The Protagonists Are Murdered By Me Chapter 8: 41-45, a 13 tzameti fanfic

There was a time when ordinary hunters were called heroes.

A tale from 30 years ago during the Great War.

The emergence of strange monsters.

Those who calmly hunted strange beings far stronger than them during war.

Not affiliated with any group, they were the very first hunters who wandered the battlefield.

Places where the military couldn't reach, dungeons and cities where fighter jets and tanks couldn't enter, and places that nobody cared about…they went around such battlefields saving lives.

People called them 'heroes.'

'That's all in the past.'

Lee Junseok smiled bitterly as he looked down at the master swordsmen from the VIP seat.

It was funny to him that even though he has nothing to do with swords, he was given a VIP seat just because he's a S-Rank hunter.

'It's supposed to be a swordsmanship debate, so why make a big deal about superhumans.'

He calmly raised his head and saw Yoo Seodam sitting in the Constantini family section.

Ordinary hunters, once seen as heroes.

The kind of people who used just a knife or gun against giant monsters.

But, everything changed once superhumans appeared.

Being able to subdue monsters cheaper, more efficiently, more perfectly, and more brilliantly, they are in every way superior to ordinary hunters.

F-Rank?

Such a rank doesn't exist for superhumans in the first place.

All superhumans are ranked starting from E-Rank.

That's to say, F-Rank is just a way to group ordinary hunters.

Peace was restored, the military rose, and enterprise started up again.

And superhumans became the perfect means of business.

They were able to hunt monsters more efficiently and gather 'aether crystals,' while dazzling the world with their brilliant abilities.

However, the number of superhumans were small and there were mostly only F-Rank hunters who needed time to grow at the time.

Thus, the first 'Hunters Association' started hiring a large number of ordinary hunters.

They had only one goal.

Create a hunting guide using the hunters' experience.

And as expected, the hunters without superpowers provided the most insight and were vital to the development of the hunter industry.

Just, their use was only that.

Lee Junseok still remembers.

When he first gained superpowers and became a D-Rank hunter.

And what a F-Rank hunter who was 9 years his senior said to him.

'…They decided to send you to this D-Rank dungeon instead of me.'

'What? Didn't you say it was your turn?'

It was odd.

The distribution of dungeons was supposed to be equal within the guild.

'Yeah. It was. However, the guild decided that sending you is more efficient.'

'Ah…'

At the time, Lee Junseok had only hunted three times, while his senior was a 9 year veteran.

The reason was because ordinary hunters wasted too much money each hunt.

Compared to a superhuman who could finish a mission with just one aether dispenser.

After that day, the senior hunter who had taught Lee Junseok quit the industry.

From that moment, Lee Junseok, faced with the reality that the veteran F-Rank hunters who have been protecting him since young would slowly disappear, he began to have a strange feeling.

'Even though they don't have superpowers, still…'

'Junseok. I've decided to quit this time.'

One by one, his idols, the ordinary hunters, began to leave the industry.

Guilds and corporations gave ordinary hunters almost no work, and in a world where peace has been established, it was difficult finding a hunting job alone.

These hunters who once put their bodies on the line for humanity did not even receive a single word of praise after retirement.

They were slowly forgotten by everyone.

Just like that.

It became a natural occurrence.

Every morning there would be news of a F-Rank hunter's failure and articles suggesting they were useless.

F-Rank hunters may have been the salvation of humanity during the Great War, but now they were of no use in this peaceful era.

When Lee Junseok finally became a S-Rank hunter, he was able to use his influence to move within the Hunters Association.

That was when he realized.

'…Were they purposely given these missions?'

The F-Rank hunters' mission success rate was falling exponentially because they were purposely given 'impossible missions.'

In other words, they were sent into dungeons with statistically low chance of clearing.

Also, when a F-Rank hunter accomplished something great, it was only covered a little bit by the media.

It was as if to hide their achievements.

And, it wasn't just one corporation.

Many national Hunters Association did the same.

He had brought up the case to the current president of the Hunter Association at the time.

What the president of the association then said to Lee Junseok still lingers in his mind.

'They're useless now anyway.'

'What?'

'That's why they've fallen off. This era is for superhuman hunters, not ordinary ones.'

The president of the association had also called F-Rank hunters 'money-sucking ants.'

And, ever since the establishment of the Superhuman Academy, the need for ordinary hunters continued to fall.

'It's just the natural flow of life.'

Looking at the president of the association who acted as if everything was fine, Lee Junseok gave a defeated laugh.

Who put you in the position you are in now?

Who stood up to save humanity?

Who gave up their life so you can live?

Who the hell was it?

Lee Junseok didn't have the courage to say it then, and it's been years since.

Now everyone in the world is aware.

F-Rank hunters are no longer needed.

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How many years have you been a veteran on the battlefield?

It's certainly great.

But only great.

That's all.

It's very rare nowadays for anyone to see ordinary hunters as special.

But even if they did, they would still be disregarded.

In the end, there is almost no active F-Rank hunter left, and it's safe to say that there are none that have been active for more than 10 years.

So Yoo Seodam is a very special case.

He also survived the politics of Lost Day, and is a person who has gone to Hell Gate and back.

'Rather, I wish I could bring him to our guild.'

Lost Day, Velvet, and every other guild were afraid of the Association' influence, so they were reluctant to recruit a F-Rank.

Even if it's a 15 year veteran.

However, when Lee Junseok looked into Yoo Seodam's eyes today, he realized.

'This guy, there's something.'

'There's no way he doesn't know how he's treated unless he's a fool.'

Yet, he still remains in the hunter industry…like he's aiming for something.

'…Are you going to make a guild? Do something political? Business?'

He's certain, one way or another, Yoo Seodam will do something big in the future.

In the meantime, if he can somehow involve himself with Yoo Seodam.

Pah!

Thwak!

"Heup!"

"Head!"

The sparring had begun and numerous masters were competing with their real swords, but Lee Junseok did not give them a single glance.

However, the Costantini family's section.

For a long time, he looked at Yoo Seodam.

Most superhumans are the 'strength' type.

They had the simple ability of strengthening their body.

This worked well with the use of aether blades against monsters.

However, how could anyone who has never used a sword be able to swing it properly just because they held one?

Thus, swordsmanship clans with a long tradition that span hundreds of years began to teach their swordsmanship to superhumans.

That's how the first swordsmanship debate started, but now, its original purpose has blurred.

Superhumans no longer want the teachings of ordinary people.

Rather, they wanted to learn from their senior superhumans who have wielded the swords for years.

So that's why master swordsmen worked even harder, but…

'It's bullshit.'

The swordsmanship debate had already become a 'social event.'

One by one, superhumans began to replace the swordsman clans as 'master swordsmen.'

And then they would talk and laugh among themselves.

Now, superhumans are no longer interested in the swordsmanship of ordinary people.

They saw no need for it.

Taylor sneaked a side glance.

Yoo Seodam.

She was wondering what he was thinking as he silently watched the ordinary master swordsmen sparring.

For some reason, Taylor began to feel nauseous, so she got up from her seat.

"Where are you going?"

"It's over."

"The main event with Celeste is about to start."

"Oh. I'll be back before that. I'm going to have a smoke."

She didn't want to smoke in front of Seodam, so she just said that and left.

In the end, it's a friendly competition among master swordsmen by showing off one's disciple.

That's to be expected.

However, it has nothing to do with Seodam, and Taylor didn't care about it either.

There were quite a few people wandering around the corridor since it was break time.

