Chapter 627
Even as a former non-commissioned officer and a veteran, Leeha could not fully grasp the battlefield situation Sergeant Kim had faced during his deployment. After all, that was classified information.
However, sergeant Kims demeanor alone said enough. The damage that had ensued to their allies because Sergeant Kim did not take a shot at the target in the battle he participated in. It turned out to be a situation where, as Sergeant Kim last said, the guilt only grows deeper.
So he retired because of that. Though they promoted him for his service and merits during the deploymentultimately, he left due to the guilt. How much must he have suffered?
After hearing his last words, Leeha had looked at Sergeant Kim for a long while. In such a moment, Leeha couldnt bring himself to offer any premature words of comfort. Not that Sergeant Kim sought that either.
Shortly after, with a farewell, he logged out, having not added each other as friends, leaving no way to continue their conversation.
It had been three days in Middle Earth time since Leeha last conversed with Sergeant Kim, who had yet to log in since. At least, Leeha, who had been waiting in the same spot all this time, knew that much.
Leeha briefly turned his gaze towards the sunlight piercing through the leaves. The training yard was sporadically studded with straw man targets.
Did the sergeant spend all day firing his musket here because of that? The guilt of not having pulled the trigger in the endwas he trying to relieve it here, even if just with a musket?
Not engaging in quests or hunting and still playing in Middle Earth is almost impossible. Except for a few players who made a name for themselves as craftsmen, merchants, or adventurers, its pretty much unheard of. In other words, recalling that Sergeant Kim chose to be a Musketeer of the Miyaw race, Leehas conjecture was almost certain.
And to think, headmaster Browless was praising the sergeant back then the Miyaw Musketeer, right? Considering the sergeants level, it must have been their first meeting And to win Browless over just with his shooting stance? As for sniping, hes a total game-changer.
What are you thinking about, Leeha?
Hm? Oh, its nothing.
You havent gone hunting lately! Not even to defend the Divine Staff! While meeting Leehas master is fun, Im starting to feel restless.
Hmm, the Divine Staff Right, I heard Manticore sightings have been reported intermittently.
Yes!
Blaugrunns eyes sparkled.
Leeha had felt how their efficiency in combat had significantly increased during the retrieval of the Divine Staff.
The difficulty level was higher than when we cleared the Source of Evil before. Clearing the Source of Evil, defending against waves, the struggle has improved Blaugrunns abilities as well!
The gradual increase in Blaugrunns combat intensity was proof of that.
Alright. Shall we go then? If its Manticores you want, thats exactly what well find.
Got it! Ill prepare the teleport right away!
Blaugrunn immediately began casting.
Enhancing Blaugrunns combat abilities was one thing, but for Leeha, acting in the current situation was crucial.
The first step is doing what I can. Even if you know how to swim if you dont move your feet, youll drown in a stream.
Taking immediate action.
The most basic and logical step, yet often easily forgotten.
Leeha was reminded of this once again through his conversation with Sergeant Kim.
Listening to the story of Sergeant Kim, who was the perfect sniper and a starting point for Leeha, could have also been empowering. In a world where even the perfect role models make mistakes and wander, its only natural for oneself to make a mistake or two, right?
Ready.
Okay. Lets go.
Leeha steadied his breath. Shortly after, they appeared next to the Divine Staff.
Leeha!
Its Leeha!
The little one is here too!
The area around [Divine Staff] became noisy in an instant.
As soon as they saw Leeha and Blaugrunn, the members of the knight order and the others rushed toward them eagerly.
Blaugrunn greeted them with a pleasant yet displeased expression. He seemed to like the spreading of his fame but was not pleased to be called a little one.
Really, why on earth would you call me a little one?
It seems they thought I was calling Blaugrunn little one when in fact, I was calling someone else.
The users and members of the knight orders had mistaken the little one Blaugrunn mentioned for his own name.
Whats your relationship with Ha Leeha-nim?
Not his son Haha!
Son!? Wait a minute. Do I look that young? Not a nephew or a hyung, but a son?
Apart from a very few who were aware that Blaugrunn was a dragon, there were quite a few who mistakenly thought he was a user.
Leeha became even more flustered by the users shocking remarks.
He had come near Divine Staff to hunt manticores but didnt expect such commotion.
As Leeha was chatting with the members of the knight orders, one person walked over, yawning, This is quite the scene. There are folks skulking around over there, and yet the tensions completely dissolved. Whenever Ha Leeha-nim is present, things always seem to take a strange turn for the better, yet somehow also collapse in odd directions. Is it just me?
Dont overreact when theres no battle happening. Lord Lark.
[Rainbow Knight] Lark and his [Virtuous Knight Order] were practically camping near Divine Staff.
