IRNH C85

Chapter 85

Samayoon still seemed certain of his hideout’s location, which meant it hadn’t been raided. More likely, someone had coincidentally taken over the surrounding area first.

It isn’t powerful, but the formation is fairly complex. If it’s concealing its presence this completely, its caster intends to hide and hold out…

Sihyeon had never formally learned formation-breaking techniques, so he wasn’t confident about dismantling one—especially an unfamiliar array like this. And going in blindly, without knowing what awaited inside, was unwise. It wasn’t on the level of the formations laid before the Divine Cult, but barging into an unknown zone with companions in tow required caution.

At that moment, as if on cue, three figures stepped out through the formation.

Sihyeon instantly suppressed his aura and raised a hand to halt the others. The once-tense atmosphere dropped into stillness. Their opponents didn’t seem strong—at least not strong enough to detect their group—but since skills came in unexpected varieties, vigilance was necessary.

“Damn it, why are we always the ones working?”

“What else can we do? Those bastards look like they’d kill us if something goes wrong.”

“Ugh. Why do we gotta look for people? This is terrifying. Let’s just check fast and go back.”

They did possess mana, so they were hunters of some sort, but fortunately, not high-level ones. Still, Sihyeon gleaned several clues from their brief conversation.

They called someone ‘weird,’ so they aren’t normal hunters. And it sounds like multiple people are commanding them. If they said ‘we’re always the ones working,’ there must be plenty more inside…

It seemed a sizable group had gathered. The reason was unclear, though Sihyeon could guess: numbers improved survival odds. And if someone with strong detection abilities happened to be among them, they might have located Samayoon’s skill-made storage.

“There are about three people who just came out of the formation. Looks like they’re searching for others. What do you want to do?”

Though Sihyeon already intended to infiltrate, he still asked.

“We go in, of course.”

“The sooner the better! We must hurry!”

Impatient Hajung wanted to move immediately, and Samayoon—most desperate to reach his hideout—agreed frantically. Sihyeon nodded.

“Stay here. I’ll bring those three.”

“What? Alone? Isn’t that dangerous? Take Taewoon with you.”

But Hajung frowned at the idea of Sihyeon going alone. Sihyeon, however, could never accept bringing Taewoon with him. Instead, he wanted Taewoon right beside Hajung, whose firepower remained reliable.

“Master…”

As expected, Taewoon’s face darkened instantly when the idea came up. It pained Sihyeon deeply. He didn’t want to leave him, not at all—but charging in recklessly with Taewoon, in his current condition, was impossible. And there was a straightforward method to infiltrate; ignoring it would be foolish.

“No… I’ll be quicker by myself. Hajung, take care of things.”

It probably felt strange for him to entrust the group to Hajung instead of Taewoon, but everyone was too on edge to question it. Sihyeon checked the three men approaching—the distance closing.

“Keep hidden and stay quiet.”

Handing his blunted steel sword to Hajung, Sihyeon extinguished his presence completely and moved toward the men.

It did not take long. Crossing through the maze-like alleys, he silently positioned himself behind the three—as they walked deeper inside.

“Let’s just sweep through and leave. The next team can handle the rest.”

“Yeah, but our food…”

“Ugh… damn it. Some of that food is ours too. This sucks.”

Their muttered conversation resembled tired office workers forced to take an unpopular shift. Even so, it revealed a lot.

Not the Villain Union…

Even if they were associated, they clearly weren’t the leadership Sihyeon sought. Knowing they weren’t the cult-like Villain Union zealots let him decide firmly: no fighting. Breaking the formation could take too long, and he didn’t know when another “warning” from the Gate might trigger. He needed to conserve internal energy and time.

I’ll just follow them inside.

Decision made, his movements grew smooth and unfaltering.

Sihyeon walked forward, intentionally creating soft footsteps—just loud enough to be heard. A civilian’s cautious gait.

Soon, the men froze. Sihyeon smirked faintly, quickly hiding it, and stumbled forward like a lost civilian.

A short distance later, the three split to surround him.

At least they aren’t completely incompetent.

Acting terrified, Sihyeon continued “searching around,” pretending to be unaware of them.

Tap.

A quiet footstep—far too soft for anyone but a trained fighter to detect. Sihyeon ignored it.

“Stop right there.”

Cold metal touched his neck.

“W-who are you? I have nothing! Please—spare me!”

Sihyeon mimicked Samayoon’s pitiful voice perfectly, nearly laughing despite himself.

“You’re not alone. Tell us where your group is.”

“P-please! Why are you doing this! Please, don’t hurt me!”

“No one’s killing you. Just talk.”

They continued questioning him. The longer Sihyeon stammered and refused to reveal imaginary companions, the more annoyed the men became—jabbing his back with the flat of their blades, but never showing killing intent.

“Y-you’re not really going to kill me… right…?”

“I said we’re not! This is good news for you anyway!”

“Y-yes… okay…”

Good news…?

Sihyeon bowed his head deeply, pretending to tremble, and began walking.

Then he sent a mental transmission:

{Everyone, act surprised and play along with me.}

There was no verbal answer, but he knew they heard.

“SIHYEON!”

As he rounded a corner, Hajung stopped short and shouted dramatically. The sudden soft affection in her voice when saying his name made him cringe internally—but the man behind him stiffened with suspicion.

“What the—red hair? You’ve got a hunter with you?”

They seemed thrown off—unable to believe a hunter would be traveling with someone as pitiful as Sihyeon’s act.

Ah.

Sihyeon cursed himself silently; he had forgotten about Hajung’s distinctly red hair.

A momentary silence.

But Hajung recovered instantly, mustering a foggy smile.

“Ah… right. But she’s D-rank…”

The three men exchanged meaningful glances. Sihyeon picked up on it immediately and resumed acting.

“They said people are gathering somewhere safe! They’re taking us! We’ll be okay now! We’ll live!”

“Really?!”

The group exchanged wary yet hopeful expressions—perfectly in character. The men did not seem suspicious of the subtle shifts in expression.

Sihyeon exhaled slowly and sent another mental message:

{I forgot about the hair. My mistake.}

Hajung couldn’t respond mentally, but she gave an imperceptible nod. Sihyeon silently cursed himself; he’d nearly ruined their clean infiltration.

{I’ll share what I learned before we enter. Remember everything.}

The men began leading them forward. The group was now headed into the formation’s interior.

They only needed to raid Samayoon’s storage. Once they secured the items, they’d be free of this place.

Sihyeon stepped forward calmly, relaying everything he’d deduced to his companions through silent transmission—one last briefing before entering the stronghold.