The Second Coming of Gluttony (WN KR) - Chapter 16: A Dangerous Treasure Hunt 4
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Chapter 16: A Dangerous Treasure Hunt 4

Seven people, consisting of Shin Sahng-Ah, Yi Sung-Jin, Hyun Sahng-Min and Yun Seo-Rah, as well as three people Seol shared food with earlier on, were standing on the corridor right outside classroom 3-2. They seemed to be unable to enter the safe zone.

That wasnt the end, however.

Seol found three rather familiar figures outside classroom 3-1. Lee Hyung-Sik and Jeong Min-Woo stood triumphantly, while Kahng Seok was sitting on a chair, looking quite relaxed and pleased with himself.

You finally showed up. (Kahng Seok)

Kahng Seok raised his hand and greeted Seol. Ignoring him, Seol walked closer and spotted Hyun Sahng-Mins darkened expression. Anger was evident on his face as well. Shin Sahng-Ah looked like shed had just about enough of those three, too.

.They say its a spell that restricts access. (Hyun Sahng-Min)

Hyun Sahng-Min glanced at Seol and groaned out.

A spell that can restrict access? (Seol)

Just as he finished thinking this, Seols steps came to a halt. No, that wasnt quite right he couldnt go forward as if there was an invisible wall blocking his progress.

Seol lightly tapped on the seemingly empty air. Knock, knock. There was nothing in front of him, yet the sensation of knocking on cement was transmitted to his hand.

Youre wasting your time. You see, I got this as a starting bonus. No one can enter without my permission. (Kahng Seok)

Kahng Seok slowly fidgeted around with his fingers. There was a half-torn piece of paper held between his index and middle finger.

You havent forgotten that my Mark was a silver, right? Mister high-and-mighty gold Mark. (Kahng Seok)

Kahng Seok giggled insidiously. Seol frowned slightly, instead.

You opened the door to the sixth floor, didnt you? (Seol)

Bingo. (Kahng Seok)

And why? (Seol)

Mm? I got the key through the drawing machine. Dont you know that you will definitely receive the key if you spend 199 coins? (Kahng Seok)

Of course, Seol knew that. But, he was curious of the reason why Kahng Seok would waste his coins getting that key in the first place. After all, what with Seol and Yun Seo-Rah taking away almost all of the coins, Kahng Seok and his goons couldnt have had the easiest time searching themselves.

It would have been tough just finding enough for their gate usage fee, so why.

Ahh. (Seol)

It was then, a hypothesis formed in Seols head. He reflexively turned his head around to look behind him at the fainted Yun Seo-Rah.

Yup, as expected! I knew you were a smart guy! (Kahng Seok)

Kahng Seok exclaimed in a display of pleasant surprise.

Actually, I have to admit that this was a gamble with low odds of success. I mean, in order for us to succeed, two things had to happen, you know what I mean? If you had chosen never to leave this safe zone in the first place, then my plan wouldve been all for nothing. (Kahng Seok)

What are you saying? (Seol)

However, I definitely knew youd crawl out of here. Seriously now, a nice gentleman like you wouldnt just sit still on your a*s after hearing that loud Uwaaaachk, am I right? (Kahng Seok)

As for Yun Seo-Rah Well, I was planning to approach her when the time was right, but for some reason, she was getting really fired up trying to find more coins. Oh well. It was a good thing for us in the end, so it doesnt matter, right? (Kahng Seok)

Hearing this, the pieces finally fell to their intended places.

The first step of Kahng Seoks plan was to get the sixth floor access key. With three of them working together, finding 199 coins wouldnt have been that difficult.

After acquiring the key, Kahng Seok kept a close eye on the situation.

From the very beginning, he never planned to hit Seol. No, he planned to attack Yun Seo-Rah the moment she revealed that she was in possession of the map.

The timing was important, but the main variable remained Yun Seo-Rah. Kahng Seok had to try something, anything to separate her from Seol.

The original plan was to have one of their members assault either Yi Sung-Jin or some other poor sucker to draw Seol away, and in the meantime, the remaining two would attack the isolated Yun Seo-Rah. Her personality meant that, even if there was some kind of an incident unfolding somewhere, shed not care and thus not make a move herself.

However, Yun Seo-Rah was focused on finding more coins well beyond the midnight mark. How could this situation be any better for Kahng Seok and his goons?

So, trio assaulted Yun Seo-Rah as she entered the girls restroom. After robbing her of her coins, they went to sixth floor before Seol reached the bathroom, and opened the door. Then, when Seol was still on the fifth floor, they came back down to the safe area and activated the restriction spell.

