘There’s no sign of the Seal of the Underworld coming out…’
The level was indeed the problem.
Both this and that required raising levels to be resolved.
Sigh.
I lay on my bed while still summoning the Book of Death, panting.
‘… At this rate, high-rank dungeons will honestly be tough.’
Compared to my prime, I had tons of abilities that were unusable. Among them, the Book of Death was especially crucial.
Only by being able to open it could I truly summon my original Undead.
“How annoying…”
In the end, it seemed I had no choice but to be patient and start tackling low-rank dungeons one step at a time.
No matter how great I was, I needed to be cautious in my weakened state like this.
Knock.
“Can I come in now?”
While I was rolling around on my bed, Seo Ha visited my room. I got up to open the door for her.
Click.
“Why?”
Seo Ha sat me down on the bed and calmly began the conversation.
“What are you going to do from now on?”
“Hunter work?”
“Yeah.”
Surely up until now had just been the starting point; now was the important part.
I contemplated seriously before answering.
“… I guess I’ll just keep going through dungeons?”
In truth, that was the only thing I could do.
But it seemed Seo Ha didn’t want that answer, as she began throwing topics into the conversation herself.
“Um, so is there anything you’ve thought about regarding parties or guilds? After all, you have a lot of issues in that area, right?”
“… Ah.”
Only then did I realize what kind of conversation she wanted to have.
Without hesitation, I replied.
“I’ll just join any party that’s open…”
“Join it?”
“Just, normally?”
Honestly, I had never deeply thought about it. I could break through everything by myself, so there was no need to consider companions, right?
If needed, I could just have them act as a background and do my own work. But it seemed Seo Ha had a different perspective.
“Brother, the more we aim for high-rank dungeons, communication becomes important.”
“T-That’s true.”
“We need to know each other’s specialties, adjust our styles, and communicate tons. For C Rank dungeons, it’s often the case that we gather beforehand for briefings or coordination. Can you do that?”
To be honest, that was asking too much.
Currently, I could only manage brief sentences without making eye contact. That was about it.
“If we just match the numbers and do what needs to be done…”
“With zero communication?”
At that, I confidently replied with a proud look.
“In Brisgol, total block play is usually the way to go.”
“……”
Afterward, I got an earful, reminding me how reality wasn’t a game.
Thus, as I deeply lowered my head, Seo Ha continued, sounding concerned.
“Brother, among the B Rank and above Hunters who have died in the dungeons I’ve tackled, there have been at least fifteen.”
“……”
“Talented and strong people die too.”
That statement was undoubtedly valid. I had seen such scenes countless times myself.
“When unexpected situations arise, at least the minimum insurance of comrades is essential. In the case of high-rank Hunters entering low-rank dungeons, it’s mandatory to gather at least four people to obtain permission.”
Now that I thought about it, those kinds of restrictions did exist. However, forming a proper party of four or more was absolutely impossible with my current communication skills.
Struggling with this thought, Seo Ha put on a confident expression as she made a proposal.
“So I have a plan ready; first, let’s hire a high-rank Hunter to…”
“Ah.”
That was when I thought of a perfectly suitable candidate for this situation.
“I have someone to team up with.”
“U-uh?”
It was Song Ha Yeon, my first disciple, with whom I had established a connection a few months ago online.
I remembered receiving a message just last week saying she had ranked up to B Rank.
“From B Rank and above, could it be possible to do D Rank dungeons solo?”
“Y-Yeah, that’s true…”
If it were Song Ha Yeon, she would be an excellent addition as a reliable companion.
#
Ding.
[Um… so you really need me for some reason?]
[Yes.]
[Okay! I’m happy to help, but are you sure?]
[Sure what?]
The now-promising B Rank Hunter, Song Ha Yeon, was flabbergasted by the sudden late-night message.
[It’s not a secret identity or anything, right?]
[What does it matter? We’ll see each other again.]
To be honest, Song Ha Yeon was also quite curious.
About the true identity of the Lord of Death, 12.
‘In the end, it wasn’t Helena, and there was nobody that came to mind.’
But with this, she would be able to meet his real self soon. She was already trembling with anticipation and anxiety.
‘He must be an incredibly charismatic person. Maybe a muscular handsome foreign man like in the movies…’
Recently, she had asked for advice on her lacking melee combat skills, so she knew that Lord of Death, 12, had a knack for martial arts. He likely had a rather well-trained physique.
Moreover, he probably had a higher chance of being male than female judging by the way he spoke.
Various fantasies began to unfold in Song Ha Yeon’s mind.
‘… I’m dying to know.’
Ding.
[I’ll definitely come! If you need anything, just let me know!]
In any case, the time had finally come for her to repay him.
Now, as an outstanding B Rank Hunter and top streamer, she had reached a point where she could adequately provide him with assistance, and that realization brought her immense joy.
Ding.
[See you tomorrow then!]
[Sure.]
With excitement swelling in her heart, Song Ha Yeon tried to sleep.
She couldn’t wait to find out what role she would play from now on; it truly was an exhilarating moment.