TWKH Ch 24

Exam period passed quickly. Jehyun was lucky to have only one midterm exam, so apart from preparing a report for the final, he wasn’t too busy. However, most students were studying so hard they looked like walking corpses.

Moreover, this was Korea University, the place where the smartest students in Korea gathered. Even with no donation admissions possible, the atmosphere was tense as even among geniuses, there were those who came first and last. The school atmosphere during exam period was intense. Seo Eunjae, who usually whined daily, and Baekyung, who almost visited Jehyun’s house every day, were hard to see.

Jehyun rested his chin on his hand, thinking of Baekyung blushing from what he had done. Was it a crazy thing to do? Thinking about how Baekyung left his house in a hurry made him feel that way.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

But at that moment, he just wanted to find out. He wanted to know if Ha Baekyung saw him as just a friendly mentor or if his actions had some intention behind them.

After the moment passed, he regretted being too hasty, but he couldn’t take back spilled water. So Jehyun focused on replaying Baekyung’s reaction.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

He wasn’t sure what that blush meant. Was it surprise, embarrassment, shyness, excitement? The important thing was that Baekyung was so flustered that he mistook the study door for the front door. Jehyun smiled quietly, recalling the fumbling Baekyung.

Eventually giving up on studying, Jehyun leaned back in his chair and looked up at the ceiling.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

He communicated very well with Ha Baekyung. Their thoughts and values were so similar that conversations with him were enjoyable until the moment they parted.

Even after parting, Jehyun found joy in reminiscing about their conversations, which surprised even himself. Until now, Caplet was the only thing that had that effect on him.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

When he first saw him at orientation, he was just drawn to his physique, similar to Shin Jehee. Though they might be different breeds, Baekyung’s big dog-like feel made him seem especially cute. However, it wasn’t just his appearance; Baekyung’s actions were cute too.

No matter what Jehyun said, Baekyung never showed dislike or negativity, just agreeing with him. Some people said yes but did other things behind his back, but Ha Baekyung wasn’t like that.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

He was just as he appeared. Baekyung was gentle, cute, and lovable. …Lovable was a subjective view, but still.

He was also very kind. Shin Jehyun recalled Baekyung holding his hand in the cinema that night. Since then, Baekyung had continued pretending to be scared of horror movies, considering Jehyun’s embarrassment.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Jehyun crossed his arms, surprised by how many reasons there were to like Baekyung. At the same time, he wondered how many others liked Ha Baekyung too. Competition meant vigilance was necessary.

“…….”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

What should he do next? He wondered.

It was his first time liking someone. He had felt simple attraction before, but pondering if the other liked him too was a first with Baekyung.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Usually, would one confess in this situation? Jehyun pondered and picked up his phone. Debating between Seo Eunjae and Shin Jehwan, he dialed Jehwan’s number.

— Yes, little brother.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

His voice was dripping with cheesiness, likely because he was in the announcer’s room. Cringing, Jehyun got up and went to the kitchen, looking for kimchi while asking,

“What are you doing? Do you have a moment?”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

— If my little brother asks, of course, I’ll make time. Let me make a quick call?

Jehyun bared his teeth like a growling puppy, opening the fridge. Taking out the fresh kimchi his father recently sent, he inhaled its scent while speaking to Shin Jehwan.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Hyung, I like someone.”

— …What?

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

The abrupt opening seemed shockingly dramatic. Jehwan’s surprised voice questioned, then a door closed somewhere, and he stammered in his usual tone.

— W-wait. Let me guess.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“What guess? Are you a mind reader? Is this a show? No appearance fee, just listen.”

Shin Jehwan had once appeared on a magic show during Lunar New Year as a guest magician. It was well-received and rumored to become a regular program. Thinking he was overly immersed in the magician role, Jehyun was about to cut him off when Jehwan spoke first.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

— The person you like is a guy, right?

“…….”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

At his words, Jehyun frowned. How did he know? Feeling a chill, he stayed silent as Jehwan laughed, asking if it was true.

With an awkward smile, Jehyun sighed briefly and asked back.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“How did you know?”

— Wow. As expected… I mean, you’ve never dated anyone before, and suddenly you call me to ask about this? It didn’t seem like an ordinary situation. I remembered you never showed much interest in girls, so I wondered. And you’re gay. I had a feeling. Even Jehee asked me if you were gay.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Listening to him ramble, Jehyun regretted calling Shin Jehwan. Realizing that asking for relationship advice had turned into a sort of coming out, he frowned.

