Chapter 13: Hong Insu’s Apology (2)

“Tell me, child. Are villains born evil, or do they become evil as they grow?”

“They’re born evil.”

“Why do you think that?”

“Because the author created them to be villains.”

“That’s a valid point. But it’s wrong.”

“Teacher, that’s contradictory.”

“Look over there.”

Ion followed Teacher’s gaze. An orphan, exhausted from harsh training, was about to eat an apple. Trembling lips barely opened, too tired to even bite properly.

“What do you see? Is that kid good or bad?”

“He’s good. He fell behind in training because he was helping others.”

“Oh, dear. He helped others and ended up with just an apple for dinner.”

“Yes.”

“And yet, he looks so happy eating it.”

“He’s a good kid.”

“Here’s your homework. From now on, whenever he tries to eat an apple, take it and crush it.”

“…”

“Your answer?”

“Yes, Teacher.”

Ion obeyed.

At first, the friend was angry. When he learned Ion was acting on Teacher’s orders, he confronted Teacher, but the command wasn’t revoked.

After days of going hungry, the friend stopped yielding to others during training. He even started stealing their food, bitter that no one helped when Ion took his apples.

“Now you and he are both villains.”

“I don’t understand what you’re trying to teach me.”

“You’re the one I have the highest hopes for, yet your comprehension is lacking.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Villains are made, not born. Even if an author creates a character as a villain, without a trigger—like having their apple taken—they won’t become one. This is crucial.”

“Yes.”

“If the story doesn’t unfold as written and someone doesn’t become a villain, what should you do?”

“…”

“Don’t stay silent when you know the answer.”

Teacher raised a switch. Ion extended his palms. After a brief punishment, his stinging hands lowered as he spoke.

“I need to take their apple.”

“Correct. I have high hopes for you among all these orphans. You know that, right? You’re the only one I trust.”

“Yes, I know.”

“Good. Come here. Oh, your hands must bruise. It pains me too.”

“I’m sorry for making you hurt.”

“It’s fine. In return, you must fulfill my wish. No matter what happens to me, do your best for the novel’s ending.”

“Yes, Teacher.”

“Hey, look at your face. Don’t make me gloomy too—just sit. My mom’s lunchbox is good. Rescue’s an hour away, so let’s eat.”

“…”

Hong Insu’s lunchbox held kkaennip ssambap, small and round, clearly made with care.

He popped one into his mouth, chewed, and offered one to Ion.

Instead of taking it, Ion summoned his flaming sword. Hong Insu blinked at the mid-length blade wreathed in flames.

‘That weapon didn’t have flames before…’ his expression said.

“What’s that skill? An item?”

“B-rank, huh? Still clueless.”

“What…?”

“If you don’t want to die, stand over there.”

After calling him “hyung,” Ion’s tone turned icy. He pointed the sword at a tree. Slightly intimidated, Hong Insu closed the lunchbox and stood where directed.

“Why here?”

Ion didn’t answer, casting magic. Thick vines sprouted from the ground, encircling Hong Insu. He summoned his shadow, thinking it was an attack, but the vines faced outward, as if protecting him.

“What’s this? An item? Your skill? You got two skills? Why’s your tone different? You said you don’t drop formalities! Dual personality? Do skills change with personality?”

Ion thought the “dual personality” excuse wasn’t bad.

“The vines only protect what’s inside. Don’t leave the circle.”

Rumble! The ground shook as if an earthquake hit. Hong Insu finally sensed the A-rank monsters swarming below.

Another pack of Kelleis.

“Damn, we’re screwed. Two of us can’t handle Kelleis! Is this a shield skill? Get in here! There’s room for two!”

“Scared? Use your return stone.”

“If I leave, you’ll die! How could I?”

“…”

Ion handed his backpack to the frantic Hong Insu, who clutched it.

“Hong Insu, you must not die.”

“…!”

Hong Insu’s eyes wavered.

“Ion… you’re doing this for me…”

“And.”

Ion unzipped the bag. The Sansevieria, previously curled, spread its leaves wide. Ion buried his nose in them, recharging mana, then spoke firmly.

“Protect this plant with your life.”

“Didn’t you say I shouldn’t die?”

“You can die before it does.”

