Kwon Jihan's face was still rigid, but he made an effort to speak kindly to persuade Yoon Seo.
"It's different from ten years ago. You don't have to fight alone anymore, hyung. Let's finish this together."
"…"
Amidst the continued sounds of wailing and explosions outside, Yoon Seo relaxed his body and leaned his head against Jihan's shoulder.
"I have no strength left, so take me out of here."
"A wise choice."
Jihan lifted Yoon Seo into his arms. Without bothering to retrieve the
As Jihan, with his black wings spread wide, carried Yoon Seo out, the waiting Revengers exchanged glances.
Yoon Seo looked around and saw that the hunters were already prepared for the final assault.
Soo Jaehee, who had been fighting on the ground, was now cradled by a fairy, and Alec was holding what looked like a massive machine gun he had constructed. Rio Deli had transformed into a bat, flying around the area, while Yelena stood with her staff raised high. A blue light swirled in Chris Kyle's hands, and Furka stood tall on the shoulder of a golem. Snowflakes fell around Jo Mani, and many A-rank hunters, including Hong Euiyoon, were readying their most powerful attack skills. Behind them, the healers and supporters gazed on with resolute determination.
Meanwhile, Hwashim and the eight members of Galaxaia were tirelessly moving to prevent the falling ceiling fragments and collapsing pillars from crushing the Revengers. The sight of healers, who had no proper skills to defend themselves, throwing their bodies against rocks to push them away or break them apart was both pitiful and awe-inspiring.
Yoon Seo noticed a large piece of a pillar falling toward the leader's head. Reacting instinctively, he summoned his mana.
[Using the skill
As Yoon Seo cast a shield over the members of Galaxaia and Hwashim, they paused for a moment to look at him. The leader gave a small nod of acknowledgment before resuming their frantic efforts.
[The Watcher observes humanity.]
What could the Watcher be thinking as it observes this scene?
Yoon Seo felt proud to be showing this moment to the gods.
As the tension lifted slightly from Yoon Seo's face, Jihan also finally relaxed his previously rigid expression.
Yoon Seo ceased using
With a glance, Yoon Seo signaled to Jihan. Jihan nodded toward Alec, giving the go-ahead to attack.
As Alec raised his hand high and thrust it forward, the hunters unleashed their most powerful attack skills in unison.
Yoon Seo and Kwon Jihan did not participate in the final blow against the last boss of the Great Dungeon.
However, in a way, it was as if they had participated.
Their very presence had made such a feat possible.
***
Chapter 24: The Final Gate
[Dungeon cleared: Current terrain 4/4: Current participants 301: Time taken 291 hours and 10 minutes]
[Gained 500,000,000 experience points]
[Unused experience points: 13,873,745,000]
A portal to the exit of the Great Dungeon appeared in the spot where the dragon had been. There were three hours until it closed—quite a generous amount of time.
While everyone was cheering and feeling relieved, Yoon Seo and Kwon Jihan calmly waited for the next message.
[The hidden secret of the Gaia System has appeared. The skill
[
Kwon Jihan had likely received a message saying that
"W-What is that?"
"Another portal just appeared here!"
"A black… it's a black portal!"
Shouts echoed from all directions. Just like ten years ago, people were in a state of confusion.
Even Yoon Seo, who was aware that a black portal would appear, was surprised.
In Yoon Seo's memory, the final dungeon had been inaccessible due to unmet conditions, with no further explanation provided.
But now, the new message displayed various details….
[Final Dungeon of the Gaia System]
※ Only those with Gaia skills can enter this optional dungeon.
After entry, you must choose between clearing it or taking a rest. Consensus required!
※ Clear
(Condition: Annihilate all monsters)
(Time limit: None)
(Failure: Massive explosion)
※ Destruction
(The dungeon will be destroyed)
(Reappears in 10 years)
The fact that only those with Gaia skills could enter was expected, but the rest of the information was new.
This was the first time Yoon Seo had seen a dungeon described as "optional."
But more than anything, the word "destruction" shocked him.
If they chose the "destruction" option, the dungeon—and anyone inside—would vanish without a trace, only to reappear 10 years later.
Just like now.
"...."
Yoon Seo had now realized everything.
A choice where the possibility of failure didn't even need to be considered.
Lee Kangjin, who had sent out all the survivors and remained alone.
