This World is too Cruel to Men – Chapter 605

It seems that everyone’s most curious point has finally been addressed.

The atmosphere during the duels following Yoonseo and Shamsir’s match wasn’t quite as intense.

At least, there were some exchanges where those who were generally curious about each other’s skills could trade a few blows as a taste test.

Aside from that, there was nothing particularly noteworthy, so the briefly heated atmosphere thanks to Yoonseo quickly cooled down, and everyone found themselves back in the Meeting Room.

“Alright, I think we can say we’ve sufficiently tested each other’s skills, right?”

In reality, only Yoonseo and Shamsir had really clashed, but none of those seated expressed disagreement with that statement.

They couldn’t really do anything else.

What they were curious about was Yoonseo’s abilities and nothing more.

And after witnessing it firsthand, it became clear that Yoonseo hadn’t gotten into the Expedition Team for no reason.

‘I thought Korea was done with just Lightning Lady…’

‘They say there’s always a way out even when the sky falls… Was all that worry just acting?’

‘Tsk… Korea doesn’t have to worry about generational transitions. How envious.’

Though they were highly sensitive to authority, it also made them relatively open compared to others.

Since they had all risen to their current positions purely by strength, it was particularly true when it came to acknowledging those they deemed worthy.

And with that duel, Yoonseo had stepped inside that circle.

Could that be why the atmosphere of the gathering now felt noticeably softer than before?

You could say the difference was palpable.

Thanks to that, what was originally scheduled to proceed went on without much resistance.

For example… a briefing about the Heogye, known as the Mirror World or the Underworld in the Western context.

And the one responsible for that briefing was none other than Yoonseo.

Initially, it was planned for an employee of the Korean Hero Association to take on that role, but since the World Hero Association specifically requested a briefing from someone with firsthand experience, it ended up being Yoonseo.

Had it been before the duel, whatever Yoonseo said would likely have fallen flat, but perhaps due to her proving her strength in that match, everyone was attentive from the get-go.

“First… Let me share the situation regarding the Forward Base that we’re currently operating…”

It seemed clear that they were trying to absorb every bit of information they could.

As a result, Yoonseo’s briefing went smoothly without interruption.

All those listening, instead of jumping in mid-discussion, adopted an attitude of wanting to listen till the end.

“…That wraps up the briefing on the Forward Base. Are there any questions?”

The moment Yoonseo finished her briefing, hands shot up here and there, which could be seen as evidence of that influence.

Among the raised hands was Shamsir’s, who had openly challenged Yoonseo, but she didn’t seem to mind much.

To be honest, it was a bit frustrating when she openly provoked her, but ultimately this allowed Yoonseo to integrate into the Expedition Team much faster than expected.

Considering that, if she had made an ordinary attempt, it likely would have taken twice as long, staring blankly at one another would’ve felt awkward.

Choosing Shamsir’s hand among all the raised ones was a result of that awareness.

“Can I ask a question?”

“Sure.”

“Umm… Based on the explanation, it seems that transporting various equipment to the Underworld through the Artificial Rift would be possible, but why restrict it only to Containers and Automatic Turrets?”

If they had set their minds to it, tanks or missiles could have easily been sent there for use. Why the limit on equipment? Was it a casual attempt at exploring the Underworld?

The tone of the question suggested that.

Therefore, the one receiving the question couldn’t help but feel wronged.

Surely, the Korean exploration team had considered that.

Naturally, incorporating such things into the Heogye for exploration was part of the plan.

Nonetheless, all of it had come to a complete stop because various heavy machinery intended to facilitate establishing the Forward Base malfunctioned as soon as they crossed the Rift.

The funny thing was that once those broken machines were retrieved back to the real world, they resumed functioning perfectly as if they had never malfunctioned.

From a management perspective, it was a situation that could drive one insane.

To unearth that phenomenon, all kinds of hypotheses had been put forward, but unfortunately, the answer remained undisclosed.

The equipment originally brought in for communication between the Heogye and the real world was functioning well, yet it was solely that equipment causing problems that remained unidentified…

In fact, one could say that the outcome was somewhat expected.

After all, everything humanity currently uses is designed for the environment of the real world, that is, Earth.

In contrast, the Heogye boasted a completely different environment, almost like another planet… so if equipment made for Earth’s environment were performing without issues in the Heogye, wouldn’t that be strange?

Automatic Turrets or communication devices might be lucky fits.

The problem was that only the exploration team was unaware of such circumstances.

Thus, it was only natural for questions like this to arise.

Perhaps because they had come to acknowledge and accept that fact, answering the questions became significantly calmer than anticipated.

Saying it was an answer felt more akin to explaining.

And as soon as that explanation wrapped up, those, including the questioner, nodded in understanding as if it had finally clicked.

“I see… Hmm…”

Seeing them murmur deep in thought made me wonder if they were perhaps sketching out something in their minds.

“Is there any problem…?”

Noticing their reaction, I cautiously inquired, only to receive a somewhat absurd response.

According to the other party, they were picturing traveling in a Humvee while moving within the Heogye.

Something akin to that bright red beast that once was Chae-rim’s sister’s favorite horse.

“From what I’ve heard, the environment in the Underworld is quite inhospitable…”

They believed that if they navigated all on foot through such a place, the expedition team’s stamina would be drained before they even engaged the Another Ones, so they had prepared for such scenarios.

I felt hesitant to respond to that.

To be honest, if vehicles could be used in the Heogye, it would undoubtedly shorten travel time.

However, that was merely an idealistic notion, and the reality would be quite different.

Such was because the road conditions in the Heogye surpassed even deserts.

While deserts are no walk in the park, they only have sand.

In contrast, the Heogye’s ground was entirely covered in unknown flesh, making it extremely uneven, and there were mounds of stuff you wouldn’t dare brush against.

So, even if a Humvee were somehow brought into the Heogye and operated, it wouldn’t be long before they would have to get out.

Honestly, that was unavoidable given the debris scattered everywhere blocking the way.

To clear a path for themselves would require equipment designed for that very purpose, like bulldozers—not a mere means of transportation like a Humvee.

While I briefly answered all the questions flying in sequence, I felt that their curiosity had been sufficiently addressed, so it was time to transition to the main subject.

“Alright, then next up… is information on the enemies we should particularly watch out for upon entering the Heogye.”

Details regarding the foes that awaited the Expedition Team in the Heogye were the main focus of today’s gathering.

“Our primary targets that we should be cautious of are…”

It was indeed those guys.

The ones responsible for the Monsterization phenomenon that turned Dogun’s left arm into that mess.

Perhaps because I suddenly thought of those guys, my grip on the laser pointer tightened uncontrollably.