Yi Surl-Ah, Yi Sung-Jin, and Yun Seo-Rah.

The three of them were deeply engrossed in clearing missions lately. The deadline of the Neutral Zone closing down was fast approaching, that was why.

Since they needed 1000 Survival Points in order to enter the Paradise, it was not much of a stretch to say that the trio spent almost half of their day near the first floor noticeboard in order to accumulate the necessary amount.

Of course, Seol already told them that they shouldnt worry even if unable to amass 1000 points, but the three of them couldnt feel happy or content about their current circumstances.

It wasnt simply because they felt ashamed, though. As time passed, they began to realise the lengths Seol went to support them from behind, and the amount required to do so.

The most obvious proof was with them equipped from head to toe with expensive gear. Even though not much time remained until the end of the deadline, only around 30% of the survivors managed to buy a full set of matching armours. Just from this fact alone, the three of them became acutely aware of their advantageous position compared to other people.

So, the issue was with them learning how to survive on their own, rather than their pride, instead. Seol had done so much for them already, so if they failed to even earn 1000 points on their own, then they definitely lacked qualifications to be treated as a survivor in this place. At a bare minimum, they wanted to prove that they were eligible to enter the Paradise on their own strength.

I did it! (Yi Surl-Ah)

After successfully completing a Normal difficulty mission by herself, Yi Surl-Ah rejoiced wholeheartedly in front of the noticeboard. In reality, her being able to clear such a mission alone wouldnt be seen as too big of an achievement at this point in time by other people.

However, considering how long ago it was when she started doing the missions, the rate of her growth was indeed explosive. On her first mission, she couldnt even pull back the strings of her bow properly out of sheer nervousness.

Would he praise me? (Yi Surl-Ah)

A smile bloomed on her face as she recalled the face of her orabeo-nim who constantly encouraged her to be more brave, assuring her that she was capable of doing this, and always taking the time to teach her things step by step, even though he should be feeling frustrated by her by now.

This is fun. (Yi Surl-Ah)

Yi Surl-Ah began looking at the noticeboard with an innocent smile on her face.

Since much higher number of Normal difficulty missions were made available initially compared to others, one could still find quite a few parchments left available on the board. Granted, there were only around six, seven attempts remaining per mission, but nevertheless, she planned to do them for a couple more times to work up some more courage and tackle Slightly Hard missions later on.

Lets go with this one. (Yi Surl-Ah)

Yi Surl-Ah finally ended her happy dilemma and reached out to a mission parchment, only for.

Oh, my, look who it is? Been a while, hasnt it?

.Only for her hand to come to a stop when a voice suddenly called out to her. An unfamiliar Oriental woman was standing behind Yi Surl-Ah even before anyone noticed it, her eyes narrowed to a slit like a venomous snake.

Who. Ah. (Yi Surl-Ah)

Yi Surl-Ah stuttered for a bit, before letting out a small exclamation. Although she failed to remember, she still thought that she recognised who this woman might be. Right at the end of the Tutorial, didnt she see this person on the rooftop?

Youre from. the same Area as me, yes? (Yi Surl-Ah)

I see. I remember who you are so well, though.

Really? (Yi Surl-Ah)

Yeah. Werent you that kid who tried to show off and ended up as the first to get killed? Back in the assembly hall, I mean.

The snide tone of the womans voice made Yi Surl-Ahs expression to harden like a rock.

You dont know who I am, right?

M, my memory isnt that good, you see. (Yi Surl-Ah)

Sure, that must be the case. Anyways. its nice to make your acquaintance. Names Oh Min-Young.

Y, yes. How do you do. (Yi Surl-Ah)

Yi Surl-Ahs complexion was clouded as she politely greeted back. This woman, Oh Min-Young, was not even bothering to disguise her antagonistic attitude present in her voice and in the way she glared at the girl.

The deadline is fast approaching, so, have you earned enough points now? (Oh Min-Young)

No, not yet. (Yi Surl-Ah)

Really? You havent even amassed 1000 points yet? (Oh Min-Young)

Yes. (Yi Surl-Ah)

As a matter of fact, Yi Surl-Ah was panicking slightly after sensing the womans intense malice towards her.