All of you lost your damn minds! (Shin Sahng-Ah)

Shin Sahng-Ah loudly swore at them.

You insane b*stards! You crippled a person to this degree, just for some measly coins? (Shin Sahng-Ah)

No~pe. That wasnt my original intention. I just wanted to knock her out. I swear, that was all. (Kahng Seok)

Kahng Seok defended himself as if he was being wrongly accused of a crime.

But then, that girl was so damn persistent, you know what I mean? She grabbed onto the bag and didnt want to give it up, and that really p*ssed me off. So, thats why. (Kahng Seok)

The end of Kahng Seoks sentence blurred; Jeong Min-Woo standing next to him giggled unsightly, and then, from seemingly out of nowhere, produced a dagger and performed a stabbing motion in the air. He too was an Invited, albeit as the bronze Mark.

KKKIIIEEEHHHH-!!!

With an exquisite ill-timing, a devilish roar resounded out from the distance. The complexions of almost everyone present paled. The very first monster they encountered upon the start of this journey, the one that gave them such a nightmare the Gaeg-gwi was climbing up to where they were at this precise moment.

Wow. Sounds like that thing is really p*ssed off, isnt it? Oh, well. Its been locked out down below all this time, so theres that. (Kahng Seok)

Kahng Seok and his two cronies were the very example of relaxed demeanor, even then.

If youre waiting for the end of this spells duration. Well, I feel like I should inform you right now, that you all should just give up. (Kahng Seok)

Are you saying itll last forever? (Seol)

No ways. Its not that crazy a cheat item. Not only the duration, but the size of the effective area is limited, actually. If I were to increase the area to its maximum permitted width, then itll probably last around 8 minutes, tops? .However, what do you think will happen, if I only keep the area to half its maximum size? Such as, only around this part of the corridor. (Kahng Seok)

Kahng Seok pointed once each towards safe zones front and rear entrances. Seol didnt reply. There was no need to, after all; Kahng Seok was implying that, when the spells covered area decreased in size, the duration of the spell would increase, instead.

With that Gaeg-gwi coming up, you wouldnt be able to go to the sixth floor yourself, though? (Seol)

Oh, that? You dont have to worry. You see, Im a really lucky b*stard. Look here. (Kahng Seok)

Kahng Seok pulled out another piece of paper and waved it around the air.

See? Ive got another paper talisman with a spell written on it~! (Kahng Seok)

Seeing how he was playfully teasing Seol and others like that, it seemed this mustve been his natural born talent. Seol couldnt help but think that the reason the b*stard turned out this way was all thanks to suffering a bad prenatal development or something close to it.

Please! Let us in!

Someone behind Seol shouted out. It was the young man who tried to sneakily ask Seol to revive his dead friend, right before the treasure hunt commenced.

Mm? (Kahng Seok)

I, I havent done anything wrong to you, have I?

Hearing that, Seol couldnt help but chuckle bitterly.

Are you trying to imply that I did something wrong, then? (Seol)

Forming a fake expression that screamed I didnt think about that!, Kahng Seok opened his eyes wide and began rubbing his chin in a show of deep deliberation. Then, as if he was being a benevolent benefactor, he murmured rather loudly.

Yes, indeed. It could be so. Im sure its unfair to you, like this. Fine. Good, good. You, you, and you. You three, Ill grant entry. (Kahng Seok)

The three men and woman glanced at each other, and then, without any hesitation, ran forward. It was a repeat of the time when they were entering the second floor safe area as soon as the metal barrier was lowered. Only after rushing inside the safe zone did they began spitting out sighs of relief.

And so, the moment Kahng Seok had been waiting for finally came. He gazed at the remaining few outside the barrier with a relaxed smile.

Huh. (Seol)

Seol inwardly issued a disappointed groan. It seemed that the lessons taught on the second floor werent enough for these idiots.

Its a good thing that I made preparations. (Seol)

Seol slowly reached inside his pockets, getting ready to finish this nonsense once and for all; but, before he could.

So, what about you, Mister Student? Or you, Hyun Sahng-Min? (Kahng Seok)

Seols hand stopped just before he could grasp the spell balls. It was unknown what he was thinking at the moment while he withdrew his empty hand from the pocket.