Like Taylor, some people were smoking, while others went to the bathroom or were socializing in the corridor.

And, among them was Aren.

A S-Rank superhuman with a big ego for being in the Master Swordsmen Association.

Although he's not from a prestigious family, he has a very good reputation for his sword skills and performance in the hunter industry.

Just, he looked at the weak with contempt.

He was talking to the competing swordsmen, but unlike him who was smiling, they looked very uncomfortable.

"Of course. As a master, this level of success is nothing."

A superhuman among ordinaries.

He's probably enjoying some sense of superiority.

However, Taylor, who knew Aren well, is certain that's the case.

It was obvious why the ordinary master swordsmen would have an uncomfortable look.

'Ah, shit.'

Taylor turned around in a hurry, but unfortunately it was too late.

"Oh, Taylor!"

"…Ah, fuck."

Thinking that today couldn't get any worse, Taylor glared at Aren.

Excusing himself from the master swordsmen, he approached Taylor, and unlike the master swordsmen' expression, she had a blank expression.

"Say what you have to say, then fuck off."

"Haha, why are you so cranky? I heard you came here, but I was too busy to find you. Did you have lunch? Should we get together for a meal later?"

Taylor, with a puzzled look, asked.

"Me? With you? Why?"

"There's a restaurant around here, and I'm familiar with the chef…"

"Hey."

She took a pack of cigarettes out of her pocket and sighed.

"I'm so damn tired right now and don't have time for this. So shut up and fuck off."

"…Really?"

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Aren stared at Taylor, and with a stiff look, asked.

"Yoo Seodam. He's here this time as well, isn't he? As the Constantini family's sword instructor."

"What?"

"Right? It's Yoo Seodam, isn't it?"

Taylor stopped fiddling with her pack of cigarettes and looked at Aren coldly.

However, he continued to speak.

"You know you've been acting strange, right?

Aren is now a 12 year veteran.

When he was a rookie, Taylor had already been working as a hunter for three years.

Even though it was only three years, Taylor at the time was bolder, more courageous, more determined, and a better leader than anyone else.

Aren knew that her harsh words and actions were just a means to unite her teams.

Perhaps Aren became interested in Taylor since then.

So he had approached her several times because it didn't matter to him whether she was dating or not as long as she truly didn't fall in love with someone else.

However.

"Ever since meeting Yoo Seodam. Haven't you grown tired of him?"

Taylor was never the same again and did not look at anyone else.

Since 12 years, no, 15 years ago when he first debuted.

Taylor had said she only wanted to follow Yoo Seodam.

He couldn't understand it.

There are many talented and outstanding people, so why Yoo Seodam who has no superpowers?

Taylor smiled and asked a question.

"Hey."

"Tell me."

"Then let me ask you, who's better than Yoo Seodam?"

"What?"

Aren, who was bewildered by Taylor's question, tried to answer but.

"Superpowers? Wealth? I don't need any of that. You know why? Because I have it all."

"Taylor."

"I don't need everything. It doesn't matter if it's a F or S-Rank superhuman. And just because Yoo Seodam is a F-Rank hunter, is his value as a person F-Rank?"

On the contrary.

"S-Rank…aren't you only a S-Rank superhuman?"

"…"

Taylor almost spat out her words.

"You. I used to think you were annoying. I've changed my mind."

She always spoke with a foul mouth.

However, when she was really angry, she didn't swear at all, but rather, she smiled.

A pretty lively and refreshing smile.

"You're just revolting."

Said Taylor with a pretty smile on her face, then she walked away.

For a long time, Aren stood there as he clenched his fists, lost in thought.

'…Yoo Seodam.'

Ultimately, this is an era where ability meant everything, so he couldn't understand why Taylor was obsessed with Yoo Seodam.

Someone who has less 'absolute worth' than himself.

'Rather, if only I could thoroughly crush Yoo Seodam.'

With a stiff expression, he returned to the stadium.

As he was trying to silently find his seat in the Okamato family's section, he thought the atmosphere was strange.

[Celeste Costantini VS Sanagi Okamoto]

'Oh, has it started already?'

Thinking that he might have been late after talking to Taylor, he looked down at the stadium.

Initially, he wasn't interested in the battle.

He taught Sanagi swordsmanship himself, and Celeste was lower rank in the first place, so she was not a match for Sanagi.

So most people thought it was like a waterfall falling upwards, and everyone had predicted the outcome.

Such a reason.

Strangely, the stadium was quiet for some reason.

"…Huh?"

Haap!

Thuk, chaang!

Everything was still.

Only the sound of the two women's voice and their swords colliding filled the stadium.

With trembling eyes, Aren continued to watch.

Sanagi Okamoto.

She was losing to Celeste Constantini.

A C-Rank was losing against a D-Rank.

'This…does it make any sense?'

The difference between D-Rank and C-Rank is like the difference between a bicycle and a car.

Even if the car is driven slowly, you can never lose.

Or, like a battle between a child and an adult?

No, it was more like a battle between a rat and a cat.

But now.

The rat has bitten the cat.

The bicycle has crushed the car.

Such an unbelievable thing was happening.

Is it because Celeste had suddenly awakened to C-Rank?

No.

Everyone in their seat could see.

She was still just D-Rank.

Then, there is only one reason why Celeste was dominating Sanagi.

'Celeste's swordsmanship is overwhelming Sanagi's swordsmanship."

Enough to make up for the difference in their physique ability.

However, last time, Celeste did not overwhelm Sanagi's swordsmanship, and instead it was about even.

So what is the explanation for her sudden growth this year?

Some who have reached that thought, looked at the 'master' who was sitting in the Costantini family's section.

There, sitting was a F-Rank hunter with no superpowers.

Celeste's swordsmanship was quite…

Right, it was quite beautiful.

Modern swordsmanship is just heavy and rigid movements like hitting something with a hard rock.

And a flower that bloomed in the crevice of such rock could not look anymore beautiful.

A dance that seems to express the flow of water.

No, that's not right.

It was like a flickering flame.

A flower blooming and withering, as a butterfly flies up and settles down.

Every time Seodam blinked his eyes.

A different picture unfolded before him.

'…This, when did she get to such a level?'

Seodam looked at Celeste with a puzzled look.

He knew she was talented.

Because he had taught her how to control her footwork, body movement, and breathing to complement her swordsmanship.

However, it was 'crude.'

Makeshift methods with no foundation.

Somehow, Celeste had managed to raise her skill to this extent in a short period of time with just that.

Seodam's teaching obviously played a big part, but with her talent, she might be able to create her own swordsmanship in the future.

Though, it would still take hundreds of years for the swordsmanship she creates to catch up to the other worlds.

"What's that…"

"What the hell is that footwork?"

"…What kind of swordsmanship is that?"

The master swordsmen began to mutter among themselves.

And a few people glanced at Yoo Seodam.

Some even recognized him.

'Come to think of it, that man took down a B-Rank mutant without wearing an aether suit…'

'Huh. There was a case like that a few months ago.'

'I thought it was amazing when I saw his sword, but did he teach her that?'

Eventually.

Kwang!!

With one final push of her sword, Celeste knocked down Sanagi.

Clap clap clap!

Despite it being only a sparring match, the master swordsmen applauded.

Only?

No.

Rather, it was tenser than usual.

It was common knowledge that a superhuman cannot overpower someone of higher rank.

Seodam, having finished recording the match with his phone, lightly clapped.

'I think the video came out well…'

"What? Is it over already?"

