《Evolution Theory of the Hunter》


 Prologue

    Prologue


    What is more important than effort? Items. Duh. Have you ever yed games before? If I buy a super crazy deluxe protect me forever armor and fight against you, Id probably have an advantage right? Right. In this damn world, you can buy abilities if you fork up the right amount of dough. Everyone and everything has a price. Even if I practiced for a million years, a loser like me would have a hard time passing even level 1. But you know what, those spoiled and rich snot-nosed brats somehow end up at level 10 from the very beginning every time.


    So what did I do, you ask? You serious, bro? I fought like crazy at level 0. And so I became the master of that level 0.


    Damn. I can feel tearsing out. Kind of like being the master at picking your nose. Who needs that.


    And so it begins.

 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1


    The world is an unfair ce.


    In the very beginning there was a collective understanding of joint ownership and joint distribution. I guess you could think of it asmunism in a way, right? Everyone hunted together to support theirmunity and they all shared the spoils. They probably never really ran into too many issues. Probably because themunity acted as one family and they never really had anything like an inheritance or passing things on to just their blood.


    But then they got smart. They started farming and keeping livestock, and soon food was everywhere right? Now we have a problem. This was when the concept of ownership began to emerge. You get where Im going with this? Now the stronger ones began to monopolize things like tools, farnd, horses, cowseverything. And the rest..well..yeah.


    One day, these guys in power asked themselves. Hey. Why is it that I can survive without having to work all day while those weaklings do? And that was when they realized it. Because they were just a different ss. And that was how they turned into the upper ss. The elite. The noblemen. Because they were just born with better blood.


    After experiencing lots of ups and downs, modern civilization came to a new conclusion. All men are born equal.


    Honest to God there was a time when people really believed this.


    From there, capitalist societies drew a line and said this lhis line is the divisor between sess and loserdom. They now needed a new special word for those special people who crossed the line of sess. This was how the mythical word effort was born.


    It was genius. People were now ves to the word and convinced themselves anything was possible with just the right amount of effort.


    Now if you were poor, it was all your fault. It was because you just didnt put in enough effort. You loser.


    Im different from them. I put in all this effort and came all the way here, while thosezy people sat on their asses and ended up there.


    An era arose where people easily pointed their fingers and called others who worked over 18 hours a dayzy bums.


    But then that too passed fairly quickly. Shortly a new revtion came to everyone. They realized that sess was built on a foundation of failure and society could not exist without its underdog.


    And so the 21st century came to pass and the 22nd century arrived.


    What do you think its like now? You think things improved even more?


    Unfortunately, the world never really truly changes.


    Thats why Im stuck here in this situation.


    You. Clean all of this up ande out.


    Yes. Sir.


    I picked up all the odds and ends haphazardly dumped into the dungeon and put it into a bag. The party of 5 had left the area while killing a bunch of monsters, and I was over here picking up all the items they dropped.


    These Sirs (ha!) dressed in their fancy shmancy armor with their expensive swords never waste their time in picking up these odds and ends  saying it would interfere with their hunt. It doesnt happen often, really, but once in a while theyll drop something valuable. But if that happens, someone in the party will make sure to pick it up.


    Theyre basically looking at me as if Im a thief.


    Kkeung!


    I put on the backpack weighing over 200 kg and stood up. If I didnt do my daily training of squats, I probably would have thrown out my back before even getting halfway up.


    Let me give you some advice. Squats are a good stamina exercise.


    Damn this weasel is slow as hell. What are we going to do with a porter this slow!


    Yes sir. Iming~


    I nudged the heavy backpack into a morefortable position and shuffled on a bit faster.


    Thank you sir.


    I bowed deeply. Very deeply. The party head who was probably about 5 years younger than me handed me an envelope with a look on his face that said he didnt want to give me any of it. There were about 100 dors in there. This was half the usual pay. I was barely able to hold myposure.


    If you keep doing a crappy job like you did today, Ill never call on you again.


    Im sorry sir.


    I bowed my head again. This jerk was the youngest son of a famous constructionpany owner. Hes only a hunter for fun but, using his fathers money for some expensive equipment and some skillbooks, he was able to be a level 3 hunter.


    If you were a level 3 hunter, you were still in the top 5 percent. If I were to guess how much it cost him to get there, Id say it was probably about 2 million dors. To think that he used that kind of money to get to a level 2 dungeon. It seems like such an inefficient way to invest such an amount, but it really isnt. Honestly, to be able to kill monsters way bigger than yourself. A person who has never experienced that feeling would never truly understand.


    For this reason, a lot of the wealthy frequent dungeons. And in these dungeons, there is always a need for people to follow them around. And those people are bagboys  the official term is a porter.


    Yeah yeah. Im one of those porters.


    Porters follow around those rich and spoiled kids who call themselves hunters so they can hunt as safely as possible while we can pick up their dropped items and loot for them. They hate picking up dropped items so that job falls under my description. Our job doesnt end there. We also have topliment them and hype up their kill when they are sessful in hunting a monster. (What are we, seven?) But I cant be too annoyed because how much we get paid depends on their mood. So if I can get paid more, Illpliment their kill all day. If youre lucky, you might even get paid a tip of several hundred times your normal amount.


    But, of course, today was not that day. 100 dors. Treating me like some kind of a beggar.


    The party head must have noticed something in my expression because he suddenly made a frown.


    You have a problem?


    No sir.


    Tap Tap


    Then dont make that face. It might start to really upset me. Understand?


    The jerk nudged my shoulder as he started tough. Not wanting to let anything slip again, I looked down. This much I can handle.


    Im currently renting a room in a 3 story red bricked private home. Ill be 26 this year. I did graduate from college but in this recession, there was no way for me to find employment so I ended up going from being a porter part time to doing it full time. I hope you dont look down on me just because Im a porter though. If you want to stay alive in a dungeon, you still need to have at least some degree of skill.


    In that sense, Im quite capable I guess. Its pretty rare to find someone who can porter at a level 2 dungeon at my age. A porters most important skill is survival skills. Because in a dungeon, there is no one there to save a porters life.


    Ringringring-


    My cell phone rang. I took it out of my pocket. Its an older model with a cheap LCD screen. Those guys with money have the new smartphones with the touch panel. Not me though. I only need my phone to be able to make/take calls and send/receive messages. Nothing fancy. It was a good broker buddy of mine. Song Minhan. In his mid thirties, he has over 10 years of experience as a broker, and weve worked together for a good number of years since he always seems to find me good porter jobs. If you were to do any sort of frencing, a good broker is a must have.


    Yes. It is I, your ever vignt pretty boy porter, Jeon Sangmin!


    Can you please change the way you answer your phone?


    Thedies love it though.


    Yeah right. I need a porter quickly. Do you have time?


    Just one moment while I check my schedule.


    Stop being funny. I know you dont have that much work these days.


    I just did one today.


    Great. Youre warmed up then right? Come to Ansan by 3.


    Ansan? Theres only level 1 dungeons in that area.


    Dont worry. The pay aint bad. This time, Severance Hospital owners son is going into a dungeon for the first time. They said they needed a skilled porter so I rmended you. Shake a leg and get over here will ya?


    How much?


    Your fee is 200. Tip is separate.


    What. Not bad for a level 1 fee. How much are you taking?


    100 was the normal fee for level 1 portering. Level 2 portering was usually 200 but there were a lot of times the fee was docked as was the case today.


    I take exactly how much Im supposed to so dont worry your pretty little head alright? How many years do you think Ive been doing this to y around with money like that?


    I was just asking. Just wondering if sitting around and making money might be worth doing.


    I take 100. Feel better?


    What. Thief. Someone gets to sit around and make that much while others risk their lives for just 200.


    Someone eavesdropping would think that you were going into level 10 dungeons or something. Are youing or not?


    Iming. You said 3 right?


    Yeah. And donte at 3 am like you didst time.


    Yes, yes sir Song Minhan. I am the sowee.


    Jeez how much longer is he going to bring that up. I mean I only did that once.


    I quickly checked the time. It was three, so two hours to get to Ansan was doable. I hurried over to the closest train station.

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2


    This world messed up big time. About 50 years ago, monsters appeared. They came from the ground, the air, and the ocean. h. They made a sudden attack on the human race and we were almost wiped out. The weapons we had developed over thousands of years were useless. These guys had crazy tough skin and it took dozens of bullets to bring one down. We had about a couple hundred of those just in our country alone.


    We shot our guns, mobilized tanks, and shot out missiles too. But these monsters learned how to protect themselves. They would dig themselves underground to evade our weapons and were smart enough to onlye out at night to continue their attacks.


    We were barely able to keep the city from falling toplete disaster by mobilizing a bunch of soldiers but it didnt end there. As time passed on, a huge crater appeared within the city. The ck hole got bigger and bigger until one day a stream of monsters started spilling out of it. We tried everything. Shot into it, threw grenades into itbut it didnt stop them.


    North Korea activated a nuclear bomb. Of course, right? That incident didnt help anyone but caused their immediate copse. They got absorbed by China. What used to be North Korea became an autonomous region of China.


    Later there was an incident where a scout actually went into the ck hole and came back outalive. He had personally witnessed the monsters that were teaming within that hole and somehow lived through it. Nothing short of a miracle, I say.


    Using his testimony and realizing that more monsters lived in that hole, a whole army was sent in to take care of them all. The results were disastrous. The monsters in the hole turned out to be way more powerful than the ones that were running around outside. And on top of that, inside the cramped space of the dungeon, the army was not able to fully use strategies or anything else that would have helped.


    Humanity had no choice but to create a defensive line around the hole and resort to just trying to fight the weaker monsters spilling from out of it. And then..a man appeared.


    Lee Wheeseung.


    This man, equipped with only a sword, had gone inside the dungeon and wiped out the monsters there. He had killed monsters, whose hides could not be prated by even bullets, with just one de. Not only did this catch the attention of the country, but it was spread far and wide across the world.


    The secret to his sess was in none other than the skillbook that the monsters had dropped. These guys rarely die but when they do, they drop their skillbook. Luckily, Lee Wheeseung had attained one of these  the Pedro skillbook. He learned its contents. Being the first of mankind to be able to clear a dungeon, he basically monopolized the fortune found in the dungeons.


    From the fortune he acquired as he cleared dungeon after dungeon, he began to gain fame as well across all of Korea. He became the best hunter as well as the biggest celebrity. Recruitments formercials came wave after wave, he even made some music here and there, and appeared in several movies too. At one ridiculous point, he was the number 1 presidential candidate. But hating politics, he never ran. If he did run, he would have been made President. No doubt about that. Ultimately he ended up marrying the leader of Koreans most popr girl group and lived happily ever after.


    If you really think about it though, you cant really say that it was all his luck. Honestly, if the Pedro skillbook was picked up by anyone else, all of that luck would have belonged to someone else. He just happened to be at the right ce at the right time and attained everything from it.


    Hmm?


    I opened my eyes to see that the bus had passed Shinchon and was headed toward Yeonshin. That woke me the hell up. I quickly got up and rushed to get off. The bus heading back where I came from hadnt arrived yet. Looking at the bus schedule, it would be another 20 minutes until it woulde.


    I looked around as I stood at the bus stop. There was a female student with earphones on listening to music. And there was a middle aged looking sryman. That was it.


    Several busses passed by and just as I was about to yawn from the wait, the 1500 bus Id been waiting for finally arrived.


    Something was weird. The bus was jiggling around like it was dancing and didnt seem like it would stop.


    Shit.


    There was blood all over the inside of the bus. A monster was going to town in there. The driver looked as if he was already dead. The bus was speeding  the driver probably died with his foot still on the pedal.


    Crash!


    The rumbling bus crashed into a store nearby. It overturned from the impact and the monster peeked out of the wide open door.


    I screamed bloody murder at the top of my lungs.


    Run!


    The middleaged man started to run with horror on his face, but the girl was just standing there reading her damn book. I think I remember seeing this exact scene in a movie one time. A monster would appear but the girl extra, reading a book with earphones in her damn head, gets eaten.


    Shit shit shit


    I grabbed her hand and started running.


    What, what are you doing?!


    Theres no time to exin! If you need to know, just look behind us!


    Hee eek?


    The girl copsed to the ground. Looks like she lost the strength from her legs. What could I do? I just scooped her up. Remember I told you about those squats? Came in handy, didnt it? I practice 3 sets of squats. Carrying a girl who looked to be barely 100 pounds was nothing to me.


    The problem now was, would I be able to outrun that monster.


    Stomp. Stomp. Stomp.


    I turned to look at the monster. Probably 3 meters tall. Had some thick skin with a muscr body. Kind of had a humanoid body with two 30cm ish ws. Its teeth looked sharp as hell too. A narrow jawrather than developed to better eat its foodit seemed like it was designed to ughter.


    I thought a moment about whether I could go up against this thing. Even if it didnt have those ws and teeth, it had the advantage of longer limbs and bigger reach.


    The answer was clear.


    Run for my life.


    Haaaa!


    Crash!


    The entire bus station crumpled like a piece of paper.


    That thing was a level 4 monster at the very least.


    Would I even be able to outrun it?


    Swoop!


    Crash!


    Shit. It jumped over me andnded up front. The concrete had scattered and split from the impact. A chunk hit my cheek and made a long cut.


    Craaaaap!


    It began to swing its hand.


    I jumped backwards to keep out of its reach.


    Crasssh!


    Ugh..


    My back. I could feel a cool and painful sensation. I didnt have time to check the damage. I can see the thing thinking for a minute so its not entirely stupid.


    The girl was on the concrete floor crawling to move away. I could see her ck stockings ripping from rubbing against the hard ground.


    I hurriedly got up and grabbed her by the arm again.


    Swish!


    Crash!


    The monsters w swiped at the area we were in just a moment ago.


    At least there was one hope.


    Its slower than I thought.


    Compared to its strength and crazy jumping skills, his movements were on the slow side. Otherwise, we would have been caught in this monsters w right when the girl and I attempted to roll away.


    I took that small bit of hope and ran like hell. We just might get away. Shit.

 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3


    .was what I thought.


    But the monster caught up to us in mere moments. I was ovee with a nauseating feeling as I stared up at the gigantic monster blocking my path. It was funny looking and scary at the same time. I couldnt really pick which one exactly. With his head that was small like a bird atop a thick and muscr bodyam I right? I also couldnt figure out if his red body was its natural color or if it was from all the blood


    I could feel the heat from its body radiating onto my face.


    Then his nasty sharp ws rushed towards me as he swiped his monster hand.


    Swoosh!


    I just threw the girl I had been pulling along into an open door of a nearby shop.


    Kyaaa!


    Crash!


    The girl crashed into the building and I rebounded away from the force of my own push.


    Sqeaaak!


    That was the sound of the monster pulling its sharp w from out of the ground I had been on just moments before. Shit. How the hell am I supposed to run away from this


    Bang!


    Just then, a vehicle right in front of me flipped over on top of me. On reflex, I jumped and curled myself into a protective ball. What else could I do? Im not a damn basketball yer so I couldnt really jump over the car now could I? The least I could do was get as low and small as possible so I could hopefully have a smaller mass to get hit by.


    Crash!


    Crrraaah!


    I thought I should roll out of the way but the impact of the car crashing down was so strong that when I came to, I had already involuntarily rolled away.


    Euk. Damn. I probably broke something somewhere. I just know it.


    Creeaaak!


    Crash!


    Then another car came towards me and hit me before hitting a wall. Imagine my annoyance when I saw that the driver had his stupid eyes closed the moment he plowed into me. I dont know what he was doing while he was driving, but it seemed he probably didnt even see the monster chasing after me.


    Euuk..


    I got to my feet painfully. I turned to look back to the car that hit me but the driver had his head atop the steering wheel and remained motionless. He probably died. And if he didnt, the monster would likely kill him.


    I watched as the monster headed towards the broken car and felt all sorts of selfish giddiness overwhelming my insides. Should I run? If I run right now I could probably live.


    Shit!


    Instead of away, I ran towards the car. If I just left this situation and the driver was alive, he would be doomed for sure. I couldnt do that in good conscience. I had to get that monsters attention no matter what.


    But how?


    Can I even kill that thing?


    Creaaak!


    Squeaaak!


    A bunch of cars began crashing into one another nearby. It became a chain collision.


    Crash! Honk! Crash!


    Then thest car in that chain spun in a circle several times before hitting the monster.


    CRASH!


    The monster was thrown upon impact with a loud noise. No matter how strong a monster is, a car must weight a minimum of 1 ton. Of course if something like that ms into you, it would throw you.


    What


    Stomp! Stomp!


    I stared on as one car after another began to pile upon the monster.


    m! Crash!


    Screeech!


    When I shook my head and looked carefully, I saw that the monster was copsed on the ground with ck blood flowing from his mouth. A truck with a bunch of crap on its truckbed was resting atop the monster with its front wheel still spinning. I could see that the driver of the truck was still in shock.


    Screech!


    I could now see the monster trying futilely to get out from under the vehicle, but it was not in a good enough shape to do so. However, the resilience and recovery ability of a monster is not to beughed at. Without more attacks, especially attacks to his vitals, there was no doubt that he would recover very soon.


    I hurriedly looked around me. Whether it was luck that the cars had mmed into it or kindness from the drivers, it didnt matter now. What I needed now was something that I could use to kill it.


    I needed a hunter. It didnt matter if he was armed with a sword or a gun, I just needed someone who could kill this thing.


    Shiiiiiiiiiiiiit!!!


    There was none. Everyone had run away. Amazing. That was fast. And no one who can get rid of this monster in sight. After running through all the options, I came to just one conclusion. I had to do it.


    I tried to think of just how I could do that. I was just a porter. I was able to witness a lot of monster killings. Though they are ridiculously hard to kill, it was definitely possible. If you cut their throat or brain, they would die.


    I couldnt possibly try to cut that things throat at my skill level. The only thing I could do was to try and make some kind of damage to its brain. And I knew just how to do it.


    There were many many different kinds of monsters. Though their heart can be anywhere on the body depending on the variation, the brain is always in the same ce. I guess this is true for all living things. Probably because the eyes are needed to identify dangers quickly, and the brain needs to be close to the eyes tomunicate these signals quickly enough to do something about it. Now the bigger the monster, the closer the brain needs to be to the eyes to lessen the signal distance.


    Huff. Huff.


    My breathing was ragged. I kicked off a sharp piece of a window from a broken car door. Would this work?


    Im a porter who doesnt even have 1 skillbook. Though I probably have more experience than most, I just dont have the skills to kill a monster. But there was no time to waste.


    Ahhhh!


    I ran towards the monster that was now squirming enough to almost be able toe out from under the truck that was pinning it.


    Then I stabbed at its neck with the broken shard.


    Thunk!


    The first stab bounced off. As soon as the sharp ss hit its cheek, it just bounced right off without doing any damage at all.


    Gnash!


    The monster had outstretched its neck and came towards me with its sharp teeth. It caught me by surprise and I came down with the sharp shard one more time.


    Stab!


    Though it was by reflect, this time was a sess. My stab hadnded the sucker right in the eye.


    Sirens


    I could hear sirens in the background. I stepped just a bit away from the monsters in body and just copsed to the ground right then and there.


    The thing had finally stopped squirming. I think its finally dead. I couldnt really believe it. To think that I had killed it with my own hands.


    I balled my hands into two tight fists.


    I killed it.


    What? Did this bastard die already?


    Right then, someone spoke as if he was truly annoyed. He had a sturdy build dressed in a ck armor with a simr colored sword. You could tell he was a hunter with just one look.


    It could very well still be alive. Go cut its throat just to be safe.


    The girl standing next to him responded. She was dressed in a tight red armor ented with leather, and she was beautiful. The girl I had just rescued was nothingpared to this one.


    Shit. How boring.


    The guy mumbled as he headed towards the dead monster wielding his sword. With a small swish sound, he had easily cut off the monsters head. Judging from how the blood merely leaked instead of squirt out, I could tell it was already dead.


    It is dead,


    Damn. How dare he dies from just being hit by a truck. I guess it was bad luck for him.


    As he kicked at the rolling head while walking away, his eyes fell on me for the first time and said.


    Civilian? Dont worry. I killed the monster so there is no more danger here.


    If you were honest, you didnt really kill it though.


    The girlughed.


    What does it matter. I cut off its head so its the same thing as me killing it.


    If a monster dies, its body leaves nothing but its essence. It usually takes about 10 minutes, but no one knows what this essence would be. The higher the level, usually, they would drop more useful items and better ores. If you gather up the ores and refine them, you could end up either with something plentiful or something really rare. The mostmon ore would be the Monazite. You could get about 1,000 dors for about 10kg of this.


    Very rarely, a monster will drop a weapon, armor, or a skillbook. If they drop something like this, you could exchange it for the lord knows how much.


    Obviously the people who get to keep these dropped items are the ones who killed the monster. It seemed that the couple had purposely cut off the monsters head just so they couldy im to the dropped items.


    But Im not an idiot who will let someone take what belongs to me right in front of me.


    Im sorry but Im the one who killed it.


    What?


    The guy stared at me as if he couldnt believe what I was saying. It was obvious to anyone that I was not a hunter with just one look at me. I didnt have any weapon on me and didnt even look like Id be any good in a fight. Of course I did do my daily squats. But that doesnt really help in killing a monster now does it.


    Then this ssyou did it?


    The girl in the leather pulled out the ss from the monsters eye. I nodded my head. I could see a sort of curiosity spark in the girls expression. Then she asked me a question that didnt really seem like a question but more like a demand


    How could someone like you who isnt even a hunter y this huge monster?


    Cant you tell just from looking? He was pretty much already down from being hit by a slew of cars. All he did was stab it in the eye.


    The guy said with annoyance.


    If I were honest with myself, his answer was spot on so I couldnt really say anything. I just nodded again quietly. As soon as I nodded, the curiosity in her face disappeared instantly. I felt a tinge of regret. I thought about maybe concocting a lie in a split second before thinking better of it.


    What can you expect from a civilian?


    No. I just thought maybe. Nevermind.


    The girl made a smallugh. To think that they would say all this right in front of me. Rude as hell. Rude rude rude.


    Unfortunately, I could tell that even with all their rudeness they had the skill to back it up. Sword, armor, it was all expensive stuff. Nothing cheap. At the very least, it was level 5 quality.


    But I didnt sit there looking at them in awe. If they had level 5 gear in their mid twenties, there were only two ways they could have acquired it. Either they had a lot of money, or their parents had a lot of money. Thats it. Good for you.


    They were probably the son and daughter of a rich family. A great new world this is. Where if you just have money, you can acquire the skillbook and items you need to be strong without any effort at all. Did you know there is also a beauty skillbook? But something like that is super rare and sought after so it probably costs a couple million dors.


    Then if you just buy a bunch of skillbooks, you could be super duper ultra powerful right? Luckily this isnt the case. There is a catch. A person can only use and have one skillbook at a time. If someone gets a new skillbook, the abilities of the first skillbook disappear. If you had a beauty skillbook, then you just return back to your normal self and if you had an attack-rted skillbook, then that skill would disappear instantly to be reced by your new skill.


    Then can a person only have the ability to retain one skillbook at a time? No. You guessed it. A skillbook appeared that can expand a persons ability to retain more than one skillbook. This skillbook pretty much never appears as a drop item. They can be found, however, at the hunters market  the On/Offline. It probably sells for about a billion dors at least.


    Surprised? Its true.


    Other things at the On/Offline go on sale at one point or another, but this particr skillbook is famous for never going on sale. Thats how expensive, important, and rare it is. This is something that someone like me could never even hope toy my eyes on. If I had that kind of money in the first ce, why the hell would I bother being a hunter?


    A billion dors. If I had that much money, there was something I wanted to do.


    I would buy a yogurt cup and just lick the yogurt off the top and throw it away.


    My dream.

 Chapter 4

    Chapter 4


    So what youre saying is that whatever this thing drops is yours? For a civilian, youre not stupid.


    The boy said this in a tired voice as if it was really a waste of his time. It seemed he didnt want to turn around and leave empty handed aftering out all this way. But this was a rule that all hunters abided by.


    For someone who had level 5 quality equipment, I was sure they could go without a dropped item or two and be just fine. In any case, all that would drop from this monster would be a monazite or a bastnazite. Though it differs by weight, if you sold it, itll probably amount to 1,000 dors if anything.


    Of course this looked to be about a level 4 monster so there was a possibility of a more expensive item. But it would be 10,000 dors at the most. There was zero chance these guys would ignore the hunter rule for something that costs so little to them.


    Im a porter. Thats why I know that much.


    Hm.is that right? But there isnt any witness who can say that you killed it now is there?


    If you dont believe me go and watch the CCTV? You can probably see it in the cars ckbox too,


    Ah, is that so?


    The boy responded as if it were a pity and turned back around. The monster was starting to disappear.


    Lets go. The cops will be here soon. Theres no point in us being investigated for dallying around.


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    The girl in the red said. I could see her regr clothes under the leather armor, which meant this was a summon type armor. From what I heard, summon type armor is known to be at least over 100 million at the cheapest. Christ almighty. It makes you wonder what kind of people their parents are to easily buy these things for their kids as if it were nothing.


    Wait. We came all this way. We should at least see what drops before we go.


    So you can steal it if its something expensive?


    The girls lip curled up a bit in derision. She obviously said it to get a rise out of him but the boy pretended he didnt care.


    Even if it is me, I wouldnt do something as low as that. Im just curious, that is all. Wondering what exactly would drop for Mr. Civilian Porter.


    Do what you want.


    Listening to the two hunters conversation, I felt a bit ufortable and stared off at the dead body of the monster. Even though the guy said that, it still didnt put my heart at ease. If possible, I was even hoping that something cheap would fall out.


    Look here. Civilian. This is probably fate too so we should at least exchange names. Im Storm Storms Ahn Kyubum. That girl over there is Setting Moon Swords Kim Sowul.


    The word Civilian in and of itself was a neutral word but every time he said it, it sounded like it could very well be a curse word.


    Jeon Sangmin. Level 2 Porter.


    Oh? Really? That means you have some skill. If youre a level 2 porter at that age, that means you must be pretty good right?


    Even if I was really good, I was no Level 5 Hunter.


    Ah ah. Dont look at me like that. Seriously. We both know that a hunter and a porter live in twopletely different worlds. Ah. Who knows. Maybe if you work hard for 10 years then you just might be able to go into a dungeon with me. You know, people at high levels dont really use porters but Im different. Because if there isnt someone following behind me to pick up all my things, it gets pretty annoying you see?


    Thank you for thinking of me but I have no thoughts on ever entering a Level 5 dungeon. I only have one life.


    Did I say I was Level 5?


    I made an educated guess. Expensive gear on top of not being afraid in approaching a Level 4 monster  I assumed you would be Level 5 at the least.


    Good eye. But I could also be higher than a Level 6 then, no?


    If you were at that level, you would never havee around all the way here for this.


    I guess youre right. Youre pretty smart.


    Something anyone can do honestly.


    My guess was right. Well, its not really something to celebrate. And having to listen to all this crap from a guy whos probably a couple years younger than mesheesh.


    Truth be told, there is never really a porter who would go into a dungeon higher than a level 4. Without any skill, you couldnt hope toe out alive after going up against a level 4 monster. There is no way a hunter would give a damn about a porters life so your best bet was to just never put yourself in that situation in the first ce. And on top of that, any use a porter can bring to a hunter is null and void at that level.


    This is because there is almost no one who enters a level 4 and up dungeon for leisure. I mean, who in their right mind would willingly go into a dungeon for fun where you could easily die from one false move. Now that I think about it, anyone who enters a level 4 dungeon is either a skilled hunter who goes there to gain a super rare item or to periodically clear a dungeon to keep it from getting congested.


    Seeing that it was so dangerous, porters were barred from entering any dungeons that were level 4 and higher. Butws are there for people who will abide by them. Those who dont listen wont. Every so often you will hear of a porter dying inside of a high level dungeonwhich makes you wonder who really enforces thatw.


    Well, if thats the case then


    Ahn Kyubum just shook his shoulders and turned to look at the disappearing monsters body once more. I shook the dirt off my butt and got up.


    Where do you think youre going?


    Instead of just sitting here, I should probably go and rescue those people instead.


    I pointed to the people still passed out in the cars. The cars involved in the collision were about 7. From there only 4 people were ok and had left their vehicles while the driver of the car that had first hit me and 3 more people were still in their broken cars.


    I see. Have fun.


    You dont want to help?


    Me? Why?


    Ill help.


    Kim Sowul came forward. I said thank you with a nod and went with her to get the passed out drivers from their cars. None of them sustained any real injuries thanks to their airbags. That was a relief. This could definitely have ended much much worse.


    Whew. Thanks. It looks like we pretty much got them all. It seems no one really got hurt so as soon as we get them loaded up into the ambnce, they should be just fine.


    I made another thank you gesture to Kim Sowul. A hunter doing this of their own ord is a very rare thing. This is probably because they are used to others bowing down to them. Add to that, she even touched a civilian. I can honestly say Ive never seen that happen.


    Afterying down all the wounded into a row for the ambnce, I returned to where the truck was. It seemed it would take a long time for the monster to disappear. I sat on a stone nearby and watched the slowly evaporating monster. In that time, the ambnce finally appeared to take the wounded away. It was strange that the police sirens I had heard earlier still didnt appear.


    What? Is that a skillbook?


    Ahn Kyubum had uttered.


    What?


    I jumped up from my seat in surprise. What was left over from the monsters disappearance was most certainly a skillbook. Just like the word, a skillbook is a bookliterally. The cover and thickness of it was pretty thin but it had the telltale sign of a true skillbook  its reflective cover.


    Oh ho. Would ya look at this?


    Ahn Kyubum quickly snatched at the skillbook before I could. It was a relief that you could only acquire the properties of a skillbook from reading it cover to cover and it wasnt something you could get instantly. And I was sure this bastard already had a skillbook so he probably wasnt going to read it and risk losing his current one to be reced by a lesser one.


    Ahn Kyubum looked at me briefly before saying.


    This bastard has some luck doesnt he? To think that he could get a skillbook in one try


    He licked his lips as he looked back and forth from me to the skillbook. It was killing me. I walked toward him with an outstretched arm.


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    I could see the corner of his lip turn up into a cruel smile.


    What? You want it? Well, you did say it was yours huh? Then here, take it.


    After saying that, he stretched out the skillbook to me. As soon as I tried to take it, he pulled his arm back and started cackling.


    That quickly? Let me just look at it real quick to see what kind it is.


    Come on just give it to him. Its something you wont need anyway.


    Kim Sowul said. Not only was she beautiful but she had the heart of an angel. My love. I turned to look at her. She must have seen the desperation in my face. She let out a sigh and walked toward her partner.


    Whats the price?


    Umwait.


    Ahn Kyubum turned to the next page. Theughter in his face was immediately reced with a much more serious expression. Looking at it, I thought it could even be a rare skillbook. Shit. If it was anything higher than a 5 Level item, I was pretty sure he wouldnt let it go easily.


    I began to let out a silent prayer that it was a useless and cheap skillbook. Because if he decided to steal it, I knew I couldnt justy down and let it slide. Kim Sowul snatched at the skillbook and read the page. Then she startedughing like crazy.


    What is this? Level 0? Theres a skillbook like this? Since when?


    I know. This is the first time Ive ever seen a Level 0 skillbook. Oh no. You must have been so excited. Im so sorry. L Sadface.


    Ahn Kyubum kept snickering as he looked at me. Did he purposely make that face to trick me into getting excited? What. A. Jerk.


    But I was grateful that he wouldnt steal the skillbook. Even if it was level 0, who knows! It could be worth some money. Even a level 1 skillbook sells for about 1 million dors so if it was a Level 0 one, Im pretty sure I can make at least 10,000 dors. You could say that it was much better than even getting a monazite!


    Even though its not something wed want, Im pretty sure that it could be very useful to a porter.


    Kim Sowul tossed the skillbook to me. I caught the book in two hands and carefully hid it in my clothes for safekeeping.


    This brat. Im not going to steal it so dont worry. Who the heck would steal something like that.


    It might be useless to you but not to everyone.


    I had retorted on reflex. And I knew the moment I said this.


    That I was screwed.


    I didnt even have time to apologize.


    m!


    huh?


    m!


    Ahn Kyubum had grabbed my hair in his fist and mmed my head down right into the ground. I didnt even see himing. I held back a moan with my head still on the ground. I had an intuition that I should not open my mouth.


    m!


    Shit. It felt like all the bones in my head would shatter. What the heck kind of monster strength was this? Shit. No matter how strong his armor was, to unleash this kind of power from such a small arm was ridiculous.


    Will you stop? It doesnt look good.


    Kim Sowul tried to calm him down. Damn. I was so so thankful for those words.


    Youre taking the civilians side?


    Yeah.


    But then again. You used to be a civilian too.


    Ahn Kyubum returned teasingly.


    Didnt we agree that we wouldnt talk about that.


    Oh, did we? Im sorry. I guess I have faulty memory.


    m!


    Euk


    I couldnt hold back any more and let out a small moan. It really felt like my skull would rip apart. This bastard. Who does he think he is. Kim Sowul spoke again.


    Are you trying to kill him?


    Im thinking about it.


    Theres a lot of people here.


    Who cares.


    Ahn Kyubum retorted as he cackled a bit.


    This was dangerous. Is he really trying to kill me? He must be joking right? To think that hed kill a human so easily. Thats crazy.


    ROOOOOOOAR!


    At that moment, we could hear the cry of another monster. From the sound of it, it was at least 500 meters tall. It seemed that there was one more. I could now hear the police sirens once more. This was probably the reason why the police hadnte here until now.


    Kim Sowul spoke as she faced the sound of themotion.


    I guess thats the other one. Leave him alone.


    This guy. He really has good luck now doesnt he.


    Ahn Kyubum finally let go of my head. After letting out a sigh of relief, I held back my breath again in case he changed his mind. Seeing me like that, Ahn Kyubum let out a boomingugh. When I stared at him nkly, he responded.


    Keu Keu Keu. You wont die. Bastard. I was just ying around. To think you took it to heart.


    Stop. We should get going.


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    Alright. I was just about to go anyway. Maybe well see you again. Civilian.


    Ahn Kyubum jumped several meters high into the air and ran with such speed that he disappeared in an instant. Kim Sowul nced at me for a second before disappearing just as quickly.


    Whew.


    I wobbled as I stood up. As I stretched out here and there I could feel that my back was a bit raw. It felt like I may have bruised my rib bone or something. On top of getting hit by a damn car, after the beating from Ahn Kyubum, there was no way I was fine.


    But todays work wasnt over yet. The bus station was pretty much gone, but the bus should still be in working order. I figured since I could still move around, I should finish up this evenings job and then go to the hospital afterward. What. A. Day.

 Chapter 5

    Chapter 5


    I got off at my stop and stood at the entrance to the mountains. After checking to see that there was no one around, I opened the skillbook to see what was inside.


    The skill name was effort.


    Hmm


    Weird. So weird. I couldnt tell what kind of skill this was just by the name. I thought maybe I should just try learning it, but then again I realized I shouldnt waste my one skill slot with a level 0 skillbook. There was another reason why I couldnt learn this.


    I wanted to be a hunter.


    I even nned which skillbook I would buy. Bursting light  a level 1 active skill. If you just had this skill, you could pierce through a monsters hide without the aid of hunter equipment. I had plenty of dungeon experience and I had saved up to about 8000. If I could sell this skillbook, I would be able to get to my goal that much faster.


    Thinking about this as I was walking, it wasnt too long before I reached the dungeon. The dungeons in Ansan are known to be the lowest level 1 dungeons. Though it had recently be the butt of jokes among hunters for being an easy dungeon with the advent of so many high-level hunters, there was once a time when this dungeon was considered highly dangerous. And it was.


    I came too quickly.


    I looked around for the first-time hunter that my broker had told me about. I was about to call but decided it would be better to just wait until the promised time.


    There were actually quite a few people aside from myself. They all looked pretty well dressed too. Their armor shined brightly and their des looked sharp.


    Could it be them?


    At the base of a small hill, I could see a group of people dressed simrly standing around. Four teenage boys, one middle-aged man, and one girl in her mid-twenties holding a huge backpack. Six in total.


    I was puzzled. It was standard for there to only be 5 people in a group embarking into a dungeon. This was because the admission price started at 5 people.


    Are you the person that Mr. Song had rmended as a porter?


    The middle aged man asked me as I walked towards them. He was clothed in a robe that covered his entire body from neck to ankle but it didnt cover up his bald head and round stomach. It was safe to assume that he was the leader of the party.


    Mr. Jung. Doesnt this young man look much too young? I cannot trust him.


    The one with red dyed hair and piercing on his lip as well as both ears asked as he nced me up and down. I didnt know that a rich familys kid did things like that, but I guess Im not always right.


    I am a level 2 porter, Jeon Sangmin. And your name is?


    You dont need to know. Just do your job. You know that if we catch you stealing any items, were going to cut off your hands right?


    My experience is 6 years. You dont have anything to worry about.


    I tried to respond as professionally as possible. You meet all sorts of people doing this for six years. I was good at hiding my derision.


    He walked to the girl carrying the heavy backpack.


    Sooah. Why dont you hand that backpack over to that kid.


    Oh no? But I need this so I can


    If I ask something of you, you must do as I say ok? <em>In a slimy tone</em>


    Yes sir.


    The girl looked at me apologetically and handed it over. It seemed there was a good amount of equipment loaded in this backpack from the weight of it. I could tell that it was about 20 kg. Seeing that she could carry this all the way up here without breaking a sweat, she was probably a porter as well.


    There was no reason for me to ask why they needed two porters in one party. From the way he talked to the girl porter, the answer was so obvious. He wanted her with him to lighten his mood.


    This isnt the first time Ive seen something like this happen.


    Ugh watch the face. I cant let him see my disgust. Carefulll.


    Will it be all 7 of you?


    The person stationed in front of the dungeons entrance collecting the admissions asked. Dungeons were managed by the country, so the person collecting the entrance fee was most certainly a government official. It wasnt really a high up position. It was more of an entry level position that the newbies took turns doing.


    The starting sry of a civil servant was about 40k. This was about double a normal persons sry. Most private businesses went bankrupt so government jobs became the best ones somehow. So these kids collecting admissions at the entrance would be considered the elite of the elites of South Korea.


    Two are porters. Including myself, there are 5 hunters.


    Mr. Jung shoved to the front and held out a card. It was probably a corporate card. Level 1 dungeon admissions started at 3,000 for a party of five. Though less expensivepared to the 5,000 admission fee for Level 2 dungeons, it was still not cheap.


    We usually only allow one porter. If you would like to take both into the dungeon, there will be an additional fee.


    Geesh. Such a stiff rule. How much is it?


    300 dors.


    Just put it all on this card. It looks like were about to spend 600 just on hiring a porter.


    Mr. Jung nced at me. Why is he looking at me. Im the one whos really going to be working. If he wants to get mad at someone, it should be the punk who brought the girl.


    The high walls had barbed wire curled at the top and when you walked in, the very first thing you could see was an emergency ward. This was probably so that any idents that happened within the dungeon could be attended to right away at the location. The doctors at this dungeon had healing skills at the very minimum. This was because stab wounds and other injuries happened quite often within a dungeon where this was necessary.


    Do you mind if we rest a bit here before heading in?


    The boy carrying a golden bow asked with an anxious expression. When the red haired boy nodded his head, the middle aged man responded.


    Yes sir. You have done well walking so far up until this point. We shall rest. We have plenty of time so there should be no problem in resting for at least 30 minutes.


    Everyone went into a caf except for me. It just seemed that I was naturally excluded from going into such a nice atmosphere, so I stayed back.


    While waiting outside the caf, I observed the boy with the golden arrow. From the way everyone was speaking to him, it was obvious that the wealthy son was this kid. What was most dangerous in clearing a dungeon was not the red haired and cheeky boy nor was it the extremely slow moving Mr. Jung. It was a beginner like the bow boy.


    No matter how much you treat a dungeon as if it were a yground, there is no quelling the fear of your first time. Especially with a boy who looks like he couldnt even kill a fly, he had an extremely high chance of turning tail and running as soon as he encountered a monster. If you have an expert and just follow his directions, it was easy to clear a level 1 dungeon without an incident but boys like this had a hard time keeping theirposure. Wherein lied the issue.


    This is where big incidents can happen.


    Well, I guess that was the whole reason why the broker had given me this job. It wouldnt make sense that the job would be easy if it paid $200 in one shot. Its a good thing I have the skill to back it up.


    Hm..But isnt that Athenas bow?


    I fixed my eyes on the boys weapon. One of my many talents includes examining and remembering all the items that pop up in the hunter market. Though everything there was so damn expensive that I couldnt even dream of buying it, I had put some items in my basket a few times before putting it back. Dont act like youve never done that before in your life.


    Honestly, just doing that made me feel like those items in my basket were truly mine even if only for that moment. Happiness isnt too far away if you know just where to look.


    Anyway, one of those items I had put into my basket one time or another was that golden bow. It seemed I had really taken a liking to it since I still remember the exact name of it even now. It was something you could use even without experience, and since it was a level 4 weapon, killing a level 1 monster with it was a foregone conclusion. The best thing about it was that the arrow could only hurt a monster and never a human. If any weapon had this characteristic, the price of it automatically doubled. If you have a weapon of that caliber, anyone holding it could call themselves a hunter and get away with it.


    And then there was that little fact about the golden color of it being so damn cool.


    Sangmin


    Tap.


    Someone called out my name as they tapped me on the shoulder.

 Chapter 6

    Chapter 6


    <strong>Volume 1 Chapter6 </strong>


    Won Jongtak?


    Oh. I thought you would have forgotten my name.


    How could I?


    To be honest we werent really all that close.


    Well, that wasnt the reason why I didnt forget your name.


    Just as he said, we werent really close enough to call each other friends. We probably said hi to each other a handful of times in school andter when we met at a dungeon entrance by chance we exchanged a brief hello. We even had alcohol together once. But that was the first time and thest time about 2 years ago.


    Anyway it seems like were meeting after almost 2 years now. Did you graduate? I just left in the middle without really finishing.


    Why?


    The tuition seemed like a waste. I was going to be a porter anyway so I felt like there wasnt really a point in me graduating. So I just told a white lie to my parents, a little white lie and kept the tuition money. I bought some equipment with that and here I am.


    As Won Jongtak spoke, he spread out his arms and legs to show me the protective gear that was covering him. It wasnt quite hunter quality so it wasnt something that would really impress anyone, but the difference between having it and not having it was still huge. I have some protective gear myself.


    Due to the heavy gear I always had to carry, I found myself reducing any protective gear to the bare minimum: Waist protector, head and neck protecting headgear, mail made from synthetic resin, and arm protectors. I also had a pair of fire resistant gloves.


    My gear may look humble but all of it cost me nearly 10,000 dors. I know. Ridiculous.


    Hey. It has been a while though so we should at least exchange numbers or something, dont you think?


    I wanted to stop the small talk and leave but this bastard grabbed my arm. I reluctantly gave him my business card.


    What is this? Pretty boy porter Jeon Sangmin? Ke ke ke. I guess nothings really changed huh?


    Is anything different with you?


    I grabbed and looked at the business card he handed over my way. It had a ck background with Ultimate Porter written in bold white gothic print.


    Doesnt it leave quite an impression? Anyway, youre on their team right?


    This guy. He put his stupid arm over my shoulder and pointed at Mr. Jung and red hair.


    When I turned my head a bit, I saw Mr. red hair secretly stroking the girl porters leg. How is it that he can act exactly like you would expect him to act? Slimeball.


    Yeah, I guess.


    I know that guyyoull have your hands full.


    Who? Red hair?


    Yeh. Hes the youngest son of a rich constructionpany owner. He has a bit of an anger management issue. So prepare yourself to get hit a few times.


    That kind of stuff is a given in this line of work. I got this.


    I was about to tell him that I had just left another guy with anger management issues and almost had my head crushed in the processbut why bother?


    Thats not it though. This is all rumorsbut I heard that he even raped some porter girl in a dungeon.


    What the hell. What kind of a man can do something like that in a dungeon? I call bull.


    Hey. Im serious here. You dont get why you got picked to do this job?


    Why did I get picked. Tell me.


    Because that piece of trash is always going around and doing that crap so they require another guy porter.


    Yeah right. Its not as if Im the only guy porter wholl take the job. And if he was bold enough to do something like that, would he even care what another porter thinks? Who do you think those guys are?


    Well, dont say I didnt want you. You be careful. If you make one wrong move. Oh yeh. Should we go get a cup of coffee too? You buy.


    As if.


    Come on. I gave you some good tips. You know right? That I wouldnt give any old person something juicy like this.


    It didnt even seem like good intel, and why should I buy you something just because you wanted to gossip a bit?


    Heyyy. Loosen up.


    Ive had enough of you especially since what you pulled thest time 2 years ago, so just drop it ok?


    2 years ago? What are you talking about?


    Dont say you dont remember


    UmI dont remember. What happened two years ago?


    Damn. I hate to say it with my own mouth butst time 2 years ago when we shared a drink, you ran away without paying the bill. You dont remember?


    HmNah. I dont. I do things like that quite often hehehe.


    Geez you still go around pulling crap like that?


    Won Jongtak turned bright red in the face and stared daggers into me at this point.


    What do you want then? You want to smack me a good one?


    ah shit.


    Jongtak took a deep breath and said.


    Sorry.


    If you know youre sorry just dont do it again.


    To be honest, I havent really been doing so hottely.


    What do you meantely. Im sure it was since 2 years ago.


    Awe on.


    For someone who dropped out of school to be a full time porter, are you crying about being poor now? And didnt you juste out from clearing a dungeon? Im pretty sure you have money in your pockets right now.


    Id gotten paid in advance and it went to all the collection agencies. And I didnt get any tip


    Collections? Where did you borrow money from?


    Not long ago I got hurt pretty badly so I had to borrow money for the emergency ward.


    Youve got to be shitting me. Thats the worst!


    Porters,pared to other regr jobs, are paid on the pretty decent side. If he/she clears a dungeon once, they can earn from 100 to 1,000 dors, and if theyre pretty popr they can do this work all day every day. Depending on how good you are, you have the potential to make 10,000 dors a month.


    But because it was so physically demanding, if you get hurt even once the hospital fees are ridiculous. And, adding insult to injury, youre hurt so you cant even earn any ie. Because it isnt a steady job in the first ce, getting a loan from the bank is not an option and you have to resort to a loan shark. Its all pretty shitty.


    You think I dont know that?


    You should have told your parents.


    If they find out that I got hurt while being a porter, theyll probably make me quit right away.


    True.


    I couldnt help but rte to him on that point. Because I pretty much lied to my parents that I was employed full time while instead I have been portering the whole time. I guess I pretty much lied to myself saying it would be fine once I became a famous hunter and I gave them a lot of money topensate.


    I pretended to fall for whatever garbage he was spewing and bought him a cup of coffee before getting up. I figured there was no point in butting heads with someone who was in the same upation and simr situation as me. I could definitely get the feeling that he yed me as I watched him shaking my hand gleefully and trotting off down the hill but, well, I shouldnt be too stingy over a stupid cup of coffee.


    If you look at a dungeon from the outside, it looks like an elliptical ck hole. Where a dungeon appears can really vary, but they were mostmon in a mountain or forest. No one knows why. Well. No one even knows why the monsters appeared so of course no one would know why the dungeons appeared either. Duh. Honestly, 50 years hade to pass since they first appeared so there isnt really anyone who is curious as to the reason why, any more. To all of us, its now just a normal thing.


    Dungeons vary in all sorts of ways. If I were to try and exin every single kind of dungeon, a whole book wouldnt be enough. But below are the most important points:


    Ha.Ha.Ha. Scary.


    Looking at the ck hole ahead of me, I swallowed a small lump. Its not my first rodeo but I cant help the little butterflies I get every single time. I could see red hair didnt like that I showed some anxiety but a hunter and porters position are just so different.


    To give you a general idea. Barring that the hunters didnte here for the sole purpose of suicide, there is almost no chance of them dying. Case in point: those clothes theyre all wearing, it may look super light and flimsy but they can withstand even a sniper rifle at close range. And the robe Mr. Jung is wearing? If he just rolls himself into a little protective ball, theres nothing that can hurt him.


    Well. Let us all go in now.


    Mr. Jung spoke.


    The inside of the dungeon was pretty bright and it was big enough where five people could stretch out and hold hands and still have room. At 10 meters, the dungeon was also pretty high so there wouldnt be any problem of space.


    Let us proceed slowly. If a monster is to appear, please do not make any pre emptive attacks. It is best to follow my instructions.


    And so they began.

 Chapter 7

    Chapter 7


    <strong>Volume 1 Chapter7 </strong>


    What are you being so uptight for just a level 1 dungeon! Lets just go in there and just do it in one shot! Come on!


    Red hair, Song Hansol, opened his mouth and made this unnecessarily stupidment.


    There is a hunter who is here for the first time so we should try and be considerate of his pace.


    YoungChul will be in the back just shooting his bow and arrow so it doesnt really matter now, does it?


    One can never be too cautious. But one can be too wreckless.


    I guess if Mr. Jung says so. If scaredy cats like youe into the dungeon, what fun is it for any of us?


    Ha ha. This is all for the safety of our young master.


    The torch lights were flickering against the dark cave walls.


    The Ansan dungeons were known for its humanoid monsters. And among those that most frequently appeared were the goblins and cobalts. Both of these monsters stood at about only 1 meter and 50 centimeters tall but they are not to be underestimated. That was because the density of a monsters muscle fibers were several times stronger than that of a human.


    Squeeze.


    Mr. Jung, who was leading the party at the very front raised his hand and formed a fist. This meant there was a monster. I moved my head a bit to get a better look and spotted them.


    There were three goblins sitting on the floor tearing into some meat in front of a smoking fire.


    First. Ill cast a distraction spell. I will point to the monster for the initial attack with aser pointer, then young master Hansol will distract it while the other two hunters can take care of it at that point.


    Mr. Jung was a support hunter. So he was the obvious choice in leading the raid.


    What happens if I kill them all?


    Song Hansol asked cockily as he took out a sword that was about 50cm long. The de had a red glow to it that drew the eye. It went by the name Blood Sword. This was because as it drank more and more of its enemys blood, its attack power increased that much more.


    We will cross that bridge when we get there.


    Hey. You cant have all the fun.


    Park Jungbeh said. He was one of two hunters I had pegged as beggars in the beginning  this one had short hair and a fairly muscr body. The other one was pretty big too.


    Keu Keu. Dont worry. Ill kill just one. You two can figure out what to do with the other two. Ah. Actually why dont you give one of them to Youngchul?


    Song Hansol asked as he looked back at the young master holding his bow.


    Me? I, I probably wont be able to shoot at it right.


    Hey. Kim Youngchul. Were here in thisme dungeon because of you. You need to at least get one monster or itll be a waste.


    Ok. Ill try my best.


    Then, everyone get ready.


    Mr. Jung took out a short cane from within his clothes. It was about an arms length with a green color at the end tip of one side. This sort of cane was for those who had magic abilities and used it for power amplification.


    Mr. Jung started chanting and muttering incessantly under his breath as he held out his odd little cane and the green end began to glow bigger until it enveloped the goblins.


    Blehhh?


    All three of them seemed to just lose it and began rolling around on the ground.


    Young master. You just need to kill the one with the red mark on its forehead.


    Mr. Jung had pointed out the nearest goblin with hisser pointer.


    Duh. Any idiot knows how to do that without anyone having to ask him.


    Tap. Tap. Tap.


    Song Hansol had closed the 20 meter distance to the goblin in just three steps and stabbed at his targets heart.


    Stab!


    Keuuahhhhk!


    The goblin victim suddenly came to again and began to scream out in pain. Even with the bloodcurdling scream, the other two goblins were still rolling about in the green light. I guess Mr. Jungs distraction magic was pretty strong.


    Slice!


    Song Hansol finished the goblin off by slicing at its throat and shutting off the sound. He was covered in a fountain of goblin blood as he headed back in our direction.


    Now. Whos next?


    Okay. Its my turn.


    Wait for me you bastard.


    As if just waiting for their turn, the two hunters ran out so suddenly that both me and Youngchul were almost knocked over. As they busied themselves killing the second goblin, it looked as if the young master was about to go and kill the third one. I was d that he wasnt as timid as I first pegged him to be.


    I slowly walked up next to him and said a few words.


    This was all sales. Watch and learn. This is how you make tip money.


    Have you ever gone hunting before?


    Me? No. This is my first.


    And practice??


    A few times at home


    And do you know the performance of the bow?


    Yes.


    Then there is nothing to worry too much about. It could never hurt a person so all you have to do is point and shoot in the goblins general direction.


    Like, like this?


    Kim Youngchul pulled on the bow as he looked at me for approval.


    Do not look at me. Look at your target, that goblin over there. Match your bow. A little more to the right. A little to the left. A little down. Yes. Right there. Rx your shoulders and breathe in deep.


    Huhb.


    Now on the count of threeone..two..now!


    Ping! The arrow flew from the bow.


    Keeeeeekkkk!


    Nice shot!


    To think he really made his mark. I made a big deal of it by yelling hurrahs and pping real loud. Kim Youngchuls eyes were round saucertes as he stared at the mark where his arrow had hit the goblin.


    OhI got it.


    Congrattions on your first kill.


    Thank you.


    Ha ha. It is nothing. You can speakfortably with me.


    How could I? You are much older than I am.


    It is usual for a hunter to speakfortably or down to a porter. It is easier for me to hear as well.


    Is that so sir? I meanis that right?


    [TN] This whole time, Youngchul was using honorifics when talking to the MC which is highly unusual and he just switched to regr speech.


    See. There you go. It suits you just fine. You can just speak like that from now on.


    Anyway, thanks. Whats your name again?


    Jeon Sangmin, sir. Please call on me if you ever have another need.


    I said as I passed him my business card. He took it and read it in all seriousness before cing it in his pocket. I could already tell that the probability of him calling me on his next raid would be fairly high.


    Kim Yeongchul spoke.


    But I hit it in the shoulder. Is that alright?


    With that arrow, its game over no matter where you hit your target. Do not worry.


    After I quelled his worries, I turned to look in the direction of the felled goblins. Song Hansol was looking on with scorn while the other two were still prancing around their goblin and brandishing their weapons.


    Die! Die you bastard!


    Ah. Shit. Damn. Shit. Damn. Shit. Why wont it die?


    Thats because you idiots have no skill. Retards.


    Song Hansol made a small smirk.


    Go to hell. Its because we have crappy weapons ok? I guess I have to ask for a new weapon for my birthday.


    Its always the low level ones who me it on their weapons. Look. Our Youngchul was able to kill his target in one shot.


    Hey. Isnt that weapon expensive as hell though?


    But he did it from that distance. I bet you that you couldnt do the same thing if your life depended on it.


    I can too.


    Yeah right.


    ng!


    While the two were arguing, the goblin had pushed a sword into into Park Jungbehs side. Luckily itzily bounced off his armor. Park Jungbehs face turned bright red. He. Was. Furious!


    This piece of crap. How dare you leave a streak on my armor! Do you know how much this costs?


    Can you just finish him off already so we can move on?


    Song Hansols now blood-red sword finished sucking up the blood of its kill as he ced it back on his hip. I couldnt tell if he used a two sword fighting style, but he had another sword on the opposite hip.


    The female porter hurried over with a handkerchief to clean the sweat off his brow. I guess she was used to doing this because she started cooing over him telling him how brave and strong he was while making the biggest smile she could muster. Song Hansolughed aloud as he raised his hand to cup her at the waist.


    Thest goblin was finally in and as they waited for the monster to evaporate, everything appeared at once. What was left behind from the monsters was 1 monazite. It was a poor hunt. To think that only 1 monazite would appear from killing three goblins. It was usual for 1 monazite to appear from killing two monstersnot three.


    They had killed 30 monsters in total. It had taken them about 2 hours. This was a dungeon that didnt have any boss level monsters so as soon as you killed all the monsters in there, that was the end. The suns rays began to filter into the cave and light it up.


    Their total items included 10 monazites and 2 bastnazites. The total price of everything woulde out to about 10,200 dors. It seemed like there was a bit of bad luck on todays hunt since if they split it all up, it barely amounted to 300 dors per person.


    Is this all?


    Mr. Jung asked with his voice tinged with obvious disappointment. It was understandable. Even at a level 1 dungeon, for there to be such little items, this could be seen as a really bad day.


    Song Hansol nced at his watch and said.


    Its only been about two hours so lets rest a bit. Theres no reason for us to hurry. You. Porter. Why dont you take Youngchul and show him around a bit.


    Im fine.


    Kim Youngchul said.


    We dont know when welle again so make some memories. We were hunting this whole time so Im sure you didnt get to have a good look at the ce right?


    Is, is that right?


    Yeh. So just listen to what Im saying. Well wait over here.


    Alright. Then.


    Kim Youngchul stared at me with wide excited eyes. It seemed this kid was the type who couldnt refuse anyone.


    I nodded my head.


    I have things I need to carry so it is hard for me to leave this ce.


    You can just leave your things here.


    All of these items are my responsibility. If even one item disappears


    This bastard. Youre saying some mighty annoying things! What are you saying? Are you saying that if you leave your things here that someones going to steal them? Were the only ones here so youre pretty much saying well steal them arent you?!


    Song Hansol began screaming at the top of his lungs.


    That is not what I meant. I just meant in case


    Then what? Shit. If something disappears then Ill make sure I take the me so go. No. Sooah. Why dont you hold on to everything. We have another porter here so give it to her.


    You can give it to me.


    The girl porter came and stretched out an arm. I couldnt do anything but nod and hand it all over.

 Chapter 8

    Chapter 8


    Thump. Thump.


    I walked through the dungeon slowly with Kim Youngchul. The stctites all along the cave walls were sparkling.


    How do you feel about your first time visiting a dungeon?


    Scary. And cruel.


    But it is something that is necessary as well.


    I know. I know that if we dont clear the dungeons once in a while the monsters would leave it ande to the outside world. How about you? Arent you scared? Youre not a hunter so you could die easily. If it were me, I would be too afraid to do it.


    I am used to it so its alright.


    Do you think Ill be like that too?


    Just think of it as preparing yourself early for something you will have to doter on anyway.


    You mean military service?


    Yes. If you be a hunter higher than a level 3 then byw you are to be drafted to the military.


    It was normal for hunters higher than level 3 to serve as National Security instead of serving at the military. This was to keep the cost of hiring hunters low while still maintaining the countrys safety. It was a win win situation. While the hunter is ced in afortable station, they are asked to hunt once a week to keep the country safe.


    Well, if its something I have to do anyway, isnt it the same if I just put it off forter?


    I guess you can think of it that way too.


    I nodded my head. We walked for a long time without saying a word.


    A negative thought kept niggling at the back of my mind.


    Is there something youre worried about?


    More than something Im worried aboutthere is something that concerns me a bit.


    What is it?


    Well I heard a bad rumor beforeing in here, actually.


    Rumor? About Hansol?


    Wellno. Nevermind.


    I shook my head. Though I didnt know exactly what their rtionship was, I couldnt go spewing nonsense I could regretter.


    I couldnt hang myself over something that wasnt even confirmed.


    ng!


    One minute Kim Youngchul was looking at my face carefully and the next he fell atop of me. Anyone could see that this was all a horrible act.


    Ahh!


    What are you doing?


    Ow ow ow. I think I just sprained my leg and can no longer walk.


    It looked as if you fell on purpose


    No no. I just twisted it.


    I calmly stared at him.


    This little kid, was he doing this out of concern for me?


    I swear!


    Hm..well. I guess now that I look at it more carefully, it does look a bit swollen.


    Yeah. So lets go back alright?


    I smirked a little and crouched in front of him.


    Huh? What are you doing?


    This kid, I couldnt tell if he was smart or dumb.


    Taptaptaptap


    I piggybacked Kim Youngchul and ran to the spot everyone was resting. It was already 20 minutes since we had left. If something had happened, it wouldve already been over before I could arrive.


    I could hear a bunch of people screaming at the top of their lungs.


    You let go right now. Im going to kill him!


    Keu keu keu. Miss Porter. Youre much too strong no?


    Shit. Look at her breasts.


    Hey! Hold her properly! She keeps moving around!


    Ah shit. Shit. Shit. I thought it couldnt be true but it was? Shit.


    What I saw as soon as I arrived was Song Hansol sitting on top of the girl porter who was squirming with all her might on the ground. The two other hunters were on either side of her, holding her arms down while making piggy grunting noises. Mr. Jung was just in the corner observing everything while smoking a cigarette without a care in the world.


    What are you doing!


    I let Kim Youngchul on the ground before running toward the girl porter.


    Move!


    Damn. This bastard. Ruining everything.


    Song Hansol got up. The other hunters moved away too.


    Judging from the situation, luckily I wasnt toote.


    Are you alright?


    ..Do I look alright?


    The girl responded with a quavering voice. Her face was covered in fresh bruises. Her lip was busted and blood was freely trickling out.


    I raised my head to stare daggers at Song Hansol.


    What is the meaning of this?


    Song Hansol was not looking at me. He looked at Kim Youngchul and said.


    Kim Youngchul. You piece of shit. Didnt I tell you to go around the dungeon? It took you just 20 minutes to go around the whole dungeon? Huh?


    I, I was going but I hurt my leg


    It looks fine to me.


    Ah, it hurts. Its swollen so I cant even walk on it right.


    He responded over hups. It was obvious to anyone that he was lying. And quite horribly too.


    Ah. Whatever. Youngchul you go over there for a minute.


    Why, why?


    I said go!


    Song Hansol was almost screeching now. Kim Youngchul squirmed a bit before walking towards Mr. Jung.


    Mr. Jung take Youngchul and leave.


    Yes. Understood.


    I, I dont want to go.


    You want to die? What did I just say? You think Im a chump?


    No..thats not it


    Then what?!


    Smack!


    Song Hansol smacked the stctites in front of him hard.


    They came off in pieces almost as big as his arm and fell to the ground of the cave.


    Mr. Jung! Hurry up and take him and leave!


    Ah, Yes. Yes sir.


    And until Ie out, donte in here.


    Mr. Jung took the resistant Youngchul and left the cave. I held the frightened girl and waited to see what woulde next.


    It wasnt going to be good. If Kim Youngchul and Mr. Jung were gone, there was no one to stop this crazed maniac.


    Ha.


    Song Hansol gave a sigh as if he couldnt believe any of this was happening.


    The other idiot hunters were scared too, judging from the situation, and kept their mouths shut.


    Then finally Song Hansol spoke.


    You. Shit. Youre interesting. You know that?


    Shling.


    He had taken his sword out.


    Hey Jungbeh.


    Yeah?


    Have you ever killed a person before?


    Nno


    Lets do it today.


    Song Hansol turned to see the two idiots reactions beforeing towards us. There was nowhere for us to go except closer to the wall behind us.


    Shiiiiit! Is this bastard serious?!


    Sparkle.


    First things first, my eyesnded on the sparking golden bow as I searched around for a weapon of some kind. Kim Youngchul had left his Athenas bow in my backpack.


    This thoughtful little kid.


    Tap.


    I hurriedly ran toward it and grabbed it.


    What?


    As soon as pulled on the string of the bow, an arrow appeared.


    Im pretty sure you already know how powerful this bow is. If you dont want to get hurt, we should just drop the whole thing right now.


    This bastardif you dont want to die right now youll drop that bow.


    Im not an idiot.


    I swallowed my nonexistent spit and observed him to see what he would do next. Song Hansol was fast. If I took my eyes off him for even a second, I was a goner.


    A small smile crept into the creeps face.


    Yeh? But whatever shall we do? Im not an idiot either.


    What?


    That arrow. It doesnt kill people. Did you think I wouldnt know that?


    He knew it. Of course he knew. He was in the same party as the owner.


    So thats all you know? You dont know the rest then?


    What do you mean?


    You know how much this bow is worth right?


    Its worth more than youll ever see in your poverty-ridden lifetime, thats for sure.


    What do you think will happen if I die?


    I pulled out a small dagger from my pocket and put it next to my neck. It was something I usually pack with me just in case.


    If you die in a dungeon then the item that you havewait a minute. Youre trying to hold that bow hostage?


    Correctomundo. I know you could care less for my life, but this bow. If this bow disappears then its a big deal right?


    Athenas bow was worth 20 million dors. You wouldnt do anything rash just because you were mad and risk throwing away 20 million dorsunless you were either crazy or retarded.


    I prayed to the gods that he wasnt that crazy. Or stupid.


    It was quiet. Park Jungebeh finally spoke.


    Hey. Lets drop it. Shit. Theres no point in doing this here. We can beat the crap out of him outside or something.


    Yeh. Theres no point in doing something and risk losing that bow. Were going to get our asses handed to us if we lose it.


    Shit! Shut up! Let me think.


    Tap.


    Song Hansol tapped his finger before making a nasty smile.


    Im just saying, but that smile was the most disgusting looking one Ive ever seen in all my life. No lie. I swear.


    What?


    Tap!


    That bastard moved so fast at that moment. I scooted back from surprise.


    But his aim wasnt to get me but to get the girl porter who was copsed there on the ground.


    Ah ahhhk!


    What are you doing? She has nothing to do with any of this!


    Be quiet. Sooah. Itll all be over soon.


    Song Hansol put his swords de to her neck and started to tease.


    Heu, heuuk?


    Now. Your life or her life. Which one?


    what?


    Werent you going tomit suicide anyway? If youre going to do it, then do the world a favor and do it.


    Thisbastard.


    There was about 5 meters of distance between Song Hansol and me. No matter how fast I moved, there was no way I could stop this psycho. No, I wouldnt even be able to shake off these two morons on either side of me to begin with.


    Then. Just drop that bow and kill yourself. Im telling you, now this is a fact, if you kill yourself while holding that bow I WILL kill her for sure. Ah Ah. Now what are you going to do? Hmm?


    Dont make meugh. If this bow disappears, we both know youre in for it. And if two porters die, you think it wont bite you in the ass?


    Im sure it will. But so what? You think Ill go to prison over it?


    If two porters die, even if you are from money, you wont get away with it scot free.


    It seems you dont know how things work. This is a dungeon. No matter who dies, itll be hard to find out why. You could have died at the hands of a goblin. Whos to say otherwise?


    This piece of shit


    Keu Keu Keu. Cuss all you want. You wont be able to cuss anymore in a short while.


    As soon as Song Hansol gestured with his chin, both goris started heading toward me.


    Then everything went dark.


    What the hell?


    Song Hansol looked around in bewilderment. Ah. I know what happened. The dungeon had reset.


    Wait. The dungeon reset? How is that possible? A dungeon can only reset when the entire party leaves.


    Raaaaawwr.


    A sudden roar rung out in the darkness. It was a sound Id heard before.


    Wait a minute


    Thud!


    On the opposite side of the cave was a huge monster thudding about. I could make it our from the torchlight. It was a big monster over 3 meters tall. It was a simr ss as the monster we had met a few hours ago.


    What, what is that?


    I dont know. It cant be a level 1 monster though right?


    Song Hansol was breathing shallowly from fear.


    I couldnt figure out how and why that monster appeared here. But I cant say I hated it. I mean. Could it get any worse from here?


    Creaak.


    I pulled the bow. As soon as I did, a golden arrow appeared. Song Hansol stared at me with wide eyes.


    Ha ha. I liked that look on him.


    Nono!


    Yes. You shithead.


    Whing!


    I shot the arrow.

 Chapter 9

    Chapter 9


    <strong>Volume 1 Chapter9 </strong>


    Thud.


    The arrow had hit the monsters shoulder. Athenas bow was a level 4 weapon. Though its damage points were not high because it had the option of not hurting humans, it should have been enough to at least hurt that monster.


    Ahhhhhhkk!


    The monster whipped its head around in this direction. At the same instant I threw the bow to Park Jungbeh. And that moron caught it. It seemed he didnt have the balls to drop something worth 20 million dors.


    What, what the hell? Shit!


    Keuuuuuuu.


    The monster had its eyes fixed on Park Jungbeh. Not only was that arrow already shiny enough to draw attention, but having been hit by itof course it would stare at the owner.


    Holding the bow in his hands, Park Jungbeh seemed at a loss for what to do.then he started walking to Song Hansol.


    Han, Hansol? What do I do with this?


    I, I dont know. You bastard. Go away!


    Song Hansol nced at the monster before slowly trying to get away. He probably knew. That that monster was not something he could handle with his level. Even with Mr. Jung and Youngchulbined, they probably wouldnt be able to bring this beast down.


    Rawrrr!


    Ahhhk!


    Ah shit! Throw that shit to the ground and run!


    Do you know how much this is?


    Is it more important than your life? Just toss it!


    When the monster roared again, Song Hansol dashed away screaming at the top of his lungs. Park Jungbeh lost all his qualms about the expensive weapon and tossed it before running after his friend while also screaming aloud. But this was after the monster already fixed itself to Jungbeh.


    Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!


    Ahhhhh! Shiiit! Its following us!!


    You psychos! Stop following me!


    Theres no other way except here! You bastard! Trying to get away by yourself!


    The monster was catching up rapidly with its enormous legs and the three of them were running and cursing each other at the same time. Thanks guys. Thanks for leading the monster away from me without me having to ask.


    Haa haaa.


    Jung Sooah was shivering with fear on the floor where the idiots had dropped her before running. I grabbed the bow from the floor and hooked it over my shoulder. Then went to grab her hand and help her up.


    Get up. Theres no time to waste here. If those idiots get eaten, were next.


    One momentlet me just pull myself together.


    She closed her eyes for a minute and took a few deep breaths before she slowly got up.


    Lets go.


    Are you alright?


    I think Im a bit better now. I hope those bastards be monster food and die.


    Seems you recovered pretty fast.


    Ha! I can still feel my heart racing like a jackhammer! I might have gotten a trauma from all this.


    Might have?


    Thanks to you Im better than I might have been. Honestly, you were in more danger than I was.


    I guess.


    I nodded my head. It was all pretty crazy now that I think about it.


    How can you be so calm?


    I dont know. I guess maybe because Id been in plenty of life and death situations before?


    Ah is that so? I guess a porters life is really dangerous. Ah ah. If I had known it would be like this, I wouldnt have done it. Why did I go through years of training for something like this? You know, I really tried hard to be a real porter?


    One day all your hard work will pay off.


    One day.sheesh. I hope so.


    She outstretched her arms for a moment before slowly walking ahead. It seemed she was physically trying to shrug off what had happened and I tookfort in her resilience.


    What are you doing? Arent youing?


    As soon as we came out of the dungeon, we saw Youngchul and Mr. Jung waiting outside. I handed the bow over to the youngd and said.


    That piece ofSong Hansolwhat happened to him?


    I dont know. The dungeon got dark out of nowhere so we ran out. Mr. Jung was just about to go back in but you guys came out.


    What happened? What happened to the other young masters?


    Who knows. Maybe they died. What does it have to do with me?


    How would I know. We didnt see them on the way out. Maybe they got eaten up. No. I hope they got eaten up.


    Mr. Jungs eyes rolled back as he grabbed my cor.


    You. You killed them.


    I should have.


    What? This bastard!


    Stop it!


    Kim Youngchul came in between me and Mr. Jung. Mr. Jung couldnt do anything further but let go of my cor. Kim Youngchul spoke in my direction.


    I know you dont want to say it. But a persons life might be at stake. Can you please tell us what happened?


    while we were going at it, the dungeon got dark. At first, we thought the dungeon was reset but it wasnt. Instead a level 4 monster appeared out of nowhere. After that, I dont remember anything else honestly. I ran away with Sooah while I figured they came out safely before us since they had run off ahead.


    Is, is that true?


    Mr. Jungs expression was desperate. He was worried about his pay. If something had actually happened to Song Hansol then his life was probably over. In a way, you had to feel sorry for him too.


    In any case, did you report it?


    I asked Kim Youngchul.


    Yeah. They said they would arrive within 10 minutes so they should be here any moment now.


    In a few minutes, a hunter wearing some expensive looking armor arrived. He was probably in his mid 30s.


    I received a call about an incident at a dungeon.


    He spoke in Mr. Jungs direction. There were about 20 lookeeloos and a bunch of civil servants running around as if they were chickens with their heads cut off.


    A level 4 monster has appeared inside.


    Please save our young masters. Please.


    Mr. Jung and I had spoken out at the same time.


    Hm. Something like this happened here too? I will take care of it so dont worry.


    He spoke as he nced at me.


    How did you know it was a level 4?


    I had run into a simr monster recently.


    Hm..when?


    About five hours ago.


    Is that so. Pretty impressive to see that youre still alive after running into a level 4 monster twice in one day. Oh yeah. Im just saying this as a warning but it might be best if you didnt go into a dungeon for a while.


    Can I ask why?


    Recently there have been a number of cases where monsters not within the dungeons level have appeared. In just this country alone there have been about several hundred victims due to such cases.


    Oh my


    Something like this hasnt happened in decades. If this isnt an isted case and keeps happening, then dungeons will no longer be a ce people can go.


    I frowned at his words. This would mean a stop to all the dungeon exploration. And my job as a porter would be at risk.


    Only Song Hansol and Park Jungbeh made it out alive. The other hunter was found dead with only a partial body recovered. I had hoped that Song Hansol bastard would have died but he was pretty fast so I didnt expect it to happen that way.


    Kim Youngchul told me he would be my witness so he told me to call if I needed him. But I knew what would happen. Song Hansol would probably hire an attorney for a crapload of money. Even if I took out all my savings, all I had was 80,000 dors to my name. There was no way I could win a case against him. Even if I were to win, that would cause problems too. Who would use a porter that had won a case against a hunter? Jung Sooah probably thought the same.


    But there was an even bigger issue.


    All dungeon raids for leisure were paused due to this event until further notice. That meant I would have no means of ie for over a month. I thought about going to a job market but tossed that idea. There wouldnt be a job suitable for a porter there.


    Whew.


    I blew out a sigh as I opened the drawer to my desk. I nced at the skillbook. If I sold this, I would probably be ok.


    A month ago, the day of the incident, I had put up the skillbook at the hunter market right away. But it didnt sell so I had to take it back down.


    The price I had put it up for was 10,000 dors. I had thought it was a pretty cheap price but there wasnt even one person willing to buy it. There were a few people who saw the level 0 and thought it was interesting. Some offered a few hundred dors. I could have sold it for that much but I thought it was a waste especially for a skillbook. Even if it was only level 0, it WAS a skillbook after all.


    On the other hand, they probably thought it was obvious to only sell it for a few hundred. Probably because most skillbooks werent unique. There were usually a few of themying around. For that reason, people usually knew what each skillbook could do. But this one. This one was one of a kind.


    There was no way anyone would pay 10,000 dors for a 0 level skillbook that no one even knew what it could do.

 Chapter 10

    Chapter 10


    Hawhat to do. There isnt anyone who wants to buy it.


    I thought maybe I should lower the price some more. If I thought rationally, it made sense. There was a person who had offered 3,000 dors. Thats a lot of money. But for a skillbook, it was much too low. If someone learned this skillbook and found out it had some amazing skill in it, then I would beat myself up too much.


    Should I try selling it at 5,000 dors? No I should get at least 6,000


    Ring~


    A message came through on my cell. Because I had portered all throughout my school life, the only people who contacted me at this point was either my broker, family, or stupid telemarketers. There was a high probability that it would be a spam message.


    -What are you doing?


    Only this message appeared on my phone. What is this. Is this some new kind of spam?


    A new number too. Who the hell texts a person who doesnt have their number in this weird way?


    A few minutester the phone rang. It was the same number as the person who sent the message.


    [Hello?]


    Who is this?


    [Ah. Do you remember me? Jung Sooah. The person who portered with you thatst time.]


    Ah ah. Its you.


    I had forgotten all about her. There was no time to think about her while I was running around doing this and that.


    Why are you calling?


    [Lets meet.]


    Whats going on?


    [I cant really say over the phone.]


    If you cant say over the phone then its probably something you shouldnt say in person either. Just tell me right now.


    I dont know what she needed but I didnt have the time to be on the phone with a girl like this. I had to get money somehow. Thats why I was at this damn market.


    I was that desperate. Honestly, I didnt even have the money to pay for a cup of coffee.


    Ring~


    A picture message came through.


    Do you know how much the data cost for a picture message is?


    [Just look at it. I promise you wont regret it.]


    What kind of picture is it that has her so confident? I was pretty curious now so I opened it. It was a picture of her holding a sword. I was about to think what the hell when I realized the sword she was holding was Song Hansols bloody sword.


    What? Why are you holding that?


    [Are you curious?]


    Did you happen to pick up what he dropped? If thats the case then return it now! Or else youre going to get in big troubleter.


    It was a pretty big crime if a porter steals a hunters item. Even if you are caught one time, your career as a porter is over. So I was certainly surprised that this chick was doing just that. And taking selfies too!


    [Why would I do that? I stole this.]


    I cant really say anything if you say it that confidently. So. Why are you showing me this?


    [Arent you going to ask me how I stole it?]


    You probably stole it when he had it against your neck. He had a second sword of the same kind on his hip. Im just impressed that you thought to steal it over all the chaos.


    [I didnt steal it on purpose. I was just desperate toe out of that situation alive so I]


    Then you should have returned it after it was all over.


    [How would I return this? When my heart feels like itll burst just from thinking of that bastards face. And I wont even get paid for what I went through..I feel like this about covers it.]


    You want to end your career?


    [There hasnt been any work for the past month anyway. Isnt it the same for you?]


    Well..I mean


    Jesus Christdy. Im about to kill myself over not having any money.


    [So I was thinking. Do you, by any chance, want to buy this from me?]


    What? Are you asking me. To buy. Something stolen from you?


    [Come on. I asked around and it turns out that theres a bunch of this. Even if you went around with it, no one would know that it was stolen. Theres no way youll get caught.]


    This was.tempting. Very tempting.


    Song Hansol was rescued from being chased by a monster. There was no way that he would even think that Jung Sooah had stolen his sword. He would probably just assume he had dropped it somewhere while he was running for his life. If a dungeon resets, all the items still in the dungeon would disappear too so he would most likely assume that it had disappeared in there.


    Almost safe to assume. Pretty safe to assume. So tempting. Shit. But if Ie right out and express an interest then its obvious shes going toe out with some absurdly expensive price. Its better to kind of act uninterested in the first round.


    No. Even stillwhat use would a hunter level weapon even do for a porter?


    [Arent you trying to be a hunter?]


    ..Howd you know..?


    [Ive been doing this for over a year now. I can tell just from looking at a person if they will always remain a porter til they die, or they are preparing themselves to be a hunter.] [TN: I have been tranting everything for 10 times less than it should be. Please multiply all dors before here by 10. Dor trantions should be urate from now on. ^  ^ Sorry.]


    Whatever. That thing you have is at least 400,000 dors. I dont have that kind of money. Jeez.


    I made a little prayer. She responded as if she was waiting for me to say just that.


    [Well. It is stolen, I guess. Ill sell it for cheap.]


    How much?


    [100,000.]


    Are you retarded? Does 100,000 dors just grow out of your butt? You think its that easy toe up with that much money?


    [I guess I thought you would have at least saved up that much. Youre poorer than I thought]


    Theres a reason for everything.


    [Then Ill give it to you if you pay in installments.]


    Installments?


    [Yeah. Deposit of 50,000 dors and then you can pay me 10,000 a month. At least until you pay me a total of 100,000 dors]


    Too expensive. No no no. Lets just do 50,000 dors t. Arent youing to me as ast resort after trying to sell it somewhere else first?


    [I figured from before but youre pretty sharp.]


    Been a porter for 6 years now. You try doing it for that long and youll be just like me. Anyway. Whats your answer?


    [Deposit 50,000 and 3 monthly installments of 10,000 for 80,000 dors total.]


    This was obviously a steal. But that amount of money would clean me outpletely. If I take this deal, Id have to starve for the next month.


    Come on. I saved your damn life. Lets just do 50,000. Isnt that the least you can do for your savior?


    [Shit. I knew you would do this.]


    She was quiet over the phone for a long time. It was definitely something for her to think about. Selling the bloody sword at 50,000 dors was the same as asking me to sell my level 0 skillbook at 1,000 dors. If it were me I would just hang up and say screw you. But to her, she had no use for a sword, so it might actually be not so bad a deal.


    [Whewalright. 50,000. But I want it cash then. If we go through a bank, its going to be all sorts of annoying.]


    There was no certainty that Song Hansol wont go looking for his bloodysword and maybe do a check up on her and me. So it did make sense for us to do it by cash. It was safer.


    Ok. Ill give you the cash as soon as you give me the weapon.


    As soon as I hung up I started jumping up and down in hurrahs. Its not that I dont know I wont be able to buy a skillbook once I use up 50,000 for this bloodysword. But the bloodysword is at the least a level 2 weapon. It was way better than a level 1 skillbook. If you just hit a level 1 monster with it, it was game over like that. Way better. Way way way. Right?


    Hato think.Ill only get 50,000


    Jung Sooah made one sigh after another. I had met up with her at a nearby caf to do our little exchange. She pushed a small bag toward me and I confirmed the bloodysword was in there.


    Be quiet. What if someone hears you?


    Theres no one here anyway.


    That person working over there isnt a person?


    Why would he care what were talking about?


    I guess youve never done a part time job before. Caf workers usually have sharp ears. They love listening to what others are talking about.


    I guess.


    She furtively nced toward the worker before lowering her voice. Luckily he was roasting some beans and couldnt hear us.


    Now how about the money?


    What. I need to confirm if this is the real deal.


    How are you going to do that?


    That. Well.


    I took the bloodysword out of the small bag and cut my finger with it. As soon as the blood touched the de, it soaked it up like a sponge.


    Looks legit to me.


    No trust. Wheres the trust.


    This is 50,000 dors. Of course Im going to be thorough.


    Bam.


    I dropped the backpack I had brought out on top of the table. This bag had 500 100 dor bills. She looked into the bag and asked me.


    Youre sure this is the right amount?


    I might lie but I would never scam someone.


    HmIll trust you.


    Hey, it seems as if theyre not going to let in any leisure parties for a while so what are you nning to do?


    Ill probably apply to work for a general party. The real hunters.


    Its going to be super dangerous. You know, right?


    Just as the name implies, general parties are groups that do not go into dungeons for the fun of it. They go in for the sole purpose of attaining dropped items. These groups need porters as well to pick up and carry the items while they were busy with the monsters. Unfortunately, not only is the job extremely dangerous but the pay is also pretty crappy. To make things worse, youre dealing with people who are constantly putting their lives in danger too so tips are not to be expected.


    To put it into perspective, most of the porters who work in that area dont have their licenses or any special training. This is to show you just how bad our situations have gotten that wed have to resort to this kind of work.


    Thats why I need this money. I need it in case I get hurt.


    Wouldnt it just make more sense to wait it out until everything is back to normal?


    I dont know. I yed around without working for a month. I feel like Id go crazy if I had to stay jobless any longer.


    I guess. And its not like things will get back to normal tomorrow either.


    Shrug.


    She quietly passed me her business card. It was pink with the words, Avable 24 hours, please ask for the beautiful Jung Sooah written across it. Just in case I flipped it over and saw a picture. Ha! What a con! This picture was pretty much photoshopped to death. I casuallypared the girl to the one in the picture and made a small sigh before asking.


    Where is your conscience?


    Money over conscience. Duh.

 Chapter 11

    Chapter 11


    Woompf.


    As soon as I got back home, Iid on my bed and raised the bloodysword to look at it more carefully. It was called a sword, but it was only about 50cm long. Compared to a long sword, you had the ability to put more force into an attack and make faster consecutive stabs as well. The low damage it inflicts is easily bnced out by its blood drinking feature.


    With just this weapon, it would be easy to clear a level 1 dungeon. No sweat. An armor would have been nice but that was impossible with the money I had left.


    Then


    I got up from the bed and opened the drawer under the desk. Inside was the level 0 skillbook. Level 2 sword and a level 0 skill. This should be plenty to be a hunter. Luckily I didnt sell it.


    Flip.


    I flipped a page of the skillbook  the page that had the word effort on it. The next page was filled with a bunch of words I couldnt make out. What the hell. Skillbooks are supposed to have pictures and words that are easy to decipher or drawmeanings from. What the hell was this? I know Ive never seen a skillbook with my own eyes before but this was a well known fact by everyone.


    Weird. So weird. But I didnt stop. I kept readingor trying to at least. Half of me thought there was something wrong with this and the other half kept expecting it to reveal something super awesome at some point. I decided to believe in thetter. Why not, right?


    Paaaaaht!


    A blinding light exploded out of the skillbook. As soon as the light appeared, all the numbers and words I couldnt decipher seemed to just pop right into my head.


    My hunches rarely prove to be wrong. And I was now sure.


    This. Was. The. Shit.


    Ha


    When I opened my eyes, it was already night. I rubbed my themas I sat up. What had happened? When I looked at the clock, I saw that 6 hours had passed.and I was hungry as hell.


    I shuffled my way to the fridge, opened the door, and quickly gulped down some milk by the carton.


    Pffft!


    And spit it out immediately.


    Did it expire?


    The expiration date should still be about two days from now? I checked the date stamped on the carton, and indeed the date had not yet passed. Noeven if the expiration date came, most milks didnt sour for a while still. I realized something was weird so I started examining everything else in the fridge. Everything looked like it had gone to shit. Moldy food, wilted vegetables, and the bananas that were yellow just yesterday were all brown.


    I hurriedly grabbed my phone but the battery was dead. I ranto check what the date was on the inte.


    Theputer screen was telling me it was May 18th. I was sure today was May 8th.


    Ten days passed?


    Wait. What the heck? Something was really wrong here. How can a person live after not drinking a sip of water for 10 whole days? Theres no freaking way. Yeah, true, I have never experienced a hunger like this before in my lifebut not enough that I feel Im about to die.


    First things firsts, I plugged my phone in to charge it back up. As soon as it turned back on, I saw there were a million messages and missed calls. Wow. This was the first time Id ever seen so many messages on my phone.


    The first messages were from Jung Sooah. I grarbbed some things that looked still somewhat edible and started to stuff my face while going through them one by one.


    -I was just texting to see if you got home ok.


    -If you run into any problems, give me a call.


    -Why arent you responding? Did something happen?


    -Youre not ignoring me right?


    -Is it because you dont want to waste your data? Can you please at least answer me?


    -Hey. Isnt this too much? You could at least send a response.


    -See if I ever contact you again.


    -Its not because you were sleeping and didnt see this right?


    -Are you ignoring me?


    After this, it was all pretty much the same thing. At some point it got pretty ugly but it still felt a little nice that someone was concerned about me. Eh. Kind of scary too. Ill just ignore.


    Most of the missed calls were also all Jung Sooah. There was a call from home so I called back to let them know everything was ok. They rarely called, if ever anyway, so it seemed they werent overly concerned that I didnt respond for a few days.


    There was also a missed call from my broker. Since he almost never contacts me unless its about work, there was a high chance he was calling about a job. I called him.


    Ring~


    [Oy. Sangmin.]


    Hey. I got a missed call from you yesterday.


    [I was just about to call you again. Do you have any interest in joining a general party? Theres a porter position open.]


    General party porter? I dont know about that.


    I didnt feel like doing it. Not only was it super dangerous, but the pay wasnt that great too. But more than that, I was determined to live a hunter life from now on.


    [Hey. Cant do anything about it. These are the only openings there are these days. Who knows when theyll open the dungeons to leisure parties again.]


    I dont know about being a porter. But I might think about it if theres a hunter position.


    [What? You already saved up enough?]


    Ah. Wellsomething like that. I came up on a weapon. And a skill too.


    [What kind of skill?]


    Ha hathe skill isnt all that great. But the weapons a level 2.


    [Level 2? That should be at least a couple 100,000 dorsdid you?]


    I bought it with the money I earned fair and square. Dont worry your little head and just find something for me.


    [Well. Im sure you know what youre doing. In any case congrats. Theres a 10 person party. If you join as a hunter level porter, Im sure you can earn some good money.]


    10 person party? Then the split wouldnt be worth it.


    [Its youre first time. Start slow.]


    Alright. Then Ill take it.


    I took a deep breath after hanging up the phone. It was sinking in that I was on my way to bing a hunter and it was making me anxious. Since it was a 10 person party, the pay would be on the small side but like my broker saidit was my first time. It isnt bad for a start.


    The next thing I needed to do at this point was check the skill. Come on baby. The feeling I had before passing out was gone now. Just what did it do?


    Hmhow am I supposed to do this?


    The problem was, I didnt know what the skill was or how to activate it. I guess since the name of it is effort, themon sense thing to do is to put an effort into doing something right? I decided to try doing some push ups.


    When I was at about 200 hundred, my arms began to shake. But Im a porter. I underwent training to enable me to carry around 200kg bags while running.


    Ipleted an even 500 and fell to the floor.


    Huk. Huk. Shit. Feel like Im going to die.


    I guess this isnt it.


    In the end, I couldnt figure out how to activate this stupid skill and the day of the party was drawing ever nearer. General hunters normally dont hunt in the city but on the outskirts. This is because it is easier to make appointments in those dungeons. Additionally, the admission fees were cheaper to encourage hunters toe.


    I was waiting in front of a restaurant in Kyongkido. If you walk about 2km then you can reach Baekoonsa. The dungeon we were raiding was there. General parties had a different vibe from the Rich Kids party that I was used to. They generally had low level armor and skillsand they werent really too amazing at hunting.


    As people started arriving one by one, I gave them each my business card. I made some business cards especially for today. It simply said, Porter & Hunter Jeon Sangmin across it. I wouldnt be working with the rich kids leisure parties anymore so I didnt need to have that silly pretty boy moniker writing on it.


    I heard about you from broker Song. Im Eum Hyunjoon. I am the party leader.


    A guy in his mid-twenties opened his mouth after reading the card. He had short hair with a long scar or his cheek  honestly, that type of scar is somon that it didnt really make much of an impression on me.


    Yes. Well trust in you.


    Half of the people here were probably people who have never been on a raid before. Most of the decent skilled parties all know each other and already have arranged raids together. I knew before evening here what kind of party I would be stuck with.


    Of the 10 people in my party, 3 were short range attackers, 5 were long range attackers, and the rest were cover measures. What I mean by cover measures are people who can use confusion magic like Mr. Jung was able to do. One person could do slip and the other one could use stunning. Both skills required a long time to activate so they could only use it once on a hunt. But you cant take that for granted because the one time you do use it could be the difference between a sessful hunt and a failure. That is why there is always at least one of these in a party.


    Everyone finally arrived so we began heading toward the dungeon.


    Hm. So does that mean you are a hunter with porter experience?


    The mid-forties looking man asked. I dont know if it was because of his fat face, but he had a permanent grumpy look.


    My name is Jeon Sangmin. And you are?


    Ah. I should at least introduce myself first.


    He then passed me his business card between his index and middle finger. When I checked it, I saw that he was the manager of the Wpany. The Wpany was one of Koreas leading businesses. When he saw the shocked look on my face, he startedughing before giving me a different business card.


    Ah. I am so sorry. That was an old card I used to use. Ha ha.


    He patted my shoulder, stillughing. He was acting as if I was his underling right now. Well whatever. Its not like Ive never felt this before.


    As I started thinking back, I thought I could remember having been in the same party as him once or twice before. He probably retired recently and started living this life as a hunter because he had nothing else better to do. If he had experience in raids and was a director at a bigpany like that, then there was a good chance that he was a decent hunter. And in these instances, their skill levels were usually high too. He could definitely be useful.


    I expected him to be at least at Mr. Jungs level. Well see.

 Chapter 12

    Chapter 12


    p!


    Now. You all probably already know the basic rules. Distribution of the haul will be ording to everyones contribution. And I will be the judge on that. We will also be paying Mr. Jeon Sangmin a separate additional fee of 100 dors for acting as our groups porter. If an item is dropped sometime during the raid, we will auction or sell it at the hunter market and share the earnings.


    As he said, determining each individuals contribution waspletely at the party heads, Mr. Eum Hyunjoons, discretion.


    Of course if there is a ridiculous ruling of contributions, then everyone wouldin so it is normal for there to be some kind of input from the entire party as to how it should be divided.


    Umwhat happens if an irregr appears?


    A girl hunter with short hair raised her hand. She wore sses and was an archer but her bow was a level 1 standard weapon. It was a no-name brand generic bow so I didnt think we could depend on it too much.


    An irregr was a term for a monster that appears outside of its normal dungeon level  like if a level 2 or level 3 monster appears at a level 1 dungeon. Another instance of an irregr is when a boss appears in a dungeon that does not normally have a boss.


    ThenI guess youd have to run for your life or die. Dont worry too much. After that day, there wasnt another incident for over a month.


    The sses girl nodded her head at Eum Hyunjoons words. But I could see she was still scared. I pegged her as a beginner by habit. Im not always right, but doing this and being cautious could be the difference between life and death.


    Baekoonsa dungeon was far from civilization. And since thest irregr incident, theck of hunters had led to a 30% discount off the usual admission price. It ended up being an almost 2,000 dor discount so reallyit was great for us.


    Tap.


    As soon as I stepped into the dungeon, I looked around to get a grasp of the ce. The monsters may change after every reset, but the actual dungeon always remains the same. In thest 6 years worth of data that I had stored on dungeons I, of course, had the deets on this Baekoonsa one. The mental map of the ce was in my head.


    If you walked just 30 meters inside from the entrance, it went a bit downhill. And if you went a bit further down, you woulde at a crossroads and meet your first monster. There would usually be about 3-4 monsters there but it shouldnt be too much of a problem for our 10 person party.


    WellI thought it would be easy but a problem I didnt expect arose.


    Ahemm.,..why isnt this working.


    The W Company manager kept moving his hand around in the air while clearing his throat ufortably. What the hell. This is the man who didnt even have any items on him but came here with his one sleep skill. And he already messed up on activating it twice already. Everytime he messed up, it took at least 5 minutes to try again so basically we were standing around like idiots for 10 minutes.


    Then finally Eum Hyunjoon said.


    What is your skill mastery?


    69%. Level 2 sleep.


    The manager responded with a slightly reddened face.


    If youre at that level then shouldnt a level 1 monster be easy for you to hold?


    Yes, yesso. This is all just bad luck really. Next time Ill do it right so dont worry.


    For every skill, it is measured by the level and proficiency. Proficiency starts at 0 percent and the higher the percentage, the higher the sess rate of that skill. Well, proficiency usually dictates just the sess rate, but there are some skills thate with an added bonus feature too. These are calledyer skills and are expensive. Very expensive.


    The problem was that you could never know someone elses skill capacity except your own. Of course there is a separate skill that allows you to be able to gauge another persons skill. But its rare to find a person willing to use up their one and only skill slot for this type of skill.


    But then there are some raid teams who specially keep a spot on their group for a person with such a skill. Corporate raid teams, or pro raiding teams, usually do this.


    Alright.


    Eum Hyunjoon said unconvincingly. Finally on his third damn try, it worked. 5 small cave wolves. These were level 1 monsters that were prettymon in dungeons but they were huge  about 1 meter in height. Their usual attack method was biting. They usually roam around in packs of 5 as they were now so if there was no one to do a cover then they would be hard to deal with.


    Of the five wolves, 3 fell asleep and 2 shook their heads struggling to stay awake. The higher the skill, the higher the sess rate and these 2 obviously were sessful in resisting it. He had said he was a level 2 sleep, but it was now obvious he was lying.


    Ill attack first.


    Eum Hyunjoon held a shield in one hand and a mace in the other. Due to its versatility, tanker type hunters preferred blunt instruments to swords.


    Wahhhh!


    Eum Hyunjoon yelled out as he raced toward the monsters. He was doing this to get the attention of the wolves still awake. He raised the shield in front of him and had the mace raised high above his head. And I counted to ten quietly before running after him. At the same time, Eum Hyunjoon yelled out.


    Short range attack! Lets move in!


    Bam!


    Eum Hyunjoon smacked away the wolf running toward him with his shield and swung his mace toward the second wolf. In the time it took him to attack the two monsters, I pulled out my bloodysword to finish them off. Another hunter who had a motorcycle fullface helmet on, a longsword, and a bizarre outfit on had caught up next to Eum Hyunoon. It seemed their movements had been nned ahead of time.


    When I tried to kill the wolf from behind, I saw sses girl pull her bow from far away.


    I knew she would do this. Doesnt she know what a short range move is?


    Ping!


    Pat!


    The arrow hit the ground right in front of my foot and kicked up dust everywhere. Luckily I noticed her and moved or else it would have hit me right in the leg. I red at her and shook my hand. It was a sign for her to stop what she was doing. If there were a bunch of us in one spot like this in a fight, it wasmon sense to abstain from long range attacks unless the weapon had the option of not hurting humans.


    There is no way she didnt know something as simple as that. She was probably anxious and did it without thinking it through.


    The two wolves were growling at Eum Hyunjoon and helmet guy. Luckily they were both wearing neck protectors so they wouldnt die that easily. I headed toward them quietly and carefully.


    Though they didnt turn to look at or acknowledge me, I was sure they knew where I was from my footsteps sand smell. I dont have any stealth skills so there was no way I would be able to get to them without them noticing. But there was a good reason why I was still doing this even after knowing all of that.


    Haah!


    Taah!


    As soon as I gave the signal, Eum Hyunjoon and helmet guy made aggressive noises and movements. Both wolves backed up in surprise in opposite directions, and I was standing right where one of them moved to.


    There was no way it could avoid me at that point. I stabbed at it with my bloodysword before it could retreat away from me.


    Stab!


    The wolf seemed to twist in the air before it opened its jaw toward me right when I tried to stab it. The cave wolfs sharp teeth caught the light from the torches and seemed to shine ominously.


    I hurriedly drew back the sword and swiped it to the side.


    Drops of blood spattered in the air as I felt a resistance, much like swiping at the bark of a tree bark, on the end of my fingertips.


    Not yet!


    I yelled out as I turned my head to where the wolf hadnded. Itsrge jaws were aiming right for my neck as it ran in my direction. I rolled my shoulders as I readied my sword again.


    Jab!


    This time I got it for sure. I confirmed that the swords tip had hit the wolf right on its jaw and pushed it in with all my strength.


    Shhhhing!


    Seconds after as it soaked up the wolfs blood, the de of the bloodysword turned a bright red color. The downed wolf was trying to move its head even still so I aimed one more time.


    Pull out!


    I suddenly heard Eum Hyunjoon yelling out. I stopped mid-jab and I saw a bunch of arrows shooting in that direction.


    Whip whipp whip!


    Three bows hit their mark. Onended in front of my foot and thest bow hit the ceiling. I dont know who that was, but the asshole needs to learn how to shoot an arrow all the way back from the basics.


    It hit!


    Someone yelled out. The wolf that had been hit by the three arrows fell down in a bloody heap. The second wolf had its head smashed in by Eum Hyunjoons mace and died shortly after. The only ones left were the three wolves that were still asleep.


    As Eum Hyunjoon readied his mace to kill the rest, I raised my hand up and said.


    Party head. Let me do it.

 Chapter 13

    Chapter 13


    Though Eum Hyunjoons weapon was indeed strong, it would not be enough to kill a cave wolf in one hit. But the bloodysword I had in my hand was getting stronger with the blood it had soaked up earlier. It could easily kill the level 1 monster with one swing.


    When I raised up the sword, red with blood, he nced at it briefly before nodding his head. I walked up to the nearest wolf and stabbed into its neck.


    Whing!


    Ar!


    I pushed back at the monster trying to move away and twisted my sword. I heard a squishing sound as blood started gushing out in torrents.


    Soon after, I could feel the life disappearing at the tip of my fingers.


    [+100]


    A green number appeared above the head of the now dead wolf before it winked out again. What the hell? I went to the second wolf and sliced its neck too. The same number appeared and disappeared again. And it happened a third time after I killed the third wolf.


    What appeared after killing all five wolves were 2 monazites and 1 coltan. When you refined a coltan, it became tantalum  something used to make a smartphone battery. This was the reason for the expensive new phones. And this was exactly why I keep my old 2G phone. Why do I need something that was double the cost of what I have now?


    Ms. Bae Yeongyoung. Did you not hear my instructions?


    Eum Hyunjoon walked towards sses girl and asked. Honestly, it could have been a fatal mistake. If I hadnt been aware of my surroundings and noticed her, I could have ended up wounded or dead before the real hunt had even begun.


    Im sorry.


    Its not a problem if you arent skilled or have expertise. There is always someone like that in any party. This is why even if you cannot join in the hunt or kill, we still give everyone a share of the earnings. So please abstain from overstepping what you are able to do. And you shouldnt be apologizing to me but to that gentleman.


    As Eum Hyunjoon pointed to me, sses girl walked up to me and bowed. She really did look terribly sorry.


    UmIm really sorry. I was so anxious I forgot his instructions. I thought that I needed to help in some way and made a terrible error in judgment.


    Anyone can make a mistake. Lets just forget about it.


    sses girl opened her eyes wide and said.


    Uhyoure not mad?


    Just try to do better from now on.


    Iguess


    If you dont have anything else to say, you can stand back up. You dont have to keep bowing.


    Since she was bowed to me, I could see that she was at least a D cup inside her armor. Wow. And she has sses too. This could quite possibly be the worstbinations for an archer.


    If I werepletely honest, I wasnt really that mad. I had already anticipated something like this to happen and it resulted in nothing bad anyway. On top of that, its not like getting mad is going to improve her skill in any way so what was the point? There was no reason for me to overreact over someone elses mistake.


    Eum Hyunjoon stared at me strangely.


    I dont like getting that kind of look from a guy. Bleh.


    Then should be continue?


    Anyway, what was the meaning of those numbers?


    I recalled the green digits as I packed the ores into the backpack and continued on our raid with the party. It was obvious it had something to do with the effort skill. Im not an idiot. Thats not what I meant. What I was wondering was what those numbers signified.


    Ok lets think this through. When we killed the first wolf, a number didnt show up. Same thing with the second one. The number only started appearing after killing the third wolf. The only difference was that I had personally killed the third, fourth, and fifth wolf. Maybe I earned something for killing a monster.


    Hm. Thats awesome. But whats the reward? What can I do with that number?


    If you want to know your own skill level and proficiency, its a fairly easy thing to find out. You close your right eye and try to use your skill. If you do that, two numbers will appear where it was dark moments before: Your Level, and Your Proficiency. If you have a passive skill, all you have to do is just close your right eye. Because a passive skill is always active.


    But my case was different. In the past few days, I havent been able to see any number at all. This time I said, what the hell and tried closing my left eye. [0,1,300] appeared. Ha. That would probably be [Level, Proficiency, Reward] In that order.


    Hmmm


    This was so weird. All this time I had to close my left eye?


    Umhello?


    sses girl tapped my shoulder. When I didnt answer, she shook me a bit.


    Wiwinkyou were winking.


    I was trying to find out my skill level.


    Ah. That was what I figured.


    Yes.


    Its true.


    Well I didnt say it wasnt


    Right.


    sses girl kept answering me with this nonsense before she fell forward suddenly. Whats with tripping over your own foot?


    We paused for a bit to let her get back up before we continued on. There were traps that would appear at times, so we had to move cautiously. Detection skills were always useful to have but there is rarely anyone who would learn a skill that didnt help particrly in a fight. I kept looking around with my eyes while my mind continued to race in thought.


    How am I supposed to use those reward points? Was it like money? Can I use this to raise my skill or strength? Or.could they just be meaningless numbers to make me feel good about myself?


    Well. I guess at this point anything could be possible.


    Squeeze.


    Just when we were exiting one tunnel, Eum Hyunjoon raised his hand over his head and made a fist. I walked up next to him and quietly looked in the direction he was pointing at with his chin.


    8 cave wolves and 1 goblin.


    Though we were 10 in our party, if I were to honestly assess our skill, we were way weaker than them. In cases such as this, we couldnt do anything but take the risk.


    Isnt it better to pass?


    The manager mouthed silently. He had a worried expression on his face. It was obvious he was worried hiscking sleep skill wouldnt work properly this time around either. Eum Hyunjoon thought for a second before shaking his head.


    If we pass here, we have to pass on this entire tunnel. That means over half our earnings would go up in smoke.


    What if we get hurt


    There is no such thing as a safe dungeon.


    Eum Hyunjoon replied in a short tone. The Manager, who was used to hunting in leisure parties, wasnt used to being put in any unnecessary danger. But that was too bad. Because this was a general party. Tough luck, guy. In therge area, 8 cave wolves were slinking around. And in the center, the goblin was sleeping in the torchlight.


    Sleep would work even more easily on a fe that is already sleeping. I figured it would only be a doable fight if at least 5 monsters, including the goblin, were to be ensnared in the sleep skill.


    If there are this many, the sleep doesnt work as well.


    The manager kept muttering about as he walked forward. He crouched behind a boulder that was not in the wolves view and raised his hand. A golden light shined out from his palm and settled down over the enemy like a fog.


    The goblin and 3 wolves fell into a deep sleep. There were now 5 wolves to deal with. But that was just too much for us. Eum Hyunjoons face went dark.


    I dont know about this


    The sleep was sessful but it seemed it wasnt too effective because the wolves were starting to stir. I tapped his shoulder and said.


    How about we distract them and take at least one of them out first with a bow?


    You think thatll work?


    We wont know until we try. If we kill at least one in the beginning, Im sure we can take care of the rest one way or another.


    I guess if its four then itll still be hard but not impossible. But what can we use as a distraction?


    I have beef jerky that I packed as an emergency snack.


    I pulled a couple out from my backpack and showed it to Eum Hyunjoon who nodded his head. I took the jerky and threw it to the nearest world.


    Sniff Sniff.


    It looked at the jerky and started smelling it. It seemed to be suspicious at first but it soon grabbed it with its forepaws and started ripping into it.


    While it was distracted, I threw some more toward it to lure it closer to where we were.


    It started padding its way closer and closer to us. Eum Hyunjoon made some hand gestures the long range attackers. All the long range attackers in our party were archers. Two crossbows and three regr bows. The damage for the crossbow was higher but the speed of the regr bow was much quicker.


    The two crossbow attackers who had already preloaded their weapons walked to the wolf and shot their arrows.


    Pat!


    Kaeaeng!


    The cave wolf whimpered out as the bows pierced its body. It had hit its chin so it wasnt a fatal shot. But because it was a crossbow, the wolf was having a difficult time trying to move its body. Even if it were to try to heal, it would take some time.


    Arr!


    The wolves who had heard the attack raised their heads and looked toward us.


    Three bows wereunched and flew where they were growling.

 Chapter 14

    Chapter 14


    Snap!


    Arr!


    Two more arrowsflew into the air and one hit its mark.


    The wolves racing toward us were reduced to just 3. The one that had been hit in its shouldery on the ground whimpering.


    Ping!


    One more arrowflew out. When I turned back, I saw that while the two archers were reloading their weapon sses girl had quickly shot out anarrow. Did she abandon uracy for speed?


    Right before they were on us, a three footed arrowflew out.


    Kaeeng!


    One wolf was shot through the head and shoulder this time. Two left.


    Come at me!


    Eum Hyunjoon yelled out while pounding his chest and jumping to the front. Helmet guy pulled out his sword and went forward as well.


    I just stuck to Eum Hyunjoons rear. I didnt have hunter level armor so I needed to be careful. I nned to make my move while Eum Hyunjoon had their attention.


    Keep your distance!


    Eum Hyunjoon yelled out this time. Understanding his meaning, helmet and I immediately jumped next to him to nk both his sides. We stood about 3 steps apart from one another. This was the perfect distance for the archers to still make their attack but not enough where the wolves could pass through us.


    The wolves jumped at Eum Hyunjoon before being knocked back by his shield. It seemed that while one wolf was aiming for his neck, the other focused on aiming as his body.


    Eum Hyunjoon lowered into an almost crouch to minimize his exposure to their teeth. He covered his lower body with his shield and protected his upper body with his mace.


    The two crossbow wielders finished loading their weapons and let fly their arrows. The arrows had hit their mark. The 30 cm bolt had imbedded themselves deeply into the monsters. They began to throw up blood as they tried to retreat but got caught in the three wolves that had been hit before.


    One of them jumped up to bite Eum Hyunjoons shoulder. And the other chomped down on his leg, while still the third wolf ran to bit at his head.


    Mr. Eum!


    Helmet guy yelled out as he shed out with his sword.


    A white glow emerged from the sword. It seemed he had activated a skill. I pulled out my bloodysword to swipe at the wolf on his shoulder.


    I could hear the sound as my sword stabbed into one wolfs butt. And the second sound was helmet guy cutting into another wolfs waist.


    The wolves cried out and let go of Mr. Eum. Now that he was free to move, he mmed down at the third wolfs head with his shield. The wolf snarled out as he let go as well. Eum Hyunjoon yelled out once again.


    Stun!


    A hunter in training gear who had been standing back with the archers stomped heavily with his feet.


    The ground began to shake loudly and a shockwave shook the area where the wolves were. They copsed where they stood and rolled around as the ground kept shaking uncontrobly.


    One wolf tumbled in my direction. I used all my strength to stab down at the wolf and twisted my sword. I could see the wound appear immediately and the blood spewing out soon after.


    As the wolf tried to struggle, I stomped down on its head and yelled.


    Stay still you bastard!


    Its insides spilled out with the blood this time.


    [+100]


    As soon as I saw the green digits appear again, I headed towards my next objective. The stun time was a total of 10 seconds. My bloodysword was still only half red. It needed more blood.


    I didnt hesitate as I sliced through the second wolfs neck. Another sprout of blood, and then I heard the screaming of a goblin behind me.


    Kyaaaa!!!


    The sleep hadpletelye undone.


    This goblin had the special ability of being able tomand the wolves. Wolves who are under the goblinsmand do not feel fear or dread death. This made them several hundred times harder to fight.


    I had killed two wolves and helmet and Mr. Eum had killed two wolves. Thest wolf was running toward Eun Hyunjoon and helmet was too far away to be of any help to me.


    Now the three sleeping wolves had awoken and dashed towards me. Shit. What. The. Hell. Their lengths were almost as long as I was tall, and seeing them running at me made me almost want to shit my pants.


    Ping! Some arrowflew out and barely missed me.


    Thought the arrowskept flying at them, they never hesitated or slowed down.


    Should I run?


    For some reason, I felt like I could do something


    Run! You crazy man!


    I jumped out of the way after hearing the managers shouting. The wolf bit at the air.


    Why is this psycho jumping in this direction


    I could see the manager. I had instinctively jumped where I heard the voice. Inded behind the boulder he was hiding at.


    The wolves padded toward us while growling menacingly. Each of the three wolves were as big as I was. Strength, speed, reflexesthey were all better than mine.


    There was no hope.


    Just then a shower of arrownded where the wolves stood. One wolf evaded the arrowsand headed towards the archers.


    There was no time to think. I threw the bloodysword I had been holding.


    Well what do you know. Itnded right on the butt of one wolf. And right after, another flurry of arrows


    flew out  one of it piercing that wolf right in its eye.


    Thats it!


    What do you mean thats it! How can you throw away your weapon like that!


    The manager yelled out in aggravation. Thest two wolves again started running towards us.


    Helmet had finally arrived to help and bumped into the racing wolves.


    Are you ok?


    Shit. Why are you the one stealing all the glory and being cool!


    It wasnt over yet. But it would take too long for me to try and retrieve my bloodysword. I looked around to see if there was anything else I could use as a weapon. I looked at the boulder the manager had been hiding behind. It looked like it would weigh about 300 kg.


    I pushed the manager aside and grabbed onto the bottom part of the boulder.


    Ahhhh!


    The boulder moved a bit but that was it.


    Are you crazy? What the hell are you doing?!


    The manager was looking like he might just flip any second now. I guess it was pretty crazy.


    ButI mean.


    It felt like it would work.


    Ahhhh!


    I heard a weird sounding from my back. Wait. Did I break something?


    And in that instant, I picked up the enormous boulder.

 Chapter 15

    Chapter 15


    Huh?


    The manager looked at me incredulously. I yelled in helmet guys direction as I threw the boulder.


    Duck!


    Woosh!


    Helmet crouched down without even looking back. The boulder just barely passed over his head andnded on the two wolves in front of him.


    Crash!


    One wolf had its head crushed under the boulder while the other wolf had its crumpled under it. It was trapped.


    Wait! I will kill it!


    I yelled at helmet guy and ran to pick up my sword. As soon as I killed it, the familiar green number appeared.


    Opposite of us, I saw Eum Hyunjoon killing the third wolf. The only monster left now was the goblin.


    Kwachi! Twak!


    What the hell is that thing saying now?


    The manager asked.


    Hes probably asking us to spare his life.


    I held my sword and slowly approached it. In its hand was a short whip  hardly something you could call a weapon. Seeing that he was a wolf trainer, he looked less dangerous than the usual breed.


    As we started walking closer to it, it slowly began backing up before it finally was up against the cave wall.


    I will do it.


    You dont have to. If youre trying so hard because of the contribution thing then you dont have to worry. Youve done more than enough.


    I shook my head at Eum Hyunjoons words.


    Its not becauase of the contribution. I want to do it before the buff on the sword disappears.


    Ahhhh!


    The bloodysword easily pierced through the goblins leathery hide and cut its inside.


    [+150]


    I guess they give a bit more for this guy.


    **


    As we waited for the monster to disappear, everyone took a break. I also sat down to rest on top of my backpack and closed my left eye.


    [0,2,350]


    Hey wait. Shouldnt it be 850? Why is there 500 less than there should be. Ah. Thats right. Its obvious where it went. I stood up and picked up my heavy backpack with one hand.


    The 50kg backpack felt very easy and light to pick up.


    So thats it


    I was stronger. Id have to experiment a bitter on to figure out just how much strength uses up how many points butit feels like Im at least 50 percent stronger. Was this a permanent buff or a temporary buff? I couldnt be sure. But if this was permanent.


    My heart began to race. This could be an even crazier skill than I could have ever hoped for!


    Isnt that heavy?


    I had been lost in thought before the sses girl interrupted me. I pushed the bag toward her.


    Want to try holding it?


    No. I can tell just by looking at that thing that its real heavy.


    Probably about 50kg.


    Dont lie. That means its heavier than me?


    Uha porter can measure a persons weight almost exactly just by looking.


    So?


    From Miss Bae Yeonkyoungs height and body, your muscle structureI can tell you are not lighter than this backpack. Youre probably around fifty


    Ahhh! Ok stop!


    sses girl began waving her arms about to shut me up.


    Sure.


    I didnt want to embarrass her so I closed my mouth.


    sses girl then took a deep breath and said.


    Truthfully, there was something I wanted to ask you.


    Ask away.


    Do you know how to use a bow and arrow?


    Why would you think that?


    From the way you evaded the first arrowI shot out. No, you didnt even evade it. It was as if you knew that the arrow wouldnd right there. It wasnt even as if the speed of the arrow was slow or anything. If you knew that much, then it would mean youve probably handled this type of weapon before.


    I learned a bit for fun in college.


    I knew it! I knew it!


    But why did you want to know?


    She hesitated for a moment before sighing again and asking.


    WellIve never had any proper training on how to use a bow before. So even though I practice a lot, I never really seem to improve.


    If thats the case then it would be better for you to ask the other archers.


    I already asked them but they all said they learned it from purchasing a skill.


    Hm. Then theres nothing you can do.


    Purchasing a skill meant you automatically absorbed the ability to do something without ever really training your body to learn the actual task/skill. So there was no way they could teach someone else. It would be like a person trying to teach someone else how to breath  ites so naturallyhow would you exin it probably into words?


    sses girl stared at me with wide and hopeful eyes.


    There was one advice I could give.


    Shoot slowly.


    What?


    Because you keep trying to shoot quickly even when your skill isnt up to par, your uracy never improves. Just think of it as having only one shot in a hunt and shoot with care.slowly.


    But


    Do you remember what the party head said?


    Yes. Dont think of the contribution


    sses girl had a very sad look on her face. She wasnt able to shoot very well at all today. She probably shot out about 10 arrowsbut missed almost every time. This could only be a psychological problem.


    Because your uracy is so low, youre too afraid of failing again and you end up hurting your performance.


    I see


    sses girl nodded her head. It ismon for a person experiencing an issue to not realize the remedy, even though it may be staring them in the face, until pointed out by an outsider. This was such a case.


    Thank you for the advice. Ill buy you foodter.


    Its fine.


    ..You dont want to eat food I buy you?


    How many people you think are on this earth you can say no in this kind of situation. I reluctantly agreed to let her buy me food. sses girl made a little hurrah with her fist, bowed quickly, and walked away.


    What does she see in the crazy bastard? Lord knows


    The manager started muttering to himself. I shrugged my shoulders. Whatever.


    Good job everyone.


    As soon as we cleared the dungeon, the sunlight began streaming into the cave. The increase in strength was still there. It was still early because we didnt leave the dungeon yet, but its been active for nearly three hoursvery encouraging.


    After calcting everything, todays entire earnings were only 20,000 dors. There was an area you could auction off the ores as soon as you left the dungeon so we could do the splits immediately. But that wasnt all I got out of today. I also got some more of those reward points. I pretty much tried to rack them up every chance I got.


    1350 points.


    I was nning to do some tests with this. There was no way that the effort skill would be limited to just strength. If that was the case, the skill would have been called power upor strength upor whatever.


    After we all took a bit of a break, we went to do the contribution split. As expected, the one who got the most was Eum Hyunjoon. The one who came in second was the manager guy.


    Wait. Mr. Kim Soongeun got second?


    Someone asked. He was one of the crossbow guys who really came in handy that day. I didnt disagree with what he was asking. The contributions should be split based on results and not just the level of someones skill.


    Do you disagree?


    Wellhe messed up on the sleep magic a bunch of times and all he did was hide andin during the actual fight.


    What? When did I everin?


    Manager man stood up from his seat, super red in the face. He looked like he was just about ready to strangle someone. Eum Hyunjoon cated the angry man and had him take a seat before speaking carefully.


    That is true. I cannot disagree. But it is also true that his sleep magic was the most helpful during our raid. If it werent for him today, we wouldnt have been able to clear over half of the dungeon today.


    But its still hard for us to acknowledge him as number two. I would much prefer it if we named this man as number two for today.


    He pointed to me as he spoke.


    I dont mind. Though the manager was a bit rough around the edges, he was quite helpful in todays raid.


    I shook my hand as I responded to the indirectpliment. I did understand where Eum Hyunjoon wasing from, but mainly I wanted to support him.


    As soon as I supported the manager as second, everyone else seemed to put away their reservations. The manager nced my way for a second but whipped his head away when we locked eyes.


    Ok. Then is there anyone else who objects to this order?


    No one else answered. I was ced third, helmet man got fourth, and as predictedsses girl gotst ce. Since those who were most at risk or put themselves in danger toplete the raid were usually ranked higher, it was normal for there to be more short-range or closebat attackers at the top. The manager was the exception. But this was also normal because those who knew how to do sleep or confusion magic were considered very valuable in a level 1 dungeon. So there you have it.

 Chapter 16

    Chapter 16


    After we finished the contribution split, my final pay came out to a total of 1,510 dors. After taxes and stuff, it did go down a bit butpared to my porter daysthis was easily several times more than what I used to earn. I went confirmed that it went into my ount and we all headed to a small restaurant.


    After we all had dinner and we all started to drink a bit, Eum Hyunjoon called me outside.


    You did well. This is your porter fee.


    He said to me as he pushed a thick envelope in my direction. I had been wondering when I would get this.


    When I checked inside, I saw there was 500 dors.


    This is a bit much.


    That means you were just that valuable.


    Even still, 500 isdid you by any chance take from some of your contribution money to pay me this?


    Eum Hyunjoon had taken 30% of the contribution fee. That means he had taken about 6,000 for himself. There were some grumblings from everyone but no one said anything because they did acknowledge that he did a good job as the party head.


    Ho ho. Youre pretty sharp, arent you?


    Well, I did think that you took a pretty big percentage for yourself. But I didnt even suspect that you were doing it to pay me this much in porter fee.


    I did it to cater to manager Kims pride. I knew he would say something when we were doing the contribution split. I wanted to avoid any unnecessary confrontation.


    Is he someone you know?


    Not personally, but I we needed a mage pretty quickly and I met him through an introduction. Hes someone who would create trouble if we dont do things the way he likes it. I heard some rumors. But he was ast resort so we had to use him.


    So thats why you ranked him as number two.


    You know this is all hush hush right?


    Of course. Thank you. But what are we going to do about everyone else then?


    I took care of them all. Dont worry.


    Eum Hyunjoonughed as he lightly patted my back. Manager Kim was wasted and bragging about his sleep skill the whole time and didnt even know this was happening right under his nose. In that time, Eun Hyunjoon called everyone one by one and gave them a little more of the contribution fee.


    Thanks to Eum Hyunjoons quick-thinking and consideration, the night ended on a light note. Everyone received more than they expected and general Kim was pretty happy at being ranked at number two. I was actually curious about how he would have reacted if he only knew that he was almost neck and neck with sses girl forst ce.


    ***


    The day after the raid. As soon as I woke up, I headed on over to the neighborhood gym. This is somewhere I go everyday to train, but I was going there for a different reason today.


    The gym was packed with housewives. Because it was in a residential neighborhood and had a swimming pool as well, it had somehow be a meeting ce for married women. I greeted a trainer with my chin before making a beeline to the dumbbells.


    I started off with a dumbbell weighing 30kb.


    Light. He he. So light.


    The extra strength was still active even after a full day had passed. I put the dumbbell back down and picked up the heaviest one at this gym  a 40kg dumbbell.


    This was light too. I started doing some reps. I would usually have a difficult time with a weight this heavy but I breezed through 3 sets and still had energy to spare.


    The trainer was watching me with arms crossed behind me. We were at least on a hello basis since Ive beening here for a few years. Though his arms were way bigger than mine, he was pretty much only able to do about 3 sets of 35 kg weights.


    He stared at me for a bit longer before saying.


    Arent you trying to do too much?


    I guess Im in good condition today. Do you have anything a bit heavier?


    You dont want to get hurt.


    Ha ha. You know what I do for a living.


    People who work out a lot are overly cautious about not getting injured. But porters are even more careful.


    Are you using drugs or something?


    No, nothing like that.


    The trainer shrugged his shoulders and pointed to an iron bar. I guess he was telling me there wasnt any heavier dumbbells so I should use weights instead.


    I popped in 50kg weights on both sides. Including the weight of the bar, it was 110kg. I held it with both hands and raised it up. It was a bit hard but it was just heavy enough to exercise the muscles.


    I didnt n on trying to get stronger right now so I just did a few more reps and lowered the bar. When I got up to leave, I saw another mane in and groan while trying to pick up the same bar. I couldnt help but let out a small snicker.


    I went through a few more machines to gauge my strength level before hitting the treadmill. I wanted to test my endurance this time.


    Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.


    I put in 18km and started running. After running for an hour, I finally came to a point when it felt like I was about to die.


    But even an hour was a record for me. I would usually only be able to do about 30 minutes normally. But even the sweat that had been pouring out like rain stopped at some point. It was usually dangerous to work out to this degree. Not only does it throw off your bnce for the workout, but it could also cause some long term damages to your body.


    Haa. haa. Haa. haa.


    My breathing rung out loudly throughout the whole gym. Even those who usually kept attention to their own workout had begun sneaking nces at me every so often.


    Why is that guy working out so crazy today?


    I dont know. Maybe hes training to do a marathon?


    Im about to die. I had be fixated on the stop button for a while now. I wanted to press it so bad right this second.


    But if I stop right now, I have to start from the beginning all over again. Hell no. Not doing it.


    Ahhhh!


    I let out a yell to hype myself up so I can keep doing this. The olddies behind me gasped in surprise and began fanning themselves. This wasnt really something I should be doing in the neighborhood gym but whatever.


    Shit. This was hard. I feel like I could pass out any second now. Then out of nowhere, I felt like my chest was expanding.


    Paa!


    A feeling like a huge flow of oxygen running into my lungs overwhelmed me and running became easier. I hurriedly closed my left eye.


    [0,3,850]


    500 points had been deducted. My endurance had gone up.


    Hoo. Hoo.


    I slowly regained my breathing and ran faster. I was able to run for 30 more minutes.


    ***


    Are you going to run a triathalon?


    Ha.


    I was sitting inside a convenience store sharing a cold drink with the trainer.


    No. I just wanted to check something.


    I thought you said you were a porterI thought things were tough in the job area for you guys these days.


    Yeah. How did you know?


    The news is always talking about it. That there were some weird happenings at the dungeons.


    Ha. It seems its still a somewhat newsworthy topic even after a month has passed.


    Well because there were so many casualties. And there are still a lot of families suing the government demanding reparations and payouts. You know that most of the victims were from rich families so theyre probably asking for a lot of money.


    I think Id read something like that somewhere before too.


    Honestly it was the government that promoted leisure parties to begin with sothey cant really say it wasnt their fault.


    Well I heard that the government eventually put up a white g and theyre now in negotiations.


    How about the insurance agencies? Arent they in trouble too?


    Yep. Basically all the stocks for the insurancepanies with any raid rted products have been plummeting. Its just bad for everyone all around right now. I heard there were a bunch ofpanies that just went under. Its really affecting the economy. And because we basically lost our main supply for rare ores, all the electronics have beening from China and is getting difficult to procure.


    You seem to know a lot.


    When I stared at him in surprise, he startedughing.


    I have a lot of interest in things like this. Being a hunter was also a dream of mine one time.


    So thats why you started exercising.


    Yeah. But it was too high of a goal for me to reach. I never knew that hunter gear was that expensive.


    Ha hathat is true.


    Even now every elementary kids dream upation is a hunter. That was how popr and well-paying it was. Famous hunters appear on tv quite often. And hunters with double slot skills were pretty much top celebrities.

 Chapter 17

    Chapter 17


    But as they grow up and learn about how real life works, they end up giving up on their dreams.


    If you want to clear a level 1 dungeon safely, you needed a level 2 skill and equipment. If you wanted to clear a level 2 dungeon safely, you needed a level 3 skill and equipment. This made it impossible to make your way up from the bottom because getting the level higher skill and equipment was nearly impossible without the money.


    So the average person can only enter a dungeon with subpar skill or level. Which made any raid a very dangerous thing for most people. Case in point yesterday. If we didnt have manager Kims sleep magic, even with Eum Hyunjoons tanking and my attack skills, we would not have been able to clear the dungeon.


    Risking that kind of danger paid out a mere 20,000 dors. It wasnt a cheap amount but it wasnt a lot either. Especially if you were potentially trading it for your life. You had to clear a dungeon in this manner a bunch of times to earn enough money to procure level 1 gear. If you were lucky enough you would still be alive to do the same thing to save enough for level 2 gear.


    Do you understand now? No matter how hard you try, even if you tried all your life, passing level 3 for a normal person was a near impossibility.


    Then I think Ill take my leave now.


    I finished whatever I needed to do at the gym. I knew where I would spend the rest of the points I had left. Now that I improved my strength and endurance, I needed to up my reflexes. I didnt have any quality armor so I needed to be able to evade attacks.


    This wasnt something I could do by myself. I took out my phone and went through my contacts. No one. I had no one.


    The only people I could call was either family or maybe my broker.


    No. Wait. I did have one more person.


    I hesitated a bit before I pressed the call button. I heard it ring a few times before it connected.


    What is it? After I didnt hear a peep from you for over two weeks.


    Jung Sooah sounded mad. I guess it was to be expected after I ignored about forty of her messages and ten of her calls.


    I was busy with some things. Do you have time right now?


    Arent you supposed to exin the reason for ignoring me first?


    Do you want to know the reason or do you want to hear an apology?


    Both.


    I fell asleep for ten days after learning a new skill. Im sorry.


    Fine. What do you need?


    I need someone to help me train. I only need about one or two hours.


    Ok. How much are you paying?


    100 dors.


    It sounds expensive but if you wanted to use a licensed porter, this was a reasonable amount.


    Cool. Where should I meet you?


