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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Hestia]
[Proofreader - Kaya]
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Chapter 21: Someone Else's Opportunity is Best Taken First (1)
By the time he finished a quick shower in the locker room, the sun had already set.
Kang Minho, who had come out earlier, approached Yoojin as he was leaving the sparring center.
"Hyung-nim. Why is your face...?"
Seeing Yoojin's face covered in bruises and swollen, his lips twisted in a grimace.
Seeing him desperately trying to hold back laughter, Yoojin's brow furrowed.
"Something happened."
"Keup, I understand."
"I'm hungry. Let's go grab something."
"I'll buy."
The group entered a nearby restaurant.
After placing a simple order...
While waiting for the food to arrive, Yoojin brought up the main topic.
"Are you aware of any recent issues in the Hunter world?"
"Most of it is just gossip, but Seongmin is obsessed with Hunternet, so I hear things here and there."
Hunternet.
It was an exclusive site that required Hunter certification to join.
'There's nothing that special even if you get in.'
Even after going through a rather complicated authentication process, there was almost no difference from other internet communities.
Any information worth spreading on Hunternet would be released on other communities not long after.
'I need to build an information network.'
After acquiring [Kronos' Pocket Watch], he had memorized the events of the past in his own way.
Opportunities he must seize.
People to bring to his side.
And.
The list of those to kill.
'I've memorized the major events, but there might be parts I've missed.'
That's the reason for building an information network.
By accessing various information, his dormant memories could be stimulated.
Nothing to lose.
Since he had called Kang Minho out anyway, Yoojin asked about the rumors circulating on Hunternet.
- Necrosis in Gangneung.
- The Gate that appeared in Ttangkkeut Village.
- Serial killings of Hunters.
He listened to the issues circulating on Hunternet, but there wasn't much to gain.
Clicking his tongue in disappointment...
"Come to think of it, isn't there a Gate that opened in Gimje and has been maintained for a long time?"
"What is it?"
"Ah... that Forgotten Temple, Hyung-nim."
Wait a minute.
The Forgotten Temple?
The corners of his mouth curled into a smile. The moment he heard that name, an event from his past life flashed through his mind.
'The Forgotten Temple hasn't been conquered yet, huh?'
Chuckle.
A laugh escaped his lips.
〔Is it another one of those fated opportunities?〕
'Our constellation seems displeased that I'm having it easy.'
〔A hero is tempered through trials and tribulations. The path my contractor walks is far too easy.〕
'I already went through a lot of hardship in my previous life, okay?'
While grumbling towards Kronos, the flow of conversation was interrupted.
“Hyung-nim?”
"Just lost in thought for a moment. More importantly, I want to hear about the Forgotten Temple."
“The Horizon Guild hasn't been able to conquer it for almost a year, so it seems like a break will happen soon.”
“So it's a flow-type, huh.”
Fixed-type Gates, like the [Ancient Garden], wouldn't cause a Gate break as long as the number of monsters was periodically reduced.
On the other hand, with flow-types, even if monsters were hunted, the mana density gradually increased.
If a Gate couldn't be conquered for a long time, the Gate's mana would eventually reach 100%, causing a break.
"Yes. I heard the density has entered a dangerous stage."
“That guild must have lost some face.”
“Indeed. I heard Horizon is releasing control of the Gate and allowing general Hunters to participate.”
Gate control.
Powerful guilds occasionally restricted access to certain Gates.
Rare monsters.
Byproducts found only within that specific Gate.
There were many other reasons for imposing control, but sometimes they would face backlash for controlling Gates they couldn't handle themselves.
“Have there been any talks of large guilds participating?”
“There are rumors that the Phoenix and Dawn guilds are showing interest, but…”
Phoenix, the second-ranked guild in Korea.
And Dawn, the third-ranked guild, joining the fray.
'If those two are in, it's certain.'
There was a rumor Yoojin had heard in his previous life.
An artifact was discovered in a long-unconquered Gate where rookie Hunters from Phoenix and Dawn competed.
Artifacts referred to weapons and equipment found inside Gates, not objects made by Earth's craftsmen.
Of course.