Oh Min-Young crossed her arms across her chest and swept her eyes over Yi Surl-Ah.

Perhaps to focus on mobility, Yi Surl-Ahs outer wear consisted of a jacket made out of flexible leather, while underneath that, one could spy a small chain mail-like armour reflecting the silvery light.

Her pants too looked like it was made out of high-quality leather; on her waist, a black belt with a Main-gauche attached loosely. And on her back, an impressive recurve bow and a quiver full of arrows.

Even at a conservative estimation, they mustve totalled around 14,000 points. Oh Min-Young had tried to get some decent equipment for herself as well, so she immediately realised that, even if she sold everything she had on her, she still wouldnt be able to afford one defensive item on this girls body.

I guess things are working out for you nowadays. (Oh Min-Young)

.

You dont mind if I take a look, right? (Oh Min-Young)

Oh Min-Young took large strides and came closer, before reaching towards Yi Surl-Ah without permission. Taken by surprise, the latter tried to back away, but by then, her bow was already in the older females hands.

Uh, uh? (Yi Surl-Ah)

Wow. Yeah, I guess expensive things are the best, after all. How much was it? (Oh Min-Young)

I, Im not sure? It cant be that much? (Yi Surl-Ah)

Yi Surl-Ah barely managed to force out an answer.

Is that so? (Oh Min-Young)

Oh Min-Young surveyed her surroundings for a bit, before a suspicious grin formed on her lips.

In that case, how about giving me this bow? (Oh Min-Young)

..Ah? (Yi Surl-Ah)

You said it cant be that much, didnt you? Oh, no. I didnt mean it as for free. You gimme this, then Ill also help you out. Know what I mean? (Oh Min-Young)

N, no. I dont need it. Thank you. (Yi Surl-Ah)

Dont be like that. Didnt you say you need to gather Survival Points? If you join my team, Im pretty sure youll amass the amount really fast. (Oh Min-Young)

Oh Min-Young pointed behind her back with her thumb. There were three Western men sitting by one of the lounge tables, looking on with what could be best interpreted as interested expressions. One of them even grinned slyly and waved his hand at Yi Surl-Ah.

The truth was, the ones who attacked Yun Seo-Rah was these three. Of course, Yi Surl-Ah didnt know this. However, she still sensed an unknown feeling of anxiety and wanted to leave as soon as possible.

P, please, give it back. (Yi Surl-Ah)

The restless Yi Surl-Ah reached out and grabbed her bow, trying to pull it back. Oh Min-Young strengthened her grip in response.

What are you doing? Didnt I say Ill help you? (Oh Min-Young)

I dont need it. Please give it back. (Yi Surl-Ah)

Okay, fine! Ill hey, I said, Ill give it back!? (Oh Min-Young)

When Yi Surl-Ah yanked hard, Oh Min-Young nearly toppled over from the force. The latter woman couldnt hide her astonishment. She underestimated the younger girls physical strength, and ended up losing the bow before she could do anything about it.

You.. (Oh Min-Young)

Ill be leaving now. Take care. (Yi Surl-Ah)

Look at this cheeky little.? Thought Oh Min-Young, figurative flames erupting out from her eyes as she looked at Yi Surl-Ahs departing back. Undisguised jealousy burned vividly in her eyes.

Hey, you. How much do you charge each time? (Oh Min-Young)

Her loud shout forced Yi Surl-Ahs steps to come to an abrupt halt. She spun around so fast, her hair fluttered in the air. She began biting her lower lip.

.What are you talking about? (Yi Surl-Ah)

You know, just. Kinda curious. (Oh Min-Young)

Oh Min-Young mockingly smiled while speaking up.

Someone like you, how much do you charge each time? 100 points? 200? (Oh Min-Young)

Wha, what did you say?! (Yi Surl-Ah)

Yi Surl-Ah couldnt help but suspect her own hearing just then.

Just how many times did you do him, for that guy to buy you all these cool armours and stuff? Mm? (Oh Min-Young)

At that undisguised attempt to ridicule her, Yi Surl-Ahs eyes widened in shock.

