CHAPTER 14
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"Alright, let's regroup," Jehee said, refocusing our attention. "I've already informed the support team, so they'll be here shortly with some supplies. Once we're equipped, we can venture into the dungeon together."
"But, they did promise to level me up, and I won't pass that up. However, can we at least plan this better? I was right in the middle of lunch when I got pulled into this," I protested.
Jehee offered a gentle smile imbued with a hint of regret.
"There's much you need to understand," he remarked softly. "You often seem to overlook the situation you're in."
"What do you mean by that?" I asked, puzzled.
"The contract binding us should be at the forefront of your mind, Seonwoo. Remember, that's the very reason for this agreement," he reminded.
Highest priority? The thought almost made me laugh aloud.
"So, you're suggesting I should place the contract above even my own life? Why would I do that?" I asked.
"This contract isn't a partnership of equals. As explicitly stated in the document, you are 'B,'" Jehee stated bluntly.
Silence fell as the weight of his words sank in.
It was a harsh but true observation, reflecting an undeniable reality. I had, indeed, entered this contract under distress and coercion.
True to Jehee's words, I had momentarily lost sight of my subordinate role.
"Okay, okay, I apologize. I might have overstepped with the 'B' reference. But can't we discuss this over a meal? Even a 'B' needs to eat, Master," I conceded with a mix of resignation and wit.
[Master’s mood improved, gaining +1 Loveliness.]
My words carried a resigned tone, yet they seemed to lift Jehee's spirits.
Was it really pleasing for him to be called 'Master'?
"...Is this some sort of charade?" I questioned, half in jest.
"Haha," he laughed softly.
[Master’s mood improved, gaining +1 Loveliness.]
Was there sincerity in this after all?
As I oscillated between skepticism and acceptance, my gaze shifted between Jehee and myself, my nose crinkling slightly in thought.
A knock interrupted my musing, and I turned to see a man with vibrantly dyed hair and a fashion-forward look, akin to a pop idol, enter the room, carrying something in his arms.
"Enter," came the prompt invitation.
"Isn't the whole point of knocking to wait for a response before entering?" Jehee quipped, a playful edge to his voice.
"What's the point in waiting? You'd just invite me in anyway," the man retorted, his tone laced with a hint of sarcasm. His initiation of the conversation was unexpected, yet intriguing. Despite his seemingly reluctant demeanor, the slight amusement dancing on his face suggested he was partly jesting.
This man, with his jest and demeanor, likely played a pivotal role in this game. But who exactly was he?
"I've brought all the usable protective gear I could find, as requested. But I'm curious, why the sudden interest in a C-grade dungeon? Our esteemed nobleman here usually finds dungeon exploration with others quite tedious."
"That's precisely my question. Why am I involving myself in such a bothersome endeavor?" Jehee mused, rifling through the pile of protective gear on the table.
The man, his hair a striking mix of green with pink streaks, and his eyes, a steely gray behind round lenses, donned an outfit that was an eclectic mix of style and functionality, with straps dangling from his sleeves and pants.
His appearance jogged a memory.
Baek Taera.
Guild master of the Yeolmu Guild, a renowned healer from both the first and second awakenings. His unique "Blaze" awakening skill had catapulted him to S-grade healer status.
Yet, he was more infamously known not as "Blaze" or "Baek Taera," but by another moniker.
Creepy Healer Baek Taera.
A man of contradictions, his outward handsomeness belied a cruel disposition and a perverse sense of humor. He was not one to offer help unless it served his twisted amusement, and was known to resort to violence with little provocation. In short, he was a complex and challenging figure.
"Your brother should be well aware of that; why consult me?"
"I'm as baffled as you are. Seonwoo, here, take this."
In the unsettling company of Taera, a figure I preferred to avoid, I observed the unfolding scene with cautious silence, hoping to remain unnoticed. But Jehee, seemingly aware of my discomfort, deliberately highlighted my presence.
As Jehee ceased speaking, Taera's unsettling pale gray pupils shifted towards me, sending an involuntary shudder through my body. I remembered those eyes weren't the result of cosmetic lenses; their unusual hue stemmed from Baek Taera's relentless use of his powers on his once sightless eyes, a transformation that occurred before his first awakening.
"So, is this the reason my brother is oddly fixated on a C-grade dungeon?" Taera mused, his tone laced with curiosity and a hint of suspicion.
I instinctively recoiled, avoiding Taera's invasive gaze as he leaned closer, examining my features. Despite maintaining a strained smile, the discomfort was palpable.
