CHAPTER 28
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"Who are you? Can't you speak?"
"Well, I am…"
Avoiding her strikingly beautiful face, I rolled my eyes, carefully crafting a poised self-introduction. But that notion quickly dissolved under the weight of an arm draped over my shoulder. When I glanced up, I was met by a sleek, handsome countenance.
How could I possibly execute a suave introduction with this man beside me? And what was with this pose? It appeared completely misconstrued. I cast a sideways glance and observed his lips curving gracefully.
It seemed that those mischievous lips had just enunciated the word 'eyeballs'... Why did he always obsess over other people's eyes? What had he ever done for my eyes?
"He's my exclusive supporter."
"You entered into a contract with an exclusive supporter? Impressive! Who would make such a pitiable and regrettable choice?"
"Yes, pitiable and regrettable indeed..."
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[Warning: Due to the Master's upset mood, your charm has decreased by -1.]
Damn, now even speaking the truth causes an uproar. Fine, do as you please. Whatever I do, you'll just manipulate it to your liking, anyway.
"So, you're aware of his terrible personality, huh... What's your name?"
"My name is Yeon Seonwoo. As you've heard, I'm a supporter."
"I'm Shin Sora. I'm here today to act as a mercenary at the request of Lee Jehee."
After a brief handshake, we stepped back, and a familiar window appeared before me.
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[Party leader 'Lee Jehee' has invited 'Shin Sora' to the party.]
"Please take care of me."
"Yes, I'll do my best too."
Sora smiled brightly, her beauty radiating effortlessly. For a moment, I forgot who she was, the character she portrayed.
Why had she become my favorite character again?
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As we entered the dungeon, the same vast meadow as before stretched out before us. Scattered here and there, deer grazed on the lush grass. Monsters had regenerated after a certain period. However, unlike our initial entry, the plains were not completely overrun by them; they were scattered more sporadically.
[Party member 'Shin Sora' has defeated a 'Giant Horned Deer.']
"Is it because it's been a while since I've been in a C-rank dungeon?"
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[Party member 'Shin Sora' has defeated a 'Giant Horned Deer.']
Sora turned toward us, her smile radiant, even as her hands efficiently dispatched monsters, triggering a continuous stream of status messages.
"These mobs are too cute."
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[Party member 'Shin Sora' has defeated a 'Giant Horned Deer.']
[Party member 'Shin Sora' has defeated a 'Giant Horned Deer.']
[Party member 'Shin Sora' has defeated a 'Giant Horned Deer.']
[(......)]
Shin Sora, who had just described the monsters as adorable, swiftly moved on to another creature, skillfully using her shield's edge to sever its neck. With each powerful swing of her solid, hefty shield, nearby monsters met a swift demise.
"Kiee... Ack!"
"Oh, look at this one! It even makes noises?"
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[Party member 'Shin Sora' has defeated a 'Giant Horned Deer.']
The monstrous creature, which had been emitting eerie sounds, abruptly had its cry silenced as a swift blade sliced through its neck. It crumpled to the ground, leaving me in wide-eyed shock, trembling. In stark contrast, Jehee and Chorok averted their gazes with expressions of pure disdain.
"They're as endearing as our Chorok," remarked Sora.
I remained silent.
The creature, now described as cute as Chorok, twitched with its neck partially severed by the shield. Sora swiftly dispatched it with another precise strike of her shield. She then turned to Chorok, her expression radiant.
I could understand why Han Chorok nervously fiddled with his own collar.
"Cute Chorok, when will you join our guild, huh?" Sora inquired.
"But your guild only accepts female hunters," Chorok pointed out hesitantly.
"That's true," she admitted, "So, if you rid yourself of that thing you're wearing, we'll gladly welcome you. It's not like it's useful for anything."
Chorok's silence spoke volumes.
"Chorok, you know your sister adores you, right?" Sora's tone turned affectionate. "Come to us when you're ready, my dear."