My orabeo-nim isnt like that! (Yi Surl-Ah)

Ohhh, sure thing. What a f*cking joke. You think I dont know that you live in the same place with him? (Oh Min-Young)

Why are you acting like this? (Yi Surl-Ah)

Yi Surl-Ahs anger shot up and her voice became shrill. Tears pooled on the edges of her eyes, seemingly to reflect the unfairness of this treatment.

They didnt even know each other. Not only here in the Neutral Zone, but even back in the Tutorial, they didnt even share a single word until this moment. Naturally, Yi Surl-Ah couldnt understand why this woman was being so hostile to her.

I told you, didnt I? I want to help you. Whats the matter? You dont want my help? (Oh Min-Young)

I dont need your help! (Yi Surl-Ah)

Will you look at this little girl? How dare you raise your voice at me? (Oh Min-Young)

At Oh Min-Youngs signal, the three men watching on from the lounge stood up. Sensing the mood had rapidly turned for the worse, Yi Surl-Ah began retreating step by step.

This unni is going to teach you an easy way to earn points. (Oh Min-Young)

I, I dont need it. (Yi Surl-Ah)

Arent you worried about making enough points in time? Dont worry. Those guys give out lots of them. (Oh Min-Young)

Hearing Oh Min-Youngs insidious words, Yi Surl-Ahs expression became even more unsightly.

Why? (Yi Surl-Ah)

She hadnt done anything to this woman, yet why.?

Theres no need for you to act all innocent and like, you know? Its too late for that. (Oh Min-Young)

Yi Surl-Ah finally had enough of Oh Min-Youngs venom and was about to make her escape from there. But, then.

You know, maybe you should stop introducing yourself. Dont you agree?

Suddenly, a man intruded in the middle of the two women. While Yi Surl-Ah got surprised by who it was, Oh Min-Young was frowning rather unhappily at this new development.

Because, he was the man who loved to wear a pair of sunglasses indoors as well as to put on a green baseball cap backwards Hyun Sahng-Min.

Oh Min-Young began gritting her teeth.

You.

Kyah. I wondered what was up after hearing a dog barking out loudly over here. Who wouldve guessed that it really was an actual b*tch? (Hyun Sahng-Min)

What did you just say?! (Oh Min-Young)

Ohh, my bad. My bad. Youre still a human being, so comparing you to an animal is unfair. (Hyun Sahng-Min)

Hyun Sahng-Min raised his hands defensively and his expression showed he was genuinely sorry.

So, if I remember correctly, your actual nickname was. (Hyun Sahng-Min)

He then smoothly took his sunglasses off.

.Was 10 points, right? (Hyun Sahng-Min)

Tremble.

Oh Min-Youngs body trembled and she tried her very best to look composed.

You should watch what you say, if you dont want to end up as a bloody mess. (Oh Min-Young)

Oh, is that right? (Hyun Sahng-Min)

Hyun Sahng-Min sneaked a glance at the lounge and sniggered dismissively.

If youre b*tching around here because of those three chumps. How about you looking over this way? (Hyun Sahng-Min)

Oh Min-Youngs gaze followed his pointing chin, and she had to nervously swallow her saliva. Because, there was a group of four men glaring at her direction.

You see, you aint the only one with friends around here. Oopsie, you arent a friend to those three. Is it more like a pet dog? (Hyun Sahng-Min)

Shut your mouth. (Oh Min-Young)

Oh Min-Young glared at Hyun Sahng-Min with murderous eyes.

I dont want to see that disgusting face of yours, so get lost, you son of a b*tch. (Oh Min-Young)

But, I dont wanna. Besides, youre also a b*tch, arent you? (Hyun Sahng-Min)

Hyun Sahng-Min cackled and dismissed her threats nonchalantly, before lightly tapping on the shoulder of Yi Surl-Ah.

You are really, really envious of this girl, arent you? (Hyun Sahng-Min)

.N, no. Not really. (Oh Min-Young)

Oh Min-Young flinched, her eyes opening up wider in a somewhat strange manner.

Im not envious of her at all! Why should I be envious of a girl who sells her body for some measly points? (Oh Min-Young)

Although she tried to look composed, her voice was clearly trembling. On the other hand, Hyun Sahng-Min was completely relaxed.

