Korokoro Village was initially a dungeon that Earth's players didn't really need to tackle seriously.

Due to the nature of hidden dungeons, once you cleared them, it was impossible to clear them again, and this one was specifically designed for lower-level characters.

Players merely shared efficient routes to get through it since it was just a normal dungeon.

However, no matter how you looked at it, what Haewonryang did was quite astounding. He managed to surpass the accumulated knowledge and strategy of players over several years in a single go.

Come to think of it, Haewonryang seemed to possess the qualities of a born strategist.

And with his monstrous stats, Mayuseong excelled in going on a rampage alone, but Haewonryang specialized in outsmarting opponents with clever strategies.

“Most enemies primarily use spears as their ranged weapons. If we camp on the steeply carved western gorge, we can render their weapons completely useless. Even if they attempt an attack, they'll likely self-destruct. Even if that won’t happen, at least we won’t be surrounded?"

"Oh, I'm all for it. It sounds fun, doesn't it?"

‘These guys are insane…’

To be honest, Baek Yu-Seol thought they were out of their minds. Even players who enjoyed hunting recklessly without valuing their lives didn't usually employ such drastic methods.

However, Haewonryang’s strategy was bold, accurate, and error-free. Just as he said, the enemies ended up choosing self-destruction.

The Korokoro Tribe, which possessed both the strength of orcs and the finesse of goblins, excelled in long-range spear attacks.

Rather than fleeing beyond their range, Haewonryang cornered them, rendering their weapons useless.

With their javelins sealed, Korokoro Tribe was essentially just a group of beasts who knew how to use their strength mindlessly, and in the midst of this, Mayuseong displayed a truly awe-inspiring presence, akin to a locomotive.

It was frustrating for them to be cornered by Haewonryang’s tactics, and in addition to that, they lost their strength to resist as their comrades were swept away every time Mayuseong dropped a boulder.

The Korokoro Tribe had lost even the will to resist, which was understandable.

"Haha, isn't this fun? Right, Yu-Seol?"

"Oh, yes..."

The two of them seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves, releasing the stress they had accumulated so far in the dungeon.

Considering that the appropriate requirements for clearing the dungeon was four to five people at Class 3 or higher strength, watching the two of them clearing it with such ease made them appear as monsters in Baek Yu-Seol’s eyes.

In his opinion, both of them seemed to have already reached Class 4.

They were geniuses who were expected to become the strongest in the world in their 20s, so it wasn’t strange that they reached Class 4 just before the summer vacation of their first year.

Well, in any case, it benefited Baek Yu-Seol.

Bringing them along was a wise choice.

Frankly, it was a bit regrettable after all the hard training he had done so far to prepare for this dungeon, but still, it was nice to have an easier time and enjoy some freebies.

[The rewards for clearing the Dungeon Korokoro Village have been granted.]

[Mana +06%]

[Sensory +03%]

[Health +05%]

[Considering your attributes, we will convert the reward for 'Mana' to 'Strength.]

[Back to Yu-Seol’s Status]

[Attributes]

[Strength: 3 Stars (05%)]

[Sense: 3 Stars (04%)]

[Agility: 2 Stars (79%)]

[Stamina: 2 Stars (38%)]

[Endurance: 0 Stars (99%)]

[Mental Strength: 3 Stars (17%)]

[Mana: ~]

[Skills]

[Flash Lv.2]

[Tae-Ryung Breathing Technique Lv.1]

[Characteristics]

[Mana Accumulation Retardation Lv.3]

[Blessings of the Yeonhong Chunsamweol Lv.1]

After refining Tae-Ryung Breathing Technique, his overall attributes had been rising steeply.

This was despite only doing an hour or two of weight training each day.

Additionally, thanks to recent rewards, his Strength and Sense had reached 3 Stars.

To put it into perspective, he could easily shatter rocks with a punch.

It might seem like he had become a lone martial artist in the world of mages, but well, so what?

In the first place, the existence of ‘Character Baek Yu-Seol’ was quite irregular even in the Aether World.

It was as if his existence was alien to Stella.

‘Now, it's about time to raise the level of Mana Accumulation Retardation and Flash.’

The EXP and proficiency in those skills must have accumulated significantly.

Baek Yu-Seol thought he could raise one of them after clearing the next episode.

"Baek Yu-Seol."

"Hmm?"

While he was quite satisfied with the transformed stats, Haewonryang called him with a troubled expression.

"We need to distribute the rewards."

