ATMOSPHERE [3]

Regressor's Instruction Manual Episode 953

Atmosphere (3)

It's safer to keep me by your side than to leave me alone. For anyone who has experienced Lee Ki-Young up until now, this is an unchanging truth that can only be nodded at.

Leaving the Honorary Cardinal alone is no different from exposing him to danger. The world has always been harsh to Lee Ki-Young, relentlessly threatening the Saint of Light.

For personal desires, political reasons, or simply out of malice... there are many reasons. I was always the victim, yet I remained an understanding figure, forgiving everything.

It's doubtful that someone like Kim Chang-Ryeol, who can handle this kind of duty as part of the Blue Guild, and Park Li-An, who made a major mistake once, would be much use as bodyguards even if they stayed by my side.

Both Kim Hyun-Sung and Jeong Ha-Yan probably think that there's no one else but themselves who can handle such a heavy responsibility.

However, they can't just stick around this side.

'If the greatest magician and swordsman on the continent are absent, who will enter the dungeon?'

Even if it's Kim Hyun-Sung saying that, it's hard to imagine that Jeong Ha-Yan would be absent from such an expedition.

At best, Park Deok-Gu, who can be used as an alternative, won't be able to empty his spot.

Even if Park Deok-Gu does stay, that duo won't be able to hide their unease.

Pigs are only good at getting hit with their bodies.

'Game over.'

Let's look into each other's eyes without leaving anyone out. It's to make sure that the thought of not being able to leave me alone sinks in.

Sure enough, a strong determination starts to appear in Elena's eyes. The same goes for Jeong Ha-Yan and Park Deok-Gu.

I tried to concentrate a bit more, but...

'I can't do any more.'

If I keep prolonging the acting, my mood will only get worse. It seems effective, so this should be enough.

Sure enough, the atmosphere is already set.

"The safety of the Vice Guild Master is the most important."

"If we keep Ki-Young in this room... if we seal it with magic and spells... no one else can intrude."

Although I was worried that it might have been diverted to another direction, the following sounds that reach my ears make my lips curl upward.

"It can't be helped, but... would it be better if I stayed?"

"Ha Yan is the center of the dungeon strategy."

"...."

"It might be better if I stay."

These kids are trying to stay for each other.

"If our hyung is absent..."

Facing the Templars might be burdensome.

"However, we can't remove a separate guard unit. As it's an irregular dungeon, we need to put all our effort into it."

"What about entrusting it to the Church?"

"Denied."

You've tried entrusting me to the Church before. The only option left is to hire the Red Mercenaries. Of course, that won't be easy either.

"We-we can't do that."

For one, there would be opposition from Ha Yan regarding residing with the Red Mercenaries...

"Cha Hee-Ra-nim has expressed her intention to participate in the expedition as well."

Above all, Hee-Ra nuna would never skip such an event. Being someone who's constantly fidgety, she'd be looking for the right timing to move.

Without Cha Hee-Ra, there's no reason to entrust me to the Red Mercenaries.

"We have no choice but to go together."

If there's truly no other option, then there's no answer but to go together. Who in their right mind would leave a child like Lee Ki-Young by the waterside?

If he falls into the water, what would you do? Would you really leave him alone?

Amidst the silence, those who were quietly watching me come into view.

The way they exchange glances with each other is amusing. They seem to be realizing that there's ultimately only one way.

In the end, Kim Hyun-Sung heaves a big sigh and speaks up.

"What's more important than conquering the dungeon is Ki-Young's safety."

Really?

"More than anything else, I will prioritize Ki-Young's safety. I will organize the escort teams into three groups. The first group will be me, the second group will be Ha Yan, and the third group will request cooperation from the Red Mercenaries Guild."

Hee-Ra nuna.

"We will notify you of the personnel for each group later."

"Yes."

"Yes, Guild Master."

"Sun Hee-Young."

"Yes."

"Please double-check the supplies."

"Yes."

'Guild employees are going to die.'

It was only natural that the load would increase when I joined the expedition.