“And you’re not bothered by me being gay?”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

— There are plenty of people like that around here. I kind of expected it, so it’s not surprising. So, what’s up? Want to know how to do it with a guy?

Annoyed by Shin Jehwan’s teasing tone, Jehyun hung up. The phone rang again immediately. Sighing, he answered, and Jehwan laughed and apologized.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

— Sorry. What’s up? Tell me.

It was hard to believe this guy was considered Korea’s top announcer. Thinking the future of Korean broadcasting was bleak, Jehyun hesitated before asking cautiously.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“I like someone. I like them… What do I do now?”

— …What do you mean?

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“When do you confess? When you feel like you’re going crazy because you like them? Or…”

— What nonsense. Shin Jehyun, listen carefully. Guys like us, with many sins, can’t just blurt things out. You only confess in one situation: when the other person says they like you, and you like them too.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“What are you talking about? Who has many sins?”

He was spouting nonsense. Frowning, Jehyun asked, and Shin Jehwan explained.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

— Jehyun, listen to me. You know that guys like us, who are good-looking, attract attention. We can’t just confess to anyone. If you get rejected and rumors spread, people will think you’re promiscuous.

“Do you have a celebrity complex? Who cares that much about us?”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

— It’s not a celebrity complex. Sigh. You don’t understand the life of a national son-in-law… Anyway, don’t confess lightly. Beyond all that, it’s best to confess when you’re sure the other person likes you. Confession is not a declaration of war; it’s an ending. It’s ending the relationship as friends, so it has to be that way. Got it? Anyway, how does this person treat you? Just a friend? Or a junior? It’s not Eunjae, right?

“Stop talking nonsense! Do you think it’s Seo Eunjae?”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Jehyun wanted to record the conversation and report it to another broadcasting station. Cringing at the idea of liking Seo Eunjae, he reluctantly explained.

“They’re really nice to me. Very kind and gentle, and there’s some physical contact.”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

— Are they only kind to you, or to everyone? Don’t misunderstand things on your own, Jehyun. You watch the news your father anchors, right? There are so many crazy people in the world. Don’t be like them.

“Do you think I’m stupid?”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

— Considering your question, it seems a bit foolish.

At Shin Jehwan’s playful response, Jehyun clicked his tongue and sighed. Am I special to Ha Baekyung? Honestly, he couldn’t be sure since he hadn’t seen Baekyung with others much.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

They only met during Monday classes, and they usually went to and from school together, leaving no chance for others to intervene.

Since he hadn’t thought of Baekyung that way before, he hadn’t paid attention to how Baekyung interacted with others when they went out with juniors. The only evidence he had was from overhearing conversations between Hyun Jiwon and Baekyung, the first-year class president.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Jiwon had mentioned that Baekyung didn’t get along well with his peers. Ha Baekyung also said he felt uncomfortable with others but liked being with Jehyun.

But isn’t that just something you say because he’s a mentor, a Sunbae?

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Shin Jehyun would also answer “You’re comfortable” if someone asked if he was uncomfortable, so he couldn’t be sure Baekyung saw him as special just from that.

As Jehyun sighed deeply, Shin Jehwan chuckled as if he had found a weakness.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

— Ah, this is driving me crazy. My little brother is still like a baby.

“Enough, I’m hanging up.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

— Okay, baby. Don’t forget we’re having dinner together this weekend. Got it?

This weekend, they had a family dinner planned for Parents’ Day. Jehyun said he understood and hung up. Then, fiddling with his phone, he sent a message to Baekyung.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

17:19 Me [Baekyung, how many exams do you have left?]

Ha Baekyung usually replied promptly, but during the exam period, his responses were much slower. Jehyun, unable to wait any longer, finally asked him first.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

17:20 Me [Do you want to go to the festival with me after exams are over?]

Once the exams are over, Daedongje Festival begins. Although Korea University’s Daedongje might not be as famous for pouring money into it as Sago University, there are still plenty of sights and activities to enjoy. Watching the various performances around the campus with Baekyung would be great. And maybe I could also get the “confirmation” Shin Jehwan mentioned. With a nervous heart, Jehyun waited for a reply.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Hurry up and gather. Why are you so slow?”