“It…? Hey, watch out!”

Kelleis usually waited for the pack to gather, but one seized the moment, spitting at Ion’s back. Hong Insu reached to pull him, but Ion was faster.

Slash!

With a sharp sound, the Kellei, immune to physical attacks, fell, sliced in half. Vines blocked its splattering flesh.

Hong Insu gaped. Killing a Kellei that easily?

It was really dead?

In one strike?

“You… back there, you barely took down one Kellei while the A-ranks handled the rest…”

Trembling, he continued:

“Ion… you’re hiding your strength?”

Ion gave him a pitying look.

“I told you: don’t let a single leaf get hurt.”

“Y-Yeah! Got it! I’ll protect it with my life!”

Ion regripped his sword and turned. His robe was spotless, despite just slaying an A-rank monster. Was it some effect-laden robe fitting a hidden powerhouse?

Hong Insu’s eyes sparkled like a kid with a new robot toy.

Growl! Screech!

Dozens of Kelleis emerged, baring grotesque teeth. Some fired spines from their shells, starting the fight.

They occasionally targeted Hong Insu, but the vines blocked them, seeming tougher than Kellei shells.

Hong Insu wasn’t just watching. As a ranged fighter, he could use his skill within the vines’ confines.

But he got no chance.

A red flash, and five Kelleis burned to death. A green glow, and five more were strangled by vines. Most were slaughtered by Ion’s sword, his delicate appearance belying merciless carnage. When he pierced a Kellei from head to jaw and tore it sideways, Hong Insu shuddered.

Boom! Crash! Screech!

The Kelleis were wiped out in ten minutes.

It took six A-rank Hunters an hour before.

Now, two B-ranks—or so they were listed—did it in ten minutes, like squashing ants.

Ion stabbed each corpse for confirmation kills, then dismissed his flaming sword.

“…”

As Ion approached, Hong Insu knelt.

He just felt like it.

Ion raised an eyebrow, as if asking what he was doing. Hong Insu looked up, trembling.

“You… S-rank?”

The vine and flame control—whether skills or items—weren’t B-rank power.

Not even A-rank.

Only S-rank made sense.

“…”

Ion, silent, took the Sansevieria and buried his nose in its leaves, rapidly recharging mana.

“Hey… Ion.”

“…”

“Gonna kill me to keep your secret?”

“I’m not killing you. What nonsense.”

“R-Really? Phew. I won’t tell anyone you’re hiding your rank. I keep promises. You’re my savior. Want a contract?”

Hong Insu stood, still wary of the vines.

“What now? If they come, they’ll know you’re hiding your strength. I’ll clear the corpses with my skill!”

“No need. I’ll destroy the gate stone before they arrive.”

“What…?”

Ion looked toward the gate stone.

“But clearing an A-rank dungeon with just us two will expose your real strength!”

“I’ll convince them it’s an illusion-type F-rank dungeon.”

“Illusion-type…? What’s that? What’s an attribute?”

Ordinary B-rank Hunters like Hong Insu wouldn’t know, but high-ranking Hunters knew rumors of special dungeons.

Lee Jina would likely know.

“Don’t say anything. You tried to leave with your return stone but checked the gate stone first. It was under 30cm, and only F-rank monsters appeared, so we finished the raid. Got it?”

“Alright. Not sure they’ll buy it…”

It didn’t matter if they didn’t. Higher-ups would order it overlooked.

Ion tapped the vines, a gesture of thanks. They brushed his cheek before shrinking into the ground.

Ion walked off, and Hong Insu hurried to his side.

“Straight to the gate stone? I’ll help this time. I was too stunned before. I’m not usually a coward.”

“If you’re sure you won’t get in the way.”

“I’ve survived dungeons for a year. That plant’s more likely to slow you down. Want it in my inventory?”

At “slow you down,” Ion swiftly gathered the Sansevieria’s leaves and hugged it tightly, as if covering its ears.

“Watch your mouth! It hears everything! Say one more bad thing about Sanse, and I’ll cut your tongue for fertilizer!”

“Gulp…”

Hong Insu clamped his mouth shut.

Ion thought he’d finally be quiet. But five minutes later, Hong Insu started chattering again. Truly talkative.