Just as Cho Hong expected, the meeting was stuck in the same place, going nowhere fast. But then again, it was difficult to call these people incompetent in this case. This was a gathering of individuals who excelled in their own professions, but with their opponent being what it was, even they couldnt help but be lost like this.

And that was precisely why the entrance of Seol Ji-Hu and his unexpected solution came across as a light of salvation, a slim ray of new dawns light breaking through the darkness itself.

This is amazing. Truly amazing. (Ian)

Ian continued to express his admiration with the face of a man completely entranced. Not a trace of his previous mischievous streak could be seen from the meaningful light flickering within his eyes. Like a drowning man grasping at straws, the old man clutched at the floor plan as if he wanted to bore a hole through it with his eyes.

Although its not a two-way like Warp, but still, two different locations are connected by bending the space in one direction. It may be unsophisticated, but still, what a surprising solution to a problem. Wait! This would increase the load, so the restrictions are. D*mn it! I knew it (Ian)

Ian continued to mutter to himself while the pen in his hand scribbled without rest on a piece of paper.

A certain man studying the old man formed an expression full of apprehension. He glared on with sharp eyes as he silently chewed his lips.

How considerate, all the explanations are already provided, too. So, it seems the maximum weight limit in one transfer is one ton. If you consider the weight limitation when coming back, then the number of people. No, this isnt it. How about splitting up and transferring multiple times. God d*mn it! Then thats going to impact the Magic Power needed to maintain the circle. (Ian)

Master Ian. (?)

The man couldnt endure it any longer and called out. Ian broke away from his fervent calculations and raised his head.

Can we trust this information? (?)

Hmm. (Ian)

This suspicion was entirely justified. After all, this information was simply too brilliant for a Level 2 Warrior to bring in. They were left frustrated and helpless by the current situation, yet out of the blue, the impossible puzzle was suddenly solved like this? Should he say that the circumstances had improved too much now? So, indeed, it was understandable where his suspicion was coming from.

Youre right. Id like to meet this man and have a chat. (Ian)

Ian spoke in a hopeful-sounding voice, but Seol Ji-Hu shook his head.

Hes already secluded himself. And he isnt keen on coming out of his seclusion any time soon. (Seol Ji-Hu)

In that case, it cant be helped, then. This much is already a great deal of help, anyway. (Ian)

Ian readily accepted it. The man watching on opened his mouth again.

I admit that this is a very good plan. However, there is still an element of risk here. What if this is a trap. (?)

I know what youre worried about. (Ian)

Ian abruptly cut that mans words off.

Weve been rash and hasty once already. Rest easy, for I shall make sure to pore over every little detail. With my skills, I should be able to judge the authenticity of this plan without a problem. (Ian)

The man backed off without any further complaints after hearing those words. Meanwhile, Ian carried on.

We have something else to worry about, instead. The important thing is we got ourselves a feasible plan now. We have no time to lose. (Ian)

Riiip, Ian tore the paper he was jotting down on and handed it over to Cinzia.

This is the coordinates of the hideout in the Arden mountain range. Please contact the royal court and ask them to search the location. (Ian)

No need to contact them. (Cinzia)

Cinzia used a graceful hand movement to snatch the paper away and turned around to leave.

We have a few fleet-footed people in our group if thats what youre looking for. Three, four days should be enough. (Cinzia)

Anything will be fine, but you need to hurry. (Ian)

Cinzia wordlessly left the room. Ian let his gaze linger in the direction she had disappeared to, before shifting his attention back to Seol Ji-Hu with some excitement on his face.

Youve made a significant contribution. (Ian)

Not at all. Its too early to say that. (Seol Ji-Hu)

Seol Ji-Hu was humble in his reply.

I dont agree with that assessment at all. (Ian)

Ian let a sigh escape from his mouth. He felt truly rueful right about now. If only they had this information at hand for their first mission.

And then, even this item called rudium, too. If everything goes according to plan, we might even be able to pull this off quite easily. I can express my gratitude in many ways, but they simply wont be enough for the contribution you made. (Ian)

We cant be too optimistic yet. There are a lot of variables in this plan. (Seol Ji-Hu)

That was undoubtedly true, but still, their current situation had improved by several folds compared to the first infiltration attempt. It wouldnt be an exaggeration to say that Seol Ji-Hu had done way more than what was required of him already.

