How the Regressed Munchkin Chews Up the Tower - H.R.M.C.U.T Chapter 27 (Part 2):

“…He passed out?”

Ishia blinked at the innkeeper’s sudden words.

That monster, unconscious?

What in the world had happened while she was asleep?

“That’s right. Came back on a horse this morning and just blacked out. Might take a while for him to wake up.”

Ishia turned to Park Jihoo.

He was staring back, eyes wide.

The message in his gaze was clear.

‘Should we bolt?’

It had only been a day—no, mere hours.

That’s how long they’d hunted with Yujin.

In that short time, they’d faced death dozens of times.

Sure, they’d leveled up like crazy, but…

‘We can’t keep living like this, can we?’

If they kept this up, they might actually die.

They’d barely survived yesterday, but one mistake could’ve been fatal.

No, the possibility was high.

Growth was great, but if it meant this kind of torture, maybe running away wasn’t a bad idea.

‘He’s unconscious, right?’

If Yujin were in top shape, escaping would’ve been unthinkable.

With the monstrous strength he’d shown yesterday, getting caught was only a matter of time.

But now, with him out cold, things were different.

Terra was vast, and the 1st Floor even more so.

If they escaped and hid now, he might not find them.

In that brief moment, Ishia and Park Jihoo held a silent conversation with their eyes.

But…

“W-we should wait, right?”

“…Yeah.”

They didn’t have the guts.

One in a thousand, one in a million.

What if they ran and got caught?

The thought of the consequences sent shivers down their spines.

Living with that fear seemed worse than sticking with the lunatic.

Honestly, as tough as it was, the thrill of leveling up had its own appeal.

Reaching a silent agreement, they started breakfast.

Since the lunatic was footing the bill, they ordered to their hearts’ content without worry.

“Delicious.”

“Right? Didn’t expect it to be this good.”

Compared to anything they’d eaten outside the Tower, it held its own.

They ended up eating far more than a typical breakfast.

“He’s gonna be out for a while. Wanna go explore outside?”

“Will that be okay? What if he wakes up and looks for us?”

“Just tell the innkeeper we’re stepping out. We’re not running away, so no need to be scared.”

Fair point. If they weren’t planning to ditch for good, a short outing wasn’t worth fretting over.

Plus, weren’t they a bit curious?

Yesterday, they’d been too frazzled to take in their surroundings.

Now, after a night to adjust, a quick look around didn’t sound bad.

“Alright, then.”

Park Jihoo nodded, and Ishia stood with a small smile.

“Terra, was it? The city’s bigger than I thought. Should be plenty to see.”

While they were at it, they wanted to check on the other players, especially those they’d been with yesterday.

With a touch of anticipation, the two left [Starlight Wayfarer].

“Wow….”

It was lively.

Even though they were a bit away from Terra’s center, the streets were bustling with people.

‘They don’t seem like players.’

You could tell from their expressions.

The faces in the crowd carried a sense of familiarity.

These weren’t people who’d been here for just a day or two.

Ishia grabbed Park Jihoo’s hand and wove through the crowd.

There were markets, cafes, restaurants.

Aside from the era’s differences, it wasn’t much different from the world outside the Tower.

The sight made Ishia feel oddly melancholic.

‘Can we ever go back?’

Didaskalia had said they could return to reality for a week each time they cleared five floors.

But to escape completely, they’d have to clear the entire Tower.

She wasn’t sure that was possible.

Even the 1st Floor was this grueling.

“Haa-.”

She let out a sigh without realizing it, her face bitter as she turned her head.

“Hey, a player.”

You could tell at a glance.

The face was full of worry, despair, and gloom.

It was like darkness had settled around them alone.

Ishia cautiously approached.

It wasn’t for any particular reason.

She just wanted to talk to someone from the real world, not the Tower’s denizens.

But…

“Hi, hiiiik!”

Spotting Ishia and Park Jihoo, the man yelped and collapsed onto the ground.

He was clearly terrified out of his wits.

“Are, are you okay?”

Startled, Ishia reached out a hand.

But he didn’t take it.

Instead, he scooted back on his rear to put distance between them.

‘What’s wrong with him?’

She’d seen plenty of scared players yesterday.

But someone this afraid of a woman and a boy? That was a first.

“They’re all dead! All of them!”

“…What are you talking about?”

All dead? Who?

“You’re gonna die too. No, we’re all gonna die. No one’s getting out. No one’s leaving this damned Tower!”

He didn’t seem sane.

His rambling, the drool dripping from his mouth—it all pointed to something traumatic from last night.

“Yeah, you! I remember you! You went hunting yesterday, didn’t you?”

“Huh? You saw us?”

He must’ve seen them head out with their group.

“But you came back alive? You survived? Just you two. No, you’re gonna die. You’ll die. You’re all gonna die!”

“What are you even saying? I don’t understand a word of this.”

Telling them they’d die out of nowhere.

Irritation flared up in Ishia.

But his next words froze her in place.

“Kim Jinho, Lee Seyoung, Goo Donghyuk!”

Familiar names.

They had to be.

The tank, the healer, the spear-wielder.

“The people you went out with? They’re all dead! Torn to shreds, devoured whole! By those monstrous beasts, all of them!”

Spit flew from his mouth.

But Ishia didn’t even think to dodge.

They were all dead?

By whom?

How?

With sunken eyes, Ishia asked.

“Where?”

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!

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