Instead of makeshift tents, glamping equipment would be brought, and instead of combat rations, mirror fish would be packed.

Right. Of course. Bring plenty of supplies. I don't want to go hungry.

"Hye-Jin-ssi."

"Yes."

"Please select reliable guilds."

"Yes, understood, Guild Master."

Those who are supposed to go into the dungeon seem to be receiving requests for escorts.

The flow of events didn't seem bad, but an atmosphere that indicated that dungeon conquest plans didn't really matter seemed to be circulating, and it might even be more helpful if I didn't enter the dungeon.

As everyone gave a word to Kim Hyun-Sung and busily prepared to move, I thought I should open my mouth around this point. I needed to let them know what's truly important.

"Since it seems like the decision is pretty much made, I guess we should bring in the guests."

"Yes?"

"Come in."

'These kids have been waiting for quite a while.'

With my voice, the foreign kids appeared.

"Wow,"

came the voice of Hwang Jeong-Yeon. [[Some of you might have forgotten who she is, but she is a green haired human character, the one with round glasses, good brain and Park Deok-Gu's girlfriend.]]

The top-ranking officials who discovered the dungeon within the Holy See, the figures who were flocking in, looked quite adorable, but their expressions didn't seem all that great.

These guys also had ears, so they probably knew what had happened during that time.

No, they might not know. However, it felt like everyone was relieved after confirming my appearance.

Still with no punishment, Cherubim and Seraphim both show a slightly tense look.

In the meantime, Jeong Ha-Yan is waving her hand at Sera. It's in stark contrast to Kim Hyun-Sung and Thronus, who aren't making eye contact.

"Can we start now, Father?"

'Yeah, go ahead. Cute little Domi.'

"Yes. Well, let's start with the main point... I will begin the briefing on the dungeon."

"...."

"The dungeon's location was discovered 14 hours ago. We were able to trace an aura similar to what Raphael's party investigated at a small unused temple, and we found a door leading underground within 500 meters of a public library."

'Dominions is good at speaking.'

"While it was a simple trick where a secret room opens when you take out a book, due to the condition of needing to use the sanctity of the Church, the investigation was in turmoil... The underground layer consists of a total of 184 floors, and the entrance to the dungeon is located about 2,430 meters below the ground. What you are looking at right now is the entrance to the dungeon."

What appears in the Goddess's Mirror is a very large door. Even when compared to most temples, it doesn't fall short in size, and there are various ornaments related to religion.

Angels, gods, demons – so many things are embedded, making it not easy to identify each piece.

One thing that's clear is that it looked very negative. War, greed, murder, people pointing swords at each other – these are the basics, and it even shows humans being devoured by demons.

'Who are they all?'

Could Bellial be there? I looked around, but I don't see any demons I know.

However, the figure that's carved at the bottom is too distinct.

'Benigore.'

Her figure, with her eyes closed and hands clasped, appears. It's as if she's praying, and above her are statues that are in chaos. If you look closely, you'll see that they are praying for those things.

It appears as though she's praying for the prevention of war, famine, and the intrusion of demons, as well as for the people of the continent.

I'm not sure what the exact context is, but I can make a rough guess. It feels like a somewhat common story. Maybe it was used as a factory to extract sacred power, or there could have been unavoidable circumstances.

'It's quite extreme to confine it to the 184th floor underground.'

'I shouldn't have said I should come, fuck. How are we going to descend? Deokgu won't be able to help, will he? Ha-yan could levitate us using magic...Anyway, walking isn't a suitable choice.'

While I was worried about the mode of transportation, Seraphim received a message from Dominions. I was a bit curious, but...

'Flood the public with applause.'

It becomes clear immediately. Since I had suffered through my own performance, they probably wanted to hype up my achievements in this quest.

This isn't just a simple presentation; it's an opportunity to showcase one's accomplishments.

It must have been a gathering where they discuss their contributions.

Dominions started first because she had the most significant achievement... Honestly, Seraphim couldn't have done well, so it's probably something the brothers coordinated to help him.

