Chapter 16

# 16

User Manual for the Reincarnated 016

When five people gather, there's bound to be one who's a waste (1)

‘Not bad.’

Showing magic was not a bad choice.

Kim Hyun-sung and Park Deok-gu are definitely strong. However, it's sometimes ambiguous whether their strength comes from the system or if they were originally strong.

It's natural that raising a shield and advertising the ability to gain new power doesn't resonate much.

In comparison, magic is a bit different.

A ball of fire appeared out of the empty air.

It's a sight that completely shatters existing common sense and is hard to believe even when seen with one's own eyes.

It's the best way to get the crouched people to come out of the cave.

Seeing the people quietly getting excited, Kim Hyun-sung muttered,

“It's successful.”

“It might just be a little different. Those who don't want to fight will still be afraid... Perhaps some will push themselves too hard, thinking they can gain new power.”

“Still, it's better than starving to death, sir.”

“Yeah, maybe.”

Park Hye-young is seen climbing the podium, receiving many congratulations.

“If Hye-young and Hyeon return successfully, this phenomenon will likely accelerate.”

This expedition is crucial for Kim Hyun-sung.

While it's still unknown how the dungeon's strategy will proceed, it's clear that Kim Hyun-sung's strength alone is insufficient.

His current abilities are only slightly better than Park Deok-gu's.

He has high magic power, but it's not enough to handle dozens of creatures at once.

Given the amount of responsibility he's shouldering, he would want to delegate the task of dealing with the creatures around the shelter to others.

‘Unnecessary sense of responsibility.’

If it weren't for that, he might have taken a step further.

While I was momentarily distracted, Park Hye-young approached, shook hands with Kim Hyun-sung, Park Deok-gu, and me, and said,

“Please take care of me.”

“Likewise.”

I admit she has quite a good charisma.

Smiling casually, I looked at her, and Park Hye-young also touched the back of my hand, signaling something.

Of course, Jung Hyeon is more important.

Turning my head, I saw Jung Hyeon quietly watching me.

‘Huh.’

It was a slightly different expression from what I've seen before.

The moment I looked into Jung Hyeon's eyes, which were gazing at Park Hye-young with a somber expression, I felt a brief chill down my back.

‘Damn.’

I felt goosebumps all over my body.

‘What. What just happened.’

“Sir, are you feeling unwell? You're sweating...”

“I'm just a bit unwell...”

“Hey, the expedition is tomorrow. You should rest well today. Studying every day like this isn't good.”

“I understand.”

“Tsk. Who would have thought... Are you not eating well these days? I'm not particularly worried about you, but... at least take care of yourself.”

I don't care about Park Deok-gu's muttering.

I quickly turned my head and looked at Jung Hyeon again.

Her usual eyes.

I thought it might be a mistake, but I definitely didn't see it wrong. I saw her looking at me and smiling like an idiot.

‘What.’

Something is wrong.

I can't pinpoint exactly what, but I feel a sense of unease, so I swallowed hard.

* * *

“Let me repeat. Park Deok-gu will be at the front, followed by Kim Hyun-sung and Park Hye-young. Jung Hyeon and I will be at the back. The battle method is simple. Park Deok-gu will shield the front, and I will cover the back. Since there aren't many creatures around the shelter, we will advance a bit and then start hunting. Any questions?”

“None.”

“None.”

“Same here.”

“Okay, okay...”

This is the repetition of the same briefing for the umpteenth time.

The content is different from when I, Park Deok-gu, and Kim Hyun-sung went out.

This shows how important Kim Hyun-sung considers this expedition.

It's not just about adding two new members.

The success of this hunt will determine the direction of the group in the shelter.

If everyone returns safely, the people in the shelter will gain more confidence. If something goes wrong, things might get complicated.

The arrangement of personnel also has a hidden purpose.

‘He wants to score points, I guess.’

Kim Hyun-sung's goal is quite similar to mine.

To get Jung Hyeon.

Of course, I'm not targeting her rationally. His goal is to build a relationship with a future strong person.

‘Jung Hyeon.’

To summarize, the safe return of the group and building a relationship with a legendary mage.

There's no reason to resist the position assignment or to feel anxious.

‘I need to observe the situation.’

The look in Jung Hyeon's eyes I saw then.

I hope it was just my imagination, but I felt the need to keep a distance from her and observe her.

“Wouldn't it be better to put Jung Hyeon in the middle? Being in the same position as you would be the best...”

“No, this is the best. This is the best position.”

“Well, if you say so...”

“Hyun-sung is stronger than we think. It's ideal for him to hunt at the front, and putting Jung Hyeon at the back with Hyun-sung as a backup is the most efficient, as long as we don't get surrounded.”

“Yes, that's true.”

Kim Hyun-sung nodded in agreement with my words.

It feels like he's trying to score points, but it's fine.

Looking at Jung Hyeon, whose expression was slightly wrinkled, Kim Hyun-sung quietly said,

“You don't need to worry too much.”

