BRDM 56

chapter 56

Lee Hyun was organizing the loot obtained from the past 14 dungeons.

[White Bone Spirit Book (C)]
A summoning skill used by the demon White Bone from ■■■■ mythology. The higher the proficiency, the more phantoms you can summon.

• Type: Skill Book

• Origin: Myth Journey to the West
  This skill book is a copied version from <Short Story>. Its power and effects are significantly lower than the original.

[Lantern of Seven Hills (D)]
A dark-element skill from the demon Seven Hills in ■■■■ mythology. A lantern made of dense dark energy that confuses enemies.

• Type: Skill Book

• Origin: Myth Journey to the West
  This skill book is a copied version from <Short Story>. Its power and effects are significantly lower than the original.

The Lantern of Seven Hills skill book was obtained from the sixth dungeon they visited. That dungeon was themed on the folktale Servant in the Winged Garment. The snake of the Seven Hills Hee Si-dong from Journey to the West, which Sun Wukong fought, had nested there. Its size was as large as a mountain, making hunting difficult.

They tried to hunt it stealthily, but couldn’t avoid being noticed by the other team members.

“Good thing I didn’t leak any information related to Journey to the West. Otherwise, it might have been considered just another hidden boss.”

However, after receiving the rewards, a new problem arose: there was nothing to use immediately.

Even if he tried to dismantle them like with the Sammae Shinpoong and store them in Dueokshini’s deep breath, only a few components were necessary. The rest had to be discarded.

“This is the downside of a fixed skill tree. Besides, the elemental affinities are nearly complete.”

But that wasn’t all.

[Ashes Left from Burning the Witch]
The ashes left after Gretel trapped and burned the witch who tried to eat her in Hansel and Gretel. The witch’s strong lingering grudge curses the possessor.

• Type: Consumable Item

• Origin: Fairy Tale Hansel and Gretel

[Servant’s Torn Winged Garment]
A winged garment rendered unusable by the poison of the venomous snake. Although its function is gone, it could still be used to spread poison to enemies.

• Type: Armor

• Origin: Folktale Servant in the Winged Garment

…

Most of the rewards were immediately useless to Lee Hyun.

“I don’t see anything I can use right now. Should I just give everything to the Elder?”

Just as he was considering handing everything over like in the Z era to Elder Do-cheol, a message appeared:

[The narrative of <The Snow Queen> seeks skill books and items strong in grudge and dark energy.]
[Would you like to offer these items to <The Snow Queen>’s narrative?]

“…Offer?”

The Snow Queen’s message appeared. The communication was formal, but somehow, her strong gaze was palpable. He hesitated for a moment, wondering if it was okay to give it to her.

[You have chosen to offer.]
[The items are dispersed and granted to <The Snow Queen>. The narrative of <The Snow Queen> deepens.]
[The body changes. The maximum capacity of the mana circuits slightly increases.]

All the necessary Sun Wukong’s skills had already been absorbed. These items were useless to Lee Hyun. Strengthening <The Snow Queen>’s narrative to enhance physical abilities was the better choice.

“She’s probably going to use them as materials to build the Ice Castle.”

It wasn’t a bad idea for Lee Hyun either.

“If needed, there’s always the Golden Shin-na-han form. Curses and interference with the mental realm are impossible anyway.”

He didn’t think she would commit any dishonorable acts—she was sincere about being a ruler in her world.

[<The Snow Queen> is satisfied with the offering.]
[Rank has increased.]

And then:

[The proficiency of ‘Holy Relic: Hwaan Geumjeong’ has increased, adding a new function.]
[Additional Function: Memory Search.]
[‘Holy Relic: Ruyi Staff’ begins to see your rapid growth in a slightly different way.]
[Recover more of ■■■■’s deeds.]

Not only Hwaan Geumjeong but also changes in the Ruyi Staff.

“Not much left now.”

Lee Hyun had a premonition that after clearing the final dungeon, he might finally be able to use the Ruyi Staff properly.

He had obtained many other things as well:

“The additional function of the 5th stat [Skill] was unlocked. This will increase skill success rates.”

Moreover,

“I’ve analyzed all the team members’ strategies. I can now plan how to assemble the squad.”

Kim Min-jung excelled in intelligent decision-making and long-range attacks. Um Gi-seon had a strong competitive spirit and outstanding instincts. Seo Ae-ri’s utility varied depending on the strong spirit she summoned. He had already organized the required skill trees and item setups for each member.

Initially, he equipped them with loot, but later, he planned to obtain custom items.

“I should request something from the Elder…”

Lee Hyun was happy—not just for his growth, but for being able to shape the team as he wished.

“Feels like four years ago.”

“I wonder how they’re doing?”

A fleeting thought crossed his mind.

[Fatigue: 72]

Though tired, excitement and anticipation outweighed it. He finally entered the final dungeon.

And,

“…As expected.”

Upon entering, he saw a stunned Sun Wukong and gave a wry smile.

[Dungeon Entry!]

[Dungeon: Valley of Flowers of the Sun and Moon]

[The mountain you are ascending is filled with flowers and fruits, like a paradise from a folktale. Whether sun or moon rises, the air is always fragrant, and clear ponds quench the dry throats of animals.]

[Bring more happiness to this place filled with happiness. The greater the happiness, the higher the satisfaction you will gain.]

• Success: Nutrient-rich Spirit Fruit

• Failure: Exile from Paradise

Upon passing through the gate, a sweet aroma invigorated the tired team. It was not just pleasant—it was a buff aroma that relieved fatigue.