"Yeah. She won."

Taylor, who was late to her seat, spoke nonchalantly.

"What's the video for?"

"I heard she's going to upload it on social media."

"…Shit."

Not having any fond memories of Celeste's social media, she frowned.

"I guess she's planning on spreading the fact that she beat a C-Rank. Isn't that child worse than me in a way?"

Celeste was confident she would win.

Otherwise she wouldn't have asked Seodam to record the match.

While Seodam checked the video taken on his phone and waited for the next match, several swordsmen in uniform approached him.

"Excuse me, but you're Yoo Seodam, right?"

"Yes. May I help you?"

"Out of curiosity I came to meet the Costantini family eldest daughter's sword instructor."

They were speaking in English, but it came out in Korean through their expensive translators.

Though, it wasn't necessary since Seodam spoke both Korean and English.

They weren't the only ones approaching.

Most of the ordinary master swordsmen started sneaking a peek at Seodam.

Yoo Seodam.

He knew how desperate they were because he knows the sorrow of being ordinary.

They have spent their entire lives seeking only the sword.

But just because they don't have superpowers, they were no match against even children.

It was a situation similar to martial artists who have reached a bottleneck and are searching for a chance to break that wall.

Or like a bee wandering for nectar.

They were very eager.

If only a price was given…

'…Why don't I make my mark after learning proper swordsmanship from other worlds?'

Superhumans who have absorbed aether into their body cannot cultivate the mana of other worlds.

However, what if you're an ordinary person who hasn't done that?

By cultivating other worlds' mana, you'll be able to learn both martial arts and magic.

Mistreated and ignored.

A mark only for the ordinary.

Gaining superpowers through magic.

Teaching martial arts to those who want to be on the forefront of the battlefield.

Soon, it will be my strength.

'If only I could give retired hunters a chance…'

Such thoughts suddenly dominated Seodam's head, and with difficulty, he shook it off.

He's certain there will be other ordinary people who want the ability too.

Although it's advantageous for him, it would give hope to those who had no choice but to give up their dreams.

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However, it's not the right time yet.

Seodam has more time in other worlds than on Earth.

For now it's crucial that he grows strong enough to be able to protect himself, and he also hasn't reached a level where he could teach someone.

He just casually sparred with Celeste a few times, yet she managed to learn everything on her own.

A genius like Celeste, how many more are there on Earth?

'It's still too early.'

If only he could gather all those who are unable to show their talents as allies.

It would be a great force.

One by one, I took the business cards from the master swordsmen.

Their interest was only a curiosity, and there were many who didn't approach me because they weren't swordsmen, but it doesn't matter.

For the first time, I realized how hungry these masters swordsmen were for swordsmanship.

I left to go to the bathroom when I found the chance, and washed my face with cold water at the sink.

This swordsmanship debate had given me many ideas.

"…!"

Suddenly, I felt a chill down my back.

Instinctively, my hand was already on the aether blade at my waist, and the other hand was holding the trigger of my aether pistol.

"…What are you doing?"

Said someone, pointing a sword at Seodam's neck.

I raised my head, looked in the mirror, and saw a middle-aged man with a stern face.

"What the hell are you doing? To spread martial arts to Earth. That's strictly forbidden. Have you forgotten your oath?"

What?

I felt something very different.

That strange and mysterious way of speaking as if from another world.

And the energy he exudes.

Surely he's…

"…You, just to be sure. Are you a dimensional returnee?"

Then, as if it's natural, the middle-aged man spoke.

"Isn't that obvious? In the Murim you reveal your affiliation."

"Huh."

I never thought I'd see a dimensional returnee.

In other words, a person who fell into another world and returned with the unusual power called 'wugong.'

There are not many, but their individual strength exceeds A-Rank and some even S-Rank, so a number of forces have tried to recruit them, with only a few succeeding.

One of the reasons is that there is an 'unwritten rule' and 'pact' among the people of Murim.

Don't pass on wugong to Earth.

Don't have relations to Earth.

"Ji Jian is in seclusion around here. Also, I'm sure one of the 'Kings' is hiding in Korea. Wouldn't it be bad for you to provoke them?"

Ji Jian?

Kings?

I've heard dimensional returnees were unusual, but I had no idea what to make of this conversation.

"If I've broken the oath…"

I stopped there because I wasn't going to have a proper conversation with someone who was pointing a sword at my neck.

"Excuse me, but let's put down the sword first."

"…Excuse me."

Only then did the man slowly put away his sword.

I turned my head and saw a badge hanging on the man's neck that shows he's one of the staff members managing Jamsil Stadium.

Hmm.

At a glance, he's not giving off any energy, but is he really living as a normal person?

'If we fought, I think it's possible to hold out.'𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝𝕦𝕤𝕓.𝕔𝕠𝒎

I'm sure Taylor would come running in a reasonable amount of time after sensing something is wrong, so there's no problem just having a conversation.

The name 'Kim Duhak' was written on the name tag.

"I don't know what you are thinking, but it's a misunderstanding."

"I'm sorry to threaten you. But if you're a traitor who has renegade on the terms, then it's my mission to dispose of you immediately…"

"No, not that. I'm saying I'm not a dimensional returnee."

"What?"

I've heard some rumors while active.

'All dimensional returnees engrave their affiliation onto their heart.'

It's to prove that even if they've returned to Earth, they would never forget the teachings they had learned in the other worlds, so they swore an oath to the heart.

The tattoo, which was engraved using an unusual skill, could never be removed or changed.

I unbuttoned my shirt to show my chest.

Duhak, seeing that there was nothing but surgical scars, looked surprised.

"…No way."

"Now do you understand? You got the wrong person."

"Impossible. It must have been 'wugong.' How…"

"Is there a law that says there can't be wugong on Earth?"

As soon as I said that, Duhak with an embarrassed look, hurriedly cupped his fist and palm together.

'Is it a greeting or something?'

"I sincerely apologize! Since I'm the one at fault, I want to make up to you."

"No, you don't have to…"

I've heard that all dimensional returnees had a unique personality, and the one in front of me is certainly the case.

They value righteousness, keeping their promises, and helping the weak.

However, there were those who couldn't adapt to life back on Earth, so there were news reports of dimensional returnees from time to time.

Naturally, most were found dead the next day.

"…You don't have to apologize."

I took out my F-Rank Hunter business card.

It's in pretty good condition even though I haven't used it in a while.

Then, with a smile, I spoke.

"Let's find some time to get to know one another."

Dimensional returnee.

I felt the need to look into it a bit more.

I've thought about it before.

Is there no more protagonist on Earth?

Or, am I the protagonist?

From what I've concluded.

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'There must be a protagonist on Earth.'

And if there is one, it's not me.

The reason is simple.

The Client had said, 'according to the protagonist's mutual non-aggression pact, Epilogue will occur if two meet each other.'

'Is that so?'

Yes.

The Client, who had returned, answered my question.

Though, she didn't answer the question of where she has been.

Anyways.

Last time, she said if Lee Yeonjun were to exit the dungeon, the blessings of two protagonists would collide, resulting in the Earth's epilogue.

That means there's definitely another protagonist out there somewhere on Earth.

I initially thought it might be one of the SS-Rank superhuman, but after meeting a dimensional returnee, I changed my mind.

'If another protagonist really exists on Earth, there's a good chance it's a dimensional returnee.'

I almost couldn't even detect a normal person from Murim who possessed such a powerful force.

