NOVEL NEXT Chapter 126.3
‘The kind of strength I could never have imagined back then.’
I wasn’t the only one who had changed. Anyone who had been with the unit since the days of the 423rd battalion could have done something similar.
A small smile crept across my face.
‘I’ve really gotten stronger.’
It had been quite some time since I left the unit. Although many things had happened, fortune had favored me.
…And honestly, it wasn’t just luck; my skills have improved too.
I couldn’t help but think about how far I had come. My own growth was undeniable, but even my companion, Ariella, had reached new heights.
I glanced out the window.
“Ready to sell~.”
People were gathered near the stronghold, peddling their wares. In the distance, I could see Awakened individuals battling against monsters.It hadn’t been long since the dungeon was liberated. The city was still recovering from the aftermath, with many areas too dangerous for the Awakened to approach.
Yet now, a significant number of Awakened individuals were bustling around the area, full of energy.
“Things are looking good.”
The remnants of human civilization had been utterly devastated, but slowly, it was making a comeback. It would be hard to say that our influence played no role in that.
Was it wrong to feel a bit proud?
I was lost in these thoughts when a familiar notification tone rang in my ears.
Ding!
[Successfully acquired control over ROK. Area 17 ‘Metropolis (2)’]
[As long as you maintain control of the territory, you will earn additional ‘Occupation Points.’]
[The guild’s territory has expanded!]
[The number of available executive positions has increased by 1]
This wasn’t a message I had been expecting.
“…Already?”
This situation was different from the one during the previous military campaign.
We have stayed here for considerably less time.
We have yet to explore various places in Chuncheon City.
A dungeon has recently appeared near the city center.
We’ve only managed to conquer that dungeon and have settled in the partially destroyed city.
“Why have we already succeeded in this occupation?”
What could be the reason for this early success?
After a brief moment of contemplation, I arrived at a singular conclusion.
“…It’s because of other people.”
Back when we claimed the [Mountain Range], we weren’t really powerful enough to govern the entire area.
We simply gained the ability to exert the most influence there.
The same holds true this time around.
If the criteria for occupation is influence, then…
“All goods necessary for trade, not to mention food… have come under our guild’s influence.”
There were countless awakened individuals released from the dungeon, and none of them were unaffected by our presence.
“I didn’t expect this at all. This is a huge win!”
[Guild – Steel Legion]
[Occupied Territory List]
[ROK.17]
[Mountain Range – 3%]
[Small City (3) – 3%]
[Large City (2) – 6%]
The occupation percentage for Chuncheon City stands at 6%.
This figure matches the combined occupation of the other two territories.
“Although there were many ups and downs… we must be doing something right.”
As someone who used to ponder what to do after my military service, I can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment looking at how far we’ve come.
And now that we’re here, there’s no intention of stopping.
I don’t know how much time it will take, but if we continue to navigate these challenges like we have so far…… who knows?
“We might even completely reconstruct the civilization of the past.”
Well, I’m aware that there’s still a long way to go before reaching that point.
Lost in these thoughts, I took a moment to rest when suddenly…
Ding!
“Huh?”
A familiar notification sound rang in my ears.
Curious, I looked straight ahead.
[Shaman: Young-jon]
It was a guild message.
One word caught my eye, a term I hadn’t seen for ages: ‘Shaman.’
Currently, the [Astronomer] stationed at the 423rd Battalion is none other than my comrade, Sergeant Park, my only other senior soldier apart from myself.
[Chef: What’s up?]
To be honest, it had been quite some time since I’d been in touch with him.
I had been somewhat worried…
During My Military Service among my peers, the ace of our group was none other than Taejun, not me.
I had no idea what problems had arisen, but Taejun was capable enough to handle most issues without needing my intervention. Because of this, I chose to trust him and wait.
“Has that issue finally been resolved?”
Based on the message I received; it seemed plausible that the problem has been addressed.
[Shaman: I’m sorry.]
…What?
[Chef: What’s going on? This is unsettling.]
[Shaman: I tried my best to hold it off; I really did. But in the end, I reached my limit. It got through.]
Apparently, it wasn’t exactly what I had hoped.
[Chef: Got through?]
[Shaman: Fortify the defenses.]
[Chef: So, wait. What are you saying?]
[Shaman: I’m not sure how to explain it. But if I had to put it into words…]
As I fumbled through my response to the unexpected message, confusion enveloped me.
Somewhere around me, I sensed a presence.
‘…?’
It wasn’t right in front of me, nor was it behind me.
[Shaman: A monster wave is coming]
The message from Sergeant Park Taejun blurred my vision, but there was no time to confirm its contents.
‘Above me…!’
The source of the unidentifiable presence revealed itself as sharp blades surged toward the crown of my head.