Chapter 4 – Bullying Within the Party (1)
“Hey, Guide! Not yet? The party members are waiting!”
A sharp voice hit the stone wall and echoed into the Dungeon.
She was Chloe, the mage and Vice-Captain of the Hero’s Party of the 2nd Battalion of the Empire’s 1st Order of Knights.
She had stepped back far to avoid getting mud on her new combat robe, and was only fiddling with her Staff.
“Hurry up.”
Han Seoyun, the party’s Guide and a Magical Engineer, had worked as a programmer in her previous world. Back then, the work was plentiful, but there was a chair she could sit in while working.
But,
Now she was on her knees on the cold stone floor, bent low, interpreting the complex Mana Circuit tangled around the Dungeon gate.
Her knees had long since gone numb, and beneath dark circles, both eyes were bloodshot from tracking the flow of mana.
“…I’m almost done. Just give me a little more time—”
“Hey!”
Chloe’s sharp scolding.
“A little more here? You were wandering around earlier because you couldn’t find the way. Are Transmigrators always this slow?”
“Party safety comes before work speed….”
When Chloe’s eyes sharpened, Seoyun swallowed her words.
“No. I’ll finish soon.”
“Does safety feed us?”
The reason time had grown tight was that the old holy knight had charged ahead on his own, telling them to trust his intuition, which caused them to lose their way.
‘A veteran who has explored Dungeons for over twenty years? Well, that kind of thing absolutely never happens? It would have been a miracle that no accident happened for over twenty years.’
It was ridiculous.
In Dungeons, there was no safety supervisor and no procedure for determining who was responsible for an accident.
So when an accident happened, responsibility always fell to the easiest target.
To Han Seoyun, the Transmigrator and Guide.
“Chloe, stop. Seoyun is doing her best too.”
“Tch….”
The party leader, Hero Goodwill, mediated in a soft voice.
He approached Seoyun, who was struggling to open the locked door, and lightly patted her shoulder.
“It’s hard, isn’t it? I’m sorry. Just hang in there a little longer, Seoyun.”
The Hero is a good person.
He sincerely worried about Seoyun, and in dangerous moments, he was the first to raise his shield.
The problem was that he believed good words alone could protect people.
Goodwill always said good things.
The problem was that he only said good things.
The more Goodwill looked after Seoyun, the more persistent the noble-born members’ check and ostracism became.
When Goodwill patted Seoyun’s shoulder and encouraged her, Chloe’s eyes narrowed and her brow furrowed sharply.
‘Being insulted would be better.’
Seoyun swallowed a bitter smile.
Goodwill’s kindness was poison.
The more affectionate he acted, the more the party’s internal politics pushed Seoyun into a corner.
Dungeon exploration that was worse than a manual labor site with no safety rules or division of duties.
And loneliness.
‘I’m a programmer. I’m someone who sat in front of a computer all day…. I can’t endure this kind of physical labor!’
Seoyun desperately missed the days in Korea when she typed on keyboards with her teammates and shared late-night snacks.
It was a team that was rough, but at least could be trusted.
‘I miss Triangle Kimbap….’
She was hungry and cold.
And more than anything, she missed that office where there was no threat of death.
Click- hiss-
“Ah… it’s done.”
Kugugugugung-
When Seoyun grasped the last flow of mana, the code engraved on the Dungeon gate was released.
The heavy stone gate opened slowly with a rumble.
Goodwill patted Seoyun’s back and laughed.
“That’s right. As expected of Seoyun!”
“If the Guide can’t even do this, there’s no meaning in having her as a party member, is there? A Guide should do it, of course! If the Guide can’t even do this, why bring her along at all?”
“Goodwill, Chloe…. Let’s go in.”
It was when the party entered deeper into the Dungeon labyrinth.
Grrrrr-
“What’s that sound?”
“It’s the cry of monsters.”
Among the horde of monsters, an adventurer in a black robe was isolated.
“Party leader. Over there!”
“A horde of monsters!”
Boom!
Boom!
“Someone is fighting alone! Cover them immediately! We’re going in for a rescue!”
Just as multiple monsters surrounded and lunged at the person, Hero Goodwill leaped, emitting the dazzling light of the Holy Sword.
That was when.
“Hero! It’s a Time Difference Trap! You have to get out of there right now!”
Seoyun, who had read the unnatural flow of mana in the Dungeon, shouted loudly.
“Right now! Hero!”
“Got it!”
Swoosh!
When Goodwill swung the Holy Sword, a dazzling slash cut down the monsters in an instant.
He immediately grabbed and lifted the adventurer isolated among the monsters.
And just before the floor collapsed, he held her and leaped outside the area.
It was right after Goodwill rescued the adventurer.
Crash!
The floor where the two had stood collapsed entirely. Not even a trace remained.
“That was dangerous.”
“Th-thank you…. I’m a mage adventurer, but a trap suddenly activated and I got separated from my companions….”
