Since back then and until now, Seo Dawon has been a leader who, if nothing else, has never spouted bullshit nor led me wrong

Therefore, I can respect that hell deal with his personal life on his own. Im not bothered by that.

I couldnt see Woo Ragis expression, but I could hear the swordsmans trust through his voice. He didnt even ask me for my opinion as he confessed all this to me. Woo Ragi probably had little interest in whether Id praise or curse the Mage.

I was surprised by his attitude. After all, I had always thought that Woo Ragi was someone whod sneer at blind loyalty.

After being speechless for a brief moment, I said, in a subdued tone, Howunexpected. I just thought you and Seo Dawon I dont know if these are the right words, but

I thought you guys were equals in your friendship. That isnt to say that youre Seo Dawons subordinate or anything

Ah. Woo Ragi seemed to hem and haw over his words before fixing his grip on me and continuing to walk. Contrary to my expectations, he didnt seem too upset with my comments. Soon, he answered without much malice, I think Ive heard that before

Ryu Hyerin said the same thing.

What? It felt like I was hit in the back of the head by something blunt.

However, Woo Ragi didnt stop there and continued to be harsh, She didnt have any friends either I guess your loneliness was similar to hers?

W-What are you saying!

One thing is different thoughshe tried to test people. He sounded deeply disillusioned then. While I blinked, Woo Ragi continued to drop one bombshell after the other, Did you know?

What?

Bae Jaemin and Ryu Hyerin had been seeing each other since before the [Tower of Command].

WWhat?! No way Ryu Hyerin was two-timing them?! 1

And, Seo Dawon probably knew about it? Hes more perceptive than me.

My head was spinningit felt like it was set ablaze. Woo Ragi, seeing my dumbfounded expression, unsuccessfully tried to hold back his snickers.

Honestly, how could he laugh in this situation? Because of his reaction, I wondered if Woo Ragi was simply lying just to make fun of me. However, when I opened my mouth to argue, he blocked my mouth with one hand and shushed me. Then, he whispered softly, Be quiet youre too noisy.

Mmmph!

Youre not forgetting that were passing by monsters right now, right?

It felt frustrating to be suffocated and treated as a loud individual, but the thought of the gargoyle statues froze my lips. I was definitely curious to learn more, but I didnt want to be chased by monsters because I had asked a question.

I bit my lip and nodded softly to show I understood. Woo Ragi noticed my cooperative attitude and quickly took his hands off my mouth. He then lowered his voice to a whisper and continued, I never liked whoever Seo Dawon dated. They kept pestering me as well

I stared at the origin of voice with an expression laden with deep disbelief. It was unlikely that Woo Ragi would have been kind to any of the Mages past girlfriends. Even subtle, appreciative glances would need some sort of encouragementwho would flirt with a rude person like him?

However, Woo Ragi pressed his finger into my forehead when he saw my distrust. My teeth clenched, and I shook my head at his immediate chastise.

In a derisive tone, he answered, Im telling the truth, alright? Besides, it wasnt just me. They were good at making messes and being *indiscreet* with others around me.

.

Kim Olim suffered a lot too. Honestly, I thought that all of Seo Dawons lovers were talented novelists. 2

Isnt it strange?

From Woo Ragis tone, I could feel that he had genuinely suffered due to Seo Dawons past lovers.

As I listened to him blankly, my mind began to draw imaginary scenes. I could imagine how the servants struggled as these ex-lovers did unnecessary things to attract the Mages attention.

I also didnt like that those women had said things to Kim Olim However, though I hated to admit it, I could sympathize with their feelings. My lips instinctively twitched.

Woo Ragi read into my minute body movements, Seo Dawon? You want to know what Seo Dawon was like?

He was a little different from what youd expect, probably. And, with such a meaningful remark, Woo Ragi ignored me and just continued walking.

I thought Woo Ragi was trying to ridicule me, so I tried to say something. But, as soon as I moved, I felt his fingers press down on my lips. I realized that we might be walking through a dangerous section and had no choice but to wait quietly.

However, while I waited, complicated thoughts burrowed into my brain. What on earth did Woo Ragi think I assumed? I

[Grrrrrrrrngh..]

