Episode 160.


    “The white tiger is cool.”


    “It’s…it’s really Pui’s level.”


    “Yeah, it must be tight with Pui.”


    “How could there have been another native monster on earth that had the same power as the Pui….”


    “Did you all understand the name Pui? Really?”


    Jung Si-woo also nodded in agreement with the group’s chattering voice. The giant tiger that appeared in front of them was no match for the giant whale Seiraxia in terms of size, but he could never be second to him in mana.


    [First of all, I thank you, King, of Man, for not harming my servants.]


    “I may be mistaken, but I’m not a king.”


    Jung Si-woo decided to correct his misunderstanding first. Then, he epted and resigned unexpectedly.


    [I see. Then I get it. Sooner orter, you will be, but not yet.]


    “I don’t agree…when have you ever met me to call me a king?”


    [If you think we didn’t know about your existence, it’s because you look down on us too much.]


    When Jung Si-woo raised his head, the White Tiger raised his front paw and pointed to the dungeon’s center.


    [I wanted to talk to you. I’ll tell you the rest of the story inside.]


    “…Okay.”


    Except for Jung Si-woo, the party didn’t understand what he was saying. When Jung Si-woo interpreted it, the group seemed unbearable for a moment but soon nodded along.


    “You won’t die because Si-woo is here.”


    “Maybe it’s like the Abyss.”


    “Let’s go,e on.”


    Jung Si-woo’s omnipotence was rampant among the party, saying that whatever happens to them at any time or anywhere, it would be fine. Jung Si-woo seriously agonized over whether to throw all these damn things away to develop their independence but decided to follow in the footsteps of the tiger for now.


    [Then I’ll go…squeak!]


    “Where are you going, squeak?”


    [I, I’ve been stretching my neck for a while, squeak.]


    Jung Si-woo’s creed was that he didn’t miss a single shot. If they followed the tiger and something went wrong, he would buy time using the squirrel as a scapegoat. Perhaps his strong will had been conveyed as the squirrel nodded with a stiff face.


    [Don’t worry, squeak. Our boss is very gentlemanly, squeak.]


    “I hope so, squeak.”


    The further they went inside the dungeon, the higher the mana density and the higher the level of monsters hiding here and there. The squirrel twisted its whole body, feeling burdened, but didn’t try to escape.


    [Here it is.]


    “Wow.”


    “Wow!”


    “Wow…”


    “Everyone’s got that habit of saying whatever they please…”


    He wondered how long had passed through the deep forest, and suddenly the trees and rocks pulled back as a golden sand beach appeared. At the far end, he saw a cave made of pure sand. Of course, it wasn’t ordinary sand, but sand hardened into a magical form that wouldn’t budge with the slightest shock…Jung Si-woo realized it the moment he saw it.


    “This sand is your strength, isn’t it? That’s amazing…”


    [It is correct to assume that I originated from this power. The origin of that power is by no means mine.]


    Origins, another word he was used to. Jung Si-woo knitted his brow and sank, looking for a t spot inside the sand cave. The party followed suit.


    “Is it the origin of this power that you follow?”


    [Probably. I’m not sure, but we’ve all been attracted to one being ever since we were born. I’m sure it’ll be the same as the Lord who gave me the power over-sand.]


    Erieu, the giant tiger, said so and swung his front paws. As soon as he did, the sand formed a whirlpool in the air and disappeared. If it were expressed against an enemy, their body would be torn apart by the vortex, which embraced both mana and physical forces.


    “Who is the god? Are any signs other than your ability?


    [We don’t know. No one has guided us, so we have no choice but to find a way to reach him.]


    As expected, Jung Si-woo nodded.


    As far as this sand cave hade to realize, this ce was no more countermeasure than the Abyss. It was faster to grab Luta, the fairy merchant, and get some information to find traces of the system here. Whether he knew Jung Si-woo was thinking about it or not, Erieu’s words were spreading in the other direction. It was about today’s raid.


    [There is a downside to my ability. It weakens in ces with less sand. His ability was unstable, and he knew countless enemies were about to invade here again, but he couldn’t get out himself. So I was preparing to face the enemy here…]


    Then Jung Si-woo dealt with them before they could invade. Jung Si-woo first questioned his ability, but he didn’t think it was something to talk about now, so he stayed still. As expected, he soon asked.


    [You see us and the monsters differently, right?]


    “Well, yeah.”


    There were times when he didn’t distinguish much, but it was true that it changed a little now. The tiger asked again, gloating over his positivity.


    [They are trying to cultivate humans and us. There have been times when monsters tried to threaten our bodies and minds through entrances other than the one you entered through. And after a few battles with them, I realized what their purpose was, and now I know who was most disturbing to them on earth.]


    At this point, it would be even stranger not to know who it is. Jung Si-woo raised his finger and pointed at himself, and the tiger nodded his big head.


    [Yes, a being who thoroughly prevents the name of the God they cry for from prating the hearts of men…Jung Si-woo, it’s you. Even today, you showed up at the same time as they tried to y tricks on you and smashed them to pieces.]