Contempt→ Hyung, why are you in such a rush?

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“We have to clear this today.”

Boss→ Have we ever taken more than a day to clear before? Do you have plans tonight?

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Matgom→ Last time, you scolded Habaek for having plans at night. Could it be our guild master this time…?

“No, no. I’m not that petty.”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The plans were for tomorrow, not today. He had agreed to go to the festival with Baekyung tomorrow. However, Jehyun couldn’t contain his excitement and hurried the Party members.

“Is Caplet a joke to you? Why aren’t you here yet?”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Boss→ I’m teleporting, you madman.

“Want me to show you what a real madman is? Let’s move quickly.”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Taking a deep breath and once again urging them, Jehyun pressed alt-tab to see that all Party members were connected to voice chat.

The dungeon today was the oversaturated Black Tower. The Black Tower is structured like rounds, with five bosses appearing repeatedly.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The normal dungeon spans floors 1 to 5, and the saturated dungeon has strengthened bosses from floors 1 and 5 appearing from floors 6 to 10. The oversaturated dungeon likely requires clearing up to floor 15 for the first clear title.

“Take a page from Habaek’s book. He’s always first.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Habaek was already in the dungeon. Whether in sieges, rank farming, battles, or first clear attempts, Habaek always moved first. His preparedness and diligence were exemplary.

[Party] Habaek: Haha;; creepy

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Caught off guard by the praise, Habaek sweated nervously. Jehyun snickered and responded in chat.

[Party] Healer: Hyung gives good compliments, right?ㅎㅎ

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

[Party] Contempt: ㅇㅅㅇ;;

[Party] Contempt: They act like a couple.. ;ㅅ;

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

[Party] SpellChecker: Agreedㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[Party] SpellChecker: They don’t even know they’re datingㅋㅋ

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

They always acted like any mention of Habaek meant they were a couple. If he scolded, they’d ask if it was hard tolerating his prickly personality; if he ignored, they’d say they fought, and now a compliment made them a couple. There seemed to be no escape from the couple frame with Habaek.

It was all the result of Jehyun calling Habaek “baby” to drive him out before the guilds merged. Realizing it was all his karma, Jehyun didn’t bother correcting them anymore.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Clucking his tongue, Jehyun changed the subject.

“When does the broadcast start?”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Starting from the Black Tower, they decided to live stream the first clear attempts. The suspicions of bug clearing from the Ancient Crossroads clear still hadn’t died down.

Matgom had turned his private broadcast account public, revealing all first clear videos. Once it was clear Countess hadn’t used bugs, their attackers ─ like Kanglimdoryeong ─ shifted to accusing Countess of being cowards for not live streaming first clears like Jicheonwang.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Being straightforward meant they didn’t care about anonymous bug clearing suspicions, but this was different.

[They’re scared Elka’s party will overtake them if gimmicks are revealed in the live streamㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Seeing several comments with that nuance, Jehyun proposed a 10-minute delayed live broadcast to the Party members. Since ElkaRose’s party also streamed with a 10-minute delay, it was a challenge to first clear under the same conditions.

Countess guild members, not ones to shy away, all agreed to the broadcast, and SpellChecker was chosen as the streamer.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Matgom→ Just turned it on. It will be delayed and start in 10 minutes.

“Will our voices be heard?”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Matgom→ No, only mine.

“Then it’s okay to swear?”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Contempt→ How much swearing are you planning to do…

Matgom→ By the way, everyone wants to hear the guild master’s swearing.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Me? They want to hear me swear? Why?”

Do they have a weird taste for being insulted? Jehyun asked, puzzled, and the chat window filled with responses.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

[Party] Boss12MoreHours: Because it’s sㅋㅋㅋㅋeㅋㅋㅋxyㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[Party] Boss12MoreHours: I’m streaming right nowㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ in the chat, Caplet fans are saying they want to hear Healer’s swearing because it’s hotㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

[Party] Habaek: Our darling is quite sassy^^

[Party] Contempt: ;ㅅ;;

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

[Party] Boss12MoreHours: What’s with you againㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

Boss’s comment was ridiculous enough, but Habaek’s agreement was even more outrageous. Seeing their chat, Jehyun confirmed that all Party members had arrived and cast buffs.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Why are you being so provocative?”

