Chapter 13 (1/2)
The label above the cla.s.sroom door read '3-1'.
Seol quietly opened the door. He looked to be in a pathetic overall condition, while propping himself up with the metal spear serving as a makes.h.i.+ft cane.
His boiling-hot rage had cooled down by now; however, the sense of emptiness filling him up right after his ability, Future Vision, ended was incredibly hard to endure. It was as if he was overcome with a bout of lethargy.
The new gathering area was a regular cla.s.sroom that could be found on pretty much any school out there. Seol chose a chair and as soon as he sat down, he plopped down on the desk with a thud. His eyeb.a.l.l.s hurt so much, he thought they might pop out at any moment now. He was also beset with intense vertigo, as well.
And as he stayed there, barely moving, the door opened again and the cla.s.sroom gradually became somewhat crowded.
The total number of casualties during the second mission: 0.
It was an obvious result, really. Seol ended up destroying every single trap there, so it was not a surprise that everyone got to clear it without a fuss.
The survivors took an unsure glance at Seol who was still collapsed on the desk. Well, they had to bear witness to some unbelievable scenes that were simply beyond their ability to describe, so understandably, they couldn't stop staring at him. They already had some thoughts as to how special Seol could be, but still, their imagination had been easily exceeded.
”Are you alright?” (Hyun Sahng-Min)
After flawlessly performing his duty as the trustworthy bag shuttle, Hyun Sahng-Min asked with a lot of worry in his voice. Seol simply waved his hand to imply, don't worry about me.
s.h.i.+n Sahng-Ah entered the cla.s.sroom in hesitating, faltering steps, found a chair on a quiet corner for herself, and settled down there while hiding her face. Yun Seo-Rah arrived a bit later after that. Finally, Kahng Seok and his lackeys showed up, signaling that all 12 survivors had gathered in the cla.s.sroom.
”Well, well, well. I'm truly shocked.” (Han)
When that familiar voice suddenly popped out of nowhere, Seol's eyes shot right open.
”I couldn't have imagined you'd pa.s.s the second mission that quickly. Thanks to you all, my prestige has gone up a level in the meantime.” (Han)
Behind the teacher's podium stood the 'Guide' from the a.s.sembly hall, still wearing that butler outfit of his. Everyone stared at Han as if he was a phantom or some such.
”I congratulate you for successfully arriving on the fourth floor. I have to ask, did you enjoy the proceedings of the first and second periods?” (Han)
His leisurely and bright tone of voice roused anger in the hearts of the almost everyone present. But, they knew there was nothing they could do, so they simply had to swallow it back. Still, the breathing of the bespectacled middle-aged man quickened noticeably.
”I'm here to give you all a great news. There is only one mission remaining in the Tutorial.” (Han)
”There's another one?”
”Yes. But, there is genuinely no reason to fret. The reason being….” (Han)
The ends of the Guide's eyes arched upwards.
”….The remaining mission, it can actually become quite easy and enjoyable for everyone.” (Han)
”Easy, and enjoyable….?”
”Yes. As long as you stick to the rules. All of you.” (Han)
When the Guide emphasized the words 'All of you', a dangerous smile crept up on his face.
”Shall I start with the explanations, then? Ah, the mission this time is a little more complicated, that is why I'm here. Besides, those announcements are so robotic and impersonal, no? Ahaha.” (Han)
The Guide seemed to be in a really good mood, for some reason.
”Overall, this mission's goal is similar to the ones you had to go through until now. You are tasked with reaching the sixth floor via the fifth floor. However, there are a few more additional rules to consider this time.” (Han)
The Guide picked up a chalk and drew a small circle on the blackboard.
”This is a coin.” (Han)
”Perchance, have you heard of the treasure hunt?” (Han)
”….I am beginning to truly appreciate the greatness of the teachers teaching those unresponsive students.” (Han)
The Guide's shoulders slumped forward rather theatrically, then, he played with his monocle.
”Fine. I shall finish the explanation and disappear from your sights as soon as possible. On the fourth and the fifth floor, there are many of these hidden coins, waiting to be found. You all are required to find and ama.s.s as many coins as possible before nightfall.” (Han)
He then began writing on the blackboard again.
The usages for the coins:
- Entry fee
- Lucky draws
”There is a place on the sixth floor where the gate leading to the Paradise is scheduled to open.” (Han)
The mere mention of entry to the Paradise caused a small commotion to rise up.
”Unfortunately, there are no free lunches in the world. You will have to pay the appropriate entry fee. If you plan to enter the gate, you will need one hundred coins as the usage fee.” (Han)
”One, one hundred? You need that many?” (s.h.i.+n Sahng-Ah)
”Actually, that's not a lot.” (Han)
Han shook his head.
