Chương 546: 960
After Story 12. The Dungeon of the Deep Sea
Fairy Power Year 24, December.
Finally, the day of the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea> conquest dawned.
On this day, Korean and Italian players participating in the conquest gathered at the port of Civitavecchia in Rome.
"Keep checking if the luggage is properly loaded until the very end!"
"Any issues with the ships? If there's even the slightest concern, be sure to report it to your superiors!"
Workers loading luggage and inspecting ships were busily working, speaking in Italian.
With that scene behind him, Eun-ha checked the status of the Korean side.
"Tae-hee, Mi-ye. How far has the loading work progressed?"
"It's almost done. About 90%?"
"We've already loaded all the heavy equipment, and now we're loading the dried food."
"The work will be completed on time. Hmm, but the food... I think it's better to check its condition just in case. Mi-ye, would you take some people who have free time and double-check?"
"I was thinking of doing that anyway. I'll do as you say, Clan Lord."
"Thanks. Tae-hee, please check once more if the ship repairs are properly finished and if there are any issues."
"Yes, I'll do that. Leave it to me."
On Tae-hee and Sun Mi-ye, who act as Eun-ha's aides, leave.
Eun-ha instructed Jin Seo-na, who is in charge of another aide role.
"Seo-na, please check the condition of the people with each team leader one last time."
"Okay. I'll send telepathy. It'll take 10 minutes."
Jin Seo-na nods and sparks fly between her triangular ears.
She starts exchanging telepathy with the telepathists.
Eun-ha was careful not to disturb her concentration by bothering her unnecessarily.
'Is there anything else I need to pay attention to... I guess that's all for now.'
He decides to trust and leave the rest to his staff.
Eun-ha exhaled, easing his burden a little.
It was then that Song Yun-seo, Hermit, Byeok Hae-su, Baek Hyeon-yul, and others who came to see off the conquest team approached.
"The Pandora Clan Lord must be busy. Are the preparations going well?"
"Clan Lord, please take care of yourself."
"I don't need to worry about you, but still, come back in one piece."
"Mmm... Don't get hurt. Yawn."
People offering words of encouragement in their own ways.
Eun-ha chuckled while expressing his gratitude to them.
"Thank you, I'll go and come back safely. So don't worry and wait for us. And <Star-Counting Witch>."
"Yes, Pandora Clan Lord."
"How did the star rating turn out?"
"Why? Are you curious about the success or failure of the conquest? Even the great Pandora Clan Lord isn't without worries, I see."
Song Yun-seo chuckles.
Eun-ha replied nonchalantly.
"Of course I'm worried. That's why I need to hear from you, Witch. For the morale of the conquest team too."
"What if the result turned out bad?"
"What else? I'd have to pretend I didn't hear it. Worst case, we'd give up on the conquest."
"Because it's a determined future?"
"No, because the sacrifice would be too great. It wouldn't be worth it then."
"...It sounds like you don't care about the determined future at all."
"I don't. Why would I care? Fate is something to be overcome. As we've always done."
"...That's right. The Pandora Clan Lord has always been a variable in the future I saw."
Song Yun-seo, who momentarily swallowed, nods as if agreeing.
Then she said playfully.
"Seeing me here, isn't the answer already clear? It's okay, don't worry. The stars, the future is on our side this time."
But don't let your guard down.
Song Yun-seo advised.
To this, Eun-ha responded.
"Yes, I won't let my guard down."
* * *
Soon, the departure preparations will be complete.
Eun-ha, having received a report from Jin Seo-na, went to find Albert Valentine to check on the situation of the Italian conquest team.
Albert was in the middle of a conversation with Italian officials.
"Player Albert."
"Ah, Player Noh Eun-ha. What brings you here?"
"I'm here to inform you about our situation. The loading work is all done, and there are no particular issues with the ship. How about your side?"
"We're the same. Now we just need to load the traitors."
"Traitors?"
"Yes, look over there."
As Eun-ha blinked as if he had misheard and tilted his head.
Albert raised his hand, pointing to one of the ships docked at the pier.
More precisely, to the ship's cargo hold.
There.
Clank, clank.
People wearing prison uniforms and handcuffs were walking in.
"Those people are..."
Eun-ha trailed off, realizing the identity of those people.
Albert explained as if affirming.
"They are Italy's traitors. Most of them have committed serious crimes, rebelled against Big Mama, or lost in power struggles between mafia families."
"If I ask why you're bringing them... It's because of the <Dungeon of the Abyss>, right?"
"Yes, we referred to the story that half of the participants had to die on the first floor of the <Dungeon of the Abyss>. They say that Player Noh Eun-ha used his wit and substituted criminals he had brought just in case, right?"
"..."
As Albert mentioned, at that time, Eun-ha had driven hundreds of people to their deaths to conquer the first floor of the <Dungeon of the Abyss>.
Even though they were criminals, it wasn't exactly a good memory to recall readily.
Therefore, Eun-ha just hardened his face and kept his mouth shut without answering.
Nevertheless, Albert continued his explanation without minding.
"You never know what might happen. Perhaps a similar situation might occur in the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea> too."
