Chapter 10

Woke up in the morning, had a meal with the kids, and not long after, Ahn Tae-woo showed up.

“Did you sleep well?”

“Yes. The camp is definitely comfortable. Compared to camping where monsters might roam around, this is heaven.”

“Haha… I’m glad you think so. By the way, Yoo Ju has something to say to everyone. Please get ready and gather at the center within 20 minutes.”

“Okay. Got it.”

After the conversation, Ahn Tae-woo quickly left, probably to spread the news to others.

The Returner probably gathered everyone because of the exploration matter mentioned yesterday.

The only thing to prepare was a bag with equipment and food, so I slowly walked to the center with the kids.

While walking, I overheard others talking as they moved.

“…Do you know why we’re being called? Do you have any idea?”

“No, I don’t… Maybe they found some food and brought it back?”

I couldn’t help but laugh at the conversation between the man and woman.

‘What a bunch of idiots.’

To think that their only expectation after hearing the gathering order was about food. It was frustrating to hear them think that way just because they’ve been treated well.

Since it didn’t seem like a meaningful conversation, I tuned them out.

‘Will there even be any useful volunteers among these people?’

Most of them, regardless of their status or stats, had the wrong mindset from the start.

I hadn’t seen everyone yet, but even without high expectations, I was already feeling disappointed.

Not long after gathering at the center, the Returner started to appear.

Everyone’s attention quickly focused on her.

“…I’m sure you’re all curious why I called you so early in the morning. Before I explain, a few of you, please come forward.”

She gestured toward our group. Me and the kids slowly moved toward her. Others seemed curious about why she called us forward.

“Yoon Seong and the students here will be joining me on the exploration. However, this time, we’ll also be selecting volunteers to join us.”

People started murmuring after her announcement.

“I hope you’re not too scared about going outside. Of course, I understand that fighting monsters is frightening, but there are things to gain. Going on the exploration will be beneficial for you all.”

A man asked her a question.

“Uh… beneficial? Are you talking about food?”

‘Do these guys only have food on their minds?’

She shook her head.

“No. Of course, bringing back food is one benefit, but there’s something else. If you check your status window, you’ll see that the job section is empty. You might not know this, but killing monsters can grant you a job. You can become stronger, just like me. Yoon Seong and the students here also gained their jobs by killing monsters.”

There were probably quite a few who already knew. Even though they’re out now, I heard there were some in the camp who had already gained jobs. But since most didn’t know, many were surprised by Yoo Ju’s words.

“So, this is a great opportunity for you all. Oh, and since having too many people exploring would be problematic, this time we’ll only take two to four volunteers. If you’re interested, please raise your hand.”

For about 30 seconds, no one raised their hand, but after some time, a woman finally did. It was someone I hadn’t seen before in the camp.

“Um… My name is Song Ha-eun… I’m scared, but… can I become stronger too?”

I opened her status window.

[ Name: Song Ha-eun ]

[ Age: 22 ]

[ Job: Not yet assigned. ]

[ Title: None. ]

[ Unique Traits ]

Blessing of the Spirits (Grade Pending) – Spirits feel an extraordinary affinity toward you. They are always watching you, no matter where you are.

Perfect Magic Organs (Grade Pending) – Your magic organs are astonishingly pure. You receive a bonus in all magic-related actions.

[ Stats ]

Strength – 06 Agility – 09

Stamina – 08 Luck – 10

Magic – 08 Resistance – 06

‘Damn.’

Two unique traits. Considering even Yoo Hyun’s magic stat started at 3, a magic stat of 8 is overwhelming.

This woman is a monster. I don’t know the exact grade of her traits yet, but just the names alone give a sense of their power.

‘I absolutely need to get close to her.’

I need to pay attention to the Returner too, but honestly, I have no memories with her.

I feel bad for the Returner, but I need to make connections with those who show potential. What’s strange is that the Returner didn’t react much to this woman’s face.

From this, I can guess…

‘…Did she die early in the first round?’

It’s a plausible assumption. Looking at her status window, I thought she might have played a big role in the first round, but if she became active after the tutorial, the Returner would have recognized her.

‘Or… maybe she lived quietly.’

“Of course, Song Ha-eun. Thank you for your courage.”

Some time passed after Song Ha-eun expressed her interest, but no one else raised their hand.

The Returner seemed deeply disappointed, as if she hadn’t expected so few volunteers.

In the end, she started talking about what she had discussed yesterday.





