“I thought you wanted to bring the swimsuit because you were planning to swim. And when I saw the lake, I thought it was because of that…”
Young-seong spoke rapidly, visibly excited. Knowing he liked hot springs, I had secretly hoped he would be pleased.
However, seeing him enjoy it much more than I expected, I was glad I brought him along.
From the place where we set up the tent near the lake, it took about 15 minutes.
Finally, we arrived at a vast basin with thick steam rising.
“No way, it’s this big?”
Young-seong shouted in amazement and ran towards the large area, surprised by its immense size.
“Brother, wait for me!”
I held the slimes in my arms and ran along.
Although steam was constantly rising around us, it wasn’t dense enough to obstruct our view, so it wasn’t uncomfortable.
“Wow, it’s all natural. With some proper decoration, this place could be amazing.”
I smiled widely at Young-seong, who was marveling at the place.
“Hyung, there are several areas here filled with hot spring water, right?”
“Yeah, I see that.”
“You might not see this since you’re not an Awakened, but did you know there’s a terrain description window here?”
“What?!”
Young-seong, who was touching the hot spring water, looked back at me in surprise and exclaimed.
“Is that true?”
“I’ll read the description of the hot spring you’re touching.”
I put down the slimes and approached the hot spring to read the description window.
[Hot Spring of Mental and Physical Stability]
[Relieves tension and eases physical fatigue]
[Effectively reduces stress]
[Grants immunity to mental debuffs while bathing]
Although there were no specific numbers, the effects were clearly stated. Additionally, although not hugely beneficial, it had a debuff immunity effect.
“These are the effects.”
“I’ve heard that high-level dungeons sometimes have structures or terrains that provide buffs, but to see it myself! What is this place, really?”
Hmm, I should try to keep the fact that this is the dungeon of the Seven Deadly Sins a secret.
Driven by curiosity befitting a research head, Young-seong pondered deeply as I urged him on.
“Brother, let’s get into the hot spring first. Or, should we check out the effects of the other hot springs?”
“Wait, are you saying that each hot spring here has different effects, not just one type?”
“Yes.”
“Ha! Hahaha!”
Laughing in amazement, Young-seong’s eyes sparkled as he exclaimed.
“Let’s check them all out!”
“Let’s do that.”
Soon, we roamed the expansive hot spring area, examining the effects of each one. We even looked at those we missed during our last visit. There were overlapping effects as well as many fascinating ones.
[Hot Spring of Mental and Physical Stability]
[Hot Spring for Skin Beauty]
[Hot Spring of Vitality]
[Hot Spring for Disease Immunity]
[Hot Spring for Mana Recovery]
There were many hot springs, roughly divided into five types.
As I described the effects of each one, Young-seong expressed amazement, touching and even tasting the water.
“How does it taste?”
“Um, like water?”
Among the various hot springs, we started with the Hot Spring of Mental and Physical Stability. The water was slightly hot, and as soon as we immersed ourselves, a relaxing sensation spread through our bodies.
“Ahh.”
“Mmm.”
It felt like paradise on earth.
It felt like this place could be a paradise where immortals dwell.
The thick steam created a unique atmosphere, and as I lay back in the hot spring and looked up at the sky, it seemed as if the stars were about to pour down.
“If only we had a drink here…”
Young-seong made a gesture of drinking and had a blissful expression on his face.
Hearing about alcohol suddenly piqued my interest as well.
‘I’m not really into alcohol, but…’
After all, the ingredients for making alcohol were grains.
I wondered what it would taste like if I made alcohol using the crops I grew. Even as someone who doesn’t like alcohol, I was curious.
‘I should try making it when I have some free time.’
Unlike other cooking, making alcohol seemed to require a lot of time. I had a rough idea that it involved fermenting grains and then distilling them.
I should research and study more later. There were many types of alcohol, so I could try making things like wine or distilled spirits.
“Brother, when we have time, I’ll try making some alcohol, okay?”
“Oh? Oh? That’s a great idea! Wow, alcohol made by you would be another item, wouldn’t it? I’m curious about the effects and the taste!”
Young-seong, who had come out of the water to cool down, began to imagine things on his own.
“Sweet potatoes and rice for soju, rice for makgeolli, barley for whiskey, corn for bourbon whiskey, and grapes for wine…”
“Oh, you seem to know quite a bit?”
“Of course! Kyu-seong, why don’t you leave the alcohol making to me instead?”
“That sounds great. I was thinking I might not have enough time and energy, so if you can do it, I’d be grateful.”
Jae-seong for cooking, and Young-seong for alcohol.
I just needed to focus on growing crops.
I felt good about how things were progressing step by step.
“Since Si-young’s poison has been fixed and we have plenty of time, I’ll study properly and give it a try.”