The story titled 'Seo Chaeyoon in front of the final gate'… and why only one person had entered the black portal according to Grace's prophecy — he now understood it all.
'Kangjin hyung.'
Yoon Seo twisted in his seat, overcome by misery. Kwon Jihan quickly supported him and helped him sit on the rock.
"No time limit for clearing, huh? That's really surprising, right?"
Kwon Jihan asked, watching Yoon Seo's expression.
What Yoon Seo was focused on was the second option, while Kwon Jihan was thinking deeply about the first.
When Yoon Seo didn't answer, Kwon Jihan furrowed his brow.
"Hyung, don't."
"Don't what?"
"For fuck's sake, don't even think about that. Be rational."
"Think about what?"
"We can definitely clear this. We'll be done in 10 minutes. We succeeded countless times in the simulations."
Yoon Seo chuckled softly.
"Don't worry. I trust the plan we made outside, too. Changing it now would be quite a burden."
He nodded toward the front as he spoke. Those who hadn't yet heard the explanation of the black portal were looking over in fear.
Even so, Kwon Jihan frowned deeply, still staring at Yoon Seo's face. Only after Yoon Seo deliberately frowned back did he give up.
"Alright. Rest up. I'll go reassure everyone."
Kwon Jihan walked over to explain things to the new Revengers, who were creating a tense atmosphere.
Ignoring the glances from those around him, Yoon Seo sat on a nearby rock and pulled out the 'Existing Spirit' from his inventory.
Peep!
Riceball inflated its chest proudly as soon as it appeared. It knew just how much it had contributed.
"You did well, Riceball. You worked hard."
Peep!
Yoon Seo gently patted Riceball, deep in thought.
It was obvious what choice Lee Kangjin had made 10 years ago. In that situation, wiping out the monsters was impossible, so destroying himself was the most rational and logical decision.
It was a blessing for humanity but a tragedy for Lee Kangjin.
Yoon Seo was tormented by the constant thoughts of Lee Kangjin, Lee Domin, and the countless Revengers.
Why did they have to suffer so much? What meaning was there in justice and sacrifice? No, was there even any meaning at all?
This is how the world works. Peace is always maintained by someone's sacrifice.
It's the law of the universe, so it's not something you can simply call unfair…
Is it right for such an unfair world to continue?
A hero who protected justice and peace through one-sided sacrifice.
Would that hero be satisfied with that?
Peep peep.
Riceball flapped its wings busily on Yoon Seo's lap, opening and closing them as if to demand attention here and there. With a bitter heart, Yoon Seo stroked Riceball.
A moment later, Kwon Jihan shouted loudly.
"Don't worry about the black portal. Only those with Gaia's skill can enter it anyway, and Chaeyoon hyung and I are fully prepared. Your job now is to collect the dungeon byproducts. The injured should leave first, and those with energy left should begin gathering. We fought hard, so we should take everything we can. Follow Hunter Do Deungsoo's orders and move quickly."
As soon as Kwon Jihan finished, Do Deungsoo followed up immediately.
"Our inventories and subspaces are completely empty, and we've used up all the expensive weapons we brought. Every grain of sand in this red-black dungeon is humanity's asset! We fought hard to protect Earth, and now to advance even further, we must take all of this with us. The world is about wealth. These byproducts are everything! They will enrich Earth! Let's get moving!"
Hunters, obsessed with the idea that byproducts were everything, suddenly wore greedy expressions and began bustling about.
No one left, and they eagerly gathered the byproducts, as if they were about to tear down the entire temple.
Yoon Seo couldn't help but think that this was a little embarrassing to show the Watcher.
[The God of Life says you've worked hard.]
[The God of Death says It's a shame you didn't die.]
In the midst of the emptiness in his heart, the gods finally sent their congratulatory messages for clearing the dungeon. Yoon Seo started to find the God of Death oddly endearing.
[The God of Life says check your status window.]
Status window? Yoon Seo opened his system profile with a puzzled expression.
"...."
He checked the amount of mana at the bottom of the status window again.
Peep?
When his hand stopped stroking, Riceball tilted its head and looked up in confusion.
With a trembling hand, Yoon Seo covered his mouth. Feeling a rush of white over his vision, he almost closed his eyes but lowered his hand again, conscious of the many people around him. His heart pounded fiercely.
The first thought that came to mind was "Why?" He blinked rapidly, recalling everything that had happened up until now.
Where had it all gone wrong?