“Huh? Oh... Yes.”

“Then, should I stay close to Ki-yeong?”

“Hye-young, you should assist Ki-yeong well. A spear would be suitable.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“Then let's start. The route is as I told you...”

“Where was it again...”

“I'll show you.”

I already have the geography of this place memorized.

Park Deok-gu sent a grateful look.

I'm not sure if he's uninterested in the surroundings or overly dependent on me, but he seems to find thinking tiring.

Seeing the large wooden shield he held, he looked quite reliable.

Just by appearance, I would give more points to Park Deok-gu than Kim Hyun-sung.

His equipment is a crude leather armor I made and a shield picked up at the starting point, but it's not bad.

“Shall we start?”

“Let's do it.”

Everyone nodded slightly.

Park Hye-young and Jung Hyeon seemed a bit tense.

It's natural to be afraid when thinking about encountering the monsters we met at the starting point.

I casually reassured Park Hye-young, who was next to me.

“You don't need to worry too much.”

“Was it obvious?”

“There won't be a situation like at the starting point where the monsters come in a group. The area is already somewhat cleared, and as long as Deok-gu holds the front, you can calmly stab the monsters with your spear. It might be a bit scary, but you can do it.”

“You're surprisingly kind.”

Of course, I have to be.

‘If you panic, I'm the one who dies.’

Anything can happen during battle. Who knows if I might get stabbed by her blind thrust.

Turning slightly, I saw Kim Hyun-sung talking to Jung Hyeon.

He seemed to be paying attention to various things, but Jung Hyeon didn't seem interested in Kim Hyun-sung.

She quietly bowed her head or gave short answers, making communication difficult.

I recalled the time I spent trying to get closer to Jung Hyeon.

When I met her eyes and smiled, she nodded with a very happy expression.

Feeling superior in our relationship, I felt good.

“Oh, are you flirting? Isn't your partner me?”

“I was just checking the rear. And excessive chatter during movement is...”

“Yes, I know.”

At that moment,

“Here they come. Get ready.”

“Got it.”

Kim Hyun-sung's voice came from behind, and Park Deok-gu muttered in front.

He still seemed tense, and his body was tense.

“While Deok-gu holds the front, Hye-young will deal with the monsters. Ki-yeong, be prepared for any situation.”

I nodded.

Park Hye-young, who looked calm, now showed a bit of fear and tension.

No matter how much we are here, the one who has to finish the job is Park Hye-young.

It would be strange if she weren't afraid.

A single voice came from the left.

“Deok-gu, it's right in front of you.”

“I know, sir.”

Park Deok-gu rushed in, turned the corner, and pushed the monster with his shield.

Crack!

The monster was trapped between the dead-end wall and the shield.

Park Hye-young followed me in but still looked flustered.

“Gaaaaah!”

“Damn... Still a frustrating face.”

“What do I do?”

Her trembling arms, wobbling legs.

I could tell exactly what was happening.

It's amazing she didn't wet herself.

“What, how.”

“Stab it.”

“Hey, resolve it quickly. It's hard to hold on.”

“Ahh...”

The somewhat relaxed demeanor she showed before was gone.

Her eyes were alive, but her body didn't seem to listen to her.

She probably didn't even know why she was acting this way.

‘Stupid... Just pretending to be strong.’

I gently grabbed her arm from behind. Holding her trembling hand on the spear, her trembling subsided.

I whispered in her ear.

Since it wasn't a situation where she could scream, I thought it would be more effective to convey it quietly rather than yelling.

“If you do this again, we all die. Understand?”

“Yes.”

“Put strength in your arm.”

“...”

The strength in her arm.

I slowly thrust the spear towards the monster's body, which Park Deok-gu was holding, and her arm followed.

I was the one thrusting, but she would feel the sensation too.

Plop!

Unknown liquids started to spurt out.

Feeling disgusted, I grabbed her arm again as she tried to drop the spear.

“It's not dead yet. Don't lose strength.”

“Gaaaaah!”

The monster, still struggling, tried to scratch Park Deok-gu, who was holding it.

I grabbed her hand again and thrust the spear.

It was a disgusting sensation.

“Think of it as meat.”

“Yes, yes.”

Plop!

Crack!

I continued to thrust the spear.

Even though the monster was already motionless, it was effective to get her used to it.

After a while, Park Deok-gu slightly moved his shield away from the monster.

I also lowered the arm that was holding Park Hye-young's hand.

The monster naturally collapsed. She was still thrusting the spear at it.

I'm not sure if it was to overcome her fear, but she was biting her lip and putting strength into her hand holding the spear.

‘I can understand.’

Taking a life is inherently unfamiliar.

No matter how much the other is a monster, it doesn't change.

After a long time of the disgusting sounds, I heard her panting, exhausted.

She must have had all sorts of thoughts.

I approached Park Hye-young, who was sitting on the ground, and spoke carefully.

“Good job.”

There was no response.