Something Keeps Appearing in My Subspace - Chapter 34
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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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34. Third Subspace (1)
“Huh?”
“What? That shouldn’t be possible yet?”
The moment we emerged from the Gate, I could see the confusion on everyone’s faces. Kim Seung-tae and Park Seo-ung were no exceptions.
It seemed they had verified the time elapsed inside the Gate through Kim Seung-tae.
“Don’t tell me you used the Escape Secretary on all of them….”
“The Gate is disappearing? Does that mean you subjugated it?”
“But there was an Ogre? How….”
Park Seo-ung and Kim Seung-tae approached rapidly.
“Are you alright? We heard there was an Ogre inside.”
“Yes, I defeated it.”
“What? You defeated it? An Ogre?”
Since the Gate was vanishing, they likely already knew the answer, but Kim Seung-tae and Park Seo-ung’s eyes widened at my words.
It was amusing to describe it this way, but both of them wore expressions of pure bewilderment.
“Could the Subspace entrance really expand to that degree?”
When I recounted what had transpired inside, Park Seo-ung marveled. I had never mentioned the entrance expanding before.
Kim Seung-tae offered me a cautious apology.
“I apologize. We had agreed to exit only after reaching a consensus….”
“That’s understandable. I should have informed you first.”
The Escape Secretary was normally meant to be used by mutual agreement. In urgent situations, it could be deployed independently.
I considered the circumstances sufficiently justified.
We were blocked from behind, and the Ogre was advancing ahead. If it had hurled a boulder and struck me, it would have been instant death.
The timing was simply unfortunate—the Ogre appeared just as I was about to explain my plan. No one was at fault.
Still, they had missed out on experience and rewards because of that decision.
“Regardless, you’ve done excellent work. Even for a level-restricted survival-type Gate, an Ogre in a 15-20 level dungeon….”
Following that, we received our compensation for the Hunter Association request. First, all five of us were granted Gate entry priority passes.
It was essentially a cheat code—the ability to enter any domestic Gate of our choosing without competition.
This was remarkably promising, as such passes were typically only distributed to top-tier guilds.
Now we could use them on Gates like the Desolate Ruins, where high-quality rewards were likely.
‘The important thing is that I don’t have to use them immediately.’
Since I could deploy them whenever I wished, if no Gate at my current level appealed to me, they could remain unused.
Since all guild members received them, our guild now possessed a total of three Gate entry priority passes.
‘Once Lee Shin-hee joins, that will make four.’
The rewards didn’t end there. I received a C-Rank Spirit Elixir, while the others received D-Rank Spirit Elixirs.
I harbored no resentment over the disparity.
After all, everyone present already knew I could subjugate the Gate alone.
“Would it be possible to receive a cold-resistance Spirit Elixir instead?”
Mine was a standard elixir with no particular attribute.
My flame resistance was A-Rank, but my cold resistance was E-Rank, so I made the request. Strengthening my cold resistance would be beneficial.
-I’ll look into it.
To be honest, I hadn’t expected much, but Park Seo-ung nodded without a moment’s hesitation.
I could clearly feel the Hunter Association’s consideration.
Well, priority entry to Gates and C-Rank Elixirs worth tens of billions of won—considering I’d prevented a Gate Break, it was certainly a reward I deserved.
I understood that Lee Shin-hee and Kim Seung-tae’s compensation for waiting until now had already been paid separately, so that was the end of it.
“Should we try feeding this to Yong-yong?”
The Hunter Association had been considerate—the Mister’s Elixir was flame-related.
“Tch. How much should we feed him to make him grow? Too much and it gets intense.”
Listening to Mister speak, something suddenly occurred to me. Didn’t I have Chun-bae?
“Just a moment. Let me ask Chun-bae.”
“Huh? He was still around?”
I’d already discussed Chun-bae with Mister.
‘How can I raise a Red Dragon?’
-Normally, it’s time. They grow after tens or hundreds of years pass.
‘There’s no faster way?’
-If they experience continuous combat and absorb things of the same attribute, they grow.
‘Combat?’
I’d already guessed at the latter since there were cases of hatching through Elixirs, but combat was something I’d never heard before.
-Red Dragons are a superior species. During combat, if they feel their own shortcomings, they sometimes use that as an opportunity to grow.
‘So we don’t have to wait tens of years?’
