Chapter 261: Odd Party (3)

"Got one person down."

Han Jung-Woo's steps were light as he made his way home, but that cheerful mood only lasted until he reached the entrance of his apartment.

"Now I just need three more..."

He opened his phone's contact list and frowned.

[Mom] [Dad] [Noona]

[Jung Min-Soo] [Seol Eun-Yeong] [Yoo Ha-Rin]

[Minerva] [Producer Kim In-Ha]

"

Ugh.

"

Excluding his family, his contacts list contained a pitifully small number of only five people.

Sighing, he reached the elevator and found someone already waiting there.

Seol Eun-Yeong.

Her usual bodyguards were nowhere to be seen today, which was unusual.

She quickly composed herself after a moment of bewilderment and exuded her usual aura of confidence.

Han Jung-Woo greeted her first. "Hello. I guess this is our first time riding the elevator together."

"It is," Seol Eun-Yeong responded in a slightly blunt manner, crossing her arms.

The meaning behind her action was clear: Don’t talk to me.

Oh, she’s upset.

It seemed she was still holding a grudge about the time he teamed up with the Warriors during the Zatan raid.

Though she acted indifferent, the subtle hints of her disappointment were hard to hide.

Do I try to resolve this?

After some brief contemplation, Han Jung-Woo came to a conclusion.

I guess I have to. After all, she is one of the few people who’s cared about me in one way or another.

Not to mention, she was one of the few saved in his contacts list.

After hesitating for a moment, he boarded the elevator and said, "Your outfit looks great today."

Seol Eun-Yeong nodded, slightly caught off guard by the sudden compliment. "

Um

... thank you."

The outfit she was wearing wasn’t from a well-known luxury brand. But from the design and material, it was clear it wasn’t something one would find lying around in a department store.

"

Hmm

..."

Han Jung-Woo found himself deep in thought.

How do I even start this conversation?

A man who had never been in a relationship in his twenty-two years of life had no idea how to soothe an upset woman.

In the end, what he said was simple. "Are you free the day after tomorrow?"

"The day after tomorrow? Hold on."

The straightforward question turned out to be surprisingly effective. After all, she had also lived a life far from romance.

She checked her schedule on her phone and nodded. "In the morning, I have a guild meeting. After that, I’ll head straight to lunch with Count Ogon, then return to the manor to review daily reports from my territories before heading to the hunting grounds."

As expected of a master of a massive guild, her schedule was packed.

Well, lunch with Count Ogon is probably non-negotiable.

No matter how powerful Seol Eun-Yeong was as a master of a world-renowned guild or how many territories she owned, a count was still a count. In

MID Online

, the difference between a count and a baron was as vast as heaven and earth. If she were to be compared, her rank as a baron wasn’t quite on the ground but more like the height of Namsan Tower.

"But why do you ask?"

"

Oh

, it’s nothing major... I’ll be appearing on a broadcast soon to clear a dungeon, but the thing is, this dungeon requires at least five players to enter."

"Five players?"

"Yes. I was wondering if you’d be willing to join if you had time, but hearing your schedule, it seems like you won’t have time."

“It’s fine. I’m available,” Seol Eun-Yeong hurriedly said.

“

Huh?

But what about your lunch with Count Ogon...?”

“I’ll reschedule it for tomorrow.”

“Is that even possible?”

“I’ll make it possible.”

“You don’t have to go that far...”

“Reserve my spot.”

With that, Seol Eun-Yeong fell silent. The only noticeable change was that the arms she had crossed now seemed slightly more relaxed.

Ding.

“Then I’ll see you at the meeting place the day after tomorrow,” Kai greeted.

Seol Eun-Yeong replied, “Yeup.”

Now I’ve got two people.

Things were progressing better than expected.

Once Han Jung-Woo got home, he threw himself onto his bed and stared at his contact list.

Minerva... won’t be necessary.

Recruiting Minerva, a Saint class player, would undoubtedly strengthen the party. Of course, that was assuming Kai wasn’t there.

“I’m a healer, so there’s no point in bringing another healer.”

In fact, Han Jung-Woo could handle the roles of DPS, tank, healer, and even ranged DPS all by himself, but for this dungeon, he had no choice but to bring a party.