    The same cafe fromst time. Ill be waiting.


    After I hung up, I headed over to the cafe. She appeared in some training clothes thirty minutes after. It was a slim fitand I had to admit it looked pretty good.


    We went to a park nearby. I spied a wall with a bullseye zone drawn on it. I passed her a bagfilled with tennis balls.


    All you have to do is throw all these balls one by one at me until theyre all gone.


    Am I aiming to hit you?


    Throw it as hard and as fast as you can.


    That wont be hard.


    Smack!


    She had thrown a tennis ball right in my face.


    Did she want to die?


    Not now. When I walk up to that wall.


    Ohh. Youre not getting mad?


    What good would it do to fight with you? Just do what I tell you to do.


    Oppa, you know youre no fun at all right?


    I didnt call you to entertain you. And dont slip in that oppa word either. I dont remember being so close with you.


    [TN: Oppa literally means older brother but its a term of endearment or used in a flirting sort of way here]


    Then should I call you Sangmin?


    Call me sunbeh.


    [TN: Sangmin asks her to call him Sunbeh which is a word used for older ssmates or older coworker. Its a term of respect.]


    How about we meet in the middle. Sunbeh oppa. How about that?


    Do what you want


    ***


    Woosh!


    A tennis ball flew right by my ear. When I moved my chin to evade it, a second ball appeared as if it were waiting for me to do just that.


    Smack!


    Keuk.


    Sunbehoppa. You kind of suck at this.


    Did you y baseball or something?


    I was told you I was training to be an athlete. Didnt I?


    You didnt. What sport?


    Shot put.


    Ah thats why you have wide shoulders.


    Smack.


    Keuk. She threw a hard one at my waist. I didnt even see iting. It was way faster than any of the ones she had been throwing before.


    Its one of my insecurities, you know.


    Whatever. Keep throwing at that same speed.


    p.


    I lightly smacked myself on my cheek and focused. I saw her shoulder move. If I cant see the ball, I just needed to watch for small movements in her body.


    Woosh!


    I barely evaded it this time. Getting into the groove of it, she started throwing the balls in earnest now one after the other. Even if they were just damn tennisballs, that wench was throwing them with a great amount of power behind each one. It felt like a shower of fists raining down on me.


    Pop! Pop!


    I avoided two balls in session this time. I was getting used to their speed and could now almost follow them with my eyes. But this was only the beginning.


    We did this for a while without speaking: her throwing and me dodgingor trying to. We didnt rest to do anything but to collect the balls when the bag was emptied.


    Haa. Haa. Lets rest a bit.


    Just a little more.


    Im so tired.


    I cant let my sweat cool. Do you want to do drag this on for hours more when we can probably finish it in one.


    Just one minute yeah? I havent used my shoulders in a while so theyre really feeling stiff right now.


    I couldnt say anything to that but nod.


    But why are you doing this kind of training?


    To raise my skill capacity.


    Like this?


    Its a passive skill.


    What is it?


    Are you asking someone to tell you their skill?


    Well who cares? Its just me.


    If you have the energy to say stupid things then lets start throwing the ball again.


    Chi. Fine. Ill throw.


    She walked back to position, all the while muttering and threw the ball. I dont know if it was because we rested, but the ball I had thought I gotten used to was once again a blur.


    The ball popped on the wall behind me into a crowd of high school students entering the park.


    Pop!


    Ka!


    Even though the ball had lost a lot of its power from hitting bouncing off the wall, the boy who got hit with it copsed. I felt a bit amazed at myself for having been able to withstand getting hit by that type of ball over and over again.


    Shit! What the hell is this?


    A boy in a school uniform and bleached blonde boy yelled out as she looked our way. I guess I needed to at least apologize since it was our fault.


    Im sorry. The ball seems to have bounced over here on ident.


    You think Im sorry cuts it? What are you going to do about this? Want me to call the police?


    Hey! Who taught you to talk to an adult like that!


    Jung Sooah couldnt keep quiet anymore and yelled out angrily. Why the hell was she yelling at them when she was the one who threw that fly ball?


    The high school students smirked for a second before heading this way as a group. There were 10 of them.


    You stay behind me.


    I pushed Jung Sooah behind me.


    Why? Those no-mannered pieces of shit need to get beaten up into a pulp so they can learn how to speak to their elders.


    Dont try to show off your athletic skills and stay out of it. Ill take of it.


    She made a huffing sound before stepping behind me. Yellow hair threw out a punch.


    Woosh.


    Why are you dodging?


    Before you throw out a punch, isnt it good manners to at least try and talk it out first?


    Go to hell!


    Woosh! Woosh!


    He kept throwing punch after punch. Looking at his name tag, I saw his name was Lee Hansol. Am I doomed to meet Hansols forever?


    Trip.


    I hooked my foot over his leg as he was busy trying to connect a punch. He fell t on his face before jumping right back up with a red face yelling, Shit! Kill this asshole!


    Every one of those kids in the group ran forward to surround me in a circle. Though they were just high school kids, they were big enough to be called adults. I guess kids are eating well these days. Back in my days, I never had enough to eat so I didnt grow too tall.


    Woosh!


    A punch flew at me from behind. I lowered my shoulder a bit and dodged it. Though there were ten of them, only four of them could attack me at one time. And they werent even trained hunters so they werent fighting as one in any sort of coordination either.


    I just evaded all the attacksing at me from all around. I didnt really fight back but when one of them came at me to try to hold me, I unwittingly made a knee kick.


    Pa!


    Ahhk! My nose!


    When he went down and started rolling around on the ground grabbing his nose, the rest of them ran at me with a renewed fire in their eyes. Though I was bigger than any of them, they probably thought they would win just from their sheer number. Even if they were only high schoolers, going up against 10 of them at once is not an easy thing. And it was almost impossible to keep from getting hurt without really fighting back.


    If I really thought about it, this was a golden opportunity.


    A great way to test out my new power ups.


    If I knew this would happen, I wouldnt have had to pay that girl $100 dors to train me.


    I bent my upper body back just as a kick barely grazed my nose. Not badbut it had no force behind it. Even if I got hit with it, it wouldnt faze me a bit.


    Woosh! Woosh! Woosh!


    Shit!


    Yellow hair got down to pick up a rock the size of a fist and threw it. What an idiot. It would have probably been better if he just picked it up and hit me with it.


    Ah!


    The boy behind me yelled out before copsing to the ground.


    Hm. Guess that rock hit him when I dodged it. Well that sucks.

 Chapter 18

    Chapter 18


    Hey maybe you should calm down a bit. You might get hurt.


    Shut your damn mouth!


    Lee Hansol opened his arms and grabbed me.


    Chop!


    Keuk!


    I made a small chop to his adams apple. He started backing up while coughing up a storm. What I wantednowhat I needed were attacks I could practice dodging. If someone decided toy hands on me, I had no choice but to fight back to keep them back at bay.


    Woosh!


    A branch flew at my head. Yeah. Something like this. This was good.


    But. Where did they get this?


    After dodging the branch, I grabbed a foot that was flying towards me and flung it (and the boy attached to the other end) away. He seemed to float in the air for a few seconds before crashing to the ground.


    Did he just throw Jongpal?


    Shit. Is he a hunter?


    After seeing me toss a grown person into the air with just one hand, the kids started to get a little nervous.


    Like hell he is! He doesnt even have any equipment on him so what does it matter?


    Lee Hansol yelled out. Maybe it was because of the coughing but his voice sounded hoarse and scratchy.


    Just kick all their asses!


    Jung Sooah was shaking her fist as she yelled out to me. I ignored her and took a step closer to the group of kids.


    They all took a step back.


    Im a bit disappointed. I thought you guys would be able to put up more of a fight than this.


    I said this in Lee Hansols direction. I even made a snorting noise to goad him. Since he had a nasty temper and seemed like the leader of the pack, I figured if I egged him on just right everyone else would follow his lead.


    I guess my acting wasnt too shabby because boy did he turn red.


    You bastard. Youre so dead. Shit.


    He pulled out a knife from an inside pocket. It was a folding knife with a serrated de. Maybe I should have worn a protective vest.


    Everyone attack!


    Shit. But what if..


    Just do what I say!


    Pop!


    Smash!


    After he yelled out, Lee Hansol pulled out a beer bottle from his backpack and broke it on a nearby boulder. Looks like these punks were here to drink out in the middle of the day.


    Arent you guys underage?


    Olddy. If youre going to keep being loud and annoying you should just get lost.


    Smack!


    The boy who just said that got a tennisball right in the face and fell back. He probably broke his nose.


    Whos an olddy?


    She yelled out as she rolled another tennis ball in her hand. I could hear Lee Hansol grinding his teeth in anger. It wasnt going the way he nned at all.


    Kill them both!


    Ahhhh!


    The knife, broken beer bottle, and branch all came at me. Now this was a different attack from simple flurries of fists. These attacks were aiming for any part of my body that was most vulnerable.


    SunbehOppa!


    Smack!


    The one brandishing the broken beer bottle at the very front copsed after being smacked right on the forehead with a tennis ball. The same happened to the second guy. And behind him was Lee Hansol with his knife.


    Whoosh!


    I shrugged so the de would miss me. I grabbed him by the back of his neck and threw him.


    The branch hit me in the back. Alright. Ill give you guys that one.


    But when another broken bottle came right where my face was, I grabbed the offending arm and twisted it.


    Crack!


    Ahh! Shit!


    This bastard!


    I then stepped on one foot with my left, brought my right knee up, took his face in both hands and smashed it into my knee. He spun like a top a few times before falling over.


    Smack!


    Still another one dropped to the floor from Jung Sooahs tennis balls.


    There were two more left to go. Lee Hansol, who had gotten back up after being tossed, and the one holding the branch.


    As I rubbed my neck and walked towards them,, the branch boy dropped what he was holding and ran away.


    Dont. Donte any closer!


    Lee Hansol yelled out as he tried to stab at me with his knife.. It seemed he was trying to attack me but the hand holding the knife was shaking so hard it wasnt even funny.


    Hey you. If youre a student, shouldnt you be studying instead of running around doing this shit? Where did you pick up all these bad habits from?


    What? Shit. What the hell are you talking about right now when were in the middle of a fight?


    Ok fine. So then whatll it be? Do you want to keep holding onto that and get the crap beaten out of you? Or do you want to drop it and get the crap beaten out of you?


    Stop talking ande at me! You bastard! Shit shit! You stupid bastard! Im going to kill you!


    You should read some books. Do you even have more than 100 words in your vocabry?


    Ahhhh!


    I guess he finally snapped.


    I just kicked at his leg as he ran at me.


    Snap!


    There was a huge sound before he twirled in the air. Oops. Looks like I used way more force than I intended to. I could see his leg was twisted in a weird angle (probably broken) and his head would probably hit the ground first.


    The ground was concrete. If he falls at that speed headfirst, his neck would probably snap. Best case scenario he would be paralyzedworst case scenario he would be dead.


    I wanted to keep it from happening, but my leg was still in the air from the momentum of the kick and I wouldnt make it in time. I wouldnt be able to grab him safely.


    Right before his head mmed into the ground.


    The whole world seemed to slow down.


    Pop!


    The same time I heard a pop sound, Lee Hansols body flew back.


    I saw him tumbling a few times before he finally stopped after rolling into a vending machine.


    ..Hoo.


    I raised my chin and made a sigh of relief. Right before his head met with the unforgiving concrete, Ipleted my kick full-circle and used the same leg to kick back into his stomach.


    It would probably hurt like hell but. I guess a stomach rupture is better than being dead.


    ***


    The ambnce came with the police and took away all the injured kids. It was broad daylight so there were quite a few witnesses who could vouch for us. The police had, at first, aimed their guns at me butter apologized after finding out what had happened.


    This is why witnesses are so important.


    Even though they were students, since there were 10 of them and were using weapons, this will be filed as self defense. But since there were quite a few injured, we will still need you toe with us. We need to take a statement from you.


    Thats fine.


    I made a deep sigh and followed them to the station. This was my first time in a cop car but it was quitefortable.


    As soon as we stepped into the station, everyone looked our way.


    Oh. Is he the one who fought 10 to 1?


    A middle aged man in civilian clothes said as if amused. It looks like the news had already spread. As they were taking my statement down, Jung Sooah remained quiet next to me the entire time. I thought she would be loud and make a fuss so I was thankful for that.


    The police asked.


    Girlfriend?


    Is that what it looks like?


    Before I could say anything, Jung Sooah poked her head forward and asked. The police made an ufortable cough before looking back at me.


    Shes someone helping me to train.


    It looks like your upation is a porter. So what do you mean by training? You had a bunch of tennis balls with you.


    Reflex training. Throwing and dodging.


    When I made a throwing motion, he nodded his head as if he understood and continued going through his documents. Then he slit his eyes and asked.


    Hm. It looks like theres a record of you having gone to a dungeon? Did you go there as a hunter?


    Yes. I luckily came by some hunter grade equipment


    Wait a second. Mr. Kyeongwee! Can youe here for a minute!


    The officer called for someone and continued looking through my documents again. It was a general rule that hunters received additional punishment if they injured a civilian.


    Of course, since it was already agreed that I fought in self defense, I wasnt too worried.


    Did you by any chance have any weapon of any kind on you?


    Mr. Kyeongwee asked.


    No. I was bare handed. The only thing that could have been a weapon are those tennis balls.


    HmI guess it just concerns me that the injuries are so severe.


    Wasnt this self defense?


    Sooah asked. It was then.


    Who the hell is it! What bastard beat the shit out of my son!


    Someone had started barking at the top of his lungs the moment he stepped into the station. It was a forty something looking man dressed in a suit, and he was acting as if he owned the ce. He finally spied me and slowly walked toward me.


    Was it you! You shit! You dare cripple my son?


    And he finished it off with a p aimed at my face.


    Woosh.


    You shit. How dare you dodge it!


    Please calm down Hansols father. At least take a seat


    The cops who had followed quickly behind tried to cate the man. It looks like this man is Hansols dad. I wondered where he got his bad temper from. Now I know.

 Chapter 19

    Chapter 19


    You little bastard! Do you know who I am? Im a detective! Detective! Ill make sure I put you away! You bastard! Know youll be rotting in jail for at least 100 years!


    Please calm down and take a seat. Causing a scene like this will not change anything.


    The same goes for all you guys! If you guys are the police, shouldnt you be policing gangsters like this and locking them away! Huh! I remember all your names! You know I ate with your boss! And even went to a sauna with him! I did it all! You bastards!!!


    The middle aged man held onto the cor of the young officer trying to calm him down and yelled into his ear. In an instant, this one man show had caught the attention of every officer in the station. Lieutenant Lee, who had been patiently watching all this unfold, couldnt take it anymore and put the man in handcuffs.


    ck!


    What, what are you doing! I demand you uncuff me this instant!


    It is against thew to cause amotion within a police station. If you do not wish to be locked upthen shut your mouth and sit down.


    Thest phrase was barely audible to anyone else. Hansols fathers face immediately became bright red.


    How dare this shit talk to me like that!


    Temper tempter. No matter how powerless our Korean officers may be, attacking them so obviously was a bit too much. Shouldnt he know better than that if he was a detective?


    In the end, Lieutenant Lee and some other officers took him into a holding cell.


    Hathere is always one person like that no matter where you go.


    Sooah said.


    Its not like its the first time weve see this. So.


    Are you mad, SunbehOppa? You almost got hit. He even cursed at you and called you a gangster.


    Does it make you mad?


    A little.


    With more experience, thatll change.


    I guess.


    She nodded her head. When you live a porters life, you hear all sorts of things. Its almost so bad at first that you cant sleep. But soon it bes an everyday thing and you get used to it..and then you eventually forget how to even get mad at some point.


    I looked at Lieutenant Lee and said.


    But are you ok? If hes a real detective, itll be a big headache.


    Hes not a detective so dont worry. And it isnt even the first time Lee Hansol got into trouble with thew.


    Is he a well known troublemaker?


    When Sooah asked, Lieutenant Lee let out a short sigh.


    In the neighborhood, yes. There were a few incidences of attacks on other people but it seems his dad has some money so the cases always got squashed or he silenced them somehow. He supposedly owns a three storymercial building. Oh yes. You said you were a hunter?


    Yes.


    So there isnt any proof of you having used or being armed with a weapon at the scene, I dont see one on you so I can say you probably didnt have any hunter grade equipment on you at the time eitherdid you use a skill by any chance? If proofes out that a hunter had used a skill against a civilian, it could get really ugly.


    No. I dont have a skill.


    There was no point in trying to lie to an officer about not having a skill. This is because in every station, there is at least one person who is able to check a persons skill.


    But there was a reason why I risked telling this lie.


    Well know after we check. Wait here just a moment.


    Lieutenant Lee said this and left his seat.


    A few momentster, Lieutenant Lee returned with a woman wearing a blue police jacket. Long hair in uniform. Isnt that a vition of uniform regtions?


    This is Lieutenant Sohn Aram. Say hello.


    I am Jeon Sangmin.


    Mapo Police Department Special Response Team Inspector Analyst Lieutenant Sohn Aram. I would like your cooperation in checking for any skills.


    But do we have to do this?


    When Sooah asked, Inspector Sohn Aram responded.


    In serious cases such as this, we must be thorough in establishing his self-defense im. We must be able to conclude that Mr. Jeon could not resolve the situation without defending himself  and to that end, we need to confirm that the amount of force used was also justifiable. It has helped your case because of the fact that they had used weapons and outnumbered you by so many. And because the power level of a civilian and hunter is so disparate, whether or not you used hunter grade equipment or skills bes a very important point as well.


    But


    Sooah looked at the officers for a moment before whispering into my ear.


    What are you going to do if they find out about your skill?


    Instead of answering her, I just shrugged my shoulders. Lieutenant Sohn Aram cleared her throat twice before saying.


    Remain still just like that.


    She grabbed my hand and closed her right eye. The skill for finding out another persons skill is called harmonizing, and if you held onto a persons hand like this then you were able to check for their skill as if it were your own.


    The problem was, my skill only shows up in the left eye.


    Hmm..


    A momentter, she let go of my hands and turned to Lieutenant Lee and said, He does not have a skill.


    So it is true.


    Yes.


    Of course I definitely had my level 0 skill. They just didnt know it.


    Strength, endurance, reflexI had pretty much raised them at least about 50 percent. They were just unable to identify it. If she had closed her left eye, I would have surely been caught but who would ever think to do that?


    It even took me, the owner of the skill, several days to figure that out.


    To win against 10 people without a skill or equipment. Whew. And you dont even look like you would be any good in a fight. No offense.


    Lieutenant Lee stared at me with narrowed eyes for a minute. I casually epted the gaze and stared right back at him. Lying and acting was a passive skill to a porter, it came very naturally with experience.


    We were finally able the leave the station after the sun had already set. As I left through the doors, I turned around to look at the station. I saw Lieutenant Sohn Aram walking by beyond the doors.


    What happened? What does it mean that you dont have a skill? Werent you training to raise your skill level?


    I just happened to not get caught by the harmonizing skill.


    She stared at me as if she didnt believe a word of what I was saying. She was probably thinking there was no way that I had a skill that couldnt be detected by the harmonizing skill.


    Just tell me the truth. Do you have a skill or not?


    Why the heck would I lie to you?


    So that you could have an excuse to meet me


    Im leaving.


    Come on.


    ***


    As soon as I got home, I decided I should organize my thoughts and findings on my skill. I sat down at my desk.


    Flip.


    I opened a notebook to an empty page and I wrote down the bullet points of the effort skill that I uncovered so far.


    These four were the essential points. Under that I wrote out the different level ups I was able to do.


    [Increase strength: 50%]


    [Increase endurance: 50%]


    [Increase reflexes: 50%?]


    I was able to pretty much figure out the increase in strength and endurance using weights and timing myself, but finding out just how fast my reflexes were now was hard to really measure. But I just put down 50% for now since strength and endurance went up by the same percentage.


    I closed my left eye and confirmed my stats. [0,3,350] It looks like every time I upgrade an ability, my proficiency goes up one as well. That means I can do this at least 97 more times.

 Chapter 20

    Chapter 20


    97 times


    I took out a calctor. Assuming that I get the same results every time, if I use all 97 power ups on strength thenholy crap.


    It wasnt hard to calcte what that would mean. My strength right now was upped one time so all I had to do was add 1 to 97 and multiply it by 1.5.


    Tap. Tap. Tap.


    Seeing the results, I jumped up from my seat.


    180 times.


    What if I get so strong I can shatter a with just one punch.


    Gulp. Gulp.


    Ha!


    I drank a ss of cold water and tried to calm down a bit. Ok lets start from the beginning and try to think of it in the most rational, practical, and reasonably sound way. There is no way that I could really be 180 times more powerful. That was a number that wouldnt be possible for a level 10 skillbook or a level 100 skillbook or even a level 1000 skillbook. There is no way there would be that kind of a power locked in a 0 level skill. Right?


    When I finally calmed down a bit and thought about it more carefully, I realized something. I multiplied 1.5 by 98. I thought it was an obvious thing to multiply it but it would make more sense if the percentage was not a multiplier but a progression until the full potential of the skill. In other words, what if the first round upped my ability to 50% of its potential, the second time 75% of its potential until I reached 100% of my potential.


    The only way to find out would be to try to up the same skill one more time. I took my phone out and called my broker.


    Ring-


    Click.


    Why are you calling at this time?


    I heard my brokers sleepy voicee through the line.


    Do you have any job openings?


    If I did, I would have called you. You know that openings in general parties arent easy toe by.


    If a spot does open up, can you give me spot priority?


    Why are you in such a hurry to go back? People usually take at least a weeks rest after going into a dungeon.


    You know. What my goal is.


    To buy an apartment without a loan before 30?


    no, not that. Well, that is another goal but


    The going rate for apartments in Seoul were about 1,000,000 dors. The poption is down by about 50% since the monsters first appeared, but thendscape had also weakened so building of any new high rises had be banned. This created less room for more housing structures, and all the existing structures had be extremely expensive.


    To be an amazing hunter who surpasses even his teachers? You mean that? I thought you were joking.


    Not a joke.


    For someone who became a porter because you couldnt get employedok. Well I guess dreams are better if they are bigger.


    I could hear himughing over the line.


    In any case, dont worry. Ill give you a ring right away when a spot opens up.


    Thank you.


    Yeah.


    And then I didnt hear a peep from my broker for a whole week.


    ***


    All I did was stare at my phone that entire week. I didnt have a tv at home or any hobbies I particrly enjoyed, so there was nothing else for me to do. With my extra time, I just went to the neighborhood gym and worked out like hell. I finally couldnt wait any longer and called him.


    Hey. Im sorry about that. There just arent any openings these days.


    Really?


    Because general parties usually already have their parties organized with people they know and trust. I even took your profile and went here and there to get someone to bite but nothing. Anyone whos looking is looking for an expert. They were all reluctant on hiring a beginner. Things are probably worse especially before of the irregrs.


    But none have appeared recently.


    Well. You never know when one might decide to appear again.


    Is Mr. Eum Hyunjoon not going into dungeons?


    I heard he got recruited into a regr team. He probably wont be hiring amateurs any more.


    Shit.


    I thought he was pretty goodbut to think he got recruited into a regr team so fast. I figured he would probably call me again since I did show him I was pretty good thatst time. But if he was already recruited


    Even though he was good, hes only a level 1 tanker which would mean he would be the lowest level on a regr team. He would be busy trying to look good to everyone else on the team, and have no time to bring me along for the ride.


    If youre that desperate, why dont you create your own team?


    Me?


    Yeah. You have a lot of experience so you should know enough people to be able to clear a level 1 dungeon at least.


    HmI cant really think of anyone..


    Yeah. Since you dont really get close to people.


    Ill think about it.


    I thought about my brokers suggestion after getting off the call. I couldnt think of any reason not to do it. Armed with my current skill and my slew of experience, clearing a level 2 dungeon could even work. Even if they might becking in in ability, it really could work if I just got a group of level 1 hunters together.


    I just need to get the right number of people.


    It was fine if we didnt clear the dungeon. The only thing I needed were my reward points. I put up a posting at the hunter market.


    [Looking for a party to clear a Baekoonsa dungeon. Heading party. Beginners eligible. Experienced hunters wee. 10 people party. Magers and healers priority.]


    [TN: Heading party refers to a party that has never cleared a dungeon before]


    Then I waited. Usually heading parties are made, not because their goal is to clear a dungeon, but so they can gain experience. And most experienced hunters will not join a heading party. But I didnt want to lie and say that it was to clear a dungeon because if anyone found out the truthter, it would ruin my reputation.


    When I went to check up on my listing, I saw there were a few responses.


    -Who is Jeon Sangmin? Anyone heard of him?


    -Hes a newbie. No matter how desperate you are for money, dont join this type of party. If the party head is a beginner, youll just end up dead.


    -Hm. There isnt even any information on him.


    -But it looks like he has a conscience since he did write that it was a heading party. Not going still.


    Hm


    The responses were worse than I expected. After thinking about it for a minutes, I put down my abilities.


    [Level 2 equipment. Level 1 skill  pending.]


    Since I wrote Level 1 skill  pending instead of just level 1 skill, it should be closer to the truth. The responses started flowing in.


    -Isnt it dependable if he has a level 2 equipment?


    -He might have just one thing. What does that do?


    That one hurt. I might just have one weapon but Im plenty strong.


    -Even if he just has one, shouldnt that be enough? If he has that kind of equipment, his abilities should be pretty good too. He even has a skill.


    Oh. Who is this?


    -But what is that level 1 skill?


    -Isnt that just a typo? He might have meant that hes a level 1.


    -Im going to ask. I sent him a note.


    -Who are you? Youre bold.


    I got the note. I opened it up with an anxious heart.


    It was Jung Sooah.


    Is this chick a stalker or something? How the heck did she even know I posted this?


    [Are you kidding?]


    As soon as I sent her that text, she immediately responded.


    [Dont you need a porter?]


    [Why would I need a porter when I can do it myself?]


    [Hey. As the party head you should just focus on hunting.]


    [Whatever. Get lost.]


    [Dont be like that. Come on. Think about it. The chance to hire a licensed porter for a level 1 general party doesnte by every day.]


    [My goal isnt to clear the dungeon anyway. After killing a few monsters, if things get tough, I was thinking of just leaving.]


    [Thats fine. Im trying to gain experience. Ill only take half pay. I cant get a job these days anyway. And its nice to join one where I can trust someone.]


    I was beginning to sway. Though I didnt necessarily need a porter, it was true that having one would make things a lot easier. Carrying around a heavy bag not only took its toll on you physically but it also made it difficult to cope with unexpected situations.


    [Why dont you stand by. Well talk after I get more people.]


    [Yayuh! Ill be waiting. Party head.]


    After waiting another day, two more inquiries came in. Both were beginners. Nothing I could do about it. I couldnt wait anymore. I thought I would have to just form a 5 person party.


    I touched my phone for a bitthen made a call.

 Chapter 21

    Chapter 21


    The next day.


    As soon as I reached the Baekoonsa dungeon entrance, I saw sses girl. I had made a round of calls to all the people from Eum Hyunjoons party and sses girl had said she woulde. The other person who agreed tooe was manager Kim Soongeun.


    It made sense that sses girl came since shes a total beginner, but manager Kims reputation must be as terrible as I suspected for him to join us even though he was a mage.


    Youre early.


    Thank you for calling me.


    Bow.


    She bent 90 degrees at the waist and bowed. When my gaze naturally went to her breast area, Jung Sooah jabbed me in my side. Hard.


    Who is this?


    Someone who was in my party thest time I went and cleared a dungeon. Say hi.


    Im Bae Yeonkyoung. Im a level 1 archer.


    Im Jung Sooah.


    So awkward. I asked Sooah.


    Come on. Make some conversation. Were teammates now so be friendly.


    Is that a request?


    Well. I guess.


    Ok then.


    Hm? Youll do it?


    Sure since its SunbehOppas request. You said your name was Bae Yeonkyoung?


    She smiled brightly as she asked sses girl. After 10 minutes, the two were acting as if they were friends for 10 years andughing together. Amazing. If there was a skill for interpersonal skills, she would have an automatic level 10.


    As the appointed time approached, people started to arrive one after the other. Two new people from online who came wereprised of one archer and one warrior.


    I am warrior Cho Youngoo.


    Im archer Han Joonseok.


    Cho Youngoo, with his good physique, and the almost dwarflike Han Joonseok were 20 something friends. They had set up a chicken shop together but, wanting to fulfill a lifelong dream to be a hunter, they had sold the shop and used the money to buy hunter grade equipment. Unfortunately, this coincided with the appearance of the irregrs and they didnt have a chance to really begin their dreamuntil now.


    Cho Youngoo asked.


    Are all five of us here?


    Were still waiting for one more. Lets wait for a minute.


    10 minutes after the promised time, they could finally see manager Kim walking leisurely towards them.


    Ah ah. There was so much traffic on the way here. Did you wait long?


    Youre not toote. Since everyone is here, we should get going.


    Ah..? Ah. Ok.


    When I brushed it off as no big deal, manager Kim seemed to be taken aback. To be honest, I had told him the appointed time was 30 minutes earlier than it really was. Since he still managed to bete, I made a note to myself to tell him the appointed time is an hour earlier.


    ***


    ng!


    Upon entering, the firsts monsters we met were 3 cave wolves. When manager Kim did his sleep spell, one fell asleep. Han Joonseok and sses girl both let their arrow fly and, as I expected, they both missed their marks.


    Cho Youngoo! Stick to me!


    Muhmee?


    I exined it to you earlier!


    Ok!


    The n was for the archers to attack first while Cho Youngoo would do a physical attack after since he had good protective gear. But even though the wolves were running at him, he remained rooted where he stood without taking a step.


    He only started running after I yelled at him.


    Ahhhh!


    He screamed at the top of his lungs and pushed forth his shield. He stretched out his arms to protect himself, but it also cut off any way of attacking. I guess he wasnt nning on using his sword at all?


    But no matter. That was enough. The only thing I needed was a brief moment.


    Cho Youngoo had so many openings, it was almost embarrassing. There was no way the wolf wouldnt see what I could see. And I was not one to lose an opportunity to capitalize on a predictable route of attack.


    One wolf saw the opening and rushed at Cho Youngoos side. And I matched its timing perfecting to stab it right in the neck with my sword.


    Squelch!


    My de slid in and out quite easily before the blood began to gush out. I almostughed when I saw the familiar green number appear. To think that I killed it in one blow even though the sword wasnt in buff mode. Arent I too strong now?


    Huh?


    When the blood spilled out of the wolf, Cho Youngoo quickly stepped away in surprise. The problem was, he had stepped into the path of the other wolf.


    I threw the bloodysword I was holding and, right before it could take a chunk out of Cho Youngoos neck, the sword slid right through the wolfs eye  de first.


    Cho Youngoo copsed right where he stood and stared nkly at the dying wolf. I walked up to the wolf and pulled out my sword.


    Cho Youngoo flinched again at the noise.


    For a big guy, he had a lot more fear in him than I expected. I expect Kim Youngchul might even be braver than this guy. No, he probably was. A lot braver.


    Ill take care of thest one too.


    SunbehOppa! Nice! You were so amazing!


    I could hear Sooah yelling behind me.


    You dont have to do that kind of thing here.


    [TN: Hes referring to when he first met and Sooahs job as a porter was topliment Hansol.]


    But it was my honest opinion this time.


    I get it. I get it. Youre super into your job right now. Be quiet or youll wake the wolf.


    And I stabbed into thest wolfs neck. This time, now that the bloodysword had soaked up blood and was in full buff mode, it slid into the tough wolfs hide like butter.


    [+100]


    I got 300 reward points in just one round. The fact that everyone on my party kind of sucked turned out to be a lot of help. With no one else to really attack, Im pretty much ending up with all the reward points possible.


    Jung Sooah walked over to me and started wiping the blood off my face. When I tried to take away the handkerchief, she shook her head.


    This is my job.


    I have hands too.


    Ah. Come on. If I do this extra service for you, just ept it dly.


    Just do what youre paid to do.


    I have my pride. I had no intention of epting something like this when I was only paying her 50 dors.


    Miss porterdy, me too.


    Manager Kim said to her while pointing to his shoulders.


    Why?


    Using my skill has got me a bit tired. Massage my shoulders a bit, why dont you?


    What the hell is this old man saying.


    Manager Kimthats a bit


    SunbehOppa.


    When I tried to say something, Sooah shut me up. When I looked at her, she shook her head and smiled brightly as if to say it was fine.


    Manager Kim~ So your shoulders hurt a lot~ Then Ill give you a special massage~


    Sooah walked to manager Kim with the biggest smile on her face.


    Ill do it very softly~


    Crunch.


    Euk..?


    Oh no. Does that hurt? But I did it softly. It seems manager Kim is more sensitive than I expected.


    Wha, what! It doesnt hurt at all! It feels refreshing! HAHAHAH!


    Crunch. Cruunch.


    Ahhhhh


    Isnt it so very refreshing?


    Yehyesssss.


    Then should I apply just a little bit more pressure?


    This is quite enough


    CRUNCH!


    When Sooah dug right into the his spine, manager Kims body shook as if hed been struck by lightning.


    Looks like he wasnt screaming because he couldntnot because he was holding it in.


    Oh looks like youre knotted up here too.


    Kaaah!


    Cruunch, crunch. Crunch,


    CRUNCH! CRUUUNCH!


    Snap!


    Ha? Did something break?


    When Sooah let go, manager Kim passed out..foaming at the mouth.

 Chapter 22

    Chapter 22


    ..you didnt kill him, did you?


    I have a sports massage certification. Hell feel real good once he wakes up again.


    Youre certified in all sorts of things arent you.


    Should I do it for you too, SunbehOppa?


    No.


    Ill do it softly.


    Quit it. Dont even think about it.


    When the monsters evaporated, two ores were dropped behind. Not bad. Not bad at all.


    What a good start. It would be nice if we got a dropped item today. Then dont we get a bonus?


    Jung Sooah asked while picking up the ores.


    Yeah right. You really think thatll happen?


    In all my 6 years as a porter, Ive never seen an item drop in a level 1 dungeon. Even in a level 2 dungeon, Id only seen an item drop two timesand they were both only level 1 items. That is how rare it was to get an item in a low level dungeon. Getting a skillbook from a level 4 monster in one go was like a one in a million event.


    Manager Kim finally woke up.


    Umm..what happened?


    Doesnt it feel good? Should I do it for you again next time?


    Huh?


    Ill do it for you every time you mess up on your skill.


    No, no no worries. Thatll never happen.


    As Jung Sooah tried to put her hands on his shoulders, manager Kim violently shook his head to show her just how much he didnt need it.


    ***


    Everyone in the party quickly adapted to the dungeon. Cho Youngoo was now able to use his shield sessfully and even begin to attack as well while Han Joonseok was able to now hit his mark 1 out of 3 tries with his arrow. I also made sses girl slow down and concentrate on uracy rather than speed.


    Most surprisingly, even manager Kim improved. He was now able to put to sleep 3 monsters at a time every time. It seemed it wasnt his ability that was at fault but his concentration.


    As everyone steadily improved, our dungeon clearing pace picked up as well.


    Now things had changed. Everyone agreed that our goal had be clearing the dungeon.


    Whew.


    When we had gone around the dungeon, Jung Sooahs backpack was filled to the top with ores. If I were to estimate, it was probably over 150kg. A male porter could usually carry up to 200kg and a girl porter could carry 150kg. She was now carrying more than she was used to.


    When she couldnt store any more in her bag, we had no choice but to start filling mine.


    Im sorry. Even though this is my job.


    It would be a bigger problem if you overwork yourself. Just do what you can.


    Ok.


    And I wont know until I finish the calctions, but Ill make sure to pay you as much as you worked.


    Really?


    You worked this hard. I cant pay you only $50 in good conscience.


    Yes! SunbehOppa, youre a great boss!


    But didnt we pretty much kill them all? Why isnt it clearing?


    Manager Kim, who had been resting on the ground, asked.


    Baekoonsa dungeon splits into two different courses. Both courses do not meet so you have toplete one trail,e back to the beginning, andplete the other trail. We had alreadypleted both trails.


    Noit cant be


    Sooah opened her mouth. She didnt finish what she was about to say, but everyone knew what she was thinking. A monster doesnt always appear at the same spot. But there was a small chance that an irregr could appear.


    Lets leave this spot first.


    We had pretty much killed enough monsters so there was no need for us to get greedy and try to clear the dungeon. We started heading quickly to the front of the dungeon.


    Stop.


    I raised my hand to have everyone behind me stop.


    There was a cave wolf curled up on the floor in front. WellI thought it was a cave wolf, but it was two times the normal size.


    Its the dungeon boss.


    How is it here?


    sses girl asked with a tense face. Yep. You guessed it. The Baekoonsa dungeon does not have a dungeon boss. There was only one reason why this boss was here.


    Its an irregr.


    At my words, everyone started to freak out.


    ***


    We backed up and went back to the crossroads we came from. This was because if we stayed any longer and it saw us, we would have had to fight immediately. Cho Youngoo asked.


    Cant we put a sleep spell on it and kill it then?


    That kind of spell does not work on a dungeon boss.


    How dare you p your mouth when youre only a beginner? You think I didnt do anything if that were possible?


    Manager Kim yelled out at the same time I answered him. That old mans mouth will get him into a lot of trouble someday.


    Arent you being too harsh? If you know so much, shouldnt you suggest an idea to get rid of him then?


    You think Im being like this because I knowIm just saying if youre a rookie, you should just stay quiet.


    When Han Joonseok took Cho Youngoos side, manager Kim said hisst sentence but stopped talking after that. At least they didnt start going at it.


    There must be something we could do?


    sses girl asked. She remained a more calm attitude, different from thest raid. Seeing her improvement, I felt a little proud for having given her that small advice.


    Im thinking.


    I had packed 3 cases of pepper bombs just in case we would cross paths with an irregr. This was to take away their sense of smell and sight. It wasnt anything special  just homemade  but the difference between having it and not having it would prove to be huge.


    p.


    I lightly pped my cheeks. Concentrate.


    There is a big difference between a normal monster and a boss monster. If I were to put it into perspective, it would be like trying to fight 10 normal monsters all at one time. And on top of that, any knock out magic like sleep spells dont work on it  we can only beat it by physical attacks. For this reason, whenever there is a boss, it is normal for everyone to prepare thoroughly ahead of time before entering the dungeon.


    But we were not ready to take on a boss. Nope.


    I started talking aloud to myself.


    The goal is to get out safely. The problem is, that thing is blocking our only exit


    I turned to face the party. They were all people who came here by trusting in me. Though our rtionship was strictly business, thats where trust starts. I felt like if I just got them through this sessfully, these people would put their full confidence in me from here on out. That manager Kim could really be a good addition to my team too.


    There is an opportunity in every crisis.


    I slowly spoke.


    Can you give me a little time alone? Ill be right back.


    ***


    How should I do this? I took inventory of what I had avable to me.


    One warrior and two archers. I also had a mage and a porter.


    If I looked at it objectively, Han Joonseok and sses girl just kind of sucked. I couldnt rely on them to do any kind of real damage. It would be a relief if they hit their mark. The best thing that they could do was maybe create some sort of distraction.


    The cave wolf was at least two times bigger than Cho Youngoo. If it bit on his shield and pulled, Cho Youngoo would most definitely be dragged around like a rag doll. He would either have to let go of the shield or hold onto itand both would be disastrous.


    What if the archers stand at a distance from each other and shoot. Then the wolf would probably go after the archer that hits it.


    Then Cho Youngoo would be between themwaiting for the wolf to attack one  after which he would follow to aid the archer who would be under attack. If Cho Youngoo is slow to react or the wolf moves too fast, the archer would die no matter what. But if Cho Youngoo seeds in reaching the archer first, then the other archer can keep shooting at the wolf. Then when the wolf starts heading toward the other archer, I would step in.


    I shook my head.


    This n sucked balls. Theres no way the wolf would move the way I want it to. I cant rely on chance and call it a n.


    If we do this, well all die.


    No matter how much I wracked my brain, all I could think of was running away. Luckily, there were two paths in this dungeon. If one person can lure the wolf into one path, then the rest who would be hiding in the other path could run away and live. We needed a mickey.


    And the only person who can do this in our group was me. No one else would have the balls or skills to do it.


    Hey. At least now I feel a little better since I know what to do. Its not an impossible thing I guess. I mean, I do have some things up my sleeve.


    Bloodysword. Pepper bombs. And my effort.


    I closed my left eye to check my stats.


    [0,3,2350]


    2350 reward points.


    What can I do with this?

 Chapter 23

    Chapter 23


    First things first, I needed to figure out my end goal.


    What was it that i wanted?


    If I go unprepared, even if I might have thought I was prepared, Ill die. What I needed was the ability to run away. Yeah.


    That was easy.


    I needed the speed to be able to outrun an animal that had four legs. No. I needed to have the kind of speed that would outrun a cave wolf boss and not get caught in a chase.


    Tap. Tap.


    I tied my shoces and tapped the ground with my feet. Im not that fast of a runner to begin with. I could do about 100 meters in 13 secondsish? It was pretty fast for an average person, but I would be considered slow ifpared to sprinters. Id be cave wolf snack in seconds if I tried to run away like this. I need to be able to do under 10 seconds if I might have a prayer of outrunning that beast.


    I did a light sprint back and forth in the left trail to get a feel for the terrain. I dont know if its because of my up in endurance, but I wasnt winded in the least.


    Now it was time to sprint like hell. I went down and got in positionthen kicked the ground to help me get a running start. I almost fell a few times since the ground wasnt really level. After I did this about five times, I could feel my body get a bit lighter.


    Yes.


    Tap. Tap.


    The sound was different. Every time I took a step, it almost felt as if the length of the ground was shrinking. But I couldnt be happy with just this.


    I needed to feel lighter. I needed to be faster.


    Woosh!


    I could hear the sound of wind whipping past my ear. I could taste the humid air filling my lungs. I could feel my heart pumping the oxygen throughout my body. I could hear he bu-bump of my heart and blood vessels pumping the blood. It now felt as if my body was floating through the air.


    More. A little more. As fast as I can. No, more than that.


    Huk. Huk. Huk.


    After I snapped back to attention, I realized everyone was staring at me with wide eyes.


    ****


    [0,5,850]


    I saw that I upgraded twice. The first time, I used up 500 reward points..and the second time, I used up 1000. There was no way for me to find out exactly how much faster I was now but, seeing everyones reaction, it should be enough for me to outrun that thing.


    Uhyouwhat the hell was that just now?


    Manager Kim stuttered as he tried to get the words out.


    What do you mean?


    Whoa. SunbehOppa. Did you know you were just flying?


    I flew?


    Well, you werent exactly flying. But it almost looked like it.


    We heard a loud noise behind us so we looked back, and we saw you kicking the ground running at us. You were taking a few meters every step. It looked like you almost like you were stepping on air.


    sses girl said.


    Wait wait?


    That you were stepping on air?


    No, not that. You said that you heard a loud noise?


    Yeah. At first it was just stomping noises, butter it sounded almost like an earthqua


    Damn! Everyone run into the right trail right now! Jung Sooah! You take this and if the wolf starts heading towards the left trail, throw it!


    I didnt have the time to revel in my new upgrade. I handed one of my pepper bombs to her.


    Why all of a sudden?


    The wolf is going toe! Hurry!


    There was no way the wolf wouldnt have heard something that sounded like an earthquake.


    Overover there.


    Cho Youngoo said with a stammer in his voice.


    Grrrrrr.


    The sound of growling rung throughout the dungeon.


    Luckily it didnt start running at us. It was staring at usprobably observing us at first.


    Manager Kim. Once I throw a pepper bomb, take everyone to the right trail.


    Me? How? Everyone should look after themselves.


    Please.


    Shit. How about you?


    Ill distract him and lead him to the left trail. Once you make sure it follows me in, everyone run out of the dungeon and get help.


    SunbehOppa! Thatt too dangerous!


    Just do it!


    I wish I had more time to exin. But the wolf was nowing down the hill and running towards where we were. I raised my hand and threw the pepper bomb.


    Run!


    SunbehOppa! If you die, Ill kill you!


    Is she stupid? How does that make sense?


    The pepper smoke spread out into the air. This type of weapon was more grievous to a wolf with its sensitive nose and eyes than to a human. There was no better way to make sure the wolf would attack in my direction than this.


    This way! You wolf bastarrrrd!


    I started yelling out while backing up. This pepper smoke should not only irritate the hell out of him, it should also take away its vision and sense of smell. The only thing it would have left to rely on would be sound  and my voice was ringing throughout the dungeon.


    I ran into the left tunnel trail.


    I could see its huge shadow chasing after me.


    I yelled out while running.


    Come here, stupid!


    Grrrr!


    It was growling with its fangs baring menacingly. If I were to gauge its level, it was probably between level 2 and level 3. Butpared to a regr monster, a boss had a higher chance of dropping an item.


    If I could kill it, there was a good chance I could make out with something super valuable.


    I got into a position that would let me run away at any time and looked at the wolf. It kept shaking its head and sneezing. Hahaha the pepper. Maybe I could attack it right now.


    But I didnt do anything. It could be faking it.


    Without any warning, it sped at me. I knew it!


    Since I was in position, I quickly ran for it. The wolfs speed seemed so slow to me. But because it was so much bigger, it would be able to cover more distance so I couldnt drag it out. The more I dragged it out, it would catch up to me.


    There was nothing to think about. I had to first lure it into this trail, run ap ande out of the dungeon.


    The wolf was really running now.


    The race had begun.


    ***


    Stomp! Stomp!


    My body felt as light as a feather. Every step I took felt like I was being propelled forward. It was certainly not an exaggeration to say that I was indeed stepping on air. It felt like I could be doing 100 meters in about 6.5 seconds.


    The wolf was sprinting as fast as it could. The wolf was indeed faster than me. But the caves terrain wasnt straight, but curvy. Luckily I was used to it and it wasnt.


    Ha. Ha.


    I could see the end of the tunnel now.


    This is the first ce I almost fell.


    I could see the pothole.


    It was probably due to the water dripping from the ceiling. If I dont slow down, I would definitely slip and fall.


    The wolf opened its mouth in preparation for swallowing my head whole. I crouched low and jumped over the hole while the wolf slipped as soon as it stepped into the water-filled hole.


    The wolf tumbled and smashed into the tunnel wall. Powder from the ceiling drifted down to the wolf in puffs.


    Hmm?


    I looked back and smiled at my good fortune. A stctite on the wall had pierced the wolf on one side. It was struggling to get up.


    This could be the best chance I had at attacking and killing it. Jackpot.

 Chapter 24

    Chapter 24


    I approached it cautiously.


    Stay still


    Grrrr


    Its fangs were longer than the length of my palm. Its bloodshot eyes kept watching my every move. It was dangerous for me to get too close to its head. Unlike the monster that had been hit by the truck and couldnt move properly, this one still had enegry to spare.


    I needed to move in on its side.


    Stab!


    GRAAAA!


    When I entered its hide with my bloodysword, it tried to jump up on top of me.


    Keu!


    I let go of my sword and hopped back. I had no time to think. The only thing I could see was its red eyes and sharp gleaming fangs.


    When I thought I had evaded it, I saw stars. I had hit my back on something hard and I couldnt see from the pain of it. I must have hit back into a boulder.


    I hurriedly put my hand in my pocket, pulled out another pepper bomb, and threw it.


    As smoke wafted out, I covered my mouth and nose and got up to run away.


    The floor began to shake. The wolf must have pounced on the ground I was sitting just moments before. It could probably hear everything so I needed to be careful not to make too much noise.


    I held my breath while I waited for the air to clear enough for me to see again.


    1 minute? No. If I can just wait 30 more seconds, I would be able to run away.


    Bump. Bump. Bump.


    The sound of my heartbeat was too loud. I wanted to run this instant. But I needed to be practical and not just follow my emotions.


    The boss now had two holes pierced in its side. The wound from the stctite and the stab from my bloodysword.


    Would it just faint with enough time?


    Theres no way. Monsters had ridiculous recovery speeds. If I wanted to kill it, now would be my best chance. But the weapon that could pull that off was stuck in that monsters hide.


    Should I just go at him barefisted. It cant see anything, after all. Ha. That would be suicide. Even if I got lucky and found my bloodysword, it would probably shred me to pieces before I could even pull it out.


    Only thing was to run as soon as I could see. It sucks that I have to leave the bloodysword behind but not enough to risk my neck.


    I could hear it whining. I cant me it. Im not breathing and even my nose and neck is itching like hell.


    I carefully started moving. If it were outside, the smoke would have dissipated quickly but the cave have almost zero venttion. It wasnt flowing out anywhere.


    I finally took in a deep breath. The pepper filled smoke clogged my neck, but it was nothingpared to the sweet oxygen filling my lungs.


    The wolf heard me sucking in my breath and realized where I was, but it was only after I had already gotten a running start. It was chasing very close behind.


    The blood that had been flowing from its wounds had already clotted.


    ***


    Running for my life, it wasnt long before I came to the crossroads.


    m! m!


    The wolf was running straight at me, all the while bumping into the walls of the cave due to the curvy trail. Concerned about the closing gap between us, my legs tangled up on themselves.


    Right before I tripped and fell, I pushed up off the ground with my hands and regained my bnce. Shit. It closed the distance even more in that time. At this rate, it would catch up to me before I could make it out of the dungeon.


    Huk. Huk!


    Everything was getting dizzy. I guess I didnt quite heal from hitting against the rock. And now I was almost out of breath. Maybe it was because I was so anxious but I was exhausted after running around the tunnel trail just one time. If I didnt have my endurance level up, I would have copsed long ago.


    I was now about 100 meters away from the dungeon entrance. This was where it was now uphill. Would I make it?


    It would be 50/50.


    I should be


    Woosh!


    Kr!


    An arrow plunged itself into the wolfs forehead.


    Over this way!


    It was Jung Sooahs voice. When I turned my head, I could see sses girl and Han Joonseok aiming their bows this way from the top of the hill.


    I sped up and ran as fast as I could to where they were. They let two more arrows fly and both hit their marks. Well, if they missed such a huge wolf that was right in front of them, they didnt have the right to call themselves archers.


    They hit itbut it was definitely not even close to enough to kill it. Annoyed now, it reached the top of the hill in one monstrous leap. As if she were waiting for this, Sooah threw her pepper bomb.


    What


    Over here!


    Sooah grabbed my hand and pulled. We all ran to the dungeons exit.


    Mr. Cho Youngoo!


    Yes!


    The warrior unsheathed his sword. What are they trying to do?


    I quickly scanned the area around me. The pepper smoke was streaming into the cave and there was a boulder in front of Cho Youngoo. And the boulder was tied to the ceiling by a rope. I looked up at the ceiling. At that instant, the wolf burst through the smoke.


    Now!


    The boulder that was hanging by a rope fell onto the wolfs back.


    The wolf was pinned to ground. Overwhelmed by the shock of the weight, the wolf wasnt able to focus.


    We did it!


    Everyone began to cheer. Jung Sooah yelled out.


    Now run for it!


    Ok!


    I said it already, but a monsters recovery ability is crazy. It might seem like it was a fatal attack but it would probably heal in a manner of minutes if not seconds.


    Everyone knew this.


    Wait.


    I stopped.


    SunbehOppa?


    Party head!


    I can kill it.


    What?but


    I know. It wont die from the boulder. Its just in shock. But


    I shut up and started walking to the monster. It shuddered a bit but didnt move any more than that.


    If it had been fine, I would have been dead by now.


    I went to the wolfs side, grabbed my sword by the handle, and twisted.


    The wound widened and the sword began to soak it the blood. But there wasnt much blood  just as I thought.


    Bye.


    I pulled out my sword and mmed it back in  but this time into the wolfs neck.


    The wolfs eyes rolled back for a second before closing again.


    [+1000]


    1000 reward points.


    Damn.


    Did it die?


    Han Joonseok asked. When I nodded, he dropped his bow and copsed to the ground. Everyone else followed suit.


    Haato think we really killed ithow did that happen? Why wasnt it able to use its strength anymore?


    When Jung Sooah asked, I pointed to my bloodysword and said.


    It seems the sword had sucked up all of its blood.


    What?


    It had two huge wounds. But weirdly, it was barely bleeding.


    So? How did that tell you anything?


    Well, it was actually when it got hit by the arrow.


    Ohyoure right. When it was hit with the arrow, it didnt even bleed.


    sses girl said. She was the one who had shot the first arrow.


    Right. That was why I figured it was almost done when it didnt get up again. No matter how strong the monster, if it loses all its blood


    Everyone nodded their heads.


    That was how I won and ended with the bloodysword, rare ores, and reward points.


    But where is manager Kim?


    Oh. He went out to call for help.


    Nah, he just ran away. Bastard.


    Yeah? Well, its not like he would have been any help if he stayed anyway


    It still sucked. Having a mage on such a low level team probably wouldnt happen again.


    Who said I ran away!


    That was when we saw manager Kim walking toward us from behind a boulder. He had been hidden so well that no one had noticed he was still there.


    Wowamazing. Were you there this whole time?


    At Jung Sooahs words, manager Kim started yelling out.


    Do you really think I would ditch a fellow teammate and run away?


    Yes.


    Everyone answered at the same time.

 Chapter 25

    Chapter 25


    The wolf was now starting to evaporate. He slowly disappeared into ashes, and as those ashes turned to dust I thought to myself.


    Irregr.


    In the month and a half since the incident of irregrs had happened all over the world, this was the second irregr I went up against. I dont know how many more people might have been met with the incident again this time, but I knew it was going to be a big problem. The biggest problem though was that now we knew it wasnt an isted incident.


    Is this job really ok?


    Is anyone hurt?


    No. Were all fine. How about you, SunbehOppa?


    I hit my back and head a little hard but I think Im ok now.


    You sure you dont have to go to the hospital?


    sses girl walked up next to me and checked my head. Luckily I dont think I suffered a concussion, but there was a huge bump on the back of my head.


    Something like this will get better with just a couple days of rest. I dont need to go to a hospital.


    But still


    I did have health insurance but I can only use it for big injuries. I pay about 2,000 a month so that I can have ess to treatment no matter how much the bill is.


    Since we now know that the irregr incident wasnt a one time thing, keeping up the payments on my insurance would be necessary.


    It looks like its almost done.


    Han Jookseok said as he watched the rest of the dust crumble away. Only the wolfs head was left and then soon, that too was gone.


    Drop.


    A skillbook had dropped to the ground.


    Again?


    What!?


    Jung Sooah jumped up and grabbed the book before handing it to me.


    Take it.


    Uhdo you need to be so loud?


    You never know. There might be someone who might steal it and run.


    She whispered into my ear. True. There are a lot of cases of people taking skillbooks and running. But the way she was acting now was basically announcing to everyone on the team that she didnt trust them. If it were me, I could never do something like that.


    Was she doing this to take the hate in my stead?


    Everyone started crowding around me. Manager Kim pushed Jung Sooah and poked out his chin.


    What is it? What is it? What kind of skill? If its a pro level skill then wouldnt it be worth like a couple million dors?


    Lets check first.


    Gulp.


    I could hear someone swallowing. When I looked up, I saw Cho Youngoo staring at me with fire in his eyes. Looks like hes someone who cant hide his emotions very well.


    Hur..hurry.


    Dont expect too much. It could be a low level one too.


    I said this, but it was true that I was expecting alot too. If it was over level 3, the price of it would be more than a million. Though we would do a contribution split, each person would still get more than 100k each.


    Flip.


    I opened to the first page.


    Everyone copsed to the ground.


    Friendship? Wait. And its only a level 0? Is there even such a thing?


    Sooah said with a sigh in her voice.


    Everyones expression was full of disappointment.


    Except me.


    ***


    It was the second level 0 skillbook. The skill name was friendship.


    m.


    I closed the skillbook and got up.


    I should probably start the official procedure.


    Level 0 skillbook. It is friendship. Is there anyone who would like to buy this skillbook?


    Who would buy something like that? Unless theyre stupid.


    Manager Kim said with a sigh. His face looked like the face of someone who lost something very precious.


    Three of you have a skill already so you wont be needing thisBae Yeonkyoung?


    Ah. I dont need it either. Im an archer. I would want a skill relevant to my ability though.


    Hmthen I guess we should just sell this..we might get about 3000


    dors for it.


    Thats it?


    Jung Sooah asked.


    I had put up a level 0 skillbook a while back. BUt no one wanted to buy it. The only offers I got were around that price.


    Nah. Really?


    Ill ask one more time. Anyone willing to buy it for 3000 dors?


    Everyone started looking around at each other. As expected. There was no one who wanted a dumb sounding skind a level 0 one at thatfor 3000 dors.


    Sooah kicked at the ground. Then she raised her hand.


    Ill buy it.


    You?


    sses girl asked with surprise.


    Its good for a porter to have a skill. It would probably help to decrease my chance of dying. I dont know what this is, but seeing as its a level 0looks like it would suit a porter just fine.


    I guess


    sses girl started to nod as Sooah exined her thought process. Everything rted to killing monsters started at level 1. Skill, Item, Dungeon. So it made sense that everyone believed a level 0 would have nothing to do with a hunter.


    The contribution ranking came out as: me, Cho Youngoo, Han Joonseok, Bae Yeonkyoung, then manager Kim. Of course manager Kim raised a fuss.


    Why am I fifth! I should at least be second! Noeven third!


    Im a person too.


    At my words, manager Kim shut up. While everyone else hade together to save my life after I risked it to let them escape, he was the only one who hid. There was no way I would rank him any higher just because he didnt run away.


    II told you to run away!


    Thats true. But its also true that you didnt help when we were trying to kill the monster.


    Shit! Thats not fair! If it wasnt for me, do you think we would have cleared the dungeon?


    No we wouldnt have.


    Then you shouldnt be ranking in this way!


    But if anyone else had not been there, I would have died today.


    I said this as I looked to all the party members.


    Cho Youngoo, Han Joonseok, Bae Yeonkyoung, Jung Sooah.


    They had all gone up against a boss ss monster just to save my life.


    I knew that it was the right thing to do to make sure they were rewarded for it.


    Keu


    Manager Kim put his head down after trying to say something..but changing his mind.


    I will make sure you get more than enough contribution pay. Do you have anything to add?


    Ye..yes.


    What is it?


    Will you call me again next time?


    Manager Kim asked. I nodded my head and Jung Sooah said.


    Manager Kim. It looks like you do have a conscience.


    What you brat? Do you think I dont have any pride at all?


    There was no one who responded to that.


    ***


    When I opened my eyes, I saw the familiar ceiling. I went to my fridge and got a ss of water to drink.


    Gulp. Gulp.


    Youre awake?


    Cough. Cough.


    I heard Jung Sooahs voice behind me. I tried to remember what happenedahh. After the hunt, we all went to a small restaurant to get dinner. Thest thing I recalled was getting drunk, and Jung Sooah taking me into a cab.


    This was all because manager Kim was drinking so hard that I ended up joining in. That old man.


    Arent you going home?


    I was tired so I just went to bed. Why? I cant do that?


    You should ask first before just doing something like that on your own.


    Haha.


    Dontugh. I just might get used to you.


    Jung Sooah got up and washed her face to wake up. Then she padded on over to the kitchen to start making some ramen.


    Two?


    Three.


    Coming up.


    I helped set the table, and we ate the ramen quietly. When I finally realized that we were doing everything so naturally with any awkwardness, it was already toote.


    But why were you askingus to buy that?


    Because its worth it.


    Youre going to give me back my money right?


    Ill think about it.


    Chi. Really. You think 3000 just grows on trees?


    Youre rich though. Remember the 50,000 you got from me?


    Ill be using it as my dowry. Should I just sell this damn thing?


    Why? Itll be such a waste. Learn it.


    What? Me? Why? I wont need it though.


    I wonder what kind of skill friendship will prove to be?

 Chapter 26

    Chapter 26


    Learn it anyway. Its better than not having a skill at all.


    Then you really bought this for me to learn?


    Youll probably thank meter.


    Jung Sooah was lost in deep thought. This was a skillbook worth a couple thousand dors. She was wrestling the idea of whether she should sell it or learn it.


    Ill learn it.


    So youve decided?


    Yeah. Im sure there must be a reason why you want me to learn itso Ill do it.


    Well, the skill that I learned is a level 0 too.


    Ohdidnt you say that you put it up on the market?


    It didnt sell.


    Then your physical ability must because of that skill..


    I got more upgrades than that


    So you can get even more powerful?


    I nodded my head and she began digging into the backpack for the skillbook. She brought out a thin paperback looking book and stared at me with a frown after looking at the weird words.


    What the heckwhatnguage is this?


    I dont know either. It was the first time I ever saw anything like it when I saw it in mine. But when I just read it, it popped into my head. Even though I didnt know the meaning still.


    HmI see. Are all skillbooks like this?


    Nope. From what I hear, all the other skillbooks are written so people can understand it. But if you keep reading it, youll learn it. Ohwait.


    I remembered one thing. But she was in the zone and didnt hear me. I didnt want to break her concentration. If I broke it, the skillbook might end up disappearing before she could fully gain the skill.


    sh!


    A burst of light exploded out of the book.


    A momentter. I saw Jung Sooahs head copsed into the empty ramen bowl. She must have fainted just like I had done. I passed out for about 10 daysthe same would probably be true for her.


    This annoying girl


    It would have been fine if it was just one daybut if she ended up missing for 10 days, her family would probably file for missing persons. The problem was, I didnt know where this girl lived. I tried to look through her phone, but there was a passcode on it. Arg.


    All I could do was wait for a call toe through.


    I cleaned off the remnant ramen soup off her face and ced her on the bed. Since she would be out for so long, I couldnt let hery on the ground. I dont know if it was because she was so muscr, but she was pretty heavy for a girl.


    I cleaned up a bit and went on the inte. I wanted to see what happened with the irregr event from yesterday. But there was nothing out of the norm. There wasnt even one line of news referring to an irregr.


    Then that means it only happened at the Baekoonsa dungeon?


    I guess its not impossible. Because irregrs had appeared once in a blue moon before that incident. That one incident was the only time irregrs had popped up all over the country. It seems the Baekoonsa irregr was an isted one this time.


    But I still had some questions.


    Why did the irregr appear at the same time the level 0 skillbook did. If these two events happened independent of eachother, I would have crossed it off as nothing out of the ordinary. But for them to happen at the same timeit couldnt be chance.


    Hmm


    Click. Click.


    I clicked the mouse while thinking.


    Level 0 skillbook. Irregr.


    What was the meaning of these two?


    I went into the hunter market. I went to check if there was anyone trying to sell a level 0 skillbook.


    No one.


    From my experience, it would seem that the drop probability of a level 0 skillbook were high. I mean, I had hunted just twice and both times I got a level 0 skillbook. Even if I had ridiculously good luck, there should have been at least 1 level 0 skillbook up on the market.


    Or maybe level 0 skillbooks drop only for me?


    Nah. Its probably all in my head.


    ***


    There were no calls for her over the next 10 days. I guess she was just as much of a loner as I was.


    Water!


    Sooah drank a crapload of water as soon as she woke up. When she finished off an entire 2 liter bottle of water, she stared at me dumbly and said.


    Hungry.


    Jesus.


    She finally seemed to get it together after eating a piece of bread and two ramens. Then she said to me.


    Ha? Did I eat too much?


    Yes. You even ate my share.


    Im sorry. Ill make you food.


    Its fine. More than that, how do you feel?


    Eumnow that you ask, what happened? Last thing I remember is reading the skillbook.


    You fell asleep while learning the skill.


    How long?


    Ten days.


    Haaa?


    Didnt I tell youst time? That I fell asleep for days while learning my skill.


    You were telling the truth then? I thought you were making that up after ignoring my calls.


    I dont lie unless it makes me money.


    Wow. Ten days.


    She checked the time on her phone then suddenly whipped her head to face me.


    Did you by any chance do any naughty things to me while I was asleep?


    No.


    You should have.


    Dont think so little of my honor. You brat.


    Tap.


    Ow. Whyd you hit me.


    Be thankful Im just letting you off with this. Anyway, you should check for your skill, no?


    There was no information on her new friendship skill. We just needed to find out if she actually got the skill properly by having her close her right eye.


    I just see two zeros.


    One is your level and one is your proficiency. Since you only have two numbers, it seems you dont get any reward pointsthen could it be a skill you have to activate? I guess it could also be a passive skill.


    Exin please.


    Im saying I dont know what it is. We need to figure it out slowly.


    Is it going to be useful though?


    You dont trust me?


    I trust you. Almost too much.


    She said this and followed up with a big sigh.


    Why is she sighing like that?


    ***


    Now that she was awake, I made a round of calls to all the members of the party. Even though they had all experienced the dangers of an irregr, all of them responded to my summons. Most likely none of them were able to find any other job and were doing nothing at home.


    We decided to go to Baekoonsa dungeon once more. The deciding factor was because of the cheap admission fee and because we were used to it. We were a bit worried about an irregr appearing again, but you couldnt be a hunter without taking on that kind of a risk.


    That didnt mean we shouldnt be prepared. Just in case, I packed some chains and pepper bombs.


    The raid was going well. We fought against wolves, goblins, kobolds, and even ran into a rare slime monster. But everyone did their job, and every monster died easily against my de  so we were getting through the dungeon fairly quickly.


    Its way easier than thest time we came.


    sses girl nodded her head with a grin. I answered back.


    Thanks to manager Kim doing so well.


    Hm. Who said I ever skimped on my job.


    Naah. Its not because of manager Kim. Its thanks to our party head being so good at attacking.


    Cho Youngoo said with a small smirk. Seeing that the ever prideful manager Kim didnt say anything to that, it seemed all of them thought I was pretty strong.


    My level up in focus helped in one other area aside from having stronger reflexes. I was able to fight and get rid of the enemy one by one before they could even start attacking.


    Since my fights all started with going up against one enemy and then the next, winning was that much easier.


    But even taking that out of consideration, there was something else that made my battles so ridiculously easy. I turned at looked to Jung Sooah. Could it be because of the friendship skill?


    I went to her and said.


    Check your skill.


    Hmit went up one.


    Is it because of that?


    You mean the monster being weak?


    It might just be that we got stronger.


    Every single one of our partys abilities had increased. The one who got noticeably stronger was sses girl. In thest raid, she was able to hit her mark 1 out of 4 times, but she was not able to hit 1 out of 3 times. You could say that she got better in the 10 days, but if that were possible then she wouldnt have been suffering all this time. From what I knew, she was a crappy archer for the longest time.


    Now that you mention it, I feel like I got a bit stronger.


    She said while she pointed to her bag. She had about 12 ores in her backpack. It was probably over 130 kg, but she didnt look like she was breaking a sweat at all.


    That could be true. A passive skill that increases the teammates abilitiesits definitely a worthwhile skill.


    Oh. Then shouldnt you give me more distribution money?


    Ill give you something extra from my share this time.

 Chapter 27

    Chapter 27


    If Jung Sooahs friendship skill had really raised everyones ability, then it was only right to acknowledge this in the contribution rankings. The only thing was, there was no way for us to really measure how much it helped..and the skill wasnt discussed with everyone at the start so I would have to do the rankings normally this one time.


    Anyway, do you know how the skill activates?


    Hm. Im not sure. But I think I might know. Its a weird feeling. Is a skill supposed to feel like that?


    Just because you learn a skill doesnt mean you discover everything about it instantly. Think about someone who gains a boxing skill. If you asked them to exin exactly how to punch and step in words, would they be able to exin it? No. Because they just acquired the skill instantly without physically doing the work and uncovering it themselves.


    That makes sense.


    So they would need to do some tests. To learn how to punch, they need to test some punches..to learn how to dodge, they need to test evading a punch.


    Then everyone else learns their skills by testing it like this too?


    No. Usually there is a known way to use the skill. Its been already 50 years since the first skillbook appeared. Most skillbooks have alot more of the same kind out there, so people usually already know how to activate or use it.


    So youre saying there isnt really a guideline for mine.


    There isnt one for mine either.


    Oh. Feels like we hit some kind of jackpot or something.


    Lets get going.


    Han Joonseok said as he got up. It seemed our break ran a little too long. We had finished clearing about half the dungeon and the left trail  we only have the right trail left to clear.


    We had packed everything up and were getting ready to continue when we heard a voiceing down from the entrance.


    Over there! Stop what youre doing and everyonee on out!


    Everyone looked in the direction the voice wasing from. We could now see someone in military uniform yelling and waving his arms about at us.


    I saide out! You cant hear me?


    What?


    Why is someone not in our party in the dungeon?


    Half of the party looked at me, confused, while the other half frowned. This was the difference between the experienced and novices.


    Lets listen to what that man is saying.


    What? Why? We still have time left.


    sses girl said. I could see why she was annoyed. Dungeons operate where each session is reserved at 4 hours. Since we were here, we couldy im to remaining here until our time ran out.


    By normal procedure this was true. By normal procedure.


    I waved my arms to let the military man know we understood. I saw him nod his head and disappear again.


    I faced the party members and tried exining it to them after seeing their bafflement.


    There are a lot of instances where things like this happen in a dungeon. This is called a booking change and


    Booking change my butt. Its a rip off  jumping the queue, is what it is.


    Jung Sooah said.


    Jumping the queue?


    Ehso. What it is is. There are people who are umhigher than uswaiting toe in.


    At Han Joonseoks answer, manager Kim responded.


    So we have to leave then? Didnt we pay the normal admission fee?


    They do give us some of that back. But we cant expect anything more than that.


    Han Joonseoks face turned red in an instant.


    Wait. Do they realize how much of a pain it is to get ready ande out altogether for a raid? Its not as if we cane back any time soon if we leave right now!


    So?


    Manager Kim said with a snort.


    ..Im sorry?


    So what are you saying youre going to do about it? Are you going to go and tell them you wont leave?


    Of course.


    This is why amateurs are amateurs. Chet.


    Arent you being a bit rude?


    Rude! Am I saying anything wrong!


    Dungeons are operated by the government.


    I interrupted them just as they were about to go at eachother.


    There are about 50 groups who can put pressure on the team that operates a dungeon, of which include: entrepreneurs,wmakers, and other senior officials of the ministry. Very rarely, sometimes a raid team could also have that kind of power.


    So. If someone with power wants to do a hunt, we just have to bow out like that?


    Han Joonseok still couldnt ept it. But I liked these kinds of people. People who rage against the unfair and unjust. If we wanted anything to change for the better, we needed more people like this.


    Yes. If we cause any problems over something like this, we could get cklisted. That list is


    Put up in their database and distributed to all dungeons.


    Sooah finished.


    Then


    At the very least, it would be hard for you to find any hunting jobs in all of South Korea.


    So theyre saying, You people with no connections can just shut up as do as we say. Got it?


    Why do you keep taking their sides since the beginning? You think youre anything special?


    Han Joonseok asked.


    This bastard. Who said Ive been taking their side!


    Lets get going.


    I tried to break it up and get everyone back on task. Any fighting can be continued outside. Since it came to it, it was better to leave earlier thanter. Though it wasnt much, we were able to get some ores so it wasnt aplete waste and we could alwayse back next time.


    We couldnt say we were losing out on too much because the dungeon operators would usually get us a earlier reservation slot for our troubles.


    As soon as we left the dungeon, we spied a couple youngsters standing by. They were probably mid twenties at the most. Surprisingly, I knew one of them.


    That person


    Sooah pulled on my arm cuffs. One of them was pretty big. He was one of the guys that had tried to vite Sooah at the Ansan dungeon. He recognized me as soon as I recognized him.


    I think his name was Park Jungbeh.


    He made a great big smile as he sauntered over to me.


    Perfect timing. Lets go have a talk. Ha? The girl fromst time is here too?


    Ahyes.


    Are the two of you going out?


    Park Jungbeh asked coyly. I started to wonder if there was something wrong with my memory. Then I wondered just how stupid these guys were.


    He wouldnt be smiling like that unless he were stupid or retarded.


    When I shrugged it off, he continued.


    The porter that was supposed to meet us here bailed on us. So why dont you porter for us a bit. If that girl over therees, it would be even better.


    Were on our way from doing a round in the dungeon so it would be difficult for us.


    Heyy. Dont be so stiff. Arent we pals? If its because of the incident fromst time, Ill apologize. Honestly, we only did it because of Hansol so dont take it so personally. Im not a bad guy, really. And if we were to really be truthful, its not like you were all perfect either. Dont you know that I almost died because of you. So lets just let bygones be bygones. What do you think?


    I thought it was just Song Hansol who was the crazy bastard, but it seems this guy had a few screws loose himself. How is it that he can be so self-absorbed? I almost got goosebumps when heplimented himself saying how hes not a bad guy.


    Im truly sorry. Maybe next time.


    Are you really going to be like this?


    More than that, arent leisure parties against thew at this time


    Ah. That? Dont worry. I got a memo saying its fine.


    He was talking about a waiver that said that the country would not be liable if the signer died in the dungeon.


    Well wait for you to finish with your other group. We only have 4 in our party so if both you and the girl came, it would be just perfect. So well assume youll be joining us and wait. Well give you thirty minutes.


    This bastard was not going to let it go. If we keep insisting on not joining, it could really end up bing more troublesome for me.


    Ok.


    Plus I had something I wanted to try out. It could be really dangerous so it might be better to try it out with these guys than my own party. Well see.

 Chapter 28

    Chapter 28


    After auctioning the ores, I finished up the contribution split. I gave Sooah a bit more from my share and sent her home with everyone else. No use in having here along. Park Jungbeh nced behind me and said in an almost disappointed voice.


    You didnt bring thatdy with you?


    She said she had a previous engagement so I couldnt do anything but let her go.


    Hm. I guess nothing we can do. I wanted topensate her well since that incident fromst time and all..


    I will let her know that you were sorry.


    Nah. You dont need to do that.


    I was used to gauging people. A person can cover up a lie with pretty words and how they acted but it was hard to lie with your eyes. I could tell from this guys eyes that he was telling the truth. He was probably being honest when he said that he was sorry.


    But that didnt mean shit. A man who beats his wife probably regrets it too after the fact. Killers are known to cry over what they have done too. But if they were put into the same position again, would they truly act differently?


    Park Jungbeh was the type of person who could and would act on those same urges if given the opportunity. He might get hung up over it after he did it. But Im sure after a couple days passes, he would feel just fine.


    I just needed to remember one truth. That guy had tried to kill me. It might be just a small hup in his life, but it was a big deal to me.


    Including me, the party was made up of five people. Park Jungbehs abilities were not too spectacr. He did have some high defense armour that was a level 2 but his weapon and skill were both level 1. The rest of his crew were pretty much the same.


    After we entered the dungeon, I walked up to Park Jungbeh and asked him.


    Why did you decide to do a general party? If you just waited a little big longer, Im sure they would have allowed leisure parties again.


    What does it matter? A leisure party and a general party are the same thing.


    I guesss


    The difference between a general party and a leisure party was just the fact that one didnt have to sign a waiver and the other did. If you didnt want to sign the waiver, you had to prove that you had the skills and equipment to ensure you would be safe in the dungeon.


    In the case that you dont meet the requirements, you could also pay an additional fee to have them call on an extra person as security to help you through it safely. A general party didnt have such restrictions. Since general parties sign the waivers, the dungeon operators dont really pay too much attention to them  since they would not be held ountable for whatever happened.


    On the one hand, if you were strong enough, then that meant you would be able to clear a dungeon safely even in a general party. The only problem was, there were always outliers.


    The same applied for these guys. They were probably just thinking of me as a porter so they were assuming they could clear the dungeon with just a four person crew.


    If nothing out of the ordinary happened, this would be true. Big if.


    Three goblins appeared, signaling the start of our hunt. Park Jungbeh, a tanker, and two short range attackers rushed forward. The remaining guy was probably a magic user. This guy raised a staff and yelled out.


    Magic missile!


    A blue light shot out from the end of that staff. Seeing as there were three streaks, it was a level 1 magic missile.


    Pow! Pow! Pow!


    All three bursts hit their mark. Caught unawares, they were struck down by the fierce and quick attacks. This was our chance.


    The cooltime for a magic missile was short  about 30 seconds. There was a reason why it was considered a top skill among the level 1 skills.


    The battle went very smoothly from there. We had Park Jungbeh, who wore armor that was unpierceable by level 1 monsters, 2 close range attackers, and the mage who threw out the magic missile. The monsters of the Baekoonsa dungeoncould not do anything against them.


    We were resting after they had cleared the entire dungeon in less than 2 hours. I say 2 hours, but the time it actually took to kill all the monsters (not including the walking time) was about 20 minutes.


    All I did was pick up the dropped ores and carry it in my bag.


    How many did we get?


    21 in all.


    Not bad.


    If we were to auction it off, it would probably end up being about 20,000 dors after all the fees. Since there were only four in the party, each person could end up with about 5,000 dors each. This could be considered a pretty good haul. The danger level was pretty low and the return pretty high. This was exactly why hunter grade equipment and skills were so darn expensive.


    I raised my head and stared up at the ceiling.


    But didnt we kill all the monsters?


    It seems so. Why?


    The dungeon isnt clearing.


    I raised a finger and pointed up. The dungeon was still dark.


    Ah.youre right. What the


    Maybe


    I trailed off. I could hear the blood draining from Park Jungbehs face.


    Hey. Get up right now!


    Whats wrong?


    Why? Lets just rest a bit more.


    Stop yammering and get up. Cant you tell theres something wrong right now?


    What are you saying is wrong? Jeez.


    The damn dungeon isnt clearing right now! Its an irregr!


    What the hell are you saying. Wasnt it you who said that this dungeon was safe. You said an irregr has never shown up here before. So why are you saying theres an irregr now!


    I dont know. We just need to get the hell out of here!


    Park Jungbehs voice began to shake. He had faced an irregr before. It was understandable that he would be scared shitless unlike these other guys who have never crossed ones path before.


    ***


    During the 10 days that Sooah had been knocked out, there were some things I hypothesized.


    I tried to think back on all three times an irregr appeared andpared them. Then Ipared it to the time I hunted with Eum Hyunjoons party when an irregr didnt appear. There were some simrities.


    Level 0 skillbook. Fast clear time. 5 person party.


    I wondered if an irregr would appear if the three conditions were satisfied again. Of course this was all just spection at this point. I could probably just shake it off as coincidence. But it could also not be mere coincidence either.


    I chose to believe thetter.


    The next thing I had to think about was what to do next to get out of here. But we also needed to establish if there really was an irregr.


    Lets start heading toward the entrance for now.


    I shouldered my backpack and got up. The rest of the group seemed like they still didnt understand the gravity of the situation. That isuntil they saw the wolf boss blocking our way out.


    A wolf boss. Not bad. It could have been worse. We might have ended up facing the level 4 monster I faced when I made my first kill. I had been preparing myself for that.


    What is thiss? Isnt that a cave wolf? But why the heck is it so big?


    Its a dungeon boss.


    At my response, everyone stared at me. If it were any other situation, they probably would have told me to shut up and just do my portering, but it seemed they were desperate to have something to rely on at this perilous situation.


    Youve seen it before?


    Park Jungbeh asked.


    I did. Once.


    Do you know how to kill it?


    Not sure. All I could remember is running like hell away from it.


    Shit. Useless.


    What did you expect from a porter? Lets start thinking of a n to get out of here.


    Cant we just fight it?


    The mage asked.


    Against that? You might just be doing some spells behind us so you dont care but we


    Its impossible. Yeah we have armourbut it wontst long against that thing.


    These guys have only fought against monsters smaller than themselves. They could not imagine fighting against a monster two times bigger and two times stronger than they were.


    When the atmosphere seemed ripe enough, I jumped in.


    There is one option


    Everyones face changed in an instant.


    Whatwhat option is that?


    Its a little bit dangerous though..


    Anythings fine soe out with it.


    At Park Jungbehs words, I responded as if I had no choice but to say. This option would be the same one I had used thatst time.


    Someone needs to lead the wolf into the left trail so the rest can run awayI dont think it would be too difficult


    As soon as Park Jungbeh responded, everyone decided to put in their two cents too.


    Truebut whos going to be the bait?


    Im slow so I cant. Maybe if we were up against a goblin or a koboltbut a wolf is way too fast.


    You werent thinking of making a mage be the bait were you?


    I cant because my armor is way too heavy.


    Everyone naturally turned to look at me. Park Jungbeh made a big smile and said.


    Yeh. Didnt you say that you ran away from this kind of monster once before? Why dont you lead it away? Well call for help as soon as we get out.


    Yeh, yeh. That seems like it would be best.


    In trade, well give you all the ores in that bag.


    Seeing a great opportunity to use me as a scapegoat, they all circled around me to try and persuade me to be the bait. I almostughed aloud because they were acting exactly as I had imaginednohoped they would. Instead of answering, I stared at Park Jungbeh. He was holding my hand and saying with a soft voice.


    Please. Youre the only one we can trust with this task.


    but its too hard for me to bait that monster all by myself. I wouldnt be able to run too far from itand I wontst even 10 seconds against it once it reaches me.


    I responded as if I were truly conflicted. I needed to y hard to get.


    Shit! Then what the hell do you want us to do! Its not as if we can do it!


    Park Jungbeh yelled out as he jumped up angrily. I pretended to be surprised and ced my finger on his lips.


    Please be more quiet. What will you do if the wolf decides toe after us this instant.


    Chet


    He shut up with a frown at my words. These guys could die or liveand the choice was mine to make. Their lives were literally in the palm of my hand.


    Park Jungbeh said with a gloomy expression.


    Ill do whatever you want. Tell me. What is it that you need.


    Finally. What I was waiting for. I pretended to ponder of this for a bit and carefully said.


    To start. I need something to protect me against that monsters attacks.


    I said this as I nced briefly at Park Jungbehs armor. I could see his face immediately harden. That armor was probably about 500,000 dors. I was curious. Would he give it to me?


    Thats


    I dont want to die either.


    This bastard! Do you know how much this is!


    Shh. The wolf might hear us.


    Chet


    He shut up again and sat down. I stared at Park Jungbeh as if I had all the time in the world.


    ***


    Now. How much is your life worth to you. I wonderhehe

 Chapter 29

    Chapter 29


    Everyone waited for Park Jungbeh to respond with bated breath. I wonder how much time passed. He finally said.


    Okbut if you make it out alive, Im going to get it back.


    I cant promise that.


    what?


    Im risking my life to do this. I would only consider doing it with something like that in return.


    This bastard


    Squeeze!


    Park Jungbeh grabbed a hold of my cor. When I stared back at him as if I didnt have a care in the world, his stare wavered a bit.


    This bastard. You bastard. Do you really want to die? Should I kill you right here and now?


    I guess thats one option. But if I die right now, whos going to be your bait?


    I pointed my chin at everyone. Everyone was staring at Park Jungbeh. If I die, then Im sure they would all kill Park Jungbeh for ruining their only hope of survival. I was sure that their rtionship was just as superficial as the one he had with Song Hansol. This meant that they would do what was best for themselves. They could care less about even Park Jungbeh if it meant they could live.


    Keuk


    The hand that was holding my cor began to shake. His other hand was wavering near his scabbard. Im sure he wanted to stab and kill me right then and there. Of course I wouldnt be still if he really did draw his sword but I highly doubt he would do something like that with his life in the bnce.


    Then he finally let me go.


    Luckily he wasnt a total idiot.


    Shit.


    He took off his armor and handed it over to me. Seeing how his hand was still shaking quite a bit, he must have hated having to do this. I dont me him. Its the same as just givinng away 500,000 dors.


    Satisfied? Hurry up and do your thing now.


    As soon as I put it on, Park Jungbeh got up and started poking me to hurry up. I only made a big smile and said.


    But Im not done yet.


    What?


    If I have to fight it, Lord forbid, wont I need a weapon?


    You little shit! What the hell are you saying!


    Park Jungbeh couldnt take any more and was screaming at the top of his lungs. It was getting dangerous. At this noise level, the wolf was sure to hear.


    This time I got mad for real and said.


    Do you all want to die? Is that it? What are you trying to do by yelling so loud?


    Shit. What else do you need?


    Didnt I just tell you?


    I pointed to the sword that Park Jungbeh was holding. From the looks of it, it didnt seem like anything special. Compared to the bloodysword, it was really just a general 1 level sword. But it was still worth over 100,000. Park Jungbehs face became red. Really red.


    Thisthis too?


    Yes. Its necessary.


    Hey. Just hand it over. Its better than dying right?


    Seeing the situation being drawn out, his party tried to have himply asap.


    These bastardsjust because its not happening to you guys


    What will it be?


    I urged him. Then finally, as if he had given up on it all, he handed over his sword.


    You better make it. You piece of shit.


    I could hear that he meant it.


    I took the sword and pulled out my phone.


    What is it now.


    I just want to record some things.


    I had zero faith in his word. I needed evidence.


    ***


    Until the wolf enters the left trail, do NOTe out. No matter what sounds you hear, ignore it. Do you understand?


    Yeh. We get it.


    After I had Park Jungbeh and his party go into the right trail, I handed over my specialty bomb made up of a mix of red and ck peppers.


    What is this?


    Pepper bomb. This is for you since you gave me your armor and weapon. If I happen to mess up, this peppper bomb will save your life.


    Shit. If you run away or something then Im going to get you. Got it?


    How can I run away when its blocking the exit?


    When I made an exasperated face, everyone else in the party tried to put in a word to appease me.


    Yeh. Dont be so suspicious. That bastard is putting his life on the line right?


    Later when we all get out, Ill reward you big time. If portering is too hard for you, I can even hire you at ourpany. Just ask. If you want it, I can make you a managerno a director even.


    Well, Ill just give you your ownpany. Is there anything else you need? Ill get you anything you want.


    Must be nice. To have so much money.


    Dont worry. I will do my best and bait it so you can get out safely.


    As if making me director wasnt enoughthey were even offering to give me my ownpanyhow generous of them. Ha. There are so many good people in the worldso why is it such a shithole? As if.


    I shouldered my backpack and carefully walked towards the exit where the wolf was. Luckily, the wolf wasnt aware of us even after Park Jungbeh had screamed so many time. I could now see its head. I hid behind a nearby boulder, put down my back, and took inventory of my new equipment.


    Level 2 armor and a weapon. One level 1 weapon. Two pepper bombs. Special high-strength 30 meter chain. This chain was used as a snow chain on the tires of vehicles over 1 ton. Unlike normal chains, it was rtively light and much stronger.


    I carefully unwound the chain and started to tie it on the stctites. Since thest raid, I had prepared a scenario in case something like it ever happened again. I thought to myselfis there another way to take care of the wolf without having to run around like a crazy person?


    My solution was in the wolfs hugeness. It was two times the size of a normal human. I probably came up to its shoulder and it was probably 3 meters and 50 centimeters in length. Taking into ount its sheer size, I could probably tie up the chains in a way to prevent it from being able to get out of a certain area. Of course it could be strong enough to just break the chains.


    So I took that into ount too. Its strength mainlyes from it being so big and heavy. The heaviest wolf is the skan Tundra wolf that weights about 47 kilograms. If I were to use that as my reference point, then Id have to say this boss wolf didnt weigh more than 200 kilograms.


    This chain should be enough.


    Whew.


    I dusted my hands off. I had cobwebbed the chains to block off the passage way. The biggest hole was probably about 1 meters. Because the chain was short, I couldnt do anything about that but this would work. It was just big enough for me to easily slip through while it would be hard for the wolf to do so.


    I set my backpack behind the chains, put on the armor, and picked up Park Jungbehs sword. It was just your run of the mill longsword. But it was sharper than any manmade sword so if you even ced a finger on ityou would have to go straight to the hospital.


    Whew.


    I made a light sigh and walked to the wolf.


    The wolf quickly got up from where it wasyinig and stared at me. I could see an almost madness in its red eyes. Its grey fur was almost standing straight up.


    Since I wasnt here to talk to a monster, Ill stop my observation of it here.


    Hey you! Eat this!


    I yelled out and threw my pepper bomb at it.


    As soon as it was in the air, the wolf immediately bit at it ouf of reflex.


    The bomb exploded in its mouth. I could see peppery smokeing out of its mouth and nose. Seeing as how it was almost tripping over its own legs, I could call that phase a sess.


    A momentter, after getting a hold of itself, it stepped out of the smoke. When I saw that it was in pounce position, I turned around and started running like hell.


    It was fast. It caught up right behind me in mere moments. But I wasnt slow either. In this terrain, the monsters speed and my speed were almost the same. I would make it to the area I had crisscrossed the chains at. When I looked back, I saw that it was only about 10 meters behind me now.


    I threw my body through the 1 meter hole. Luckily, I didnt get hung up and passed through safely without a hup.


    But the wolf, which was twice my size, didnt have the same luck. It got snagged in the cobweb of chains and could not untangle it self. Only its head was able to pass through the holeand its shoulder was stuck. It started putting all its weight into trying to get unstuck.


    Though I did tie it up as tightly as I could, you never know what could happen if the monster kept shaking around like it was doing. I pulled out my bloodysword from my hip and slowly approached it.


    The dungeon boss bared its fangs and tried to bite at me. A barking dog isnt to be feared. Ah. Was that not it? Oh well.


    Stab.


    GRAAAWR!


    The wolfs cry could be heard ringing throughout the entire dungeon. You dont supposes everyonelle running here after hearing that noisedo you? Because that would ruin everything

 Chapter 30

    Chapter 30


    The wolf could do nothing to stop the bloodsword from slurping up its blood. It kept baring its sharp fangs at me in anger and obvious duress, but the chain was even stronger than I had hoped. I wonder how many people knew there was such a simple and easy way to take care of a monster like this. I sure know I didnt until now.


    Stab Stab!


    Seeing the wolf trying to bite into the restraining chains, I took my new sword out and poked him a couple sides into his middle. Though I was sure now that he wasnt strong enough to break free of his bonds, I wanted to make sure he didnt snap them with his teeth. Better safe than sorry because the cave wolves are known for their tremendous biting strengthgood not to underestimate that.


    When I kept stabbing at him with Park Jungbehoh excuse meMY sword, the wolf now tried to move backwards out of the hole, instead of through it. But there would be nowhere for it to go but to the mouth of the cave. I kept ncing at my watch, waiting for the time to run out.


    I recall thatst time, it had taken about 2 minutes for my sword to drink up almost everyst drop. Since I couldnt be sure, I decided it would be best to wait 5 minutes.


    Beep.


    The timer I had set for 5 minutes went off. I went through the chain and walked to the front and saw a copsed mound that was the wolf. I pulled out a pepper bomb from my pocket and threw it at the heap.


    Even as the pepper smoke plumed into the air, I remained alert. Since it was a mixture of red pepper and ck pepper, no matter how hard it tried to y dead, it would not be able to handle it. I think. Once I confirmed the wolf remained ever motionless, I held out my longsword and carefully padded forth.


    Ahem!


    I purposely cleared my throat loudly, but the wolf remained still. I kept my distance as far away from the monster as I could and reached over to try and poke at its eye with my sword.


    Grawr!


    The wolf jumped towards me, jaws wide, as if it was waiting for just this moment. But I had been expecting it this whole time so I kept my cool. I plunged my sword right into its open mouth.


    The wolf dropped to its side, throwing up ck blood and shivering as ity on the ground. That should do it. If it got up again this time, I would bet my life it wasnt a wolf but a damn zombie.


    [+1000]


    Finally. Those sweet green digits appeared above the monsters head. The same amount asst time. With this, I should have over 4,000 reward points in all. Now I knew what people meant when they said they felt full even without having eaten a thing. I felt content.


    I pulled out my bloodysword from the dead wolfs side. There was barely any blood seeping out of the wound, as expected, and there was now a ck tint to the sword. Just how much blood did it drink for it to be so dark? Jeez.


    I ced the bloodysword back on my hip and, before the monster could evaporate, I wiped off the longsword onto its fur. I needed to take care of this so I could sell itter. Unless it was broken or something, there was rarely any case where an items value would depreciate, so I could expect 100,000 for this.


    As the wolf kept evaporating into dust..then into air..I walked over to the chains and started to collect them back into my backpack. I didnt think of recycling it again but I didnt want to leave it behind for Park Jungbeh and his crew to see and learn my now new trick. Of course those idiots wouldnt figure out what I used it for. But just in case.


    After cleaning up, I went back to the wolf.


    The wolf had dropped an item.


    What is this?


    I picked up the thing that dropped to the floor and examined it. It looked to be a roll of A4 sized papers tied with a string. I pulled on the string and unrolled the papers to check it out. Luckily, this time, I was able to read it.


    Escape


    Ok. If I were to take the literal meaning of it, then maybe it was a way to escape this dungeon. I would guess that if I were to face a monster that was too ferocious, ripping up this paper would transport me to safety.


    HaI scored another jackpot didnt I?


    It wasnt a weapon or a skillbook but, since I have a bad habit of always meeting irregrs, this would seem to be something that would be very useful. If you looked at it in one way, it might even be more valuable than a high level equipment. And since there were 5 pieces of paper, that meant I could use it a total of 5 times.


    Wait. No.


    Now that I think about it, I would probably have to take into ount each party member. As if I could escape by myself and ditch my party if an irregr shows up.


    I couldnt do that even if it meant my life. So I guess it was the same as having just a one time use. And on top of that, if Jung Sooah ever decided to join us then we would be one escape paper shy.


    That kind of sucks, but its still a great haul. If anything, what made it even more valuable was the fact that this has never before appeared at the hunters market. First the level 0 skillbook and now thissomething was up.


    The raids that had been happening without any change these past 50 years were now going through a lot in a short time. But I dont mind at all. For a person whos all the way at the bottom like me, things can only go up from here.


    ***


    As soon as I left the dungeon, my eyes met with an all too familiar silhouette. When she saw my face, she made a great big sigh.


    It was Jung Sooah.


    Youre alive.


    Didnt I personally take you to the bus and send you off?


    I turned back around. I was worried.


    Why.


    I, I came too.


    sses girl peeked out her head from behind Jung Sooah. I lightly raised my brows and said.


    You are definitely big for a girl.


    What, what are you saying? Im a girl because Im big!


    Jung Sooah yelled out as her face turned a red hue. I was talking about her size. Why is she talking about her boobs?


    I meant youre big boned.


    I meant you were big because I didnt even notice Bae Yeongyoung hiding behind you.


    Do you think Im the type of guy who would look at a girls breasts the moment I step out of a dungeon?


    Hmso mean. Really.


    I should stop picking on her now.


    sses girl said with a slightly red face too.


    Party head. But where did you get that armor?


    It was a gift. It seemed there was someone very generous in that party.


    At my words, Jung Sooah began to poke at the armor before saying.


    Wait. Isnt this Park Jungbehs?


    Yep.


    Youre saying that bastard gave this to you? As a present?


    Some things happened. Anyway, lets go home. Id rather not stick around and bump into them.


    Wawait.


    Talk while we walk. While we walk.


    I left the dungeon with Jung Sooah and sses girl in tow. As we left the Baekoonsa dungeon, I saw Han Joonseok and Cho Youngoo waiting on stand by.


    Jeez. Them too?


    Han Joonseok came forward first and said.


    I felt like you were trapped into a crappy situation so I came back because I was worried. I thought I could maybe be at least a little help if something happened.


    I made hime. Joonseok wanted to just leave but I forced him toe back with me.


    Didnt I tell you not to say anything stupid?


    It seems I put an unnecessary burden on everyone.


    I couldnt get why these people Ive only met two times cared at all about my well being. Could this be the friendship skill at work? Or is it that theyre masochists and liked being in danger? I usually like to err on the side of caution and think of the worst case scenario. Maybe they thought I would keep them on board to breeze through dungeon clearings if they were nice to me. Who knows. But I decided to take their kindness at face value this time.


    Now that we were all together again, we decided to go get something to eat as a group. It was a relief that manager Kim wasnt here. If he were, then we would probably all be forced to drink like hell again.


    Ha ha ha! You guys werent thinking of drinking without me now were you?!


    Manager Kim appeared. Out of nowhere.


    Who the hell called manager Kim?


    There was no way this man came all on his own. sses girl raised her hand with a small smile.


    Um..I thought since we were all hereit would be nice to include everyone.


    And so we were off to drink like no tomorrow. Again. Thanks a lot manager Kim.

 Chapter 31

    Chapter 31


    The next day, after waking up with a mean hangover, I got out a piece of paper to write down my skill level, proficiency, and reward points.


    [0,5,5150]


    Strength 50.


    Endurance 50.


    Reflexes 50.


    Total Capacity 100.


    After 50 percent, it was reasonable to think the next level up would put me at 100 percent. It wasnt the multiplication of leveling up that I had initially thought but I could live with this. I was determined to get each and every ability to its total capacity. I figured it the best idea to just focus on raising just one physical ability. It would probably help me more if I improved in all areas evenly.


    I was able to work on my strength and endurance at the neighborhood gym. As soon as I raised them both to 100 percent, I saw that 2,000 reward points had been deducted.


    Now I had 3,150 points left. I again worked on my strength. This time 1,500 points were deducted in trade for a 150% increase in strength. Simply, this meant I could carry a 500kg backpack without breaking a sweat. With this kind of strength, I could probably bend rebar and crush concrete with my fists.


    1,650 left. I decided I would use the rest towards increasing my reflexes.


    I called Jung Sooah and headed to the park. I waited 30 minutes until she finally appeared.


    The relflex exercise was the same as what we did thest time. Jung Sooah threw the balls and I dodged them. It was simple, but produced the necessary results.


    What are you going to do about Park Jungbeh?


    She asked while throwing the balls.


    What do you what am I going to do?


    Im sure helle after you to get his armor back!


    He should be thanking his lucky stars he made it out alive.


    Do you really think so?


    Hey. Focus on throwing thosse balls.


    I grabbed the ball flying toward me in one hand and said as I stretched out my hips. But it seemed she couldnt stop from worrying.


    Is it because of me?


    What?


    If youre being like this because of me then you dont have to. Because if I think that you might get hurt because of me


    I threw the ball at her.


    Euk! What the hell?


    Wake up. Why would you think Id put myself in danger for you? If you dont fix that bad habit of thinking that everything revolves around you, youll end up getting scammed by someone someday real soon.


    So, so thats not it?


    And I did all of that for a good reason. And its not like Im going to run into any real problems anyway.


    What?


    I got this in trade for saving his life. I even recorded him on top of having a couple witnesses so he cant do anything to me legally.


    I just received what was rightly owed to me. Since I did what I needed to do, there was no reason for Park Jungbeh toe after me, really. If he ignores that and tries to forcefully take back the armor and sword, Ill just cross that bridge when I get to it. No, I actually wish he would. Because then I would have good reason to give him a well deserved whooping.


    Well, if you say so. Then Ill be throwing again. But seriously.


    The ball she threw bounced off the wall with a nice sound. Yep. Thats the speed Im looking for.


    ***


    As we finished reflex training, Jung Sooah looked as if she would pass out from exhaustion. This was to be expected because the pitcher uses way more energy than someone who just has to evade the ball. On top of that, I already had my endurance at 100 percent. In any case, my reflexes were finally at 100.


    At this point, even without any equipment, I should be good enough why my new physical ability to easily kill level 1 monsters. Instead of cutting into their hides, I could just snap their necks or simply hit them to cause the necessary damage to go in for the fatal kill.


    If I had just two level 2 equipment on top of this, I should be able to clear a level 2 dungeon just fine. But I decided I would stick with my current party  at least for the time being. It wasnt because I had any sentimental feelings for them or anything, it was for the reward points. The weaker the party, the more chances I would have to make the kills myself and collect the points.


    Not only would I be able to get about 2,000 points for every dungeon we clear, if an irregr appears then Ill be able to try out my new upgrades. Im sure if I had to face a wolf boss head on without any tricks, Id be able to do it easily with the help of my team. And if we ever get into a pickle, we had the escape scroll. Everyone else can use it while I run away.


    [0,9,650]


    Alright. 650. I thought about what might be good to use this on, when I got an idea.


    Hey. Hit me.


    What? Where?


    Anywhere. Minus. The crotch area.


    what are you thinking?


    Just do what I tell you to do. Come on.


    I cant just hit you with my hand


    She shook the hand holding a ball.


    Why dont I hit you with this?


    Ah. Yeah sure. That could work.


    Here I go.


    Okay!


    Smack!


    She threw the ball right into my face. Hard.


    Are you alright?


    Im fine. Keep doing it.


    Smack!


    Euk.


    This time it hit my chin. Why the hell is she aiming for my face.


    Stop throwing it at just my face and throw it in other ces too.


    Whatever.


    Well, I dont have anyone else I can ask to do this for me. We kept training just like this as people passing by stared at us with strange looks. I guess I must have looked a bit crazy standing there and letting myself get hit.


    Smack!


    And in the next instant, the balls werent hitting as hard. I yelled out.


    Why are you throwing so softly?


    What. What. Im not! Im throwing super hard.


    Really? Wait a second.


    I closed my left eye and checked my stats.


    [0,10,150]


    500 points had been deducted.


    Yes!!!


    I did it because you told me to but what the hell were we doing?


    You cant tell? Defense. I figured maybe Ill get stronger if I kept getting hit.


    Are you kidding meyou can do something like that too?


    I guess so. But it feels like it didnt upgrade as much as any of the other skills.


    Of course the pain did lessen. But humans have a weaker constitution than other living beings to start out with. Just because I increased my defense by 50%, I highly doubt that would be enough for me to have a strong enough body to not need any armor.


    I realized I needed to invest much more reward points into defense so that I can be as strong as if I were wearing at least a level 1 armor.


    This would take some time.


    Lets call it a day.


    Ha. You need to pay up alot for today. It feels like my arms just about to fall out of its socket.


    Be quiet. 100 is plenty for just working 2 hours.


    Chet. Scrooge.


    Lets start picking up the balls.


    Now that I was out of all my reward points, I needed to think of how to go on another raid. Since no one was hurt, we could technically go as early as tomorrow. And since we were bumped out of our reservation early, it should be fairly easy to get a spot. I guess I just need to contact everyone and see if they were up to it.


    Ring-


    While I was busy picking up the balls and nning the next raid in my head, my phone started ringing. When I checked the caller ID, it was Han Joonseok.


    Why is he calling out of the blue?


    Hello?


    [Party head? Did you see the news just now?]


    What?


    What is this all about?


    [10 minutes ago, all the level 1 dungeons in the country just disappeared. Everyone who happened to be in a dungeon at that time were transported out so there were no casualties or missing persons, but it seems any raids would be all but impossible for us anytime soon.]


    If all the level 1 dungeons disappeared then its not that itll be impossible for us anytime soonitll be impossible for us forever.no?


    [Well, we should monitor the situation for nowbut what is going on.]


    Han Joonseok and Cho Yeongoo were just getting into the rhythm of being hunters but they were still beginners. Their equipment and skills were both still at level 1. You could say that if the level 1 dungeons were truly gone, any chance of them doing any more raids were up in smoke. Like I said earlier, you needed level 2 equipment to clear a level 1 dungeon safelyand you needed level 3 equipment to clear a level 2 dungeon safely. Anything less meant you were flirting with death. Our team was only able to clear the level 1 dungeons (and just barely at that) because of my level 0 skill  a bit of an anomaly


    Ill see if I can find out some more info on this and call you back.


    As soon as I hung up, Jung Sooah asked.


    What were you talking about? What did you mean by all the level 1 dungeons are gone?


    Exactly what I said. Lets head on home first.


    I went back to my ce with Sooah and turned on theputer. The inte was already in an uproar with this new turn of events. Because of the irregrs, raids had been reduced to nearly half its numberhurting our economy due to theck of rare ores. Now that all the level 1 dungeons were just gone..things would be critical. Just what is going on?

 Chapter 32

    Chapter 32


    The level 1 dungeons had all disappeared from our nation in one fell swoopdoes this make any sense?


    Jung Sooah asked incredulously after staring at theputer screen from beside me. It didnt make sense to me at all. Why would it disappear so suddenly after 50 years of staying right where it was?


    It ising from left field but since it happened, its not like we can do anything to change it just because it doesnt make sense to us. Do you think thats the natural order? First irregrs appear. Then all the dungeons disappear?


    SunbehOppa. Are you saying that the two have something to do with one another?


    I mean, doesnt it seem like too much of a coincidence? Irregrs suddenly popping up one after the other and level 0 skillbooks that no one has ever seen before appearing. Then out of nowhere the dungeons disappearing. Theres no other way to exin all of this except that they have something to do with eachother.


    What in the world do you think is going on?


    Who knows. Its not as if someone actually created the dungeons and is doing things ording to their whim. This is all supposed to be a natural phenomenon.


    After saying this, he felt as if he said something important. Natural phenomenon? Could he really say that the raid system was a natural order of things? Its true that it has been 50 years since the monsters and dungeons appeared so it all seemed natural. But it didnt mean this was normaldid it?


    Dungeons, monsters, items, and skillbooks. Their origin and makeup were all still mysteries.


    Then what do we do now?


    You. Why do you keep grouping me with you into a we?


    Surely youre not going to say we dont have anything to do with eachother!


    We werent a thing to begin with.


    Then we can start being a thing now.


    Im amazed you can turn the conversationpletely around to suit you.


    Is it so weird that I would want us to establish that were friends?


    Oh. That.


    What were you thinking?


    I wasnt thinking anything.


    Hmnot true. I think you were thinking something perverteddd.


    Stop it.


    ****


    All the level 1 dungeons have vanished. I had wanted to keep racking up the reward points and raise up all of my abilities but looks like all my ns are out the window. I only had two choices left, I guess.


    Field hunting was when you hunt outside of the city  kill monsters in the more rural ces. These monsters drop items and ores just like monsters in dungeons do. Youre probably thinking, Then why dont people do this all the time instead of paying admission to hunt in a dungeon? Right? Well, its true you dont pay the high admission feesbut this method of hunting is also highly inefficient.


    In a dungeon, monsters have a set skill level, are located in a set area, and appear in a set number. You could count on maybe 3-6 monsters appearing in one ce. There are times when a high number of monsters, like the time 10 appeared while I hunted with Lim Hyunjoons party, can appear but this was rare. This means raids in dungeons are on the safe side because of its predictability.


    Field hunting is unpredictable. Not only are the monsters spread out instead of being in one central area, if youre unlucky, you could even run into a high-level monster. For this reason, only a group of massive raids are done by pros or armies perform field hunting.


    There are also issues with hunting monsters running around near the city by themselves. Once in awhile, monsters appear that look weak on the outside but are actually super high-level. There have been a lot of cases where less experienced parties have messed with these type of monsters and were instantly annihted.


    So basically, dungeons are the safest option.


    Do we have to resort to going into a level 2 dungeon


    Can we do it with the party members we have now?


    Hm..I guess everyone else could work out but sses girlBae Yeongyoung is the problem. Up to Cho Yeongoo and Han Joonseok should be ok.


    And manager Kim?


    If that old man just focused then he should be able to do just fine.


    I dont think we have to worry about Yeongyoung either.


    Where is this confidenceing from?


    Shes been really practicing a hell of a lot recently. She said that after meeting a certain someone and raising her ability a bit, even practice has be a lot more fun.


    Yah? I dont know who this person she might be referring to but he seems like a great guy.


    Are you low keyplimenting yourself right now?


    Oh that person was me?


    Duh I knew it was me.


    Wow. Youre great at feigning ignorance. Bravo.


    Hm hm. Anyway. At our current level, Level 2 dungeons would be a bit much. We need at least one more person who has level 2 dungeon experiencedo you know anybody?


    There is someone. Hes someone who was part of the leisure groups so I dont think hed want to join your party though.


    Well, such is the life of a porter.


    How about you? Do you know anyone?


    Zero.


    Wow. Wasnt your answer to quick?


    Im not a friendly person to start with. Even talking with Jung Sooah like this and being a party head is something that is still hard for me to believe.


    Lets start with putting up a want ad at the market.


    We posted up an ad at the hunter market. Wanted: Level 2 hunter. Dungeon clearing experience preferred. Magician preferred. That should be enough.


    Responses started flowing in.


    Tap tap tap!


    = Not true! We cleared a level 1 dungeon in 2 hours and then decided to go to a level 2 dungeon ok? We can definitely clear it so if you dont know anything just shut up and sit down.


    Jung Sooah started typing out of anger. I quickly calmed her down but this was only after she had already pressed the enter key.


    You. Why the hell would you post that up under my id?


    Ah. Sorry. But I was just so annoyedcant we report these trolls or something?


    We. Cant. Move. Ill fix it.


    All those people were just typing all that because they were worried. They know just how dangerous a hunter lifestyle is so they were just trying to make sure no one was ill-informed. I think.


    I deleted thest note and waited for a response. I dont know if level 2 hunters became even more valuable with the recent events, but we didnt get even one note of interest.


    ***


    I waited the entire day for a response after sending Sooah home but nothing. After thinking about it for some time, I decided to join a level 2 party by myself. My party members might feel a little betrayed but safety came first. I couldnt take beginners like them into a dungeon that could very well cost them their lives.


    It was fairly easy for me to find a level 2 party to join since level 2 hunters were in high demand right now. They didnt even properly check my skill level.


    The decided location was Gwanak Hills. It was a 10 person party but, looking at all the people who gathered, I couldnt really put my trust in any of them. Just from one nce I could tell that they were either people who just graduated from level 1 dungeons or people who had the lowest proficiency in their level 2 skill.


    Lets embark now that everyone is here.


    The party head was in his mid thirties. Not only did he look like a weasel, but he he had a constant sneer on his face that killed my first impression of him instantly. And as expected, an issue arose from the very start.


    What are you doing! You guys are close range attackers! So go on and attack at close range!


    The party head yelled out. The close range attackers were barely keeping themselves within striking distance and acting like they were attacking. This only happens when attackers do not have any confidence in the amount of damage they can cause. What was worse was that there were way too many close range attackers. Among the 10 members, including tankers, there were about 7 close range attackers. They were tangled up together and had zero coordination in attacking. Some were just standing by to see if the person next to them would attack.


    Jesus! Are you guys retarded! This is pissing me off!


    This was partially his fault though. All of this should have been anticipated or in the very least resolved properly by the party head but all he was doing was yelling instead of doing his duties. No, it seemed as if he didnt even know how to properly perform his duties as a party head. I started wondering if hes ever even been a party head before.


    FIreball!


    What?


    m!


    At the party headsmand, the magician threw a fireball right into the middle of the chaos. A plume of dust erupted after the huge explosion that ensued.


    Keuk. This crazy


    I spit out the dust in my mouth as I hurriedly got up after barely evading the attack. When I looked around, I saw that all the close range attackers were rolling on the ground.


    This was the worst.


    Fireball was a level 2 magic. It had a wide range and caused pretty high damage so it was a spell that needed to be used with caution. But this damn party head ordered the attack right where all of his party members were fighting. Were screwed.

 Chapter 33

    Chapter 33


    Eueu.


    Hey! Shit! Bandage!


    We need to hurry and move this person!


    Shit! Why the hell did that psycho throw a fireball


    The monsters were taken care of, but the close range attackers had also taken serious damages as well. 3 had taken some damage and another 3 were in critical condition. Among those who had taken damage was the party head. Those who had taken critical damage were quickly taken outside the dungeon. Luckily there were emergency personnel outside so they would live.


    You rotten bastard! What the hell was that?


    One of the close range attackers who had taken damage yelled out at the party head.


    If we didnt use the fireball, we would have been in trouble. If you had done your job probably, none of this would have happened.


    What?


    Squeeze!


    When the close range attacker took hold of the party heads cor, the party head just let out a sigh and said.


    Do you just want to stop the raid right here?


    Euk


    If you want to stop then just hit me and leave.


    Shit!


    He let go of the cor and stepped back. We only had 7 people left now. We lost 3 of our members but decided to keep going. Everyone had paid 1,000 each in admission fees. No one was willing to just throw that away.


    Ironically, with the reduced numbers we were able to hunt more efficiently. Even the party head started leading the members better. When I nced at his face, I saw that hisst mistake didnt concern him in the least.


    To think that his mistake had caused 3 people to be hauled off to the emergency ward and he was still just fine about it.


    Surely he didnt do it on purpose.


    I turned my head and nced at the magician. He was talking privately with the party head. Based on their bodynguage, it seemed as if they were acquaintances at the very least. I guess that exins why the magician to follow such a recklessmand.


    We started our fight with the orks.


    The party head and the 4 close range attackers fought against the orks using both offensive and defensive measures. Since I had level 2 armor, I also put in my fair share of attacks whenever the opportunity arose.


    Mr. Jeon Sangmin! Stop shielding and start attacking!


    The party head ordered. I nodded my head and went to attack the ork the party head was fighting. I pushed the longsword I held in my right hand straight into the side of the monster. Since it was only a level 1 weapon, it wasnt able to pierce the monsters hide, but it was enough to take it by surprise.


    In that moment, the party head pressed on even harder. Overwhelmed by both attacks, I was able to plunge my bloodysword into his neck.


    [+200]


    Ha. Are you giving me 200 points since its a level 2 monster? Its double the normal amount, but I felt a little bit cheated nheless because the effort it took to kill this was more than double.


    Mr. Sangmin. Not bad.


    The party head said.


    Thank you.


    No point in spouting unnecessary modesty here. I couldnt flex too much, but I could at least show some confidence.


    Lets take care of the rest.


    ***


    The raid progressed very slowly. For every fight, we rested over 20 minutes in between. We had injuries at the end of each fight. Ultimately, the party head had to dere that the raid was done after a mere 2 hours since starting.


    p.


    We are going to stop here because there are so many injuries. I will start the contribution distribution shortly so everyone please stand by.


    After 10 minutes, the party head revealed the rankings. Party head was number 1, magician number 2, and I was number 3. He called out everyone else one by one for a total of 7 people.


    How about the injured?


    I asked.


    Since they were injured due to friendly fire, I thought it was only right that they receive some form ofpensation from the magicians distribution.


    The party head nced at me briefly before saying.


    I dont know if I must give them any distribution for not even being able to evade friendly fire.


    Its difficult to dodge that kind of an attack in that situation.


    But didnt you dodge? You certainly received no damage.


    I dont think that is any reason to exclude the wounded.


    Then tell me another reason why I shouldpensate them. I have no inclination on paying people who didnt deserve it.


    Isnt that something you should have brought up at the time of recruiting?


    Mr. Jeon Sangmin. Im only saying this being I feel your talent might be wasted otherwise. Mind your own business. If you keep putting your nose in where it doesnt belong to stick up for someone else instead of watching your own back, you wont live too long.


    understood.


    I knew that if I pushed the issue, it would only prove to hurt me. I guess I could also see where he wasing from. You shouldnt go into a level 2 dungeon if you dont have the skills for it. But I also knew that since the level 1 dungeons had disappeared, this was their only option.


    ***


    Even after we had finished the raid, I didnt feel good about it for a long time after. Under normal circumstances, if the contribution distribution didnt end well like today, it would be an issue where the same party would not be able to form again. Injury can happen to anyone and if someone were cut out of the distribution because of this reason alone, there would be no one willing to join that party again.


    But it was different now. Because now there were people willing to join any party to be able to go to a level 2 dungeon.


    Whew..


    I let out a great big sigh as I went in to check the hunter market job board. I couldnt stop thinking of what that jerk had said.


    Mind your own business.


    There was never a point in time that I thought of myself as sympathetic or as a good person. I was as used to lying and pretending as a person could get due to my years as a porter. I didnt have any issues with using people and I had no problem throwing someone under the bus. But only if the circumstances warranted it.


    I didnt want to take advantage of someones misfortune. That was all. I dont know if it might have been deliberate or not but, at the end of the day, it was a fact that he had retired 3 people and robbed them of their distributions. These were people who probably were not level 2 for a long time. If you took into consideration their hospital billsthey were sure to be debt ridden for a long time.


    Maybe that was his n. To gather desperate people, retire them from the raid early on, and throw them away. Horrible.


    Click.


    I went to the wanted ad. That asshole party head had already put out an ad. Maybe it was because he had listed that he was open to all applicants that there were so many people applying. I was contemting whether or not I should post something when I decided not to.


    Ring-


    While looking at all the replies for his ad, my phone rang. I checked to see if it was maybe Jung Sooah but it said Song Minhan. It was my broker.


    Click.


    Yeh. Whats up?


    [Hey. Didnt you say that you were now a hunter?]


    I can probably say that I told you that several times.


    [Is level 2 ok with you?]


    Now that you mention it, I actually just came back from one just this morning. It wasnt that hard.


    [Really? You havent even been a hunter that longanyway, thats good news. You remember Eum Hyunjoon right?]


    Yep.


    [The team he joined creating a clearing party. Why dont you try applying? Since the level 1 dungeons disappeared, applicants for level 2 dungeons increased like crazy. So it looks like theyre getting together a bunch of level 1 hunters to go into level 2 dungeons. Of course the contribution splits be way smaller because there will be so many people in a party, but its better than sitting around.]


    Isnt it bad to try to move with such a big party? Just the admission alone is 1,000 per person.


    [I dont know the specifics but I hear that their procedure will be changing with this new crisis. From what I hear, they have some connections with the dungeon ops people so they supposedly only pay a max of 10,000 per team. So if they have a team of more than 10 people, the rest can enter a dungeon without paying admission.]


    But if there are so many people, itll only cause more problems than help


    [Nah. Theyre going to Baeksapyoung.]


    Ahif its there then


    Baeksapyoung dungeon wasnt in the city but in a rural area. It was a 2 level dungeon known for its wide open space that could fit several dozen people with no problem.


    [Ill give you their number so call them and check it out.]


    Its fine if I bring a couple more people with me right?


    [Sure. Theyll be recruiting based on tests anyway so its better to have more people apply.]


    Thanks for the tip. But whats the referral fee?


    [This is on the house so shut up.]


    Thank you.


    I held the phone to my ear and bowed. He couldnt see me, but it was the thought that counts. After hanging up, I hurriedly called all my party members. Time to rock and roll.

 Chapter 34

    Chapter 34


    You must be alert in ces like this because you never know where a monster will pop out from.


    I said as I got out the car and looked around. My body was aching all over from sitting crammed in a cramped car for over two hours.


    Even if theres a dungeon caretaker nearby?


    Jung Sooah asked. I pointed at the surrounding reeds.


    There are monsters that hide in those. Even if there are caretakers, this is a lot of ground to cover. They cant be at all ces at all times. I hear that once in awhile they do put fire to the reeds but that only helps for a moment. Those damn reeds grow back in less than a month.


    That is fast. Do reeds usually grow that fast?


    Living organisms near dungeons grow much faster than anywhere else. You know that.


    Ha. Then does that mean if you live near a dungeon, youll grow old faster?


    Jung Sooah said with wide surprised eyes as she took one step back away from the dungeon.


    Theres no effect on the human body. Ive been doing this for a good and long time now and Im fine.


    I seeif things grow real fast then farms should do splendidly!


    I sighed at Jung Sooahs words.


    How is it that this girl knows absolutely nothing.


    The Chinese have already thought of that and are taking advantage of it like crazy. Theyre now the driving force in agriculture.


    Then why dont any of the other countries use the same method?


    Dont belittle it just because its farming  it actually requires highly advanced technology. If crops are harvested again and again on the samend, the quality of the soil will deplete quite quickly. But in China, they were able to solve this issue in some secret way.


    I see.


    Do you really see?


    Half of it. Anyway, college grads are pretty amazing. How do you know so much?


    How does knowing this have anything to do with being a college grad? You can search it on the inte easily.


    It looks like everyone is slowly starting to show up.


    Han Joonseok said.


    The total number of people due to appear were 31. Eun Hyunjoons team Mercenary had group 1, group 2, and group 3  and there were 10 from group 3 here today. Amongst the new applicants were 6 from my team and 15 other potential recruits. I spotted a familiar full face helmet in the crowd.


    This person acted as the overseer of those who appeared today. Seeing his equipment, I could tell he had acquired some serious upgrades from thest time I saw him.


    Looks to be at least a million dors?


    Its been a while.


    I did here that you would be here today.


    It seems your equipment did some major improving.


    Ah. You mean this? This came from joining the team. Its kind of a rental  you could say. If I do well, then its possible to get even better ones.


    Its amazing that you are already acting as an overseer when it hasnt been long since you joined the team.


    It was all luck. I took a couple of tests and received some good marks. Truthfully this is a sort of test too. Its not an easy thing to control and coordinate more than 30 people, you see.


    Thats true. But how will this work?


    If we were to be headed by one overseer, it could very well we that we could only go in 10 people at a time. This was something I experienced when I was a part of the weasels party.


    I figured that I would group together teams who have good chemistry or fit well with one another. Since you said that you already have a team, you guys can be grouped as is.


    Hm. So it wont be based on positions?


    Honestly, that would be the best option but I cant assess a hunters true ability in a position just yet soI feel things might run more smoothly with groups who are already familiar with one anothers ability.


    Hm. That makes sense.


    It was true that though we could give our stats to them and have them arrange groups in that manner, stats werent everything. Think of manager Kim, for example. He was supposed to be a level 2 magician, but his ability was so unpredictable and vtile depending on his mood that most of the time his skill did not work. And then theres me. The prime example. So it made sense he would group us this way. Better chemistry would bring out a persons best potential.


    ***


    Basically, all of the main attacks will being from us. You guys will be our support and will follow our instructions.


    We were all divided into 5 teams. The 10 group 3 mercenaries were one team. My members and I were one team. And the 15 leftover people were divided into 3 teams.


    As soon as we entered Baeksapyoung dungeon, we were met with a vast terrain of grasnds. Unlike the surrounding areas of the dungeon that was covered in reeds, this area was overrun with weeds that covered over our feet. The t terrain allowed us to see the hills and valleys up in the distance.


    The first monster we met was a lizard man. It was weaker in strengthpared to an ork, but it made up for it with its agility and hard as steel scaly skin that was very difficult to pierce. Its weapon of choice  hand held harpoon. One attack from this was usually fatal.


    Why did our first monster have to be a lizard man


    Eum Hyunjoons face grew dark. In instances where the manpower was plenty but the skills were lower, it was much better to go up against an ork. Orks tended to use just their strength to overwhelm their opponents so big groups worked fairly well.


    However, Lizardmen were a different story. They had high defensive power, and a botched attack will just simply bounce off its skin without inflicting any damage. Eum Hyunjoon looked to me and said.


    Currently, excluding the mercenary team, the only person who can inflict any damage on this guy would probably be you, Mr. Jeon Sangmin. Everyone else should spread out and try to distract him while Mr. Sangmin goes in for a strike. So, to conclude, you all will be support and distraction, my team and I will be going in head on, and Mr. Sangmin will deal the blow.


    After going over the battle n we split up and got into position. There were 5 lizardmen in view. The first to move were the only two magicians in the group who cast a spell. Manager Kims sleep spell was able to put one lizardman into slumber while the missionary teams magician had cast another spell, frenzy, which made another lizardman go crazy.


    I had heard that sometimes spells may rub off on just one portion of a monster but this was the first time I saw it with my own eyes. Three of the remaining lizardmen were rooted to the stop as their feet have fallen asleep.


    Eum Hyunjoon wordlessly made finger gestures to signal the dealers to begin their attack. Five members of the mercenary team collectively shot out arrows and spells.


    Pa pa pang!


    I saw a magic missile among one of the spells. It seemed there was a member of that team who also used that type of spell.


    SSSSSsss!


    I could hear the angry slithering sound characteristic or lizardmen at the same time 3 magic missiles flew one after the other to hit that same monster. It went down in a heap. I guess it was a level 1 missile. Even with a low level spell, you are still able to bring down a higher level monster if you have weakened or pierced its skin beforehand.


    I kept hearing the sound of level 1 arrows bouncing off the lizardmens armor. Of the five monsters, one was still asleep and the other was caught up in a craze and attacking one of the remaining three monsters. Of the three monsters unable to move about freely, one of them had been hit with the magic missiles and was out ofmission.


    Eum Hyunjoon ran toward thest lizardman that was still cognizant of what was going on and pushed it back with his shield.


    m!


    Though it was simr in size with Eum Hyunjoon, the lizardman grew significantly offbnce and teered. Immediately, the close range attackers of the missionary team rushed to its side.


    Mr. Jeon Sangmin! Get that other one!


    Got it!


    I sprinted toward the monster Eum Hyunjoon was pointing at. The lizardman that had been hit by the missiles was back up and was running toward Eum Hyunjoon.


    Two arrows whistled through the air toward that monster. It was Han Joonseok and Bae Yeongyoung. They couldnt inflict any damage but they could distract it.


    The lizardman turned to look my way. As I closed the distance, the harpoon came flying at me with frightening force and speed.


    I barely dodged it as I drew my longsword and stabbed out.


    Force is the product of mass times eleration. This meant the mass of me and my armor times a speed of 55km/s.


    The lizardmans body flew backwards about 10 steps.


    That monster was now still. I turned and went to the monster that Eum Hyunjoon was fighting. I held it from behind.


    Right before it could go crazy to try and escape my hold, I stabbed it with my bloodysword in the back of its neck. A green tinted fluid started spouting out. The sword, indeed, started turning the same color.


    Weird.

 Chapter 35

    Chapter 35


    The green blood flowed freely when I twisted the bloodysword to widen the wound. As soon as I plucked out my weapon, Eum Hyunjoon cut off its head.


    [+200]


    Luckily it was already dead before he had done that so the points still came through.


    The lizardman I had pushed away earlier started screaming out as it ran in our direction.


    Can you do it alone?


    Yes.


    Then Ill leave you to it!


    Eum Hyunjoon said as he left me to tend to the lizard that was now recovering from the frenzy spell. All the mercenary members and 3 other teams followed suit.


    What? He was taking his entire mercenary team? I get it that he trusted mebut I wouldnt mind if he trust me a wee bit less and left a couple of his team to back me up.


    Ahhh!


    sh!


    The lizardmans harpoon and my longsword shed violently. The monsters harpoon had bounced off even though I was wielding my sword with one hand and he with both hands. In that moment, I swooped in and sliced its neck with my bloodysword.


    Blood gushed out. I took one step back and stabbed it with the longsword, but it parried my second attack with its harpoon.


    I want to emphasize that the lizardman was much weaker in physical strength than myself.


    As soon as I saw an opening in his upper body, I stabbed again into the wound I had made earlier.


    It grabbed at its neck and fell to its knees.


    [+200]


    Two down. Eum Hyunjoons team had also taken care of one lizard and was going up against the remaining two. I thought about going to help when I saw they could take care of themselves.


    How about our team rest for a bit?


    WowSunbehOppawow


    What?


    Were you always like that?


    Cho Youngoo, who was probably just watching at the sidelines, asked in awe.


    I guess the equipment is pretty good.


    It seems like Im not of any use to you.


    Just think of it as youre racking up experience and knowledge right now. Even watching will prove to be valuableter on.


    Ok. Ill try to keep that in mind.


    Cho Youngoo said with a nod of his head.


    My team and I went and sat down at a small spot to rest while we watched Eum Hyunjoons party finish the hunt.


    Three close range attackers had surrounded one lizardman and was pushing it forcefully all around with their shields. The men standing behind them were stabbing at the lizardman from behind the shields.


    The monster was trying to defend itself by striking out with its harpoon but it was woefully struck down by the shields with no effect. Slowly, its scales wereing off with each attack until it finally began to sustain damage.


    Wow. Theres that way of hunting too. I never knew.


    Its not a beginner y. This was something that was probably practiced a number of times  because something like that could only work with good coordination.


    Right before the lizardman looked about ready to faint, Eum Hyunjoon and the mercenaries backed up to allow the other teams to finish it off.


    The three teams surrounded the lizard just as Eum Hyunjoons team had done and followed suit.


    The lizardman ultimately sumbed to the attacks. The only monster left was the one still asleep.


    Long range attackers, pleasee forward!


    As soon as Eum Hyunjoon said this, sses girl and Han Joonseok hurriedly ran to him. Shortly, we were able to learn what he wanted to do. The level 1 long range attacks began to rain onto the sleeping lizardman.


