Chapter 165:
Baek Joo-won’s primary role was to Guide Seo Jae-yi and prevent her from overloading.
But if she was inside the dungeon, what could he possibly have to do outside?
“Do whatever you want. Just make sure you’re inside before her condition deteriorates.”
But Grayson wasn’t concerned.
He wasn’t in a position to give orders to Seo Jae-yi or Baek Joo-won, and the US was requesting their help; they couldn’t impose restrictions on them.
And more importantly, Grayson trusted Seo Jae-yi.
If she said she was fine, then she was fine.
“We’ll begin the pre-subjugation briefing, so please gather around.”
William Taylor, the US Esper Association Head, called out from a large tent near the gate.
The Espers, who had been chatting amongst themselves or assessing the gate’s power, gathered around.
Sixteen Espers had assembled for the subjugation.
Excluding the two A-rank support Espers, they were all elite S-ranks.
“They gathered quite a force.”
There were about forty S-rank Espers in the US.
So they had deployed almost half of their S-ranks for this mission.
“And they’re the most… aggressive ones. This isn’t an ordinary situation.”
Seo Jae-yi nodded in understanding at Grayson’s words.
The US was clearly taking this very seriously, considering they had requested her help so soon after her overload.
“Is Eli going too?”
Seo Jae-yi looked at Elizer Lane, standing next to Taylor.
One of the three Spatial Manipulation Espers in the world.
Considering that the whereabouts of the one in Africa were unknown, there were practically only two.
She hadn’t expected them to deploy such a valuable asset.
“Eli insisted on coming. He won’t be on the front lines, of course. He’s the US’s top priority, not me.”
What was more important, the next Esper Association Head, or an Esper with an extremely rare ability, one of only three in the world?
Considering Elizer’s ability to open gates between Korea and the US, it was natural for them to prioritize him over Grayson.
“First, I’d like to thank all the Espers who have gathered here for this Rank 1 dungeon subjugation.”
Taylor began the briefing.
“As those who participated in the previous attempt know, the monsters inhabiting this dungeon are dragons. They can fly, and they’re incredibly powerful, so maintaining formations will be difficult.”
It would be ideal to fight them one at a time, but that was unlikely.
The dungeon environment was a vast, burning landscape.
They didn’t know how many dragons there were, or when and where they would attack. In the worst-case scenario, they might be swarmed by all the dragons in the dungeon.
Formations wouldn’t matter in such a situation.
They were all seasoned S-ranks, veterans of countless battles; they knew that.
“So those who work well together should form teams, and those who don’t should fight individually.”
It might sound irresponsible.
But they all knew Taylor had no other choice.
The US was a vast country. Even among S-rank Espers, there were many who had never met before.
How could they expect them to work together seamlessly?
They had to rely on their individual strengths when facing such a powerful enemy.
Trying to force teamwork would only lead to their annihilation.
“So how you fight is up to you. But remember one thing. Protect the Espers who retreat to receive Guiding.”
S-rank Espers were powerful, but they had a critical weakness.
They needed to receive Guiding during battle.
It was a fatal weakness, one monsters didn’t have, so they had to protect each other.
“That way, you’ll also be protected when you retreat to receive Guiding.”
They all nodded gravely, understanding the weight of his words.
“According to the reports from the previous subjugation team, most of the dragons inside are fire and wind types. We haven’t seen any lightning types, but there’s a possibility of earth types, so be aware of that.”
“Yes.”
“Then let’s divide into teams and individuals.”
Teams could be broken up during battle, and individuals might end up fighting alongside others.
But it was still important to assign roles, so Taylor asked,
“A team of three would be ideal for us.”
“Two is enough for us.”
They readily raised their hands, having already formed their teams.
Only three remained.
Mac Grayson, Elizer Lane, and Seo Jae-yi.
“Elizer Lane, due to the nature of his ability, will be observing from the rear. He’ll be protecting your Guides and transporting you to them if necessary.”
They all nodded in agreement. They would feel much safer with Elizer covering their rear.
“Esper Seo Jae-yi, you prefer to work alone, correct?”
“Well, I suppose so.”
“You and Grayson can work together if needed; you’re a good team. But before that…”
Taylor’s gaze shifted to the bag Seo Jae-yi was carrying. And as if on cue, everyone else’s gaze also followed, their attention drawn to the bag they had been subtly eyeing.