I told you, stop introducing yourself. You know she hasnt done that and thats why youre being so b*tchy about it~~, no? (Hyun Sahng-Min)

What is he talking about this time? (Yi Surl-Ah)

Yi Surl-Ah listened to this exchange while feeling anxious, before finally figuring it out. Her frown became even deeper as a result.

Someone has to shake her a*s off the whole day long just to survive, yet heres someone else who doesnt have to~~. (Hyun Sahng-Min)

When Hyun Sahng-Min mocked her in a teasing tone of a voice.

Shut. Up. (Oh Min-Young)

Her voice thickly laden with murderous intention leaked out of her mouth. Too bad, Hyun Sahng-Min wasnt going to stop just because of that.

Im sure you were a lot happier when this girl and her brother, as well as Yun Seo-Rah, were struggling to survive, right? You probably spied on them everyday and consoled yourself, didnt you? While feeling a sense of pathetic superiority over them, thinking that at least youre better off than they were. (Hyun Sahng-Min)

Y, you crazy son of a b*tch! When did I ever do that? Are you mentally ill? (Oh Min-Young)

You probably were hoping too, right? Like, waiting for the day these three would fall to the rock bottom just like you. It was you who gave those three the idea to do that, wasnt it? (Hyun Sahng-Min)

It was then, the dumbfounded Yi Surl-Ahs complexion darkened even further.

Yes. Seriously now. Dont know who hit her, but that person sure did a f*cking wonderful number on her.

.Could it have been?

Yi Surl-Ah clenched her fists tightly without realising it and stared at the venomously-glaring Oh Min-Young.

But, what will you do now? One day you run into them, and lo and behold, they are all living happily~ ever after! They are eating nice food, they are training so diligently, and even kitted out in such a great set of equipment, to boot! So, how can a bundle of inferiority complex such as yourself not feel the pangs of vicious jealousy stabbing at your heart? (Hyun Sahng-Min)

I said, shut your godd*mn mouth, you son of a b*tch!!! (Oh Min-Young)

Oh Min-Young screamed out that sounded almost like a plea. Her bloodshot eyes opened wide as if her eyelids were being torn open by her anguish.

Just whose fault was it?! (Oh Min-Young)

Huh? (Hyun Sahng-Min)

You, you made me like this!! Why did you only help them out? Why didnt you do the same for me?! I also struggled!! I, I too desperately fought and scratched and clawed my way to here!! (Oh Min-Young)

She began babbling out almost incoherently now. Hearing this, Hyun Sahng-Min snorted derisively.

You should take a really good look at yourself first. Who would want to help you when youre this b*tchy? (Hyun Sahng-Min)

What?! When did I ever wronged you?! (Oh Min-Young)

Your wrongs? There are quite a few, actually. (Shin Sahng-Ah)

Y, you?! (Oh Min-Young)

Oh Min-Young spun around angrily towards the direction of the new voice, only to flinch rather grandly after seeing who it was a woman wearing a white robe, her arms crossed against her chest, with a disdainful smirk etched on her lips.

I helped you to get to the second floor, only for you to fall for that b*stard Kahng Seoks schemes. (Shin Sahng-Ah)

The identity of the woman who swept her bob-cut hair back was none other than Shin Sahng-Ah.

Maybe the story might have been different, if you tried to press the door release button like Sung-Jin did. So, just who was the one that abandoned me behind to rot in the darkened corridor as if you couldnt care any less? Mm? (Shin Sahng-Ah)

After hearing her voice thickly laden with criticism and sarcasm, all Oh Min-Young could do was to move her lips up and down without making a sound.

And that wasnt all, right? Remember what happened on the fourth floor? (Shin Sahng-Ah)

T, that was. (Oh Min-Young)

Oh, and lets not forget, it wasnt as if you gave away that Revival medicine for free like how Miss Yun Seo-Rah did, either. (Shin Sahng-Ah)

Shin Sahng-Ah spat on the floor in an exaggerated manner and began grinning again.

Youve done nothing so far, figuratively speaking, yet you want us to help you? (Shin Sahng-Ah)

You. You.! (Oh Min-Young)

Surrounded from all sides and verbally assaulted without a chance to say something, Oh Min-Young suddenly broke down and began sobbing. She crumpled to the floor and wailed out in pure sorrow.