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You wanna die like this? Hey, you want to die to that Gaeg-gwi monster that murdered your pretty and kind sister? Siblings, eh? Is it like, get one and you get another kinda deal? (Kahng Seok)

I, I. (Yi Sung-Jin)

Hey, man. Miss Yi Surl-Ah must be spinning in her grave. Im pretty sure shes fervently praying for me to save your hide right now. (Kahng Seok)

Kahng Seok confirmed that Yi Sung-Jin was trembling like a leaf, and then shifted his attention to Hyun Sahng-Min.

And you You did what you could already, right? No, wait a minute could it be that youre feeling guilty conscience or something? What the? I thought you were a realistic b*stard like me? Was I wrong? (Kahng Seok)

Just come in already. There aint nobody here to tell you sh*t. (Kahng Seok)

Kahng Seoks words were as slick and seductive as the whispers of a viper. After hearing those persuasive words, Hyun Sahng-Min and Yi Sung-Jin kept staring at each other before shifting their gazes to a single man.

However, Seol simply stood there in silence.

The first one to make his move was Yi Sung-Jin. He resolutely shut his mouth and trudged onwards. He walked past the invisible barrier and entered the safe zone.

Kek. Still so young, yet so impressively decisive. Very good. You could even become a general in the future. (Kahng Seok)

Kahng Seok lightly tapped on the youths shoulder. The boy didnt say anything and entered the classroom.

However, you are more loyal than you look, arent you, Hyun Sahng-Min? (Kahng Seok)

Even then, Seol didnt show any response. Seeing this, Hyun Sahng-Min licked his lips regretfully and pulled his cap low. After spitting out a low groan, he began moving as well.

.Sorry. (Hyun Sahng-Min)

.After leaving behind that single word.

Oh, hang on. How about giving me a smoke first? (Kahng Seok)

Kahng Seok stopped Hyun Sahng-Min before the latter could enter the barrier.

Dont forget the light. (Kahng Seok)

Only after Hyun Sahng-Min personally lit the cigarette for Kahng Seok was he allowed in. Kahng Seok sucked in the cigarette smoke once; he then proceeded to feign shock after finding Shin Sahng-Ah standing there.

Whats the matter with you now? Did you become an exhibitionist all of a sudden after taking your pants off once? (Kahng Seok)

Shin Sahng-Ah gritted her teeth. Yi Sung-Jin and Hyun Sahng-Mins desertion was quite shocking, but there was a far more grave matter of her own safety to worry about here. Thinking back to the confrontation that happened in the assembly hall, and the humiliation she had to suffer on the second floor, she just knew there was no way Kahng Seok would make things easy for her now.

However, Kahng Seok proceeded to shatter her expectations as if he was trying to show off.

Hey, now. I was just joking, you know. Just a joke. I can tell that you ripped your shirt to stem Yun Seo-Rahs blood loss. That is commendable. But still, you keep standing there and you might come down with a flu, you know? (Kahng Seok)

Kahng Seok then took off his cardigan and pushed it towards Shin Sahng-Ahs direction. He waved it around slowly, as if telling her to come and take it. She couldnt help but grow suspicious.

You, doing this again.! (Shin Sahng-Ah)

Nope. Im not trying to lead you on. I promise. (Kahng Seok)

But, why.? (Shin Sahng-Ah)

Stop trying to make me say the obvious things. Take this and put it on, already. Dont you get it already? (Kahng Seok)

.Uh? (Shin Sahng-Ah)

Man, this lady is really slow on the uptake, huh. Im saying, you can also come in here. Do I have to spell it out for you too? (Kahng Seok)

Shin Sahng-Ah lightly swallowed her saliva. Why was he suddenly acting like this?

She could just about understand the reason why most likely, they mustve held a deep grudge against Seol, all because of what happened on the second floor.

A powerful indecision gripped her, then. Meanwhile, Seol still showed no signs of movement.

Shin Sahng-Ah stood between Seol and Kahng Seok as she weighed up her options before a strange light flashed by on her face for the briefest of brief moments. And then.

Argh, my arm hurts. (Kahng Seok)

Just as Kahng Seok lowered the offered cardigan just a tad, she moved her feet.

Thats right. Thats right. (Kahng Seok)

She took a quick glance at Seol a couple of times, but her feet never stopped moving. Before long, she crossed the barrier. A strange smile formed on Kahng Seoks face.

Oh? So you really came, eh? (Kahng Seok)

What do you mean.? (Shin Sahng-Ah)

No, no. You did well. Take this before my arm falls off, will you? (Kahng Seok)

Kahng Seok raised a small fuss while waving the cardigan around. Shin Sahng-Ah glanced at Seol one more time, before reaching out. Just as her hand touched the offered clothing, though Kahng Seok suddenly grabbed her arm and pulled her in close.