Matgom→ Seems like they’re getting jealous.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

No one took Habaek’s compliments at face value. Reflecting on today’s events, Jehyun replied to Matgom’s point.

“What, I haven’t done anything yet?”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

He hadn’t even had a proper conversation with Habaek today. Plus, Habaek, being a freshman, seemed busy with exams, making him hard to see unless they were rank farming. They hadn’t had a quarrel in a while.

Then why this attitude? Jehyun asked, and Habaek laughed, responding,

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

[Party] Habaek: You complimented me, so I just complimented back^^?

[Party] Contempt: (Definitely not just a compliment)

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

[Party] Healer: If you have a problem, say it.

[Party] SpellChecker: No fighting before we start.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

[Party] Boss12MoreHours: Let’s commemorate Matgom’s streamer debut with a duel—character deletion on the line at Neungdong Jizone PC Café.

Jehyun genuinely praised Habaek’s diligence, but Habaek didn’t seem to like it. What’s this guy’s problem? Habaek was incredibly sensitive.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

But there was no time for a verbal sparring match with Habaek. The focus was on something more important.

“Enough chit-chat, let’s clear the floor.”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Jehyun cast buffs once more. As soon as the buffs were done, he pressed the shortcut key to start the countdown.

Today’s challenge was the Black Tower, a structure in Caplet’s northern region.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Long ago, when hundreds of kingdoms existed, the emperor who unified the continent through military might grew increasingly arrogant. Just like in countless stories, he built a Babel Tower adorned with pride.

The emperor raised the tower higher and higher, filling the lower levels with gold and jewels plundered from the kingdoms. The greed emanating from these treasures awoke the god of greed, Kachala, from deep underground. To crush the emperor who dared challenge divine authority, Kachala caused a massive earthquake.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The dozens of floors of the tower sank into the fissure, leaving only the upper part where the emperor resided above ground.

Thousands of years later, in the present, Raptors, who landed on Caplet by opening a gate, discovered the buried abandoned tower. While exploring, they found a deep lava flow underground.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Gaitron, the 3rd Legion Commander of the Raptors, chose the abandoned tower as the site for Raptor weapon manufacturing. The tower, now a Raptor forge, emitted black smoke daily.

The black smoke from Raptor ore quickly turned the once white marble tower black. The key point was that the tower, located in the ice-covered north, was hard for humans to access.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The alliance continued searching for Raptor weapon depots. Decades after the Raptors nested in the tower, rumors spread about the changes, revealing the tower as a Raptor military stronghold.

Heroes dispatched to destroy the armory encountered Gaitron’s subordinates on the first floor of the tower rising above ground, marking the start of the battle.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

On the 1st floor, the first boss was Gerun, a chief lieutenant of Gaitron and one of the artisans who made the Masapo. The Masapo is a cannon that condenses magic and fires it in bullet form. Originally Raptor technology, it was one of the weapons passed down to humans after decades of war.

The strategy for Gerun was simple. All five Party members had to get on the Masapo and avoid the rising lava on the floor while destroying Gerun’s furnace.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“Starting a game company is pretty easy, huh?”

From the 1st to the 10th floor, it was as expected, no different from the saturated dungeon. Thus, having cleared up to the 10th floor faster than anyone else, they faced the oversaturated Gerun again on the 11th floor.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

“No one could have predicted a triple fight in one dungeon.”

Matgom→ Is this a Guinness record?

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Boss→ I’ll seriously report this.

Despite the slight hope, Capitol Studio did not disappoint the players’ expectations. Reusing the same bosses three times honestly, Jehyun was genuinely impressed.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

To extract money from people like me, you have to be this shameless. Nodding and clicking his tongue, he refreshed the buffs.

Meanwhile, his phone screen showed them clearing the 6th floor. It was a scene from 10 minutes ago.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

In the adjacent chat window, news came that ElkaRose’s Party had also reached the 6th floor. It was at a very similar pace. Feeling competitive, Jehyun started the countdown.

“Let’s go.”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The true oversaturated dungeon was beginning now.

“Left, left, left!”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Boss→ Wow, fuck!

“This is ridiculous.”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Contempt→ How? Seriously? Does it work like this?

The repetition was indeed nasty. It was truly surprising how they could twist such an obvious pattern this much. Jehyun tapped his foot, watching the Party window where they had wiped out.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

They had been stuck on Gerun for two hours, unable to get past the 11th floor.