Ian hesitated slightly, exchanged glances with Cho Hong, and finally worked up enough courage to speak up.

Mm Seol? (Ian)

Yes? (Seol Ji-Hu)

You see, Im planning to make a full report of your excellent work to the royal family. Even if the mission ends up in failure. (Ian)

? (Seol Ji-Hu)

Of course, if we do succeed, then I shall ensure that your contribution is recognised the first and foremost. No one should be able to put their names before yours. With the exception of that Sorcerer in seclusion, that is. (Ian)

What was he trying to say here? Seol Ji-Hu could only tilt his head.

So, what I want to say is. (Ian)

Ian spoke the following words with some difficulty.

What you have done for us so far is more than enough already. (Ian)

Only then did the youth understand Ians words. The old man was saying that there was no real need for Seol Ji-Hu to participate in the mission itself.

Will I be a hindrance to you all? (Seol Ji-Hu)

Ian pondered that for a second or two, before shaking his head with some conviction.

Technically, hed not be a hindrance. Both the transfer magic and the rudium formed the core of this mission a mission where battle wasnt the main goal, but the rescue was. Since speediness was a necessity, there was a good chance that the Festina Earring attached to the youths ear could play a vital role.

Was that all? He was also a member of Carpe Diem and that alone meant he had enough pretext to participate. And, if he were to assert his position as the original planner of this mission, then itd become even more difficult to reject his participation. Finally, the lack of Earthlings volunteering to go meant that the team was in desperate need for any extra hands they could find.

Since I wont be a hindrance (Seol Ji-Hu)

Seol Ji-Hu pocketed the rudium. The significance of that action was pretty loud and clear. Ian could only form a wry chuckle.

So, you mean to come with us. (Ian)

>Only allowed on Creativenovels.com

Because, I do want to go. (Seol Ji-Hu)

Youre truly an indecipherable fella (Ian)

Ian shook his head helplessly.

If thats what youve decided, then I wont stop you. However, you need to be careful when we get there. (Ian)

He sighed in lamentation and returned his gaze back to the paper in front of him. Seol Ji-Hu nodded his head to show that he got it.

*

Just as Cinzia had said the message of her people finding the hideout located in the Arden mountain range arrived three days later. Ian confirmed the state of the magic circle via the communication crystal, took another thorough look at the plan again, and finally gave his go-ahead.

There were six people they had to rescue.

Richard Hugo, Level 4.

Ayase Yui, Level 5. (TL note at the end)

Edward Dylan, Level 5.

Erica Lawrence, Level 6.

Ibrahim Ali, Level 5.

Teresa Hussey, Level 5.

The rescue team was quickly formed, but the number of people was kept down to six. This was simply because, in case all six captives were rescued, they needed to consider the maximum weight limitation when trying to make their way back.

Of course, the idea of splitting up the members to send them through the magic circle had been brought up, but that presented a problem. The issue was with the Magic Power, or rather the lack of it.

Ian calculated and then calculated some more for several days, and the number he came up at the end was six people. In all honesty, just trying to maintain the magic circle for 30 minutes was strenuous enough for him to worry about potential side effects on his physique. So he decided that, rather than eating into already-too-short mission time, they should minimise the number of people participating, instead.

And so, the rescue team consisted of Ian, tasked with activating and maintaining the transfer magic circle; Seol Ji-Hu and Cho Hong, tasked with infiltration itself. As for the three others, a Level 5 Archer tasked with being a header, as well as a Level 4 Warrior. Finally, a Level 4 Priest joined in to make up the final six.

Since the goal of the mission was clear, none of these people were pressured into participating. No, only those who volunteered were accepted. And those with deep personal connections to the captives, people determined to successfully carry out the rescue, had been chosen.

Once the mission was green-lit, one or two people began showing a sense of urgency. However, Ian didnt rush things. Depending on circumstances, prompt actions had to be taken, but since he already tasted failure because of being hasty, he couldnt help but be even more cautious than before.

So, several potential situations were thought up of based on the information Seol Ji-Hu brought in, and only after enough number of simulation runs were taken did the group depart for the Arden mountain range.

*

The hideout was nestled rather cleverly within one of the valleys of the mountain range. It was only as big as an okay-sized bachelor flat. Other than the square altar in the middle of the space with all sorts of geometric shapes carved on the top to create a magic circle, there wasnt anything of note in this room.