    Arrows and spells showered over the monster. The monster yelled out and woke up, but he was unable to find the cause of the attacks and started to cough up blood before copsing. But the arrows didnt stop wreaking havoc on the monsters body.


    Since we were able to prove that level 1 attacks can still sustain damage on level 2 monsters if done in the right way, I hope you take this opportunity to have a bit more confidence in yourselves. You all have the ability to kill these monsters with the right knowledge and experience.


    Oh! Oh!


    Everyone sat around talking to each other with excited faces as we waited for the monsters to evaporate. Everyones expression went from being full of fear and tension to being filled with confidence and enthusiasm. This was such a 180 from when we had first stepped into the dungeon. So this was the true effect of a good party head.


    Amazing, isnt he?


    Manager Kim asked and I nodded in agreement. The more I got to know him, the more he amazed me. He was able to move everyones hearts with just a few simple words.


    Finally there is someone who can appreciate my skills. No, there is no other choice but to acknowledge my ability I guess. Honestly, if it wasnt for me, thisst fight could have be really dangerous.


    That was what you meant?


    These people I mean. No matter how much they may be jealous of me, they should be able to at leastpliment me now and again. Must I resort toplimenting myself?


    Bravo. Bravo. You have really outdone yourself this time, Manager Kim.


    I dont need it anymore. I dont want you topliment me after I asked for it.


    Manager Kim! You are the best!


    Oh ho. I said I didnt like that sort of this.


    When Jung Sooah started being silly and yelling outpliments, that was when Manager Kim finally started to smile a bit. Han Joonseok said.


    Who is that person?


    I dont know myself, really. I had only been in his party just one time. But he was pretty good that time too.


    Its not just a matter of pretty good. If he can coordinate people like that every time, then Im sure he would be able to climb to group 1 in no time.


    Are you jealous?


    If I said I wasnt, Id be lying.


    Well, as long as we work hard, we should improve a lot too.


    But it would take us a couple years to get to the next level I bet.


    Who cares if it takes us some years. Just being able to stay a hunter is great in my book.


    At Cho Youngoos response, Han Joonseokughed and nodded in agreement. sses girl, who had remained quiet this whole, spoke up.


    Now that I think about it, all of my arrows hit their marks this time.


    Dont forget that thats because of me!


    Jung Sooah yelled out.


    Speaking of that, how far do you think your buffers reach is?


    Her skill was to bring up herrades skills and increase their effectiveness. If it had actually raised all of our abilities (over 30 of us), then that would be a hell of a skill.


    Unfortunately it seems five would be my limit. Not including me.


    Do you think the reach will increase with time?


    I think that it is quite possible for me to be able to increase the buff amount. But I also think the more people I include in your reach, the less potent it will be.


    That makes sense. So if you can raise everyones ability by X percent, then the more people you lend your skill tothe smaller the percentage you will be able to raise each individuals ability.


    So I guess I should only use my buffer on our teammates for now then.


    Whats your proficiency at right now?


    Its 2 now. I think that every time I go into a dungeon and use it, it goes up one point.


    Buffer type skills get stronger with increase in proficiencybut I was waiting for something more special to show up since it was a level 0 skill.


    Its an item!


    Someone hollered loudly. I got up from my seat and looked toward the sound of the voice. Even though it was a level 2 dungeon, item drops were still a rarity.


    It looks like Aegis shield.


    Whats that?


    Its a level 1 shield. Its made out of leather so defense ability isnt that great really.


    Then its a dud?


    No. Its not terrible. That shield still has the ability to slow down an enemy. Last I checked, it was selling for about 200,000 dors.


    Then how much can each person get?


    Since theres about 31 of us, the price will depend on the distribution contribution butId say about 6,000 per person at least.


    What. Shit. Jaaackpot.


    But there is one problem.


    What is it?


    Who the hell is going to buy level 1 equipment right now?


    Ah


    Right now, all the level 1 dungeons had disappeared. Of course this didnt mean it was a totally useless thing, but you could expect that the demand for it would have reduced considerably. If there isnt anyone willing to buy it, we would be lucky to sell it for even half its regr price.


    Nheless, this was still a considerable sess. Not only did we get through the rest of the dungeon with some ease, we had minimal injuries and even lucked out on an item.


    I had also gotten to rack up some reward points. And you know what, we even had another item dropter on.


    What the hell? Again?!


    Jung Sooah yelled out excitedly. I was probably equally excited and shocked. In all my years of portering, I had never heard of two items dropping in one raid. Something was afoot. Yep.

 Chapter 36

    Chapter 36


    An Aegis shield and a run of the mill longsword. Respectively they should have been priced at 200,000 and 100,000 dors. Even Eum Hyunjoon who rarely shows any emotion had surprise etched on his face.


    Thanks to everyones efforts, we were able to see amazing results. The only unfortunate bit of news is that the value of level 1 items have dropped to almost half their normal price, so it will be hard for me to estimate just how much we can sell them for.


    Were fine as long as you pay us something!


    HAHAHA!


    Everyone still had a rtively unconcerned look at Eum Hyunjoons words. There was no one among us who didnt know the situation, and it seemed everyone was content with the results nheless. Above all, the most important thing was that no one had sustained any serious injury.


    Now we will announce the contribution rankings by teams.


    The rankings went as follows: Mercenary team #1 and our team #2. Who really cares how everyone else ranked right?


    Oh. We got 2nd ce!


    Of course we did. Do you know how hard I worked?


    Manager Kim said.


    If were ranking by teams, then how are individuals going to be paid out?


    That will be done by the party or team head.


    I responded to Han Joonseoks question. Everyone swallowed with anticipation in their faces. Except Manager Kim. His smile was so big that they were almost touching his ears. Though his job is to use his skill just one time and let everyone else do the dirty work, if we were to look at the results as a whole, it was only right to give him number two since he was only one of two magicians in the whole raid group.


    Fourth ce


    sses girl had her head down and was squirming.


    Dont be too disappointed. Someday your ability will improve even more!


    No, thats thats not it. Its because this is the first time I wasntst ce.


    Is that right?


    Yes. Im sorry to Youngoo Oppa but Im honestly a little happy. Its all thanks to you, party head.


    The way she stared up at me, she reminded me of a small puppy, so I patted her head.


    You did well. Keep doing what youre doing.


    I will!


    SunbehOppa. How about me?


    You didnt even do anything.


    But Im the team mascot. Hello?


    You mean giant?


    Smack.


    Hm. But its true.


    Soon it was time to auction off the items. It was just formality because, as we expected, no one bought it. We were, however, able to sell it to the dungeon operating team for 200,000 for both items. It was more money than I had expected them to sell for. After this and that, our team was able to collect a total of 40,000 dors.


    Holy-crap!


    Jung Sooah yelled out a big whoop as she saw the 4,000 dors transferred into her ount. I was able to collect 12,000 dors  her money was more like pocket changepared to mine. To think that I could collect 12,000 dors in one raid. You could say it was because we were lucky enough toe across two dropped items, but this was still a lot of money.


    Everyone in all the other teams had ecstatic looks on their faces too. Manager Kim was all riled up saying he would make reservations at a top steakhouse and buy everyone dinner. Of course he would probably change his tune in about 10 minutes so I hurriedly made my own reservations at a porkbelly house.


    Eum Hyunjoon walked to where I was standing.


    Thank you so much. We were able toplete the raid sessfully without any major hups thanks to you.


    It was thanks to you, Im certain.


    Honestly I didnt walk over here to say emptypliments. I actually came here to ask a favor of you. Would you be avable to join us on another raid?


    When did you have in mind?


    Within 3 days time.


    So soon?


    If it were only a 5 person party, you could n something as soon as the next day and move quickly. But judging from Eum Hyunjoons demeanor, it felt like he wanted to do another raid on a simr scale as the one from just today. To pull of something like this with so many people in just three daysthat was almost preposterous.


    Yes. We might even move faster than that even.


    I would need to ask my party members, but Im sure they would all be up for it.


    Great. And one more thing


    Eum Hyunjoon said as he lowered his voice.


    Can you please keep todays events a secret?


    Why?


    In one round, two items had dropped. This could not be coincidence.


    I thought it might be because of the number of people.


    Hm. You have a point. But if its something as simple as that, everyone will eventually realize it too.


    So thats why I want to reap the benefits as many times as possible before that happens. So Ill trust that youll keep this on the down low.


    Eum Hyunjoon finished what he had to say and went to each party head one by one to make the same request. It seemed as if everyone agreed to it.


    ***


    We again embarked on the Baeksapyoung dungeon with the mercenary guild every three days. In one month of doing this, we were able toe up with a total of 15 dropped items. On average, that was about 1.5 items for every time we did a raid. That was a lot of money in the course of a month.


    We were able to deduce certiain things while doing our raids and taking stock of the different item drops.


    There was no way this would remain a secret for long. We dont know if someone leaked it or if other people figured it out on their own but the number of level 1 items put up on the hunter market went up like crazy.


    After checking the forums a bit, I closed the window. Man. Whoever that is sucks. I mean, we were asked to keep it on the downlow and I guess hes sort of doing thatbut why the hell would he even hint at a possible tip like that? Im sure whoever it is is also going on separate raids to milk it for all it was worth. Shameless. But good thing we went on all those raids first. It was a smart move.


    Because soon, the special condition we had where parties in excess of 10 people had free admissionwas not just limited to the mercenary guild any more. It was now avable to the general public.


    It wasnt long before level 1 items were less than half their normal value. It didnt look like it would go back up any time soon.


    I closed my left eye and checked my stats.


    [0,15,3350]


    Over thest month, I had umted over 10,000 reward points. With that, I split it up to raise all of my abilities. Im a well rounded boy dont you know? That was why I only had about 3,000 left now. Strength, endurance, reflexes, focus, defenseI had raised all of them one time for a total of 7,500 reward points.


    With this much, it would nowbe possible to take my party members into a level 2 dungeon all on my own now. I felt like if I took into ount Jung Sooahs buffer skill, I might even be able to kill a level 2 monster with my bare hands.


    What was even better was that everyone on my team had a low level average so we would have higher chances for item drops.


    Eum Hyunjoon seemed very disappointed that we chose to leave his team. But the level 1 items were quickly dropping in value by each passing day and now I was strong enough to clear a level 2 dungeon all on my own that there seemed little point in me sticking with that team any longer.


    Im a bit sad that today will be yourst day.


    I wish you guys only the best of luck.


    Honestly I was a bit sad too. I felt like there was still a lot I could learn from Eum Hyunjoon.


    The raids were now moving forward just as fast as they had been thest month. No, it was actually now moving even faster. I felt a bit worried and said.


    Party head. Arent the raids moving a bit too fasttely?


    Is there a problem?


    No. Not really a problemjust


    I couldnt really tell him that if he cleared the raids too quickly that an irregr might appear. Because it wasnt a 5 person party. Maybe I was making a big deal out of nothing. But I couldnt stop from still feeling a bit iffy.


    And soon my worries were affirmed.


    What is that?


    Was there a monster like that?


    Party head?


    Everyone was staring at a humongous monster in the distance.


    SunsunbehOppa?


    Jung Sooahs voice was rattling almost violently.


    It was the monster that I had once in long ago. The level 4 monster was standing in the distance.

 Chapter 37

    Chapter 37


    Everyone stand back.


    Eum Hyunjoon said quietly. The monster was at the base of a hill, wandering around about 200 meters away. It seemed as if it hadnt noticed us just yet.


    I couldnt understand what he was up to. Just from looking at the monster, I knew it was impossible for our group to go up against it and win.


    I went up to Eum Hyunjoon and whispered.


    Thats a level 4 monster.


    I figured that much.


    It would be too much to try to kill it with our party. I think it would be best to fall back for the time being.


    That was what I had in mind too but


    He had a sort of disappointed look on his face. There were no items dropped this round, and we werent able to collect many ores either. But we couldnt really call it a loss since we were able to gain a lot from our little secret knowledge over the past month. When it came down to it, it was better to miss out on todays earnings than to lose a life.


    The cons greatly outweigh the pros of going up against a beast like that.


    When I came right out and said it, Eum Hyunjoon finally nodded his head. He waved his arms to get everyones attention.


    Well call it a day and turn around early. It is unfortunate, but this is for your safety so I hope you all understand.


    Why dont we try and fight it?


    Come on. That guy looks crazy strong. What are you saying?


    But we did good up until today. And we have over 30 people here. Isnt that something?


    The party head has already made his decision. Its better to follow what he says.


    So you really want to drop out without anything to show for it?


    What do you mean show for it? We milked this cow for all it was worth this past month! We could afford to lose out on one raid


    Dont be ignorant. You need to milk every opportunity.


    And thements went on and on in this manner. I wasnt surprised the conversation went this way since all our raids had been so easy thus far. Everyone was now full of confidence. Almost too full. I guess its not an easy thing to objectively assess your own skill when things get too easy.


    Eum Hyunjoon interjected.


    Its a level 4 monster. It is impossible to go up against something like that with us alone.


    Level 4? Why is something like that here?


    Its an irregr.


    Everyone shut up. All the resistance seemed to disappear in an instant at that one word. The only thing that could be heard was the rustling of the weeds underfootnothing else.


    That was when everyone started heading toward the exit of the dungeon one by one.


    Hmm


    Something felt off. I started counting the people leaving the dungeon and the people still left. 30.


    We were missing someone.


    Wait.


    Whats wrong?


    Eum Hyunjoon asked.


    Someone is missing.


    What? How can that..


    There is only 30 of us. It seems someone left the group at one point.


    Theres no way that we wouldnt have known if he left during a fight.


    They probably slipped out just recently.


    It most likely happened when everyone was worried over the irregr. We wouldnt have noticed if they slipped back into the dungeon while we were preparing to leave.


    Who would..


    That helmet guy


    sses girl said. When I turned to look at her, she said with more conviction.


    That man with the motorcycle helmet isnt here. I thought it was weird but I didnt think it was my ce to say


    That stupid


    Eum Hyunjoon started cursing.


    Why? Do you remember something?


    That mans brother died in thatst incident when the same looking monster had shown up in the city. They were both in the same party at the time, but he was the only one who made it out alive.


    Surely he doesnt mean to go face that beast alone? Its not even the same monster.


    Thats why I wasnt really concernedit was my mistake. I should have been prepared something like this would happen.


    Theres no point in ming yourself now. We need to hurry up and bring him back..


    GRAAWRD!


    CRASH!


    My whole body vibrated. Eum Hyunjoon and I immediately locked eyes.


    Its him.


    Ill go get him.


    Eum Hyunjoon hurriedly turned to try and run toward the sound. I grabbed ahold of his arm.


    Wait just a moment. Ill go.


    What?


    Its only right that I should go. Your responsibility as the party head should be to lead everyone out of here safely and quickly.


    But this is my burden


    The person with the strongest ability in this entire team is me.


    But


    Do you really want to waste time we already dont have?


    Then Ill entrust this to you.


    I nodded, turned around, and said.


    Manager Kim. Please take care of our team members.


    I dont think its right.


    What is?


    You going this time. Its an irregr but that ones different. Its not just a boss. If you go, youll die. Im sure.


    You might be right.


    But youre still going to go?


    Compared to the risk, the reward could be amazing.


    What do you mean reward? What reward is there in fighting such a monster?


    I left Manager Kim standing with a puzzled expression and walked to Jung Sooah.


    Ill ask you just one thing. Can you please go with me?


    Ok.


    You dont want to ask me why?


    Do I need to know?


    I mean. No. I guess not.


    She wouldnt be in any danger.


    I gave her a great big hug.


    ***


    Woohoo!


    Youre being too loud.


    Youre really fast though!. How on earth can you run so fast?


    Its not even all that amazing.


    It wasnt. Of course thanks to the effort skill, I was able to improve my abilities tremendously, something like this could be easily replicated by a special skill or equipment. High level hunters being able to move with almost inhuman speed is all thanks to the aid of their equipment.


    If you looked at it that way, my ability was probably now at the same level as a level 3 equipment.


    But do you have a n on how youre going to kill the level 4 monster?


    I was thinking of borrowing a bit of your skill.


    Oh. That?


    In the case of a particr skill, when proficiency increases, their ability either increases in uracy or they could even gain a new ability. In Jung Sooahs case, when her proficiency clocked in at 10, it produced thetter.


    She could now pool her entire buffer ability and give it to just one person.


    But if I use it one time, I cant use it for an entire day.


    If we kill that thing, then were done for the day so dont worry about it.


    Jung Sooahs one person buffer gave one person a 50% boost in their abilities for 10 minutes. Unlike the buffer given to 5 people in a party, this one had a much longer cool time. But the 50% increase was worth it.


    It was especially worth it in circumstances such as this where I would have to go against a monster that is way above my level. This buffer could put me at enough of an advantage where I would have a fighting chance. On top of that, the skill was not adding to my current ability, but multiplying it. If a persons normal strength was at 200%, then instead of it being just 250%it would be boosted to 300%.


    If that was the case, why couldnt we have done this in the first ce. We would have been able to get help from everyone else too.


    Then we would also have to do the contribution split with everyone. Come on. Use your head.


    What would be split?


    Item.


    How can you be sure its going to drop an item?


    Wellits not really a definite thing. But the probability is very high.


    All the irregrs that had shown up, in my experience, have dropped an item. The first and second ones both dropped a level 0 skillbook. The third one dropped the escape scrolls. So it was only reasonable to think that this one would drop something too. And this one was high level. I was almost positive it would drop something really cool.


    Oh. Im starting to get excited.


    We dont know yet though. It might be smart to not even start a fight with it. We arent even fully prepared.


    But you dont think its going to be too dangerous right?


    Wellif it gets too tough, theres always the escape scroll.


    Im not stupid to think of running in blind without a back up n. I was only doing this because I had a sort of insurance. This was also a great chance for me to rack up more reward points if possible. This one used its strength and its long reach to its advantage. But itcked in agility.


    This meant I would have enough time to run away if need be.


    ***


    The monster was jumping about as if it were crazed. Right in front of it, the helmet wearing hunter was trying to fight the beast with just one sword. He looked and moved as if he was already running out of energy. I dont know when they started fighting but I thanked the lord he was able to stay alive at least this long.


    The monster struck out with its long arm and helmet guy rolled out of the way. The monster struck out its arm one more time, wing a fist full of dirt into the air, and helmet guy rolled out of the way once more. It looked like he was doing a good job of dodging but who knows. The monster might just be ying around with him.


    If the monster really wanted to kill him, helmet guy probably would have been long dead. Nheless, it was a relief he was alive.


    I let Jung Sooah down in a safe spot and ran toward the monster.


    Sooah, stay ready!


    Ok!


    Helmet guy and the monster turned in my direction at the same time. I could hear that helmet guy was saying something, but I didnt hear clearly enough to know what.


    Graawrrr


    The monster yelled out loud.


    Tap. Tap. Tap.


    In just three steps, I ran in between the monster and helmet guy.


    The beast swung out its long arm. What. It couldnt think of any other move? Its long reach was definitely its strengthbut it was also a weakness. The longer the reach, the weaker it was in closebat. I ran head on to close the gap and swung out my longsword.


    But I couldnt even make a dent in its hard leathery skin. Well, it was a level 1 weapon. I immediately swung out with my bloodsword. This didnt work either. I guess the bloodysword couldnt do its job right since it didnt have any blood to increase its piercing power.


    Watch out!


    I heard helmet guy yell behind me. I made a backstep and created distance with the monster.


    Tap.


    This time it swung out its leg at the area I had been in just a second before. Its big body made it easy for me to see every one of its movements.


    Take this.


    I pulled out one page of the escape scrolls and handed it over to helmet guy. I needed him to leave so that I could properly concentrate on the fight.


    Whats this?


    Its going to take you out of the dungeon. As soon as you rip it, itll transport you out!


    I need to kill that bastard!


    You know thats impossible!


    I grabbed helmet guy and tumbled away. The monsters w just grazed by us. I didnt feel like arguing with him.


    I came here just for you. Eum Hyunjoon wanted toe, but I was able to just barely talk him out of it. Who else do you want toe and risk their life?


    I wont live long anyway.


    What?


    Helmet guy raised his sword and dashed toward the monster once more.

 Chapter 38

    Chapter 38


    There was no reason for me to keep trying to persuade him to do otherwise.


    Chop!


    Keuk?


    I made a chop to the back of his neck. I guess I didnt properly control my strength because I heard a small sound, but it was fine  he didnt die. I tossed his unconscious body gently to the side and drew my sword.


    As soon as I raised my hand up, Jung Sooah made an OK sign in return. A bright light came down over my head.


    Beep.


    [10:00]


    The 10 minute timer had been set.


    I kicked back on the ground and ran. Reflex 225%. I just needed 1 second running in top speed.


    The monsters body came almost to my nose.


    Grar!


    Its strength was its sheer power, its reachbut also its defense. The longsword and bloodysword were not enough to pierce this bastards skin.


    Its weakness?


    Eye.


    I used the momentum of my run to climb up its body.


    I could feel the 300% in strength boosting my legs to run so fast it felt like I was flying.


    I swung my sword straight into its neck to lever myself up onto its shoulder. From there I jumped up and stabbed it in the eye.


    KRAWWWWR!


    So close. But I didnt put enough force behind that attack to pierce it. I jumped off the monster and jabbed at it with my longsword. It yelled out once more and stepped back.


    I rolled my shoulder a bit and moved to the side.


    This time the monster raised both its arms to try and m them down on top of me.


    Should I rush in?


    Im rushing in!


    It mmed down both arms.


    I barely missed being crushed, but the ground shook  and I shook with it. A big plume of dust rose into the air, and I could see its head poking out from within the brown cloud.


    Haa!


    I jammed my sword into its head.


    It felt as if my spine were about to snap.


    I could see its w rushing toward me. I couldnt miss this chance. I watched the path of the w and and stepped forward.


    The sharp w just barely missed my ear.


    Everything was dim because of the dust that was still in the air. But that was the same for the beast.


    I kept mming at the monster again and again as if I were chopping wood with an ax.


    The monster finally seemed to crumble. But another w came flying at me. This time as I moved out of the way, I stabbed upward with my sword.


    KRWAWW!


    The monster hollered. It wasnt able to follow my quick movements  especially with all this dust.


    I kept at it.


    Though I still wasnt able to pierce its tough skin, it could still feel the blunt trauma I was delivering with each blow. I needed to sap it of all its strength. Then when it couldnt move well anymore, I would stab at its eye again.


    The dust clouds finally settled.


    Krrr.


    SunbehOppas the best!


    During the time I stepped back to catch my breath, I heard Jung Sooah yelling out loud.


    I made a small smirk and ran at the monster once more.


    Again the sharp w!


    I dodged left, right. Two times, before I moved to the side. An opening.


    I mmed my sword into it again, and it seemed be ready to topple over me. I made two more quick blows before stepping back.


    m!


    It finally copsed to its knees.


    [9:31]


    Only 31 seconds had passed.


    I still had a lot of time left to keep dealing it damage.


    ***


    [01:51]


    Whew. whew.


    Krrrr


    I bowed my shoulders to try and catch my breath. 8 minutes had passed. The monster looked just about worn out now too. I had been dealing the blows this whole time, but it was still not down. I was able to truly appreciate the ferociousness of a level 4 monster.


    But I would be victorious.


    I ran behind it.


    The monster mmed the ground where I had been, but the force behind it was much weaker than when we had first started out.


    I mmed another blow and it flinched  but wasnt able to dodge. It was too big to be able to evade any of my blows. So I continued to deal him blow after blow all over its body in this manner.


    And finally, it began to throw up blood.


    The blood that was spurting out sttered onto the de of my bloodysword.


    Slice!


    This time, I was able to make a slight cut. It wasnt a big one, but it was enough. I jammed my bloody sword into that opening.


    KRAWWWR!


    It yelled out viciously and rolled around. Now that the bloodysword was lodged into its body, its time was ticking. But then again, time was almost up for me too.


    The timer was telling me I had 8 seconds left.


    I ran toward the monster and jumped up high. Falling from the air was a dangerous move. Because there was no way for me to dodge any oing attacks.


    For this reason, I was trying to use the element of surprise by attacking quickly.


    This was my chance to stab it in the eye.


    It swung out with its w. Did it still have energy to fight back?


    Smack!


    Ah. Shit.


    m!


    Hit by its attack, I flew about 10 meters in the air and fell to the ground. Hard.


    Keuk.


    I can smell blood from inside my mouth. My stomach felt queasy but I could still move. Thank the lord for my armor.


    [00:00]


    Bee beep.


    m!


    At the same time the timer went off, the monster made a giant noise as it copsed. My longsword was sticking out of its eye. Right before I was hit, I was able to seed in connecting my sword with its eye.


    Whew


    Krrr


    Seeing as it was still alive, it was a sturdy one. Under usual circumstances, I would immediately run up and slice its throat or twist the sword in its eye. Because a monster had amazing healing abilities. But I didnt need to in this case. My bloodysword was lodged into its body  sapping away its lifesource.


    The more I thought about it, the more I took a liking to that weapon. It was pretty great. Though its attack power was a bitcking, it made up for it in other ways such as this.


    Eum


    I could hear helmet guy starting to wake up behind me.


    Great for him. Waking up after all the good stuff is over.


    Are you awake?


    Keuk. What the hell did you


    If you want tomit suicide, just jump off a bridge. Dont you know its an awful nuisance doing something like that in a dungeon?


    What the hell do you care? Anyway, what about the monster?


    I took care of it.


    Whwhat?


    He looked to where I was pointing. The monster was copsed face down and taking itsst breath.


    Did it die?


    Almost.


    Thats good.


    He drew his sword and started walking toward the monster. I stood in front of him and blocked his path.


    Move. I need to kill it.


    I cant let you do that.


    Why is that?


    I was the one who took care of this monster. If it happens to drop an item, then there could be a conflict in who ims ownership.


    Whateveres out, Ill give it to you so move.


    I said I cant let you do that.


    If he kills it, then all my reward points would fly right out the window.


    I said move.


    Helmet guy pointed his sword at me. I didnt respond.


    Why the hell are you blocking my way


    I have my own reasons


    This is my brothers revenge. What bigger reason can you have than that?


    Thats my business.


    Keuk


    His sword began to quiver.


    Tap.


    He ultimately dropped his sword and fell down to his knees in front of me. I could hear a thick voiceing out from his helmet.


    Would you listen to my story a bit?


    No. Take this, rip it, and get out of here.


    I handed over the escapee scroll to him.


    ***


    [+400]


    I sent helmet guy out and got my reward points after about 10 minutes. It was a pretty crappy amountpared to the 10 minutes of hell I went through. I felt kind of ripped off since it was way more than twice as strong as a wolf bosswhile only giving me double the reward points.


    You know that no matter what dropsI get a piece of it too right?


    I know. Ill pay you with money.


    I dont need money. I already have a lot from what you paid me this past month


    Then?


    Buy me dinner. Something expensive.


    Something like that is easy.


    It wasnt hard to do. And no matter how expensive dinner was, how much could it really be? To think that she would be fine with just that. Good for me. If it wasnt for her buffer, I would have had a real tough time against this monster. I was nning on giving her at least 10%.


    If it was just ores, then it wouldnt have been much. But if it was an item, she could have made somewhere upwards of several thousand to several tens of thousands of dors.


    You promise?


    I promise. And we can take this opportunity to even invite all of the party members so I can buy something real expensive.


    Ah really. Are you that slow?


    What do you mean?


    Whatever. Its nothing.


    I couldnt figure out why but it seemed like she was really pissed off. Oh well.


    It took a long time for the monster to evaporate. Was it because it was a level 4 monster?


    After a good and long time, it was finally done. It probably took close to 20 minutes.


    Tap.


    Huh? Its a book?


    Is it a skillbookk?


    I grabbed the book that had fallen to the ground. It wasnt a skillbook.

 Chapter 39

    Chapter 39


    There were two ways to identify a skillbook. The number that denotes the level of the skill. And a subtle light that glows out of it. The book in my hand had neither of those.


    In big lettering, there was written [How to use Combos].


    On flipping to the first page, there was a drawing of 2 weapons and 3 ores.


    How to usebos? Whats that?


    It looks like instructions on how tobine two weapons. What am I supposed to do with this?


    ording to the instructions, you would take two weapons and three bine them to create a random named item.


    A named item was referring to an item that already had a known name to it  like the bloodysword. To give you another example, the longsword I got from Park Jungbeh is a no name; meaning, it didnt have a known name attached to it  it was a generic no brand. Nothing really special.


    But a named item is different. Just like the bloodysword, a named item usually had a special option attached to it.


    Depending on the type of option attached to a named item, the value of it can change proportionately. So I think it would make sense that investing in more valuable ores for thebos would result in a better quality weapon.


    Do you think this really works?


    I mean, why wouldnt it?


    It wouldnte out of an irregr if it didnt work. The level 0 skillbook and the escape scroll bothwere items that never appeared in the regr system of raids.


    I carefully went through the entire book. I needed to carefully estimate just how valuable this book was.


    The calctor in my head started tallying.


    The level 1 weapons were currently selling for 50,000 dors. It used to cost about 100,000 but they were listing for half their original price these days. Itll probably fall even more to about 20-30,000 dors very soon. I was going to wait until it falls as far as it can so that I can buy two and run some experiments.


    Hmmits weird.


    What is?


    Just because something is a named item doesnt mean it holds the double the value of a regr weapon. Of course if youre lucky, you might chance on a named item that is several times the value of a regr weapon. But thats a big if. Youre usually lucky if the named item is double the value of a regr item because its usually less than that. Just because we canbine two weapons into a named item doesnt mean scraping up the money to do it is going to be any easy task.


    Plus we needed to take into consideration the cost of the ores as well. Monazites usually ran for 1,000 each. Unfortunately, with the level 1 dungeons disappearingthe price for these had also gone up significantly. They could not easily sell for 1,500 each.


    If I were to invest in 3 monazites and 2 weapons, that would cost me upwards of 60,000 dors. Would a level 1 named item that results from thebo exceed the 60,000 dors I invest?


    That is hard.


    Right?


    I flipped to the next page. This time it was instructions onbining armor. It was the same thing as with the weapon but the type of ore was different. It was a bastnazite.


    The next page instructed on how to change the option of a named item. The only requirements were 3 ores.


    Hm. This one might be useful.


    Keep flipping. What if theres something that will raise the level of a weapon?


    Hold your horses. Thats what Im lookinng for too.


    Flip.


    They were all simr with just variations in ores andbinations until I flipped to thest chapter. Finally, I came to what I was looking for.


    2 Level 1 weapons and 3 blisolites?


    Ah. Isnt that a pretty expensive ore? Its also super radioactive


    And its rare. Its probably selling for 3,000 dors so if I have to buy three..thats 9,000 dors.


    But if you think of it as raising the level of your equipment, its not too shabby.


    The problem is, where in the world am I going to buy a blisolite.


    Rare ores were sold by the government. This was because high tech machines were used in extracting the useful elements of the ore. If we didnt have such technology, mankind would probably copse.


    I guess we have no choice but to get them from the dungeons ourselves.


    It looks like well be on a hunt for ores I didnt even give half a thought to in my life.


    All you need for items is money. But something rareits easier to get it from the source if we can.


    If it meant a level up, buying 2 level 1 named items might not be a bad investment. Because if it was a named + named itemthe item the results would most likely be a level 2 named item. That would definitely be worth it.


    It kind of sucks that theres only one way tobo and upgrade to level 2.


    That was thest page with any writing on it. The rest of the pages were all nk. What I really needed right now was not a level 2 item but a level 3 item. I was able to realize this after my fight with the level 4 monster.


    Of course I still felt confident I would win if I faced the same monster again. But the number one priority in any raid was safety. I couldnt keep putting myself in unnecessary danger every time I went into a dungeon.


    For that reason, it was always better to constantly try and acquire higher level equipment. No. It was important. But even if a level 3 item was a no named item, the cheapest one ran for over 500,000 dors. If it was a named item, the starting price was 1,000,000 dors.


    In the case of Kim Youngchul who had the Athenas bow, though it was a level 4 weaponit ran for 2 million dors. If you thought about an items price, purchasing it by saving up from dungeon raid earnings was almost impossible. It would take forever to go from one level to another without being from a rich family.


    But then again, theres no reason to rush things. With your current skills, SunbehOppa, you could probably clear level 2 dungeons and profit with about 30,000 dors in a month. In just one year, that would be about 400,000 dors so buying level 3 equipment would only be a matter of 3 years. And 30,000 dors in a month is honestly me being conservative. If you go on raids every three days, you could earn double that.


    You know that hunting in dungeons isnt that simple.


    If you were injured or an irregr appeared, then that wouldplicate things. Especially recently.


    On top of that, I have a feeling we cant staycent.


    Why?


    Who knows if and when the level 2 dungeons will disappear too.


    Nobody knew why the level 1 dungeons had disappeared. Sure, there were theories. But no hard facts. I felt like this was only the beginning of things.


    I could almost say with certainty that it had something to do with the level 0 skillbooks. But I didnt know for a fact if this was something only appearing for me or for a select few others too.


    Either way, there was no guarantee that this was the end of it.


    Now that things hade to this, there was nothing to do but keep climbing up.


    ***


    As soon as we exited the dungeon, Eum Hyunjoon and everyone else was on standby waiting for us. I didnt see helmet guy.


    What happened to that guy?


    He received some treatment from the ward here, and I sent him home afterward. He didnt have any big injuries other than to his neck. But its a relief that that was the extent of it.


    Hm. I thought I heard a weird sound.


    Ill do the contribution split and send it to your ount. I added in Jong Sawons share as well.


    Jong Sawon?


    The helmet mans name is Jong Sawon.


    DId he say anything else?


    Not really. He just seemed terribly stricken. But he didnt say anything outside of that. Why? Did something happen?


    Not really.


    There was no point in telling him anything and make things weird. And if helmet guy had any conscience, he wouldnte to me for the hospital bill either.


    Han Joonseok, Cho Youngoo, and manager Kim came this way.


    You killed it?


    What do you mean?


    Im sure you wouldnt just run in there not to try and kill the monster. My intuition is ster.


    Anyway. If you were that curious, you should have followed me in.


    Well. About that. I had something I had to tend to. Like you asked, I had to take the party members safely outside. You know how much they want to always follow you. Especially that one


    Hmm


    sses girl started tearing up after looking up at me.


    What. This girl.


    Han Joonseok said.


    Ms. Bae Yeongyoung was very worried. I kept telling her nothing bad was going to happen but she wouldnt believe me.


    Ha


    Its a relief that you came back safelysniff.


    I dont know how tofort a crying girl. Would she feel better if I hug her head?


    Hug.


    Ah


    Thanks for worrying about me.


    uh.


    What?


    Next time please take me too.


    Hm?


    And dont just take unnie.


    [TN: Unnie is korean for older sister  used for older females by younger females]


    After saying this, she bowed her head down. I could see that her face flushed a bright red color.


    You people! Am I invisible?!


    Jung Sooah yelled out annoyed.


    Ah. You came back too huh?


    Its great that you came back safely.


    p p p. Congrattions.


    Manager Kim. Youngoo ajushi. Are you guys really going to be like this? You should be a bit more like Joonseok oppa.


    [TN: Oppa is korean for older brother and Ajushi is korean for old man.]


    Why do you call him oppa and me ajushi?


    Because Joonseok oppas good looking, thats why.


    Kya!


    m.


    When Cho Youngoo ran toward Sooah, he was on the floor in seconds.


    I used to learn yudo.


    Wasnt it shotput?


    I asked.


    That too.


    Im asking you with the utmost seriousness right now. Do you want to take this chance to use real equipment and be a hunter?


    Will you be coaching me?


    I dont think youd need me to..


    If youre going to train me every day then Ill do it.


    WellI guess I could.


    I was being really serious. In cases where we would need her buffer skill, it would be tricky if she had no way of defending herself.


    Ill do it too.


    sses girl said. I nodded my head. I didnt mind putting in the work if it means raising up the ability of my team members.

 Chapter 40

    Chapter 40


    We decided to do our training at the usual park. Since it was the day after we had our normal after-hunt drinking, no one looked like they were in the best condition. But I didnt care. Since this was our first day of training, I wanted to put 1000% into it.


    Do it right.


    Do I really have to do this?


    Well if youre never going to fight then I guess not. You can just buy a level 1 armor and walk around with that on. With the right kind of armor, you can get hit a couple of times and still live  probably.


    I said casually towards Jung Sooah  who was chopping up and down repeatedly with her sword. Shes been doing this same motion for thest two hours. This was the basics. She needed to learn proper form. Whenever she made the slightest mistake in her form, I lightly hit her with the hilt of my sword at her arms or legs to have her correct it.


    It shouldnt have hurt her at all. It shouldve just made her feel kind of crappy. Like when someone slides their hand across your face slowly. It hurts much less than a pbut it somehow makes you feel worse. But this was enough to have her correct her posture.


    This isnt right


    Oh well


    I mean. You know. If my posture is wrong like this, shouldnt you help me into the right posture with your hands or something? Right? You know, go behind me, and you know. If you do it like that, isnt it much better?


    Tap.


    Ow! Look at you hitting me again!


    No gutter mind while training.


    I did say this but she was very quick at learning. Maybe it was because she was an athlete. But it was more important to fully engrain the basics once youve learned it. And she was really taking this tedious work like a champ.


    She had the right mindset  for the most part.


    Pluck!


    Shwing!


    Ah. It veered off course again.


    On the opposite side, sses girl was aiming her bow and arrow at a makeshift target I had put up for her. It was a practice arrow so it didnt have a sharp end. Since it was a park, you couldnt be too sure that she might identally hit an innocent person just strolling through.


    Her skill was as crappy as ever. It wasnt like my archery skills were the best, but if her skills were worse than mine  ones I acquired from just taking up archery as a hobby during my college years  that was really bad.


    You said you never took any formal lessons for archery right?


    Yes.


    Why did you decide to take up archery then?


    I got this bow from my older brother.


    Older brother?


    Yes. He was a hunter, but he retired because of an injury. He just rests at home for the time being.


    A retired hunter..seems like it must be a burden to you.


    Yes. Thats why Im so thankful to you.


    How about your parents?


    My father is also a retired hunter.


    Hm..


    Was she saying that shes the sole provider and support for her crumbling household?


    Something sounded not right.


    If your father and your brother were once hunters, howe you never learned archery properly from them?


    They were both put out ofmission from being hunters due to injury, so I think theyre worried the same would happen to me. But because the only ie ising from me right now


    Its not as if I dontpletely understand her familys worry. But just because they were worried didnt mean they shouldnt have given her lessons. In this type of situation, the best solution should have been to give her the tools necessary to reduce her risk of injury since she were going to be a hunter no matter what.


    It seems you have your own issues. Im sorry about that. But that aside, it seems like you havent been able to focus for a while now.


    Hm? That, thats


    I dont know what youre thinking about but, at this level, you are almost no help to the team at all. Its only because of Sooahs buffer skill that you are able to hit your marks. Know that I can only help you so much. Now that we n on going full force in climbing each level one by one, if you cant keep up, Ill have no choice but to drop you from the team.


    Ok.


    sses girl nodded her head as she grasped her bow tight. Her heart was in the right ce. No, I could see it in her eyes that she understood. But well see if her will will reflect in her archery.


    Pluck!


    Whing!


    As I continued standing by while the two resume their training, I looked through the How To Combo book again. Since I just browsed through it yesterday, I was nning on looking at it in more detail. I felt like I had overlooked something. But what bothered me the most was that almost half the book was nk.


    Since only the first half the book had drawing and instructions in it, why was the rest of it nk.


    This was a special item. There was no way that there wasnt a reason behind it being nk.


    Flip.


    First, I looked over the nk pages again. I did look at it yesterday, but you never knew if it changed overnight. Maybe there was something I didnt catch before


    Tap.


    I found it.


    On the corner of one nk page, there was a very small drawing. That small drawing was of a sword that was an almost exact replica of the bloody sword. But it wasnt just that. Under the bloodysword were drawings of two daggers and three blisolites. The meaning of this drawing was obvious.


    You can make a bloodysword bybining two daggers.


    I pretty much knew the specs of all the items offered up on the hunter market. Level, price, performance, optionsyou could say I memorized it all. Put bluntly, Im sure theres no one else who had as much knowledge of all the items on the market as me. This was due to memorizing and learning about all the items on the market during my years as a porter  when my only dream was to someday be a hunter.


    The two daggers pictured under the bloodysword were both level 1 weapons: one was a vampiric dagger and the other was a speed enhancing dagger. Each used to be valued at about 150,000. But they were probably selling for 60,000 dors now.


    Whew


    My heart was beating fast.


    This book not only told you how tobine items to get you a random item, but it also showed you how to get a specific item.


    This meant that I would know if investments made in the separate items will be worth the resulting item.


    More specifically, if I just had 3 blisolites (which would cost me 120,000 dors), then I would be able to produce a 400,000 dor bloodysword. That was 280,000 profit.


    Wait.


    I hurriedly flipped to the next page. And I found it.


    Athenas bow


    Somewhere in the middle of the Combo book, was a small drawing of Athenas bow. This was a bow that had the option of not hurting humans.


    I need to remain calm.


    What was needed to create Athenas bow were the following: a level 3 Vadolid bow and a level 2 white crow pendant. They were, respectively, 800,000 dors and 500,000 dors. To be able to create a 2 million dor items at the cost of 1.3 million dors. That was 700,000 in profit.


    Of course there would also be ores involved in thisbo too. The required ore to create this level 4 weapon was elnite. This was something that sold for over 10,000 dors eachand it was as rare as it was expensive. But as you go up in dungeon levels, the ores that drop also increase in levels. This type of ore would drop asionally in level 3 dungeons.


    Bloodysword and Athenas bow.


    There was one thing these two items had inmon. They were both weapons that I had used at least once before. Of course the bloodysword is something I use almost everyday, but I had used the Athenas bow only once before when I was trying to catch the attention of a monster.


    This meant that every weapon I use will appear in this book. And it will show me what I can do to create it.


    The only thing that was a disappointment was that I had never used a level 3 weapon.


    Sooah.


    What?


    Do you know of any level 3 hunters by any chance?


    I do but none that I keep in touch with. They kept asking me out everyday, and I got sick of it.


    dont lie.


    You dont know because I never put makeup on around you, but Im quite a looker if I try.


    Anyway. My fault for even asking.


    I needed to borrow a level 3 weapon. But there was no one who would let me borrow such an expensive weapon. If only I had a rich friend.


    Rich friend?


    Kim Youngchuls face immediatelye to the forefront of my mind. Since he was such a nice kid, he might actually listen to my request. But since I havent heard a peep from him since that day, he might have quit raids altogether.


    And it was kind of bad manners to ask for such a big favor out of the blue.


    Ok. Toss that out the window. If I just created a couple bloodyswords and sold them, I would have enough money to buy a level 3 weapon myself in no time. Theres no such thing as a free favor. I needed to stop trying to take unnecessary shortcuts.


    My primary goal was to clear level 2 dungeons.


    [0,15,3850]


    I closed my eye to check my reward points.


    My current abilities were: strength  200, endurance  150, reflex  150, focus  150, and defense  100. If I used Jung Sooahs buffer, that would increase all of them even more.


    Her buffer skill would raise each ability by about 20%, and the option that she could only use once a day for 10 minutes would raise each ability by about 50%. With this, it was more than enough to clear a level 2 dungeon.


    I thought about how I should use the remaining reward points and decided on increasing my stamina and defense.


    The reason why I had decided on the two was because I wascking in these two areas the most during my fight with the level 4 monster. If i were just running, then I could keep it up for 2 hours. But 10 minutes into a full on fightthat was enough to wear me out. This was because fighting a monster much bigger than me required me to run around, dodge, and jump a lot. And then getting hit that one time was enough to almost take me out of the fight. Luckily the fight was done by that time. But this meant I needed to have better defense.


    [0,17,350]


    Raising my stamina from 150 to 200 cost me 2,000 points, and raising my defense from 100 to 150 cost me 1,500 points. So in total, I spent 3,500 points to raise those two abilities.


    Huff. Huff.


    I copsed onto the ground and tried to catch my breath. I spent 1 hour being Jung Sooahs personal sandbag and the next 2 hours running around the park. But I didnt mind. Improving myself like this didnt cost me a dime.


    Mr. Jeon Sangmin?


    A voice interrupted my thoughts. It was a familiar voice. Who was it?

 Chapter 41

    Chapter 41


    Deep scars, muscr physique, and an all too familiar voice. It was a face Ive never seen before, but I knew who it was.


    I got up from the ground as I said.


    How did you find me here? Mr. Jong Sawon.


    [TN: Jong Sawon is helmet guyin case you guys dont remember.]


    So you recognized me.


    Well, I never knew your face since you always had that helmet on, but I could tell by your voice.


    Ah. Is this man helmet man? Didnt he go to the hospital ward?


    I was able to check out fairly quickly. I just had a basic physical done to make sure there was nothing seriously wrong.


    Thats a relief. That you werent seriously injured.


    So why did youe find me? If you came to ask me to pay for your hospital bills or to fight me in the name of your brotherI dont have time for any of that, Ill tell you right now.


    That isnt why Im here.


    Then?


    My overall impression of helmet guy wasnt bad at all. When I had first met him and Eum Hyunjoon at Baekoonsa dungeon, we had good fighting chemistry. I thought we got along fairly well. He didnt have a bad personality either. It was just that one incident with the irregr that left a bad taste.


    Can I join your party please?


    What?


    That was not what I was expecting. And it wasnt an appealing offer to me either. Maybe he read that in my expression because then he said.


    There will not be a repeat of the incident from thest time.


    How am I supposed to trust that? And I think you mentioned this at thatst incident. That you didnt have long to live. Do you have some kind of illness or something?


    Terminal cancer. I have about 6 months left. If I undergo treatment, they said that I can extend it a bit morebut thats not a route I want to take.


    Thank you for being honest, but


    Is he saying that since hes dying anyway, hed rather do it while killing a monster? That kind of an attitude is not at all helpful in a party. Why? Because a person on the cusp of death is selfish. Even if they were the more giving and altruistic person in the world, when death is at their front stepall they can think about is themselves.


    If I allow that type of person into my party and something happens, it would only hurt us.


    Why dont you go and ask Eum Hyunjoon? Arent you on better terms with him?


    I came to you after already being rejected by him. Its probably for the same reason you are thinking right now.


    If you just came to me as ast resort, then I can only give you the same answer.


    In one way, you had to respect the guy for his brutal honesty.


    Shwing~


    Jong Sawon drew his sword. Jung Sooah and sses girl stepped back and stared at him with wary looks. I raised my hand to calm them before taking the sword he was now handing over to me.


    ThisIve seen this before.


    This is a level 3 Rubicon sword. From what I can remember, this has a value of 700,000 dors. But how did you


    I purchased it with the money from my brothers life insurance and from selling the house.


    So he was trusting in this sword when he went to fight the level 4 monster. Since he only had a level 1 sword when I had first met him, he must have purchased this in between that time.


    A level 3 weapon


    If I said I didnt feel a bit of sway from this new turn of events, I would be lying. And this man would be dying soon. Since he sold his house and used the entirety of his brothers insurance money on this sword, that meant he probably didnt have any family left.


    That meant if he died, then the probability of this swording into my possession was very high. When I realized that the direction of my thoughts flowed so easily in that sequence, I instantly started hating myself for it. How could I be so calcting with a man who was on his way to his deathbed?


    But this was a level 3 weapon. Even if I didnt inherit itter down the road, getting it to appear in my Item Fusion book would still be a great asset. The only thing I had to do was include him in my party.


    [TN: I changed the name of the How to Combo book to Item Fusion book.]


    What to do? It wasnt a bad choice no matter what I decided to do.


    All of a sudden, Jong Sawon dropped to his knees in front of me.


    What are you doing? I really hate this kind of thing. Please get up.


    Ill promise you one thing if you just ept me into your party. I will always listen to any order you make. Though I can only ask you to trust me when I say this. I only need one chance.


    I cant understand why you are going so far as to beg me like this. If you have a level 3 weapon, cant you just make your own party?


    I dont think I could create a party that is capable enough to kill that level of monster.


    Ok. Lets say that another irregr appears. If I order a retreat, what will you do?


    That is the only order I cannot obey.


    So his word changes already. No, hes probably saying he will do everything I say except this one thing.


    Stubborn. Wellstubborn and determined people can turn out usefulbut can also be disastrous.


    I lightly sighed and nodded my head.


    Fine.


    Fine? Youll ept my answer even with that one exception?


    I wasnt going to believe you if you said you would obey my order of retreat anyway. But I do have one condition.


    Name it.


    If you ever ignore amand or order from me and do whatever you feel like doing, know that I will not follow you or try and save you like I didst time.


    If I couldnt control him, I just didnt have to. It was enough to have stopped him from suicide one time.


    Jong Sawon nodded his head.


    Oh yeah. And one more thing.


    What is it?


    That sword. Let me try using it once.


    I tried wielding the sword and swinging it about a few times, but it didnt appear in the Item Fusion book. That only brought me to one conclusion. I needed to use a weapon on an actual monster for it to appear in the book.


    Since we had decided to leave the mercenary team, we needed to pick another dungeon to raid.


    I thought over all the dungeons in my database and chose a select few that would be the best fit for us.


    The closest dungeon among those was none other than the Bookhansan dungeon.


    This dungeon was originally known for being popr with the leisure parties. This was because the terrain was in and open, and it was usually full of fairly easy to defeat monsters such as goblins and orks.


    [SunbehOppa! Jackpot!]


    Just as I was thinking all of this, there was a special news report.


    All the ores that came out of dungeons were, by practice, managed by the country. And the news was now reporting that they will be reducing the reservation raid time in a dungeon from 4 hours to 2 hours.


    This was because since the level 1 dungeons had disappeared, it had directly impacted the already dwindling countrys ore supply. They were probably aiming to increase the turnover rate in the dungeons to boost ore gathering.


    Thats not jackport. Stupid. Thats bad. If its two hours, that means our raid time is reduced by half.


    And if you clear a dungeon in 2 hours, an irregr would appear. And, like what happenedst time, it might appear even if we didnt clear the dungeon. This could only mean that clearing a dungeon quickly wasnt the trigger. The actual trigger, more specifically, was the rate at which you went through the dungeon.


    And if you clear a dungeon in 2 hours, an irregr would appear. In that instant, I just realized another clue to the irregrs from what happenedst time. Since the level 4 monster appeared even if when didnt clear the dungeon, that meant that clearing a dungeon quickly wasnt the trigger. The actual trigger, more specifically, was the rate at which you went through the dungeon.


    [Hey at least theyre reducing the admission fees.]


    30 percent? Since theyre cutting our raid time in half, shouldnt they be cutting our admissions in half too?


    [That is true. But its better than nothing.]


    HmI guess I could look on the bright side


    Previously, since the dungeons were always so booked in advanced that no matter how quickly you reserved a spot, you could only do a raid every three days. But with this new change, we would probably be able to go hunting once every two daysor maybe even once a day if we got lucky. If none of us get injured, we could potentially earn much more.


    [And they also say that leisure parties will be allowed again.]


    Looks like theyre desperate.


    It hasnt even been 3 months since thest incident. For them to allow leisure parties to resume to quickly was a considerable risk. For the government, known to hate taking on unnecessary responsibility, to burden themselves with this riskmeant that there was considerable pressure from the businessmunity from thatck of minerals and ores.

 Chapter 42

    Chapter 42


    There were a lot of people gathered in front of the Northern Mountain dungeon. The crowd was a mix of people ready to climb the mountain and hunters about to enter the dungeon. Carrying the heavy armor and equipment on top of the huge backpack just to get to a bus stop was no easy feat.


    Do I need to buy a car


    I began to think of the van that we had taken to the Baeksapyoung dungeons.


    Maybe I should have just called Cho Youngoo to pick me up.


    SunbehOppa!


    I could hear Jung Sooahs loud voice yelling for me. She caught up to me in almost one leap and bowed to try and catcher her breath.


    How can the party head be thest one to get here?


    Sorry. There was a bit of traffic on the way. But didnt I still get here earlier than the appointed time?


    I guess. But did you know that manager Kim was the first one to get here today?


    Well, its because I told him to get here by 4.


    Ha? So then he was actually 30 minuteste?


    Yah. But I guess now hell start catching on that Ive been purposely giving him an earlier time than everyone else.


    You think so?


    If not, then thats better for me. Lets hurry on up. If werete, that means the time we get to spend in the dungeon will be that much shorter.


    Northern Mountain dungeon, even though it was a level 2, was known to be a rtively easy dungeon to clear. But we still needed to keep our guard up. If our time in the dungeons is reduced to 2 hours, that means we will be forced to clear the dungeon fasterresulting in a higher probability of an irregr appearing.


    Even though there were 7 of us, since 2 of us in the group were porters, we just needed to pay a smaller extra fee for admissions instead of a full hunters price.


    The inside of the dungeon was deathly quiet. The caves walls were a red color and, unlike limestone caves, werepletely dry. Since the dungeon ran in a straight path, there was no way for someone to get lost. After a simple briefing with the team, we went ahead to start our hunt.


    Because monsters dont usually appear in the passageways, there was no reason for us to be nervous just yet.


    After walking for about 5 minutes, we came to the first room. Taking into consideration the new reduced raid time, in order for us to clear the entire dungeon, we had to clear each of the 7 rooms in less than 3 minutes. There were 5 small orks. Looks like a prettyrge count for the first batch.


    Manager Kim did his sleep spell first. As a golden beam began to glow, two orks fell into slumber. After hustling from one raid to the other while working with the mercenary team for a month, it looked like he made some improvements.


    Mr. Cho Youngoo! You think you can handle it?


    Ill try!


    Mr.. Cho Youngoo! To the right! Mr. Jong Sawon! To the left!


    Roger!


    Piping!


    An arrow flew into the air.


    Each of us took on an ork from the three running toward us in a straight line. Since there was no reason for us to drag on the time, we tried to finish them off as soon as possible.


    After I parried my opponents attack twice in a row, it began to try and use brute force. Orks were known to try and use strength as their main focus when attacking. But, including Sooahs buff, my strength was at about 240%.


    Can I beat it?


    Wow!


    Theres a reason why orks were known for their strength. No matter how much strength I put into it, I couldnt overpower it.


    But fighting wasnt always about strength or power.


    I suddenly rxed to catch it off guard and moved to its side. My surprising move had pushed the or off bnce for a quick moment.


    I couldnt let this opportunity pass by.


    I stabbed my bloodysword into its carotiod artery and sliced across.


    [+200]


    After confirming that I got my reward points, I went over to where Cho Youngoo was fighting his own ork.


    Cho Youngoo was just barely holding on. It had probably been only about 30 seconds since we started our fight. But having been able to stay in the fight for this long was worthy of praise.


    Haa!


    I yelled out as I ran toward Cho Youngoos foe. Though it had an arrow stuck in its shoulder and leg, my yell must have surprised it because it threw its hand ax in my direction.


    I barely dodged the flying weapon and stabbed out with my own longsword.


    The de passed right into the orks body. My level 1 longsword was able to pierce the hide of a level 2 monster.


    The ork started coughing up blood as it held onto its bleeding side and stepped back.


    Shwing! Shwing!


    Another two arrows flew and burrowed themselves into the orks body. Though they werent fatal attacks, they were enough to cause damage. The orks defense was definitely lower than most other level 2 monsters.


    I swung my longsword in the orks direction and ran right at it.


    My longsword pieced nearly halfway into the monster. My armor did sustain some damage, but this was nothing. Then Cho Youngoo took his own sword and stabbed it into the now immobile ork.


    Though the ork flopped about from the impact of the stab, it didnt sustain a big wound this time. It looks like even though his sword was the same level as mine, the level of damage also depends on the person making it.


    I guess I needed to start getting ready for the finale.


    I grabbed the hilt of my sword and shoved it all the way through this time, and the ork fell to the ground. When Cho Youngoo tried to follow my example and go in for the kill, I held him back.


    Wait a second.


    What?Why


    I still have something I need to use it for.


    I looked back at the helmet guy. The ork he had been fighting against was also copsed on the ground with wounds all over. A level 3 weapon is a level 3 for good reason, it seems.


    The rubicon sword. Compared to other swords, it had a rtively narrow and long de. Just a nce at the item made you feel like it would be easy to break in half, but of course this was not true. It had a special option of increasing the wielders reflex by 50%. All you had to do was use the sword.


    Mr. Jong Sawon. Can you please let me borrow the sword for a quick moment?


    You mean right now?


    Yes.


    Helmet guy nodded his head and handed over his weapon.


    The ork began to squirm violently on the ground as it gurgled out. It knew what wasing. The weird soundsing from its mouth are said to be the orksnguage. But no one ever really took the time to study it, so there wasnt anyone who could understand it.


    I grabbed the hilt of the rubicon sword and walked slowly to the ork.


    As soon as I swung, the monsters body cut cleanly in half. The long de made it easy to cut all the way through.


    After cutting through the remaining 2 sleeping orks as well, I returned the sword. As we waited for the monsters to evaporate, I pulled out my Item Fusion book.


    Would I be right?


    Flip.


    Its really there, huh?


    Jung Sooah had snuck up behind me at some point and asked. Just as she pointed out, there was now a small drawing of the rubicon sword in the book.


    It required a level 2 sword and a level 1 agility sword.


    When I calcted the cost of the materials required, it came out to about 400,000 dors. I coulde up with that kind of money if I just created a bloodysword and sold it two times.


    I just needed to gather the required ores now.


    From the 5 orks we had killed, 3 ores dropped to the ground. Two of them were monazites and one was a bastnazite.


    Boo.


    Theres still a bunch of monsters left.


    Party head.


    Han Joonseok said as he walked up to me. He was someone that I now knew not to say any unnecessary words. If he said something, that meant it would be pretty important.


    What is it?


    Is there really a need for us to waste time like thiswaiting for the monsters to evaporate? If we dont need to rest, wouldnt it make sense for us to kill the monsters and keep going?


    Thatis true.


    I nodded my head.


    The most time consuming thing in a raid was waiting for the monsters to evaporate. If there were 7 rooms in all, 70 minutes would have been spent just waiting for the items to drop. What if we just kept going and collected the drops as we came back out? Why didnt I think of this?

 Chapter 43

    Chapter 43


    If we didnt wait for the monsters to evaporate after every kill and just went on to the next room, we would definitely save a lot of time. Items and ores wouldnt disappear unless the dungeon reset itself so there was no danger of losing anything either.


    The more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea.


    Ok then. From now on, unless there is anyone with injuries, well be going straight from one room to the next. Manager Kim. Please keep track of your spell reset time. We want to make sure that no matter how fast we move, we slow down enough for your spell to work each time.


    Dont worry. The sleep spell works again after 5 minutes so there shouldnt be any real issues.


    Thats good.


    Jung Sooah started to grab the ores to put into her backpack.


    The next room had 20 goblins.


    What the hell? Why are there so many monsters in here?


    Manager Kim started mumbling.


    Arent those goblins level 1 monsters? They look familiar.


    Jung Sooah asked. I nodded my head.


    Youre right. From their size and the look of them, they are definitely level 1 goblins.


    Im asking because I havent been in too many level 2 dungeonsbut does this happen often?


    This is a first for me too. It could be that since the level 1 dungeons disappeared, all those monsters ended up in other level dungeonsbut in greater than usual numbers.


    Is that good or bad?


    Its good. Because level 1 monsters drop ores too. And our government is experiencing a shortage right now.


    I drew my sword. 20 goblins. If even just half of them dropped ores, that would mean we would end up with 10. Not only was this good for our economybut I needed ores right now.


    Manager Kim.


    Ok. Leave it to me. Ill put to sleep at least 10 of them.


    When Manager Kim cast his spell, a golden glow arose.


    Five of them had fallen asleep.


    Ha?


    Well. Even that is a good amount. Mr. Cho Youngoo, please help with the attack. Sooah.


    Yeah?


    Hold onto this.


    I threw the longsword I had been holding in my right hand.


    Huh? Why


    You need a weapon to at least defend yourself with. You remember how to use a sword right?


    How about you?


    This one sword is enough for me.


    I grabbed the bloodysword in my right hand. I could heard Jung Sooah mumbling behind me.


    So damn hot


    ..oh my god. Stop.


    I could hear Manager Kim snickering.


    Shit. I could feel my face turning red.


    [+100]


    I swiped up at the goblin running toward me and tossed his body over my shoulder. Helmet guy was assisting me to my left and swinging out with his sword too. Jung Sooah and Cho Youngoo were standing behind us, blocking the exit, and Han Joonseok and sses girl were shooting arrows out from behind all of us.


    Ping! Ping!


    Two of the goblins were struck by an arrow each on their foreheads and fell to the ground. Han Joonseok had improved his archery skills, but I was even more surprised by how much sses girl had improved her aim.


    At that moment, two goblins ran to attack me at the same time. One came from above me and the other right in front of me.


    How dare you.


    I grabbed the one in front of me by the neck and threw it up into the air.


    It crashed into the other oneing from above and both fell to the ground.


    [+100] [+100]


    What? They died with just that?


    I never imagined I had gotten this strong. But I could now see just how much I had improved after meeting a level 1 monster again. Damn.


    [+100]


    WIth one hit, another goblin crumbled as easily as tofu.


    Helmet guy was also killing goblins left and right as if it were the easiest thing.


    The goblins, with their short reach, were not able to do anything against the long de of the rubicon sword.


    Thats a damn good sword.


    If you need it, Ill give it to you.


    Thats not what I meant. Well, its as good as mine anyway at this point.


    What


    Lets talkter.


    Well, I was the one who brought it up. But there was no reason for me to exin anything to him, right?


    I stabbed a goblin through the eye with my bloodysword.


    It didnt take us even 3 minutes to kill all 20 level 1 goblins. In fact the not even one goblin made it past us to where Cho Youngoo and Sooah were standing.


    WowSunbehOppa. Youre amazing. Really.


    Isnt it about time for you to work on fixing that bad habit ofplimenting me every few seconds? Youre not that kind of a porter anymore.


    Ah. But Im being serious right now.


    Anyway. Just hand over the sword.


    Werent you gifting this to me?


    I just let you borrow it in case you might get hurt.


    Pft. And for a second I felt a flutter of happiness there.


    Sooah handed the sword back to me. I guess if you came right down to it, handing over a sword like this to her wasnt something that was all that difficult. And if I considered the value she brought to the party, it was not a bad trade.


    But if people start getting something for free, then they start to rely on the giver. Though she was a valuable member of my party, I also didnt want her to rely on me too much.


    What I needed was a team member. Not a follower.


    Nothing in life is free. If you keep wanting free things, youll start losing hair.


    Sh. Manager Kim might hear you.


    Im not bald ok. I just have fine hair.


    Manager Kim turned a bright red as he mumbled quietly.


    Lets hurry onto the next room. Is that ok Mr. Jong Sawon?


    No problem.


    He did look a bit tired, but not enough where it would hinder his fighting.


    We immediately set out for the next room in the dungeon.


    Then to the next room. And then to the next room.


    It had taken us about a total of 1 hour and 20 minutes to clear 7 rooms. We did rest a bit in between, but none of us had sustained any injuries.


    The dungeon remained dark. That meant the dungeon didnt clearan irregr would be appearing.


    We had been taking a break when I spoke aloud to my party members.


    Everyone stay on alert. Looks like were not done yet.


    Again?


    What do you mean again?


    Helmet guy asked Manager Kim.


    The monster youve been waiting for just might appear. Be prepared.


    Noyou mean an irregr?


    Yes. But we dont know what it is that might appear.


    I started to move my shoulders up and down to keep it warmed up. If it was like what usually happened, it would appear near the dungeon exitbut you never knew. Since the dungeon was in a straight line, it didnt matter too much where it appeared.


    Scrappppe!


    It was then we heard a scraping sound along the ground somewhere.


    This was ominous. A thought that this would not be an easy monster popped up in my head.


    Everyone get ready for battle. Something is heading our way.


    Whats that sound?


    Cho Youngoo covered his ears as he asked.


    Scrape scrape scrappee!


    This wasnt the sound of a particrlyrge monster. It sounded more like a monster that was dragging or pushing something along. sses girl started to shiver.


    Thisthisis this


    Shit!


    We looked to where the sound came from. The sound that, at first, seemed quite a distance away was now getting all the closer.


    Click click click click!


    This was the sound of many legs tapping along the ground. Just the sound was enough to induce goosebumps along your skin. They were the sound of bugs legs.


    I knew then what it was. It was a monster most hunters dreaded meeting.


    A level 3 monster  The Great Roach.


    So. It was a giant bug.


    From the sound of it, it wasnt even just one or two. To think that the irregr this time would be this monster.


    Shit.


    All the things I had brought in preparation for an irregr would prove to be of no use this time around. What we needed to go up against these monsters was something mmable to light upand a lot of it. If we didnt have at least 20 liters of mmable liquid, it was no use.


    We had no choice but to try and kill them one at a time.


    SunbehOppa! What is it?


    What do you mean?! Theyre bugs!


    Kyaa!


    Dont make girly noises and stand back!


    Jong Sawon and I moved up to the front. I dont know if the two of us would be able to hold them back, but we needed to at least try.


    The first Great Roach finally reared its ugly head.


    It was probably about 1 meter in length. It had a hard outer shell that was probably as strong as hunter grade armor, and its attack was based on grabbing a hold of its opponent and biting chunks out of them with its sharp pincer teeth. A regr roachs bite is 5 times stronger than a humans. I didnt want to even imagine the damage this thing could do.


    So why are they level 3 monsters?


    Because they never appear alone.


    Click click click click!


    Behind the first roach were about 20 or more click clicking their way toward us.


    AhI really hate them. I feel like Ill see them in my nightmares.

 Chapter 44

    Chapter 44


    Click click click!


    Ha!


    I kicked at it hard while trying to suppress my disgust.


    Its head lifted up to reveal its stomach  its weak point.


    I pushed my longsword right in and a sticky liquid squirted out.


    Ugh. All over my hands.


    [+10]


    Even the reward points sucked. So that means I would get enough level 3 reward points from killing 30 of these. In reality, they usually roam around in packs of around 30. I guess that meant about 30 of them in a group was the actual level 3 monster we were going up against.


    The monsters shell is very hard and sturdy. If you can, try to flip it over


    As soon as helmet guy swung with his sword, the roachs shell split in half and spewed out more gunk.


    .wowthat sword is really nice


    Do you want it?


    Just make sure you kill them all.


    He keeps saying this, and now I cant tell if hes being serious or joking around.


    Shwing!


    An arrow hit one of the Great Roaches and bounced right off. It was Han Joonseok.


    Dont shoot arrows! They wont do anything!


    Shit. Ok then.


    His skill and equipment level were both level 1s. There was no way he could do anything to the Great Roachs tough armor-like back.


    Im sure just watching isnt easy but that was the only thing he could do to help at this point.


    Helmet guy and I kept at it to keep all them from getting past us.


    Ah?


    I noticed one guy trying to make it past us by crawling on the ceiling. The top of the dungeon was about 3 meters above us. I hurriedly ran over.


    And in that moment, one roach squeezed through below me.


    Ah crap.


    But I couldnt do anything. If I ran back to try to get that one, it would create an opening for the rest of the roaches. I could hear the click click click of the crowd of roaches trying to make it past us both.


    In the brief instant I had jumped to get the roach on the ceiling, I realized there werent the 20-30 some roaches I had initially guessed. It was more like over a hundred.


    One went through!


    I saw!


    I yelled back at Cho Youngoo.


    Compared to usual level 3 monsters, the Great Roach was not that strong. But it was too much for the rest of the party members to fight.


    Would they be able to kill the one roach between the four of them?


    We got it!


    I heard Cho Youngoo yell out.


    What?


    How?


    I yelled out as I kicked away a roach trying to bite into my leg.


    Unni grabbed it and flipped it over!


    Ah. Dont tell him like that. Youre ruining my n of trying to act demure.


    It looks like we can kill at least one or two!


    At Han Joonseoks words, I let out a sigh of relief. Sooah. Good job.


    Click click click click click!


    The hoard of Great Roaches kept pushing. I probably killed at least 20 of them and helmet guys probably did the same. But there were still roaches as far as the eye could see  it felt as if their number didnt go down a bit.


    Damn. Just how many of them are there?


    Helmet guy asked.


    They usually roam around in groups of 30. Considering its an irregr, Id say we can safely assume there will be several hundred of them.


    Im sorry.I dont think I can make it through all that


    I couldnt see his face, but his voice sounded very worn.


    Since he was terminally ill, there was no way hed be in peak condition. But if he dropped out now, then that would open the floodgatesand wed be doomed. There was no way I could block an opening of several meters by myself.


    But that didnt mean I could force him to keep fighting either. If he was saying something like this in the middle of a fight, that meant he was at his wits end.


    At that moment, I got a great idea.


    Mr. Cho Youngoo!


    Yes!


    Please switch off with Mr. Jong Sawon!


    Ah! Ok!


    Cho Youngoo hurriedly ran up behind helmet guy. After swinging his sword several times, he switched positions with Cho Youngoo and handed off his sword so that he could rest for a bit while Cho Youngoo took up the ck.


    Cho Youngoo was able to sustain just as much damage to the roaches with the rubicon sword.


    Dont use up all of your energy in the beginning. We still have a lot left!


    Ha ha! Im sorry! I just go excited because I was getting bored just watching from the back!


    The Great Roaches were persistent, but Cho Youngoo and I were just as adamant in holding them back. The bloodysword started turning a yellowish tint. I guess after sucking up their goo, it was changing colors. It was kind of gross to look at, but I could tell its attack power did go up. It was now able to pierce through the Great Roachs tough shell.


    Wheww.


    If youre having a hard time, we can switch off again.


    We can switch off after I fight a little more.


    Shortly after, Cho Youngoo handed the sword back to helmet guy. We continued this for twenty minutes.


    Whew. Whew.


    My arms were now starting to shake. I was almost at my limit too.


    Are you ok?


    Helmet guy asked me.


    Im starting to lose strength in my arms, it seems.


    Why dont you switch off with Mr. Cho Youngoo too?


    Stab!


    This time the Roachs guts sttered into my face. An overwhelming stench filled my nose and I could taste bitterness in my mouth.


    You dont have to worry about me.


    But


    I just need to put in more effort


    What?


    I could hear the confusion in helmet guys voice.


    Instead of answering, I just closed my left eye.


    I had started out with 350 reward points, earned 3,500 before meeting the Great Roaches, and killed 72 of these bastards.


    [0,17,4570]


    I was fine. No need to worry.


    Because the more I was pushed, the more I would improve.


    The bodies of Great Roaches were now piled up enough to block the passageway. I didnt really check, but I probably killed about 200 of them by myself.


    And during that time, I increased my endurance two times  and was now at about 300%.


    [0,19,30]


    This was the result of 40 minutes of hell. I had increased my endurance one time, and just as I was about to pass out, I upped my endurance one more time and used up almost the rest of my reward points.


    Though I was technically at 300% of my endurance, if I included Sooahs buffI was actually at 360% right now. If I were to enter a marathon right now, I would probably be able to easily win the gold.


    No, I would probably win even against a horse.


    Haa. Haa.


    Cho Youngoo huffed and puffed as he fell to the ground on his back. Helmet guy also fell to the ground as he took off his helmet. The three of us were covered in sweat  it almost looked like we just came out of the shower.


    Ah


    Han Joonseok suddenly let out a sigh. When everyone looked his way, he said.


    Party head. Theres a problem.


    Its fine as long as you dont say another irregr showed up.


    Thats not it


    He pointed to his watch.


    Two hours have passed.


    Ha.were screwed.


    Sowhat happens if we go over our time?


    sses girl asked. It seemed she didnt know because she didnt have a lot of dungeon experience.


    We have to pay for the entrance fee for the next party that was not able to enter the dungeon at their appointed time on top of a penalty. Itlle out to about 3 times the entrance fee  about 10,000 dors.


    Ahhthat sucks.


    Jung Sooah cringed.


    But its fine. We were able toe up on a lot of ores. So were not out by too much money. And on top of that


    I pointed to the dead bodies of the Great Roaches that were leaking yellow fluid.


    YuckI didnt notice while we were fighting, but looking at it now made me queasy.


    Once they evaporate, Im sure something wille out. Lets just wait.


    After about 10 minutes, the bodies had fully evaporated and dropped ores in its ce. I had hoped that at least one item would dropbut they were all ores.


    But I wasnt unhappy. No. It was better it turned out this way.


    SunbehOppa! This!


    Jung Sooah pointed to a silver colored ore that was sparkling on the ground.


    It was the blisolnite I needed to create a level 2 equipment with the Item Fusion book.


    Dont touch it.


    Duh. Im a certified porter too ok? I know.


    She let out a huff with her nose and pulled out a silver colored bag. It was a bag used to safely handle radioactive items.


    Its another blisolnite!


    Theres an ansilite too!


    And another blisolnite! Three of them!


    We hit ore jackpot. Having killed level 3 monsters, especially a whole slew of them, it looked like we lucked out on rare ores. What uncanny timing.


    In all we came up on 7 monazites, 6 bastnazites, 3 blisolnites, and 1 ansilnite.


    Hmmm


    Put the blisolnites and ansilnite into my backpack. We cant sell those.


    Ok.


    As we were packing up the ores, we heard a voiceing from somewhere.


    Shit. Did they all die or something you think?


    If they died, the dungeon would have reset.


    Our reservations got screwed up because of some stupid idiots


    We all looked to where the voices wereing from.


    A party of 6 people could be seening in  and they were not holding back on any of the cuss words.


    Then they stopped midwalk.


    Huh?

 Chapter 45

    Chapter 45


    You guys are fine?


    They looked our way with clear annoyance in their faces.


    You retards over there. If you guys are done clearing the damn dungeon, shouldnt you get the hell out!


    What the hell are you going on about. Dumb little shits.


    Manager Kim started cursing aloud as his face turned a bright shade or red. Then I could see him sneaking a look at me to see if it was ok to say that.


    If he was going to do that, he should have stayed quiet from the start. This man.


    Hey old man. Youre pretty good at cursing. Are you the boss? You realize you messed up our reservation? What are you going to do about it?


    The biggest guy in the group took a step forward. From the looks of it, he was a tanker. He had on a no name level 3 armor, and I couldnt really tell what sword he carried just from looking at the scabbard. But based on everyone elses equipment, everything they carried was at least a level 3.


    In other words, these guys were not a general party.


    You could tell if a group was a general party. Because you could smell the desperation in wanting to earn as much money as humanly possible on them. That was their main goal. They were not the type of people who would enter a level 2 dungeon with level 3 equipment.


    Something came up and we lost track of time. We will make sure to pay the penalty, so please step outside. We will follow shortly.


    Penalty? Its not as if were going to see any of it so what does that have to do with us?


    Its my understanding that you are reimbursed a part of the penalty fee.


    I exined calmly. It wasnt as if I didnt know they were purposely trying to provoke us to try and get a rise out of us.


    But this situation was different from the time with Park Jungbeh.


    I was now responsible for more people than just myself. The reason why it was easier when I had to just deal with Jungbeh that time was because if something happened, it would have only resulted in hot water for me.


    This was different. Whatever happened now would affect the lives of six more people besides myself.


    Whatever. On our way here, we noticed a bunch of dropped items. Well be taking those. Just know that.


    Why are you deciding that on your own?


    Because we feel like it. We lost out on something so were recouping our losses. Isnt that right?


    Tanker guy walked up closer to me. When I gave a frown, he smirked.


    Look at this guy. He looks like he just might have a temper.


    Is that the bag you put our ores in?


    Yeah. But you know what? You even had a level 2 item drop. Keu keu keu.


    At those words, everyones face in our party turned dark. If it was a level 2 item, it was worth at least 200 to 300,000 dors. He was saying he would be taking that from right under our noses.


    Thats


    Lucky. If I didnte in, we wouldnt have picked up on such a thing.


    Tanker guy gave a big ugly grin. It seemed, even though he was part of a leisure party, that he was in great spirits for being able toe up on a free item like that.


    It was a fact that people with money were even more greedy for it.


    What will you do if I said we needed it back?


    What will I do? Are you asking as if you dont know the answer you idiot?


    He pulled out his sword. From the pattern, I could tell it was the Honcheon Sword. It had an explosive damage ability as an option. The value was at around 800,000 dors.


    That meant his equipment and skill was all a level 3.


    I wonder if I could beat him at my current ability.


    I needed to be able to win without there being any casualties or serious injuries. Would that be possible?


    It would certainly not be easy.


    At least over 20 ores and a level 2 item was on the line. Though it was a shame to throw them away, I recognized that that was the best option.


    lets leave.


    It looks like you understand the situation.


    Lets go, everyone.


    I said as I walked to my party. Though they were all unhappy with the situation, they followed my order. They knew why I had decided to do this.


    I was barely able to contain my anger. But I kept it down. All those years as a porterI could handle this much.


    Then tanker guy spoke.


    Oh yeh. And leave your equipment too.


    what did you say?


    Dont make me say it twice. I said to leave your equipment and buzz off. I was about to kill you guys but decided not to after seeing all your dropped shit so be thankful Im leaving you with your lives. Leave your equipment there and live your lowly level 2 lives. Think of it as a gift from me.


    Look at Jungpal getting started again ke ke ke.


    Hey that guy over there. He has a level 3 sword. We could probably sell it for a good amount.


    Tanker guy pointed at helmet guy and smiled.


    Were they nning on doing this from the start?


    Ah ah. I get it now.


    What?


    Its protocol for the dungeon manager to be the one to determine what happens when you go over your time. So I thought it was weird that you guys were the ones toe in. Which means you purposely came in just toy im on our items after turning away the dungeon manager.


    Bastard. You got a good head on your shoulders. So what? That doesnt change shit. Are you going to go out and tell on us? How will anyone knows what happened in here? We could just kill you on the spot and say you guys died while hunting.


    Tanker guy said this while tapping lightly on my cheek.


    I could hear something deep inside me snap.


    But I remained calm. It was important to stay calm.


    Keuk.


    Tanker guy fell to his knees as blood started spilling out from his neck.


    Right before he died, I pulled out the sword from his scabbard.


    This was what I had decided.


    I couldnt say it any other way.


    I had killed a person.


    [+300]


    Reward points?


    Ill worry about thatter.


    What, what the hell? What the hell did that bastard just do?


    He stabbed Jungpal! That crazy bastard!


    Four out of the five guys behind Jungpals now dead body drew their swords. The remaining guy was probably a porter.


    Mr. Cho Youngoo!


    Yes? Yes!


    Cho Youngoo hurriedly answered me.


    Protect everyone. Mr Jong Sawon, feel free to move about as needed. If you dont want to dirty your hands, you can go to the back.


    Just give me an order, and I will follow it.


    Helmet guy pulled free his sword and stepped forward.


    There was no hesitation. I was starting to like him.


    Kill them!


    The level 3 enemies ran toward us.


    I held the Honcheon sword in my right hand and the bloodysword in my left.


    Not bad.


    SunbehOppa.


    Ill be honest.


    I dreaded what she might be thinking of me at this moment.


    Kill those pieces of shit! NO MERCY!


    A blinding light began to shine above my head.


    Keuk.


    I let out augh. To think that I would have people on my side even in a situation like this. I was so grateful.


    ***


    The impact of my Honcheon sword against my enemys armor sent his head flying into the air. Seems he trusted in his level 3 armor too much. Too bad it wasnt enough to save his life. He departed from the world without even being able to let out one final scream.


    What, what the hell? Why is this bastard so fast?


    Shut up and just attack!


    Only three were left. Helmet guy was fighting one, and I was fighting against two. I guess they pegged me as the most dangerous since I was able to kill two of them without so much as putting up a fight.


    Keuk.


    I could hear Jong Sawon let out a small sigh. He was already at his limit before this. I guess fighting against an opponent with level 3 skill and armor was really pushing it.


    At that moment, an arrow flew out. The enemy who was ready to strike at Jong Sawons leg stepped back in surprise.


    Level 1 arrow? Level 3 armor? In a fight, none of that mattered. No matter what level armor you had on, if you had any exposed skin and was hit by an arrowthat was it.


    Mr. Jong Sawon! We got your back!


    Thanks to Han Joonseok and sses girls aid, helmet guy was able to keep up.


    Now how would I handle these two?

 Chapter 46

    Chapter 46


    I parried away both of my opponents swords with one strike from the Honcheon sword.


    After a dozen more of these same strikes, the one holding a broadsword yelled out, Grand Attack!.


    Level 3 Skill (Gwangpok) Grand Attack. This skill produced an energy destructive enough to destroy a car.


    But all I needed to do was dodge it.


    And that was that.


    I kicked at the ground and jumped to toward the ceiling. The attack plowed into the ground I had just been previously.


    I did feel a bit of pressure against my skin as it passed by, but that was it.


    Both of my opponents eyes travelled up to the ceiling where I was, and they struck at me with their swords.


    They were fast.


    One of the swords briefly grazed my left arm.


    Keuk.


    I dropped to the ground and checked my arm to assess the damage. It was much more shallow than I had expected.


    This was the reward for raising up my defense.


    Guy wielding the broadsword stood at my left. And the one standing at my right had a longsword and shield.


    I decided to go after broadsword guy first.


    I ran to the left.


    Where do you think youre going!


    Shield guy saw what I was doing and moved to block me.


    Shwing.


    Behind the shield, the guy with the broadsword poked out his sword to try and stab me.


    I grabbed the Honcheon sword with both hands and struck against the broadsword.


    Though they were both level 3 swords, the one I held was a named item.


    My strength was now over 300%, not including the buff. Using my strength in addition to the explosive damage option, I easily pushed both of them back with one shove.


    I felt like my strength was overflowing. Every time I used the Honcheon swords explosive damage option, it felt like my heart was about to burst.


    Shit! How is he so damn strong!


    That bastardhes a monster.


    Both of them finally realized what they were up against. But that didnt mean I would go easy on them at all.


    I wielded the Honcheon sword and ran at my opponents.


    I could see the fear filling their eyes.


    Spare, spare us!


    m!


    As the Honcheon de mmed into the shield, there was a small explosion. Just as I evaded one of their des stabbing at my side, I threw the bloodysword.


    Plop came a sound just as sword lodged into one guys forehead.


    [+300]


    Huh?!?!


    The remaining guy tossed the shield, turned around, and started to run for his life.


    I felt a little bad for him because I was much much faster than him when it came to running.


    I picked up the shield.


    ***


    Keuk!


    Helmet guys fight ended the moment he cut off the head of the enemy who had an arrow poking out from one eye.


    We had gained the Honcheon sword and a no named shield. I now understood why they were trying to steal our items. In order for a regr person to attain a level 3 item, they had to spend several years hunting while risking their lives. I was able to attain these level 3 items so easily. What should have taken arduous hunting again and againcame into my possession in a matter of a few strokes of my sword.


    But we were not finished just yet.


    Helmet guy brought the remaining porter and dropped him to his knees.


    Please, please spare me.


    He had a ck blindfold on. When I had made up my mind to kill those other guys, what had worn on my heart the most was this fellow right here. But he had to die. We couldnt leave any witnesses.


    But would I be able to extinguish the life of someone who couldnt even defend himself?


    If its too hard for you, I can do it in your stead.


    Helmet guy walked up to me and said. It was an attractive offer.


    But I shook my head.


    Wait a minute.


    Party head. It will be more dangerous if we keep dragging the time.


    Han Joonseok said. He was right. If we didnt hurry up, the dungeon operator would get suspicious and wander in. The moment the dungeon operator stepped in was the moment we lost all ability to hide the evidence of our deed.


    I just need a quick minute.


    What on earth


    Those people, will you look at them carefully?


    I pointed at the five bodies piled in a heap on the ground. Everyone was avoiding the pile and so did not notice.


    Ah?


    The dead bodies were starting to evaporate.


    Tap.


    An item had dropped.


    ***


    How many years have you been working as a porter?


    Im sorry? Oh. 10 years.


    How long have you been a porter for those bastards?


    It was my first time! After the leisure parties were just reinstated again, this was the first job that I was able to secure. I swear!


    Please show me your credentials.


    Overhere..here.


    He passed over his credentials with shaky hands. He was definitely a certified porter. His 10 years experience was the truth as well.


    Will you please take out a level 2 equipment from the backpack?


    Ohok! Yes!


    He dug through the backpack and pulled out an arrow.


    It was a level 2 arrow, the Stalker. It was an arrow with a tracking spell option that had a cooltime as well. Once every minute, no matter which direction it was shot, it could track and hit its target.


    The price was 350,000 dors. An expensive item.


    You must never reveal what happened here today. Do you understand?


    Yes. I, I understand.


    He nodded his head so violently it looked like it might just snap off.


    If you add up the cost of all the ores in that backpack, it should be a value of over 20,000 dors.


    That, thats


    Keep it.


    What?


    To a porter, 20,000 dors was a tremendous amount of money.


    I was giving it to him in trade for his silence.


    ***


    My first thought was to get rid of all evidence and me the deaths on the irregr. In order for that to work, I had to get rid of the Honcheon sword and shield. Being in possession or these items would only serve to cause suspicion. Killing the porter would have been necessary too.


    But when the bodies disappeared, all my worries evaporated with them.


    Not a shred of evidence was left behind and all we had to do was argue that the Honcheon sword and shield were ours.


    Soon enough the dungeon operators came in to get us. They did question us a bit regarding going over our time, but we werent suspected of anything. Since they disappeared in the dungeon without a trace to be found, this would probably end up being an unsolved case.


    But what the hell do you think happened?


    Han Joonseok asked.


    Its probably the same reason the irregrs appear. Something is changing.


    To think that an item would appear from killing a person..


    Han Joonseok said with disbelief as he stared at the item I was holding in my hand.


    It was a run of the mill pair of sses.


    I put it on.


    Hm?


    I could see a green number floating in the air. As I examined each party member, I could see their individual skill level and proficiency above their heads.


    Ohthis is


    Pretty damn good. In order for someone to be able to see other peoples skill level, they had to use up their only skill lot. But this.


    Just in case, I closed my left eye. I wondered what would happen if I checked for my stats while I had these sses on.


    As soon as I did this, the numbers in front of my closed eyelid shattered and then began to gather together into a pile in the middle to reform as a sentence.


    Whats wrong?


    I guess I didnt look ok because Han Joonseok asked in a worried tone.


    Its nothing. Would you like to try it on?


    Han Joonseok put on the sses and nodded his head.


    So you can find out other peoples skills with these sses. How fun.


    Hey. I want to see too.


    They passed the sses around from one person to the other, starting from Cho Youngoo.


    There was an atmosphere of wondering from everyone.


    So, I guess I needed to do what I needed to do.


    We were able to acquire two items from the dungeon this time. An arrow and these sses. I n to put them up for auction. Since there are two people here who use a bow, please name the price you are willing to pay.


    HmI will buy it for 100,000 dors.


    Hey. Too cheap. You should at least say 300,000 at the least. If we sell it outside, we can get it for 350,000.


    Cho Youngoo started to grunt..


    Thats all I have. Jerk.


    I wont bid. To be honest, I dont have the money


    sses girl said. I nodded my head and said to the other members.


    There is one person who has bid for the stalker at 100,000 dors. Is there anyone else who is against this bid?


    If there was anyone who did not ept this price, we would ce this item up for sale at the hunter market.


    Well.it doesnt matter much to me. Its not like I need the money that bad.


    Jung Sooah said. Helmet guy had no interest in money from the start. Cho Youngoo was definitely not of a mind to keep his friend from getting stronger, and the same was for sses girl. Manager Kim did grumble a big but he didnt say anything.


    Everyone felt it.


    If they didnt all get stronger, the next time something like this happened, it might be them who evaporated instead.


    Ok good. I will then say my piece. I am against it.


    Wow. I didnt see you like that kind of person, but you kind of suck.


    Cho Youngoo said with a smirk. Since the ruling was based on majority, my opinion held no water. I just felt like saying it anyway. Why not?

 Chapter 47

    Chapter 47


    With a vote of 5 people for and 1 person against, we have determined that the Stalker will be purchased by Mr. Han Joonseok for the price of 100,000 dors.


    Yes!


    Han Joonseok, whose face had been void of emotion until just a moment ago, was all smiles.


    Jung Sooah then said.


    But why did you vote against it?


    Because of the next item we will auction out.


    Jung Sooah looked at me with a puzzled expression.


    The next item Silver sses will be up for auction.


    Since this wasnt something even for sale at the hunter market, we didnt really have an official name for it. There was no oneying im to it.


    I spoke.


    Ill put out an initial bid of 120,000 dors.


    Whewthats alot of money.


    Jung Sooah said with wide eyes. Hm. I guess I needed to do some exining.


    Though it is amon skill for people to find out an opponents skill and level, being able to do so without using up a skill slot makes this a great item. I would say that it would be worth purchasing this item even if I were to spend every dime I had.


    Hmis that right?


    Jung Sooah held her chin as she went into deep thought.


    Even with my exnation, there wasnt one person who made a higher bid.


    120,000 dors is a steal, people. If this item were to go up for sale on the market, we would be able to sell it for 300,000 dors at the very least. Since it is also pretty much one-of-a-kindit might sell for even more than that.


    I exined it like this but my n was to keep this for myself. The manual that these sses referred to was bothering me but, most of all, being able to know another persons skill level would be amazing.


    I was pretending that I didnt want it as a reverse psychology tactic.


    Im against it.


    Me too.


    As soon as Jung Sooah said she was against it, sses girl immediately followed suit.


    These girls. Why are you foiling my n!


    SunbehOppa. You realize your face just turned to stone just now?


    Shut up.


    HmIll vote against it too.


    Han Joonseok said as he nodded his head. Cho Youngoo stared at the three in surprise until Han Joonseok tapped him with his hip. With that, Cho Youngoo responded as if he were doing it reluctantly


    II am against it as well.


    Im against it too.


    With Manager Kims answer, the vote was unanimous.


    Ah.this wasnt what I wanted.


    But I couldnt backpedal now and say that Ill give them 300,000 so that I can keep this instead of selling it at the market.


    Due toera unanimous decision..it has been determined that


    Before we move on to that. These sses. They were dropped from a dead person. Who would actually buy this?


    Jung Sooah said haughtily.


    The hunters market most likely will not buy an item of unknown origin. Further, we cant know what level this item is nor can anyone be certain it is safe to use.


    Susure. That was my thought too. That this wasnt something we could sell.


    It would be a problem even if the market did ept it. If we sell something like this, we could get some serious bad luck. Im not just saying this. We need to keep it to remind us of what we did.


    Manager Kim said.


    It somehow made this whole conversation seem legitimate hearing Manager Kim say those words with such a serious face.


    Then. Ill hold on to these sses. Just for now. In the future, if the need arises, we can then decide on whether we reauction the item or sell it at the market.


    I agree with SunbehOppas decision.


    I too think party heads decision is the correct one.


    Honestly I dont really care


    Cho Youngoo responded with a yawn.


    Augh tinkled in the air.


    Im not an idiot. Its not as if I didnt know what was going on.


    Everyone had noticed I wanted this for myself so they were all ying along to help me keep it without it seeming awkward. This is nice.


    ***


    I didnt put the Honcheon sword nor the shield up for auction. Reason? Because they werent dropped items. They were items we had gained from killing people. Though there wasnt a procedure on what should be done in this kind of a situation, we were all in agreement that an auction was not what should happen.


    It was also clear that selling it was not an option either. Keeping two good items was a much better value than trading it for money.


    The items that I could now make using the Item Fusion book was one bloodysword. Now that I had the blisolnite, I thought it was a good time to try my hand at putting the Item Fusion book to use.


    But there was something I had to do first.


    SunbehOppaum


    I covered Sooah, who was asleep and rubbing her face on her pillow, with a nket. Her shifting shirt kept revealing what I had no business looking at so I needed to cover her up.


    It had now be a bad habit of hers to sleep over at my ce.


    I should make some bean sprout soup.


    But I couldnt really say anything because again I was the one that had to be piggybacked home after a hard night of drinking with the members. I had low tolerance. I was a drunken mess from just one bottle of soju.


    It was a relief that I was a well-behaved drunk at least.


    Boil boil.


    While the beansprout stew was boiling on the stove, I took out the silver sses from my backpack. From the look of it, though it did look a bit on the elegant side, it still just looked like regr sses. And there was no problem wearing it since it didnt have prescription lenses.


    I put it on.


    Hm


    Now my face looked like it belonged more in a library than a dungeon. I didnt really lilke that.


    Because if you look weak, people tend to want to start trouble.


    I stared at the sleeping Sooah with the sses on.


    ***


    Skill type: Friendship, can grant self and up to 5 allies 20% increase in ability


    Additional ability: Super Friendship, can give just 1 person 50% increase in ability. Cooltime of one day after use.


    Proficiency: 16


    ***


    Super Friendship. The one person buffs name was that, it seems. To think that it can give information the skills owner didnt even know. But I didnt put this on to check for this.


    I closed my left eye.


    -Would you like to reboot the manual?


    That same message popped up again.


    What am I supposed to do now? There wasnt like a button or any other indicator so that I can say yes or no.


    Yes.


    -User eptance received. Manual is booting.


    A shower of green numbers, english letters, korean words, and a mix of other special characters began to jumble together. It felt like the matrix. Then finally the rain of characters formed a square box.


    It felt like I was staring at an arcaneputer interface I might have seen in a museum one time.


    -Manual bootingplete. Thank you for using delta v0.1. Before starting, please read the tutorial. All menu options are essible via word prompt.


    Tutorial.


    As soon as I said that word, a whole slew of texts began to appear.


    The contents generally looked like what you would find in a manual. What caught my eye was a section on skill types and their rtionships.


    Skill Window.


    -The active skill is Effort. The stats for this skill are as follows.


    Strength 200, Endurance 300, Reflexes 150, Focus 150, Defense 150


    Oh


    I was super impressed. This meant I didnt have to keep track of everything anymore. All I had to do was put these sses on, close my left eye, and reboot or turn on the manual.


    There was a [+] button next to each of the abilities.


    This was an extremely intuitive interface. This meant that I didnt have to beat myself up in the area I wanted to raise anymore. All I had to do was press that button to invest my reward pointsright? So does that mean these sses are a cheat since I technically wouldnt have to put in the effort of pushing myself to the limit anymore?


    Sunbeh? The soup is overflowing?


    Sooah said as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes.


    Ah!


    I ran to the stove and turned it off. Half of it seemed to have evaporated. More vor, I guess?

 Chapter 48

    Chapter 48


    Thank you for the food.


    Thank you for the food.


    Since I had to put in more water and boil it again, the taste wasnt as goodbut it was fine. While I was doing the dishes, Jung Sooah finished up in the shower and came out saying, Those sses look good on you. You look like a professor.


    Ill take it as apliment.


    I took them off and put them into my shirts front pocket. Even though it looked fragile, Im sure it wouldnt break easily since it was an item.


    Oh yeah. What does your schedule look today?


    I thought I would just hand out here all day. I even brought some snacks on the way. Kind of sucks that you dont have a tv though.


    Arent you going to go home?


    So mean. And you were so friendlyst night too.


    I sprayed water at her face.


    Kya!


    Stop ying around. I remember everything ok? I know that as soon as we got home, we both fell right to sleep.


    Chetanyway, why?


    I thought of going to the marketter in the afternoon. If you dont have any other ns, I was wondering if you mighte with me.


    Surelythis isnt a sneaky way of asking me out on a date?


    Just go home.


    Ille back in an hour. I just need to change.


    ***


    After sending her home, I went back to check the manual again. I pretty much got the gist of how to use it. One of its feature was that you could store the users skill and item into a virtual space.


    To test my theory, I took out the Item Fusion book. A message immediately appeared.


    -Would you like to store the Item Fusion book?


    I wanted to see if verbal as well as gesture prompts were viable input methods.


    I nodded my head this time. As the book disappeared, a text with the title Fusion appeared.


    Fusion.


    As soon as I said this, a list of all the fusionbinations appeared. I chose the bloodysword.


    -Due to missing items, we are unable to move forward with the fusion.


    So we can do the fusion this way too.


    I wanted to check on a different item next.


    Just for testing purposes, I took out Park Jungbehs longsword. Instead of nodding, I made a verbal prompt.


    Store.


    As soon as I spoke my verbal input, the longsword disappeared and another text appeared. Then when I tried to grab at the text, as if by magic, the longsword appeared back in my hand.


    This. I could get used to this.


    I went ahead and stored every single item I had. When I tried to store the Honcheon swordst, an error message appeared.


    -Item storage is full. Please upgrade to store more.


    Upgrade?


    I checked the tutorial again. There was now a new area with upgrade information.


    It looked like this manual only gave information on a need to know basis.


    -Upgrade is eligible with fulfillment of the correct amount of ores. Upgrade to the next version requires 100 ores in total. Type of ore does not matter.


    The cheapest ore is 1,000 dors. That meant upgrading would cost a minimum of 100,000 dors.


    This meant that all the ores I get from all our hunts would need to be invested into this upgrade. But if I did that, I would be taking away from the partys shares.


    I needed to find a different way topensate them.


    This wasnt entirely impossible.


    I could just pay them directly from my own pockets.


    Luckily I now had the ability to fuse items and earn extra money that way.


    ***


    Location: Hunter Market in the Shinchon area. It was just about lunch time so there were quite a few people wandering about.


    Jung Sooah came up to me and poke me in the side.


    Did you see?


    See what?


    That person leering at me just now.


    Youre imagining it.


    There have been at least 20 men staring at me with lustful eyes on my way here, ok? Come on. Its about time you admit it, no?


    Jung Sooah said with her arms stretched wide as if she were putting herself on grand disy. It wasnt that it wasnt true. She was indeed drawing looks from people. At a height of over 170cm tall, the outfit she had on were actuallyplimenting her usually broad shoulders. True to her athletic roots, she was well toned everywhere and had really done wonders with makeup today.


    But why are you still wearing those sses?


    Why? Is it weird?


    She slipped her arm into mine.


    You want to die?


    Since you have two, it should be fine loaning one out to me.


    Is my arm some kind of object?


    But


    Squeeze.


    Ok ok fine. Ill let it be so stop squeezing. Youre cutting off my cirction.


    He he.


    What is this maniption?


    The hunter market was only about 10 stories high, but it could probablypete with the biggest of department stores. They probably make about 3,000,000,000 dors a month but, since this was not including all their online sale, they probably make several times more than that. Plus if you took into ount their earnings from outside countriesI cant even imagine that kind of money.


    The representative of this goliath was that very Lee Wheesung. You know. The man who found the very first skillbook ever? Not only was he a world renowned hunter, but he was the elite of the elites  a man with power, money, and fame.


    Even more amazing  this man did not age. His wife was still as beautiful as ever too. It was probably due to a skillbook, but that has never been confirmed.


    Wee to Hunter Market.


    We were greeted by female personnel dressed in clean cut suits.


    ***


    Name: ???


    Skill type: Charm (1), Ability to draw the targets attention


    Additional Option: Group Managerment, Ability to draw attention of a group of people


    Proficiency: 79


    ***


    Hm?


    This was what I saw above the head of one personnel. I was slightly surprised. Even though this was a level 1 skill, it was surprising that a regr civilian had a skill.


    Male Male.


    Most of the patrons here were male. There were a lot of hunters, but there were also a lot of civilians as well. To cater to this group, there were a lot of replica equipment, essories, bags, cardigans, and more. They were even selling goods with famous hunters depictions, tactical videos, and books by famous hunters as well.


    This item was once owned by Team Eskatoses tanker, Jang Hyunseung, until just 5 years ago. It is known for its sleek scales which change colors depending on the angle. Due to its artistic value, this item is very sought after.


    You could hear this exnationing from a female, who looked to be a curator, holding a mic. She was extremely beautiful, but I could see a skill above her head as well. It was a level 1 Ideal Beauty skill. Basically, it had the ability to slightly change the skillholders face to reflect the viewers ideal form of beauty.


    That was a super expensive skill. If my memory serves correctly, it had market price of over a million dors.


    When I briefly scanned everyone around me, I could see that almost every employee had a skill in their possession. In the case of the guards, their skills started at at least a level 3. Seeing that there were several hundred guards posted all around the market, they could probably hold back an entire army.


    Its a scary ce.


    I was able to recognize anew just what an amazing ce the hunter market was. If they were able to invest so much into their lower level employees, then just how much was management making?


    Click!


    What are you doing?


    Its just amemorative photo! Im going to post it on SNS.


    I shook my head as I headed to my goal destination. The first floor was mostlyprised of shops set up for civilians. The real stuff was sold in the basement level.


    When we arrived at basement level 3, we came upon a scene lined with shops as far as the eye could see. Most of the items for sale were level 1s with some level 2 items scattered here and there.


    Its a lot quieter here.


    It used to be packed back in the day.


    It seemed that sales were slow for level 1 and level 2 weapons ever since all the level 1 dungeons had disappeared. And among the few who were here, it looked like their objective was to sell rather than to buy.


    The two daggers I needed to use in fusing for a bloodysword were priced at 50,000 and 55,000 dors each. For something that had once sold for about 130,000, I had expected to pay at least 60,000 per. It looked like times were dire.


    After making my purchases, we headed on over to a cafe on the ground floor. There were some people here too, but we were able to snag a booth.


    Once we sat in our booth, I took out the two daggers I had purchased for 105,000 dors. One was a glossy red color while the other was a in silver-white.


    I then took the ores out from my bag and immediately tried my hand at the fusion.


    Bloodysword. Fuse.


    As soon as I made themand, the two weapons and three ores began to meld into one right before my eyes.


    It didnt even take 10 seconds in all. Jung Sooah, who had been watching silently the entire time, blinked a few times before saying,


    Holy cow. So it really works?


    The only reason the process had been so smooth and easy was due to the manual.


    Are we done with everything now?


    Well, all thats left is to sell this.


    Then that means starting nowthe two of us are


    Partyhead.


    I looked up to see Cho Youngoo and Han Jooseok waving at us at the cafe entrance.


    Jung Sooah looked at me with a mix of annoyance and surprise.


    SunbehOppa!


    Ah. I called them. There were things we needed to talk about. The rest of the crew will be here too.


    Can I cry a bit right now?

 Chapter 49

    Chapter 49


    I get the feeling were interrupting something


    Han Joonseok said with an awkward face as he sat next to Jung Sooah.


    Soon after, Manager Kim and sses girl arrived together. Then finally, helmet guy came too. Dressed in a suit, he seemed to be drawing nces from people. You couldnt really say that he was conventionally handsome. But his good physique andrge scar across his face made him look impressive and manly.


    As soon as everyone arrived and settled down, I got straight to the point.


    The reason for my asking everyone toe out here today is to discuss our next raid.


    Cant you just n everything like youve been doing so far? To be honest, you are the most experienced and informed out of all of us.


    Manager Kim said. He was right. I had loads of info up in my head, and I knew just how I needed to use it. And I also knew if I continued to push forward as the lead, no one would have a problem with that.


    What I wanted to discuss today was more on how we should bnce out the party.


    So that was it.


    Han Joonseok responded. He was a sharp one.


    What does that mean?


    At Cho Youngoos question, Han Joonseok responded,


    Hes saying that nobody else is able to keep up with his ability. Were basically just holding on to his ankles every raid.


    Thenthen


    Cho Youngoo looked in my direction with wavering eyes. If I were to thin out the herd, the first to be chopped are Cho Youngoo and sses girl. Everyone knew this. They were both still level 1s.


    Gulp.


    But I didnt want to just chop them here and now. We had shared some difficult battles together. There were plenty of strong people in the world, but there werent too many people you could trust. If they were willing to stick with me, I had every intention of helping to bring out their strengths so that they can grow and keep up.


    This wasnt an entirely unselfish act on my part. If I could keep fusing items like this and arming my party members with said itemsthat would allow them to stay while also strengthening the entire team.


    Human resources are the biggest asset.


    What you cannot do yourself is made all the easier with help from others.


    I have made my decision. First Mr. Cho Youngoo.


    Yes! Party head!


    He yelled out.


    You dont have to answer so loudly. What I wanted to discuss was the level 3 no name shield that we obtained recently.


    Youre not saying youll loan it to me?


    I nodded my head.


    A level 3 no name shield is currently priced at 500,000 dors. I was thinking of loaning it to you for 5,000 dors per use. What do you think


    That sounds fine.


    This is not something for you to decide so quickly. Borrowing it for 5,000 dors could result in a loss for you.


    I decided to be a hunter because I wanted to be a hunter..not so that I can earn a lot of money. If I can just join you on raids, then I do not see how I can possibly call it a loss no matter the oue.


    understood.


    This was a shield I had no use for anyway. You could say this was a mutually beneficial agreement.


    I looked at sses girl next. She was pretty much an extra. And in reality, rarely gave the team any true value.


    And for sses girl


    Im sorry. Ineed money.


    I could see her wringing the hands she had atop herp. She was carrying the financial burden of an entire family on her shoulders. I held the future of all those people in my hands.


    Then please tell us what value you bring to this party. If you cannot convince everyone here, I cannot justify keeping you on board.


    Ill work hard. Ill do my very best.


    Thats not enough.


    But the only thing I can do is my best. I can only put in my best effort.


    No. I believe that you have a talent.


    Im sorry?


    I nned on keeping sses girl. And I did have good reason for it. At least a good enough reason to convince everyone else to keep her on the team.


    I looked to everyone and said,


    Yeonkyoung has a tremendous skill when ites to archery.


    Tremendousskill?


    Everyone looked stumped.


    Her skill was in her rapid fire shooting abilities.


    If she could just raise the level of her bow and skill, then her uracy and destructive power will undoubtedly rise as well. But there was no item or skill that could make a person a faster shot. This was because being able to reload a bow and shoot quickly could only be earned through hard work and training.


    You can be a bad shot. That can be aided by the right skill. Its fine if you arecking in attack power. The right weapon will do that for you. But rapid fire loading is not something that can be improved by way of a skill or equipment. You can only load a bow quickly and urately enough to shoot with practice.


    But I dont have the money to


    I will loan you equipment at a price you can afford. But on one condition.


    What condition?


    An exclusive contract.


    Exclusive contract?


    Yeh. That means you cannot hunt with any other party. And if we set a date for a raid, you will be obligated to drop all other engagements.


    Is that it?


    This is an investment I am making for what I expect from you in the future.


    ..Thank you.


    SunbehOppa. Thanks.


    Jung Sooah was wiping away tears.


    Ah. This is why you cant take girls anywhere


    Sniff.


    Cho Youngoo seemed to be tearing up too.


    Guess we had one more girl.


    Oh, and Mr. Han Joonseok.


    Im fine.


    thank you.


    He had invested 100,000 dors to purchased the stalker arrow. I was prepared for him to feel a certain way from my giving such a generous deal to a party member who was also an archer. I was thankful to him for saying those two words.


    We went over the issue with the ores quickly enough. We decided that I would just pay them extra via the contribution split instead of going through the process of selling the ores and then doing the split. After we finished discussion all of this, I felt more at peace.


    It felt like I had pushed off a heavy rock that had been resting on my chest.


    Jung Sooah spoke.


    SunbehOppa, youre a good person.


    Dont try to butter me up for anything. I dont have money.


    Oh Ill butter you up.


    PFTTT!


    Cho Youngoo spit out the coffee he had been drinking.


    ***


    We decided to choose a different dungeon for the next raid. This was because there was a high chance the same irregr that appeared before would appear again. Something we learned from our experience with the cave wolf.


    So we settled on the Baeksapyoung dungeon. It was a dungeon we were familiar with, and I also wanted to give helmet guy an opportunity to fight with his irregr. I made this decision based on my assessment that our team now possessed enough ability to be able to take care of the level 4 monster.


    But, as usual, a problem arose.


    Though we had arrived right on time, we were told that our entrance was denied.


    Why is that?


    The party before you has not yete out. It seems they may have run into a problem.


    By problem you mean?


    Though the thought of an irregr came to mind, there was also a strong enough corrtion that no matter how fast a party cleared a dungeonan irregr usually did not appear if I was not in the team.


    This was what has happened up to now, so I was fairly confident this was how it would continue. It was probably some other reason.


    The mostmon monster to appear at the Baeksapyoung dungeon was the lizardman. Then the armored anteater. But since their fighting styles, strengths, and weaknesses were all known factors..they werent too hard to fight.


    We dont know anything as of yet. Our dungeon operating team has gone inside to investigate.


    Didnt it already pass 10 minutes? It feels like theyre a littlete ining back.


    Jung Sooah said.


    What the heck have you been doing this whole time? This dungeon is a t sand terrain so it is pretty expansive. Just looking for the target party would probably take 30 minutes minimum.


    Then we shouldnt be standing around like this. Every avable body should go in to find them.


    But we dont know exactly what happened inside. If we incur more victims


    A dungeon operator spoke.


    More victims?


    I asked.


    Is there something you know that youre not sharing?


    That isdo you know about team Ezekiel?

 Chapter 50

    Chapter 50


    Team Ezekiel was the name of a group of hunters who have been clearing dungeons extremely quickly as ofte. Their initial tactics were moving in small groups but very recently, like the mercenary team, they had formed arger group with a lot of level 1 hunters to quickly clear dungeons.


    The problem with this was, that there would be a high mortality rate among the level 1 hunters. Which was expected, since they were performing high pressure raids.


    From the words of the survivors, we hear it isnt intentional, but the mortality rates were just so high that we needed to start an investigation.


    What is your definition of high mortality rates?


    The death percentage is about 10%


    What the hell!


    Thats basically a suicide missionnot a hunt.


    Every one of my party members was muttering with shock and awe. But not in the good way. General parties usually had a mortality rate of 2-3%and that was considered high. Compared to that though, 10% was just too much. If 1 out of 10 hunters died on every hunt, who in their right mind would even go?


    The problem was that the current situation was making people take on that kind of risk. Because hunters with only level 1 equipment would be unable to join a hunt otherwise. I mean, the equipment that used to sell for 100,000 is now only selling for 50,000and who knew when that would drop to 30,000. Times were tough.


    Unlike the mercenary team where the party head organized all the attacks to promote the safest approach, the Ezekiel team were known to recklessly hunt with abandon for the sake of faster clearing timesand the level 1 hunters with no choice but to try and keep up.


    So do you believe that even now they are probably fighting recklessly against a monster and are behind held back because of that?


    That is what we think, yes.


    m!


    In that instant, a person came out of the dungeon. The man who looked to be a dungeon operator, took one step and immediately copsed to the ground. He was covered in blood.


    Medic!


    Doctors rushed to the scene and started to perform healing. Luckily they were on standbyotherwise it might have meant one more body count.


    What the hell happened? What is going on in there!


    The dungeon operator was yelling at the injured worker on the ground. As he began to heal a bit, he answered with a burdened voice,


    Keukthe monsters were running around all over the dungeon instead of being isted in their usual locations.


    The questioning operators face became like stone.


    Monsters usually remain in a designated area. But this is if you dont provoke them. I thought back on the cave wolf boss. If you did provoke a monster though, they were insistent beasts. They wont stop.


    So they started something they couldnt keep a lid on.


    The dungeon operator let out a sigh. I could guess at what probably happened. The hunting time had been halved since a few days ago. The Ezekiel team, who usually hunted with reckless speed to start with, probably messed with all the monsters at once to try and speed up the hunt even more. And this most likely ended biting them in the ass.


    There was a high chance that over half the team was dead by now.


    When are the senior hunters due to arrive?


    I asked.


    We were told that there is no one in the neighborhood. It will be a minimum of an hour. Since we are in a secluded areait cant be helped.


    Then a lot more people will probably die in that time.


    Its out of our hands. In this kind of situation


    What would you say to us going in?


    Impossible. It will be too dangerous. You will not know when and where a monster could pop out and attack.


    But its better than just sitting around and doing nothing while people are dying.


    Hmthat is true but


    The dungeon operator seemed to be lost in thought. As a civil servant, he was probably conflicted between whether he should do the legally sound thing or the humane thing. People who died inside the dungeon were not his responsibility. But if we went inside even though he knew it was dangerous and we got hurthe could very well be held responsible.


    HooOk.


    It seemed he decided to trust his heart. He nodded his head to allow us in.


    The inside of the dungeon was very quiet. From what the injured operator had told us, since the monsters would not be where they should, we had to constantly stay on alert.


    Can I asked why you insisted on doing this?


    Han Joonseok questioned me. I answered.


    No admission feesand we can hunt with no time limit.


    Ah


    Uh? Then were not here to try and save peoples lives?


    How are we supposed to find these people? Seeing as how we havent even run into one person yet, theyre either hiding as if their lives depended on itor theyre all dead.


    That is true.


    Jung Sooah nodded in all seriousness as if my words were so very wise.


    If I really wanted to rescue people, then all we have to do is kill all the monsters in here. Then the people still alive will be safe to leave. Now. Everyone please get ready to fight.


    As soon as I made a grabbing gesture toward the Honcheon sword in my item list, I was able to grasp the dirt colored sword. I then summoned my armor right before retrieving the no name level 3 shield for Cho Youngoo.


    Please remember to return this upon leaving the dungeon.


    Of course.


    Cho Youngoo lightly punched the shield.


    The first monsters we faced were lizardmen. They could usually be found in groups of 3-4. Now, I dont know what those idiots did, but we were now facing 9 of these bastards at once. Manager Kim cast his sleep spell and immediately put 2 to sleep. That meant 7 more to go. He did his part. I made a thumbs up sign to the man before I rushed into the crowd of monsters.


    Jong Sawon and Cho Youngoo remained close behind me.


    Lets start with this one.


    m!


    [+200]


    Immediately after, two of the fallen monstersrades swung their harpoons in vengeance. I pushed out with my sword to parry both weapons right before I kicked hard at their exposed bodies.


    Both monsters scurried in retreat. But Cho Youngoo was waiting on the right and Jong Sawon was waiting on their left.


    We were able to corral six of these guys together into a small enough group where they were now bumping into one another. I raised my hand.


    An arrow flew out to lodge into one lizardmans eye. This was the stalker at work. Even from over 20 meters away, it was able to hit a moving target. A few more arrows shot out after that but they were unable to cause any further damage.


    Cornered on three sides, the only ce these lizards could move was back. But instead of running away, they struck their harpoons out towards Jong Sawon  who had the weakest defense. Out of the 6, 3 had run towards Jong Sawon, one towards Cho Youngoo, and two in my direction.


    These monsters werent total idiots. It looked like they did use their heads a bit.


    It was too bad that was the extent of their genius.


    I threw the bloodysword. The sword flew in the air and lodged itself into the thigh of one lizardman that had been running at Jong Sawon. I was aiming for its neckso my aim was very off. But whatever. I got it.


    Shwing!


    A harpoon swiped at my chest.


    To me, they were just moving way too slow. I batted away the next swipe with my hand and shoved my Honcheon sword right into the monster. The perfect attack. There was no need for me to even activate the explosive damage option.


    Blood began to dribble out of its mouth.


    [+200]


    m!


    [+200]


    After easily disposing of my two monsters, I headed over to Jong Sawon to help him.


    The battle ended without any real change in the momentum we started out with. It had taken us about 3 minutes to take care of all the lizardmen. Reward points for this battle = 1400. Of the two remaining lizardmen still asleep, I slit the throat of one while I used the stalker to kill the other. This was so that I could put it in my Item Fusion book.


    As we waited for the monsters to evaporate, I checked my book to see what was required to make the stalker.


    A level 1 tracking arrow and a level 1 eagles eye. The eagles eye came in the form of a monocle and helped to boost the wearers uracy in archery by 10%. This type of essory is still in high demand and probably sells for 100,000 dors.


    I pulled up the manual to check my stats.


    Skill type: Effort (0). Skill has the ability to use reward points to increase physical abilities.


    Extra skill/option: None


    Proficiency: 19


    Reward Points: 2330


    Abilities: Strength 200, Endurance 300, Reflexes 150, Focus 150, Defense 150


    Since the reward points would keep rolling in, there was no point in saving them.


    What should I raise next?


    After a brief moment of thought, I pointed at Reflexes.


    I figured this would probably be the most helpful in our immediate battles. Right?

 Chapter 51

    Chapter 51


    Tap.


    Right when I was trying to raise my Reflex ability, an item dropped from one of the monsters.


    Holy cow! An item from the start!


    Jung Sooah scooped up the item. It was a cane. A level 2 amplification cane to be more exact. This item helped to increase the users chances of sessfully casting a spell. It was perfect for manager Kim.


    Oh. Isnt that mine?


    You can use it for now. But well be putting it up for auction as soon as we leave the dungeon.


    Ill still be buying it so..


    If you name a cheap price, Ill vote against it. You have a lot of money right? Didnt you say that when you got fired, they paid you a healthy amount as severance?


    Jung Sooah trumpeted out loud.


    Kkeung. Thats my retirement fund.


    But whyd you get fired?


    Cho Youngoo asked.


    LIttle rotten bastards. I made a small mistake and the director tried to demote me and send me off to some rural ce.


    So you got mad and quit?


    Quit my butt. I went to the director and gave him piece of my mind.


    Whatd you say?


    To please over look it that one timebut he didnt listen. And then bam!


    You hit him?


    No. He hit me. Hes a hunter too, you see. I used to follow him whenever he went on a raidbastard.


    Wow. So you just let him hit you?


    What else could I do? If I got fired, there was nowhere else for me to go. But then that bastard said this.


    Manager Kim let out a deep sigh.


    If you resign now Ill give you a good amount of severance pay.


    So you said yes?


    A circumstance warranted it. One of the employees I managed went over to thepetition, you see. But it was my fault for not spotting it sooner.


    Hmso that employee was giving thepetitionpany intel.


    Well Iter found out that it was all masterminded by the director. When he thought that he was going to get caught, he just used me as the scapegoat.


    Manager Kim was shaking with anger at this point. From how angry he was, we could tell he wasnt lying. But you never know what a person is really thinking so Ill chalk it up to believing half of it. It could also have been that the both were in cahoots and Manager Kim was the only one who got caught. Who knows.


    In that time, the monsters finished evaporating. A total of 6 ores dropped  one of them a blisolnite. I stored the other 5 ores into the manual. They were automatically being applied toward the upgrade tab.


    I exined this feature as a kind of invisible backpack to everyone. Since there were items that served simr functions, no one thought it suspicious.


    But I did sense they were a bit envious.


    Shall we continue?


    The next point was about a 10 minute walk. We were nning to fight if a monster appeared and to move on if one didnt.


    This method would be the best in trying to find survivors as well.


    We continued in this manner for several points.


    Its very quiet, isnt it?


    Han Joonseok whispered. Somehow the silence made it seem like whispering was mandatory.


    There wasnt a monster in sight.


    Were those 9 monsters it?


    I motioned everyone to stop.


    We were standing exactly where a monster should appear. The ground was covered in weeds that came up to your ankles. When I looked down and examined closer, I couldnt find what should have been there.


    Footsteps, blood, any other hint that someone or something had been here.


    There has never been a fight in this location.


    Maybe they lured the monsters away? Maybe they ran and were caught by the monsters somewhere else? It could be any number of reasons.


    Han Joonseok responded. That was true.


    1 was highly unlikely. If they had been running away, there would have been some caught and killed..which we should have seen evidence of on our way here. But not a drop.


    Number 2 was the most likely possibility. And number 3 & 4 were highly improbable.


    I tried to look for an area where they might have purposely lured monsters to hunt. There were too many.


    But the most likely ce was an area about 50 meters off north of the hill. If I were the hunter, I would have chosen that spot.


    ***


    Is it here? The spot you were talking about?


    Yeh. But no sign of anyone here either.


    Its going to be hard looking for them this way. What do you think about going to thest point and working backwards from there?


    Ok. Lets do that.


    I nodded my head


    ***


    There were a total of 10 monster points at the Baeksapyoung dungeon. Compared to other dungeons, this dungeon was farrger  which resulted in more distance between each point. For this reason, if you wanted to clear the entire dungeon in less than two hours, you had to employ some unconventional methods.


    And we were able to discover that method at thest point.


    Whatwhat is this


    There were dozens of bodies lying around. No monsters though. But seeing as there were dropped items here and there, it was clear that a battle had taken ce here.


    Altogether, there were 32 corpses.


    All but 8 had died here on this spot.


    It looks as if they had lured all the monsters to this spot. Those 9 we encountered were just monsters that slipped through the cracks.


    Han Joonseok surmised.


    There were 3 points of entry  each wide enough to allow just three people to pass through at once.


    On examining where the bodiesy, it looks like there were about 10 hunters appointed at each of the entrances.


    This was thought out.


    It was definitely a waste of time for 40 hunters to go as a group from point to point to kill monsters. But it was also dangerous to split the group into 2 or 3 teams to cover more than one point at once.


    This was because every point had a different number of monsters. You could get lucky and run into a small numberor you could get unlucky and run into far too many. There wasnt a way to predict which points would have how many monsters and split the team in that way.


    Thats when they probably came up with this.


    Instead of dividing up the team, they needed to call the monsters to them. Because thest point had three entrances, they probably used two of the entrypoints to lure the monsters and divide the team ording to how many monsters came through via either point. Thest entry point was probably left as an escape route.


    Crazy bastards.


    I couldnt keep myself from cursing.


    This was not a n. In theory, it was a perfect. If the monsters moved in the way you wanted, this would have been the best way to hunt.


    But, just because they called out to monsters from 3 points didnt mean those would be the only monsters to appear. What would happen if monsters from other points decide to join the fray? The 9 lizardmen we had met probably formed a group in this very same manner.


    Then I realized one thing.


    If they had fallen into that kind of misfortune, there was no way that anyone would have made it alive. If in the small chance they did, they would have either made it out or we would have bumped into them on the way here.


    But neither of the two happened.


    Then where are the remaining 8?


    That was when I heard a monsters screech from the left entrypoint. An armored anteater popped up from beneath the ground.


    KEEEEEE!


    Another one appeared to the right. This was a predatory toad. It seemed the two were waiting at either sideswaiting for prey to appear.


    The predatory toad swallows whole live humans and digests them slowly. If you are swallowed, it is said that you suffer for 30 minutes to an hour being digested.


    Ah.


    Thats when I realized.


    There werent any survivors. The reason why the dungeon hadnt reset even without any survivors was because of one reason.


    Within the predatory toads stomachthere was still a living personslowly being digested.

 Chapter 52

    Chapter 52


    Thud. Thud Thud.


    The monsters stomped on the floor as they drew nearer.


    11 armored anteaters. 8 predatory toads.


    The anteaters wore a sturdy armor that enveloped their entire body. Their weaknesses were two: their exposed snoutand their simple attack pattern.


    The predatory toads use their 3 meter long tongue to grab ahold of their prey. They bind their prey in a stronghold as they release a paralyzing poison. Once youre caught, it was game over.


    But they were all full at the moment. They were probably still digesting their previous prey, so there was a low chance they would attack right now.


    Prepare for battle.


    I said as I drew my Honcheon sword. Manager Kim pulled out his cane and raised it above him.


    A bright golden like enveloped all the monsters.


    Three of them copsed on the spot.


    It wasnt too shabby, but there were too many so it didnt seem as impressive as it would have otherwise. Manager Kim started grumbling.


    This isnt that great, is it?


    So, youre not going to buy it then? Then Ill have it.


    Who said that?


    We all got into formation.


    Cho Youngoo stood in the middle, I stood on the right, and Jong Sawon on the left. Han Joonseok and sses girl stood behind us.


    This was the best battle formation for this situation.


    Be extra careful of their tongues. Both monsters tongues have a reach of over 3 meters. The toads tongues secretes poison so, if you are caught, make sure to stab it with this.


    I removed some automatic syringes from my bag and distributed them.


    Hitting it hard into the butt caused the needle to pop out and inject the receiver with a dose of antidote.


    Since this dungeon was known to have the predatory toads, I had packed these ahead of time.


    Not including the three sleeping ones, the rest of the sixteen monsters slowly padded ever closer. And just when they were within the 3 meter distance, they began to attack.


    16 tongues struck out seemingly in unison. The predatory toads tongues wererge and heavy looking while the armored anteaters tongues were more narrow and quicker.


    It sucked but in order for the Honcheon swords explosive damage to work, I had to swing it with a certain amount of force. It didnt do to just cut the opponent. So it was hard to hit it with much force against a tongue that was constantly flicking back and forth.


    But it was still a level 3 sword.


    I just needed to slice the tongue off.


    As I sliced off the thick tongue right when it flicked toward and then away from me, venom mixed with the toads saliva spurted out.


    Even though it wasnt an acidic poison, you still risked the possibility of losing your sight if it got into the eye. Even if you wore sses, unless they were goggles, they couldnt keep your eyespletely safe.


    I stepped back reflexively each time I cut a tongue to protect myself from the spurt.


    Opposite of me, Jong Sawon was cutting their tongues without a seconds hesitation. His helmet and body armor served as perfect protection from the poison.


    And the rubicon sword was able to cut through the tongues like butter. Easy.


    It was just that sharp.


    Two arrows flew into the wide open mouth of one toad.


    One lodged into the uv and the other into the tongue.


    The toad shot with the arrows started to cough as it swung its head around.


    I sliced off its tongue.


    With that, seven had lost their tongues to us.


    And all sixteen of them scooted a few steps back in caution.


    It seems they finally realized that just attacking with their tongues would not work against our defenses.


    The armored anteaters moved to the middle.


    It looked like they were getting ready to fight for real now.


    Theyreing. Mr. Cho Youngoo, to the center!


    Got it!


    Cho Youngoo and I switched positions.


    We needed the level 3 shield now.


    Stomp. Stomp.


    The armored anteaters lightly ran closer.


    Keeping that speed, as they bowed their head toward their belly, they rolled up into a ball. It seemed this was in order to protect their weak point  their snouts.


    Though this attack made it hard for them to change directions, it also made it very difficult for us to give any damage.


    If we only had level 2 equipment, that is.


    Cho Youngoo mmed the rolling anteater with his shield. An armored anteater generally weighed about 400 kilos  about the weight of a small car. And the impact was simr. It would normally be impossible for a human being to withstand that kind of impact and still stand his ground.


    But Cho Youngoo was doing it.


    One by one, the armored anteaters continued that same attack and Cho Youngoo continued repelling them one by one.


    This was the strength of a level 3 shield. It was able to absorb the shock of tremendous impact and send it right back.


    Seeing the futility of this attack, some of the other anteaters changed strategy to attack in Jong Sawon and my direction.


    And at the same time, six toads from behind also started to jump toward us.


    To the left!


    Yes!


    Cho Youngoo moved positions to where Jong Sawon was.


    More sounds of rolling. But honestly what the hell will that do? We got this.


    I mean, the hard shell was nice and allbut nothing against my honcheon sword.


    Shwing!


    [+200]


    Bam!


    [+200]


    m!


    [+200]


    Everytime I swung down with my sword and employed the explosive damage option, the hard armored shells burst. Having killed three of them in mere moments, I smirked and dashed forward.


    The anteaters that were being held back by Cho Youngoos shield were all being cut down limb from limb by Jong Sawons own rubicon sword.


    In defiance, the toads began spitting out their poisonous tongues. Too bad only four of the six toads had their tongues in tact. I spun my body around then used my strength and reflexes to avoid every single nasty tongue to jump into the middle of the crowd of the bastards.


    Slurp!


    I saw the tongueing and shifted a bit. It ended up just barely missing me and sticking onto the body of another toad. That toad seemed to shudder for a few seconds before going entirely still.


    Looks like they werent immune to their own paralysis poison. How idiotic. I almost felt likeughing.


    Croak! Croak!


    The remaining toads began to croak in a frenzy as they desperately tried to get me with their tongues. They only made it worse until almost all of them had paralyzed each other. Easy kills.


    Thest remaining toad that was not paralyzed was struck in the forehead by Han Joonseoks arrow just perfectly.


    Then right before the sleeping spell could release the remaining monsters, Jong Sawon slit all their throats one by one.


    Only after we made sure they had all died did we begin to cut open their stomachs one by one.


    Jung Sooah, who had been sneaking peeks from behind began to make gagging noises.


    That girl.


    We were only able to save two people.


