Vol 5 Chapter 10
"Because I've received information that the Flower of Rezul seems to be closely related to what I need to do. If my prediction is correct, after finding it, I might be able to prevent cases like your son's from happening again. That's what I need to do, so don't worry."
A sudden glint appeared in the old woman's eyes.
"Many people have come to this village saying they wanted to enter that forbidden area. I've given this warning more than once or twice. But... you're the first person to speak like this, adventurer. Is it because of your clear eyes that I strangely want to believe your words?"
Clear eyes... While Kapros was frozen, feeling as if goosebumps were suddenly rising on his arms, the old woman, who had closed her eyes as if savoring her own words, opened her mouth.
"Do you know? In fact, the reason all the outsiders who tried to dig up stones from the forbidden area's land didn't return was because they didn't know there was something they had to carry with them when entering the forbidden area. Only people from our village knew about it and could safely retrieve stones."
Unexpected new information appeared.
"Of course, I'm not sure how much help it will be since they say you can't come out if you go in too deep even with it, but at least you won't lose your way. This is what my son left behind for the last time 10 years ago, would you please take it?"
The old woman reached into the large shawl wrapped around her body, fumbled around, and pulled something out. It was a bottle containing dark red soil that looked at first glance like a dirty lump of mud. The moment he saw it, a notification window popped up in front of Kapros's eyes.
Ding!
The condition to enter Rezul's forbidden area has been met!
"What on earth is this?"
When Kapros asked with wide eyes in surprise, the old woman smiled faintly.
"This is red soil that can only be obtained from deep within the forbidden area, like the glittering stones. This soil has the property of glowing after a while when sprinkled, making it indispensable for people who enter the forbidden area to find their way out without getting lost."
So... if he were to make a comparison, was it like Hansel and Gretel's breadcrumbs?
"I suppose the place must be quite large to need something like this."
It was just a casually thrown question, but the old woman shook her head firmly, contrary to expectations.
"No. It's not because it's large, but because you can't tell directions that it's necessary. They say the paths there change from time to time, and if you're not careful, you'll suddenly find yourself standing somewhere you don't recognize. It's said that while there's only one entrance to the forest, there are many traps that resemble the entrance. So this soil helps you return to the right path when you're close to the forest entrance."
"Ah..."
The more he heard, the more his curiosity amplified. Kapros carefully gripped the bottle of red soil he had received from the old woman, put it into his item window, and raised his head.
"Thank you so much for giving me such a precious thing."
"Not at all, please think of it as this old woman's hope that a special adventurer like you might show me something different from previous visitors."
The old woman smiled, revealing her nearly toothless mouth with cloudy eyes. Kapros bowed deeply, then turned around, opened the door, and went outside. As the surroundings changed in an instant, the place he had just been in behind him felt like a dream.
The day was gradually growing darker. Seeing the quiet neighborhood without even the small sounds that might be heard from afar, he was reminded of those unfunny guys who had picked a fight earlier.
As he was looking around, not knowing which way to go to reach the forbidden area the old woman had mentioned, he felt a small presence behind him. When he turned his head, the little one called Remil who had guided him to the old woman's house was standing there.
"You..."
"You're going to the forbidden area, aren't you?"
The child cut him off with a bold expression.
"Uncle, you're going to the forbidden area, right?"
"...Uncle?"
Kapros was more concerned about being called "uncle" than the fact that this kid knew about his intention to go to the forbidden area.
'Uncle... Do I look that old?'
He was still in his early twenties and had never thought his face looked that aged.
Kapros was pondering how to respond when he saw the child's innocent face that seemed to ask "what's the problem?" and decided to just give up.
"..."
Well... Even at best, to a young child who looked no older than early elementary school, someone like him might be old enough to be called "mister." It wasn't that important what he was called.
"Yes. I'm thinking of going to the forbidden area. Why?"
"Shall I guide you there?"
"...What?"
"You were just looking around because you didn't know which way to go, right? Use me as your guide. I know the paths in this village better than anyone."
The eyes between the shaggy hair sparkled brightly. Kapros stared into those eyes for a while and then quietly asked.
"Why?"
"Pardon?"
"Your eyes look too mischievous for this to be kindness without a price. What do you want?"
The brown eyes that looked innocent but harbored a dark light trembled. The smiling lips stiffened slightly.
"What do you mean?"
"If you won't say, forget it. They said it was behind the village, so I'll find it if I keep going."
How many steps had he taken after turning away and walking straight ahead without looking back? A small body darted out from behind and blocked his path, spreading its arms wide.
"L-let me go in too."
"...Where?"
Though he had a guess, he asked once more just in case it might not be what he thought. The child glared at him challengingly, throwing off the beret she had been wearing. Long hair that he hadn't expected flowed down like a rapid stream past her shoulders.
Ah... Looking at her like this, she really is a girl after all.
While he was blankly thinking that, the child clenched her fists tightly and shouted angrily.
"The forbidden area, I mean! In exchange for guiding you, let me go in there too."
"No."
"But I'm the one who saved you from Bill's gang earlier, aren't I? Help me as if you're repaying a debt. I, I... have something I want to find there."
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Jin Soram, the top-ranked hunter representing South Korea's Rift Phenomenon Management Headquarters, is stronger than anyone else and lazier than anyone else. As soon as he arrives at the office, he buries himself under a blanket and falls asleep. When he goes out on a mission, he causes accidents and returns to the office, often shirking his duties.
"Do you know how it feels to play a game that's already messed up? ...Anyway, the next round will come, so this time, I'm just going to play it recklessly."
In fact, his true identity is someone who has regressed through three lives, trying to save the world from the Great Rift but failing each time. After repeating a life where he couldn't sleep peacefully even for a day, he became completely exhausted before this life even began.
"I know. You worked hard, Jin Soram."
And then there's Han Tae-un, the man who saved Soram and died in all three previous lives. As he did in every life, he comes to Soram's side once again. The Great Rift is approaching soon. It's impossible to resolve it in this life without any preparation. Soram vows to save Tae-un in this life and die himself. At least, he won't let Tae-un save a failure like himself again.
"For now, until then, let's sleep..."
As Soram sluggishly lives his life waiting for that moment, a gradual change occurs in his heart.
'I thought this was a messed-up round... but I want to live a little longer here.'
Leonardo Blaine, the true war hero of the Raina Logia Empire and the commander of the Armsilver 11th Squad, is dishonorably discharged for disobeying orders during the final battle that could have led the Empire to victory in the territorial war. People criticize and point fingers at him, and after being released on parole from prison, he disappears without a trace.
Three years later, his name has been forgotten by the world. The Council has been persistently pursuing him, but he has proven difficult to capture. Frustrated by this, Hugo Agrizendro, the commander of the Council's army, decides to personally apprehend him.
"Since when have you been watching me?"
Leonardo was calculative and astute, so it wouldn't be surprising if he had been observing Hugo for some time now. However, Leonardo's answer was something that even Hugo had not anticipated.
"From the very beginning."
Graduate student Yi-han finds himself reborn in another world as the youngest child of a mage family.
– I’m never attending school, ever again!
‘What do you wish to achieve in life?’
‘I wish to play around and live comforta-‘
‘You must be aware of your talent. Now go attend Einroguard!’
‘Patriarch!’
My future would be guaranteed once I graduate. For my future!
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