Even if only six people were participating in the mission, the accompanying staff personnel was rather large in numbers. Since the conditions of the six captives were unknown, a camp was set up in case of a medical emergency. Not only that, an actual physician had been invited and several guards had been added to the group too, so the whole area had become rather bustling in no time at all.

Think of this magic circle as an automatic revolving door. (Ian)

Ian opened his mouth to address the rescue team.

The moment it activates, the door will continue to slowly spin around. We need to finish our business within 30 minutes and return quickly. If not, the door will close, and we wont be able to return. (Ian)

Once this door closed, youd need 72 hours before it opened again. Everyone here had heard that countless times during the mission briefings until they felt almost fed up by it.

I was thinking of getting ready right about now. But, have you all prepared in your hearts? (Ian)

Yes. (?)

The Archer tasked with the headers role replied.

What are you supposed to look for as soon as entering the lab? (Ian)

Search the vicinity and choose between wait, stay hidden, or withdraw. (?)

Very good. Remember, everyone. Regardless of your circumstances, if my own situation proves to be bad, I will not hesitate to return alone. (Ian)

Ian warned the group in no uncertain terms and took large strides deeper into the hideout. Then, he laboriously bent down.

It might take some time to activate the magic circle with my measly skills. So, you should loosen up and get yourselves ready. Ah, but dont wander off too far. (Ian)

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Seol Ji-Hu didnt move from the spot, though. Gripping the spear tightly, he stared deeply at the magic circle. The nervous tension he felt forced his heart to pound even harder, and he simply couldnt move.

It was him who said hed go. If he wanted to, he could back out now. But, rather than letting himself get swallowed up by the power of fear.

Its like Im standing in front of the mission noticeboard again. (Seol Ji-Hu)

While recalling the familiar memory, he activated Nine Eyes. When he did, he got to witness the once ash-coloured altar slowly change its hue.

Its yellow! (Seol Ji-Hu)

Seol Ji-Hu clenched his fist tightly. Of course, he knew very well to be just as cautious with Attention Required as with any other colours. As its name implied, make one wrong move, and the colour could change to vermilion, red, or even black in an instant.

But, regardless, the colour he could see right at this moment was yellow. Considering that he was about to step into the heart of the enemys camp, this proved that the odds of success were not completely zero.

He deactivated Nine Eyes and began firming up his resolve one more time. As he was doing that, though, a pale-faced man emitting cold, hostile air like theres no tomorrow approached him. He had run into this man multiple times during the strategy meetings.

This man was a rather handsome fellow possessing a sharp countenance with a pair of affable eyes. Also, he just so happened to be the Level 5 Archer tasked with the role of the header.

Thanks. (?)

He expressed his gratitude almost right away, leaving Seol Ji-Hu to blink his eyes in confusion.

Thanks to you, I at least have a shot now. If we do rescue them, Ill properly express my gratitude then. (?)

Were in the same boat, anyway. Dont worry about it. Someone important to you is on the other side? (Seol Ji-Hu)

The Archer nodded his head at the youths polite inquiry.

My younger sister. By blood. Ayase Yui. (?)

You didnt go with her the first time? (Seol Ji-Hu)

I told her not to go from the get-go. But then, she got blinded by the number of contribution points on offer and ended up tagging along. (?)

The mans eyes narrowed to a slit. Whew, He sighed softly and shook his head.

In any case. Im taking on the role of the header of this rescue team, and Master Ian has taken on the leader role. But. I plan to consider your opinion as much as ours as well. (?)

Seol Ji-Hu didnt know how to reply and could only pucker his lips in an Oh. It was his first time meeting someone so refreshingly open like this.

You are the one who came to us with the plan, not to mention possessing the rudium, too. And I heard that you even contributed greatly during the battle of the Arden Fortress, too. (?)

He continued to speak about this and that, before he took a look behind Seol Ji-Hu and suddenly extended his hand.

My names Ayase Kazuki. Lets do our best.

Im Seol.

Ayase Kazuki lightly shook hands with the youth and turned around to leave. Almost right away, there was a sound of fabric rustling behind Seol Ji-Hus back, so he sneaked a glance and his eyes opened up wider almost immediately. There was someone quite unexpected standing there.

M-Miss Agnes? (Seol Ji-Hu)

In the end, you decided to go. (Agnes)

Agnes was looking at him while somehow standing upright.

