A Legion Grows From My Smartphone - Chapter 68: Monsters of the Abyss (7)

“Heuk…heuk…”

The boy’s breaths were harsh, stabbing at his lungs. Even after escaping through the narrow, rugged hole, he hadn’t stopped running. His legs ached as if they were about to fall off, and every muscle in his body screamed in agony.

fI need to… tell them faster../

Despite the excruciating pain of his muscles tearing, the boy gritted his teeth and forced his body to move. He knew that the fate of not only his family but his entire race depended on him. The image of the city turned into a wasteland by monsters crawling out of the dark abyss and the chieftain with a somber face pleading with him was etched in his mind.

‘I must../

When the legion had already stabilized and was communicating with Shin Woo, taking a brief period of maintenance, the boy, unaware of this, only thought about ascending. The reason they had settled there was because the relics of their ancestors were still relatively intact. It wasn’t that there was nothing on the upper floors. There was no need to destroy all the dozens of floors above for their purpose.

“Ugh!”

The panting boy stumbled and fell on his buttocks. A golem, its chest core glowing, blocked his path, its heavy footsteps approaching. Unlike the golems of the lower floors, the golems in this vicinity had not been ordered to fight the destructive bacteria.

“Intruder! Now! We’re in danger!”

The boy crouched and shouted desperately. It wasn’t their language, but the human language he had painstakingly learned. The golem, which was about to trample the boy, stopped at that moment. After a moment of silence.

“Ta, take…?”

The golem extended its hand to the boy. Only a humming sound could be heard. The boy, having regained his composure, climbed onto the golem’s hand himself.

“There’s nothing much to see. Well, it’s a place that was sorted out a few years ago.”

With a tone full of boredom and no regard for subtlety, he seemed to have no intention of examining it in detail.

“But, Vice President, we have discovered several species in the ancient labyrinth from our branch this time…”

“I’m not interested. That labyrinth already has its owner, doesn’t it? Let’s go back.”

“Yes…?”

The crowd, anxiously waiting, was taken aback by his words. They had prepared extensively for the big shot’s personal visit, with many suffering to clean the floors and walls until they shone. Yet, he declared he would leave after a mere glance.

“But, Vice President..! You haven’t thoroughly examined our research results yet!”

“Hmm?”

An infuriated voice cut through the silence. A young woman in a white research uniform stepped forward, surprising everyone.

“Researcher Reina.”

He read her name from her name tag and chuckled.

“I’ve seen enough. What’s there to dig deep into here in the first place? I met the mayor yesterday. The whole city was unimpressive. The competition with other societies is

fierce right now, I don’t have time to invest in the research of those who have been pushed out in one place.

“But…”

“If you wish to restrain me, and if you aspire to reach the center, you require an exceptionally groundbreaking subject.”

He voiced his words without hesitation, turning around with his attendants. Everyone present was taken aback by the harsh reality. It was unfair and frustrating. For the wizards

who belonged to the society that governed this world, the society’s will was both law and truth.

“Was I mistaken, Reina? If your abilities were truly exceptional, wouldn’t they have already presented me with those research findings from the center?”

“No…”

She lowered her head, responding in a soft voice. The surprised glances directed at her morphed into expressions of hostility and annoyance. They thought she had unnecessarily stepped forward and upset the Vice President.

“Ahem, let’s proceed now, Vice President…”

“Big! Big trouble!”

News arrived that halted his steps.

“That’s right. Things are getting interesting now, aren’t they, Director?”

“Yes, yes! What in the world…”

The Vice President couldn’t suppress the smirk playing on his lips. The area, bustling with wizards from all walks of society who had accompanied him, was at the entrance of a cave known as the gateway to the ancient labyrinth. A boy with pointed ears and unique patterns adorning his body stood trembling in their midst, appearing frightened.

“But… the indigenous Moonlight Elves are extremely wary of us. We can’t even conduct proper research…”

“Can we communicate?”

Wizards are fundamentally driven by their thirst for research, for subjects. This is especially true for the wizards of this remote area who vie for promotions through their research results.

“He stuttered a few words. Now he’s scared and keeps his mouth shut.”

“Funny. What’s your name?”

The Vice President, amused by the wizard’s account who had been operating the golem for security, pointed his wand at the boy’s chest.

“Yelson.”

Whether he understood the meaning or not, the boy who had remained silent until their arrival spoke his name with trembling eyes. All the wizards were taken aback to hear human language from the mouth of this alien race that had been shrouded in mystery.

“Good… Yelson. Why did you break the non-interference agreement that you proposed first and our…”

“Invasion! Now! We’re in danger! Monsters from below, coming!”

The Vice President was calmly trying to continue his question, but Yelson, who didn’t understand his words, desperately spilled out his words. He had no choice. At this very moment, his fellow tribesmen were dying.

“What the…”

“Help, we need help. Help!”

His desperation and urgency were unmistakable to everyone present. Amidst the flustered magicians, Reina stood, her hand covering her mouth.

“Everyone, quiet down! This matter doesn’t seem like something we can take lightly. Secretary, bring that kid over here.”

The vice president struck the floor with his staff, sending a shallow shockwave throughout the room. The chaotic atmosphere calmed.

“Do you mean that guy?”

“Are we just going to stand around here?”

“No, no, not at all!”

At his glare, the startled secretary hastily grabbed Yelson’s hand and dragged him over. Despite Yelson’s protests, no one moved. All the magicians on the scene were curious, but none dared to go against the society.

“Vice President! Their situation seems quite dire. We should listen to their testimony first, so…”

“Ah, it’s you again, Researcher Reina. Focus on your duties. I can handle this.”

Once again, Reina stepped forward, and as expected, he didn’t even pretend to listen to her.

“Vice President, I’ll contact the market first. We need to dispatch an investigation team as soon as…”

“No, stop.”

Yelson watched the director’s retreating figure, his expression filled with anxiety. He had listened to their conversation but couldn’t comprehend it.

“Excuse me? But…”

“Director, wouldn’t you prefer to be at the center of things? We have a fascinating research subject here. For example, the anatomy of indigenous ancient species. Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it?”

Suddenly, he laid his hand on the director’s shoulder, a cunning smile dancing on his lips. The director swallowed hard, his face turning ashen.

“What I mean is, I’m still eager to continue my research. You guys just don’t get it. You have no idea of the burden I bear. Ugh.”

He chuckled then, striding ahead alone. The bewildered crowd paused, watching him, but his focus was entirely elsewhere.

fFools. They’re merely learning to use basic spells. But if the entire race, which possesses a slight talent, develops a bit more and large-scale group magic becomes feasible, they can change the game.’

His eyes gleamed, a completely different world unfolding before him. In the dark and desolate land, tens of thousands of creatures were living in groups. Upon realizing he was watching, they were startled and prostrated themselves in reverence.

For the god who gave them knowledge and awareness.

“Get up. There’s no time for that. The war isn’t over yet.”

At his command, they got up and started their work. The fact that his life depended on the existence of these humble creatures, who were mere beasts before they met him, always put pressure on him.

“What about the stuff the Ashkroud guys gave?”

[It’s ready now]

He continued, diligently managing his tasks. The situation demanded his attention, but he couldn’t afford to give it in the company of others.

“Regardless of how alluring the research and temptation are, survival comes first.”

A chuckle slipped from him as he watched the screen. His units, known as Kobolds by some humans, were carefully transporting valuable items packed in wooden boxes to a specified

location. Despite all odds, the mysterious link with the other world had bestowed upon him immense power and social status.