-Correct. Of course, for that growth to occur, there must be things similar to the Red Dragon’s attribute.
‘Things like Elixirs?’
-Yes. However, it doesn’t have to be an Elixir specifically. It’s rare, but items work too. Though the attribute contained in the item will disappear.
It was fortunate. Mister, hearing the explanation, broke into a wide smile. It was hopeful news for us.
I’d worried it might take tens of years, but this meant he’d grow as we traveled together.
“Is that why Yong-yong growled when he saw the Ogre? He even roared when we fought those Nolls.”
“Probably?”
The roaring against Nolls and the growling against the Ogre might both serve as opportunities for growth.
Of course, Elixirs would be needed for him to grow, but that was fine.
The majesty of the Red Dragon I’d seen during my awakening was still vivid. Even the terror I’d felt.
If I could obtain that Red Dragon by investing in flame Elixirs, I’d do it without hesitation.
And with Chul-gi, the Dragon Knight, on my side, wouldn’t the synergy make us stronger than that Red Dragon?
Besides, Chun-bae had said it didn’t have to be an Elixir specifically. We’d find opportunities as we explored Gates.
-Hmm.
At that moment, Chun-bae seemed about to say something.
“What?”
-It’s nothing. You’ll understand soon enough.
“What do you mean?”
Just as I was about to ask for details, Mister tilted his head and opened his mouth.
“Han Hye, did Chun-bae explain to you how Yong-yong moves between the Subspace?”
“Huh? That’s right? Why?”
-That’s only possible because the egg was converted into an item. If an egg can be itemized, then other monsters should be possible too.
“Oh, I see. So if I obtain another dragon egg… I could have two dragons?”
-If you can acquire one, then yes, it would be possible.
Hmm. Obtaining another dragon egg, then.
If the opportunity arises later, wouldn’t it be possible again? Now that I know dragons appear in level 90 Gates.
* * *
After that came the company dinner.
The Hunter Association had arranged it at an upscale Beef Restaurant nearby. Most of the flowing conversation centered on me.
“You’ve worked hard. It would have been impossible without Han Hye.”
“That’s right. No matter who went in with her, we would have escaped using an exit skill and come back out. I managed to come back alive too, but…”
Lee Shin-hee and Kim Seung-tae said the same thing. I didn’t bother being modest. It was the truth, after all.
Survival-type Gates are harder than their level suggests, but who would have expected an Ogre to appear?
“I’ll be taking my leave now.”
Around the time the meal was winding down, Kim Seung-tae read the mood, then stood up from his seat.
“Why don’t you stay a bit longer?”
“I rushed ahead without thinking earlier. All I did was use a spirit summon once. Those of you who actually defeated the Ogre should celebrate together.”
Mister Chul-gi tried to stop him once, but Kim Seung-tae shook his head with a smile, saying it was fine.
“Well then…”
It wasn’t anyone’s fault, but once Kim Seung-tae left, the atmosphere dampened slightly.
In the slightly awkward silence, Seo Min-jae opened his mouth.
“By the way, did everyone receive anything from clearing the Gate? I got a D-Rank Elixir.”
It seemed this Gate’s clearance rewards weren’t given only to the greatest contributor.
Normally, Gates don’t have separate clearance rewards, but when they’re this difficult, things are different.
How many people receive rewards is random.
Some Gates give rewards only to the top contributor, others to the top three, and some give to everyone.
“Oh, I received one too.”
“Me as well.”
Lee Shin-hee and Mister Chul-gi’s eyes lit up. Fortunately, since it was a level-restricted survival-type Gate, everyone was able to receive rewards.
“What did you get?”
“An E-Rank Pendant.”
“I got an E-Rank ring that boosts strength and agility.”
The rewards varied depending on each person’s contribution to clearing the Gate.
Though Mister Chul-gi and Lee Shin-hee certainly performed well, it was Seo Min-jae and I who dealt direct damage to the Ogre.
“What did you get, Hye?”
At Mister Chul-gi’s words, everyone’s gaze turned to me. They were clearly curious about what the obvious greatest contributor had received.
“I received a Skill Level-Up Voucher.”
“…?”
Even Lee Shin-hee, whose expressions rarely changed, widened her eyes. Seo Min-jae couldn’t close his mouth either.
“Wow, that’s incredible… I heard those are worth quite a lot.”
Whether in our country or abroad, all the S-Rank skill holders among high-level advance parties wanted those.
