D-Rank Constellation Hunter… Stuck Without Internet! - Chapter 53
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 53
Generally speaking, a Guild begins with assembling the bare necessities.
Most small Guilds rise and fall quickly, operating haphazardly without any systematic structure.
Even those places claiming to have some semblance of organization often shine only on the surface.
“Based on that reasoning alone, I have a very good feeling about us from the start.”
I spoke cheerfully while observing the handful of Guild members before me. All of them had prior Guild experience.
“Even if others consider a place large-scale, there are organizations where a single person must shoulder all responsibility and management.”
Kim Gyuwun’s voice, belonging to someone with experience, carried a hint of bitterness.
Taemyeon had begun its rapid decline the moment he left. He must have foreseen it, but his heart surely ached.
‘Stagnant water rots. There’s nothing to be done about it.’
When I had called him separately to ask if he was alright, he had answered that way, so he would conduct himself accordingly.
“We’ll be entering an SA-rank Dungeon clear that’s coming up soon. It’ll be me, Hunter Dan Yibum, Hunter Kim Gyuwun, and the Guild Master—four of us total.”
Currently in this space were myself, Kim Gyuwun, and Ha Gyuhyuk—three of us gathered together.
It was because I had matters to discuss regarding our future plans.
“Understood.”
Since these were people I had selected myself, there was not a shred of protest or rebuttal to my words.
Ha Gyuhyuk answered with the air of someone who had been waiting for this announcement—honestly, wasn’t this bordering on fanaticism?
Well, that one is my client anyway, so I’ll consider him separately.
“I’ve heard that’s a Major Dungeon that’s only just begun its clears.”
“Correct.”
Which meant that as of now, there should be absolutely no information available regarding that Dungeon.
I, however, know what form it takes and what must be done.
“…”
“Ulrim, is there something you wish to say?”
Since they needed to grow accustomed to being around people, I had insisted both of them use the honorific “Ulrim” when addressing me.
“Something I wish to say?”
Plenty. First, despite there being an easier path, we must start from zero in all respects—that feels unfair.
I want at least my people to have it easier, so my mouth itches unbearably to speak.
Strictly speaking, this would also violate causality, but isn’t there value in bearing such a penalty?
It’s merely a matter of expending a bit of karma.
After wavering internally, I ultimately shook my head.
“It seems I’ve grown tense without realizing it, facing a Dungeon I know nothing about… and it’s been so long since I’ve dealt with humans.”
“Is that so?”
“Well, even if I did harbor some concern, there’s nothing you could resolve for me anyway.”
I shifted into a more comfortable position and shook my head.
While I sprawled out at ease, both of them stood rigidly as though receiving punishment.
Their manner of speech was so excessively formal.
Ha Gyuhyuk even used respectful speech toward other Hunters. He claimed it felt natural.
I had once suggested implanting a compulsion in the Guild member out of concern he might be frightened, but he refused.
“You needn’t worry excessively. It’s not S-rank but SA-rank, which is identical to that Dungeon from before. There won’t be any serious harm.”
“A small harm goes?”
“That’s….”
“I’m joking.”
I waved my hand lightly.
Kim Gyuwun wasn’t quite as dense as Ha Gyuhyuk, but he had his moments of being entertainingly obtuse.
I savored the sight of him at a loss for words for a moment before turning my gaze elsewhere.
In the Training Grounds I’d prepared, Dan Yibum was instructing the others.
“To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much.”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah, I figured it wouldn’t be easy for someone uncooperative with the organization to excel at teaching.”
I shrugged lightly.
Especially those who were naturally talented.
I’d assumed they’d struggle to convey what came naturally to them from birth.
Just as Kim Gyuwun had.
“But from what I’ve heard about the reasons for his expulsion from the Guild, it doesn’t seem like he was cut for being a genius.”
“That’s right. But ultimately, he did push his own opinions on everyone.”
In the end, a Guild—no matter how motley—moves forward together.
Especially a race as fragile as humans.
“Ulrim, there’s something bothering me.”
“Hm? What’s with the formal address? Just call me Ulrim. It’s fine either way….”
“Are you sure that’s alright?”
“I think it’s much better than the formal version.”