    The squirrel, who remained still, shuddered as if he remembered the moment earlier. On the other hand, Erieu nodded with a happy expression, almost touching, as if he were honoring his strength. Indeed, he realized at this point why he was judging Jung Si-woo as the king of man.


    [When I learned of your existence and realized what you were doing, I thought this. Then I, too, shall be king of these children and serve only one person who must protect and serve them from their gods.]


    Jung Si-woo was surprised that the native monsters’ intelligence was beyond imagination as he continued.


    [Well, then. If our objectives are the same, we can cooperate.]


    “Finally, that’s the conclusion.”


    [I already know. Many people are hostile to us, and many cannot distinguish us from those monsters. But to tell you how I feel, I’m tired of caring about other people now, even though the enemy’s power is already strong.]


    In that part, he also agreed with Jung Si-woo. When Jung Si-woo lowered his head, he added.


    [You can persuade humans with your power. If the two groups seed in gathering power without antagonizing each other, they will surely be able to stop monsters more easily.]


    A startlingly ideal n. If only as Erieu said, unlike the world, Jung Si-woo had seen so far, humans may be able to live a longer and more stable life. Jung Si-woo nodded coolly.


    “I think so, too.”


    [Then!]


    Joy was young in the eyes of a tiger. At this moment, was it about to build an alien alliance between monsters and humans that had never happened in any other world in the past?


    “But the world isn’t all that simple.”


    [Growl….]


    The tiger drooped its head in frustration. Was there anything you can guess on your own? Jung Si-woo exined it to him.


    “First, as I have just said, I am not the king of man. So even if I told them not to attack monsters, people wouldn’t pretend to hear. There may be listeners, but the important thing is that it’s not perfect.”


    [Is it…?]


    “Second, as you know, most people don’t distinguish between monsters in this world and those born on Earth. On top of that, it’s safe to say that no one like me can evenmunicate with monsters. Would it be easy to ally when we can’tmunicate?”


    [That’s exactly right]]


    “Third, this is the most important thing.”


    Jung Si-woo asked, looking straight into the eyes of the powerful man.


    “You are not the king of all monsters on earth either. It’s not a position to represent all native monsters. At least not yet…right?”


    […Yes.]


    He admitted the fact cleanly.


    [This dungeon is connected to many on Earth. And in most, I am recognized and served as their king. But…that’s not all of them.]


    “Of course, I don’t know everything about this gate, so I can’t guarantee it, but I probably do. So your grand alliance n can never be realized immediately.”


    [Then…are we forced to engage in a three-way battle with humans and monsters of the other world?]


    “But think about it, El.”


    [El?]


    Jung Si-woo gave him a nickname at willy-nilly. It was time to say something positive now that the bad news was out of the way.


    “At least we both understand and sympathize with each other.”


    [Well, yes.]


    “So I think we can ally right now.”


    [Just between us…?]


    Between us. It was a sweet echo, giving one a sense of belonging, sharing secrets, and feeling like you’re doing something special. It’s amon trick, but Erieu…it couldn’t have been more effective on El.


    [On our own…sounds good. I trust you; you trust me. I like it very much.]


    “Yeah, we may not be able to realize the alliance between all monsters and humans on the right now, but we can share our intentions. If we help each other, we’ll reduce the friction between humans and monsters as much as we can. If we do well, we can cooperate.”


    [I agree. Yes, we can take one step at a time, like building a castle out of the sand.]


    It was at that moment that Jung Si-woo had a proud smile.


    “Okay, then let’s form an alliance.”


    [Good.]


    The two shook hands. It was the moment when the small alliance was formed.


    [I feel like my boss is being tamed, squeak.]


    “You shut up, squeak.”


    As of that moment, Jung Si-woo began discussing specific measures with El earnestly. First, they talked about how to inject simple action tips that allowed monsters ruled by El to move away from humans and how to use humans to eradicate the monsters in this world.


    “Oppa, if this happens, humans…”


    “It’s better to deal with monsters in this world than with enemies.”


    Now, Jung Si-woo’s goal wasn’t to let humans and monsters coexist but to reduce each other’s losses as much as possible and eventually drive out the monsters of this world! Humans and monsters were inevitably sacrificed in the process.


    “The most important thing is to maintain a thorough alliance between us. It would be nice to make a simple greeting for each other for this. It will be good when there are more alliance members.”


    [Great.]


    “And even more important.”


    The details could be adjusted at any timeter. Now there was the problem of asking his opinion and moving on.


    “El, do you intend to be king of monsters?”


    [Kin of monsters…]


    Not the king of this dungeon, but the king of all monsters on earth. Judging from his natural ability and size, it would be too much to rule all the monsters in the sea, but it would be enough to rally the monsters onnd.


    [Does that mean you’re going to help?]


    “I can tell from that look even if there’s no answer.”


    Jung Si-woo grinned. Looking into his eyes, El also grinned. At that moment, a message popped up in front of Jung Si-woo’s eyes.


    [Through the residential area, you can enter the paradise of the desert, the dominion of Erieu.]