Chapter 45: No Escape from Fate

Servant Contractor.

Because it was a skill rune despised by summoner-type Players, the supply itself was scarce, making it difficult to obtain.

As a result, the average transaction price was a staggering 150 Gold, trading at 15 million Won per rune.

Although the Harpy Queen was difficult, this was a high price for a skill rune obtainable at around level 30.

Naturally.

It was commonly known as a ‘must-have skill’ for RPGs.

‘It’s not a must-have right from the start if you only look at Servant Contractor.’

It converts a portion of damage received by summoned creatures into healing for the summoner.

As the description suggests, summoner-type skills that can be played safely at low levels don’t usually shine or stand out.

However, the higher the level, the more the true potential of ‘Servant Contractor’ reveals itself.

When facing intelligent monsters above a certain threshold, there’s no such thing as a safe zone.

Wide-area attacks without blind spots, clever traps set by intelligent monsters, or attacks that ruthlessly target the summoner.

It’s an essential skill for protecting the body of summoned creatures during close combat in the future.

Due to the level gap with the Harpy Queen, it was impossible to obtain directly, and the low level also meant the drops were extremely rare—almost as if the available stock was locked away and impossible to release.

Leaving aside the price, just being able to obtain it was something to be grateful for.

Dahav had kept checking the listings while shopping, but it was to the point that he had never once seen it appear.

‘That it comes out even once…!’

Especially for Dahav, who had no comrade to entrust his back to and had to be extremely cautious about managing HP, it was like finding a needle in a haystack.

Having Servant Contractor was practically guaranteeing survival to some extent, significantly improving both hunting methods and efficiency.

However, to maximize efficiency, all summoned creatures needed to be kept summoned at all times, which considerably increased mana consumption.

‘Probably, it can be managed with equipment that has mana recovery options attached.’

That was also a popular item among summoner types, and because it was an option coveted not only by summoners but by all classes, finding such equipment was equally difficult.

Of course, that was assuming one aimed for 100% efficiency out of greed; otherwise, in special situations—like moments of crisis—it was possible to summon all summoned creatures at once.

Still, the regret was real.

‘Somehow, I wish an amazing mana recovery item like Karzan’s Mana Circulation Bracelet would just drop from the sky…!’

That was wishful thinking.

Karzan’s Mana Circulation Bracelet was a unique item with mana recovery options that was top-tier among items wearable by beginners.

However, how to acquire it was completely unknown; it was just an item ‘known by name only.’

Even thinking about it was ridiculous, and Dahav quickly snapped out of it.

‘There’s so much to handle right now; I can’t be distracted like this.’

He had just succeeded in defeating the Harpy Queen and brought the loot to Mendelsun to receive certification.

Now it was time to report to Alexandra and prepare accordingly for the linked quests that would follow.

‘Well, while preparing, if I roam around the market, I might get lucky and find a mana circulation bracelet or at least something usable…’

With an optimistic thought, he moved forward, and at the edge of his vision appeared the city gate of ‘Shinaga.’

***

Inside Shinaga.

The stench that once filled the city had disappeared, and thanks to Dahav’s hunting method, it had spread as a popular leveling spot, attracting many beginners.

However, despite the crowds, the streets were unusually quiet.

“Those people over there are Sirens…”

“Quiet…! Didn’t I tell you not to get eyes from those jerks…!”

The Sirens were a warning that led to discomfort, and among them, Mai’s team was known for cruelty, which created this atmosphere.

Naturally, the distance weighed heavily, and whispers defending themselves poured out, but Mai and his team appeared completely unfazed.

“Team Leader! The intelligence team has confirmed Dahav’s trail.”

Mai’s eyes, which hadn’t moved despite the surrounding slander, immediately brightened.

“He’s been on the run for a while. So, where is he now?”

“He… after successfully solo killing the Harpy Queen of the Sky Ridge, we don’t know the exact reason, but it seems he’s heading south, so it’s certain he’s returning to Shinaga.”

“Solo killed the Harpy Queen?”

The news that he was returning to Shinaga was important, but what caught Mai’s attention was the solo kill of the Harpy Queen.

What kind of monster was the Harpy Queen?

Even top-ranked hunters like Labo and Taeeul had once been defeated by her.

“Unthinkable. Beyond imagination.”

It was almost unbelievable.

Yet denying it would be to reject the wild scenes he had witnessed.

“Source of the intel?”

“Green Army.”

Green Army.

Since Mai had personally created this spy company to monitor the movements of other guilds and gather intelligence, there was no reason to doubt the solo kill report anymore.

With certainty, Mai’s face broke into a sly smile.