So a master from Murim who has a 'nickname' might be at least SS-Rank, or even higher.

Of course, this is all just a guess.

It turns out that the prowess of wugong is so great that it's no different from Earth's superpowers?

After quietly returning to my seat, it seems the debate is nearing its end.

If masters have been fighting each other to compare swordsmanship so far, now it's really become a platform for discussion.

The main purpose of the event is to bring together people who wished to show off their swords and discuss it with one another.

The one who's currently receiving the most attention is Celeste.

It could be said that Sanagi was the protagonist last year, but now she's nowhere to be seen.

To be honest, I felt a little sorry for her, but what can I do?

I didn't feel much sympathy because I've always been treated like that.

Ba-boom!!

Unlike everywhere else, a loud sound rang out in one corner of the stadium, and sure enough, it was Aren.

That crazy fellow, what's wrong with him?

"It's because of you."

"What did I do?"

"Aren, that bastard, came as the Okamoto's eldest daughter master. But if a woman he taught lost to the woman you taught, wouldn't he want to punch you?"

Taylor, who seemed to be in a bad mood until a moment ago, has a big smile on her face.

I'm not sure, but something good must have happened.

[A total of seven types of artifacts have been detected on the target.]

[Do you wish to start the search?]

"What?"

I check again to see if I saw it wrongly.

Seven types.

'Not two?'

I slowly nodded my head, and White Witch's Library activated.

[Searching…]

[Search complete: Original spells imprint.]

[Magic identified as Enhance Strength (B), Enhance Speed (C), Flame Bullet (C), Reduce Friction (C), and…]

Crazy.

So many?

From the pictures, only two artifacts were found, but when I checked in person, I was able to detect every magic that came from the artifacts.

That's pretty much a magic swordsman, no?

'But how does he have so many artifacts?'

[It's possible with advanced magic.]

[However, the target has used too many artifacts and it has clogged his body with residue.]

[If the person's mana and the artifact's mana interfere with each other, it may overload and cause mana poisoning.]

…So he's not just carrying a few body enhancing artifacts on him, but also a ticking time bomb.

Soon that fellow will be maimed or killed.

He might not feel any changes in his body right now because of his 'strong physique.'

But very slowly.

The magic will eat away at his body.

'It's not strong enough where others will get caught in the explosion, right?'

[Yes.]

[Do you wish to try cracking?]

After a short thought, I shook my head.

The artifacts are a part of his ability, so there's no need for me to justify it.

Besides, equipment benefited me the most, and none of mine are damaged.

'Let's leave it alone. Unless necessary…'

"Miss Costantini."

When I was about to instruct the White Witch's Library, I looked up.

"As a senior hunter and a master swordsman, how about we spar?"

Before I knew it, Aren, with a smiling face, had approached Celeste asking for a spar.

Wow, I was speechless.

What are you trying to do against a child?

Celeste showed a troubled look, knowing that this was a real confrontation under the pretense of a spar.

In the end, this was inevitable.

"…start Cracking."

If someone tries to fuck me on purpose, I have no choice but to give it back.

I'm not the type to sit still and get hit.

Celeste was troubled by Aren's sudden proposal for a spar.

It was common for the strong to give lessons to the weak at swordsmanship debates.

Even if it's a master instructor from another family.

And, saying no is okay, of course.

She was the eldest daughter of the Constantini family, and he's the master instructor of the Okamoto family's eldest daughter, so it wasn't common to give lessons, however, in some ways, it would be rude to refuse.

No, it's not disrespectful, and Celeste didn't really want to accept this fight.

'What would father have done?'

She briefly thought about it.

If her father was D-Rank facing a S-Rank hunter who's obviously trying to vent his anger by teaching him a lesson.

'…He would have accepted it.'

If there's something you can learn, tough it out and learn.

That was Salvatore Constantini's motto, and he was ostracized by other swordsmen.

Of course, the reality is that other swordsmen have kept their mouths shut ever since Salvatore became SS-Rank.

In any case, it proved that his method was better than anyone else.

However, that's only possible because it's her father.

She was quite prideful, but she didn't want to accept this obvious fight, so she was going to refuse.

"Celeste."

"Hm?"

Yoo Seodam had come down from the Costantini's section and approached her.

"Go ahead and spar. It'll be a good learning experience."

After hesitating for a moment, Celeste nodded.

Ever since she started learning swordsmanship from Yoo Seodam, she has been attentive to his words.

Smiling at Aren, Seodam spoke.

'Well, since she's my student, I'd like to give her some pointers during the spar. That won't be a problem, right?"

"…Do as you please."

Aren hardened his expression as soon as he saw Seodam, but it was none of Celeste's concern.

Seodam beckoned Celeste over, then whispered something in her ear.

Soon, she tilted her head after hearing his instructions.

"Is that really possible…?"

"Mhm. Just trust me and hit."

Seodam's instructions were so simple that it was rather doubtful.

Just hit when you hear 'hit!,' dodge when you hear 'dodge!,' and block when you hear 'block!'

The opponent is S-Rank.

There's no way it's going to be that simple, will it?

However, Celeste still nodded.

"I'll try."

"Also, give up after an adequate time."

"I'm thinking so."

Celeste pulled out her sword and stood before Aren.

Both are superhumans wearing aether coated uniforms, so there won't be any major injuries, and actually, it's because they will be using sparring swords.

"Oh, what's this? Aren wants to teach the Constantini's eldest daughter a lesson?"

"Hm. Is he really trying to teach her?"

"Well."

It became a hot topic and drew everyone's attention because it was Celeste and the S-Rank Aren.

So Aren regretted it, albeit late.

'Damn it…'

'Why did I ask the Costantini family's eldest daughter for a spar?'

He had lost his reasoning out of anger after Taylor said he was revolting and Sanagi, the one he taught, lost.

Something done in a fit of anger.

Aren decided that after a few exchanges he would end the spar.

However, what he did in a fit of anger became an opportunity for Seodam.

'I'm going to make use of this opportunity to integrate myself with the ordinary master swordsmen.'

Thinking of the bigger picture, the spar began.

Immediately, White Witch's Library was activated.

[Identifying the types of spells.]

[Enhance Strength (B) / Guide Aim (B) / Enhance Speed (C)]

[Reduce Friction (C) / Air Pocket (D)]

[Flame Burst (B) / Flame Bullet (C)]

A total of seven types of magic.𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝𝕦𝕤𝕓.𝕔𝕠𝗆

Although the Witch Witch's library has a considerable amount of knowledge on magic, it took some time to fully crack because it's still low rank.

[Cracking progress…17%]

['Interference' is now possible.]

Tung!!

Celeste, flustered, raised her sword as Aren lightly kicked off the ground and struck with his sword.

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Although she has trained with S-Ranks in the past, she isn't at the level where she could fight against one.

Tung!

"Ugh!"

Celeste was lightly hit in the head, but quickly recovered.

Since she is wearing an aether uniform, there's no problem even if she is cut with a real sword.

Still, she couldn't stop the shock from the impact.

Chang, Chink! Tung!

As Aren's sword was swinging for her head, in between he would aim for the side of her body, and when she came to her senses, she was hit in the chest.

Although Celeste has managed to block thus far, she was out of breath as she raised her sword again.

'Obviously, I don't think I can stop it, but…!'

It was instinct.

The instinct of a genius swordsman.

The kind of instinct to be able to read the patterns of an overwhelmingly strong sword little by little just from looking at it a few times, and even retaliating.