Kwon Jihan's face was still rigid, but he made an effort to speak kindly to persuade Yoon Seo.
"It's different from ten years ago. You don't have to fight alone anymore, hyung. Let's finish this together."
"…"
Amidst the continued sounds of wailing and explosions outside, Yoon Seo relaxed his body and leaned his head against Jihan's shoulder.
"I have no strength left, so take me out of here."
"A wise choice."
Jihan lifted Yoon Seo into his arms. Without bothering to retrieve the
As Jihan, with his black wings spread wide, carried Yoon Seo out, the waiting Revengers exchanged glances.
Yoon Seo looked around and saw that the hunters were already prepared for the final assault.
Soo Jaehee, who had been fighting on the ground, was now cradled by a fairy, and Alec was holding what looked like a massive machine gun he had constructed. Rio Deli had transformed into a bat, flying around the area, while Yelena stood with her staff raised high. A blue light swirled in Chris Kyle's hands, and Furka stood tall on the shoulder of a golem. Snowflakes fell around Jo Mani, and many A-rank hunters, including Hong Euiyoon, were readying their most powerful attack skills. Behind them, the healers and supporters gazed on with resolute determination.
Meanwhile, Hwashim and the eight members of Galaxaia were tirelessly moving to prevent the falling ceiling fragments and collapsing pillars from crushing the Revengers. The sight of healers, who had no proper skills to defend themselves, throwing their bodies against rocks to push them away or break them apart was both pitiful and awe-inspiring.
Yoon Seo noticed a large piece of a pillar falling toward the leader's head. Reacting instinctively, he summoned his mana.
[Using the skill
As Yoon Seo cast a shield over the members of Galaxaia and Hwashim, they paused for a moment to look at him. The leader gave a small nod of acknowledgment before resuming their frantic efforts.
[The Watcher observes humanity.]
What could the Watcher be thinking as it observes this scene?
Yoon Seo felt proud to be showing this moment to the gods.
As the tension lifted slightly from Yoon Seo's face, Jihan also finally relaxed his previously rigid expression.
Yoon Seo ceased using
With a glance, Yoon Seo signaled to Jihan. Jihan nodded toward Alec, giving the go-ahead to attack.
As Alec raised his hand high and thrust it forward, the hunters unleashed their most powerful attack skills in unison.
Yoon Seo and Kwon Jihan did not participate in the final blow against the last boss of the Great Dungeon.
However, in a way, it was as if they had participated.
Their very presence had made such a feat possible.
***
Chapter 24: The Final Gate
[Dungeon cleared: Current terrain 4/4: Current participants 301: Time taken 291 hours and 10 minutes]
[Gained 500,000,000 experience points]
[Unused experience points: 13,873,745,000]
A portal to the exit of the Great Dungeon appeared in the spot where the dragon had been. There were three hours until it closed—quite a generous amount of time.
While everyone was cheering and feeling relieved, Yoon Seo and Kwon Jihan calmly waited for the next message.
[The hidden secret of the Gaia System has appeared. The skill
[
Kwon Jihan had likely received a message saying that
"W-What is that?"
"Another portal just appeared here!"
"A black… it's a black portal!"
Shouts echoed from all directions. Just like ten years ago, people were in a state of confusion.
Even Yoon Seo, who was aware that a black portal would appear, was surprised.
In Yoon Seo's memory, the final dungeon had been inaccessible due to unmet conditions, with no further explanation provided.
But now, the new message displayed various details….
[Final Dungeon of the Gaia System]
※ Only those with Gaia skills can enter this optional dungeon.
After entry, you must choose between clearing it or taking a rest. Consensus required!
※ Clear
(Condition: Annihilate all monsters)
(Time limit: None)
(Failure: Massive explosion)
※ Destruction
(The dungeon will be destroyed)
(Reappears in 10 years)
The fact that only those with Gaia skills could enter was expected, but the rest of the information was new.
This was the first time Yoon Seo had seen a dungeon described as "optional."
But more than anything, the word "destruction" shocked him.
If they chose the "destruction" option, the dungeon—and anyone inside—would vanish without a trace, only to reappear 10 years later.
Just like now.
"...."
Yoon Seo had now realized everything.
A choice where the possibility of failure didn't even need to be considered.
Lee Kangjin, who had sent out all the survivors and remained alone.
