Chapter 1151. The Unavoidable Cliche of Splitting Up to Pursue Individual Goals (2)

The party members' growth path had already been decided.

First, Lim Chae-Ryeong was going to prioritize getting used to her Level 3 job, Dagger Rogue. Once she had built a solid foundation, she could aim for the Spirit Rogue or Holy Night Rogue, two jobs that were already predetermined for her. Either of those jobs would allow her to secure her place among the top players.

‘Nam Goong-Seon’s path has been determined as well.’

I was kind of surprised, but it seemed like she had decided to become a Holy Knight by working on her Stamina and Defense. I was sure she had chosen that path because it was hard to be one of the top players as a priest.

Her Strength, Endurance, and Stamina weren’t that bad, so I thought it wasn’t such a bad idea.

I actually wanted to support her, and before thinking about who I was going to recruit or if I was even going to recruit anyone, we were at the point where we needed to strengthen our vanguards.

If the existing priest decided to become a Holy Knight, it seemed appropriate to commend her for that choice.

I wasn’t really sure about No Dam-Hye, but...

‘Since he brought her here, I’m sure he’ll help her grow. If things don’t work out as expected, we can recruit another veteran warrior and send them to the afterlife.’

The process was kind of complicated, but sacrificing a veteran warrior was guaranteed to work. Of course, the girls would grow a bit more efficiently if I were to lead the party, but I knew Woo Hyo-Yeol was capable of helping them grow by himself, which was why I made that comment.

Actually, it would be more effective to part ways in a situation like this.

It would be good to nurture them and treat them like precious treasures, but in difficult times like these, keeping my distance was a shortcut in helping them open a path that would allow them to grow.

It was the same for Park Deok-Gu, Kim Ye-Ri, and the other Blue Guild members. It was important to provide a guide and lead them, but letting them leave the nest and figure things out on their own once in a while was important as well.

We were actually at the point where each member had a clear goal.

The problem was the possibility that Woo Hyo-Yeol could leave, but based on his actions, I believed that he wouldn't leave the party.

‘You already feel like you belong here, right? Right?’

The connection we made with Raymond Bolt applied not just to me.

I felt bad for suddenly abandoning the wild dog, but this was necessary to help the party grow, and I was sure they understood what I was saying.

“Of course, I’ll provide as much external support as I can. I’ll prepare roadmaps on how to grow and information on dungeons. I'll also help with the supplies and items based on your growth. We’ll also be staying at the new party house,” I informed them.

“...”

“I also need to engage in external activities, and the party needs to keep going on expeditions, so we probably won’t meet much... but still...” I paused.

‘We’re on the same party.’

“But Mr. Ki-Young. What... should we do? Without you there—"

“You don’t need to worry, Miss Chae-Ryeong. The path you and Miss Goong-Seon will take to grow is pretty clear, so with Mr. Hyo-Yeol’s help, you should be able to grow stronger pretty quickly,” I reassured her.

“Still... having only Hyo-Yeol oppa there... is making me feel uneasy...” she mumbled.

'I understand. Working with a close-minded guy like him will only give you a headache.'

“You can trust him a little more. Right, Mr. Hyo-Yeol?” I asked.

‘You’re a regressor. You don’t need to worry about me. This is your chance to take advantage of the opportunity.’

'You can grow a bit as well, and you need to hit at least Level 5 for things to work. Don’t you agree? The remaining members also need to hit Level 4 at least.'

Unlike Will, who unexpectedly ended up in this situation, Woo Hyo-Yeol was slightly frowning. It was like he couldn’t figure out what to say. He couldn’t decide whether to stop me or not.

I had a reason for doing this, and he looked like he somewhat agreed with my decision.

“Did you say three months?” Woo Hyo-Yeol asked.

“It’s the least amount of time I’ve set. It could become longer, as I don't know when I will feel that all of you and I are ready,” I answered.

“...”

“...”

“

Hmph

, it’s actually what I wanted,” Woo Hyo-Yeol said.

‘This jerk is trying to act cool.’

“Like you said, those angels were clearly looking for you. Let me ask you this since we’re talking about it. Do you have any idea why?” Woo Hyo-Yeol asked.

‘Does it look like I have an idea?’

“No. To be exact... Actually, I don’t know anything, but I get the feeling that they’re up to something. I’m not sure if it’s right for me to say this... but right now... Rohen is off-balance,” I said.

“What do you mean?” Woo Hyo-Yeol asked.

“It’s just like I said. Something or some place is off-balance. It’s like the things that shouldn’t be happening or things that shouldn’t have happened are happening. I don’t have a reason or evidence to prove it, but I just have a feeling that the continent is off-balance right now,” I answered.

“...”

“...”

Obviously, this would lead him to have many thoughts because the sentence basically summed up the current situation.

This was especially true, as this life was completely different from his first life. The Monarch of Sunset, the three angels, the spearwoman riding a black dragon, and other incidents unknown to the regressor were happening.

I was sure he had many questions, but he realized one thing through this incident.

I was at the center of all these events.