“Sure.”
We, with towels on our heads, looked at the slimes floating around in the hot spring and felt united.
In the meantime, I sensed someone approaching.
“Oh, it looks like Si-young is here.”
“Here we are!”
When I waved my hand, I saw Si-young and Ara. But they weren’t alone.
“Huh? What’s that?”
“They brought someone along.”
I saw a Star Bear waddling beside Ara, and Frey was sitting on top of it.
– Great Lord! We have arrived! Ohohohoh!
“You became friends already? Wasn’t it a war?”
– Hoho! As the victors of the war, we decided to show mercy and forgive the Star Bear. Sitting on its head is a victor’s privilege!
Young-seong, who was seeing Star Bear and Frey for the first time, came out of the hot spring with a curious look on his face, like a researcher.
“Wow, there’s a place like this? How did you discover it, Kyu-seong?”
“I was lucky.”
Ara ran towards me with her arms open.
When she demanded a hug, I quickly lifted her up, and she was startled.
“Kyu-seong Kyu-seong! You are wet!”
“I went into the hot spring.”
“I want to go in too!”
When I put Ara down, she dipped her feet into the hot spring where slimes like Mark2 were floating.
‘Won’t it be too hot?’
I had that thought for a moment, but it was unnecessary.
Ara soon jumped into the hot spring just like she did in the lake and floated around like the slimes.
“It’s so warm~”
Seeing her blissful expression, it was clear she loved it. Contrary to my concern that it might be too hot, it seemed to be just right for her.
—
-Grr?
The Star Bear, which had been following Ara around, tilted its head and looked at the water.
It dipped one paw in and then slowly submerged itself.
-Roar?
Click! Click!
Si-young quickly took pictures of the Star Bear and Ara, flashing her camera.
“Honey, come in. The water’s great.”
“Yes, just a moment.”
Si-young, who had been examining the pictures, approached with Frey on her shoulder. She looked at me with wide eyes.
“Kyu-seong! This is…”
“Isn’t it amazing? It seems perfect for recuperation.”
“No, I didn’t expect the hot springs to have effects.”
Si-young entered the hot spring and went over to Young-seong. With eyes full of anticipation, he asked:
“How is it? Great, right? I can’t believe there’s a place like this in a dungeon. It’s amazing, isn’t it?”
“Ah. Just let me relax for a bit. Don’t talk to me.”
“…Alright.”
Time passed peacefully.
Except for Young-seong, who kept going in and out of the hot spring, the rest of us stayed immersed, enjoying our own time.
Ara floated around with the slimes.
The Star Bear, seeming content, had its eyes closed and was nestled quietly in Si-young’s arms.
Si-young, like I had done earlier, leaned her head back and looked up at the sky.
Frey, who had approached without me noticing, was lying on my shoulder humming a tune.
-Hm~ Hmm~♪
Frey’s dreamy voice was sweet, yet soft enough not to disturb my thoughts.
She sings pretty well.
After spending some time like that, Young-seong and Si-young went to check out the other hot springs.
I stayed behind, enjoying the hot spring with Ara and the slimes.
“So refreshing, ah, ah, ah, ah.”
As I patted her back, Ara drew out her words, clearly having fun. When I massaged her shoulders, she giggled and said:
“It’s so good. This is paradise.”
“Paradise? Where did you learn that word?”
“Choi Young-seong said it.”
Laughing at Ara’s response, I started massaging the other slimes.
“You all work hard. Though I suppose farming is more like playing for you guys.”
Playing can be tiring too.
While massaging the hard-working slimes, Ara began to massage my shoulders.
Ow, Ara, that hurts…
But I just smiled awkwardly without showing my discomfort.
“Our Ara is even massaging my shoulders. Thank you?”
“Kyu-seong Kyu-seong, you sound like an old man.”
“….”
Who’s the one to talk?
—
After the hot springs, we returned and had a barbecue.
Young-seong and his wife grilled the meat they had brought, and they also grilled the vegetables I had harvested, making for a grand meal.
With our stomachs full, we sat by the campfire, chatting quietly, then went to sleep in the tents.
After such a satisfying camping trip, we woke up to an alarm and took a final look at the World Tree in the distance.
Wow!
We hadn’t noticed it up close before, but it wasn’t just a sudden burst of light; it gradually became suffused with light.
Seeing the massive tree change color like a domino effect brought a wave of indescribable emotion.
“……”
Watching the magnificent and beautiful World Tree, Young-seong and his wife quietly shed tears without saying a word.
—
However, through their clasped hands, I felt I could somewhat understand the emotions they were experiencing.
“Kyu-seong Kyu-seong.”
Ara whispered to me, trying not to disturb the moment.
“What?”