"So you decided to bring them along just in case, is that right?"
"Yes, that's correct. Not just us, but other participating countries will bring them along too. Ah, Player Noh Eun-ha doesn't need to worry about this issue. We've decided to cover the Korean conquest team's share. It's Big Mama's will."
"...Thank you for the consideration."
Because he has memories from before the regression.
Eun-ha knew that those people wouldn't be needed in the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea>.
However, it was Italy's circumstances, and each country's circumstances.
He couldn't carelessly mention his memories from before the regression, and since it could potentially cause friction during the dungeon conquest process, Eun-ha decided not to interfere unnecessarily.
It was then.
"Albert Valentiiine!"
One of the prisoners walking into the ship's cargo hold suddenly shouted.
A male prisoner with white hair, perhaps due to a hard life, a full beard, and hollow cheeks was yelling at Albert at the top of his lungs.
Killing intent flowed from his bloodshot eyes.
Eun-ha, who had confirmed the face by enhancing his eyesight, glanced at Albert.
"Seems like you've made quite a few enemies."
"There are probably quite a few among them who hold grudges against me."
Albert brushed it off calmly.
Then he brought up a story that made Eun-ha flinch.
"Do you remember Genko Mairon? He was a Tredici who visited Korea with me during the Italy-Korea summit 20 years ago. And to Player Noh Eun-ha..."
"I remember. How could I forget?"
"That man is the boss of the Mairon Family that he belonged to. The second generation, succeeding the deceased previous generation."
"...I see."
In other words, he was the villain who had tried to use Julieta as a tool in the world before the regression.
Eun-ha narrowed his eyes.
His gaze couldn't be kind as he watched the male prisoner being forcibly dragged away by guards.
"Are you going to deal with him in the dungeon?"
"Of course. If our positions were reversed, he would surely do the same. We'll take this opportunity to eliminate his organization members too, completely erasing the Mairon Family from the world."
Albert answered in a firm tone.
Eun-ha nodded heavily.
'Julieta noona, Bruno ahjussi, and Avenier are really okay now. That's a relief.'
Eun-ha inwardly felt relieved, newly realizing the future that had changed because of him.
Time passed from then.
"...I pray for the good fortune of the Italian and Korean conquest teams."
After receiving Big Mama's words of encouragement, the Korean and Italian conquest teams set out to sea.
They head towards the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea>.
* * *
In the center of the North Atlantic.
The Korean and Italian conquest teams all came out onto the deck, looking at the sea spread out before their eyes.
"Is that the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea>..."
"..."
The sea, covered in black fog, was as black as ink.
The aura emanating from there seemed to make the people present shudder.
People couldn't help but be tense.
Like that, they waited for the arrival of other conquest teams in front of the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea>.
Soon.
Booo...
Ships from the participating countries in the conquest revealed themselves, each sounding their horns.
The ships maintained a certain distance and took their positions at the boundary between the North Atlantic and the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea>.
Meanwhile, they flashed lights at each other and communicated through telepathists.
"Spain has arrived! Ready anytime!"
"Portugal says the same!"
[Eun-ha, France, Germany, and Greece too. Ah, Switzerland just arrived now.]
"Clan Lord, Britain and Morocco too."
On Tae-hee, Sun Mi-ye, Jin Seo-na, Mei-ling, and other navigators and telepathists were busily gathering information.
Eventually.
"Eun-ha oppa, we just received a contact from the Player Library in the United States. They say they've arrived and are waiting to enter the dungeon too."
[Eun-ha, it's a message from the Italian main force. They've completed checking the status of each country's conquest team. In 10 minutes, at 2:30 PM, we'll begin entering the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea>.]
All conquest teams had gathered.
Eun-ha, having received reports from On Tae-hee and Jin Seo-na, instructed the team members.
"In 10 minutes, at 2:30 PM, we'll enter the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea>."
"..."
From this point, people composed themselves and counted down the remaining time.
Time passed quickly.
The ships sounded their horns loudly.
Booo!
The horn sound covers the sea and overlaps the sound of waves.
Including the Korean conquest team's ship, all ships crossed the boundary line and entered the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea>.
Black fog obscures the view.
People used magic to create wind to dispel the fog, and lit up lights and fires.
Whoosh!
"..."
But the fog didn't clear, and it was impossible to see beyond the fog.
In the end, people had no choice but to rely on their five senses to be wary of their surroundings.
How much time passed like that.
Swoosh!
Suddenly, the black fog thinned, and what was beyond started to become visible.
Eun-ha could guess the meaning of this phenomenon.
'We've arrived at the first floor.'
Soon after, the fog clears completely.
The ships that had entered the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea> were now passing over a calm blue sea under a blue sky.
"..."
People couldn't help but be bewildered by the drastically changed scenery.
Just then.
Ta-da!
Suddenly, a being wrapped in light, with only a vague silhouette of a fairy visible, appeared in mid-air.
That being introduced itself in a bright, childish voice.
Welcome to the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea>! I'm the dungeon guide who will be your guide during the conquest! Nice to meet you!