Seoyun looked at the rescued adventurer.
A robe and a Staff.
She was a female mage adventurer.
The other female members of the party openly showed displeasure, saying another pretty woman had joined.
‘Another… woman? What exactly is this harem party? Is this guy called the Hero really that oblivious?’
Or was he secretly enjoying this situation?
“What’s your name?”
“Riv…”
“Uh, have we met somewhere before?”
“I-I’m not sure.”
Isn’t that a pickup line?
Is he really enjoying this situation?
“…Hah.”
Seoyun let out a deep sigh.
Having more party members was not good for Seoyun.
It just meant one more person for her to do chores for.
‘A female mage like Chloe….’
Most mages and swordsmen in this world were arrogant, intoxicated by their own abilities.
She didn’t know how Riv had entered first, but if she could explore this Dungeon, she had to be considerably skilled.
Seoyun assumed Riv would also be the same type as Chloe.
But,
The female mage politely thanked Goodwill.
This time, she approached Seoyun and bowed courteously.
“You and the Hero are the ones who saved my life. If your warning had been even a little late, I would have fallen with the floor again.”
She brushed the dust off her black robe and smiled.
“So your name is Seoyun.”
Riv politely thanked Seoyun for saving her, then approached Seoyun’s side.
“Guide, your ankle is a little swollen. I know a bit of magic, so may I take a look for a moment?”
Seoyun was flustered.
Since joining this party, no one had ever asked about her physical condition first.
Her injured ankle had been twisted after she was thrown back by mana recoil while disarming a trap near the Dungeon entrance.
“Ah, um…. I’m fine.”
“How can you be fine? It’s this swollen.”
Riv sat next to Seoyun and used recovery mana containing cold energy to reduce the swelling.
“Miss Mage, do you also use healing magic?”
“Well, a bit of this and that. My magic teacher was from an excellent priest background.”
Riv smiled brightly and spoke to Seoyun.
***
“Kuhahaha!”
The Demon King’s laughter echoed deeply through the conference room.
“Kukuku. Riv successfully infiltrated the party.”
“Yes, Riv’s Disguise Magic flow is perfect. No one in the party suspects she is of the Demon Race. Riv is one of the foremost Disguise experts in the Demon King’s Army.”
Demon King’s Army Strategic Conference Room.
“You’ve properly secured escape routes in case of emergency?”
“Yes. We’ve prepared one on each floor. The rescue team is also on standby to mobilize immediately.”
“Good. Now Riv’s Disguise acting must shine.”
On the large monitor in front of the conference table, the live feed of the Dungeon and Riv, disguised as a female mage, were displayed.
On the monitor beside it, her mana flow, remaining mana, and biometric responses were shown in real time.
“You made sure the Agent thoroughly memorized the target’s information before deployment?”
“Agent Riv was personally recommended by Director Erica. She was made to memorize the trap locations, monster distribution, and expected movement routes in advance. With Riv’s skill, she should be able to secure the target’s safety along with her own. Wasn’t her acting just now superb?”
The Demon King smiled in satisfaction.
“Kukuku, good! The safety of the field must be protected in any situation. What about the target’s ankle injury?”
“Agent Riv treated it.”
“Good. That Guide may be a precious talent who could join us.”
The executives in the conference room nodded in unison.
“Of course. To catch up with the Empire’s power, every member of the Demon King’s Army is precious.”
“The party has entered camp. Have the day watch hand over to the night watch and rest. Essential remaining personnel must strictly observe shift times.”
“Yes, Demon King! Now, everyone, it’s break time.”
The Demon King’s Army executives in the strategic conference room rushed out.
“Where will you rest?”
“The sleeping quarters. A new massage chair came in, but the reservations are probably already full.”
“Heh heh… I’m late. Then I’ll go eat the new snacks in the break room.”
***
“This labyrinth’s trap design is truly malicious. Guide, you must have a hard time.”
“Well, that’s my job.”
“No, I’ve studied a little too, and I know that this kind of Mana Circuit algorithm is too dangerous to solve alone. Shouldn’t an assistant Guide be with you? I think work should be done in two-person teams as a basic rule.”
‘Algorithm?’
It was a word she thought she would never hear in this world.
Seoyun’s heart pounded loudly.
“Wait. Did you just say algorithm?”
“Yes. Is that a strange expression?”
“Where did you learn that?”
“It’s an expression my teacher often used. That person also worked with Transmigrators for a long time.”
Riv smiled and took Seoyun’s tool bag for her.
“Don’t worry. I’ll support you from behind as much as I know. Don’t try to carry everything alone, Seoyun. Safety comes first, right?”
After that day, Riv became Seoyun’s shadow.
When other members tried to dump even their own work on Seoyun, Riv subtly blocked them.
When Seoyun stood night watch, Riv brewed warm mana tea and stayed by her side.
“Seoyun, you’re really capable. It’s just that the Imperial Knights don’t recognize your value.”