    Their skin, partially melted from the digestive juices of the toads, was hard to look at.


    But since they were alive, Im sure they would be able to somehow recuperate. Hopefully they had some good insurance.


    I pulled out the escape scrolls from my bag. From the total five I had started out with, I had just four remaining.


    I shoved one each into the survivors hands and had them rip them up.


    Only after I had sent out the survivors from the dungeon did I sigh and copse to the ground.


    Jung Sooah came up to me and wiped off my sweat soaked brow.


    You did well.


    Thanks.


    I had earned a total reward points of 2,200 this raid. In total, I now had 4,530 points. Not bad.


    As we waited for the monsters to evaporate, all was silent. No one said a word.


    Because there were 38 corpses strewn all around us. 32 who had died during battle and 6 we had extracted from the toads stomachs.


    I got up from where I was sitting and started to move all the bodies into one area.


    Then my party members also got up and followed suit. Even Jung Sooah and sses girl helped.


    12 ores.


    38 people had died for 12 ores.


    We thought that was the end of it. Until.


    Jung Sooah pointed to where the corpsesy.


    They had begun to evaporate.


    This is already the second time this has happened. What the hell?


    Manager Kim said.


    We had seen dead humans evaporate once before.


    The only difference from that time was that I hadnt been the one to kill them. But if you really thought about it, even the one that Jong Sawon had killed that time evaporated tooso I guess it didnt just apply to me.


    Maybe its like the irregrs. Whenever Im a part of the equation, whether directly or indirectly, this kind of out of the normal thing happens.


    I didnt have to say this for everyone to realize that there was something about me.


    First the level 0 skillbook, then the irregrs. All of them had one thing inmon. Me. Though it wasnt easy, I was able to use both to my advantage and be stronger.


    So its a different systeminteresting.


    Han Joonseok began to nod and said,


    Then does that mean there are two raid systems?


    Cho Youngoo said as if he couldnt believe it,


    But 50 years had passed since monsters first appeared. How is it that all of this is only happening now?


    Who says its only happening now?


    Said Han Joonseok slowly.


    What do you mean?


    Partyhead, didnt you say that the day you came upon the level 0 skillbook was the day that irregrs appeared all over the world?


    Yes. Thats true.


    The irregrs appearing all over the worldit wasnt the first time its happened before wasit?


    Well. No. Its happened a few timesthough it didnt happen on a predictable timetable.


    I had been curious about that so Id done a search on it a few times.


    In the past 50 years, a worldwide urrence of irregr appearances had urred and many people had died each time. But since it wasnt something that happened often, people pretty much forgot about it after some years passed.


    What if this same thing happened every time those irregrs appeared?


    That makes no sense. Then why isnt there any documentation of it? If I wasnt the only one to get my hands on a level 0 skillbook, wouldnt other people know about it?


    It might be that only a select few like you had gotten a level 0 skillbook. And maybe, like you, they tried to sell it with no sessonly to put it somewhere and forget about it.


    I guess.


    But it could also be that no one besides me had gotten the book. This was a skillbook I earned from killing a level 4 monster.


    This meant that there was a very high chance that anyone else who might have gotten their hands on a level 0 skillbook was someone who was over a level 4 in skill or equipment. Why would that kind of person be interested in a level 0 skillbook? This was all starting to make sense.


    But there is still one thing that we cant exin.

 Chapter 53

    Chapter 53


    What is that?


    Whether this is it or if its just the beginning. Maybe this is an evolution of the dungeon.


    Lee Wheeseung came to mind all of a sudden. When he came on the scene, the dungeon raids had evolved for the first time.


    He had changed the raid system when he came upon the first skillbook. And he greatly profited from it.


    A selfish part of me thought, What if I be like him?


    As the 38 corpses evaporated, items began to drop. It seemed the dropped items were based on the level of the dead people.


    Interesting.


    Wow, what is this? Its an escape scroll! Like the one you just pulled out earlier!


    Theres some equipment drops here too. Not sure what kind they are though.


    I looked at the item Han Joonseok handed to me. It was a glove. I looked it up in my manual.


    ***


    [Selfish Hunters Glove(1)]


    Option: Increase item drop probability by 10%


    ***


    This only affirmed my conviction of a new system. This was a never before seen item. Again. And this was also a never before heard of option.


    But there were more items that were of equally amazing quality.


    Escape (0) 10 sheets: Takes the user directly outside the dungeon


    Selfish hunters glove (1): Increase item drop probability by 10%


    Striders Red Boots (1): Increase speed by 30%


    Optical Ruby Ring (1): Enhance vision by 30%. Night vision enabled


    Chongmal Garter Belt (1): Enhance muscle strength by 30%. Increases jump skill


    Skill, Enchant (1): Adds attack property to a weapon. 10 Minute cooltime


    On top of that, we came up on 4 monazites, 5 bastnazitees, 2 blisolnites, and 1 ansilite.


    .holy shit.


    Are they any good?


    Jung Sooah asked. Since they were all items I could only check with my manual, no one besides me knew their worth.


    Definitely. Theyre all level 1 items but almost all of them seem to increase your ability or skill so we could use them. Man.


    Wow. How much do you think theyll be if we sold them?


    We have to think about that.


    Why?


    Since theyre all new things and havent been inspected thoroughly, we wouldnt be able to sell them for much. If thats the case, its better for us to just use it ourselves instead of selling it.


    Then how are we going to distribute them?


    That was the issue at hand. All the items probably had varying levels of usefulness. But because they were all new, we didnt have a market value to go by.


    For now, everyone just take whatever they want.


    Are you sure? We dont mind if you did it through contribution distribution.


    Han Joonseok said as he looked to me. Manager Kim nodded his head in agreement.


    Its fine. Lets chalk it up to me taking these sses and all of you taking something too.


    I tapped my sses. The manual was something you couldnt buy with all the money in the world. Since I had taken this, it was only fair they take something too.


    Ill also take the ores. In trade for the items, there wont be any payouts this raid. Is that ok with everyone?


    I have no issues with that.


    Me neither.


    Im good too.


    Same here.


    Yep me too.


    Im just fine with this.


    Jong Sawon said as he tapped his rubicon sword.


    Ok. Then everyone aside from Mr. Jong Sawon, please choose one item for keeps. If there is something that more than one person would like to have, I will choose which person said item will best suit.


    Everyone started to pick an item one by one.


    I want this one. I wont really have to do anything but can still contribute to the team.


    Jung Sooah chose the glove. Well, I did have to agree. Since she was thest person we would expect to ever help in an actual fight, that item suited her the most.


    Cho Youngoo chose the red boots, Han Joonseok chose the ruby ring, and sses girl chose the skill.


    Manager Kim picked up the remaining garter belt item and wrinkled his face.


    So youre telling me to pick this?


    Garter belts originated for use by men. And because it serves as a support, it duals to assist your lower body.


    Then you wear it.


    I guess that wont work, huh? I looked to Jung Sooah and said,


    Why dont you change with him?


    Youyoure asking me to wear that?


    That has a power buff so it suits a porter.


    I guesss but


    She snuck a look at the garter belt that manager Kim was holding up. Was she embarrassed to put on a ckce garter belt?


    Designwiseit was a problem. Who in their right mind would wear something like that without a problem?


    Ms. Jung Sooah.


    Yes?


    One moment


    Han Joonseok strode up to her to whisper something into her ear. She nodded her head in a serious fashion and said to me.


    Ill wear it.


    Good. Thats good. What were you guys talking about just now?


    SunbehOppa, thats none of your business.


    Jung Sooah handed the glove over to Manager Kim and took the garter belt.


    Now, there is onest thing.


    Huh? Theres more?


    The thing that manager Kim is hiding behind his back.


    I guess I got caught.


    Manager Kim made a silly smile and brought out the cane.


    How much will you buy it for?


    I cut right to the chase since there wasnt anyone besides Manager Kim who would buy it. Seeing his face, I slowly raised 1 finger.


    100,000? Since Han Joonseok bought the stalker at 100,000 dors, he might make that his first offer.


    1 thousand?


    Ok lets put it up on the market. Everyone in agreement?


    Yes!


    Everyone nodded their heads. Manager Kim hurriedly countered with 150,000 dors and I epted.


    When I started to do the contribution split, Jong Sawon refused his share.


    Ultimately, we agreed that if a good item came up, he would get first pick.


    Since I could still use the item and get it into my item fusion book before giving it to him, it was not a bad deal for me either.


    There was a tax incurred when we put up our items for auction. Then theres also global ie taxter on. These government guys. As if they do anything for us.


    At this rate, I was a little afraid of just how much taxes I would have to pay next year. But that was a problem forter.


    After this and that, like selling the fusion bloodysword and from the share of Manager Kims payment, I had a total of about 500,000 to my name.


    I also had 3 blisolnites and 2 ansilites.


    I used the blisolnites to create one more bloodysword and sold it for 350,000.


    So I was able to raise my savings to 750,000 after taxes and such. With this much, it was enough to buy my own small apartment now.


    Just kidding. But it was true.


    My own house.something I wasnt able to fathom just two months ago was now within reach.


    But not yet.


    If I just had one more ansilite, I could create a level 3 equipment.


    I could create a Honcheon sword or a rubicon sword.


    Between the two, the Honcheon sword was more expensive but since the items used to create it cost morethe value of the two were pretty much the same.


    I could make so much more money, I couldnt stop now.


    I needed to get ready to go into a level 3 dungeon.


    A month and a half had passed since the level 1 dungeons had disappeared.


    Things had been quiet since then but no one knew if and when the level 2 dungeons might also disappear.


    I had to be prepared for that eventuality. If it was ever going toe.

 Chapter 54

    Chapter 54


    -DingDong.


    The doorbell rang. There was only one person who woulde by my house at this time of the night.


    What did I tell you abouting around whenever you.


    -Bow.


    Good evening.


    Uh.


    It was sses girl.


    I let her in the house with some confusion. The house was a mess but, since she was the one who came without giving me a heads up, I figured it was her problem.


    I made some coffee and set a cup in front of her. She looked a bit anxious.


    So what brings you here?


    Justjust.


    It seemed she had something she needed to say.


    You have something you need to say right?


    That, thats true


    Jesus, I was starting to get real curious at this point.


    Was it that?


    Is it by any chance.


    Yes?


    sses girl raised her head in surprise.


    Are you here to talk about the exclusivity contract?


    What?


    If its that, you dont have to worry too much about it. Since you didnt technically take the item yet and we didnt write up and sign the contract yet. If you have a change of heart just let me know right now.


    That, thats


    If you want to join a different team, youre free to do so. But Ill say one thing. There are teams just as bad or worse than team Ezekiel all over the country now. Youre a decent hunter but, at your current level, you do realize youre not really too strong right? Its going to be hard for you to join a decent team. Im not saying this for selfish reasons  Im saying this as your friend.


    .yes.


    sses girl looked at me with a nk face and nodded her head. I figured this would be enough to sway her.


    Then are we done here?


    Thatswellthe reason I came here today is


    m!


    SunbehOppa! Im here!


    Jung Sooah burst through the front door and came in. Seeing how she was holding bags in both hands, it seemed she nned to hang out all day at my house and maybe sleep over again.


    Where did you learn that bad habit of opening the door to other peoples homes whenever you want?


    The door was already unlocked. Oh? Yeonkyoungs here? Whats going on?


    Thats.I wanted to say thank you for all that party head has done for me


    sses girl started looking through her bag and took something out.


    It was a bag of Kimchi and varieties of other side dishes.


    .Whats all this?


    My mother personally made all these side dishes to give to party head. I told her how you lived alone and so she made them all.


    Oh she didnt need to go through all that troubleI can just buy it.


    That was what I said, but I was secretly happy inside.


    I was especially happy to see homemade marinated meat. If I wanted to eat something like this outside, I would need to pay $10 for just one serving.


    Just because I was making good money now didnt mean I wanted to use it all willy nilly.


    Um.I also brought something too.


    What? You too?


    Look look look.


    m.


    She had brought a box full of spam, hams, instant noodles, variety tuna cans, and frozen dumplings.


    Wow.such a difference.


    I came to make you food today. I felt bad for always bumming food at your house.


    Uh.since the shelf life for all this is pretty long, lets eat the food that Yeonkyoung brought over today.


    Ill cook.


    sses girl got up from her seat. Then Jung Sooah said.


    You know how to cook?


    Yes, I learned from my mom at home.


    Now that she said this, I saw that there was a fresh wound on her hand. It wasnt something she would get from her bow string. Surely she didnt just learn it so that she could especially cook something today.


    Im going to make food too.


    We both know you dont know how to cook.


    I know how to make instant ramen ok?


    No. I think Id prefer to eat this than that


    Hmph. I guess you just dont know how delicious my Jjajang Ramen tastes. Just dont be surprised by its deliciousness after youve had it.


    She said this as she folded up both her sleeves.


    My kitchen was small.


    There was no way the both of them could cook in my kitchenfortably together. They looked incredibly cramped.


    I didnt think they needed to go through all the trouble but, since I was the one doing the eating, I decided to just see how it would end up.


    As they continued their shenanigans in the kitchen, I looked through the inte news.


    The incident from the Baeksapyoung dungeon made the main page of the news.


    [38 hunters from Team Ezekiel all dead in dungeon. Have still been unable to find the bodies]


    The Baeksapyoung dungeon was now closed.


    The dungeon inspectors looked for the dead bodies for days but there was no way they would find anything. Because they had evaporated  down to the veryst strand of hair.


    [There is word that another simr incident had also urred at the Bookhansan dungeon as well. ording to the officials]


    The news seemed to have made the connection with the Bookhansan dungeon incident.


    I guess it should be expected since all trace of hunters had disappeared from both scenes.


    Im sure that soon the police will make the connection that our team had been present both times.


    All that ran through my head was that it would be annoying.


    But that was it. Because no matter how much they looked, they wouldnt find anything incriminating.


    ***


    Oddly enough, Jung Sooahs Jjajang Ramen really hit the spot.


    Of course the food that sses girl brought made me happy too.


    Because you could taste the care that goes into homemade food after not having tasted any for a long time.


    The problem was that my stomach couldnt handle eating the entirety of what these two girls had made.


    And I could see them watching me eat the entire time.


    Is this a new form of torture? Are they trying to cause me indigestion?


    You guys arent eating?


    Ill eat after watching SunbehOppa eat everything.


    Im not that hungry right now.


    Somehow I was able to eat everything they had made.


    In all my life, this was the most I had eaten in one sitting.


    If there was a digestion upgrade from my effort skill, Im sure I would have leveled up.


    Then Ill do the dishes.


    Huh? I was going to do it.


    Jung Sooah hurriedly grabbed some dishes and followed me into the kitchen. Behind her, sses girl had picked up a few dishes and trotted into the kitchen too.


    Its fine. Just go kill time on theputer or read aic on the bed or something. Ill do this.


    Ok.


    Ok.


    The two of them finally relented.


    When I came into the room after doing the dishes, I saw the two of them rummaging through my New Folder.


    Haha.


    ..Just what are you guys doing?


    Ah?


    Jung Sooah said as she turned around in surprise. sses girl said.


    So I guess party head organizes things in this manner.


    Because I have so much paperwork. Organizing it all in alphabetical order caused some problems.


    I had tons of paperwork on dungeon locations, monsters, and items. They were organized by levels and then again by order of danger.


    Of course general information on dungeons are easy to find but that folder was an amalgamation of information that isnt easy toe by.


    Sooah made a face as if she was annoyed about something.


    What?


    Isnt this where youre supposed to hide like porn and stuff?


    This girlwhat kind of guy do you take me for.


    Theres no way I would hide that kind of stuff in such an obvious spot.


    I made it so that even if you did a word search, you wouldnt find anything.


    And the whole reason I did that much is because of her. Stop making my single life soplicated. Jeez.


    Waaa.


    Jung Sooahy down on my bed and started going through aicbook as if it were her own home.


    sses girl sat at my desk and resumed surfing the inte.


    I somehow started feeling as if I were the one out of ce in my own room. What the hell.


    Todays a rest day. Dont you guys have ns?


    Speaking of rest days, dont you have any ns?


    I like staying home. I dont like going out anyway. Im an introvert. And even if I did go out, thered be nothing for me to do. Its not like I have any friends to hang out with either.


    You have a friend right here.


    Here too.


    The both of them raised their hands.


    So are you saying we should go out and do something?


    I mean the weather is nice  maybe we should go out to the park.


    I nodded my head. I guess that could be fun.


    ***


    Swoosh Swoosh!


    Im wearing a dress..


    Come on! Proper posture!


    Tap.


    Ok.


    Sooah responded as she lowered her upper body.


    Since we wereing out to the park, we decided to get some practice in. Because if you didnt practice these kinds of things often, your body starts forgetting.


    I made sses girl do some shooting with the practice bow I had from my college days.


    How peaceful.


    I finally felt ok. It was the first time I felt so ufortable in my own home. There was a weird kind of aura in that room that I couldnt figure out. But this was good.


    While the two of them kept at it, I looked through my manual.


    The item storage was already full. I checked my stats next.


    Skill type: Effort (0). Skill has the ability to use reward points to increase physical abilities.


    Extra skill/option: None


    Proficiency: 19


    Reward Points: 4530


    Abilities: Strength 200, Endurance 300, Reflexes 150, Focus 150, Defense 150


    Upgrade: 26/100


    I had saved up quite a bit of reward points.


    I should have used them to raise up my abilities at Baeksapyoung (t Sand Bar) dungeon, but things got so crazy I wasnt able to get around to doing it.


    Luckily I didnt have to go through all the crazy training to raise my abilities anymore. I was actually worried for a moment that I might have had to run a cross country marathon at some point.


    Hm. What should I raise up next though.


    Not including Endurance, I could probably raise up everything else at least two times with the points I had. Since I have some reliable equipment now like the Honcheon sword, I guess it would make more sense to raise up reflexes and defense rather than strength.


    I pressed the reflexes tab.


    Tap.


    Whoa. It felt like I really pressed on something real. So real.


    Yes, No. Two options appeared. I pushed my finger to the yes option.


    What?


    What the hell does that mean?


    SunbehOppa?


    Partyhead?


    Both girls stared at me with concern in their eyes.


    This is wrong.


    We finally came to a point where we could confidently clear a level 2 dungeon.


    But now its saying theyre going to be erased? So we have to start from scratch again?


    SHIT SHIT SHIT! EFFING SHIT!


    Shouldnt they at least give us some time to get used to clearing level 2 dungeons and gain more experience so that we dont die in level 3s?


    Cancel! Cancel! No. Shit. What the hell am I supposed to do now?


    Since there wasnt a cancel button, I kept yelling the word out loud like a crazy person. But the manual didnt respond.


    I hurriedly took off the sses. Maybe if Im not wearing it, itll stop whatever crazy thing it was trying to do.


    Like hell.


    I put the sses back on.


    ***


    Reflexes 200, Reward Points 2530.


    Proficiency 20.


    ***


    I should have realized the corrtion earlier. It was all there. Right? It makes sense. As I increase the proficiency of my skill, it resulted in erasing of dungeons.


    Now that I think about it, it was when I clocked in 10 in my proficiency that Level 1 dungeons had disappeared. 10 minutes hadnt even passed when I got the call from Han Joonseok with that bit of happy news.


    Ring!


    Yeh. Like now.


    Hello?


    -Party head! BAD NEWS!


    Level 2 dungeons are all gone?


    -What? What are you talking about? What do you mean level 2 dungeons are gone?


    Hm? What the hells going on then?


    Wait. Then what do you mean bad news?


    -The Yellow Seathe Yellow Sea disappeared!


    .what?


    I almost dropped my phone.


    ***


    Once we got back to my ce and searched the inte, Han Joonseok had gotten it wrong.


    Its not that the sea disappeared.


    Land had appeared out of nowhere.


    What in the world


    Jung Sooah had her mouth wide open.


    The newnd that had appeared was huge.


    It was strange that newnd of this size had appeared without so much as an earthquake or tsunammi.


    Just looking at this it was obvious that this was not natural.


    This is crazy.


    The news was lit. I wonder if they had felt this way 50 years ago when the monsters had first shown up.


    Theyre saying its not just in our country


    In Africa, a new ind appeared next to Madagascar.


    In North America, the Yucatan Penins was now connected bynd with Florida, ska, and Siberia.


    Wowdoes this mean we need a new world map?


    Jung Sooah said in wonder.


    Were lucky if thats the extent of it


    It wasnt clear if this was it. It probably wasnt.


    Isnt it good that we now have morend? Our country was too small as it was.


    No. We have a lot ofndwe just cant use it properly because of all the monsters.


    I continued surfing the inte for some answers.


    ***


    -[A number of monsters found on the newnds. These monsters are found to be low level monsters of levels 1 and 2s. None others are reported to have been found as of yet.]


    -[About 10 minutes ago, coinciding with the upheaval of the new continents, disappearance of level 2 dungeons have been confirmed. It is reported that the government feels the two incidents are rted in some manner and an investigation is under way.]


    ***


    Damn it. So the level 2 dungeons did disappear.


    The government had decided to name the newnd as The West Sea.


    But now there was the not so small matter of Korea being connected to China.


    The idea of joint management of the newnd was quickly ignored.


    China became so adamant that the newnd was theirs that they deployed arge number of hunters to forcefully seize it.


    And the Korean government immediately followed suit.


    Then the Chinese government made the threat that they would not trade any agriculture to which the Korean government threatened to remove all hunter markets.


    And so finally China was forced to take a step back.


    At the time, the removal of hunter markets would spell disaster for China.


    So in the end, they came to a kind of agreement.


    ***


    So what happened?


    Cho Youngoo asked. We had all met up at the Cafe in Shinchon to talk about the recent events.


    It seems they will be sending out as many hunters as they can to the West Sea. In terms of hunters, Korea has the most and of the highest levels.


    Well, thats all thanks to Wheeseung teacher.


    He was the first real hunterand the strongest of them all.


    It was thanks to him that Korea was able to corner the hunter market and raise the levels in a shorter amount of time than other countries  though most of them were at level 3 and 4.


    Anyone at and above a level 5 were considered the best of the best.


    These were the hunters who had been raising their skills since 50 years ago.


    In general, our hunter power is at least 3 times that of those in China. But the problem is


    That Chinas poption is 30 times that of Korea.


    Han Joonseok finished.


    Since the day of the disaster when the monsters first appeared, the poption of Korea near the Yellow Sea had stayed at a steady 20,000 while the poption of China along their border was at 500,000.


    But it would be difficult for China to exert their power.


    How is that? Now that the level 1 and level 2 dungeons are gone, even if we just stationed those hunters who are now out of jobs at the West Seathe sheer poption of China


    Well the real problem is whether or not the West Sea is even worth fighting over.


    Everyone became quiet and lost in thought at what I had just said.


    There was plenty ofnd filled with monsters.


    But that wasnt the issue.


    The issue was that we couldnty around while we had perfectly goodnd snatched out from under useven if it was riddled with monsters.


    Well, even if it isnt worth fighting overwe now have no choice to go to thatnd. Since all the level 2 dungeons are gone now, thats the only ce we can really hunt now. Who knows, maybe the hunt might be even better since they did say that only level 1 and level 2 monsters were seen there. But before that.


    I looked to Jong Sawon.


    Can youe with us?


    I will do whatever you ask.


    The Yellow Sea is very big. We might not bump into that monster for another 6 months.


    It doesnt matter. No matter the species, a monster is a monster.


    Understood. Then were all agreed.


    But would we be able to move in the same parties? Dont you think the government will likely form groups themselves based on equipment and skill levels?

 Chapter 55

    Chapter 55


    Han Joonseok said,


    They do make exceptions. Some pre existing parties are allowed to move independently. But they are required to register. So it might be a good idea to apply


    Wow. Then does that mean we get to create a name for our party?


    Jung Sooah asked excitedly.


    I thought we would just call it Team Jeon Sangmin.


    Everyone gave me a funny look.


    Doesnt this make it easy?


    But the name is like branding. Using just your name is kind of


    Then do you have a better name in mind?


    Team. Sooah Love. Hows that?


    You want to die? Do you want us to die from embarrassment before even going up against any monsters?


    I dont think the team name really makes too much of a difference but. Wouldnt it be better if we went for a name that had more impact? LikeTeam Joonseoks the best.


    You were that kind of person?


    I was kidding. I guess this is harder than it seems huh?


    Hows team Zero? Party head and unnie both have level 0 skills. Plus its easy to remember.


    Hm. Something about that name sounds toomon.


    Manager Kim slowly shook his head.


    Even after bouncing one name after another off each other for the longest time, we couldnt find one we agreed on.


    Right when I was about to just decide on using Team Jeon Sangmin, a word whispered in my mind.


    Delta.


    What? Whats that?


    I think thats the name of the new system. Though Im not sure.


    That was what the manual had said. Delta v.01.


    Hm. Its not bad.


    I agree!


    Sooah raised her hand.


    And so we had decided to name our party, Team Delta.


    ***


    If you take route 32, you nowe across a beach that used to be the Manripo Beach.


    Once a deste ce, it was now packed with thousands of people. There were temporary residences stationed in addition to a busy shopping center.


    It was where our country and the West Sea was now connected.


    Wow, this isnt a joke.


    Sooah said with her head out the car window.


    Where there should have been the sea was an endless horizon of newnd.


    Thend was nearlypletely t with some small hills and boulders sprinkled here and there.


    Arent there any mountains? I think this is the first time Ive seen such tnds in our country like this


    From what we know, the highest point is about 500 meters.


    I answered.


    The Yellow Sea topography was well known  satellites are amazing.


    It seemed that the high level hunters have been getting dropped into the newnd by helicopter already.


    But do you think thats true? That the parties able to clear an area of the newnd will be given partial ownership of it.


    Cho Youngoo, driving the vehicle, asked.


    Since itsing from the government, Im sure its not entirely false. But the partial aspect of it is a bit iffy. It might just be some sweet talk to seduce a bunch of hunters here.


    So what are they going to do when the hunters alle together and ask them for payment bynd.


    If the government was smart enough to think that ahead, they wouldnt have operated the dungeons in that half-assed manner.


    Homnd Busan Dungeon Management Team.


    These were the guys who had charged exorbitant admission fees while paying pennies on the dor for ores found in the dungeons.


    On top of that, since they charged taxes on everything as well  you could say they were making ie three ways.


    The problem I had with them was that they had zero intention of cultivating general parties.


    If they had just made the admission fees even a bit more affordable or paid a bit more for the ores, general parties probably would have flourished.


    And if that had happened, they would have been able to level up faster and we would have had that much more hunters in our country.


    But rather than reduce the fees, they hiked the admissions every year.


    It was probably the governments main source of ie at the end of the day.


    The hunters were probably akin to a goose thatys golden eggs to them.


    But China was worse  from what I heard. They paid their hunters a very low sry and worked them like ves. Talk about a disincentivizer. If it wasnt true, China would have easily overthrown us with the sheer volume.


    Sooah and sses girl disappeared somewhere saying they wanted to look around while Manager Kim stayed in thear.


    It took 30 minutes for us toplete the procedure of registering our party.


    It was faster than I thought it would be. I thought there would be way more people than this too.


    Han Joonseok said.


    There are probably a lot of people standing by for now. No matter how sweet the payout is, its never more precious than a life. And one team can keep only so muchnd clear of monsters. And who said there are only level 1 and level 2 monsters. This is all so new.


    And the goal should be the reward from ores and drops from monstersnot thend. Keeping thend clear of monsters that constantly reappearits the governments way of pushing off that annoying job to hunters with the golden carrot ofnd.


    Han Joonseok said in return. I agreed.


    In any case, those two are a bitte in getting back.


    Cho Youngoo murmured. It had been over 10 minutes since Jung Soah and sses girl headed over to the stalls.


    They probably got lost track of time doing a bit of shopping.


    The only thing they sell here are basic food supplies and hunting equipment. There probably isnt anything theyd be interested in


    That was when it happened.


    POW!


    A red light burst into the sky from behind a container.


    Thats?


    It was far, but I recognized what it was. A me enchanted arrow.


    Could it be Ms. Bae Yeonkyoung?


    Lets go see first.


    Tap!


    I kicked at the ground. I ran almost fast enough to leave an afterimage.


    What could it be?


    Seeing me running at such a fast speed, the surprised onlookers hurriedly moved out of the way. I left a trail of dirt clouds in my wake.


    I was able to find them after running several hundred meters in less than 30 seconds.


    This was because there was a crowd of hunters that seemed to be threatening some other personor two.


    We said we already have a party!


    Sooah yelled out.


    All you have to say is you dont like us if you dont like us. You dont have to lie like that. Hurting our pride.


    Whew.


    I lightly sighed as I pushed aside the group of hunters surrounding Sooah and sses girl.


    Ah ah.?


    All I did was push them lightly with one hand but a bunch of them toppled over like dominoes.


    Sunbeh Oppa!


    Party head!


    A look of relief came over both their expressions as they caught sight of me.


    A thick hand mped over my shoulder.


    Who the hell are you? These betches said they had a party alreadyis that you? And you look weak as hell too


    Crack.


    Aaaahk!


    I probably broke that hand.


    We were wondering where you guys were. And you guys end up being here getting pushed around like this?


    We were just minding our own business when those guys came and threatened us to join them on a raid.


    Is that true?


    Nod.


    sses girl nodded her head.


    I heard a rough yell from behind me.


    This bastard, do you know what the hell you just did?


    Do I have to know?


    I turned around. There were 12 of them. And all of them looked like they had bad attitudes.


    I knew exactly what to expect from guys who would threaten girls at a ce like this. Trash.


    I guess we need to teach you a lesson. Since you were the one who made the first move, Im sure you wont have any problems with us showing you a thing or two.


    I know that you want to justify starting a fight but do you think that kind of reasoning will go over with the officials?


    As if theyll really care.


    I guess.


    All of this was something that happened suddenly. There wasnt really anyone on standby regting it.


    Other hunters, seeing the mood, started backing away.


    Sunbeh Oppa


    Squeeze.


    Sooah grabbed the bottom of my shirt in a squeeze.


    Stop trying to get close.


    But I was so scared. Really.


    Well..ok then.


    I put on my sses.


    Manual on.


    Items: Level 2 armor and bloody sword.


    What..what?


    All 12 of them went from surprise to panic instantly.


    What? Did you think Id fight all of you guys with my bare hands?


    Shit. Everyone hold your weapons!


    In a matter of seconds, things got even more heated. Here we go.


    I was probably barely 3 meters away from the group of idiots. Close enough where if we just stretched out our arms toward eachother, we would be able to touch fingertips.


    Right at the peak of it all


    Yo. Who is this?


    A familiar face peeked out from among them.


    Comically nted eyes, a pointed chin, and a long face.


    Just like a weasel.


    I was wondering if you were alive. I didnt think Id meet you somece like this.


    Both ends of his lips began to curl up.


    Uh.who are you?


    .Youre saying you dont remember me?


    No. Your face is a bit familiar, but I cant seem to quite ce you.


    Im SoulPredator Ban Shihyung. Come on. We even did a raid in a dungeon together.


    UhI dont remember such an embarrassing name as that.


    Keukthen do you remember this guy?


    He brought into view a magician holding a cane.


    Ah?


    I guess you remember now huh?


    Sorry. My mistake. I thought he reminded me of a friend.


    This bastard.


    Ban Shihyung started grinding his teeth. I guess he was kind of annoyed.


    Keukeu


    I could hear Sooah and sses girl trying to stifle their giggles behind me.


    His face started to turn a bright red now. I guess it must have been pretty embarrassing to put on such a grand entrance for naught.


    Of course I remembered who he was. I just wanted to piss him off a bit.


    He was the partyhead I had raided a dungeon with before. He was the one who partnered with the magician to purposely retire a bunch of his own party members. That bastard.


    He was someone I didnt have any desire of acknowledging.


    Well, thats fine. I was going to let it slide since we knew one anotherbut now.


    Ah! Now I remember! Yeah. You were the one who threw friendly fire at your party members right?


    What?


    I figured you wouldnt live long since you did PK as casually as someone would eat food so Id erased you from memory!


    Thisthis bastardshut that damn mouth!


    Not only was his face red now, it looked like it would explode like those cartoon thermometers that get really really red at the top.


    I had to keep myself fromughing.


    Hey. Head. Is that true?


    What do you mean is that true! You think I would do something like that?


    No.I never saw it myselfbut I did hear some rumors


    Shut up! Dont believe some nonsenseing from a youngster like that!


    After shutting up his little group, he walked over to me.


    I was about to ask you to join my group because I thought you had some skills but


    Ill save you the trouble and say nahhhh.


    Keuk


    I could hear him grinding his teeth again. Maybe I should stop now.


    I dont know what kind of nerve you have with just the three of youBut you think you can win against all of us? Especially with those betches that look like they cant do shit.


    I wonder. I dont think youre counting correctly.


    Pat!


    A golden light rose above their heads. It was manager Kims sleep magic.


    Euu.Im tired


    .why am Iso.


    Drop. Drop.


    His spell dropped five of them to sleep.


    What, what the hells going on!


    Ban Shihyung started jumping around in a circle to figure out what just happened. Then he saw behind him, about 20 meters away, a middle aged man holding up a cane.


    And next to him stood Cho Youngoo, Han Joonseok, and Jong Sawonall in a row.


    Han Joonseok had his bow drawn and locked on the weasel already.


    Now, it looks like were a bit more even doesnt it?


    Out of the total 15 (not the initial 12 I counted), 5 were now asleep. We had a total of 7.


    It was fine though because Jong Sawon, Cho Youngoo, and I had level 3 equipment.


    Ban Shihyung was just a level 2 hunter if my memory serves correctly.


    Ahhhhhhk! Shit! Shit shit shit!


    He started to kick at the ground after seeing he couldnt win.


    Ill! Just watch! Ill get you! Just watch!


    Whatever.


    I shrugged my shoulders as I watched them make their retreat. How embarrassing. Soon after, Han Joonseok and the rest caught up to where we were.


    Han Joonseok said with a wooden face.


    SoulPredator Ban ShihyungIts a name Ive heard before.


    I guess hes pretty well known.


    Not reallytheres just word about him because hes been going around with a group of 30 people.


    Looks like he has only 15 now including himself.


    Well, you know how rumors go. But is it ok to just let him leave like that? Im sure hell try to exact some kind of petty revengeter.


    Han Joonseok looked worried. I cant say I wasnt a little concerned myself.


    I thought we should have handled itbut this wasnt the ce for it. Too many prying eyes.


    There are too many witnesses. Its not like we could kill him. And if we took care to not kill them, we could end up getting unnecessarily hurt. Plushes riled up. If he makes a move, he wont do it with a calm and calcted mind.


    Youre expecting him to strike back?


    Im just thinking worst case scenario.


    Both sides knew fighting here would not do.


    But we would be heading to the Yellow Sea road shortly.


    Thatnd had no governingws. It was and of monsters. It was and where anything could happen and no one would bat an eye.


    Ban Shihyunghe was someone I could handle anytime.


    After finishing up, we all got into Cho Youngoos car and headed to the Yellow Sea road. This was only possible because it had 4 wheel drive. It was and without any paved roads so the car bumped the entire way.


    Cho Youngoo said,


    I guess Ill have to get it properly maintenancedter


    Ill be sure topensate you properly for that.


    No. Thats not necessary.


    Were all using it together. I need to do at least that much.


    If it wasnt for his car, I would have had to purchase a car myself. It was only right to pay him for maintenance.


    ***


    After riding for 10 minutes, we saw some monsters ahead in the distance.


    They were in a groups of a little over 10. But they were just toddling around  they probably didnt spot us yet.


    We braked to look around and saw that there were parties already engaging in fights.


    Lets get started too.


    The sun was starting to set.


    We fought against cave wolves, goblins, wedge moles, and water slimes all day.


    We covered a distance of about 10 kilometers in that time  slower than walking speed.


    Whewlets call it a day.


    We parked the car and made a fire so we could take a break.


    Since monsters typically avoided fires, it had that added benefit.


    Of course there were monsters that didnt avoid fires, but it was better than being attacked in the dark.


    All we needed to create a bonfire were some dry shrubs.


    There werent any tall trees, but there were quite a few shrubs that came up to the waist.


    There were even some animal that werent monsters.


    This made me start to wonder if this was notnd that rose from the sea.


    I think this is the most monsters Ive seen since ever.


    Jung Sooahmented while poking at the fire with a stick.


    I agreed. We had probably killed about 150 monsters today. All of them were level 1s.


    Thanks to that, we were able to collect over 70 ores. Save for a few I needed to use on Item Fusions, I put the rest towards upgrading.


    Carrying them around would only make the car heavy. It was better to invest them into the upgrade.


    But it was definitely alot of ores. Altogether, they probably had a market value of 90,000 dors.


    Its like and of prosperity here.


    Han Joonseok murmured.


    Everyone nodded in agreement. And this was from covering only 10 kilometers ofnd bordering the Yellow Sea.


    If it was like this here, just how many monsters would there be towards the center. I couldnt even imagine how many ores and items we would be able to pick up there.


    Everyones face was filled with excitement and hope.


    Lets organize everything for now.


    Three total dropped items. They werent really anything special  we did only kill level 1 monsters.


    ***


    Longsword (1): Generic sword. Can give damage to level 1 monsters.


    Agile Sword (1): Increase reflexes by 15%.


    Backpack (1): Can carry 30% more items in the bag. Weight of the items are 30% lighter.


    ***


    All three items will be used by Sooah.


    Huh..? Really?


    Sooah said with a dumb look on her face.


    Im using the same method as before. I will keep all the ores while we pass dropped items to those it is best suited for. Whatever is left over will be sold and distributed evenly per member. I hope everyone agrees with me on this.


    Well, I guess its easier to do it this way anyway. Plus items will keep dropping so its not a bad deal.


    Han Joonseok responded. I nodded my head.


    There would be plenty of items to go around.

 Chapter 56

    Chapter 56


    Monsters here are generally estimated to be level 1s. This means that the price of level 1 items is bound to soar back up in the markets. And that  that means that we will be making far more money on what we earn than we have been.


    This was no exaggeration. If we went and sold just two of the items over there, we would be able to get a return of 300,000 dors now.


    Wow.


    sses girl raised her hand to her chest and took a deep breath. I guessed she probably started to do the math in her head.


    But if thats the case, wouldnt it be unfair to you partyhead?


    If we were doing the pay out the traditional way by contribution distribution, I would have earned half of 400,000 dors today. So it would seem like I was taking a loss.


    But I didnt think of it that way. This was not a dungeon, and we were not a group of people who were expendable to one another. We were not a temporary team.


    We are a real team. I believe that strengthening my team members indirectly strengthens me too. So I hope that everyone here thinks of it that way as well.


    There was a limit to what I can achieve by just getting strong alone.


    This was just like raising my abilities. I couldnt just raise one. I had to raise them all to be truly stronger. Like synergy.


    And the stronger we all get, the more we would all be able to earn faster.


    I looked at it as an investment into our future.


    Well, I guess an item fit for me will fall at some point too.


    Manager Kim said as hey down on a mat he had rolled onto the ground.


    It seemed everyone was in agreement. Because more items will drop tomorrow than did today.


    We decided to switch off keeping lookout two at a time. Some slept in the car while some slept in front of the fire outside.


    And I  I had no intention of sleeping that night.


    Will you be ok? Wont you get tired?


    sses girl, chosen to be the first to stand watch.no Yeonkyoungasked.


    Even if you fall asleep today, never take your hands off your bow.


    Is it because of them?


    Ban Shihyung. There was a higher probability he woulde after us today rather thanter.


    Because as time went on and they went on to earn items, they would end up being more concerned about doing that thaning after us.


    ***


    I could hear sounds of insects.


    I listened as vigntly as I could. Cho Youngoo, who was up as lookout, was fast asleep inside the car. I thought to wake him up, but decided to let him rest.


    I had endurance buff so I could handle it, but Im pretty sure it was harder for everyone else.


    The night sky was surprisingly still very light. There was zero light pollution and there was no smoke either.


    I wondered if there were some otherworldly powers or forces at work.


    There were stars sprinkled all over the sky. A thought came into my mind that I wouldnt ever be able to see something like this anywhere else but here.


    Flutter.


    I heard a sound. There was nowhere to hide here. I looked toward where the sound came from.


    Mr. Cho Youngoo.


    Eung.chicken.I want to stop frying it


    This man, what kind of dream is he having?


    I shook him awake.


    What, what is it?


    Theres someone watching us. About 50 meters away. Since theyre trying to be quiet about it, Im pretty sure its human.


    Surelyits not them?


    Im not sure yet. But lets start waking everyone up. It would be best if they saw us wake and run away butif they dont


    We have no choice but to fight.


    I nodded my head. I woke up Manager Kim and helmet guy who had both been asleep by the bonfire.


    Cho Youngoo opened the car door and woke everyone else up.


    As soon as we started to move in earnest, I could feel a surprised energying from Cho Youngoos side.


    Han Joonseok came up beside me.


    Can you tell who they are?


    He had the Optical Ruby Ring in his possession. That item allowed the holder to see as if it were day.


    There are exactly 16 of them. Ban Shihyung is among them.


    Everyone get ready for battle.


    Ping!


    An arrow lodged into the ground right in front of my foot.


    We were lit up by the light from the bonfire while they were still hiding in the dark. We were at a disadvantage.


    I could hear Ban Shihyungs weasely voice.


    You guys are quick.


    I figured if you were to attack, it would be today.


    If you die here, people will just chalk it up to a monster attack. Its not toote you knowI can still give you onest chance?


    .


    I didnt say a word.


    But he continued talking.


    He had us outnumbered and was at a tactical advantage. He thought there was no way he could lose.


    Hand over all your equipment and work under me. Then Ill let you keep your lives.


    Isnt it kind of dark?


    What are you.?


    I took two rods I had on my belt and twisted off the tops.


    Chiii.


    At the end of the rods, a bright light began to sprout out.


    res?


    Have you ever heard of ground markers?


    Since it was in english, it sounded real fancy but they were just longsting signal res. Because real res are expensive.


    Tap. Tap.


    I threw both ground markers at the bastards. Now they were clear as day.


    Shit. Attack!


    At Ban Shihyungs order, Manager Kim started his sleep spell. A golden light floated above our opponents.


    And four of them dropped right to the ground.


    In that time, a few arrows flew in our direction as well.


    Even though we now had the light of the markers, the arrows were still barely visible in the night.


    Ting! Ting!


    Cho Youngoo had his shield up and was blocking off the attacks.


    Slice!


    Keuk?


    Han Joonseoks own arrow pierced the neck of an opponent.


    10 left.


    I had a longsword in my left hand and the Honcheon sword in my right. It was better to fight against many with this sword than the bloodysword.


    Ahhhh!


    Seeing first blood being drawn, they seemed to go crazy and ran right at us. But they were slow. A good indicator they didnt have any items with buffs.


    At best they had maybe one or two men with level 2 equipment.


    I felt bad for them.


    This wasnt a fight.


    Boom!


    My Honcheon sword made a small explosion. My opponents sword shattered and the pieces lodged in his arm.


    Ahhk!


    Slice!


    Jong Sawons sword sliced right through the mans armor  met with almost zero resistance. A waterfall of red showered into the air.


    Shit! Throw the fireball!


    As soon as Ban Shihyung made themmand, the magician raised his cane. A fireball the size of a a persons head began to form.


    Han Joonseoks arrow shot across the air.


    Keuk?


    Hit in the back with the arrow, the magician gurgled up some blood and copsed to the ground.


    <strong>This was the stalker at work.</strong>


    As soon as the magician fell to the ground, any illusion that they might win shattered as well. The only reason they had continued fighting even as theirrades were dying left and right was because they had trusted in the power of Ban Shihyung and the magician.


    But, not only did we have zero damages on our side, they now only had 5 people standing on theirs  Ban Shihyung, 2 archers, and 2 warriors.


    The rest were either dead or fast asleep.


    Eu.what the hellthis doesnt even make sensehow can something like this


    Despair was etched all over Ban Shihyungs weasely face.


    I slowly walked toward them.


    Two of the cowards started to grovel.


    Pleaseplease spare us.


    We only did it because that bastard made us.!


    Slice!!


    [+100]


    [+200]


    I struck out in one clean cut with my sword and sliced both their necks.


    There was no way we could let anyone out of this alive. It would be a massacre.


    Heuk??


    The two archers behind them dropped their weapons and started to run away.


    Jong Sawon chased after them.


    Han Joonseok and Bae Yeongyoung aimed their arrows at the fleeing backs as well. Now we only had the one bastard and the sleeping fools to deal with.


    The despair bled out of from his eyes and was quickly reced with anger.


    Do you have anyst words?


    Eff off. You think Id go down that easy!


    He threw something to the ground.


    It was a smoke grenade.


    As the grenade continued to spin and spew out smoke, it not only messed with my vision, but it also covered any sounds I could rely on.


    But that was the same for him too.


    I started to swing all around me with my Honcheon sword.


    m!


    I felt something hit the end of my de atst.


    Keuk!


    Ban Shihyung was bumped right out of the cover of smoke from my explosive hit.


    Seeing that his armor was just fine, it was probably a level 3 equipment.


    But he probably still felt the explosive impact of my weapon. He held the side of his waist in obvious difort and started to cough uncontrobly.


    Cough. Cough!


    I have something I want to ask you.


    Keuk.you want to say you have something youre curious about now?after all this??


    Why did you decide to attack us?


    What? Werent you ready to attack us too?


    I was just prepared for any eventuality. I knew you were trash, but I didnt think you would really go through so much trouble toe after us like this.


    Keukeukeubastard. Then you should have just died quietly.


    Seriously? Thats not my style.


    Ban Shihyung stared at the ground for a long time. Then said.


    If I tell you somethingwill you let me live?


    No.


    Keuk.bastard. I like that youre honest. Cough.


    I might have effed up something inside because he started to cough up blood as he said.


    We originally had over 30 people in our party.


    So what happened to the rest?


    They all died. Because of the hunter bastards.


    Hunters?


    Yeah. The first day that the West Sea appeared. There was a group that entered thend first. They had hunted the monsters here and massed together a much of equipment. Thats when they realized. That thisnd was a gold mine. How many people do you think would want to share such a gold mine with others?


    Youre saying they killed other hunters for that reason?


    They had another reason too. Even if you kill someone on thisnd and they have the equipment on themthe equipment doesnt disappear.


    ***


    We left no one alive.


    We all gathered in front of the bonfire as we waited for the bodies to evaporate.


    Seems things are worse than we imagined.


    But its no surprise. Since uncouth things were happening even in the dungeons that were overseen by the operators and officialsits no surprise that things like this would happen onnd where no one is monitoring anything.


    Han Joonseok said thoughtfully  and everyone nodded their heads.


    Our biggest threat were not just the monsters anymore. Anyone they potentially meet on thisnd could now all be enemies.


    What do you think of just entering level 3 dungeons for now?


    It would be fine if we just fought against the normal level 3 monsters there.but it would be hard if we ran into any irregrs.


    I guessed that the irregrs that would appear in a level 3 dungeon would be at least level 4and there was the chance we could find ourselves faced against a level 5 irregr


    With our current equipment and skill, it might be too much for us right now.


    And it didnt make too much sense for us to leave all the level 1 monsters we could hunt to try hunting after level 3 monsters.


    Lets think about it some more tonight before we make a final decision on how to move forward.


    Everyone nodded their heads.


    Once all the bodies evaporated, we started to inspect what was left behind and the items that dropped.


    It was a bit easier now to understand why Ban Shihyung had attacked us.


    This is all.


    Cho Youngoos mouth was wide open in wonder.


    There was a small hill of items in front of us.


    About 30 items left behind by the 15 now evaporated enemies, 3 items dropped from the evaporation, and 3 ores.


    There was no way we would be able to put carry this entire haul in the car. After wondering what we would be able to do with it all, I remembered the upgrade on my manual.


    I had invested 98 ores into the manual upgrade option so far. If I just invested two of the ores that we just got today, I would have enough for the 100 ores required to do the upgrade.


    Im going to go do something real quick ande back.


    ***


    -Would you like to initiate manual upgrade?


    ***


    As soon as I nodded my head, millions of numbers started to rain down. It was very simr to when I had booted the manual for the first time.


    It was like a green shower of numbers in the darkness. I waited in the midst of it all until the upgrade wasplete.


    ***


    -80..90..99.100 percent. Upgradeplete. Changes have been applied.


    -Item storage has been expanded to 100. In the case of simr items, you may store up to 99 of them in one slot.


    -You may also store an additional skill for a total of two.


    -You may perform Item Fusions within the manual


    ***


    Ha.


    I had my mouth open without realizing it.


    I had only been expecting to be able to add more items to storage. But I have an additional skill slot now? And all I did was invest 100 ores


    I tried to calm my fast beating hard to no avail.


    There was no way I could remain calm.


    SunbehOppa. What are you doing over there by yourself?


    Ah


    Youre not doing something perverted right? Everyones waiting for you. Hurry up and finish ande back.


    You want to die?


    As soon as she showed up, I was finally able to regain some sort of control on my emotions. I guess she is useful at times.


    As soon as I returned to the bonfire, everyone looked my way.


    It seems they had tried to organize all the items into groups while I was gone.


    But there was no one who knew the value of any of them.


    Even if there were items here that were not rare or part of the new system, there was no one here who memorized them all as I have.


    But.there were so many.


    I simply regrouped the items and distributed them to whoever they were best suited for and put the rest into my manual.


    As the many items started disappearing seemingly into thin air, they seemed to be surprised.


    <strong>With this, it would be impossible for me to argue that I was storing them simply into amon transparent backpack. It was time to do some exining.</strong>

 Chapter 57

    Chapter 57


    This is an ability of my skill. I am able to virtually save and store items.


    It was easier to exin it away in this way than to to tell that it was an additional ability that came with the sses and manual.


    If I were to really get technical, its not like theypletely have nothing to do with one another so it wasnt aplete lieright?


    So I finished storing the items in that manner.


    ***


    -Escape (0) 5 sheets: Takes the user directly outside the dungeon


    -Light Healing Potion (0) 5 bottles: Heals light wounds


    -Venttion Potion (0) 1 bottle: Resets the cooldown period


    -Leather Agile Armor (2): Increases reaction rate by 30%


    -Floodin Cane (2): Can adjust range of attack. The wider the range, the lower the efficacy and vice versa.


    -Ingot Sword (2): Increases equipments durability by 100%


    ***


    Damnthe Venttion Potion is something.


    With that, I would be able to use Sooahs one person buff more than once in a day. It could really end up being useful one day.


    Other than this, we also have a Level 3 no name armor. We also have some no name level 2 items  if there is something that interests you  feel free to take them.


    Whats the point of 100% durability though? I thought items dont break.


    Cho Youngoo picked up the Ingot sword and asked as he looked it it.


    Just because something is an item doesnt mean it is indestructible. They do restore naturally with time but if it breaks during a fight, it would be difficult to restorebecause what would you do without a weapon in the midst of a fight. In such a case, that sword is much more reliable than a no name.


    I finished distributing the items.


    The level 3 armor that Ban Shihyung had been wearing came to me.


    Cho Youngoo took the Ingot sword, the Floodin Cane went to Manager Kim, and the Leather Agile Armor went to Jong Sawon.


    And everyone else took the level 2 equipment.


    Sooah decided to take and use both the level 1 Agile Sword and Level 2 no name sword.


    This was because it she couldnt let the increase reflex option the agile sword provided go to waste.


    Since she was plenty strong, it would be fine for her to fight holding a sword in either hand like I do.


    Its also true that most higher level hunters lean toward using dual swords instead of just one because their skills and abilities allow them to do so.


    Now that everyone had graduated from level 1 gear, excitement was etched all over their faces.


    To think we came up on this much in just one fightI think I can kind of rte to those hunters that weasel talked about.


    Han Joonseok whispered.


    The items we had left over after everyone taking what they wanted was still valued at over 3 million dors.


    With that kind of money, we could buy two level 4 equipment.


    All thisin just one day.


    ***


    A sleepless night came and passed.


    I had raised all my abilities that night save for endurance  for a total use of 9000 points.


    ***


    Proficiency: 24


    Reward Points: 230


    Abilities: Strength 250? Endurance 300 Reflexes 250? Focus 200? Defense 200?


    Upgrade: 1/1,000


    ***


    My next avable upgrade required 1000 ores. I could think that it was a lot but, if we kept up the pace, I would be able to save that much in a month.


    I couldnt even imagine what the next upgrade would bring.


    Sunbeh Oppa. Look at this.


    Sooah said while touching her smartphone.


    What?


    Its some news about the Yellow Sea.


    ***


    [Officials are in shock over news that there have been killings amongst hunters. Corpse count for just yesterday has been at over 100 and rising. It is estimated that there are over 200 dead. These unexpected events have set in motion the decision by the government to station arge number of police forces in the West Sea.]


    ***


    Seeing this, itll stop alot of people froming.


    This was probably what those hunters had been aiming for.


    Han Joonseok spoke up. Compared to dungeons, it was possible to make 10 times the amount on thisnd.


    This would have easily convinced most hunters to venture here.


    But this new piece of news could change everything.


    But wouldnt it make more sense to just mobilize the army? I dont think the police would be enough to regte all the hunters


    Cho Youngoo said. Hunters were vulnerable to firearms. Of course the police carried firearms as well but they were nothingpared to the army.


    At the same time, it wasnt that easy a solution.


    If they decide to mobilize the army, the Chinese will do the same. Its better to send out the police instead  to at least keep the peace.


    What a headache.


    Well its not our problem. Thats the governments headache to deal with. We just need to concern ourselves with hunting.


    Our main focus was not everyone else. It was to milk out as much as we could from this newnd before things got too crazy.


    We continued hunting for three days straight until we ran out of food, water, and fuel.


    We were able to gather 250 ores and a total of 45 items in 4 days. Most of the investments were put into my upgrade. And after dividing up the items, we had about 31 unimed left.


    I calcted the price of everything once sold to be somewhere around 4 million dors.


    Distribution contribution was split with me taking  and everyone else taking amounts ording to their ranking.


    Since I took all the ores, I wanted to do the split evenly with everyone ..but surprisingly Manager Kim pushed for me taking therger split.


    If we dont give this much to him, this bastard might just leave us. We need to give him as much money as we can so that the thought wont even ur in his head.


    With those words, everyone nodded their heads.


    I had no intention of breaking our party. I felt a kind of bond with everyone now.


    Wheres the trust?


    Trust is empty. You need to back it up with money. Empty trust is easily shattered like ss.


    Is that so


    Is it because hes had a lot of life experience? I felt a sort of wisdom in his words.


    In any case, thanks to him, I was able to save 2 million dors. Since there was now a Hunters Market at Manripo, there were no issues.


    Everyone else took away 400,000 each. As soon as the money was deposited into their ounts, everyones face looked ready to rip from such wide smiles.


    Sunbeh Oppa. You want to get married with me? Ill buy the house.


    What the hell is this girl talking about?


    We decided to take a day of rest so that the car could get maintenanced. Cho Youngoo went to the auto shop while Manager Kim and Han Joonseok went to rest at a hostel.


    Jung Sooah, Bae Yeonkyoung, and I went out.


    The number of hunters had increased much more than the first time we were here.


    Even with the recent news, it seemed that everyone was dreaming of the riches to be earned instead.


    Why are we going to the market? Didnt we sell everything we needed yesterday?


    I was thinking of buying a skill.


    What? Why? Youre going to throw away your effort skill? What a waste.


    You crazy? Why would I throw that away?


    Then .?


    I can learn one moreadditional skill.


    What??


    Both of them yelled out in surprise and stared at me with big Os for mouths.


    Is it that surprising?


    Wellif I thought about itI guess it is.


    It happened somehow or another. Now that I have money, lets go look for some decent skills to buy.


    Isis it all because of that effort skill you mentioned?


    Bae Yeonkyoung asked in awe.


    Id never noticed because she always had her hair tied up, but her long hair and white tee suited her.


    And since she was well endowed in the front, she was drawing alot of looks from the men.


    To think someone with a cute face would have suchrgeahem.


    It was almost enough where everyone seemed to do a slight double take.


    Im not the only pervert here. Good.


    Party head?


    Shit. I was lost in my own perverted head for a second.


    The market was crowded with a lot of people. Unlike a department store, they had containers lined in a row so you can only see from the outside like a Night Market.


    I dont know if its alright to sell items valued at over 100,000 dors as if they were selling hot dogs.


    It felt as if someone were selling luxury brands on the floor of a street market. No. Thats almost exactly what they were doing.


    I think they sell skills over here.


    Yeonkyoung grabbed my sleeve and pulled me. I followed her to where they were selling skillbooks.


    Honestly it seemed like there were much more people just browsing than interested in doing any real buying.


    Wowjust how many zeros are there?


    Sooah opened her mouth. She could probably catch some flies like that. This ce was selling skillbooks ranging from level 1 to level 5.


    Look, its a level 4 enchant. 1.2 million dors.


    Is that what I have?


    Yeonkyoung had a level 1 enchant. Of course if the difference in level is 1 and 4the price difference should also be like the difference between heaven and hell.


    Its the same categorybut not the same.


    Sunbeh oppa..what are you going to buy? Is there something you have in mind?


    Ah. There is one thing. But I dont know if Ill be able to find it somewhere like this.


    I thought about what skill I should choose all night.


    I first thought about what it was I needed the most. Ability-wise, I could always raise with my skill and Sooahs buffattack powerI had enough with the Honcheon sword.


    Plus we still havent heard any news of high level monsters appearing in the West Sea yet.


    It was just a theory but I thought that maybe all the level 1 and level 2 monsters that had disappeared with the dungeons were all transported here to this newnd.


    Kind of as if thisnd was a recement for those dungeons. I dont know why something like that would happen but if this was true then I had no need for any real destructive attack power yet.


    The kind of trash that would kill their own kind just for mary gainthey could probably be much more dangerous than the monsters we would encounter here.


    So I came to two options:


    Level 4 skill Immortality and Level 4 skill High Detection.


    With the immortality skill, if you were in a situation where your head were to be cut off or your heart pierced by somethingit blocked it from happening.


    But since it had a cooltime of one day, it could be seen as potentially having several lives.


    This would seem like an amazing skill to have..but it isnt really.


    Since most people only have one skillslot, what would be the point of having several lives if yourecking in every aspect ofbat that will be useful in saving your life or getting you through a raid.


    But for people who have more than one skillslot like I dothis is something very worthwhile to have.


    The High Detection skill allows you to detect the location and type of organisms in arge range ofnd.


    The reason such a seemingly simple skill is high in level is because as you increase proficiency with the skill, the options thate along with it are extremely useful.


    Example: Option, Force Alert, is an ability that wakes up the ability holder if a hostile being is in close vicinity.


    Then if youpletely master the skill, you can not only detect hostility but also love or like in your opponent. It is called the Eye of Truth.


    This is a skill very useful to people who are dating or in rtionships.


    Of course this particr option isnt something I need.


    But if I had this skill, we wouldnt have any need for a night watch.


    They were both great skills in their own way. The Immortality skill was good for just mewhile the High Detection skill was great for everyone inn the party.


    I saw hotdogs stretched out before me.


    So they do sell those here too.


    As I bit into the hotdog that Sooah handed to me, I purchased the Immortality skill.


    It wasnt a decision as much as that I couldnt find the other skill.


    The skill was expensive. 1.2 million dors.


    So you can survive by yourself?


    I need to survive so you can survive too.


    True.


    So we purchased the skillbook in that way and started to leave when we heard some whispers.


    Whats so great about him that he has two girls


    The girls aint half bad. And theyre different styles too


    I like the big breasted one. She has a cute face and her body is whe.


    I like the tall one. Great style. And she has a pretty face on her.


    Ha.should I go and talk to them? I have a good feeling.


    With your face?


    Whats wrong with my face? Its manly you know?


    Like hell. Retard. Youre ugly as hell.


    Ah. Wait. Ill go say something ande back.


    I could see why Yeonkyoung would be popr but I didnt expect people to be into Sooah too.


    I turned my head around and looked at her.


    Is there something on my face?


    No. I just wanted to see if you had any pretty parts on your face.


    Huh.SunbehOppa is finally interested in me.heuk.


    Sooah blinked out a tear. What.


    ***


    I read the skillbook and learned the Immortality skill.


    It felt as if a hard marble formed somewhere in my body.


    It was hard to pinpoint what exactly this felt like. It kind of felt like I was a bit more sturdy now.


    WellI can now say that I have a spare life.


    With this, I can now fight a bit more freely.


    Andst, I raised my ability.


    I had over 20,000 reward points. I was thinking about how I should use it when I decided to just go ahead and raise everything by one.


    I used up 14,500 points and raised my proficiency to 29.


    ***


    Proficiency: 29


    Reward Points: 5.730


    Abilities: Strength 300, Endurance 350, Reflex 300, Focus 250, Defense 250


    ***


    Looks like I still have more than 5000 points left.


    Do I need to hit 30 in proficiency?


    If my original theory is correct, the level 3 dungeons might end up disappearing and then they might all appear here in the newnd.


    Just like the level 1 and 2 monsters probably did.


    Since there were already a bunch of low level hunters here, I had not no desire to bring any higher level hunters here.


    The more hunterse to thisnd, the less we would be able to profit off it. So that was a N.O. Ill wait.


    ***


    The next day, we packed up all our supplies and put it in our car and left Manripo.


    I saw dirt spilling out of arge truck as a streamroller was moving behind it to create a makeshift road.


    Because they of thend was pretty smooth to begin with, road construction looked fairly easy.


    If the roads werepleted, it would make travel safer for hunters.


    Why do you think the monsters arent heading towards the roads?


    Sooah, who had her head popped outside the car window, asked suddenly.


    I heard they dont like the smell of asphalt from the roads.


    But monsters appear in the cities too.


    I said they dont like the smellnot that they cant bear it.


    Whats the difference?


    Just because you dont like the smell of a bathroom doesnt mean you wont use it if you needed it right?


    Sooah raised her thumb up and smiled.


    You answered it perfectly so I could understand in one go!


    Since there are still a lot of people here on the outskirts, Ill move closer toward the innernd.


    Cho Youngoo said.


    And we drove for a long time.


    Weirdly, the number of hunters just didnt seem to decrease no matter how far we drove in.


    I dont think well be able to hunt properly like this.


    Lets go south..there should be roads easier to travel by car there.


    Han Joonseok looked at my smartphone and said.


    Whats that?


    Ahthis is a map that the inte explorer drew out. You have to pay for it, but its pretty urate.


    I knew this from my years of collecting data. I knew it woulde in handy someday. This was a site that had more up to date and urate maps than your usual web search maps.


    Thisnd is already mapped out?


    Someones got to pioneer this stuff. Im sure theyre making a killing off of it too. They also keep record of monster species and count. If we want to avoid these monsters, we have to go further south.


    Why do you want to avoid them? Isnt it better for us to run into them?


    Because everyone else will already know about themtheres a high probability we might run into them. Its better to go to a ce with fewer people.


    I guess.


    I took about an hour more for us to find a spot where we could hunt without seeing any other hunters.


    Theres a water spot near the canyon so we would be able to hunt here longer than somewhere else.


    Uh? That.?


    Cho Youngoo, who had been driving, grasped his steering wheel a bit tighter and made a frown.


    In the middle of the canyon, there were over a dozen vehicles blocking the road.


    This was the only road that was essible by cars all other roads required offroad vehicles to travel.


    And those cars were barricading this road.


    Whats that?


    Cho Youngoo slowed down as he muttered in annoyance.


    In front of the barricade were a group of hunters waiting.


    Squeaaak.


    We got out of the car and headed towards the barricade. There were some people protesting against the barricade.


    Why are you blocking the road like this? If we dont hunt here we have to turn back again and drive for a long time!


    Not my problem. This is Ezekiels Area. You cant pass.


    Whatif we turn backwe have to drive for a real long way


    Oh well. If you want to pass, then pay a toll. Or else buzz off.


    Shit. How much?


    1000 per person. 10,000 per vehicle.


    What? That makes so sense


    If you dont like it, buzz off. You see this g here? This mean its Ezekielsnd.


    The government said they would give rights tond but they never said they would allow you to charge for passage!


    Go report us if you dont like it.


    How the hell are we supposed to report you from here


    What the hell.


    Manager Kim opened his mouth.


    Do we need to pass through here? We just need to hunt monsters. Lets just turn around and hunt somewhere else.


    I think Manager Kim is right. I dont think theres any real need for us to pass through this way.


    Cho Youngoo said as he nodded his head.


    We turned our car around and changed directions.


    Again?


    Cho Youngoos face crumpled again.


    The road was blocked.


    This was the third time.


    I turned on my smartphone and checked the map.


    This.It seems that all the roads in the South may be blocked.


    Then we cant go south anymore?


    Cho Youngoo asked.


    Itll be hard for us to do so by car. There is a road that isnt on the map yet because the map isntplete but that might be dangerous. If were just hunting, itll be to just leave the car and hunt on foot nearby.


    Leaving the car is a bit


    Leaving a car in a ce like this is almost the same as begging someone to just steal it.


    We had to at least leave it closer to the city and move on foot.


    WhewI guess we have no choice but to leave the car closer to the city.

 Chapter 58

    Chapter 58


    We were currently about 60 kilometers away from Manripo.


    Walking would take at best 10 hours  not an impossible distance, but not worth doing either.


    We ultimately decided to leave the car in an area that was bare of all grass and trees. Why? Because monsters could be hiding anywhere. We didnt want to be surprisedter whening back to the car.


    We decided that we wouldnt stray any further than 1 km away from the car and started on our hunt.


    We didnt walk 50 meters when we came across a goblin. Goblins never travel alone so we started looking around for the rest of its group.


    Ill take care of this one.


    Han Joonseok raised his stalker. For a monster that we were already prepared for, just one stalker was all that was needed to take it down.


    Ping!


    The arrow that had flown over 50 meters, impably ripped into the goblins neck.


    Nice!


    Sooah raised up her thumb and made a pose. Of course this was basically due to the arrows ability, but thats what a hunter is  someone raised up by the ability of items and equipment and skills.


    We walked up to the fallen goblins body and inspected it.


    There was the arrow in its neckbut there was another arrow lodged in its back.


    Hm?


    We had only shot one arrow. Then where did the other onee from?


    Brustle.


    Who is it!


    I drew my sword and swung my head to where the sound wasing from.


    A male holding a longbow came out. He had a green headband on that had a feather of the same color attached to it.


    It wasnt just any headband. It was a level 2 item that, using the mockingbird feather, camouges the wearer with his/hers surroundings.


    This kind of item could actually be even more useful than a lot of high level items.


    If you didnt have a counter or another item, you were at their mercy. Because you wouldnt see theming. Of course once your location is revealedthats a different story.


    He said.


    I had my eye on that monster first.


    But we were first to make the killshot.


    Well.agreed. I guess there isnt really a point in arguing over who killed it first. In exchange, can you lend me your ear for a moment?


    He did seem a bit suspicious but I didnt feel any evil intentions from him.


    I scanned the area around us first. You couldnt be too careful  there might be more of his crew hiding around. And they could be hiding in in sight if they also had the mockingbird feather headband.


    Luckily there werent too many ces to hide around this area.


    The shrubs were too small to hide behind.


    When I confirmed there really werent any other people, I walked towards him.


    Are you alone?


    Yes I am.


    Can you wait just a moment?


    I went back to my party.


    Manager Kim spoke first.


    Who the hell is this guy?


    It seems hes a solo hunter. He looks to be about a level 2 and I dont think he really has any ill intentions. It just seems he has something he wants to discuss with us.


    Is that so. Its not a bad idea to at least listen to what he has to say.


    He might ask to join our party too.


    Jun Sooah spoke up. That was a possibility. Especially since there werent any party number restrictions like there were in the dungeons.


    Other than contribution distributions, there wouldnt be any issues in adding more people to the party.


    Additionally if we were short on profit, all we had to do was just hunt more monsters.


    We decided to hear him out. After I invested the ores dropped from the monster into my manual, I went to the car with the archery guy.


    Im Park Hanbum. You might have guessed but Id like to join your party.


    He said. I already had an answer prepared for such a request.


    That would be difficult. Adding someone we cannot trust to the party is just asking to put our lives in danger.


    Do I look like such a bad guy?


    You cant judge a person just from their outside appearance.


    Thats truesuch a pity. Then Ill see you again next time.


    He didnt seem disingenuous. I grabbed him from leaving. I had some more questions for the guy.


    Just a moment. Id like to ask you something.


    Yes?


    How did youe to this ce alone. You dont seem to have a car


    I have a motorcycle way back there. I hid it from sight.


    Then why are you hunting solo?


    Ahmy skill is hunting while hidden so it works better alone rather than with parties. Thanks to that, I was able to pull in a good amount of money the past few days  I didnt have to share any of it with another person. But I came to a realization. If I hunt alone, I run the risk of being robbed of monstersand maybe even my equipment or lifeby other teams. Do you know just how long I waited hidden out of sight so that I can kill that goblin?


    Not really.?


    Two hours. And that was taken away in the blink of an eye by your team. And its getting worse with the influx of hunters that areing in daily.


    But another monster will appear if you just wait.


    That isnt true.


    Park Hanbum shook his head.


    For a moment, I didnt understand what he meant.


    Youre saying they dont regenerate?


    At least not in the ces I was at.


    Thatsa bitodd isnt it?


    Usually, no matter how much you killed a monster again and againthey would appear again.


    That was why fortresses were usually built in rural areas to keep them away.


    Laying down asphalt was also something else we did to try and keep the ever regenerating monsters away.


    Theres no record in history of something like that ever having happened


    Wellthis is a newnd. Who knows what thews of monsters are around here.


    Han Joonseok said. I guess that would be an easy answer.


    But there needed to be a reason this was happening.


    Lets see.


    First, the level 1 and 2 monsters that had disappeared with the monsters were probably transported over to thisnd.


    So instead of thisnd being part of a new system, it was probably the byproduct of the old system.


    But the old system had regenerating monsters.


    Theres only one reason why the monsters were not regenerating here.


    Hm.


    Have you thought of something?


    No.this is merely spection but


    But it wasnt impossible. It was just


    It might be that this newnd is a dungeon in itself.


    But if its a dungeon, then shouldnt dead peoples items disappear?


    Han Joonseok made a good point.


    Yes. Thats why its all spection. But this hugend that appeared out of nowhere. And the monsters that immediately appeared as well. If this isnt a dungeon, there is no other exnation.


    Hm.thats true too.


    Of course whether or not this is a dungeon isnt important. The important thing is that it will be hard for us toe by another monster.


    Then


    We need to move to a different location.


    But team Ezekiel is pretty much blocking all roads. I tried a bunch of times but they wont budge.


    Park Hanbum said.


    Are you thinking of traveling on foot?


    Cho Youngoo spoke up. If we did that, we would have to throw away the car. It was probably not an appealing prospect for him.


    No.


    Manripo was now about 100 km to the north. It would be too much distance to cover without a car.


    We need to try and see if we can push through somewhere.


    Were only 8 even if we included Mr. Park Hanbum. And those guys will not stand by while we try to push through. Its true that wevee this far with a bit of wrecklessness on your part, partyhead, but this is not something that will be resolved so easily.


    Han Joonseok said with a worried look on his face.


    So youre saying theyll fight back.


    Thats the most likely reality.


    What are your thoughts on taking on that risk?


    Han Joonseok scoffed at my question.


    He knew what I was saying.


    .you want them to fight back.


    He said quietly.


    It was a big problem if the monsters were disappearing without regenerating.


    Hunters wereing in in droves.


    We needed to do something to find newnd and get to the dwindling number of monsters before they were all gone.


    Do you thinkthat the government knew things would turn out this way?


    Bae Yeonkyoung asked. This girl was sharp every once in a while.


    Could be. That might have been why they offered up partial ownership. I didnt understand why they would make such a proposition but that might be why


    Then we could assume that other teams have made their moves just as team Ezekiel had.


    Yes. It might be team Ezekiel in the south but if we go further somewhere else we might find mercenaries or some other pro teams.


    Ultimately it looks like we just might end up serving honorary hunter roles without being able to do any real hunting.


    Cho Youngoo said with an annoyed look.


    I felt the same annoyance.


    We were a group of new hunters. Hunters who were not able to join any other teams.


    But we had caught a glimpse of the riches thisnd that could have been ours.


    Land of opportunity. The West Sea.


    Where you could earn as much as the work you put in and rise up in levels quickly to be a real hunter.


    But it was a silly pipe dream. We were naive.


    I knew what had to be done now. We needed to build a team.


    The hard part was convincing people.


    Convincing them to put their lives on the line to fight against team Ezekiel.


    Would there be anyone willing to do that and join our team?


    Surprisingly, my problem was solved with the help of Manager Kim.


    ***


    Vrooom!


    When I looked up, a number of buses, trucks, and cars drove up behind our car. Clouds of smoke kicked up into the air.


    It felt like the scene of a movie.


    Hm.what kind of magic did you do?


    Hm? What? Me?


    Manager Kim wiped his brow as he answered. He then said as if it were no big deal.


    It wasnt even that hardsomething like this.


    How did you get together so many people? It couldnt have been easy. And its for something as crazy as fighting against team Ezekiel.


    Han Joonseok responded.


    Normally it would be difficult but this is a special case. Everyone came here with big hopes. There are also probably alot of people who were not able to hunt for a long time due to the disappearance of dungeons. I would assume that there are also a number of them who were having a hard time just surviving for want of money and food from theck of dungeons. You just need to say the right things to them.


    But I still dont see how people would want to go through the trouble.


    Cho Youngoo said.


    He was looking around at all the vehicles gathered. It seemed he still couldnt believe they were all here.


    So I said we would take responsibility for them. I told them not to worry and follow us.


    But thats a lie right?


    Jung Sooah said.


    Of course. You think that team Ezekiel will just peacefully let us through? Im sure theyll try to kill everyst one of us.


    But will it be ok? What if they said somethingter?


    They just needed the right excuse to do something like this. They were just afraid to do something on their own. They dont really expect us to take care of them.they just needed us to give them that reassurance. Of course someone might say somethingter on. But if we were concerned about something like that, we shouldnt have tried something like this in the first ce.


    It feels like were putting people in unnecessary danger


    Dont worry. Its my guess but I dont think well face too much bacsh.


    Do you have some kind of n?


    I asked. Manager Kim gave a smirk and said.


    No. I just feel it in my bones.


    His words sounded kind of prophetic.


    And it happened just in that way.


    The closer we got to the road that team Ezekiel was blocking, the number of vehicles following us grew and grew.


    Around the time we arrived to our destination, there were over a hundred cars behind us.


    At this pace, we would get to the spot with over 200 cars.


    How the hell did this happen?


    Easy.


    As soon as a group of 20 some vehicles moved together, the rest of the people who needed an excuse were converted just as Manager Kim had said.


    Would team Ezekiel be able to block all of us from passing?


    Impossible.


    Now, I think its time for party head to say something.


    Manager Kim patted my shoulder. I nodded my head and got out of the car. Clouds of dust all around meand I could hear the boom boom of running car engines behind me.


    Whoa.


    Sooah said as she looked out of the window.


    One by one, people were getting out of their vehicles. Hundreds of them. And there were even more still in the vehicles.


    As soon as I started toward the barricade, I could almost hear the members of team Ezekiel shaking in their boots.


    Among them, one of their bows caught my eye.


    Level 3 Grasnd Horn Bow.


    An item that raised shooting uracy. Put simply, it allowed someone to easily make a moving shot.


    The owner of this bow was a man with a pretty big build. He was probably the boss here.


    You, you need to all go back or else


    VROOOOM!


    Heeek?


    When it seemed awkward, all the vehicles behind me began to rev their engines.


    The roar of engines only grew louder and louder.


    My heart was starting race.


    I was getting antsy.


    I shook my shoulders up and down and said.


    Are you going to shoot me?


    You, you think well let you pass if you do this?


    Im just putting it out there butI cant stop those people from doing anything at this point. If I die here, theyll storm this cewith you still standing here. What do you think will happen then?


    Eu eu.


    Shake shake shake.


    The hand that was drawing the arrow in the bow was shaking almostically now. It was game over. They only had about a dozen men at the barricade while we had about a thousand behind us now.


    Shut up! Not even one of you will pass!


    Big guy yelled out as if to shake off his fear.


    Hey dumbo. You think that any of us woulde all the way here just to turn back quietly?


    If you dont want to die, back off!


    Are you a parrot? Say something else why dont you.


    Sling.


    We were going to fight anyway. If we let it drag out and government officials showed up, we would be in a pickle. We needed to get it over with.


    Eu.


    They had all drawn their bows.


    Shoot!


    Ping!


    I stretched my arm out into the air.


    Cho Youngoos shield appeared instantly in my hand and every single arrow bounced harmlessly off.


    Heuk? Where the hell did thate from?


    A few of them fell to the ground from the surprise of seeing me draw my shield from my storage.


    Leave your equipment on the ground and go. Then Ill let you live.


    This, this nobody bastard?


    Whos calling who a nobody bastard?


    I raised my hand to signal.


    Sling!


    Heuk?


    An arrow flew out from our car and hit its mark. Han Joonseoks stalker.

 Chapter 59

    Chapter 59


    Seeing the arrow lodged just a hairwidths distance from his head, the big guy started to sweat as he slowly backed away. Then he made a mad dash fora car that had been on standby.


    Everyone run! Shit!


    But I couldnt let them get away like that.


    I hit the ground hard and sprinted.


    It didnt matter how fast he ran.


    My focus was at 250.


    My reflexes at 300.


    Instant eleration and speedI had already surpassed that of a normal human beings ability in these areas long ago.


    m.


    Heuk?


    I instantly ran in front of them all and cut them off from their vehicles. I still held the shield in my left hand and the Honcheon sword in my right. I lowered my stance in battle position.


    Shit! Shit! Kill him!


    Five of them, with their swords drawn, ran toward me. Even the archers pulled their swords free. Arrows were no use in closebat.


    But with my back to the vehicle, only two of them could attack me at one time.


    m!


    Aht?


    m!


    Ahhk!


    I mmed my shield against one opponents sword to knock him off bnce while I used the explosive attack of my Honcheon sword against another.


    As the man flew back from the small explosion, his weapon shattered into smithereens and hit him all over. Hm. That could kill him if he didnt get it looked at.


    Even though I had retired two of them in mere seconds, it seemed to only kindle the fire in the rest of them.


    Because they had over 1,000 to deal with behind them.


    They probably felt that if they didnt get rid of me and run away, theyd be goners for sure there would be a mob lynching.


    But their equipment levels were only 1 and 2s.


    I was careful to keep an eye on the guy with the level 3 bow while I dropped each of them one by one.


    This was too easy. The thought came to me that I would probably be able to fight against them even if I were barehanded.


    Even those that had level 2 items, at most they would raise their abilities by 30 percent.


    Compared to that, I had almost a 300 buff on all my abilities.


    And I also had Sooahs buff on top of that.


    Even if I were to go against 30 of these guys, they would not be able to beat me.


    Crap! What the hell is this!


    Big guy started to yell out in frustration. Bro. I feel you. It must be frustrating that you cant get through just one guy like me.


    I blocked an attack to my shoulder with the shield and stabbed back.


    Ahhk!


    He probably thought I would only block because he was knocked backpletely.


    He was so shocked my the attack that he looked as if he would drop his sword any second.


    And then he did.


    I rolled on the ground, picked up the sword, and immediately put it in my manuals storage.


    The guy who dropped his sword dumbly started to look around for his weapon.


    Mymy sword?


    To think he was looking around for his sword when I was right in front of him.


    Wellit was a 200,000 dor item. Id look for it too.


    m!


    I smacked him with my shield to knock him out. Goodnight.


    Two men on either side of the now unconscious guy ran at me.


    I swiped my Honcheon sword horizontally.


    m! m!


    Each explosive hit from my sword violently smacked my opponents weapons into the air. But since they were level 2 items, they didnt shatter from the impact.


    I jumped up, grabbed both swords, and stored them in my manual as Inded back to the ground.


    What, what the hell?


    Is this a spell or magic?


    Magic my ass.


    Just then, Manager Kim cast his sleep spell over the enemies heads.


    As soon as the golden light cascaded down, 3 of them fell unconscious in a heap.


    Out of the 5 who had not fallen asleep, only 3 still had their weapons.


    Die!


    Shwing!


    Big guy shot out his arrow, and it flew at me fast. But I slightly moved my body at an angle so it would graze my armor and bounce off harmlessly.


    What the hell! That makes no sense! This is a level 3 bow!


    Big guy started stomping around and yelling. He looked like he would have a heart attack any second now. Im sorry but my armors level 3 too. Theres no way that it would cause any damage especially just from ncing off my armor at an angle.


    Party head!


    Sorry werete.


    Cho Youngoo and Jong Sawon ran to my side. It wasnt that they werete, I was just too quick.


    Im here too.


    Park Hanbum. And behind him, 20 some other hunters had followed past the barricade.


    No, there were more.


    Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap Tap.


    Hunters kept climbing over the barricade in great numbers.


    Uh?


    Shi, shit. What the hell?


    Are you guys asking to die! GO BACK BEHIND THE BARRICADE!


    Big guy kept yelling and yelling. Jeez.


    But the men who had climbed over the barricades were only more emboldened and walked ever closer.


    Pieces of shits. Selfish pieces of shits.


    Ive always wanted to choke the life out of you Ezekiel bastards.


    Yeh, you guys have been a menace for too long.


    Hm. Guess no one was a fan of these guys.


    I put the shield and sword back into storage.


    I had half a mind to just leave them to the mob to deal with, but I had something I needed to do.


    The bow big guy had in his possession was worth 800,000 dors.


    Might as well take that right?


    I cracked my neck to one side before I pushed everyone back.


    What, what?


    I outstretched an open palm to him.


    Heuk?


    He swung at me with his bow like a sword.


    Tap.


    I grabbed it with my hands.


    Shit!


    If you hand over your weapon, Ill let you leave with your life.


    Shut the hell up!


    Hm. Why are you being stubborn when Im giving you the chance to live.


    Keuk.


    We started to wrestle with the bow.


    The bow began to bend under the strain.


    Surely it wont break right? I meanits a level 3 item.


    Keuk. To think youd try and wrestle with me.


    You think I look that weak?


    His arm began to shake. Looked like he was putting his all into it.


    But I didnt give even an inch.


    What were you saying?


    This.baaastarddd!


    He yelled out on the top of his lungs and pulled on the bow even harder.


    He was pulling on the bow as if his life depended on it, but I still didnt budge.


    Then I let one of my hands go.


    ?


    I was holding it with one hand now, while he was using both arms to pull with all his might.


    But he was still unable to wrestle the bow away from me.


    Not only was his face a bright red, but his whole body had turned that rming shade. It looked like his eyes would pop right out of his sockets any second now.


    Hey hey. You might just take a shit if you keep at it.


    Im going to kill you!


    HmAnd here I was trying to give you an out.


    I pulled the bow. Hard.


    And he was jolted toward me.


    Huh?


    As soon as his face came right in front of mine, I socked him a good one with my free fist.


    Keuk!


    I heard something snap as he dropped to his knees and threw up everything in his stomach.


    Everyone around us started to cheer like crazy.


    And amidst all of happy roars, I took the bow and put it in my manual.


    After taking what I came for, I slipped out of therge crowd.


    They started to take every member of team Ezekiel and tied them all up onto the vehicles that were forming the barricade.


    I was half surprised and relieved they didnt kill the lot of them.


    Hmits a shame we couldnt take their weapons.


    Han Joonseok muttered. Little did he know, I was the one who had taken almost every single one of them and put them into my manual.


    Jung Sooah came up to me and hit me lightly on the back.


    You should have said something instead of just running ahead like that. We were all surprised.


    Ah, I just saw an opportunity and went for it. And I thought everything would fall apart and everyone behind us would leave if we didnt make the first move. I needed to show them that team Ezekiel wasnt all that tough so that they wouldnt be afraid to cross over the barricade.


    The entire crowd of some thousand people were looking my way.


    We were able to ovee this small team but it was a different story if reinforcements came.


    Depending on whether or not they stick with me at that timethe tide could go either way.


    Even if reinforcements were toe and attack, if we just hold our ground and refuse to turn away, they would have no choice to give up. Too many casualties would cause the government to step inand no one on either side wanted that to happen.


    You were thinking that far ahead? Thats our party head.


    Cho Youngoo said as he gave me a thumbs up sign.


    We started to move the barricade made up of vehicles.


    It wasnt hard all we had to do was release the side brake and push.


    Go!


    I motioned for everyone to pass.


    I dont know how it happened, but there were now almost 300 cars waiting behind us and almost 2000 hunters.


    There was no way anyone could chase us all away.


    Thank you. Its thanks to you we can now try to make some kind of living.


    Hwaaa!


    Youre amazing!


    The hunters driving past in their cars kept yelling out to us. It was getting a bit embarrassing.


    Sunbeh Oppa, it looks like you might get really famous now!


    It was a great opportunity for hunters to be famous.


    Because fame always came hand in hand with money.


    This could help to catapult team Delta into being a real pro hunter team.


    But I didnt want to get my hopes up just yet.


    After letting all the other hunters go first, it was our turn.


    I double checked all the items I had taken.


    8 Level 2 items, 10 Level 1 items, and 1 Level 3 item.


    That tranted into roughly 3.5 million dors.


    Among my haul, the Grasnd Horn Bow was a really useful item. It was much better to give to Bae Yeonkyoung or Han Joonseokk to use than to sell.


    I brought out the bow from my manual.


    Uh? What is that?


    Sooah asked.


    Level 3 Grasnd Horn Bow. You can urately shoot at something while moving with this.


    I looked at Bae Yeonkyoung and Han Joonseok.


    Both of them were equipped with level 2 items.


    It was a bit of a shame that neither of them were a match with the bows extra option.


    Hm.Dont you think that the bow will be a better fit for Ms. Bae Yeonkyoung? Since I have the stalker.


    I think that I am not qualified to use a Level 3 bow just yet. I think it would be better for Joonseok oppa to use it.


    Jesus. They were now doing a polite fight of who should take a level 3 item.


    As a hunter, Im sure they both secretly coveted the bow.


    But they were also putting the needs of the team over their own selfish desires. I really like my team.


    It may have been just a little bit at a time, but I could feel us trusting one another more and more each day.


    Hmwhat to do?


    Ill buy it.


    Park Hanbum raised his hand and spoke up.


    Do you know how much something like this is?


    I dont know how much it is, but Ill buy it for 1 million dors.


    I startedughing at Park Hanbums response.


    There was no need to pay 1 million for something worth only 800,000. Because then he could just go and buy it at the market instead.


    There was only one reason for this offer.


    But how about I pay 800,000 in cash and 200,000 in future distribution?


    Thats sure a roundabout way of asking to put you in our team.


    It seemed you wouldnt let me in otherwise.


    Do you have that kind of money?


    I think I can scrape up that much from the money Ive saved up.


    If you have a level 3 weapon, Im sure that there will be plenty of other teams who would wee you with open arms. Whats the real reason youre trying to include yourself in our team at the expense of 200,000 dors?


    There arent many people you can meet in this neck of the woods.


    I thought he would say something more along the lines of higher pay probability or because we had better skills.


    But to say we were trustworthy


    It was an answer I honestly liked.


    I turned around and looked at my party members.


    How do the rest of you feel about this offer?


    Everyone agreed and epted Parkk Hanbum to our party.


    A thought came to my head that maybe I should draft a contract or something.


    Since we even have a team name now, I think it would be a good idea to create a formal contract.


    Just leave that to us.


    Han Joonseok raised his hand and said.


    Do you have experience making something like this?


    He worked as a nner so hell do just fine.


    Cho Youngoo said while pointing to Joonseok.


    nner? What kind of nner?


    In the hunter management area. It wasnt long but Im familiar with the gist of contracts so you dont have to worry too much.


    I think I mentioned this before but hunters had the ability to earn a very nice ie besides what they could make from ores and items.


    Popr and famous hunters could earn money from advertising, appearances, sponsorships, and a bunch of other ways.


    And all of this was handled by hunter management.


    Everything else could be drafted ording to a general contract. The more difficult part is the distributions. But we can put in a use that says the party head can make changes to distributions of needed.


    Distributions was always a point of contention with all teams.


    There are two sides to distributions. Keeping more for the team and distributing less to the members helped overall team growth but keeping less for the team and distributing more to each individual member helped personal growth.


    I preferred going the route of personal growth.


    Just because the teams finances increased didnt mean that the teams overall power would increase. All it would do is attract more hunters.


    You could say this was how team Ezekiel worked.


    Lets get started on the formal contract when we get back after finishing this round of hunting.


    So were on our way to bing a real raid teamit feels weird. This wasnt something I even dreamed of happening.


    Bae Yeonkyoung said.


    She had been just a level 1 archer and a crappy one at that so I wasnt surprised this was far and apart from where she expected to be.


    That kind of stuff isnt important. Just because we create an official raid team and name doesnt mean were anything if our skills and abilities are not up to par.


    Yes! Well make sure to work hard so as not to drag you down!


    Sooah yelled out as she waved her sword back and forth.


    Now, lets get going.


    Ill follow close behind while riding this.


    You wont get too tired?


    Just because Ill get tired doesnt mean I can just throw it away. This things pretty expensive.


    Tap tap.


    Park Hanbum lightly tapped his offroad bike. I put my hand to the bike. I wondered if I could store this thing in my manual too.


    -No information on item.


    I guess not. It seemed that only items could be stored in the manual.


    The Marsh in the South was a vastnd stretching out for over 100 kilometers.


    It should have been big enough to amodate a few thousand hunting parties.


    Of course, without regeneration, the monsters here will soon dry up too.


    So before that happens, we had to hurry up and hunt what we could.


    We followed a particrly better looking road in our car, and Park Hanbum followed us close behind.


    We could already see cars that had stopped so parties could begin their hunting. As I looked through my explorer map, Han Joonseok said.


    It says that there are more Level 2 monsters in this area so we best be more careful.


    Whether its level 1 or level 2 monsters, theyre pretty much the same.


    Manager Kim replied.


    Currently, Cho Youngoo, Jong Sawon, Park Hanbum, and I had level 3 equipment.


    Of course Cho Youngoos weapon was still a level 2 but he could safely cover our rear with that.


    It was understandable why Manager Kim was being soissez faire about everything.


    We still need to be careful. Because its from this point that we might cross paths with monsters like that toad. If they just jump, they could easily move from our front to the side or back.


    You have me for that.


    Sooah took out her sword and started posing wildly.


    I shook my head.


    I couldnt deny it, however, that she did improve her swordsmanship in a short time.


    You didnt need to be an amazing swordsman to fight against a low level monster.


    All you needed to take care of yourself was the basic sh and stab and she had that down.


    We kept on the road in this same manner until we saw a new scene unfolding.


    There were dozens of people who had gotten off heavy trucks fighting against another group of dozen.


    When I rolled down the window to listen in, it seemed some of them were from team Ezekiel.


    It seemed they had tried to block the sudden onught of peopleing into the newnd, but were not too sessful.


    What? Huh? Say it again!


    This ce is team Ezekielsnd.keuk?


    The moment he grasped his opponents neck with onerge hand, team Ezekiels hunter was immediately lifted off the ground.


    Are you kidding? Who says? Do you see just how many people we have? We can take you on!


    Keuk.ah, what I meant was


    Move that hand immediately!


    Shwing!


    As soon as the men on team Ezekiels side drew their sword, everyone on the other side did the same.


    Things were getting a bitdangerous again.


    It looks like its about to get real.


    Sooah mumbled. I agreed. Even if it was the West Sea, killing people in broad daylight in front of witnesses was asking for trouble.


    Squeak.


    We slowed our car and got out to approach them.


    It felt as if blood would be spilled if one person on either side moved an inch.

 Chapter 60

    Chapter 60


    Stop over there. Just stop.


    As soon as I spoke, everyone looked at me.


    Huh? Arent you Jeon Sangmin?


    Eum.how did you know my name?


    How could we not? Werent you the one who allowed all of us to pass through that barricade?


    I guess but


    It seemed my name was bing quite famous. But that also meant I was infamous now to team Ezekiel.


    It didnt matter. Fame had a tendency to bring in negative attention as well as positive. I could handle that much at least.


    It wouldnt have been possible to pierce through the barricade all on our own. At least bringing everyone else over allowed us to not onlye through easily but also have a whole slew of people as a sort of ally.


    Anyway, theres no point in causing unnecessary trouble here. Its better to just not fight and step away. Same with you guys from Ezekiel.


    I Looked pointedly at the other guys.


    What are you saying! This is ournd! We even got confirmation from the government!


    Shut up. Isnt that only after youve cleared the entirend of monsters? It makes no sense for you to im thend like this when we see monsters crawling all over it.


    I love that way you put it. Youre 100% correct.


    He said as he pped me on the back. Ezekiels side was now grinding their teeth, but I paid them no mind.


    They were the minority right now and, short of losing their mind, they wouldnt try and fight now.


    Dont pick any fights and just focus on hunting. That would be the smartest move right now.


    No. Was it us who picked the fight first? They were the ones who blocked our way first. We had half a mind to just push past them forcefully with our trucks before deciding to try and settle it out peacefully by getting out and trying to talk.


    The person who looked to be the party leader exined.


    We..we!


    Dont make me say the same thing twice and just leave. If you dont want to die, that is.


    Keuk


    I spoke a bit more roughly than I meant to.


    Was this because of my memories from the Baeksapyoung Dungeon? The faces of all the unnecessarily ughtered men and the melted faces of the survivors came to mind.


    Finally the Ezekiel group moved aside. That was their only option.


    The truck partys leader came toward me and said.


    I had wanted to use some force against them but I will let it be only because of you. Thenuntil we meet again.


    All of them loaded back into the truck and disappeared into the horizon.


    And then the Ezekiel group looked to me and said.


    You said youre Jeon Sangmin? You were the cause of all of this?


    Whatever. Watch yourself. From now on, there will be plenty of other people not as forgiving as them.


    I turned around after saying my piece.


    It would have been nice if they just left it at that.


    Stop!


    What?


    You didnt think we would just let you go after you did all this shit?


    No. I just saved you guys from getting killed, so what the hell are you talking about?


    Save us? Like hell! Youre looking down on us!


    Looking down on you? If that means saving your lifethen yehIm looking down on you.


    What?!


    Oh. Im sorry if my speech is a bit rough, but Im not wrong.


    This bastard! Just know today is your funeral.


    Shwing.


    The sword he had sheathed just a moment ago was drawn again.


    I made a sigh and said.


    Dont do thisreally.


    I will make you regret letting those guys pass.


    Its nice that you have so much confidence butthink of it from the other side. Why do you think they left us like that?


    Partyhead!


    The doors to our car opened and both Han Joonseok and Jong Sawon got out. When everyone else looked ready to get out too, I raised my hand to stop them.


    Just wait on stand by. Im enough to handle these guys by myself.


    Nice bluffIll give you that much.


    The biggest of them all, wielding a Bastard Sword, stomped his way toward me.


    ncing at his equipment, he had level 2 equipment and a level 3 sword.


    Hm. Not bad.


    But even if he had a level 3 skill, he was still no match for my effort skill.


    Keu keu. I will make you rue the moment you had your friends stay back.


    Sorry. What did you say?


    Heuk?


    I piledrived right into his chest in a split second.


    Sqeeze.


    The moment I gave a good hard squeeze to the hand holding the sword, he released his weapon and let it fall to the ground.


    Heuuuuk?


    The moment he stepped back in surprise, I stepped on the sword and put it into storage.


    This bastard! Doing a surprise attack!


    Whatever. Just go. I dont want to fight.


    Waitwheres my sword?


    What are you talking about? What sword?


    The sword you just ook


    I raised up both hands to show that I had nothing in them. His face froze. Even a non name level 3 sword sold for about 600,000 dors.


    He must have felt like crying from losing something like that.


    Waitwait.reallymy sword.


    Stop whining. If you want to fight then just hurry it up.


    Pft.


    I could hear Sooah trying to stop fromughing behind me


    His face kept getting redder and redder.


    Shit! Im sure itll turn up somewhere. Everyone attack!


    He yelled confidently, but no one behind him moved.


    Unless they were idiots, they would have been able to assess our power.


    It should have struck them as odd that a bunch of hunters left just on my word alone.


    It meant that they acknowledged my power enough that they would not only listen to me, but trust that I would be safe even after they left.


    Only this one idiot didnt understand all of this.


    What are you guys doing! I said to kill the bastard!


    I meanhe looks pretty strong. And its not like we have to fight him. Im sure someone higher up will do something about him.


    Everyone started to walk away.


    Only the guy who had his weapon stolen was still mad. But he couldnt fight aloneand weaponless at thatso he followed everyone else.


    Shit! You just watch!


    So there are idiots who say cliche things like that.


    Keeeeuek!!!!


    He let out a final frustrated yell at my nonchnt words before running at me.


    It wasnt hard to fight off a foe who didnt even have a weapon.


    m!


    I punched him in the face.


    You use this.


    I passed the level 3 no name sword to Sooah.


    Are you just passing things out now?


    Return what you had instead.


    Ok.


    She passed back the level 2 sword she had strapped to her hip.


    After scattering team Ezekiel, we made a small change in course. There was no need to unnecessarily go on a course they knew so that they could find us again to fight.


    Our aim was to fight monstersnot people.


    Of course the items we gained from fighting people were very very nice, but not enough to kill.


    We arrived at a piece ofnd that didnt ovep with any other parties hunting grounds.


    Park Hanbum spoke.


    How many do you think we can kill?


    If theyre level 2 monsters, Im sure we can easily do about 20 at one time?


    Armed with level 3 equipment now, we were far stronger than we had been at the Baeksapyoung dungeons.


    But it was better not to overwhelm ourselves since we were fighting on a more openndscape.


    Then Ill be right back.


    Vroom!


    Park Hanbum revved his bike and sped away.


    After a few moments,


    Vroooom!


    We heard his bike again and saw close to 25 monsters chasing after him.


    What was interesting was that he was riding his bike inrge arcs instead of driving straight.


    what the hell is he doing?


    I think.hes testing out his new item.


    Han Joonseok responded as he slitted his eyes to try and look closer. It seemed he was able to assess the situation better thanks to the Optical Ruby ring allowing him better vision.


    Whe Park Hanbum got a bit closer, we were finally able to see what was going on.


    He was shooting his bow while speeding on his bike at the same time. Since he had both hands off the handles every time he shot his bow, the bike would swerve here and there.


    What theis that even possible?


    On a road that wasnt even asphaltand one that was a bit wet at thathe was using sheer hip movements to stabilize his bike.


    I can see why he wanted that bow.


    Han Joonseok added. Just being able to ride a bike like that could be as helpful as having a skill. No, it might actually be due to the aid of a skill that hes able to ride like that.


    Get ready for battle.


    Struck momentarily by Park Hanbums riding skills, the monsters had drawn every closer in mere moments.


    And in that time, the monsters had gone from 25 to 23.


    We were already in position.


    Jong Sawon, Cho Youngoo, and I were in a triangle as the ranged damage dealers (ADC).


    It was Sooahs job to back us up.


    Vroom!


    The bike sped roared as it sped past me. I could hear the wheels grinding against the ground.


    Paht!


    Park Hanbum shot out an arrow and another monster fell to the ground.


    That was a level 3 item for you the damage it inflicted was noughing matter.


    Our opponents consisted of 10 Predatory Toads, 6 Striped Alligators, and 6 Fanged Earwigs. 22 in total.


    Seeing a standing target, they switched their attention to me and started running in my direction.


    Shwing.


    Honcheon sword in my right, Level 2 no name in my left hand.


    And I had been wearing my armor for a while now.


    Squeeze.


    Sqeezing my swords in both hands, I made a dash towards them.


    Jong Sawon and Cho Youngoo followed suit and ran forward as well.


    Manager Kim started to cast his spell while Han Joonseok, Bae Yeonkyoung, and Park Hanbum readied their bows.


    Quickly reaching the monsters, I struck out with my sword horizontally. No matter how sharp the de is on a sword, it is hard to kill arge monster with one swipe.


    The key was to attack their weak spot.


    p.


    One predatory toad struck out its tongue in my direction. I could see the poison dripping off its thick tongue as it came ever closer.


    Swipe!


    p!


    As soon as I cut it off, almost three more struck at me.


    Too slow.


    Swipe! sh! sh!


    Even before they can feel the pain of my de, I stepped atop the first toads head.


    Croak?


    Stab!


    I struck down with my Honcheon sword straight into its head.


    [+200]


    I jumped off the now dead toad towards my next monster.


    The predatory toad I had aimed for raised its head and opened its mouth.


    Huge.


    It could easily swallow me whole.


    Haaahhht!


    I yelled out and swiped my Honcheon sword straight up and down.


    Therge gaping mouth split into two and transparent fluid sttered everywhere.


    But even with its mouth split apart, the toad remained its mouth open.


    And I fell right into its throat.


    Shit.


    St.


    The sticky saliva clung all over my body. It smelled putrid.


    Sunbeh Oppa!


    I could hear Sooah yelling out.


    The toads esophagus started to pulled my body in. If I just stayed still, I might get digested.


    I hurried stored all my weapons into storage and brought out the bloody sword.


    This might hurt a bit.


    Shwing!


    Crooak!


    The toad started to jump about after I cut it.


    Now I could feel what was left of its tongue pushing at me and its muscles trying ever harder to digest me.


    I tried in earnest to stab at its throat. Luckily I was able to do this much since its tongue was already gone meaning I wasnt paralized.


    Stab! Stab!


    Just die! Die why dont you!


    Staab!


    Unable to take any more, it finally spit me back out.


    Croak! Croak!


    The monster started croaking and coughing as if it had something stuck in its throat. Im sure it wasnt feeling 100% since I had left my bloody sword stuck in its throat before being spit back out.


    Ah, my clothes were covered in the toads juices, and I was unbearable smelly and sticky.


    I did bring a change of clothes but there was nowhere for me to shower. I guess I would need to look for some running water after this fight was over.


    Partyhead!


    Han Joonseok yelled out. Another toad jumped to where I was standing.


    I hurriedly hopped back.


    m!


    The ground shook at the impact of therge monster.


    I equipped myself with a sword in either hand again.


    Tap.


    I hit the ground running. The nasty toad revealed its little stub of a tongue as it raised its forelegs.


    Unlike normal toads, these toads had incrediblyrge feet.


    m!


    Euk.


    I dodged its attack and ran to its side.


    Swipe!


    I struck at its hip and all its intestines spilled out of the gaping hole.


    Ah, are those eggs over there? Looks like this one is female.


    m! m!


    It started to jump after meeven with its intestines and eggs trailing after it.


    [+200]


    Reward points..where did thate from?


    Looking up, I saw that the toad that had swallowed me whole had finally copsed.


    It seemed as if my bloodysword had finally done its work and drank all its blood.


    Croak!


    During the short time I was preupied by that toad, the zombie toad had closed the distance.


    Shwing!


    An arrow had lodged itself in the toads forehead. It flinched, but the damage wasnt enough to kill it.


    But more arrows flew outand one of them hit its eye.


    Croak!


    It let out another croak and started to il its body.


    And then I jumped atop the miserable toad to jam my Honcheon sword straight down.


    [+200]


    After ridding of three toads in that way and looking around, I saw Jong Sawon and Cho Youngoo engaged in a bloody fight against the Striped Alligators.


    There were 6 dead toads.


    The remaining 4 toads were fast asleep.


    The striped alligators were much easier to deal with than the Predatory Toads.


    The striped alligators were only fearsome when they were hidden in shallow streams when they were exposed above ground like they were now all you had to do was avoid getting bitten.


    Cho Youngoo raised his shield and blocked the attacks of the 3 meter long Stiped Alligators.


    Jong Sawon parried attacks at my right.


    They couldnt do reckless closebat fighting like I could do.


    I was only able to do such attacks because of the high level abilities thanks to my effort skill.


    Because even if they were level 3 hunters, if they got caught in the level 2 toads mouths they would not be able to get back out.


    Most humans fought while depending on their weapons and equipment and not relying on their physical abilities. The same went for dealing with the alligators. I was just the exception.


    Humans could not move as quickly as the monsters jaws could.


    One wrong move, and they could lose an arm or leg to the alligators mouths.

 Chapter 61

    Chapter 61


    Of course if you have the rightbination of equipment, then the buffs from those items could probably be enough to boost your physical abilities enough to fight the alligator easily.


    In the case of the alligator, the best buffs would probably be ones that boosted reaction time.


    Anyway, my point was this.


    That I would be the only bastard crazy enough to do this using just physical ability.


    I charged at one of the three alligators that was next to Jong Sawon.


    Since Cho Youngoo had his shield, he would be able to hold up for longer than Jong Sawon.


    The monster raised its ugly head and opened its jaws wide.


    Close your damn mouth.


    m!


    I mmed its jaws back together again.


    Alligators typically have very strong mping strength.


    As opposed to that, they are very weak in opening their mouths so a human could easily keep them closed if they wanted.


    This was the same for the Level 2 Striped Alligators. Unable to use its main weapon,, the monster started to whip its body back and forth to try and get free.


    There wasnt any point in dragging it out.


    I stepped on its jaws to keep it closed while I draw my sword and plunged it straight into its forehead.


    The Honcheon sword made a small explosion upon impact.


    Alligator brains.


    [+200]


    Nice! Shot! Sunbeh Oppa!


    m!


    [+200]


    m!


    [+200]


    Instead of stopping, I kept the momentum up and cut off the heads of the remaining two monsters. All organisms are the same.


    If you just cut off the head, even a dragon would end up dying.


    Ahthe undead dont count. Because they arent living to start with.


    Just then, I barely evaded a Fanged Earwig that had aimed to pounce on me.


    It seemed in every other way like a regr Earwig except it had huge fangs that looked like ivory elephants tusks.


    Jong Sawon swung wide with his Rubicon Sword.


    It cut through the air in a half arc.


    Shwing!


    The 2 meter tall Earwig was instantly split cleanly in half.


    I had to admit. The Jong Sawon armed with the Rubicon Sword was far and away stronger than the man I had first met.


    As soon as I went to stand next to Jong Sawon, all three archers naturally switched focus to cover Cho Youngoo.


    Cho Youngoo gave up on attacking and switched to defense mode.


    Because he knew that the monsters would not be able to get through.


    [+200]


    Jong Sawon and I teamed up to get rid of the rest of the Earwigs.


    All we had left were the 3 Striped Alligators futilely trying to pierce through Cho Youngoos shield.


    As I ran towards him, I counted the monsters we killed.


    3 Predatory Toads, 3 Striped Alligators, and 6 Fanged Earwigs. If we counted the 4 Sleeping Predatory Toads and 3 Alligators still alive and well, it brought our total monsters to 22.


    We were almost done.


    m! m! m!


    [+200]


    Just when we killed the three alligators.


    Pow!


    All at once, 4 Fanged Earwigs burst through the ground from my rear.


    I could see Sooah standing in frozen horror with wide eyes in front of the monsters.


    Shit.


    There were four more of them???


    I thought there were only 22 to start with?


    Keuk!


    Stomp!


    I stomped on the ground hard enough to kick up a small cloud of dust. I dont even know if Sooah would be able to handle one of them.


    Let alone four.


    sh!


    I saw Jong Sawons sword shining from here.


    Just when did he get there?


    Haaht!


    Shwing!


    And I saw Sooah sh horizontally with her own sword. The Earwig that had been aiming to rip her to shreds with its sharp teeth was immediately cut in half spewing out white guts everywhere.


    Jong Sawon swung out with his sword while the three archers shot out with their bows to keep the monsters at bay.


    Hap!


    Stab!


    Her sword swung once more in the air and the Earwigs fang flew majestically as it separated from the monsters head.


    Wow.


    Cho Youngoo said with amazement.


    The five minute battle had garnered us 26 dead monsters. And Sooah had personally killed 2 of them herself.


    I was the one who had trained her and shown her how to fight.


    But I never imagined she would be able to follow through so well in real battle.


    I had assumed she would need more time before fighting for real.


    Isnt this your first time fighting a monster?


    I dont think it is.


    Not counting the roach you killed that one time.


    Eumthen its my first time.


    And you were still able to stay calm and fight like that?


    I practiced hard.


    Ahstill.


    If that was all it took to be able to do what she did, I wouldnt have been as surprised as I was.


    There are people who are earnest. On the outside, theyin and dont look like theyre trying all too hard, but they are the type of people who actually work a lot harder than anyone else. This was because they dont like to show their hard work to others. They find it embarrassing. I felt like this girl was that type.


    What was hard for me to believe though was that she thought to fight in such a surprising situation. It was a situation where she would not have been mentally prepared since the attack came out of nowhere.


    I cant say that I would have 100% responded in the same way were I in her position.


    If I had to guess, I would say that she was able to respond in that way because she had faced life and death situations a numbers of times in her life.


    Did I do well?


    She made a small smirk while oogling at me.


    Hmph. I wouldnt go that far. Id say that she just finally earned her keep today.


    But still.


    You did well. Good job.


    She put her head down. And her shoulders started to shake.


    What theis she so happy its making her cry?


    I tap tapped her shoulder.


    Heuuu..


    Eum?


    A weird sound started to seep out her mouth. It sounded sort of like cryingbut also like something else.


    What are you doing right now?


    Its my first time getting apliment.


    She looked up at me with sparkling eyes.


    Was I so mean.? Iplimented you sometimes didnt I?


    That was only to Yeonkyoung!


    Ah, is that so?


    I nced at Yeonkyoung. She started to touch her hair awkwardly while giving an ufortable giggle.


    I didnt realize this.


    Well,plimenting didnt cost money or anything so


    You did well. You just have to keep doing what youre doing now, and youll be great.


    More, more more!


    She held my hands and looked at me with shining eyes.


    This girl is too much sometimes.


    She kept pushing her head too close to me so I lightly pushed her forehead away and spoke to Jong Sawon.


    I had a question for him.


    How was it that you were there next to Sooah in that instant?


    Ah, since I saw that you were running to Cho Youngoo to help him, I went to help the rest of the party. It was sheer luck.


    I see.


    Is he saying it was coincidence?


    Either way, it was a learning experience.


    I think it is important for us to keep in mind that if we ever fight against Fanged Earwigs, that there might be more of them than we can see. It is nice to earn money, but safety should always be priority above all else.


    Lastly, I looked at Park Hanbum.


    How many monsters have you killed on your way here?


    I think about four.


    I see there was a good reason for you to keep that bike.


    It was all thanks to the new bow.


    The bike had be a great hunting tool thanks to the aid of the Grasnd Horn Bow.


    And it was helpful to the party as well. Now we didnt have to go out in search for monsters we could use him to bring them to us.


    That meant we could hunt that many more monsters in a shorter time.


    I briefly wondered if he had a skind if his skill had something to do with driving.


    But all I saw using the manual was Level 2 Increase Destructive Power.


    That meant his driving skill was unrted to skillbut from his own hard work.


    I had to give him credit. It was amazing what he could do on that bike.


    Out of the 26 dead monsters, we had earned 10 ores.


    Since 2 of them were blisonites, I decided not to invest them into my upgrade just yet.


    If I just gathered some level 1 items and performed fusions, it would end up being quite a bit of profit so there was no need to invest every single ore into my upgrade.


    I also earned 3,400 in reward points. That meant I had killed 17 monsters on my own.


    If I think about the early days when I had pretty much killed all the monsters myself, it was a bit disappointing but I had to think positively.


    This just meant that all my party members had raised their own abilities. This was better in the long run.


    We also came up with a level 2 spear and armor.


    None of us needed any more equipment so we decided to sell it and I stored it in my manual.


    Coming up with two items this time around is all thanks to me, ok?


    Manager Kim said as he shook his glove.


    This man was very talented in tooting his own horn. I mean, that glove only raises drop probability by 10%. But Ill humor him.


    Is there any ce I can go wash up nearby?


    I asked Han Joonseok. I felt ufortable covered in all of the damn predatory toads slime.


    Wait a moment.


    While he started doing a search, I took the armor off and put it into the manual. Then I took off my top.


    I wanted to keep it on, but I just couldnt bear the awful smell any longer.


    Gulp.


    I heard someone swallowing somewhere. I looked up, thinking it was Sooah, but I saw Bae Yeonkyoung quickly turning her head away.


    After confirming there was a small brook nearby, everyone loaded into the car and headed there.


    Of course, I decided it would be best to just run alongside the vehicle. Since I could probably keep up or even outrun a speeding car if I wanted to, there was no point in me stinking it all up for everyone.


    It was 30 minutes into the run when I slowly started to run out of breath. But it was fine. I would probably still be able to run for a few more hours.


    Park Hanbum, who was keeping pace next to me on his bike said,


    Ha.Ive got to say that you arent the average Joe. I mean, Ive seen plenty of people who were strong or fastbut I dont think Ive ever seen anyone with stamina that evenes close to yours.


    This is all thanks to my skill. Nothing to be amazed at.


    I briefly heard about your skill from everyone else. Having said that, if you didnt have the stamina and will to push yourself, this wouldnt be possible.


    Haha. If you think of it that way, then thank you.


    Honestly, these kinds of situations always embarrassed me a bit. Because I felt that this skill was more luck than effort. Of course I pushed myself in the beginning..and that itself was effortbut I was lucky to have chanced on this skillbook.


    Tap tap.


    Han Joonseok, who had been sitting in the car, opened the window and lightly tapped the car to get my attention.


    As soon as I looked at him, he pointed up ahead. There was a small hill.


    If we just pass that, there will be a brook! Just a little more!


    And there it was after we passed the hill. It was probably only about 2 meters wide at best, and the water just barely came to my ankles. But this was enough to wash up.


    Sqeaak.


    A van suddenly stopped on top of the hill.


    I sighed and looked at Han Joonseok. I could see him frowning while straining to look into the distance.


    I tried to look where he was looking, but I couldnt make anything out except for a vague outline.


    Shit


    What is it?


    A huge monster.. It looks about 4-5 meters tall. Probably


    A word I had forgotten in the depths of my memories reared its head in my mind.


    I had not expected to run into him in a ce like this, but I guess that was too much to ask for.


    But it looks like its not alone. I cant tell for sure but it seems like theres another party in the middle of a hunt.


    Then thats none of our business.


    Cho Youngoo responded. Han Joonseok shook his head and said,


    Theyre too far for me to be sure, but it looks like the group isnt faring too well.


    Why dont we get a bit closer to see if we can measure the situation better.


    We took our car and drove up about 1 kilometers closer.


    I was able to make something out now. The first thing I could see was how humongous the monster was.


    Han Joonseok had said 4-5 meters but, on closer inspection, it was 3 meters tall and over 5 meters long.


    I checked my memories and came up with the monsters name.


    Splendense.


    It was a level 4 monster.


    Interesting name.


    Well, the person who firstes across the monster gets to name it so..I heard that they derived it from the scientific name of the beetle.


    Just like the name, it looked like a beetle. It used its horns and front feet to plow into the ground.


    Like most bug type monsters, their weak spot was their stomach. But since the Splendense usually moved with their stomachs close to the ground, it was hard to attack.


    And even if we were able to flip it over to strike at its weak spot, it will be hard to make any real damage since it was so huge.


    The situationdoesnt look too great.


    Han Joonseok said.


    Is it critical?


    They have about 30 hunters in all. But there seems to be about 10 of them on the ground. I cant tell if theyre alive or dead from here.


    Lets try and get there as soon as possible.


    My team drove the car as fast as it could go. The ground kicked up clouds of dust as the wheels spun in a roar.


    Park Hanbum and I followed behind as quickly as possible as well.


    The closer we got, we saw that the situation was even worse than we expected.


    There were only 15 of them standing.


    In that short time, 5 of them had fallen.


    As soon as we arrived on the scene, the other hunters started to cheer at the top of their lungs.


    Help is here!


    But theyre not our team!


    It doesnt matter who they are! Please help us!


    Yep. Bad, all around. They were so desperate they didnt even care who we were.


    SunbehOppa, thats


    Ah, I saw. But lets first help them out and figure it all outter.


    One of the copsed men was holding a g.


    A wheel pattern on a white background. Team Ezekiel.


    But there was no reason for us to deny them help.


    Its not as if I hated these people before us. I hated what their team representedbut not the individual people.


    Shwing.


    As soon as my weapon and armor appeared from storage, I ran headfirst into battle. I felt Park Hanbum look after me in surprise.


    Kyaa!


    The Splendense, which had been taken aback by the roar of the car and bike engines at first, finally seemed to gained a bit of control and moved surprisingly fast on its short legs to try and stomp on me.


    m!


    As the monster mmed and plowed into the ground with its front legs, it felt as if there was a small explosion clods of dirt flew up in all directions.


    I had already jumped away from the attack while my archers started shooting their arrows.


    And the arrows bounced off with no effect but the resounding noise of hitting a boulder.


    Keeek?!


    Its feelers began to twitch and I saw its eyes look from me to them.


    m!


    My Honcheon sword made a small explosion as it broke the monsters second leg.


    Yes!


    I heard someone yelling out loudly.


    To think he can cut off its leg in just one try!


    Shit! Effing Yes!


    Were saved!


    The Ezekiel Hunters were beside themselves.


    But it was still too early to cheer just yet.


    Swiing!


    Uh?


    Pow!


    The monster had stamped on one of the hunters who had been cheering loudly.


    His body, pierced by the monsters foot, was a bloody, gut spilling mess. Dead for sure.


    So why the hell did you scream like that! Of course youll draw the monsters attention like that!


    Cheonsang!


    Another hunter yelled out with a cry. He raised his head up and dumbly looked at the dead body hanging off the monsters foot.


    Shit! Were they close?


    But even still! Get the hell out of the way!


    Stomp!


    The monster raised its leg higher to stomp down once more. And the target remained still.


    I sprinted to push the idiot out of the way.


    Stomp!


    Keuk!


    I left the miserable hunter to continue crying out in pain as he just rolled around on the ground. I immediately got up to swing out with my Honcheon sword.


    The monsters front feet that had been stomping up and down unrelentlessly immediately stopped and backed up.


    I guess it didnt want to go up against the Honcheon sword a second time. Smart for a bug.


    Please keep shooting your bows! And Manager Kim! Stop ying around and cast your sleep spell!


    Will it work on a huge monster like that?


    It doesnt matter if it doesnt work! I just need you to distract it!


    Of course a distraction wasnt too helpful. The monsters eyes were ced wide apart so that it could spot a wide range. What I was aiming for was a small enough distraction that I could get close to it.


    m!


    It stomped where I was standing just a moment earlier.


    Clods of dirt flew all around and behind me but I kept running.


    As soon as I started to swing with the Honcheon sword, the monster began to back up.


    That meant it had identified me as the most dangerous opponent.


    I began to run in a zig zag and reached the monster.


    Sleep!


    Haaht!


    It was then that Manager Kims magic fell down over the beetles body.


    I would normally back away from the target in this case, but Manager Kim was using the Floodin Cane and adjusted the range of attack to only hit the monster.


    Bugs sleep too. And luckily for us, all organisms that sleep are affected by the sleep spell.


    Sleep! I said sleep!


    I spied Manager Kim on the side raising both arms, with a cane in each hand, and yelling out with a face full of concentration.


    It was a funny sight to see him with a cane in both hands, but I couldnt deny the efficacy of it.


    I know of some magicians who tie up a number of canes with different effects and walk around with the bundle.


    If course its better to have one high level cane than a bunch of level 1 canes, so there arent too many who do that.


    Anyway, if he keeps yelling out like that, even if the monster wanted to go to sleep..I doubt it would be able to.


    But I felt the Splendense halt for a moment before moving again.


    It was feeling the effects of the sleep magic. Since it was a high level monster, it didnt fall asleepbut it did slow down.


    Wow, its working.


    Of course it is! Im sure no one else thought of using two canes at once like I did!


    They did. There are actually a lot of people who thought of it before you, you old man.

 Chapter 62

    Chapter 62


    Didnt you just decide to use both canes because you felt it was a waste to only use one?


    Hey!


    Next time if we get another cane, you can hold the third one in your mouth.


    Isnt that a scene from a really old cartoon?


    Manager Kim and Sooah stepped back while I ran behind the stumbling monster.


    No matter how fast I was, it was difficult to get behind it unawaresbut it was possible now.


    The monsters movements became further slower.


    From behind the monster, I slid right under him to get at his underbelly.


    Kkeung!


    From under him, I began to put all my strength into pushing his body over.


    As a bug type, it was lightpared to its size, and I was able to lift him off with my current strength.


    It began to w at the ground in desperately futilely trying to keep from rolling over.


    Nuh uh uh.


    I pierced its vulnerable belly with my sword.


    Stab!


    Shiver!


    I could feel the huge body of the monster start to shake.


    It began to w at the ground even harder to now try and shake me off.


    Heub!


    Stab!


    I pushed my Honcheon sword all the way in this time so that only the hilt of the sword was visible and refused to be shaken off.


    I dug my feet into the ground while holding onto the hilt.


    I was in the perfect position to use my strength.


    Both hands on grasping the hilt, I pushed with my shoulder as I tried to lift my upper body off the ground.


    One of the Splendenses leg lifted up off the ground.


    Oh oh!


    He lifted it!


    Is he trying to flip it over?


    Even before I learned the effort skill, I was able to squat 250 and dead press 300.


    That was something even a pro bodybuilder would have had a hard time doing.


    You might question if a lowly porter could achieve something like thisbut unlike athletes, porters could take all the supplements or drugs they want. And most porters do take drugs out of necessity. And I did the same.


    Being already that strong,bining my initial strength with the 300 percent buffI could probably lift 1 ton at this point.


    Kikik!


    The Splendenses body was almost at a right angle to the ground now.


    Oh oh?


    Its working!


    Are you serious? How the hell is he doing that?


    I could hear the surprise mixed with excitement in everyones screaming voices.


    But people who have flipped bugs for fun know.


    That something like this isnt easy.


    Plllllllll!


    The monsters shell began to open up to reveal a wing.


    Scrape scrape scrape scrape!


    And its legs kept on scraping furiously on the ground.


    My feet lost their bnce and grip for a moment.


    I couldnt keep this up.


    Pluck!


    As soon as I plucked the sword from its underbelly, a yellowish liquid began to ooze out.


    I guess Ill try stabbing you with the bloodysword instead.


    m!


    I slipped out from beneath after jamming my bloodysword, and his body mmed forcefully to the ground.


    Kiiii!


    The monster was definitely a lot slower than before. I dont know if its because of his wound or the bloodysword at workbut it was noticable.


    Shwing shwing!


    The arrows kept flying in the air, aiming for the monsters eyes, while Cho Youngoo and Jong Sawon did all they could to draw its attention.


    Attacked from all sides and unable to do anything, the monster swung its legs this way and that while spinning around.


    It looked like nothing, but those legs were dangerous.


    Cho Youngoo and Jong Sawon backed up.


    Tap.


    Seeing an opening, I jumped up onto the monsters back.


    Its shell was a hard exoskeleton of chitin.


    Perfect target for my Honcheon sword.


    m!


    m!


    One after another, I struck at the shell with the sword while I hopped here and there causing a small explosion with each hit. One of its legs lifted up to try and swipe at me.


    Kakak!


    I just hopped away from each attackwhichnded on the monster itself. If it was human, Im sure it would have pulled out its hair in frustration since I was evading every single one of its attacks. Poor thing.


    m!


    I mmed down my sword one more time. But the monsters hard shell did not look like it would crack any time soon. Stupid bastards and their hard shells.


    But Im sure that even though it wasnt doing any damage on the outside, the explosions were causing internal damage inside.


    And it would have a difficult time recovering because of the bloody sword still stuck in its underbelly. Good.


    And just when I thought all I needed to do was drag the fight out while I let the bloody sword do its work..


    Crack.


    Uh uh?


    The monsters hard shell cracked open and revealed its wings.


    Nahsurely it wasnt going to fly into the air?


    Ive never seen something like this happen with my own eyes!


    I quickly got off its back.


    Whoosh!


    And almost at the exact time, the bastard flew into the air.


    I let out a sigh as I watched the giant beast hovering about 10 meters in the air.


    Isnt it too much for a monster of that size to be able to fly in the air like that?


    Oh well.


    Thanks to that, it became much easier to fight it.


    Shwing! Shwing!


    Arrows flew out and hit its wings. Unfortunately, even though they looked thinthey were actually thin for its sizebut thick enough where the arrows didnt pierce right through.


    But they did make it harder for the monster to fly.


    And the attacks didnt stop there.


    Being in the air meant that its weakest part was fully exposed its underbelly.


    Thank you, sir, for volunteering your stomach up for attacks.


    Shwing!


    Kiekkk!


    This time, an arrow flew at its stomach from the side and lodged itself right in. It was Park Hanbum, shooting at the it while riding around on his bike.


    Not bad, Park Hanbum. His shots were powerful enough that they were making the Splendense flinch with each hit.


    Shwing!


    Shwing!


    And now two arrows shot out at the same time from the same ce. But the more powerful shots were being fired from our new archers side since he had the Level 3 bow.


    I put up my thumb at him and hurriedly went to where Han Joonseok and Bae Yeonkyoung stood.


    I decided to trust in Park Hanbums bike skills and help those two instead.


    Shwing!


    And just then, an arrow perfectly hit the monster square in one of its buggy eyes.


    It was Han Joonseoks stalker.


    Nice!


    Cho Youngoo made a fist pump in the air with a big old smile on his face.


    Kya!


    The hovering monster turned to Han Joonseok and moved to attack.


    The damage was big but that meant the monster had new motivation to get back at the one who got its eye.


    I mean, if it were me, I would probably try to kill the one who poked out my eye first too.


    Han Joonseok and Bae Yeonkyoung were in danger.


    They couldnt protect themselves against a level 4 monster.


    Even our best defense, Cho Youngoo with his level 3 shield, wouldntst very long against a diving attack from a Splendense.


    A back up n?


    I didnt have anything of the sort.


    But I did have super strengthand the Honcheon sword to deliver my strength properly.


    I decided that right when it got as close as possible without hitting us, I would hit it explosively with the Honcheon sword to change its course.


    AhI know I came up with itbut it sounds like a stupid n. No matter.


    Kyaaa!


    Cho Youngoo! Jong Sawon! Stand by and attack when it gets close to the ground!


    You dont need us to help with defense?


    Cho Youngoo shouted out.


    Ill block it! Sooah!


    OK!


    She gave her hand a quick whisk and I felt my body get lighter as the 1 person buff activated. WIth this, my strength went up to 450 percent. I could probably lift 2 tons right about now.


    Maybe even flip over a truck.


    Itsing!


    I yelled out loud as I held the Honcheon sword with both hands. In order to stay flying in the air, the Splendense had to have a rtively light body but it was still probably about a ton.


    Would I be able to withstand the impact, no, hit back with enough power to change the course of monster pile driving into me from 10 feet in the air?


    I jumped toward the Splendense that was diving towards me. I could see its long horn. And we were face to face in mere moments.


    Go to hell!


    I put all my strength into striking its horn.


    m!


    Youve heard this.


    Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.


    Due to this, being the lighter of the two, I was pushed back almost 10 meters while itwas only pushed back 1 meter.


    I was the one who made the strike, but it felt more as if it had struck me.


    The good news was that I had messed up its trajectory enough to have it crash to the ground and it was 3 meters away from my party members. I looked at it. Its horn was hanging at a weird angle and one of its wings was folded up awkwardly.


    Cho Youngoo and Jong Sawon hurriedly ran towards the fallen monster.


    The Splendense looked as if it didnt know what hit it.


    At first nce, it almost looked so still that it seemed dead or unconscious. But if you looked carefully, you could see that it was slowly fidgeting as if trying to get a hold of itself.


    But those two knew they couldnt pass up such an opportunity as this.


    Cho Youngoo advanced from the side.


    Covering most of his body with his shield, he stabbed out at the other eye with his sword.


    Kyaaak!