“Very impressive.”

At first, it was simply a matter of following orders from above; it was fine to enter stealthily or not.

But Dahav had surpassed that level by far and proved it.

He was “the brightest star” who absolutely had to be recruited for the future and goals of the Sirens.

“You can’t move him simply with money.”

Solo killing the Harpy Queen was surely a desperate move to prove one’s worth.

This meant Dahav himself knew his value, which was the greatest factor that would give him the upper hand in negotiations.

Under the same conditions as other guilds, Dahav could not be swayed with mere rewards.

“Contact support and immediately send Karzan’s Mana Circulation Bracelet via portal service.”

Upon hearing Mai’s order, Vajira’s eyes flared with anger as he asked again.

“Karzan’s Mana Circulation Bracelet?”

Although Vajira’s tone carried reprimand, which was inevitable in the Sirens’ absolute hierarchy, Mai didn’t mind and just nodded.

It was only natural, considering the item’s value.

Because it was none other than Karzan’s Mana Circulation Bracelet.

It was a unique item obtained by clearing the Hidden Dungeon ‘Karzan’s Secret Workshop,’ where seven famous hunters sacrificed themselves.

Putting aside the huge losses, its performance was unmatched for low levels.

“Though it’s switching equipment for use during rest periods, even Platy coveted it.”

With a mana recovery rate increase of 100%, effectively doubling it, it was such an excellent item that even Platy seriously considered wearing it if he hadn’t gotten the ‘Yukdo Yoonhoe Bracelet’ designed for this job.

“Don’t even think about adding anything. If the opponent resists, we must show we have the ability to embrace him, so make the contact.”

“Understood.”

Understanding Mai’s order, Vajira immediately ran off to carry it out.

“With this, our Sirens can once again make a major leap forward.”

This wasn’t merely Dahav’s conclusion after being recruited.

Mai was looking far into the future.

With Dahav’s unstoppable rampage after growth, and combined with Platy’s increasing power.

Unintentionally, excitement coursed through his body, and he clenched his fist tightly.

‘We could topple the top ten guilds, even the Heaven guild.’

Just as Mai was imagining this at the summit—

Knock knock

Along with the sound of breaking the silence, a familiar voice reached the ears.

“Team Leader!”

“What is it?”

Though somewhat nervous, Mai quickly recovered.

It was serious enough to break the silence.

“Dahav has appeared near the east gate.”

Upon hearing this, Mai’s expression hardened, then broke into a mysterious smile.

“Everyone, prepare to welcome the sacred ground.”

At Mai’s words, the guards standing nearby immediately rose to their feet.

***

Fate.

Even if you know what’s about to happen, it cannot be changed.

Knowing that disaster is about to strike, yet being unable to avoid it, is like a death sentence being read.

In such a situation, a human can only feel anxiety and nervousness.

That was why a cold sweat was trickling down Dahav’s back.

‘Damn, it has to be the Sirens.’

He knew trouble had started even before passing through the gate.

The trouble itself wasn’t a big problem, but if the main party behind it belonged to the Sirens, the situation changed.

The Sirens’ future atrocities were so notorious that everyone knew they were the embodiment of absolute evil.

‘Most likely, they have already recruited the sacred ground…’

And if they don’t accept the ritual, terrible retaliation will follow.”

‘I was too complacent even knowing the Sirens were active.’

The butterfly effect of their negligence came back with a throbbing headache.

However, despair alone wouldn’t change anything, so they had no choice but to brainstorm countermeasures.

Yet, lacking proper preparation, no brilliant idea for breaking the situation had come up.

‘What do I do? Even if I try to escape with all forces now… No, looking at the equipment worn by those tailing us, their average level is at least 170. There’s no way I can safely escape to the Lord’s Castle. Holding out is probably the best option…’

Amid desperate hesitation, his fingernails grew shorter.

Suddenly, the movements of those tailing him stopped.

‘What’s going on?’

Looking up to find the reason, a familiar yet unwelcome face appeared.

“Long time no see. I’m Mai, head of the Sirens’ intelligence department.”

As if misfortune piled upon misfortune, the worst possible scenario had arrived.

‘Mai was the one who came to scout the Harpies…’

Mai was known as the top hitman within the Sirens.

Even the 170-level players tailing Dahav were troubled, but Mai’s arrival made the situation like being surrounded by an endless mountain range.

In short, the route to escape by one’s own power was completely blocked.

‘That doesn’t mean I can just give up.’

If you closed your eyes in despair, it would truly be the end.

Even if the sky collapsed, there was always a way out, and temporary measures were already prepared for the current situation.

‘So, the important thing now is to buy time.’