Chapter 133

Three years ago, the reason most of those who had been to the Swamp of Oblivion didn’t participate in this expedition was simple.

The experience of losing one of the five senses was terrifying.

However, Ha Yu-ri seemed to participate in this expedition to regain her lost memories.

The expedition was divided into Area 1, Area 2, and Area 3, as Yoon Yeon suggested.

The Eternity Clan decided to explore Area 2 alongside the Mardan Clan.

This wasn’t a random decision or Yoo Ju’s call—it was influenced by my opinion.

“…I’ll let Yoon Yeon proceed as she sees fit, and I can practically force Ha Yu-ri.”

I didn’t want to interfere with Yoon Yeon’s work. She’ll handle things her way.

Convincing Yoo Ju was tough. She absolutely despises Ha Yu-ri.

It was amusing when Eternity announced their participation in Area 2—Ha Yu-ri looked utterly devastated, as if she’d lost the world.

Anyway, I’m currently at the Area 2 camp, set up before entering the Swamp of Oblivion.

The representatives of the clans participating in Area 2 had gathered.

“…Even divided into thirds, there are quite a few people.”

Naturally, the decision-maker for Area 2 was Ha Yu-ri, the Master of the Mardan Clan.

“But in reality, I’m practically the decision-maker.”

Since Ha Yu-ri is essentially my subordinate, I can give orders and direct things.

While waiting for everyone to arrive, a man approached our clan.

Well, more specifically, he came straight to me.

“What’s this?”

“Ahem, ahem, nice to meet you. Are you Lee Yun-seong of Eternity?”

Since he greeted me first, I returned the greeting.

“Ah, yes. That’s me. Nice to meet you. Uh…”

“…Who was he again?”

I had memorized the names of the key figures from the clans heading to Area 2.

“Ah, I remember now.”

“Ah, you’re the Master of the Brother Clan. My apologies…”

“Haha, no need. I’m just grateful you recognized me. As you know, I’m Kim Seok-ho, Master of the Brother Clan.”

I didn’t know why he approached me instead of Yoo Ju, the Clan Master, but his polite demeanor left a good first impression.

“Let’s see what kind of stats the Master of the Brother Clan has.”

[ Name: Kim Seok-ho ]

[ Age: 36 ]

[ Job: Earth Destroyer (Legend Grade) ]

[ Titles: Friend of Dwarves, Man of Loyalty, Orc Slayer ]

[ Unique Traits ]

Earth Shatter (Legend Grade) – Activates Earth Shatter. Can only be used on land.

[ Traits ]

Battle Axe Master (Legend Grade) – Greatly increases understanding of battle axes.

Combat Master (Hero Grade) – Significantly increases understanding of combat techniques.

Recovery (Hero Grade) – Significantly increases stamina recovery speed.

[ Stats ]

Strength – 90 Agility – 79

Stamina – 82 Luck – 62

Magic – 72 Resistance – 83

“…Not bad.”

Yoo Ju, Yoon Yeon, Ha Yu-ri, and Yanagiya Riki are monsters, but Kim Seok-ho is also a strong contender.

His stats aren’t perfectly balanced, but having one stat above 90 is impressive enough.

Having such a strong ally on my side is definitely welcome.

“Your kind words are much appreciated. The reputation of the Brother Clan is well-known.”

Kim Seok-ho’s lips curled into a wide grin at my praise for his clan.

“But what brings you to me…?”

“Well… I wanted to express my gratitude.”

“…Gratitude?”

Kim Seok-ho nodded in response.

“Yes. Thanks to you, Lee Yun-seong of Eternity, for exposing the spy among the outlaws, our clan can breathe easier.”

“Ah…”

Now I understood why he sought me out.

“Since we’re both exploring Area 2, I thought it was only right to thank you.”

“Haha, thank you. It wasn’t that big of a deal.”

“Don’t be modest. A man should always express gratitude when he’s indebted. I’ll repay this favor someday.”