    The monster let out a shriek as it shook its head and tried to get up on its front legs. But Jong Sawon came out from behind Cho Youngoo swinging widely with his Rubicon sword.


    Shwing!


    The shing sound of iron against iron rang out as the Splendenses front leg came away with scratches from the strike. It wasnt something very noticeable, but the important part was that the sword had cut him however little.


    That meant it was susceptible to damage even on its hard exoskeleton.


    Jong Sawons de shined in the light, but the Splendense ignored it and stomped down on the ground with its legs.


    I dont know if it was having a hard time moving properly because of the sleep spell, the attack, or both, but none of its attacks werending anywhere close to the two men.


    Heyyou think theyll kill it?


    Shouldnt we try to go in and do something now?


    Well.


    But it was our monster from the start. Its a waste to just let them kill it.


    Hey, we still have our pride.


    You know that item drop probability is super high around here though right? What if a skillbook or something else really crazy drops? If its a level 4 item, the starting price is 1 million.


    Most of them were level 2s with some who had level 3 equipment here and there. But just because they had level 3 weapons like I did didnt mean they could do what I was doing.


    It seemed like they gathered a bunch of level 2 and level 3 hunters to bring down a level 4 monsterbut they bit off more than they could chew.


    To try and bring down a monster who was one level higher than you were was, quite frankly, suicideno matter how many of you there were.


    The moment they discovered this big guy, they should have run away without looking back.


    But, unable to hold back their greed, they had tried to fight which had ended with half of their party copsed on the floor like rag dolls. And there were a good number of them who died as well.


    Hearing that they were trying to get in at the end so that they could take possession of the drop items when they didnt do any of the workit seems they didnt learn their lesson.


    As I saw them starting to sidle in little by little, I dashed for the Splendense and raised my Honcheon sword in the air.


    Having suffered through Jong Sawons attacks this whole time, I could see that its leg was now half severed.


    Jong Sawon had set the table for me. I just had to eat my meal.


    I gripped the hilt of my sword with both hands and cut through the air as if I were pouring every ounce of power into that strike.


    SLAM!


    My de hit the monsters front leg and exploded.


    Though its thick leg would usually be able to withstand my swords attacks, in its half attached state, the ck appendage flew off with the explosion.


    The Rubicon Sword had severed it, and the Honcheon Sword broke it off.


    I like that.


    And from Jong Sawons look, I could see he approved as well.


    Kiiiing!


    m!


    Kyaaa!


    We used the same method to take care of the other front leg.


    Now the Splendense was without its main weapon. All it could do was try and bite us with its rtively small mouth or sit on us to try and smoosh us to death.


    And you cant forget that my bloodysword was still at work, sucking away at its life source. Because it was so huge, we havent seen the effects of this yetbut it was only a matter of time.


    This was the end.


    All that was left was to kill it.


    Attack!


    As if they were waiting for just this moment, the standing members of Team Ezekiel yelled out and ran towards the fallen monster.


    It looked like they were going to aim for the weaker looking hind legs.


    But I wasnt about to let them make a useless attack so that they could im contribution.


    m!


    Eut?


    What!


    I mmed my sword into the ground in front of the running hunters. As it made a small explosion on impact, the men cursed out a few words as they stepped back.


    I looked at them with a smiling face and said.


    It is dangerous so please stand back.


    Thats.we, we will help you.


    A short but sturdy looking man responded.


    Im sure they were thinking I was higher than a level 4 hunter at this point.


    I do not want there to be any more casualties than there already are. There is a chance the monster will attack ever the more violently out of desperation, so it is advised to stay where you are.


    Then I added.


    And if there is someone who insists of attacking this monster still, I will assume that your aim is to disrupt my fight.


    Gulp.


    I heard someone swallowing loudly in the small group.


    I basically said in a roundabout way that that would signify an attack against me.


    [+400]


    It was only after 10 minutes or so that I was finally able to kill it.


    Since it was so big, it didnt die even after cutting off the head, scooping out its eyes, or splitting open its belly. It was a lot of work to finally get it to give up.


    It was only after I had pretty much butchered it up that I finally got my reward points.


    After recovering my bloodysword, my party members and I stood posted around the monster as we waiting for it to evaporate.


    All the members of Team Ezekiel moved off to one side and started to tend to the wounded. Luckily, it seemed they had a healer, as no more of them died.


    Everyone keep on alert and stand by. We do not know how they will decide to act at any point. They might decide to do a surprise attack.


    Do you think theyll go that far?


    Bae Yeonkyoung asked.


    Im hoping they wont. But theres nothing wrong with being careful


    And one person from the Ezekiel team started walking toward us. He looked like he may be the leader.


    I am Team Ezekiels Kim Jaemin. Thank you for helping us with the hunt.


    I could already hear his intention from those few words.


    Helping with the hunt, you say? I cant just let that slide.


    We werete on the scene because we were scoping out the situation. If we had been a bit quicker on the scene, we might have been able to save more people. I feel that that is all too unfortunate.


    I said this as I looked pointedly at the 5 dead bodies.

 Chapter 63

    Chapter 63


    This was my way of telling them that we didnt just help with the hunt we saved their lives.


    His expression hardened. I guess he must have taken me for a chump.


    It would have been best for everyone if he just backed offbut that didnt seem to be the case.


    Butdo you know that this is Ezekiel territory?


    Im not sureI dont think Ive heard that, no.


    All the roads leading here are supposed to be blocked


    So are you saying right now that you purposely blocked off roads?


    That is. Of course because this is our territory.


    And who made that ruling?


    The initial ruling by the government was that they would acknowledge partial ownership for partiesnot ownership of everything.


    Nothing in the ruling said anything about the right to upynd that had not been granted in the first ce to do what they wanted with it. And it was because of this little point that they had taken the initiative to block the roads.


    Thats obviously by the government


    This idiot.


    So are you saying that you will stick by what you just stated and ept all the repercussions as well?


    what?


    It is true that the government approved teams to raid and upy territories. But nowhere in the rulings did they approve blocking off roads and rights to passage.


    I see. Well ok then.


    Kim Jaemin nodded his head and walked away.


    Heyhes actually backing off?


    Sooah asked.


    The monsters still evaporating. Nothing has dropped yet so Im pretty sure theyll act based on whates out. Im sure if they see something worth a pretty penny, theyll be more aggressive.


    Scavengers. I hate those kinds of scum.


    But didnt you get along just fine with those kinds of people, Manager Kim?


    Sooah smirked.


    That was only when they gave me money. Those bastards arent giving me a paycheck. And didnt I say that a weasel like them stabbed me in the back and I lost my job before?


    Haha ok ok.


    It might have been because the Splendense was so huge, but it took a really long time for it to evaporate. It was only after 20 minutes that an item finally dropped.


    Hmthis.


    Wow.


    I had been a porter for a long time and, short as it may be, my time as a hunter was spent in lots of raids.


    In that time, I had killed a great number of monsters and seen plenty of items before too.


    But this was reallyI dont know how to put it into words.


    Ruff!


    A dog barked and wagged its tail furiously as it stared at us.


    ***


    Hellkeeper Cerberus (0)


    Special Abilities: Eats items to grow. The higher the level, the more it grows. Cannot die.


    ***


    Cerberus.?


    Cerberus?


    Bae Yeonkyoung hugged the dog and asked.


    Surprised at the drop, everyone came together to look at her breasts.


    No, I mean, the dog she was holding to her breast.


    What the hell am I saying.


    It seems that this dog here grows by eating items. It might look like a regr dog, but it might turn into a 3 headed monsterter.


    Even the cheapest item is valued at over 100,000 dors. To feed something like that to a dog. Not something for the light of heart. But one thing caught my eye.


    Cannot die.


    There is no way the manual would have false information. That meant this was 100% fact.


    If we could have this Cerberus as our ally, it could really be worth feeding the dog some items.


    The only problem was, we didnt know just how many items needed to feed it for it to be useful to us.


    There was no point in investing expensive items in a dog that needed hundreds to grow a small amount.


    But theres no way such a cute little dog can transform into a monster like that.


    Bae Yeonkyoung purred as she cuddled the dog a bit harder.


    I couldnt tell what kind of dog it was.


    I think this is your item again.


    Han Joonseok spoke.


    There was no point in leaking information they didnt need to know in front of team Ezekiel. Park Hanbum, who was still new, looked at me with curious eyes.


    Your item? What does that mean?


    Well exinter. Anyway, since the monster has evaporated, we should go on our way. Theres no reason for us to waste any more time here. And that dog, can you


    Okbe careful.


    Bae Yeonkyoung passed over the small Cerberus to me.


    I held the dog by the gruff of its neck with one hand and put it into my manual.


    It easily disappeared into storage.


    Even if it was a living thing, it was still an item, so I guess there was no problem doing this. Anyway, this made it easier to take around.


    Seeing Yeonkyoung look at me with sad and worried eyes, I brought out the dog again and handed it over to her.


    Park Hanbums expression was one for the books. It was a face that wanted to know so bad that it was almostical to look at.


    Did somethinge out?


    Kim Jaemin came up to us and started poking his nose around. I shrugged and shook my head.


    Sadly nothing dropped.


    But I thought I heard something just now


    He might have noticed we were crowded together for a moment and gotten suspicious buttheres no way he would have thought Cerberus was an item.


    We just saw a doge out of nowhere so we were just all petting it a bit.


    Dog?


    I pointed to the small ck dog that Yeonkyoung was lightly bouncing up and down in her arms.


    Its whole body was covered in shiny ck fur while the eyebrow-like fur above its eyes were t grey ovals.


    Then well be taking off.


    Please stop right there.


    There was a bit of steel in Kim Jaemins voice.


    Was he really trying to do something?


    Even if he had a healer, its not as if his remaining men were in any shape to fight us.


    They only looked like they had about 15 men who could put up any type of fight. But even if they had double that, they wouldnt be able to beat me.


    Fighting against people was easier than fighting against monsters in one aspect. If you just showed them how much more powerful you were, most would just turn tail and run.


    If you think you can stop us, go ahead.


    Im trying to say that I heard something. Didnt you hear it?


    What?


    Vrooom~!


    I looked where Kim Jaemin was squinting at and saw a vehicleing our way. It was still a ways off but it looked like it would reach us in less than a minute.


    And soon, a 2.5 ton truck pulled up while a bunch of people jumped out of it.


    All of them had at least level 2 equipment with some who had level 3 equipment on them.


    There seemed to be about 20 in number.


    Kim Jaemin shook his cellphone at us.


    Now are you ready to talk?


    Wellnow that you finally did something underhanded, I feel more at peace. I was wondering when it woulde.


    35 of them circled all around us 15 unhurt men from earlier and the 20 reinforcements.


    It seemed they were trying to intimidate by outnumbering.


    But just then, another truck pulled up on the scene. It didnt look to be from team Ezekiel. Because the g attached to it was unfamiliar.


    Screech.


    They look like Ezekiel bastards. Should we help?


    This was the first time being lent a hand byplete strangers. It felt weird, to be honest.


    This evened up the score.


    But my favorite part was this how Kim Jaemins face crumpled up from a smile to a scowl.


    Now, what will you do?


    I just wanted all this to be over and for everyone to leave. I didnt want to hurt anyone when it was unnecessary.


    Kim Jaemins face suddenly brightened up again.


    When I followed his gaze, another truck that seemed to be theirs was heading this way.


    The vehicle stopped and a gruff voice yelled out from within.


    What are you doing here?!


    Were taking care of some men who have broken through the barricade.


    I guess this person was higher up in the ranks than Kim Jaemin.


    Well, if you take care of all of them, maybe things will settle down a bit.


    Hm. This one seemed strong. I could see that he had level 4 equipment.


    Why dont you try?


    I was going to even before you asked. Everyone! Prepare for battle!


    Yes!


    37 of them all took up their weapons.


    Jesus. But then another truck was ambling their way.


    I thought it was another Ezekiel truck, but Han Joonseok spoke.


    Theyre regr hunters. How


    We made a call to some people we knowthey came faster than I expected.


    An unfamiliar man said as he stepped off his truck.


    Things were getting out of control.


    Shit. What the hell?


    The head honcho looking guy started to curse to himself.


    He was about 170cm. A bit on the short side but I could see that he had a strong build.


    I checked him out using my manual.


    ***


    Name: Jang Taesoo


    Skill: Agility (4), Increases response rate by 200%


    Additional skills: None


    Proficiency: 6


    Equipment: Smash Sword (4), North Sea Armor (3), Shock Absorbing Glove (1), Quick Shoe (1)


    ***


    As expected of a level 4 skill, the Agility skill raised his response rate significantly.


    But it was still nothingpared to the reflexes my effort skill gave me.


    The only thing that I had to watch out for was his Smash Sword.


    That sword had an additional option the swords strikes would deal critical damage to monsters at random.


    But other than those random hits, it was no different from a no name level 4 sword.


    Nothing to sweat over.


    And we outnumbered them now 6 to 4.


    Even if they had a level 4 hunter, it was game over if the rest of his team is wiped out. Additionally, his armor cant protect every part of him. If my archers just shot him in the eye bye bye.


    You were saying you would show us something


    Keu keu keu.


    Jang Taesoo started to give out an evilugh.


    I dont think I said anything funny.


    Take this time to bask in that happiness of your right now. As soon as the rest of our reinforcements get here, not a single one of you will leave alive.


    Hm. Is that so? How long do you think itll take for them to get here? 10 minutes? 20 minutes? If I had to guess, Id say it would take them over an hour?


    He didnt say anything, but I could tell from his expression.


    It seems you guys had a bunch of your team sprinkled here and there to prevent other from hunting. But you guys were too greedy. Even if you brought every one of your party members here, youll have what300? Are you saying that youll take over the entire Southern wends with so few men? We have no intention of letting you do that.


    Shut up! You bastard! Ill rip apart that loud mouth of yours!


    Like I said. If you think you can, go ahead.


    Shit!


    m!


    Jang Taesoo hit the ground running. I had suspected he would fight, but I didnt expect him to make his move so soon.


    He must have been pretty sure of himself.


    In his mind, since he had a level 4 skill that increases his response rate by 200%, he would have expected he could bring me down before I could do anything. But, including Sooahs buff, mine was at 360%.


    To think he could ovee me with just 200% was folly.


    p!


    I grabbed his wrist.


    Did I surprise you?


    Craack.


    Ahhh!


    I gave it a bit of a squeeze (ok more than a squeeze) and he screamed as he dropped his sword.


    I picked up the item and put it in my manual before mming into him with my shoulder.


    m!


    Crack!


    The satisfying crunch of his ribs breaking.


    When I let go of his wrist, Jang Taesoo copsed in a lifeless heap.


    I looked toward Kim Jaemin, whose mouth was open wide in disbelief, and said,


    Do you want more?


    Thatthats.


    I hoped this was enough to convince them they were no match.


    Im not a killer. I know that if there is no reason for violence, it is best to avoid it.


    Keukeukeuyou thought it would end like this?


    Jang Taesoo snickered while on the ground. Surprising. He should have had a hard time breathing let alone talk. Stubborn bastard.


    I looked down at him and said,


    I think it would be best for both sides if we stopped right now.


    How naive.


    What?


    Thats not how a fight works. You see..once you start


    Spit!


    Jang Taesoo spit at me.


    Of course I dodged it but, in that time, he got up and made a dash for me while yelling at the top of his lungs.


    Everyone attack! Dont hold back! Well get every one of these bastards!


    Before he could grab my legs, I knocked him out, but things took a turn for the worse.


    The men who were ready to turn back just a moment ago, were now fired up again.


    And Kim Jaemin took up his sword as calmly said.


    Kill them all.


    Waaaaaah!


    All of them started running.


    Kill them! Shit!


    That girl is mine!


    Shwiing!


    Ping!


    m!


    Magic and arrows flew through the air and weapons shed.


    Ahhk!


    Mother!


    m!


    Keuk!


    I could see deaths unfolding all around me.


    Usually when there is a battle of 100 vs 100, 10 people at most fight like crazy while the rest look around more focused on defense.


    But Ezekiels men were different.


    They were weak as individuals, but I could see that they were fighting as a group.


    Not one of them backed down. Each and every one of them were fighting with all they had.


    The ones who had fallen into panic instead were the men who had decided to help us. Because this was still unfamiliar territory to them.


    And it seemed I wasnt the only one who saw this.


    These bastardsthey look like theyve done this a time or two.


    Han Joonseok spoke. And I only nodded.


    Now that things had gone south, there was no reason for us to hold back either.


    I could forgive their folly oncebut not a second time especially after Id given them numerous chances to pull back.


    I will trust you all to y your roles!


    I yelled out simply and jumped into the middle of battle. Since we were being pressured, I had to do something.


    Right now, Ezekiel was our enemy, and we didnt have the kind of room to show them any leniency.


    Kyak! Die!


    I turned to see a man charging at me with his sword and swung with my Honcheon sword.


    He had been wearing a sturdy armor, but the explosive attack of my weapon easily broke through.


    Pow!


    [+200]


    His body blew to pieces with a small explosion.


    Ahht!


    What is that! A bomb?


    Focus and attack!


    Kim Jaemin yelled out quickly, but it didnt soothe the panic I had created with my sword. And in that same moment, I made a dash for where Kim Jaemin was standing.


    m! m!


    As soon as I killed two more on the way, I could feel the confidence from the Ezekiel slide slowly slip away. But that was only in my general area.


    All of the others from Ezekiel were still fighting full force everywhere else.


    In order to end this as quickly as possible, I had to get rid of the inciter and leader first.


    Block him!


    Realizing he was my target, he quickly gave his order.


    Men of level 2 and level 3 started to make a human barricade in front of me.


    I move my head this way and that as I yelled out,


    Come and get it!


    Ahhhh!


    Three attacks came at me. Two swords and one spear.


    The speed of the spear was fast.


    Tap!


    I grabbed the spear between my arm and hip before I gave a good yank. The man holding onto the other end easily followed suit and came between me and the two swords.


    Keuk?


    Jongsoo!


    This piece of shit!


    After killing one of their own by ident, they were hopping mad.


    -[+200]


    Hm. I get points for killing someone indirectly too?


    Ping!


    An arrow whistled toward me. Raising my sword up, the arrow bounced off my de to hit the man trying to attack me from behind.


    Keuk!


    -[+200]


    Even after killing theirrades so easily, the attacks didnt stop.


    Die!


    One man yelled out with steel in his voice as he ran for me.


    Maybe it was because he was so desperate to kill, but he left himself wide open. There was no point in blocking or even dodging. I just swung down with my sword.


    m!


    His armor crumbled and he was catapulted away. He rolled into another of hisrades and started to violently cough up blood.


    I guess he didnt die from that but it looked like he would be hard pressed to keep fighting.


    Gulp!


    Maybe I was finally able to knock some fear into these fools because the remaining two Ezekiel members stood their ground instead of attacking.


    Then I guess its my turn to take the initiative?


    Swoop!


    It was then that something ck passed me at an incredible speed.


    Cerberus.


    Keh, Kelby!


    Yeonkyoungs shrieking voice.


    Kelby? Did she already give it a name?


    But what is that dog trying to do?


    Cerberus started to eat a dagger that was dropped on the ground.


    It was a level 2 stealth dagger.


    What, what the?


    An Ezekiel hunter that had seen this started to back away. It was understandable since a normal looking dog started to eat a dagger out of nowhere.


    Gnash. Gansh!


    After gobbling up the dagger in mere moments, Cerberus spied a fallen shield and started running towards that as well.


    I hurriedly pulled up my manual to check its stats: 2.


    His level had gone up one point.


    Hm..kind of a waste.


    This little shit!


    One of the hunters that had backed up just moments before kicked his foot.


    Pat.


    Cerberus disappeared. And the man, just kicking at air, started to look around wildly.


    Where the hell did that shit go


    Gnash!


    Aaaaak!


    Just as quickly as it had disappeared, Cerberus reappeared and chomped on the hunters offending leg.


    It had bit down so hard that I could see the white of his bone.


    Leaving the hunter to roll around on the the ground in misery, Cerberus focused again on running toward the shield.


    Flooop! Floop!


    Even with my eyes, it seemed as if Cerberus was disappearing and reappearing again and again.


    While wondering how it was doing that, the item it had gobbled up came to mind.


    Level 2 stealth dagger.


    It was a weapon that gave the wielder the option of concealing him/herself a second at a time.


    This.stupid dog!


    A hunter raised his sword, de down, and plunged it where Cerberus was.


    Pat!


    Instead of the sound of sword plunging into the dog, I heard the sound of something more like a leather drum being hit.


    Thisthis?


    Pat pat!


    He kept stabbing at Cerberus, but the dog ignored the idiot and gobbled up the shield after reaching it.


    Gulp!


    As soon as it swallowed the shield up whole.


    Woosh!


    It suddenly grew as big as a small calf.


    It looked exactly the same just bigger.


    Heuk?


    Even if it looked like a dog, Im sure it couldnt have looked cute to the men attacked by it and the Ezekiel hunter slowly started to back away.


    I tried to think back on what Cerberus had just eaten. It was a round shield that covered a diameter of the forearm with a pattern as if the shield was cut into four pizza slices


    Aegis shield.


    It had the option of reflecting the damage made to the shield.


    Standing between me and the other Ezekiel hunters, Cerberus slowly turned around to look for other items.


    But seeing there werent anymore lying on the ground, the big dog looked back at the hunters.


    It was looking at the level 2 items they were holding.


    What are you doing! Kill it!


    Kim Jaemin screeched. Obeying order, the two hunters slowly walked towards Cerberus holding their swords.


    m!


    Gnash!


    Cerberus plowed into one while biting into the other.


    The sword the hunter had been holding easily snapped in Cerberus jaws leaving only the hilt.


    Gnash gnash.


    Without a care, Cerberus pawed at the other sword, held it between both paws before plopping down to gobbling it up.


    It looked like the very picture of a child chewing up his lollipop.


    Thatthat dog


    Thest hunter still with his sword raised it into the air.


    Keung!


    Heuk?


    At Cerberus yelp, the hunter jumped back in surprise.


    Since it had grown in size, its yelps had amplified loudly as well.


    Everyone looked toward us.


    What is that?


    Monster?


    I think its a dog?


    How can a dog be so big?


    What is it eating?


    It looks like a sword?


    Youre saying its eating an item?


    Crazy. Youre right. Is several hundreds of thousands of dors a dogs chew thing?


    So surprised by this new scene, the battle had seemingly paused.


    Gulp!


    Cerberus started to stretch out before it let out a nice big burp.


    I cant believe it was able to eat and digest that


    But isnt that a monster? Dont we have to kill it?


    Someone asked to which Bae Yeonkyoung screamed out loud.


    Kelby is not a monster! Its a pet!


    How the hell is there a pet that eats items?


    Ping!


    And an arrow shot out somewhere from Ezekiels group.


    Its target was Cerberus.


    Pat!


    But the arrow just bounced off Cerberus thick skin like a toy.


    Keuk!


    And the archer who had shot the arrow, let out a pained yell. The damage had reflected right back to him.


    Cerberus was able to absorb the abilities of the items he ate.


    I looked at Cerberus and shouted an order.


    Cerberus! Attack!


    I raised my hand to point at Kim Jaemin. But it just looked at me curiously before plopping right down onto the ground.


    Sunbuh Oppa. I think you were just ignored.


    I know ok?


    Call it Kelby.


    Yeonkyoung whispered to me. Hmcant hurt right?

 Chapter 64

    Chapter 64


    Kelby.


    Wiggle.


    Its ear twiched. Hm. It seemed to recognize its name.


    But does it understand anything beyong that?


    Kelby, attack that guy.


    Arf!


    Surprisingly, Kelby jumped from the ground and ran toward Kim Jaemin.


    A pet that can understand the humannguage?


    Wow. It seems I had far underestimated this item.


    Ahhhh!


    After swinging his sword a couple of times to no avail, Kim Jaemin started to turn tail and run from Kelby.


    As soon as both Kim Jaemin and Kelby departed the scene, the battle resumed again.


    Where are you looking with your enemy right in front of you!


    Woosh!


    Out of nowhere, someone had creeped up on me to yell before swinging his weapon at me.


    I love these idiots who give out warnings before attacking.


    m!


    Instead of thanking him for his thoughtful idiocy, I hit him hard enough to send him flying away.


    Since the power of the Honcheon sword was proportionate to the power of the wielder, the level 2 armors broke into pieces with every explosive strike.


    The thought that I was wasting perfectly good items in this way briefly flitted in and out of my mind.


    Ahhh!


    m!


    And after taking care of thatst man, I saw that there werent any more hunters blocking my way.


    Dont stop!


    Shit! Where the hell is Jaemin!


    Thanks to Kelby and me, the Ezekiel team was slowly starting to get pushed back.


    I guess I just need to get that one to end this.


    I looked at the back of Kim Jaemin, who was still running away from Kelby.


    He was running toward his vehicle.


    Kelby was still chasing after him but,pared to its big size, the dog was on the slower side. Since it was still a puppy, I couldnt expect it to run any faster yet.


    But I could finally see who the winner would be. Kelby was still running with its tongue out, jolly as ever, while Kim Jaemin was steadily losing speed. And just as Kelby caught up, it bit out Jaemins throat.


    And that was the end.


    Not long after Kim Jaemin lost his life, all the other Ezekiel hunters started dropping one by one.


    We were victorious. While everyone on the Ezekiel team had perished, only two on our side had died. Though two deaths were still not a light burden, it was far better than the deal our enemies had gotten.


    Han Joonseok came up to me and whispered,


    Party head, the dead bodies will soon begin to evaporate.


    Lets pile them all in one ce and burn the bodies.


    This was so that we could hide the fact that they evaporate. Though digging a hole and burying them is also a good idea, it would take too long we couldnt take that risk.


    Luckily, we were able to move them all into a pile fairly quickly. We poured gasoline all over the bodies, lit them on fire, and took care that the fire didnt go out.


    What will we do with the dead from our side?


    Han Joonseok asked this time.


    We can just leave them. They wont evaporate.


    There was a reason why I was so sure.


    As the manual had upgraded, there were a few new pieces of information that came with it and one of them was information on the evaporation system.


    This means that those who are affected by the level 0 skill are affected by the new system meaning everyone in our party since they receive Sooahs friendship buff.


    We began to gather up the still in tact equipment left behind by the Ezekiel team to divvy up between the other hunters and my party.


    There were a total of about 30 items. This was a very low number of items since about 40 of them had died.


    Hma lot fewer than I had expected.


    There are a bunch that I broke while fighting. And Kelby ate quite a fewSo you may take all of these items here.


    I used my manual to check Kelbys stats. Its proficiency was at 13, a farrger number than the count of items it had eaten. But reflecting on that, I realized it was because Kelby had eaten the items I had broken during the fight.


    What a fatass.


    You dont need to do that


    They began to refuse. Well, since the fight was pretty much won by me and Kelby, Im sure they didnt feel right taking everything.


    But I was nning on taking all the item drops for my team so I didnt care.


    Just take the items you would give to us, sell them, and give the earnings to the families of the men who have passed. I feel that would help us rest easier.


    These were men who had joined a battle that was not theirs to begin with. I had to do something for them. It was only right.


    But that monster


    It is an item. I dont think itll cause any problems for us, but I hope you would keep this between us.


    Certainly. I will try.


    They had already seen Kelby in action. I couldnt hide it or what it can do. News would spread fast. The least I could do is ask that they not volunteer the information if possible.


    After those hunters had departed, we put out the fire and collected all the items from the evaporated bodies.


    Among some of the items were a some that looked like the Escape scrolls.


    Huh? These didnt burn?


    You think an item would burn? Items are hard to damage by conventional means. They can only truly get damaged by skills or other items.


    But you can rip them.


    Thats because theyre made for ripping. Now that youre officially a hunter, you should study the basics at least.


    Yes! Yes sir! Yes teacher!


    Im teacher now?


    Well I heard that men like it when girls call them that. Its supposed to be romantic or cute?


    Thats only if the person saying it is wearing a schoolgirl uniform.


    Oohuniform you say?


    Let me just ignore her. If I take this conversation any further, she just might show up one day dressed in a schoolgirl uniform. She would not look good in that. A giant in a uniform?


    Lets go.


    I put all the items into storage and we left. There was no good that coulde from staying here any longer.


    ***


    Ssh!


    Puahh!


    Wearing only pants, I dove into the water. Since I had brought several changes of clothes, I figured Id just throw this one away.


    We had arrived at a nearby river to rest for the day. The fight had sapped us of our energy. We needed to rest and refuel.


    I washed my body under the water as I flitted through my manual.


    Not including the items we got from the fight before, we only came up with 2 thisst battle. And 12 ores in all.


    Though the drop percentage was a bit low, I had nothing toin about since we got some crazy items.


    While I was checking my manual like this, I heard a rustling behind the boulder upon which I hadid out my clothes.


    I tiptoed on over.


    What are you doing?


    Sooah, who had been trying to steal my clothes, began tough like a pervert.


    Heh heh.I wanted to do a live action y of the Fairy and the Woodcutter


    Dont touch my underwear.


    Can I touch everything else?


    Ill report you to the police.


    I know you wont


    Whew. Now I really feel like doing it.


    I sighed lightly. Im afraid she might really be some kind of pervert soon.


    Anyway, Im still a bit worried..do you think everything is going to be alright?


    What do you mean?


    Ezekiel. We killed about 40 of them. The police might even decide to step in, no?


    All of their men evaporated so we have nothing to worry about.


    Do you think itll really be that easy?


    Unless there is concrete evidence, they dont interfere with hunters business.


    Han Joonseok, who had been soaking in the water with me asked,


    And why is that?


    Because this job has a high mortality rate to start with. The police can only do so much. They dont have the resources to check on every death. So, instead, they take on cases selectively. This, of course, means that hunter incidents are almost always excluded from priority investigations.


    This didnt just apply to deaths but to disappearances as well. There were tons of monsters simr to the predatory toad that can swallow a person whole leading to many disappearances. And when something like this happens, and the dungeon resets, a body is never found. For this reason, there is less incentive to do any serious hunter investigations. But in cases where there is conclusive evidence of a hunter doing something against thew, there are harsh penalties enforced to show the public that they are doing something about it.


    But it is all a show that the government puts on to give the public the illusion of control over powerful hunters that they dont really have in reality.


    Then we really dont have to worry?


    Were fine. At least for now. Plus Team Ezekiel is known for their high mortality rates. Since thisnd is still fairly new, there is very low chance that anyone would really care what happened.


    This was pretty much why I did whatever I wanted in the end. I wouldnt have wiped them out otherwise. Im not an idiot.


    And considering how they acted toward us, its indicative that they acted in much the same manner to other hunters. We wouldnt be singled out as a suspect.


    Anyway, lets just try our best to steer clear of those guys. Lets consider todays events as a sort of lesson.


    That even if we see Ezekiel guys in danger, we should just let them get eaten?


    Honestly, I didnt think theyd be such bastards. But that just goes to show you that I am still too naive.


    But I like that about you.


    Thanks. That onement made all the dirtiness of today seem to fade away.


    After thoroughly washing myself with soap, I went to light a bonfire. Even though it was well into Summer, this newnd was weirdly still fairly chilly.


    I heated my meal as I dried myself off.


    Its nice that we dont have to feed the dog real food. And it probably doesnt poop either.


    Almost the perfect pet, wouldnt you say?


    Han Joonseokughed as he spoke aloud.


    As soon as the battle had ended, Kelby had returned to its normal size and was now fast asleep within Yeonkyoungs arms.


    Speaking of Yeonkyoung, it seems as though she really loves dogs. She never took her eye off the thing from the moment it appeared.


    Though she didnt talk a lot to start with, since the dog appeared, shes only talked with Kelby.


    Wellshe didnt really talk with Kelby so much as have one-sided conversations. But since Kelby could understand human speech, it wasnt entirely crazy.


    After we finished eating, I brought out all the items again. Since I was the only one who could see the stats via my manual, I had to exin them to everyone one by one.


    I first applied all the ores to my upgrade.


    The items were as follows:


    Escape (0) 5 sheets: Takes the user directly outside the dungeon


    Light Wounds Healing Potion (0) 5 bottles: To heal light wounds


    Redemption Ne (3): Can share the ability of one object with another. Effect disappears if too far apart.


    Professional Cane (3): Raises spell by 1 level.


    ***


    The Professional Cane obviously went to Manager Kim.


    Please return the other one. Since you purchased the Amplification Cane, you can keep that one but we will be selling the Floodin cane.


    I mean, I could use all three.


    Thats your greed talking. How are you going to wield all three at one time? Are you really nning on holding one in your mouth during battle?


    Are you crazy? I just thought Id duct tape them all together or something.


    Well, do whatever you want. Just make sure you dont end up dropping one and running away because things get dangerous. Now, we have the Redemption Ne left


    ***


    Sooah raised her hand with the quickness. Everyone else quietly averted their eyes to avoid eye contact with me.


    Its ability was a pretty good one so I had expected there to be a bit of a squabble over it.


    Did you guys all talk and n to give it to Sooah or something? Shes more a porter than a hunter so raising her ability wouldnt really do the team any good.


    Sunbeh Oppa. Did you already forget how I killed that roachst time? If I just have the right items, I could be a great hunter too.


    You have a point


    But how is it that no one else wants it? If you stick with me, it should bring your abilities up significantly.


    Are you asking because you dont know?


    Manager Kim asked.


    Hm.I guess its because of the design.


    The Redemption Ne, put simply, looked like a dog cor.


    It was a ck band with a silver pendant that looked like a name tag, and it was just big enough to fit snugly around the neck.


    Anyway, I guess no one wanted to put something like that around their necks no matter how great it was. I briefly imagined Manager Kim with this around his neck before I shook it out from memory.


    In the end, the Redemption Pendant went to Sooah. I was hoping that Yeonkyoung would take it as a Range Dealer, but since Sooah was support to the Range Dealersit wasnt a bad idea to have her wear it as well.


    What ability are you going to use?


    HmI was thinking about strength, but since I already have something for thatI thought about copying your reflex instead.


    She already had the garter belt that raised her strength by 30 percent.


    I agree with that decision. Itll help you in surprise situations.


    You dont need to be crazy powerful. My opinion was that she needed to be just a bit strong for real battle since her main role was not killing monsters.


    She was support for the party members dealing long range damage from the back. In order for her to help the archers and Manager Kim, who did not specialize in closebat, it was imperative for her to be able to react quickly to surprises.


    After divvying up the items in that way, we set up the tent we brought in our car. Thinking this was better than sleeping in the car or out in the open, we had made this purchase thest time we were at Manripo.


    Even though there was still time before the sun would set, since we were nning to spend the night here, we decided to pitch it early.


    We had purchased a tent that was big enough for 10 people, so there was more than enough room for all of us in the party.


    While everyone else was finishing pitching up the tent, I asked Yeonkyoung to pass Kelby over to me.


    I thought I needed to learn a bit more about this dog, so I started going through my tutorial.


    While looking up any topics rted to Kelby, I only saw a simple exnation.


    Cerberus was a growth type item it increases its ability by absorbing/eating other items.


    This was something I already knew. But there was a new tidbit.


    In the case that Cerberus consumed a fully intact item, it would absorb the abilities of that items as well. While if Cerberus consumed the shattered remains of an item, it would only raise its proficiency.


    Additionally, Cerberus can increase its size during battle, ording to its proficiency the higher the number, therger it can grow.


    Based on this point, it was very simr to a monster. Because monsters were usually bigger in size the higher their levels.


    Anyway, since it could understand humannguage and was pretty obedient, I didnt think we would have too many issues with it.


    Except one point.


    Chomp chomp chomp!


    Stop.


    Gnash Gnash.


    The dog ignored my order and continued chomping at the level 1 sword.


    This stupid mutt.


    I take back what I said about being obedient. Cancel.


    I took away the sword that Kelby was chewing at.


    Kelby started whining a bit until I lightly flicked its nose to which it became silent. Man, it really does act like a dog though.


    Kelby, who didnt even give a speck of interest to any of our food, immediately perked up at the sight of items.


    The reason I had brought out the sword in the first ce was to train it.


    If Kelby continued to eat every item it saw on the ground without listening to anymands, it would end up costing us a lot.


    If possible, I wanted to be able to selectively give items to Kelby. Because if an item we really needed ended up in Kelbys stomachthat would really suck.


    Whimper.


    Kelby gave a slight whimper and looked up at me with big puppy dog eyes. Seeing its lifeless tail, it was obvious that it wanted the item back.


    When I slowly started to put the sword back down, it raced for the item.


    Wait.


    I lightly pushed back on Kelbys head so that it couldnt reach the sword.


    It tried with all its might to grab at the sword but, in its small puppy form, it couldnt win against my strength.


    Of course it wouldnt be able to win against me in terms of power even in itsrger form. But supposing that it could, my reflexes would still make it all but impossible to take the sword from me.


    Eat.


    Nom!


    As soon as I moved my hand, Kelby rushed in and ate the broken item. Seeing it chomp so happily on the sword was enough to almost make me hungry.


    And after doing this for about 20 minutes, dinner was finally ready.


    As soon as I handed Kelby back over to Yeonkyoung, she immediately began to pet and coo at the dog as if I had put it through some horrible ordeal. And Kelby began rubbing its head into herrge breasts.


    I dont know why but that kind of made me angry. Feeling my stare, Yeonkyoung spoke.


    Why are you looking at Kelby with such a scary expression?


    Well.I dont think I was making a scary expression exactly


    You looked about ready to eat the poor thing.


    No. I was just looking at it because it wasnt listening.


    I muttered and shrugged.


    I couldnt say what I was really thinking or else she would think I was a pervert so I kept silent.


    Since I was an adult, I needed to be able to have some kind of self control. I could do that much.


    Rub rub.


    Rub rub.


    Rub rub.


    That mutt!

 Chapter 65

    Chapter 65


    Well does that mean we dealt the Ezekiel Team a huge blow? I mean, we unblocked the road they were barricading, got rid of close to 40 of them.they must be mad.


    And? Theres only so much they can do to us on thisrgend. Theres no reason to be scared of them.


    The Southern Marsh was a muchrger territory than the other areas.


    How are they going to find us? They dont even know my face.


    I mean, the only ones who would recognize me are the guys we tied up at the barricades. But its not as if theyre going to draw my face and pass it around for a reward.


    If they did something like that, they would end up being investigated by the government.


    All we need to focus on is hunting and collecting items.


    My primary focus while at the West Sea was growing my power, my teams power, and even Kelbys power now.


    This meant instead of wasting our time pondering over stupid things, we should just hunt monsters. Simple.


    ***


    Sunbeh Oppa! Big news!


    While I was resting after eating a simple dinner, Sooah screamed as she shoved her smartphone in my face.


    As thetest model with a great big screen, it was a huge thing. But that wasnt what was important here.


    My picture was on the giant screen.


    What is this. When did you take a picture of me?


    I didnt take this one! All the ones I took are safely saved somewhere else. But look at this. This is a post from a blog that covers all things about the West Sea and someone put your picture up including what happened recently!


    What are you talking about?


    I took the smartphone from her and started to look it over.


    Not everything was recorded in the blog.


    But at the very least, it described how team Delta and I had pushed past the barricades that Ezekiel had set up.


    And the fight was recorded via video.


    I guess this was to be expected. There were over 1000 hunters behind us at the time. Of course someone among them would have thought to record it.


    Wow..nice filming. Looks like youre going to be famous huh?


    Manager Kim said.


    I did expect something like this to some extent, but now that it really happened its a bit embarrassing. But its lucky that it didnt show up on the news


    Party head, youe up as a top search now.


    Han Joonseok started shaking his phone andughing.


    Oh. My. God.


    Luckily it was taken from far away though so people wont be able to identify you easily.


    But itll still spell trouble I mean they have his name and the team name too.


    We had given those Ezekiel guys a good beating and even took their items. They had enough to report us now.


    Whos going to bear witness and testify though? I dont think anyone would do it.


    Who knows. Hunters follow the money no matter what.


    Now I was starting to get nervous. I expected to gain a bit of fame but this was a bit much.


    What do you think those Ezekiel guys will do now?


    Han Joonseok asked.


    We were still unclear as to how strong the Ezekiel team was a whole. Raid teams are usually required to register and reveal their member count but, because that team is constantly adding to their number, it was hard to know.


    I could only guess they were about 3-400 in number based on what a stranger had revealed.


    If we were to just go off numbers alone, they were bigger than team Mercenary. But their ability was a mystery.


    Theyll probably be looking out for us. But as I said, thend is big enough that finding us will be difficult.


    But wont they just have to spread out and look for us since they have a lot of members?


    Sooah asked. Of course thats a possibility. But seeing how they operated up until recently, I dont see that happening. They liked to move in numbers.


    Team Ezekiel likes to move in big groups to aplish tasks. They rely on this so much that they dont even mind if a bunch of their hunters die during a fight. Think about what happened at the Baeksapyoung dungeon.


    So?


    If they find it hard to look for us by moving inrge groups, they will resort to other methods. Worst case scenario.hunting other hunters.


    What?


    Didnt you feel something was off thatst fight?


    Not reallyjust that they fight well? I think we would have been in trouble if Sunbeh Oppa and Kelby werent there.


    The overall fighting levels on both sides were very simr. And we even had more men on our side. But we were losing the first half of the battle. What does that tell us?


    Good coordination?


    It was something else. That they were familiar with fighting in such situations.


    Then


    Sooah gulped after a moment. I nodded.


    Since theyve stepped foot into this newnd, they havent just been hunting monsters


    Surely not


    Of course Im not going to assume they were purposely putting themselves in such situationsyet. Because on the other hand, if that was their goal, they wouldnt have blocked off the Southern Marshes to start with.


    But I guess this changes things now I nodded at Han Joonseoks murmur.


    When you seed on this kind of hunt, you can earn about 100,000 worth of items from one hunter. Of course it could be even more than that if there are hunters with level 2 items or higher.


    100,000 dors. If you were lucky, you could do several times that from hunting another hunter.


    Since they always work using their numerical advantage, hunting humans would not only be easier than hunting a monsterbut it would more profit as well.


    Any reservations they might have had in killing a fellow human being, probably flew away with the wind as soon as they smelled the money.


    They might even console themselves by saying those hunters were bound to die soon anyway it was a dangerous career.


    Crackle.


    The bonfire crackled and the mes seemed to dance.


    The reason for the bonfire was because monsters didnt like them.


    Of course there were a select few monsters who were actually attracted to light. And the team Ezekiel would probably be attracted to the fire as well.


    But it was better for us to have the light so we can see our enemy.


    We had hung arge LEDmp on the bumper of the car as well.


    Hm.


    Everyone else had fallen asleep already.


    Having drawn first shift for lookout, I searched the portal news on Sooahs phone.


    The main news was about the friction with China.


    It seems the Chinese had sent out their own hunters into the West Sea as well.


    There were increased tensions between the high level hunters from both sides, but it seemed Korea and China were being careful.


    The two countries couldnt afford a full out war. But that didnt mean that either side was going to let the other take control of this newnd either.


    My n was to keep going south. I didnt want to hunt in the north and identally bump into a high level Chinese hunter.


    I had no interest in any of the politics involved. The Southern Marshes werent the end of the newnd. If you went even further, there was a dense forest Im sure there are plenty of monsters to be hunted there.


    I exited out of the portal and logged into the hunter marketmunity.


    People here were still on the topic of the barricades in the Southern Marshes.


    And the rest of the posts were about me.


    A hunter who had fought with us is probably the one revealing all of this.


    Knock out a level 4 hunter huh


    This was something I couldnt even dream of doing just a few months ago.


    I had been saving up money so that I could be a hunter, but I didnt expect to be one until 1-2 years down the line. In fact, I thought I would be a level 2 hunter after thirtyif I was lucky.


    But I had the Level 4 smash sword in my possession.


    This was a weapon that had the option of dealing 100% damage to a monster.


    There was a limit to the weapon but I could still deal a lot of damage to monsters of the wolf, tiger, and bear variety.


    And then there was the Level 4 Immortality Skill.


    I wonder what level I was really at at this point?


    If you measure me based on the usual standard, I would be a level 4 hunter.


    But what if you counted my level 0 skill?


    I dont think I would lose if I fought against a level 5 hunter just with sheer power alone.


    My physical ability alone was probably higher than a level 6..and if I got Sooahs buff on top of that?


    One word popped in my head.


    Irregr.


    I was outside the norm.


    Rustle.


    I heard a noiseing from behind me. When I looked back, I saw Bae Yeonkyounging this way with Kelby in tow.


    Kelby was fast asleep. If I just looked at its sleeping face, it looked like any other dog. It was hard to believe that this sweet looking dog could kill a level 3 hunter.


    Why arent you sleeping?


    I couldnt fall asleep.


    Because of what happened in the afternoon?


    Nod.


    She nodded quietly.


    It wasnt the first time she had shot an arrow towards a person, but a fight to the death with people was an entirely different matter.


    Even if they were hunters, they were still people. Whether we liked them or not, killing them would bring a certain degree of trauma.


    Even if everyone was pretending to be ok, Im sure none of them were enjoying any sweet dreams tonight.


    She just sat next to me as she silently pet Kelby. And then Kelby woke up, rubbing its eyes with its paws, and licked Yeonkyoungs palm. She made a small smile.


    Are you ok, partyhead?


    Am I? Im not feeling particrly happy


    Of course I wasnt happy about killing anyone. I could still remember the face of the first person I had killed. Hes even appeared in my dreams a few times.


    But I also knew that if I kept thinking about that, it would only needlessly hold me back from what I needed to do.


    I keep thinking about it. If I close my eyes, it feels like all the people who died are watching me from somewhere in the dark. As if someone is staring whole into my back.


    Try not to think about it. Ghosts cant do anything.


    The burning bonfire created shadows in the dark.


    I stole a nce to look at Yeonkyoung, and her expression was still all gloom and doom.


    She was not suited for a harsh life like this.


    She was forced into this life by her circumstances.


    But no one here would take it easy on her for that reason. Because the weak get eaten.


    We will keep running into these kinds of situations. You know that right? Knowing that, will you be alright?


    Im preparing myself. But Im still afraid. Im afraid that Ill get used to killing people.


    There is no reason for you to be afraid of something that hasnt happened yet. If youre really afraid of that happening, then put an effort into preventing it from happening.


    Effort?


    Just get so strong that people wont even try to fight against you.


    What are you saying


    Im serious.


    Do you think I can get that strong?


    How much did you save up?


    She thought about it for a minute before answering.


    About 200,000?


    Oh, you saved up less than I expected.


    It was still a lot considering shes only been saving for a few months, but I expected her to have saved more than that.


    She should have had more than 300,000. What on earth did she use over 100,000 dors on?


    I had some debts I had to take care of. Theyre all paid off now though.


    Well, once were done here, consider upgrading your equipment. Theres only so much you can grow relying only on dropped items.


    What do you think I should get?


    She scooted closer to me and asked.


    I kept looking at her breasts. I told myself to look away and answered.


    There was something I had in mind the Athena bow. But its 2 million dors.


    Thats too expensive.


    Theres a way to get a hold of it for a cheaper price. All I need is an ore called the elnite.


    Ive never seen that ore before.


    Because it only drops from a level 3 monster.


    But there arent any level 3 monsters here.


    I have a feeling theyll appear soon enough.


    Really?


    Bae Yeonkyoung gave me a puzzled look.


    The monsters on this newnd were the level 1 and level 2 monsters that had disappeared when the dungeons had disappeared.


    If I raised my proficiency and got rid of the level 3 dungeons, I was sure that the level 3 monsters would appear.


    But hunting lower level monsters was still better for us. Until we ran out of monsters to hunt, I had no intention of bringing the level 3 monsters to this newnd.

 Chapter 66

    Chapter 66


    And the next day, we started to hunting monsters in earnest.


    The Southern Marsh definitely had more level 2 monsters than in thends before it. The majority of them were included humanoid orks and lizardmen as well as beast types such as white wolves, grizzly bears, and giant bats.


    The prevalence of beast type monsters was good news.


    Stab!


    [+200]


    The white wolf died easily. All I had done was stab it in the rear with the Smash Sword, but it trembled a bit as if hit by an electric shock before dying.


    High level weapons are amazing, indeed.


    Sooah, who had been supporting the long range attackers, asked.


    Sunbeh Oppa, that sword is crazy good huh?


    Hell yes. Why else would it be a level 4 item?


    This is what I said, but I was honestly surprised at its power too.


    I thought the level 3 Honcheon sword was plenty powerful. But killing a level 2 monster with required a bit of effort on my part. I wasnt able to kill a monster in one blow as I was able with this weapon.


    Partyhead!


    Iming.


    Cho Youngoo was hollering loudly. He had about 10 or so wolves surrounding him.


    The wolf is a rtively clever monster. And the white wolves were the same. They preferred to separate a straggler from a group and surround their prey before attacking.


    We had used this bit of knowledge to our advantage by having Cho Youngoo stay a bit further away from the rest of us.


    We were up against 30 of them in all.


    And while  of them had surrounded Cho Youngoo, Jong Sawon and I started to attack them.


    Slice!


    [+200]


    Stab!


    [+200]


    As soon as I felt the de of my Smash sword hit its target, I didnt have any need to check if it had done its job. The sword finished off every monster it touched.


    And I had done away with 3 wolves in mere moments in that manner. Moving so fast I was leaving an afterimage, the wolves were dying one after one helplessly. They didnt have a chance.


    Seeing this, the rest of them began to avoid me and headed towards Sooah and the archers.


    Five of them! Can you handle it?


    Yes! Leave it to me!


    Sooah yelled aloud. She was currently borrowing my reflexes with her new item.


    Combined with the garter belt that raised her power by 30%, my borrowed reflexes, and the level 3 no name sword, she was well equipped to handle the level 2 white wolves.


    Manager Kim asked.


    I can trust you right?


    Manager. Youre more chicken than you look. Dont you remember how you lived because of mest time?


    But Jong Sawon was there that time.


    Im probably stronger than him right now.


    Sooah said with a bit of a confident swagger.


    A staggering 300% in reflexes. No matter how wed its design was, if it were me, Id never pass that off to someone else.


    Sooah shed out with her sword as quick as lightning. She had learned to hold a sword with both hands from me, and the bastard sword was suited for this style.


    Slice!


    Upon striking, the wolfs side split out, spilling out blood and guts.


    She didnt bat an eye and just moved on to the next one.


    Han Joonseok and Bae Yeonkyoung stuck right behind her and continued shooting their bows while Park Hanbum used his moving shots atop his bike.


    And Kelby.


    Gnash!


    Kelby chomped ferociously on a wolfs neck, immediately snapping it. Then Kelby immediately chased after the next wolf.


    The white wolves were busy trying to run away from Kelby while Kelby was rounding them up so that Jong Sawon and I could cut them all down.


    It would probably look like we were fighting blindly to an outside observer.


    But this was all nned and coordinated beforehand.


    Of course there were little deviations here and there, but the core of it all happened as we expected it to.


    It seems everyone has powered up significantly. Thanks to that I can rest peacefully.


    Manager Kim yelled out. After Sooah took up the sword, he had be the only nonbat member of the party.


    It may seem that he was just hanging out while we were doing all the workbut that wasnt entirely true. There was 7 wolves fast asleep. He had done his part.


    Though it was all thanks to his items, but the same went for every one of us.


    And we had continued hunting in this way for a week straight.


    I dont know if it was because we were lucky, but we never once crossed paths with the Ezekiel Team in that time.


    We had earned a total of 600 ores and 40 items. As for reward points, I earned 60,000 of those.


    All the items that dropped from the monsters were pretty much Level 1 and Level 2 items, but I could use these towards item fusion.


    I ended up fusing together the Level 2 Ingot sword that Cho Youngoo had with a Level 1 Agile sword to create the Rubicon sword. He was now armed with level 3 equipment.


    Then I used up all the blisolnites to fuse level 1 items into level 2 items so that we could sell and earn more money in that way.


    The most disappointing aspect was that all the items were from the old system.


    It seemed that new system items only dropped from irregrs or hunters.


    The former was not something we couldugh at while thetter was something I hoped didnt happen often.


    But I wanted to be able to fuse the new system items.


    But since it was so hard toe across new system items, it was hard for me to do it.


    If I could even just fuse and create Sooahs Redemption ne, I could boost up all of my party members abilities in an instant.


    Of course it still had the design w. But if I could just get my hands on the needed items to perform the fusion, I would make wearing them mandatory.


    There was probably no other item as efficient as this in bringing up a persons abilities. Even Sooah, on wearing the item and copying my reflexes, she was able to be even more powerful than both Jong Sawon and Cho Youngoo.


    Not having any injuries the entire week of hunting wasrgely thanks to her help.


    Hic Hic Hic-


    A weird sound started chugging from ChoYoungoos car.


    I think its about time due for maintentance.


    We only rode it around for a week, and its already breaking down?


    At Sooahs question, Cho Youngoo calmly responded.


    Even if they say 4 wheel drive, there is no such thing as the perfect offroading vehicle. The only vehicles that could survive this kind of beating are those only avable to the army or something ok?


    Do you mean humvees?


    Han Joonseok asked. He was someone who knew a little bit of this and that. It wasnt surprising that he knew about military grade vehicles.


    No, they have something more suited for us in the form of a truck. Youve seen them around here remember?


    Ah, you mean those trucks covered with tarpaulin?


    Yep. You can stow maybe 20 people in the back and it can also carry a lot of our equipment. And you can even modify it so that people can sleep in there too. It looks a bit bulky on the outside but its the best vehicle for offroading.


    How much does something like that cost?


    I asked. Buying a car or two isnt a problem if we just hunted for a day or two and sold the items.


    They run up to about 30,000 dors. Theyre a bit on the expensive side but ites with alot of options just for hunters.


    Would we be able to make the purchase at Manripo?


    They did have a autobody shop, but I didnt remember seeing a dealership.


    Even if we cant immediately, we should be able to soon. Because vehicles are as useful as having two feet in the newnd. There is no way that car dealers would not jump at such a great opportunity.


    Han Joonseok responded.


    Hm. Then lets head back. Were almost out of supplies and the car is having issues so that would be best.


    We were nning to finish up our hunting through the end of day anyway. Instead of continuing our hunt and getting stranded, it was better to return to Manripo.


    ***


    After leaving the Southern Marshes and returning to the entry point, we saw that a bunch of new temporary shops and buildings had been set up in the span of a week.


    They were all in the form of modr buildings. Additionally, we saw long stretches of roads had been paved. It was amazing how fast things changed in such a short time.


    The main reason for paving the roads was to ward off monsters.


    It looks like we dont even have to go all the way to Manripo.


    Cho Youngoo whistled and said. I nodded my head in agreement.


    Just the parked cars alone numbered over several hundred. There werent any civilian vehicles most of them were 4 wheel drive trucks. There were quite a few motorcycles as well.


    It looks like they moved all the buildings from Manripo to here.


    Han Joonseok said after examining the many buildings. When we got closer, we saw a sign that said The Yellow Sea of the West Sea.


    It looked like they had already named this bustling city as well. It was probably not something done officially but, more likely than not, just hurriedly put together and posted up.


    They probably did this in an effort tobel thend as Koreas amidst the rising tension with China.


    We drove in and parked our vehicle. It didnt take long for us to find a hostel. The city was organized in groups to make finding everything easier. There were even policemen patrolling around the alleys carrying firearms.


    Wow, pretty scary. Do they have to walk around like that?


    Cho Youngoo asked.


    Of course. Hunters are basically human weapons. If there arent policemen around, fights would just break out everywhere.


    Still.


    I bet the police force is stretched thin because theyre forced toe here.


    I said as I looked around. The West Sea had appeared out of nowhere so it was likely they were using personnel who should be devoted elsewhere.


    ***


    Hm.


    My throat was parched. Manager Kim had forced me to drink yet against night and half the night was a nk.


    Euum


    I tried to get up to get some water, but my body was very heavy.


    I forced my sleepy eyes to open, and I saw a head on top of my body.


    Sooah had fallen asleep using me as a pillow.


    I ced her head onto the floor and slowly got up.


    Squeak.


    Ah.


    Yeonkyoung, who wasing out of the shower, briefly locked eyes with me. She wasnt wearing a bathrobe, but she had on a white tshirt and shorts. I could slightly see through the areas that were wet from her hair.


    Jeez.


    I stopped my eyes from trying to nce at areas I shouldnt and spoke.


    Youre up early.


    Ahso are you.


    Uhbut why was I sleeping here?


    We had checked into two rooms. One was for the men, and one for the women. Since the rooms wererge, there was no reason for me to have slept here.


    Unnie was a bit drunk and carried you here.


    Is that so.


    I turned around to look at Sooah. It looked like she was awake too she was rubbing her eyes and staring at us.


    Then, surprised, she covered her face with her nket.


    Huh? Dont look. My face is probably swollen all to hell.


    Ive already seen you like that plenty of times. What does covering it now do?


    But what are you doing here so early?


    From what I hear, you carried me here.


    HmI guess I did it out of habit.


    Out of all of us, I had the lowest tolerance for alcohol.


    And it was Sooahs job to carry me home because she was the only one physically capable of doing so.


    Since no one had to go home yesterday, in her drunken state, she seemed to have done what she always did except dropped me off at her and Yeonkyoungs room.


    I tried to stop her but she was too strong so


    Well. Makes sense.


    Since porters have to be extremely strong to carry around the hefty backpacks, Im sure that Yeonkyoung wouldnt have been able to push Sooah back even a little. On top of that, Sooah had the garter meaning I was probably the only one on our team who could rival her in shear strength.


    And then after she put you down on the floor, she immediately passed out.


    Did I do anything bad?


    Sooah asked with puppy dog eyes.


    No. You just fell right to sleep.


    Darn. I cant believe I missed such a great opportunity.


    Hey hey. What on earth is going through that head of yours?


    Well we were both super drunk anyway. Whatever I might have done, it wouldnt have hurt any of our honor since we wouldnt have remembered it.


    Alright alright anyway. Lets go eat. Ill go and wake everyone else up.


    Ah, everyone already went out for the day.


    Yeonkyoung responded.


    Hm? Where?


    I was surprised they were able to get up and about so early after drinking so hardst night.


    They said they were going to check out an autobody shop and a dealership. Ah. Manager Kim is still here though. Hes probably still asleep. As the other three left, they said not to wake him.


    That old man. Then lets just go eat by ourselves. We can drop by the hunter market on the way.


    Oh, you want to sell some items?


    Well. We need to sell them quickly before the value drops any more.


    Even now, items were flooding the West Sea. At this rate, the price of items will keep dropping.


    Just wait five minutes. Ill hurry and wash so we can leave.


    Sooah jumped up from where she wasying.


    Hearing that were going to make money woke you right up did it?


    Of course! Money is the best! Id say its something like my life goal?


    Alright enough money talk. Just hurry up and get washed so we can leave.


    Yes, owner!


    Stop. Dont do that.


    I just got the chills.


    The hunter market was on the other side of the city. Saying it like this made it seem really far, but it was only about a 10 minute walk.


    Heuung~


    Sooahs footsteps were light.


    She then turned her head and said.


    How much do you think well get?


    A whole lot.


    I couldnt make a more urate estimate. The price of items were ever changing, and there was a high chance that the value of items had dropped from ourst time here.


    On top of that, the market took a 10%mission off the sale of items.


    Luckily though, the value of a used and new item were the same because it didnt change the quality or ability of the item either way.


    As we left the rest area with hostels, we entered themercial area. This was a ce where hunters, who put their lives on the line, spent their money without restraints.


    The buildings themselves were prefabricated modules, but the food and alcohol being sold within were on the expensive side.


    But that wasnt to say there werent any restaurants serving more affordable fare. This was where the hunters who were just starting out at the West Sea came to eat.


    Should we eat first?


    No. I dont think I can eat a bite just yet.


    Sooah shook her head. I guess she was really curious just how much we earned. Id be lying if I said I wasnt either.


    As soon as we came to the market, we saw several dozens of people waiting in line.


    As there were many expensive items on sale, there were just a ton of guards on duty. Though they werent hunters, they were equipped with weapons like stun guns.


    Additionally, the market was right next to the police station. Security was high.


    Oh? Im surprised to meet you somece like this.


    A woman officer looked at me and said.


    I lightly nodded and looked down. Sooah jabbed me in my said and asked.


    Who is this?


    You dont remember?


    MmI dont think so. Its not as if Id have any business with a copah, wait. Are you that cop fromst time?


    Uh. Lieutenant Sohn Aram, right?


    She was the officer who had checked to see if I had a skill that time we got into a bit of a scuffle with the highschoolers on the yground.


    I started wondering why she was stationed all the way out here when she seemed to be higher up in the ranks.


    She looked at me in surprise.


    You remembered my name, even?


    Well, I have pretty good memory so


    Of course this was a lie. I only remembered her name because she was a beauty.


    But why are you all the way out here?


    Everyone hunter-rted has been stationed out here. Since there are so many huntersing out here, there really isnt a reason for us to be back at home. But why are you here at the hunter market?


    Arent there only two reasons a person would be out at the hunter market?


    So which is yours?


    Both. Were here to sell some items, as well as buy some things that might be of use.


    Wow, it seems youve done pretty well.


    You could say luck was on our side.


    Lieutenant Sohn!


    At that moment, we heard a voice calling out to her. Her eyes had turned into crescent moons.


    Was she the type to smile easily? Her image was a bit different from when I met her at the Mapo Police Station.


    Then Ill be going in. Dont get into any trouble.


    Well, you never know what will happen.


    I said as I shrugged my shoulders. As I watched her walk away, I felt someone burning holes in my back.


    When I looked back, I saw that Sooah was not happy at all. She was biting her lip. Hard.


    Do you like her?


    No, this is only the second time Ive met her. What are you talking about?


    I could see the way she kept smiling at you. Shes aplete fox. That girl.


    An officer was just being polite to a civilian.


    Definitely not. Ask Yeonkyoung.


    She poked Yeonkyoung side.


    Right?


    Probably.


    See. Yeonkyoung agrees with me.


    Stop spouting nonsense. Lets go sell some items.


    If you dont take care, shell swallow you whole.


    Then Ill be thankful.


    Huh? Are you serious?


    Someone like Lieutenant Sohn Aram is beautiful and she looks like she has a very pleasant personality. Theres no way Id say no.


    How can you


    And above all, she looks really good in uniform.


    Partyhead. So youre that kind of person.


    Yeonkyoung said.


    Hm, it was a joke. Maybe I took it a bit too far?


    I thought about taking it back, but decided not to.


    Sooah started furiously pounding into her smartphone.


    What are you doing now?


    None of your business.


    I knew she was probably doing something unreasonable again, but I just let her be. Shes a grown woman.


    It was only after about 30 minutester that it was finally our turn.


    We went into a small room that was prepped for us inside the the market.


    This was to prevent others from seeing what items are purchased and sold.


    Theft between hunters was quite high. It was never a good idea to show others what you had.


    Now that we had a lot of items in our possession, it was better to perform transactions in a separate room like this.


    Tap.


    Inside the small room was a wide table.


    On the opposite side of the room was arge closet. It would seem that if we put an item in there, someone else on the other side would take it.


    How many items have you brought? If you put them atop this table, I will inspect them, and then give you the total price.


    The male worker said haughtily as if this were a nuisance.


    Most market workers were very polite. Was he unhappy that he had to be all the way out here?


    I leaned against the table and spoke.


    I kind of have a lot. Is that ok?


    Our branch inventories several hundreds of items. If we included skills, we have that much more. No matter how many items you have brought, we would be able to afford it. Alsoit doesnt seem as if you brought that many itemsfrom what I could tell.


    He responded after ncing at me and my two party members.


    I didnt bring any of my equipment here. The equipment that Sooah and Yeonkyoung had brought werent for sale, but for protection purposes.


    What you see isnt all we have.


    If theres someone waiting outside, then can you have them step in? Were a bit busy so


    We noticed you did have a long line.


    Weve been here for 3 hours without a break. So


    He was probably trying to tell me to stop wasting his time. Well, I agree with him on that.


    Though I didnt like his attitude, there was no reason for me to keep dawdling.


    Alright then


    I raised my hand into the air. The worker, who had been looking at me quizzically one second, was staring big Os at me in the next.


    m! m!


    What had been just air a moment ago was now spilling out with items galore. Items were piling over on the table and on the floor.


    This.this is?


    Though he was a worker for a very popr branch, it seems hes never experienced something like this before.


    There are 37 in all.


    There were originally 40, but I had taken 6 of them to fuse them into 3 level 2 items.


    Though this reduced the total number of items, the value of all of them should have gone up by alot.


    Thiswhere did all this


    I dont think thats what is important right now.


    Ah. Yes, certainly. Can you please step out for a moment and wait on stand by? It will take some time for me to inspect them all.


    He gave me a deep bow. As we walked out to where he had pointed to us, we were led to a room with VIP written on the door.


    The room had arge sofa with drinks avable to us. Since the room hadnt looked big from the outside, we didnt even imagine there would be an inner room like this.


    This is why people need to earn alot of money.


    Sooah sucked on her cocktail inrge gulped as she twittered on.


    You will be something someday alright.


    Are you making fun of me?


    Then did you think it was apliment?


    Do you know that youve been really mean to me recently?


    Then have you done anything to warrant anypliments?


    Sooah pouted.


    If I think about it, I havent really done anythingpliment worthy either.


    Yeonkyoung whispered.


    I pondered on what she just said. So is she asking me to be mean to her too?


    Since youre working hard, its fine.


    Ok


    The only reason I was talking like this to Sooah was because she was the type to bounce back real quick. But Yeonkyoung was sensitive. I needed to be careful what I said to her.


    Sock.


    Sooah punched me in the side.


    Hey. What are you doing?


    Oops. It slipped.


    Wouldnt people usually pinch or something?


    But a fist hurts more.


    Is that right


    This was true butthis girl. Well, I gave her a light flick on the forehead right back.


    Ahhhk!


    A nice sound rungout as her head rebounded back. Did I do it too hard?

 Chapter 67

    Chapter 67


    Sooah pointed to her red forehead and yelled out.


    You know that this hurts like crazy?


    Well now were even.


    I lifted my shirt to point at the bruise that was already appearing on my side.


    Wait. Why is she taking out her phone?


    Snap.


    What are you doing?


    Taking picture of a rare sight.


    If you dont erase it right now, Im going to smash your phone.


    But its a 3,000 dor phone.


    Heuk


    Expensive. What kind of phone is 3,000 dors.


    Bae Yeonkyoung spoke.


    You guys are really cute together.


    Huh? This is cute?


    Sooah moaned while pointed to her swollen forehead.


    But the only person partyhead jokes around with is unnie. Hes very polite to everyone else.


    Hm? Is that right? So I was special this whole time?


    Sooah whispered with wide eyes before turning to face me.


    She looked like she was expecting something.


    I do it because shes easy to make fun of.


    See? See?


    Hes probably only saying that because hes shy.


    So that was it.see, I didnt know this so I was getting a bit down.


    Oh my. Looks like theres some kind of huge misunderstanding here. But since she seemed to calm down a bit, I just kept quiet.


    Honestly, I did flick her a bit too hard.


    9.7 million dors.


    how much?


    Nine million seven hundred thousand dors.


    No. I wasnt asking you to say it more slowly. Nevermind.


    Youre being too polite now. Isnt this an almostplete 360 from how you were acting just a second ago?


    Its not as if theres any incentive for you if I sell you a lot of my items.


    But it was the sad and honest truth that the weak naturally bow down to the strong.


    Sooah mped her hand on mine and said.


    Sunbeh oppa. Do you want to


    Nope.


    Haaa. You rejected me before I could even propose!


    Yeonkyoung started tough out loud. This was the first time Id ever heard herugh like that.


    Back at the hostel, we waited for everyone to return.


    In the end, we had decided to give each person on the team 1 million dors while I reserved 2.7 million for myself.


    It took quite a bit of time to decide on the split.


    I had wanted to give my party members more of the split, but they refused and forced me to take more.


    It wasnt because I was selfless I just had different goals for everyone.


    My goal was for everyone to get even stronger and raise the power of the team, but they were hoping that I would take the money and not have any thoughts of leaving the team.


    Ultimately, we decided that this split was the perfect ratio fair for all sides.


    The only person who took less was Park Hanbum, who owed the remaining 200,000 for the Grasnd Horn Bow he received 800,000 instead.


    Amazing.


    Park Hanbum said as he checked his ount. Since he had hunted solo until now, this must have been his first time earning as much as this.


    How much were you earning before?


    Well there isnt even much of a before. Because I wasnt able to hunt for more than a few days since I came to the Yellow Sea. I did pick up one item, but it was only a level 1 so its embarrassing topare the price to this.


    That still meant he had earned 100,000 on his own which isnt aughing matter.


    But that was only because he hadnt been injured.


    Of course its not as if we never sustain any injuries during hunts.


    Luckily we had the healing potions on hand to treat them immediately.


    We had about 8 bottles left.


    What are you doing?


    Sooah stared at her smartphone with a look of distress. I thought she would be overjoyed with the money, but did she have a problem?


    I dont know if I should put this money into the bank and earn interest off it or invest it into stocks.


    If its something like that, theres no reason for you to stress out.


    What should I do??


    Were hunters. Since youre a hunter, you need to spend like a hunter.


    I said happily.


    This wasnt something I was just saying to Sooah I was saying this to the benefit of everyone else.


    I will leave equipment purchases up to you guys. But I am hoping you will not let your money just sit somewhere.


    You can only earn 1-2% interest at the bank while stocks are unreliable.


    But even if you purchased an item right now, used or new, you could always sell it again.


    So the smartest thing to do would be to purchase equipment to allow you to be a better hunter. Then, instead of a measly 1-2%, you could earn several hundred times more return on your investment.


    What do we do when the price of the items dropter?


    Manager Kim asked.


    We checked at the market, and it seemed there wasnt much of a value drop in items. I thought the surge in items would surely hurt their value, but because dungeons had disappeared all over the world, there wasnt much of a change in the overall number of items there are just more concentrations of them in the newnds.


    Well, I was just asking because I was curious. I was going to use this money on new equipment anyway.


    This is not something I am forcing anyone to do.


    If you try and persuade us and then tell us youre not forcing us to do it


    Hahasorry.


    Iughed sheepishly. Its too bad if they thought I was forcing them. Because life was more important than money. Better equipment could mean the difference between life and death.


    Since I cant always save everyone, they needed to hone their craft and upgrade their equipment so that they could take care of themselves when it mattered.


    I looked at Cho Youngoo and said.


    Oh yeah, so what happened with the car?


    There was a garage. They said they would have it fixed up by tomorrow.


    Oh. Faster than I expected.


    They said that they expected this exponential growth so they had hired more staff.


    While everyone went shopping for equipment, I remained behind at the hostel.


    Arent you going to buy anything Sunbeh Oppa?


    Im still thinking about it. Arent you going?


    Im looking up items right now.


    She raised her phone and showed me. It was the market items listing.


    Though expensive, I couldnt deny that it was useful. I thought to myself that maybe I should make a purchase as well.


    The market here already has a smartphone store, so I could buy it whenever I wanted.


    Anyway, what to buy next.


    I had a total of 3.5 million dors in my ount. I could afford a Level 5 item with this much.


    With several thousands of items stored in memory, I started to think back on all of them.


    Thinking of all the items that I couldnt have even dreamed of purchasing a few months ago, I slowly began to smile without even realizing it.


    What to buy? What to buy?


    3 million dor Impact Hammer? 3.5 million dor Oil-based Armor? Oh should I save a bit more and buy the 4 million dor Golden Warrior Armor?


    Click.


    Sooah turned on the TV.


    After scrolling through a bunch of channels, she stopped at a news program. They were covering a story rted to the Yellow Sea.


    A reporter, with Manripo in the background, started to speak.


    -[A new city has been established at the Yellow Sea, where hunters areing here in droves. Compared to the number of people from justst week, the count seems to have almost doubled. And new buildings are popping up every minute of the day.]


    Then there was a scene of trucks lined up to enter the city.


    The news that the monsters didnt regenerate had spread.


    After confirming that there were indeed only low level monsters, everyone headed for the newnd.


    -[But there is also a dark shadow looming over the West Sea. It is said that there are over 200 hunters that have already passed here in the newnd.]


    200.less than I expected.


    Among them, only some probably died while fighting against monsters.


    Most monsters, who ate humans for food, would probably leave no evidence of their meal.


    But if it was a human who had killed their fellow man, its not as if they would bury the dead bodies.


    -[The mortality rate is based on the number of hunters whose families could not reach them in over a week. But if we were to include the count of hunters who have been missing for even just 3-4 days, the number would increase to over a thousand. Even in dire times such as this, the police have been pushing off investigation saying the me is most likely on the monsters.]


    Then the scene switched off.


    Uh?


    Sooah said with surprise.


    It was Lieutenant Sohn Aram. There was only one reason for someone unrted to this issue to be speaking.


    The police needed a scapegoat. So why not give the public someone beautiful.


    -[Currently there is not enough evidence to warrant a formal investigation. Just keeping the peace in the West Sea is taking up considerable police resources. Additionally, this newnd is as big as our entire Country. Asking us to investigate every incident in such a wide area is improbable and impractical.]


    After that, the reporter ended the broadcast with a fewments on the ignorance and inaction of the police.


    That was definitely unfair. Even from what I could see, this wasnt something that the police could do anything about. They just wanted to crucify someone and call it a news piece.


    Thats too much. They definitely dont have enough police here tounch a full investigation and keep the piece like Ms. Sohn said. And its not as if they could transnt the entire Countrys force here to do so.


    Thats true.


    Yeonkyoung, who had been peeling an orange on the floor, answered. Hm. So this one didnt go to the market either huh?


    The three of us went back to the market and each purchased an item of our liking.


    The more expensive an item was, the better it was. It was better to buy one expensive item, than to buy several modestly priced items that was the general rule of thumb.


    After pondering for a bit, I chose the most expensive item.


    Toyul Hammer (5): The power of lightning is asleep. You can hit the ground with the hammer to strike at your opponent. Damage and range is dependant on the wielders strength.


    A level 5 weapon, the Toyul Hammer.


    At 4.5 million dors, I sold the Honcheon sword to make up for the difference.


    Since I could only wield one weapon in each hand, there was no reason for me to hold onto a level 3 sword any longer.


    I was a bit sad to part with something that hade such a long way with me.


    I considered maybe keeping it to use for a fusion in the future, but since I didnt see it in the Fusion book for something worth making, I closed my eyes and sold it.


    I was most pleased with my purchase, however. Since it adapted to the wielders power just as the Honcheon sword did, it was just perfect for me.


    Wow.that looks incredibly barbaric.


    Sooah, who was pretty barbaric herself, calling the hammer barbaric was a testament to how big and cumbersome looking my new weapon was.


    From its outward appearance, it looked more like a sledgehammer than a warhammer. Instead of a battle weapon, it looked more like a tool used to demolish buildings.


    This hammer weighed over 50 kilograms. It was not a weapon that anyone would be able to wield, let alone pick up easily.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    I picked it up and started to swing with it back and forth in one hand.


    sh.


    A small electrical spark leapt out.


    It seems that the electrical damage was proportionate to the amount of force used to strike the poor guy hit by this barbaric weapon.


    It was a heavy thing. I had been able to wield the Honcheon sword, which was heavy in its own right, as if I were swinging around a feather. It would be difficult to do the same with this item.


    I guess that would be the trade off harder to wield, but able to deal more damage at a time.


    Yeonkyoung, taking my advice, purchased a Level 3 Vadolid Horn Bow.


    It was a 1.1 million dor weapon that didnt require any arrows to use.


    Since it didnt have to be reloaded each time, this was the best suited weapon for our archer whose specialty was in rapid firing.


    She paid for the difference in the cost of the weapon by selling her old bow.


    It was Sooahs purchase that took me by surprise.


    Are you seriously going to buy this?


    Yeh. Why not? Isnt it a good weapon?


    Well.Im not saying its bad.


    She had chosen a Level 3 Arachne leather armor. An armor that wrapped around the entire body, while it served its purchase in protecting the wearer, it was also a bit risque.


    Im not saying she was exposed anywhere. But the leather was designed to hug every curve.


    Whether or not she had a nice figure, I would feel embarrassed to look at her were she to put it on.


    But other than that one small issue, the armor had a number of very nice options.


    First, it had great venttion. Even if she were to wear just the armor all day for a month, she would remain bothfortable and odor free. You could basically think of the armor as a second skin.


    Since the armor was also very stic, it didnt give too much trouble when putting it on and taking it off.


    But the best part of the armor was that you could shoot webs from it.


    I think I remember an Americanicbook hero being able to do something simr.


    There were two main purposes for these cobwebs.


    Did you buy that so you can wear it for Manager Kim?


    Yep. Im sick of hearing him muttering in the back while we fight so Im buying it to maybe shut him up.


    Hm.I dont know if that would shut him up.


    What does it matter. Then I can just shoot some webs at him. There.


    She made a small evil smile. I guess it wouldnt really matter if she cocooned him in some cobwebs since he didnt do anything else the rest of the battle.


    It would also help her since she could spend less of her energy protecting an extra body.


    So is everyone done shopping?


    Han Joonseok, who was walking toward us, said loudly. Since the only market in the newnd was this one, it was no surprise that we would run into him.


    Yeh, pretty much. How about you?


    Well.


    He raised up his new quiver. The item stats appeared via my manual.


    Though it was an item I was already familiar with, it was different seeing it in person.


    Explosion quiver (3): Gives the arrows stored in the quiver the ability to explode on impact.


    Not bad.


    It was a clever choice. The only real weapon Han Joonseok had was the level 2 stalker.


    In order to close the widening gap between the other members, instead of choosing another weapon, he chose a new quiver that would boost the attack power of his current weapon.


    Everyone else had also chosen and purchased level 3 items as well.


    In order to raise his defense, Cho Youngoo purchased a level 4 no name ted armor.


    It didnt have any special options, but it would serve its main purpose just fine.


    Jong Sawon brought an Ingot sword and the Level 1 agility sword.


    These were the item ingredients to fuse and create a Rubicon sword. We had 10 ansilites left. This meant we had enough to create a level 3 item.


    Would this suffice for a fusion?


    Yes, not a problem.


    It seemed he wanted to use two swords like I did.


    Imagining him killing monsters left and right with a rubicon sword in both hands made me feel a bit sorry for the little guys.


    But do you think youll have enough strength to fight with both swords?


    The Rubicon sword is supposed to be wielded in both hands. Although it wasnt a rule but, unlike the bastard or longsword, if you dont attack with enough force you lose the full benefit of the weapon.


    Thats why I bought another item.


    Jong Sawon shrugged his shoulder as he raised his glove.


    I thought it was familiar, until I recognized that it was the level 3 Power Glove. Wearing both as a set increases the wearers power by 50%.


    With that on, it would be no problem for him to wield both swords.


    Park Hanbum had purchased a level 3 Basilisk leather armor. This armor was to protect against sword attacks.


    It was something unnecessary for fighting monsters. But we had already run into trouble with hunters that time before, and we were sure to run into trouble with them again.


    Finally, Manager Kim had ended up purchasing the most interesting item. It was a level 4 shing ring. The ring had a 30 second cool time and gave the wearer the ability to move instantly to another location in a 10 meter radius. This was an item that was difficult to use when trying to be stealthy or hidden because of the bright shing light that shines out on use. But it was perfect to escape a dangerous situation.


    Me: Toyul Hammer (5, Range attack), Smash sword (4, 100% damage), Bloodysword (2, Blood absorption), ted armor (3), Longsword (1)


    Jung sooah: Bastard sword (3), Agility sword (1, increase reflex by 15%), Chongmal Garter Belt (1, increase strength by 30%), Backpack (1, decreases weight of items by 30%), Redemption Ne (3, copycat allys item), Archne Leather Armor (3, cobwebs)


    Bae Yeonkyoung: Vadolid Horn Bow (3, attack even without arrows), Leather armor (2)


    Cho Youngoo: Rubicon Sword (3), No name steel shield (3), ted armor (4), Striders Red Boots (1, Increase speed by 30%)


    Han Joonseok: Stalker (2, perfect aim), leather armor (2), Optical Ruby Ring (1, enhances vision and enables night vision), Explosive quiver (3, give explosive attack power to arrows)


    Jong Sawon: Rubicon sword (3), Agility leather armor (2, Increases reflexes by 30%), Power Glove (3, Increases strength by 50%)


    Kim SoonKeun (Manager Kim): Professional Cane (3, Increases level by 1), Amplification Cane (2, Increases chances of spells working by 30%), Floodin Cane (2, Can adjust range of attack), Robe (2, temperature control), Selfish glove (1, increase drop probability by 10%)


    Park Hanbum: Grasnd Horn Bow (3, Moving Shot), Basilisk leather armor (3), Leather Boots (2), Mockingbird Feather (2, Stealth)

 Chapter 68

    Chapter 68


    We were armed to the teeth. Since we could keep adding more and more weapons and gear to our arsenal, there was a good chance that we would keep adding things to our collection with time.


    At the same times, items that boost the same ability do not work together. Instead, the effects of the higher level item is shown. So there is that.


    For example, if you have a ring that boosts power by 30% and another ring that boost power by 50%, thetter boost will be the only boost you see.


    Circling back to what I mentioned before, it is better to have one quality item than several low quality items. For this reason, most hunters will sell their lower level items and graduate to a higher level item instead.


    But there are some special cases where low level items coulde in handy too.


    Right now, because we know the level of the monsters, it is more advantageous to have 2 level 4 items instead of 1 level 5 item. Because with 2 items, you can use one towards defense and the other against offense.


    The next day, we went to pick up the truck we had purchased from the dealer. This new truck even had enough space for Park Hanbums bike, so he was actually the most excited.


    This truck, designed specifically for hunters, was designed a bit different than normal vehicles.


    WIth its standard 4 wheel drive capability, it also came with steel tes that protected the wheels from monster attacks.


    The bulletproof ss on all the windows should make it sturdier against monster agains.


    The seats were also customizable. When the vehicle was not in use, the seats could be moved to create a makeshift bed.


    The top of the vehicle also had a sr panel. Though it wasnt alot of power, it could still make some kind of energy output.


    Anyway, the vehicle had been modified to be able to keep up with our hunting for at least over a month. And the price came out to more than we had expected 80,000 dors.


    Though it was way more expensive than the 30,000 we had guessed, I felt like it was a worthy investment. Its not as if we werecking for money or anything.


    After taking care of all the finishing touches, we all got into the truck.


    Cho Youngoo climbed into the drivers seat and, to keep himpany, Han Joonseok rode in the passenger seat. The front seat were connected to the back, so moving around from the front to back was not a problem.


    There are more people than monsters huh.


    Sooah spoke as she opened the window and looked outside.


    After returning to the Southern Marsh, we saw that there was indeed a sharp decline in monsters already.


    We were in the Yellow Sea City for just two days. Things shouldnt have changed so drastically in that short time.


    But since level 1 and level 2 hunters could onlye here to hunt, it was understandable.


    Most could travel on the Southern Marsh to get to other parts of the newnd, but it was too much trouble for low level hunters to hunt far away.


    I think we might need to go further in.


    There should still be monsters lurking somewhere. We just needed to look for them. And it was probably better to look for them where there arent too many hunters already gather.


    Should we just leave the marsh and go beyond here?


    Han Joonseok asked.


    There were only two paths we could take from here. Further south or move west. But in the west, there was the danger of running into Chinese hunters.


    Based on the announcement, the south side has not been imed yet. All the famous raid teams have moved towards the north and west.


    The top 5 raid teams of Korea were: Mercenary, Gxy, SA, Immortals, Tiger, and the Professionals.


    Among them, Gxy and SA were endorsed by major corporations while the Professionals was endorsed by the countrys Department of Defense.


    You could think of the Professionals as the raid team that hunters go to serve military duty.


    Mercenary, Immortals, and Tigers were independent teams like us.


    And all five raid teams were now in the newnd.


    But since they were all hunting in the north and west, they had probably closed off the roads in that direction.


    At first, I had assumed that all five teams just happened to congregate in that area.


    But while we were at the Yellow Sea City, we confirmed that the area those teams were stationed in were assigned to them by the government.


    Seeing this, Ezekiel had tried to copy those other teams.


    Of course they didnt have the governments consent to do so as the other teams did, but that was too bad.


    We cant go north. Lets just continue to plow through the marsh and keep going south. Since it will have a lot of forests, it will be more dangerous than here, but we should be fine since they are all low level monsters anyway.


    It will take us about 10 hours to get there. Why dont you take a break in the meantime and take a nap.


    The truck traveled at a leisurely 30km/hr speed. If we were able to go straight, it would have taken a much shorter time, but there werent any proper roads so we had to take a roundabout trail.


    We made a stop where the marshes ended. There was arge river blocking our path.


    Hm. What do we do about this? I dont think the truck can pass through this way.


    Cho Youngoo asked while scratching his head.


    We all got out of the truck, checked to make sure it was safe, then sat down to take a meal break.


    Since we had been cooped up in the truck for almost 10 hours, everyone started to stretch and get all the kinks out.


    Sooah, whose eyes were swollen from just waking up, said.


    Isnt there like a bridge or something somewhere?


    How could there be when this is brand newnd?


    Hm. Ill go check how deep it is ande back.


    Just by looking, I could tell its several meters deep. Do you even know how to swim?


    Hey, I was the ace swimmer at my neighborhood swimming pool.


    Is there any sport you cant do?


    Sooah threw off the robe she had on in dramatic fashion.


    Oooh.


    A weird sound escaped out of Cho Youngoos mouth. The shiny ck leather of the Arachne armor clung to Sooahs bodyline.


    She didnt have curves like Yeonkyoung, but she was fit enough that it would definitely turn heads.


    Here I go!


    Ssh!


    She jumped into the water. Since the armor acted like a second skin, there was no reason for her to take it off.


    Basically, it just looked like a swimsuit that covered the entire body.


    The river was about 30 meters wide.


    Sooah came up for air after swimming all the way to the opposite site of the river.


    Ha, its not as deep as it seems. Most of the river is about as deep as Im tall while the deepest point is probably about 2 meters deep.


    Why dont you tend to the seaweed that you call hair first.


    It doesnt look like seaweed ok?


    She quickly tied her hair into a ponytail. My eyes naturally went to the now bare neck.


    I could also see that everyone was looking at herjust as I was.


    Even Bae Yeonkyoung was gawking.


    She wasnt an obvious beauty but, with an athletic and proportionate body, she did have something about her that drew the eye.


    Ill at least admit to that much.


    This girl, if she was born as a guy, she wouldve been mighty popr with the girls.


    ***


    It would be too much to ask for to try and cross the river with the truck.


    What do we do then?


    Sooah asked. Ive been pondering the same thing but there was no solution that jumped out at me. I could see the forest on the other side of the river.


    Could we maybe chop some trees down and use those as a makeshift boat?


    We had 3 rubicon swords in our party right now. If it was sharp enough to chop down monsters like pieces of paper, it could be just as easy to knock down a few trees.


    Though the makeup of each tree is different depending on the type, most should have between 50-75% moisture.


    If we used a 1 ton tree, we should be able to load about 300-500 kilograms on top of it.


    So we would need about 10 tons of wood to be able to safely cross our truck over the river.


    It wasnt impossible. If we had the time, we could do a few trial and errors until we got it just right.


    But if we had the time, we could just hunt somewhere else instead.


    We needed some other method.


    Cant we put the truck in that thing?


    Sooah asked.


    She was probably referring to my manual. Except for the small fact that everyone thought storage was due to my effort skill rather than the sses.


    The truck isnt an item.


    Ah. Oh yeah.


    Lets start out by doing some scouting around the area. You never know, there might be some spot where we can just drive through.


    I left the party members on stand by with the truck while I scouted one way and Park Hanbum scouted the opposite way on his bike.


    I saw small clusters of monsters here and there. I considered maybe just hunting those monsters on the way, but decided against it. Finding a road was priority.


    We could alwayse back and hunt these monsters if we couldnt find a road.


    So I continued scouting for about 5 km in this way. But no matter how far I went, I wasnt able to find any roads that the vehicle would be able to cross.


    Unfortunately, the newnds terrain seemed to elevate the further north I went.


    This river was probably flowing down from the higher elevation.


    Ultimately, I had to turn back without any fruit from my efforts. Upon returning, I saw Park Hanbum being treated after being wound with bandages.


    I was attacked. Luckily it wasnt fatal.


    He exined how a dark the size of a finger had lodged into his shoulder. It seemed he was attacked while passing a group of goblins.


    Due to muscle damage, I took out a healing potion so that he could drink half and pour half onto his wounds.


    Im sorry that you have to waste it on something like this.


    These are exactly the kinds of situations these potions are supposed to be use in. But how did the scouting go? I didnt see anything useful in my area.


    There was a bridge.


    Is that true?


    It was made out of wood, but it was definitely a bridge. I went closer to the bridge to check if the truck would be able to cross it, but that was when I got attacked by the goblins.


    Goblins you sayI guess its not impossible for them to have such a weapon but


    Goblins were one of the most intelligent of the monster variety.


    But they were weak. No matter how many goblins there were, it would not have been possible for them to create a bridge.


    There was also a sasquatch.


    Sasquatch?


    They were a hairy humanoid monster. Usually about 2 meters tall, they were pretty stupid and slow so they werent too hard to hunt.


    Yes, I think they probably used the sasquatch to help build the bridge.


    Were you able to check how many of them there were?


    Thats.since I ran away as quickly as I couldI couldnt really count them


    Park Hanbum shook his head. I guess it was too much to ask for him to do all that while he was trying to run for his life.


    We waited a bit for him to get better before we started heading towards the bridge, goblins, and sasquatch.


    Its close by.


    Screech.


    At Park Hanbums words, Cho Youngoo brought the truck to a stop. Everyone geared up and carefully followed Park Hanbum to the bridge.


    After walking about 1 kilometers, we saw a group of goblins sitting at the bottom of a hill.


    Compared to anywhere else in the area, there were actually quite a lot of ces to hide. There were lots of shrugs on this side but, once you cross the bridge, dense trees covered thend.


    Ill go.


    Will you be alright? What if you get hurt again?


    Well I have this.


    Park Hanbum pointed to the mockingbird feather. This was an item that allowed the wearer to blend into their surroundings, so they are difficult to spot.


    If he just moved carefully, he should be able to go unnoticed at least by the goblins.


    Park Hanbum returned after about an hour.


    Near the shrubs, there are about 30 goblins and 12 sasquatches.


    That meant a total of 42 monsters.


    Though there were a lot of monsters, at our current level, it was definitely doable. In fact, I think it would take at least a hundred or more level 1 and level 2 monsters to be able to take down our party.


    Should we go in?


    Park Hanbum asked. I nodded my head in response.


    Now that weve fought in quite a number of battles together, everyone pretty much knew their general roles and positions.


    Park Hanbum usually rode his bike to distract the monsters. And while the monsters chased after him in a group, it was Cho Youngoo and my job to get in front of the group and attack them from there. Usually, the element of surprise was enough for us to take on all the monsters ourselves. But if this doesnt work, we usually slip behind the monsters and work as a group with everyone else to y them together.


    Then, at some point during battle, we usually release Kelby to finish it up.


    This would be how it yed out again except for one small change due to the shrubs everywhere.


    ***


    Vroom!


    Park Hanbum revved his motorcycle and drove noisily past the area where the monsters were hiding.


    As soon as he drove by a dart, as long as the entire length of a hand, flew out of the shrubs.


    The dartnded in the exact spot the bike had been in just a moment before.


    Park Hanbum shot out an arrow. The way that he shot his arrow, halfway turned on his bike mid-riding, was very reminiscent of a mongolian warrior atop a horse.


    Vrooooooom!


    After Park Hanbum drove away, the shrubs started to shake violently before several goblins jumped out from within.


    We seeded in luring them out. Not all. But no matter.


    I took out a bottle of thinner from our backpack. I had packed about 10 bottles, so it shouldnt be a problem to light the shrubs on fire.


    Shatter!


    I lightly tossed the ss bottle about 20 meters into the bushes.


    Yeonkyoung!


    Ok, partyhead!


    I didnt need to light it on fire myself. Yeonkyoung had the me enchant, which she used on her arrow.


    The arrow flew across the sky in a red me and lodged in the shrubs.


    Woosh!


    In mere seconds, all shrubs in that general area caught on fire.


    EEEENG!


    Kaaaa!


    About 20 goblins jumped out from the shrubs with a squeal. And the sasquatches joined in leaving their fiery hiding ce.


    We killed all of the monsters still in shock from the fire quite easily.


    Kelby, as usual, ripped the remaining monsters to shreds with its powerful jaws. Manager Kim didnt even have time to cast his sleep spell.


    The monsters had dropped 2 level 1 items and 10 ores. Park Hanbum walked back towards us with 2 more ores in tow.


    Then we waited for the fire in the shrubs topletely die down.


    After we confirmed one more time that all the monsters were dead, I carefully walked to where the bridge was.


    So its made out of wood.


    The structure of the bridge was wide enough and looked sturdy enough for our truck to safely drive across it.


    I was certain that amongst the monsters theyd had a skilled craftsmen.


    But aside from itsmendable structure, I was still unsure whether or not wood would be capable of withstanding the weight of the truck.


    Its not as if I could just lift it and carry it across.


    I wanted to try and test putting something else onto the bridge first, but there was nothing that wouldve weighed close to the 3 ton weight of the truck.


    I kept looking around for arge boulder when I spied the trees on the other side of the bridge.


    They all hadrge trunks and were fairly tall.


    I thought that trees of that size should be considerably heavy.


    I crossed the bridge to the other side and cut down a tree with my Smash Sword.


    With a cutting sound, the 50 cm wide tree was too easily sliced right through.


    Creaaaak.


    As soon as I shoved the tree, arge woosh sound preceded the tree before it fell crashing to the ground. Since I could lift the entire thing to the bridge, I cut the tree into 5 pieces and ced them all onto the bridge.


    Creeak. Creak.


    The bridge moved a bit and made some strange noises, but it didnt seem it was in danger of copsing.


    Wow.


    I know, how could something like a goblin build such a sturdy bridge as this


    I was talking about you, Sunbeh Oppa.


    Me? Why?


    Not only did you cut down such a humongous tree in one swing, but you carried it all the way to the bridge. No matter how you look at it, thats not something a normal person should be able to do.


    I cut them into pieces so they werent that heavy.


    But they should still weigh about 500 kg each.


    I could do that much easily


    I didnt think it was difficult at least for me. I threw the tree pieces into the river from atop the bridge.


    Plunk! Plunk!


    After throwing all five into the river, we slowly started to drive over to the bridge. With an anxious face, Cho Youngoo carefully drove onto the wooden goblin bridge.


    Squeeak.


    A sound like a rusty hinge makes reverberated in my ears as the bridge shuddered.


    But the wood is naturally a resilient material. We were safe. At least we were as long as we didnt hear the bottom of the bridge actually breaking.


    It might have broken more easily were it older, but the bridge still looked rtively new.


    Vroom.


    Squeaak. Squeak.


    And so the truck finally made it over the bridge. Every single party member let out a sigh of relief almost as soon as we made it across.


    Ha. I thought Id pass out from holding my breath so long.


    Cho Youngoo shook his head and got out of the truck. He looked back at the bridge in wonder.


    But do you think itll still stay up by the time wee back?


    It looks sturdy enough to be just fine even for a few months at least.


    We didnt even need that much time. We should be able to load up on plenty of dropped items in a month.


    I turned to look back in the direction of the marshes. We were now in the forested area.


    The only thing connecting the twonds was the one wooden bridge. And if the bridge breaks, we would have no means of getting back.


    Of course, worst case scenario, we could take the long way and walk until the river ended. But that was a hassle.


    I walked back to the bridge to inspect it more carefully.


    Seeing that there were areas that were considerably weakened by the truck riding across, I considered doing a bit of reinforcement work.


    While I continued to inspect it in this way, a strange thought began to creep into my thoughts.


    Would a goblin really be able to build such a sophisticated bridge as this?


    I mean, they are clever Ill admit that much. They could do as much as create their own simple crossbow type of weapon to fire darts and other projectiles.


    And there were some even more high level goblins who could create something even moreplicated.


    Ive even heard stories that Level 10 Goblins could create items even beyond humanprehension.


    If I considered this, it wasnt too strange to think they might have created the bridge.


    But the problem was, all the goblins we had hunted were level 1s.


    If you were topare the intelligence of a level 1 goblin to human standards, they were the equivalent of a 10 year old.


    Would those monsters really have been able to use a sasquatch to create this kind of bridge?


    I found it more and more difficult to believe as I kept thinking about it.


    And then I became pretty sure that the goblins just happened to be near the bridge. The bridge itself was probably manmade.


    If this was true, who was it that made this bridge?

 Chapter 69

    Chapter 69


    I slowly moved my body to follow Kelby.


    After walking for a few hundred meters in this manner, I heard some voices up ahead.


    Three people in all. There were two men resting under a tree while one person was stationed higher up the tree probably acting as a sentry.


    All three of them were equipped with a bow and arrow on their backs. They looked to be level 3 weapons nothing amazing, but enough to be a sufficient threat.


    I hid amongst the trees so that I could freely steal snippets of conversation.


    I couldnt understand a word of it.


    I couldnt tell when I was farther away, but I knew now. Though I couldnt understand what they were saying, there were familiar tones mixed in here and there.


    They were Chinese.


    This meant they went all the way around the entire West Sea and ended up here in the forested area deep in the south.


    Hm. It seems things just gotplicated.


    We purposely avoided going North to avoid unnecessaryplications, only to end up facing a bigger one. Their being here meant that they meant to take control of the newndall of it.


    This was worlds away from the general understanding that the newnd would be split equally between Korea and China as equally as possible anyway.


    Thisnd was the farthest point from China. If Chinese hunters took control of thend here, that meant Korean hunters would be facing enemies from both sides. We would be surrounded. And there was a good chance that the newnd could fall entirely into the hands of China. Shit. I had thought the problem with China was an issuepletely unrted to me. What am I supposed to do?


    I could rush out right now and overpower those guys. As I was now, it wouldnt be hard to go up against 3 hunters even if they were all level 3.


    But then again, why is it my job to intervene?


    Isnt this for someone higher up?


    Someone like Lee Wheeseung, for example. Yeah. Its definitely not a ce for a hunter of less than 1 years experience to try and interfere.


    I picked up Kelby.


    First things first I needed to get back to my team without revealing myself.


    If I needed to get rid of them, I could always do itter.


    Vroom-


    Right when I was getting ready to leave, I heard an approaching vehicle. It was not the sound of the truck we rode in. It sounded lighter. It sounded more like a van.


    Who.?


    I ducked down and looked at their expressions.


    As soon as the one sitting high up in the tree started waving around his arms and yelling at the guys on the ground, both men picked their weapons up off the ground and got up.


    After a brief moment, a van came into view. It kicked up clouds of dust as it came to a stop and the driver got out. He was probably in his mid forties. Had on level 4 gear.


    I used my manual to check him out and he even had a level 4 skill: Lion Strength.


    This skill increases reflexes and strength by 100%. Additionally, after raising proficiency up until a certain point, the skill allows an extra option: roar. Roar allows the user to yell out causing the opponent to freeze for a full second.


    This option could be used immediately at any time. And one second in battle was invaluable.


    Anyway, I had to leave. If that van goes back on the move, it could end up bumping into our truck. I needed to contact them before that happens to alert them to hide the truck.


    I took out my phone and created a Team Delta chatroom.


    -[Me: Discovered Chinese hunters. Expecting one van to head towards you. Please go into hiding and stand by.]


    -[Sooah: China? Why are they here?]


    -[Me: How am I supposed to know? Whether we let the government know or not, its best to distance ourselves from the situation for now.]


    If they were a raid team like the Ezekiel, we could always fight them head on. But if they were a hunter team for their country, we couldnt do whatever we wanted. We had to proceed with caution.


    -[Han Joonseok: Where did the vane from? We didnt see any vehicles drive past us.]


    -[Me: I think they crossed over the same bridge we crossed over. They might be the ones to have built the bridge in the first ce.]


    -[Han Joonseok: Does that means they were roaming the Southern Marshes?]


    -[Me: I think their goal is reconnaissance. I dont know how many of them are upying the forest, but I dont think they have so many men that they can spare them to roam the marshes. Its not as if China has a lot of hunters to spare.]


    -[Han Joonseok: So theyre really trying to take over the newnd and keep it for themselves.]


    -[Me: Those were my thoughts exactly.]


    -[Manager Kim: Are those Chinese hunters strong?]


    -[Me: About level 4?]


    -[Manager Kim: If theyre that strongI doubt theyre just here to scout.]


    Manager Kims words hit me as if someone struck me on the head with a hammer.


    Why didnt I think of that?


    The one who seemed like the leader of the group was a level 4 hunter. There was no way someone that strong was just roaming around in the south for recon.


    What if it wasnt just Ezekiel? Couldnt it be that the Chinese were also responsible for the hunter deaths?


    The news reported that over 1,000 hunters were missing. Of course they couldnt have taken all of those hunters, but I would bet money they were responsible for a good amount of missing men.


    There was one way to confirm my hunch. I needed to get into that van.


    The Chinese hunters voices got louder. The one who got out of the van was yelling out while pointing at his leg.


    The hunters on stand by were getting louder by the minute too.


    I couldnt understand a word as usual, but I could pretty much understand the situation.


    It felt like he was yelling at them about dealing with the invaders us.


    How stupid am I?


    Whatever they were saying, they were all our enemies.


    If I left them alive, they could sneak up on uster and be the death of us.


    -[Me: Im changing our n. We will be attacking the van. Leave the truck on stand by. Everyone spread out and be prepared to attack.]


    -[Sooah: How about you, Sunbeh Oppa?]


    -[Me: Ill get rid of the sentries here first. Ill hurry it up and get to you guys as soon as I can.]


    The fastest speed that a van would be able to travel on a road that hasnt been properly paved was probably about 40 km/hr.


    Since I could run faster than that, I figured I would have plenty of time to catch up to the van after taking care of the three hunters first.


    Vroom-


    Soon, the van revved back to life and started on its way. The scouts took out their walkie talkies and seemed to be reporting back to someone.


    Whatever. They already knew we were here. It was now their aim to find us before we could reveal their whereabouts to the rest of the Korean hunters.


    But before they could do that, we would be taking care of them first.


    Kelby, sneak up behind them and wait. Once you see me attacking from here, you attack them from behind.


    Kelby quietly disappeared into the forest. No matter how skilled of a hunter they were,there was no way they would be able to hear the stealthy prowling of an animal in hunt.


    I continued to move as quietly as I could as well.


    Three enemies. They were all long distance fighters.


    They did have swords on their hips, but there was nothing I didnt know about their equipment or skills.


    All three of them werecking in physical abilities. I only needed to close the distance between us and it would be game over for them.


    I hurriedly moved from tree to tree so that I can begin the fight as close to them as possible. It wasnt until I was just 10 meters away from them until they finally realized I was there.


    This was because my boost in all my physical abilities allowed me greater control of my body.


    If I felt like it, I could probably continue this way until I was right behind them.


    But there was no reason to do that. At even 10 meters, I should be able to take care of them in less than a few seconds.


    I took a big breath.


    Crack!


    A twig under my foot made a sound as it broke in half. As soon as they looked my way, I unsheathed my sword and plowed in.


    X*&??


    ?!KD#!


    What are you saying!


    Two of them began to raise up their bows in a panic. Seeing that they were trying to use those things when an enemy was right in front of them, they must have had zero confidence in their swordsmanship.


    I cut one hunters bows in half and kicked him back. Hard. Just then, an arrow flew at me from the third guy.


    I simply raised my arm to block it before plunging my de right into his gut.


    Woosh!


    Another arrow flew right over my head. I made a quick sidestep just as two arrows struck the ground I had been standing on a moment before. He was fast. But that was all.


    Chomp!


    Ahhhhh!


    Kelby, who had climbed up the tree at some point, chewed out the throat of thest hunter. It had taken us a mere 10 seconds to cut down three hunters. Thanks to the element of surprise and their weakness in closebat, we were able to finish things off very easily.


    I dragged all three bodies deeper in the forest and quickly hid them before putting Kelby into my manual. I would have plenty of time to catch up to that van.


    -[Sooah: Raid.]


    Sooah posted a message in the chatroom. The van shouldnt have reached them yet. It seems they were fighting against some other enemy.


    I ran even faster. Once I ran past the van, I could hear a ruckus of yelling behind me.


    But they werent important right now.


    m!


    Upon arriving, I saw a battle scene of my party fighting against another with the truck in between them. Luckily, none of my team seemed to have gotten hurt.


    I immediately brought Kelby out from storage after assessing the situation and threw him at the enemy group. As he flew in the air, he grew into a massive size.


    The dog that had been the size of my hand just a moment before was now the size of a grown tiger.


    Unsurprisingly, Kelby drew the gaze of everyone there with his little trick.


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh!


    Arrows began to rain down on therge pup.


    And his deep wrinkles began to form along his snout as he bared his teeth. He didnt like that.


    Snarrrl. GRRROWL!


    Ahhh?


    #*[emailprotected]!


    The battlefield was a mess. I began to look around.


    The enemy was clumped into a group on the opposite side of the truck. There were about 20 of them that looked to be long range hunters and about 10 hunters who looked to be closebat hunters.


    My team was definitely at a disadvantage when it came to sheer numbers, but Cho Youngoo was sessfully marking all the closebat hunters so that Jong Sawon could freely move around to take them down.


    On top of that, there were spiderwebs strategically ced here and there to further act as a barricade and restrict the opponents movements. The many trees of the forest, surprisingly, came be very useful.


    Nearby, I spied a huge ball of cobwebs rolling around. I turned to look at Sooah.


    Manager Kim is safe.


    Im sure hell have something to sayter on. Whats the situation?


    We took care of 2 enemies. It seems like theyre dragging the time.waiting for something.


    They might be waiting for the van thats on its way here. Lets finish this before their backup arrives.


    Kelby was already running wild and attacking the enemy. Seeing the animal pounce on them without any regard for its own life caused the hunters to run in a panic.


    It seemed they were most panic-stricken at the thought of having to kill a seemingly high level monster on top of fighting us.


    Ultimately, it was Kelbys outstanding work and rounding up all crazed and frightened hunters that allowed us to taken them all down easily.


    No matter how thick his hide was, it still didnt change the fact that he now had several swords lodged all over his body and about 10 arrows sticking out as well. He was done.


    It felt to me that his defense was underwhelming whenpared to his amazing offensive power.


    Even still, he did his job.


    At the end of his strength, Kelby disappeared almost as if he had evaporated.


    Watching this happen, Yeongyoung carefully asked.


    He didnt dieright?


    We should be able to call him out again after about a day.


    Thats a relief.


    Hand on her chest, she let out a big sigh.


    It seemed she had been frightened at the prospect of losing Kelby.


    I dont know why but this made me want to poke a little fun.


    But there is one problem.


    What, what kind of problem?


    I could see the blood drain from her face.


    Unlike Sooah, seeing a real reaction, made this all the more fun.


    Its a big problem actually.


    What in the world is it?


    The effects of the items he act disappear.


    .what?


    Its such a waste. All those expensive items.


    Ah. Yes, it is. A waste.


    Yeonkyoung nodded her head seriously.


    HmI really think I dont have a knack for making jokes. I said that to make herughbut she took it seriously.


    Vroom!


    Just then, I heard the rev of the van approaching in the distance.


    It was the van from before. To think it was only just arriving. It seemedte.


    I guess driving on the dirt road was even harder than I thought it would be.


    It doesnt look like theyre going to slow down any time soon.


    Sooah said in surprise.


    No matter how fast a hunters reflexes were, it wasnt impossible to hit and kill them by running them over with a car or van.


    They probably saw that we had quite a few people on our side and decided to reduce our numbers by running some of us over.


    Its dangerous!


    Partyhead, hurry and get out of the


    Its alright.


    I lightly shook my head before bringing out the Toyul Hammer from my manual.


    Sunbeh Oppa! What in the world are you?!


    The van continued to rushs at me full speed. I could hear a violent rattling noise leaking through the suspension.


    m!


    A ray of lightning fell straight down from the sky with a roar.


    Crackle! Crack!


    The vehicle, ripped apart into a wreckage of parts were scattered everywhere.


    The burning debris was still smoking from the fire lit by the diesel, and all 6 hunters who had been riding in the van were now in such a condition that they were unbearable to look at.


    I, on the other hand, apart from some minor scratches made by the flying debris was almost entirely unharmed.


    What, what the hell were you thinking?


    Sooah said with a stutter. She looked as if she were on the verge of tears. Was she that worried?


    If its a level 5 Toyul Hammer, theres no way I wouldnt have been able to handle something so benign as a van. The hunters who decided toe at me full throttle in the van were the idiots.


    But what if something went wrong?!


    WellI guess there was a light chance something could have gone wrong. Like if I didnt strike at the right timingor if the impact of my strike was offI might have gotten hit and died


    And you still did something stupid like that?


    But its fine as long as its just that one time right?


    Because I had the Immortality Skill in my possession. If something happened where I were to incur enough damage to warrant death, my skill would kick it and bring me back to full health.


    Like, for example, getting hit by a car.


    It was dangerous, true, but I was able to kill 6 hunters in just one blow.


    And this was a group of hunters that had a level 4 hunter among them too. Though I didnt check all of their stats one by one, I knew that that group of 6 was far stronger than the group of 30 hunters we faced just a moment ago.


    How did I know this? Because if they werent strong, they wouldnt have gone off on their own to search the Southern Marshes.


    Its not fine.


    Squeeze.


    Her hand, which had been grasping mine, squeezed hard.


    She looked as if a tear would spill out right that instant.


    Did she not understand what I just told her?


    What Im saying is, I wouldnt have died


    There, theres an item here!


    Park Hanbum, who had been inspecting the wreckage let out a yell. The bulk of the items were found inside a broken wooden box that had been in the van. There were probably close to 20 items that spilled out of the broken vehicle in addition to those found in the box.


    We first picked up all the equipment. The equipment we picked up in this manner in addition to those that were used by our enemies was tallied at a total of 35.


    We assumed they were all initially from the wooden box.


    Just from looking at the type of items, it was hard to tell whether they were obtained by killing other hunters or by killing monsters.


    And we couldnt find out for sure by any other means because the ones who knew were now all dead. But quite a number of equipment had been stained by the ck blood of men.


    If they were obtained by fighting monsters, there was no way the items would havee discolored with blood in this way.


    It seems they had been hunting and killing hunters who seemed rtively weak. From the number of equipment, they killed a smaller amount of hunters than expected, but this is a problem we cannot overlook.


    If the number of equipment was 35, then we could safely say they probably killed between 10 to 20 hunters.


    But there could also be more of these guys


    Han Joonseok spoke up.


    I dont think that they would be so bold as to send several teams. If they were, it would have been hard for us to see any monsters near the bridge.


    Ah, youre right. I didnt think of that.


    Well, I think the important thing right now is to make all of this known to the others. Luckily I have a contact within the police force so.


    Do you mean thatdy officer from before?


    Sooah sniffed. As soon as I nodded my head, her expression turned to stone.


    Stop thinking stupid and unnecessary thoughts. Its not like that.


    Ahthen why do you feel the need to exin yourself?


    In case you get it in your head to do something stupid.


    Me? What would I do?


    Sooah stared at me with a big smiling face. It seemed I got her to calm down.


    Anyway, lets start moving. Its a shame that we came all the way across the bridge only to turn back but


    Right. Since we cant confirm the scale of infiltration by the Chinese in this area, its best to err on the side of caution.


    Han Joonseok finished as he nodded his head. No one disagreed. Cho Youngoo didnt have an opinion on the matter while Jong Sawon rarely, if ever, spoke his piece. Since Park Hanbum was still new to the group, he mostly kept his opinions to himself. Sooah pretty much always followed whatever decision I made and Yeonkyoung was busy spacing out.


    Meanwhile our Manager Kim.wait.


    Manager Kim?


    I turned around to look at the huge bundle behind me. The bundle of cobweb began to squirm.


    After Manager Kim kicked up a big old fuss once released, I put all the equipment into my manual before we headed out.


    If we stuck around any longer, we could end up unnecessarily bumping into more enemies.


    Though Cho Youngoo drove with an anxious face the whole time we crossed back over the wooden bridge, we were able to get over it without any problems once again.


    In the truck, I took out my phone and made a call.


    [This is Lieutenant Sohn Aram.]


    Hi, its Jeon Sangmin.


    [Oh, and why are you calling out of the blue?]


    There is something important I felt you should know.


    I briefly recapped what had happened earlier.


    How the Chinese hunters had upied the forested area and how they had probably attacked and killed the missing Korean hunters in the newnd.


    [How sure are you?]


    Very sure. We even fought against them firsthand. They were all Chinese.


    [And proof?]


    If you need proof


    [Something that could identify them. It could even be a dead body.]


    Thatsnot possible.


    Bringing over a dead body was impossible. Since they had all evaporated already.

 Chapter 70

    Chapter 70


    Additionally, they had used a generic vehicle was wasmonly used in our country. They most likely nned it that way to keep from being caught.


    -[Then Im at a loss. Even if you had proof, I dont have the type of authority to mobilize the police force to pursue such a lead.]


    Though she was a Lieutenant and an elite in the police force, she still had her limits.


    Lacking experience as a mid twenties female officer, you could say that she only had the bare minimum in power that her status afforded her.


    But I also hoped this highly unusual situation would warrant use of power that would normally be out of reach.


    Then are you saying you just want to wait and see what happens before making a move?


    [Well, Ill take it up to my superiors. But I cant say what they will decide to do. For that reason, it is better if we had proof.]


    Proof you say


    [Proof that will force my superiors to make a move. Isnt it for this very reason that we sent out hunters to the newnd in the first ce? To secure im on thend?]


    Thats a nice way of saying we were looking for reasons to kill the Chinese hunters so that we can keep the newnd to ourselves.


    [That isnt what I was saying but if ites to that then]


    She gave a small shrug. Hunters are expendable. Its not as if they were any special. If you just had the money, being a Hunter was possible for anybody. It didnt matter much if several hundred hunters died or not.


    As soon as I hung up, Sooah spoke.


    What happened?


    I dont think the police will do anything without solid proof.


    Then does that mean we have to turn back?


    Manager Kim scrunched up his face in annoyance.


    No. We dont know how many enemies are posted there. Going in blind is suicide. We were lucky once before. Lets not press our luck again.


    They were most likely hunters picked out by the Chinese government. It would be great if there were only low level hunters, but if they had even one or two level 5 hunters mixed in somewhereit would be tough.


    That didnt mean we were going to give in and back down. If we just let them be, the Chinese would end up monopolizing all of the monsters and items in the forest.


    Just that would be a huge loss, but the real problem was what woulde after that.


    After hunting all the monsters in thatnd, the hunters would only grow stronger. And after they leveled up and wiped out the monsters in the forest? They would probably decide to move north.


    Should I post something on the hunter market board?


    Sooah asked.


    Hm?


    If we posted something onto the information bulletin, wouldnt it do something? Im sure no one would ignore it.


    Hmthats not a bad idea.


    Yay! I got apliment!


    We decided to do just as she said and post up a note on the board.


    As soon as we posted it up,ments began to flood in.


    -There are Chinese hunters in the forested area? Is that true?


    -Is China crazy? Going there means they really want to fight it out with us isnt it? Are they started shit? Werent we going to split thend and keep the peace?


    -Seeing the username of the person who posted thisit looks like theyre a new hunter.? How can we trust them?


    -I searched the username and saw that they made a few posts about recruiting some party members. And it looks like they havent even been a hunter for that long. Yeah right Ill trust them.


    -Wait, I feel like Ive heard that name before.


    -Isnt Jeon Sangmin part of Team Delta? You know. The one that came out in that crazy fighting video


    -What video?


    -You know. The hunter who beat the shit out of Ezekiel. Remember? Thats how everyone was able to break through the barricade and get into the South Marsnds.


    -Thats him? Well shit, then I dont think theyre lying.


    -So does that mean the Chinese are really in the forested area? Isnt that kind of scary?


    -Arent there more people who went down there? Anybody?


    -Now that I think about it, theres no information on any hunters talking about the forested area.


    -Youre right. Even if its super far, theres no way no one attempting hunting all the way out there.


    -Surely, they didnt all end up getting killed by the Chinese hunters there.


    -Sounds like a modern day scary story.the possibility of it being true is giving me chills.


    Hm. It seems that having sort of a famous namees in handy in times like this.


    I think that this should be enough to cause an issue.


    Sooah said. The bulletin boards at the hunter market are used the most by all of the huntermunity.


    If things became an issue there, something would happen.


    -Lets post it on the best/popr posts. Everyone upvote it. Shouldnt alot of people know something like this?


    -Yeah. We need to confirm if its real or fake anyway. Lets post it.


    -If it goes up on the best/popr posts list, Im sure someone will decide to go fact check.


    Out of all the millions of posts in themunity, the posts that are upvoted as a best/popr post be even more viewed.


    If it really bes upvoted as a best/popr post, our mission isplete.


    Even if I didnt do anything, there were plenty of curious hunters out there searching for the truth. If the police didnt want to move, there should be other people determined enough to do something about it. And they would probably be able to get the proof that we couldnt get.


    I kind of feel bad about shifting the responsibility of getting such an important thing like this to someone else.


    Cho Youngoo whispered.


    But its not as if we could go in and do everything ourselves especially when we dont know what kind of force were dealing with. It might seem a bit underhanded, but my priority is keeping my party members safe.


    Cheers to that.


    Manager Kim said as he nodded his head up and down. That made me a bit curious. Curious as to why a man who was so set on safety was still in our party. He should have earned enough money by now where he wouldnt have to be a hunter anymore.


    Manager Kim, how long do you intend on staying a hunter?


    Why do you ask? Do you want to fire me too? Ive been working hard on my own time to be a better hunter you know?


    I might have hit a nerve because he yelled out pompously as his face turned a bright red.


    No, thats not why I asked. I just thought you didnt even like being a hunter. And you must have earned quite a bit. I was just wondering why you were still with us.


    If I just follow you, money keeps on flowing in. You think Im crazy to leave such a goldmine of an opportunity? I guess you still dont know your worth huh?


    My worth?


    Yes. Your worth. Should I say that you are something like a walking golden goose? You know? The ones in the stories where you can rip open the stomach of a goose and you get a bunch of gold out of it. Ah. I dont know. Im not saying were going to cut you open or anything. I mean. Uhh what I mean is


    Your exnation is a bit off but I get the gist of it.


    He was probably trying to say a golden goose thatys golden eggs but ended up vomiting some nonsense instead in his excitement.


    Now what do we do? Should we hunt somewhere nearby or something?


    Cho Youngoo yelled out while holding onto the steering wheel.


    No, lets go back to the West Sea City.


    What? You mean to turn back even though we havent been out more than a day?


    My storage is full right now.


    Ah


    The issue at hand was critical. The Chinese hunters had infiltrated therge forested areas while it would still take some time for the police force to take action.


    We had resorted to posting something on the hunter market bulletin but until someone can find some real proof to substantiate our im, we couldnt be sure that anything wille of it.


    But aside from all that, we had stille up with a great many items from just one simple battle.


    My item storage waspletely full. My manual allowed me to store 100 different types of items.


    This meant that if they were the same item, I could store an infinite amount of them.


    My manual, not including my equipment, currently had 120 items stored in it.


    This included the 35 equipment from the enemy van, 7 items that were dropped from the dead bodies of the Chinese hunters, and the equipment they had on them totaling 78 items.


    I couldnt even calcte how much all of this would amount to. I never would have imagined we would havee upon so many items in such a short amount of time.


    How many do we have in all?


    120.


    Wow.then how much is all of it going to be.?


    Sooah said with a bit of drool spilling out the side of her open mouth.


    On top of the sheer volume of items we now had to see, the price of each item far exceeded what we had before too. The reason was becausepared to the items dropped by monsters, the level of items the hunters had carried were higher.


    There were over 10 items that were level 3s and we even had 3 level 4 items.


    I tried to calcte the numbers in my head for a minute before it got to crazy and I gave up. At the very minimum we should take away 20,000,000.


    And this would be earnings for a days hunter.battle


    I still couldnt believe it.


    With this, I think its now time for us to register as a regr team. Welle across the issue of paying taxes too now so


    Han Joonseok said as he looked at me.


    Hunters have to pay taxes too. If you hunt as a solo hunter as we have been doing, technically by legal standards, since we are considered a privatepany, we pay a lot in taxes.


    For this reason, if a hunter moves up and starts generating considerable revenue, it makes sense to apply as a regr raid team if only for the tax breaks.


    We would be an official raid team.


    Hunters toss the word pro around for these types of teams.


    Wow. To think were already pros. Insane.


    Dont let it get to your head. Even if we apply to be a regr raid team, theres still only 8 of us.


    But its still sufficient. Who knows? Maybe well even be big enough to catch up to even Ezekiel soon.


    They have at least 300 people in their team. And its not as if we earned all this through any real hunting.


    That is true.


    But I have a feeling that these recent events will be a stepping stone to something big. I dont know how you guys will take this, but I feel like hunting Chinese hunters will end up being much more lucrative than hunting monsters.


    The item drop probability in the newnd is slightly higher than in the dungeons.


    But the haul from hunting the enemy hunters who crossed into territory that should have been ourswas 100% as long as you didnt die.


    I mean, the ones who had invaded thend furthest from their ownnd was them and the ones who had attacked first was them as well.


    If anyone were to fight them anyway, why shouldnt it be us?


    But the risk factor was still too high. There was too much of the unknown. Until we find out some more information about the enemy, there was no reason to put ourselves into unnecessary danger.


    ***


    After travelling all night, we finally reached the West Sea City at dawn.


    While we were still in the vehicle, I decided on what I should do with all the items.


    Including the Level 4 items, I decided it would be best to sell them all and pay out as contribution distributions.


    This was because there were just too many items to properly be able to split them up fairly.


    The only items I decided to keep were the items that dropped from the dead hunters.


    Why? Because they were items that would not be recognized at the market and I had a feeling that they would be useful.


    The new items were as follows:


    -Escape 5 sheets


    -Light Healing Potion 5 bottles


    -Venttion Potion 1 bottle


    The Escape Scrolls and Light Healing Potions came as one set. Including what we already had we now had a total of 27 Escape scrolls, 13 light healing potions, and 2 Venttion Potions.


    Since the Escape scrolls werent something we had any immediate need for, we just kept umting them.


    The following were the equipment items:


    -Antique explorers hat (1): Increases item drop probability by 10%


    -Red speed enhancing shoes (2): Increases speed by 2x for 5 minutes. After use, decreases speed by double for 10 minutes.


    -Miners mittens (1): Increases ore drop probability by 30%


    -Blunt sword (0): A sword. Has the ability to upgrade.


    The thing that stood out most to me was that an upgrade was possible.


    Just like the manual, I was able to upgrade the sword by investing some ores.


    Checking how many ores were needed to perform an upgrade, it didnt seem to be too manypared to how much I needed to upgrade my manual.


    Since we had 20 ore drops recently, I just invested them all into upgrading that sword. I had also earned 7,000 in rewards points on ourst hunt as well.


    Manager Kim can wear the Antique Explorer Hat. I think itll suit you.


    Hm. I dont really care for the design too much.


    At Sooahsment, Manager Kim lightly put on the hat.


    The hat in question was a fedora.


    Wow. You look like the spitting image of Indiana Jones!


    HmmI guess I am a bit dashing arent I.


    Manager Kim said as he began chuckling with a deeper than usual pitch. It seemed he still didnt realize we were trying to pawn the hat off to him since it was something that was too difficult to wear while fighting or hunting.


    I think you should also wear the Miners mitten as well.


    I said.


    This type of glove was used to protect miners hands from working all day with a pickaxe.


    Its design made it chiefly to protect than to allow the wearers flexibility. This meant fighting with such a glove on was almost impossible.


    I already wear a glove. Are you asking me to wear another one?


    He raised his hand. He was wearing the Selfish Hunters Glove which increased item drop probability by 10%.


    Cant you just wear this glove on top of the one youre wearing now? Or we can just have Sooah wear the Selfish Hunters Glove instead.


    No, Ill wear them both. I can just put them on when were fighting, right?


    Yep.


    This was true. Since the only job he had during a fight was to raise his canes once at the beginning.


    After that, his role was to hide somewhere and wait for the fight to be over so there was no need for him to need his hands during battle.


    It was best for his to gather a number of different items that increased our buffs or helped the team in this way where our drop probabilities increase.


    It seemed Manager Kim at least sensed a bit that he needed to help the team in this way to keep up with everyone else increasing their levels.

 Chapter 71

    Chapter 71


    And I will be keeping the blunt sword.


    I thought that someone might say something against it but no one said a peep.


    It was the first level 0 weapon wevee across and it had the potential for growth as all level 0 items seemed to have. It didnt seem at all special right now but Im sure it could be something greatter on with the right coaxing.


    And I made the final executive decision to give the red speed-enhancing shoes to Jong Sawon. Since his fighting style required speed, I thought it was a perfect match.


    ***


    You came again?


    The market employee said with apparent surprise etched on his face. It was the very same employee that we had poured out all of our items in front of just two days earlier. There was no way he would have forgotten about us.


    This and that happened and here we are.


    So what brings you here today?


    We are here to sell some more items.


    Ohso you didnt like the items you had purchasedst time it seems? Certainly the Toyul Hammer is not for the faint of heart.


    I could see a faint smirk dancing at the edges of the employees mouth. His eyes were mocking me as if to ask why I would buy something I didnt know anything about like an amateur.


    Am I being paranoid? No. It was written all over that mans face.


    No, thats not it. We have some new items to sell.


    Im sorry? Didnt you sell me everything you had just two days ago?


    That is true but


    Certainly you didnte back to sell the same amount as before in such a short time?


    Of course not.


    Of course. Theres just no way. Then let us go inside


    After following the employee inside, we continued on into the small room to do the exchange.


    Can you show me the items?


    I lightlyughed before flicking my hand in the air. All of the items in my storage started spilling out at once.


    Boom! nk! m! nk nk nk.


    The employee who had been waiting patiently without any anticipation started to lose all the color in his face second after second.


    10, 20, 30, when the items showed no sign of stopping, he opened his mouth and spoke with a pained expression to ask.


    Just, just how many on earth did you bring?


    A little over 100.


    There should have been 113 items left over but I used some of the items inbination with the blisolnites and ansilites on hand to fuse them.


    The number of items decreased a bit, but our overall profit should have increased.


    .sweet baby Jesus.


    Even as he whispered his words of surprise, the items continued spilling out of the air.


    It took a bit for him to calcte everything.


    But the total profit for us came out to 31,100,000.


    I got dizzy for a moment. I kept looking and doing double takes but the numbers he had written out for me remained the same.


    You are probably the only person who has earned this much money from our store.


    Is that so? I would have expected pro teams to earn quite a bit of money too?


    Well pro teams are directly connected to the head office. They even have a separate team dedicated to tending to them.


    Ohthats the first I hear of that.


    When we had hunted in the dungeons, there was no reason for us to go out to the hunter market and sell our items. This was because we usually just turned them over to the dungeon operators and they paid us out right then and there.


    But this was a special circumstance with the advent of the newnd. Also because of the threat of the Chinese hunters crossing the halfway line of the newnd, there was no way pro hunters would travel to and fro from their station just to sell their items. For that reason, it seems they were assigned a separate team to pick up and drop off their items to the market for them.


    It seems that the five pro teams I had mentioned earlier earned enough items for the hunter market to go out of their way in such a manner. I wouldnt be surprised if thergest team, Team Gxy, earned several 100 millions at a time.


    Thinking of the higher drop rates and easier hunting on the newnd, I wouldnt be surprised if they make even more than that.


    The employee asked.


    In any case, do you not have any ores? Im sure you arent throwing them all away.


    Ah, another member of the team is taking care of that. I dont sell them myself.