However, Shin Sahng-Ah coldly glared on while not caring whether the woman cried or not. She did tear her stare away when shadows loomed near, though; the three men by the lounge finally came closer after noticing that things were not moving as they expected them to.

Why dont you guys stop there?

A guy with a huge physique in the middle raised his voice and intervened.

From what I heard, this whole thing amounts to nothing much at all, anyway. So, is there a need to raise such a fuss?

Sure, its nothing much. I just showed up here cuz a mutt was making too much noise, thats all. Since the owner showed up now, hopefully itll get more peaceful around here. (Hyun Sahng-Min)

Hyun Sahng-Min retorted sarcastically, causing the big guys expression to crumple in anger.

I know who you are. I suggest you better watch your mouth.

I guess its the case of like the owner, like the dog, eh. Why the f*ck you losers cant stop talking about my mouth all the time? (Hyun Sahng-Min)

You wish to die pretty badly, I see.

You wanna have a go? You feeling confident, then? (Hyun Sahng-Min)

Hyun Sahng-Min lightly tapped the crossbow slung on his back. Meanwhile, the big guy took a slow but contemplative look around his surroundings. There were not only Hyun Sahng-Mins team, but Shin Sahng-Ahs team to worry about, too. The man realised he was at a numerical disadvantage.

.You, I shall remember you.

Oh, my, gawd. Why dont you also say better watch your back while youre at it? (Hyun Sahng-Min)

Dont you dare think that every Bronze Mark is equal. Well see the day we enter the Paradise.

Aigoo~ Im so scared~. (Hyun Sahng-Min)

Hyun Sahng-Min shuddered and shrunk back, causing Shin Sahng-Ah to break out in a fit of giggles. The big man quietly glared at them both for a long while, before taking Oh Min-Hyung away and disappeared from the view.

At last, some peace and quiet had come and allowed Yi Surl-Ah to release her tightly-held breath.

Ha-aaaaaah.

This whole event was truly, completely, utterly outside her scope of expectations she wouldve never guessed that Oh Min-Young harboured such an ill will. She thought that a raging storm blew by just now or some such.

A short silence flowed by, before Hyun Sahng-Min lightly tapped the drooping shoulders of Yi Surl-Ah.

Hey, you okay? (Hyun Sahng-Min)

Ah, y, yes! (Yi Surl-Ah)

Yi Surl-Ah nodded her head urgently.

A good thing that I came around looking for you. I was going like, Just maybe, but whew, what a relief. Anyways, you gotta be careful, okay? Those three, they are bad people. (Hyun Sahng-Min)

I. Thank you. Really. (Yi Surl-Ah)

She bowed her waist deeply to express her gratitude. Hyun Sahng-Min simply waved his hand around.

No need for that. After all, Seol asked me for this favour, you know. (Hyun Sahng-Min)

Orabeo-nim did? (Yi Surl-Ah)

Yup. He told me that Oh Min-Young chick seemed a bit suspicious, and so, he asked me if I minded letting you and your brother tag along for a while. I said, sure, why not. (Hyun Sahng-Min)

Really? He asked me to look after Miss Yun Seo-Rah, though, said Shin Sahng-Ah, as she swept her gaze around the first floor. Hyun Sahng-Min nodded his head as if he knew about it already.

Well, in any case. You planning to take a short break? If not, why not try a Slightly Hard mission with me and my team later on? Along with your brother, of course. (Hyun Sahng-Min)

C, can we really? (Yi Surl-Ah)

Yi Surl-Ahs face brightened in an instant. If she could enter Hyun Sahng-Mins team, she wouldnt have to worry about another incident like this happening again.

Dont worry about it. Ive already got the consent from my teammates. Besides, do I look like someone wholl do things for free? (Hyun Sahng-Min)

Oh. it wasnt like that? (Yi Surl-Ah)

But, of course. (Hyun Sahng-Min)

Hyun Sahng-Min nodded his head as if to imply there was no need to even ask such an obvious question.

For doing this favour. (Hyun Sahng-Min)

He pulled out the packet of cigarette while grinning widely.