Mommy?! (Shin Sahng-Ah)

Like someone falling face first, she fell forward and ended up in the still-seated Kahng Seoks embrace.

You like looking for your mom a lot, dont you? (Kahng Seok)

W, what are you doing?! (Shin Sahng-Ah)

Stay still, will you? You came here knowing this would happen already. (Kahng Seok)

I, I.!

Thud, thud

The low vibration from the floors below continued to get closer. Shin Sahng-Ahs stiff body flinched ever so slightly. Kahng Seoks hand, lightly patting her back, slowly crept lower, past her slender waistline and eventually, arrived at her petite, round rump.

Or. Youd rather go back outside? (Kahng Seok)

She began trembling even more when Kahng Seok whispered in her ear. Gradually, all strength seemed to seep out from her. Even when he began roughly kneading her b*tt like rice dough, Shin Sahng-Ah didnt mount any form of resistance.

Now, do you feel like listening to what Im saying? (Kahng Seok)

.

You dont want to answer? (Kahng Seok)

.Y, yes

When Shin Sahng-Ah replied with honorifics, Kahng Seoks complexion brightened to reflect his happiness.

Uh-whew. My little b*tch, look how soft and fluffy your a*s is. (Kahng Seok)

Slap, slap.

Kahng Seok lightly slapped her rear, causing Shin Sahng-Ah to squeeze her eyes shut. Quite surprisingly, though she then carefully wrapped her arms around Kahng Seoks back, and dug deeper into his embrace. Seeing this, Lee Hyung-Sik and Jeong Min-Woo wolf whistled quite loudly. Kahng Seok burst out in a boisterous laughter when she began gently rubbing her cheek to his.

Very good. See? If you behaved this way from the beginning, everything wouldve been simpler. If you start making me feel happier by showing some aegyo and stuff from now on, Im gonna treat you right, you know? (Kahng Seok)

While constantly enjoying the riches of Shin Sahng-Ahs body, Kahng Seok then pointed his chin outside the barrier.

There were only two people remaining there Seol and the currently-unconscious Yun Seo-Rah.

So, how does it feel to be betrayed? Why dont you enlighten us, Mister Gold Mark? (Kahng Seok)

[Kahng Seoks Status Window]

[1. General Information]

Summoned date: March 16th, 2017

Mark grade: Silver

Sex/Age: Male/29

Height/Weight: 178.8 cm/ 72.6 kg

Current condition: Good

Job: LV. 0 (Invited)

Nationality: Republic of Korea (Area 1)

Affiliation: N/A

Alias: N/A

[2. Personality]

Temperament:

Maverick (Tries to do things the way he likes, regardless of others.)

Self-centered (Vigorously pursues his own personal gains only.)

Aptitude:

A gift of gab (Possesses great talent at talking and making speeches.)

Sadism (Feels sexual gratification only after inflicting physical or psychological pain to another person.) (TL: Really? How is that Aptitude?)

[3. Physical Level]

Strength: Low Medium

Endurance: Medium Low

Agility: Low High

Stamina: Low High

Magic: Low High

Luck: Medium Low

Remaining ability points: 0

Seol was busy looking at Kahng Seoks Status. He felt like he could understand just a little where it all went south for this idiot. Besides that gift of gab, he seemed to be suffering from a few noticeably negative traits.

Hey, friend. (Kahng Seok)

Seols brows furrowed slightly at that. A friend, huh.

I feel really sorry for you. (Kahng Seok)

Kahng Seok seemed to be genuinely sorry for Seol, judging from his facial expression.

Why do you insist on living like that? Mm? (Kahng Seok)

He lightly tapped on Shin Sahng-Ahs head and continued on.

You dont seem to have any morals. (Seol)

Morals? (Kahng Seok)

Kahng Seok began chortling as if he had heard something funny.

Aigoo~, my friend. Ah, I get it, I get it. Really. There is a reason to be mindful when were on Earth. Theres laws and stuff and if I dont follow them, I will end up behind bars. However. (Kahng Seok)

Kahng Seok pointed at the ground below.

