Acquired the Scam Rune in the Academy

Even though the explanations were quite tedious, Kwon Oh-jun went through them meticulously, as the content was directly connected to the lives of the party members. He made sure not to miss any details to avoid any mistakes. He also mentioned the monsters for which scouting hadn’t been completed yet.

“Occasionally, an A-grade monster, Basilisk, is reported to appear in the middle section. Although it hasn’t been confirmed, the boss room monster is likely to be an A-grade as well. The characteristics, weaknesses, and all related information about these monsters are written in the strategy plan report… Make sure you memorize it until the afternoon deployment. Understood?”

“Yes!”

“Got it…!!”

Energetic responses echoed from some of the party members. There were eight members in total for the deployment and raid party: me, Shin Yuna, Kwon Oh-jun from the warrior-type; Kang Juyeon and Kim Sung-cheol, both mage-type Holders; Lee Soo-mi, a Holder of the recovery-type; Choi Dong-wook, an assassin-type Holder; and finally, Min Chae-hwan, the archer-type Holder who had asked the earlier question.

After checking the members, Kwon Oh-jun lightly tapped the table, indicating the end of the meeting.

“Each of you, handle your morning preparation time and lunch on your own. Gather at the entrance of Inwangsan Field by 2 PM. That’s all.”

The Forest Covered by Snakes. This was the dungeon I was lucky enough to embark on right after joining <Judgment of Fire>.

***

ippotranslations

***

There wasn’t anything specific needed for the dungeon raid. I had enough equipment, so there was no need to meet Choi Yoo-min.

Moreover, the equipment that had been damaged during the last Swirl Leviathan hunt had all been repaired. Due to the late deployment, there was a chance we might camp within the dungeon. However, I had already prepared for that with Shin Yuna in the morning.

All that was needed was confidence and appropriate tension.

“…You don’t have to be that tense.”

Kang Juyeon, walking next to me, said.

Since there was no one to go with me to the entrance of Inwangsan Field, I was heading there with Kang Juyeon.

By now, I had gotten to know her a bit and didn’t feel uncomfortable when we were together. Unlike yesterday, Kang Juyeon seemed much more relaxed today. She was the one giving advice first, as I could tell.

…Coincidentally, Shin Yuna wasn’t here today.

Did she get mad at Shin Yuna yesterday?

“Various situations supported it, but you have experience hunting A-grade

monsters alone, don’t you?”

“That was really lucky.”

I wonder why she’s suddenly bringing up a topic from the past.

Even if I face it now, I wouldn’t be able to defeat Grizzly Drake now if I were to face it again. …Or could I? If I poured out all the runes I had, maybe I could somehow…

Anyway, hunting an A-grade monster alone. Even now, when I’ve grown much stronger since then, it’s not an easy task.

“I know. Still, compared to an ordinary C-grade Holder, you’re outstanding, and that’s why your party inclusion was suggested, taking into account that you wouldn’t be a nuisance to a B-grade party. Taking all that into consideration, Do Jae-hyun, your party inclusion was advocated.”

Kang Juyeon smiled slightly as if she were going to show herself.

I also responded and said, “Thanks for taking care of me since I joined as an intern. Going to higher-level dungeons with members of the clan who are doing well. I’m lucky.”

“…No.”

Kang Juyeon, whose face seemed to flush for some reason, averted her gaze. As we exchanged such light conversations while walking…

We had already arrived at our destination without realizing it. Among the clan members, we seemed to be the first to arrive, as no one was at the entrance. We found a nearby bench and sat down for a moment.

“Ah.”

While sitting on the bench, Kang Juyeon suddenly remembered something and rummaged through her magic bag. She took out a small bottle and handed it to me.

“…Here”

“What is it?”

A uniquely shaped bottle emitting a green light. Judging by its contents, it was clearly a special type of ‘potion’.

“Detoxification for preventing paralysis due to venom.”

“…Venom?”

“Yeah. Snake-type monsters often carry venom… It’s not a problem with other types, but paralysis venom is dangerous when it takes effect.”

The potency of poison varied depending on the type, but in the case of paralysis venom, it was fatal to the warriors. If a warrior-type, who was supposed to be at the forefront tanking, got paralyzed due to venom and couldn’t move, it could lead to danger for the party.

Kang Juyeon was concerned about this and handed me a [Detoxification Prevention Potion]. If you drank it in advance, you wouldn’t be affected by the poison for a certain period.

It was a thoughtful gift that considered my attributes. However…

‘I have Poison Resistance 8, though…’

When facing the Poisonous Iguana in the Academy Underground Dungeon, I had trained my poison resistance. My poison resistance value was already at 8. My [Venom] was also at level 5, which meant I was almost immune to deadly poison. It was even effective against most snake venoms. I felt sorry for Kang Juyeon, who had prepared the detoxification prevention potion, but in reality, it was useless for me.

“…Thanks. I’m lucky, huh?”

Nevertheless, I accepted the potion with a raised corner of my mouth. Ignoring the thoughtfulness of the gift giver would be one thing, but… If I refuse Kang Juyeon’s gift, the atmosphere might become cold again, just like yesterday.

Honestly, I’m afraid to imagine how things would turn out.