“No, what’s so infuriating is.”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Unable to contain himself, Jehyun started speaking. Pausing for a deep breath, he continued.

“If they mixed in complex patterns, there’d at least be some fun in figuring it out, but this is just telling us not to play.”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Matgom→ Exactly. I haven’t been this mad in a while.

“Ahn Yiyoung, that son of a…”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Jehyun barely swallowed the rest of his sentence. He wanted to spew curses but didn’t want to waste energy during the strategy. Even the calories spent cursing Ahn Yiyoung felt wasteful.

Sighing deeply, Jehyun bit into a stress-relief lemon candy and said.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Let’s go again.”

His voice, gritted with determination, was brimming with intensity. Eyes narrowed, Jehyun gripped his mouse and cast buffs.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

3

2

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

1

Start!

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

You board the prototype magic cannon (0).

You feel the effect of mana condensation.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Using booster.

Gerun, the completely mad engineer Get on my cannon? Ha! You think you can ruin this magic cannon like you did the Masapo! I’d rather destroy it!

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

The completely mad engineer Gerun, now with the prefix “completely” due to oversaturation, shouted before the massive furnace.

The map Gerun was on was a very high-ceilinged, spacious area. The square-shaped floor, entirely made of metal grates, had a narrow bridge leading to Gerun’s furnace at the edge.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Thanks to the Raptors digging, hot lava flowed beneath the metal grates, applying a constant heat debuff to players above.

As soon as the Party members entered the metal grates, they got on the lined-up prototype magic cannons. Before Gerun’s dialogue even finished, they efficiently positioned the cannons in a row. Jehyun was at the front, Habaek at the back.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

As soon as they aligned, the ground trembled, and lava erupted everywhere except where they stood. The metal floor turned red hot, and a message from the allied god Kachala appeared in the center of the screen.

I will grant you the strength to endure the heat….

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Please silence this land.

Kachala, who had destroyed the emperor’s Babel Tower and then slumbered again, had been awakened by the Raptors. Unlike Caplet’s creatures, the noise from subspecies Raptor slaves and Raptor engineers in the furnace was so loud that Kachala had been waiting for a chance to drive them out.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

However, unlike thousands of years ago when he could cause earthquakes due to greed from the emperor’s collected jewels, the subspecies Raptors in the furnace barely felt greed, so Kachala couldn’t gain power. Meeting the heroes, Kachala lent them some of his earth-controlling power.

You feel the effect of Kachala’s blessing.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Gerun is enraged.

Lava is targeting someone.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

You feel the effect of lava targeting.

[Party] Habaek: Targeted

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“It’s me. I’ve got it.”

The lava targeting buff, which was also a debuff, was on Healer. It was his job to control the lava waves.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Lava, corrupted by the Raptors’ malevolence, gained intelligence through continuous communication with Gerun and moved according to his commands.

The reason Gerun could advance faster than other lieutenants was exactly that. Gerun could use lava to melt and refine Raptor ore much more efficiently than other Raptors.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

When the lava targeting came to Jehyun, the red, simmering lava below began to boil rapidly. Jehyun quickly moved his character to the corner of the mesh map. One, two, three… counting internally, he moved away when he reached five.

Swoosh, lava shot up where he had been, and Party members clustered in the center of the map fired cannons at Gerun’s furnace.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Really dodge well.”

Jehuyn said seriously, continuing to navigate the magic cannon to avoid the area where the Party members were standing. At some point, lava began following him.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The lava, given intelligence by Gerun, had a form similar to a Raptor. It had a long snout, a crocodile-like face, and a thick body similar to a Raptor, but made entirely of lava.

The lava kept following Jehuyn, and the longer he moved, the longer its body became.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Throughout the Gerun strategy, Party members’ health was fixed at one. Although their health dropped to the limit due to the heat debuff, Kachala’s blessing prevented death.

In this “touch and die” situation, the lava followed Jehuyn’s path exactly, while Gerun’s subordinates threw burning Raptor ore from above, and lava pillars erupted from the ground at irregular intervals.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The remaining four Party members had to avoid the ore, continually move to avoid the lava, and keep firing at the furnace. The difficulty was that the magic cannons had numbers attached.

The completely mad engineer Gerun Hehe… Want to know what happens when that number reaches 5?