“…It’s a good outcome, but it’s a bit overwhelming.”

“Ah! I got carried away and rambled on. Anyway, let’s work well together.”

“Of course. I’ll do my best as well.”

As Kim Seok-ho walked away, Wi Ho-yeon approached me.

“Lee Yun-seong, who was that just now…?”

“Ah, he just came over to greet me. No need to worry about it.”

“Alright. By the way… the meeting is about to start.”

Looking around, I saw that everyone who needed to be there had gathered.

Ha Yu-ri began speaking, drawing everyone’s attention.

“…Let’s discuss the exploration of Area 2 now.”

After a brief silence, Yoo Ju asked Ha Yu-ri a question.

“Master of the Mardan Clan, you’ve been to the Swamp of Oblivion before. Was it Area 2 last time?”

“…Yes. So I’ll guide everyone up to the point I know.”

Then I asked a question.

“So, how do you plan to proceed overall?”

“…Losing memories won’t hinder the exploration much. The real problem starts when we lose our senses. Let’s talk about that.”

“What about this idea?”

Everyone’s attention turned to me.

“Losing sight is the biggest issue, as I’m sure everyone here knows.”

Honestly, no detailed explanation was needed.

“…There will be a loss of strength, but if someone starts losing their sight, they should be moved to the rear. As Ha Yu-ri mentioned, moving away from the deeper areas should restore their senses.”

“…Are you suggesting they be excluded from the exploration entirely?”

“No, they can stay in areas where they won’t lose their senses or handle tasks that can be done there.”

Kim Seok-ho chimed in.

“…That sounds like a good idea. I agree. Someone who’s lost their sight would only hold the team back.”

“Thank you. To continue, losing taste and smell won’t be a major issue. But touch is a problem.”

While touch is less critical than sight and hearing in combat, it’s still significant.

“Losing touch will be very uncomfortable. As for hearing… during combat, it’s impossible, but outside of combat, communication can still happen through writing. It’ll be inconvenient, though.”

A woman spoke up in response.

“So… those who lose their sight are moved to the rear, and those who lose their hearing can communicate through writing?”





“So, you’re saying we should communicate our intentions through writing, is that it?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

‘Who was this woman again… Ah, the master of the Plum Blossom Clan, right?’

I think her name was… Seo Mi-kyung.

“And another suggestion, those who have lost their hearing should be separated and deployed separately since they can’t communicate during battle.”

“…Why?”

“Because if communication is impossible, maintaining formation will be difficult.”

People who have lost their sight cannot participate in battle.

People who have lost their hearing can participate in battle, but cooperative play is impossible.

Those who have lost their sense of touch, taste, or smell may have inconveniences, but they can still fight more smoothly than the above cases.

As various opinions were being shared, the woman from earlier, who seemed dissatisfied, opened her mouth with a displeased expression.

“…Everything sounds good, but can we address one thing?”

At the Plum Blossom Clan Master’s words, Ha Yu-ri expressed her confusion.

“What are you referring to?”

“From what I know, everyone here is either a clan master or at least an executive, but there’s one person who doesn’t fit that description.”

‘…Is she talking about me?’

“Huh?”

“That man over there. The man from the Eternity Clan.”

At the woman’s words, Ha Yu-ri’s expression hardened.

“Why is a mere regular clan member present here?”

‘…No wonder she’s been giving me strange looks since earlier.’

Ever since I started voicing my opinions, she’s had this dissatisfied look, and now she’s making this kind of remark.

Ha Yu-ri was nervously gauging my reaction, while Seo Yoo-joo’s expression had turned icy.

Seo Yoo-joo, with fire in her eyes, spoke up.

“Ha… What are you talking about?”

“Come on, isn’t it a bit much? What kind of place is this for a mere regular clan member to be here?”

‘Ha… What a moron.’

As if following the law of preserving idiots, while Ha Yu-ri’s spirit was crushed, some random fly-like woman was buzzing around.

“…Are you done? I brought my clan member here of my own will, who are you to criticize?”

