LTTH C19

Chapter 19

<The new Gate is owned by the person who contributed most to its clearing.> By that law, ownership of the new Gate should belong to the Master of the Tower. Yet, one could hardly expect the Association to relinquish it so willingly.

“Berthel’s laboratory. And it’s the first.”

“Could that Lich have been Berthel?”

“Highly likely. If there is a first laboratory, there must be a second as well. We must investigate whether that Gate has been formed yet or if it remains one yet to manifest.”

“……?”

Hansol inclined his head as he sensed something odd in the exchanged conversation.

‘What is this?’

The entry permit for the second laboratory—had it not appeared somewhere? Hansol swiftly manipulated his system to summon his inventory. It was no illusion. The Entry Permit for Minion Berthel’s Laboratory No. 2 shimmered proudly before him.

“…Might it be that you have not received the entry permit for the second laboratory?”

“I have received experience and unknown items as rewards, but no entry permit.”

“The same here.”

The wizard and Sehyun carefully perused their inventory windows before shaking their heads.

“I believe I have it… the entry permit.”

“……!”

Two pairs of eyes, filled with astonishment and disbelief, fixed upon him. Hansol deliberately ignored their gaze and summoned the permit over his palm. The hard metal plate radiated a forbidding black aura as it settled in his hand.

“Sharing item information.”

Entry Permit for Minion Berthel’s Laboratory No. 2.

An entry permit allowing access to the second laboratory operated by Berthel. Up to ten may enter together.

Though the description was unremarkable, it was clear this permit granted passage into the Gate. The only issue was that such permits had not been issued before now.

“What on earth is Hansol about.”

The wizard’s half-resigned expression and Sehyun’s gaze of boundless trust bore into Hansol as he returned the permit to his inventory. Alone, he lacked the courage or means to clear the Gate. Moreover, these two had already seen his capabilities. Joining them meant he need not conceal anything.

‘Together is the right choice.’

“Allow me to accompany you, Hansol. I shall not be a burden.”

“Of course, I will follow you as well.”

Watching the two hasten their words in rivalry, Hansol swallowed the retort that almost escaped his lips. He was the one who ought to ask a favour—the permit was little more than an empty dream in his grasp.

“I am the one to ask the favour.”

Gratefully inwardly reflecting, Hansol hastily answered. The wizard smiled broadly, rolling sounds softly in his throat before changing the subject.

“If the maximum capacity is ten, it would be wise to fill it.”

“Indeed.”

Wise words. The Gate might conceal dangers untold. Furthermore, if the Lich that appeared in Laboratory No. 1 was truly Berthel, then its grade must be at least A. Even with the Master of the Tower and the Holy Knight youth, to go with only three was foolhardy.

Yet the question remained—by what criteria and where would they recruit the hunters to join them?

“Many fish shall bite the bait when cast.”

Hansol’s worries seemed unwarranted as the wizard raised his smartphone and pointed to a phrase in an article posted on H.T:

[…At this very moment, rankers worldwide are requesting entry to Korea…]

“There will be many big catches.” The wizard smiled joyously, inclining his head.

Evening of October 30th.

Before the Messiah’s renown, which had engulfed H.T, could fade, a rumor openly spread through the Mage Tower.

<The Messiah is recruiting party members.>

Details of the Gate or the undertaking remained undisclosed, but the mere utterance of the word ‘Messiah’ stirred the upper echelons of hunters to discreetly send messages to the Mage Tower. South Korea was no exception to this trend.

“Dowon, what is your opinion?”

“I believe we must participate.”

The origin of the Messiah.

Two figures in the highest chamber of the Korean Hunter Association read the article posted on H.T repeatedly, their expressions grave. Drawing from reports of hunters swept into the Gate, they sketched a profile of the individual.

“‘That’ eternal Level 1.”

A mere Level 1 hunter who volunteered for a dimensional dispatch mission—Cha Hansol.

His personal history appeared on the broad monitor. Yet ‘history’ was a generous term—it was monotonous beyond measure, for Hansol had lingered perpetually at Level 1 for years.

“Bring him—by persuasion or threat. Bring him here.”

“Indeed. No need to say more.”

Dressed more like an office worker than a hunter, the man solemnly fixed his gaze upon Hansol’s portrait. Dowon Chae, the undisputed strongest hunter affiliated with the Korean Hunter Association. Without hesitation, he turned and strode toward the door.

“Furthermore, that child has always been mine.”

The declaration left no room for doubt. The possessive tone stirred the middle-aged man to shake his head. The eternal Level 1. Perhaps this very epithet had been forged from such possessiveness—an inkling he had never before entertained now arising for the first time.

The Mage Tower seemed a gathering of scholars in atmosphere. Its interior silence and composure were emblematic, yet today it thrummed with lively bustle. The cause of this was Hansol and his companions.

“Hansol, it would be prudent to keep your presence concealed for a time.”

The wizard’s gentle voice uttered as a pristine white ring appeared upon Hansol’s palm.

“What is this?”

Beneath unassuming exterior, the item was no simple trifle, for it was bestowed by the master of the Tower. Certainly, it could not be so mundane.

“It is enchanted to subtly alter your hair and eye color, as well as your features, upon wearing.”

“……!”

Good heavens!

Though the Master’s explanation was ordinary, the item’s efficacy was vast. Even a magic that changed merely one of hair or eye color fetched hundreds of millions in cost. Here, these magics were layered—features altered as well. Should one lose such an item… the thought sent shivers down Hansol’s spine.

He doubted he could ever bear the consequences—a price beyond all means to repay.

“No! This robe alone should suffice.”

Moreover, Hansol had already borrowed a robe adorned with magnificent golden patterns from the Mage Tower. The thought of incurring any further debts grated on him.

“I find it burdensome. I would prefer if you grew less famous.”

Hansol’s dismissive gesture was swiftly met as the Master seized his hand, slipping the ring smoothly onto his left index finger. It fit as though perfectly measured—neither loose nor tight.

“Though faint, it is protected by a warding spell. It will serve you well.”

‘…How many enchantments are layered within?’

No less burdensome than before, the ring now felt as heavy as reinforced iron. Alongside it, a weight of responsibility settled in his heart. Perhaps these gestures were born of his newly elevated status, and of some hope extended to him. Though awkward beyond measure, a secret delight tickled within him.

Throughout his five years as a hunter, Hansol had constantly uttered apologies and expressions of gratitude—whether rightfully so or not. Even when unblemished by fault, he found himself compelled to preemptively apologize, and in facing uncomfortable truths, to offer thanks. Such was the immutable law of the hunter society, where ranks were divided by level and vocation. A Level 1 healer unable to level up stood as the lowest caste.

‘…Once it was so.’

Turning his eyes momentarily, Hansol observed the gathering within the Mage Tower’s hall. They were splendid figures—rankers known only from images, their eyes starkly different from those he had known; filled instead with favor, curiosity, and admiration. Even the occasional skeptical gaze was drowned in positive sentiments.

“Preparations seem complete. Let us proceed.”

“I, too, am ready.”

Nodding in agreement, Hansol bowed his head slightly and summoned an item from his inventory. A cold metal plate rested in his palm. As he made intent to use it, only he heard the system’s voice.

“Would you enter Minion Berthel’s Laboratory No. 2?”

“Yes.”

Creating the Gate.

The system message appeared briefly before vanishing. In its place, a blue-tinged Gate steadily expanded. Unlike typical Gate Breaks or new Gates, this shimmering azure bore neither hostility nor friendliness; it seemed to settle naturally, as if it had always been there.