[The mountain’s fruit scent dispels fatigue and boosts vitality.]
[Fatigue: 70 → 69 → 68 …]

[Heals all minor status ailments slightly.]
[Consume fruits and herbs from the mountain to restore energy and speed up recovery.]

“Wow, a place like this exists.”

“I’ve heard buff aromas are effective, but this is beyond what I imagined. Can we learn the principle?”

Um Gi-seon and Seo Ae-ri’s eyes shone brightly. They hadn’t rested properly for half a month in the dungeons, but now they were revitalized. They glanced at Lee Hyun.

Even though they knew his skill in clearing dungeons quickly, this dungeon was notorious for being “impossible” in another sense.

“I think I understand why the resort development plan was drawn up here. But how do you plan to tackle it? There’s basically no information.”

Kim Min-jung tilted her head, puzzled. The dungeon was impossible because having no problems was the problem itself.

<Valley of Flowers of the Sun and Moon>

• Grade: Unknown

• Location: Gyeongsan, Gyeongsangbuk-do

• Origin: Unknown. Unknown Code DB714-3

• Details: Unknown

• Quest: Unknown

A dungeon that appeared suddenly in the city center six years ago. Initially estimated to be below 1-star, since it did not spawn monster waves or strong magical fields.

Subsequent exploration found no monsters hostile to the expedition; rather, animals appeared to welcome them and provide spirit fruits and spirit animals. Likely based on an Eastern utopia concept, though unconfirmed.

Three years ago, a resort was proposed due to stability, abundant resources, and climate, but feasibility studies failed, and it became a long-term unresolved dungeon.

• Progress: Unknown

• Failure Cause: Origin and quest unknown. Testimonies suggest continuous happiness makes hunters reluctant to leave; buff aroma may include mental realm interference magic.

• Note: Be cautious of long-term activity within the dungeon.

Normally, dungeon quests are intuitive and clear; solving them completes <Conflict> and <Narrative>. Riddles as quests follow the same principle. But here, there were none, which is why the origin remains unknown.

As they ascended, the buff aroma grew stronger.

[Fatigue: 48]

Lee Hyun’s mind cleared.

Rustle!
Squeak!

Animals like squirrels and deer peeked from the bushes, unafraid of humans.

Seo Ae-ri even sat on the ground feeding rabbits.

Lee Hyun said:

“Right. There’s no info, the animals aren’t monsters, so hunting them yields nothing.”

Previous teams had tried creating problems where none existed, turning mountains into slaughtergrounds, only to find even more animals appeared the next day, still welcoming the hunters. Repeating this only confirmed the strangeness of the place.

“The quest description is vague. Full of happiness, and they tell us to make it happier… Still, did you notice any clues?”

Kim Min-jung looked at the team leader with hopeful eyes, knowing his dungeon exploration skills had surpassed the Cheongroe era.

But,

“I don’t know.”

“…What?”

“I don’t know the plan.”

Kim Min-jung realized his contrarian nature had surfaced again.

“I have some ideas, but nothing complete yet.”

“Ah… so that’s why everyone has tasks.”

“Correct. Smart, as always.”

“Uh… alright. So what should we do?”

Seo Ae-ri and Um Gi-seon turned their attention from the animals. Lee Hyun never explained dungeon strategies—only assigned tasks.

“We will pass through a cave later.”

“A cave…?”

Kim Min-jung tilted her head; there was no mention of a cave in the reports. But instinctively, she sensed it was the main reason this dungeon remained unconquered.

“Yes. After passing there, Deputy Kim…”

After Lee Hyun finished, the team prepared their equipment, realizing this was truly the final push.

“It was tough but very helpful. Skills too.”
“I wonder what else I can gain here.”

“Ha ha, everyone’s eyes are sparkling. But is it alright to give everything away? Essentially, you’re providing a death trial for each of them.”

Saojeong appeared on Lee Hyun’s left shoulder, smiling.

The team didn’t yet know, but an experience far greater than anything they had faced awaited them.

“It’s fine. Without great deeds, we can’t uncover this mountain’s secrets. And this will strengthen them, so it must be done.”

“Ha ha ha. A wise choice. Being a leader requires generosity and investment so your subordinates can grow.”

“And in the process, I can strengthen my own abilities.”

“Correct.”

“…”

Lee Hyun glanced at Sun Wukong and fully opened Hwaan Geumjeong.

Flare!

[‘Holy Relic: Hwaan Geumjeong’ collects all clues and reveals the hidden aspects of <Valley of Flowers of the Sun and Moon>!]
[‘Hwa-gwa Mountain’ displays a beautiful view.]
[■■■■ mythology interpreted. Partial deeds gained.]
[Rank increased.]

The mountain’s true identity: Hwa-gwa Mountain, Sun Wukong’s birthplace and kingdom where he ruled over monkeys and demons.

“…The real Hwa-gwa Mountain was said to have burned with Sun Wukong during his divine trials.”

This explained why Sun Wukong had remained silent since dungeon entry.

Then:

Red ripples spread from Lee Hyun, covering the entire mountainside.

[A gateway to the secret, sealed location ‘Suryeom-dong’ has opened.]

Lee Hyun sensed it— the dungeon’s hidden stage was revealed.

“Alright, let’s go.”

[Activating Dueokshini’s Trust!]

Lee Hyun leapt in the direction indicated by Hwaan Geumjeong. A golden flash tore through the air.

“He’s going ahead again.”

“How can he move so fast? And he’s a Warrior-class.”

The team sighed and quickly followed. Their destination:

Suryeom-dong
The secluded training site where Sun Wukong practiced to become the Great Sage Equal to Heaven.