The story titled 'Seo Chaeyoon in front of the final gate'… and why only one person had entered the black portal according to Grace's prophecy — he now understood it all.
'Kangjin hyung.'
Yoon Seo twisted in his seat, overcome by misery. Kwon Jihan quickly supported him and helped him sit on the rock.
"No time limit for clearing, huh? That's really surprising, right?"
Kwon Jihan asked, watching Yoon Seo's expression.
What Yoon Seo was focused on was the second option, while Kwon Jihan was thinking deeply about the first.
When Yoon Seo didn't answer, Kwon Jihan furrowed his brow.
"Hyung, don't."
"Don't what?"
"For fuck's sake, don't even think about that. Be rational."
"Think about what?"
"We can definitely clear this. We'll be done in 10 minutes. We succeeded countless times in the simulations."
Yoon Seo chuckled softly.
"Don't worry. I trust the plan we made outside, too. Changing it now would be quite a burden."
He nodded toward the front as he spoke. Those who hadn't yet heard the explanation of the black portal were looking over in fear.
Even so, Kwon Jihan frowned deeply, still staring at Yoon Seo's face. Only after Yoon Seo deliberately frowned back did he give up.
"Alright. Rest up. I'll go reassure everyone."
Kwon Jihan walked over to explain things to the new Revengers, who were creating a tense atmosphere.
Ignoring the glances from those around him, Yoon Seo sat on a nearby rock and pulled out the 'Existing Spirit' from his inventory.
Peep!
Riceball inflated its chest proudly as soon as it appeared. It knew just how much it had contributed.
"You did well, Riceball. You worked hard."
Peep!
Yoon Seo gently patted Riceball, deep in thought.
It was obvious what choice Lee Kangjin had made 10 years ago. In that situation, wiping out the monsters was impossible, so destroying himself was the most rational and logical decision.
It was a blessing for humanity but a tragedy for Lee Kangjin.
Yoon Seo was tormented by the constant thoughts of Lee Kangjin, Lee Domin, and the countless Revengers.
Why did they have to suffer so much? What meaning was there in justice and sacrifice? No, was there even any meaning at all?
This is how the world works. Peace is always maintained by someone's sacrifice.
It's the law of the universe, so it's not something you can simply call unfair…
Is it right for such an unfair world to continue?
A hero who protected justice and peace through one-sided sacrifice.
Would that hero be satisfied with that?
Peep peep.
Riceball flapped its wings busily on Yoon Seo's lap, opening and closing them as if to demand attention here and there. With a bitter heart, Yoon Seo stroked Riceball.
A moment later, Kwon Jihan shouted loudly.
"Don't worry about the black portal. Only those with Gaia's skill can enter it anyway, and Chaeyoon hyung and I are fully prepared. Your job now is to collect the dungeon byproducts. The injured should leave first, and those with energy left should begin gathering. We fought hard, so we should take everything we can. Follow Hunter Do Deungsoo's orders and move quickly."
As soon as Kwon Jihan finished, Do Deungsoo followed up immediately.
"Our inventories and subspaces are completely empty, and we've used up all the expensive weapons we brought. Every grain of sand in this red-black dungeon is humanity's asset! We fought hard to protect Earth, and now to advance even further, we must take all of this with us. The world is about wealth. These byproducts are everything! They will enrich Earth! Let's get moving!"
Hunters, obsessed with the idea that byproducts were everything, suddenly wore greedy expressions and began bustling about.
No one left, and they eagerly gathered the byproducts, as if they were about to tear down the entire temple.
Yoon Seo couldn't help but think that this was a little embarrassing to show the Watcher.
[The God of Life says you've worked hard.]
[The God of Death says It's a shame you didn't die.]
In the midst of the emptiness in his heart, the gods finally sent their congratulatory messages for clearing the dungeon. Yoon Seo started to find the God of Death oddly endearing.
[The God of Life says check your status window.]
Status window? Yoon Seo opened his system profile with a puzzled expression.
"...."
He checked the amount of mana at the bottom of the status window again.
Peep?
When his hand stopped stroking, Riceball tilted its head and looked up in confusion.
With a trembling hand, Yoon Seo covered his mouth. Feeling a rush of white over his vision, he almost closed his eyes but lowered his hand again, conscious of the many people around him. His heart pounded fiercely.
The first thought that came to mind was "Why?" He blinked rapidly, recalling everything that had happened up until now.
Where had it all gone wrong?