How the Regressed Munchkin Chews Up the Tower - H.R.M.C.U.T Chapter 14 (Part 1):

Yujin retraced his steps and left the way he came.

Having obtained what he needed, there was no reason to linger in this repulsive [Abyss].

Besides, if he stuck around too long, who knew what that deranged pervert might do next?

With the small bear dangling from his arm, he stepped onto the skill zone inscribed with 『Leap [E]』.

“To the 1st Floor.”

*Wooooong-.*

The skill engraved on the floor activated, and the surrounding scenery warped.

*Paah-!*

In an instant, he arrived on the 1st Floor.

At the same moment, the sharp gazes of several women turned toward Yujin.

Judging by the faint surprise in their eyes, it seemed they found his survival remarkable.

Just then, the manager who had guided Yujin to the 13th Floor approached.

“…Did you meet Cupiditas-nim?”

“Yeah, met her just fine. Got this gift, too.”

“Kyaaaaah-!”

When he shook his arm, the bear opened its mouth and let out an adorable sound.

*Hic-!*

The manager flinched, recoiling as she saw it.

From her reaction, it was clear she knew something about this thing.

‘Is this guy more impressive than I thought?’

Yujin cast a curious glance at the bear in light of her response.

It couldn’t just be an 『A』-grade item simply for swallowing and spitting out items.

There was probably something more to it that Yujin didn’t know about.

Perhaps Cupiditas had tampered with it in some way.

‘I’ll have to check it out later.’

With that rough thought, he started walking.

“Well, I’m off.”

He waved his hand casually as he left the Alchemist Guild.

“…I look forward to seeing you again.”

Her words were mere courtesy.

For some reason, she seemed wary of Yujin.

Whether it was because of Cupiditas, the bear, or Yujin himself, he didn’t know.

“Yeah, sure.”

He replied halfheartedly and stepped outside, greeted by a bustling atmosphere.

‘Oh, looks like more people showed up in the meantime?’

The time Yujin had spent on the 13th Floor wasn’t long.

Just a few words exchanged, a bit of intimidation, and picking up the bear—that was it.

At most, it couldn’t have taken an hour.

Yet, in that short time, the number of players had increased.

It seemed the other tutorial floors were gradually wrapping up.

‘No familiar faces around.’

As he walked through the streets, scanning his surroundings, he didn’t spot anyone particularly useful.

That only made him regret missing out on the Sword Empress earlier.

‘Where’s she hiding?’

He needed to find her soon and charm her with a gift of 『Black Wings [A]』.

Scratching the back of his head, the bear, clinging to his arm like a koala, let out a *Kwaaaang-!* cry.

Yujin gave it a dubious look before letting out a sigh.

Either way, this thing could serve as a 『Subspace』.

And since it was supposedly better than Cupiditas’s Subspace, he couldn’t just discard it.

“Calling you ‘bear’ all the time feels weird. Guess I should give you a name.”

What would be good?

As he walked down the street, he mulled over a few options.

‘Teddy… nah, that won’t do. Pooh’s a bit weird, too, isn’t it?’

After walking a bit further, Yujin lifted his arm to meet the bear’s eyes.

“Kwaaaang-!”

“Alright, it’s decided.”

What was so hard about a name?

As long as it’s easy to say and feels friendly, it’s fine.

“From now on, you’re Chunbae.”

“Kwaaaang-!”

It shook its head vigorously, as if it didn’t like it, but that didn’t matter.

The one giving the name gets to decide, after all.

“Let’s go, Chunbae!”

Ignoring the teary-eyed face of Chunbae, Yujin strode forward with energy.

“Now it’s time to get a mount.”

* * *

Ishia held her breath and slipped into a shadowed alleyway.

She’d barely calmed down at the bar when she ran into that insane, psychopathic murderer!

A grown man was walking around with a noisy bear plush-like dangling from his arm.

He’d even given it a name.

Chunbae, of all the weird names.

‘He’s definitely not normal.’

If she ran into him again, she’d surely end up in trouble.

He looked like the type to swing that black sword at his waist and commit a random murder without a second thought.

Determined not to get caught, Ishia stayed hidden in the alley until he was completely out of sight.

After a long while.

Finally confirming he was gone, Ishia let out a sigh of relief and emerged from the alley.

Still, she remained cautious, moving carefully through Terra’s streets.

‘He said I need to hunt to grow stronger, right?’

She pulled a business card from her pocket.

-Information Guild Terra Branch Leader, Mullen-

The Information Guild sounded like something out of a game or anime.

If the branch leader of such a group said it, it couldn’t be wrong.

Or rather, she wanted to believe it wasn’t wrong.

After all, Mullen was the first kind person she’d met in this Tower.

“Sulfur Deer, Sulfur Deer.”

She repeated the monster’s name that Mullen had mentioned.

He’d said hunting them was the fastest way to level up.

The problem was, Ishia couldn’t possibly take on a Sulfur Deer alone right now.

She absolutely needed companions.

At least five or more!

Ishia glanced around.

There were quite a few players, not just Terra’s residents.

‘This won’t do.’

Every single one of them had dark expressions—no, they were *terrified*. They didn’t even look like they’d dare leave the city, let alone hunt monsters.

Persuading them to join her was out of the question. Even if they agreed, they’d be too paralyzed with fear to be useful.

Fear was universal, but she needed someone with at least a bit of courage and ambition.

‘Yeah, someone like that lunatic from earlier.’

The moment the thought crossed her mind, Ishia froze in shock.

“…Have I gone crazy?”

Of all the people to think of, *him*?

She involuntarily imagined hunting with that guy.

“Ugh!”

She pictured her head, severed alongside a Sulfur Deer’s, mounted on a wall as a trophy.

“No matter how I think about it, that lunatic’s out of the question.”

Shaking her head quickly, she sighed and started walking again.

Dangun

I'm currently Translating the following novels: "Labyrinth Exploration 101" & "The Monarch Who Levels Up by Devouring " If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!

•