"Oh, right."

He collected the loot on a suitable-sized rock and continued, "But..."

"Only two artifacts dropped."

"Oh, really? Lucky us."

"But there are three of us."

‘Ah, I think I understand what he means.’

Artifacts were relics from ancient times, rare items that exhibited similar attributes to modern items.

Of course, while they were rare, they were often found when exploring dungeons or ruins.

However, artifacts with superior attributes commanded astronomical prices.

The artifacts dropped in this dungeon weren't extremely expensive, but they were still valuable.

‘It’s a ring and a bracelet…’

Baek Yu-Seol quickly checked his attributes. The ring increased the maximum capacity of mana, which suited Haewonryang, and the bracelet, which accelerated spell casting, was perfect for Mayuseong.

"You guys take them."

"... What?"

"Is it okay? Yu-Seol?"

"I don't need one."

While the technological capabilities of those items still didn't surpass those of ancient artifacts, they could be recreated with some effort.

Besides, the reason he went there wasn't for artifacts.

"This is enough for me."

As they looked at the items he pointed out, Haewonryang and Mayuseong's expressions took an odd turn.

"That's..."

"It’s just souvenir, right...?"

"Exactly."

What Baek Yu-Seol wanted wasn't anything other than the ordinary stone pillar that had been embedded in the ground.

It was a piece of that stone pillar that was now carefully selected from the shattered remains.

This was one of the key items leading to the ancient Carmen Set's archaeological ruins.

When one gathered the pieces, he could open the site's entrance.

So far, Haewonryang and Mayuseong didn't have the ability to detect or identify ancient items, so it probably just looked like a piece of rock to them.

But he had confirmed it through his specs, so there was no doubt.

"Geez, you guys are clueless. This is more valuable than that."

"... May I take a look?"

"Feel free."

Haewonryang inspected the stone pillar meticulously, wearing an expression of disbelief.

Perhaps driven by curiosity, Mayuseong even took out some special equipment, but it still seemed difficult to identify its true nature.

"Hmm, I'm not sure. What about you?"

Mayuseong looked puzzled, and Haewonryang was apparently frustrated by not being able to identify the stone pillar, and bit his lip.

Anyway, it seemed like the distribution of the rewards was done.

It was time to head back.

The exit was in the same location as when they entered. In other words, if they went out the wrong way, they could get hit by a train.

However, they had already researched when the trains were running and it was safe right now.

The only concern was whether the Dark Mages were still waiting.

"That shouldn't be a problem. They scattered enough dark mana for magic warriors to show up."

"Yeah."

They would have fled a long time ago.

"Alright, then we can relax. Let's head out."

As luck would have it, the train schedule indicated that they had about an hour of safety ahead of them.

Woom!

A small warp hole shimmered where the dungeon's core had been shattered.

Walking towards it, they found themselves engulfed in a sensation as if the world was collapsing, and just like that, they were back in their original location.

Buzz!

"Control is from here onward!"

"Hey, no entry! Reporter Yang, don't cross the police line!"

… In the midst of this noisy commotion, they were momentarily dumbfounded.

"What's going on?"

A massive crowd had gathered on the railway tracks atop the cliff where the train passed.

Among them were people in police uniforms, individuals in white lab coats resembling magical investigators, guards in armored attire, and even reporters wielding cameras.

Around them, there was a yellow line marked with ‘No Entry,’ and a powerful barrier faintly enveloped it.

"What's all this..."

Before Baek Yu-Seol could even ask what was going on,

"Look, it's the students of Stella!"

Simultaneously, with someone's shout, a multitude of camera shutters clicked, and bright flashes burst forth.

Click! Click!

"How did you survive from that crazy murderer?"

"Please tell us about the intense battle that took place inside the train!"

Reporters shouted with all their might.

"These crazy reporters! Can't you step back?"

"The barrier seems to be breaking!"

Guards tried to hold them back.

"What... is this reaction? Is it spatial teleportation?”

“Did a dungeon really appear in a location like this?”

“But if that were the case, the entrance should have triggered detection, right?”

“It's an inaccessible dungeon by conventional means. There's no way, what could be the underlying principle?"

Even the magic researchers, who were lost in their own world, were puzzled.

"What’s this…”

When they returned from the dungeon, it seemed like chaos had erupted outside.

———

Stella Knight Order Headquarters.

Senior Knight Blade knelt in the office of the Grand Knight Commander, his expression stern.