    Ores, which are usually sold to the dungeon operators, are also being sold to the hunter market stores in the newnd. Thew usually mandates that ores are only sold to the government, but the newnd created this need to sell to the markets.


    Curious, I asked.


    Is there any way for us to procure or buy ores here?


    Hm, Im not sure. We do purchase ores at our store but everything we purchase is managed by the police. We do not have the authority to sell ores in our possession. But where do you want to use them, if I may ask? I dont think Ive ever heard that anybody could use it in any way in its natural form.


    No, I was just wondering. You could say its a bit of a hobby of mineyou knowmaking this and that out of things.


    Making the ores usable in any way required a dissolving and leaching process with strong acids something that required a factory to do.


    My excuse soundedme even to my own ears. Good job Sangmin. Good job.


    ***


    I gave each team member 3 million dors and kept 10 million to myself.


    Now that we had earned a crapload of money, until we received any new piece of information regarding the forest, we were going to take a well deserved break.


    Manager Kim, Park Hanbum, and Bae Yeonkyoung returned home. I gave everyone 3 days off.


    Since we all agreed that we would all meet up immediately if I contacted them before the three days were up, there was no issue with giving them that time off.


    Ever since the monster wave and the newnd, new roads had been paved everywhere.


    Unless you were somewhere extremely far or remote, getting to the new city was usually only a few hours drive away.


    Han Joonseok, Jong Sawon, and Cho Youngoo headed to the shopping center in the West Sea Ccity.


    Since all three of them had an interest in cars, it seemed they bonded in that way.


    I could see that. Jong Sawon was a bike fanatic seeing as how he went so far as to always wear a full face bike helmet everywhere.


    I found out that he had only sold his bike so that he could purchase his equipment. I guessed that he was probably keen on buying another bike with his new earnings.


    That was not a bad idea. If we were to go back into the forest, Im sure there would be parts our truck would not be able to pass through. Then a bike woulde in handy indeed.


    The truck was big enough to hold a few bikes so space wasnt an issue either.


    In the case space did be an issue, we could just go and buy another truck.


    I mean. We did earn a lot of money this time around.


    If it were like old times, I wouldnt have even thought of spending money in this way.


    Left to myself at the hostel, I took out the blunt sword and held it out.


    This was the new level 0 weapon I hade upon.


    Just as its name implied, it was extremelyhow do you say itordinary.


    In fact, since the de was almost as thick as a finger, it was closer to an iron rod than a sword.


    If you were to try and fight a monster with this thing, instead of slicing it or stabbing ityou would probably need to kill it by hitting it to death.


    But Im sure it would change in some way after an upgrade so I wasnt quick to judge.


    The level 0 items I came across before this were two skillbooks: effort and friendship. And both of them came with amazingalmost cheatlike features.


    I sat on the sofa and turned on the tv when Sooah spoke up.


    Are you trying to upgrade it? But we dont even have any ores left.


    The first upgrade required 50 ores. Compared to what the manual needed, it was definitely on the cheaper side.


    I had invested 726 ores so far into my manual for its next upgrade. I took 50 from that and invested it towards the sword.


    -You have fulfilled the upgrade requirements for the blunt sword. Would you like to proceed?


    A green message popped up on my sses lens.


    Proceed.


    As soon as I spoke themand, the sword I had ced on the table began to vibrate.


    Woong~


    The low frequency sound kept ringing out.


    The sword defied allw of physics and began to float in mid air.


    Oh, insane.


    Sooah said as she watched the sword. She looked like she was on the verge of pping.


    I just stood by and watched the sword carefully. I noticed ever slight changes happening before my eyes. In some parts it almost looked like fine powder moving around, and then it would looks like small bits of light moving around. Strange.


    -Upgradepletion: 81%.


    It was all happening fairly quickly. Not even 1 minute had passed since the process began and it was almost already 80%plete. And then the upgrade was done.


    It didnt really look any different. It was still as blunt as it had been before the upgrade.


    If I had to point something out, Id have to say it was the red gem that was now on the hilt of the sword.


    -Upgradeplete. The Blunt Sword has been upgraded to the Blunt Dancing Sword.


    A green message appeared again above my sses.


    Blunt Dancing Sword (0): Stands by in the vicinity of the user to attack and defend against attacks from surrounding enemies. Depending on the setting, a variety of different attack methods may be used.


    The name is too long. (TN: not in english but in korean it is pretty long). Ill call it the Dancing Sword from now on instead.


    It doesnt look like it changed at all really


    Sooah said as she inspected the sword.


    Hold it up for a minute.


    Is it ok for me to hold it first?


    It doesnt matter.


    Then Ill.ahhh?


    Swish!


    As soon as she tried to pick up the sword, the Dancing Sword wooshed and dodged her hand on its own.


    Surprised by the sword that was floating in midair, she tried to grab hold of it once more but the sword evaded her again.


    This damn sword


    Clearly annoyed now, Sooah bolted up from her seat to chase after the animated weapon. The sword was able to take basicmands and the setting I had initiated was avoid.


    Sooah continued to race after the dancing sword like an angry bull but it dodged and evaded her as if it were childs y.


    Huff huff.


    Its pretty fast. It looks almost fast enough for me to be unable to catch it too.


    If I only had my ne on, Im sure I would have caught it.


    She was not wearing her Redemption Ne. Because there was no reason for her to have on any of her hunter gear while in the hostel.


    Why dont you stop for now so we can see what else this thinghuh? Waiwait.


    I got it!


    In the brief moment I wasnt paying attention, she had thrown herself at the sword. For all her confidence, the sword was still able to slip out of reach at thest moment. Having lunged into the air with abandon, she was about to crash right onto me.


    Crash!


    Kyaaa!


    But right before she did, I shifted a bit to dodge that bit of disaster. Sooah, not so lucky, tumbled across the floor until she mmed to a stop against the wall. The a cacophony of noise rang out all throughout the hostel.


    Hey! Are you trying to bring the building down!


    .Couldnt you just catch me that one time?


    Sooah whimpered with tears welling up in her eyes.


    I was going to catch you but.


    But what?


    Lunging at me with such bloodlust in your eyes anyone would have dodged you.


    Pft. Anyway. Ill be going into my room now.


    I chuckled a bit as I watched her walk away while muttering some things under her breath before I turned to grab the sword. Using it was fairly simple. If I just give it a simplemand, it would follow thatmand.


    While I only used a preprogrammedmand as a test, the manual exined that the dancing sword would also be able to understand othermands in a sentence structure as well.


    Additionally, the sword would be able to attack in infinite patterns with the freedom to move in the air.


    I kept testing the sword out from here and there in the room, but I was unable to unlock the full potential just in this way.


    I needed to perform a stress test that would be simr to a real battle.


    And Sooah was the perfect candidate to help me out in that respect. That girl, shes never avable when shes needed.


    Anyway, what in the world is she up to that shes so quiet?


    Is she sleeping?


    What are you doing? Iming in.


    Creak.


    I opened the door to her room.


    ***


    I sat on the sofa and turned on the television. The male anchor on the screen was loudly going on about something or another.


    But none of that was registering.


    The only thing running through my head was the image of Sooah, d in her underwear, putting on her equipment.


    And that equipment, of all things, was the Chongmal garter belt.


    Her underwear, matching her garter belt, was also all ck. Physical fitness, a requirement for all porters, was evident in her firm and well formed thighs.


    And her tight round buttcheeks.


    Haa.


    I let out a sigh without even realizing it.


    It was the first time I had seen her in those garter belts. There was no reason for me to have ever seen them since she always wears them inside her armor.


    And I think it might be better if I dont see them again.


    If anything, it would be better for me to not see it again just so that I can be objective and not change my view of her.


    Creak.


    Did you see?


    Sooah asked with just her head poking out of the doorway.


    No. Not anything.


    Liar.


    Fine, I saw. What do you want. It was an ident.


    If you saw, you need to take responsibility. Are you going to just wash your hands of this even after youve seen a growndy in her underwear?


    Hey, is this the medieval times? The 22nd century is right around the corner. Making a big deal out of me seeing a wee bit of skin. You didnt even have much to look at.


    Really? Then I guess itll be ok for me to show you a bit more then.


    What the hell is with this girl. Surely she doesnt mean toe out like that.


    No. No no. I can see the corners of her lips nting up.


    Can she see me sweating?


    If you do anything weird, Im going to get really mad.


    What if I do..


    Im never going to talk to you again.


    Hmph, I already mentally prepared myself for that.


    She stepped out out of the doorway. I turned my head around and quickly closed my eyes.


    What are you doing?


    I am putting in my best efforts to preserve our rtionship the way it is.


    Haa, its fine. Just look.


    What? If its something weird Ill really get mad.


    <strong>With a little bit of expectation mixed in with a little bit of dread, I opened my eyes.</strong>

 Chapter 72

    Chapter 72


    Standing before me, she was dressed in her Arachne leather armor and had on her Redemption ne. On her hip, she had her Bastard sword.


    She was staring back at me, fully garbed in her hunter gear.


    Whats this? Why are you all dressed in your hunter gear?


    Because its obvious exactly what you were thinking. Lets go. You want to test your new weapon right? Theres no point in testing it out without my gear.


    Were you always this quick thinking?


    Im not an idiot. Give me some credit ok?


    She gave a smirk before walking towards the hostel door while dusting her armor off.


    Here, take this.


    I passed her a long cloak that had been hanging on the wall.


    Whats this for?


    If you walk around dressed like that in this neighborhood, something bad is bound to happen to you. Usemon sense.


    The man to woman ratio at the West Sea City waspletely off. It was almost 9 to 1.


    This meant it was very easy for a female hunter to get into troubleeven more so if she were to be dressed in armor that hugged every curve as hers did.


    There were too many men in this city who werecking in morals.


    Ho? Are you showing some jealousy? Possessiveness, perhaps?


    Thats not it ok?


    It was because I didnt need some unnecessary trouble to happen when it can be easily prevented. There was even that time when Sooah and Yeonkyoung stirred trouble at the market with that weasel and his crew. But I cant deny that I did feel a little something. Maybe it was a bit of jealousy. Anyway.


    If I wanted to upgrade the dancing sword again, I would need another 500 ores.


    The ores I had left (invested in my manual) was 676. I decided to first gather enough ores to upgrade my manual first before I performed a second upgrade on the dancing sword.


    Where are we going?


    Just follow me. I dont want us to practice in an area with lots of people and end up bing a spectacle.


    I was just curious hehe.


    I dont know why she was so happy but she was smiling ear to ear the entire time we traveled to our destination.


    It was about 20 minutes of walking after leaving the city that we finally found an empty area.


    Since there werent any monsters in this area, it made sense there wouldnt be any hunters either.


    This spot looks good. If someone were looking this direction from far away, they wont even notice were here.


    This area was like a in with few grass and trees. If there were any suspicious characters or monsters nosing around, we would be able to spot them right away. It was really not a bad ce for some training.


    Sooah looked around for a minute before she hugged the cloak around herself and said.


    Hummwhat are you trying to do after bringing me to such a remote and empty ce like this?


    This.


    I brought out a level 1 bow from my manual. This was something I had stored specially for Kelby to eat. Since it was an extra item, it didnt take up a slot in my manual.


    And aside from this item, I had a few more in storage that were broken.


    Can I really shoot you?


    Its fine. With your skill, I could easily dodge anything you shoot at me. I just want to see just how good the dancing swords defensive skills are so dont worry and shoot.


    Nod.


    She held the bow I handed off to her and pulled back the drawstring.


    Though she didnt have any real experience shooting with a bow and arrow, we were only 10 meters apart.


    At this distance, even an absolute beginner should be able to hit their target.


    Im going to shoot now.


    Whenever youre ready.


    Ping!


    The arrow flew at me with a frightening speed. It might have been because she was strong but even without any archery skills, she was able to shoot one scary ammo. If I didnt concentrate, I was sure I would find myself with an extra unwanted hole somewhere.


    Ting!


    But almost immediately the dancing sword parried the arrow away.


    It was a pretty fast and strong arrow, but the sword was able to block it easily. I had a feeling the sword would be able to block at least level 2 attacks.


    I made her shoot the arrow several times with different speed. But after confirming the sword continue to parry them all time and time again, I had her change tactics to a frontal assault.


    Sooah took the level 3 bastard sword off her belt and held it up.


    After telling the dancing sword to defend me, I stood in front of her.


    I was a bit more frightened than before this time around. If I felt the sword couldnt block her attack, I needed to act quick and dodge her myself so I needed to be all the more focused.


    Even if it was me, I knew I wouldnt escape unscathed if I were to receive a direct hit from someone wearing the Redemption Ne that allowed her to copy my ability speed in this case.


    Why dont you start out attacking me using all the techniques you have. I want to know the extent of this swords abilities.


    Ill start slow then.


    Ill leave it to you.


    Ok! Haaaa!


    m.


    She hit the ground hard as she jumped up into the air.


    I thought she said she would start out slow.?


    ng!


    The bastard sword and dancing sword shed violently.


    I worried that one or both of the des would shatter but, surprisingly, the dancing sword was able to parry the ferocious attack made by Sooah with no issues though it did get pushed back a bit.


    But it was enough to shock Sooah so much that it kept her from making an immediate second attack.


    Thisthis doesnt make any sense? I literally put all my strength behind that blow.


    I meanso why did you goumfrom the start


    If I go easy on you, the test wont be a test.


    Sooah said with a bit of emotion mixed in her voice.


    Did I do something wrong again?


    Anyway, thanks to her help, I was able to finish the test on the swords defense and offensive abilities sessfully. Put simply, the dancing sword was able to defend against even a level 4 attack.


    We also confirmed that the dancing sword was unable to respond if Sooah were to copy my speed and move as fast as she could.


    But since there arent too many people who would be able to move that quickly, I wasnt overly concerned about that point.


    I did find one thing that wascking with its offensive ability. Since it was blunt after all, cutting something was a foregone conclusionit would only be able to deliver blunt force attacks.


    I had it try and attack Sooah, but it was unable to hit her even once so I had her take off her Redemption ne and try the test again.


    This time, I told the sword to attack the armor instead and it was finally able to get a few attacks in. Since her armor as the level 3 Arachne armor, she didnt get hurt at all.


    For now I would just have to make do with its defensive ability being the key point of the weapon.


    Trying out different methods and fighting scenarios to fully understand the sword helped the time fly by.


    Without even realizing it, almost two hours had passed.


    Should we keep at it? Im kind of hungry.


    Lets stop here. I feel like we pretty much found out everything we need to know about this thing anyway.


    I brought Kelby out.


    Whyd you bring him out?


    Ah, to feed him this.


    I gave the level 1 bow we had used during practice to the fe.


    Chomp ChompGnash!


    Ah, such a waste. It was probably worth 100k.


    No you cant think of it that way. This guy has an important role in keeping everyone on the party safe. Its an investment.


    Seeing Kelby eat the bow with such vigor really stirred my appetite.


    Ignoring Sooahs excited mor to eat alone, I called everyone else and we headed over to where they were.


    Jongsawon and the rest of the bike enthusiasts were still at the motorcycle store.


    Partyhead.


    Han Joonseok said, the first one to realize I was there.


    Did you guys find anything good?


    Yes, we found a few that would be suitable to ride even on unpaved roads. I figured if we were going back to the forest, we would need bikes that would be able to move quickly in thatndscape rather than one to stow in the truck.


    Good thinking.


    Though we were there only for a brief time, it was quite apparent that mobility would be an issue with just the truck alone.


    The narrow forest pathways were restricted even further by the growing branches of the trees.


    The roads that our truck would be able to drive through were limited.


    We definitely needed a different mode of transportation for that reason.


    But there werent too many of our party who could ride a bike. Park Hanbum and Jong Sawon could ride one skillfully.


    Han Joonseok and Cho Youngoo knew how to ride from their time delivering chicken, but riding one on the unpaved roads of the forest was a different matter altogether.


    So what he had chosen was an ATV, All Terrain Vehicle a vehicle that would be able to traverse across all terrain.


    It was a four wheel bike that could be seen in many a touristy areas.


    With this, even someone who isnt used to riding a bike would be able to get around. They even have two seater vehicles for those who arentfortable driving at all. They can just ride shotgun in the passenger seat.


    Well, lets just keep it in mind as an option for now. We might not even have to go back to the forest area for a while.


    If I were to bepletely honest, I hoped we wouldnt have reason to go back there.


    The main reason being because fighting against humans has a much higher risk factor than fighting against monsters.


    Though the reward was that much higher as well, what use is all that money if you were dead?


    Ring ring ring-


    As we were headed to go eat, my cell began to ring.


    I nced at it to see that it was Lieutenant Sohn Aram. I sent everyone else to go ahead to the restaurant while I took the call.


    She was quiet for a moment. Unable to wait a second longer, I spoke first.


    Is there anything wrong?


    -[That isI have a sort of difficult request to ask of you.]


    What sort of request?


    -[Would you be able to apany me to the forest?]


    I immediately said no. There was no reason for us to go. But what she said after that made me halt mid-step.


    Lieutenant Aram was hand selected by the inspector to head the Forest Research Committee, and one of her duties involved hiring the appropriate hunters to explore the area.


    I couldnt shake off the feeling this all happened because of the bulletin I had posted.


    Because of that bulletin, we forced the polices hand and someone had to go explore the validity of that posting. Since no one volunteered to enter the dangerous forest, they hand chosen her.


    SoI guess this is pretty much my fault.


    -[It isnt entirely your fault. And it wasnt my goal to use your guilt to force you to join me. But it is the truth that you are the only person I thought would be of any help on this task.]


    Hm. Its a bit difficult for me to make my decision immediately. Ill meet with my party members and discuss the situation with them first before Imit to an answer.


    -[I will await a positive response.]


    I never imagined things might end up this way. I expected that we would be able to get some more rest while we pondered the issue of the Chinese hunters and awaited updates from our bulletin. Since we had earned quite a bit of money, we would have had the freedom to do so.


    But this changed things elerated our ns quite a bit. In fact, they were scheduled to explore the forest by tomorrow; meaning I had to make my decision by today. Would my party members be up for going back into the forest?


    ***


    I want to go.


    We have to go.


    It would be better to go.


    Instead of answering, Jong Sawon just nodded his head in agreement with everyone else.


    It was a unanimous decision to go. It seemed I was the only reluctant one of the group.


    I have said this several times, but I will say it again. It might be dangerous in there.


    Why are you worrying so much? Were we ever not in any danger? I dont know why you are always stressing danger as if we cant take care of ourselves?


    Sooah said as she stared at me.


    Because this isnt a decision we should make lightly.


    I was concerned that no one was taking this seriously. One wrong move and it could mean a life lost.


    No one knows just how many enemies could be hiding within the forest.


    Han Joonseok spoke up.


    I can understand why you are worried. But we are all hunters here. We are all aware of the dangers we face and the dangers we could face at any moment.


    I feel like Sunbeh Oppa only thinks of us as children or people you have to take care of.


    Haha, are you saying you cant trust us that much?


    At their responses, I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks as they turned a bright red.


    They were right.


    Each and every one of them were fellow hunters, not people I had to look after as if they were my children.


    Anyway, even though I dont like that Sohn Aramdy, since this happened because of us, I think its only right that we take responsibility.


    But are we going to be paid for this? I mean, we cant lend ourselves out for free. Right?


    I will call her and ask.


    -[Im sorry butwe can only pay 2,000 per person.]


    Isnt that the same thing as not paying us anything?


    -[Haa, this is all we can do with our budget. Can you understand better now why I contacted you instead of other hunters?]


    I had expected that they wouldnt be paying us much. But 2,000 was a bit harsh. Even if they were to hire level 1 hunters, they would have had to pay more than that.


    The price is too low. It would be difficult for me to persuade my party members with that amount.


    -[Cant we work something out? I know this is a favor but]


    If she needed to, she could have forced me toe for that low fee by ying on my guilt. Her not doing that was considerably attractive to me.


    My team wanted to help, and so did I. But we could not do it for free. And 2,000 was the same thing as free. We needed to be paid in some way or another that matched our worth.


    Would it be possible for us to get some ores out of this deal then?


    -[Ores? Why on earth]

 Chapter 73

    Chapter 73


    I heard that the ores being sold to the hunter market are being handled by the police. If you can hand over some of those ores to us, we would be more than happy to join the mission.


    -[As I said before, our budget is limited. We wouldnt be able to do so even if we wanted to.]


    Thats fine. Ill put up the money as long as you can pass along as much of the ores we need.


    -[Is that it?]


    More than enough for me.


    ***


    Stuck between a rock and a hard ce, I knew she would take this to her superiors. And they, in turn, will most likely go along with my offer.


    And if that happens, I would finally have ess to the nite ores so that I could perform fusions to my hearts desire.


    This was huge. And this would allow us to be well armed for a fight against the Chinese hunters if it came to that.


    I have one more thing to ask of you.


    -[Which is?]


    I want to request that we be the only hunters that you move with for this task.


    -[HmI guess since our budget it limited, that would have been the case anyway. Is there any reason why you are requesting this?]


    Youll see when the timees. Andyou cannot reveal what you see about us to anyone else.


    -[If it isnt totally illegal thenok.]


    If we were to go on this task with her, for the good or bad, she will be privy to Team Deltas secret. Dead bodies will evaporatewe wouldnt be able to hide her from that fact.


    Immediately after I hung up, I called Park Hanbum, Bae Yeonkyoung, and Manager Kim and asked them to return.


    -[Come by tomorrow? Is there some kind of emergency we dont know about?]


    Yes, we will have to go into the forested area.


    -[Hmdo we have to?]


    I will exin in detail once you are back.


    I felt a bit bad for giving them 3 days off and then asking them to return only after one, but the situation warranted it. I couldnt do anything about it. Manager Kim let out a sigh and said.


    -[Im sure I wont hear the end of it from the wife. I was hoping to go on a family trip this time around.]


    Im really sorry.


    -[No, its fine. Then Ill see you tomorrow.]


    I had worried the most over Manager Kims response, but he was really understanding about the whole thing. Surprisingly.


    And the remaining two members said they would be right back without any other objections.


    ***


    The next day, the entire Team Delta met up and headed towards the market. The forest was full of dangers.


    We needed to purchase some equipment so that we can strengthen ourselves against those dangers. Since each person had at least 3 million dors each, we would be able to equip ourselves with level 4 gear.


    And if one were to purchase a no name equipment, they could even buy a level 5.


    Im Lieutenant Sohn Aram. A pleasure to meet you all.


    What kind of armor is that?


    Hahaits a bitum


    She was donned with a level 2 leather armor that hugged her body. It looked like standard issue armor for the police.


    It looks too cheap.


    I cant do anything about it. Even this is something I had to pretty much beg for.


    If they were creating a special mission, shouldnt they have at least taken care of their own so that they would be safe? But then again, even that armor was probably worth close to 300k. It seems my standard on money, value, and equipment has gone way up from even just a few months ago.


    Then will we be able to purchase some ores as we were promised?


    I did get the approval from upstairs. You just need toe with me.


    I left the party members to continue searching the market for equipment to upgrade their gear while I followed Sohn Aram to purchase the nites.


    Unfortunately, I was only able to get my hands on 9, which was enough to fuse and create just 3 level 4 items.


    This wasnt unexpected since drop probability of the rare nites from level 1 and level 2 monsters was very low.


    I took the level 3 Vadolid bow that Yeonkyoung had as well as some other items worth 500k each to fuse together for the Athenas bow.


    Is it ok even though the bow has the option of not being able to hurt humans?


    Yeonkyoung asked me shyly. This was because we had to fight more than just monsters very soon.


    The Athenas bow could not harm another human.


    But there is a loophole.


    If you need to hit a person, you can enchant an arrow and shoot it.


    Ah. Is that so?


    Yeonkyoung nodded her head with a serious face. The Athenas bow can attack without the need for any arrows. But if you arm the bow with you own arrow and shoot it, the option for not harming humans is cancelled. This was a well known fact even at the market.


    I pondered for a moment where I should use the rest of the nites before deciding to just create two more Athenas bows and selling them on the market.


    Just from those sales, we had earned close to 1.3 million dors. Not bad.


    I now had a total of 11.5 million dors in my ount.


    Starting from level 6, the item prices jump up tremendously.


    The average price was usually about 7-8 million each.


    If you were to purchase something on the expensive side, they could go for even 10 million dors.


    After wondering if I should buy two level 5 items or just 1 level 6 item, I decided to go with thetter and chose to purchase the level 6 ck te armor.


    The entire armor was all ck and shined as if it had imbibed oil. While its defensive abilities were at an even keel of level 6, it came with an extremely attractive option.


    ***


    ck te Armor (6): Can create a shadow whose offensive abilities is half of the wearers power. Should the shadow be shot, it will disappear. Cooltime per use is 1 minute.


    ***


    Put simply, it was like adding an extra member to the party. Though it disappears after a hit, even as a shadow, it would be able to deal damage to an enemyand with half my strength at that.


    Since it was like creating another version of me, this was a super cheat option.


    And the price was ridiculous too.


    10 million dors.


    So damn expensive.


    Im sorry?


    No, nothing. It was nothing.


    I hurriedly shook my head and purchased the armor. This was the first time I had spent this kind of money at the market.


    My ount now only had 1.3 million dors remaining.


    Though this was still a good amount of money, I somehow had the feeling that Ive be oh so very poor in the blink of an eye.


    Human beings are funny that way. Even just a few months ago, I was worried about my rent and electricity bind now I was thinking I was poor even with 1.3 million dors in my ount.


    I put away the level 3 no name armor into my storage. I made a note in my head to keep it for Kelby to eat instead of selling it at the market.


    It seemed that everyone else had also done the same and used pretty much all of their earnings in purchasing quality equipment. Thosecking in defense purchased some armor while those whocked in offensive ability purchased weapons.


    Finally, there was one more thing we had to buy.


    And this was none other than a tranting hat.


    For Chinese, it will be 100k.


    Yes, but is this the only design you have?


    I asked the employee with a pained voice as I looked at the North Korean style army cap with a red star stitched smack dab in the middle.


    Yes, we only have this design for the Chinese tran.


    I guess theres nothing we can do then.


    It was expensive but, seeing that we would be fighting against Chinese hunters one way or another, this was something we would need.


    Now I only had 300k left.


    I decided to think it was lucky that I even had that left.


    In addition to all this, we even purchased the ATV and another truck. We decided to have Park Hanbum and Manager Kim take turns driving the second truck.


    After we finished getting ready, we started our 10 hour drive towards the forest and finally arrived at the bridge.


    And there, our way was blocked by something we did not factor in.


    Isnt that Ezekiel?


    Cho Youngoo, who had been driving the truck, asked aloud. Han Joonseok, riding shot gun, squinted his eyes for a moment before nodding his head.


    Youre right, it looks like Ezekiel is blocking the entrance to the bridge.


    Have they still not fixed that damn bad habit of theirs?


    What should we do?


    Han Joonseok turned around in his seat to ask me. We were already driving towards them.


    And, having noticed us already, I could see they were moving quickly to do something.


    There is no way they would let us pass without a fight.


    There was only one option left for us. To break through with force just a we had done thest time.


    Can I please ask what is going on?


    Sohn Aram asked as she looked pointedly in the direction of the bridge.


    There were almost 20 Ezekiel hunters camped out at the edge of the wooden bridge.


    They are blocking the way to the bridge so that no one else can pass through.


    I thought the situation might not be favorable but all sorts of things are happening arent they?


    If they do not let us pass, what are we going to do?


    Can I step forward as an officer of thew?


    And if they dont back down even at that point?


    Thats.


    Sohn Aram let out a very deep sigh. Even though she was an officer, there was only so much that one person could do.


    Then we have no choice but to turn back.


    We can also break through using force.


    Let me first try and resolve this peacefully.


    Be my guest.


    But I couldnt let her walk over there on her own.


    We parked the truck and, geared up from head to toe, we carefully got out of the truck. On either side of Sohn Aram, Cho Youngooi and I stuck by her as her bodyguards.


    On the opposite side, a hefty hunter was leisurely headed in our direction as well.


    I used my manual to check out his stats and gear.


    ***


    Name: Koo YongSung


    Skill: Cleaving (3), Can cut through enemies within a 2 meter radius. During casting time, will only receive half the damage.


    Option: None


    Proficiency: 45


    Equipment: Chainnce (3), Stone armor (3)


    ***


    He was entirely level 3. If it was before, I would have been pretty worried by now. But now, he was not much of an opponent.


    Whats the matter?


    We need to pass through, Im afraid.


    Sohn Aram answered. Koo Yongsung snorted as if we had made a joke.


    Thisnd is imed by us Ezekiel. We cant let just anyone pass.


    And who gave you the authority to im thend?


    Who? We came here first so its ours.


    Sohn Aram turned to look at me. I lightly shook my head.


    Thats a lie. They werent here just a few days ago. I think they probably saw the posting on the market bulletin and made their way here.


    Heung, so what? What are you going to do about it?


    Sohn Aram pulled out a police badge and responded.


    Id like to reintroduce myself. Im Lieutenant Sohn Aram from the Mapo Police Station. You do not have the proper authority toy im to this bridge. Please step aside.


    Hm?


    Koo YongSungs face exploded with unexpected surprise. He hadnt even dreamed that a police officer would show up here.


    But that was it. After returning back to where hisrades were, he did not return.


    And they didnt open the way to the bridge either. It seems they decided it was better to just ignore us and the police than to say anything else.


    If you dont step away, I will ce all of you under arrest!


    Sohn Aram yelled out. But the only response to that was someughter and jeeringand that was it.


    What did I tell you. I told you it wouldnt work.


    Haaa. Hunters. Really.


    But were hunters too.


    Ah, sorry about that. I didnt mean it that way.


    Its alright. Anyway, now what do you propose we do? I really think theres no other option but to use force.


    Can you do it so that no one gets hurt?


    Impossible. Short of fighting, there will always be someone hurt. If a fight does happen, I cant promise what will happen since we will be putting our lives on the line. Andif anyone makes it out of here aliveit will make thingsdifficult.


    But arent there any other roads..


    None.


    Haaa..


    I could see that Sohn Aram was having a heated debate inside her own head on what she should do. She was probably asking herself killing people on this mission was justifiedall the more because she was an officer.


    Unfortunately, with Ezekiel blocking the bridge, there was no way we were going to avoid a fight.


    Our priority was to explore the forest. We couldnt turn back just because they decided to guard the entryway.


    Somethings up over there.


    Cho Youngoo said. The hunters who had been just watching us from the bridge entrance were now in motion getting into their vehicles.


    Are they trying to cross the bridge?


    Sohn Aram asked. If they were going to create an opening for us on their own, then that was great for us.


    We dont know yet. Mr. Han Joonseok, can you tell whats going on?


    It seems they received some sort ofmunication. They made a call and then started to pile into their vehicles with hurried expressions.


    It seems they ran into some trouble.


    Yes, and I dont think it has anything to do with us.


    Hm. Just a minute ago I was ready to go into battle, but now


    The hunters had climbed into the vehicles that had been acting as barricades and disappearedleaving only a cloud of smoke in their wake.


    What do you think it is?


    Sohn Aram, who had been watching quietly, finally asked.


    I want to go and ask myself, but its not as if they would answer metheres nothing else we can do but to just cross the bridge ourselves and find out.


    Do you have even a guess.


    They either met a strong monster or the Chinese huntersand are now in a heated battle.


    Which do you think it is?


    I would say the probability of it being thetter is much higher.


    Even if it were the forest, there is no way that a strong monster would appear out of nowhere like that.


    The fact was that only level 1 and level 2 monsters appeared in the newndand this included the forest. The only possibility was an irregrbut its not as if irregrse out all that often either.


    So now what?


    Han Joonseok took a few steps toward me and asked. If they ditched the bridge and ran off like that, it must have been a real emergency.


    Whether it was an irregr or Chinese hunters, it didnt matter. We were going to check it out anywaythat was our mission.


    Lets follow them.


    Both trucks crossed over the creaky wooden bridge to the other side. Im not sure if the Ezekiel team had done some additional work to the bridge, but it felt alot safer than thest time we used it.


    We followed the path into the forest. Even if we didnt follow the trail they left behind, there were only a few roads their vehicles could drive through so catching up to them was no hard task.


    Bump. Bump.


    Heukmy butt.


    Sooahined the whole way as she tried to find the mostfortable position. Compared to the Southern Marshes, the roads here were definitely more tumultuous.


    And since the seats set up in the back were wooden seats without any cushionI could understand her pain.


    I should keep that in mind. To purchase some cushions.


    Please dear lord.


    Sooah ced her hands under her butt in an effort to make the bumps a bit more bearable.


    Anyway, how many Ezekiel guys do you think are in the forest right now?


    Since there were over twenty of them blocking the bridge.Im sure there are quite a bit of them inside.


    And things must be dangerous enough for them to have called in those guys.


    Ezekiel is mainly known for having a great number of soldiers, and there is power in numbers. So I wouldnt say its really a good bit of news that even with those numbers, they are being overwhelmed enough to have to call in reinforcements on barricade detail.


    You know what else is weird? That there arent any monsters in the area.


    Han Joonseok looked around and said.


    Im guessing that its going to be like this in all the areas that have paths wide enough for trucks to pass through.


    Because they probably hunted all along these roads first right?


    Ah. I see something up ahead.


    Han Joonseok shouted.


    On the road up ahead, there was a dead body that was still bleeding out on the side.


    I got out of the vehicle and checked it.


    It seems this person didnt die too long ago. The blood is still fresh.


    And who is it?


    Ezekiel.


    There was a wheel badge on the corpses uniform. This was Ezekiels signia.


    I picked up the body and ced it into the back of the second truck. He was stripped of equipmentmost likely by his killer.


    Sohn Aram looked at me and asked in confusion.


    What are you doing with the body


    Ill tell youter.

 Chapter 74

    Chapter 74


    As we continued driving along the path, the number of corpses we found began to grow. And we continued to stop at each dead body to pick them up and load them onto the truck.


    Pretty soon, there were over 10 bodies in the truck.


    They were all Ezekiel hunters.


    One things for sure. This was definitely not a monster attack.


    I said this as I nced at Sohn Aram. Im sure she had a lot of questions, but she was doing a good job holding them back.


    She must have felt my eyes on her because we met eyes. She lightly sighed before speaking.


    It seems things are more dire than I expected them to be.


    She continued as she started to press some things into her phone. It looked like she was looking for the camera app.


    What are you doing right now?


    Im trying to get some evidence. If something were to happen to me, at least I can leave behind some photographic proof. If we can find the Chinese hunters and prove that they were getting ready for war, I can ask for reinforcements to be sent here.


    It would be nice if they can send some people right now


    At Sooahs littlement, Sohn Aram made a slightly sour smile.


    If I ask for reinforcements and they dont find anything here, Ill get a negative mark on my record. Unfortunately, wed need some real proof.


    Im sure welle across that proof you need very soon.


    It was then that we discovered the truck that the Ezekiel who had left before us were riding in.


    All we saw were a few dead bodies within the truck. It seems they were attacked right here.


    Im pretty sure that the hunters who got out of the truck went deeper into the forest.


    Park Hanbummented as he looked around.


    Used to hunting solo, it seemed he was used to tracking and searching for evidence in the area.


    I think they were probably lured.


    I agree. What should we do now?


    Were we going to move the truck in our way and continue down the path?


    Or are we going to track and follow where the Ezekiel hunters had gone?


    I think it would be a smarter to follow into the forest and take care of them first instead of moving forward with the chance of being ambushed from behind.


    I agreepletely.


    We unloaded the ATV from the truck. Park Hanbum aside, everyone got onto the ATVs 2 people per vehicle. Sohn Aram sat next to me on my ATV.


    This was because she had the lowest defense among everyone in the party I was the best person to keep her safe.


    VROOOOM!


    The 4 wheel drive bike made a roar as it raced into the forest. Park Hanbum led in front and I followed behind. Every once in a while, we would see dead bodies dotting the forest here and there.


    Each and every corpse was an Ezekiel hunter.


    Was this really done by the Chinese hunters?


    Sohn Aram spoke with a bit of a stutter. She continued to take pictures with her phones camera raised up. This was all evidence.


    At the very least, I am sure this was done by a person.


    .


    She seemed to say something, but I couldnt hear what over the roar of the ATV. She seemed pretty shaken up.


    Something like this has been happening elsewhere in the newnd too. She must have known somewhere deep inside.


    But knowing something and seeing something with your own eyes is an altogether different thing.


    After racing for a good long time, we saw Park Hanbum taking a sharp left up ahead.


    Swooosh!!!


    Several arrows lodged into the ground where he had been earlier. I hurriedly braked the ATV near the trees to the side.


    Please go to where Sooah is. She will protect you.


    Nod.


    She ran towards Sooah with her arms covering her head. A few arrows flew in her direction.


    I jumped up to knock them all away.


    Huh?


    Dont stand there like an idiot. Hurry and keep running!


    Ah, understood.


    Sohn Aram shook her head and started running again.


    Sooah should be able to handle these arrows with the Redemption Ne without a problem.


    I yelled out as loudly as I could.


    Initiate defense team!


    Yes!


    This meant everyone on Team Delta except me, Jong Sawon and Park Hambum would get together to defend the entire team.


    We had practiced a few scenarios such as this as Team Delta. It wasnt anything great, but it did allow us to act more quickly as a group in predetermined formations.


    This was something I came up with after thinking how we could keep everyone safe in the case we were under attack by enemies we could not ce.


    After making sure the nobatants and long range attackers were as safe as possible, Jong Sawon and I moved as the team strikers while Park Hanbum rode his bike to locate the enemy.


    Piiiing!


    The arrows really starting hailing down now. THey were serious. There were many more arrows that I anticipated raining down through the branches of the trees.


    I pulled out the Smash Sword and blocked each and every arrow. It would be difficult to hit the fast moving Park Hanbum as well.


    I worried a bit for Jong Sawon, but I saw him moving from tree to tree to minimize exposure to the arrows.


    Krrrrrrr!


    It was then that I heard a roar echoing behind my back. The roar of a beat, no, the roar of a dragon?


    Heat washed over me as a dragon breathing out plumes of mes passed by.


    Crash!


    Kyaaaa!


    Someone let out a bloodcurdling scream as a tree went up in a heap of mes.


    Takenpletely by surprised, when I turned around, Han Joonseok said.


    It should be fine right.that amount of fire?


    Thats not the stalker.


    I spent quite a bit of money this time around.


    He lifted up a bow that was etched with a drawing of a dragon.


    Level 5 bow, Dragon killer.


    This bow was known to shoot an arrow straight destroying everything in its path. On top of that, since he had the the Explosion Quiver, every arrow he shot would deal extra damage by exploding upon impact. Thebination of the two items turned an entire tree into a pile of ash.


    I nodded my head before raising my hand into the air.


    Gnash! Snarl!


    As soon as Kelby appeared, Imanded it to run between the trees. It should be fairly difficult to deal any real damage to Kelby with just arrows.


    Bae Yeonkyoung and Han Joonseok were in the back dealing long range attacks. Kelby, Jong Sawon and I were closing in with our aggressive offensive styles. And Jong Sawon was driving around on his bike to identify the location each enemy.


    See that we were much more formidable than they initially guessed, they immediately went into hiding.


    Of course, this isnt to say that they didnt suffer any loss. There were 4 who had died just at my hands alone. Jong Sawon and Park Hanbum had killed one each as well.


    Just when I figured there wouldnt be any survivors, save for those who ran away, I saw Kelby dashing over to me with a hunter in his mouth.


    He was in bad condition, but he was still breathing.


    Coming a bitter, Park Hanbum said.


    It seems all of them pulled back.


    Should we chase them?


    Han Joonseok asked.


    It could be a trap so theres no reason to hurry. Our mission is to investigate it is not to annihte them. It might not even be feasible.


    I guess. Since we dont even know how many hunters there are.


    Lieutenant Sohn Aram, can you please interrogate this guy?


    When I turned to look at her, she did not look so good.


    If its difficult to do now, we can wait to do itter.


    No, Ill do it. This sort of situation is new for me so I was just taken by surprise.


    She looked worse than surprised. She was already in a bad state when she saw the corpsesI could only imagine what seeing people killed in front of her was doing to her.


    Still, seeing that she was able to pull herself together fairly quickly, she wasnt weak.


    Oh yeah.please use this.


    I pulled out the trantion hat from my storage. It was camo green with arge red star in the middle.


    She put on the hat without a word. When I had put it on, it was pretty hrious, but when she put it onit somehow seemed like a fashionable item.


    It seems the best essory is a beautiful face.


    After stripping our prisoner of all his equipment, we tied up the bleeding and muttering hunter before beginning our interrogation.


    Soon after, Sohn Aram shook her head.


    He doesnt know much. At Hwanghaedo, ah Hwanghaedo is what they call it. Anyway, he says that since Hwanghaedo is Chinasnd, there shouldnt be any issues hunting here. Honestly, none of what he says matters. Whats important is the fact that we were able to confirm that they were Chinese hunters.


    She had already recorded the whole thing on her phone.


    And immediately after, she saved it via Satellite for safekeeping.


    Were you able to find out where the enemy is stationed and how many of them there are?


    He wont answer.


    If it were me, I would do the same. Maybe she saw something in my eye, but she hurriedly added.


    Youre not thinking of torturing him or anything or you?


    Ive never done something like that before. And the thought didnt even cross my mind. But I was thinking of making some threats at least.


    I asked her to pass the trantion hat and crouched in front of the Chinese hunter who was shivering from fear.


    From the looks of him, I didnt think I would have to take things too far.


    Wang Ze Ming? Right?


    I was able to get that much from my manual.


    His eyes turned as round as silver dors as he stared at me. Even if he didnt say anything, it was obvious I surprised the crap out of him.


    Arent you curious how I knew what your name is?


    It doesnt matter.


    Hm, Im pretty sure it does matter. Because weve already known for some time that Chinese hunters had invaded thisnd. We know everything about all of you.


    Dont spout nonsense.


    Your skillits a level 2 steal skill. No?


    Huh??


    I must have surprised him even more this time because he almost huped as he let out a harsh breath. I could see his eyes beginning to waver. I got him.


    Dont, dont make impossible ims. How could you know everything about all those people.


    This meant that there were a fair many hunters here. Their standards for a lot of people was on a different level than our own. This meant that there were probably at least several thousand of themmaybe even tens of thousands of them.


    Thinking about this new revtionit made me want to go further in even less.


    Anyway, by telling you even this much you should know that my words are true to some degreeIm sure you have a lot of questions. But before that, why dont you answer some of mine. How did you get here?


    Whether he rode a boat or a ne, it didnt make sense that they were able to cross into Koreasnd without being detected.


    Even now, the Aegis defense weapon was constantly patrolling the waters around the Yellow Sea, and we had a high powered radar always on.


    I dont know.


    Talk about crappy acting. It was so bad that anyone could tell he was lying.


    You say dont know? Well, I guess thats too bad then. I guess we have no choice but to just ask someone else.


    Shrug.


    As I said this, I unsheathed the Smash sword and held it in both hands. Wang Ze Mings face turned a shade of blue as he looked back and forth between me and my sword.


    He was probably having a heated debate in his head. Should he sell out? Or should he give up some little piece of info to save his own neck?


    It didnt matter what he did. Because I had no inclination to set him free.


    I now raised the de a foot above his head.


    Wa, wait. Ill tell you. I said Ill tell you.


    If you dont want to, you dont have to.


    I said Ill tell you! Shit! Ask me anything! As long as you let me live.youll let me live right?


    Hmdepends on what you tell me.


    After that, he started spilling his guts about things I didnt even ask him about.


    What do you think?


    Well, I guess its notplete drivel.


    They were able to sneak in using fishing as a cover. With the emergence of the newnd, there wasnt as many fish in the waters as before. And so, in turn, those who regte the fishing have becent.


    Fishing boats were small enough to not be picked up by the radar, and even if someone were to spy themthey just assumed they were just harmless fishing boats.


    The problem was, there were now over 3000 of them who had invaded our part of the newnd in this way.


    I let out a sigh and look at Wang Ze Ming.


    Why in the world did the government in China decide to do this?


    It wasnt the government. We, the ChungHo, move of our own ord.


    Chungo referred to the organization of Chinese Hunters who have invaded the newnd on this side.


    I feel like you were just instructed to say that.


    Im just a footsoldier. I dont know anything beyond that.


    He didnt deny it. Just as he said, he was only a level 2 hunter so Im sure he wouldnt be privy to the more sensitive information.


    He was probably just doing whatever he was told from up top. But that didnt mean that it was forgivable for him toe onto ournd and hunt our people.


    Lieutenant, Sohn Aram, how would you like to take care of this guy?


    I need to book him first then turn him over to the central government. This guys testimony is better if confirmed in person than just recorded via video.


    Then lets take steps to take him and return.


    Our enemy was over 3000 men strong. Even though they were spread over a vastnd, just the sheer number of enemy hunters was foreboding.


    Thats.I think that is going to be a bit difficult.


    What?


    I was told to find out where the enemy is before returning.


    What kind of recklessmand is that?


    Sohn Aram flipped to her phone and showed me the screen.


    No matter how I looked at it, this sounded like a death sentence to me. They were basically giving us the same support as a spoon and forkand asking us to save the country.


    Lets ignore that. Its better than dying. All we need to do is take this guy back. That should be enough to get something going.


    Well, thats not all.


    What?


    If I dont take more concrete proof, the people upstairs wont do anything. Theyll say they cant move blindly and will need more.


    Wouldnt it be better for us to post something on the market bulletin again?


    At Sooahs words, Sohn Aram shook her head.


    Regr hunters are not ready. You guys are just a special case..most hunters are low level. What are you going to do if we post that and a bunch of hunters die? Is that what you want?

 Chapter 75

    Chapter 75


    Im sorry to say this but my teams safety is much more important to me than the safety of hunters I dont even know.


    Then I guess I cant persuade you to do otherwise.


    She got up from her seat and picked up her bag.


    Surely youre not trying to go in by yourself?


    What? I never said anything of the sort. Im not crazy


    Sooah started cracking up.


    And whats so funny over there?


    No, I just remembered the time you came to save me. I really thought you were a crazy person that time.


    Hm..


    Something like that happened? Very interesting.


    Manager Kim said as he stroked his chin. All of a sudden it felt as if the way everyone viewed me changed ever so slightly.


    Old man, did you think I was some psychopathic killer or something?


    No, nothing that bad.I just thought you were someone who didnt bleed or cry tears.


    Same thing! Lets just pack up all the items and leave this ce. I dont think we have any further need to stay here any longer.


    Item?


    Sohn Aram spoke up in confusion. I didnt feel like I needed to exin any more. Because if we leave like this, we probably wouldnt run into her again.


    Ah, I meant equipment.


    I said vaguely as I got up from my seat.


    It was then.


    Taaaang!


    It felt something strike the back of my head. It felt as if something cold and sharp had struck me.


    My first thought was that it was an unpleasant sensation.


    Kyaaaak!


    A bullet had been shot through my head.


    My vision blurred into red as the ground rushed up to meet my forehead. I fell to the ground.


    It was as if I was intoxicated.


    Bam!


    I didnt feel any pain. It just felt as if I was being sucked into a dark void. I wondered if I was dying.


    But being able to even think like this was proof that I wasnt dying.


    The world starteding back into view.


    Skill Immortality.


    The skill that allowed me toe back to life one time in a day no matter the cause of death had activated.


    As if nothing had happened, my body was returned to normal.


    Huh?


    Sooah stared at me with a stony face.


    Then her eyes rounded as if she had just seen a ghost.


    I just slightly lifted my head and spoke. Because if I were to get hit by another bullet there would be a big problem.


    Snap out of it.


    Sunbeh oppa?You didnt die?


    You sound like you wanted me to die?


    No, no thats not it.


    We need to hurry and locate the sniper first ok?


    Bam!


    I jumped up from the ground like a spring.


    Huh?


    It was very small, but someone had let out a sound of surprise. Good. Im sure I shocked that noise out of them aftering to life even when they confirmed a kill shot. But I couldnt tell their exact location yet. I just started running towards the general direction of the sound.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    I wove in and out between trees as quickly as possible. But he remained quiet.


    He probably chose to remain hidden rather than make a shot that misses among the thicket of treeswhich could reveal his location.


    I needed to think of some other way to lure him out. It might be a bit dangerous but this was the only way.


    I exposed my body ever so slightly.


    As if he was just waiting for this moment, a bullet came flying at me.


    Taaang!


    Ping!


    It hit the left shoulder of my armor and bounced right off. Firearms are of no consequence to items.


    Though it is true that hunters dont use firearms too much because of the government restrictions, it is also not used that often because there is little use for them.


    First, being caught with a firearm was an automatic prison sentence. But the most important part was that firearms did not have much use against monsters.


    The only dangerous aspect of firearms came into y if you were to be hit in an area not protected by armor.


    A shiver ran down my spine.


    I almost died. Just now.


    I got you now. You piece of shit.


    I was finally able to locate the sniper after the second shot. I spied the sniper hiding between some branches of a tall tree.


    Immediately after identifying the location of the threat, I climbed 20 meters up the tree in an instant and grabbed the sniper by the neck.


    Here you are.


    Woosh!


    He quickly pulled out a small dagger from a strap on his thigh and brandished it menacingly at me.


    From his movements, he was either military or a hunter with a military background.


    Crack!


    That was the sound of his wrist bone splintering.


    Heuk!


    He used his remaining hand to aim his gun at me before firing a shot.


    Taaang!


    The shot split the air harmlessly. There was no way he was going to be able to shoot me while in such an awkward position.


    The gun was Russian modified for sniping. It was a famous model that even I was able to recognize.


    I snatched the gun from him as I delivered a powerful fist to his face.


    Crash!


    About 80kg of weight fell 20 meters straight down.


    I didnt want to imagine what state he was in now.


    Keuk.


    But, even though there was a small crater from the impact of his fall, he had not died.


    I guess he had an item that absorbed most of the shock from the fall.


    Now that I looked at him again, he had on a level 3 armor. He was lucky. Otherwise, all of his bones would have shattered into millions of pieces from that attack.


    HmI see youre not dead yet. But then again, you were able to get a shot at me so I wouldnt expect anything less.


    Keuk.how the hell did you.?


    None of your business.


    Then I stepped on his right hand. Now he had none.


    Squash!


    Kyaaaa!


    Thats what you get for trying to reach for that damn dagger again.


    As his bones splintered, they began to rip through the flesh. It was gross to look at but this much was repairable if you had the right amount of money.


    I heard that level 10 healers could even restore limbs that have been permanently lost. Truth be told, I havent seen it myself.


    Since I havent seen it broadcast on the news or tv either, I guess no one actually tried testing it out.


    Kyaaaaak!


    He didnt stop screaming. Hes much more of a baby than I expected..jeeez!


    Barrf!


    He began to vomit ck blood and died before I could even get started.


    What the hell.


    Hunters are known to usually do what is in their best interests.


    Im sure this would have been the same for the Chinese because who would want to invest tons of money into hunter grade equipment.and then die for a cause that wasnt their own?


    I couldnt believe that the Chinese government would ask their hunters tomit suicide.and I further couldnt believe that Chinese hunters would even obey such amand.


    First things first, I picked up the dead body and headed towards my party members.


    As soon as she saw me, Sooah started running towards me with a handkerchief in hand. She then proceeded to wipe my face.


    Seeing ite off with ck blood stains, it seemed the dead guys blood had sttered onto my face without my realizing it.


    I thought I was going to die from shock.


    Its your fault for forgetting about my new skill.


    Who the hell would remember all of the things you can do? And even if I did remember it, there isnt anyone on earth who wouldnt have been shocked by what happened.


    I guess, I cant say I wasnt surprised a bit myself.


    See.


    Sooah said loudly as she nodded her head. Everyone else in the party looked equally upset.while Park Hanbum and Sohn Aram who didnt know anything about my skill looked even more so.


    But what happened to him?


    Hes dead. Suicide.


    What..


    Han Joonseok had a very ufortable expression on his face when I said it was suicide.


    I turned into the direction of Wang Ze Ming, who was still tied up tightly, and asked.


    Do you have a poison ampoule in your mouth too?


    Yeah right. What if I identally bit down? Then what? There isnt anyone among us crazy enough to do something like that.


    Theres one right here. Hello.


    I pointed at the dead body on the side. Wang Ze Ming just shook his head.


    What kind of a hunter would put an order above his own life? I wouldnt. And I know that none of the people I came here with would do the same.


    So thats why you had no qualms over ratting out yourrades?


    They would have done the same.


    His face turned a bright red. Im sure he was ashamed of sharing this.


    <strong>Anyway. Enough with the chitchat. Do you know where this guy might be from? If what youre saying is true, hes not one of you.then who is he?</strong>


    Ive never seen his face in my life. But there are some hunters among us who are a bit off. Actually, now that I think about it, there are quite a bit of them.


    Wang Ze Ming looked at the corpse as he spoke. The dead dont speak. But I can try to get some clues from his body.


    Unlike other hunters, his clothing was rtively clean, he had well groomed hair, and he was in great physical shape.


    This was very telling. Because hunters who rely on their skills and equipment dont take the time to train their bodies theres no need.


    Why? Because no matter how much they trained, most hunters believed that it would fall short of what an item is able to do. Aside from my effort skill, I wouldnt say this was untrue.


    For this reason, there were very few hunters who had well developed bodies like this.


    On closer inspection, I could tell that he had trained for quite a long time.


    I wondered if the Chinese government had sent in soldiers like this to hide among hunters and do what they couldnt.


    What if he was a hunter who is part of the National Security Agency?


    National Security Agency?


    They dont have something like that in Korea? You knowlike a covert group?


    Ah, something like NIS (National Intelligence Service)?


    I heard rumors that there were a lot of people recruited for something like thatbut I cant be sure.


    So then thats one possibility, I guess.


    I dont know just how much of Wang Ze Mings words I should believe. But I also dont see why he would lie about something like this. Since he could have just said he didnt know a thing.


    What are you guys talking about?


    Sooah walked closer to us and asked.


    He said that it might be someone part of a covert group sent by the National Security Agencysomething simr to NIS in our country. Since they cant just send in their military troops. I think they might have sent in some nameless soldiers who will be able to move independently. If thats the case, it exins his skills as a sniper. Above all, he had excellent marksmanship.


    It was a distance of about 50 meters from where he was hiding in the trees and where I had been shot. It wasnt that far, but what made it impressive was the fact that he was able to shoot urately even with branches and foliage in the way. The branches were not still either. They swayed with the wind, making the shot even more difficult.


    Isnt that a big problem? It could incite national conflict.


    Lieutenant Arams face became pale.


    I mean, the national conflict had already begun way before this. Naive.


    Manager Kim smirked. I agreed with him.


    If they sent in hunters in this way, that meant they were already braced for an all out war.


    But theres still something I dont get.


    Han Joonseok, who had been silent in thought this whole time, spoke up. Feeling my stare, he said towards me.


    What are they trying to gain by doing something like this? The three countries in East Asia had been maintaining a friendly rtionship this whole time. So why now? It was the first time since the monsters first appeared that things have been so strained.


    Well there was the whole North Korea situation too.


    As soon as Mr. Kim said this, Han Joonseok shook his head.


    That was something that we expected to happen. Of course some of us might still be upset of what happens, but since China absorbed North Korea when they kept threatening us with Nuclear bombsyou cant be too mad.


    Honestly, China absorbed North Korea very easily. But you were to ask me if it benefited them in any way..Id have to say no.


    It was an incredibly smallnd and everyone on thatst was pretty much in poverty.


    Could it be that they are just greedy fornd? Isnt there a saying about how its the people who have that always want more?


    Park Hanbum asked.


    I guess you can think like that but.it still doesnt quite do it for me. I keep thinking that there was a reason they had to pretend to be congenial with our country while they invaded our part of the newnd.


    He had something there. Something about this whole thing made me uneasy. Why did they need to invade the newnd from behind?


    And why did they need to send over 3000 hunters to do the job?


    At first I thought they came to check out our hunters on our side, but if the NIS was sending men in as wellthe reason must be more serious.


    Why


    I put all the clues to the forefront of my mind and thought.


    What is it that China wants at this very moment.


    Everyone considered this and started thinking. Sooah was the first to break the silence.


    Money.


    Well, Im in the same boat. Not that. Something more specific.


    Chet.who on earth doesnt want more money?


    Supremacy..no?


    Yeonkyoung said quietly. Speaking up after being silent the whole time.that wasnt a bad guess.


    I nodded my head and said.


    China has wanted to increase their influence. But since they didnt want to be in a physical qar, they used another method to achieve this by boosting their economic status. And the reason they were able to do that


    I went speechless for just a moment. I felt as if I almost had it.


    Han Joonseok responded with a sigh.


    Booming food production.


    There was a recent story about how there was a sharp decline in Chinas food production.


    As if she suddenly remembered something, Sohn Aram quickly intervened. It was something I had heard before too.


    And I was directly involved.


    China had used thend around dungeon, which allows nts to grow quickly, to produce and harvest many crops. They began to establish cooperative farms around the dungeon and stationed several hunters there to promote safety. But when the level 1 and level 2 dungeons disappeared, things went south.


    What does that have to do with any of this?


    Asked a frustrated Manager Kim.


    Thats what I wanted to know. This was all spection.


    If we wanted to know more, we needed to do some more investigating.

 Chapter 76

    Chapter 76


    I pulled out the Toyul Hammer and held it up.


    Did, did I say something wrong?


    Ah, its not that. I just wanted to smash some trees right now.


    I pointed to the tree that Han Joonseok had burned up during our battle.


    Oh my, did you get scared Manager Kim?


    Scared, who me?


    Everyone can tell you got scared just now.


    Shut it, you wench.


    Ohhhwench.you. Old. man. Should I give you a shoulder massage? I know I havent given you one in a long time.


    I take it back! I take it back. AHhhhhhaahk! I said I take it bk!


    m!


    The burned up tree that had been barely clinging on fell down in a heap of ash and splinters.


    Sooah carefully walked up to it. Checking behind her, I saw Manager Kim mewling as he gingerly touched his shoulders.


    It might seem like painful retribution, but her massages were actually very good at loosening up knots and muscles. There was a reason Manager Kim allowed her to perform her massages even though he was vocally against it.


    But what are you doing right now?


    Im checking for somethingif what were thinking is really right or not. Lets just wait one hour.


    The nts that grew immediately even after we cut them down time and time again in the Baeksapyoung DungeonI wanted to see if the same thing would happen here in the forest.


    If I could just confirm this, then that would support our theory about China.


    Im starting to get a bit scared.is it okay for us to get involved in something like this?


    Its fine isnt it? Didnt you want to do this? Be a hunterand a famous one at that?


    I meanyeah. But this would mean our opponents would be an entire country instead of just monsters


    Kyyyyaaaa!


    Suddenly we heard a monsters crying from a distance. A red glow bled into the western sky as the sun began to set.


    And I spied the small nt that began to grow from the very spot I had hacked down the burned up tree.


    I checked the time. It had only been 50 minutes since the first tree had fallen. If I were to count the time since Han Joonseok had actually killed the tree by burning itit would have been approximately one hour.


    If a new nt is growing after just an hourthats pretty fast.


    Its definitely not normal.


    Since we confirmed what we wanted to confirm, we should head back.


    Sooah tied up Wang Ze Ming in a cocoon of webs and tied him to the back of the ATV.


    He did end up being dragged on the ground behind the vehicle during our ride, but since he was safe inside the cocoonhe should be safe from harm  other than the asional turbulence. We were able to collect two ores from the two dead bodies.


    I put them both into the manual and headed towards the truck.


    Shit.


    The truck was gone. I cursed a bit before walking to where the truck and Ezekiels truck should have been.


    What should we do now?


    Han Joonseok asked. Though he was asking me, it was obvious from his tone that he didnt want to just turn back to the city.


    And, shit. I didnt want to leave now either.


    Inside the truck.are all the items that would have dropped from the dead bodies. We cant just let them have it like that.


    Ah, youre right. All of them added up will be quite a big loss.


    We had collected 15 corpses onto the truck. Since we were in a hurry, we werent even able to check if they were evaporating or notbut there should have been at least 2-3 items.


    No way we were going to let them have that.


    More than that though, the items that would have dropped would have been from the new system. Even if those items were low level items, I cant let new system items fall into anyone elses hands.


    Lets follow the trail.


    I released Kelby and had him follow the trail ahead of us. He would be able to track them better. But more than that, he would be able to alert us of any dangers faster than any human.


    It was nice that he had the senses of a dog  it came in very handy.


    So then we rode our ATVs and started out tracking our missing truck. We did see some monsters on the way, but we just ignored them.


    We did kill the ones who decided to chase after us, but there were far more monsters who let us be.


    It was only after continuing on our trail in this way for about 30 minutes that we finally spied some makeshift shelters built high in the treetops.


    It looked like something straight out of a childrens book.


    What in the world


    Was the only words that slipped out of Sooahs mouth. The houses were built about 10 meters apart from one another in the treetops.


    Do you think there are elves in there?


    ElvesI dont think so.


    Elves are monsters that look very simr to humans aside from theirrge ears and pale skin.They are usually extremely thin, which is probably one of the reasons why they are able to move so quickly from tree to tree.


    Another characteristic of the elves was that they had red eyes.


    Since theycked mnin, they preferred living in dark ces like the woods or caves.


    Though they didnt die immediately from exposure to sunlight like vampires do, but too much sun did impact their health in the long run so you wouldnt expect them to wander around in the daylight.


    But there arent any monsters besides elves that would build shelter in the trees.


    Thats truebut it doesnt look like something made by elves.


    The houses looked too makeshift to be the works of elves. Ive never seen elven homes look anything as roughly made as that.


    I would believe it if I were told that orks had made them. But orks do not build houses in this manner  instead they live in tents made of animal skin.


    Youre right. Elves wouldnt have made their homes like that.


    Han Joonseok nodded his head in agreement.


    Stories about elves are usually spun in a more positive light because, unlike orks and goblins, they more closely resemble humankind.


    Of course, in reality, they are not blindingly beautiful and charming as they are portrayed in the movies.


    If you were to see them in real life, it would feel as if you were only watching mannequins made out of wood in motion.


    This was because you do not feel the different emotions and feelings you get from humans from these elves.


    It was true that elves resembled humans the most out of all monsters, but that was where the simrities ended. They were still monsters, and they considered us their enemies  their prey.


    They moved without making any noise so they were a real danger you had to watch out for in forests.


    Then what are they? Why are there houses high up in the


    This is what I think. That they werent initially built in the trees.


    Sooah made an even more confused face at what I said.


    There isnt anywhere in the forest with an open area big enough to build a house. So they probably cut down a bunch of trees and built some houses on top of the new space. But since nts here grow extremely quicklydoesnt it make sense that the trees probably started growing under the new houses?


    Wow.that sounds improbablebut seeing it myselfI cant say its impossible. Sooah muttered as she stared at one house that had a tree running straight through the middle of it. That very house was the reason I came to that conclusion.


    The trees below the houses definitely look like they didnt grow properly. If they have built the houses on top of the trees initially, they would not look like that. Anyway, wouldnt that mean those houses were built by humans then? So does that mean they were built by the Chinese hunters?


    Thats what I think.


    Cho Youngoo murmured as Han Joonseok nodded his head.


    But I dont see anyone.


    Do you really think that hunters would remain in their homes in the light of day? Theyre probably all out hunting or


    Since the Ezekiel guys were headed in this direction, theyre probably fighting it out somewhere nearby.


    Everyone nodded at my words. Anyway, this was our chance.


    There were over a hundred houses that we could see.


    Even if I said they were all out hunting, there was still a possibility of some hunters staying behind out of all those houses.


    If there was anyone still here, we needed to be prepared to battle it out with them.


    I dont see our truck.


    While we were all distracted by the houses in the treetops, Park Hanbum spoke up with the very reason we were here in the first ce.


    The trail looped around this area and continue ahead.


    I pondered for a moment.


    Should we spend some time here to look through all of the houses for something useful. Or do we chase after our truck first.


    It didnt take long for me to decide.


    This is a great opportunity for us to snoop through all the houses here. We could always chase after the truck after we do our search here.


    Hopefully there isnt anyone left behind.


    If there are any, lets make sure we get rid of them. Our target is thergest house you see over there. If they have anyone important or really useful, Im sure they would have stored it there.


    I pointed at therge and beautiful tree that was over 30 meters tall. Asrge as the house was, the tree beneath it (which was used to built the house) was just asrge.


    The house looked highly unstable, but seeing that it didnt shake a bit from therge winds that blew against itit was safer than it seemed.


    Kelby, if you spy anybody other than us..make sure to bark loudly so we can here. Got it?


    Yeonkyoung cooed at Kelby as she held him close to her.


    Nod nod.


    Smart dog. Instead of barking, he had nodded his head to show that he understood. Everytime he did something like this, it stirred a weird feeling in me because it just seemed so human.


    So we let Kelby run free through the forest ahead of us. Since he was a dog, even if someone spotted him first, it probably wouldnt rm them.


    After we let him go, we started on our way as well. Rather than moving separately here, it was better for us to move as a group.


    This was because if some trouble appeared, we would be better equipped to fight than if we moved independently.


    ***


    No one is here.


    It seemed that climbing up to the houses in the trees was generally done so by using fringed ropes that hung down.


    Since I was physically superior in the group, I climbed up the rope to do the checking. There was definitely evidence of people living there.


    It was almost as if I could still feel their energy here.


    But there wasnt a hide or hair to be seen.


    Just from a nce, it was evident that there were probably about 2-300 people living in all the houses. But the fact that there was not even one person here meant that there was something going on.


    There is a high chance that they are somewhere nearby engaging in an all out battle with the Ezekiel guys.


    But it could also be something else entirely. We cant rule anything out.


    I added at Han Joonseoks spection. This was the newndanything could happen.


    Do you mean an irregr?


    Yes, Im sure there will be an irregr lurking around somewhere here too.


    But do you really think several hundred hunters will mobilize because of just one irregr?


    hmI guess not.


    He was right. No matter what kind of irregr it was, it would probably be a level 4-5 maximum. They wouldnt need several hundred hunters to take care of one irregr like that.


    For now, lets move over there.


    I pointed to therge house. It was sitting atop a veryrge baeksong tree.


    Though this type of tree normally doesnt grow taller than 5 meters, for some reason this particr tree was over 30 meters tall.


    And because the house was probably built from that same tree, it was a white color  the same shade as the bark of the baeksong tree.


    Sh.


    I detected a small movement just now.


    I sent Kelby up Baeksong tree from behind while I had everyone else hide in nearby trees.


    I looked to Han Joonseok and asked.


    Do you see anything?


    Han Joonseok had the Optical Ruby Ring which enhances vision by 30% so he squinted his eyes as he looked toward the white building.


    There were a lot of branches and leaves in the way, so it was hard for me to see anything.


    It looks like.a person. But I really cant be sure.


    I nodded my head.


    I did think it was strange that there was nobody here, but it seems they had left at least one person behind. Which was good for us.


    Now we had someone who could give us some information on what was going on.


    Krrawr!


    Kelby barked loudly from above.


    Were we seen? Or was something wrong?


    Yaaaaa!


    Just when I thought I heard something, someone fell from out of a tree about 30 meters high to the ground.


    m!


    Crack!


    Hm


    Just from the sound of it, it was obvious that was instant death for the unlucky guys. It seemed that the enemy who had discovered Kelby decided to attack. Unfortunate for him.


    But I guess anyone would find it strange that a dog was so high up in the trees in the middle of nowhere.


    Hm? That guy is holding a bunch of stuff.


    Cho Youngoo said as he poked at the dead body. His neck was twisted at a weird angle and the blood dripping from his mouth was not a pretty sight, but I picked up the leader bag he had on him.


    It looked like briefcase. When I opened it, there were two books inside.


    Though the writing was in simplified Chinese, it looked like one of them contained data.


    There were over 200 names and data for each person written inside.


    Next to each name was also age, address and something else drawn next to it.


    It looked like numbersmaybe marks earned in the forest for something?


    My best guess was that each mark represented a monster they had hunted in the forest.


    I wondered why they would do something so arcaneuntil I considered how they were in an area with no electricity or power. This made sense.


    They didnt have a city like us for us to return to, so they could only rely on more primitive ways to record things like that.


    Lieutenant Aram?


    Yes?


    I think you can take this. Im sure the higher ups would like it.


    This was concrete proof that tied the Chinese hunters to the invasion of the forested area.


    This is


    Record kept by the hunters who were stationed here. It contains names, age, and their addressIt even has record of all their earnings so Im sure it will be a big headache for them if this disappears.


    What I was most interested in though was the second book. In simplified Chinese, the cover stated Equipment List.


    I opened it up.


    This iswe hit a goldmine.

 Chapter 77

    Chapter 77


    Just as the title hinted, it was a simple list of items. They were generally level 1 and level 2 items, but I spied a few level 3 items in there as well.


    What was most surprising though was the quantity of items. I tried to roughly add them up in my head. All I knew for sure was that there were over 500 unique itemsin all.


    With this many items, it would be safe to assume that all of items gathered by all their hunters stationed here were recorded in this book.


    If we could just take possession of all the equipment written in this bookI couldnt even imagine how much that would be worth.


    There was a catch though. The book didnt say anything about where they kept all of the recorded items.


    Manager Kim sidled up to me and peered into the book as he asked.


    Whats that book about?


    It contains written record of all the items they took possession of from thisnd. If I include the number of ores too.there is over 100 million items in all.


    100100 million?


    Sohn Aram asked with rounded eyes.


    That number was definitely something unfathomable to usI couldnt imagine what it sounded like to someone who wasnt a hunter.


    I say this but the problem is that weck the time and the means to find all of those items.


    Hm.thats a pity.


    Cant we find some wayit really is a pity.


    Manager Kim and Cho Youngoo whispered to themselves.


    I agreed 100%. To know that there was a fortune gathered somewhere.ready for the takingthis was extremely appealing.


    My priority took a slight shift. The truck became a smaller worry in the scheme of things. If we could just find their stash of items, the loss of items from that truck was trivial.


    Cant we just send out Kelby to look for them?


    Yeonkyoung asked.


    Hm? Why do you say that?


    Well.items are like sustenance for him. I have a feeling that he would be able to track and find them.


    You know whatnow that you say thatit does make sense.


    It was just as she said. But what was this dog doing still noting down from the trees?


    In order to get up to the building that was sitting 30 meters above ground, I had to climb up the tree of climb up the hanging rope.


    Both were annoying options, but I had to go up to bring Kelby back down.


    During that time, we agreed to have everyone else to bring back the other vehicles to this spot.


    Crunch. Crunch.


    When I finally reached the top, I found Kelby. He was leisurely chewing on a sword. It probably belonged to the hunter who fell down to his death early, but from this angle it looked like a doggy treat.


    Hurry up and finish that so we can get down. We have something for you to do.


    Gulp..


    At my words, Kelby pawed at what remained of the sword before swallowing it in one gulp. Is there some kind of ck hole in that small body of his or something? How is he able to swallow half a sword in one bite?


    He is definitely not normal.


    While I was up here, I decided to look around a bit. But there was nothing useful here. Those two books that dead hunter had on him were the only things we could really use.


    I wondered if he came to steal the books while everyone or if he were assigned caretaker of the bookseither way, they were now ours.


    I need you to find where they hid all of their items.


    Yeonkyoung asked Kelby as she hugged him to her chest. As soon as she gave the order, Kelby immediately put his nose to the ground and began sniffing.


    A dogs sense of smell is 1000 to 10 million times stronger than a humans.


    Since a dog is able pick up the scent of food from several kilometers away, it wasnt unbelievable that Kelby might locate the items.


    Woof!


    Kelby gave one loud bark before he started running into the forest. Everyone in their respective ATVs revved our vehicles and quickly gave chase.


    If.there are over 200 hunterswhich I suspect from the number of treehousesthis could end up being bloodbath between the Chinese hunters and the Ezekiel group.


    Sohn Aram said from the passenger seat.


    Nothing is for sure yet. But, I can say that the possibility of that is very high. Both sides will suffer a lot of casualties.


    I want to say Im rooting for the Ezekiel guys


    Why is that?


    What?


    Sohn Aram eximed in surprise as she looked at me.


    Im sorry. I only asked because I had some bad run ins with the Ezekiel group.


    AhI see. I didnt know


    No thats fine. Youre right. If I had to pick a side to win, it would be better for an enemy of mine but a fellow countryman to win.


    This isnt because I am giving them a break. Its because if the Ezekiel group won, they wouldnt be able to do whatever they wanted on ournd as opposed to the Chinese hunters who wouldnt be bound by our countrysws.


    In the end, wed probably have to fight with whoever won thoughno matter who it was.


    Do you think they can win?


    I dont know. Nothing is for sure


    But there is a variable that could mean everything.


    Whats that?


    Firearms. If the other side uses firearms, the Ezekiel team could get pushed back fairly easily.


    This was true. Firearms were of no use to hunters because they had almost no effect on monsters. But if the Chinese were armed with firearms that the Ezekiel most likely did not haveit could be a game changer. The Chinese would be able to attack while Ezekiel would only be able to defend themselves using armor. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as an armor that covers every inch of your body.


    The only saving grace was that the Chinese would not have too many among them with firearms since that isnt how hunters fight.


    Rustle!


    It was then. A hunter emerged from within the trees along our path. Because Kelby didnt warn us, we had been unprepared.


    He had a long bow in hand.


    Shit! Its dangerous


    Woosh!


    Plop!


    Just when I was about to let out a yell of warning, another hunter from behind a tree emerged to throw a spear. The spear lodged squarely into the first hunters forehead.


    In the next instant, a sword had sliced across the throat of the hunter who had thrown the spear.


    We all quickly got out of our ATVs and hid behind it.


    Kelby!


    Yeonkyoung called out to Kelby. He had run off somewhere and didnte back. Seeing how he didnt give us any warning from this recent events ore back from Yeonkyoungs call, he was probably distracted by something significant.


    Did he find the items already?


    But there was something else I wondered. Just where on earth were several hundred hunters fighting?


    I dont feel like there is anywhere in the forest open enough for such a thing to happen.


    Then the answer came to me.


    There wasnt such an area.


    This was how they were fighting the whole time.


    Hiding. Ambushing.


    Now that we had lost our scout, Kelby, we moved more carefully. As we moved in this manner, whether it was the Ezekiel or the Chinese, we took care of each and every one of them.


    The number of hunters we took care of in this way slowly began to add up until they hit the double digits.


    But we had yet to find neither our stolen truck nor the stash of items.


    The enemies remained in the cover of the forest and short of having omniscience, we would not be able to get them all.


    It would be nice if we knew where we wereI lost my sense of direction because we were just following Kelby.


    Ok lets settle on a goal and move towards that.


    There was no point in just wandering around, hoping to luck on something. I looked for the tallest tree in the vicinity and climbed to the top.


    If I were the Chungo group, where would I be?


    Hm. If I had several hundreds of hunters attack me, the first thing I would think to protect would be the hoard of items.


    I would probably try to drag on the time so that I could move all the items to a safe location little by little.


    I knew I was on the right track now because then it made sense why they would steal out truck.


    Now we just had to find the spot where they were most concentrated.


    The problem was that the dense forest prevented me from being able to see where there were concentrations of hunters.


    I got down from the tree and said to my party members.


    Lets continue following the path. If my thoughts are correct, they will have stored all the items in a ce essible by a truck.


    The Chungho group had invaded the forested area by way of boats. This meant they would not have been able to bring over things like trucks with them.


    The trucks we saw them riding around in were probably something they had stolen from other hunters as well. To the Chungho group, each truck they stole was probably treated very preciously  because it wasnt amodity they could just go out and buy like we were able to.


    Whether by chance or by design, they took our truck and were probably going to use it to move their store of items.


    Of course, this was only if they came out as the winners in the battle with Ezekiel.


    Wait. Do you hear that?


    Sooah said. At her words, everyone paused mid step and held their breaths.


    Riding on the winds passing through the forest were the faint sounds of people screaming, weapons shing, and things exploding.


    It sounds like a battle in earnest. Since we can hear them from here, we should be able to reach them in 10 minutes at thetest. And we dont have any particr reason to hurry, so lets just get there leisurely at this same pace.


    We didnt need to hurry towards a battle that wasnt ours, so we just continued walking in the direction of the sounds.


    I felt it was to our advantage to keep ourselves hidden and observe what was happening before we made our presence known  that way we could make an informed decision on which side to join.


    If the Ezekiel were losing, we would join the Ezekiel sideand if the Chungho group were losing, we would join their side.


    Why? Because evening out the battlefield would drag things out and give us the time we need to take all the items.


    Im sure Lieutenant Aram wouldnt approve of this n, but I couldnt worry about her.


    And its not as if I needed her permission for anything either.


    ***


    The forest was a bloodbath. Heads that have lost their owners were rolling around on the ground as if they were rocks.


    Waaaah!


    sh!


    Euk.


    Sooah put her fingers into her ears as she let out a moan. The explosions caused by the magicians were creating ufortable shockwaves hitting our eardrums.


    The scene that unfolded before us was a shocking disy of violence and full-fledged war between two sides with a total of 400 some hunters fighting for their lives.


    I had assumed there wouldnt be a clearingrge enough for a real fight to take ce.


    I had assumed they would be fighting using the same tactics we saw earlier on the trail, and I had also assumed the fight would be dragged on for a long time.


    I was wrong. They were all fighting  using up every free space of clearing.


    sh!


    Stab!


    Keuuk!


    Aaaahk!


    A hunter who had just been shot in the eye with an arrow fell down screaming.


    Hunters were dropping like flies left and right.


    So this is war.


    Going in was suicide. We would die without because able to use our skills or equipment.


    I mimed to my party members to stay hidden and remain as quiet as possible. But I could have saved myself the time. They all knew it was too dangerous to let our presence known.


    We slowly moved in this manner, and it took us over a minute to move about 10 meters.


    If we wanted to do anything, the number of hunters on the battlefield needed to reduce by at least .


    Kim Soohan, Kim Jungjae, Lee Jonghan, Choi Hansun, Park Wooram, Jung Yoonjae, Suh Sunghan, Park Ilsoo, Liu Angjae, Soon Jeupung, Gga Ohoo, Yoobi, Lee Uhlyang, Gga Oh, Liu Jjangshyung, Ryi Pai.


    I took inventory of the hunters names and skills as they died.


    Most were level 1 and level 2. There were quite a few level 3 hunters as well and the hunters doing the most damage on the battlefield were level 4 and higher.


    After we confirmed we were a safe distance away, we climbed up a tree that gave us a clear view and observed.


    That looks like the storage.


    There was a roughly fashioned cabin in the distance. And next to it was our truck.


    I felt like Kelby would be somewhere in that vicinity. But it was hard for us to get any closer at the moment.


    If we didnt want to make enemies of both the Ezekiel and Chungho group, we needed to wait it out.


    Whew.I thought I had seen it all but


    Sohn Aram whispered. She was white as a sheet.


    The battle only continued to build in ferocity as time passed on.


    Then a hunter from the Chungho group emerged from hiding.


    ***


    Name: Wee Woongbi


    Skill: 7 Stars Sword (6)


    Additional Skill: Fugetsu ind, can give damage over arge range.


    Meteor attack, shower of swords.


    Proficiency: 86


    Equipment: Unmanned sword (6, 100% skill damage), Agency Mubok (1)


    ***


    He looks strong.


    Sooah whispered.


    Hes a level 6. Even if it were our party, we would have a hard time fighting against him if I werent here.


    To think that a level 6 hunter would be all the way out here


    If he were that skilled, wouldnt he have been up in the north and not all the way out here? No, if he were that strongwhy is he even risking his life in a ce like this?


    Manager Kim puffed out in disbelief. But I disagreed.


    If you are that strong, you start looking to be even stronger.


    Unless you were incredibly old, there was almost no hunter who chose the path of a peaceful life after hitting level 6.


    Wee Woongbis skill was a passive skill that affected his handle of the sword.


    But he also had two additional options to his skill, and they were both powerful options that optimized his fighting ability.


    I had the feeling if they couldnt block him, the Chungho group would be victorious.


    Haa!


    Wee Woongbi kicked the ground as he ran into the battlefield as he released his sword.


    The des ki flowed out of the sword like a thread. This was the 7 stars sword. You had but swing the sword to bring out the ki  which had the same deadly cutting ability as the actual de itself.


    If he were to use his two optional skills as well on top of the swords main skill, the Ezekiel team would be in big trouble.


    What a hassle.


    Now I knew I would have to intervene so that the Ezekiel team wont be utterly ughtered.was what I was thinking until another hunter appeared out of nowhere.


    ***


    Name: Han Jungho


    Skill: Eye of the wave (6)


    Additional Skill: Invoking the Dragon


    Proficiency: 77


    Equipment: ck uniform (3, Increase proficiency by 10 points)


    ***


    He had a skill called Invoking the Dragon. I had only heard of this  Id never seen it in real life so I dont know what it does.


    All I knew was that it was a skill on the same level as the 7 Stars Sword. But Han Jungho was severelycking in his equipmentpared to Wee Woongbi.


    I became really curious by now if he would win against the geared up Woongbi.


    I know I shouldnt say something like this when its life and deathbut Im excited.


    Sooah, who had been crouched right next to me whispered with a bright shine in her eyes.


    This girl was definitely a peculiar sort. To think something like this would excite her.


    But if I were to consider the fact that she was being excited in a situation where she could fall into danger at any given moment, she was definitely a hunter through and through.


    It might be that running into countless dangers again and again like a machine had numbed her to them and made her a true hunter.


    You grew a lot. It seems like only yesterday when you were crying and begging me to save your life.


    Ill admit I cried, but I never asked you to save my life ok?


    Is that so?


    Um. I think?


    I thought about it for a second. It was true. Even when those lowlives had tried to rape her in the dungeon, she had only vowed vengeance while even in fear. She did not give in to the fear.


    Blue Dragon!


    It was then that a loud ringing sound reverberated throughout the entire forest.


    At the same time a loud roar erupted, two streams of blue jettisoned from Han Junghos hands in the form of a dragon.


    Wee Woongbi, standing opposite of Han Jungho, immediately drew his sword and leapt into the air. Now 4 meters high in the air, he struck down with his de.


    Though it looked like a simple de, what it did was anything but simple. Hundreds of rays light shot out from the weapon. Meteor attack, each ray of light was led by what seemed like a star that hurtled down with destructive force.


    Waaaaa!


    Run away! Avoid the light!


    Ahhhhk!


    Shit! I cant move!


    Kyaa!


    The dozens of hunters who had been nearby were now immobilized by the tremendous energy released by Wee Woongbi and Han Junghos two attacks.


    The body of the dragon had been split a dozen times over while the stars shattered into pieces as they met the ground.


    The unlucky hunters who had been trapped among such power were immediately nothing but dust.


    Amazing.


    Wow.


    Sooah whispered in awe.


    Truly amazing.


    Do you think you could have blocked it if it were you Sunbeh Oppa?


    No. Evading is the only option.


    Even if it were me, I wouldnt have challenged something like that.


    Then Ill block it and Sunbeh Oppa can hide behind me. How about that.


    Im not trash. I wouldnt ever cower behind another hunter no matter the power Im up against. And if I had to block it, then Im sure Ille up with something. The meteor showerI can just block then one by oneWhile the blue dragonI could probably aim for the origin point. Its not impossible.


    See, I could do something like that too!


    You can only do something like that if your reflexes and sight were at least at my levelohI guess you could do it too then.


    I slowly finished after I saw her pointing to her neck and nodding silently with a huge smile. She had been pointing to the Redemption Ne hanging around her neck.


    The Redemption Ne allowed her to be as strong as I grew. As long as she had that on, she would try her best to follow in my footsteps. It was too bad that she couldnt think of battle strategy like this on her own.


    I dont know if these items were designed or made by someone in particr, but if they were, the person who designed that ck choker was beyond a doubt a serious pervert.


    It kept making me look at her in a weird way.


    It looks like a draw.


    Thanks to Han Joonseoks voice, I was finally able to rip my attention from Sooahs neck. Her face had turned a light shade of pink.


    Was I staring too intently?


    It would be beneficial to us if they kept at it in this way butthe atmosphere is starting to be weird.


    Naturally, every other hunter had distanced themselves from the two stronger righters.


    If this keeps up, the oue of the fight will be determined by which of the two wins.


    Thats not goodits better if they all just died


    I shut up before finishing my sentence. No matter what I felt, I shouldnt say something so horrible as that.


    Mr. Han Joonseok?


    Yes.


    Over there, can you shoot an arrow at that guy over there? Something really strong.


    I said as I pointed to Wee Woongbi. His armor was weak. Though the Dragon Killer wouldnt be sufficient enough to take him out, it would still deal a good amount of damage.

 Chapter 78

    Chapter 78


    Hello dear readers! Madsnail here! Because of RL problems of the previous trantor we couldnt get a reply to our message (but a member of their team replied to us) so it took us a time to go through all the chapters to identify the problem. Actually the previous trantor had divided some chapters into two parts but have published them as numbered chapters. Thats why the previous chapters 103 and 104 we had tranted were far too ahead. Now, she had left at half of the chapter 78 so I present you second half of chapter 78 right now. We will be publishing full tranted chapters so expect chapter 79 to be up in few days.


    ********


    The arrow, which was blown by Han Joon-seok, was fired at Wee Woongbi with a scary aura.


    Huh?


    He felt an instinctive sense of crisis and turned his body. The arrow went past his cheek.


    It was a bit disappointing that it didnt hit him, but it was enough to catch his attention.


    There are enemies hiding somewhere. Everyone, be careful!  They checked where we are, but it looks like they could not figure out exactly who we are or how many are we.


    Even if Ezekiel group were pretending not to be frightened, Chungho group were a bit hesitant and had to step back a little.


    Ha! Geez. I cant believe theres a moment in my life that I helped Ezekiel. Cho Young Goo said. It is time to fight for each others lives.


    You didnt help, to be honest. Han Joon Suk, who caught the bow, said with a poor voice.


    It seemed that he thought that he could cause serious damage to Wee Woongbi with his inner dragon killer.


    It would have been a rather shocking result if the enemy was attacking in a totally alert state but missed.


    I opened my mouth. It is not only how to use a sword, but also how to deal with the body. It may have been caused a little damage if you were fighting with groups by sniping. Strictly speaking, Dragon Killer is not used for sniping.  Im just not used to the equipment yet.


    Han Joon Seok said to hide his regret.


    Fortunately, both sides seemed unable to move aggressively while paying attention to our existence. Since the two groups were taking time to cross each other, we turned around the back of Ezekiel and moved to the warehouse.


    While they still do not know who we are and what our purpose is, we are going to have to breathe and disappear.


    Dug, Dug. Dug.


    We were moving near the warehouse and we saw Kelby dug near the ground.


    I never saw him doing this kind of thing.


    Kelby. When YeonKyeong called him, he stopped digging thend and came over.


    I think this guy snuck out the items.


    Soo Ah, who looked at the pit, opened her mouth. When I got there, I could see the items piled up inside. The number is about twenty. Considering that the total number of items expected is about 500, it seems to be that these 20 items are part of the 500 items.


    Yeonkyoung stroked Kelbys head lightly.


    I approached him and opened my mouth. You didnt steal secretly, right?


    It looks like he picked up a few of them because he is avoiding my eyes.


    I checked the growth value.


    =====


    Hell Watcher Cerberus (0)


    Growth Rate: 19


    Special Abilities: Grows by feeding items. The higher the level of the item, the more he grows. It does not die.


    ===== The growth rate is 19. This is about two levels of one level or two levels to pick up a degree. It is surprisingly conscientiously stolen.


    With his shape right now, this is the effect of training him to eat anything. By the way, there is a hunter guarding the warehouse, how did he steal it?


    Soo Ah opened her mouth. I also wondered about that part.


    Once you go, youll know. The party headed to the warehouse alongside Kelby. Everyone was breathing and waiting to see how he could steal items from the warehouse.


    Sniffing. He carefully took his nose to the floor and took a smell and suddenly disappeared into the ground.


    Kelby is gone!


    Soo Ah opened her mouth with a surprised voice. However, Han Joon-seok, who has good eyesight, understood the situation.


    He went into the ground.


    He digs the tunnel like a mole and enters the warehouse through the floor.He is not a normal puppy, and there is nothing wrong with doing this. The ability to dig thend was not difficult if he is doing it with a dogs body, and Kelby had an overwhelming stamina and strengthpared to regr puppies.We waited quietly. Beyond the forest, Ezekiel and Chungho are in the midst of staring at each other while confronting.


    In the meantime, we were going to get some items here from Kelby.

 Chapter 79

    Chapter 79


    The warehouse is located at the end of the area controlled by the Chungho group.


    Nearby is a hunter with a gun. He has level 3 skill and hes holding firearms.


    And although we can only see few hunters, I could sense the presence of more hunters nearby.


    However, even though this is like going to be a tough pass, it did not stop the dogs head from digging the ground.


    Suddenly.


    Kelby came out of the ground with his head, he carefully approached me and opened his mouth wide.


    Three or four items from the dogs stomach came out.


    I thought he was just eating it, but I didnt know that he has the ability to store it in his stomach. Hes a pretty handy guy.


    I guess he should just repeat doing like that and bring it here.


    I nodded at Soo Ahs words. We will just let Ezekiel and Chungho fight each other so we can just take the equipment in the warehouse.


    In the meantime, if the two teams were tired and exhausted, it could not be better. Taking all the equipment will take some time, but if things go as expected, I could get huge benefits by taking it all without any risk.


    If only as expected.


    Sparkle. I could see the grass moving in my peripheral view.


    The sun shining through the branches was reflected by the reflection of something.


    Metallic rod of ck bundle.


    Its a gun.


    I cant think carefully. I hurriedly embraced Soo Ah.


    Su sunbeh  ?


    Bang!


    The gunshout sound. Luckily, this time I was hit on my shoulder that was protected by armor. I was able to see the hunters moving bustling with gunfire.


    This way! There are hiding ones!


    The guy who fired the gun jumped out of his seat and shouted out loud. Then the hunters who guarded the warehouse spread out and ran toward us with guns.


    All the enemies are seven. Everyone was dressed in different ways, but their bodies are simr.


    That is, these hunters are not just ordinary hunters, they were trained to handle firearms. They were all pointing at us a semi-automatic rifle capable of sniping.


    I think they are an Ezekiel.


    And if not?


    It does not matter. Maybe theyre one of the assholes out there.  The guy who looked like the leader among them said.


    His name is Ian. Skill level and equipment level 3. If well fight one-on-one, I can knock him down with just one finger.


    But I was concerned about the gun he was holding. They dont toughly use it, but they are well trained.


    One can be killed if theres no armor protecting. I sighed and opened my mouth.


    How did you know we were here?


    If a lot of people move and just a little careful is done, anyone will know. I want to ask you the other way around, did you think we would not even notice you?  Well, I admit that were not careful enough.


    There is nothing but Park Han-bum that has the proper ability to be cautious.


    In fact, he is still hiding in the grass, and we are not worried about him at all. They havent found him.


    Then go this way. Put all your equipment down on the ground.


    Youre not thinking that a sword will stop a hunters gun, right? (So I think I can just bring my sword and do not put it down.)


    It depends. I can assure you that before I can use all the bullets, I can kill the half of your group.


    Click.


    He changed the safety device of automatic rifle to a revolver (a pistol with revolving chambers enabling several shots to be fired without reloading). He moved the muzzle (the open end of the barrel of a firearm) to support the movement. All of you, move this way!


    Ian screamed.


    Soo Ah looked at me and asked.


    What should we do?


    Lets do what should be done.


    I smirked. It is true that the gun is scary. Especially, if we are a fixed target like now, we can just defend our body with armor. But the answer is simple.


    We can do a preemptive attack.


    I have to kill all of them.


    I heard my right hand. Park Han-bum, who was right next to them, jumped out of the grass and used the Hand Cannon.


    Bang!


    Aahkk!


    Two people suddenly disappeared by the explosion.


    Hand Cannon is a new level 5 equipment purchased by Park Han-bum, something like a small catapult that could be of a shorter range than the crossbow or bow, but could cause considerable damage.


    The bullet itself is a piece of metal or a stone.


    The weapon itself had an explosive option, which would automatically explode if hit once and hit the target.


    What the what is this! Ian hurriedly turned the muzzle toward Park Han-bum, but Park Han-bum was hiding in the grass again.


    Click! Bae Yeonkyoung, wearing a brown visor, put her hands on her back and picked up four arrows from the quiver.


    Swwiiiiishhh!!!


    Ahh!


    Ugh


    Ahkkk.


    Arrows flying at great speed hit different targets. It is an arrow that has been fed to the 1st level enchant.


    Even if it did not meet the urgency, they had to suffer considerable damage. Even if it is so, the uracy rate is a nonsense level. But thanks to the visor she was using.


    It was not a match for her to throw an arrow from 50 meters away, but this item definitely helped and corrects the shorings of Bae Yeonkyoung, which was a matter of uracy. They were confused by the rain of arrows continuously hitting the ground.


    I immediately moved forward with a long sword.


    This one, which was the only sane person, pulled the trigger toward me. I kept on guarding my head with my sword. Tatatata!


    The bullet fired and I heard a knocking sound.


    There is no pain. All the bullets were deflected by the armor.


    I did not move to the left or right, but I ran with power. Shit! Die!


    Ians evil voice was heard.


    He went near me, in a challenge to use all the bullets of his gun as he promised. Ahhkkkk.. At that moment, the guy who defended himself with a gun (Ian) flew a few meters in the air. The gun he carried was shattered and scattered in the air, I threw the bloodysword toward the fleeting fellow.


    Poook!


    [+200] I saw the sword stuck in his forehead and ran to the guy on the right side.


    Tatata!


    Guns are perfect weapons. Near or far.


    But if the subject is a hunter, the story is different. He received a bullet in his body and I kicked his gun at his feet.


    The gun scattered in to pieces and sprinkled debris into the air.


    Shwiiiik!


    Pooook!


    Ahhhkk! An arrow fired by Han Joon-seok pierced his neck. This is not possible without experience. Again, masterpieces are better rather than firepower.


    Shiiiing!


    Kelby dug out the ground and Manager Kim is casting a sleep spell.


    Youre acting toote.


    Shut up, you guys are too fast.


    He tried his best as fast as he could, but all the enemies were down even before his sleep spell had an effect.


    It will be cool in ten minutes so you do not have to think too nervously.


    They heard the gunshots, but youre saying that they still think its peaceful here? We still dont know how many more hunters wille. Uh, yeah, youre right. Then I think we have to move quickly, right?


    Once you get what youve got, just take what you can. Be alert. If any enemiese in, please tell me immediately.


    I didnt notice anything until I removed all the hunter guards. I quickly headed to the warehouse. There are 80 vacancies in my item list now. If I have the same item, I can put it as a duplicate, but even if I put it as much as possible, I cannot put about 120 pieces.


    But I will take everything I could take.


    Click! Waaaaaah!


    As soon as I opened the door, someone inside shouted at me and shook my sword.


    Todays lesson.


    If youre surprised, never shout.


    A sense of swinging with power struck his sword and it was half-broken. It was a natural result because it was hit by the power of a 4th level strike by a 2 level long sword.


    It would have had the same result even if it had been covered with an armor.


    [+200] I took care of him and picked the broken sword and other equipment.


    I cannot use it as an item, but it is fine as Kelbys food.


    Once I looked at things inside the warehouse. There were dozens of items piled up in the box. There were twenty such boxes. In addition, one corner of the warehouse is full of ore up to the ceiling. Even if it is roughly three, it is over a thousand.


    I took the Geiger counter out of my backpack. Fortunately, we did not exceed natural radioactivity.


    The minerals of boric sulphonite ore, which radiate radioactivity, are separated. May I have a look?


    I stepped inside the warehouse and opened my mouth.


    Yeah.


    Youll get it all. I think itll be quick if I will help. How can you get all of these, alone.


    Ill get the ore first. Itemter.


    Currently I have 676 ore in total.


    Since 1,000 manual upgrades are possible, I will fit only one thousand. It was to increase the space of the item list.


    If I am lucky, I can get all the items in the warehouse. But we needed a process to get hundreds of ore pieces.


    No matter how fast I move, it will still take a few minutes. If the Chungho group attacked with the gun, it might not be in time.


    I should also worry about the time. I reached out the ore.


    Then a green message came to my mind.


    === Would you invest all in the manual? There are a total of 1,082 ore.


    ===


    Oh wow.


    I was amazed enough to follow Soo Ahs words without even knowing it. As I nodded my head, a huge amount of ores piled up in front of me disappeared in no time.


    It feels like it did not exist there from the beginning.


    How did that.  Save your curiosity forter. I do not have time to exin everything.


    Ok.


    As a result, the number of ores exceeded 1,700 points in an instant. I was asked if I should upgrade to over a thousand points.


    I nodded.

 Chapter 80

    Chapter 80


    Shhhhhhh !


    Green rain-like is flowing inside the surface of warehouse.


    I was not surprised because I have already seen this happened once. As I looked around slowly, I saw a group of people moving outside the warehouse. A green line descended along their silhouette (T/N: the dark shape and outline of someone or something visible against a lighter background, especially in dim light).


    Like a shadow in the bright sun, a human figure was seen. I saw dozens of them gathering outside.


    It looks like the Chungho group sent some of their hunters here.


    Boom! There was an explosion outside the warehouse. It was the Hand Cannon of Park Han-bum. I heard the sound of gunshots.


    Soo Ah is nning to escape so she went to the back of the warehouse.The upgrade is just over 90%. Its a waste if well stop here. We decided to wait and just trusted what the party members can do.After a minute of waiting that feels like endless, the upgrade ispleted.  Upgradepleted.


    The list of items is updated to 1,000.


    Able to integrate the ability of the item into the manual.


    Deactivate administrator mode. You can manipte the settings.


    You can ess the Delta store. A lot has changed than I expected. Well, I will just think about itter.


    As soon as the upgrade was over, I ced all the items into the item list. Like the ore, I could put it in one at a time.


    You have acquired a total of 512 items.


    Just a few minutes ago, the warehouse was full of ore and items, now its empty. It will be very frustrating on the side of the Chungho group, but it was not theirs either because they earned it without the permission from the othernd.


    Bang!


    As soon as all the items were packed, the Chungho hunters opened the door, the arrows and bullets were shot.


    Han Joon-seok hurriedly closed the door.


    It seems that were surrounded by hunters.


    ***


    The warehouse, even though its just temporary, was made up of thick logs and well maintained in weapons such as arrows and bullets.


    Of course, if we have abination of high-level skills and items, we can knock down all of them.


    However, because they know that there are items and ore in the warehouse, they are attacking with a lot of power that the warehouse would copse anytime.


    Looking through the window, the number of the hunter is increasing. The Chungho group gave up on Ezekiel and moved to secure the warehouse.


    After that, it seemed that the Ezekiels leader followed them while shouting to continue the battle. In other words, the warehouse is surrounded by the Chungho group while the Chungho group is being surrounded by the Ezekiel group.


    No one can predict that this situation would happen. I didnt even think that they woulde here until they give up to the Ezekiel group.


    We are currently surrounded by the two enemies. Its hard to get out of here.


    Han Joon-seok sighed as he said those words.I looked at the party members and talked.The situation is not as bad as I think. Because they know there are valuables inside, they will be forced not to destroy the warehouse. Ezekiels are there, and if thats the case, they will never be able to cross the entrance of this warehouse.


    There are also hunters in our group who exert a lot of power during a battle besides me. Cho Youngoo and Jong Sawon. Cho Youngoos defense is not easy to prate even if its Wee Woongbei. Jong Sawon prefers to kill with strike, so theres nothing to worry about. There is also Soo Ah who can copy my reaction speed. It is almost impossible for the Ezekiel group and Chungho group to overtake us because there are three powerful ones in our group even if we are separated.


    However, if the Chungho group wants to catch us, they need to destroy the warehouse using a powerful ranged weapon, but their valuables inside can also be destroyed.


    I think they will try to avoid such dangerous gambling as much as possible.But we cannot do anything if were trapped here.Im sure that Chungho and Ezekiel will fight outside. Besides, we dont have to go out right now.


    What do you mean?


    I know its kinda funny. Us, Chungho and Ezekiel are all enemies.


    Youre trying to confuse the Chungho group to whom are they going to attack first. Han Joonseok said.


    He is always the fastest one to understand what I mean. I nodded and continued. Chungho group came to this ce because theyre thinking that we took the items and ores. If we immediately gave up on this situation, they will eventually take over the warehouse and then try to make a final battle with the Ezekiel group. But what if we do not give up, what do you think will happen?  The warehouse isrge in size and provided enough space for Chungho group to hide. If there is no bomb, Ezekiels force will not be enough to knock out the Chungho group that is hidden inside the warehouse.


    But now, were the one who is secured inside this warehouse instead of the Chungho group. If we stay here and do not retreat, the Chungho group will target us.


    In the end, they will be destroyed if they dont make a choice between us and the Ezekiel.


    Of course its good if they will choose the Ezekiel, and if that happens, we will have the opportunity to escape. Chungho group should decide depending on the situation. For a while, an alliance formed between us and Ezekiel.


    Park Han-bum said and nodded.


    I looked at the party members and spoke.


    We will stay in this ce for a while and stop the Chungho group from entering the warehouse and whatever happens, Ezekiel group will take care of the rest.


    Damn, then lets try it! Cho Youngoo shouted loudly and took the shield.


    Cho Youngoo went to the main entrance to guard. Jong Sawon stood beside the window to prevent the enemies froming in. I think Im the only one who doesnt have anything to do.


    Sohn Aram said. She was leaning in the corner with Manager Kim.


    I gave her a 2nd level shield. It was a big shield enough to cover her whole small body.


    Though shes using leather armor, I think its better to have one more shield to protect herself.


    This ?


    Im lending it. Hide behind the shield until the situation is over.


    Poke poke. Manager Kim poked me.


    What?


    Arent you gonna give something for me, too?


    Do you need something?


    There are more than 500 items. It would not matter if it will be used as a tool for survival.


    I would like to have an item rted to stealth. Even if you have it, it will be difficult to get out.


    The equipment is usually level 1 and 2 items. It is difficult to escape and hide from the state of being surrounded by so many hunters with such level.


    Some of the hunters have good eyesight, and some of them have detecting skills.


    I think the other one is better so they couldnt hit him easily.


    Its okay. Give me one of those, the one that Han-bum has.


    It is a level 2 shaped like a feather. Looking back at the list, there were two. I took out one of them and handed it over. Again, it is suicide to just run away.


    Manager Kims expression changed when he heard my words. I dont know what he means with that expression, I sighed and spoke to him.


    Dont you believe me? I dont take someone who doesnt trust their party members.


    I cannot do anything if he doesnt believe me, but I trust him. Sometimes I try to grumble and make a bad habit, but at least I rarely have problems in this party.


    Well, then..


    Manager Kim turned away in silence. In any case, there is not much that Manager Kim can do in this battle. It a relief that Sohn Aram is hiding safely.


    Ting! Ting! Ting!


    Although they havent started attacking intensely, the arrows entered through the window.


    Be careful! I held the flying arrow. My reaction speed was not that bad.


    However, I cannot catch all the arrows during the battle. I picked out a blunt sword in the list of items, a dancing sword.


    I set it to defense mode by letting it float in the air. Then I moved and started to block the arrows.


    Ting! Woah, are you blocking the arrows?


    Yeah, the bullets are so hard to block.


    The speed of the bullet goes beyond the speed of sound. It is impossible for the dancing sword to react. But now I am wearing an interpreter cap on my head. In order to block the rest, I wore a level 1 obsolete bandana. It is arge cloth that could be attached or worn to the neck or head.


    The bandana that cowboys use to cover their faces is this Bandana.


    It is not an ability, but it is an item that slightly increase tolerance to poison. What is that? Are you going to robber a bank?


    Its called Bandana this is like an essory. I only have this to block the bullets.


    It is not necessary to always use armor to prevent bullets. We can use a hat or anything.


    The cap that Bae Youngkyoung is wearing (the exact name is the Goggle of rity) only blocks the bullet.


    Cant you give me that one too?


    I will not but take this one.


    I pulled out the equipment on my head. Party members put the right equipment on their heads. It seemed that they wouldnt be hit by a bullet.


    Soo Ah doesnt have a Bandana, but she covered her face with a mask. She is like the main character of a hero movie.


    Everyone is nervously waiting for the enemy in case they enter. I confirmed the functionality of the upgraded manual.


    There are four new updates.


    Its not difficult to use the items. It has grown from the existing 100 to 1,000.


    The space increased ten times. For old items, there are about 2,000 kinds in total and I could get almost half of them.


    This means that I can carry almost any item I can get.


    But there are also new items, so we can even won in this battle.

 Chapter 81

    Chapter 81


    MadSnail here! Hey fellow readers. BlissNoona is having exams and its been 10 days or so that she has been concentrating on studies. She will be focusing on her oning exams for the next 1 week. Afterwards we will have a st! Wish her good luck!


    ************ Next thing that we need to do is tobine the ability of the items into the manual. For example, I can take the trantor items I currently have into the manual andbine into this ss. In that case, if I will wear this ss, I will be able to interpret Chinese.


    In other words, the ability of multiple items is given to one item. Unfortunately, it is limited and it is possible tobine only one at a time. But I think its better than nothing.


    It is also expected that the slot will increaseter as the manual is upgrading.


    Theres another disadvantage inbining the ability of the items. The item cannot be used by anyone else.


    I am currently wearing an interpreter hat as well as Sohn Aram, but after thebination, I am the only one who can use it. It was not a big problem because it was decided after considering the convenience and efficiency. To be honest, if I have hundred millions of dors in cash, I might as wellbine the interpreter hat on an item so that I will not spend time wearing it separately. The hat design is incredibly embarrassing in the first ce.


    Hooo. I took a deep breath. The remaining two are now the core of this upgrade: admin mode and Delta store connections.


    At that time, Han Joon-seok looked outside to see whats happening.


    Its crowded outside.


    All the party members took a deep breath.


    Craaaaaaash!


    The door crashed with a loud noise.


    As soon as the door broke, Cho Young-gu pushed those who are trying to enter using his shield.


    What he is holding is still a 2nd level shield but its standard is not a 5th level skill shield.


    Expand station field. It is a technique that improves and expands the skill of the shield. Because it is a skill that spreads through a shield, the level of the shield is affected to some extent.


    The shields current level is only 3, but its ok since most of the hunters gathering are low-level hunters.


    However, theres a disadvantage. The movement speed will slow down to about half while using this technique. But its not a big problem because this ce is not that big. Haaa!


    Whaaa!


    The enemies didnt attack only through the main door.


    Taaaaang!


    Bang!


    Ahh! Han Joon-seok moaned. It is a bullet shot through the window.


    Are you okay?


    Its not that serious. Dont worry about me and just stop those hunters froming in!


    Han Joon-seok loaded the dragon killer with arrows. A sniper is a good striker, but a dragon killer takes a range of 5 meters in radius around the target area. If he will add Bae Yeonkyoungs 1st level enchant to it, he can make the damage worse. This can be said to be much better when dealing with most of the enemies.


    The arrow fired from the dragon killer flew away with a distorted atmosphere. I felt intense heat.


    Euaaaah!


    Ahhhh! Nearby enemies rolled in mes. The main door was lit by Cho Young-gu. Next to him is Jong Sawon who helped and killed the enemies who were about to enter.


    I moved at the middle of the warehouse. The enemies are about 200. Im sure they will find other ways to enter the warehouse.


    I started thinking from the enemys perspective or point of view. If I am the leader of the enemys group, what will I do to take over this warehouse? Entering through the front door is hard. It is difficult to enter through the window either. It is because the size of the wooden window is so small that only one person can pass by. Will they enter through the wall? A warehouse made of thick wood over 50cm in radius was not broken by a few attacks. They must have at least level 4 equipment and should hit the wall continuously to be able to break it. Its possible, but theres a risk for the warehouse to copse if theyll do it.


    We all know that Chungho group will not allow that to happen.


    Theres another way to enter without destroying the whole warehouse. I lifted my head. The ceiling or roof of the warehouse is made up with much thinner woods than the walls because if the weight of the ceiling is too heavy, theres a possibility for the wall to copse. The ceiling will break, but it does not hinder the role of the barrier.


    If I am them, I will break the ceiling ande in. Step. Step. Step.


    The other enemies went to the roof, I can hear their footsteps. If they will create a hole to the ceiling for them to enter, the barrier will break down.


    Ill just go up to the ceiling for a while.


    Why? Soo Ah asked.


    At that moment the ceiling crashed and a hunter jumped. I was ready beforehand, and I attacked him before he knew.


    [200+]


    Blood sshed and the reward score came in. Whenever I see this number, I get a feeling of numbness in my head. Its because I feel like Im in a monster state rather than killing people.


    I erased unnecessary thoughts and jumped up over the ceiling. I saw an enemy who is nning toe down from the roof to enter the warehouse. Our eyes met.


    I swung the sword.


    The long sword of Kangta is level 4. No other equipment below its level can afford this attack. Ahhhkk!


    There were three more hunters on the roof and ten more who came from below outside the warehouse. Poook!


    An arrow hit on his shoulder exploded. His hair is burning. Oh dang. My thoughts are wrong. Its not just one.


    Arrows are pouring like raindrops. I can possibly get hit by these arrows. Dont they know how valuable each hunter is?


    Dancing Sword! I raised my hand. Voicemands are the best in times of emergency.


    The dancing sword that helped me earlier came flying through the window.


    Ting Ting Ting!


    The pouring arrows bounced out everywhere. I didnt put much attention about the arrows, but focused only on the enemies pushing the sword. Die!


    These are the hunters who have already seen blood in the battle with Ezekiel.


    Shoook!


    An additional sword stabs me hard. However, they cannot defeat me and my ckte armor with their attack levels. I trusted the armor I am wearing, moved forward and attacked them.


    Ahhhk!


    Ahhh!!! The two enemies were rattled by the attack.


    aang!


    aang!


    Two swords came out through the air. Im wearing a level 6 armor. As long as its not Wei Woongbei, these things can not hurt me.


    I threw the long sword of Kangta horizontally.


    [200+]


    [300+]


    A number of wild birds came up in the air.


    Haaaaaaa! Meanwhile, dozens of hunters rushed over the roof. My job is to prevent them from breaking into the roof. I just have to stop them.


    If Ill use a lot of power here, they will not be able to jump into the warehouse easily.


    I put my long sword into my manual and threw the throwable weapons as soon as I got them. Shuuu! Shuuu!


    I stepped forward, spin and threw another one.


    And again, and again.


    I threw a total of ten weapons. Level 1, Level 2, each of the damage was different, but the power and speed of the weapons caused a disastrous effect to the enemies. Ahhhh!


    Uhhh.


    There is no immediate death, but its a damage that is hard to fight at all. I couldnt believe it. I just dropped ten people with a breath. Im much stronger than I thought. My head rose up.


    I jumped from the roof and entered the warehouse. I hit the back of the enemies who attacked Cho Young-gu and knocked them all down.


    Jeon Sangmin, at your back!  Shweeeeek!


    Ting ting ting!


    Cho Young-gu tried to warn me. The dancing sword prevented an arrow from hitting my back.


    He sighed in relief.


    Ha, thats really good, though.


    I turned around and faced the enemies.


    Shiiing!


    aaang!


    Ahhh!


    Akkk!


    Wee Woongbeis expression hardened when he saw that the first group of hunters he sent was defeated in an instant. Unlike his prediction, he would have realized that the resistance of our team is strong and that he is being pushed to the edge.


    There are two choices left to him.


    He should put a lot of power and beat our team to upy this warehouse then build a connection with Ezekiel. Or just escape. If I were him, I would just run away, but Wei Woongbei doesnt think like that.


    He raised his voice and shouted to other hunters. Whatever happens, take the warehouse and get the equipment! We are the Chungho group! Chungho group doesnt back down!


    It is like telling them to sacrifice their lives just to take the warehouse and equipment. Fraud. Scam.


    For me, I can nevermand such orders. Of course I like money, too. There are many things I can do with money, but they shouldnt be mistreated and they dont have to deal with unfair things.


    I do not intend to get an item as my life goes on. Once Im alive, I can do anything. I cant afford to sacrifice the party members for my wealth.


    But these guys of Chungho group are different. They were used at following orders even if sometimes its insane to still follow.

 Chapter 82

    Chapter 82


    Enemies attacked with arrows and blew sling shots. They are running like crazy aiming to hit us. Hundreds of hunters red at me. To be honest, Im quite afraid, but we cant back out here. I need to defeat first the other enemies, since the scammer, Wee Woongbei is more powerful than me. I went to the rooftop and jumped off the ground. Enemies who went near the warehouse saw me. Arrows and bullets flew toward me. I ignored all those attacks and lifted the Toyul hammer over my head. I flew for almost 3 meters. I inserted all the power I have in my body and hit the hammer to the ground.


    aang!


    Boom!


    The ground exploded, electricity flowed along the broken floor.


    Aaahh!


    Ahhh! The radially extending maic field caused some enemies nearby to be electrically charged. A lot of them lost their mind and were very shocked by what they saw. Some of them were trapped, partly because the floor was destroyed and they couldnt get out of it.


    Damn..


    What the whats that .?


    The enemies who were able to escape from the attacks of the Toyul hammer were shocked by seeing what happened to theirrades. Even Wee Woongbei was surprised and couldnt close his mouth. It is true that the Toyul hammer is a level 5 equipment, but the damage increases and will cause destructive damage depending on the force inserted by the user.


    What is this


    The Toyul hammer showed sufficient strength to defeat the enemies. The enemies who were not afraid to die earlier were now reluctant and hesitating toe to the warehouse. The Ezekiel group began to hit the back of the Chungho group. Wee Woongbei screamed like a thunderbolt to his men.


    If you step back from here, youre all dead! We still can enter through the front door!


    But


    That bastard is too strong!


    Lead the way Wee Woongbei, please ..  He did not respond immediately. This is an evidence that they are not perfectly trained. Wee Woongbeis face shed red.


    Fine! I will move first then follow me!


    Wee Woongbei pulled out his sword and jumped up through the air. There were three men who followed him closely. Through the manual, I saw that they are all level 5 of top-level hunters.


    In terms of equipment and skill, they are betterpared to Cho Young-gu and Jong Sawon. However, if we will considerbat experience, we are still better than them.


    I need to stop Wee Woongbei and his enemies from entering the warehouse.


    I only hit the ground for once by the Toyul hammer but the damage distance is 10 meters. Wee Woongbei went near the damaged ground. He bent his body like a bow. I remember this technique when I fought against Ha Jeongho.


    Falling meteor.


    A technique that pours hundreds of swords in a wide area or ces.


    If I will suddenly encounter that technique without prior knowledge, I might have been helpless. But I already know this technique.


    The glowing swords poured like stars. The power of each meteor is enough to break a rock.


    I started hitting the pouring swords one by one using the long sword of Kangta.


    ng! ng! ng! Boom!


    Every single sword bounced off everywhere and exploded.


    Ow! That surprised me! Wait. Is this a hole?!!!


    I heard Cho Young-gu screamed from inside.


    Some of the meteor swords bounced at Cho Young-gus force field shield, and theres a big hole in it.


    The fact that it created a hole on Cho Young-gus shield, which is concentrated on defense despite its wide-range status, means that those swords has a tremendous destructive power.


    It seemed to be because of the 100% increase in the damage skill, and it was Wee Woongbei who knew the power well.


    Wee Woongbei smirked. Of course I thought I would get hit by those scary pouring swords. But I know that I will not fight alone. As I approached him, I grabbed the sword horizontally towards Wee Woongbei. I wonder if the agitation was severe. Wee Woongbei didnt even notice that I was approaching, but good for him, he were able to prevent my attack. He stepped back with his astonished face. I chased him and attacked in a row, attacking from both sides. My enemy is not only Wee Woongbei. The other 3 enemy tried to stab me at my neck.


    They attacked at the same time in three directions. It caused a perfect defense enough to be able to prevent the disastrous damages.


    There was a certain confidence in their face that their attack will be sessful. But theyre wrong.


    At that time, Wee Woongbei screamed.


    Stay back!


    Its alreadyte. These guys came too near. Instead of dodging, I grab my long sword.


    First, I cut off the chain linking to the il-like weapon. It is abination of a long rod made of iron and a rtively short metal rod connected to a chain. I let go of the chain between them, and the il part was caught in the sword and tightly bounded to the sword.


    The only weapon we have is sealed by the enemy using this guy who have the iron rod as his weapon. But there is something they dont know. My strength is over three times than theirs. I removed the iron rod sealing our weapon and attacked the guy near me. Pook!


    Woah


    What the.


    The other two men were surprised and recovered their weapons.


    This jerk!


    Its not just you guys. We will attack together.


    Wee Woongbei said. Now theyre only three since I killed the other one. They moved with their weapons. If its a one-on-one fight, I can still deal with it, but it will be difficult if I have to fight three people at once.


    Behind them were all the forces of Chungho group running like crazy. It seemed that Ezekiel followed closely.


    I wanted to run away right now, but I shouldnt. I am alone to fight with them, with Wee Woongbei as their leader, so Im quite worried what will going to happen. I needed someone who could keep up with me and be able to deal with them.


    Soo Ah and the Jong Sawon went up. Cho Young-gu is needed to y the role of guarding the front door and protecting the other party members.Who am I to take?Soo Ah said.It is dangerous to deal with them. Ill just fight against these three, just move to the corner. Tch. Ok.Nod.


    Jong Sawon also nodded. He knows he cant fight with these hunters. Honestly speaking, Wee Woongbeis men are stronger than these two in terms of both skill and equipment. If theyll do a one-on-one fight, the enemies can win in an instant.


    Leisurely Walk.


    Of course, there is a little difference from the legendary scene in the martial arts.


    Its just a level that makes it possible to jump up and down in the air.


    However, thanks to the added jump, there is an advantage that the air maneuvre (T/N: move skillfully or carefully.) is free and the attack can be three-dimensional. And all his skills are wide. It is useful to use two-step jump because he should pour out the technique once and fall off.


    Falling meteor!


    That again?


    Another technique of his is called the Moon wind, which blows a big circle.


    Nevertheless, it is true that the Falling meteor is a powerful attack. I swung my sword calmly and the swords pouring begun to bounce everywhere.


    ng! ng! ng!Moon Wind!Damn!He attacked me with no dy following a percussion meteor. I didnt expect that he would use two skills in a row. I panicked and ran into the back, but I didnt get rid of the ck rock star.


    ng!


    Ahh!


    Luckily, it is not a big damage in my armor, but theres a stinging pain in my eyes. Pain, by itself, causes stiffness in my body that made me fall.


    He rushed towards me as if he had never missed a chance of losing his grip. Two of his men ran at the same time.


    Soo Ah shouted out loud.


    Be careful!


    I cant get up from the floor. I reached out to the air and pulled out the Toyul hammer.


    Bang! I cant put a lot of force in hitting the floor by the Toyul hammer, but I seeded in slowing down the struggling guys from running. I stepped back.


    Sunbeh oppa! Are you okay?

 Chapter 83

    Chapter 83


    Im ok.


    Are you out of your mind?! That seemed really dangerous


    I didnt mean to be careless. But the strength of the enemies just exceeded my expectations.


    I didnt expect him to use two skills in a row. The normal hunter skills cannot be used continuously because the cool time is different depending on the skill used.


    This guy had the ability. Anyway, if thats all of it, I will not let it happen twice.


    Theres nothing to worry about.


    Jong Sawon said. I tried to protect them. In the first ce, Jong Sawon doesnt care a lot about life. Just following me to catch monster is dangerous. I dont want him to die in the battle.


    There are items that can be sold at a fairly high price even if it is a wound healing potion. Is there a potion that can cure diseases like cancer? I think I might be able to get some more high-level items.


    I spoke. Please follow my words now.


    The first strike was definitely over. Its time for me to counterattack. My turn.


    I once again hit the Toyul Hammer. The ground exploded and electricity ran on the floor. Spread!


    The men followed Wee Woongbeis order and spread out. I ran toward the nearest enemy.


    He is holding a spear. I remember this guy, Ryu Gaushin. I ran at a speed that exceeded his expectations and reced the Toyul hammer with a long sword of Kangta.


    Fast weapon swap is another advantage of the manual.


    Ahh!


    Ryu Gaushins body was pushed backwards. I didnt use a level 5 weapon but I think it caused a considerable damage. I rushed to him quickly but Wee Woongbei blocked me, trying to protect Ryu Gaushin.


    Oh. The attacker and the defender swapped their positions, and this guy has no defender. Even his armor is only level 1.


    I wielded the sword like a lightning bolt. I was thinking to cut off his arm at once.


    ng!


    Wee Woongbeis sword attacked my sword and struck my arm like a snake. I hurriedly moved my body. That could cut my arm if I didnt move quickly.


    You mudfish!


    As soon as I stepped off, the long iron bar fell over my head, luckily I immediately moved. Its the attack of one of Wee Woongbeis guy. As I stepped back, the rod that hit the ground rotated. It swept my legs.


    The iron bar went under my leg, the spear of Ryu Gaushin pierced me in a straight line from behind. This is difficult to avoid.


    Pooook!


    The spear struck my body, but he didnt put a lot of force in it.


    Ahhhk!


    While he is concentrating on me, the dancing sword attacked his temple (T/N: the t part of either side of the head between the forehead and the ear.). Ryu Gaushin fell on the floor, spitting blood. In an unprotected situation, the attack was enough to kill him.


    Soo Ah and Jong Sawon rushed to the guy with the iron bars. If it is 1 on 1 fight, it is impossible, but 2 to 1? This two can win against that guy.


    I jumped to the top of Wee Woongbei with the dancing sword in escort mode.


    Falling meteor!


    Wee Woongbei said.


    Its the same technique, but this time its a bunch of swords that shoot up from above. Immediately before it hit my body, I put the dancing sword on my right. At that moment, I saw him smirked. A cold sensation tickled the back of my head.


    Shiiiiing!


    The light shed to me. Its nothing at first, but the pain cameter. I rolled to the floor with a stinging feeling. It was so fast that I didnt even know what hit me. Sunbeh oppa!


    Sangmin!


    I heard Soo Ah and Jong Sawons voices. Did they able to handle the guy holding the iron rods?


    The manual revealed the name of the weapon he used.


    -


    Palgra Hatchel (7): A strong proximity weapon that radiates a charged force in a straight line. The speed cannot be avoided with the eyes. It has a 24-hour cool time.


    - It is an item that is not revealed in the manual earlier. Even if it is in the body, not all will be visible except the items or equipment.


    The problem is that that is not an old item. None of the items I remember have anything like that. I dont know where he got it, but it must have been an item from the new system.


    I heard Wee Woongbei spoke.


    I can only use that attack once a day. Even if you are wearing an armor, you will not be able to survive.


    Thats right. The power of Palgra Hatchel is so dangerous that it would kill me in a moment. The strength of that weapon is impressive. I nodded and got up from the ground.


    Yeah, right. I was really surprised.


    What?


    Wee Woongbei looked at me like he saw a ghost. Surprised that Im still alive, huh? I looked down at my chest and looked at my armor. Surprisingly, my armor was fine. It seemed that Palgra Hatchel will hurt only the person inside the armor.


    I want to take that weapon. Give it to me. How did you


    You dont need to know.


    I swung a sword towards Wee Woongbei. Although he turned a little bit, he didnt avoid getting his right arm cut off. Blood flew out of his elbows like a fountain, and a palm-sized lightbulb floated into the air. I brought it to my list of items using the dancing sword. Its disappointing that this weapon can only be used once a day (because its cool time is 24 hours), but I think its too good to use ast resort in a battle.


    Sunbeh oppa, how did you ..  Soo Ah rante, paused and spoke.


    Of course I used immortal skill again. I have already used this skill once, and the cool time is still going on. It does not make sense that you are still alive after being attacked to death. But theres nothing strange.


    You know the venttion potion.


    I answered.


    Ah.


    I ate one of the two venttion potion I had.


    I did a cool time reset. I didnt know that I could use it for immortality.


    I used the long sword of Kangta to attacked Wee Woongbei. I stared at him. He was staring at me with his distorted face, holding his clipped arm. All the three men who followed him already fell down.


    How dare you


    His lips twisted. He cant defeat all the three of us alone. Its hard to beat me in the first ce.


    Bang! Bang!


    Boom! Shing!


    ng! Shiiik!


    Chungho group continued to attack the warehouse. Cho Youngoos defense is too good and powerful; otherwise the main entrance would have been left open.


    Bang!


    In the end, the wall of the warehouse where Chungho group is attacking began to copse.


    It is only a matter of time before the wall copses.


    Oh damn.


    Above all, it is better to guard the warehouse than to kill Wee Woongbei.


    I have to leave that guy to Ezekiel.


    I turned my back on him. Soo Ah and Jung Sawon, along with me, began to shoot down the guys who attacked the warehouse.


    Ahh!


    Ahhkk!


    The other enemies were killed by the two. However, a lot of people clung to the warehouse, and the number was increasing. Soo Ah and Jong Sawon cant handle them alone. I let the dancing sword flew to help the two, and once again I hit the Toyul hammer against the Chungho group running to the warehouse. ng!


    Bang! Bang!


    The attack was carried out with all the power, and the floor copsed. It swallowed up the Chungho group that was trying to attack us.


    I cannot do this without the special skill of just hitting the ground. I was able to destroy the power of six-level items.


    However, even though Wee Woongbei has only one arm, it took a considerable amount of time to take an item from Wee Woongbei, a 6th level hunter.


    Well, its better than leaving the warehouse open. Still, the number of Chungho group is not easy for us.


    I think its time.


    I went up to the roof of the warehouse and looked at the enemies.


    The Toyul hammer had a little damage on the Ezekiel group because they were staying at the back of the Chungho group.


    We entered the warehouse through a hole in the ceiling.


    Sohn Aram spoke.


    Uh, what happened?


    I think this is going to be tough. Even if we were able to block the Chungho group, its too hard to deal with the Ezekiel group.


    Then what should we do? Are we going to die here?

 Chapter 84

    Chapter 84


    The voice of Sohn Aram is surprisingly cool. To what extent does this person have already been prepared to die from this ce? Or is she originally that brave?


    No, we have to run away. We have time to do that.


    Run away? The back of this warehouse is also surrounded by the Chungho group.


    We cant just go through the door.


    We should think another way..


    While Sohn Aram is thinking of other way, a giant Cerberus rose from the ground. Its Kelby. Everyone was surprised and looked at him. As he looked around, he immediately ran to Yoenkyoung. She patted Kelbys head.


    Somehow I didnt saw him. Manager Kim spoke.


    He dug up an underground tunnel.


    Sohn Aram looked at the ground from which Kelby had return. Theres a hole of enough size for one to pass. Everyone ducked into the hole that Kelby had dug. But the party members needed someone who will guard while they are escaping.


    Soo Ah left. The reason she left is to use the cobweb (Archne Leather Armor) to block the entrance and the window so no one can enter the warehouse while we are escaping.


    Its too dangerous so after you finish your work, go in the tunnel immediately.


    But I can fight well, too. Youre worsepared to me.


    Sunbeh oppa, you can now be immortal. I will just stick around next to you.


    Well


    There is still one more potion left. It will be a waste to consume more potions here because we should only use it while fighting with strong opponents like Wee Woongbei. We were done fighting with him. But I cant say such thing to her.


    Soo Ah shot a cobweb on the front door and the window frame and closed it tightly. As it is the ability of a level 3 item, the low-level hunters will take some time to break through the warehouse.


    She jumped through the ceiling.


    After Soo Ahpletely shut up to the ceiling, we went into the tunnel. We have a lot of time to escape.


    We started moving cautiously and carefully away from the battlefield. Anyway, Ive got all the items, so the only thing they can only recover are the bodies, but well, I think they cant even recover the bodies. I felt that the winning side would benefit greatly from winning the battle.


    But now I did not want to jump in that mess and sort things out. The winners get to enjoy the glory of victory, and we can get away with just what we get.


