Chapter 8 - Central Lake 2 (1/2)

The return of Woohyuk’s party to Base Camp brought along some significant changes. Lee Jaesung had surpassed Ma Gwanpil for the very first time taking second place in the rankings. Huang Donghwan and Yoo Kayoung had managed to respectively finish fourth and fifth.

It was quite the embarrassment for Ma Gwanpil who thought of himself as the leader of the camp.

He then tried to worm his way into the party, only to be shut down right away by Woohyuk.

“We aren’t recruiting anymore.”

Ma Gwanpil felt quite troubled, knowing that if things continued this way, he wouldn’t even be able to hold on to his current ranking.

‘What are they up to?’

But following Woohyuk’s orders, none of the party members spoke about what they had been doing lately.

He even felt that they were purposefully avoiding him

‘I don’t like him ever since that time.’

He was especially upset with Lee Jaesung who had taken the Metal Breastplate reward from him.

‘Tomorrow, I will definitely reclaim my second place.’

He blamed it on his confusion upon seeing the swarm of Giant Mantises attack earlier today.

As he attempted to comfort his own ego, Ma Gwanpil led his followers into the forest.

The next day….

[Contribution Rewards]

1. Chun Woohyuk (60.8%) E-grade equipment and consumables (X2)

2. Lee Jaesung (8.4%) E-grade equipment and consumables (X1)

3. Yoo Gayong (6.2%) F-grade equipment (X1)

4. Huang Donghwan (5.3%) F-grade consumables (X1)

5. Song Anna (4.7%) Daily necessities

‘No way….’

Rather than catching up to Lee Jaesung, he had been completely knocked out of the rankings. Ma Gwanpil’s situation was so desperate that he had even been outdone by a 9 year old girl.

‘The future looks grim.’

He couldn’t even complain about his current situation, after all it had been him who suggested that the prizes be given according to the contribution ranking

‘Still I have some hope.’

Woohyuk only had a group of 10 followers, whereas he had 40 people behind him. If he were to put important decisions to a vote, using his majority he could at least restrict Woohyuk from doing as he pleased.

So as to not lose what little power he had, Ma Gwanpil desperately focused on expanding his influence.

Meanwhile, Woohyuk’s party was making some last minute preparations for their trip to the Central Lake.

“Why do you need a toolkit and fishing gear?”

Lee asked out of curiosity. He was equipped with an imposing Metal breastplate as well as greaves, very much looking the part of a proper knight.

“You will know once we get there.”

Woohyuk never revealed his plans before it was necessary.

Huang Donghwan nodded as it was the expected answer.

They had created several structures to aid in their defense against monsters or even other camps. Sentry towers, barricades, palisade, a warehouse, weapons storage, etc….

Since they were all overseen by Woohyuk, the defenses were now quite solid.

“Are we all ready?”

“Yes, all good.”

Hearing Lee Jaesung’s reply, Woohyuk raised his Black machete into the air.

“Then let’s head out.”

As usual they were just a small group.

* * *

Lost Paradise

It was the name of the large island located within Central Lake. There were differing opinions as to what purpose it served and why the Creator had built it in the first place, but one thing was certain.

‘It is no paradise, but rather hell.’

At the very least it was a place that it was difficult to return from with your life. The island itself was already difficult enough, but there were also the competitors to watch out for. All those that managed to make it to the Central Lake would have decent equipment and skill, so one could only imagine what would happen if they were all competing to obtain the best rewards.

‘We need to make a go of it today.’

The world was a big place and there would always be many hidden talents.’

If he were to encounter strong fighters, the competition for the best items would become very fierce, making it less likely for him to obtain the Paradise Elixir. Something which was crucial for Woohyuk who was aiming to have an additional hidden class.

‘Charging straight ahead is the right answer.’

After two days of continuous hunting, his party members had all grown magnificently. Yoo Kayoung and Song Anna who were originally after thoughts, had now become key members of the party.

“Make sure to take the items that drop after killing the monsters.”

While hunting, there was a low chance to obtain items from monster’s corpses. Repair kits, Magic crystals, pieces of Treasure maps, Health potions, Ancient coins, etc….

There were many useful items that were sure to come in handy, so even if they were in a hurry, they would still take the time to collect the loot.

“Don’t forget to use the herbs at the appropriate time.”

Bay leaf, Rosemary, Elemental grass, Fire plant, The Aspen Tree skin, Cloud mushroom. Even ordinary plants which had existed back in the real world, would often have some special effects.

His party members had stared at him suspiciously when he first taught them about it.

‘How does he know so much?’

It wasn’t something one could learn in a mere 15 days

A survival expert. Perhaps if he were to be abandoned on a deserted island, he’d be fine, was what went through everyone’s mind.

‘He doesn’t look that old.’

Yoo Kayoung thought to herself as she stared at Woohyuk’s back with a smile.

There were many things which she wanted to ask him about, but because of his cool and aloof persona, he was difficult to approach for a casual conversation.

‘At least he isn’t a bad person.’

Woohyuk was a perfect gentleman compared to those men who would try to eat her with their eyes every night. She was determined to follow him. Something about him just oozed with confidence, it was a woman’s intuition.

One couldn’t cower in the face of danger if they wanted to survive, else they would fall behind too much. It was much better to stick with him than to stay back at the camp.

That had been Yoo’s original judgement and the last few days had proven it to be right.

‘Did he lose all his previous party members and he’s the sole survivor?’

It was a story that somehow fit his current personality. He didn’t want to get too close to others since he had recently been scarred by a traumatic event.

As Yoo was lost in her own thoughts, Woohyuk suddenly stopped advancing.

“What is it?”

She looked to the front only to spot another party.

“Oh, aren’t you Chun Woohyuk?”

A woman with bright, long hair stepped forward.

She had a great body, clearly she was very fit and cared a lot about her appearance.

Upon seeing Yoo Kayoung somehow lost some confidence in herself.

“Do you know her?”

Lee Jaesung who was standing next to Woohyuk whispered.

For him, it was simply too surprising that Woohyuk even had any acquaintances.

“It’s been a while, Hong Yuri”

“Ah so you remembered my name? Anyways, it’s nice to see you. Although the meeting place is a bit weird, how have you been? Are we still friends?”

Hong Yuri approached as she gave Woohyuk a wink.

She wore a bright red shirt, exposing skin in all the right places.

“On your way to the Central Lake?”

“Yes, I think there should be decent items. You too?”

Woohyuk nodded back, causing Hong Yuri to smile.

“Great! Why don’t you join us then? The monsters around here are quite troublesome.”

Hong Yuri was part of a decent sized group, being around twenty people strong.

‘They seem to have a decent fighting spirit.’

It was a level of strength that was similar to his own party, at the very least they had seen some battle and wouldn't flee at first sign of trouble.

“Don’t be so nervous, they are all good people.”

Hong Yuri whispered as she placed her hands behind her back and leaned forward ever so casually to give a view of her ample chest.