Skill levels become harder to raise the higher they get.
“I’ll be using this one.”
“Right. You were S+ rank?”
Of course I had no intention of selling it. Opening the next Subspace was my top priority.
That’s when Min-jae scratched his head.
“Hmm, but I’m not sure if this is right.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, we cleared this Gate thanks to you, but I’m the one receiving the reward. Honestly, if it weren’t for you, I would’ve just used an Escape Secretary and left.”
At those words, Lee Shin-hee gauged my reaction. Of course, Chul-gi just had a confused expression on his face.
Seo Min-jae held out the elixir to me.
“I think it’s only right that you take it.”
“No, that’s not it.”
Min-jae’s words were only half correct.
Even if I’d cleared it alone, as a solo hunter I wouldn’t have received rewards beyond the skill level-up voucher.
My contribution was certainly significant, but if I took everything like this, it wouldn’t be good for the guild in the long run.
I intended to build a rational guild.
“Well, that’s true, but…”
After hearing my words, Min-jae tilted his head and continued.
“You said you’d prioritize distributing magical secrets to us later. I felt a bit awkward about that.”
“Job-related items are distributed according to the job, so it’s fine.”
I spoke firmly.
“We’re in the same guild and team, so don’t worry about these things.”
This was also directed at Lee Shin-hee. She seemed to be feeling awkward because of Min-jae’s words.
At my words, Min-jae nodded with a moved expression.
“Thank you so much! I’ll work hard!”
I waved my hand at Lee Shin-hee, who had been hesitating before carefully pulling out the pendant.
“You keep it too, Shin-hee.”
“Ah, yes.”
Judging by what she’d pulled out, she really was going to give it to me. There was no need for that. Does she not have much attachment to items?
Since the guild topic had come up, it was time to get to the main point.
Kim Seung-tae leaving first was probably because he sensed our mood.
“Shin-hee, would you be interested in joining our guild?”
“A guild?”
I’d been planning to recruit her since inside the Gate. Her judgment was better than most hunters.
And her timing with buffs and healing during battles with regular monsters was excellent.
“Yes. We don’t have a healer in our guild yet, so it would be perfect if you joined.”
I smiled awkwardly and continued.
“Since we’re a new guild, we can’t provide experience-related items or elixirs like the larger guilds do. We’ll mainly be going to dangerous Gates. However, I can promise priority distribution of healer-exclusive items.”
Originally, you should mention the downsides first. Otherwise, people might have unrealistic expectations later.
“From what I saw today, everyone here is very skilled. I’d be grateful if you’d extend the offer.”
I had been a bit worried since Lee Shin-hee maintained a reserved demeanor and rarely engaged in personal conversation inside Gates, but she nodded far more readily than I expected.
Of course, she spoke with remarkable brevity and restraint, but that was fine with me.
Judging by the sound decisions she made inside the Gate, that was simply her nature.
If anything, I preferred her composed presence to unnecessary chatter. This team already had two loud enough members as it was.
“I look forward to working with you.”
A-Rank Healer Lee Shin-hee.
This was the moment a new member officially joined the Dragon Guild.
* * *
[Lv22 空主 (Void Master), Han Hye]
Strength: 25
Agility: 25
Stamina: 25
Spirit: 20
Mana: 35
Bonus Points: 19
Skills: Subspace (S-Rank) Lv2, Leap (A-Rank) Lv2, Flame Resistance (A-Rank) Lv2, Cockfighting (C-Rank) Lv3, Imperial Basic Swordsmanship (E-Rank) Lv4, Cold Resistance (E-Rank) Lv1, *Wind Slash (Lv1)
I gained one level from the Moss Forest Tyrant with Seo Min-jae, and three levels from this Gate, bringing me to level 22.
Three levels from a single Gate.
For a level-restricted survival type, that was considerable progress. Given how experience gains had slowed since level 20, this was genuinely encouraging.
Of course, at this moment, something else captured my attention far more.
It was the ‘Skill Level-Up Ticket’ I had obtained as a reward for clearing this Gate.
“Just tell me what it does.”
-Wouldn’t it be more fun to see it directly? I’ll explain once you enter.
Chun-bae’s refusal to explain only deepened my curiosity.
[Using Skill Level-Up Ticket.]
[Subspace (S-Rank) level increases.]
So then…
What could possibly exist in this newly opened third space?
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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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