Chapter 41
A status window appeared the moment Hong Man-gi picked something up.
【Silent Snow Bone】
Type: Special Material / Can Be Equipped as Auxiliary Equipment
Effects:
, Memory Waves: When equipped, allows the user to sense fragments of intense memories or emotions from nearby beings, Passive.
, Memory Activation: When used, strongly activates a specific "memory fragment" of the target for a short time, recreating it vividly, Active. Success rate changes depending on the target's consent or mental resistance.
, Manifestation of Taste, Special Cooking: When exposed to high heat during cooking and combined with certain spices or strong stimulation, it manifests as a unique "taste" that stimulates the target's memories and emotions.
※ This is a consumable item that can only be used once. It disappears after use.
'It can turn memories into taste?'
Hong Man-gi looked interested as he read the description of the bone fragment.
It could also be equipped as auxiliary equipment, but its value as a cooking ingredient was far more interesting to him.
Turning memories and emotions into taste.
In a way, it seemed closely connected to the very essence of the "food for spirits" he had been making until now.
'Maybe there'll be a moment when this becomes absolutely necessary.'
The moment Hong Man-gi placed the bone fragment into his inventory, Han Young-mi's spirit, who had been quietly sobbing behind him, slowly approached.
Her translucent body was much fainter than before.
There was still deep sadness on her face, but there was also a peaceful expression, as though she had finally let everything go.
"Thank you, Mr. Hong Man-gi. And Mr. Lee Yu-han too."
Her voice was light and gentle like the wind.
"Thanks to the two of you, I don't think my final journey will be lonely anymore. And my lingering regrets... well... whatever you want to call them, I think the knot that was stuck in my heart has finally disappeared."
She had clearly watched Veiled of Server fall.
And by watching Hong Man-gi and Lee Yu-han risk their lives to fight for her, she had once again confirmed the value of her forgotten existence and sacrifice.
That alone had already melted away the heavy regret weighing down her soul.
Hong Man-gi gave her a gentle smile.
"Can you leave peacefully now, Ms. Han Young-mi?"
Han Young-mi quietly nodded.
A soft light began leaking from her body.
It was time for her to ascend.
Lee Yu-han could not see spirits, but from Hong Man-gi's expression, his tone of voice, and the subtle change in the surrounding air, he could roughly understand what was happening.
Without saying anything, he lowered his head and offered his final respects to the invisible presence.
Han Young-mi gave Hong Man-gi one last message.
"Hunter Hong Man-gi... someone as strong and warm-hearted as you will probably save many people in the future. Please become their final shield, so that those trembling in fear don't lose hope and stop moving forward."
Her voice carried deep gratitude and a sincere request for the road Hong Man-gi would walk from now on.
"I understand."
Hong Man-gi calmly answered.
Han Young-mi's soul turned into a ray of warm light and disappeared.
Then a new system message appeared in Hong Man-gi's mind.
【The soul of B-rank Hunter 'Han Young-mi' has resolved all lingering regrets and ascends.】
【Her final will and sacrifice are inherited by you.】
【Bonus Skill Acquired: Will of the Frontline, Active/Passive】
Effects:
, Firm Defense: Reflecting her experience and will as a tank, basic defense and damage reduction slightly increase.
, Final Wall: Can activate when an ally is in critical danger, or when the user possesses powerful determination. For a certain period of time, all forms of damage occurring in front of the user are completely nullified. However, the user cannot move while the skill is active. After use, the user suffers extreme stamina loss and temporarily weakened defense.
※ This skill has an extremely long cooldown.
Hong Man-gi felt something hot rising from deep within his chest.
Han Young-mi's final request.
And the ability she had left behind.
It felt like more than a simple skill.
It felt like a heavy responsibility and noble determination.
Without realizing it, Hong Man-gi clenched his fist.
Then,
silence returned to the underground cavern.
Now it was time to leave the dungeon.
* * *
The next morning after the deadly battle inside the BX-0 Dungeon.
Hong Man-gi, who had tossed and turned throughout the night, woke up a little later than usual.
Every muscle in his body ached.
Strangely, however, his heart felt light.
Sending Han Young-mi's soul away and inheriting her final will seemed to have given him a new sense of responsibility, along with a strange peace.
'Anyway, that Gold Mana Stone... I should probably deal with that first.'
Hong Man-gi thought about the brilliant golden Gold Mana Stone carefully stored inside his inventory.
As soon as he returned from the dungeon yesterday, he had searched online for its market price.
However, the item was so rare that it was almost impossible to find an accurate price.
One thing was certain.
Its value was far beyond that of an ordinary A-rank Mana Stone.
"I should go to the Association first."
Hong Man-gi got out of bed, washed quickly, and changed clothes.
Today, he planned to visit the Hunter Association's Mana Stone Exchange with Lee Yu-han.
They would exchange the Gold Mana Stone for cash and use the money to look for a place for their new restaurant.
The conversation he had previously shared with Lee Yu-han about opening a proper shop had strengthened his decision even more.
[Knock, knock]
Just as Hong Man-gi finished preparing and entered the living room, Lee Yu-han arrived.
He looked slightly pale, as though he still had not fully recovered from yesterday's dungeon.
But his eyes were livelier than ever.
"Good morning, Hunter Hong Man-gi!"
"Hey, Yu-han. You're early. How's your body?"
"I'm fine! Thanks to you, I slept really well. Um, we're going to sell the Mana Stone today, right?"
"Yeah. Might as well do it now."
"Whoa!"
Lee Yu-han's voice was still filled with excitement and expectation.
