Chapter 33:The paper dragon roared.

“Your future holds two pieces of news, one good and one bad. Which one do you want to hear first?”

Whenever Lee Sunghan received this kind of question.

He always answered the same way.

“Say whatever you want. The outcome is the same anyway.”

It was the same now.

First, the good news?

“For starters, Kang Jinyoung has joined us.”

Kang Jinyoung.

『The Crazy Magician of Namsan』, 『The Guardian of Albacore and Seolleongtang』, 『The Incarnation of Jealousy and Lust』.

There are many titles that describe her.

But in Lee Sunghan’s opinion, 『The Genius 128 Circle Archmage』 suited her best. It sounds like a title from a web novel, but Lee Sunghan decided to ignore it.

Only I am honored in heaven and on earth. 

MAX talent + full of craziness, Mr. Gojo. Her overwhelming talent and destructive power, reminiscent of him, made her the most reliable woman when she was on your side.

Then what’s the bad news?

“…That Kang Jinyoung has joined us.”

He had no choice but to nod. He shuddered at the thought of what she had done to him. He didn’t want to think about it for no reason.

“You.”

Kang Miyoung approached cautiously. Her body showed traces of various magic, having just fought with her sister.

“How are the signs of the enemy?”

“Annihilated. There are no further movements.”

Kang Jinyoung also approached. She was removing the limbs that were clinging to her body.

“That’s right. We took care of everything. I did more.”

Only then did Lee Sunghan relax and slump down in the hallway.

His body was exhausted from fighting in a tense state. [Auto Battle] craves perfection in any situation, but physical abilities are hard to keep up with.

Rest is also necessary in battle. Having come down to the first-floor theater lobby, they took a moment to catch their breath.

To be precise, they were trying to catch their breath.

“Isn’t that a fountain over there?”

“It is indeed a fountain. A fountain made of marble and in a Western style. It contrasts with the dark color of the theater. It was in the square.”

“…It’s a fountain. So what?”

Lee Sunghan, who had come down all the stairs, turned pale.

Why is the one that was in Gakryeong Market Square here?

What is this, a hidden camera prank?

He had never heard of a fountain teleporting. It’s not normal. Lee Sunghan used his arm to block the sisters’ path.

It was obviously ominous.

“It would be best if both of you waited. It could be Hong Seomin’s trap. That doll appeared then, too, didn’t it?”

It’s 100% a trap.

To intimidate with such a childish trick. How much is she looking down on us?

Drip, drip, drip.

This time, the water is flowing well too.

Clear and transparent water.

“You seem to be too paranoid.”

“It’s not paranoia.”

“Anything can happen in a gate. That fountain is no exception. I’ve seen it too.”

Kang Miyoung took a step forward. She stood neatly in front of the fountain and scooped up some water with her hand. Then she drank it.

[The power of love and purification dwells throughout your body.]

[All stats for this party are increased by 20%.]

Kang Miyoung, who wiped the water from her lips with her arm, shook her hand as if nothing had happened.

“Strange things happen inside gates. This fountain is one of those things.”

“Huh?”

“Sometimes, the beings within the tower show kindness. For example…”

Kang Miyoung stopped talking.

[Resting Fountain]

A fountain that appears in gates with a certain probability. It only activates when there are no enemies nearby.

“Ah.”

Lee Sunghan swallowed bitterly.

Yeah, that makes sense.

He relaxed and carefully scooped up some fountain water to drink. He didn’t even have the energy to complain anymore. They had been fighting for almost hours.

It’s annoying to even find fault.

“000,”

Kang Jinyoung paused awkwardly as if she had remembered something.

“…By the way, Sunghan, let’s get back to the main point. Sigh. You called me because you needed me, right? Even activating that magic.”

Lee Sunghan nodded.

He had roughly finished explaining.

He had also coordinated with Kang Miyoung.

He didn’t want to blush for no reason, either. It’s like a fixed game.

“Yes.”

Ugh, the water is delicious.

Lee Sunghan also drank from the fountain.

“You made someone worry… were you being threatened?”

“No.”

“Then try dangling a carrot. I need a justification.”

“Let’s rest first and then think about it. You’re too excited right now.”

Kang Jinyoung reluctantly took a sip from the fountain.

[The power of love and purification dwells throughout your body.]

The visible wounds quickly healed.

Her tension also seemed to ease.

Lee Sunghan watched the scene carefully.

“We’re fine.”

“…Sigh, then what was it that I heard back then? Huh? That thing about your sister trying to pounce on you.”

“Ah, that was because of Hong Seomin’s hypnosis. As you know, the Major has almost no resistance to mental attacks.”

Kang Jinyoung’s face rotted.

‘Bullshit. It’s obvious that something happened to her.’

“I’ll trust you just this once. Then.”

With this, Kang Jinyoung joined the Gakryeong Market raid party (Hong Seomin elimination party).

The trinity is complete!

『Bruiser Kang Miyoung』

『AP Hyper Carry Mage Kang Jinyoung』

『Max Level All-Rounder Lee Sunghan』

Isn’t this truly a perfect combination?

Even Lee Sunghan himself thinks it’s not bad. Well, there’s no healer and there’s internal strife.

But their individual skills are second to none.

As for injuries… they’re just scratches. Some expensive bandages will do the trick. Or they could just drink from the fountain.

Kang Miyoung sat down next to him. She leaned against the base of the fountain.

