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22. Underwater otherworld conquest (1)

In 1925, the flow of Han River's main stream changed because of the great flood and its branch was reduced to Songpa River.

That Songpa River was turned into an artificial lake, Seokchon Lake, during land reclamation.

Seokchon Lake was divided into West and East lakes with Songpa District Jamsil Lake bridge in between.

East lake was close to Bangi's food alley and West lake was an artificial island theme park made by a famous conglomerate, so it never lacked people.[1]

Seokchon Lake was a beloved resting place and playground for Seoul citizens for dozens of years.

'But in the game world, it became the place no one is looking for after the tragedy which happened a few years before…'

A few years before by the current time standard.

An underwater otherworld formed just in front of the artificial island theme park, on the Seokchon West Lake.

One maze, judged to be a SR – – rank.

It was the difficulty that could be conquered by a single middle-ranking Pro-Player team.

'… it became a problem of safety ignorance from here.'

The theme park was managed by Namkung Group's Namkung Local Specialties Resorts department.

After the otherworld outbreak, they suspended all operation of the outside attractions on the artificial island, and after the guests took shelter, they blocked the routes leading to the indoor theme park.

But the indoor theme park operation wasn't suspended.

'They let the high ranking team come, but they should have evacuated all visitors inside of the theme park in case of an incident.'

That day, an incident did break out.

Both the attack group and defense group of the high ranking team, which was conquering the underwater maze, was annihilated, and Enemies made their way inside of the theme park.

Among guests in that place were a few Players who could deal with them, but citizens were scattered everywhere around the complicated structure of the theme park, so it was impossible to protect them all.

Finally, the Player's Association's support came only after dozens of couples and families were sacrificed.

And that theme park's change into hell was broadcasted on the internet by a popular streamer who had been riding a monorail at that time, and thanks to him dozens of people all over the world were traumatized.

'Because the streamer was seriously injured and fainted, it was impossible for him to stop the broadcast, and when it was stopped by the streaming service manager after receiving a report, it was already too late.'

With this incident, the executive director of the Namkung Group's Namkung Local Specialties, who owned the theme park, lost his head[2] and dozens of executives in charge, who pushed for continuing the operation that day, were prosecuted.

Namkung Group's head personally bowed his head and made a public apology, and a memorial tower was installed at Seokchon Lake.

In addition, they used a super-strong move of one month free entry to the theme park.

However, the guests who left didn't return.

'There was even a description of a guest coming with the feeling of testing their courage.'

Why was the high-ranking team annihilated in a mere SR– – rank maze?

Thanks to the support from the Association and Pro-Player teams, the conquest of that underwater otherworld and Enemies was very simple.

After analyzing the conquest process and proving that the result of PlayerSAT-K's difficulty analysis wasn't higher in reality, it was concluded as that high-ranking team's carelessness.

'The real reason was revealed a few months later in the future, and the case was resolved by Ju Su-hyeok and An Dain.'

It was an incident which occurred during 1st year 2nd semester.

The 1st years, who had passed to the 2nd semester, started their first independent otherworld conquest in Olympic park.

But the otherworld outbreak happens in the vicinity and they all go as emergency support. There the Seokchon Lake's quest starts.

'With this incident as a chance, the whole picture of the Seokchon's tragedy is revealed and demons cast their eyes on Ju Su-hyeok who becomes the highest contributor in the otherworld conquest.'

Was the Nabiryeong's coordinates pointing at Seokchon Lake, what more on the East lake, related to this?

'I knew there were seeds of a problem in Seokchon Lake, but I couldn't move easily…'

The visitors to Seokchon and the theme park were said to decrease, but the area around Jamsil station was just as busy as before, so there was a chance of catching the eye of Dark Mastermind or other people. I couldn't move easily because of it.

I planned to join the main character party during the 2nd semester and solve the incident, but if I cooperate with Jin people and the Eternal Lake and cope with it in advance, the matter would be much easier to solve.

'I have to prepare a few kinds of things to change plans.'

Nabiryeong's message.

Seokchon Lake.

Jin people's help.

Eternal Lake.

The process of the otherworld quest in the game.

I organized my thoughts while combining the information I possessed one after one and then sent a message to Hwang Jiho.

[Me] I'll also go. But there is something I will ask you to do before you go tomorrow.

[Hwang Jiho] What is that?

[Me] Please sign the documents with your name that will go to the chairman tomorrow.

[Hwang Jiho] Got it. Anything else?

Did he know what documents they were and agreed straight away?

The first request was resolved as easily as I thought.

The problem was the second.

[Me] The one who uses Moon Palace Guide is the To tribe's head, right? Please call her to Seokchon Lake tomorrow.

[Hwang Jiho] I hate it.

I sent the message, and almost instantly the refusing-like reply arrived.

If I had known it would be like that, I would have asked for Ok Toyeon's device code.

'… when I meet Ok Toyeon next time, I should ask her for the code.'

When I was about to give up and suspend communication with Hwang Jiho, a message arrived.