If this was a real battle, Celeste would have been beaten in a single strike, but since it was a spar, she was able to study her opponent's sword.

But, strangely, whenever she tried to block, Aren's sword kept slipping away.

Like a mirage, the trajectory would bend.

It wasn't just fast.

There was 'technique' hidden behind it, and unfathomable to the current Celeste.

"Oh wow…"

"It's indeed mister Aren's swordsmanship."

"I've heard even S-Rank hunters can't imitate it."

As people were bursting with admiration, Seodam managed to identify the true technique behind that strange swordsmanship.

'Is it Guide Aim?'

The technique of forcefully twisting one's attack to hit the target.

And like a mirage, it looked as if it was bending.

At a glance, it looks like a good technique, however, as a type of magic, using it frequently will strain the body, resulting in your mana quickly depleting.

Since it was the S-Rank Aren, he had no difficulty using it.

Then, what if Aren, who has been using it, suddenly lost it?

[Attempting interference on artifact 'Guide Aim (B)']

[Attempting interference on artifact 'Enhance Speed (C)']

Just one second.

The amount of time the effects from the artifacts will be deactivated through interference.

But that was enough.

"Block!"

Shouted Seodam, then Celeste instinctively raised her sword.

Chaang!!

"…!"

She had stopped Aren's sword.

Perhaps surprised herself, Celeste widened her eyes and took a step back.

The surroundings burst out in exclamation as Aren seemed flustered.

'What? What happened to my aim guide?'

Aren.

His actual ability is B-Rank, and his sword skill was decent enough.

So even without Guide Aim or Enhance Speed, he would still be able to strike Celeste.

The attack was blocked because he simply relied too much on the artifacts.

'…It's strange. The sword slowed all of a sudden.'

Celeste had also noticed the strange change in Aren.

But, without giving her time to think, Aren rushed at her again, so she had no choice but to lift her sword.

It was good that a D-Rank had successfully blocked a S-Rank.

However, it was merely a fluke.

Aren and everyone who was watching thought so.

But, the fluke continued.

"Dodge!"

Like a miracle, she dodged Aren's sword.

"Block!"

Chaang!!

She had blocked his sword once again.

The invisible technique, it seemed that Celeste was slowly grasping it.

"W-what?"

"Is she really D-Rank?"

"Don't you see? Every time the Costantini's master gave an order, she successfully answered."

Clearly, the sparring would have been a landslide victory for Aren.

If he only relied on his B-Rank ability, Celeste would have lost.

Because her swordsmanship is yet at the level where she can beat superhumans two ranks above her.

However, this was Aren's weakness.

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'Something…Something's wrong!'

B and S rank ability, he doesn't understand why it's interchanging.

His sword kept moving from slow to fast as his strength weakened and grew.

Even Aren's unique swordsmanship from the use of Reduce Friction to move around was not working properly.

'What the hell!'

He kept trying to use his artifacts, but it kept failing, so an opening appeared.

"Head!"

Shouted Yoo Seodam.

Schwik!

Celeste's sword brushed Aren's cheek.

'Ugh…!'

Very slightly.

With confidence, she, a D-Rank, grazed the cheek of Aren, a S-Rank.

"Look, I can't believe it."

"What the hell is going on?"

Breathing heavily, Celeste slowled took a step back.

She missed the strike by a hair away.

'If I had focused a little more, I might have hit the mark.'

Aren widened his eyes as he rubbed his cheek.

'What is this…'

He was so surprised that he couldn't control his expression.

Yoo Seodam was also surprised.

Was it because Celeste's swordsmanship is excellent?

No, it's because Aren 'advantage' was great.

'That's…quite advantageous, isn't it?

It's only a second, but after the artifacts were deactivated, Seodam guessed that Aren's ability is around B to A rank.

But it doesn't matter.

Because Aren thinks his ability is higher than it actually is when the artifacts are deactivated.

Air Pocket, Reduce Friction, and so on were actually very rare magic.

Air Pocket, which allows someone to shoot a bit of air, is a fairly short range attack magic, and Reduce Friction could hinder a target's movements.

But Aren was using the magic on himself.

Shooting air in the opposite direction to gain momentum, and reducing friction under his feet.

It was Aren's ingenuity to use the artifacts the way he does.

Seodam admits he has been too complacent with magic.

Magic isn't just the art of throwing fireballs or calling down lightning.

Even low level magic has endless possibilities depending on its utilization.

Simply igniting a sword and swinging it, or shooting magic missiles with the left hand and wielding a sword in the right.

Was that a mage?

No, it wasn't.

In Seodam's view, this is the true essence of a mage.

To use everything at one's disposal to push magic to its limit.

Even though guide aim and body enhancing magics can destroy the body, there were a number of other uses.

Also, although it's not being used currently because it's a spar, Flame Bullet could make up for the weakness of being close range, and Flame Burst could be used as a long range attack.

In other words, Aren has a clear grasp of his weakness and ways to overcome them.

So, without knowing how to use magic, Aren was like a 'magic swordsman.'

This fact excited Seodam greatly.

Because he thought he had learned a very good thing.

'…Apart from this. I'll have to deactivate all the body enhancing artifacts.'

From a closer look, I was certain.

Aren's condition was very serious.

To be honest, it's difficult to undo the damage.

If he tries to activate any more artifacts, instead of being maimed, he might live a miserable life as a vegetable.

'Whose artifacts are these?'

All the artifacts used by Aren were the same type of magic.

That's to say, all were created by one person.

It can't be coincidence that as many as seven artifacts are found on Aren, and it all happens to be a perfect match for him.

So, there can only be one conclusion.

'There could be other mages beside me in this modern world…'

While Yoo Seodam was troubled by the thought, Aren, who was heated, clenched his teeth.

'Damn it! Why is there a problem with the talisman all of a sudden?'

Forsaken the talismans altogether, Aren roughly strengthened his body.

Talisman?

He doesn't need to rely on it.

With his sheer talent, he was determined to hit Celeste.

"I give up."

"…Huh?"

A towering figure.

The sword that was aiming for Celeste's head had stopped.

Sweating profusely and with a big smile on her face, she spoke.

"Senior, thank you for your great guidance."

The spar ended with Celeste's defeat.

A very expected result.

In the first place, the spar was meant as a way for the master to give 'lessons.'

But rather than watching the master who was giving the lessons, by the end of the spar, everyone's attention was on Celeste and Yoo Seodam.

A D-Rank superhuman almost hit a S-Rank, and several times even blocked or avoided the attacks.

Under the guidance of a man named Yoo Seodam.

What the hell were the meanings behind what he said during the spar?

It doesn't matter.

What's important is the swordsmanship taught by Yoo Seodam was effective against a person 'stronger than oneself in physical ability.'

'Damn it…'

Aren sat quietly in one corner of a hotel restaurant, sipping wine.

After every swordsmanship debate, there was always an after party, and this year, all the masters were gathered at a restaurant in 'JS Hotel,' which was built less than three years ago because the debate was held in Korea.

Meanwhile, Yoo Seodam and Taylor had disappeared, saying they had somewhere to be, so Aren no longer has to see them, though he was still in a bad mood.

Aren knows.

The fact that the masters approached Yoo Seodam to give gifts or exchange contacts after the debate because they saw the possibilities.

But that wasn't important to him right now.

'…What's wrong with the talismans?'

Four of the talismans are fine.

However, the problem was the talisman of strength, speed, and guide aim.

These haven't been working properly since a while ago.