While other knight orders had prepared teleportation crystals and magic circles for easy access in case of battles at Divine Staff, the Virtuous Knight Order had set up a supply base level encampment.
Indeed, many were utilizing Divine Staff as a relay point, constantly exploring the area, making it one of the safest controlled territories.
Given that many users and members were staying here to prevent an attack on Divine Staff, it was bustling.
Leeha: Blaugrunn, can you check what sword that person is carrying?
Blaugrunn: Check what?
Leeha: I mean, check if it has mana or some special feature. Basically, if it feels special.
Leeha whispered to Blaugrunn as he saw Lark approaching him with a swagger.
Leeha was now fully aware of Larks capabilities since he had observed them during the battle for Divine Staff. Lark was not an opponent to be taken lightly.
The linkage of Kijung and Ram Hwajung, and even my attacks to some extent, might not have been normal due to that Toons attack. To block it one-on-one)
His swordsmanship and vigor were not things a mere user could match with their personal strength. The only remaining possibility was the item Lark carried possessed overwhelming power.
Im quite envious. Where does one acquire such a family? We have plenty of colorful folks on our side. Perhaps you could share a tip or some wisdom?
Lark glanced at Blaugrunn and spoke to Leeha.
Contrary to what many believed, Lark clearly knew Blaugrunns true nature. After all, Minis territory was known for places where chromatic dragons appeared frequently.
Im actually curious about how to make the [Rainbow] float. If youre willing to share that information, Im open to a trade.
Leehas mention of the rainbow made Lark flinch.
However, he remained confident. He did not hide or conceal his sword in any way.
No, perhaps thats even better acting. If he had flinched and tried to hide or cover his sword, it would have been more noticeable. Larks smile didnt waver.
I could tell you, but itd be of no use to Ha Leeha-nim, haha.
Perhaps. No, it might be better not to tell. You might end up seeing yourself burned to death by dragon breath.
To taunting Lark, Leeha responded by winking and sending a smile his way. Larks expression contorted ever so briefly, but that was all. With many eyes on them in this place, he was no fool to engage in a blatant quarrel. It wasnt worth having such a low-level conversation with Leeha, who also had little leisure for it. The reason for the delay was singular; Leeha moved, observing the condition of Blaugrunn.
Leeha: Have you finished checking?
Blaugrunn wasnt following closely behind, as his footsteps were expected to. Leeha paused and looked back.
Leeha: Blaugrunn-ssi?
Blaugrunn was staring at Lark, whos smile was subtly rising.
Lark: Hmm, this is why I dislike people with quick wits.
Leaving those puzzling words behind, Lark shook his head and turned away, heading back to the Virtuous Knight Orders camp. Watching him leave, Leeha hurriedly checked on Blaugrunn.
Blaugrunn-ssi? Whats wrong?
I cant read it.
Blaugrunn seemed almost frozen. It was an unexpectedly startling reaction for Leeha to witness.
What do you mean? What cant you do?
Its not about being able to read it or not. My mana cant enter it! Its not even blocked by a defense spell; its as if the sword itself is alive, repelling my mana What on earth is this? This is a first for me!
Leeha-nim! What is that person?
Blaugrunn suddenly raised his voice, looking at Leeha with eyes sparkling with immense curiosity. Considering Blaugrunns established character, such a reaction was actually expected.
I thought you had summoned demonic powers or something when you suddenly froze like that.
The mere idea of Lark becoming a demon sent chills down ones spine.
He once fought against Toon, so that couldnt be it. More importantly, ask him about that sword, quick!
Relieved by Blaugrunns reaction, Leeha felt a sudden easing.
3 oclock direction, Manticore spotted! The scout squad is also on the move!
Oh? Seems like something has come up.
At this, members of the knight order, primarily assined to reconnaissance, tightened their surveillance of the surroundings, detecting monsters movements once again.
Lets see, the three oclock direction
Leeha adjusted the scopes magnification on the Black Bass.
Despite having specialists like Rangers and Hunters in their ranks, their capabilities paled in comparison to Leehas.
Their skills are no different from an eagles eye, after all.
Leeha swiftly identified the moving groups, types, and sizes of the monsters through zoomed observation.
How many monsters usually appear?
Usually, four or five flying types roam around. Occasionally, terrestrial types would emerge, but they never exceed a few dozen.
This is insane. Are they reacting because Im here?
One of the knights swallowed at Leehas tone. Leeha himself wanted to gulp.
Raising his voice, he reported, Flying monsters, about a hundred in number! Theres movement on the ground too hard to see with the dust, but giant beasts seem to be included! Roughly over three hundred! And-
This was the situation right after Leeha arrived at the [Divine Staff]. Yet, the sheer number of monsters wasnt the main issue, as the combined forces of the knight orders camping here numbered around three hundred.
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