Not everything that came out of a Gate was treated as an artifact.
Weapons imbued with powerful magic, spells, or blessings.
The Dragon Scale Armor, the reward for conquering the Forgotten Temple, was also a powerful weapon classified as an artifact.
'In my past life, the Phoenix guild obtained the Dragon Scale Armor, right?'
A growth-type artifact.
The Blood Axe, which grew stronger by feeding on blood, was only [Rare] rank, but because it was a growing equipment, it could be sold at a high price.
The Dragon Scale Armor was [Epic] rank.
Unlike the Blood Axe, which had growth conditions, the armor grew stronger simply by wearing it, making it an unfair comparison.
In his past life, the Dragon Scale Armor was an artifact that symbolized Kim Youngsoo, the master of the Phoenix Guild.
'This life will be different.'
Now that he had learned spear techniques.
It would be perfect to have armor to protect his body, wouldn't it?
“Contact the team members. Tell them to meet tomorrow.”
“Hyung-nim. Don't tell me…”
“Tell them to prepare for camping like last time.”
Conquering the Forgotten Temple.
It wasn't an easy place like the [Ancient Garden], where all the strategic points could be targeted within a day.
“Camping again.”
Kang Minho's grumbled.
＊ ＊ ＊
A massive sculpture of two dragons stood facing each other.
Between the statues symbolizing Byeokgolje, a blue wormhole makes its presence known.
[TL/N: Byeokgolje — name of an ancient reservoir, one of the oldest and largest in Korea. And here, the Gate to the Forgotten Temple has opened up between the two dragon statues.]
It was the Gate leading to the [Forgotten Temple].
"Whoa. There are a ton of Hunters here to raid the Gate."
Lee Seongmin's eyes widened as he looked around.
The field stretched out below the embankment.
In the past, this space was only used for festivals.
But since the Horizon Guild gave up control, countless Hunters had flocked here, setting up tents across the field.
"Hyung-nim. Should we get ready too?"
"We'll take care of food and lodging inside the Gate. No need to waste energy out here."
Kang Minyeong spoke hesitantly.
"We only packed supplies for five days. Will that be enough?"
"We have to finish within that time."
Yoojin said confidently.
The moment he heard about the [Forgotten Temple] Gate, he remembered the interview the Phoenix Guild had given back then.
Conquering it wouldn't take that long.
"H-hyung-nim! Look over there!"
"What is it?"
"That's Jang Miseon, the next Sword Saint of the Phoenix Guild!"
A woman with her long hair tied back.
She was equipped with light armor that didn't restrict her movement and had a sword at her waist.
With tightly pressed lips and sharp eyes, the keen aura she exuded inadvertently subdued the bustling atmosphere of the open space.
'Right. She was the one who solved the secret of this Gate, wasn't she?'
Yoojin stroked his chin as he observed Jang Miseon.
Before his return.
She was considered a talent who would surpass Kim Youngsoo, the master of the Phoenix Guild.
Unfortunately, she was caught in an accident during a Gate raid and her career was cut short.
In truth, that accident was a trap set by the Arhans to eliminate a competitor.
'That became the trigger for the guild war between the Arhans and the Phoenix Guild.'
Yoojin remembered the incident in detail because he had worked as a mercenary for the Phoenix Guild.
'I'll grant Park Haneul's wish.'
Back then, they weren't at the level to engage in a full-fledged war with the No. 1 guild in Korea.
Seeing the person he had only heard of in stories in person gave him a renewed perspective.
"This is bad, hyung-nim."
"What is it now? Speak calmly."
"It seems Shin Yoosung from the Dawn Guild is participating in the raid."
Shin Yoosung.
He was the guy who would later become one of Korea's top-ranking Hunters, known as the [Iron Fist].
Just like Jang Miseon.
Promising Hunters who would make a name for themselves in the future were gathered in one place.
"Hyung-nim. Can we really conquer this?"
"Have faith."
"The way you say that makes you sound a bit like a priest."
"Sarcasm?"
"I guess it showed."
Kang Minho laughed awkwardly.
He was stiff as a board at first, but after a few days, he seemed to have relaxed a bit.
