This World is too Cruel to Men – Chapter 509

Despite the fact that humanity has suffered under the invasion of those guys for several decades, it seems the ones invading this time around dare not let their own territory be violated so easily.

The ambush that started like the one or two assaults we faced daily went on longer than usual this time.

“Today seems particularly persistent, doesn’t it?”

“That’s true. It’s not like they’re piling on more just because it’s a shift change…”

Thanks to the prolonged assault, I was able to see firsthand the skill level of the newcomers who crossed over through the Rift to replace the RK Guard.

To cut to the chase… Honestly, I wasn’t impressed.

Rather than feeling satisfied, I found myself questioning how those guys even passed the practical exam.

‘Could it be…’

Was there some sort of corruption during the practical assessment?

No matter how much one loves money, could there really be someone daring enough to play such tricks on issues that the Association is watching closely? But as Dogun often says, “you never know with people.”

Especially when money or interests are involved, that’s when things can get really murky.

In that context, regarding this exploration… even without anything confirmed yet, already there were talks about humanity’s future resources springing up.

People’s expectations for this exploration were astronomical, and considering it might be directly linked to that?

It’s hard to even imagine how much profit could be wrung from that.

So it wouldn’t be surprising if someone acted recklessly and jumped in.

The level of those so-called Team Spirit people was abysmal enough that such thoughts arose naturally.

No, wait.

Maybe “abysmal” isn’t the right word.

Setting everything else aside and focusing solely on individual talent, some among them appeared quite talented; it baffled me how they failed the qualification exam.

The regular members from the RK Guard were obviously at a completely different level—some of the team leaders were even outclassed.

Yet, the word “abysmal” still came to mind because, unlike the RK Guard members who’ve trained together for a long time and operate like a finely-tuned machine during battles, I couldn’t find that kind of synergy among these Team Spirit folks.

While a few were trying to coordinate with each other, the rest relied entirely on their individual skills.

It was as if they had been hastily recruited and thrown into the mix.

‘Ah, that reminds me…’

I heard from Chae-rim that one of the three companies designated as partners by the Association was aggressively recruiting Awakened individuals.

Could that be the Team Spirit group?

Looking at the situation, it seemed very likely.

There’s no way that disorganized team could make sense otherwise.

‘Sigh…’

No matter how much one wants to make a big score in this exploration, that looked like a stretch…

Maybe it’s because there’s a completely opposite case right next to me.

Even if the Awakened from Team Spirit showed impressive individual performance, instead of feeling reassured, I only felt anxious.

It’s only natural; if they stick to relying solely on individual talent, they will eventually hit a limit.

Common lower-tier entities could be handled this way, but this isn’t just any place—this is Heogye, the base of the Another Ones.

No one knows when a higher-tier entity or a Villain who has undergone Monsterization might pop up…

The moment such beings appear, relying solely on individual skills in battle will surely become a fatal flaw.

And not just any flaw; it would be a poison that seeps into them the moment it enters their system, potentially reaching their very core.

‘If it goes like this…’

I guess our only hope now lies with the Heroes dispatched alongside the new recruits…

The role of the advance team, essentially the ones who plant the flag, is so crucial it’s practically a given, but still, I tried to maintain some sort of balance of power between the advance team and the reinforcements.

To prepare for any unforeseen circumstances, the individuals sent along with the new recruits were certainly not to be underestimated.

As proof, a First-Class Hero, well-known for their outstanding feats, was included in the reinforcement team.

Additionally, there were two Second-Class Heroes and a couple more with specialized talents for protecting something, albeit classified as Third-Class.

Thanks to the advance team’s performance, we managed to secure a base as planned; maybe they’re thinking of solidifying that now.

‘After a week off, what if the hard-earned forward base was completely wiped out…’

With that lineup, I should be able to relax a bit.

While they defend the base, the automated turrets won’t just be idling.

Still, I should probably whisper a few precautionary tips before the exchange.

Of course, once I report the information we’ve gathered to the Association, they’ll surely take care of the training based on that…

However, sharing personal experiences from someone who’s actually been on the scene is bound to resonate more with them than just providing information in a textbook manner.

Since it seems the pressure from the Another Ones is waning, I decided to make a proper greeting before we formally returned to reality.

And true to form, there were plenty of curiosities waiting for me, just as I expected.

As soon as I approached to greet them, I had to spend quite a while chatting about the events that unfolded during the week we were away.

“Well… we certainly expected the Another Ones’ resistance wouldn’t be easy…”

“From what I’ve heard, this is beyond imagination.”

“Seems like they’re Another Ones imitating human forms…”

“I admit, it’s hard to believe. However…”

“No, no. It’s not that I don’t trust Yoonseo’s words, it’s just that it caught me off guard.”

Caught off guard? What does that mean?

Did that question, which had gradually taken over my mind, somehow reflect on my face?

The representative of the Heroes sent this time, the First-Class Hero who is practically the poster child, continued with a wry smile.

“Honestly, it’s a good thing we got some early whispers about this. Otherwise, we might have ended up facing those things unprepared.”

“Now that you mention it, it does sound reasonable. Had we not learned about this, we might have thought they were survivors from another base at first sight…”

“Exactly; I would have thought the same and been completely blindsided.”

What the heck are these guys talking about?

Survivors from another base?

“Survivors from another base…?”

“Oh… Yoonseo probably hasn’t heard the news since she’s been here. The thing is…”

What started as an explanation was shockingly intense.

While I had certainly been aware that the resistance from the Another Ones would not be easy from my first-hand experiences, I never imagined that unlike our situation, Exploration teams led by Heroes from other associations had been nearly wiped out or sustained catastrophic losses.

With only minor countries naming themselves for this exploration, that could be understandable, but wasn’t it entirely plausible that reputable places were also on the list?

Yet even so, the situation is as dire as it is.

Had they grown complacent just because they were up against the Another Ones?

Regardless of the truth, it was hard to view the situation positively, and my expression hardened.

“Oh, then you probably haven’t heard that either?”

“That… news?”

It’s only been a week, how could so much have happened?

In that regard, when I return to reality, I should probably sweep through the news first.

Since I had already made an excuse to Dogun, I must do it right to avoid getting caught in a lie.

“The thing is… there’s been a huge uproar back in reality.”

“Did the Another Ones attack again?”

“No, not like that… but perhaps you know about Lee Dogun…?”

As I prepared my mental checklist of tasks to do upon returning, I couldn’t help but wonder why that woman’s lips were uttering Dogun’s name.

Why? How?