Chapter 80 (1/2)

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 couldn't 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 dawn's 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 it's not a two-way like ‘Warp', but still, two different locations are connected by bending the s.p.a.ce 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 isn't it. How about splitting up and transferring multiple times…. G.o.d d*mn it! Then that's going to impact the Magic Power needed to maintain the circle….” (Ian)

”Master Ian.” (?)

The man couldn't 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 circ.u.mstances had improved too much now? So, indeed, it was understandable where his suspicion was coming from.

”You're right. I'd like to meet this man and have a chat….” (Ian)

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

”He's already secluded himself. And he isn't keen on coming out of his seclusion any time soon.” (Seol Ji-Hu)

”In that case, it can't 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 you're worried about.” (Ian)

Ian abruptly cut that man's words off.

”We've 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 s.n.a.t.c.h the paper away and turned around to leave.

”We have a few fleet-footed people in our group if that's what you're 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 s.h.i.+fting his attention back to Seol Ji-Hu with some excitement on his face.

”You've made a significant contribution.” (Ian)

”Not at all. It's too early to say that.” (Seol Ji-Hu)

Seol Ji-Hu was humble in his reply.

”I don't agree with that a.s.sessment 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 grat.i.tude in many ways, but they simply won't be enough for the contribution you made.” (Ian)

”We can't 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 wouldn't 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, I'm 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 Ian's words. The old man was saying that there was no real need for Seol Ji-Hu to partic.i.p.ate 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, he'd not be a hindrance. Both the transfer magic and the rudium formed the core of this mission - a mission where battle wasn't the main goal, but the rescue was. Since speediness was a necessity, there was a good chance that the Festina Earring attached to the youth's 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 partic.i.p.ate. And, if he were to a.s.sert his position as the original planner of this mission, then it'd become even more difficult to reject his partic.i.p.ation. 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 won't 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)

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

”You're truly an indecipherable fella…” (Ian)

Ian shook his head helplessly.

”If that's what you've decided, then I won't 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 partic.i.p.ating, 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 partic.i.p.ating. 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 didn't rush things. Depending on circ.u.mstances, prompt actions had to be taken, but since he already tasted failure because of being hasty, he couldn't 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 s.p.a.ce with all sorts of geometric shapes carved on the top to create a magic circle, there wasn't anything of note in this room.

Even if only six people were partic.i.p.ating 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 won't be able to return.” (Ian)

Once this door closed, you'd 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 header's 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 circ.u.mstances, 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 don't wander off too far.” (Ian)

Seol Ji-Hu didn't 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 couldn't move.

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

‘It's like I'm 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.

‘It's 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 enemy's 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 there's 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 grat.i.tude 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, I'll properly express my grat.i.tude then.” (?)

”We're in the same boat, anyway. Don't worry about it. Someone important to you is on the other side?” (Seol Ji-Hu)