No matter how useful Air Pocket and Reduce Friction are to Aren, his physical strength is only B-Rank at best.

'Damn it. Such a bad timing for the talismans to stop working…I'll have to make a call again.'

With that thought, Aren clutched his wrist.

Since a while ago, the pain has been acting up again.

The symptoms began several years ago, so he frequently took painkillers, but the pain intensified when the talismans were deactivated.

It's as if the pain that had been held back was bursting open.

With a cold sweat on his face, he massaged his wrist.

Suddenly.

Boom!!

"W-what!"

The hotel building shook.

Whooing! Whooing!

[An abnormal gate has appeared!]

[Citizens, please immediately follow the evacuation procedure.]

"Huh, what's this."

"At a time like this…"

It doesn't happen often nowadays, but it was a normal occurrence in the past.

The usual gates and dungeons are predicted by the only 'seer' on Earth, but now, a gate has appeared unexpectedly.

[The gate has been identified as A-Rank, and the location is at the rooftop of JS Hotel.]

[The Emergency Support Unit is currently on the way, so citizens in the nearby area please remain calm and evacuate.]

"Crazy, it's the roof of this building!"

"Let's all evacuate."

As people began to move hurriedly, Aren also got up.

Suppressing the A-Rank gate is too difficult for him since he doesn't know if his talismans will work.

However, the people around him didn't leave him alone.

"Hunter Aren!"

A middle aged official wearing a suit and about four or five waiters hurried towards Aren.

"Hunter Aren, if you don't mind, can you block the gate on the roof? It will take some time before reinforcement arrives, so I'm glad to have hunter Aren here with us now."

"…Ah."

The gate was on the roof, but surely the monsters will come down, wrecking the building in the process.

It will be a while before reinforcements and other emergency units arrive.

But the S-Rank Aren will be able to hold it off.

"Uh."

"Fortunately, hunter Aren is here."

"That's a relief."

However, Aren was unable to answer.

Why is this happening?

Because he was unlucky?

Because of the bad weather?

He doesn't know.

Only, it's not a situation he could say no.

"…Haha. Of course. I'll go up there."

Saying so, he clenched his fist, then hurriedly dressed up using his portable aether dispenser.

Although it has less defense than a 3rd-Grade aether suit, it's easy to wear, portable, and is a device that costs billions of won as a 'named' item.

With a named-rank aether blade in hand as well, Aren eventually headed to the roof, his back disappearing from everyone's view.

Gulp.

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Already came the sound of rampant monsters destroying everything.

Filled with people's screams.

He guesses it's from the people on the rooftop being attacked by the monsters.

However, Aren couldn't move forward.

Without the talismans, he's at most B-Rank.

It's obvious he's going to die if he tries to take on an A-Rank gate.

'This…this is impossible. I can't do this.'

Once he opens the door, it will be the roof.

Nevertheless, Aren couldn't open it.

It's better to lose dignity.

'Yeah, let's just run away now.'

Thinking so, the moment Aren turned around and tried to leave.

"We're here to help too, hunter Aren."

"…What?"

In front of him, master swordsmen, each equipped with an aether dispenser, stood.

…Again, these masters.

In other words, ordinaries.

He doesn't know where they got their aether dispensers for such emergencies, but this wasn't a gate an ordinary person could deal with.

"Everyone, you guys won't be able to deal with it! It's a dog's death!"

"We know. But there are innocent people dying. Although we don't have superpowers, we've lived by the sword our whole life. It's possible to push back the monsters before reinforcements arrive."

Saying so, the masters opened the door first and went out proudly.

Aren dejectedly smiled, then bowed his head.

Their physical abilities are obviously F-Rank.

Nonetheless, they were trying to fight against an enemy that's obviously impossible for them to deal with.

'What's B or S rank.'

He suddenly recalled what Taylor had said to him.

'Just because he's F-Rank, is his value only F-Rank?'

He understood the meaning of those words now.

As a B-Rank, he was about to do such a horrible thing when an A-Rank gate appeared in front of him, yet, Yoo Seodam has survived on the battlefield for 15 years as a F-Rank.

He raised his head again.

Including his wrist, his whole body aches, and his talismans weren't even working properly.

…However, he was still a hunter.

"Fuck…What a fucking day…"

Saying so, Aren slammed into the door leading to the roof.

Although his ability has weakened, the looks in his eyes showed he is more S-Rank now than ever.

Next day.

Waking up with a splitting headache, I turned my head to the sudden weight I felt on my arm.

Taylor, with a blanket over her, was asleep with her arms tightly wrapped around mine.

Because we drank heavily last night, we were in terrible shape.

Checking my phone, there were calls from some hunters as well as the masters.

It was mostly about catching a meal next time.

[Lee Junseok: Do you have time for a meal next time?]

There was also a call from Lee Junseok.

I don't know why this fellow is so interested in me.

Even before I went home yesterday, he asked me out for Korean BBQ, but I declined.

[Celeste: Thank you very much for yesterday.]

For now, I replied to Celeste.

[Yoo Seodam: Good job.]

I also benefited a lot, so it was a two-way gain.

Hiding behind the Costantini family should prevent Lost Day from doing anything to me for a while.

Perhaps for the time being, I'll stay until I can build up my own little force.

After barely pulling Taylor's arms away, I crawled to my old TV to turn on the news.

It was just a habit.

The habit of turning on the news or talk shows in the morning to fill the noise.

[Breaking news. An abnormal A-Rank gate appeared on the roof of JS Hotel around 7p.m. yesterday evening.]

"Huh?"

If it's JS Hotel, that's definitely where the masters were.

I became interested, and it became more intriguing the more I listened.

[Thanks to the efforts of the master swordsman and a S-Rank hunter at the scene working together to block the gate, as well as reinforcements arriving on time, there were no casualties.]

[S-Rank hunter 'Aren' said without the help of the masters, he wouldn't have been able to save the civilians so flawlessly…]

"Oh?"

Aren was not the kind of guy to do that.

Has he had a change of heart?

That amazes me.

"Anyway, it could've been disastrous."

Aren's condition is very serious, and I've deactivated his artifacts, but I never thought a gate would appear there.

Though, even if Aren was able to properly activate the artifacts then, it's unclear whether he'll be able to use its magic.

His body was already overloaded with artifacts that day.

If he had used any more artifacts with that broken body…

Something bad could have happened.

"Hey."

"…Hm."

"Do you want ramen?"

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"Fu…""

What is she saying?

The hangover seems to be so bad that she can't even speak properly.

I lightly walked to the sink.

I plan on fixing up ramen for breakfast, and then contact the dimensional returnee I had met to find out more about 'Murim' over lunch.

Lastly, I'll have to do some research on magic in the afternoon.

I had learned a lot from Aren.

However, as soon as I had such thoughts, the plant in my inventory suddenly groaned.

[Witch…witch.]

"What?"

I quickly took the flowerpot out of my inventory, and saw that it was shriveled and shaking.

[It hurts…]

"It hurts?"

[Mhm. I'm tired…]

Come to think of it, the flowerpot itself is limited.

After all, this is the modern world, so I had no choice but to create a temporary environment using aether crystals and material from other worlds.

I must take proper measures.

"Damn it. What should I do?"

The White Witch's library simply wrote 'desirable environment,' it didn't say what to do if a situation like this happens.

The library is just a search skill.

However, the Client who is knowledgeable in this area, quickly gave me an answer.

Move it to a magic rich environment so the spirit can breath.

Contact with any materials good for the spirit can improve its health.