However, this isnt Earth. Meaning, theres no reason for me to stay the same here. You are an Invited too, so you should know this by now, no? Were going to a brand new world? My a*s. In the end, this is all just a f*cking game, man. A game. And youre supposed to enjoy playing games. (Kahng Seok)

A game, huh. (Seol)

Yup. So, whats the point of keeping up with your morals here? Like, whats the f*cking point of being the best, kindest, and the most fair in this place? There is no one here who gives a sh*t about those things. Only me counts. Im telling you, nobody cares. (Kahng Seok)

Ahh, aheuck! (Shin Sahng-Ah)

Kahng Seok suddenly grabbed Shin Sahng-Ahs hair and yanked, causing her to gasp out in pain.

Look at her. Shes your proof. She only latched onto you for a bit so that she can leech off of you. I mean, you saw it with your own two eyes, right? How did she react when the situation changed just now? (Kahng Seok)

Shin Sahng-Ah slowly averted her gaze.

So, the point here is that, dont suffer losses. You have that much talent, and I can tell you got a quick brain in that head of yours too, so why couldnt you just close your eyes and commit to the program? (Kahng Seok)

Seol continued to listen while standing there, his arms across his chest.

You want to look after these weaklings? What a load of f*cking bull. You think all those with power are evil, and weaklings are all pure, nice folks? You still think these losers are nice? (Kahng Seok)

Kahng Seok passionately spat out his words.

I can see that youve received some mental damage just now. But, you know what, dont be too discouraged, man. Thats how~ the world operates. Youre supposed to exceed the haves, and step on the have-nots thats the only way you can survive. You stay mindful of this guy and that girl, then sooner or later, youll be bitten by all sorts of stray mutts. Only youd end up dead. (Kahng Seok)

Seol slowly closed his eyes. The words coming out of Kahng Seok was something he too was thinking about recently.

You still dont get it? What happened to Yi Surl-Ah earlier? And whats happening to you now? (Kahng Seok)

.

You see, its not that the one whos supposed to make it are making it, but those who are willing to make it, are making it. Also, its not that those supposed to fail are failing, its just that they are destined to never make it. Simple. (TL: Man, this line was a real chore to TL. Im not going to tinker with it anymore than I already have, so this is what youll get.)

Those who are destined to make it. (Seol)

Thats right! (Kahng Seok)

Kahng Seok shouted out of the blue and extended his hand.

Now that Ive talked this much, Im sure you get it now. So. (Kahng Seok)

?

Like true men, why dont we let bygones be bygones. As a symbol of starting over. Ahh. (Kahng Seok)

As if he remembered something, Kahng Seok withdrew his hand.

I still should make you apologise, though. (Kahng Seok)

Seols eyes narrowed.

An apology, huh. (Seol)

Thats right, an apology. The spot you sucker punched me still hurts, you know? (Kahng Seok)

Whew Kahng Seok spat out a sigh and loosened his shoulders.

If youve really changed the way you think, Im sure its not that difficult for you to do something as small as making an apology, right? (Kahng Seok)

Seol quietly stared at Kahng Seok.

Well, its a simple matter, anyway. All you have to say is one word sorry. Then, we can become true friends afterwards. (Kahng Seok)

Seol took a glance at Yun Seo-Rah.

Not her. You gotta leave her there. (Kahng Seok)

Kahng Seok mustve noticed Seols gaze, because he spoke in no uncertain terms.

Ill have to refuse your apology if it comes from a mindspace where youre thinking that you cant help it if it means saving Yun Seo-Rah. You see, I really hate hypocrites. (Kahng Seok)

Seol shifted his gaze away and then, placed his left hand on the invisible barrier.

Mi (Seol)

Kahng Seok smirked; his mouth opened up progressively wider in a smile as if his long-held wish was finally being granted.

Mi (Seol)

Seol sounded as if he was desperately squeezing out his voice unwillingly. Like a kid opening up his birthday present, the colours of Kahng Seoks expression brightened even more.

Seol held his breath, then clenched his fist.

.Michinnom. (TL note at the end)

I was lyin. Huh?! (Kahng Seok)

Just as Kahng Seok forgot what he was going to say and sat there stupefied, the safe area behind him became quite noisy.

What the hell? (Jeong Min-Woo)

Jeong Min-Woo turned around to find out why it became so noisy over there.

And, just as Seol was about to produce a spell ball from his pocket

< 16. A Dangerous Treasure Hunt (4) > Fin.

(TL: The Korean word michinnom literally means crazy b*stard. This is a wordplay of sorts, because in Korean, sorry is mi-han-hah-dah. Hence, Seol said mi a couple of times, leading Kahng Seok on to think that he was going to apologise, when he was actually going to call him a crazy buffoon.)