He seemed to have trouble dropping the formal address, even after I’d told him to use my name plainly.
Some companies apparently address each other formally anyway, so it might be acceptable.
Ha Gyuhyuk’s face flushed red as he cleared his throat a few times before stepping closer to me.
“So, what is it? Get to the point.”
“The Guild Cynea that Dan Yibum was previously affiliated with is included in this SA Dungeon raid.”
“I see.”
I remembered seeing that.
I couldn’t conduct operations while accounting for every individual aspect of Dan Yibum’s circumstances.
Of course, it would be ideal if I could.
Dan Yibum hadn’t yet made it onto my list of people I needed to prioritize.
The key was to manage things so he wouldn’t disrupt the Guild’s harmony or let stress cause him to botch the situation.
“I appreciate your concern for me. However….”
“Right, I’ll worry about you. You worry about your Guild members.”
“Me?”
“Yeah, you’re the Guild Master, aren’t you?”
I was his client, so it was only natural I’d prioritize him first.
Everyone had their own priorities, after all.
“Um, Ulrim.”
“Why are you—”
Kim Gyuwun seized what he thought was an opportune moment to speak, opening his mouth.
Today in particular, it seemed people were seeking me out from all directions.
“Do we not need to participate in the training?”
“Of course you do. Both of you go and train hard. But I don’t have to.”
I’d called them here simply to inform them of the lineup for entering that Dungeon.
I’d rested well enough; now it was time to attend to my own matters.
“Go on, then.”
“Yes….”
“We’ll be back shortly.”
Ha Gyuhyuk slowly retreated toward the Training Grounds, his expression betraying reluctance to leave my side.
I could understand that much from him.
But Kim Gyuwun—why are you wearing a similar expression to Ha Gyuhyuk’s?
Truly a peculiar one, that boy.
* * *
Dan Yibum’s training proved as grueling as I’d anticipated.
Had the members not followed without complaint, some might well have abandoned the Guild by now.
‘The training is rather intense.’
‘Those born with natural talent from the start likely cannot comprehend it.’
‘Comprehend what?’
‘That some must strive not to be helpful, but simply to avoid becoming a burden.’
As if I wouldn’t know.
He likely believed me to be a remarkable SS-rank Hunter from birth, yet my essence remained that of someone who began as a C-rank.
I had endured far more than Dan Yibum could ever fathom.
Regardless, he guided the Guild members quite well.
Not only those participating in the raid, but every remaining member as well.
And so the day of the SA-rank Dungeon raid arrived.
“There really are so many people….”
“In a Major Dungeon, safety is paramount. Fortune doesn’t smile every time, after all.”
Dan Yibum replied in his blunt manner to Ha Gyuhyuk, who was quietly marveling.
Ha Gyuhyuk’s gaze shifted slightly.
“Fortune?”
“Like an omnipotent being descending into the Dungeon to aid in its clearance.”
He was surely referring to me.
Yet Ha Gyuhyuk made no rookie mistakes—no startled reactions, no sidelong glances in my direction.
He simply concluded the conversation with a casual acknowledgment.
After receiving the basic briefing and preparing to enter the Gate, all eyes converged upon us.
I would likely become the hero of this raid.
Though it displeased me, I could afford to blend in as human for a time.
But the first to become the target of others’ attention was not Ulrim.
“Dan Yibum.”
The Guild Master of Cynea.
Originally just a regular guild member, he became the next Guild Master after both the Guild Master and Vice Guild Master died in the same Dungeon where Dan Yibum was expelled.
I wonder what he’ll do.
Will he suddenly slap my cheek? Or will he tell us not to trust this man?
[ I think it’s best to wait and see for now ]
I was naturally about to send a Constellation message to Ha Gyuhyuk first to give him a heads-up.
But Ha Gyuhyuk moved faster.
He stepped between Dan Yibum and the other man, speaking firmly.
“We’re in the middle of Dungeon exploration. Let’s finish all conversations with our guild’s Hunters first.”
Oh.
Quite reliable.
I let out a brief exclamation of admiration and changed my strategy.
[ The Constellation of the Entangled Apocalypse’s Finalizer grants you the ‘Untrustworthy Presence’ buff. ]
[ Those gathered here will listen intently to your words. ]
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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