There was a possibility that I was connected to all of these things. He could see all this in a negative light, but I didn’t need to think negatively about it.

I was sure he wasn’t happy because there were many confusing things, but the key to answering all those questions was right before him.

It was a common cliche from a classic novel that was popular on the continent I was from.

It would probably be easier to understand if I went with the concept of being a saint who carried the fate of the world. Will and Woo Hyo-Yeol would understand that I was the card they needed to protect rather than abandon.

‘I’m... always at the center of incidents.’

“...”

‘The fate of Rohen is on my hands.’

Confusing memories, a terminal illness, the word "father," and puzzle pieces I couldn’t understand were scattered, but there was no need for me to worry about them because it wasn’t my job to match those puzzle pieces.

‘If I get hurt, the world will end.’

This wasn’t a bad concept either, and it was pretty effective.

[The Goddess of Flower and Fertility❤ is curious about the role you were given.]

[The Gatekeeper of Heaven❤ is mumbling that the fate of Rohen might be in your hands.]

[The Mistress of the Holy Night❤ is wondering how the three angels, the commander of the 21st Legion, and the word "father" are connected.]

‘It’s the perfect setting to create some buzz among the GENIUSES.’

[The Lowest Abyss of the Abyss❤ wants to know everything about you. They want to know what’s causing this current situation and why Rohen is so off-balance. They’re also saying that incidents that have never happened before and incidents the transcendents don’t understand are about to happen.]

[The Goddess of Flower and Fertility❤ agrees. She says the GENIUSES may have to gather their powers within the permitted boundaries.]

[The Boy Adorned With Earrings of Truth mockingly says that the entire group has gone crazy.]

“I’m sorry. I feel really uncomfortable telling you this during such an important period, but...” I paused.

“Is there really a need to apologize? It doesn’t make a huge difference whether you’re there or not,” Woo Hyo-Yeol commented.

“Pardon?” I asked.

“I’m talking about the exact standard that would make you think we’re prepared,” Woo Hyo-Yeol clarified.

“

Ah...

”

“...”

“You must become stronger, or at least strong enough to fight the angels we encountered...” I said.

“That shouldn’t be difficult,” Woo Hyo-Yeol said.

There was certainty in his answer, and it somewhat relieved the nervous party members.

“Then we’ll be heading out now,” he said.

“What? Already?” I asked.

“Is there a reason we should be staying here? Also... I’m telling you this just in case, but we don’t need a guideline. You just worry about yourself. If you happen to find out something about the off-balance issue or learn something, contact me immediately. I’m heading out,” he said.

“

Huh?

Wait. Hyo-Yeol oppa, s-shouldn’t we at least say goodbye...” Lim Chae-Ryeong suggested.

“

Hmph.

”

Woo Hyo-Yeol left without looking back as if he no longer had any business here.

Lim Chae-Ryeong and No Dam-Hye, who were going to say goodbye, bowed and left the room as well. Jung Ha-Yan was having a short conversation with Nam Goong-Seon, and it seemed like they had gotten closer in a short period of time.

It felt like the calm after the storm.

And that was when Will cautiously said, “Mr. Lee Ki-Young...”

“Nothing has been decided yet... Was I being too rude? I feel like I decided everything on my own without asking for their opinions...” I asked.

“That’s not true. The Flower and Fertility Familia is honored... that you decided to join us. However...” Will paused.

“Yes?”

“I didn’t expect you to join us so soon... Could I ask what changed your mind?” he asked.

“It’s exactly like I said earlier,” I replied.

“...”

“I felt the need to investigate the off-balance more than anything else. I’m not certain about anything, but I’m sure something is going on,” I added.

“...”

“It’d be great if I were just overthinking it, but...”

‘I’m too embarrassed to say it.’

“I might... be the key to opening the recent mainstream,” I continued.

Will wasn't really surprised.

‘Yeah, I’m sure you expected it. You probably assumed it while listening to the report.’

'You’re now seeing me as the saint who’s connected to the fate of the continent, right?'

Will still looked serious as he nodded.

At this moment, the shocking truth that the fate of the continent was in the hands of a twenty-three-year-old saint was revealed, but Will didn’t look affected at all.

In fact, he actually looked at me as if I were pitiful.

He also looked like he already knew the truth. Perhaps he was already aware of the saint's inevitable tragedy, or perhaps he thought a huge burden was given to this wildflower.

Will looked sad as he mumbled, “You mean...”

“...”

“...” “Yes, I’ll be heading to the Ashen Sunset Region. I'll move as quickly and as cautiously as possible,” I answered.

“Just as I expected. I’ll get ready,” William said.

Of course, this was a gamble. To be honest, going to the Ashen Sunset Region alone at this point didn’t make sense, but there was a reason why I needed to go there.

Insurance that wasn’t there before was created, after all.

— I’m glad things are going well.

— ...

— Looks like it’s about time for him to move on from that gramps' death.

— It’s been a while since he moved on, but noona.

— What?

— It’s your second time entering Domi’s body, right?

— I’m not sure.

— How do you feel?

— What do you think? I feel amazing.