"…Those are good ideas."

Good, but it's a real headache with all the work that needs to be done on Earth.

Dimensional returnee, unknown mages that may exist on Earth, and the creation of my own swordsmanship that has attracted masters.

For the time being, all of these things are stable, but eventually, I will need strength.

And in order to gain strength, I have to hunt protagonists like what I've been doing.

"How bad is it?"

[Very…]

In the first place, the Silver Spiritual Flower is from another world.

It's not suitable in a modern environment, so even if I hid it in my inventory as much as possible, in the end, it has its limits.

I don't know if the flower can bloom and become a spirit since it's still too fragile to survive.

"Give me the list of missions."

Taking in a hangover cure, I equipped my aether dispenser while boiling water for the ramen.

As expected, when I checked the list, numerous missions appeared.

Let's think about it.

Wherever it may be, a place related to magic should be the best if I want to get good materials for spirits.

Don't choose human-type worlds.

Worlds that have races contrary to common sense can provide a better environment for the spirits.

"What do you mean?"

So far, most of the worlds you've been to had been similar to Earth.

But remember, there are many worlds that are not.

Meaning, there are worlds with environments different from Earth's.

"Um…"

Surely such a world will have many more interesting things than a world of ordinary mages.

[I'm suffocating. Save me…]

"Hang in there. I'm looking for a good place right now."

[Dying…]

"You won't die."

[You'll die instead of me…]

"Why are you turning this around?"

While searching for a relevant world in the 'system's worlds' mission list, one stood out to me.

It was the world of a level 61 protagonist.

#DawnFairy_Doesn't_Dream

#Fantasy #Dream #Strategic #Fractured #Forbidden_Love

…The hashtags were strange.

Dream, forbidden love, strategic, and fractured?

In the first place, it's quite difficult to understand the system's hashtags.

Soon, I picked up my phone and changed the status of my messenger.

I'll be leaving today, so I won't be in touch.

It was convenient to do this because there are still many things to talk about with other people.

"Taylor. Have some ramen. I'm leaving for awhile."

Suddenly, Taylor rose up, crawled over, and grabbed my arm.

"…So. Are you going to a strange place?"

Said Taylor, with her eyes wide open.

Knowing her for 15 years, that tone, I can tell she's only half awake.

"It's urgent."

"…Do you really have to go?"

"Yes."

"Okay…"

Hearing my answer, Taylor laid back on the floor.

Somehow, I'm worried.

Such an unfamiliar feeling felt strange to me.

I placed the ramen beside her, then spoke to the Client.

"Let's go."𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝𝕦𝕤𝕓.𝕔𝕠𝗆

[Traveling to Dream Island. The world of the Level 61 protagonist, Hanniel.]

Dream Island.

Home to the Dawn Fairies, this island does not see much sunlight.

This is because the purple planet Helyawin that covered half the sky also blocked the sun.

So there was only about 3 hours of sunlight during the day.

The remaining 18 hours were the dusky twilight before dawn.

Strangely, although the planet Helyawin blocked the sun, half the light was able to pass through Dream Island, thus, the world was dyed purple all through dawn.

The sky was purple, the clouds were purple, everything was purple.

The purple world is like an illusion, a dream.

That may be why this island is called Dream Island.

It was also a floating island.

But since the fairies have never gone down the island, they have no idea another world exists outside of the island.

Just like a dream, they lived in their own world.

Evening in Dream Forest is about three hours.

But it wasn't too dark at this hour.

Because the spirits that were hiding below ground came up one by one to brighten this world.

The Dawn Fairies, turning their heads, saw the colorful and beautiful spirits twinkling like fireflies, and because of this, they did not have to worry about getting lost on Dream Island.

Dawn Fairies don't dream.

Because their life is like a dream.

"Beautiful."

The second princess of the Dawn Tribe, Marilyn, would always climb to the highest mountain on the east side of Dream Island at sunrise.

It's because from here she could faintly see the 'sea' beneath the island that is said to exist in legends.

A whole world covered in water?

It sounded fantastic just thinking about it.

When other Dawn Fairies were content to just live happily day by day, she felt no happiness towards such life.

Just, the sea.

Looking at it was the only thing that brought Marilyn happiness.

After staring at the sea for a long time, before she knew it, the sun had risen.

This time is when the whole world became blue.

The sky was blue, and the world of water in the distance was also blue.

In this world full of purple, Marilyn loved the color blue.

As she enjoyed the view, she became lost in the moment.

"…!"

The wind began to sway.

Immediately, Marilyn hid under a tree, and the tree moved on its own to cover her body.

The animals that were running around hid in the ground, and the birds and spirits flying in the sky also disappeared.

Hwiiing…!!

Something flew up from beneath the island.

Soon, it glided across Dream Island.

'Wind Devils!'

Devils suddenly appeared one day in the wind.

They looked similar to Dawn Fairies.

Light skinned with ten fingers and feet.

However, unlike the Dawn Fairies who have pointed ears, purple eyes, and purple hair, they had rounded ears, brown eyes, and brown hair.

Also, the wing-like contraption on their backs were made from wood and paper, a machine that allowed the Wind Devils to fly in the sky.

A very dangerous device that can control the wind.

Such creatures born from nature had dared to control it.

From the Dawn Fairies' point of view, the existence of such machines is horrible, but the Wind Devils are too powerful for them to do anything about it.

'Wait, that direction is…!'

Marilyn gasped when she saw the direction the Wind Devils were heading.

Wasn't that where her tribe lives?

'No way, a coincidence…?'

The residences of the Dawn Fairies are protected by nature, thus, it's not easily found by the eyes of the Wind Devils.

Because it can look like an ordinary tree, river, or rock.

But now.

Aren't the Wind Devils confidently flying as if they knew where they're going?

'I have to tell the tribe!'

Marilyn hurriedly touched a tree.

All the trees in nature that exist on Dream Island are connected by a single root, enabling communication anywhere.

So the Dawn Fairies uses it to contact one another from far away.

It's already been five years since the Wind Devils began to invade Dream Island.

However, the fairies still haven't been able to respond to this disaster.

Night came.

It lasts only about three hours each day, but because it's a time of abundance energy, it's the perfect time for a 'ceremony.'

All the Dawn Fairies were gathered at the 'Twilight Tree,' which rose high into the sky, as they knelt and prayed.

Twilight Tree.

Passed down from generation to generation, it's said that the earliest Dawn Fairies that blossomed from their flowers were always given a solution by this tree whenever something perilous happened.

However, for the last 300 years, the Twilight Tree has not answered their calls.

Is it out of energy?

Is it exhausted?

Or, is it because they had wished too much that it has stopped listening.

They don't know.

But this was the only thing the Dawn Fairies could do.

The devils are too powerful for them to deal with, so as always, they had no choice but to wish.

'…Too many fairies have died.'

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Leading the ceremony as the priestess is the second princess, Marilyn, who was dancing buoyantly near the tree.

It has already been 3 years since the first princess, Arilyn, went into seclusion.

Since then, the second princess has taken on the role of overseeing the Dawn Fairies.

Eueuk…

Heuk…

In the midst of the ceremony, cries burst out from all sides.

She had hurriedly warned that the devils were invading, but it was too late, as many fairies died before they could hide.

How did the devils find their homes?

That one question dominated Marilyn's mind.

'Please. Mother, please guide us.'

The three hour long ceremony gradually heightened, as the sound of music from the Dawn Fairies filled the Twilight Tree.