”The total number of hidden coins is 3000. With a little bit of leg work, finding 100 should be a cinch.” (Han)
Han spoke up to here, before letting out a gasp of ”Ah!”
”Now that I think about it, there are coins hidden in this cla.s.sroom too….” (Han)
Suddenly, the sound of a chair being slid across the floor could be heard. A woman stood up and took a quick stride towards the podium, then began rummaging through it. It was none other than Yun Seo-Rah. Soon, she straightened her back and sure enough, four yellowish coins rested on her palm.
Han showed some surprise after seeing a stack of papers clutched in Yun Seo-Rah's hand.
”I see that you have searched through the staff room on the first floor. Those doc.u.ments were useless until past the third floor, but from here onwards, they should prove to be quite helpful.” (Han)
Still carrying an indifferent expression on her face, Yun Seo-Rah returned to her seat.
'Did she find a map that shows where the coins are?' (Seol)
If that was the case, then Yun Seo-Rah held an overwhelming advantage on this mission. Seol couldn't help but feel a bit envious.
Han continued on in the meantime.
”On the fifth floor library, you will find an item draw machine.”
Item draw?
The expressions of the people present became confused after hearing an unexpected announcement.
”Those of you who manage to ama.s.s lots of coins, you MUST use this machine! You will definitely be able to acquire many things that will aid you in your journey.” (Han)
”L, like what, exactly?” (s.h.i.+n Sahng-Ah)
”You'll find out once you get there, but, things such as food, consumable goods, etc, etc…..” (Han)
For some reason, Han quietly stared at the person who asked the question, causing s.h.i.+n Sahng-Ah to lower her gaze in hurry and cross her legs in a defensive manner.
”….Well, if your luck is good, then you might even receive a protective item of some kind. Also, weapons and spell b.a.l.l.s as well….” (Han)
'Weapons? Spell b.a.l.l.s?' (Seol)
Seol narrowed his eyes.
”Or, when you pour in a lot~ of coins in one go, you might find unique and special items. Items such as….” (Han)
Han deliberately stretched his sentence trying to create a sense of antic.i.p.ation.
”….A legendary elixir that can bring the dead back to life.” (Han)
The devastated and downtrodden middle-aged man's gaze shot towards the front of the cla.s.sroom. Even the dazed Yi Sung-Jin visibly flinched.
”Is, is that true?” (the middle-aged man)
”My noona can be revived? Really?” (Yi Sung-Jin)
Han nodded his head at the two's hurried shouts.
”Of course. However, you need to meet lots of requirements first. It's definitely not going to be easy. You shouldn't take the act of reviving a dead person so lightly…. Stop what you're doing this instant.” (Han)
Han's icy voice reverberated throughout the cla.s.sroom. The middle-aged man with the worn out business suit had shot out from his seat and was heading towards the exit, but he had to stop and hesitate.
”You won't find any coins even if you leave now. The treasure hunt will only commence precisely 30 minutes after I finish my explanations.” (Han)
Even though Han's words were simple to understand, the middle-aged man showed no signs of sitting down. He just staggered towards the door and stopped right in front of it.
Han clicked his tongue in disapproval, before spotting an oddity at the corners of his eyes. It was Seol, who had raised his hand to ask a question.
”Please speak.” (Han)
”What is the reason for weapons, defensive items, and spell b.a.l.l.s being available from the item draw machine?” (Seol)
”Hmm? Conversely, is there a reason why they shouldn't be available?” (Han)
”Why would we need those items in a mission that's supposedly easy and enjoyable?” (Seol)
”….Fufufu. I like these kinds of questions.” (Han)
The hardened expression of the Guide softened considerably.
”Such questions mean that the listener isn't just taking things at face value and is constantly evaluating the situation…. For now, here is the answer to your question.” (Han)
Han winked once, pulled out his smartphone, and tapped on the screen.
[A message from the Guide has arrived.]
”I'm not lying to you; if all of you can cooperate together, this mission will become very easy to clear. And you will even get to enjoy it, too. I guarantee this.” (Han)
Han dropped the chalk and raised a finger.
”And also, it I were to provide you with one more helpful hint…. Keep an eye out for the Hour of the Deceased, please. The Deceased carry an unending hatred for all living things, after all.” (Han)
'The Hour of the Deceased?!' (Seol)
Seol hurriedly pulled out his phone to check the message.
[Sender: the Guide] [1. Rules of the treasure hunt]