Transferred to an SSS-rank Production Class

[A catalyst for trait evolution sprouts.]

This message, familiar to me, was also seen by Taeyang right after breaking through the ninety-nine caves, she said. My plan was based on what I had heard then.

‘I originally had an A-rank trait called Gift of the 13th Month. But it’s going to change to S-rank.’

When I first heard this, I was so surprised I nearly fell over backwards. I thought she had talent, but to think she was born with S-rank potential.

According to Taeyang’s testimony, pulling out the hell tree was the turning point. We’re told not to try to understand the tower’s system, but neither Taeyang nor I knew exactly which part was the “catalyst.”

However, unlike my experience, Taeyang’s trait evolution seemed to require some time. Apparently, the evolution rate increased as she broadened her horizons. The new name of the trait would also be fully determined then. It was fitting for Taeyang’s trait, which was in many ways still in its growth phase.

This alone was remarkable news, but what caught my attention was what she said next.

‘You know, it’s not just the trait that changed, but a skill too.’

What changed was Taeyang’s ultimate skill, Gate of the Dead. Unlike my “Attribute Bestowal” skill which dramatically increased in rank, Gate of the Dead only had one line added to its description, she said.

That single sentence would determine the fate of this floor.

[Gate of the Dead (S)

: All those belonging to the afterlife shall return to their place. Summons a gate that devours the wicked before its master.

: As the once-high boundary of the other side fades, the gate’s opening is permitted even to those of this world.]

◆◇◆◇◆

“We can go straight to the afterlife using the gate summoned by Hunter Cha Taeyang’s skill.”

No matter how close we are as party members, one can’t reveal everything about a hunter’s core traits and skills. Especially the story about the ongoing trait evolution needed to be broached carefully.

‘Knowing someone’s trait is the same as knowing their weakness, after all.’

Fortunately, none of those present had ever witnessed “Gate of the Dead.” Thanks to this, I didn’t need to disclose the trait evolution. After explaining to the group as concisely as possible, I quickly shifted their attention before questions could arise.

“Now that we have a method, shall we discuss how to divide our personnel?”

This time, there was no need to split the team into fine details. One team to find Baek-a in the afterlife, and another to monitor the Three-Headed Nine-Tailed Fox’s movements here and prepare for the Sak month – this division should suffice.

No sooner had I finished speaking than Shin-ju tightly hugged me. Lee Kang-to, not to be outdone, climbed down from the tree and grabbed my sleeve, shaking it.

“My sunshine, we must go together this time, right?”

“I-I can’t give in this time either. You promised we’d definitely be together next time after the palace incident!”

“Both of you, calm down for now. Shouldn’t we have this discussion after calling Cha Taeyang over?”

Han Cha-hyun looked at me as if seeking agreement, so I nodded. Well, to be honest, I already had a combination in mind.

Considering various factors, sending me, Cha Taeyang, Han Cha-hyun, and Lee Kang-to to the afterlife team, and Park Shin-ju, Yun Su-ho, and the goblin to the living world team seemed the best option.

Since we needed to use Gate of the Dead to return, Taeyang had to be included in the afterlife team. With Lee Kang-to, who could be easily persuaded to move, and Han Cha-hyun to act as a restraint, we should be able to handle anything that happens in the afterlife.

‘I’m sorry to Shin-ju, but I have a separate favor to ask her.’

It would be comfortable for me to move with Shin-ju, with whom I work well, and ask someone else for the favor, but there was no suitable candidate. It would be a lie if I said I didn’t intend to detach Yun Su-ho as well, under the pretext of his contact with other hunters.

I rehearsed in my mind the words to convince the party members as I waited for Taeyang to join us.

Soon after, Taeyang sat down next to me with the goblin and Haerang perched on each shoulder. She had surrounded herself with blue flames to dry off, and the warmth reached even me.

“I’ve already discussed everything with Hunter Cha Taeyang via message, so there’s no need for further explanation, right?”

“Yes, unni!”

“Hey, hey! What secret talk did you two have without Sori?”

Seeing the grumbling goblin, Taeyang broke into a cheerful smile. However, as she showed no sign of answering, the goblin fluttered over to the whale, Haerang.

“Everyone’s so mean! Right, whale?”

– Kyuu, kyut?

“You’ll all know soon enough.”

The curious goblin would surely be excited once the talk of the afterlife came up. It seemed better to bring up the topic quickly rather than trying to coax him clumsily.

“I’ve given this some thought already.”

As soon as I began speaking, eyes filled with various expectations turned towards me.

“I think it would be best to split into four, two… no, including Sori, four and three.”

“Mr. Kim, is Sori included too?”

“Of course. We’ll need Sori’s help this time too, just like in the palace.”

Perhaps due to the joy of being recognized as a valuable asset, the goblin immediately retracted his protruding lip and cheered. After his clear, ringing cheer subsided a bit, I resumed my explanation.