“But the 1st Order of Knights is the Empire’s greatest group. Just belonging to it is an honor.”
“Then they should treat you accordingly. Haa… The Imperial Knights are so frustrating in that regard. That’s why I work independently as a guild-affiliated adventurer.”
“….”
Riv’s tenderness was different from Goodwill’s lip-service kindness.
Goodwill told her to cheer up.
Riv actually shared the work so Seoyun could cheer up.
Seoyun began to open her heart to Riv little by little.
In this hellish party, Riv was the only person Seoyun could lean on.
“Until this Dungeon conquest is over and we leave, I’ll help you.”
“Thank you.”
“What do you mean? I’m also in a position where I received help from the Hero. And you’re the savior of my life, Guide.”
***
The incident broke out in the lower levels of the Dungeon.
They say accidents that are going to happen eventually happen.
Seoyun had left a green mana mark in the central passage to indicate safety.
On the other hand, in the side passage, she had engraved a red no-entry mark.
[No Entry]
“Huh? No Entry? Anyone can see that looks like a place with treasure.”
But Chloe and the knights ignored the mark.
“A single Guide thinks she can stop the Imperial Knights? Secure it!”
Several knights advanced into the forbidden area at Chloe’s command.
But shortly after,
Boom!
“Waaaaaah!“
“Help me!”
As if waiting for it, the trap activated.
Previously, they had only lost their way, but this result was disastrous.
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
“Kyaaaaaah!”
When the trap activated, parts of the passage began to collapse with thunderous roars.
“Guide! What did you do! You said you disabled all the traps!”
“The knights are trapped!”
“Save me! I’m trapped here!”
Seoyun looked at Vice-Captain Chloe, who had ordered the advance.
“No, Chloe! I marked that going in that direction was dangerous!”
“Hey, Transmigrator. Are you blaming me right now?”
“Unexplored paths are not safe! There’s an order to exploring!”
“Then you should have stopped me more strongly! Hurry up and do it! Isn’t that your role?”
Chloe’s absurd blame-shifting.
Once again, all responsibility began to return to Seoyun.
Seoyun, having reached her limit, finally couldn’t hold back and shouted.
“Anyone would think that path has a trap! Why do you keep ignoring what I say! You never listen to me even once!”
Chloe’s expression twisted.
“You crazy bitch! How dare you talk back to a noble mage?”
Smack-!
Seoyun’s head turned sharply to the side.
Her lip split and blood flowed.
“Keuk….”
As if slapping her cheek hadn’t satisfied her anger, Chloe raised her Staff and pointed it at Seoyun.
“You trashy Transmigrator bitch! Can’t you even do your own job? Because of you, this Dungeon conquest is ruined!”
Chloe began screaming so loudly that everyone in the Dungeon turned in shock.
“Do you have any idea how important the results of this expedition are!!! We have limited supplies! We need treasure! I let you join because of rumors that you were competent, and now party safety? No. No! You’re complete trash who avoids her own work and slacks off!”
“Chloe, stop!”
Goodwill, who had returned after rescuing the isolated knights, shouted urgently.
But it was too late.
The tip of Chloe’s Staff glowed ominously.
“This is all your fault!”
Magical force forcibly twisted Seoyun’s limbs.
“You haven’t been disciplined enough! I, Chloe, Vice-Captain, am greatly disappointed in you, Seoyun!”
Sizzle-
Mana poured from Chloe’s Staff.
“Kyaaaaaah!”
The Torture Magic that twisted her limbs began, and Seoyun’s screams spread chillingly through the Dungeon.
“Stop! This isn’t the time! There are still knights trapped in that pile of rocks! Chloe! S-stop!”
“Goodwill, a wretch like this needs to be disciplined right away. She’s someone who will cause an even bigger accident. As Vice-Captain, I will! Absolutely!”
As if trying to shift all responsibility for this accident onto Seoyun,
Chloe’s eyes were completely deranged.
“Stop! Chloe, I said this isn’t the time!”
Goodwill grabbed Chloe’s arm to stop her, then hesitated for a moment.
If he subdued Chloe, the Vice-Captain and a noble, by force, he could be forced to give up his positions as Hero and party leader.
“Uwaaaaah!”
Seoyun’s screams and the Hero’s hesitation.
Between them, another Staff cut in.
Pzzzt!
Chloe’s mana flow was forcibly severed.
“What!!!”
Chloe turned around in confusion.
“Get that filthy hand away. Chloe. You cowardly bitch.”
The one who had cut off the mana was none other than Riv.
“Outsider, stay out! This is internal Imperial Knights motivation!”
“…To call this motivation. The Imperial Knights really are primitive.”
“What? A mere adventurer dares to challenge the Imperial Knights? Do you even know what you’re doing?”
The usual gentleness had vanished completely from Riv’s face.
“Yes. I know very well. Human noble.”
Only a cold killing intent toward Chloe remained in her eyes.