However, before I could fall deeper into my thoughts, an ominous sound came from above our heads. That sound was accompanied by the sound of pebbles rolling and clattering. I instinctively grabbed the swordsmans arms.

Honestly Woo Ragi cursed and gripped my hands tightly. At the same time, I heard something heavy hitting the ground beside us.

Crash!

Argh! Though I shouted in fear and astonishment, Woo Ragi was unfazed.

However, he mumbled to himself in a frustrated tone, Whyd they wake up? Was there some kind of condition?

W-What happened?

Do you think I would know? Isnt it your fault?

What? What did I do.?!

Because, I perfectly stealthed myself.

Even so, what does that have to do with meDont Laugh! You were the only one chatting away up until a moment ago.

Shut up. Woo Ragi grumbled and hugged me tight enough to steal my breath; he quickly dodged to the left. He moved so fast that a whirling wind swept past my ears.

However, perhaps the monster following us was larger than I imagined. The swordsman quickly changed direction and ran at a tremendous speed; he couldnt easily shake the monster off his trail, though. He released his frustrations on me, Haah. I cant even set this thing down somewhere

D-Dont put me down!

Youre fucking heavy.

I wanted to refute those last words, but I reigned in my retort. After all, it couldnt be easy to run around with an adult man on his back.

Instead, I clung close to the swordsmans body because I was worried hed throw me onto the ground. I didnt forget to grab Woo Ragis collar as hard as I could. As soon as I did so, he snorted as if he couldnt believe me, but, fortunately, he didnt shake my hand away.

[Unsheathe]. And, like that, he called out a skill. Of course, I had no idea how that skill manifested. I was still bathed in darkness; I couldnt even distinguish a single ray of light.

However, as soon as he activated his skill, I felt an ice-cold energy, amorphous energy above our heads. It felt like we were hiding behind a pillar of ice?

In addition, it felt like Woo Ragis upper body became rigid. His armthe one that wasnt holding mereached back.

Soon, I could hear loud noises in the distancelike fireworks going off. The swordsman sighed in irritation, as if he couldnt hit his targets.

Well, I didnt think much more about thatMy thoughts were interrupted by what the swordsman said afterwards, Hey, wrap your legs around my waist.

What?

Its cumbersome to have you dangling. I need to run fast.

I looked at Woo Ragis faceor where I assumed his face waswith a blood-drained complexion, but he was already tapping my legs with his knee. It was as if he was telling me to hang onto him with my own strength.

I loathed doing so, but I had no choice and inevitably squeezed my thighs around the swordsman as hard as I could. Though, I tried not to think about anything else

However, Woo Ragis clothes proved to be a problem. What were they made out of? They were so slippery that I had to fix my position several times when I slipped down to the swordsmans waist. I felt strangely embarrassed, and my mouth felt dry.

However, Woo Ragi, this psycho, didnt lend a hand and instead began to make sarcastic remarks. I told you to wrap your legs around me, not rub them all over my body

I couldnt endure anymore, so I shot back, Then why dont you cooperate and lend a hand

Are you happy molesting me with that kind of excuse?

Im not molesting you! I also hate this! I dont like you either! Your clothes are slipperywhat am I supposed to do?!

However, my protests were futile in the face of his homophobia, Homos like to rub against guys like this, dont they?

I have eyes too, you know.

Youre blind right now.

Argh, honestly!

Become a Patron!

TL: Its interesting to see the underlying mechanics of Woo Ragi and Dawons professional dynamic. I was honestly just as surprised as Lee-kyung to see that Dawon and Ragi werent equals. In a sense, I can see why Woo Ragi comments that hes not used to leading or figuring out scenariosand cant find out what triggered the monsters awakening. (Lmao Lee-kyung, youre not alone? Or Maybe, considering the swordsmans advantages, youre not so bad after all?). That seems to have been Dawons job. This reminds me of how Dawon called Garam a genius; Garam leveled incredibly fastall on his own. Similarly, Dawon trusted Garam to go off, during the Tower of Command scenario, to try and find hints. Perhaps the ability to see through dungeons is what separates the normal Users from the extraordinary.

Also Why are Ragi and Lee-kyungs interactions like a sitcom lmao. Like, I want to duct-tape the homophobia out of his mouth, but The way they interact is somewhat funny.