Seol promised to help us with a Hard mission, you see! (Hyun Sahng-Min)

*

The end of the deadline for the Neutral Zone that initially seemed so distant, had arrived before long.

The greatest achievement Seol accomplished during that time was to sweep away every single Very Hard mission with his team.

They might have struggled greatly when attempting the most difficult mission for the first time, but after making adequate preparations, they were able to clear the same mission again in a comparatively safer manner.

It wasnt as if they didnt encounter any close calls, but still, none of them were as serious as Leorda Salvatore receiving a mortal injury.

And so, with them performing that mission successfully for the tenth time, the noticeboard had become completely barren of all the mission parchments.

Finally. Its over. (Tong Chai)

Tong Chai took off his turban and tossed it to the ground, looking as if a weight was lifted off his shoulders.

There is still one more mission left, though. (Odelette Delphine)

Odelette Delphine stared at the very last mission parchment stuck on the top of the board with a longing expression on her face.

Ill say this beforehand. If you are planning to tackle that mission, I am definitely not participating. (Tong Chai)

Agreed. That thing is pure madness. (Leorda Salvatore)

Tong Chai and Leorda hurriedly let their opinions known.

But, but. There is that additional bonus, though. (Odelette Delphine)

I also am against it. No matter how tasty the rewards look, that mission isnt worth it. Delphine, we should know when to differentiate between reckless bravado and actual bravery. (Hao Win)

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Even Hao Win came out with a resounding no. All Delphine could do was to pout unhappily in the end.

.Oh, well. Yes, it does seem completely impossible to clear, no matter how many times I look at it. (Odelette Delphine)

Although she couldnt completely give up on it, but still, she had to raise both of her hands in surrender.

After that, the six of them shared short but bittersweet goodbyes. They had went through a month-long life-or-death struggles together, so their bond had become pretty solid as a result.

In other words, Seol had pretty much met and exceeded the demand of Kim Hahn-Nah, the one about making important friends in this place.

I was able to earn a lot of points thanks to you. (Tong Chai)

Seol shook hands with Tong Chai.

I wont ever forget that you saved my life. If you run into trouble, come find me by the Sicilia. (Leorda Salvatore)

Leorda Salvatore told him bluntly.

Well, well be seeing each other tomorrow one more time anyways. (Odelette Delphine)

Odelette Delphine winked playfully at him.

Love is an emotion, my man. Dont forget that. (Hao Win)

.And he bumped fists with Hao Win.

And even now, no one asked me what my name was.

The nameless (?) Priest carried a lonely smile as he left.

Now left alone, Seol shifted his gaze back to the noticeboard.

He looked at the Impossible mission one more time.

Not only was the reward on offer an enormous tally of 172,800 points, there was also an additional reward as well, just as Delphine said.

The VIP store.

Although his greed was acting up again, Seol still shook his head in resignation. He heard that a mid-sized army made up of Earthlings Level 4 and above could just barely clear this mission, so there was no chance in hell that he could clear it by himself.

Seol immediately gave up and turned around to leave.

The Neutral Zone would close on tomorrow; perhaps because there were so many things to get ready, his room was in a bit of noisy chaos.

Organise everything in the bag first, take with me what I can, return the smartphone before I leave, and spend all the points beside 1000. (Seol)

Thinking about his points tally, Seol became rather pleased with himself. His teammates invested most of theirs on better equipment and abilities, but he had not spent a single dime and continued to hoard them. All thanks to that, his current tally was the highest its ever been.

However, theyd all become worthless by this time tomorrow, so he had to spend them today.

While organising the contents of his bag, Seol continued to suppress the feeling of regret bubbling in his heart. He knew that mission was truly hopeless, yet the image of that parchment still danced in front of his eyes.

If he successfully cleared that mission, then hed be able to buy that one item that was seemingly forever out of his reach.

Seol did almost everything in his willpower to shake off that distracting thought.

Three spell balls, the quill pen of flowing consciousness. (Seol)

*SFX for something dropping to the ground*

And as he was absorbed in organising the contents of the bag, something fell from it and issued a soft rustle.

< 36. To Paradise (2) > Fin.