[Hwang Jiho] I can call her if you grant me one request.

What deal was he thinking about?

I didn't have to trouble myself with calling Ok Toyeon, so I decided to put on the iron wall.

[Me] I'm not receiving a blessing.

[Hwang Jiho] ㅡ.ㅡ Not that.

It was the first time I saw Hwang Jiho use emoticons…!

[Hwang Jiho] Come sleep at my house this weekend. Eun-ho's descendants and divine beast are complaining to me that they want to play with you more.

Every time I returned to the dormitory, the descendants and our Snare were saddened.

They were complaining like that behind my back…!

There was no need to think.

I threw a reply straight away.

[Me] Got it.

[Hwang Jiho] Alright. Don't tell the descendants and divine beast beforehand.

This weekend plans were confirmed.

If so, I have to finish all preparations for the perfect weekend.

[Me] Team leader Hong Gyubin-nim, are you busy?

The next message I sent was for the team leader of the 1st media&PR team of the Player's Association Korea branch, Hong Gyubin.

[Hong Gyubin] No! It's okay. I worked overtime even today, but it ended faster than expected. I'm home now.

Seeing him talk about overtime, I guess he was on night duty.

'Even so, he left work earlier than before. It seems that they're quietly settling the incidents caused by Choe Pyeondeuk's followers.'

If that was the case, it seemed that I could be at ease with Hong Gyubin and task him with a different matter.

[Me] I want to make a request.

Hong Gyubin, who had always been quick to throw a message, sent a message after typing it very slowly.

[Hong Gyubin] Uisin, will I have to work overtime again today?

Hong Gyubin's senses were sharp[3].

It wasn't that Foresight skill activated, right?

But it missed a bit.

[Me] No.

[Hong Gyubin] Lucky ^^; From tomorrow, I can leave work almost on time. How long has it been since I could sleep more than six hours? I'm so happy! If so, what request did you contact me for? Should I buy you a meal? Are there any items you need?

Hong Gyubin desperately tried to get away from work.

It seemed that his good instinct sensed I'm about to order him to work.

I felt a bit sorry for Hong Gyubin, but I couldn't order him not to work.

[Me] It's not today, it seems that you'll have to work overtime from tomorrow.

[Hong Gyubin] Ah…

[Hong Gyubin] Okay…

Hong Gyubin's short escape from reality was over.

Hong Gyubin's despair was oozing from the text, but I pretended not to know and after talking about the task and finishing goodbyes, I closed the message window.

***

Next day, morning.

The students were busy with preparations for the upcoming Teacher's Day.

Our 1st year class 0 was the same.

"We'll finish the preparations for Teacher's day within the budget allocated to our class. If we divide the school budget to buy carnations and food, there won't be any problems!"

Following the suggestion of the class president, Kim Yuri, all seven people of the 1st year class 0 came to school earlier.

Everyone kindly came to school earlier and participated in the preparation meeting for Teacher's Day.

"Let's divide ourselves into the flower buying team and the snack buying team!"

We were divided into two teams using the Ghost Leg[4] application unfolded by Kim Yuri.

Flower team, Kim Yuri, Lee Lena, Maeng Hyodon.

Food team, me, Hwang Jiho, Han Yi, Sawol Seeum.

"Ack, I don't know anything about flowers."

"It's fine. We'll choose together!"

"There is a place. I wanted to go to the Yangjae Flower Market Center in the morning to personally choose flowers… why won't we go there?"

"Okay. Let's also go to the Gangnam Express Bus Terminal Flower Market!"

Maeng Hyodon's mind seemed to be complicated, but after Kim Yuri and Lee Lena spoke in high-spirits, he nodded.

"The handmade bakery at the west gate takes reservations! Are there any cakes that look like carnation flowers?"

"If there is some budget remaining, I want to also buy limited desserts sold at the 'Snow&Air' or 'Icarus' air hotel."

Sawol Seeum who had abandoned even Moon Rabbit Rice Cakes and walked only the lonely road of Western cuisine.

Han Yi who was a sweets lover.

Our plans gradually formed thanks to those two people.

"How many portions should we prepare? 8 portions including teacher-nim?"

"… It doesn't seem like other people will come. We should go with just 8 then?"

I, who was only nodding my head until now, cut in for the first time.

"No. Someone may come. Let's prepare at least 9 portions."

I spoke while thinking that Min Geurin may perhaps come.

It seemed that the eyes of Hwang Jiho, who like me stayed shut, were sparkling, but I ignored it.

"Ok. It'll be fine even if 1 portion remains as we can all divide it between us and eat it, so let's buy 9 portions."

"Yes. Then let's make a reservation through the app!"

When all our plans were almost finished, the class bell rang.

Today's class bell was an aria from the opera 'Turandot' composed by Giacomo Puccini, 'No one shall sleep (Nessun dorma)'[5].

The piece was recorded in cooperation of the Vocal Music Club, Choir Club and Orchestra Club.