But, I thought Werent you still in recovery? (Seol Ji-Hu)

Ive received a focused, intensive treatment, so Im healed enough to take a stroll, at the least. (Agnes)

Now that he took a closer look, she seemed to have improved a great deal than before. At the bare minimum, her entire body wasnt wrapped tightly in thick bandages anymore.

But, still. You havent fully recovered yet. What if your wounds flare up again? (Seol Ji-Hu)

There is a medical centre set up in the camp, so you dont have to worry. Besides that. (Agnes)

Agness eyes were narrowed, the glint within them getting sharper.

Are you really going? (Agnes)

Yes. (Seol Ji-Hu)

You know that you can back out now if you wanted to, yes? (Agnes)

Even youre saying the same thing, Miss Agnes. (Seol Ji-Hu)

A wry smile formed on Seol Ji-Hus lips. The thing was, even though the participants had been decided a while ago, Cho Hong still gave enough hints of wanting to see him back out of this mission. She didnt come out straight and say it, but still, it was pretty easy to tell.

Im just curious. (Agnes)

Agnes slowly pushed her glasses back up her nose before carrying on.

Now that I think about it, you also did something similar back in the Neutral Zone. (Agnes)

I did? (Seol Ji-Hu)

But, why? (Agnes)

In all honesty, even Seol Ji-Hu himself had no confidence to answer that question clearly and concisely.

He knew full well why others wanted him to back out of this mission. After all, it was far too difficult and dangerous for a Level 2 Warrior to take on. If it werent for all his achievements so far, hed not be able to get a foot in the door, regardless of being the original planner or not.

Even after that point setting aside, what Agnes wished to know had more to do with his fundamental reason.

For instance, Ian was participating because he felt responsible. Cho Hong was doing this because of loyalty. As for Ayase Kazuki, it was for his sister, and the other two participants all had their own personal reasons, too. They all had a reason to participate, even if that meant they had to put their lives on the line.

Since your rewards are guaranteed whether you go or not, it cant be about greed. And, you havent been a part of Carpe Diem for as long as Chung Cho-Hong, either. So, why did you volunteer for this mission? (Agnes)

Because, I dont want to do that. (Seol Ji-Hu)

Seol Ji-Hu threw that out there without much thought. Seeing Agness eyes grow larger, though, he realised his mistake and quickly continued on.

Well, I Im not sure. Its just that, Miss Agnes, what you said sounded like the beginning of a compromise. (Seol Ji-Hu)

That wasnt my intention. But, compromise isnt always bad. (Agnes)

Oh, no. Its just what I think. Dont mind me. (Seol Ji-Hu)

He waved his hand around and mumbled something hastily. Even if it was Agnes, there was something he just couldnt bring himself to tell her.

.Because, my emotions are making me do it. (Seol Ji-Hu)

It was telling him to go.

If he were to speak from his heart, then well, Seol Ji-Hu hated making compromises. More specifically, he grew to hate the idea of it after experiencing that dream. It was all because of his gambling addiction.

He knew that it was bad. He knew that he shouldnt be doing this. He knew that what he did was wrong. Even then just one more time. Just one more time, and after that, one more time. Didnt he become a broken mess in the end after making one compromise after another?

Now was the same, too. He knew that he didnt really have to go. He knew that he had already done what was expected of him. He even knew that, if he were to keep stepping forward without realising his own limits, then sooner rather than later, he might end up getting burned real bad.

However, didnt Gula say it? The future was not that easy to change. That hed have to go through unimaginable trials and tribulations. That he needed to exceed his own limits.

He instinctively felt it. He felt that, the moment he started thinking, Isnt it okay to back away since Ive already done enough to create this situation? No ones going to look down on me now, right?, hed soon be compromising himself once more.

The first time would be difficult, but from the second time onwards, itd get easier. If he kept reaching compromises every time he faced a situation similar to this one, then. In the end, hed go back to how he was. Such a thought strongly bubbled up in his head. This would be more or less like him drawing a line on the sand denoting his own limitations and not willing to cross it.

And so, Seol Ji-Hu decided to never reach a compromise with himself, at least with his emotions.

Like now.

I dont want to live like that. (Seol Ji-Hu)

Seol Ji-Hu formed a refreshing smile.

Thats what I think. (Seol Ji-Hu)

..

Agnes didnt seem wholly convinced. However, she wasnt going to dissuade him from going because of that. In the end, she quietly closed her eyes and accepted his explanation.