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

[Party] Contempt: Asking for a friendㅇㅅ”ㅇ..

The completely mad engineer Gerun If you’re curious, see for yourself…!

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Everyone already knew what happened when the magic cannon’s number reached five. They couldn’t not know. They had already died several times from self-destructing magic cannons over the past hour.

Gerun was extremely angry that his masterpiece, the Masapo, had been passed on to humans. Seeing humans modify the Masapo, place it in castles, and use it in battles against Raptors made him furious enough to spit blood.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

So, Gerun incorporated a self-destruct function into the newly developed magic cannon. It would explode upon making contact with a magical entity more than five times, inspired by the fact that humans all held magic within them. It was a determination to never let humans have the magic cannon.

Of course, the magic cannon itself was imbued with magic, so just brushing against another magic cannon would trigger self-destruction. As the lava lengthened like a game of snake and burning Raptor ore rained down, players unintentionally brushing against each other’s cannons edged closer to a wipe.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

It was similar yet different from Kaiyen’s bombardment in the Ancient Crossroads.

“Agh!”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Jehyun exclaimed in frustration.

The lava’s length had almost doubled. Scattered Raptor ore impeded Jehuyn’s attempts to avoid touching the lava’s tail.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Boss→ Hey, this isn’t going to work.

“Positions are terrible, right?”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Matgom→ The worst.

Contempt→ Quick restart?

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Shall we?”

To drag the lava around, there needed to be scattered Raptor ore. That way, he could avoid heading to the center as much as possible and buy time.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

However, as time passed, more ore made it impossible for Jehuyn to find a spot to move. Eventually, dodging the abundant ore and the lava tail forced him to head towards the Party members, leading to a wipe.

Seeing Contempt and Matgom brush their magic cannons and self-destruct, Jehuyn took his hands off the keyboard, feeling helpless.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Isn’t this strange?”

Reviving after death, Jehuyn voiced his suspicion.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Boss→ The pattern?

“Yes.”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Boss→ It’s really weird. Feels like they’re telling us not to clear it.

Boss was right. Based on their gameplay so far, there was no way to clear it like this. The lava tail kept lengthening, and Raptor ore rained down.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

No matter how they calculated, there wasn’t enough space for Party members to move without self-destructing. Jehuyn tapped his mouse, deep in thought.

[Party] Habaek: But completely blocking progress like this isn’t Capitol Studio’s style.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

[Party] Healer: Yeah, that’s what I’m saying.

That was precisely what Jehyun found odd. Sometimes an endless shield pattern prevented progress if damage wasn’t sufficient, which could be seen as Capitol Studio’s way of testing job proficiency. But Gerun’s pattern didn’t seem to have any solution.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

It felt like the random positioning of falling Raptor ore decided the clear, but after playing Caplet for five years, Jehyun was sure Capitol Studio wouldn’t design a gimmick this way. There had to be another solution, but the problem was he couldn’t figure out what it was.

Boss→ Then let’s try the Snake Bite approach again. Maybe the angles are predetermined, or we need to consume the ore at the moment it falls… something like that.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

The classic game “Snake Bite,” commonly known as the snake game, involved moving a long-bodied snake around a map to eat apples.

Players could only move the snake up, down, left, or right. Eating an apple made the snake longer, and hitting the wall or the snake’s own body resulted in a game over. It was a very simple but challenging game.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

About 30 minutes ago, they had thought of Snake Bite and tried to use the lava to consume the Raptor ore. However, the attempt had failed. The lava followed right behind Jehyun, and for the lava to touch the ore, Jehyun at the front had to rush into the ore, which led to Healer’s immediate death. After multiple attempts, they had given up, but now they were reconsidering.

“Shall we?”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Just as Jehyun responded, he heard a surprised “Oh?” through his headset. Matgom then spoke.

Matgom→ …Elka’s team cleared Gerun.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

It was a turnaround. Jehyun’s expression hardened.

“They cleared it…?”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

How? The question remained swallowed inside. The chat window next to the monitor flooded with mentions of ElkaRose. The news had just come in, meaning they had actually cleared it 10 minutes ago.

Jehyun quickly reached out and turned his phone over. Immediately, he spoke to the Party members.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Everyone with the broadcast on, turn it off.”