The aria with a major part sung by the certain of his victory Calaf in the moonlight palace's garden and a mix of parts by female chorus, sung by Turandot's soon-to-be dead subordinates, flowed out.

Listening to the aria of the powerful tenor, we sat down in our seats before Ham Geun-hyeong came.

***

After the day-start meeting ended.

At the entrance to the 1st year building on the class 0 side, where human traces were rare.

I stretched out one sheet of a document towards teacher Ham Geunhyeong-nim.

"Teacher Ham Geunhyeong-nim. This document, can I ask you to bring it to chairman-nim straight away?"

What I stretched out was a prepared beforehand 'Application for participation of an enrolled 1st year 1st semester student in otherworld conquest'.

Eungwang School rules didn't allow students to conquer otherworlds during their 1st year 1st semester, but exceptions were allowed if the homeroom teacher and chairman approved.

Usually, getting the chairman's approval wasn't simple, but if it's sent in front of Hwang Myeong-ho, it will be passed straight away.

"… Alright."

Ham Geun-hyeong looked at the document and seemed to be a bit surprised for a second, but he immediately nodded.

No way, are you thinking of not asking any questions again?

Rather, Ham Geun-hyeong came up with an offer I couldn't expect.

"Can I go too?"

If Ham Geun-hyeong comes, the conquest will be much more comfortable, but the conversation would be very difficult.

It was a pity, but I decided to refuse.

"I'm sorry."

"Okay…"

Ham Geun-hyeong didn't ask anything beyond that and took the document.

When I stared at Ham Geun-hyeong, he said as if muttering to himself:

"15 years ago, the guy similar to you brought with him a 1st year student and handed me the same document. "

A guy similar to me.

15 years ago.

It seemed it was the same person he had mentioned before Maeng Hyodon's rescue.

'We're talking about the Student Council president who made Wings Club 15 years ago, huh?'

According to Ham Geun-hyeong's words, I guess the Student Council president 15 years ago and a certain 1st year student handed him this document to go conquer an otherworld together.

"At that time, I didn't agree. I said that if it's really needed to take me with them, but that guy didn't do that. As a result, the kids got hurt."

What the hell was the old Student Council president doing?

I wanted to hear the details of the conversation, but Ham Geun-hyeong didn't seem to be thinking of saying anything more about that.

"Don't get hurt."

Leaving those words behind, Ham Geun-hyeong turned around.

I saw him take out a fountain pen from his shirt pocket and sign the document.

***

After classes.

In mid May, the sunset was around 7:30 pm.

A lonely lake in the setting sun.

I arrived at Seokchon East Lake right in front of the coordinates sent in the message by Nabiryeong.

*~*~*

[1] Bangi's food alley and artificial island theme park – both are real places. There are a few famous restaurants in the Bangi neighborhood. As for the theme park, it's known as Lotte World Adventure, Magic Island.

[2] lost his head – raws: his neck flew away…. Yeah, both make it sound like he was executed… But it just means that he was fired, ran away or got sacked. Probably.

[3] senses were sharp – 'like a ghost/demon' in raws.

[4] Ghost Leg – I explained it somewhere before (in 1st outing preparations?). It's just a game to create random matches.

[5] No one shall sleep (Nessun dorma) – Normally, I would leave it up to you, the reader, to look it up, but I thought that this specific aria is such an interesting choice in context of this novel that I will put the translation I stole from wikipedia here below:

(Calaf)

None shall sleep! None shall sleep!

Not even you, oh Princess,

in your cold bedroom,

watching the stars

that tremble with love, and with hope!

But my secret is hidden within me;

no one will know my name!

No, no! On your mouth,

I will say it when the light shines!

And my kiss will dissolve

the silence that makes you mine!

(Chorus)

No one will know his name,

and we will have to, alas, die, die!

(Calaf)

Vanish, o night!

Fade, you stars!

Fade, you stars!

At dawn, I will win!

I will win! I will win!

(Chorus)

Or sun! Life! Eternity!

Light of the world is love!

(Calaf)

Laugh and sing in the sun

Our infinite happiness!

Glory to you! Glory to you!

Also Translator's personal sidenote: Gods, does the plot of this opera is fucked up.

Translator's note: I confirm the note above. Turandot plot is still fucked up. But it also feels like a really, really big rice cake.

Site update!: Did you know that there were three iterations of covers for EX replay and all of them are full of rice cakes? I planned to add a subpage with them and the highlights (for those who can't or don't have the time to stare at them for four hours like this translator) after the Stalemate arc, but something came up, I had to analyze them again and ended up making that subpage as a side effect. So you're getting it earlier.

Reminder before you proceed, though there shouldn't be any spoilers as I'm just highlighting things that are on the covers, and there is no way you will understand their significance without knowledge of the future, my opinion may be biased. If you are really, really allergic to spoilers, I wouldn't look there. That said, the cover on NU and the one I'm using is already the newest and most 'spoilery' of them all.

I'm putting the link to the subpage below. You will also be able to access it under the ex-replay subpage, just like the character list.

Covers

e that the chess pieces that were black / en