“Esper Seo Jae-yi, I’ve been meaning to ask. What are you carrying in that bag?”
They were all elite S-rank Espers.
There was no way they wouldn’t have noticed Airok’s presence within the bag, holding his breath.
And he wasn’t the weakling he used to be; he had regained his full power. Despite his small size, his presence was undeniable.
“You’ll see when we enter the dungeon. Don’t worry; he won’t cause any trouble.”
“I can vouch for that. I’ve already confirmed; there’s nothing to be concerned about.”
Grayson came to her defense, and the US Espers, though still suspicious, reluctantly agreed.
They might not trust Seo Jae-yi, but they trusted Grayson.
But there was one person who didn’t fully trust even Grayson: Taylor.
‘Is it really alright?’
He had seen Seo Jae-yi cause trouble and Grayson pretend to reprimand her while secretly helping her far too many times to trust them completely.
Should he check the bag?
‘No, we can’t show our distrust after requesting their help.’
Seo Jae-yi wouldn’t cause trouble in a Rank 1 dungeon… would she? What kind of trouble could she even cause?
And Grayson, despite his eccentricities, was still the next US Esper Association Head. He wouldn’t do anything that might endanger the country during such a critical mission… would he?
…He hoped not.
“He’ll be an asset. You can trust my Pair.”
Baek Joo-won spoke up, sensing Taylor’s hesitation.
Taylor felt relieved.
Right, Seo Jae-yi now had a Paired Guide! No Esper would endanger their Guide. That included Seo Jae-yi.
He felt much better, deciding to trust Baek Joo-won, not Seo Jae-yi or Grayson.
“Very well. Then let’s begin, as it’s almost time.”
It was almost 4 p.m.
The Espers left the tent and performed their final equipment checks before the gate.
Seo Jae-yi also checked the specialized equipment Seo Won-yeong had packed for her, and then she carefully examined Baek Joo-won, who was also wearing Seo Won-yeong’s creations.
“You have your gun and everything, right? And your gas mask?”
“Here.”
Baek Joo-won showed her the fire-resistant gas mask he had attached to his belt. It was designed to withstand even Seo Jae-yi’s flames, so it would be useful inside the fire-attribute dungeon.
“Good. See you later.”
“Yes. Stay safe.”
Baek Joo-won pulled her close and kissed her deeply, pouring his energy into her already saturated body.
The sensation was so intensely pleasurable that it made her dizzy.
“…It wouldn’t matter much if you got hurt, but I still… wouldn’t like it.”
Baek Joo-won whispered after the kiss, his voice low and husky.
Seo Jae-yi, licking her lips, tilted her head at his cryptic words.
“What do you mean? Are you saying it’s okay for me to get hurt?”
“Absolutely not. Any dragon that dares to lay a finger on you…”
His eyes narrowed dangerously, a fierce possessiveness flashing within them, a look only Seo Jae-yi could see.
She didn’t need to hear the rest of the sentence to understand his meaning.
“I know. I’ll crush them all; don’t worry.”
The best defense was a good offense.
Baek Joo-won’s expression softened as she promised to stay safe. He kissed her again and then stepped back.
“Then let’s begin! We’ll be anxiously awaiting your safe return.”
Sixteen Espers, eleven Guides.
Twenty-seven Awakened individuals entered the gate, radiating power.
Everyone who remained behind watched them anxiously.
If they failed, there was little hope left for the US.
They all prayed for their success and safe return.
“…Baek Joo-won?”
Taylor, who had been watching them with a worried expression, suddenly noticed someone remaining behind.
Baek Joo-won.
Why wasn’t he with Seo Jae-yi? Why was he still here?
“Why are you…?”
“I’ll be entering soon, so don’t worry. My Pair is in there; why would I stay out here alone?”
“W-well, that’s true, but… why…?”
“We have something… important to attend to. Something as important as the dungeon subjugation. I’ll take care of it first and then join her.”
Taylor was taken aback by his casual reply.
Something important? Now? In the US?
“What could possibly be so important…?”
“You don’t need to know, Association Head. It’s a private matter between Seo Jae-yi and me. I’ll return soon, so don’t concern yourself with my affairs.”
Baek Joo-won turned and walked away from the gate.
“Baek Joo-won!”
Taylor called out, flustered, and Baek Joo-won’s gaze snapped back, his eyes sharp and cold, a stark contrast to his previous politeness.