I understand. (Agnes)

A brief moment of silence later, she carried on.

If your mind is made up to that extent, then there is nothing more I can say. (Agnes)

Agnes spoke in a serious tone of voice before abruptly lifting her top up.

Seol Ji-Hu was taken aback from the sudden strip show and was thrown into confusion, but then, a deep frown quickly formed on his face. Although new flesh was growing over it, seeing how deep the wound on her ribs still was, he could tell it mustve been incredibly serious.

I didnt lose my hope even when the battle actually commenced. (Agnes)

Agnes finally continued on after showing him the wound.

Several mutated Orcs tried to rush us, but they werent difficult opponents at all. (Agnes)

Agness tone sounded too neutral for an excuse. No, she was simply conveying what happened in a calm voice.

I can definitely be certain of one thing that, during the battle, I had never let my guard down once. Meaning, I had focused all my being to keep an eye out on our surroundings. (Agnes)

Her voice became lower and hushed, causing Seol Ji-Hu to inadvertently pay even more attention than before.

But, just one shot. (Agnes)

Agnes spoke up to there and stopped.

.One shot. Is it? (Seol Ji-Hu)

Seol Ji-Hu asked back, confused.

Thats the best I can describe it. (Agnes)

Agnes shook her head.

I heard something similar to a gunshot, and everything before my eyes became white. When I came to, there was this hole in my ribs. (Agnes)

Agnes pointed to the wound. Seol Ji-Hu swallowed his saliva.

I was able to barely stand back up thanks to the Priests timely healing spell. But, even with a Colossal healing spell, the wound couldnt be healed completely. That attack made me feel the approach of death for the first time in a long while. (Agnes)

It couldnt be healed with a Colossal spell?? (Seol Ji-Hu)

The Cure Colossal Wounds a divine spell that perhaps best represented the High Priests, one of the upper-levels Jobs available to the Priests walking on the paths of a specialised healer. It was an incredibly difficult spell that Maria actually collapsed from using it just once.

But then, that very spell was used right after she was wounded and still didnt work? It was truly an unbelievable story.

It was around then that he heard a bit of commotion. Rays of bright light were creeping along the floor, by his feet. Ian had finished activating the magic circle.

Looks like its time for you to go. (Agnes)

Agnes slowly lowered her top.

Thank you for your advice. (Seol Ji-Hu)

Please, do not forget. Be mindful of the unseen sniper. (Agnes)

Ill definitely keep that in mind. And Ill also see you 30 minutes later. (Seol Ji-Hu)

Seol Ji-Hu bade goodbye and hurriedly walked away. He grasped the large shield being handed to him and stepped into the glowing magic circle.

Soon, four Warriors and an Archer holding large shields surrounded the Priest and the Sorcerer from the front, back, left, and right to form a protective formation. Ian slowly stood back up in the middle of the magic circle.

The preparations are complete. We will be transferring in 50 seconds, so if you have something to say, now should be a good time to do so. (Ian)

Hey, stop trying to jinx us and lets get this show on the road already! (Cho Hong)

Cho Hong angrily yelled out.

More people came closer to the circle to spectate. Meanwhile, Seol Ji-Hu began counting down in his mind. As he counted, he wasnt sure where to look, so he stared at Agnes. Her eyes of worry, something she was doing her best to mask, gave him a feeling of comfort for some reason.

41, 42. (Seol Ji-Hu)

As the 50-second mark grew ever closer, the light emitted from the magic circle grew brighter and brighter.

47, 48. (Seol Ji-Hu)

And a short while later.

49, 50! (Seol Ji-Hu)

Just as he finished counting to 50.

Hwaaaahk!!

The magic circle suddenly rotated and the world seemed to spin at the same time. Several swirling voices confused his hearing, and his vision was being dyed in pure whiteness. As the feeling of being endlessly sucked in overwhelmed his senses, he worked his butt off not to let go of the shield.

Soon, though, the sensation of the spot below his navel suddenly being yanked down smacked him and then, everything around him darkened.

< 80. I dont want to live like that. (4) > Fin.

(TL: Ayase Yui is a Japanese name. In case youre not aware, Japanese names, just like Chinese and Korean, start with surnames first. In this case, thats what the author went with, so this persons family name is Ayase, while her given name is Yui. Which can be slightly confusing, because other names were arranged in their usual Western way. It was in the raw like that, by the way.)