“Shin-ju, I’d like you to keep an eye on other hunters’ movements with Yun Su-ho, as before.”

“Ech, you’re abandoning me again?”

“You’ll need to move around rather than stay in one place, so wouldn’t you be better suited for this than others? It wouldn’t be good to increase the number of faces exposed on that side either.”

Though her face was full of discontent, Shin-ju seemed to understand as the strength left her arms wrapped around me. The other three also just nodded, apparently without objection.

“But Gaho-ssi. Didn’t you say four or three?”

“Ah, yes. I think it would be good if two people plus Sori formed one team.”

“So the afterlife side has four. That’s fine. There will be more variables on that side anyway.”

Hmm, but why is the goblin so quiet? I thought he would jump into the conversation as soon as his name was mentioned. Just as I was wondering, the goblin spoke up.

“Afterlife? Mr. Kim, did you just say afterlife?”

“Yes, that’s right, but…”

“And you’re saying you’ll take our Taeyang there?”

The goblin’s face, after asking these questions in succession, turned so pale I worried he might faint.

‘Come to think of it, I’ve never seen Sori so expressionless before.’

The goblin had always been sensitive about Taeyang’s safety, but today’s reaction was particularly unusual. Even his eyes, which always sparkled, were deeply sunken. For the first time, I truly felt the unspeakably long years he must have lived.

Everyone seemed to have similar thoughts, unable to answer readily. At that moment, Taeyang stepped forward.

“Ugh, really. Cha Sori, this is why I didn’t tell you!”

“Listen to me, Taeyang.”

“I know how preciously you all raised me. But I’m not a little kid anymore. I can judge what’s dangerous and what’s safe. So please don’t act like this…”

“That’s not the issue!”

The highly strung goblin burst out in anger. But only for a moment. As if regretting shouting at Taeyang, he let out a small sigh and continued in a much calmer tone.

“Even when all the other family members opposed, I supported your decision to come down from the mountain, didn’t I? That’s why I’m here with you.”

“Then why are you acting like this!”

“Yes, Sori-ssi. Please explain your reasons. We’d be in a very difficult situation without Taeyang-ssi.”

“…I can’t explain the reason. Anyway, absolutely not! Taeyang, if you’re going to the afterlife, be prepared to never see me again until you die. Got it?”

The goblin, after snapping this out, deliberately flew high and disappeared towards the lake. Even then, he didn’t forget to turn back and issue a warning to the rest of the group, indicating his unyielding stance.

“And you lot too. Just try taking her without my knowledge! I’ll hate you forever, forever!”

An awkward silence fell in the place where the goblin had been. Only the sound of Shin-ju comforting the fuming Taeyang could be heard occasionally.

“This is quite a dilemma…”

Taeyang’s journey to the afterlife was a non-negotiable issue for us. However, it was difficult to force the matter while ignoring the goblin’s warning. We would need the goblin’s help for many things in this floor in the future.

‘Somehow, I have a feeling we shouldn’t ignore those words.’

While I was weighing the options, Taeyang, who had composed herself, suddenly stood up.

“I’m sorry. I’ll go and persuade him quickly.”

“No, Hunter Cha Taeyang, it’s better if you stay here.”

“Gaho-unni?”

If Taeyang and the goblin were to face each other right now, it would only reignite the emotions that had just barely been calmed.

After all, among us, I was the closest to the goblin after Taeyang. Moreover, we had been together constantly for the past few days, so he might at least pretend to listen to me.

“Please leave this to me.”

I stood up, patting the back of the anxious child reassuringly. Seeing Taeyang, usually as bright as her namesake sun, looking so gloomy made me even more concerned.

“Thank you, unni.”

“Then we’ll trust Gaho-ssi and continue our other discussions first. Is that alright?”

“Yes, I’d appreciate that.”

I waved goodbye to the group and headed in the direction the goblin had disappeared.

“He went towards the lake, right?”

Befitting the early hour, a thick peach blossom fragrance wafted from the misty lake. Even the bone-chilling cold seemed to vanish like a lie around this mystical lake.

– Kyuuu, kyu

“Hey, are you telling me to follow you?”

– Kyut!

Just as I was wondering how to find the tiny goblin, Haerang, who had been following me, stepped forward. Too young to read the serious atmosphere, the chimera excitedly led the way across the lake.

“It doesn’t seem like we’re going to the other side. Is he on the lake?”

Swimming at this hour. Lamenting my unfortunate fate, I plunged into the lake after Haerang. Fortunately, our destination soon revealed itself.

In the center of the lake was an island with a huge tree. It was an impressive ancient tree, but I hadn’t noticed it due to the dim dawn and the mist.

The goblin was there, in front of Sarome who was lying on his belly looking bored, bawling his eyes out.

“Waaah, if anything happens to Taeyang, I’ll hang myself and die too!”