Since I have no other choice, I might as well make the most of the party members I bring to feel less frustrated.

He decisively excluded Minerva from the list of candidates and brought his phone to his ear. After a few rings, the person on the other end picked up.

—Is this Jung-Woo?

“Yeah.”

—To what do I owe the pleasure of a call from our busy ranker at this hour?

“Should I hang up?”

—Sorry. What can I do for you, sir?

It was Jung Min-Soo, a tanker from the Rush guild and the only friend in Han Jung-Woo’s contacts with whom he could exchange jokes.

Han Jung-Woo got straight to the point. “I’m going on a variety show.

—What? You? What kind of variety show? Is it Masked Ranker?

“No. It’s a new program they’re launching.”

—That’s awesome! So, you called just to brag?

“Obviously not. Are you free the day after tomorrow?”

—The day after tomorrow? I don’t think I have anything planned. Why?

“I’m planning to clear a dungeon for the broadcast. Wanna join me?”

—

Hmm

... Just so you know, there’s a pretty big level gap between us.

“What level are you now?”

—I’m at 287.

That was high enough to rank among the top players globally. If one had to compare, it was the kind of level that barely allowed someone to cling to the edge of the ranker list.

“That’s low.”

—Dude, you’re the one whose level is absurdly high, okay? I’m not outclassed anywhere else. I never feel intimidated.

“Really?”

—Of course.

“Good. Don’t let that confidence waver. See you in two days.”

Han Jung-Woo softly chuckled, imagining the expression Min-Soo would have two days later.

“Now there are four, including me.”

It was time to find the last member. But with his limited social circle, his options were naturally restricted.

If worse comes to worst, I could call Minerva...

Just as Han Jung-Woo reached for his phone to make an international call, it started ringing loudly. It was from an unknown number.

“Hello?”

He answered the call without much thought, but his expression began to change rapidly as the conversation progressed.

***

Two days later, Min-Soo, also known as Balter in the game, arrived at the meeting spot in the Ithaca Jungle.

Then he said while sweating, “

Huff, huff

. I thought I was going to die.”

Arriving shortly after Han Jung-Woo, he quickly looked around the area and smiled in satisfaction. “As expected, I got here first.”

“Do you not see me?”

“What are you talking about? Of course, the party leader should arrive first. Have you ever seen a host absent when guests show up?”

Jung Min-Soo was someone Han Jung-Woo could never beat in an argument, even back in the day.

Shaking his head, Han Jung-Woo checked the time. “They should be here soon...”

“

Oh

, by the way, you said the dungeon required at least five players to enter, right? What a ridiculous condition.”

“That ridiculous condition is why you get to go to a dungeon with me.”

“I was trying to say that I really like ridiculous conditions.

Hehe

.”

Flipping his attitude like turning over his palm, Balter casually sat down on a rock. From his gear alone, he had the appearance of a classic tank.

This guy must be making some good money.

Han Jung-Woo quietly smiled as he examined his friend’s equipment. Equipping Unique-grade items from head to toe was something only those with a decent income could even dream of.

Noticing Kai’s gaze, Balter shrugged. “Nice gear, right? I told you, I’m not too bad myself, as long as you’re not there.”

“Your ranking is low, though.”

“Damn it, that’s only when compared to you! I’m pretty decent otherwise, okay?” Grumbling, Balter thumped his shield. “Anyway, where are the other party members? They’re late.”

“There’s one coming now.”

“What? Where?”

“You likely can’t see them yet,” Han Jung-Woo murmured, as his eyes glimmered green.

[The title Hawk’s Witness is activating.]

[Your vision has significantly increased.]

With his enhanced eyesight, Han Jung-Woo’s vision was now comparable to that of a Ranger class player. Far in the distance, he saw a black-armored warrior sprinting toward them at high speed.

It’s Ha-Rin.

Han Jung-Woo quietly nodded as he observed her for a moment.

Her movements are much better than when I saw her at Castle Baden.

The reason he could tell just from the way she was running was simple. In the Ithaca Jungle, while the numerous types of monsters posed a challenge, the natural environment itself was the greater enemy. In particular, the treacherous swamp, where feet sank deeply with every step, rejected any intruder’s presence.