"Um, I'll take over from now. While Raphael's party was heading to the dungeon entrance, there were seven battles, all against humans. Currently, the path to the dungeon entrance... the path, the path to the Holy Knights' residence is blocked."

In the midst of this, Ha-yan's mouth is curling up. It seems like Seraphim is proud to present his achievement to the public.

Even though his voice was soft and stuttering, it was still clear that he was conveying the message properly.

"And, um, the name of the dungeon is 'Mole Saintess Cozy Retreat.' As everyone heard, it's an unrated dungeon, and experts believe it's at least of Legendary grade."

I want to frown and tell them to speak properly, but I have to hold back.

"Currently, Raphael's party has entered the entrance of the dungeon and is receiving information through the Rangers. The estimated size of the dungeon that Raphael's party anticipated is the largest ever recorded. The limitation on the number of entrants is also not confirmed. An expeditionary force will send a maximum of ten thousand people..."

"Ten thousand people?"

"Yes, yes. Oh my... No, um, Ha-yan-nim. It's confirmed that there are at least three more underground floors beneath the entrance to the dungeon."

"R-right. I heard you... Serafim, the investigator."

"Yes, yes. Thank you. Um... No, Ha-yan-nim."

The scale is considerable. Even if the Holy See itself is the size of a decent city, it wouldn't be enough. Assuming that a space of this magnitude continues to be pierced underground, a small party would be useless.

Although it seems that Raphael's party was investigating up to the third underground floor, if they want to discuss this massive scale, they need adequate manpower.

'There might be a war event or something.'

Just because it's large in scale doesn't guarantee a major battle. But... This situation is suspicious.

"Forming the first attack force, composed of the Black Swan Guild and several other influential guilds from the Republic, is currently in preparation. Now, let me explain the monsters that have been discovered so far... with samples..."

"Save that for later."

"Ah, yes... Okay."

Thronus looks disappointed, so he probably dealt with the monsters. I feel a bit sorry.

"Um, that's it."

Applause breaks out, and other guild members, including Hansora, also join in.

"You did well."

I can see someone who's trying to read what's making me uneasy.

'It's really annoying.'

Ha-yan's tail rises slightly as she nods, and her relieved expression becomes visible.

'Annoying'

Still, I need to be kind. Ha-yan seems to be hoping for that.

"Well done, Seraphim. You've made us proud."

'I really want to throttle you. Just let me catch you once. Seriously. Just one more time.'

Behind Ha-yan, who looks very relieved, I address the guild members.

"We will depart in three hours. Please finish your expedition preparations and wait until then. In place of our busy Guild Master, I will personally take the lead."

"Ki-Young..."

'Shut up. Hyun-Seong, Shiva. I'll handle it. This is something I should do to clear my conscience.'

"Please convey this to the adventurers and the group participating in the expedition. Except for the First Assault Unit, I will personally handle the rest of the organization."

No one raises any objections.

'Yeah, three hours should be enough. You guys understand by now.'

"Additionally, we will include basic siege weaponry, including magical ballistae, in the supply list. Ah-Yeong will join the supply unit along with the Dwarf technicians."

"Yes, Vice Guild Master."

No one even questions why we're bringing siege weaponry.

'I like this kind of thing.'

The sympathetic looks directed at me gradually turn into trust. Even when I'm half-asleep, they know that when Ki Young speaks, there's something to it.

They understand that I don't need to shoot pleading looks for them not to leave me behind."

'My face is going to wear out.'

The Blue members needed me.

"What are you all doing? Let's move!"

---

Poor Thronus, Ki-young really hates Seraphim. I mean, in my opinion he kinds of deserves it.

[[SKIP IF U THINK IT'S TOO MUSCH TO READ:

You remember the time when the angel infiltrated the continent? Seraphim at that didn't forgive Ki-young and stabbed him with six swords (One actually, Thronus deflected the rest.) even though Ki-young didn't remember the past life-line, Seraphim still punished Lee Kiyoung for sinning, something he hadn't even done. So Ki-young is returning the favor to Seraphim, hating him even though he didn't remember what he did wrong.]]