“Did you catch it? The one you shot with the bow.”

“I caught it.”

Hoo.

Lee Sunghan spoke cautiously.

“It’s not Hong Seomin. Judging from the new model, it seemed like that assassin. It was a doll.”

“The one we rescued, you mean.”

“Yes.”

Including Kim Seojeong’s real body.

They found a few civilians.

Some of them had already been declared dead due to long-term disappearances. To think that Hong Seomin had them. If she used their abilities when making dolls…

‘Why would she need civilians?’

To use them as sacrifices?

He had never heard of the tower requiring human lives. If it did, it would have sent monsters.

Lee Sunghan shrugged. It wouldn’t change anything even if he thought about it deeply.

He threw the bow on the floor.

“I can’t use this bow anymore. I’m out of arrows, too.”

“That’s a shame. Anyone would think you were Jumong.”

“Thank you for the compliment.”

An E-grade bow.

Its durability had already run out.

He didn’t consider using it any further.

‘Still, I used it for a long time.’

Lee Sunghan sighed. He doesn’t know how long they’ve been in this theater.

This place is a maze.

A very large maze.

They can’t go back.

They have to keep moving forward.

The Tartarus Maze, which was the concept for floors 6-10, was like this too. But at least it gave them ample time to rest. Here, they had to keep pushing.

By the way…

“Jinyoung? You have a scratch on your cheek.”

Blood was flowing down her cheek. Only then did she realize it hurt, and she wiped her cheek with her palm.

The wound is deep.

A handful of blood came out.

“Let’s sit by the fountain for now. Stop drinking the water.”

“I, I’m really angry, you know.”

“What are you going to do about it if you’re angry? Kill everyone here? Don’t you know that’s what Hong Seomin wants?”

He rummaged through his backpack and took out medical supplies.

“If you stay like that, the wound will get worse. It’ll ruin your pretty face, won’t it?”

“…….”

Her face turns bright red.

Is she sick or something?

‘I, it smells good. It’s so sweet.’

Good smell?

He approached her to check her condition.

“I’ll, I’ll put a bandage on it.”

“Ah, ahhh.”

She keeps avoiding his gaze.

“If you move, it will get worse. Can you help me a little, Major? Just hold her still.”

Kang Miyoung let out a deep sigh.

“Alright.”

She quietly joined.

No matter how much she disliked her, she was still her blood-related sister.

And family.

Washing away blood with blood was instinctively repulsive even to the cold-hearted her. Suddenly, Kang Jinyoung became quiet, and while he was stopping the bleeding.

Kang Miyoung started.

“You. After a short rest, I request that you scout ahead. Is it possible?”

“Of course.”

Lee Sunghan had already used [Ultra-Reconnaissance].

…

…

It’s certain. This place is safe for now. No enemies. Nor any other living creatures.

No traps were detected either. The danger level is almost 0%. It’s certain.

“Nothing is detected.”

“Did you check? Just now?”

“Yes.”

“That’s strange. That’s not her personality. Can I see the map?”

Lee Sunghan gestured to his backpack.

“There’s a blueprint. Here, the upper right corner. It’s the third floor.”

Kang Miyoung rummaged through her backpack and skimmed through the theater blueprint. She carefully examined the blueprint found in the second-floor archive and started talking.

“Huh, that’s true… According to the blueprint, that’s the last place.”

That place.

It’s the third-floor hallway where they just had a fierce battle.

There was a large door at the end.

A magnificent door that looked like it belonged in a palace.

“We’ve already searched the other places.”

“That’s right. There’s a strange space in front of the stage. That’s probably where…”

Kang Jinyoung suddenly interrupted.

“Hong Seomin. That b*tch is there, right?”

Lee Sunghan scratched his cheek. She’s right, but the way she said it was a bit harsh. They say that the deeper you dig, the more dirt you find, and old sayings are never wrong.

****

There’s a saying, ‘If it’s red, it’s three times faster!’ He doesn’t remember who said it.

As Lee Sunghan looked at the stage protruding in a semicircle, he thought he would reach the speed of sound if he stood there. Blood overflowing onto the stage. It’s very thick.

And the pungent smell. As they went down the stairs, Kang Jinyoung held his arm tightly.

“Sunghan. Stay close to me. It’s dangerous.”

“Alright.”

What they see before them is simple.

A stage.

A very large theater stage!

It’s a two-story structure, and judging by the projector and screen on the upper floor, it must have also been used as a movie theater. The audience seats are all empty.

“you”

“Yes.”

“There, the switch.”

Kang Miyoung, who was in charge of the rear, pointed to the center of the stage. There really was a switch. It looked hastily made.

Now that he looked at it, he recognized cute decorations made of cardboard, small dolls that would be used in a puppet show, and paper boards.

“M-Major. Do you have any idea what it is? It said three people are needed.”

“You, as you are aware, it could be a ruse to confuse us.”

“We might have to press that switch simultaneously. There are only three of us, after all.”

Cardboard rose up to the stage, and the sets revealed themselves one after another.

The spotlights at the top turned on from left to right, and in a clockwise direction, they shone on Lee Sunghan. As if he were the main character.

“Wh-what.”

Cheers and applause that sounded like sound effects.

And the sound of applause.

Ding-

Ripping through the cute background, something leaped out.

[The paper doll, Mirginos, howls!]

“Oh, boy.”