“…And I have one more thing to tell you all. Due to difficulties in food supply, I will be reducing your rations. I plan to prioritize those who go out on expeditions.”

Upon hearing the Returner’s words, people seemed to think they had misheard, staying silent for a moment before a few snapped out of it and started to protest.

“…What?! You’re reducing our food rations?!”

“This is ridiculous! How could you…!”

“…..”

The Returner’s expression darkened significantly. It seemed she hadn’t expected people to be this brazen.

‘People tend to take kindness for granted. Well, these folks seem to have taken it a bit too far.’

“…It’s because there aren’t enough people going out on expeditions. There are many people, but only a limited number are bringing back food.”

“No, even so, that’s too much. Do you know how many of Yoo Ju’s parents’ generation are here?! How can you do this?! Would Yoo Ju do this to her own parents?!”

The one who blurted this out was an uncle I had briefly seen when Ahn Tae-woo was guiding me.

‘…Is he really pulling the parent card in this situation?’

I could see why people say that while individuals can make rational decisions, groups are easily swayed by madness.

These people, fearing their food supply might shrink or disappear, didn’t seem to realize who they were raising their voices against.

As expected, the atmosphere suddenly turned icy. It wasn’t just the mood. This was…

‘Damn it… this crazy bastard…! Why did he have to say that…?!’

“Uh, uh…?!”

Unable to withstand the killing intent directed at him, the uncle’s legs gave out, and he collapsed to the ground.

The Returner slowly walked toward the man. Others, intimidated by her aura, stepped aside and backed away.

“…Say it again. What did you say?”

“Ah… that, that was…”

“Do I seem easy to you because I’ve been protecting you and bringing you food?”

The man finally seemed to realize who he had spoken to, his face turning pale.

“…Hey, what was your name again? I can’t even remember. Aren’t you going to answer? Is your brain still not working? Hey, this isn’t Earth. Age doesn’t matter here. You’re the one who should be crawling right now. Still don’t get it? Or should I make you understand?”

“I-I’m sorry! I-I spoke out of turn! Please…!”

The man knelt and begged.

Everyone except our group felt fear at the Returner’s demeanor, which they were seeing for the first time. Amidst this, the Returner seemed to be considerate of our group, not directing her energy toward us.

The Returner continued to focus her killing intent on the man, who suddenly started to wet himself in a pitiful manner.

“Hic… heeek… huuurk…”

“Uncle, be careful from now on. There won’t be a next time. Understand?”

The man nodded desperately.

The Returner returned to her original spot and continued with a cold expression.

“…I am not your parent. Please remember that well. Anyway, I’ll now take volunteers. Volunteers will receive priority rations. If you’re willing to volunteer, please raise your hand. Just to be clear, this is not mandatory. Only those who truly wish to volunteer should raise their hands.”

A man raised his hand. It was Ahn Tae-woo.

“Uh… Mr. Ahn Tae-woo, are you sure? From my perspective, it’s good, but…”

“No. If Yoo Ju is okay with it, I’d like to join her on the expedition.”

‘This guy… why does he look like that?’

Ahn Tae-woo’s expression looked extremely excited.

“Alright. Thank you for your courage, Mr. Ahn Tae-woo.”

“I’ll be counting on you, Yoo Ju.”

“Now that we have our volunteers, you can all disperse. Good job, everyone. Those not going on the expedition can return to your original positions.”

Judging that no more volunteers would come forward, the Returner dismissed the group. Seeing how quickly everyone dispersed, it seemed they were terrified after witnessing Yoo Ju’s earlier display.

“Expedition team, please come here. The total number is… six. May I ask what weapons Song Ha-eun and Ahn Tae-woo are using?”

“I chose the same spear as Yoo Ju.”

“Uh… I, I chose a dagger… I was too overwhelmed at first…”

“Hmm, so the composition is two spears, three daggers, and one with a bludgeon and shield. Yoon Seong is a Dark Sorcerer, but…”

“…I did become a Dark Sorcerer, but I probably won’t be able to use much magic. At most, I can use it two or three times a day.”

I can only use magic about three times a day. And even then, I can only use one type of magic for now. I’ll save magic for emergencies and rely on my bludgeon and shield to deal with monsters otherwise.

“That’s enough, Yoon Seong. Alright. Everyone, please gather your things. We’ll depart in about 30 minutes. The goal of the expedition is to find jobs for those without one, secure food, and find clues to clear the tutorial. Everyone, please get ready.”