In front of him, a man sat with a sobre expression, and his emotions seemed to be consumed by darkness. He conducted official business without even glancing at Blade.

"Senior Knight Blade of the Third Magic Escort Unit under Betelgeuse."

"... Yes."

"This time, you made a rather interesting mistake."

"I'm sorry!"

Thud!

Blade slammed his head against the ground.

It was an act of loyalty so extreme that it could no longer be considered honorable or dignified for someone from "Stella," but his actions were directed at none other than the Grand Knight Commander, Arien.

He had been summoned by the Grand Knight Commander due to the error in this mission, and no matter how extreme his actions, he needed to seek forgiveness.

Blade deeply regretted his mistake.

‘I'm an asshole.’

He had thought it would be safe just because it was a train. He had chosen to sleep in a different compartment since it was a hassle to disguise himself, and he had taken the task as a senior knight lightly.

But then, the worst dark mages appeared, attacking the students.

"... Of all times."

He had been trained to respond to crises anytime, anywhere.

"In the past, you were diligent and useful to some extent..."

Arien’s words made Blade bite his lips tightly.

"Is becoming a Senior Knight making you too complacent?"

"I'm sorry!"

Thud!

Once again, his head met the ground, and blood oozed from his forehead.

Arien was annoyed by the commotion, but unfortunately, Blade couldn't see his face.

… Of course.

‘Interesting.’

For Arien, Blade’s mistake was probably not a big deal.

‘Is it Baek Yu-Seol again…’

A fleeting hint of interest crossed Arien’s face, which was said to always be in shadow.

Baek Yu-Seol had faced various crises not just once or twice.

Attack by necromancer, Persona Gate, the corruption of Maizen Tyren, and now, even an encounter with a mage slayer on the train.

However, Baek Yu-Seol had handled all these situations flexibly and flawlessly.

"To be honest..."

"Yes!"

When Arien spoke, Blade thought he was trying to cover up his mistakes and replied energetically.

However, Arien had something else in mind.

"I hate young geniuses."

"Yes?"

Suddenly, what did that have to do with anything?

While Blade raised his head in bewilderment, Arien continued speaking.

Perhaps he just needed someone to listen to his words, anyone at all.

"You see, those who know that their talents shine when they're young... are likely to break before they reach their teens."

Arien was never called a prodigy. In fact, he was once a below-average student. There were always prodigies ahead of him, and when he took one step, they took ten.

But that was precisely the problem with prodigies.

Those who walked ten steps at a time suddenly stumbled when they encountered even a small obstacle.

Having walked a straight path all their lives, they couldn't fathom the idea of overcoming a wall when it appeared.

Average people were different.

Instead of a straight path, they faced rugged, uneven cliffs.

It required tremendous effort to take a single step forward, and even if they managed to cross one wall, another one soon blocked their way.

Yet, they pressed on.

Having already discovered how to overcome walls, they persisted in their determination.

That was Arien now.

Once known as a ordinary and someone who fell behind other, he had become the Commander-in-Chief of the world's most powerful Knight Order.

"So, I dislike prodigies..."

From Arien’s perspective, Baek Yu-Seol was a prodigy. A prodigy on par with famous Mayuseong and Haewonryang.

But Baek Yu-Seol had something that set him apart from other prodigies.

He was undoubtedly walking the path of a straight road with his talent, but he had perfectly grasped how to overcome the walls, even if he were an inferior student who couldn't use magic.

‘... He was born with a body that can't use magic.’

Despite being born with a body that could only be considered inferior, a genius was born as he explored another ancient field.

He rolled up his sleeves.

A long time ago, due to a curse from a witch that still hadn't been lifted, his skin had turned pitch black.

Even his remaining lifespan wasn't much.

Before that, he needed to find a successor for the "Commander-in-Chief of the Stella Knight Order" as soon as possible.

He had intended to choose a candidate who wasn’t a genius but a diligent person.

‘If you’re such a genius... maybe you would be the most suitable candidate for this position.’

Arien thought so, but lowered his head and put down Baek Yu-Seol’s documents.

‘They called it 'Mana Accumulation Retardation Syndrome.'

‘It's quite unfortunate.’

‘Such a child is walking a destiny similar to mine.’

‘No matter how much of a genius Baek Yu-Seol may be, what can he do?’

‘He's also living a life with limited time.’*

However, regardless of how things turned out...

‘… Seeing his face in person at least once wouldn't be a bad idea.’