Aside from his talent, his boldness and resourcefulness were quite useful.
"Don't mind the other Hunters and just follow me. I won't go easy on you even if you get tired."
With a chilling warning, Yoojin headed towards the statue.
"Hyung-nim! Wait for us!"
Triggered by Kang Minho's high-pitched scream, the Little Runts team also shouldered their backpacks and entered the Gate one after another.
＊ ＊ ＊
Whiiiiing—
A dry wind brushed past his cheek.
Brown earth, devoid of any moisture. Aside from a few weeds, the ground felt lifeless.
A massive temple stood before them.
It was a large structure that truly lived up to the name 'Forgotten Temple'.
As he channeled mana into the ring...
【Another fight?】
Fafnir suddenly popped out and shouted in an excited voice.
"W-what is that, hyung-nim?"
"A subordinate."
【It's a bit rude to pretend you don't know me, considering we're somewhat acquainted.】
A question mark appeared above Kang Minho's head.
"You know him, right? The earthbound spirit we held a memorial service for in the border region."
"Did you turn a soul we held a memorial service for into an undead?"
"I did it with his permission."
"If I die, please don't turn me into an undead."
"You think I can turn just anyone? You're too weak; even if I tried, you'd only become a measly zombie."
"That makes me dislike it even more."
Fafnir laughed heartily at Kang Minho's disgust.
The Little Runts team shuddered at the undead's presence.
"Ahem, before we start the raid in earnest, I'll give a brief explanation."
Kang Minyeong stepped forward and began her explanation.
[Forgotten Temple]
[Type - Flow Type]
[Entry Requirements: 1 - 2 Stars]
[Mana Density: 93%]
[Gate Area: Large]
"The entry requirement for the Forgotten Temple is up to 2 stars, but the actual difficulty of the raid is said to be 3 stars."
【What's the reason for that assessment?】
"The structure of the temple changes every day, and the environment is different each time."
Rumble—
As soon as Kang Minyeong finished speaking, a strange rumbling sound emanated from the Forgotten Temple.
The pillars supporting the temple shifted from side to side, causing a tremendous roar to echo everywhere.
Parts of the floor caved in or suddenly rose, and the structure of the Forgotten Temple shook and rearranged itself.
【I see. That must be it.】
The change that occurred every day.
This was the reason why the Forgotten Temple had remained unconquered for almost a year.
Every 24 hours, the structure of the temple would change, resetting everything.
The types of monsters in the temple would change, and the internal structure would be completely altered.
"Damn it. Retreat! If you get caught in the structural transformation, it's hard to survive."
"Has it been that long already?"
The Hunters who were hunting monsters or exploring the Gate structure hurriedly retreated.
Yoojin also watched the temple's transformation closely.
'If it's the same as I remember...'
In his past life, Jang Miseon, the Hunter who conquered the [Forgotten Temple], said this in an interview:
-The structure of the temple changes once a day.
-When you watch the temple change, there are pillars that don't move.
-The surfaces of the pillars have strange patterns engraved on them, which match the monsters that appear each time the temple's structure changes.
-When you align the symbols of the monsters with the pillar that forms the axis of transformation, it would transport you to the boss room.
'I can't believe I remember this.'
This gate became a global sensation because of its incredibly complex mechanics.
The endlessly transforming structure of the temple struck fear into anyone who dared enter.
【Anything else to explain?】
"I was going to mention the dangers, but it’s quicker to see for yourself.”
【If you’re inside when the structure shifts, you wouldn’t even have bones left to recover.】
A few minutes later.
The Forgotten Temple, having completed its reconstruction, was now shrouded in eerie silence, as if the earlier chaos had been a lie.
"Fafnir. I'll leave the lead to you."
【It’s the duty of a servant to protect their weak master. Don’t worry.】
[Using Unholy Blessing.]
[Using the Punishing Spike.]
He used holy spells effective against the undead on Fafnir.
After significantly boosting combat capabilities, they stepped into the temple.
‘Let’s see if my memory serves me right.’
Jang Miseon.
Don't feel too wronged.
You won't even know you've been robbed.
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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Hestia
[Proofreader - Kaya]
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