LTTH C20

Chapter 20

“Ohhh.”

 

“As expected, so this is how it works.”

 

Amid the murmurs of awe from the gathered crowd, the Tower Master’s eyes glimmered with curiosity as he stepped closer to the Gate. Of course, leaning in did nothing—he couldn’t see through it nor alter anything—but after observing it intently for a while, he let out a faint chuckle and extended his hand forward.

 

“Sir Hansol, you and your companion should go in first. I’ll be the last to enter.”

 

“Alright.”

 

“Let’s go.”

 

Following the lead of the young paladin, Sehyun, they crossed the blue Gate. The thought of stepping into an unknown world made Hansol’s heart pound with nervous excitement—but perhaps because Sehyun was beside him, the fear didn’t take root.

 

You have entered Minion Berthel’s Research Facility No. 2.

 

The system message rang in his ears, and when he opened his eyes, his vision was filled with a bright blue sky and an ordinary landscape. Unlike the Gate he had cleared just days ago, there was no suffocating stickiness, no trace of dark mana. All that lay before him was an open sky, a wide meadow, and a narrow dirt path stretching ahead.

 

“Just in case, don’t stray too far from me.”

 

Sehyun’s tense voice swept through the surroundings, his senses sharply attuned—but no matter how hard they looked, there wasn’t a single sign of danger.

 

So this was supposed to be a research facility? It seemed more like a peaceful retreat. For a moment, a wave of emptiness washed over Hansol. They had prepared so thoroughly, only to end up here. Was all that effort going to waste?

 

“…If that’s the case, there was no reason to gather all those Rankers.”

 

“Right? Who would’ve thought this place would be so… peaceful?”

 

“Ah.”

 

At the sudden unfamiliar voice from behind, Hansol turned around—and there, walking toward them, was a man whose very presence screamed, “I’m a tank.” It was the first time Hansol had seen him in person, but there wasn’t a single Hunter in the world who wouldn’t recognize the man before him.

 

The Impregnable Fortress.

 

That was the name that echoed louder than any other. His full name was James von David. People often said, “If he falls, it’s as if the world’s first line of defense has collapsed.” Such was the man whose sheer endurance and defense had earned him the title of World Rank No. 1 Tank.

 

‘No way… The world’s number one Tank actually joined this raid?’

 

The lineup was already dazzling, but this? This was on another level. Hansol swallowed hard. The Tower Master was impressive enough, but the man before them—he was in a different league entirely. If the Tower Master’s mana were to run out before even scratching this man’s defenses, Hansol wouldn’t be surprised.

 

“But wow, I didn’t expect the Messiah to be this beautiful.”

 

“…Pardon?”

 

Golden hair, blue eyes, the very picture of Western nobility. James winked playfully and shrugged. Come to think of it, there was another title that always came up alongside “Impregnable Fortress.”

 

The Shameless Playboy.

 

He didn’t just welcome people—he pursued them, clung to them, and even flirted with those merely passing by. Even in a place as open-minded as his homeland, he had a reputation that spread far and wide.

 

Hansol instinctively stepped back. He had a feeling that getting too close to this man would bring nothing but trouble.

 

‘His skills are undoubtedly top-tier, but personally… he seems like trouble.’

 

As a Hunter, James was leagues above Hansol. He’d definitely be a valuable ally in clearing the Gate. Still, Hansol decided to keep a safe distance.

 

“There’s no need to bristle like that—I’m not about to bite you.”

 

“…!”

 

The hood covering Hansol’s head slid down, and before he could react, something brushed against his cheek. By the time he realized what had happened, James had already withdrawn, maintaining a polite distance with a sly grin.

 

‘Did… did he just…?’

 

Hansol hadn’t even sensed the man’s approach—hadn’t felt his touch until it was already over. It was literally an instant.

 

“You…!”

 

“Whoa, whoa, relax. We’re on the same side, aren’t we? Right, bodyguard?”

 

Through his dazed vision, Hansol saw Sehyun draw his sword and aim it squarely at James. To the world’s top Tank, it was hardly a threat, but James still raised both hands in mock surrender and stepped back. Even then, Sehyun pressed forward, tension radiating from him.

 

Their standoff ended when a loud thud echoed behind James.

 

“Hm? The Gate just closed.”

 

“No way…?”

 

‘That can’t be right.’

 

At his words, Hansol rushed to the Gate. Normally, a Gate only closed if the maximum number of participants had entered—or if a Break had begun. The latter was definitely not the case, and the former? Including Hansol, only three people had entered. They were far from the limit.

 

Cautiously, Hansol reached out a hand. The Gate still shimmered with blue light, but when he tried to step closer, it was like pressing against invisible glass—he couldn’t go any further.

 

“It really did close…?”

 

“Seems that way.”

 

“But there are still people who haven’t come through yet. Why…?”

 

“Hmm. It’s probably one of two things. Either the stated limit of ten wasn’t actually ten…”

 

Impossible. The system itself had declared it. It might be unkind, but it never lied.

 

“Or… the starting points are randomized.”

 

“Randomized? That means—”

 

That theory made more sense. Hansol had heard rumors before—when large groups entered certain high-grade Gates, they sometimes got split apart. Still, with only ten participants, he hadn’t expected it to happen this time.

 

“When a Gate’s interior is vast enough, the system can scatter the entrants, regardless of the total number. It’s a common occurrence in upper-tier Gates.”

 

For once, James’s reputation as “the playboy” faded behind his calm, precise assessment. Indeed, the World Rank 1 title wasn’t for nothing.

 

He might still be infuriating, but there was no denying his experience. Compared to Hansol or the newly awakened paladin, Sehyun, James had far greater knowledge about these situations.

 

“In other words, our healer’s instincts were spot-on.”

 

With another teasing wink, James’s words immediately shattered the growing trust Hansol had felt moments before. He averted his gaze, choosing to ignore him entirely.

 

Honestly, Hansol had hoped this Gate might be cleared easily. But now… this was clearly an A-rank Gate.

 

‘No… maybe even higher.’

 

The previous Research Facility No. 1 had been classified as A-rank by the Association. If this was Facility No. 2, then it was at least A-rank—or possibly above.

 

The clear blue sky and the lush, tranquil scenery suddenly felt eerie, almost wrong.

 

“Well then, let’s get moving. Usually, in Gates like these, we’ll run into the others as we go.”

 

No telling how far apart everyone had been scattered, but at least all of them were Rankers. The only ones he really had to worry about were Hansol and the paladin. The man striding confidently ahead—Hansol and Sehyun together couldn’t scratch him even if they tried.

 

“But, Healer. If you keep calling me that, I’m actually getting goosebumps. What do you think?”

 

Turning abruptly, James grinned and pulled up his sleeve, showing off his muscular arm. “See? Look. Real goosebumps.” His skin looked perfectly normal.

 

“So what should I call you instead, hmm?”

 

“Please, keep your distance.”

 

Sehyun scowled, shoving at his chest, but James merely laughed and leaned in again. He really seemed oblivious.

 

“Hmm? So, what should I call you?”

 

Watching his persistence, Hansol let out a silent sigh.

 

Telling him would only make things worse. And besides, Hansol’s level was still only 20—even after a big recent gain in experience. Compared to James, whose stats were likely five times his own, it was laughable.

 

‘Just level 20…’

 

It was taboo to ask another Hunter’s level, and the information couldn’t be accessed without consent—but if the number “20” were ever revealed, it would spread fast. Until recently, Hansol had been known across Korea as “The Eternal Level 1.”

 

“…Call me whatever you want.”

 

“Really? Hmm. That’s a tough choice.”

 

It didn’t matter. Once this Gate was cleared, they’d go their separate ways anyway. To Hansol, that was all James was—temporary company.

 

“Darling, honey, sweetie…”

 

“…?!”