Taera, known infamously as the "Creepy Healer", was, in reality, one of Jehee's loyal followers. It was Jehee who had guided Taera through dungeons, navigating the challenges of his blindness, and nurtured him into a formidable Hunter. The number of times I had been saved by Taera was countless, far exceeding the digits on both hands.
Taera's influence extended beyond his role as a healer; he possessed significant control over half of the game's strategic forum. As an S-grade healer, he was an indispensable ally to Jehee and a beloved character among the game's community. His striking appearance spurred players to share intricate strategies, especially those extending from Jehee's narrative arc. Some players even advocated for an alternate storyline centered on the enigmatic green-haired character.
It became increasingly clear that the game's design, accommodating both female and male protagonists, influenced the dynamics between these characters and Jehee. Their behavior, tinged with what seemed like jealousy over Jehee's attention, began to raise questions. Even now, the green-haired man stood beside Jehee with an air of pride, as if basking in his own achievements.
"It would be greatly appreciated if you could grasp that I have no interest in that boy, nor any desire to venture into a C-grade dungeon. Frankly, if I had expressed such an interest, you probably wouldn't bear the nickname 'Creepy Healer'"
"Why should my view matter? If you choose to go, then what can I do? You’re being ludicrous."
Silence.
Observing the scene, I couldn't help but notice the green-haired man beside Jehee mirroring the same sentiment, shaking his head in agreement.
I sighed internally, channeling patience deep within. There's a saying: 'Thrice the patience can prevent a murder.' Since homicide wasn't an option, I was prepared to endure, even a hundredfold, if necessary.
As I contemplated the visage of patience personified, my eyes casually drifted over the protective gear set aside by Jehee. A top adorned with the guild's emblem, pants that seemed mundane, but another piece of gear caught my attention, distinct in its uniqueness.
[Emotion skill activation. Initiating emotional response to the item in question.]
[Attempt unsuccessful.]
[Unidentified item: Emotional response failed due to insufficient user stats.]
Frustration crept in. How did I manage with such a lamentably low level? The emotion skill's efficacy was tied to the Hunter's level, meaning without leveling up, improvement was unattainable. However, it appeared that for consumable items like potions or materials, emotional responses could be triggered irrespective of their grade.
As I mulled over the failure of the item emotion skill, the pressing need to level up became evident.
Meanwhile, the verbal duel between Taera and Jehee continued.
"So, you're seriously considering delving into a dungeon for such trivial reasons? Abandoning all your hard-earned progress?"
"That's exactly why I have a capable guild master like you."
"Oh, indeed! Do you think I assumed the role of guild master for such menial tasks? The influx of subpar recruits forced the request acceptance team to halt their activities, and we even had to hire additional staff. Do you really expect me to comply with this?"
Taera, with one hand on his hip and the other raking through his tousled hair, presented a dichotomy of appearances. His faded pink hair, a testament to repeated bleaching and dyeing, suggested a softness, but this was sharply contradicted by his contorted facial expressions and rigid posture.
Jehee, unfazed by Taera's demeanor, responded with a playful chuckle. "Well then, perhaps we should just let go of those subpar members."
"And why recruit them in the first place if they're below standard?" Taera retorted, his frustration evident.
"To keep you appeased," Jehee quipped.
"Argh! This is maddening!" Taera exploded, his hands frantically tousling his hair further.
I couldn't help but empathize with his frustration, annoyance, and anger towards Jehee.
In such moments, the impulse to confront Jehee was strong, regardless of his status or level.
As Taera vented, I found myself silently aligning with his sentiments. There was an odd sense of solidarity in our shared frustration with Jehee.
Still engaged in their heated debate, Taera seemed oblivious to my presence.
"Do you think this is a casual gym gathering? If recruitment was necessary, you should have handled it!"
"He came to me directly, asking to join the guild. It seemed like a futile effort, so I allowed it," Jehee explained.
"Excuse me..." I interjected.
"Then it's your responsibility to deal with the consequences, not mine," Taera shot back.
"That's too bothersome."
"Excuse me?"
"Really, what is it? Can't you see we're in the middle of a discussion? It's impolite to interrupt without even knowing the subject."
I was caught off guard by the sudden attention. A misstep in my words could have dire consequences.
As Taera's fierce gaze bore down on me, Jehee intervened, patting Taera's back and addressing me. "Do you have something to say?"
"No, it's just that I heard about the recruitment for the request acceptance team, and I was wondering if it's possible to make a recommendation."