“Ha… Even so, what’s with bringing a regular clan member…”

“Hey.”

“…What, what did you say?”

“Are you deaf? I’m talking to you, you.”

“Ha, just a one-year rookie, and you think you’re hot stuff because people hype you up…!”

‘Huh?’

It happened in an instant. Before anyone knew it, Seo Yoo-joo had moved next to the woman.

Everyone in the meeting room was shocked. Most hadn’t even noticed Seo Yoo-joo’s movement.

The only ones who detected Seo Yoo-joo’s movement were Ha Yu-ri and the master of the large clan, the Wave Clan.

Even they were staring at the situation with wide-eyed astonishment.

Placing a hand on the woman’s shoulder, Seo Yoo-joo spoke again.

“Say it again. Who doesn’t know how high the sky is?”

“Uh… uh…?”

The woman’s face was pale with fear from Seo Yoo-joo’s intimidating aura.

I was curious about Seo Yoo-joo’s stats, so I opened her status window and let out a sigh.

‘When did she get this strong…?’

Her stats were now well over 90. No, at this point, she could rival the current top three clan masters.

‘And her trait is Legend Grade, Divine Spear Unity…’

“Why aren’t you answering? Do you need a spear through your throat to respond?”

“Ah, uh, I’m… sorry…”

The woman was trembling.

Even she didn’t understand the situation, but her body was overwhelmed with fear, reflexively apologizing.

“Plum Blossom Clan Master. Watch your mouth from now on, got it? How dare you call someone a mere regular clan member?”

“Ah… yes, yes…!”

“I’m not joking, so remember this. Unless you want to die.”

The woman nodded vigorously, her face pale.

Seo Yoo-joo returned to her seat and spoke.

“Sorry, everyone. I lost my temper and acted out.”

After a brief silence following Seo Yoo-joo’s words, the Wave Clan Master spoke up.

“…Impressive. Unbelievably so.”

No one responded, but their expressions said it all.

“…I felt it since the training facility, but you’re truly a monster. The word ‘genius’ doesn’t even suffice. I thought it would take at least three years to catch up, but this is beyond belief.”

‘Ah, this guy was one of the instructors at the training facility. The big, imposing instructor.’

Wave Clan Master Kang Hyuk-san, that’s his name.

Given that he’s among the strongest, he must have felt something from Seo Yoo-joo’s movement.

“You flatter me, Wave Clan Master.”

At Seo Yoo-joo’s words, he let out a dry laugh and continued.

“Ha, anyone with eyes wouldn’t call that flattery. Humility is poison for someone with your growth rate.”

Ha Yu-ri also couldn’t deny his words.

It was a testament to how undeniable Seo Yoo-joo’s growth was.

‘…Seems like Eternity’s stock just went up unintentionally.’

Thanks to some idiot, the Plum Blossom Clan was sacrificed, and Eternity’s reputation soared.

“Ahem!”

Kim Seok-ho gathered everyone’s attention as if he had something to say.

“…Brother Clan Master. Do you have something to say?”

“…Indeed. If I may be so bold, could I say a few words?”

“Ah… sure.”

“Since the Madan Clan Master has allowed it, I’ll speak. There was some trouble regarding Eternity’s Lee Yun-seong earlier, so I’d like to say this: don’t underestimate him just because he’s a regular clan member.”

‘Seok-ho, bro. Why do you feel so reliable?’

With so many allies, my shoulders naturally straightened.

It felt like I had become the shadow power of this place.

“Don’t you all know? He’s the one who exposed the Execution Society’s spy. He even caught the vile drug traffickers in Silan.”

“Ah… now that you mention it, that was him…?”

“Right, now that I think about it, Lee Yun-seong from Eternity…”

With this sudden support, I felt like dancing.

It seemed my position in the 2nd Region Pioneering Team wouldn’t be shaken.

‘Seok-ho, bro, thanks. I’ll make sure you get a comfortable rear deployment.’