After that, my party and I spent a night at Veronica Castle.
And the next morning, we stood in front of the castle entrance after being unilaterally informed of the plan by Kim Dokja.
Lee Jihye, who had been informed of the plan by Kim Dokja, narrowed her eyes as if her gaze instantly revealed dissatisfaction and asked.
"So… protect 'Castle Veronica' until the scenario period ends?"
"That's right, that's your task."
At Lee Jihye's words, Kim Dokja nodded and looked at the party members who were watching him, then spoke.
"You've checked the updated scenario, right? Please help Gong Pildoo with the defense of Veronica Castle."
"Perimeter defense is my specialty, so don't worry."
Lee Hyunsung confidently declared, and at his declaration, Kim Dokja smiled faintly, nodded, and continued speaking.
"If first-wave invaders or 'the snakes' appear, absolutely do not engage them head-on. Even if you have to abandon Veronica, you must flee. Can you promise that?"
"I promise."
At Lee Hyunsung's words, Kim Dokja then looked at Lee Gilyoung and Shin Yuseung and earnestly advised them.
"Your task is to buy time. So, secure as many insects and monsters as possible."
"Yes."
Lee Gilyoung and Shin Yuseung nodded at Kim Dokja's words.
"If you go out to the northern forest, there are many unique monster species in this world. Whenever you have time, go and tame the monsters and insects."
"Yes, hyung."
"I understand, ahjussi."
Watching that scene, I set a Thunder God's Mark at a nearby suitable spot just in case, and then Lee Hyunsung, seeing us ready to leave, asked.
"But surely, you're not planning to leave with just the two of you?"
"That's not it, those two will come along as well."
Kim Dokja turned his head, looked at Han Sooyoung and Asuka Ren standing in front of the castle gate, and spoke.
After that, we followed Kim Dokja out of Veronica Castle. Han Sooyoung, who was watching me and Kim Dokja wave goodbye to the party seeing us off from behind, asked.
"So, where are we going?"
"The eastern rocky and rugged terrain."
At Kim Dokja's nonchalant words, Asuka Ren hurriedly spoke up.
"That area has already been occupied by Japan."
"I know. That's why I brought you along. And....."
He tapped.
"Huh?"
Saying that, Kim Dokja touched my shoulder and continued.
"With Kang Yuseong here, what is there to worry about? Didn't you see it yourself? Even as a small person, he casually unleashes that absurdly powerful lightning."
At Kim Dokja's words, Asuka Ren recalled something for a moment, her face slightly pale, and then returned to normal.
Probably, she was recalling the lightning I had unleashed and the devastation it caused.
"Ah… I suppose so. But do you trust me? I am from the country that person fought yesterday, though…."
"I don't trust you. I just want to collect the debt for saving your life."
"To be honest, I don't really trust you either, but in this scenario, things like Korea and Japan don't matter. In this world now, the only important things are small persons and calamities, and you are a small person… so I'd appreciate it if you cooperate with us."
"….I see…."
Hearing my and Kim Dokja's words, Asuka Ren made a thoughtful expression.
Probably, after hearing our words, she seemed to be pondering whether it was right to share the information she knew with us.
At that moment, Han Sooyoung looked at me and as if remembering something, said to me.
"Speaking of which, why are we walking like this? This guy has that Black Cloud thing, right? Hey! Hurry up and bring it out."
At Han Sooyoung's words, I felt slightly annoyed, but not bringing it out here would be a loss, so I immediately took out the Black Cloud and boarded it.
"You guys get on quickly, or I'll leave you behind…"
At my words, the three nodded and immediately boarded the Black Cloud, and I quickly controlled the Black Cloud to start flying towards the rocky and rugged terrain.