First clears were sacred. Jehyun didn’t want to hear others’ clearing methods and use that as a hint to clear the dungeon. Doing so would make the first clear meaningless.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

This was a belief Jehyun held since he started playing the game, and Party members like Contempt and Boss, who understood Shin Jehyun’s nature, immediately complied.

Contempt→ Got it.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Boss→ Turned off.

The problem was those who didn’t understand Jehyun’s approach.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Matgom→ Oh… you’re not going to watch it?

[Party] Habaek: Why turn it off?

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Both asked simultaneously, making Jehyun frown. Why turn it off? Isn’t it obvious? Staring at the chat window, Jehyun finally spoke.

“I don’t like clearing with others’ strategies. It’s meaningless. If that’s the case, we might as well give up here.”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Matgom→ Oh… okay. I’ll turn it off. I heard about their Party through the chat, so I’ll freeze the chat. Didn’t watch their strategy.

Fortunately, Matgom seemed to understand Jehyun’s position. Informing the viewers, Matgom immediately froze the chat in the ongoing broadcast to prevent any influence from Elka’s strategy.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

However, Habaek didn’t seem to accept Jehyun’s approach. Standing silently far from the buffs, Habaek typed in the chat.

[Party] Habaek: Why take the long way when the goal is the first clear?

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

[Party] Habaek: Strategies are meant to be shared. Live-streaming a first clear means they’re okay with others knowing.

[Party] Habaek: Why go out of the way?

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

[Party] Contempt: ;ㅅ;..

[Whisper] Contempt: Don’t fight…

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Contempt, anticipating a fight, whispered to Jehyun immediately upon seeing the chat. Jehyun, raising an eyebrow, stared at the chat window and then laughed as he spoke.

[Party] Healer: Are we here to enjoy the game or to be number one?

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

[Party] Healer: It’s not like we can’t clear it. They cleared Gerun, so there’s a strategy. That’s all we need to know.

[Party] Healer: I don’t like picking up others’ leftovers.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

[Party] Habaek: Haha

Habaek laughed briefly at Jehyun’s quick words. Usually, Habaek’s laugh preceded something infuriating. Sitting with a displeased face, Jehyun watched as Habaek continued.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

[Party] Habaek: Haha, enjoying the game took you an hour at the first boss?

[Party] Healer: Was I holding you back?

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Of course, Jehyun thought. Gritting his teeth, he replied, and Habaek responded again.

[Party] Habaek: If another Party cleared it, I’d agree and move on too.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

[Party] Habaek: But Elka will take our strategy and clear it if we go first.

[Party] Habaek: Can you really not get mad?

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Though annoyed, he couldn’t argue with Habaek’s point.

The two were friends and seemed quite close. Habaek wouldn’t make this up, so ElkaRose would indeed act that way.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Jehyun imagined it. We clear Gerun first, and ElkaRose’s Party clears it after watching our broadcast? Oddly enough, imagining that situation felt annoying but not infuriating. Narrowing his eyes, Jehyun licked his lips and asked.

“Hey, would you get mad?”

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

[Party] Habaek: I’m no saint. How wouldn’t I get mad?

[Party] Contempt: Who wouldn’t get mad? ;ㅅ;

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Really? I think it’d be funny.”

Boss→ Sigh….

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Boss sighed at the true gamer’s over-immersion comment. He fully understood what Shin Jehyun meant. Jehyun smiled awkwardly and said,

“If they copy us after seeing what we did first… isn’t that a good thing? It means they couldn’t clear it and had to copy us. It means we’re better than them… that our strategy is the original.”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Matgom→ Hmm… I get it.

Matgom nodded in agreement. Only one person didn’t understand Jehyun.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

[Party] Habaek: Haha

[Party] Habaek: Seriously

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

[Party] Habaek: Do you walk around with “Healer” written on your forehead?

[Party] Habaek: If not, how do you hold back from bragging about being Healer in real life?

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

[Party] Habaek: Can a real person feel that proud of a first clear strategy in a game?

Unable to hold back, Habaek sneered. Jehyun didn’t hold back either.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“I wear a Caplet T-shirt and a hat with Ahn Yiyoung’s name on it. Are you ashamed of Caplet? Who’s chatting in this shameful game?”

Matgom→ That guy tells people he plays La Terre.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Finding someone else who said they played La Terre for cover was unexpected. Jehyun frowned, realizing the shared trait.