    Is it really okay?


    Han Joon-seok asked.


    What?


    Your face full of regrets.


    is that so?


    Well, I cant say no. Hard work is enough. We dont need to sacrifice our lives anymore.


    If you do not know the concept of satisfaction, youll end up spoiling yourself and just do whatever you want to do.


    If we sell out all of the items now, it is enough to make a lot of money.


    Haaa Being a hunter is a terrible job.


    Sohn Aram sighs with her head down. She saw the scene of death and killing each other.


    It is not usually like this. We just had a bad luck.


    Is that so?


    The reactions of the party members were strange. Soo Ah asked me.


    Our party is not always like this?


    Well, if you think about it, I guess it happened every time. Manager Kim said.


    I used to think that ordinary hunters were originally like this.


    No way. Originally, its much safer. Dont you know the 3 percent mortality? Originally thats it. No matter how ordinary the hunter is.


    You just heard it from manager Kim.


    Still, it makes a lot of money.


    Thats admitted.


    They were all started at level one and two, and the aplishments they have achieved are the aplishments of a faster period than any previous hunter.


    Thats the same with me. I didnt even imagine that Im going to be like this a few months ago.


    It feels like yesterday that I paid for 100,000 won.


    Anyway, Id like to see the faces of the Chungho group, but I feel sorry.


    Manager Kim said as if he was sorry. I wonder what they will look like if they find out that all of the items they have stored in the warehouse have disappeared. Wee Woongbei, who sacrificed his men and lost one arm of his own, might be so pissed off knowing that we escaped with their items.


    But it does not end here. The Chungho group is only a part of it. There are about 3,000 members of Chungho group in the whole forest, and it is impossible to sweep them alone, including the power of the Ezekiel group.


    After all, the government must step forward and put hunters in ce. In order to do so, the role of Sohn Aram is important.


    I spoke to her.


    Is the evidence sufficient?


    I think this is enough. At least nobody else would ignore this, unless he or she is stupid.


    She nodded and answered.


    There are also Chungho groups photos, video clips, and our Chinese prisoners who will testify decisively.Now its time to return safely with the evidence.I arrived at the ce where the ATV is parked with the party members beside on it. I let the rest of them ride on the vehicle first, except Soo Ah.Go ahead first. We have something to finish for a moment. I said to the party members.Oh, then we will just wait the two of you at the bridge.Han Joon-seok answered first. This guy is really quick to notice the situation happening around him.


    When all the party members rode in the vehicle, Soo Ah spoke with a confused face.


    Uh Why are we left?


    I talked to Han Joon-seok who is in the vehicle already instead of answering her.


    Han Joon-seok, just please follow my words.


    This oppa is acting strange. How do you know what that Sunbeh oppa is trying to do?


    Soo Ah asked to Han Joon-seok.


    Well that guy is a little too quick to notice. I answered Soo Ah instead.


    Theres a reason. I dont want them to do it, its a dirty job.


    Han Joon-seok really believes me that whatever I do, hell always be on my side.


    What are you trying to do?


    Once you follow, youll know.


    We left the party members and started to move.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Boom!


    I heard the sound of the Ezekiel group and the Chungho group fighting. I and Soo Ah moved slowly. After a while, we arrived at the destination.


    This ce is the.?  Soo Ah frowned and spoke.


    There were dozens of dead bodies around her. This is where the two groups were fighting before they moved to the warehouse. Soo Ah suddenly spoke as if she had something.


    No way, these body  everything


    Yes, Ill give it a lift.


    I will take all the benefits that I could get. However, if Sohn Aram sees this, it may have a problem. Thats why I sent her first with the other party members so I can do my work.


    Soo Ah pulled out a pair of gloves from her pocket. It is a functional glove that porters really love. Originally, it is used for the recovery of ores, but well just use this because we do not want to touch the dead bodies directly.


    Uh . this is something I dont want to do.


    You dont have to touch it with your hands.


    Dont you have to touch it yourself?


    Because of the upgrade, it changed a bit.


    And what is it?


    I briefly exined it. I dont need to hurry up to exin. If I cant trust Soo Ah, I cant trust anyone. And as much as possible, its better to have fewer secrets. The more we hide, the less we will have to trust each other.


    Oh, so thats how it is.


    Yeah.


    I wonder why I wear this ss every day.


    Is it a punishment?


    No, I feel sexy if I look intellect and smart.


    She spoke sexily. Is she kidding and trying to kill me with her joke?


    Youre the only one who thinks that.


    Is that so?


    Uh.. yeah?


    Well, whatever. Anyway, what kind of reduction will you make with these bodies?


    Just make a simple choice.


    I said that and opened the manager mode of the manual. This is a new feature in the Delta Store. Theres a setting that will allow the reduction function to be switched off. An option is given to make a simple choice with a button, such as when you acquire an item or an ore.


    The rest of the manager mode is still locked. Other than that, it was unnecessary to put the frequency in sses or to change the color of the manual text. The function that can be used at the mean time is the function of reduction.


    Tik.


    When I clicked on the virtual button, the bodies began to disassemble themselves. When Soo Ah saw all the blood from the body spilled into the air, she just opened her mouth in disbelief. But how is the human body reduced to items?


    Now I have to ask you  Is it the first thing to ask from the beginning, how is the monsters reduced to items in the first ce?


    Well, thats also strange.


    While waiting for the body to return, I looked at the Delta store. In fact, it was the most important item in this upgrade. When I entered the store, I got a list of items. The most gorgeous item, its called Escape, and a wound healing potion first stood out. In addition, several low-level items were shown. Some of the items are new for me and I saw them for the first time, but some of them are familiar. It means these are all the items of the new system. I can buy it!


    Amazing.


    What is it?


    Hold on a second.


    I stared at the store with my eyes wide open. There are a lot of items. Although there are only level 1 and level 2 items, there are a lot of options that Ive never seen before. It could be useful depending on the situation. All in all, it was a good idea to have a new system version of the Hunter Market.

 Chapter 85

    Chapter 85


    It seems like the Hunter Market is not being run by a specificpany, but I was wondering who would manage such a huge variety of items.


    But how do we buy these items?


    Hmmm


    The currency of the store is called EP. And 1EP is the amount you could get when you changed one item. It was irrelevant even to the level. Whether you change 1 level or change 10 levels, it is equal to 1EP.


    The excitement sank. In any case, it is extremely expensive. The cheapest item costs 5EP, 5 pieces of Escape, or one bottle of wound healing potion. For the equipment, they cost more than 10EP per piece. It is difficult to see the item by changing 10 items. The good thing about the system is that the new system is more versatile than the old system. There are also things that can be used in everyday life as well as weapons.


    For example


    10-Person Van (2): A rugged design van. A total of 10 people can be boarded. The inner space is wider more than what is visible outside.


    The price is 100EP. Its incredibly expensive, but on the other hand, its an item. In other words, it can be stored in the manual. Moreover, it is not affected by physical force. Its aplete bulletproof vehicle, and even if it will be on an ident, it would not hurt anyone who is inside it.


    Considering these advantages, the price of 100EP is not as expensive as it is .. but its incredibly expensive!


    Its 100EP! Thats 100 items!


    Hoooo.


    I sighed.


    If you sell it in the market, you can get at least $10 billion.


    The money can buy dozens of cars that are much better. It is a foolish thing to spend $10 billion on transportation unless you really have a lot of money.


    Why do you suddenly sighed? Oh, its nothing. I have to think for a while.


    Is there nothing else besides that?


    There is.


    What is it?


    Uh well thats


    I was interested in exining the shop. I exined it to her.


    Oh~ I think its ok.


    Yeah its okay. Its 100EP. Are you crazy?


    Its a lot of money anyway. If you think its an investment, its not that bad.


    Youre getting lost in the sense of reality. After a while, the bodies werepletely reduced. The numbers were about 100 items that the body was equipped with, and about 10 items were dropped. We settle it for a while then we both decided to go back to the party members.


    While were heading back


    Huh ?


    Soo Ah suddenly lift her head and looked around as if it is strange.


    Whats wrong with this guy, all of a sudden?


    (T/N: I dont know if this is not the first time that Jeon Sangmin called Soo Ah a guy, but I double checked it in the original book, the MC really called Soo Ah a guy, so dont be confused whether Soo Ah is a girl or a boy. Maybe its just the authors way of showing that these two characters are really close xD )


    What are you doing? I asked.


    Theres that loud sound earlier, but I cant hear it now.


    Sound? What are you talking about?


    The battle has stopped.


    Ah


    I just realized it now. The battle ce became so quiet. Is the battle over?


    At that moment, I felt cold. The battle is not over. Ezekiel and the Chungho is not the only silent one, but the whole forest.


    Whats this


    Creepy.


    An ufortable sensation, the strong aura shivered. Overwhelming hatred, as if it should catch all that is alive. And flesh.


    ROOOOAAAAR!!! A loud roar. Just nearby. It is on the warehouse area where the battle is taking ce. In the end, theres a loud scream everywhere.


    This it was that, right?


    Soo Ah asked with a firm look.


    I nodded.


    Yeah it is. Hes also very powerful.


    The monster is summoned in the middle of the battlefield. He is at least a level 6 monster, or maybe more than level 7. I came across the Palgra Hatchel that I got from Wee Woongbei. It may already gained these kind of experience.


    I couldnt get a new level 7 item. He is powerful. And with that fact, something continued to whirl over my head.


    What kind of items will I get if I catch this monster?


    I just do not feel like running away. Soo Ah said.


    We moved carefully to the ce where the irregr appeared.


    (T/N: They call the monster irregr.)


    Kwaaaah! Again I heard a roaring from the forest. It sounds like hes so strong. I moved my neck to loosen the tense on my muscles and checked the position of the monster.


    Oh my gosh


    Soo Ah said without knowing it. It was a huge monster that was raging there in apletely outfitted warehouse. Nearly 10 meters in height. A powerful exoskeleton that covers his whole body. On top of it is a sharp stinging bone like thorn.


    The body itself is slimmer than the taller ones. That is even worse.


    For normal monsters, the bigger and stronger the monster is, the slower the speed is. However, this guy is attacking the Chungho group, moving at a faster speedpared to that of the hunters.


    Long arms and long legs. The body of the exoskeleton with the thorn is a powerful weapon by itself. His name came up in the manual. Oh, it became impossible to view it after the second upgrade.


    Gragoion (7)


    It was only the name and the level without exnation, but it was the information that came out from nothing in terms of being able to measure the enemys ability.


    Raaaaah!


    Shit! Run away!


    The situation of the Chungho group was the worst because they faced an irregr without any preparation. Even if they try to run away, there is no way to go if the Ezekiel group is around them. Move!


    Where?!


    Some of the Chungho members ran but died miserably. The Ezekiel group no longer blocked the Chungho group, but they did not let them escape.


    That Can we catch him? Soo Ah suddenly asked.


    I think its going to be hard. I shook my head. Wee Woongbei lost an arm so it will be very hard for him to fight properly. The rest of them had no choice but to fight and die with this monster.


    What would I do in this situation if I were them? No matter how I think, there is no answer.


    I never dreamed that this would happen.


    While Chungho group is fighting, Gragoion hit them.


    Kwaaaah!Ahhhh!Help me!Shit! What are we going to do?! The number of Chungho group decreased to almost 200 in a short period of time. All that left should escape. Wee Woongbei also gave a loudmand, having the same idea as mine.Escape to the east!Chungho group moved to the ce following the order of Wee Woongbei. It looked like reckless, but there is hope atst.It is the personal ability of Woongbei. Hunter is different from martial arts. Even if there are serious injuries, the ability to maintainbat strength can be maintained if only the equipment is in ce.


    Falling meteor!


    Get out of here!


    He lost his other arm but he exerted a powerful strength unlike any other. The hunters of Ezekiel, who were within the area, were amazed and excited.


    However, some of the slower feet were caught and got hit by the meteors, at the same time, they disappeared without even a trace.


    The Ezekiel group gathered in circle again thats why the Chungho group stopped. Wee Woongbei spoke with a fox look. I did not hear what he was saying, but I could see how angry he was.


    Kwaaaaang!


    Soon afterwards, a falling meteor hit the scene again. It seemed ridiculous to see how surprised he was and hurriedly stepped back. How long will he wait to re-use the falling meteor?


    Im not sure That guy, he was stronger than I thought.


    I can say that its just a coincidence to defeat Wee Woongbei, because now, I can see him, that despite of having his one arm clipped, he still fought against Han Jeongho, Ezekiels leader. But eventually Ezekiel won. Han Jeongho took the back of the Chungho group, who escaped, and theyre struggling to win the battle against Ezekiel.


    I think the battle is over.


    So now, will the Ezekiel catch that monster?


    Maybe.


    Arent you gonna catch it? Were not here just to watch.


    We have to get in at the right time.


    We do not need to catch this irregr in greed. If Ill kill a level 7 monster anyway, the score Ill receive is only 700 points.


    I watched the battle slowly with Soo Ah. It was then.


    Suddenly, Gragoion hit his head and started to roar loudly. This is not simply the excitement of the battle. It feels like wolves calling colleagues. I looked around the battlefield.


    It was noticeable that the ck energy wasing out from the dead hunters of the Chungho group.What is that? I asked.What?Dont you see that? Whats getting out of the bodies? Im not sure?When Soo Ah shook her head, I took off her sses and looked at the battlefield again. When she wore the sses again, I could confirm that the ck light I just saw was graduallying to one.It gradually formed a clear shape, and soon it produced one thing.Woah, his wife appeared. Soo Ah said.How do you know if its a female?Womens instinct. whatever.

 Chapter 86

    Chapter 86


    (T/N: Hey~ I want to apologize for being silent for how many weeks and days because I was busy preparing for my final exam and since it was finals, projects and requirements were also included. But now finally! I just finished myst exam today so expect a lot of chapters being published starting next week! Thank you for being patient and enjoy reading~)


    - When another monster appeared, the battlefield became like an ambush scene. Ezekiel, who was slowly pressuring the Chungho group, was hit the hardest. It was because the monster who appeared this time jumped into Ezekiels encirclement around the Chungho group.


    The situation now is not where Han Jeongho is trying to block Wee Woongbei, but this time, the two irregrs began to ughter five hundred hunters on both groups.


    Kwaaaaaarrr! Ahhk!


    Mommy!


    Three or four hunters were killed in Gragorions blow. Looking at this scene, it feels like Im watching a movie.


    This  Soo Ah said.


    is not good. I think its very impossible to catch even one monster. I interrupted.


    Then what should we do? Do you think you should help them now?


    No, lets wait


    The Chungho group and Ezekiel are also an organization that will do everything for their own gain. Now that they are in such a situation, there is no reason to feel sorry and pity for them. But still I cant catch the two monsters alone. One monster had to deal with me, and the other had to deal with the Chungho and Ezekiel group.


    I will wait for the Chungho group and the Ezekiel group to decrease its current alive hunters into half. I think I can defeat that number. Why? As I have said earlier, these two groups will do anything for their own benefit. Theyre still my enemies. I dont know what theyre nning.


    I quietly waited.


    It took only ten minutes for them to be half. However, it seems that Ezekiel and Chungho group were in agreement with each other to fight against these irregrs. Now it is slowly rushing to the final chapter for theplete destruction.


    Why dont they just run away?


    Of course they cant do that. The monsters are also instinctively working to defeat their opponents. First of all, Chungho group is dying. Its going to be a little bit of a challenge for them.


    But there are only two monsters! If they run away, they will be able to escape theplete destruction they are about to face, well if not all of them, at least some will survive.


    There must be a reason for that.


    I couldnt see clearly whats currently happening. I think I should enter now the battlefield.


    Wait for me here.


    Ok.


    Soo Ah nodded. I was surprised because she answered too sincerely.


    Youre not going to ask me why?


    Im afraid I will just going to be in trouble and get in the way if Ille to you. She exined.


    Oh. So youre not a fool anymore, huh?


    Tch. I hasten to inform you that.


    Dont worry, I know you cant do anything about it anyway. Ill just give you a good signal from the situation.  Its because Im afraid youll hurt yourself.


    Are you now pretending to be worried?


    Yes. She answered without hesitation.


    My face suddenly felt so hot after she answered. I quickly turned my head and looked over the battlefield for her not to notice.


    I was just about to run, but I felt a soft touch on my back. It was a little creepy.


    What are you doing? I asked. Why is this girl touching me?!


    Umm. I think the atmosphere should be this way.


    Dont do as you please.


    I was going to forcibly remove her hand from me but she just stayed like that and spoke.


    Wait.


    What again?


    The potion.


    Huh?


    Drink the potion first before you go.


    But I only have one left.


    The potion is not sold in the Delta store yet.


    I wont let you go unless youll drink the potion.


    I felt her arms holding me with a tremendous force. Is she forcing me now to drink the potion? I sighed lightly and nodded.


    Alright, alright. Ill drink it so please remove your hands off of me.


    I want to show off and boast by not drinking a potion, but she has a point. Those are powerful monsters, and there are still few Ezekiel and Chungho group, my enemies.


    Well then,e back safely.


    She pushed my back lightly. I rushed into the scattered battlefield. Punch!


    Gragorions powerful punch hit the ground.


    One hunter was unable to escape by the attack and died, unable to scream. I hit the monsters fist with the long sword of Kangta.


    ng!


    The long sword of Kangta was thrown out. The 4th level equipment didnt even caused the metallic exoskeleton to have a scratch. Well, hes a 7th level monster.


    You you


    One of the Chungho hunters were surprised to saw me and stepped back. Leave this monster to me and just help the others defeat the other one.


    I pointed out the Gragorion whos attacking the Ezekiels side, he was flustered and stepped back.


    Wee Woongbei spoke as soon as he saw me.


    This son of a bitch! What are you up to, huh?!


    ng! ng!


    I have no time to answer him. Gragorion came to me as he noticed my presence and pushed his fist down on the ground.


    Uh.


    The wind pressure alone makes my face tingling. I huddled and dodged the attack, then jumped to the ground again and ran towards him. If this level 7 monster is going to eat me, I will entrust my life to the Toyul hammer. I quickly swapped my weapon.


    He stretched out his fist briefly and shrugged. Even with his strong exoskeleton, his hand is still simr to human beings.


    I lightly stepped on the dancing sword and turned it on. Its a 10-meter monster. He is so big so I need to ride the dancing sword to reach him.


    The problem is the armor in his body. It is a powerful armor that had sprung up all over his body except for his hands, feet, and head.


    Instead of hitting the monsters body, I threw the Toyul hammer into his thorns. Although the area of the strike was so small that the electric field was not created, the thorns were slightly broken.


    As soon as the dancing sword lowered me near the ground, the monsters hand shook up on his thorns.


    Raaaaar!


    He stretched his big hand. I stepped out from the dancing sword to avoid the attack. The dancing sword avoided it too. His attack wasnt sessful.


    Are you pissed off? I teased him.


    Kraaaaar! He reacted angrily.


    Oh. I didnt know he can understand what I just said. Does he understand the humannguage?


    If thats the case, then he understands my provocation. I attacked the Gragorion using the Toyul hammer.


    Come here! You jerk! I teased him again.


    Moon Wind!


    Wee Woongbei answered instead with an attack.


    Not you!


    I hurriedly bowed my head and avoided the sword of Wee Woongbei. It hit the monsters head instead, and caused a little damage.


    I barely managed to get out of the attack. I saw Wee Woongbei running towards me again as if hes ready to kill me.


    Shouldnt we defeat these monsters first?! I said.


    Shut up! You son of a bitch! If I cannot kill you, your ancestors will resent you!


    Obviously, this guy hase off the hook. Even though he lost his arm, hes ready to attack since he didnt got the items from us.


    Its my mistake to think that it would be easy to catch the monster first before these hunters. I shouldve waited for them to be killed by the monster before entering the battlefield.


    Another thing! This guy swears too much. Or is it a trantion problem?


    Hey!


    Falling meteor!


    Poook!


    Wee Woongbei who was about to attack me using the meteor swords suddenly flew away about a dozen meters to the ground. The monster kicked him. Even though he didnt die with that attack, it will cause him a tremendous damage.


    As I look at the Gragorion, he doesnt have serious damage yet. Now I could see now why these guys cant run away. Even if they try to attack these monsters with all their strengths for them to be able to escape, its still not enough.I avoided the monsters attack. The remaining Chungho hunters seemed to be trying to run away desperately.However, their situation is that it looks like theres an invisible wall around the area and they cant get out of it.I quickly ran to the ce where they were, and when I checked, I could feel a strong power that is preventing me from going out of a certain ce. It was like the so-called Once you get in, you cant leave. I heard that level 9 or higher are spreading like this, but I think that it is different from the irregrs or definitely different.


    I removed Kelby from the manual and ced him on the ground. I wanted to see if he could dig a tunnel and get out of this ce.


    He was already under the ground, but suddenly the ground turned upside down. His head popped out from the ground. So its not easy to dig a tunnel, huh? This guy, seriously. Is he hungry?


    I gave him a simplemand instead of putting him back in the manual.


    I know youre rolling under the ground, go and eat first. Come back if youre done.


    Raaarff!


    Kelbys current growth is 19. I dont think he would eat anything because of the price of the item. Only the fragments of the broken items allowed him to grow up. There are many items rolling on the ground.


    After he ate, I let him entered the battle against Gragorion.


    He attacked the monster. It is fast, but it is enough to see and avoid.


    I stepped on the dancing sword and continued to avoid the attack. It is a powerful level 7 monster, but eventually I have to dodge the attack to knock my opponent down. The fact that this 10 meter-high monster cannot move fast enough, its impossible for me to fit in with such slow attack. Well hes fastpared to other monsters, but not fast enough.


    Suddenly, a sword came out.


    My hair was cut off a little.


    !


    That was really surprising. It was Wee Woongbei.


    Did you avoid that?


    What a psycho I was surprised.


    He is a great man in many ways. He wears nothing but a level 1 armor.


    It cant protect him from this level 7 monster.Somehow, Wee Woongbei looks terribly injured. The color of his face is not good. It would be better if he pretended to be dead, but he didnt give up and still attacked.Die!

 Chapter 87

    Chapter 87


    He came back again with a sword. His sword is a high level item. The sword is quite threatening, to be honest.


    He swung his sword near the Toyul hammer but the Gragorion hit his fist to the ground.


    I lost my bnce and stepped back a little because of the impact on thend that the monster created, but Wee Woongbei was hit hard by the impact.


    Hes bleeding now, but he still managed to look at me with a dingy face. The eye that wants to kill me. How would you kill this guy? Is there even a REAL way?


    I spoke towards him.


    Are you going to kill all your men?!


    Why dont he just help everybody to kill the monsters so the remaining Chungho group can still survive?!


    Wee Woongbei, who is supporting his body with his sword, smirked.


    By looking at his expression, Im not liking it. I can picture now how Wee Woongbei will be treated in the Chungho group in the future.


    If he will just use his brain, even a little, its wise to stop his obsession with me and just catch the second monster with the Ezekiel group and the remaining Chungho survivors.


    But as always, everything is going differently than I expected.


    Haaaaa!


    He ran with his sword. Trying to kill me with his body that cannot even run normally.


    I lightly jumped back and avoided him. I turned my head and looked back towards Wee Woongbei with my ncing eyes.


    I saw the Gragorions huge handnding on Wee Woongbeis head.


    Wee Woongbei managed to escape but he was thrown towards me because of the shock wave.


    I grabbed Wee Woongbeis cor and threw him at the monster. When the Gragorion saw that Wee Woongbei ising towards him, he opened his big mouth.


    Wee Woongbei barely avoided the monsters teeth. At least he avoided.


    Its my habit. Im going to destroy everything.


    If you dont want to die, go and kill that other monster. If you killed him, then lets fight again.


    I said towards Wee Woongbei. Aaaaaahhhh!!!


    He screamed as if he failed to win. But he moved to the other Gragorion, the one that Ezekiel is dealing with, along with the surviving Chungho group, who thought they could no longer win against me.


    Ezekiel was no longer in a position to care about how they will defeat the Chungho group because looking at how Wee Woongbei started to cooperate and help them defeat the other Gragorion is enough for them to just help each other.


    I turned my gaze to the monster in front of me. Now the one-on-one has be possible.


    Raaaar..


    He moved his body and made a big jump.


    I quickly escaped from his expectednding. As soon as hended on the ground, I was assaulted. His attack is notparable to that of Woongbeis falling meteor. I tried to avoid the monsters dash.


    Gragorion pushed his left arm to the ground as he pass on my side. He swung his big arms.


    He looks like a Big Iron Bar trying to fly.


    It was toote to still avoid the attack so I pushed the ground also like the Gragorion did and swung the Toyul hammer instead.


    Strength versus strength.


    The attack of a huge monster over 10 meters versus the attack of a human less than 2 meters hit him.


    His hands were torn and blood sshed. But the collision didnt end at once.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The sound of sparks popped out everywhere. However, the electric field did not hit him the hardest. Rather, he was a having a stimnt. Oh no.


    While Im thinking what to do next, a golden light hits my head.


    Soo Ahs buff. This will help me with the timing.


    I took off myself not toote from the ground. The monster recovered and his fist hit the ground again, but the dancing sword supported me and I flew towards him.


    I made a couple more leaps (forceful jump) and jumped over the monsters head. He gestured with both hands as if he is trying to kill a fly.


    He burst into a roar.


    I lost my bnce. This is annoying. I shook the Toyul hammer. My goal is his crown. (T/N: Not a literal crown but the part of the head which we call crown) Pooook!


    The hammer ran past his thorn, not the crown.


    Raaaaaar!


    He shook his head around. I rode the dancing sword and immediately stepped on the ground.


    Electricity sprang from the horns. Did the hammers electric field have been activated?


    Huh?


    Theres something strange.


    Electricity continued to bounce off his horn but this is not one of the hammers ability.


    At that time, the top of the manual blinked and a message appeared in the corner of the view.


    Gragorion (7): Converts part of the damage to electric current.


    What an electric eel.


    The current began to stretch all the way from the horn.


    I reflexively held the hammer and block it. The Toyul hammer began to draw all the electricity that spread out in all directions.


    Electric current shed on my body. The muscles of my whole body were tense. My eyes were glowed and my hair was stiff.Its not unbearable but I should. The hammer itself is a weapon that boasts a current.The ability to defend users against electrical attacks is a basic option.Rather, a strong electric field was created across the Toyul hammer.I took the hammer and put it down on the floor. The ground split with tremendous force and the electric field stretched towards the Gragorion. He was struggling to escape, and the currents speed is too fast.


    Atst, a strong electric current ran through his body and the damage sustained by his own injury was condensed into his horns again.


    Huh..?


    Raaaaaaaaaaaar!


    The electric current sent to him flew towards me again. I once again held the Toyul hammer and received the current that he had sent.


    Sunbeh oppa!


    I heard Soo Ahs voice from afar. It looks dangerous even youre looking from outside the battlefield. Sparks sprang from his mouth. It was also the first time that the current had an effect to him. But its still worth it.


    My arm which holds the Toyul hammer started to tremble. I held the Toyul with my both hands and ran towards the Gragorion. I am going to do a damage where Im very near to him.


    Lets see if you can still hang on to this!


    As I ran, I stepped on the dancing sword and flew towards him.Again, he tried to hit me in the air, but this time I ducked into his legs, avoiding the shock waves created.I hit the Toyul hammer into the ground.The thunder-banging sound and cumtive currents filled the Gragorions legs.


    He could not even scream and shook his whole body. Sparks sprang from the thorns sprouting all over, and he screamed silently with his mouth wide open.


    In the meantime, I was able to see a strong current flow through the horn. If I let it go this way, he might get up again and blow out the current. Now that he cannot move, I can hit the Toyul hammer on his head.


    Bang!


    His upper body was shrouded but its not enough. I continued to hit the hammer, but the defense level of the level 7 exoskeleton monster is beyond my imagination. The whole body is made of a hard metallic material, so the Toyul hammer has not been able to do enough damage. I want to touch the thorn but I cant because I am going to be electrocuted.


    I could see his broken leg. It is a remarkable recovery rate. If he recovers again, I need to deal with him again.


    In this case, there is the best weapon to use. I inserted the Bloody Sword into his eyes, the only weak part of the body. RAAAAAAAAR!


    When the sword pinched his eyes, he bumped his body everywhere because of the tremendous and unbearable pain.


    Although he moved his hand to the sword, its not difficult to use a 50cm sword to attack a 10-meter monster.


    He put his finger in his eye and wiped the whole eyeball. He removed the sword stuck into his eyeball.


    What a monster. I felt that I should no longer give him more time. At the moment, theres no way to kill him. Not the Toyul hammer or the Bloody sword.


    I poured all the reward points I had into my stats.


    Used 69,000 points out of 70,100 reward points.


    Proficiency increased from 29 to 46.


    Power increases from 3 to 550.


    Endurance increases from 350 to 500.


    Reflexes increases from 300 to 450.


    The main force increases from 250 to 400.


    Suddenly, the stats rose more than 1.5 times. In addition, Soo Ahs buff suffered 50%, but still we have a power of 825. It is a power that weighs 2.5 tons. If this is the strength I have earlier, I will be able to kill him immediately.


    I gripped the handle of the hammer strongly. The Toyul hammer hit Gragorions head as he struggled with pain.


    The head of the monster was split into two.


    Raaaar


    Unlike his other screams so far, a deep groaning mncholy leaked from his mouth. The monster, who was unable to clench his body, fell down on the floor with a loud noise.


    Booog!


    Hooo  I supported my body with the Toyul hammer. Though I wasnt hiding myself, but my mental fatigue overpowered me.


    What a disgusting jerk he is.

 Chapter 88

    Chapter 88


    Soo Ah, who was watching from afar earlier suddenly went near and approached me.


    Why are you here? Why did you go down?


    The battle is over, right? We have to get the equipment. Soo Ah said, pointing to the bag on her back.


    It seems like she went down here to the battlefield to get all the shattered items and equipment on the dead hunters.


    Kelby will be eating a lot today.


    Speaking of that guy, where did he go?


    Soo Ah turned her head and found Kelby. We saw him move between the grasses.


    Raaarf!


    Kelby, who grew up like a calf, ran towards our side. Soo Ah stroked his neck and spoke.


    How much will this guy eat .his stomach is a no joke.


    Kelbys stomach is inted like a balloon. It looks like he swallowed everything he saw. I dont know whether he is a pig or not.


    I checked the information of Kelby through the manual, and in short time, the growth rate was over 30.


    He ate more than 10 items. The growth rate is lowpared to the items he ate, so there will be more items in his stomach that havent yet been digested. He has the ability to chew and digest one by one.Raaaaar!The forces of the Ezekiel and Chungho group were struggling with the other Gragorion.The irregr is also spewing electricity.As we saw him began to produce electricity, we went to the nearby corpse. I picked up and collected about 30 ores and about 10 items. The bloody battlefield was quickly cleared up.


    Oh, what is this? Soo Ah picked an item on the ground.


    It looks like just amon ring.


    Gold Ring (0): You can summon a monster depending on the level of an item. The generated monster only follows the castersmand. It drops items that have been inadvertently or identally sacrificed. Summoned monsters are treated as items.


    Soo Ah carefully spoke when he saw my strange reaction.


    Is it a poor item?


    Its the opposite


    Woah


    It could be more than that.


    Being able to summon a monster is a sure way to fill in the scarcity of Team Delta, which has absolutely insufficient number of members. The monster is summoned ording to the level of the item used, so its efficiency is not that bad either.


    So if you sacrifice 1st level equipment, you will get a 1st level monster, and if you sacrifice 4th level equipment, you will get a 4th level monster.


    Soo Ah was surprised when she heard the exnation of the item.


    Then its possible to fight monsters against the monster. Does that mean we can seat and watch them fight but we can still make money?


    I was thinking if


    Sheez. Is ying and eating not a hunters best romance?


    Thats the romance of everyone.


    I thought I was running out of power anyway. The right item came out. Monsters are not difficult to manage. You dont have to pay the damages if it gets hurt or die. There is no need to worry about the working environment including eating and drinking.


    If there is only one problem, it is the peoples perception about monsters. No matter how friendly you are, there will be no one to look good at people who carry monster troops. But lets just solve that problemter. Nobody cares if I have this kind of power here.


    Make one.


    Even if you dont say so. As a test, I took out a level 1 of a non-standard equipment. There are more than 500 items in the item list. Others might think that its just throwing away.


    I wore the pure gold ring and held the item. When I put the item in the summon window next to thebination category, and selected the approval, a goblin popped out immediately with ck smoke in front of me.


    Krrrreeek.


    He looked around and looked at me and pped his hands as he jumped up and down. I dont know what he is trying to say, but I know that he likes me.


    Cant he speak?


    I think not because its still on a 1st level.


    Imanded him a simplemand like sit down and wake up. He seemed to be confused, but he soon followed my instructions faithfully.


    I didnt have to worry about him not being able to talk.


    Soo Ah poked the goblin. He jumped and run back and forth. There was no aggression.


    It looks weak.


    Its because hes only level 1. But if we will have a lot of this goblin, they will be quite usable.


    I put the goblin into the item list.


    I checked the goblin and it really enters in the item list like the other items. If Ill enter the same monster, I think that part of the item list will ovep.


    Well there are great abilities in many ways. But still I cant summon and choose a monster if its a bit of a helpless.


    Hmm, I guess its going to be over. Soo Ah said.


    The Gragorion is falling down with the attack of the Ezekiel group and Chungho group.


    Ill be back. Just stay beside Kelby.


    What are you going to do?


    12 Dragon wave!


    Energy was made when Han Jeongho stretched his hand. Screaming out such technical name is not cool, anyway. Its dangerous to activate the voice signals. There are a lot of cases in making mistakes while shouting the technical name of the technique.


    A blue dragon escapes from the Gragorions body and soared to the sky. Now that his body has reached the limit, the exoskeleton begins to crack. If they will give him a few more attacks, I think the monster will shatter and break down.


    The final attack is the falling meteor of Wee Woongbei. It was enough to crack the Gragorions exoskeleton.


    Eventually, the second Gragorion also fell on the floor. The irregr slowly evaporated like a liquid.


    I felt that the two groups looked at each other. Obviously they will not hand over to each other the drop item that this level 7 monster will produce. Only one group will get the dropped item.


    I spoke as I slowly walk towards them.


    You did all your best.When I approached, the reactions of the two groups were different. The Chungho group, who was terribly struck by me, stepped back.Wee Woongbei is also aware of what I am trying to do. He seemed to give up on killing me. Ezekiels side looks like theyre ready to attack me if I slightly provoke them.Han Jeongho, the representative of the Ezekiel group, spoke first. Team Delta. Jeon Sangmin, right?


    Am I that famous?


    His expression changed. As if hes annoyed.


    Lets pretend we never met.


    Its not a very attractive proposal, though.


    What a cheeky bastard.


    He made a single step and stretched his fist. An invisible energy flew towards me. I took out Wee Woongbeis long sword and cut off the energy in the air.


    The energy disappeared just like that.


    Why dont you make your attack much stronger and harder to avoid if you want to fight with me?


    This cub


    But that was it. Han Jeongho didnt attack me anymore.


    Currently, the Ezekiels power is stronger than the Chungho group. If Im not going to interfere them, Ezekiel can take the level 7 items smoothly. Wee Woongbei, who watched the situation, spoke to me.


    What the hell are you going to do now? Wee Woongbei is already exhausted.


    Except for his other arm cut off, and damages he received, he gained nothing.


    Either he would be kicked out or killed in the Chungho group. It would be impossible for him to find his ce in the organization, and he should expect that already.


    So looking at the situation, hes the one who needs to get the items than anyone else whos here. I threw the long sword at his feet instead of answering. The tip of the sword stuck in the ground.


    Wee Woongbei looked at me strangely.


    Its a bit of a hassle and shame to hand over what I had taken away from him.


    What are you trying to do now?


    Im just trying to bnce.


    are you giving me the chance to fight and kill?


    Wasnt that supposed to be that way?


    Why should I listen to you?


    If you dont want it then dont. Since I gave it back to you, if you survived, Ill go and find you.


    I waved my hand once and walked away. The reason for returning the long sword is simple. I want to catch Ezekiels ankle even a little bit. In this way, Ezekiel will sweep away the Chungho group in an instant, and the Ezekiel group whos frustrated to catch me will surely chase after us.


    Ive got everything I can get, and I dont have to interfere in this fight anymore. And finally, the other level 7 Gragorion that they killed.Gragorions Shadow (7): Its the shadow that Gragorion created. Has the same ability, but is low in physical strength. It doesnt drop items.Soo Ah and I moved out from the battlefield and went to our own ATV.I will just leave the Ezekiel group and the Chungho group to confirm it. They will soon realize that there are no dropped items anyway. Now the West Coast is extremely dangerous.Soo Ah spoke as if she had thought of something.Umm Sunbeh oppa, are you proficient now? Yeah. How did you know? This She pointed to the Redemption Ne hanging on her neck.


    I see.


    Then in that case, the level 3 dungeon will disappear.


    Up to level 4.


    OMG. Is it dangerous?


    Yeah it is. I nodded.


    Any precautions?


    Theres nothing.


    Oh my.. shouldnt we warn the other hunters?


    Its alreadyte. But still I think it would be okay to get to the wends.


    What do you mean?


    I exined to her my thoughts. Almost all of the monsters at the starting point on the west coast are level 1.When it enters the wends, the 2nd level monsters will increase in number. And in the Great Forest, almost all monsters are of the second level, and the number of monster is greatly reduced. Perhaps I think that the level distribution of monsters in each region in the West coast is different. For me, I will not do much damage to low-level hunters. But if you go to the Great Forest or the north side, it will be quite bothering. Well, there are a lot of high-level hunters there so it doesnt matter that much.Hmm Well we can check it out. That kind of news wille up soon.

 Chapter 89

    Chapter 89


    Soo Ah pulled out her smartphone and started searching.Hmm. Theres a news that the 3rd and 4th level dungeons have disappeared. See?But there is no sign that monsters appeared.Huh? What do you mean by that? Im not sure.Im getting nervous.Dungeons are removed when the skill level is increased. Thats exactly the rules weve been following up to now. And the monsters of the dungeon that disappeared will surely appear on the west coast. But if thats not the case, we cannot predict what will happen again.


    Oh my


    Why?


    Look


    I looked at where Soo Ah is looking. Our ATV is broken.


    What the Who broke this?


    I think that creature.


    Theres something moving on the nearby tree. Its an insect-type monster with a lot of legs, but its pretty big.I think its a spider type.Why would a spider bite it?Well, I guess he thought it was edible.But this could also be a trap.Soo Ah picked up the stone from the floor and threw it at the ATV. Then the stone stood on something invisible. It stood on the air.Huh?I watched closely where the stone stopped. When I got close, I could see that it was covered with a web.I almost walked on a spider web.


    I pulled out a level 1 long sword from the manual and cut the web.


    Even though it was a thin web that is almost invisible to the naked eye, it was still caught up on the sword.


    I already knew the monster that uses this kind of web.


    Its a monster who came out from a level 3 dungeon.


    Its an Ebony spider. I think its the effect of removing a level 3 dungeon.


    Why didnt it got out on the news?


    The news will go outter. By the way, its broken. Its quite far if well walk.


    Theres a way.


    What is it?


    If Sunbeh oppa will run with me then


    Poink.


    Ouch.


    Your useless words areing again. Uh  Thats the most realistic way. Its fast.


    Its better to leave the fish to the cat.


    I will not.


    whatever, Soo Ah.


    I sighed. Its better to just embrace her idea than to give a lift. So she wont do anything weird again.


    Or buy it. That.


    That?


    The van. I mean, we need transportation.


    Hey, stupid. That price


    You have a lot of items anyway. That will not matter too much.


    Soo Ah started poking me in my ribs. I felt a little nervous.


    Vehicles are things you can keep using if you have them. Since its an item, we dont need to repair it. If youre going to think about it, yeah its good.


    But still!


    Dont forget that the van costs 100EP. Even if I try not to think about it, the figure of 10 billion is floating in my head.


    Even if I only put level 1 items, that amount pops out. Is it really worth investing in this vehicle?


    But frankly speaking, Im curious.


    Hmm


    Maybe there is another ability that I dont know as it is an item. Above all, the van is a level 0 item. As with most level 0 items, it is likely to be a growth type item.


    If so, I dont know if theres a room for further improvement through modification or enhancement. If this can be a moving fort to defend us against the enemies, then it can be a safe haven for us from the monsters in the West coast.


    Hmm..


    Are you going to buy it? You will buy it, right?  Hang on. Why do you want to buy such thing?


    I want to ride on an expensive vehicle.


    You sound crap, but it does not look like something special. Does it have to be expensive in the first ce? Its not even Stotzka. Its not cool either.  I just want to satisfy myself. You can be proud of having that vehicle by taking pictures!


    No. Someone will just try to steal it.


    You will put it on the list of items so who will steal it?


    Well, thats true


    Certainly I dont need to worry about it being stolen. In the first ce, theres no need to worry about the parking. Oh well, lets just buy it.


    Anyway, I can get again the items (through other battle) that will be lost. I had earned close to 100 billion, but I thought I would have a problem because I am going to spend about 10 billion won. Gulp.


    Hoooo.


    I raised my hand on the purchase approval button of the van with a trembling hand.


    Ting.


    As soon as it got the approval, I can see already that the 10 passenger van is added to the list of items.


    You bought it? Instead of answering, I just nodded my head.


    I pulled the van up in the manual and put it down in front of me. I had never summoned such a big thing, so that feels quite good. The car appeared in front of me, and it looks like a lie. Like what?


    The appearance resembled a military jeep. The size is twice asrge as that of a regr jeep. I think it would be a big joke if I ran this on a public highway. By the way, it looks like 10 people couldnt ride at the same time.


    Click.


    That idea disappeared as soon as I opened the door of the drivers seat. The inner part is wider than the outside. As I can see in the item description, it is enough for 10 people. The drivers seat was ced vertically like a chair, and there was enough space in the center to ce several ATVs. Afterwards, its more than what I imagined. What the hell is this?


    Soo Ah, lying down on the chair, spoke.


    It looks like it has features like space expansion  Ive never seen a car like this.


    The concept of space expansion magic is not so unfamiliar to the hunters.


    The bag that Soo Ah holds right now is a thing with space expansion and weight reduction option. However, it is a conventional wisdom that living creatures cannot enter such an extended space. It was much harder to imagine a person walking inside a car and getting on in it. Its worth the investment, right? Soo Ah smiled and spoke.


    As she says. In this case, it can amodate the party members even with a lot of luggage. Its much more efficient than carrying a truck.


    When I encountered the horn, I could put it in the list of items.


    This van is expensive.. but its worth the money.


    When I started the engine, I heard a heavy exhaust sound. Theres no need for a key. Just sitting in the drivers seat and stepping on the elerator, it took a start and moved forward. The interesting thing is that the fuel is ore. You can put it directly, but the default is integrated in the manual and was set automatically. I REALLY like the fact that the fuel is not free. I REALLY liked that.


    Oppa, lets go! Soo Ah opened the window and yelled.


    I am d there are no people nearby.


    Uh. I stopped the van. A Kadaran tree is blocking the road. I thought it was too narrow.


    What are we going to do? I asked.


    Just push that away. Soo Ah suggested a very, very cool solution. Seriously?


    I sighed.


    How ignorant do you think you can do that? I spoke as I watched a 10 meter tree standing in front of us.


    I think this van can do it.


    What are you saying


    This is an item, right? And it said that the people inside this vehicle will not get hurt even if it will encounter an ident, like passing on that tree.


    No matter how it is.


    Besides, its also good for shock absorption. I cant feel any shaking when we rode this on our way.


    Hmm  I wanted to refute what she said, but shes right. If Im going to think about it, it makes sense.


    As Soo Ah says, this is not an ordinary vehicle, but an item so it does not affect the general physical force. Even if the nuclear weapon is dropped here, we can survive if we are inside the vehicle.


    I position the vehicle towards the tree and stepped on the elerator.


    Vrooooom!


    It seemed that the tree is shaking just with the sound of the vehicle.


    Wow.. I think its real.


    We still dont know yet.


    I stepped on the elerator as much as possible.


    Yes, the tree really started to move slowly backwards. Its an unbelievable sight to see with my own eyes.


    The tree copsed with a loud noise, and the vehicle ran on. The shock absorber was great, but it has slight shaking.


    Still! No matter how much this item is, I would want this to be as good as the Opaque car. I mean, of course, 10 billion. Dont you think we made a good decision to buy it?


    Soo Ah was proud and spoke. I had no choice but to nod.


    If she just didnt requested it, I would never buy such expensive things.


    Your ignorance seems to have helped me.


    Oh yeah! It sounds like a praise.


    This guys positive way of thinking is respectable.


    Vrooom


    I drove the car and kept on running. At first, I think I am careless if I will just bump it but theres almost no impact delivered inside the vehicle.


    Kweeeeek!


    The monsters attacked our vehicle as we pass through the forest. A 3 meter long-armed giant gori pounded the car with his fist. A normal car would have been twisted like a paper, but this car didnt even felt an effect. I just stepped on the elerator and drove off the car. Monsters continued attacking. But unexpectedly, the car had little damage.


    Is it a little scratch? I could see that the structure itself is strong, basically. Its just that a lot of monsters are attacking. Maybe dozens of them.


    Im a little worried about the party members waiting for us near the bridge.


    Hey, Soo Ah. Call the party members.


    Why?


    We should warn them that monsters appeared.


    Oh, I already sent them a message earlier.


    Any reply?


    They said its ok and theres nothing wrong and strange with the wends. They crossed the bridge safely.


    What a relief, then. Im still not sure, but if there are level 3 monsters in the wends, then hunters number might decrease.


    It took us about thirty minutes to arrive at the destination.


    I crossed the bridge and parked the vehicle in front of the party members.


    Woah~ Is this a Humvee?


    Manager Kim spoke with admiration.

 Chapter 90

    Chapter 90


    Humvee?


    I used it in the US military. It looks different, but the appearance is simr to the top.


    Manager Kim looked around the car and came back to the drivers seat and spoke.


    But where did you stole this? Does the Chungho group have these kind of cars?


    Stole? I bought it with money.


    What? Where did you bought it?


    Theres this thing we can get this vehicle. Get in the back seat.  If we will ride this van, what are we going to do with the other vehicle?


    Manager Kim pointed to the ATV they used.


    I operated the switch to open the rear door of the vehicle. The brakes werepletely open and the tilt te came down. It was the equipment that was installed in order to be able toe in heavy loadmp. All you have to do is push up the ATV with this ramp.


    Please help me put the ATV inside the van.


    What are you talking about. Where is there to put this ATV in that van


    Oh? What is this?


    Cho Young-go, who was in the back, spoke.


    Cho Young-go was curious about the open rear door.


    What?


    I mean Come here. This is too wide.


    Cho Young-go carefully walked around in the back seat. The interior of the vehicle, which is too wide, that even your head will not reach the ceiling.


    I can see Soo Ah giggling.


    This van Its an item. I said.


    Han Joon-seok entered the car along with Cho Young-go and spoke.


    An item?


    It doesnt make sense. Its just too wide, thats all. Theres no way that this is an item.


    Its the first time Ive heard that a car is an item.


    Well, this is not the first time that we knew something for the first time.


    Its a strange sentence, but I know what you mean.


    Cho Young-go looked at me and nodded. Not only once or twice that the party members experienced something new with me. Not only Cho Young-go nodded but also the other party members.


    Wow. I want to experience this in my life. Park Han-bum first took the bike and went up to the back seat. All of the rest helped to put the ATV inside the van and pushed it in.


    Sohn Aram shook his head and sighed.


    This is really  I think I need to work so much to understand what is happening.


    I hope you wont put this on your report.


    I will really not. This situation has nothing to do with my report.


    Are you going to drive, Sangmin?


    Cho Young-go looked at me but with a strange expression. His expression is saying that I would like to try it myself.


    I got out of the driver seat and took a seat at the back.


    Ill be careful and drive slowly.


    No, just drive normally. There are dozens of wooden hammocks on the way.


    So the durability is good, too? May I ask you a few questions?


    It costs 10 billion.


    Haha. youre good at kidding too.


    Uh, Im serious.


    Rea. really?


    After Soo Ah nodded, Cho Young-gus eyes grew bigger. He felt a lot of nervous tension all of a sudden.


    His hand holding the handle is trembling.


    Actually its not true.


    Ri right? Its not true, right?


    Unless the items are distributed between 100 million and 200 million, a more urate calction would be about 13 billion.


    They were all shocked.


    I am sorry to purchase an expensive car without the consent of the party members. The cost of the car will be deducted from my share at the time of distribution.


    No no. I was just surprised at the amount. I think there would be enough merit and advantages with that kind price.


    Han Joon-seok slightly pushed Manager Kims side. He was surprised and immediately agreed and spoke. Ah.. yeah thats true.


    The road to West coast is quite long. I used the smartphone to connect to the market.


    The boards were zing with the story about the removal of the dungeons and the appearance of monsters in the West coast.


    This is why theres a connection between the dungeons and the West coast.


    Its not clear and sure yet. It could be a coincidence.


    What coincidence. The level 2 dungeon disappearing and the West coast. At that time, everyone thought it was just a coincidence, but now, Im sure about this.


    Really? I didnt know that.


    Thats why I was talking about that from the beginning.


    Whats the reason?


    Do you think I know that? Why dont the government investigation team tell us why?


    By the way, where are the 3rd and 4th level monsters appearing?


    Up to level 3 in the wends, and up to level 4 in the desert, valley and hignds. They said that the teams who crossed there are struggling.


    Are they screwed.?- Well those teams have a lot of high level hunters, so they were not harmed.- The pro teams are different. A level 4 monster is attacking them but they said they liked it.- Well people like us will have to wait for the price to fall by releasing a lot of items.- It seems that item prices are fluctuating already.- Its not even a stock - Its even more unusual to be treated as safety assets.In fact, items sold at Hunter Market have long been considered as investment targets.In the past, ifpanies bought for tax purposes, after the appearance of monsters, expensive items became targets.However, as the 3rd and 4th level monsters are released on the west coast, a huge amount of items are expected to be poured out. It is predicted that the items that have been stocked in the warehouse will be poured out.This will reduce the price of the first and second level items.I think I need to sell quickly before its toote. As soon as we arrive in the west coast, I will sell out the items at the Hunter Market.


    The total amount of 400 items is about 60 billion. It is 30% less profit than I expected, but its ok.


    At any rate, Hunter Markets ability to mobilize 60 billion dors in cash is really scary. I will collect 20 billion, which is 1/3, and will divide the rest. Originally my quota is a limit on the price of the van in half.


    Ill see you next time. Sohn Aram bowed his head.


    Since she made an impossible mission, it will be reflected on her performance. If she will be promoted soon then thats not bad. Its just that the police officer made a mess of it. Well shes still a police officer so I think she will be promoted fast.


    Our party decided to withdraw from going to the West coast. Were too exhausted from the subsequent battles, and we earned quite a lot of ie anyways.


    After the removal of the dungeon and the appearance of the 3rd and 4th level monsters, I will just wait until the situation stabilized to some extent.


    I have been resting at home for a long time after I have been hanging around.


    In China, they remain silent about the hunters in the Great Forest area. There are various interpretations about this. What do you think about this case?


    Well, now the border of the West coast is somewhat exposed. But was that the Chungho group? If they officially admit the existence of that organization, this tacit promise will fall apart. If you think about the damage that urs there, it seems to me that its advantageous to cut off the tail in the future.


    There is a lot of theories that the border is intentionally infiltrated into the Chungho group in China.


    They are being careful in that part. There are some interpretations here.


    What interpretations?


    First of all, I think they intentionally tried to swallow the entire west coast. I dont need to exin this. Second, analysts say that the current central government is not taking sufficient control of local warlords.  Thats pretty interesting.


    As you know, China is a state where the local military forces are systematically producing and organizing hunters. Thend is so big that there is no way to control it effectively. The emergence of the military forces that does not go through fire is a big threat to the central party.


    Are you saying that this is an extension of the phenomenon?


    This is a business that is being conducted under the leadership of the central party in the West coast. So, it is a situation that local warlords want to intervene in this business. From their perspective, I think there might have been an intention to invest in the Great forest. Well thats an interesting interpretation. For the time being, it is likely that there was an intention to eat the whole of the West coast with the Great Forest as their base.


    Well, its still spection, but if you look at how the Chinese government will move in the future, I think youll know the bottom line.


    At HTV, which mainly deals with Hunter-rted news, the day-to-day business was being discussed. The government report made by Sohn Aram was exposed to the media through an official press conference, and the Republic of Korea was seriously dealing with the incident.


    If there was a n that was prepared in advance, there would have been action whatsoever at this point.This just means that they cannot cope with the situation properly.Wow, isnt that a real war?Soo Ah spoke as she eat the chips. There are a lot of snacks on her side and the wraps are all around her. Its amazing how she can be able to eat like that.


    Are you nning on living here? Go to your own house, not other peoples house.


    Why are you doing this to me? I even brought you something to eat.


    But its just an instant food.


    Then shall we go out and eat? Theres a nice buffet nearby. The price is a little high, though.


    Youre just going to destroy the store.


    Soo Ahs gluttony is really amazing. She can almost eat twice as much as I eat, and I can see that she eats a lot more than ordinary people. I can almost say that shes in the food fighter level.


    Well, people who exercise eats a lot too.


    Well in your case, you eat like youre preparing for a wrestling championship.


    So youre not going?


    .Lets go. Im tired of eating instant food.


    Anyway, where will we go next? Great Forest?

 Chapter 91

    Chapter 91


    Im still thinking about it. I dont think I need to fight with the Chungho group anymore. There is only one ce to hunt right now.


    Level 3 monsters also appear in the wends. However, it is true that the number is smaller than that of the great forests. The average level of our party now, except me, is level 5.


    Thats enough to hunt level 3 or level 4 monsters.


    Isnt that better? The government said they would send hunters. If they fought with the Chungho group, we could just glean from behind. Actually, thats the best.


    For now, the only ce that can be found in the north, except for the Great Forest, are the hignds. There are many entrance, and it is difficult to the control entrance or the hunting ground because it is wide.


    However, it was dominated by the Gxy Extreme, a raid team affiliated withrge corporations. It is a raid team with history and tradition that cannot evenpare with the Ezekiel group. Their power is also very strong.


    Are we walking? Soo Ah said.


    Then what?


    Lets ride the van.


    What van?


    We have that. The newly bought van.


    If we ride that, it will look like a zoo monkey being dragged away. It has no license te, too.


    Above all, it is a vehicle big enough to fill thene. Just like dragging arge truck into the city. Well, then lets take a taxi.


    Were just going to eat, what taxi are you saying. If its far away, then lets just eat at a Chinese restaurant nearby.


    Im going to pay for it so lets just go. Now you can save money for eating.


    Well.. yeah.


    Even if I will eat three meals a day at a hotel, I made enough money to not scratch my ount.


    However, I havent used it properly even though I have money. My spending habits havent changed much from that of Porter.


    Oh! But I didnt ate three meals of ramen a day. Of course Ill not eat only ramen the whole day with that much money.


    We arrived.


    Where are you going, though?


    VIP.


    VIP but thats just a franchise buffet restaurant.


    Why are you looking at me like that? Soo Ah asked me.


    No I mean ah whatever. I was just surprised.


    I really wanted to go there.


    Youve never been there?


    How about you, Sunbeh oppa, youve been there?


    No.


    I cant eat all kinds of foods on ces that there are a lot of foods anyway. I never had a girlfriend too so I have nothing to do there.


    Kyaaaaah!


    I heard someone screamed. That voice is familiar.


    We ran to where the scream ising from. When we looked inside the alley where we arrived, Soo Ah spoke.


    Huh? Isnt that Yeonkyoung?  Definitely its Yeonkyoung.


    She is surrounded by students wearing uniforms. She looks like shes having hard time. I wondered why shes here, then suddenly I knew it just by looking at the side dishes.


    Sheez. Shes very popr.


    Are you envious of her?


    I tried to go to Yeonkyoung but suddenly Soo Ah stepped forward.


    Ill fix it. Stay here.


    No, lets go together.


    I dont know what will going to happen if Im going to leave it alone to this guy.


    She rushed behind her and entered the alleyway.


    Soo Ah spoke first.


    Hey, Yeonkyoung.


    Ah Soo Ah.


    Hey olddy, would you mind if you just leave? Someone said to Soo Ah


    Olddy? Shes annoyed.


    I stepped forward.


    Oh you A guy pointed at me.


    Huh?


    I saw a familiar face. Im trying to think of where I saw him, then suddenly I remembered about a fight in the park.


    I dont know if his name is Kim Hansol or Lee Hansol.


    Fuckwere screwed.


    Youre still not on your right mind, huh? I said to him.


    Hey! Lets run!


    When the guy screamed, the other guys spoke while being puzzled.


    What? Is this jerk a cop?


    I dont know. Ah fuck. Lets just run.


    What run.


    I blow the dancing sword and block the alley.


    Lee Hansol became spective and sat down on the floor.


    In fact, this is a normal reaction for an average person.


    Fuck Suddenly, he took a knife out of his arms and wielded it.


    ng!


    The dancing sword bounced it back. It does not have a ster blow, but its not something you can do with a normal weapon. I was amazed and saw the knife he was holding.


    Dark Knights Knife (1): Allows the user to feel no fear.


    Where did you get that?


    You dont need to know. Search it if you want.


    Lee Hansol said.


    Ha! Sheez. No matter how many items are released   Hes not even a hunter. Is that a dirt he bought at a cheap price?


    Can this guy afford to buy those items using his allowance? Well thats impossible.


    Die! He tried attacking me.


    I simply grabbed his wrist and twisted it.


    Ahh!


    Its dangerous to carry around with this thing.


    When I got the knife from his hand, Lee Hansol shivered.


    Uh, what should I do


    Where did you get this?


    Sunbeh oppa. What are you doing?


    When the others tried to run, Soo Ah chased them and all the rest of the three people have been knocked down and dragged on.


    They were all 4, including Lee Hansol. Im still wondering what to do with these guys when Yeonkyoung spoke.


    Just let them go. Theyre still kids.


    If you have done wrong, you should be punished.


    We dont know how to punish them, anyway.


    Well yeah.


    Yeonkyoung is a 20-year old girl who looks like a superstar, but she is actually a level 4 hunter who hit monsters. I just couldnt knock it down. Hes carrying a hunter equipment.


    Where did you get this?


    I approached Lee Hansol. Unexpectedly, he answered.


    I picked it up.


    Pick it up? The item?


    Is this an item?


    He stared with his eyes rolled up like a circle. Whats this he doesnt have an idea that hes holding an item? Well, its not a problem if youre holding something you dont know. But you know what happens if you hand it over to the police, right? No matter how much money your parents have, they will not let you go that easily.


    II really didnt know. Im serious. Oh, fuck


    Poink.


    Ahh! Why did you hit me.


    Its because Im angry.


    Wow, what a real adult.


    Is there any reason why an adult should be patient? Shut up and tell me straight from where it came from.


    Im serious. I picked it up in the park.


    Park?


    Yes, there. Thest time we fought. I think hes not lying. Soo Ah spoke.


    Certainly, its not a lie.


    Would you mind if I picked up something like this too, in the first ce?


    What the. Hyung, youre a real dog, you know that?


    (T/N: In South Korea, Hyung is what a guy calls to an older guy.)


    Poink.


    Uhh.


    Why are you talking to me inappropriately?


    Ouch damn it. If youre done hitting me, please let me go now.


    I sent him to the police as he wished. In the end, I had to go to the Mapo Police Station as a witness.


    Youre here again. And youre with that boy again.


    Park Sun-kyeong said. He was the first cop whos in charge of me.


    How are you?


    As always, Im doing good. By the way, this is quite a big case, huh? You fought for a hunter equipment.


    Not me. Its that guy who did it.


    Well, after a while, the lieutenant will be here.


    As soon as Park Sun-kyeong left the room, someone shouted with a bang sound.


    Whos that jerk! Someone reported my son to the police!


    Its me.


    When I raised my hand, Lee Hansols father ran towards me. None of this man has changed.


    I think I passed wellst time, but this time will be different.


    This bastard!


    He walked with a stealthy approach, ready to attack me, but I dodged and avoided it. You should exercise more, sir.


    This  This bastard child-


    This kid is here again. Are you going to stay in the jail again?


    What a good timing. The lieutenant entered the room.


    No Not like that. This son of bitch just!


    What nonsense are you talking about?


    Ha! This time its real! Ahhh Im so frustrated!


    This is not the right time for that. I wont let this go this time. You should prepare about your son to be on jail.


    Huh? What are you talking about? Kids could make mistakes!


    Your son attacked a person with a hunters equipment so I wont let it go that easily.


    Wha what are you talking about? Hunters equipment?


    Your son attacked a passerby with a level 1 item. You know that this kind of case is a bid deal, right? It will be hard to escape this time.


    Ite item? What are you talking about?


    I know right. How would an ordinary high school student have an equipment


    This lieutenant is also curious. Although Lee Hansols house is well-established and they look quite rich, it is not enough to buy a 100 million item. Ha, well we can have an agreement.


    Agreement is useless with a criminal cases like this. So please make your son a good kid.


    . Actually! The hunter equipment! Thats what I bought! Yeah! Its my fault that I bought it! I mean, cant I just get in instead of my son?


    Haaaa. You must really love your son that much.


    The officer sighed and shook his head. I spoke towards the crouching Hansol in one corner.


    Dont you realize the things base on what you see?


    What now? Im pretending to be nice to others to look good.


    Well thats none of my business.

 Chapter 92

    Chapter 92


    Anyway, this kid is going to be a prisoner and will enter into his cell soon. Even hes only a high school student, cases rted to hunters like this is treated as a special crime, and the punishment is huge.


    In addition, when you get older, you will be sent from the juvenile prison to the general prison. Well, you dont have to worry about the food.


    I left the police station after a quick interview as a witness.


    The other kids didnt say anything, scared that they may get involved in the case, so they just quietly left.


    Soo Ah suddenly spoke.


    Now lets go and eat.


    Eat? Is it important to eat now?


    Then whats more important than that?


    If youre going to eat, then go. I need to go somewhere.


    Tch. But you said were eating together.


    Where are you going?


    Yeonkyoung spoke. Oh yeah. Were with her.


    At the park, if that kid is not lying, then there would be something I need to find out.


    Do you really need to go there? I mean, the police will investigate anyway.


    I have to check it first. And also that kind of item is quite rming.


    Why? Is there something special in that item?


    Its a new item. I havent seen it before.


    Woah. Then why would a new item be there?


    I dont know. If its an old item, then I think thats an item that someone used to kill an irregr there.


    There is a possibility that a level 1 irregr appeared. But could that happen without me?


    The bottom line is that there might be another person who has the same ability as me.


    I need to check it first before concluding.


    There might be another user of the new system, not only me.


    That cant be. Why?


    Im just starting, but now theres anotherpetitor.


    Were not sure yet. Anyway, lets go now before the police arrive.


    After Soo Ah finished the bread that she bought at a convenience store, Yeonkyoung followed her but she seems struggling. Her level as a hunter is high but her stamina is still at the normal level.


    Soo Ah looked back and spoke.


    Dont you have some items rted to physical ability?


    Im still looking at it right now. Ill be ready before our next battle.


    Yeonkyoung spoke as she wipe her sweat on her forehead.


    Because of the midsummer weather, her shirt became wet from sweating too much.


    Hmm. Shes wearing white.


    Yeonkyoung suddenly hit my head.


    Ouch. What?


    Did you just stare on my breast?!


    stupid. Why would I stare, I cant even see anything there.


    You can just say no!


    No.


    Oh~ Now youre good at lying too.  Soo Ah is said and gave a dazzling look to me.


    But Im really innocent. I did not stare, I just saw it, identally.


    We arrived at the park. Unexpectedly, there were a lot of people.


    I wondered what kind of strange aura I might felt here, but its not different from usual.


    Theres nothing to look at here.


    Yeah. I dont know where to start searching.


    I thought that I would feel something suspicious even if its not as visible as the dungeon entrance.


    Lets just look around carefully. If theres really nothing here then that will be a relief.


    Yeonkyoung said. As she says. Its the best if nothing happens.


    In the park there were many people who came, especially families. Its a weekend, and the outside of the city is dangerous.


    There were camping tents in various ces. In the past, camping has been done on beaches and valleys, but nowadays it is hardly a sight to see except for some ces that are eviscerated as resorts.


    Since those ces are quite expensive, I wonder if I can go there about once a year or so. I walked around the whole park.


    Hmm I dont see anything strange here. If theres a monster here, there wouldnt be many people like this.


    Yeah its true but the new system. Do you think there are any cemeteries nearby?


    This is a park but there might be a ce like that nearby.


    No, not now. In the past. Is there any cemetery nearby here in the past?


    Hmm nothing.


    Soo Ah hit her smartphone and turned her head. Nogosan Park has been a downtown area since very long so it will be hard to find like that nearby.


    Then why did the item fell off in this ce?


    Maybe someone dropped it and left it here.


    No way.


    No stupid hunter will drop and leave an item whether its an old item or a new item.


    Growl.


    I heard a sound from a stomach asking for food. Its not me.


    Are you hungry?


    Im not.


    Soo Ah shook her head. I automatically turned my head on the side.


    Yeonkyoungughed slowly and leaned her head and lifted her hands. Its its me.


    Hmm well this is the time for eating. Lets go to a nearby restaurant.


    But you ignored me when I asked you to go and eat.


    That was earlier, not now.


    Lets eat this. We looked at the shopping bag that Yeonkyoung brought.


    I thought its side dishes, but it was sandwiches.


    Soo Ah was the first to bite and spoke immediately.


    Wow, this is delicious.


    Eat all what is in your mouth before you speak. Its sshing everywhere.


    I tasted the sandwich and spoke immediately too.


    Oh its delicious. You did it also. Tch. Soo Ah grumbled.


    It was embarrassing, but seriously, as soon as I ate, I cant stop myself and had to say that its really delicious.


    It was a simple sandwich with tomatoes, bacon, cheese and fresh lettuce, but it felt like its my first time to eat that kind of food.


    Did you make it yourself?


    No, I bought it.


    Ah


    Hahahaha!


    Soo Ah burst intoughter. Thats quite embarrassing.


    I tried to make it myself but I failed


    I wish you brought it too. Soo Ah who finished eating all her sandwich, looked at me in silence.


    What now? Are you a pig?


    Wow, how can you talk to me like that.


    I actually brought it with me.


    She took out one more airtight container.


    You shouldve bring it out earlier!


    Soo Ah immediately opened the container lid and picked up a sandwich.


    It doesnt look a lot different from the sandwich you can buy at the store.


    Soo Ah took a sandwich and spoke.


    Wow, this looks good! Tell me how it is after you eat.


    I took a sandwich also and tasted it.


    Something subtle and juicy spread on my mouth. A lettuce, the sandwich has too many onions. The meat is slightly uncooked. The biggest problem is the sauce she used. What is this one with a salty smell?


    I put anchovies in the sauce, although I didnt put much.


    Yeah its anchovies. Its a bit chewy but, well, at least its edible.  Soo Ah said as she finished eating all the sandwiches. Yeonkyoung brought something unusual this time.


    She spoke when she saw my expression, able to read my thoughts.


    I dont have time to practice cooking these days.


    I dont think its a matter of practice. Well, I didnt want toin because it was made with care.


    Anyway, as Soo Ah said, at least its edible.


    And I thought that even if it was a failure, Soo Ah would still eat it. And how did you know that where at that restaurant?


    I called Soo Ah.


    I turned my head towards Soo Ah. She turned her head and whistled awkwardly. Is she pretending not to know anything?


    Did you ask me to go out because you know that Yeonkyoung will be there?


    Ahehe. Well just meet with her so whats the problem


    . Hey Yeonkyoung, from now on, call me instead of Soo Ah.


    Ok.


    Yeonkyoung smiled awkwardly. This guy is also cheerful. If Im her I wouldve been angry.


    I rxed and enjoyed my leisure time. The sun started to set. The sun was over the mountains, and the nearby buildings started to lit up the lights.


    Lets get up now. I dont think we can find out more here.


    How about we wait here until night?


    Soo Ah said.


    Its not a bad idea.


    Soon, the sun fellpletely and the darkness appeared. The streetlights shone brightly.


    I shouldve brought a mosquito repellent.


    Under the LED night light and summer night, there are many lights around the ce.


    Protecting a fragile skin from mosquito is difficult.


    I realized that I had never been bitten by a mosquito recently.


    Oh, is this because of my defense?


    My defense is currently 400 percent. That means that my skin is more than five times strongerpared to average person. My skin cant even get hurt.


    A knife cant even scratch my skin. Mosquitoes cannot prate my skin.


    If youll copy my defense, mosquitos will not bite you.


    I spoke towards Yeongkyoung.


    Oh, thats a good defense.


    Youre the only one wholl suffer here.


    There are not much mosquitos biting me, anyway.


    What nonsense are you talking about?


    Im serious.


    She showed me her white arm. There is really no mosquito bite. It is normal that there are about one or two bites in the summer.


    Are you sick?


    I think my blood smells bad.


    Is that possible?


    If this is really true, there might be a new way to save the humanity from mosquitos.


    While I am thinking such a brilliant idea, I saw a red light on Soo Ahs face.To be precise, its not exactly on her face but the light is just reflecting on her face, the actual light is on the other side.I could confirm that clear red light leaks between the bulbs of the streetlights.Uh, what is that?I dont know either. We carefully moved to the light.


    There are still many people here. Because of the hot weather nights, people prefer to stay outside of their houses.


    If a monster wille here, it could lead to a big ident.


    If possible, it would be best to handle it in my hands before it happened.


    Hey you two. Just back off a little. We have no equipment. In case of emergency, Soo Ah, you stay with Yeonkyoung, and set the redemption ne.


    Ok. Soo Ah nodded. The red light became brighter as we got closer.


    And a white hand sprang out between the lights.


    Woah

 Chapter 93

    Chapter 93


    Soo Ah was surprised. I quickly summoned the ck te armor and held the long sword of Kangta.


    The white hand pulled the red light into the air. In a sh, the range of light widened and a simr mass of light, like a dungeon, was created.


    The difference is that this dungeon is red.


    Sunbeh oppa this is..


    Yes. Its a dungeon.


    I patiently waited. I cant enter without knowing whats inside. The hand came out gradually, the arms, and shoulders. Finally, the head came out and the whole body. He looks like a vampire, seeing that he has red eyes and well groomed hair, dressed in a suit that seemed to pop out of the middle ages.


    Were not hallucinating.


    I looked at him quietly. Soon after he got out of the red dungeon, he took a deep breath and slowly looked around the ce.


    Vampire (1): It is a monster that uses human blood as a stock. When it see the sunlight, it burns away.


    The manual responded. Certainly this guy is a vampire. The manual cannot be mistaken. But why is he here?


    A summoned monster? No. I doubt. The ability to summon monsters requires an item sacrifice. There was no item that disappeared. If thats the case, then whats this?


    He looks handsome.


    This is not the right time for such nonsense, Soo Ah.


    But still, Sunbeh Oppa is cooler than him.


    I give up. I cant stop this girl.


    The vampires gaze turned to me. They can talk. Among the monsters, they were the closest ones to human beings.


    Wouldnt you get rid of that knife? Referring to the long sword of Kangta. Ha!


    Thats quite difficult to do since youre a monster.


    Well


    He showed his fangs or canine. It looks scary but he is just a level 1 vampire. He is just the same as the regr goblin.


    Pok!


    He fell on the floor and knelt. He is clearly weak that he cant even get up in spite of trying. I bowed and whispered into his ear.


    Ill ask you some questions. If you do not answer correctly, you will die here.


    Wha what are you talking about


    This red dungeon where you came from, what kind of dungeon is this?


    Do you think I will tell you?


    PAK!


    I gently spank the back of his head. His head was stuck on the floor.


    Uhh.


    Answer me.Tha thats. Wait Sunbeh oppa.  Soo Ah interrupted.Why?People are staring.Murmuring.I looked around.The sudden red dungeon was enough to attract peoples attention. Its natural that there are a lot of spectators gathering when they saw a violence happening in front of them.Someone already called the police. Soo Ah said.Ahhh Im in trouble.


    I have this vampire with me, and when the Dungeon Management Team arrives, I have no chance to look inside this red dungeon. I need toe in before that happens.


    Hey, Soo Ah. You and Yeonkyoung should pretend to be close to the people around so you dont get involved here.


    What about you?


    I need to look whats inside this dungeon, with this guy.


    But it looks dangerous


    Just by looking at this guy, I dont think its that dangerous.


    Of course, its only my spection. I still dont know whats inside unless I enter.


    Hahaha!


    The vampire suddenly burst intoughter while his head is still on the floor.


    What was that? Whats wrong with this guy suddenlyughing.


    Going in there, you said? Do you think you can survive?


    Yeah. Thats a dungeon.


    Dungeon  Yeah, in your eyes, its like a pitiful dungeon. But


    But .? Everyones gaze was focused on him. His eyes turned red. This is something ..


    A red aura was spread around him. The expression of the people who were concentrating on him suddenly became a nk expression and slowly moved towards us slowly.


    What whats this?


    Eh? You still dont get it? The vampire said.


    What did you just do?


    Its not that big of a deal. I just made them my servants.


    Servants?


    Yes, they follow mymands faithfully. I wonder what will happen if the same person will attack me. Hes referring to me.


    A vampire is a vampire even if its a level 1. The physical ability may be low, but it has still specialty.


    Oh, I see. But you know what?


    What..


    The cast will remove from them when the caster dies.


    I grabbed his neck.


    Ahkk..


    He grabbed my hand holding his neck, trying to remove it, but with his power, he cannot defeat me.


    Goodbye. You should be born a little smarter next time.


    ???


    The moment I put a lot of force on my hand holding his neck, his body was scattered all over. There were bat-shaped shadows. This is why vampires are hard to deal with. They can escape using that technique.


    Soo Ah, calm the people down. I turned my head and shouted at Soo Ah. Yeonkyoung and Soo Ah are both over level 4.Level 1 vampire skills cannot be beat easily just because youre in a high level and you have equipment.You mean hit them, right?Do it right. Dont hurt them.Ok.One by one, the people came near Soo Ah. Shes moderately doing it to calm them.I chased the shadows.


    Although they are scattered all over the ce, they cannot stay like that in such a long time. Theres a limitation. Even if hes a low level monster, hes quite difficult to handle. Do these guys always appear in red dungeons?


    I chased the shadows. They desperately trying to escape and go to dark ces to avoid me. But the whole park is bright like daylight due to LED street lights. No matter how much they tried to find dark, theres nothing, even just a shadow of a tree or shade of a building, theres nothing.


    In less than a minute, the shadow gathered and made a human figure. Hes back.


    I attacked him.


    AAHH! Damn, what are you doing to move that fast?!


    Im doing it slowly, though.


    Actually I just moved a little faster. It would be hard for him if I really moved fast.


    Shit.


    If youve had enough, die now.


    The long sword of Kangta was good. It is a weapon that deals additional damage to beast-type monsters. It is not different from a normal one, but it gives a lethal damage to level 2 monsters.


    Wai wait.I dont have any intention to give you some more time.Are Arent you curious? I can guide you. Im not going to do some sightseeing, what kind of guide do I need inside the dungeon?The interior is very spacious. More than what you think. If youll go alone, you might get lost, Im sure you will need me. He is sweating too much while looking at me. He doesnt want to die, so I can see the struggle on his face. An ordinary monster does not grant its multi-value to its survival. But hes different.


    Do you have any reason for me to believe you?


    Once we entered, and you prove that Im wrong, you can just kill me there easily, isnt it?


    He is right.


    I put back the sword in the manual. He took a sigh of relief.


    If you run away or try to get away, I will not give you a second chance.


    Dont worry. I dont have a personality that speaks only on mouth.


    I thought I should trust the words of this monster, but it is also true that I am a bit curious. Not about the dungeon but a curiosity about this vampire itself. Its my first time meeting a monster like this.


    youre a very unusual guy.


    I often hear that.


    ***


    The vampires name is Edward. When I went back to where the dungeon was, I saw Soo Ah tied the peoples arm and gather them together using webs.


    Thats the ability to have the Archne armor.


    What did you do?


    I could only tie their hands using the web. She showed me her equipment.


    Soo Ah spoke towards Edward.


    Can I release your servants now?


    Nod.


    Edward stretched both his hands to the sky. The red light rose and bloomed among the people surrounded by the web. Soo Ah let everyone escape from the web. The people stared at each other with a puzzled face. They couldnt remember what had happened.


    Im going to enter the dungeon with this guy so exin the situation roughly when the dungeon management teames.


    Is it ok if we wont stop them?


    They wont be able toe in anyway. The authorities will only give me the approval to enter the next morning. I have to find out everything I can find out now, we have no time to waste. We can just clear out the evidences. Oh yeah.. we cannot control the public.


    Yeah.


    Lets just think about how to solve thatter.


    I looked at Edward.


    Lets go inside. Do you have any warnings before we go in?


    Its a little hot so you need to find a way to keep your body temperature maintained.


    Ok.


    I took out a level 1 cloak from the manual. It is possible to store it in the manual, so its fair to say that we didnt sell all the usable equipment. This is one of them, which makes it possible to set the proper temperature in any environment. Even if you wear it alone, you can survive in an extreme environment.As a result, there is a demand about this equipment among people living in cold or hot regions. This equipment is not only for monster hunting but also for everyday use.Oh I hooked up and felt hot air. Does this mean its too hard to maintain the stamina here?


    The first thing I saw inside the dungeon was the burning sky. Fortunately, it was possible to breathe with or without oxygen.


    Hooo The hotness on the earth is nothingpared to this, right? Edward asked.


    How do you live in such ce like this?


    You can endure it once you get used to it. Haha.


    Edward, who was inspired by the hot weather,ughed.

 Chapter 94

    Chapter 94


    I looked around. It is definitely different from the other existing dungeons.


    Not only the width and the area, but also the atmosphere is quite different. It feels like the world itself is somewhere else.


    The sky is burning, the rivers are boiling. What is surprising is that there are fishes. In the first ce, life is not what we know. I feel like Im entering the hell.


    The primary objective or goal is to clear this ce.


    I dont know how to do it yet, but basically I thought it wouldnt be much different from the existing dungeons because this is also a dungeon.


    So, were dealing with all monsters.


    The problem is that this dungeon is too wide. There are more monsters existing here.


    How big is this ce?


    If you walk from end to end, maybe you need to walk for a day or more.


    Its wide. But its too little to say that this is another world.


    It is about 30 kilometers a day walking distance. It is bigger than one city.


    How many monsters do exist here?


    Not monsters.


    Shing.


    As I pulled out the sword, he smiled awkwardly.


    There are about a thousand.


    Is it all a vampire?


    Not all, its all mixed up.


    Hmm Its quite a lot.


    Thousand monsters in a dungeon. It takes a month to catch it all.


    If so, I think there would be a different way to clear this dungeon.


    I heard something moving.


    I threw the dancing sword.


    In the space where there was nothing, something came in and it repelled the dancing sword.


    Whats that?


    Edward sighed deeply.


    A human figure appeared in a shaded shadow.


    He was a tall man with sharp features and white hair.


    I can see that hes the same race as Edward.


    Where did you go? Did you asked a human being?


    N.no.


    Edward s attitude is discreet.


    You know him? I asked Edward.


    He is Count Draca. He is.. my supervisor.


    The Count Draca spoke to Edward again.


    Do you know that if you leave this ce, youre breaking the rules?


    I was just looking for Barras.


    You mean that stupid guy? So, is this human being brought in instead of Barras?


    This guy who called Count Draca, has revealed himself. If he wont open his mouth, he will look like a younger, good-looking guy.


    Barras? I asked Edward again.. Hes my friend. I went out to find him but I met you first outside. Well, other than this guy, I think another vampire came out. Then the items that were in the park are likely a result of the death of the deceased.Anyway, that Count Draca you called or something like that, hes in a pretty high position, isnt it?  Edward didnt say anything.Well, you dont have to answer. I can ask him directly.I changed my gaze.Youre Count Draca, right? You should cooperate with me.


    Cooperate Why should I?


    Because you have to.


    In my words, Dracaughed.


    This man doesnt know about the sword.


    Count Vampire (5): It is a powerful vampire. It can steer or control another vampire and make it its own servant.


    The level of this guy has already paved through the manual. It is true that its overwhelmingly stronger than Edward.


    But the level doesnt lie. It may be tricky to deal with the nature of vampires, but he is weaker than me.


    Thud.


    I ran towards him, staring at him. It looks like his face is firm. I cut off only his cloak in a breathtaking way. But this blowpletely destroyed him.


    The result is obvious when I attacked him not being cautious. A dancing sword dug in from behind him.


    Ahkkk


    His right arm flew in the air. At the same time, his body popped out and scattered into dozens of shadows everywhere.


    That ability is amon form of vampires.


    [Its a strong human being.]


    This annoying punk.


    It came back to the shape of a bat. Even his arms were restored.


    Draca spoke. Its an angry face.I will deal with you sincerely.Do it right.I took out the Toyul hammer instead of the long sword of Kangta. It is always the best weapon to take out because it is heavierpare to the long sword of Kangta.I hit the ground, ran towards him. I cant believe that he can fly his body quickly in the air.Dracaughed as he jumped into the sky.


    Do you think your human body can deal with this body that is flying?


    He waved his hands forward. The red energy poured down to me.


    I jumped and rode the dancing sword to escape the two-legged aura that flies toward me.


    Draca was amazed.


    What?


    I wielded the Toyul hammer.


    Shadows scattered everywhere with foggy smoke. Damn, Im killing a new one,.When hended on the floor, he showed up again in the air.Huh .? At that time, a green exmation mark blinked in the corner of my sight. This is a description of this guys skill.Shadow splitting: A vampire can etherize or anesthetize his body and divide it into shadows. Entities can stay in the way they prate into the gaps of the dimension, and they can alwayse back in a way that leaves the shadow in reality. Note that the maintenance time differs for each object.


    It seems like it would be difficult to just hit him with a weapon, and like Edward, I have to wait till the end of the maintenance time. But itll not going to be easy because I dont know how long will he stay like that.


    If the level 1 Edward took 1 minute, then Draca who is in 5th level willst for about 5 minutes. Besides, he can fly in the sky. Its difficult to catch him in many ways.


    Hahaha, you. You really make me angry. He said.


    Were having a serious fight, right? If youre going to run like that, dont be too loud.


    There is a wave of impatienceing.


    Are you holding your anger? I teased him.


    You punk!


    When he waved his hand, he flew dozen meters and a shock wave came.


    How should I say this? Is this what it is called aggression?


    I swung the Toyul hammer, and attacked him.


    Once again, his shadows spread with foggy dust. It seems that there is no limit on the number of times he can use that technique and the duration seems to be quite long.


    Inded on the floor. He spoke with a shadowy body.


    [Foolish guy. Do you think you can catch me that way?]


    ..  I waited for him to gather back together.


    He slowly lifted his hands above.


    It will not be easy this time. I will attack you sincerely. Draca said.


    His two hands were slowly gathering red energy. It is a powerful aura even to the illusion that the yellow me falling on the sky is being pushed by his hand.


    Die!


    The attack that heunched has swept the ground. I was on the spot and I disappeared without a trace. The real me is actually above him watching the situation.


    I used the abiotic ability of the ck te armor to set a false body to the ground. I jumped on the dancing sword in the air while he was attacking the fake me on the ground.


    Hahaha! Foolish and weak human!


    Who is stupid? I said.


    Huh?He was so shocked.


    I came down from the air and took the Toyul hammer down. It was done properly because it hit him before he transform to shadow.


    Thats thats amazing. You killed the Count Draca in a blow. Edward said.


    I was just a little annoyed. He wasnt such a difficult opponent.


    It seemed that the head was half-destroyed. It would be hard to see if this is still alive. However, in order to kill him surely, I cut his throat using the long sword.His head rolled on the ground.Now Im sure hes dead.Even if he is a vampire, if his head is cut off, it will be hard to survive. I saw Edward staring at me strangely.Why? That face..Nothing.It looks like something is hidden.I turned around to look at Draca. The lifeless body of a vampire, with his head cut off and lost his blood, hadpletely vanished.


    No way.


    Someone escaped using the shadow transformation. Wow, this is too much. I did this and that, and still it didnt die.


    A voice of a guy came from somewhere.


    [I will not forget this disgrace. Ill give you revenge.]


    Ha! The survivor. Hes still alive.


    [ I will let you enjoy the moments victory. Because there will be disasters that you cannot imagine. And Edward. I will not forget your betrayal.]


    Disaster? I feel something is not very good.


    We didnt hear the voice anymore. Eventually, a situation where we were left alone, Edward sighed and spoke.


    Thanks to you, I became a traitor.


    Why dont you just cooperate with me in earnest? Then I will spare your life.


    Is that a guilt with threat, or just one of them?


    Which one do you like?


    Hoo whatever. He took a deep sigh.


    But there is one thing that he said. I felt Edward jarring at me. I really think something is strange.


    That. The disaster that wille soon. What the hell is he talking about? I asked him.


    I dont know.


    Well, we cant help it.


    I held the dancing sword. His face turned white.


    Youre. youre not thinking of killing me, right..?

 Chapter 95

    Chapter 95


    No. We cannot do anything about it, anyway.


    Thats a relief, then.


    Anyway, youre a traitor, arent you? Theres someone who wants to kill you, besides me. Take care of yourself.


    Huh.?


    Well then. Bye.


    I stepped on the dancing sword. I dont need a guy who doesnt cooperate properly. In addition, the time and energy to consume to a level 1 monster is also a waste.


    Wait.. wait a minute!


    I heard the voice of him behind me. Well, one thing that changed my mind. He screamed, hurriedly clutching behind me.


    Ill tell you! Damn it!


    ***


    So, if a vampire is in the form of shadow, I have to use a magic that can go for wide areas? Because the shadows can separate.


    Magic that brings damage to the enemy.


    Its not so difficult.


    But the problem is I dont know how to use magic.


    Can I use other? Not magic? There are also equipment that can use for wide areas.


    Well I dont know that.


    The Toyul hammer is a weapon that can strike a wide enough range. In addition, I think that I will be able to make damage simr to the magic because I apply electric shock to a wide range.


    The problem is that it will only cause damage if the target is on the ground. These vampires can easily fly in the form of shadow bats. Toyul hammer is not enough.


    Ha.. earlier that guy, I already cut his neck but still he didnt die, perhaps are you like that too?


    Well thats Its possible for him since hes Count Draca. High-level vampires have the ability to recover from death.


    Then how would I kill that guy?


    You can kill him until he dies.


    Only that .?


    Just because hes a high-level vampire, that doesnt mean that he can survive always. The number of times he can recover from a fatal blow is limited. In Count Dracas case  maybe about three times. Thats the limitation.


    But youre still saying that there might be more. Is there any way I can kill him besides that?


    Burn him on fire or hit a trunnel on his chest.


    Tch. What a ssic way.


    Its a story thates out in a vampire novel. Well, it is a well-known fact that vampires are vulnerable to water or fire. It is not easy to burn a vampire like Draca.


    The me magic that can damage him must be at least level 4. Its impossible to go out and buy it right now, and the items sold in the Delta Store are all up to level 3 only.


    He was so annoying that I have no choice but to just cut his neck.


    I asked the question that I shouldve asked earlier.


    Tell me about the disaster he was saying.


    Umm  Thats


    Edward hesitated and looked into my eyes. So far he answered all the questions, but this one seems to be that hes unwilling to answer it.


    you dont need to hide it away.


    Edward slowly opened his mouth. His story was somewhat shocking.


    So youre saying that the monsters in this red dungeon escape out?


    In conclusion, thats right.


    And the reason is?


    Because its too hot.


    .. that is somewhat a convincing reason.


    In fact, this ce is filled with tremendous heat. If I am not wearing a cloak right now that will maintain my body temperature, then I will notst for a while. This guy is breathing well in such a ce. Edward spoke again.


    Its actually a joke.


    .


    This punk is going to die.


    I dont know the exact reason. The only certainty is that there is a roadmand.


    Road?


    It means the ruler of the n. Lets just call it the Vampire Road . It would be easier to understand.


    That sounds a little ufortable.


    Count Draca.


    So the level of the Count of Vampires is 5. Above all, there are many enemies. It is impossible to kill all of them and clear them.


    How to stop it?


    theres no way to stop it.


    Your heart is beating fast. What are you thinking?


    To be honest, its not that theres no way to stop it. But its almost impossible if youll try to stop it.


    What is it then?


    Destroy the portal.


    Portal?


    It would not be a portal site.


    Edward continued speaking.The exnation is long, but in summary it is simple.In the middle of this dungeon, there is a huge gate.The gate is going to be strong enough to pass the n, and the gate is not nearly finished. If I can destroy that door, I can stop the vampire n froming to our world. But I have one question.If that gate is the way to go out here, and you didnt pass there, then how did you get out of this dungeon?Barras used the power that flows on the portal. I was able to get out of it because I used that power that is not much left.So its hard to get out of here.When he first opened the dungeon, he forcibly opened it, a not so wide gap.If that is true, then theres some evidence that destroying the portal can prevent them from invading.But why is this guy named Barras trying to get out?Because its too hot to live here.I Im serious.I am beginning to seriously worry about where to believe this guy.***The way to the portal is quite far away. Considering Edwards slow foot, it took us few hours. He is so slow that I just left him and ran at full speed.Edwards panting too hard when hes near me.Why are you panting, it makes me feel unpleasant.When we arrived at the destination, he was totally depressed and sat on the ground, panting hardly.You.. Youhooo.. did you reallyhaaaare you Breath first before you talk to me. Its painful just by listening to you.I feel so strange because he is panting like a woman. He also looks like a woman. Ha. I definitely like women. Soo Ahs slender body is also good and I like Yeonkyoungs big boobs.......Why am I even saying this.?


    Hoo . I think I can breathe now. Oh, that feels better Hoo! You How can you run like that? I never saw someone that strong. Maybe its not even possible.


    Vampires are generally weak.


    Is the human being the strongest species?


    No, this is special to me.


    There arent many people who can run over me if I will only consider it with simple endurance.


    By the way, that thing is that what youre saying? Edward nodded as I pointed to the giant gate below the hill.


    Although it is a gate, from a distance, tworge stones support one stone. So it looks like Stonehenge. (T/N: Stonehengeis the most architecturally sophisticated prehistoric stone circle in the world.)


    Hmm. If youre going to look at it, I think its easy to finish that.


    What matters is not the appearance, but the power to open the path to connect with this world. In order to collect the power, you can drag the power to the sky for a long time.


    Is that what youre talking about over there?


    The sky was still burning. If Im going to think about it, it doesnt really matter. If thats the case then its normal to have a vampire and everything to be ashes.


    Right. It is impossible to create a gap in the world without such enormous power.


    Suddenly, I felt so hard to try understanding such huge story.


    Its a gap in the world. Well I dont need to understand those, I am just thinking of smashing that gate. Its not toote to understand thatter after solving this problem first.


    Near Stonehenge (?), there were about a hundred monsters. Some are familiar and others are not. The number of vampires was not as good as ten as I thought. Only the vampires seemed certain to manage the monsters. It seems that the vampire is forming a ruling ss here and there are some other monsters under it.


    I just need to smash that, right?


    Are you really going to do it?


    Why would Ie here if I will just watch.


    Yes, but


    You just watch. Dont disturb me.


    I dont want to say this to you but  There is a fact that has not been yet revealed.


    Edward hesitantly opened his mouth.


    What is it.


    You cannot get out of here if you will destroy the portal.


    As expected.


    Dont you know what this means


    I know. I have no way to go out.


    How can you be so calm? If you destroy the portal, you will be the enemy of all the ns here. How long do you think you can protect your life in this narrow world?


    . I think it will be difficult to deal with them until Im sure youre not going to disturb me.


    Then


    I took out a piece of Escape from the list. Edward s expression turned strange.


    What is this? A scroll?


    Its simr. Use it.


    I dont know what it is and you want me to use it?


    Its a scroll to get out of this dungeon. You didnt really want to be here, so you were going toe out and just leave, right?


    I just went out looking for Barras.


    I dont want to say this but hes dead.


    How can you be so sure?


    There was an item dropped. Oh, you dont know them.


    Im curious at how this monster would ept the fact that if he dies, an item will fall. Surprisingly, however, hes calm.


    I see What happened to the relic?


    So you call it relic . Well, its in the evidence room at the police station now.


    I dont know where it is, but I must go find it.


    Edward epted the Escape. As soon as he tore the Escape, he disappeared. This confirmed that this ce is a dungeon. Im going to tear the Escape too and run away if my situation will be dangerous.

 Chapter 96

    Chapter 96


    Hooo.


    I dont intend to go straight down. Among the 100 monsters with vampires, going down without any preparation is a reckless act, suicide attempt.


    In the meantime, I need to raise my power to the highest level.


    I took out Kelby.


    I quickly caught his snout before he barked.


    Be quiet, okay? He looked at me and nodded.


    He breathed deeply and looked around.


    Im alone now. I said to him.


    He bowed his head like he was very disappointed. Hes a little hurt.


    I checked his status through the manual. The amount of items that he ate is quite a lot so theres probably a change in growth rate. It was in the list of items and all the things in his stomach were digested.


    Hell Keeper Cerberus (0)


    Growth: 41


    Special Abilities: Eat items to grow. The higher the level of the item, the more it grows. It cannot die. Gain additional abilities by growing.


    Additional abilities: It can eat monsters.


    This guys skill is always focused on eating. Actually, he might be a pig, not a dog.


    The items that he ate were already digested, and these and other abilities will be attached. It is not listed in the manual, but I believed that he knew it well and will use it.


    Next up is the upgrading of the dancing sword. I put it off for a while. The upgrade of the dancing sword, which initially required 50 ore, now requires 500. I now have about 700 ore left.


    Would you like to upgrade your Blunt Dancing Sword (0)?


    A green message appeared in the manual, I chose ept and waited for the work to finish.


    10% .. 15%


    It will take a little longer this time than I thought. In the meantime, I watched the monsters carefully. Its easy to distinguish the vampire base from their exceptional appearance.


    ording to the manual, there are:


    Other monsters were mixed from level 1 to level 4. I didnt saw any monster higher than level 5 that can defeat the level of the Count vampires. Maybe there are not here, or maybe they dont exist.


    Now, lets n on how I should fight them.


    At present, I think that my level of skills, including equipment, goes beyond level 7. But that doesnt mean that I can easily deal with 100 monsters below level 5.


    The counts are mixed with other vampires, and many monsters are unknown. Without knowing exactly what the enemy is capable of, the battle will only prompts the opponent.


    I will hit the weakest part and break the portal and escape immediately. This operation is possible since I have the Escape. I dont need to worry about being surrounded and killed.


    The next question is how to break the portal made of that stone.


    On the surface, it looks like a brick stone, but the rectangr shaped passage has a vast amount of magic waving in red.Its not difficult to break it down if the structure itself that gives the power is damaged.If I am going to hit it with the Toyul hammer, I have to think about how the aftermath will be to me. The only way for now is to believe on the ck te armor.


    At this time, I think I need a modern weapon. If I had a missile, I can definitely blow it away.


    I suddenly remember Soo Ahs face.


    If shes here, she might just suggest to push it using the 10-person Van.


    The Blunt Dancing Sword (0) has been upgraded to a Heavy Blunt Dancing Sword (0).


    The upgrade of the dancing sword is over. I feel like Im stuck with something that is useless, but I wasnt disappointed and looked at the item through the manual.


    Heavy Blunt Dancing Sword (0): Stays around the user and attacking or defending the target. Depending on your settings, you can use a variety of attack methods. It is very heavy.


    Is it really all this?


    I invested 500 ores. Is this all? Its a waste of investment simply because it gets heavy.


    I picked up the floating dancing sword in the air. I was thinking of seeing how heavy it is.


    Grab.


    Owhh


    Wow!I can lose my shoulder with this! If theres no Soo Ahs buff on my strength, it can weigh about 300 kilograms with one hand.


    This weight itself bes a weapon. The speed is still the same, but it weighs more than ten times the original weight. That means that the destructive power of the dancing sword itself has increased ten times also.


    I like it very much.


    The only disadvantage of a dancing sword is its weakness. Its difficult to deal with the enemy unless it was aimed at the enemys carelessness or he waspletely unprepared.


    ***


    I stepped on the axle roughly. The huge wheel of Humvee (as Manager Kim said, the 10-person van is almost look like a Humvee) began to fiercely elerate on the hill, rough ground.


    Raaaarff! At the same time, Kelby began to disturb the enemy on the other side.


    Certainly, I used this kind of method not because of Soo Ah. I just think that this is the most efficient way to use for now.


    Vrooom!


    It took 100 kilometers per hour in just 10 seconds from full elerator. It gives me this speed in this messed upnd. 10 billion is really worth it.


    The monsters noticed me.


    Oh?! Whats whats that!


    Count Kryubal!


    I dont know what that is, but we should stop it! Dont save your life!


    I will inform the specter!


    I would like to praise the fact that the man named Kryubal has a facy in this urgent situation. Its alreadyte.


    There is arge portal in front of me.


    Kuwaaa!


    The monsters guarding the portal immediately rushed to me. I put the advanced Humvee (10-Person Van) into the item list and wielded the Toyul hammer with electric power.


    Hundreds of thousands of volts of electric power spread out on the ground with a huge shock wave.


    It hit the monsters who approached me.


    [+300]


    [+100]


    [+200]


    The reward score came up. Looking roughly, there are more than ten monsters. But there are still many of them. Twelve of the twenty monsters fell to their knees and ran.


    I hit the hammer again, and this time five died. Its not enough to break the portal but its enough to get rid of the monsters surrounding it. Now is the chance to test the power of the upgraded dancing sword.


    After summoning a dancing sword, the portal was designated as an attack target immediately. I dont know how great it will be. But now all I have to do is hang on and wait.


    Kwaaaaaaang!


    It sounds different from the past. The dancing sword flew to the support of the portal with a dreadful force which is my goal to attack.


    Shiiiiing.


    ROOOAAAAR!


    A deafening roar echoed. All nearby monsters screamed and twisted their bodies.


    The incandescence started to spread like a spider web around the dancing sword embedded in the support.


    Now its time. I ran to the portal while the monsters were confused.


    I hit the ground with the Toyul hammer with all my power.


    Kwaaang!


    The dancing sword dug to the handle on the rock support, and a part of the gate was destroyed.


    . Whats this.


    But what I was expecting did not happen. As I said, the portal looks like Stonehenge. It looks like a giant doorframe 10 meters high with two stone supports and a single nod stone up. There, when one support copses, the whole gate copses naturally.


    However, the portal was still in its shape, with only the broken part disappeared.


    I mean, the Toyul hammer caused only a crack. The support that I hit was still attached on the gate.


    It seemed that it will support the gate if the center part is disappeared and the top and bottom part will only be left.


    What the


    Is there anything in this ce that doesnt die even if it was killed, and that it doesnt break even when it damages. I dont think theres any ce like this.


    Once I got out of here, I wont be entering this red dungeon again.


    A shadow covered my body. When I looked up, I saw a lizard standing on a shape of a bow.


    Shoook!


    Suddenly, the giant lizards waist was bent. The dancing sword is stuck on his ribs. I was surprised to find out the reward score that followed.


    [+400]


    400 points


    A monstrous 4th-level monster has been killed in a single strike of a dancing sword. A weapon that moves itself is equipped with destructive power.


    The perfect weapon. This is one of the things that cant be bought even with a few billion won.


    Raaarff!


    On the other side, Kelby is rooting around the crowd of monsters. Theres already a monster he ate about 2 meters in high. Kelbys mouth is full of blood.


    Its unbelievable that this was the dog thats usually carried around by Yeonkyoung.


    Haha..


    Augh came out.


    There are lots of enemies.


    However, because of the terrifying power and wildness of the Cerberus and the unbelievable power of the dancing sword, the number of monsters began to decrease rapidly.


    Well, I cant just watch here.


    I carried weapons in both hands and threw myself into the battlefield.

 Chapter 97

    Chapter 97


    I swung the sword. I joined Kelby and attacked the monsters with the dancing sword. No injuries or anything dangerous happened, but saving my physical strength is quite struggling.


    [+100]


    [+200]


    I felt the vampires movements.


    Count Kryubal, who had been watching so far, is approaching me slowly. His eyes looked red like a sunset. He is using a powerful method of mental domination to control the monsters around him.


    An intense light shone behind his head. I felt something. The desire to kneel and worship him.


    But then


    Ohe on.


    If I willbine all of my equipment and skills, it will amount to two hundred billion won in cash.


    Is this a joke?


    I was awakened by the thought of it.


    Count Kryubals eyes narrowed. He didnt say anything but he looks so pissed that he wont be able to control me.


    Soon after, he pointed at me.


    The monsters started to move towards me. They are being controlled by this Count.


    A level 3 Grizzly Bear attacked my face. I moved quickly and stabbed him. The bears ws struck my body.


    Poook!


    aang!


    The ws bounced out of my armor, and blood came out of his chest.


    I cut him using the sword from his chest to his groin. It was as easily cut as if it was a tofu. Beast-type monster is no threat to me now.


    The Desert Lobster wielded its ws. The dancing sword was able to break the shell.


    Beast-type monsters will deal with the long sword of Kangta, and those who are non- beast-type monsters will deal with the Toyul hammer. Im well skilled enough to change my weapons while attacking.


    The vampires didnt interfere in the battle but they just continuedmanding the monsters to attack us. I think that they just dont want to join the other type monsters in attacking us, no other reason.


    The vampire itself is not a monster with a strong power attack, so theres probably no difference even if they join these other monsters. Unlike other monsters, these vampires keep their own social identities.


    Besides, their nonsensical survival power is a bonus.


    Panting.


    I breathe hard. Even if my endurance is superior, the continuous battle has devastated my stamina to serious level.


    I can run all day long and will not be tired, Im confident about that. But this battle is different. In a situation where my adrenaline rises like a storm, even if I try breathing deeply, I will still lose my physical strength. However, I got not that much problem Kelby and the dancing sword are helping and dealing with the rough monsters.


    There are hundreds of monsters earlier but now, I can count them by hands.


    p. p. p.


    Count Kryubal pped his white, long hand.


    Is he watching a movie? This punk, just wait, the rest of you will die.


    The guy who is protecting the portal and shouting to the monsters, controlling them. I said.


    I cant control myself without saying a word.


    Yeah. I was like that. He answered.


    Are you talking like it happened a long time ago? It was just earlier, though.


    Who are you?


    Dont change the subject. And shouldnt you attack first before asking that question?


    Youre obviously a human, and if you know anything about the portal, then there must be someone who told you.. is it Barras?


    No. But simr to him.


    Its Edward, then.


    You got it right. No prizes, though.


    As I was talking, I turned the dancing sword towards the portal. The portal is still not broken. But soon, Edwards words came to my mind. Even if its a vampire, it can also die if I continuously kills it. In other words, the portal will break down until it is destroyed. Theres no other way, so I think I can do that way, then.


    Lets do this!


    Count Kryubal! One of the vampires shouted at the dancing swords movement.


    Count Kryubal looked so angry. He shook his hand hastily. Red aura and the dancing sword met. I know the power of that attack. Its not enough to beat the dancing sword. But it seems that the trajectory or path towards the target changed slightly. The dancing swords trajectory was shaken by the Count Kryubals attack. The dancing sword cannot solve everything.


    What a useless attack. He spoke with a smirk.


    Behind Count Kryubal, Kelby opened his huge mouth.


    I was surprised to see him. Since when did he go there?


    He bite the Counts head.


    The head of Count Kryubal was torn and his body just stumbled.


    Even Kelby looks horrified and dismayed by eating the Counts head, he still continued chewing it. He looked so funny but then if I am at his ce, I dont know if I can do that.


    Count Kryubals body stood still on the ground even if he lost his head. What a horror film-like scenery.


    Shrrkkk.


    His body trembled and something from his neck came out. It was then, like a birdys an egg, Count Kryubals heades out of his neck.


    Kelby spit out the counts chewy head. Good thing he doesnt seem to have any feelings of fear.


    If he is a human, then something like this happened in front of his eyes, then he might run away. That scenery where the heades out from his neck was like a scene from a zombie novel.


    After the counts head is recovered, he spoke.


    You really want to kill me, huh?


    I took weapons in both hands instead of answering him. The dancing sword is ced in escort mode.


    There are few remaining monsters. Kill them, break through the vampires, then break the portal. Thats all.


    Haaaaa!


    I ran and shouted. Count Kryubal attacked. The monsters were thrown away by the Toyul hammer. I left the other monsters to Kelby and the dancing sword.


    For blocking any attacks to me, Kelby stayed on the left, and the dancing sword on the right. I ran and focused to the front.


    Count Kryubals eyes are wide open. I began to get used on how to deal with vampires. Their attacks are simple.


    Attacks using their long hands, themanding, thats all. Their gullible canine is not even half of the size of a thick armor. In the end, they will just die or turn into shadows.


    Count Kryubal is transformed into shadow. I kept running without worrying about him and just headed to the portal.


    Another vampire ran in front of me. However, I attacked him and I know he cannot avoid it because even Count Kryubal cant avoid that attack, what more with this low level vampire.


    These vampires turned into shadows while dealing with the long sword of Kangta and the Toyul hammer.


    One of them had to face a disgrace that his head was caught and his skull is split into two.


    But hes not dead. Dirty bastards.


    Finally I arrived in front of the Portal. On the path I passed, there are monsters and the vampires who became shadows. I put the dancing sword and hit the Toyul hammer.


    Kwang!


    And at that moment my feet exploded with enormous momentum.


    Whats this again?!


    Fortunately, a lot of damage was done to the ck te armor.


    I felt so frustrated that I was there in front of the portal but then Im far again.[What is going on here!]I heard a heavy voice thundered the whole dungeon.But the voice had a clear direction.Inded on the floor and turned my head towards the voice.There was a small guy there.Is that . the lord?But I know it is the lord. The magic that flows around him is visible with a tremendous momentum.


    It felt like even if he just move his hand, everything in this ce would disappear like dust.


    Hoo   I took a deep breath.


    I was thinking if this is a sort of mental domination too, like trying to control. Well, vampires are enemies. Theres no reason to be scared before fighting with them. I checked first the ability of this guy in the manual.


    Vampire lord (??): Monarch of the vampire.


    His level question mark? This is the first time. So far, no matter how strong you are, the manual can measure your level, unlike now. I felt something unbelievable. Then the guy, the vampire lord, looked into my eyes.


    [Are you.?] His expression was strange. In this situation, of course he will be angry.


    The reason why the portal is created and being protected is because of the order of this lord, and theres me who is trying to break the portal.


    He slowly approached me. Kelby growled at him but he didnt even bother.Raarf!Kelby pushed his teeth towards him.He doesnt look really scared.However, the arm part of the lord that Kelby was trying to bite turned into a shadow. Surprisingly, he had this ability to turn selectively the part of his body into shadow.


    I couldnt stay still anymore.


    Do you need anything?


    [There is something I need to tell you.]


    To me?


    This is so unexpected that I cant even imagine it would happen.


    Why? You dont even know me.


    [I know you.]


    I dont know what youre talking about.


    I cant tell the identity of this guy who is considered a vampire lord. But he said that he knows me.


    [There is something I need to give to you.]

 Chapter 98

    Chapter 98


    ETH  Chapter 98


    Im still confused but he didnt care and proceeded to do what he wanted to.


    I held my hand like a student who couldnt keep up with the ss.


    Wait.


    [What?]


    Youre a vampire lord. I am an ordinary human being. Howe you know me, and you have something to give to me, you said?


    [I opened the portal to meet you.]


    Me.?


    [Yes, I am a Delta agent. Im trying to send the message that Master had said to me. Im d that I can do less hard work because you showed yourself directly in front of me.]


    Delta.


    That is the name of the system in the manual. I thought it was just a model name, but is it something supernatural that I didnt know?


    Whats going on. Even I cant handle this situation.


    Gulp.


    Fine. Give me what you want to give.


    [Take this.]


    Ting.


    Something shing in the hands of the vampire lord, it flies and falls into my hand. When I checked what is it, I had no choice but to doubt what I am seeing.


    On my hand its a USB, nothing else. Its an 8-gigabyte USB.


    A vampire uses USB?


    [Is there a problem?]


    Nothing, but I mean this needs aputer, isnt it? I dont think theres aputer shop here.


    [He chose the easiest way ofmunicating information to you. He said it was the easiest way to deliver massive data.]


    Yeah of course, USB is easy.


    Its only an 8 gigabyte USB but it can be used without any problem if it meets only the specification. In fact, the level of technology in the world has been stopped 50 years before the monsters appeared. Even now, the capacity of USB in general is limited to about 500 gigabytes.


    [Since I did all I need to do, Ill go back now.]


    Wait wait a minute.


    [What is it?]


    Is this all? Youre not going to invade or something?


    [Do you want me to invade, then?]


    No no, thats not what I mean


    I feel uneasy since I dont know how strong this guy is. I think it will not be easy to win against him.


    [We will meet again, soon. Dont hurry.]


    What are you talking about


    [Lets both go.]


    Huh? As the vampire lord paused, his body began to be sucked into the portal.


    Kelby stuck his ws on the ground so he cannot be sucked inside the portal too. Despite doing that, however, one man, one dog, and a dancing sword were sucked into the red portal.


    We came out from the red dungeon.


    Oh, you came out.


    I heard Soo Ahs voice. I looked around, its still night.


    I grabbed Soo Ahs hand and she helped me got up from sitting on the ground and shaved off the dirt on my pants.


    How much time have already passed?


    Hmm. About an hour?


    An hour? Here? I think 3 hours passed, though.


    The time difference between the earth and that red dungeon which is called an illusion is extremely severe. Even if its not 3 hours, then certainly at least 2 hours have passed.


    Anyway, its quiet here.


    How about the police officers?


    They came and just left. You entered the dungeon and the entrance disappeared. The dungeon management team did note either. They think its fake.


    Well  These days, they will not have enough manpower.


    The number of dungeons managed by the dungeon management team has increased thats why the need of manpower has increased too. In that case, all of the people in the West Sea have entered the management team. If the police didnt find the traces of the dungeon, then theres no reason for them toe.


    Oh right, theres one more to check.


    Didnt you saw a vampire came out? I asked Soo Ah.


    But someone answered.


    Im hiding nearby. The police came too but Im afraid they will have me. You know, I look handsome.


    He jumped close to me. Its Edward.


    He spoke right next to me.


    Its a relief that youre alive. Did you really destroy the portal?


    No, not like that.


    Well then, sooner orter the ns will crossover.


    I think they will not.


    . I dont understand. Can I ask for some exnation?


    I just simply exined what happened inside the dungeon.


    Soo Ah, Yeonkyoung and Edward are surprised. Of course their surprised points are different.


    You used the vehicle, you said? Thats a little bit ..


    -Soo Ah


    Is Kelby okay?


    -Yeonkyoung


    Did you mean the lor the lord wants to meet you?


    -Edward


    No one talks about the most important, the USB.


    I checked and the vehicle would be repaired with an investment of ore, and I put Kelby in the list of items before leaving. And the lord . I dont know. Lets go home and find out.


    Wait I wonder what will I do with Edward. First, he is a monster who speak and doesnt particrly harm human beings. Theres no way I can kill him.


    Oh wait Theres something I need to check before that.


    Dont you drink human blood?


    Theres no human being on where I lived.


    Hmm? Then what do you drink?


    I only drink the blood of the ves.


    You mean monsters?


    Edward nodded.


    ***


    We came home and I turned on myputer. I was most interested in checking the USB.


    Ahooo Sunbeh oppa, cant you just buy an air conditioner now? Im going to die because of hotness.


    Is it hot? Im cold though.


    If youre not feeling hot now then youre not a human.


    Doesnt a vampire live in heat?


    There were four people in this narrow room. I think I should move to a bigger house soon.


    Its annoying to clean a big house though, but if Soo Ah has a conscience, she will help cleaning up


    Everybody keep quiet. I have to check this out.


    But if its only 8 gig then you can only put one or two movies, then thats it. Whats inside that USB?


    I still dont know. This guy called the Deltas master want to give me something, I guess its like an information. If its a text file, it can contain huge amount of information even if its only 8 gigabytes.


    However, I am worried if the files in this USB arepatible with the format I have in myputer.


    When theputer boots, I plugged the USB. Immediately a message appeared indicating that an external storage device is connected.


    <strong>-Would you like to browse the new drive?</strong>


    A familiar OS is disyed. When I clicked OK, a folder is opened. There was an application called INSTALL.EXE with unidentified files.


    This is an Instation program.


    Click on it.


    Do you know what is this? What would you do if theres a virus?


    You can format it.


    There are a lot of precious files in thisputer


    What files?


    Soo Ah asked me with her eyes shining brightly and looking suspicious to me. I tried to avoid her eyes and spoke.


    Dungeon data or  Items or ..


    Porn videos, right?


    I dont watch those kind of videos.


    A healthy adult man can watch that kind of videos. Dont be shy and make a backup storage for those. Ill wait.


    Im not.


    I casually double-clicked the install icon. Then the instation program worked. There was no need to press OK a few times or specify a folder to install normally.


    The fans of theputer began to pound violently. This is the first time since I bought thisputer.


    Aish. Stupidputer. Soo Ahined.


    Hey, this is 200,000 won.


    Change it to thetest version. You have a lot of money.


    Dont talk like youre the one wholl buy.


    Yeah. Ill buy it for you as a birthday present. When is your birthday?


    It already happened. About a month ago.


    Gosh. Then we already met that time. Why didnt you tell me?


    What will you do if I told you? Besides its just a birthday. Whats special by simply getting older.


    Since I went to Seoul, Im used to being alone during my birthdays so I really dont care about it.


    Thats not right. Ill buy you aputer as a gift.


    No thanks. Its expensive. Thisputer is enough.


    I knocked at theputer, making a loud noise.


    I saved the money and bought it during my porters life. Its still working very well these past few years so I still havent reced it yet.


    The instation was soon done. The monitor suddenly shes, and something titled [Mystics Dungeon]es up on the screen.


    Hmm. Its like


    I think its a game. Soo Ah said.


    Suddenly, arge map surfaced throughout the screen.


    Its not a map with contour lines that we are familiar with but its a world map. And on the map there are blue dots. The map can zoom in and out.


    I dragged the mouse and looked at the map of Korea. When I zoomed in on the screen, I could see the position of the blue dots more urately. What is unusual is that the West Sea is marked on the map and theres no blue dot.


    Why is there no dot in the West Sea? I thought that this might indicate the location of the dungeon.


    I dont know all the dungeons over level 5, but the location of the blue dots and the location of the dungeons I knew were simr.


    Does this program tell you the location of the dungeon around the world? Of course this is an amazing program but its so easy to understand this without figuring it out so hard.


    Now the dungeon information is also disyed on the Inte map. I right-clicked the mouse on the map.


    A pop-up window appeared. There are choices.


    I chose to create a dungeon as if it was something I was hired to do. Then a level 1 dungeon and a point to activate that dungeon blinked. I chose the nearest Ansan dungeon here. It was the ce where Song Hansol had trouble and where Soo Ah was relieved.


    What are you doing?


    Ah .. just wondering.


    Soo Ahs question stuck on my head. What am I doing?


    I wonder if it would really be a program to create a dungeon. No matter what program the vampire lord gave me, I dont think I would pass the ability to manipte it at will.


    But what if this really works ?

 Chapter 99

    Chapter 99


    ETH- Chapter 99


    I watched the Ansan Dungeon slowly bing more and more visible. And the moment it bes 99 percent


    a blue screen appeared on myputer monitor.


    A blue screen..?


    Oh Theputer stopped.


    At the most important moment ..


    I ran theputer again. But after the blue screen, theputer was not fully bootable.


    Wow what a timing. You dont have a choice but to buy a new one. Lets buy a new one tomorrow. Soo Ah said.


    Ill go with you, too. Were on the same party. Yeonkyoung raised her hand.


    I looked nkly at theputer that stopped working. All the materials I collected over the years are gone now. Actually its ok since the other information are in my head now, but theres no way to find the precious ones.


    No. Thats not what matters now. I need to make sure that the program will work properly.


    Well, I think theres no way for that to know how the program works. Soo Ah pointed at the USB and spoke.


    We need to go to aputer shop.


    Then what if it stopped again?


    Well just think about it if that happened again. For now I need to check it out.


    I couldnt give up just simply because its a waste of money.


    The sun will rise sooner though


    Soo Ah pointed at Edward.


    Ah. Right.


    He is a vampire. Barras died and an item was dropped because he was exposed to sunlight, I think its hard for him to survive.


    Edward spoke.


    Why are you staring at me like that?


    The sun will rise sooner. You need to stay at a coffin.


    Coffin?


    Vampires are lying down and sleeping on a coffin, right?


    Do you think I will just stay and stuck in a narrow ce all day?


    If you dont want to die then you must do it.


    Hmm. the sun.


    Theres no sun in the dungeon, so he never experienced such inconvenience. Its also unwise to put this guy in the house all day. First hes a vampire. He cant even attack human beings.


    I need to take him to prepare for such a situation, but I couldnt leave him alone if I had to go back to the West Sea again soon.


    I think he can wear this.


    Soo Ahs looking at the smartphone. In the item column of Hunter Market, I saw the item she searched.


    <strong>Sunscreen Coat (1): This is a coat to block the sunlight. No sunscreen needed.</strong>


    Ah. But thats a piece of clothing that olderdy wears.


    Once he wore it, he canpletely protect himself from ultraviolet rays. Because it protects all the parts that are not covered with clothes, its a coat used by the olderdies who are interested in beauty.


    Although its a beauty rted item, its less expensive than other goods. I remember most of the equipment and the abilities of most of the equipment, but I couldnt remember all of the beauty rted items.


    Do you think its possible?


    But he will still going to be exposed under the sunlight. I think its not ok.


    Well, we should try it first. If it doesnt work then Ill just sell it.


    Hunter Market Sinchon Head Office is open 24 hours.


    I think it would be better for us to get there before the sunes up.


    Im curious how to create a dungeon, but I think I should solve this problem first.


    Phone ringing.


    Who will call at this time?


    I feel something.


    Click.


    I answered the phone.


    Hello?


    [This is Sangmin, right?]


    Yes, whats the matter? Did a dungeon showed up?


    [Yeah. Did you saw it on the news?]


    Yes, but wheres the location? Was it Ansan?


    [Huh? Its not]


    Then where?


    [How should I say this its just that all the dungeons disappeared have been recreated.]


    I searched for the news on my smartphone.


    Soo Ah, this punk has been staring on her smartphone all day long, so I dont know if shes just slow that Han Joon-seok saw the news first.


    Wow. It was real, dungeons were created nationwide. Level 1, 2, 3 and 4 are all in the same ce.


    Theres only one Ansan dungeon created through Mystics Dungeon. But all were recreated again. It doesnt matter whether it is an error in the program or just aputer crash.


    Theres more important problem than that.


    The entrances of the dungeons are all red. Of course, I cant help but to think of the vampire dungeon I entered.


    No way


    The new system has been consistently favorable to me. Every time I fell into crisis, it will drop good items and skills, and through it I am stronger than anyone else. So I deleted the old system dungeon and created a new system dungeon.


    If I increase my proficiency and skill, then the dungeons above level 5 will disappear. And that ce will be reced by a red dungeon.


    I wonder what will happen in the end? The old system will lose its meaning and the new system may be a new order. Maybe this is a new system eating the old system. And maybe Im part of it.


    Ha. No way.


    Whats wrong?


    No, nothing


    Its meaningless to talk about what is not clear yet.


    We stopped at the Hunter Market to buy the coat with Edward. I could buy it for 60 million won. Its fairly cheap but theres a reason for that.


    He spoke with his face looking troubled and embarrassed.


    You mean, I will wear this?


    Whats wrong? It looks cool.


    Its not easy to make an expression which is different from what is on my mind. Its slightly different in personpared to what we saw on Soo Ahs smartphone.


    Edwards coat is a thick fur coat. Just by looking at it makes me feel hot, and its an eye catcher. He can grab attention easily. Luckily he doesnt look really horrible with the coat, thanks to his handsome appearance.


    Wearing this kind of coat, I am so ashamed before dying on the sunlight.


    Im giving it for free and youre stillining?


    Tch. Strictly speaking, its not free.


    Wheres your useless ability, then?


    What an arrogant human.


    If you dont like it then dont wear it.


    Who said I dont like it?


    You said it though.


    I dont remember.


    Liar. Hes acting like a politician.


    The coat worked well.


    Even under the sun, hes fine. He tried to take off his coat and took a swipe at the sunlight. Its funny to see him wearing back his coat very fast because he burned himself a little.


    The next thing we did was to go to aputer shop and plug in the USB again on theputer. Suddenly theputer was broken that I had to pay close to a million won for the damage. After all, I had to spend money and return home without gaining anything.


    I dont know what the problem is.


    Isnt it supposed to have specifications?


    Maybe I should invest some money.


    The money in my current ount is about 203 billion won. I can buy superputer with that money. However, rather than buying expensive things, I need first aputer that will make the program run. If I could make it work properly, I can immediately manipte a red dungeon.


    I hope I can solve this problem before we go to the West Sea.


    A new dungeon doesnt mean that the merits of the West Sea will fall. I still have the opportunity to beat a bunch of monsters at once. We went to Yongsan and used a high-endputer which costs almost 10 million won. Again I opened the Mystics Dungeon. A map popped up, I right-clicked and a selection window appeared, such as creating a dungeon, again.


    Click.


    <strong> You have chosen to edit the dungeon. You can choose the type and level of monsters in the level 1 Ansan Dungeon.</strong>


    First, level 1, then it went up to level 2.


    Done.


    This time, it worked. Theres a money reward.


    Once I realized that the execution was smooth, I looked at the things that I could manipte. This time, it was easy to create and delete dungeons. Its like turning it on and off. However, theres a limit on modifying dungeon. I can only raise the level of the dungeon that is currently open. So, I can modify up to level 4 only. I can choose the kind of monster in the dungeon.


    If you only do great then you can make money, right?


    Soo Ah spoke. She watched me manipte the program.


    I agree with her. This program can manipte dungeons around the world, change the kinds of monsters there, and even the kinds of monsters thate out of them.


    The term changing monster means that I can manipte certain items toe out well becausethe type of dropped item depends on the type of monster. I can make a lot of money if Ill focus on making monsters that will drop expensive items.


    Bur still theres a problem. The dungeon itself is under the dungeon management team. No matter how often I try to clear the dungeon, once a day, a two hour limit is unavoidable. In that case, I can make expensive items in unpopr dungeons.


    How about putting pressure on the government with these weapons?


    Are you crazy? The fact that there is such a thing, were doomed. Do you think the government will stay still?


    But youre strong.


    Im not stronger than Lee Hwe Seung.


    No one knows how many of his forces are hunters. Level 10 is the limit for both dungeon and item levels, but for Mr. Lee Hwe Seung, he has money. There may be hundreds of skill slots filled with level 10 skills. So even if theyre the same level 10, theres still difference. Level is not only the basis on how strong a person is.


    I spoke to the people and to the vampire squatting on a narrow room.


    This is all a secret. Got it?


    How about the other party members?


    I think its ok to tell to Han Joon-seok since he looks like he can be trusted. But its still a secret to others. They might reveal it identally.


    Ok. We understand.


    Soo Ah answered.

 Chapter 100: part1

    Chapter 100: part1


    Evolution of the Hunter Chapter 100


    -Who has been inside the crimsondungeon?


    -Crimsondungeon? What is that? You should just say it in ournguage the Bbalgan Dungeon.


    -Lets just refer it to as the red hole. Originally, dungeons were called the blue holes.


    -I concurwithcalling it the red hole.Crimson dungeon is too difficult to pronounceanyway.


    -You English sycophants. Why are you so obsessedwith English as there isnt any new business going to America?


    -Who are you using of being obsessed? I speak it because Imfortablewith it.


    The stories about the red dungeon took the central theme of the conversations within themunity for the huntersmarket.


    While quickly scanning the posts on themunity, Jun has run into a rather interestingpost.


    -The level of difficulty in the red hole is much higher than that of the blue hole.


    The opinion, basically skewing towards the red hole, was that it has many more monsters and stronger ones even if at the same levels.


    At a nce, it was an agreeable statement when thinking about the vampires.


    On the other hand, items were more

 Chapter 101

    Chapter 101


    Song Han-sol?


    The one that came was the blonde haired Song Han-sol wearing expensive equipment, receiving greetings from the people around him.


    I previously thought that he was merely a rich familys young master but it turned out that he actually had a rtively good amount of talent for business.


    Even so, to think a high schooler would already run such arge scale business.


    It was probably only possible because of his familys backing but it didnt change the fact that it was impressive.


    As he slowly made his way through the people bowing down to him his line of sight passed by me.


    However, he just passed by, seemling not remembering our group.


    Won Jong-tak who was still bowing down seemed a bit down.


    I should have used this chance to get on his good side.


    Is there a need to grovel so much?


    You say that because you dont know. If you get on his good side you can climb to the top quickly. He actually helped contributors afterall.


    What, so its like that. You were saying that he was trash just a while ago though.


    Dont say anything that will get me into trouble. When did I ever say that.


    Won Jong-tak hurriedly blocked my mouth. I continued talking after pushing away his hands.


    In any case, I dont want to get tangled with that guy in any way. Dont try to get me involved ever again.


    Why? Did something happen?


    What would you do after knowing? Some shady things happened.


    Well, alright. If you say so. Right. Then do you have any thoughts on joining as a contributor? The first ount has $10k and I can guarantee at least 10% per year. (TLN: converted from won to US dors 1000:1)


    I dont need it so just stop.


    This guy. Acting so salty. Alright, I got it. Then Im leaving. Right. It seems like thedy has some interest, could I get your contact info? Talking right now is good too.


    Won Jong-tak started talking to Soo-ah. No matter how I look at it, business is not their objective.


    Im not interested.


    Yes? But before.


    I just asked because I was curious.


    Won Jong-taks face froze for a moment as Soo-ah refused coldy.


    He soon returned to his usual smiling face but there was no one among our group that didnt see it.


    See you next time. And think about my offer again.


    The guy chased after Song Han-sols back after leaving such words.


    Han Joon-suk started talking.


    I was thinking that the atmosphere in here was a bit off. It turns out that there were many such people.


    It was as he said.


    The ones that were whispering between themselves all tagged behind Song Han-sol.


    The number of hunters that were following him numbered over 20.


    It seemed like there were level 2 hunters as well but the majority seemed to be level 3. They were most likely nning on clearing a level 4 dungeon with numbers.


    If it was the former version of the dungeon then it may have been possible, but I was thinking that it would be a bit dangerous for this dungeon.


    Not to mention he was the only one wearing level 5 equipment.


    In any case, he was an incredible guy.


    ***


    Quite a bit of time passed and it was finally our turn. My party members and I went towards the dungeon entrance.


    Looking back I could see Song Han-sol reprimanding his subordinates.


    Who did the time check?


    I, Im sorry. Im sure the reserved time was 6 oclock but it seems I was mistaken.


    So youre telling me we have to wait an entire 2 hours?


    That is so.


    Youre fired


    Yes? B, But I was also told that it was 8?


    What? Didnt you just said it was 6? Are you messing with me?


    T, that is I actually heard it as 8 but because president said it was 6.


    You bastards lived to that age and you cant even do this one thing properly?


    p!


    Song Han-sol pped the subordinate in front of him.


    The subordinate seemed to be in his 30s but even after being hit he did not get angry but instead got on his knees and begged for forgiveness.


    Wow that person is still doing things like that.


    Tell me about it. God knows why he is working under that kind of guy.


    Hes probably getting that much money. Isnt money all that matters in the human world?


    Edward said.