"..."
Huh? You're not very surprised? Ah, I guess... You probably already know about us to some extent, so it's understandable that you're not surprised. Plus, there are people here who conquered the <Dungeon of the Abyss>. Nice to meet you! No, actually, I'm not happy to meet you. If you conquered the <Dungeon of the Abyss>, why did you come here again? Why on earth? Are you going to die here? Are you crazy about dying? Please! Value your lives! You only have one life, right? And this isn't some...
The dungeon guide flits around, chattering away.
People who were aware of its existence through the <Dungeon of the Abyss> log frowned as if annoyed.
Eun-ha, representing them, opened his mouth grumpily.
"Stop being so noisy and just focus on your job."
...
"Just explain the dungeon."
The dungeon guide stops abruptly.
Then it flies over to Eun-ha, showing curiosity.
Should I say as expected of a human who conquered the <Dungeon of the Abyss>? Your confidence really reaches the sky. But that's fine. You're qualified enough to do so.
The fairy silhouette wrapped in light stretches its mouth into a long grin.
The dungeon guide flies up high and continues speaking, looking down at the people.
Alright! I'll explain about the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea> to meet your expectations. The <Dungeon of the Deep Sea> consists of 10 floors in total, and to conquer the dungeon, you need to complete the missions given on each floor.
"..."
Ah, you're not looking down on us thinking the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea> is only 10 floors, are you? Because the <Dungeon of the Abyss> you conquered was a 30-floor dungeon? Hmph! Let me tell you in advance, it's better not to underestimate us. Instead, we're solid inside!?
The dungeon guide warns.
But Eun-ha just snorted, not intimidated at all.
Through his memories from before the regression, he was aware that the conquest difficulty of the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea> was relatively lower compared to the <Dungeon of the Abyss>.
Although it was only 'relatively'.
At that moment, the dungeon guide changed the topic.
Well, I'm going to proceed with the first floor mission... But there are too many people here? And you've brought a lot of people in handcuffs too? Hey, everyone? Could you not use our dungeon to dispose of your political opponents? Anyway!
"..."
Since there are so many people, I'll have to adjust the mission difficulty. Including your political opponents! Hehe, I bet you brought them to sacrifice them like you easily conquered the first floor of the <Dungeon of the Abyss>, but that won't work! Oh my, how delightful. How does it feel? The taste of falling into your own trap?
"Enough, just tell us the mission."
Tch!
Eun-ha cut it off sharply, lest the morale of the conquest team might decrease.
The dungeon guide clicked its tongue hard as if upset.
The mission on the first floor is simple! We're going to test your qualifications.
Right at that moment.
Rumble!
"...!"
Suddenly, strong waves arose in the calm and quiet sea.
People couldn't help but flinch at the presence they felt next.
It was right after that countless monsters revealed themselves from under the sea.
───!!!
Water fountains shoot up high, and water droplets pour down like heavy rain.
The ships shake violently due to the sea shaking violently.
"..."
People tried to maintain their balance somehow, not to be swept away by the shock.
On the other hand, they gritted their teeth at the situation of being surrounded by monsters without even having time to respond.
Meanwhile, the dungeon guide shouted in a cheerful voice.
From now on, subjugate all the monsters! How about that, it's quite simple, right?
"..."
People clenched their teeth, surrounded by monsters without even having time to respond.
Eun-ha, representing everyone, opened his mouth.
"Is that all? Just subjugate the monsters?"
That's right! Isn't it simple? Oh, but there's one more thing. You have a time limit!
"A time limit?"
Yes! You have to subjugate all the monsters within 3 hours! If you can't do it within that time... Well, you know what happens, right?
The dungeon guide's voice was filled with mischief.
Eun-ha frowned.
"We fail the conquest."
Bingo! As expected of someone who conquered the <Dungeon of the Abyss>! You catch on quick!
"..."
Now then, shall we start? The mission starts now! Good luck, everyone!
With those words, the dungeon guide disappeared with a flash of light.
Immediately after, the monsters began to move.
───!!!
Roars and screams filled the air as the monsters charged towards the ships.
"Everyone, prepare for battle!"
At Eun-ha's command, the conquest team members sprang into action.
The battle to subjugate the monsters of the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea> had begun.
* * *
Three hours later.
"Is that the last one?"
"Yes, Clan Lord. We've confirmed that all monsters have been subjugated."
On Tae-hee reported to Eun-ha.
Eun-ha nodded and looked around.
The sea was now calm again, with only the corpses of monsters floating on the surface.
"Good work, everyone. We've cleared the first floor."
As soon as he said that, the dungeon guide appeared again.
Congratulations on clearing the first floor! As expected of those who conquered the <Dungeon of the Abyss>! You've done well!
"..."
Now then, shall we move on to the second floor? Get ready, everyone!
With those words, a bright light enveloped all the ships.
When the light faded, they found themselves in a completely different environment.
"This is..."
The second floor of the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea> spread out before them.
Eun-ha and the conquest team prepared themselves for the challenges that lay ahead.
The conquest of the <Dungeon of the Deep Sea> had only just begun.
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