Yet Yoo Ha-Rin was running through that swamp as if it were solid ground. Amazingly, her feet didn’t sink into the swamp, and instead, she pushed off as if stepping on firm rocks without hesitation.

“

Oh,

there they come.”

It took a moment before Balter finally noticed Yoo Ha-Rin and smirked. But that didn’t last long. His smile faded as he got a clearer view of her approaching figure, and his expression gradually stiffened.

Then he said, “Hey, buddy. Seeing that player’s gear reminds me of someone.”

“Who?”

“Yoo Ha-Rin.”

“Spot on. I’m impressed you recognized her from this distance.”

When Kai spoke in a slightly surprised tone, Balter reacted in shock. “W-wait, that’s actually Yoo Ha-Rin?”

“Yeah.”

“You lunatic! You should’ve told me earlier!”

Han Jung-Woo sighed softly as he watched his friend suddenly overreacting.

“What’s the big deal?”

“What’s the big deal? Yoo Ha-Rin is ranked second among a billion

MID Online

players!”

“Yeah, and I’m ranked first.”

At Kai's response, Balter looked as if he had been hit in the face.

Then, he slowly nodded, "Y-yeah... that's true."

"So, you’re not nervous anymore, right?"

"

Uh-huh

. I'm so thankful I could cry. Damn it."

As the minor commotion ended, Yoo Ha-Rin arrived in front of Kai.

"I'm not late, am I?"

"No, we were just early. Don’t worry."

Yoo Ha-Rin slightly glanced at Balter and asked Kai, "Who is he...?"

"I'll explain everything once everyone’s here."

"Alright, understood." Yoo Ha-Rin elegantly nodded like an obedient child.

Watching this from beside, Balter was at a loss for words.

What the hell is this guy?

He was treating the great Yoo Ha-Rin as if she were a puppy.

Balter quietly slung the shield he had proudly displayed earlier onto his back. "

Ahem

."

After all, the others were monsters ranked first and second of

MID Online

. There was no reason for him to feel inferior.

There’s no way the remaining party members are ranked third and fourth, right?

A creeping anxiety surfaced at the thought of being the weakest member in the party. However, that worry was short-lived, as he knew that Kai had no connections with the people ranked third and fourth.

"There comes another one."

"

Hm?

"

Balter, who had gone through immense trouble to reach this place, gaped his mouth open.

Wh-what is that?

The person approaching them didn’t bother stepping on the swampy ground where feet sank deeply. Instead, they leaped across the dense tree branches of the Ithaca Jungle.

It sounded simple when described, but even rankers would struggle to pull it off if they tried. It was more difficult than running at full speed while stepping only on stones of a specific color. On top of that, one had to master the technique of adjusting their weight to prevent the branches from breaking underfoot.

“

Phew.”

The woman, Seol Eun-Yeong, landed safely on the ground and scanned the party. "It’s nice to see you again, Yoo Ha-Rin."

Yoo Ha-Rin lightly nodded, conveying her delight in meeting her again.

By the time Seol Eun-Yeong’s gaze shifted to Balter, his expression was one of utter defeat.

Rankers one and two... and now twenty-first is part the party?

The first two were such monsters that it overshadowed the fact, but Seol Eun-Yeong, ranked twenty-first, was by no means weak.

After remembering bragging earlier about not backing down to anyone, Balter quietly slipped the helmet he had been holding under his arm onto his head.

I want to go home.

Then, the final party member arrived.

"

Hm?

That person’s gear looks kinda... shabby.”

Balter's previously lifeless expression brightened immediately.

He nudged Kai and asked, "Who’s that? I’ve never seen that player before... They’re not a ranker, right? You’re not about to tell me they’re ranked twenty-seventh or something, are you?"

"No. They’re not a ranker. Their level is lower than yours."

"

Oh,

thank God!" Finally able to save face, Balter wore an expression of relief. “That’s good, I can hold my head high now."

In response, Kai smirked and said, "Hold your head high? You better make a good impression on that person."

"

Huh?

Why would I need to do that?"

"Well..." Kai looked at the blond, curly-haired man approaching him with open arms. "That’s the cameraman who’ll be filming this broadcast."

At the same time, he was a world-renowned director and editor.

"Hey, bro! Finally, we can have a proper conversation!"

It was Michael Reynold.