Suddenly, on top of the altar dedicated to the Twilight Tree, a blue light burst out and something appeared.

"…!"

Instantly, there was silence.𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝𝕦𝕤𝕓.𝕔𝕠𝑚

Looking at the altar, all the Dawn Fairies were surprised.

Seeing something with black hair and black eyes appear before them, Marilyn backed away.

"Ah, devil…!"

Rounded ears, the symbol of the devil.

As she backed away with a pale look, she saw something on his chest.

"…Silver Spiritual Flower?"

Then, the man with black eyes also looked up at himself.

No, to be exact, somewhere between the air.

[2…1…0]

[Travel completed.]

[You became a passerby on Dream Island…]

[…Correction.]

[You became Dream Island's spirit guide.]

I've never been treated to the local's food in another world before.

"It's our Dawn Fairies' special dish, 'Bayahm's Seven Honey.'"

Sharp ears.

Purple eyes and hair.

Annoyingly beautiful and handsome appearance.

It seems that this is a world of 'fairies.'

And just because I have the Silver Spiritual Flower and has appeared at a really amazing time, I was treated with extreme care.

Was I lucky?

Or.

'Did you do something?'

No way. I don't have the ability to interfere with the world's plot.

Well, I suppose so.

If she is able to interfere, she would have killed the protagonists without needing me in the first place.

Only…this time, little by little, I felt this world would have a better start.

'Is that so.'

I've always carefully selected a world according to the Client's recommendation, but never knew which had a good start.

I thought it would have been similar no matter which world I chose.

'How nice it would be if this happens every time.'

…It's impossible. It was possible this time because I felt a strong 'connection to the plot.'

The connection to the plot is probably the Silver Spiritual Flower I held in my arms.

Evident by these fellows who call themselves Dawn Fairies or Morning Fairies or whatever, as they couldn't take their eyes off the flowerpot on the table.

"Are you feeling better?"

[Yes…]

"Is there anything else you need?"

[…I also want a drink.]

The flower was coveting the fairies' wine on the table.

"You're still wet behind the ears for that."

[I don't have ears…]

It seems to be in much better shape now that it's talking nonsense.

Proof that this is a perfect environment.

I had also asked the fairies to 'bring me something good for the spirit,' and they brought me the best soil they had.

In many ways, it was the right choice to come to this world.

By the way…

"…Is this a special dish?"

A big bowl was on my table, and inside is a watery soup of some kind.

Indeed, this is a special dish.

"That's right! Mixing a drop of honey that comes from the rocks of Ashil once a year, the green honey from the Santatrom Butterfly, and a spoonful of honey from the Kama Melon….

"Aye. Quiet down, I'll eat it."

"Yes!"

When the male fairy in front of me stopped talking, I ate some of the honey, and surprisingly, it's quite delicious.

"Do you guys always eat this stuff?"

"Of course! We never eat living things. By comparison, the devils are really barbaric. How, how…They cut the animals with a knife, burn them with wood, then eat them…Ugh, just thinking about it is horrible."

"…"

"Ah, is something wrong?"

"…No. Just. I was suffering from an ethical dilemma."

The fairies said they would never harm nature.

That's to say, they don't even eat salad.

Their diet consisted of only honey.

Strangely enough, their honey seems to contain all the essential nutrients.

Although it's not a special dish, I think it'll be fine as a combat ration.

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The male fairy left after I ate a moderate amount of the honey.

The honey could fill my stomach, so I emptied the bowl, got up, and approached the window.

As I pushed the wooden partition to open the window, as if moving on its own, it slowly opened.

…Looking at it now, all the buildings that I thought were carved from wood are actually living trees, made to look like buildings.

"Crazy. How is this possible?"

I couldn't believe the trees changed into the shape of buildings.

When I looked out the window and saw the village, I felt like I was going to fall in love with it, like a dream.

This world was too beautiful.

Beyond comparison to Earth.

A world of purple stretching across the horizon.

Swarms of pink lights swaying closely, an embroidered scene that cannot be found anywhere on Earth.

The Dawn Fairies moved freely through the air and on the trees, which are like their form of Earth's highways.

To get around, I needed some help from my suit and skills.

It's fortunate my body is flexible.

Knock knock!

– Can I come in?

"Yes."

Hearing my reply, the door opened and a woman with purple hair tied in a ponytail came in.

This woman is the princess, Marilyn, who guided me the other day.

Looking at me, she hesitated for a moment, then spoke.

"Mister Guide, do you know why we called you?"

I don't know.

"I know."

I pretended to know.

"Yes…As you know, we're being threatened by 'Wind Devils.' Even though we've often moved our residence and have hid thanks to nature's help, the devils keep finding us."

According to her explanation, they use horrible magic.

When the terrifying roar resounded, she recalls the world bursting into flames, as many died from having their body pierced just by having a stick pointed at them.

"A horrifying magic."

I don't have a clue what magic that is either.

Dying from having a stick pointed at you?

I've never heard of such magic.

Also, flying in the sky…

But that part wasn't really important to me.

In the end, this is a 'story,' so I just have to follow the river of fate and find the protagonist.

I had looked over every Dawn Fairies, and none had the protagonist hashtag.

That means the protagonist must be one of the 'devils.'

"Those fellows, do you know where they are now?"

"Ye-yes…North of Dream Island, at 'Sleeping Giant Rock Valley.' They're camped there."

"Okay. Let's go"

If there are devils, it's best to confirm it as soon as possible.

Dawn Fairies uses a huge bird called the White Mane Eagle for travel.

Why the eagles have a mane and is not a lion, I don't know, but anyways, it's a fairy world.

After Marilyn sat in front and I sat in the back, the eagle slowly took off.

The current time is 18:30.

It's supposed to be sunset, but it's already dawn here.

Flying up into the dreary night sky, the world slowly disappeared.

Then, I only felt the feeling of dreaming.

An indescribable magical world.

Waterfalls fell from the top of dozens of huge rocky cliffs floating in the sky, and between are intertwined vines that stretched around it.

This is not anyone's work.

Simply, it's a site created by nature for the Dawn Fairies.

For a long time, we flew in the air and through huge cliffs, and before I knew it, we passed by a purple stream of lights.

"It's the Spiritual Milky Way. Today is the season's last twilight."

"…"

I didn't say anything.

Or to be exact, I couldn't.

The eagle flew really quietly.

To avoid the devils finding out.

But Marilyn must have been nervous, as she was breaking out in cold sweats.

Rightfully so.

Just the thought of us heading towards the base of the wind demons who blew up all their homes.

I don't know how strong the devils are, but escaping will be possible.

Finally, after a couple of hours of flying, traces of the devils' camp came into view.

It could be assumed by the rising smoke in the distance.

Because fairies don't use fire.

"…Fire."

Suddenly, I had a gut feeling.

When we arrived at the devils' camp, my gut feeling seemed to have hit the mark.

Brown hair and eyes.

Similar appearances to the fairies but rounded ears.

The identity of the devils is as plain as day.

"…Humans?"

Right.

So, the terrible magic the Dawn Fairies speak of turns out to be science.

Anyone could have guessed it, but I didn't give it much thought.

The genre of this world is not humans being invaded, rather, it's them invading.

"Hmm…"

Also, the devils, no, humans, had very unique looking hang gliders and gunpowder cannons all over their camp, as well as what appears to be rifles.

Checking them slowly, I lightly smiled.

The firearms they have are much older than my equipment.

"This, isn't it going to be easier than I thought?"