However, Jehyun said he played La Terre to control his actions, not because he was ashamed of Caplet. Shin Jehyun disguised himself as a La Terre player to avoid grabbing the collars of rude people who called Caplet a dead game and ending up in jail for assault.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

I’m different from him. Justifying himself with perfect hypocrisy, Jehyun clicked his tongue.

“Have some pride in your life. Who cares if you say you play Caplet? No one cares about you. Drop the self-consciousness, okay?”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

[Party] Habaek: Haha, does pride feed you first clears?

“It does. I can clear the first boss and catch up by the second.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

[Party] Habaek: You’re too confident after getting beaten by Elka;

“Bringing up something from a month ago?”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Jehyun laughed incredulously at Habaek bringing up old news. Habaek continued, undeterred.

[Party] Habaek: You don’t learn from failure.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Starting to get annoyed, Jehyun turned off his mic and placed his hands on the keyboard.

[Party] Habaek: Maybe hearing people say Countess is over after losing the first clear will wake you up.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

[Party] Healer: Even if the hype dies, class is eternal.

[Party] Contempt: Sigh..

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

[Party] Boss12MoreHours: Is it okay if I laugh?

[Party] Habaek: How will the guild master live without Caplet?

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

[Party] Healer: Thinking of you, I guessㅎ

[Party] SpellChecker: Either fight or date, pick one;

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

[Party] Healer: From morning to night, my day is all about you.

[Party] Habaek: Haha, I’m about to get annoyed.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

[Party] Healer: Want a kiss?

[Party] Healer: Cheer up, darling.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Shin Jehyun didn’t curse when angry. He only felt satisfied if he made the other person as angry as he was.

He could sense Habaek clamming up from the nonsense explosion. Even without seeing his face, he could tell Habaek was annoyed, which made him feel better. Jehyun snorted and turned on his mic, speaking firmly to end the conversation.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“Anyone who doesn’t want to listen to the guild master can leave?”

No one responded to his pointed question aimed at Habaek.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

If Shin Jehyun was obsessed with prideful play, Habaek was obsessed with first clears and top guild rankings. It was funny how he acted like he wasn’t also crazy about the game. Not wanting to continue the mind games, Jehyun changed the subject.

“Cast buffs. Let’s try Snake Bite again. Contempt, confirm salvation.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Contempt→ Me?!

Using the qualification for salvation.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

[Party] Contempt: ㅇㅅㅇ!

3

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

2

[Party] Contempt: Leave it to me ㄷ.ㄷ..

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

1

Start!

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Jehyun gave Contempt the buff to instantly revive the priest. The plan was for Contempt to revive him immediately if he died while trying to have the lava consume the ore after getting the targeting.

The strategy resumed. As soon as the countdown ended, they got on the magic cannons and lined up in the center again to avoid the initial rising lava pattern. Then Gerun summoned the lava, and the lava targeting went to Boss.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Gerun is enraged.

Lava is targeting someone.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

[Party] Habaek: Targeted

Boss→ It’s me, I’m moving.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

With the targeting confirmed, Boss started running around the map. Jehyun zoomed out for a full view of the map and aimed the magic cannon at Gerun’s furnace in the distance.

Bang, bang, the satisfying sound of impacts echoed. As Gerun’s furnace took damage, subspecies Raptors from the ceiling began throwing ore.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Boss→ Going for Snake Bite!

Contempt→ Let’s go!

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Dodging the shadows on the ground, Jehyun kept firing the magic cannon. As Boss circled back, he charged at the Raptor ore.

Boss→ Ah….

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

But the result was the same as before. Instead of the lava consuming the ore, Boss died upon touching it while on the magic cannon. Jehyun sighed deeply and spoke.

“Retry.”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

With the brief retry declaration, the Party wiped, and new attempts continued. The next targeted individuals tried various methods—eating the ore from the side, eating it before it fell, eating it from top to bottom—but still couldn’t find the solution. By the time they realized it, 30 minutes had passed since ElkaRose’s Party cleared the first boss.

[Party] Habaek: I’ll just ask for the strategy

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

[Party] Habaek: Planning to live on the 11th floor all day?ㅋㅋ

By then, even Habaek was frustrated, and he typed that in the Party window. Jehyun closed his eyes tightly against the devil’s temptation. It felt like having an answer sheet in front of him before a mock exam.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator