LTTH C33

Chapter 33

‘Is there truly a difference between good and bad?’

“Yes! Though I was told that being a bad example could mean death, I am a good example, aren’t I, Brother?”

“Ah…”

The boy spoke so casually of death, eliciting an instinctive pang of pity. …This boy, then, was a subject of experimentation.

Figures peeked cautiously from between buildings where the boy had emerged. It was not hard to understand their suspicion. For was this not the same Dark Zone that had stayed unchanged for twenty-five long years? Any alteration would naturally breed doubt, and caution was warranted from their perspective.

‘Indeed. Twenty-five whole years.’

When his own level finally shifted after five years of stasis, Hansol had repeatedly questioned and doubted. He understood their hearts well enough. But still,

‘Even so, this is unacceptable.’

Hansol glanced about at the two hunters and officials. They must have heard, for their expressions dimmed slightly. Some showed faint betrayal, yet despite it all, they were lives he was sworn to protect.

“Child, what is your name?”

“Daniel!”

Matching the boy’s innocent gaze, Hansol turned to the onlookers.

“Daniel, you see, these people live because of you.”

Though most eyes shimmered with unease, here and there hope clung tenaciously. Stroking Daniel’s hair, which barely reached his waist, Hansol spoke, accentuating each word slowly, so they might settle deep within.

“Never let that truth fade from your heart.”

Hansol was a healer, incapable of discarding those who could still be saved. He wished only that this stain—the truth that the boy was pushed to the brink as an experimental subject—would linger with them always.

“Hansol-nim…”

“Darling…”

Watching the two approach steadily, Hansol offered an outward smile. The smile—the kind worn effortlessly at level one—was selfish and perfect for dealing with the arrogant.

Responding with laughter to their worried gestures, Hansol lifted a precious mana potion. Ten or so souls remained. That was enough. Beginning from the boundary where the boy stood, as if instructed, those lined up stepped forward.

As always, white light enveloped them fairly before vanishing.

The purification that began at noon came to an unexpectedly early conclusion due to an unforeseen event. Though Hansol’s stamina remained and about one-third of the mana potions were left, further work proved impossible.

Suddenly swelling in number were civilians—newly freed from the Dark Zone—now exceeding ten. Managing them became problematic. A weary official bent in a deep bow, beseeching Hansol to continue again tomorrow. Though he had intended to do so regardless, their plea intensified.

“Feel free to use the potions as you please, Messiah. Should you require more, simply say, and we will prepare.”

Eyes full of trust and apology, the official grasped Hansol’s hand earnestly. Such trust explained why several top-grade mana potions now rested in Hansol’s inventory.

Perhaps sudden wealth brought such luxury. Yet though his heart was less anxious, rest remained elusive.

“Given your stamina, completing in only two days is unrealistic.”

“I agree.”

“At least a week is needed.”

“Considering the unexpected events today, even a week may be insufficient.”

“Then for now, one week.”

“…Very well.”

After much consultation, the two seemed to reach a consensus and resumed their posts.

Throughout the day, cleansing the Dark Zone, Hansol began to doubt he could purify all within two weeks. The issue was not lack of support or exhaustion.

Unlike prior new gates, the Dark Zone gave no experience points. Though an ominous system message appeared each time he purified an infected, that was all. Constantly purifying would afford only limited gains.

That could not be.

‘I must grow stronger as much as possible.’

This was not merely to oppose the association or safeguard himself, though those were reasons too. The greatest motivation was ‘Britain.’

Britain, gripped by gate breaks—perhaps rushing toward its end. Unlike before, the present Hansol could save many more lives. Yet the task remained incomplete.

‘Truthfully, I would enter a gate even now.’

Hansol swallowed hard, watching the two occupying the room.

James, reclining comfortably in the lavish chamber, and the Tower Lord, who seemed to be communicating quietly on one side.

Neither showed signs of wishing to rest nor depart. Yet would they let him go freely? They even wished to accompany him to Britain. They might come, but would never allow him entry into the gate.

Still, he would speak. After hesitation, Hansol finally broke his silence.

“…I wonder,”

“You do not intend to enter the gate now, do you? Hansol-nim must rest.”

“Darling, lie down on that bed and sleep.”

As expected, his words were cut off before he could finish.

“Or that sofa there?”

James pointed to the seemingly cramped couch. Hansol shook his head resolutely. If he were to rest, he preferred a comfortable bed. What foolishness is this?

“No.”

“Today, you healed fifteen infected; what of the Dark Zone?”

“I asked of you, Darling, but I have hope. No need to hurry.”

Hansol sought to continue but gave in, swayed by their unyielding insistence. He sat back down with a sigh. What a troublesome day this might become.

Already dusk veiled the window. Though darkened outside, it was merely eight in the evening. Far too early to conclude the day.

The reward for clearing Berthel’s second laboratory was being calculated.

A bulk of experience had been gained.

Levels increased.

Levels increased.

Levels increased.

Levels increased.

Levels increased.

Levels increased.

Reward: Access badge to Berthel’s laboratory obtained.

Reward: Return stone obtained.

“……!”

‘So sudden?’

While peering out, regret lingering, the system erupted across his vision in a dense cascade. The reward for clearing Berthel’s second laboratory. Such swift calculation was unusual.

Typically, open gates granted no rewards upon clearing. Instead, experience or loot earned within from monsters served as such, known as experience or item farming gates.

Closed gates—gates nearing break, or new ones—awarded rewards upon clearance to participants. Such calculations usually required one to two days. To receive one so soon after this morning’s clearing was exceptional.

“…Fast indeed. Unlike any gate before.”

“This is strange… The system has never behaved this erratically.”

Hansol nodded sharply, the system’s irregularity especially notable after returning from Britain.

‘Access badge.’

Moreover, an access badge to Berthel’s laboratory appeared again—this time without a number distinguishing it from the prior badge?

Likely, the laboratory housing the true Berthel, not a mere clone. The one in the second lab had been a clone.

‘Now is not the time.’

Hansol gazed at the finely kept badge in his inventory. Though accompanied by top-ranked hunters, they had been forced out fleeing the second lab. If he reassembled a party and entered “Berthel’s laboratory” again, the outcome would remain unchanged. Worse yet, it might spiral to catastrophe.