(EP-174.1) Exposed #3
174 – Exposed Under The Sun #3
“Here’s the key. Should I accompany you?”
“It’s okay.”
“He’s a dangerous man. It’s better to be careful since who knows what he might do.”
I dismissed the guard who offered to escort me and headed towards the underground dungeon alone.
Somewhere in Ark, there was a well-constructed prison in an underground location inaccessible to ordinary people.
It housed various warriors who had caused trouble or heinous criminals awaiting the church’s judgment. A space so vast, extending endlessly beneath.
No one knew how many floors it consisted of.
Despite its dreadful designation as “Avici Hell,” in reality, there were no unjust torture or cruel harm done to the prisoners.
For those trapped in this gloomy confinement, it was simply a place filled with unending boredom, as they awaited their faraway freedom.
━There’s light.
━Looks like someone came in.
Submerged in silence within the dark cells, the prisoners began to show interest at the sudden change. It was as if they were abyssal creatures swarming towards the only glimmer of light.
━You look cute~.
━Hehe, come here!
They sought any hint of entertainment in their monotonous prison life from me, an outsider.
Their bodies were constrained with chains, sturdy fetters and handcuffs, yet I couldn’t help but get slightly intimidated as they slammed their grotesque faces against the iron bars.
Most of the inmates imprisoned here were on death row or had committed terrible crimes.
━It’s so boring here~.
━Tell us something. How many years have passed outside? What season is it? How’s the weather? No one tells us anything here. Heuheu.
━I’m innocent…!
Soon, the clamor of people shouting like madmen began echoing from all directions. Befitting its name, this was truly a hellish place. With such thoughts, I arrived at the area the guard pointed out.
CFO4-1PIJ42A.
Here it was.
Before me, a man with dark eyes covered in bandages came into view. Bound by chains, he sat huddled in a corner of the prison floor.
Seueuk.
He lifted his head to gaze at me. His face, illuminated by the dim torchlight, was obscured by the bandages, making it difficult to discern his expression.
But unlike others whose minds had succumbed to the darkness and despair, his eyes were surprisingly calm. He appeared more serene than during the days when he roamed outside.
I knew for a fact that he wouldn’t be the one to initiate a conversation with me. So, I decided to greet him lightly.
“You seem rather calm in this hellish prison.”
“…….”
The man, however, remained silent. To begin with, in the original story, he was a person who didn’t talk more than necessary.
Because instead of wasting time with idle chatter, he preferred to kill even more villains—such was his captivating character. Everyone liked that kind of power.
Not now though.
Anyway.
As expected, making him open his mouth with just a casual greeting was a tall ask.
But that was okay. In some ways, I knew more about this man than I did about Aira. After all, he was the protagonist of the story I knew and had immersed myself in.
I had several cards to play.
Then, like molten iron, he responded to my words with a low voice.
“He-ll. It’s not these stones, walls, or darkness.”
“Is that so?”
“It’s good here. There’s plenty of time to organize my thoughts. No noisy companions blabbering about this and that. It’s a tranquil time. With that said, what is your reason for disturbing this serenity?”
Seureuk.
The man rose and gradually approached me. No matter how formidable he might be, as long as he was confined in chains behind these bars, there was not much he can do to me.
So I was able to face him with confidence.
“I am here on behalf of the Queen you attacked. Why did you attack the Queen? That’s a grave crime with severe consequences.”
“Is that so? The Queen. I had no idea.”
“As expected, you didn’t know… Well, you are that kind of person.”
That was right – I understood. This man was such a character.
Whether it would be nobles, royalty, slave traders, or monsters, his arrow didn’t care. He provided catharsis that ordinary people could not achieve. For him, there was no need for intricate political backgrounds or intellectual debates.
Then the man asked.
“You seem to know me well, Half-Fairy.”
At last, it seemed that I finally caught his attention. Sensing that the lead in the conversation was gradually shifting towards my side, I decided to seize the opportunity.
“Perhaps I know more about you than you think. Perhaps… I could even provide the answers you’re looking for.”
“The answers I want? Do I look like I’m seeking answers? I desire silence. Quiet darkness. Do not try to take that away from me.”
“I’m saying I can provide that. Don’t you hear a voice in your head?”
“…….”
The man fell silent. Perhaps because he felt exposed. As I mentioned, this man, the hunter, was someone who heard voices in his head.
According to the novel, it was the voice of a young woman, who guided the hunter’s life like a guide.
For example, when he killed a goblin, he would get a few experience points.
That was right. It was a status window unique to the Hunter. The reason why he had such a status window was quite important in the novel’s storyline.
“Can’t you hear the voice of your deceased older sister from when you were little?”
“… How do you know that?”
“Don’t you know about me? I am the Demon Monk, Theo Gospel.”
“Theo Gospel….”
“If you lived in Angmar, you’ve probably heard my name. Anyway, I know how to silence the voice you hear in your head.”
“Huheuheuheu-.”
The man started laughing at my words. His laughter continued for a while before abruptly stopping. Revealing pointed shark teeth hidden beneath the bandages, he spoke.
“I feel like I heard that story not too long ago. Yeah, you. Now that I see it, you resemble that little brat. Almost like the same person.”
“Little brat?”
Was there anyone the Hunter would call a brat? As far as I knew, there was none. So, the possibilities narrowed down to one person.
“Are you referring to the guide? Did the guide say something similar to you?”
“…….”
The Hunter shut his mouth and he retreated back into the darkness. Then, he sat down in a corner with his back leaned against the wall.
“I just want to rest. State your purpose for coming. Your visitation time is ticking.”
That was true. I was running out of time. So, I put things aside and went straight to the point.
“The trial by combat will be held soon. Are you aware of that?”
“I know, Miriam told me. So you came to negotiate with me?”
“That’s right. With that said, why not withdraw from the duel? Perhaps the answer lies in admitting defeat.”
“…….”
The Hunter remained indifferent. At that moment, a guard appeared behind me, signaling the time for departure. Thus, I had no choice but to leave the prison.
Edited by: faker