“Why are Young-seong and Kim Si-young crying?”
“They’ve been through a lot, and seeing this scene must have comforted them. Their emotions are overflowing.”
“So, are they okay?”
“Yeah, they’re fine. Our Ara, it’s nice to see you caring about others.”
Ara whispering like that was incredibly cute.
Thus, our third visit to the Dungeon of Gluttony ended successfully.
***
Kang Hanul had been in a good mood lately.
It was because something he had long anticipated had come to fruition: Lee Kyu-seong joining the Ara Hongryeon Guild.
Because of this, he could go on an overseas business trip he disliked with a smile.
“Hello, Hanul.”
“Oh, long time no see?”
At an airport in Japan.
He had a meeting with an Awakened guild in Japan linked to his business.
Ara Hongryeon was collaborating not only with Japan but also with prominent overseas guilds. Since the guild leader, Han Seok-jun, was visiting China, Hanul came to Japan.
“Shall we eat first?”
“Sure!”
Although Hanul disliked overseas trips, he enjoyed sampling the local cuisine.
Moreover, the host guild wouldn’t take their guest just anywhere, ensuring they chose the best restaurants.
“I found a great place this time.”
“Oh? Really?”
“They’ve developed crops using new farming methods, and the taste is incredible.”
“…Crops?”
The excited look on Hanul’s face froze.
However, the Japanese Awakened misunderstood his expression as anticipation and continued.
“Korea has its culinary culture, but we pride ourselves on the quality of our ingredients, which surpasses Korea. Moreover, this time we have even better…”
“Hey, Nakamura.”
Hanul interrupted.
The Japanese Awakened, finally sensing the mood, shut his mouth and waited for Hanul to speak.
“There will be other people at the restaurant, right?”
“Yes, they should already be there.”
“Let’s get going. I need to put them in their place.”
Hanul thought of something he had brought with him in his luggage and grinned wickedly. Meanwhile, the Japanese Awakened thought Hanul’s reaction was due to his own slip of the tongue and blamed himself internally.
A while later, at the restaurant, Hanul met the representative of the collaborating Japanese guild.
‘Still the same!’
Level 8 Awakened, Ino Junichi.
Ranked 4th in Japan overall, he had considerable influence.
Spotting Hanul, Junichi, a large man, stood up and greeted him warmly.
“Kang Hanul! My old friend!”
“Haha! Junichi, how have you been?”
Having been in contact for over ten years and getting along well, the two had a good relationship.
After Hanul took a seat, Junichi grinned.
“Hanul! This time, I’m going to surprise you.”
“Hmm?”
“You haven’t been to this restaurant, right? Actually, I made it.”
“Is that why you were so confident?”
“Haha! Yes, that’s right. I had plenty of time and money, so I made something extremely inefficient. Do you know how much it costs to produce the ingredients used here? You’ll be amazed.”
Despite Junichi’s confident words, Hanul remained unfazed, maintaining an even broader smile.
“I’m looking forward to it, Junichi.”
“Heh. Shall we start eating then?”
The food was served.
Soon, the associates with them were busy exclaiming in admiration as they tasted the dishes.
“Oh my, this is!”
—
“What is this taste…?”
“Huh, is this really a flavor that lotus root can produce?”
Junichi, watching the reactions with satisfaction, turned his attention to the person he was most eager to impress: Kang Hanul.
Both food enthusiasts, they shared a rivalry when it came to cuisine, and Junichi wanted to give his rival a delightful surprise.
“It’s delicious.”
“…Is that all? You don’t have to hold back your reaction, Hanul.”
Despite Junichi’s words, Hanul calmly ate all the remaining dishes, maintaining his composure. Each time, Junichi’s expression grew more perplexed.
“Why are you being so stubborn, Hanul? You’ve always been honest about the taste of food.”
“Hmm? I clearly said it was delicious, didn’t I?”
“Of course, that’s obvious! But your reaction seemed indifferent, as if you’ve tasted something even better…”
Junichi trailed off, looking at Hanul with a dawning realization. Hanul then pulled something out of his luggage.
“Heh heh heh. Junichi, try this.”
“What is this?”
Hanul revealed a strangely colored cherry tomato. Junichi, picking up one of the colorful tomatoes and inspecting it, asked again.
“Is this a tomato?”
“Yes. Give it a taste.”
Seeing Hanul’s confident expression, Junichi felt a bit apprehensive. Yet, he still thought, “It’s just a cherry tomato,” and dismissed it.
‘How good can a tomato taste…’
The moment he bit into it.
“?!?!?!”
Junichi’s eyes widened as his mind was blown away to another dimension.
But there was one thing he absolutely had to know, and he shouted:
“Where did you get this tomato!!!”
Cliche Novel 