    Why are you acting like a know it all after just a few days?


    These clothes. If it werent for your money then I wouldnt have been able to wear them. Then I would have died. Thats the reason Im following you even while enduring this humiliation is it not? Thinking about it like that, such a scene doesnt look wrong.


    Is that so.


    What this guy said wasnt entirely wrong.


    I am actually using money as a weapon to keep this guy under me afterall. However it didnt feel good to be treated the same as Song Han-sol.


    Its not like I hit you, no?


    You did.


    Oh. That was before you worked under me. Youre a monster in the first ce.


    I think that its an excuse but abiding to the sacred contract I shall not say that out loud.


    But you already said it.


    I was going to say more but stopped. Since this guy was separated from his nsmen with only me to rely on I will forgive him this once.


    A guy like me is merciful.


    I was watching the scene going on over there like watching a strangers house burning when Won Jong-tak came out of the crowd and went towards Song Han-sol.


    Somehow, I had a bad premonition.


    President, I will do something about this.


    Hm? Who are you?


    I am Won Jong-tak. Im working as the team leader of Team 2.


    What do you mean by doing something?


    The one that is entering the dungeon right now is someone I know. I will go put in a good word.


    Is that so? Then quickly go talk with him. I dont want to wait anymore. If it goes well, I will at least remember your name.


    Thank you.


    Then the guy started making his way towards me.


    Ah. Damn it. I shouldnt have acted like I knew that guy.


    Hey, I have a really good deal for you.


    What. You bastard. I heard it all. You want us to yield our position?


    Dont be so disagreeable. If you get on the presidents good side then you can be a hunter wait a minute, you were a hunter? Why are you going in here?


    Why are you saying after all this time?


    I looked at the guy with a dumbfounded expression.


    No, in any case thats not whats important. It seems you dont realize how important this opportunity is. If you just listen to that person then you can get high level items and work as a hunter. If you just follow me I can help you. Just take my word for it.


    I refuse. I dont have a single thought of doing so. Just leave. I dont even want to pretend to know you.


    This cunt. Just listen when I say it nicely. Im saying this because I care for you.


    His way of talking was more like an intimidation. Rather than getting angry it just seemed ridiculous.


    Pft.


    Soo-ah let out augh next to me. Won Jong-taks line of sight went to her.


    Possibly because he was desperate he looked at her with sharp eyes that seemed to forget that he tried to get her number.


    What is it that you find so funny?


    What is the moron that cant even grasp the situation saying.


    Oh boy there she goes again.


    Mo, moron? Did you just swear at me?


    Whos the one that swore first?


    When did I swear at you?


    Swearing at senior brother is the same as swearing at me you know.


    Bullshit.


    I separated the two who seemed to be on the verge of starting a fistfight. Soo-ah looked at me with a face full of discontent.


    Even though I stood on your side hmph.


    I am thankful for that. But are you going to start a fight at a ce with this many people?


    I got it. I will just stand still.


    Yeah, thanks for listening. And you bastard. Never act like you know me. Lets not meet ever again.


    Thats fine with me but concede just this once. Then Ill not talk to you.


    This guy is obstinate. I do understand that it would be hard to just go back after talking big to Song Han-sol.


    But thats that. I have no intention of conceding even if I die.


    The Dungeon Administration Team member started talking.


    Are you not going in?


    No, Im going in.


    Then, hope you have a fun hunt.


    The entrance supervisor said so. It would have been fine if it was the leisure dungeon from before but is it alright for him to say something like that for a new dungeon with unknown dangers you might think, but it was something that is in their manual.


    Hey, are you really going toe out like that?


    Seueuk (TLN: sound effect for movement)


    Instead of an answer I just raised my middle finger and went into the dungeon just like that.


    Ssuuk (TLN: sound effect for entering a hole)


    An awfully humid and hot wind blew upon entering the ominous red colored dungeon.


    Urg so humid.


    Soo-ah said as she tied up her hair. Edward swallowed hard at her openly revealed nape.


    I put my hand on his shoulder.


    What are you doing?


    Nothing.


    You just swallowed after looking at her right?


    I, it was instinctual what do you want me to do about it.


    Edward stuttered as he broke out into cold sweat.


    Be satisfied with monsters. If its monster blood Ill let you have as much as you want.


    I wont do something like that.


    Our team set off after reminding him.


    We were in a jungle with green in every direction. I walked forward while cutting the grass, branches, and bushes in the way with the Heavy Strike Longsword. (The previous trantors seemed to use Longsword of Kangta but personally dont like it. I was thinking between Heavy Strike Longsword and Longsword of Hit Hard but my editor/brother said no to thetter. Tell me which one you guys like better.)


    It was more of a battle with bugs than monsters.


    Soo-ah unexpectedly didnt react to the bugs much. I thought that she would scream and make a fuss.


    It seems youre not very scared of bugs?


    I am scared though? He gross too.


    You look calm considering.


    I would if this was outside but I should endure it while working.


    She was very well practiced in the ways of saying what I want to hear.


    Putting that aside, I wonder if it will really be okay?


    Han Joon-suk said. Probably talking about Won Jong-tak. I started talking while grinning.


    Who are you worrying about?


    That is well the other side of course.


    Han Joon-suk said while scratching his cheek.


    ***


    Chwaak! (TLN: sound effect for spiderman doing spiderman thing)


    The spider web that Soo-ah shot tied up the Mukamuka. (TLN: the authors sense of naming is deteriorating. Press F to pay respects)


    It wont be able tost very long!


    Soo-ahs Spider Web Armor was a level 3 item. The amount of time it could restrain the level 4 Mukamuka was short.


    At most 10 seconds?


    Thinking about it, its a considerable amount of time.


    Chwak! (TLN: sound effect for cutting something. Why is Korean like this? I dont know.)


    The Mukamuka was a beast type monster. The Heavy Strike Longsword cut off the things log like arm in one fell swoop.


    Kuooooh!


    The monster let out a sorrowful scream as it tried its best to escape the spider web.


    Bbuduk! (TLN: sound effect for something breaking)


    I stabbed it in the neck with the sword. The sensation of its bone breaking travelled to the tip of my hand.


    [+400]


    One caught!


    One more iing!


    Soo-ah threw the Mukamuka restrained by spider webs towards me.


    It seemed to be over 400 kilograms even at a nce. To think she threw something like that.


    She was always copying my reaction speed during battles. As it took a considerable amount of time for the Ne of Confinement topletely copy a stat it was impossible to change it in realtime.


    That meant that the power just now was purely her own ability.


    Chwak!


    [+400]


    Kwaaaa!


    As soon as we finished defeating the second Mukamuka a huge dragon of fire passed by Soo-ah and I.


    Hwaruru! (TLN: sound effect for fire.)


    The dragon of fire that turned the 2 Mukamukas into ash while traversing the forest went an additional 100 meters or so before disappearing.


    The trees in the path bing pitch ck was merely a side effect.


    With that our first battle came to an end.

 Chapter 102

    Chapter 102


    Kyle: I changed the sound effects to appropriate English equivalents. Please tell me if this is better than before.


    J: Not edited.


    Joon-suk! What are you going to do if you create a forest fire?


    You dont have to worry about that. Dragon Killers me only burn the area that it passes by. Its not a real fire.


    Really? Is that possible?


    Thats what it says on the instruction manual. Its something that has been confirmed in the forest region so you dont have to worry.


    As Han Joon-suk had said, only the trees in path the dragon of fire passed by was burned pitch ck and was turning into ash but the rest of the area was undamaged.


    We thought it wouldnt be much of a problem to test out techniques since it was the forest region.


    I pointed at the dead Mukamuka and talked to Edward.


    Now then, go eat.


    am I some kind of dog?


    Please go ahead and dine. Sir Edward.


    I said so while bowing down to him. Edwards expression crumpled up and let out a sigh.


    I sure am not getting used to human sarcasm.


    Its a joke.


    I will decline such jokes.


    He walked towards the dead Mukamuka even while grumbling. He put his mouth on the neck that was spilling blood from a cut.


    Jjub. jjuub. (Kyle: sfx for sucking)


    Hm it wasnt a pleasant scene for children to see.


    Hm I dont want to say something about someone eating but it feels wrong.


    Said Soo-ah.


    I should keep him from doing so while people are looking.


    How about collecting the blood in a container and carrying that around?


    Han Joon-suk proposed a solution. I nodded my head. It seemed to be the best method.


    The guy that was diligently drinking the Mukamukas blood, while getting blood all over his mouth, suddenly started trembling.


    What is he doing, that guy?


    Indeed. Getting increasing unpleasant.


    The guy that was drinking blood for quite some time while trembling finally separated his mouth and shouted towards the sky.


    Uaaa the power is overflowing!


    Are you filming an advertisement for a health tonic?


    Muhahaha! I am now strong! Taking orders from you is now over with this!


    Edward shouted at me as crimson light came out of his eyes.


    I shook my head from side to side.


    Hes far from sobering.


    I slowly walked towards Edward. He breathed heavily while looking at me with exposed canines.


    Kyak! If you want to die donte close!


    What the hell. Does that mean I go closer if I dont want to die?


    Th, thats not it. Anyway I will not take orders from you any longer.


    Well, thats fine. But give me back those clothes. Those were expensive you know.


    Hm?


    The guys eyshes suddenly trembled.


    That, that is.


    It was a contract. We didnt write a contract on paper but put your hand on your heart and say something. Or is it fine to do whatever you want with promises in your n?


    Its not like that.


    Then quickly give me the clothes and go our own paths.


    At my words, Edwards shoulders drooped down.


    It, it was a joke.


    What did you say? I cant hear it? Didnt somebody say before that they would decline jokes?


    Arg! I messed around a bit! What are you going to do about it?


    Youre noisy, just wash your mouth. Its disgusting to look at.


    Mrg. Im definitely going to buy these clothes someday.


    Itll take forever to be able to buy with a monthly sry of 2m Won.


    I looked into that and it seemed to go against the minimum wagew. Its 10k won per hour a day is 24 hours so shouldnt you give me more than 7m won per month?


    How long do you think you work per day for you to ask for that much?


    I am going to take the entire time under yourmand as my on-duty hours.


    You want to get only 1m won?


    This corrupted business owner. I will report this to the Labor Office.


    What kind of nonsense is this guy without even an ID saying. Youll onlye back to your senses after getting chased out of the country as an illegal immigrant huh?


    Wow. Senior brother you looked like a real corrupted business owner just now.


    Youre going to be like that as well?


    After hitting Soo-ah on the head I checked Edwards status through the manual.


    I have been thinking that something was off since a while ago. Its because the energy or something simr that I feel from him seemed to be stronger than before drinking the Mukamukas blood.


    Vampire Baron (2) : Is a vampire baron. Can be stronger if it drinks blood.


    Oh? He really got stronger?


    That is so. Can you now feel how useful I am now? Immediately increase my sry two fold.


    Then I guess I should charge the money for the blood separately.


    Edward looked at me with a face that said this isnt how it was supposed to go.


    Isnt it obvious to do so? If you can get stronger by drinking the blood of monsters, you are profiting that much so I should receive money.


    That I will act like the sry increase never happened.


    Nah. Lets make it 1m won per level. The level 4 Mukamuka is 4m won.


    This damn corrupted merchant!


    Dont eat it if you dont like the offer.


    What am I supposed to do when I dont have any money.


    Ill take it from your sry. Hm. This is 4m won so thats 2 months worth of your monthly sry.


    N, no way.


    You can refuse if its disagreeable as I said before.


    Who said its disagreeable? I will work hard to repay you.


    Edward answered while wiping the blood off his mouth.


    You suffered a loss trying to keep your pride.


    Said Soo-ah.


    Human girl, it seems that you have a debt to that guy seeing how youre chasing after him everywhere?


    Yeah, quite a bit.


    Tut tut. Youre in a pitiful state as well. To think youve been tangled with that kind of human being, Ive feeling sympathetic.


    I feel like that as well. Senior brother is extremely dense and on top of that doesnt have any emotions,pletely ignoring a persons heart.


    Hey if youre going to diss someone do it where they cant hear it.


    The two who suddenly got along well started talking behind my back. Or wait, theyre doing so where I can hear it so talking in front of my back I suppose.


    More importantly, you. Why did you suddenly get stronger?


    Its because the Friendship Skill proficiency rose. A new additional skill was added.


    Hm? Really? I should check it then.


    I checked Soo-ahs status using the manual.


    The equipment was the same as before but I was able to confirm that there was one more thing in the skill section.


    Skill Name: Friendship, increases the stats of oneself and 5 allies by 20%.


    Additional Skill:


    Burning Friendship: Increases the stats of 1 person by 50% for 10 minutes. Has a cooldown period of 1 day.


    Friendship and Magic as One: Increases the stats of the caster by 100%.


    Proficiency: 41


    Her proficiency passed 40 before I knew it. Looking at it now, Im starting to think that the Friendship Skill might be better than my Effort Skill.


    Looking at the skill effect alone my skill is better but Soo-ahs skill doesnt have a reward point system or a need for ores.


    A 100% stats increase. It made me want to get a Friendship skill if I get another extra skill slot.


    We waited for the monsters corpses to disappear. There were 3 ores and 1 item. We cant be sure with just this one time but it did seem like the item drop rate increased.


    Come to think of it, Manager Kim has all the drop rate increasing items. Shouldve brought him.


    Wow. This is?


    Wait, Ill check.


    The type, form, and effect of the new items are slightly different from the original.


    Even if its the same sword the options attached to it are usually different.


    The one in my hand is also one of those that are different from the original ones.


    Needle Gun (4) : a gun that fires a needle-like metal. It is able to fire anything as long as the size fits the standard.


    Its a gun for now. It wasnt a gun that used gunpowder but it was a tool that was much easier to use than a bow.


    Could I see that for a bit?


    Said Han Joon-suk.


    Ah. Yes, go ahead.


    He held the Needle Gun in his hand.


    This is pretty heavy I see.


    Its probably about 5 kilograms.


    It looked perfect for industrial use. Han Joon-suk aim silently and pulled the trigger.


    Bang!


    Bam!


    With a rather deep sound, the projectile dug into the gigantic tree in front of him.


    Getting close to the tree, I could see a small hole. The metal that was fired was nowhere to be seen.


    It hadpletely prated a tree with a diameter of 50 cm.


    Click. Click.


    Its bolt action but the magazine has arge capacity. Depending on what you put in, you can do a lot of damage. It seems like a pretty good item.


    Who would be the best person to you this?


    I act as a close range attacker and tanker at the same time so I dont have a need for such a weapon.


    It was probably best for a long ranged attacker to have it.


    Hm considering easiness of using it I think it would be best for Manager Kim to have it but.


    That seems reasonable. It does seem like a better option than having nothing to do and staying still after using his skill.


    We decided to have Han Joon-suk use it in this dungeon and test out its performance.


    After continuing to make our way through the jungle, we were able to learn a few additional information about the Red Dungeon.


    First off, as mentioned before the item drop rate was considerably high. Even without a item drop rate increasing item, items dropped with a probability of 10%.


    The item levels were diverse ranging from level 1~4. It was something unusual thinking about how dungeons originally dropped items of the same level.


    The second thing was that the monsters did not have a fixed habitat. They would frequently show up and sometimes even surprise attacked.


    Because they didnt appear at a given location, it seemed this would be the main factor of the rise in difficulty.


    Thest point was the number of monsters that appeared.


    Wow. how many is that total?


    As I said so Soo-ah answered.


    It looks like about 100 total?


    I stepped back in a hurry after realizing there was no footing while travelling through the jungle.


    At the bottom of the cliff that appeared out of nowhere there was a basin where monsters were living as a pack. It was probably more urate to call it a Mukamuka vige.


    Thankfully, they were mostly at or below level 3.


    Han Joon-suk who was inspecting the basin started talking.


    Theyre mostly offsprings and females.


    Females you say?


    Yes, I can see them breastfeeding.


    Hm that means this is a Mukamuka vige.


    100 monsters.


    I was thinking that we would be able to get a good number of items if we killed them all.


    Because of the terrain, their escape route is limited. If we just block a few of the exits then we can annihte them.


    Han Joon-suk said. He was inspecting the terrain of the ce using the sight boost of the Ruby Ring of Optics.


    I took out a ruby ring from the manual as well. There happened to be one among the items that we plundered at the forest region so I kept it without selling it.


    Zing-


    Together with some dizziness, my sight improved by leaps and bounds.


    I could clearly feel that I could see far further than before.


    I even thought that it would be better to keep this effect as the manuals basic passive instead of the Chinese trantion function.


    Putting that aside, the number of monsters was about 100 as mentioned before.


    The total number of exits was 3. Each had burly Mukamukas prowling around it.


    They seemed to be on guard duty. Further inside in a small circr area of a 50 meter radius, Mukamukas were bustling about.

 Chapter 103

    Chapter 103


    J: Not edited.


    The ce directly below the cliff of where we were seemed to be a food storage. There were fruits like things from the jungle and a bunch of wild animal corpses stacked up.


    There was no worry of it rotting. Considering the appetite of these monsters the food here wouldntst more than a day.


    So there are 3 exits. Us moving separately is risky. If we were to block all the escape routes then theres a possibility of them going wild so it would be best to leave one ce open.


    Then are we splitting into 2 teams?


    I shook my head to Soo-ahs question.


    One will be blocked by Kelby. If its the current him, he can handle level 3 monsters with ease.


    Kelby had once survived diving into a group of 100 monsters. Blocking a narrow road was a piece of cake inparison.


    Theres a better method.


    Soo-ah said.


    What method? If you say something weird again youll be in trouble.


    Geez. Just listen to me for now?


    What is it?


    Its blocking the middle road with spider webs.


    Hm?


    Because its a level 3 spider web it should be able to block them pretty well. Of course it would be prated if pushed with numbers, but that just means I have to install more spider webs.


    Sounds like a good idea. How long will you need to prepare?


    About 30 minutes to block one road.


    Then you will block the middle road while Kelby blocks another. Thest one can have the webs installed half heartedly by having you and Han Joon-suk blocking it.


    Sound good.


    Han Joon-suk nodded.


    For now we walked around the cliff to the road on the opposite side. We left Kelby at one of the roads and finished installing spider webs on another.


    Considering that the male Mukamukas could appear if we took too long, we had to work as fast as possible.


    Edward who was just following around silently suddenly started talking.


    What should I do?


    Stick next to Han Joon-suk and keep an eye out for enemies. Alert us immediately if you see anything weird.


    I can fight as well though.


    I never told you not to fight.


    Do I get a bonus if I fight well?


    After seeing how things go.


    His mouth is the only thing thats energetic on this weak being.


    The n was simple. Soo-ah and Edward will stick to Han Joon-suk as his guards while I go in and rampage.


    The monsters will try not to go towards Kelby or the arrow shooting Han Joon-suk as much as possible.


    However the middle path was literally the road to their end. While they are there not knowing how to pass, we will kill them all.


    Will you really be fine on your own?


    I tried it before.


    At that time Kelby fought with me as well but this time should be easier than before.


    Back then there were vampires as well, and the average level of the monsters here is lower too. There are many young Mukamukas here after all.


    Then. Im going!


    I ran towards the Mukamuka vige while kicking up dirt. A Mukamuka blocking the road came into my sight.


    Before it could notice me I rushed up and stabbed my sword in its neck.


    KUAAAA!


    That was a superb cry.


    Once I twisted my sword red blood came gushing out. I sent its head flying as an insurance and ran into the vige.


    Kuu?


    Kaa?


    Even the ones that didnt realize the sudden appearance of a human started screaming as if startled once I started swinging my sword at them.


    Boom boom boom!


    They alerted the other Mukamukas in the area by beating their chest or hitting the ground. A bunch of young Mukamukas rushed out from the pile of boulders. Adult Mukamukas followed them from behind.


    I couldnt tell the difference between male and female Mukamukas by just looking at them.


    However I was able to check their name and level through the manual.


    Female Mukamuka (3) : A female Mukamuka. Weaker than its male counterpart.


    I ignored the young Mukamukas that were busy trying to run away and targeted the level 3 female Mukamukas.


    There are species where the females are stronger but maybe because they are primates at the base, it seems like the females were weaker just like humans.


    Hah!


    sh!


    Every time I swung my Heavy Strike Longsword arge monsters head went flying. The leather of the level 3 beast type monster was cut like tofu facing of the Heavy Strike Longsword.


    Kuaaa!


    It didnt matter even if they didnt die in one strike. The fighting power of beast type monsters fell drastically one they lost even a single limb.


    They were good monsters to farm for various reasons. It was the very reason I ced Mukamukas and Tutulips here after all.


    There was a giant explosion nearby. I was wondering what it was but it turned out to be the Explosive Arrow Han Joon-suk shot.


    To be exact, Explosive Arrow Container. If you put in arrows it would be enchanted with Explosion Magic, creating arge explosion when it hits the mark.


    To add to that, the bow was the level 5 Dragon Killer. The synergy of the two was producing some incredible firepower.


    BOOM!


    With explosion at the back and me dominating the front it couldnt be helped that the Mukamukas fell into confusion.


    There were even ones trying to get up to a ce without a road. I actually saw one that was climb up the cliff to escape.


    GRAA!


    Kelbys roar resounded throughout the area. The Mukamukas that were escaping that way immediately started running to the opposite direction.


    Kelby, who had the ability of absorbing the characteristics of the monsters he eats, had already grown to the point where he could fight on par with a level 5 monster.


    Even when he has that much strength, the penalty is only losing the special ability from eating items and monsters.


    Even from my point of view, thats cheating.


    KUA!


    KAA!


    It was at that moment.


    The confused Mukamukas who were crashing into each other until now suddenly all rushed towards the exit on the right.


    They should have tried to escape to the exit in the middle but they got scared of Kelby and ran away to the furthest exit.


    Oh dear.


    No matter how powerful Han Joon-suks Dragon Killer was and how superior Soo-ahs physical abilities were, it was not enough to guarantee their safeties while facing dozens of Mukamukas.


    I ran towards the right exit at max speed. I had to drive them towards the middle exit before it was toote.


    KWAA!


    Whoosh!


    A gigantic fist flew towards me. It wasnt a level 3 female. Feeling the imminent crisis I changed my direction.


    BOOM!


    As the ground got flipped over the stack of boulders nearby crumbled down. An almost 3 meter tall Mukamuka threw itself at me.


    Level 5. Its name was Mukamuka Leader.


    Possibly because it was ying around with the females after sending its subordinates to hunt, its thing between its legs was grotesquely erected.


    Boom!


    I dodge the monster and sprinted forward again. If this was any other situation then it wouldnt even be a menace. However, right now even a second was precious.


    I took out the Eight Trigrams Scutum from the manual.


    KUAA!


    The monster raised its two arms into the air. It was like a giant statue was pressing me down. I set the Eight Trigrams Scutum towards it.


    A blinding light appeared for a moment. The mass of light which was like a reflection of sunlight prated right through the Mukumukas chest and up towards the sky.


    Kaaa.


    The light faded from the Mukamuka Leaders eyes and its massive body fell forward.


    Boom!


    The corpse twitched as blood poured out like a waterfall.


    The Eight Trigrams Scutum.


    It was a level 7 item taken from Wee Oong-bee. It was my first time using it properly but its power was quite terrifying.


    Even if he was able to survive at the forest region, he would probably die of anger if he remembers this item.


    Either way, it was not time for me to think about such things. I hurriedly ran towards the right exit.


    Dozens of the monsters had already entered the ce Han Joon-suk, Soo-ah, and Edward were.


    If closebat were to start, the only then the only one that could fight properly was Soo-ah so it was unknown how long she would be able to hold out for.


    Hyaa!


    I could hear Soo-ahs shout of exertion. Her weapon was a level 3 bastard sword.


    It was enough to be able to fight against a female Mukamuka but there were too many of them at the moment.


    The only saving grace was the existence of the Friendship Skills stat amplifier and the Ne of Confinement.


    Hm, wait a minute?


    If its like that when whats her current reflex stat like now then?


    Currently my reflex stat was 450%. Lets say that is increased by 100%. Because Soo-ahs Friendship buff wasnt additive but multiplicative, the reflex stat would be 900%.


    That meant 10 times the reflex of a normal person.


    Isnt she stronger than me?


    Kuaaa!


    Kyaa!


    Kueak!


    It was the continuous screams of the Mukamukas. I progressed while cutting down every single monster in my way without mercy.


    That didnt seem to be enough so I resumed progressing by stomping on and crushing their heads. After passing by dozens of Mukamukas in that way, what I saw in front of me was Soo-ah covered in blood swinging her sword at an incredible speed.


    Hah. Hah. Hah.


    It was fast enough for me to be unable to see the sword.


    However, Soo-ah who was showing such movements was heaving her shoulders to the degree that it was pitiful.


    It was a phenomenon brought about by the reflex that was 10 times higher than normal not being supported by the right amount of endurance.


    On top of that, I could see her right arm twitching. It was cramping.


    This meant that if you raised a single ability too much the bodys bnce crumbles causing you to be unable to fully disy your ability.


    I stomped on thest Mukamukas head and jumped into the air.


    As soon as Inded on Soo-ahs back, she swung her sword at me with terrifying vigor.


    I didnt even have time to think about dodging.


    ng!


    I was narrowly able to twist my body to block the sword with my armor. I was only able to block it with my armor because it was the level 3 bastard sword.


    It was a speed terrifying enough for me to start shivering the moment I thought, what if she was using a high level weapon.


    Hey. You. Who do you think youre attacking?


    Ah Se, senior brother.


    I will scold you for thister so rest for now.


    Yes.


    She fell backwards with a face that seemed to be on the verge of dying.


    I was worried about her condition but the priority right now was to annihte the Mukamuka in front of me.


    Seeing dozens of Mukamukaing at me, it was at the level of a horror movie.


    I raised Thors Hammer instead of the Heavy Strike Longsword and struck the ground.


    Boom!


    With that thunderous sound, the Mukamukas that were charging at me copsed into a shivering mess.


    I wasnt able to kill them with that but even making their movement slower was enough. I swapped back to the Heavy Strike Longsword and sent their heads flying one by one.


    Kueek!


    Kaak!


    Once I decapitated a few dozen of them, I noticed that they started backing away slowly.


    I thought that this was the chance so I pushed forward more fiercely than before which caused their morale to break and escape in droves.


    sh!


    Kaaang!


    I stabbed my sword into the chest of thest one toe at me and took it out after twisting it. Blood and innards came out with a disgusting sound.


    Whew.


    I put away the sword while getting the blood off my face.

 Chapter 104

    Chapter 104


    J: Not edited.


    Normally, this was the timing where Soo-ah brought me a towel, but right now she was currently in a state ofplete exhaustion.


    After checking that there were no Mukamukas around this area I checked the state of my party members.


    Han Joon-suk and Edward were looking after Soo-ah. Soo-ah, who looked much better than before, was trying to get up.


    Keep resting.


    Its fine. They will all be caught in the spider web, we have to get them all.


    That can be der. Either way, why were you in such a bad state?


    No matter how fast she was moving, it was abnormal for her state to have been that bad. The amount of time she spent blocking the enemies was only 2~3 minutes.


    It was an incredibly short time for Soo-ah who had the self buff on top of the stamina of a professional athlete.


    I think its because I didnt control my strength properly. It was my first time moving that quickly after all.


    It seems the problem was that she couldnt adjust to her own speed. My physical ability increased rapidly as well but I still took a few steps while her stats rose all at once.


    Its simr to how someones stamina is used up quickly if the person overpaces.


    Since your stamina is still only a bit better than a normal person, it seems you will have to pace yourself.


    Yes, I think I will be able to show my actual speed if I get used to it.


    Thats nice.


    We took a break for now while waiting for Soo-ah to recover. I asked Edward if he was going to drink some blood but he refused saying that he was full.


    He said that it seemed like it would take at least a week to digest the blood he drank before.


    Soo-ah who was regting her breathing for 10 minutes or so slowly raised her body.


    I think Im fine now.


    Then we should get going.


    Come to think of it, where did Kelby go?


    Ah.


    The situation was urgent so Ipletely forgot about him.


    Dont tell me you forgot about him?


    Haha thats.


    Come on. Even if it was urgent. If Yeon-gyeong was here then you would have been scolded.


    I probably wouldnt have forgotten if she was here.


    I said some appropriate excuse and went out to look for Kelby. I picked up the dropped ores and items on the way.


    The vige area was quiet.


    We made that much of a ruckus on top of killing the Mukamuka Leader so if it was a monster with a functioning brain there was no way they woulde here.


    Oh. Whats this?


    Soo-ah picked up a shining ore. It was an ore thate from the Mukamuka Leaders corpse.


    Hey. Put that back on the ground for now.


    Yes sir.


    High level ores were radioactive. This was why the Geiger counter was a must-have for porters at dungeon above level 3.


    I took out the Geiger counter from Soo-ahs Space Expansion Bag and took the measurement. After checking that there were no problems I held it in my hand.


    Because it was an ore that I saw for the first time, I checked it with the manual.


    Strengthening Stone (4) : Can make an items level the same as the Strengthening Stones level throughbination.


    Seriously?


    This is pretty surprising. I thought it was one of the normal ores but somethingpletely different from my expectations came out.


    What? What is it for you to be that surprised?


    This seems to raise the level of an item?


    The level of an item?


    Yeah. So you can raise the level of a low level item to level 4.


    Looking at thebination form, it seemed like any item could be a level 4 item with 3 Strengthening Stones.


    You can even make a level 1 a level 4?


    Probably. This is seems to be pretty nice?


    I didnt think that a new item would drop. This was a rather good item too. Its because there are quite a few items among the low level ones that I cant use even if they have a good option due to their low level.


    This was especially so for the Bloody Sword. Although the special ability of it was A level, because the damage stat was too low it couldnt do much damage to monsters of levels higher than or equal to level 4.


    However, now that I can use it as much as I want as long as I have the Strengthening Stone.


    Wow If this gets out then this will be traded for a really high price.


    It probably wont be like that.


    How so?


    You can only strengthen throughbination and Im probably the only person that can usebination.


    Thats true. This is an amazing profit then? We would be able to make a lot of money by just searching for Strengthening Stones, strengthening an item and selling it.


    It would be nice if it works out that well.


    Is there something more?


    I looked at the Strengthening Stonesbination form on the manual and clicked his tongue.


    3 Strengthening Stones and 3 ores of the same level were required for a level 4 Strengthening Stonebination.


    That meant that I needed the incredibly rare enite. The bright side was that I currently had 3 or so enites in my possession.


    They were from the bunch of the ores I picked up during the battle with Chungho Group.


    Now then. Just need to collect 2 more Strengthening Stones.


    Were more like a miner than a hunter.


    Well. Theres not much of difference in what they do.


    My work is basically swinging around tools to mine ores and items. The fact that the average lifespan of both jobs isnt long is also the same. The main difference would be that our job earns a lot more money.


    After collecting all the items that had dropped here and there in the vige, we headed towards the middle road.


    I could see trails of blood in some ces on the path. Because monsters bleed the entire time theyre disappearing, one could tell that it hadnt been that long since a fight broke out.


    Is it Kelby I wonder.


    I can hear some sounds from that direction. Lets hurry.


    Soo-ah urged us as she walked hastily. We were following after her when I heard a disturbing sound.


    Crunch. Crunch.


    It was the sound of chewing something hard. When we arrived at the origin of the sound, we could see Kelby eating a Mukamuka that was caught in the spider web.


    I was used to it since I had seen it a few times but Soo-ahs expression was one of shock.


    You, what are you eating!


    Kek?


    Gulp.


    Kelby got surprised and swallowed the bone that he was chewing on. Soo-ah ran up to him and smacked him on the back.


    Quickly spit it out! If youll upset your stomach if you eat something like that!


    Leave him alone. Thats his ability.


    Yes?


    whimpering.


    Kelby who was almost 2 meters high when he stood up started rubbing his face on Soo-ahs head. With blood on his mouth.


    Ah, seriously. Wash your mouth first!


    Soo-ah took out a towel from her bad and wiped his mouth. For your information, the towels with blood on them were all one time use only.


    If we threw it away in the dungeon then there was no need to recycle it separately.


    I gave a rundown on Kelbys ability. Han Joon-suk who was listening quietly opened his mouth while talking.


    I was quite surprised to be honest. I believe it would be best to not show this scene to Yeon-gyeong.


    I dont know if she would say such a scene is cute but its not like were keeping him as a pet so she will have to put up with it.


    Certainly. That is true.


    I was really surprised. Does his ability increase if he eats like that?


    Said Soo-ah, who finished wiping off the blood on Kelbys mouth. As the one that adored Kelby the most after Yeon-gyeong it seems the mental impact was quite severe.


    Well, it seems like hes able to imitate the monsters characteristic. If its a characteristic of the Mukamukas then its mighty strength so I would imagine it would increase that stat.


    Eating monsters or items did not appear numerically so it was difficult to understand everything. It wasnt like I could see every one of Kelbys fights either.


    Whew. We couldnt see any Mukamukas on the way here, did Kelby eat them all?


    It wouldnt be possible for him to eat that many since we only rested for about 10 minutes. Its probably right to say that a lot of them escaped.


    Hm That means we should chase after them and kill them all. If we want to clear the dungeon.


    There should be a different method to clear. The dungeon is prettyrge and there are many monsters as well so 2 hours would be insufficient to clear it. Come to think of it, how much time has passed?


    Its almost been 2 hours.


    Damn we should leave then.


    The Red Dungeon where I first saw the Vampire Lord didnt have a separate entrance. However, these dungeons created through Mystic Dungeon had an entrance just like the past dungeons; allowing us to leave whenever we wanted to.


    There were a few peculiarities that were different but the basic rules such as items disappearing if one died were the same.


    Isnt it better to clear it since we came in already?


    Then we would have to pay extra though?


    Do we look like we have no money?


    Soo-ah said proudly, and when thinking about it she was right. In my point of view, the fine was a miniscule amount of money. Information about this Red Dungeon was more important than some chump change.


    It might be more important to find out the method of clearing than the fine.


    We decided to continue the dungeon exploration for now.


    The monster with the highest poption after the Mukamuka was the Tutulips. It closely resembled a puma but was 3 times bigger.


    Its movement was agile and possessed strong bite force so its menacing enough that it can be said that your life is over if your bitten by it.


    Normally that is.


    The point was that this side had a guy that was more terrifying than that Tutulips.


    Grrr!


    A low pitched growling.


    As Kelby took a step forward while growling the Tutulips took a step backwards.


    Bite it!


    Once Kelby ran in the Tutulips scattered while making eerie sounds. At the scene that I couldnt predict Iughed involuntarily.


    Woah thought they were cats for a second there.


    Theyre still level 4 monsters. If you look down on them your neck will be ripped off in on strike.


    Speaking of which, I should get a new armor first. Im anxious because this one is only level 3.


    Soo-ah said so while looking down at her Spider Web Armor.


    It would certainly be a good idea to change it if youre going to high level dungeons.


    It is nice because it has the spider web ability but.


    We can upgrade it after gathering Strengthening Stones too.


    After senior brothers thing.


    You think Ill do yours first if you say something like that?


    That was from the heart though.


    I have no idea how to reply if shee out this seriously. Han Joon-suk opened his mouth instead of me answering.


    May I have the Needle Gun for a bit?


    Sure. What are you going to do?


    Well, was thinking about testing out the firepower.


    While Kelby was herding the Tutulips, I started aiming at the ones that were running away.


    Kyaang!


    Nice shot!


    Soo-ah yelled in a loud voice. It seems that habit will not disappear easily.


    1 shot 1 hit. The reason Im able to hit them so well without a guiding function isnt because I am a sharpshooter but because the Tutulips arerge.


    The Tutulips that got hit by my Needle Gun looked at me while jumping around but because Kelby was growling nearby they didnt even try to attack and stayed busy trying to run away.


    I continuously chased after them and pulling the trigger.


    As result of the experiment, I was able to find out that they became unable to fight once they were hit with 3 shots.


    If they were shot in their vitals then they could even be killed in 3 shots. Even without shooting their vitals, it was possible to kill them with 5 shots.


    Han Joon-suk who was watching opened his mouth.


    It packs quite a punch.


    It seems like the firepower test is enough with this. It seems to have higher damage than a bow of the same level.


    The only minus is that it can only be used at mid range.


    I agreed with Han Joon-suks opinion. Bows could still be used from a distance of 100 meters minimum but the Needle Guns damage dropped sharply once the range passed 20 meters.


    If it was like this, it was uncertain as to whether or not ranged attackers could use this.


    Instead, it seemed useful for someone with a battle power of 0 like Manager Kim to use for self defense.


    After the firepower test was over, Kelby had bitten all the Tutulips to death. After waiting for the corpses to disappear, we picked up the ores and items and set off again.

 Chapter 105

    Chapter 105


    <em>J: Not edited.</em>


    Having Kelby with us lowered the frequency of monster encounters. Once I put him into the manual, the monsters starteding one after another again.


    The number of monsters that attacked numbered almost 20 in the span of 30 minutes.


    Han Joon-suk opened his mouth as he loading arrows into his quiver.


    Theres definitely a lot of them. It doesnt seem like the method of clearing is killing them all.


    I feel like there should be someone that was able to clear it but was there no information?


    Soo-ah asked.


    You as well right. Individuals dont share such information. Before the Dungeon Management Team clear it and publish an official clearing method, the ones that already cleared it will only be thinking about how to make the most amount of money.


    People sure are cold these days. Putting that aside, do you not have anything to say?


    Soo-ah asked Edward. Since when were these two so close?


    Say what?


    You came from a Red Dungeon as well. You should know the method to clearing it.


    I dont know what you mean by clearing. If its about that, that guy would know more than I do. Since he got out of there first hand.


    Edward pointed at me. Certainly, the guy who was just living in there wouldnt know anything.


    The Vampire Lord was the one that sent me out so.


    Hm. So we have no choice but to keep moving.


    In a situation where we didnt have any information there was nothing to gain from talking.


    Soon the view opened up and argeke appeared. It was clear enough for the blue sky to be reflected perfectly and was quiterge too.


    I could see wild animals as well as monsters around theke. Theke seemed to be the source or water for survival for them.


    However, there was something that caught our attention more than that.


    Wow. That.


    Soo-ah said as her eyes widened.


    What she saw there was the same stone pirs I had seen at the vampire dungeon.


    Andmass had surged up at the center of theke and the 5 meter tall stone statue was on top of it.


    The statues appearance was simr to that of a humans but it had a horn on its head and a lower half of a horse.


    It was simr to a centaur thates out in Greek mythology with the only difference being the horn.


    Hm A stone statue Getting a bad feeling even at a nce.


    It does seem to have a connection to clearing. Lets clean up the monsters around theke first. Since we will have to cross the water to get there, we should get rid of the dangers first.


    Yes sir! Just give me themand.


    Its good that youre motivated but dont go overboard.


    Are you worrying about me?


    Dont ask me the obvious.


    Holy crap.


    Soo-ah blinked as she covered her face with both hands. He pupils seemed to shine 2 times brighter than usual. I started talking before she said something pointless.


    There are only around 10 that we can see, but there might be more of them behind. Even if it takes some time, lets go around slowly. You scout the area.


    Okay. I should at least do my part.


    Edward nodded. He could fly in the sky and turn into a shadow bat if it gets dangerous so I assumed there wouldnt be any problems.


    Ahhh!


    <em>birds flying away</em>


    With the sound of something screaming the monsters and wild animals fled into the forest in surprise.


    Its a persons scream.


    I let out a sigh at Han Joon-suks words.


    Who came in this time? It cant be that the management team sent people just because we were a littlete right?


    It hasnt even been 3 hours. They usually wait if its just this much.


    It might be that the people in line couldnt wait.


    Han Joon-suk said. When thinking about the people that were behind us in the line, I remembered Song Han-sols name.


    Right. If its that guy then he would do such a thing.


    Could it be Song Han-sol?


    Soo-ah said as her face froze.


    It might not be. It might actually be the management team.


    If it was the management team, they would bring people that are at least one level higher than the level of the dungeon. Would they be done in so easily?


    If they thought that it was simr to the original dungeons then they might get done in. We dide across a level 5 monster after all.


    The Mukamuka Leader was a level 5. Since it was a monster that was a level higher than the level of the dungeon, it should be seen as an irregr.


    However, this time it felt different. It didnt feel like a special case but something that should have been there from the beginning.


    It was only a spection but my thought was that it was not an irregr but a feature of the Red Dungeon.


    What will you do? We can still go to the ce where the scream was and help.


    Han Joon-suk said. He was the person who the most reliable decisions in these kinds of situations.


    What would be the better option?


    You are worried that it might be that person called Son Han-sol yes? And you dont have a good rtionship with him.


    I nodded. She never talked especially about him but she did mention before that she didnt have a good rtionship with him.


    If it was that guy, then things might getplicated. Han Joon-suk started contemting with his hand on his chin.


    In that time, I sneaked a nce at Soo-ahs expression. It was aplicated expression.


    It was the same for me. If the one over there really was Song Han-sol, then it was a golden chance to beat him up and get him to apologize.


    It was possible to get revenge on the guy and do to him what he did to us.


    We could also get him to beg for mercy while on his knees.


    If it was now, it was definitely possible.


    Soo-ah suddenly opened her mouth.


    If that really is Song Han-sol.


    No, lets not do anything useless.


    Yes that should be the right thing to do.


    The problem was that it didnt end with Song Han-sol alone.


    If we were to attack Song Han-sol, that meant killing all 20 hunters that he brought alone with him.


    I didnt want to settle a personal grudge by going to such lengths.


    I have been sessful to the point that the memory of suffering caused by him was already faint. You could find that kind of guy anywhere, and I just happened to be unfortunate enough to meet him.


    Of course, thinking about what that guy tried to do to me it was probably fine for me to go ahead and kill him.


    That was what he tried to do after all.


    However, I didnt want to be the same type of person as him. I didnt want to kill someone purely based on my feelings.


    Han Joon-suk whopleted contemting opened his mouth.


    Whoever it is over there, it would be faster to go to the stone statue than going there. If that is really connected to clearing the dungeon, it would be better to quickly clear the dungeon.


    Everybody agreed to his words. Han Joon-suk continued.


    It seems the monsters all went to where the people are. I think it will be fine to just go to the stone statue.


    The problem is how to get there then.


    The diameter of theke was about 100 meters. To get to thendmass we had to cross at least 30 meters of water.


    Cant we just swim?


    Soo-ah said.


    It does seem like we will have to do so but.


    I felt leery about it.


    It was a dungeon where Mukamuka and Tutulips appeared but that didnt mean that other monsters did not appear.


    We cant leave aside the possibility of monsters being in the water.


    Should I try going in for a bit? Even if there are monsters I should be able to run away.


    Soo-ah showed confidence. If it was her current reflex stat she should be able to swim with tremendous speed. I tried asking her.


    Will you be okay?


    I should do it if I can. Im a hunter as well you know.


    She said so while lightly hitting her chest. It didnt seem like a bluff.


    Okay, Ill leave it to you then. Right. Take this just in case.


    I took out an Escape Scroll form the manual and gave it to her.


    It was possible to leave a dungeon during an emergency so it was an item as precious as a life.


    Is it fine to just hand this out?


    There a lot. I have dozens of them.


    I had 27 to be exact. I decided to hand one each to Han Joon-suk and Edward as well while Im at it.


    It allows them to escape a dangerous situation once so I thought that it would be good to give it to them like this.


    Edwards eyes opened widely. Was it that unexpected?


    Youre giving me one as well?


    10m won.


    So expensive.


    Its a joke. Just take it.


    Hm?


    Im not going to joke around with a persons life.


    Well, Ill receive it dly if you give it to me.


    His attitude was indifferent but his actions were not. He stored it securely in his bosom being careful as to not drop it.


    Soo-ah quickly swam ap around theke. As she didnt find anything suspicious we all decided to go by swimming.


    Soo-ah and I had excellent physical abilities and so didnt have a problem while Edward could fly.


    The problem was Han Joon-suk who said that he was bad at swimming so I carried him on my back.


    Woah. Looking at it from up close its really big.


    Soo-ah raised her head and looked up at the stone statue. Looking closely, there was moss here and there all over the statue.


    It looked like it was left untouched for decades at the very least. Although, since there was no way people would be in a ce like this it might not be decades but centuries or millenniums.


    While walking around the stone statue, I searched if there was anything special.


    As the stone statue was suspicious no matter who looked at it, I walked while carefully inspecting the ground.


    No traps Doesnt seem like the stone statue doesnt have any special mechanism either.


    Then how about destroying it?


    Rejected.


    Does this girl only have a single brain cell. Says we should start anything by destroying it first.


    Eh. But you said you destroyed it before.


    That is so. But back then I had a guide. Right now we dont.


    Whats your opinion Edward?


    Once Soo-ah asked Edward, he started thinking for a bit before opening his mouth.


    Destroying it doesnt seem like a bad idea.


    See? What did I tell you. This guy thinks the same way.


    Dont say it on the sly. Destroying it is thest option. Lets investigate a bit more before that.


    We inspected the periphery of the stone statue for 10 minutes. We tried digging the ground and investigated every nook and cranny inside the water as well but couldnt find anything.


    The sound of shouting, sound of screaming, and sound of battle could be heard the entire time we were doing so.


    Seeing how the sound was getting louder and louder, it seemed to be getting closer to theke.


    Theres no choice then.


    If we did as I first said then it would have finished quickly.


    Wait.


    At that moment, Han Joon-suk raised his hand and pointed at the head part of the statue. Once I looked closely at the ce he indicated, I realized that one of the eyes was caved in.


    Edward flew up and inspected the statue.


    It looks like something needs to be fitted into this ce. Something around the size of a thumb.


    Its too small for an ore to go in.


    Isnt it something that drops from killing monsters?


    There was nothing among the things we picked up that fits in there.


    We might have to kill more monsters.


    Urg.


    I turned my head to the direction the sound wasing from.


    I was thinking that we might have to help them with the monster when someone showed up after breaking through the forest.


    Hah! Hah! It, its ake!


    What? Where!


    Run this way!


    Damn! Everybody this way!


    10 or so hunters came breaking through the forest.


    The figures of Won Jong-tak and Song Han-sol could be seen among them.


    They found us and opened their mouth.

 Chapter 106

    Chapter 106


    Who is that?


    The bastards that went in first most likely.


    Is it safe there?


    I dont know! Is that really what important right now?


    Theyreing from behind!


    From where the hunters had juste out, Mukamukas and Tutulips appeared.


    Gaaah!


    Save me!


    A hunter that was caught by a Tutulips grabbed Won Jong-taks foot.


    F, fuck! Piss off!


    Save.


    God damn it!


    Ahhhh!


    Won Jong-tak swung his sword to cut off the hand of the hunter holding his leg.


    Such a scene was happening in several ces. It was not a situation where they could help.


    The ones that barely survived by betraying and feeding their allies to the monsters mouth all threw themselves into the water.


    Ssh! Ssh!


    The hunters that swam the 30 meters in a single breath and took in a deep breath and copsed on the ground.


    The ones who barely survived were 4.


    They all looked quite exhausted. Among them, 2 were faces I knew.


    Won Jong-tak and Song Han-sol.


    It seems those things know how to swim though?


    Soo-ah pointed towards theke.


    Dozens of monsters were crossing the water anding towards us.


    Damn it. Everybody prepare for battle!


    I held up my sword getting ready to attack, but for some reason they just hung around in the water and didnte up to thendmass.


    What?


    It seems to be because of that stone statue.


    Han Joon-suk said. We didnt know the reason, but it seems they were too afraid toe up to thisndmass.


    What is this stone statue for them to be so afraid of it.


    Thats funny.


    Edward said.


    What are you saying is funny?


    Arent we trapped here without a ce to run to?


    We wont have any trouble escaping.


    Certain. That is true.


    He started nodding as if he only just remembered the existence of the Escape Scroll.


    Won Jong-tak who had copsed on the ground looking at the Mukamukas and Tutulips surround thendmass suddenly raised his head.


    Theres a way to escape this ce?


    Even in such a situation he hears everything he needs huh.


    None of your business.


    Damn it. Do you not feel the urgency of the situation even while looking at that? We cant stay here forever.


    The management team wille if we wait. Who told you to recklesslye in here?


    Damn it. You think I came in here because I wanted to?


    Won Jong-tak grinded his teeth while ncing at Song Han-sol.


    He was looking at the ground with tired eyes with half of his equipment missing.


    The proud look that he had shown before was nowhere to be seen.


    Theyre doomed. Definitely doomed. Looks like the number of dead people is over 10 and if you add the lost equipment wow I wonder how much that is?


    At Soo-ahs words Won Jong-tak turned his head and started shouting at her.


    This crazy bitch If you dont want to get killed shut your damn mouth!


    Bam!


    Won Jong-taks head spun around as he rolled on the ground.


    Soo-ah who had suddenly appeared while holding up a fist started talking.


    That guy isnt a friend right?


    Yep. Hes not. You did well.


    If she hadnt hit him then I would have. And if I had then it wouldnt have ended with mere bruises like that.


    The other sides hunters got up while faltering.


    It seems they were tense at the sudden violence. However looking at their state, they probably didnt even have the strength to walk.


    I summoned Thors Hammer and dropped it on the ground after a few light swings.


    Boom!


    Huh?


    Wh, what?


    That was something heavy?


    It was some light showmanship but the hostility in their eyes disappearedpletely.


    It might be a little immature but I have to cut down their moral from the beginning if I dont want them to start a fight.


    Then, Song Han-sols line of sight reached me for the first time.


    You are.


    Ah. Did you finally recognize me?


    Its that bastard from before. Though you died.


    Is that so? Did Park Jung-bae not tell you that I was alive?


    How long do you think its been since that Jung-bae bastard died.


    What?


    I thought he wouldnt do anything dangerous since he had a fair amount of money.


    He went to that Yellow Sea or whatever and came back as a corpse.


    Well Its the natural consequence of ones deed I suppose.


    I didnt think I wanted to feel any pity because he had died. You never knew when a hunter would die and the Yellow Sea was especially dangerous.


    He could have lived off of inheriting his parents business but he dug his own grave by going their on his own.


    Save me.


    What?


    If you get me out of here Ill give you whatever you want. Ill give you all the items if you want them. Fuck If you want money then Ill give it to you after getting out. Please. Just let me leave here alive.


    Why do I have to do so? I have a lot of money though?


    Im asking you.


    What bullshit is this?


    Is this guy not fully awake even in such a situation?


    I was snickering while thinking so, but he suddenly took off and held his bag upside down.


    Dozens of items fell on the ground. It wasnt only that.


    All of you open your bags!


    B, but.


    Shut up and do as I say.


    Yes.


    At hismand the hunters that were still alive all flipped their bags upside down.


    Thereupon a bunch of ores and items had stacked up on the ground.


    Song Han-sol slowly kneeled towards me and opened his mouth.


    I will give you everything. So please at least save my life.


    The guy bowed down.


    Damn. What kind of situation is this?


    Poke poke.


    Soo-ah poked me in the side. What is it I wonder?


    ept it.


    What?


    Unusual. If it was about grudges with Song Han-sol then this girl has a lot more than me though.


    I looked carefully at Soo-ahs expression. Her eyes that were looking at Song Han-sol had no expression whatsoever in them.


    Instead, she was using a calctor in her head trying to figure out how much those things would be worth.


    The answer would soone out since her head processed faster than mine when it came to money.


    If we add everything up it should be worth a few 100m. No, it wont be that much considering the value of the items will fall but it will still be quite a bit.


    Are you okay with that?


    Im not okay. But I think that is enough aspensation.


    And an apology?


    I dont think that guy will apologize from the bottom of his heart. It might be interesting to see how well he can act but I dont have a hobby of seeing such things. Thats why the apology will be in the form of money.


    Well, if you say so.


    Although she said it like that shes probably not actually alright. She just doesnt want to waste any emotions on that guy.


    I think that its a sensible decision. No, I shouldnt say it so lightly.


    Its not like I can know her inner thoughts in its entirety. She might be crying on the inside while putting up a calm front.


    What are you looking at with such a pitying face?


    Hm? Did I do that?


    If I say that Im fine then Im fine. Im saying this because senior brother wouldnt know if I didnt say every single thing as it is.


    She pointed at Song Han-sol as she continued her words.


    I dont care even a single bit about a guy like that.


    Youre an amazing person.


    Doesnt love gush up within you?


    Thats a no.


    Im sorry for interrupting. Theres something that you should see.


    Han Joon-suk said. Looking at the ce he was pointing at, I could see a crimson ruby.


    The size seemed perfect for shoving into the statues eye.


    This is?


    Once I held the jewel in my hand Song Han-sol opened his mouth.


    Do you want that? Then take it.


    Ill take all of it so dont worry.


    I gave the jewel to Edward. The guy nodded and flew up.


    What in the world are you trying to do?


    Won Jong-tak walked towards me with a swollen face. It was a bit pitiful to see him avoid Soo-ah after getting hit once.


    However I couldnt get the scene of this guy cutting his allys arm out of my mind.


    My expression naturally crumpled up but he continued his words as if he didnt realize.


    We can really leave here right?


    Well have to see. What that is. Its only a spection but.


    The stone statue that trembling once the jewel was put in its eye.


    Edward hurriedly got away from the stone statue.


    It doesnt seem like we can leave so easily.


    Crack!


    As soon as the ruby was put in, the entire statue started vibrating and then slowly started cracking.


    And then finally it crumbled.


    That is?


    Han Joon-suk opened his mouth. It wasnt that the stone statue had crumbled. It was just that the outeryer covered in rock was shed.


    The that was left afterpletely shedding slowly moved its body and looked down at us.


    A creature with a humans body as the top and a horses body below, a centaur.


    [I am a Centaur Warrior Virun. I will grant the wish of the human that has awakened me.] (Kyle: Virun is pronounced Vai-roon)


    A wish?


    What the hell was this all about?


    Please increase the number of wishes to 3!


    Before I could say anything Soo-ah yelled.


    [That is disapproved.]


    Eh, dont be so narrow minded.


    Does that even make sense?


    Then he shouldnt have asked for a wish then. Or put some conditions. Like you cannot increase the number of wishes. Dont you know you have to do that much if you dont want to be sued?


    I dont think theres awyer with enough nerves to sue that guy.


    The guys height was 5 meters.


    Thendmass had a diameter of 20 meters which the guy was probably capable of going from one end to the other in a few steps.


    If we had to fight with this guy, it would be a worst case scenario.


    The Mukamukas and Tutulips were lurking in the water while there was a giant centaur in the middle of the ind.


    There was nowhere to run to. Was the escape scroll the only way as I thought?


    No, since it said that it would grant a wish, it would be fine to talk appropriately.


    What do we have to do to clear this dungeon?


    [Is that your wish?]


    Its just a question.


    [I have no obligation to answer.]


    Then just clear it. That is my wish.


    [That is disapproved.]


    Ah. I told you, that guy seriously has to be sued.


    Soo-ahined.


    At this point Iming to agree with her.


    Hes not doing anything for us and hes saying hell grant our wish. I dont have a clue why hes saying such a thing if hes going to be like that.


    Then what are you able to grant us?


    [I can kill anybody you want.]


    Sure is a brutal genie of themp.


    I dont need such a wish though.


    How about asking it the way to clear the dungeon?


    Han Joon-suk said. That did seem to be the best choice.


    I will just ask as a wish. What do we have to do to clear the dungeon?


    [Offer me a sacrifice.]


    A sacrifice?


    [Thats right. If you sacrifice a fresh humans soul then I will let you clear this dungeon.]


    This was a bit weird. To have to offer a human to clear the dungeon.


    Even if the dungeon was different from a normal dungeon this was far too different. At the very least, it didnt feel like a normal method.


    I, I will offer a sacrifice!


    Song Han-sol suddenly yelled from behind. I was wondering what kind of bullshit he was talking about when the sound of something prating flesh could be heard.


    Arg this fucking.


    A sword was pointing out after going through Won Jong-taks chest.

 Chapter 107

    Chapter 107


    This crazy bastard!


    I hurried ran and kicked Song Han-sol. But it was toote.


    The sword that prated Won Jong-taks chest had gone through his heart without even a chance to heal or do anything.


    The guy had already stopped breathing.


    Is this what reaping what one sows meant. He was a guy who killed his ally to save himself. It was like that hade back right at him.


    Even so, it was not an action that should be forgiven. I turned to look at Song Han-sol.


    However the guy started shouting to not me but Virun.


    I offered a sacrifice! Sir Virun! Please let me leave this dungeon!


    This asshole.


    I went up to him and grabbed his cor. Due to how much force I grabbed him with, his face turned blue.


    Arg? Urg! E, even if it wasnt me somebody had to do it.


    Piss off. You cunt. There were other methods.


    I just had to kill that centaur. Since I had a wonderful ability by the name of manual and all.


    And that was a guy that myrades and I could take on.


    Centaur Warrior (6) : A mighty Centaur Warrior. Adept at using bows and spears and have high intelligence.


    It was a level 6. I was a person who experienced killing a level 7. This was the reason why I could be so rxed right now.


    A shadow suddenly covered my head.


    Looking up, Viruns face was looking down at me. No, he was not looking at me.


    The guy picked up the dead Won Jong-taks body and put it into his mouth.


    Crunch! Crunch!


    Urg.


    Ahh.


    Hmm.


    The sound of breaking bones could be heard every time the guy chewed. Crimson blood and pieces of flesh ran down his chin.


    While the guy was finishing up his meal, I sent a signal to Soo-ah and Han Joon-suk.


    The two got behind me and I activated the manual so that I can take out a weapon anytime.


    Finally, afterpletely eating Won Jong-tak he surveyed us with glistening eyes.


    [I have received the sacrifice well. I will clear the dungeon as you wished.]


    The guy slowly raised the spear. The spear was huge, having a length of 10 meters.


    If he were to swing that then everyone on this smallndmass will either die in one hit or get flung into theke.


    He raised the spear as it was and hit the ground.


    Boom!


    Thereupon thendmass shook as if there was an earthquake. The other hunters including Song Han-sol faltered and copsed on the ground.


    Virun made little movement as he stood there stared at Song Han-sol. Viruns spirit didnt seem ordinary.


    Wh, what are you doing? You said youd let me clear it!


    [Thats right, the method of clearing is simple. The one that has made a sacrifice to me must win against me.]


    Wh, what did you say?


    Virun spun around his giant spear a few time before pointing it at Song Han-sol.


    [Now then. Shall we begin?]


    N, no this isnt how it was supposed to go.


    Song Han-sol looked around while flustered.


    The hunters that he had brought with him were slowly taking some distance from him.


    You guys! Why are you all running?


    The president can do something on your own. Cause I cant possibly fight against that guy.


    Fuck you just had to go ahead and do that kind of crap.


    You assholes! You think you can leave safely if you throw me away?


    You never know. Those guy look pretty strong after all.


    At that, Song Han-sol turned his head to me. The guy started talking with an expression that seemed to be on the verge of crying.


    Y, you will fight that guy with me right?


    Me? Why?


    That! You promised to save me!


    I scratched my head.


    Any thought of doing so disappeared you see.


    What did you say?


    You went ahead and offered a sacrifice as you wanted so you should at least take responsibility for that. What am I, your mother? To wipe your ass for you?


    This son of a bitch Do you think you will be safe like that?


    Yeah. So what.


    I let out a smallugh. I was fully intent on watching from the sidelines.


    I was not nning on doing anything even after he somehow gets out of this ce alive after luckily killing Virun.


    That one thing I could definitely promise.


    [Are you not going toe at me? Then I shall go first.]


    Wa, wait a second!


    Boom!


    Viruns spear hit the ground. It was the ce Song Han-sol was at just a moment ago.


    Holy shit. Damn it.


    Song Han-sol who barely managed to dodge the spear started swearing as he rolled on the ground.


    It seems he, as a level 5 hunter, was not going to go down with just one hit. But he wouldnt be able to hold on for long.


    His equipment was already as broken as it could get, the only thing he had left was a piece of a level 5 armor and a level 4 longsword.


    Killing the level 6 centaur was close to impossible with such equipment.


    Of course if he hadnt relied on items alone and trained his individual skill, then its not like there wasnt even a glimmer of hope.


    Of course, this wasnt something that applied to that guy.


    Whoosh!


    Urk!


    He was able to dodge by a hairs breadth but due to the shockwave his body was sent up into the air.


    Once in midair one would merely be good food for a spear.


    Virun did not immediately kill Song Han-sol but instead lightly hit him with the spear to make him fall to the ground.


    That guy.


    It seems hes ying around with Song Han-sol.


    Soo-ah said.


    It was as she said. Virun could have killed him in one hit but he purposely didnt kill him and only have him an injury.


    Song Han-sol got up while coughing up blood.


    Looking at how unstable he was one part somewhere was probablypletely broken.


    He turned to look at me.


    I was thinking that he would at least say a bunch of swear words at me but something unexpected came out.


    Im telling you please save me.


    The guy said while on the verge of tears.


    However my heart wasnt affected in the slightest. He was already regarded as being lower than a monster to me.


    If he had at least half of a human heart as Edward did then I might have wanted to help him.


    I shook my head.


    Sorry.


    I had no sympathy for you left.


    Arg!


    Song Han-sols body got bounced around in midair. Virun was using his spear to y around with his body as if it was a ball.


    Soo-ah spoke up.


    Seems hes destined to not die an easy death.


    Hes just paying the price of every sin he hasmitted.


    Song Han-sol who was being pummeled in midair rolled on the ground lifelessly like a broken doll.


    Maybe because he didnt even have the strength to get up, he only let out pained moans while lying face down.


    The armor he was originally wearing was alreadypletely broken not being able to perform even half of what it used to while the sword in his hand was just lying on the ground.


    Song Han-sol started sobbing. The dreadful pain and fear of death hadpletely taken over him.


    I might have saved him if he hadnt killed Won Jong-tak.


    Since it was unpleasant to have to watch someone die putting aside my anger towards him.


    More than that, it was not pleasing to look at a mere monster y around with a human as if it was a toy.


    However that changed the moment he killed Won Jong-tak. He was a guy that shouldnt be alive in this world.


    A human being that thinks that its fine to do anything for his own good.


    Ezekiel was a collection of such humans, and this guy was the same.


    This guy will harm others at every moment while he is alive.


    He would live happily while taking others fortune and lives.


    What could I say to the great number of people who would suffer because of him if I were to let him live now.


    He might change as well.


    Although it was a small chance he might realize his wrongdoings and reflect upon them.


    Since he is still young and has a long life ahead of him.


    However, I did not have the patience to wait for him to reflect and live a proper life. I did not even want to give him that chance.


    He is that kind of guy, and I am that kind of person.


    Please.


    A desperate voice squeezed through Song Han-sols mouth.


    He, who could not move his body, could now only rely on the peoples pity.


    And there was nobody here who would be his ally.


    Virun swung his spear once more and sent Song Han-sols body into the air.


    Ahhhhh!


    The skill of beating right to the point of not killing was a work of art.


    Virun meticulously and precisely gave pain and despair to Song Han-sol like a child with a toy in its hand.


    I thought of one thing that I was able to do for him.


    I turned my head to Han Joon-suk.


    Here you go.


    As if reading my mind, he handed me the Needle Gun. What I was thinking about, what I was going to do; it meant that he already figured it out.


    He was a quick-witted person but at this point, its starting to be scary.


    Does he have an item that makes you intelligent?


    Han Joon-suk opened his mouth with an awkward face.


    You dont have to think that Im strange. Just that, I was thinking the same thing.


    Is that so.


    I nodded my head as I received the Needle Gun.


    Then I pulled the trigger towards Song Han-sol.


    Urg?


    The projectile that got shot out of the Needle Gun prated Song Han-sols back. It didnt exactly hit his heart, but for him who had already gotten as weak as physically possible it was enough to end his life.


    Song Han-sols body that stopped breathing fell to the ground.


    He was a guy that could die that easily. I could also die that easily.


    [Oh man.]


    Maybe because the toy he was having fun with had died, Viruns expression crumpled up firecely.


    [Were you not on the same side?]


    I just didnt have the patience to watch you ying around.


    [Is that so. How are you nning onpensating me for taking away my fun? Are you going to y with me in his ce?]


    Didnt you need a sacrifice to be able to have the chance of fighting you?


    [It is fine if I approve of it.]


    Fine. Enough y on words. It was nonsense from the time you started talking about wishes and sacrifices. The conclusion is simple. We can clear this ce if we just kill you no?


    [Ha You believe that you can kill me?]


    I dont know why you think that I cant.


    I took out Thors Hammer from the manual. Since he had the title of a level 6 monster taking out a weapon of a simr level should be the right manners.


    Oh boy. Dont act like youre some great being. Since youre only a level 6 monster.


    I said while letting out a smallugh. The face of the guy that was acting with arrogance as if he had be a god froze.


    [I shall kill you.]


    If you can.

 Chapter 108

    Chapter 108


    <em>J: (But this is not work, and I am azy person.) The retranted chapters will not be edited, at least until we finish this novel.</em>


    The giant spear rushed towards me in a straight line. The spear that was half the length of thendmass.


    The time it took for that to reach my body but only an instant. It was impossible topletely avoid it.


    As I twisted my body a bit, the giant spear passed by as if skidding on my armor.


    A scratch was left on the armor but there was no other damage. From the beginning, there was no need to be afraid of the enemys size.


    Since the guys attack power was that of a level 6s and the armor Im wearing is also a level 6. I just had to attack and defend in ordance with that.


    Support me appropriately.


    Yes sir!


    Understood.


    I have a simplemand to my team. It was fine with that.


    Edward opened his mouth.


    Wh, what should I do?


    Hide at a safe ce.


    Right.


    Edward said so with an expression that seemed like a huge burden had been lifted. Virun, whose first attack was not able to gain anything, held up his spear and struck the ground once more.


    He used it like a staff more than a spear. However, I was already used to his movements. This was thanks to the now dead Song Han-sol.


    With the loud sound thendmass shook greatly as the 2 other hunters copsed on the ground once more. They, unable to do this or that, opened their mouth while being flustered.


    F, fuck. What do we do?


    We will probably die if we try to fight with them there?


    But we cant just watch and do nothing. Even a girl is fighting.


    What meaning does being a girl have with hunters? If they just have the items and skills they can even kill a dragon.


    While they were having a conversation Soo-ah ran towards Viruns waist and swung her sword.


    [Ouch?]


    Oh. This cuts well? Seems like its because the body is that of an animal.


    Soo-ah said while swing the Heavy Strike Longsword this way and that way. I lended it to Soo-ah who didnt have a good weapon.


    Swing the sword once more in the time you run your mouth.


    Yes sir.


    I ran towards Virun while holding Thors Hammer. It was a smallndmass anyway. If there was no way to take some distance from the guy it was more efficient to boldly rush in.


    [This annoying pest!]


    Virun tried to disable Soo-ah by swinging his spear widely but she leaped back, creating some distance in and instant. It was movement that reminded me of teleportation.


    Too slow. You horse-head.


    [Ho, horse-head? I have a horse body, not a head of a horse!]


    What did you say? I cant hear very well because its words from a horse-head though?


    [AAAARG!]


    To think he would be fooled by that kind of provocation. Im not sure if this guy has high intelligence or low intelligence.


    Well, thanks to that his sight ispletely off of me.


    Haah!


    I jumped up to him head and swung Thors Hammer with great vigor.


    [Oh crap?]


    Before he could get me back in his sights, Thors Hammer exploded.


    Boom!


    With the sound of thunder the guys body was sent flying until he fell in theke head first.


    There was no need to wait until the guy got up. I put my entire weight on the hammer and swung once more.


    Virun barely avoided the attack by twisting his body. Because of that, thekes water gushed up as it exploding while the innocent Mukamukas and Tutulips floated on the water surface after being electrocuted.


    There was no reason to stop there.


    I continuously swung the hammer while avoiding the guys spear. Thors Hammer did the maximum amount of damage to monster with hard exoskeletons.


    That was why it couldnt do any real damage to monster possessing such soft skin unless it was a direct hit.


    However, the Heavy Strike Longsword Soo-ah was swinging was piling up damage on the guy.


    10 damage was not much to a monster with 1000 HP but if that is piled up 100 times it will die.


    Like so, the level 4 Heavy Strike Longsword was like the damage from a poke form a needle to a level 6 monster.


    However it was possible to kill a person with just a needle.


    [Aaaarg! I will kill you all!]


    Eat this instead please.


    Han Joon-suk raised the Dragon Killer and shot an arrow. The dragon made of fire flew while opening its mouth as if trying to eat Viruns entire body.


    A me powerful enough to turn gigantic trees into ash in moments burned Viruns body.


    Virun who had the fur all over his body turn pitch ck threw himself into theke.


    Why does he seem so weak?


    I dont know president no, was that young bastard the one that was weak?


    No way. Not sure about the other things but the items were real. No matter how bad he was at fighting, seeing how easily he was done in that monster is not normal.


    Then what level are those guys? Wasnt this a level 4 dungeon?


    I think I should start over from level 1.


    Me too.


    Both of them had level 3 equipment. However, a monster on par with level 6 appeared in a level 4 dungeon.


    Starting from the beginning was the best for safety.


    [All of you d.]


    Thors Hammer smashed into Viruns mouth. His teeth broke into bits and pieces while his eyes went spinning.


    His spirit of trying to attack in any way possible even in such a situation wasmendable. However, I was not in the mood to continue ying around with him.


    I grabbed the spearing at me.


    [Auuu?]


    The guy who couldnt properly talk due to having his teeth broken yelled as his expression crumpled up.


    Veins popped up from both of Viruns arms.


    Even if it was me, it was impossible to win in a battle of strength against this guy. Instead, I instantaneously pushed the spear that I was pulling to the direction he was pulling.


    Unable to win against his own strength he lost his bnce and staggered.


    In that time, I swung my hammer at his legs which were rtively thinner than his body.


    It was the location of his greatest weakness but I, who was not as fast as Soo-ah, had aimed at his upper body as I could have taken critical damage if I had gotten kicked.


    As soon as the hammer hit the guys left front leg, a plosive sound that was like music to my ears could be heard. A bone that was as thick as my body had broken in a single hit.


    [Ahhhh!]


    The guy raised his front leg while floundering. It was a movement that was trying to hit me but it looked like a movement that told me to hit him more.


    Snap!


    Once both of his front legs were broken he had no choice but to get face-nted.


    This seems too easy though?


    Its thanks to the smallndmass. He wasnt able to use his advantage which is mobility.


    Han Joon-suk answered Soo-ahs question. I agreed. The smallndmass that we thought to be was a disadvantage turned out to work as an advantage.


    Virun roared loudly. He who could no longer move with his broken legs frantically swung his spear to prevent us from approaching.


    However the movements were too wide. On this smallndmass like this, I or Soo-ah who couldnt be hit once a bit close couldnt possibly be taken down by it.


    Edward was watching this scene from the sky while Han Joon-suk was shooting arrow from outside the guys range.


    [Impossible. For this me to be beaten like this!]


    He raged like a mid boss without a speck of individuality.


    It seemed as if we were close to killing him but we had no time to rx. A monsters most outstanding characteristic was their regeneration. The legs that were broken just now would be healed after some time.


    I kicked the ground hard to avoid the spear that was flying straight at me.


    [Die!]


    Hm?


    The spear that wasing at me in a straight line suddenly turned horizontally. It wasnt thrownpletely but changing its direction while jabbing was an extremely strained attack.


    There was no way the power would be loaded properly and even if it did the uracy would fall.


    However the power that he could musterbined with his gigantic frame caused his haphazard attack to be a threatening one.


    I gave up trying to dodge and aimed Thors Hammer at the iing spear instead.


    The giant spear made of metal and Thors Hammer collided in midair.


    [Aaargh!]


    Urg!


    Arge amount of sparks flew from the point of collision. The electricity formed by Thors Hammer had used the metal spear as a medium to damage Virun.


    However, I didnt get out unharmed either.


    Viruns weight was 1 ton at the minimum. That attack that put his massive weight behind it caused my body to go flying dozens of meters.


    Below was the blueke and in there was a crowd of Mukamuka and Tutulips. The Mukamukas that only had their heads poking out of the water until now raised their hands towards me.


    It was on the verge of looking like I was being weed. In reality it probably was that they were going to rip me to shreds.


    Senior brother!


    Party leader!


    Even if it was me it would be difficult to deal with that many level 4 monsters.


    However since I had the Dancing Sword the problem was.


    At that moment my body suddenly stopped in midair. Edward had caught me. It was help that was neither needed nor wanted but it was admirable effort.


    Hehehe. I wonder how much this help is worth?


    Well, I will make sure to give you a bonuster.


    I like things exact.


    About 50k won?


    What. Its only worth that much?


    Stop the useless chatter and lower me.


    You might die if you fall from here though.


    I dont want to hear it. Just do as I say.


    As I said so, I took out the Dancing Sword from the manual. Edward who saw that clicked his tongue and let go of me.


    I stepped on the Dancing Sword twice beforending on thendmass when Soo-ah came running to me first.


    Are you not hurt?


    Yeah. That guy?


    It doesnt seem like hes dead yet.


    It seemed like Virun had momentarily fallen unconscious due to the electric shock. However, I could see his broken legs recovering even now.


    I approached the guy after receiving the Heavy Strike Sword from Soo-ah.


    When I was wondering if he had actually lost his conscious his stretched his gigantic hand toward me.


    [Die!]


    I dont want to though?


    After cutting his hand by swinging the sword I jumped up. Once I was in the air, he tried to catch me with his hand again however I used the Dancing Sword to jump up once more.


    Once I had jumped over his head I twisted my body to stand upside down. While looking down at the ground, I used the Dancing Sword to kick the sky.


    The pupils of Virun who was looking to see when I would fall down shrunk instantly.


    He pped his hands in a flustered state but it was toote. I stabbed in the Heavy Strike Sword while falling behind the guy.


    [Aargh!]


    His achilles heel was the lower body in the form of a horse.


    While on his back I stabbed in the Heavy Strike Swordpletely handle and all. I also immediately shoved in the Bloody Sword.


    To the end, this was to prevent regeneration than to do damage.


    No matter howrge of a monster it was, it was impossible to disy the regenerations full ability while blood was continuously being sucked.


    He swung his arm at me while twisting his upper body. I created some distance between the guy and I again.


    The broken legs that were slowly being healed noticeably slowed down.


    Virun opened his mouth flustered as if he noticed it.


    [H, how did this]


    No need for you to know.


    The Bloody Sword was small.


    Considering his bodys structure, it would be difficult to twist his body to find the sword let alone take it out.


    Whenparing it to a human, it was like having a thorn in your back.


    Taking that out by yourself was a difficult job.

 Chapter 109

    Chapter 109


    Virun tried to get up to approach me but it was impossible to do with the legs that stopped healing.


    Feels like its over now.


    With that?


    Well. We cant do anything more to him now.


    Viruns current position was at the edge of thendmass.


    Part of his body was submerged in water. It was because of throwing himself into the water after being hit by Han Joon-suks Dragon Killer.


    No matter how much he swung his spear from there, it would not be able to reach us.


    We just had to kill him by carefreely attacking from a distance.


    Han Joon-suk set an arrow on his bow.


    With a frame thatrge, theres no need to even aim I suppose.


    The cooldown for Dragons Breath was over and burned Viruns body once more.


    Virun twisted and turned as he screamed. He seeded in putting out the fires on his body but his skin had been burned pitch ck. It did not even regenerate anymore.


    Arrows continuously flew. The dancing sword diligently aimed at Viruns eyes while I shot the Needle Gun at him.


    He didnt die easily because hisrge frame. However after 10 minutes of one sided attacks the Dancing Sword stabbed into the guys eye.


    [Ahhhh!]


    This one seems to have worked properly.


    [+600]


    As expected, the reward points only amounted to 600. However because I did this and that, the total amount of reward points I earned in this dungeon amounted to about 10k points.


    To get 10k points after clearing the dungeon once. If it was like this then it was arge amount that wasparable to the Yellow Sea.


    Considering the fact that the number of monsters in the Yellow Sea was going to decrease, there was no doubt that hunting in Red Holes would be our main thing.


    Ex, excuse me.


    A skinny young man with thin hair approached.


    He was one of the two survivors among Song Han-sols party. Although they didnt help at all in the battle, in my opinion that was better. They would have just been a bother after all.


    What is it?


    Are we able to leave alive now?


    The method of clearing the past dungeons was simple. You just had to kill every single monster inside and leave through the entrance.


    However, that was not possible here. There were hundreds of monsters, making it impossible to kill them all.


    There was also the existence of the Dungeon Boss. Virun himself had said that it was possible to clear the dungeon if he died so I was thinking that there was another method of leaving the dungeon.


    We will have to wait.


    Before I could finish my words thendmass started shaking. Soon enough at the ce where Virun had been as a statue a round altar rose up.


    The altar that rosepletely had a radius of 3 meters or so.


    In the middle of the altar, there was a small insertion that seemed to be the perfect size for the crimson ruby from before.


    It seems we have to insert the jewel in there.


    Han Joon-suk said.


    Lets wait until that guys corpse disappears.


    Viruns bodypletely disappeared after about 10 minutes.


    An item indeed dropped from him.


    They were white running shoes. It was amon thing that could be seen with 3 lines on the side.


    Eh. Arent there adi**s shoes?


    Theres no way.


    I said so as I inspected it with the manual.


    Angel Shoes (6) : You can run in the sky.


    It was a simple exnation that clearly showed the items characteristic at the same time. I put the shoes in the manual for now.


    There were people that werent in our party here so it was probably better to talk about the detail at ater time.


    I took the crimson ruby that dropped with the item and put it into the insertion on the altar.


    With a low frequency wave red energy gushed up from the ground. Soon after a circr exit was created. I opened my mouth.


    You can leave through that.


    Us first?


    Should we leave first?


    N, no. We will leave first.


    Afraid that the exit would close if we were to leave first, they hurriedly threw themselves into the exit. As both of them disappeared, Soo-ah opened her mouth.


    What are those adi**s shoes?


    Im telling you its not adi**s. Theyre Angel Shoes. They allow you to fly in the sky.


    Really?


    Soo-ahs eyes widened. This was actually something that was good for anybody. However if we considered effectiveness then it would better for someone other than me to use them.


    I am able to move in midair with the Dancing Sword after all.


    I, I want to bid for it as well.


    What bidding. If we sell every single thing like this with money then the calctions will get all messed up. The good items will be distributed within the party while only the useless things will be changed into cash.


    Then just give it to me please.


    Are you the only person here? Han Joon-suk is here as well.


    Joon-suk, do you need this?


    Well I am a ranged attacker. I dont necessarily need it. It would be better for a person that can fight in closebat.


    See. Joon-suk also says that I should use it.


    It actually didnt matter who used it. If a ranged attacker were to wear these, they would be able to attack freely in the safety of the sky while if a melee attacker were to use them they would be able to attack from various angles without minding gravity.


    However, since the person herself wanted it so much it didnt seem like a bad idea to give it to her.


    I was the type that forcefully kept the things I wanted to keep after all.


    Here ya go. Keep it.


    YES!


    I handed the shoes to her. I felt a bit weird looking at her who was excited like a child. It felt like giving a present to my fully grown eldest daughter.


    Oooh.


    She, who had finished changing her shoes, started slowly floating up.


    It seemed like she couldnt move as she wanted at first, but soon enough she got used to walking in the sky and started flying around here and there.


    To be exact, it wasnt flying but running. It was designed to be able to step on the sky it seems.


    If it was something like that then it was better for Soo-ah to use it than Han Joon-suk. It was an item that suited her better as she had exemry physical abilities.


    She who had been jumping around in the sky slowly came down while panting.


    Hah hah. This is pretty tiring.


    Looks like it. Still looks usable though.


    Its a bit different from what I thought though. I wanted to fly prettily like a bird.


    Seriously no matter what you do.


    I closed my mouth immediately. I almost misspoke.


    Soo-ah talked to me while looking into my eyes.


    No matter what I do what?


    Youre not pretty no matter what you do so dont care about something like that.


    Urg I got excited for nothing.


    What were you expecting?


    I thought you would say that I was pretty no matter what I did. The nuance seemed to be like that.


    It seemed like that to me as well.


    Han Joon-suk this guy.


    Right? Didnt you change your words in the middle?


    What do I have to earn from you to tter you like that.


    It might be your true feelings, not ttery.


    To say that you know my true feelings better than I do. Are you using some kind of mind reading?


    I couldve sworn it was like that though, she muttered while slowly looking around.


    The monsters that were waiting around thendmass had disappeared at some point. I was wondering what to do with Song Han-sols corpse but I decided to wait for it to disappear. The problem would only be bigger if I we were to carry it out.


    We kept his broken items as Kelbys food and turned on the manuals disappearance function.


    After a while an item dropped. ording to Edward, monsters called these Artifacts. Since they were items dropped from dead people so it didnt seem wrong to call them so.


    What dropped was a small ss bottle the size of an index finger. Inside it was some kind of green fluid.


    Defense Up Potion (0) : Makes the skin more durable. Permanently increases defense by 10%.


    It wasnt bad but 10% seemed a bit ambiguous. Even just Soo-ahs buff had an 50% increase. Of course it was convenient that you didnt have to wear another item.


    Even so, there was no one that wanted to eat something dropped from Song Han-sol as a human being.


    Anyone want to eat this.


    After giving a basic exnation on the Defense Up Potion, Soo-ah raised her hand.


    You have a good stomach huh.


    It wasnt the item but the person that was the problem.


    Thats true. What about you Han Joon-suk?


    Probably best for the person that needs it to use it.


    Hm. I feel like were giving too much to just her. Once I cash in the items from this times battle I will send you some extra.


    I was nning on cutting some from Soo-ahs part and giving it to him. It would only be an estimation but it was possible since the party was small this time around.


    If the party becamerger then I would have to write a written distribution method.


    Gulp.


    Soo-ah who received the potion from me emptied the potion.


    Ahhh. The power is overflowing.


    Dont overreact. You think something would change with just a 10% increase.


    I have to 100% increase buff. Since the defense stat rose I should have be a lot tougher. Try hitting me once.


    This girl seems to be mistaking something.


    Its probably better not to do so.


    Hmph. Youre just jealous that I might be stronger than senior brother right?


    Not at all.


    Thats why here. Try hitting me lightly. As much as you want.


    She put strength into her abs and stood like that. Since she was wearing some leather armor it did seem like she wouldnt be hurt that much even if I hit her. Since I wasnt hitting with a weapon but with my bare hands.


    Well, if thats your wish.


    I lightly hit her in the stomach.


    The color drained Soo-ahs face. I could tell that she was barely enduring the severe pain.


    H, how?


    Are you an idiot. If you have a brain think about it.


    Why? If I have the 100% self buff then shouldnt something like that not hurt?


    Your ability is multiplicative you know. If its 100% of 10% then how much would it be?


    Hm 1,000%?


    I was sure that there would be a bunch of udon noodles if I were to open up her head.


    Beside me, Han Joon-suk was trying his best to keep a straight face. I could still see him leaking a fewughs though.


    Wh, why are youughing so much? Joon-suk?


    Ahem. Hm. Let me give an example. Lets say I have 1 apple. But then suddenly the number of apples is increased by 100%. Then how many apples would there be?


    2 of course.


    Then what if 10% of the defense increased by 100%?


    Isnt it 1,000%? Its multiplicative no?


    You didnt graduate from high school did you? No, this is elementary school level in the first ce.


    Ah seriously. Are you looking down on me just because Im from an athlete club. Are you really going to be like that senior brother? Even I was around 20th ce in our ss you know?


    How many people were there in a ss?


    Thats not whats important right now is it now.


    It was definitely just a bit over 20.


    An apple be 2 apples so how does 10% be 1000%?


    Is, is that how it is?


    Its 20%. Its from the base defense stat so its hard to say its exactly 20% though.


    When trying to calcte it, it was a bit different. It was ambiguous since it was about defense but it was like this whenparing it to running.


    If you gave Soo-ahs 100% buff to a person who could run 100 meters in 20 seconds then it would be 10 seconds.


    But if this person ran faster by 10% then the time would be 18 seconds and if the 100% buff was given then it would be 9 seconds. In other words, it became 120%.


    So basically Soo-ahs defense stat buff was at 120% right now. It was calcted differently since the nature of the buffs were different but putting it like this it became more confusing.


    I was able to understand why she was so confused to some degree.


    Arg. If you knew that you could have hit lighter.


    I did hit lightly. I thought it wouldnt hurt that much since you had leather armor on.


    This was the truth. Arachne Leather Armor was a level 3 and at that level, the person wearing it shouldnt receive that much damage from a humans bare hand.


    Thats true. How does a barehanded damage prate an item?


    Maybe that armor has used up its life span. Lets change it quickly.


    I liked it though.


    Soo-ah looked down at her body. The Arachne Leather Armor that tightly covered the entire body only emphasized her good point as she had a western body style and tight muscles.


    But well, since Im not going to be in a fashion show or anything.


    She still nodded her head after some time.

 Chapter 110

    Chapter 110


    I came out of the exit with my teammates. Once outside, we could hear people whispering to each other.


    It seemed like the fact that we cleared the dungeon had already been spread to some degree.


    Was this something to be so surprised about though? Even if the dungeon had appeared just yesterday, theres no way this was the first time it had been cleared.


    Senior brother, there.


    Hm?


    At the ce Soo-ah pointed at where several people in suits approaching us.


    The only people that wore suits at a ce like this were government officials. In other words, the Dungeon Administration Team.


    I am called Lee Jong-hyun of the administration team. Might you be Jun Sang-min?


    Among them, the one that seemed to be in his 30s and had a rather fit body started talking first.


    That is so. What is your business? We have been in the dungeon for too long but I was nning on paying the fine.


    No, were not here for that matter. We heard from the two that came out first that Jun Sang-mins party had cleared the dungeon.


    That is true.


    Do you mind having an interview?


    Yes?


    What the hell was this about? About an interview.


    Ah. Its nothing much. Theres was no party that was able to clear this dungeon you see. We wanted to hear the clearing process and the detailed method. Of course, you will be given appropriatepensation.


    Were the first you say?


    That didnt make much sense. It was only a level 4 dungeon. The Dungeon Administration Team should have high level hunters and they would have tried going in.


    As if having read my expression, he opened his mouth.


    The hunters under the administration team is at the Yellow Sea you see.


    Ah. Thats what it was.


    The appearance of a new dungeon was big news as well but the importance of the Yellow Sea was still high.


    It wasnt only the monsters but thend itself that had arge amount of potential.


    Since it was said that they were in the process of researching food production and such with the information I gave them, the value of the Yellow Sea would skyrocket.


    This meant that we would not have to yield to China who had used food supply as their weapon. Due to that situation, the government shoving in all the hunters avable to the Yellow Sea was understandable.


    I turned to look at my teammates. They didnt look like they had any particr misgivings.


    The terrain inside the dungeon or the method of fighting the monsters, the existence of a boss monster and how to take care of it were all things that were fine to reveal.


    It wasnt information that could be sold for money and it wasnt something I could monopolize either.


    If hunters became able to strengthen their overall power a bit more and then enter the dungeon, then it would be possible to prevent some unnecessary damage.


    So youre saying that a stone statue turned into a boss monster?


    Lee Jung-hyun said. I nodded to confirm once more. I told him everything besides the trouble with Song Han-sol and the items I got.


    It was information that would spread even if I kept quiet.


    Another side was continuously taking pictures. I was told not to worry about it but there was no way I couldnt be.


    My face really isnt being revealed yes?


    Yes, it will only be used as reference in the internal conference. The people above like having pictures after all.


    Hm That doesnt seem like a nice thing either though.


    Haha. Please dont worry. Either way, youre an unusual person. People normally want to make a article appear.


    It was better the more well known hunters were.


    It was something that already happened at the Yellow Sea, but if you were well known it was possible to gather many people and people asked to join the party.


    If it went over a certain level it was even possible to appear in TV shows. There were even quite a few people that went on to be celebrities from being a hunter.


    Of course, there were some that were the opposite case. There were celebrities that used the money they earned to buy equipment and skills to do hunter work.


    Some did it for fun while others did it for rewriting their image. However, it was mostly done by male celebrities that wanted to avoid going to the army.


    This was because it was possible to apply for alternative service if one became a level 3 hunter.


    I knew best how good it actually was. I also did the alternative service after all.


    While porters like me went into dungeons every day of the week, hunters would only go in once or twice a week.


    At such an age, the ones that could be a level 3 hunter or higher were usually the children of rich families or high ranking officials so they didnt go clear dungeons often either. There was no easier job than this easy job.


    Mr. Jun Sang-min?


    Ah. I apologize. I was just thinking about something else.


    Haha. I wonder what you were thinking about.


    I had done the alternative service at the Dungeon Administration Team. I suddenly remembered that.


    Ah. Is that so? Where did you work?


    I worked near Mun-Gyeong. Thanks to that, I had been to every single dungeon in the Gyeong-Book region.


    You were a level 3 hunter already? Thats impressive.


    Ah, no. I was a porter.


    A porter?


    Lee Jung-hyuns pupils shook for a moment. The alternative service was just a few years ago, and I who was a porter at that time had cleared a level 4 dungeon. He was probably wondering if I was lying.


    I remember you saying that there was a level 6 centaur in the dungeon. Are you saying that you were able to be a level 6 hunter from a porter in just a few years?


    This much of a response was a matter of course. I would have asked so even if it was me. But it was a fact that I did not have to say every single matter. In these situations I needed to push forward with force.


    It was already true that I had cleared the dungeon and I didnt need to do such an interview after all.


    The one that would have regrets was the other side not me.


    Are you doubting me?


    More than doubting Its just a little hard to believe.


    The words were said carefully but the expression was not so. It was openly showing doubt. If its like this then even I get a bit annoyed. I was thinking about just leaving but Soo-ah got up first.


    Her expression was pretty scarey.


    What did you just say?


    Its vital for this kind of information to have credibility. There needs to be some form of evidence for it to be trusted.


    Why should we do this interview if youre not even going to trust what we say?


    When did I ever say that I didnt trust you?


    Your expression is saying exactly that. Its a face ofplete disbelief.


    No, I dont think thats something to get angry about though.


    The atmosphere was bing pretty bad. Did I have to calm her down.


    Its not something to get angry about? You called us and treat us like liars and you expect us to stay calm?


    Like I said, when did I ever say so?


    You just said so!


    Oh boy. Then can you believe it? He was able to be a level 6 hunter from being a porter in a few years? Its not like Im an idiot. You could have just said that you dont want to tell me honestly, isnt this going a bit overboard?


    So youre finally admitting it.


    Well, then give some evidence or something then.


    Lee Jung-hyuns face became red. Soo-ah stared at him while biting her lips. It was not something that should have gotten this heated about though.


    I first put my hand on her shoulder to calm her down.


    Hey, sit down for now. Theres no need to be so angry.


    It is something to be angry about.


    To be honest, it was a bit refreshing. It was a situation where she said what I was contemting. But we had nothing to gain from causing trouble.


    She expression loosened up a bit as if noticing my feelings.


    Doing that much was plenty.


    Yes.


    Soo-ah sat down for now. I started talking to Lee Jung-hyun this time.


    You can sit down as well now.


    Are you not going to apologize?


    I quickly pushed down on Soo-ahs shoulder. She moved slightly trying to get up before taking her seat again.


    Lee Jung-hyun looked like he wouldnt do anything else before getting an apology. This guy seemed to have quite a temper as well.


    It was difficult to enter dungeons if you were put on the Dungeon Administration Teams cklist so there were quite a few officials that pressured hunters.


    Of course that was in the case of an ordinary hunter.


    It would be bad if they mistakenly got on the wrong side of a high ranking officials child after all.


    But that didnt mean they could look down on people like this.


    I silghtly frowned and opened my mouth.


    Are you not going to work?


    Youreing out this uncooperatively so how could I work?


    Uncooperatively you say which part?


    Lets justy it all out then. A level 6 centaur you say. Why would something like thate out of a level 4 dungeon?


    Was there no such information from people that went in before?


    Being angry was one thing but I thought that part was weird. Leaving aside being unable to clear it, did they not even meet the centaur.


    I heard that they werent able to progress much further from the entrance.


    Whats the mortality rate like?


    There is no need for me to tell you such things as far as I know.


    Ok, I thought that the administration team had to publicly announce things like the number of casualties and survival rate though.


    They had to immediately announce something like casualties on the homepage. Things like survival rate were the most urate barometers as indicators of how dangerous the dungeon was.


    It has just opened. It cant be helped that theres some problems in the early stages.


    Ok, so whats the percentage.


    Its 80%.


    Hmm.


    At his words Han Joon-suk let out a low moan. I was also surprised at this. 2 out of 10 died?


    If it was that dangerous, shouldnt the level have been adjusted for the people? Level 3 hunters are entering in droves no?


    We decided that there was a need to look at the situation a little longer.


    Seriously, theres people dying.


    That is our jurisdiction and has nothing to do with you.


    Of course it has something to do with me. Its a dungeon I created.


    This meant that there were up to hundreds of people dying a day. It might just be this particr one, but the dangers of Red Holes is something I have felt as well.


    Senior brother, this.


    Soo-ah put a smartphone in front of me. It was the Hunter Market bulletin board. I left Lee Jung-hyun alone and slowly read the bulletin board.


    Red Holes are awesome. So many items drops. Seems to be almost 10%.


    It was about getting a lot of items aftering back from a Red Hole. On top of that, there were quite a few items that werent part of the original ones.


    Thements below it didnt hide their expectations.


    How many did you get?


    10.


    Damn. That means there were 100 monsters?


    Its not 100 but several hundreds. We got tired while killing them so we came out. Its aplete treasure field.


    Then. How much do you get if you sell it? What level dungeon did you go into?


    By current rates it will probably be about several billions of won.


    Holy Then shouldnt we go now? Its he nice.


    Definitely go. Go twice.


    Bull shit. If its such good information why are you releasing the information without receiving money?


    Dont go if you dont want to. You can stay poor while others profit.


    The guy above seems to be doing that because hes already feeling rich. I was also going to act ordingly after waiting but I think Ill go now. I should quickly make an appointment.


    Gathering people for a party. We have a fresh tanker that doesnt even have a scratch on his item.


    I was getting annoyed with the raid teams that were being territorial at the Yellow Sea but I can just go there now.


    Come quickly.


    It wasnt even at the level of a mess. It was a situation where even people at the Yellow Sea woulde after hearing about the high item drop rate.


    It wasnt like there werent people warning about the high difficulty level but they were mostly buried in otherments or became targets of mockery.


    This cant be left as it is no?


    I showed the smartphone in my hand to Lee Jung-hyun. I thought that he would be concerned but his started smiling instead.


    There was something off about this.


    Is this the time to beughing? Theres this many people swarming to such dangerous dungeons.


    Its only something that happens in the beginning. Since the item drop rate is high they will be able to equip them and the survival rate will rise as well.


    He said so as if it wasnt something to be concerned about.

 Chapter 111

    Chapter 111


    Even I knew that government officials were having a hard time producing results but the Dungeon Administration Team that should put safety above all else thinking about profit first was a serious problem.


    I involuntarily opened my mouth.


    Immediately adjust the level requirements.


    I have no idea with what authority youre saying such words.


    Lee Jung-hyun looked at me dumbfoundedly. He did have a point. I regretted my word after I said them after all. This was not a problem the Dungeon Administration Team had to solve after all.


    It was a problem that I had to solve myself.


    There was no need to waste any more time here. I started talking to Lee Jung-hyun.


    We are both probably tired so lets end the interview here.


    Are you protesting right now?


    Lee Jung-hyun said in a sarcastic tone. My general opinion of the government officials was about to be bad because of this guy. It was just that the Dungeon Administration Team was special, and this guy was especially like that among them.


    More than that I just didnt want to continue the interview with a person that doesnt even believe what I say.


    sh. sh.


    Even during this the photographer kept pressing the shutter. It was great and all that he had a thorough work mentality but I would have like it better if he could read the mood.


    The end of Lee Jung-hyuns mouth went down.


    If you leave like this there can be disadvantagester. You already seemed to have overstayed before when I took a look at your profile. You do know what happens when the warnings pile up yes?


    Thats fine. I dont really care after all.


    Hah. I was going to do this nicely since you were young and all but nothing gets into your head.


    That guy seriously.


    Soo-ah turned her head and stared daggers at him. It was an expression so scary that it even made Lee Jung-hyun twitch.


    Leave it. Theres no need to fight with the administration team.


    Hes saying hell put us on the cklist.


    Tell him to do so then.


    There was no need to be obsessed with Red Holes when the Yellow Sea still exists. And I wasnt the type of person who would let others eat what I cant.


    I didnt look back at Lee Jung-hyun and left the interview room. I had no good memories in particr with the Dungeon Administration Team but that was especially so with that guy. There was no need to even look into how many times he used his authority over hunters as it could be guessed.


    The appointment times changing for regr hunters at a moments notice was all because of guys like that. If a hunter with a good amount of money handed them some cash then he would even cancel existing appointments for their convenience. That was a daily urence in an administration teams life.


    We got about 10b won after processing all the dropped items. I took about half and split the rest with Soo-ah and Han Joon-suk.


    We were able to get a good sum with a single dungeon exploration but it was obvious that Lee Jung-hyun guy or whatever would put us on the cklist so it couldnt be guaranteed when our next appointment could be made.


    More than that, the Red Holes were far too dangerous. I returned to my house for now and turned on the [Mystic Dungeon]. Theputer started up while making noises vehemently.


    It was a new modelputer that I had bought not too long ago but I was worried regardless. It felt like it would stop working after using the program a few times.


    What are you going to do?


    Soo-ah who was watching from the side asked.


    Im going to close them off for now. The drop rate is high as well so the price of items will be trash priced as well so.


    It couldnt be helped that there would be arge influence on hunters who made a living from selling items when a bunch of items appeared in the market.


    Marketability was only formed when the supply and demand was at a certain level but if there was too much supply like now then the price of level 1 items were in danger of falling below 10m won.


    Hunters were not apostles of justice or protectors of the Earth. It might have been like that at some point but there were not many cases of monsters attacking peoples houses these days and even if there were they did happen they were not as meaningful as other disasters or crimes.


    In the end, hunters were like miners that mine rare earth metals. The difference was that they got items from time to time that earned them extra profits. Therefore, there were no big problem about suddenly closing these dungeons.


    Since theres the Yellow Sea as well.


    It was possible to get the amount that wasing from dungeons.


    There would be a problem eventually considering the nature of the Yellow Sea where theres no respawn but it would be fine to just turn on Red Holes at that time.


    Soo-ah opened her mouth.


    Its still a bit of a shame. It was a pretty profitable dungeon.


    Nobody can eat what I cant eat.


    It can be checked whether or not I have been put on the cklist. If I asked lieutenant Son Ah-ram, taking my name off the cklist couldnt even be considered work.


    In the first ce the cklist was something that was personal among the administration team so the security wasnt that tight.


    Even if there were such conflicts, I was thinking about closing them either way. They were too dangerous after all. If hunters swarmed in like they were now there would be too many casualties.


    For now, only after the mood has died down a bit.


    I was nning on opening the Red Holes one by one after its dangers and clearing method has spread a bit more. If that happened then the government had no choice but to properly manage it and the number of casualties would decrease.


    I closed all the Mystic Dungeons.


    But its a bit strange.


    Soo-ah tilted her head. What was she going to say this time.


    What is.


    From what I know. I believe the first ce dungeons appeared in the world was our country.


    Hm they all opened in the same period of time but the first was here.


    But the Mystic Dungeon, so the Red Holes appeared first in our country first.


    So?


    Isnt it weird? Why is it our country in particr?


    Not sure maybe its a coincidence?


    I did say it like that but it really is quite a coincidence. Enough to wonder why I didnt think so before.


    However, this sides world had an unwrittenw that applied at any time.


    Do not be curious. Do not doubt.


    It sounded like some maxim from a religious cult but it was something formed from the passage of meaningless effort.


    Why did monsters appear. Why did something like a dungeon exist.


    Why, did hunters appear.


    The answer to all these were always I dont know. It was the conclusion made after numerous schrs poured their money and time into it. There was now no one curious about it.


    There was no one who questioned the sudden appearance of the Yellow Sea and Red Holes.


    It was just natural things.


    And I also thought like that. I had no thoughts of uncovering things like the secrets of the world or hidden truths. I actually dont even believe that such things exist. If there was such a thing, theres no way it wouldnt have been found out in thest 50 years.


    There was a ce called Roswell in America where the story of an alien spaceshipnding in the countryside was going around. For quite a while that story had been the center of attention. However, 70 years after that the American governments secret documents were opened and it was revealed that it was merely a military facility used to develop weapons.


    Of course, there were people that truly believed that aliens existed and said that the document was replicated but it is a fact that the number of people that believed the existence of aliens decreased.


    The story flowed in a weird direction but thats what I thought. I think that unrevealed secrets are not well hidden but just do not exist at all.


    So well, it was right to see this as another coincidence.


    Just one thing.


    The words the Vampire Lord had said as he handed me the USB bothered me.


    He said he was merely an agent of Delta. He had a master that had given themand.


    Did something that I believed was a natural urrence until now start by somebodys interference.


    Poke, Soo-ah poked me in the waist.


    You surprised me.


    What are you thinking so hard about?


    Whatever was I thinking about.


    But its a bit of a shame to close them all off.


    We dont need them for a while. Its better this way than people dying off.


    Can you only open Mystic Dungeons in our country?


    No, I can do so anywhere in the world.


    But the only ce they were open was our country right?


    Yeah. Not sure if its because of some error or something though.


    The government is probably feeling down. After the dungeons disappeared, it seemed like they were going to profit a lot but they suddenly disappeared into thin air.


    Thats none of my business.


    Its not like Koreas government will earn money and give it to me.


    There was another fuss after the Red Holes disappeared. It was obvious that there would be amotion since they only gave a bit of profit before disappearing. This could be said to be my responsibility. However, I had only opened the Ansan dungeons and theputer was the one that went haywire creating such events so it couldnt be helped.


    The news only dealt with the Red Holes for several days. Because they were only open for a single day, there was not much information. But there seemed to be some expectations on them opening once more.


    But it was not like everyone was thinking so. There were also some concernsing out.


    [What is your opinion on the Red Holes that followed after the Yellow Sea event recently?]


    [I believe that some arge sudden change is approaching. Dungeons disappear,nd rises up, and new dungeons appearing again were not things that happened in thest 50 years. Im afraid that these might be a warning about the approaching disaster.]


    A former hunter broadcaster said so in reply to the announcer. He was a person in his 30s that was famous for lecturing about dungeons and clearing methods after retiring.


    I had diligently listened to his lectures while working as a porter.


    [Thisrge sudden change you speak of is.]


    [Im not sure. Its something that I cant have much of a say in.]


    [Are you not just creating unfounded fear?]


    [I would like it if it was like that as well.]


    Its boring.


    Beep.


    Soo-ah changed the screen and searched for a different channel. This girl was the one that profitted the most after I put a TV in my house.


    In any case, this girl was not even thinking about going back home even though its been quite some time since the sun fell.


    Go back home already.


    Cant I stay over here?


    No.


    I dont have a ce to go to though.


    You have a home.


    My sister told me to sleep at a Korean dry sauna since her boyfriend ising over.


    Says the person with a lot of money. Go sleep at a dry sauna or motel.


    How could you let a girl sleep in such a ce on her own. Its scary.


    .


    Why are you looking at me like that?


    Its nothing.


    I should just buy arge new house. One with several bedrooms.


    Either way, I wonder what I should do about our next schedule. I think we have to go to the Yellow Sea in the end though.


    The forest region had the Chungho Group so it was dangerous as expected. However, it was difficult to say that other ces were safe.


    Seeing how there was no further news about Ezekiel, it can be assumed that they are on the verge of copsing but each region had a famous raid team guarding it.


    It was a situation where hunting in those regions was perfectly regted.


    As it was apany type raid team different from the Ezekiel bunch it was impossible for our team to interfere with them.


    It was possible to sneak in and hunt but apparently you get chased out after taking everything if youre caught. There were many such stories of their experience on the market bulletin board.


    They couldnt be sued since they werergepany teams that had the governments backing. It would be suicide for an individual to fight against them.


    In the end, the only ces normal hunters could go to was the entrance region, wends, and forest region.


    Because the wends had been targeted a lot, there were few monsters while the forest region had Chungho Group people.


    It didnt matter which side chose but on the other hand, it was a bit ambiguous as to which side was better.


    I considered opening the Red Holes but they only opened at given locations. They werent mine just because I opened them.


    If by any chance we were on the cklist, the appointment would be pushed back without ending so it was a question to be answered slowly.


    Ring ring ring-


    While I was contemting my phone started ringing. I checked the caller wondering if it was Han Joon-suk but it was someone unexpected.


    Click.


    Yes. This is Jun Sang-min.


    [Its Son Ah-ram.]

 Chapter 112

    Chapter 112


    What is it?


    I said that but I actually had an idea. If it was something she had to call me about it had to be something about the Yellow Sea.


    [I have something I need your help with concerning the Yellow Sea.]


    Bingo.


    Okay, what is this about?


    [The government decided to send hunters to the forest region. The official paper was passed down yesterday and it told the police headquarters to rmend a team so I brought up your team.]


    Hm and so?


    [So would it be possible to ask you to act as a guide in exchange for a certain amount of money?]


    This guide thing seems to be a bit ambiguous. What exactly is it that I have to do?


    [Its nothing great. But there is some danger in sending normal hunterscking experience into the forest region all at once after all. You will be joining with the feeling of it would be better if theres an experienced person.]


    Hm. But there should be at least 3,000 Chungho Group members in there, will it be okay?


    [Thats why we are nning on sending 10,000 hunters.]


    Theres that many hunters moving at once?


    The number of hunters registered in Korea was about 400,000.


    It was basically 1 per 50 citizens. Most were just registered and werent active.


    People with a lot of money went to a dungeon once or twice before quitting since it didnt fit as their hobby, people that quit due to their age, and people that quit due to injuries.


    Due to the other people that are inactive for various reasons the total number of active people drops down to half the registered number.


    As hunters had long vacations due to the nature of their job the number that could be moved all at once decreased further.


    The number that was active in real time would be around 100,000. If it was 10,000 that would be 10% of the total active.


    It was only 10% in words, it was the same thing as calling up all the hunters that had nothing to do.


    Son Ah-ram opened her mouth.


    [We are nning on including the alternative service members.]


    By alternative service. No way. Those people?


    The humans that y all day besides going to dungeons once or twice a week?


    [Yes, as you know. Currently, the dungeons have disappeared. The government is working towards changing the day of sending those idle members to the Yellow Sea. It had been dyed after Red Holes appeared but since they disappeared after a day they are being sent there again.]


    If its those guys then they would count as total force but would they really be willing to go to such a dangerous ce?


    All the alternative service members were at least level 3. If there were 10,000 hunters that were greater than or equal to level 3 then that was a tremendous amount of fighting power. Even if the Chungho didnt have 3,000 but twice that, they wouldnt be able to win.


    But because they were all children of wealthy or influential families, they had the nature of putting their own lives first and foremost.


    Also, they were probablymuting to work from their homes but now that they have to go on a long term business trip to the Yellow Sea they probably have someints.


    [The current situation in urgent. Depending on who upies the Yellow Sea, the way our country operates in the future can change. In such a situation, it would be difficult to continue operating the alternative service as it has been. Those people should understand that as well.]


    And if they dont understand that?


    Those human beings didnt even have a bit of self consciousness about themselves being soldiers. Well, alternative service itself meant that they werent really soldiers though.


    [Then they will be sent straight to the court. In the severe case, it may take a few years to resolve.]


    I guess they would listen if its like that.


    [Does that mean you are epting?]


    Nope. Im not going though.


    [B, but why?]


    I dont really want to get tangled with such people. Im not very friendly with the Dungeon Administration Team as well you see.


    We just had to carefreely follow behind them after they enter the forest region. The Chungho Group would be taken care of by them. We just had to hunt monsters behind them.


    To be exact, we would go but we would work separately from them.


    Either way, thank you for the good information.


    [Thats a shame. I was hoping we could move together.]


    Once I hung up, Soo-ah opened her mouth.


    Who was it? It didnt seem to be Yeon-gyeong.


    It was lieutenant Son Ah-ram. The police from before.


    What was it about?


    I gave her a basic summary.


    If the government moves the Chinese government wont stand by and watch either though.


    It should be fine I think? Theres no way they started moving without thinking about that.


    There were Chinese hunters in the forest region. Seeing how the government was pushing with so much force, the Chinese government were probably feigning ignorance.


    Of course I would only know the actual situation if I entered. It was difficult to tell purely with the satellite images how many there were in the forest region, how many more people entered, or how many of the Chungho Group members were actually living in the forest region.


    It was unlikely but they might have returned on their boats in the time we werent there.


    It was good that some information came just as I was thinking about it.


    There was one thing I was misunderstanding though. It wasnt that 10,000 alternative service members were going but that there were 10,000 members including regr hunters.


    It was something I came to know through the announcement posted on the Hunter Market. The regr hunter recruitment had a minimum requirement of being a level 3.


    If it was like this, then the regr hunters would be much more useful than the alternative service members. They were mostly people with experience after all.


    However, if they mixed them up like this there would probably be internal conflicts so Im a bit worried about that.


    Wow. Whats that?


    We, who had grouped up at the Yellow Sea for the first time in a while, checked our equipment before leaving. Soo-ah said that while looking at Cho Young-gus equipment.


    In his hands were a weapon and shield that he didnt have before. The level 5 no name longsword and shield would have amounted to 5b won total.


    They are both newly bought items. I invested all the money I had. They are no names but they have good performance.


    You should have used a bit more money to get ones with options.


    Its better to get a higher level one than to get a trash can with options.


    But isnt it hard to ignore the options?


    Tut tut. Looks like you dont know anything. The items change qualitatively every time it rises in level.


    My level 3 does beyond its level with just the option though. Its probably as mister Young-gu says but still.


    Soo-ah said so while pointing at the level 3 Arachne Armor that hadnt been changed yet.


    Mister Hey. Let me ask using this chance. Why is Joon-suk elder brother while Im mister?


    Im just calling you as my heart tells me to.


    Are you saying that I look that old?


    Yes.


    Guhaa!


    Kyaa! Senior brother.


    They suddenly started fighting about something that doesnt really matter and then Soo-ah hid behind my back. I should worry about our internal fights before worrying about other internal fights.


    Stop. Youre fighting about something pointless.


    Mister Young-gu tried to hit me.


    You were the one that picked a fight first. Hurry up and apologize.


    Cheh I got it. I just have to apologize right.


    The argument came to a close once Soo-ah apologized to Cho Young-gu.


    But right after apologizing Soo-ah passed the bomb to me.


    What does senior brother think about it? Is an item about the level? Option?


    Not sure.


    Now that I think about it, I never thought about it. The level was important but at times the option was more important that the level. So the conclusion was simple.


    Its different depending on the situation. So dont try to waste energy on something pointless and decide on what item to buy.


    Hmm I didnt really make a decision yet.


    Among the items Soo-ah had to change the first was her armor. The Arachne Armor was of course useful but its defense was too low as a level 3 item.


    I wanted her to get a high level defensive equipment as much as possible but it seems she didnt really like the idea.


    Um.


    At that moment, Yeon-gyeong poked me in the back.


    What is it?


    Who is that person?


    The one she was pointing at was Edward who was looking at the situation with a displeased look.


    He was receiving a lot of attention from the surroundings as he was wearing a thick fur coat in the middle of the day during autumn.


    Ah. Hes someone who will being along this time. If I introduced him simply.


    I called Edward over and introduced him to each member. I considered leaving him at my house but since he was a monster I felt morefortable keeping him in check from right beside me.


    I also included that he had enough ability to protect himself as well as being able to fly while he could aso evolve by drinking the blood of monsters so it could be useful if raised well.


    A monster. Surprising.


    Park Han-bum said. He was carefully looking at Edward while leaning against his bike. Looks like he was quite interested in him.


    Why is that human looking at me like that?


    I dont know maybe he swings that way?


    Once I tilted my head Park Han-bum started talking while waving his hand.


    Its not like that. Its because this is the first time seeing a monster that was possible tomunicate with. There werent many such cases after all.


    It is hard to say there were very few cases.


    I thought about the goblin. They had enough intelligence tomunicate with humans.


    Besides that there were species like elves and orcs that weremunicate although with some difficulty.


    As the elf was especially simr to humans in shape there were many timesmunication was requested.


    Of course it mostly failed. There were a few cases where a few words were passed back and forward by coincidence.


    If one of them got caught alive by humans they would end their own lives.


    So Edward could be said to be the first that walks around being this friendly with humans.


    I dont like that guy. A monster all of a sudden you say.


    As Manager Kim said so grumpily Yeon-gyeong started talking while stroking the small dog in her bosom.


    In the end, Kelby is a monster too.


    Thats a dog. But that guy is a vampire. He could suck my blood while I sleep.


    That wont happen.


    I said so while cing at Edward. I would at least prevent such things from happening while he was beside me. However, it seems Manager Kim was not able to trust me quite yet.


    How can I trust that? Can you guarantee that with 100% confidence?


    I opened my mouth after hesitating a bit.


    I cant guarantee it 100% but I can up to 90%.


    I believe it 100%.


    Soo-ahs hand shot up.


    I do too.


    Yeon-gyeong did so as well.


    I agree too.


    Im like that as well.


    Han Joon-suk and Cho Young-gu raised their hands as well.


    As even Park Han-bum raised his hand, Manager Kim started shouting with a red face.


    Is this some faith testimony time?


    Anyway please leave controlling this guy to me if you trust me. I wouldnt have brought him if he was a guy that caused problems.


    Youre a problem cause youre too naive. Trusting people left and right.


    He kept grumbling but it seems he epted it for now as he didnt say more about Edward.


    I nodded while slightly smiling.


    I dont know how this would sound to others, but I didnt 100% trust the people I was with.


    I believed that it was possible for them to stab me in the back and leave at any time. Me epting people so easily was not because I trusted them but because of the exact opposite. I didnt have any expectations since I didnt trust them from the beginning.


    That was the same for Soo-ah. Although she was sticking to me with affection she might leave if I cant satisfy her at some point in time.


    Thats why I dont think that I cant trust Edward just because hes a monster.


    Monster and humans were alike in the sense that they couldnt be fully trusted after all.


    I would be under a lot of fire if I said such a thing. Thats why this was an absolute secret.

 Chapter 113

    Chapter 113


    We decided to go to the Hunter Market at the Yellow Sea to buy equipment that fits Soo-ah and all.


    I was nning on buying some myself since I had about 25b won piled up before I knew it.


    What I chose in the end is a level 8 greatsword.


    Hunters Greatsword (8) : The damage increases the harder you swing. (<em>Kyle: the word Hunter here is different from the hunter thats generally used in this novel.</em>)


    It was a weapon with strength at its base. Because it was not an option that was popr it was cheap considering it was a level 8.


    I still had to use up my savings as the level was quite high. I had a stomach ache looking at 25b won getting used all at once.


    Ill have to buy a house next time.


    Hmm.


    Dont you have anything buy?


    Theres nothing that feels right.


    How much do you have.


    About 7b won.


    Its probably better to buy armor as much as possible. Hows this?


    I pointed at a level 6 sheet metal armor that covered every part of the body. A no name at exactly 7b won.


    Looks too dull.


    The defense is the one thing thats guaranteed though.


    Even at the same level, the defense was different depending on whether it was made of metal or leather.


    This was something that couldnt even bepared to the level 3 leather armor she was wearing at the moment.


    As it covered the entire body it would be able to endure a machine gun without a problem.


    It would probably be able to endure a tanks cannon shot. At this level, it was safe to say that her safety was guaranteed in the forest region.


    I have confidence to not get hit so wouldnt it be better to get a weapon?


    That is true but.


    She did have a point. Soo-ahs reflexes were currently two times higher than mine.


    Even if I dropped her off in a crowd of dozens of monster she woulde back alive somehow. Thinking about it that way she might need a weapon more than armor.


    However I shook my head.


    Safetyes first.


    Its enough with Manager Kim keeping away from danger at the back. In addition to that I have the flight shoes so I think it would be better to focus on attack than defense.


    Youre saying that because you dont want to change your armor right?


    N, no? Was there something strange in my logic?


    No, not particrly. You just seem to be strangely attached to that armor.


    The webs are convenient no?


    That is true but.


    And Im of the option faction that thinks options are more important than level.


    Even so theres no point if the level is too low well, whatever. Its not like your words dont have a point.


    If it was Soo-ahs speed there really was no need for a high level armor.


    Also, this side had something called Strengthening Stones so we could upgrade the Arachne Armorter.


    Except the Strengthening Stones drop from Red Holes so it would take some time.


    Then how about using this? Ill give you a discount and sell it at 4b won.


    I took out Thors Hammer from the manual. It was a pretty heavy weapon but this girl should be able to handle it.


    Really?


    If I sold it at the market then it would sell at 4b won anyway due to tax so it would better to sell it to you.


    Im in, then what should I buy with the remaining money?


    Even after buying Thors Hammer she had 3b left. I rmended her a level 5 shield.


    It was the type that you put on your wrist so it was possible to use while using a hammer. She needed the minimum amount of armor after all.


    Everyone in our party besides Soo-ah also upgraded their armors to level 5.


    The money they had piled up had been used up but it increased survivability so it was worth it.


    I took out the 10 Passenger Van that looked like a humvee but wasnt on the inside from the manual.


    It took 100 ores to repair it. In terms of money that was 100m won the repair fee seemed to be expensive in ordance with its original price.


    I probably got it cheap considering it was partially destroyed.


    We drove using that. As always, driving was Cho Young-gus job.


    Looking out the window we could see the number of hunters visibly decreasing.


    The monsters near the entrance had mostly been killed.


    Level 3 and 4 monsters had been newly released but they could only be found at the wends and forest region so it would probably be difficult to find monsters in a group.


    So when does the Ministry of National Defenses raid begin?


    Soo-ah who was beside me said. For us to truly begin investigating the inner part of the forest region the police forces and the 10,000 alternative service + normal hunters had to enter first.


    That way we wouldnt meet the Chungho Group.


    Either way, where did she hear something like the Ministry of National Defenses raid?


    Well first. The alternative service members are part of the Dungeon Administration Team and the Dungeon Administration Team is part of the National Defense. So the right way to say it is National Defense raid. Secondly, the raid starts next week so we will be hunting in the wends region until then. I sent this through message and checked with everyone before but did you already forget?


    Ah. Now I remember.


    Soo-ah nodded her head.


    The basic n was like this. We will recover our senses that we lost while resting during this one week in the wends region. Once the National Defense raid begins then we will follow them in after reorganizing.


    After earning as much as we can in the forest region, I am nning on going to Red Holes after reopening them.


    The van passed the central area of the Yellow Sea and into the wends region.


    I was wondering where we should camp when Yeon-gyeong nced at Edward and slowly went towards him.


    Are you really a vampire?


    Its true. Are you scared?


    The party leader told us to be at ease after all. I dont really mind it.


    You really trust that bastard.


    Yeon-gyeong tilted her head.


    It seems you dont really like the party leader?


    I have no reason to like him.


    Edward puffed up his cheeks after ncing at me.


    Was he still sulking.


    Stop grumbling. I even gave you a bonus.


    I really think that a bonus of 50k won isnt right.


    This guy is looking down on 50k won. You didnt even do that much.


    I know that I didnt do much. However, as a leader that leads a raid team shouldnt you look at things from a broad perspective? Thinking about my potential for growth I think that I should receive more. A type of investment so to speak.


    You studied a lot.


    It hasnt been that long since he came to the human world and yet he seems smarter than Soo-ah.


    Since I dont have anything to do at night. The inte is a really amazing ce.


    Is that so.


    I was wondering what he was doing at night while not sleeping, it turns out he was ying with theputer.


    I wonder if I should receive electricity fees separately as well. Since he is a level 2 monster and all lets give him some more.


    This expedition will be pretty long after all.


    Ill give you double.


    Double and monster blood is free.


    Sure.


    It was going to return to the void anyway so there was nothing wrong about him eating it. Its not like he eats it whole like Kelby and doesnt leave an item after all.


    The forest region operation which they thought would have about 10,000 people became much less at 5,000.


    The main reason was that alternative service members quit due to various reasons and not many normal hunters signed up probably due to the level 3 limit.


    Since the total number was still higher than the estimated number of Chungho Group members the operation progressed as scheduled.


    Our team was able to earn a profit of about 4b won in the period of a week.


    It seemed like a lot but it was the price of a level 5 item. We decided to distribute itter and reorganized while waiting for the government team to set off.


    Around 250 military trucks were moving along the road. Dust rose up all around the road.


    We followed along slowly behind them. There was no need to rush. If the government team entered the forest region the Chungho Group would naturally gather.


    That meant that we would be able to hunt monsters rtively safely.


    Soo-ah who had been touching her smartphone put her head outside the window.


    Her hair fluttered everywhere in the wind.


    Soo-ah who came back into the van put her chin on the seat and looked at me. It was an expression that wanted me to y with her.


    You bored?


    That too. More than that. This wasnt something that only we were thinking about.


    Soo-ah put her smartphone in front of me. It was the Hunter Market bulletin board. I only skimmed through the titles but they were mostly about the forest region capture.


    What is?


    Going in to hunt after the government team goes in. It seems people who were afraid of the Chungho Group are gathering to hunt using this asion.


    Soo-ah pointed to the back. I looked back by leaning out the window.


    Other vehicles were converging behind our van. There were already about 20 even though it hadnt even been an hour since we departed.


    I didnt expect it but it wasnt something to be surprised about.


    Hunters were good at smelling money after all.


    Soo-ah made a slightly displeased expression.


    At this rate it looks like thepetition will be fierce in the forest region as well no?


    Its pretty wide. Those numbers should matter too much.


    I was having small talks with Soo-ah when Han Joon-suk who was in the passenger seat twisted his body to look at us. He seemed to have something to say.


    Do you have something to say?


    I suddenly thought of something while listening to the two of you. Didnt quite some time pass since the Chungho Group entered the forest?


    Certainly?


    Would they still be maintaining a number of 3,000?


    Are you saying that they would have decreased?


    The opposite. In todays world, its impossible to block sea routes. In that situation there is no guarantee that it is possible to prevent Chinese hunters froming on fishing boats.


    Ah.


    That was something I did not think about. The 3,000 people is something I heard from a member of the Chungho Group we caught. Even if that was the truth the truth might be different. If Chinese hunters kept entering then their numbers would increase gradually.


    In addition, the entire forest region wasrge enough to be half the size of the Jeonam-do Province.


    In a ce like that, it would be hard to find out the number of people even if a scouting unit was sent.


    However, in a situation where the Yellow Sea is split in half they wouldnt be able to stay carefree no, they can.


    The official number of hunters in China was 3.5 million. The number of hunters was low in contrast to their poption but looking at the sheer number itself it was quite overwhelming. The saying that their poption is overbearing is not without reason.


    Then what? Are you saying that we might lose to the Chinese bastards?


    I thought he was sleeping but Manager Kims eyes suddenly opened.


    It is possible.


    No, that cant happen. How much do you think I suffered because of those Chinese bastards.


    As far as my memory goes Manager Kim didnt suffer much though.


    The first time we met the Chinese hunters was at the forest region. We couldnt really say that we suffered because of them. In fact we made them suffer more than vice versa.


    Not hunters, while I was working at a tradingpany. They made so many people suffer while exporting rice.


    You did such work as well? I thought you used to work at W electronics.


    I worked at a tradingpany when I was younger.


    To change jobs from a tradingpany to an electronicspany, I dont know if thats possible.


    Manager Kim let out a long moan and then looked at me with a subtle expression.


    How about we go and help?


    It wouldnt be much help even if a few of us went.


    But still youre pretty strong so.


    Our side alone has 5,000 people. I dont think the general situation would change just because of an additional few people. Victory or loss, its a matter thats beyond our ability.


    Thats true. I just had to remember some past things.


    Manager Kim lowered his head again after clicking his tongue. The sound of snoring could soon be heard.

 Chapter 114

    Chapter 114


    The wooden bridge that connected to the forest region was reced with a assembly type steel bridge. Its said that the Engineering Corpspleted it in four days.


    As expected, there was nothing that didnt work out if the army was involved.


    First, the 250 military trucks passed and our van followed behind to cross the bridge.


    There was a small guard post next to the bridge where soldiers with guns and a few hunters were standing by.


    It seems they were on lookout so that the Chungho Group cannot cross from that side.


    They wouldnt be able to catch the ones that cross the river though.


    We will be inspecting for a bit.


    Once all the military trucks passed the soldiers holding guns approached.


    It seems they will be thoroughly checking since the situation is how it is.


    They starting the inspection from the vehicles in the front and it seemed they were doing an inspection of the vehicles inside and confirming the passengers ID and face.


    This looks like it will take some time.


    Park Han-bum said while yawning. Soo-ah slightly frowned.


    Wait arent they doing a ID check? Edward doesnt have one.


    Ah, now that you mention it.


    It hadnt even been that long since Edward came to this side. Of course he didnt have something like an ID.


    An ID you say. Whats that?


    Ah, damn it. This is going to be annoying.


    There was a battle right ahead of them so there was no way bribes would work. Everyones sightnded on Edward.


    Why are you all looking at me like that? And whats an ID?


    He said with a displeased look.


    It was possible to somehow get past the fact that the inside was wider than the outside.


    It was pretty amazing but since space expansion existed for things like bags as well it was possible to gloss over it. However, that wasnt the same for Edward.


    I asked him.


    How long can you stay as a shadow?


    About 5 minutes.


    Would it be enough with that?


    I dont think it will be enough.


    Han Joon-suk shook his head. It was not like turning into a shadow made himpletely transparent and turning into a bat would be plenty suspicious.


    It was a problem to turn back now too. That would be pretty suspicious as well after all.


    Could you get out of the car please?


    A soldier shouted at the half open window. It was not a situation where we could stall for time.


    Just get off.


    Edward let out augh.


    Where are you getting such confidence?


    Dont worry, go and get this ID check or whatever. I will do what I can in here.


    okay.


    Looks like he had an idea.


    For now, everybody got out of the car while leaving Edward behind.


    The ID check went without a problem but the problem was checking the inside of the van.


    Two soldiers went in the van and came out before 1 minute passed.


    There are no problems. You are free to go.


    Yes? Yes. Thank you.


    Once we entered, we could see Edward leaning on a chair with a proud look on his face.


    We started going for now. Once we crossed the bridge I asked him a question.


    What in the world happened?


    You didnt forget who I am did you?


    Vampire Ah, did you make those soldiers your servants?


    I didnt bite them so dont worry. If were separated by a certain distance it should get cancelled so that wont be a problem either.


    It was a good thing that it was a normal soldier instead of a hunter.


    Arge monkey got sent flying after crashing into the van.


    Yeon-gyeongs shoulders shook.


    Party leader, just, just now that was a monster right?


    Yep.


    Is it fine to keep driving?


    Its fine. But more importantly.


    Wasnt she hugging that too tightly.


    That guy will die suffocating.


    Ah, sorry. I hugged you too strongly right?


    Yeon-gyeong took Kelby off of her chest. This envious bastard.


    The forest became more dense. The road gradually became narrow enough that the van couldnt pass so the speed started falling.


    Ahhh!


    Arge tree was hit by the van and broke. Cho Young-gu shouted with a loud voice.


    How far you going to go?


    Theres ake if we go a few more kilometers.


    I spread the map open. If we wanted to hunt while staying at one ce then water was a necessity. Drinking water wascking as well but we needed to be able to wash.


    The other reason is that there are monsters where water is.


    There doesnt seem to be a road though? Is it really fine to just keep driving?


    Its fine. There is some impact but it wont get broken.


    I have mentioned this before but items were strong against this kind of physical impact.


    No matter how strong and big a tree is it was possible to crush it under the van with enough speed.


    If we travelled so loudly then monsters would be attracted too.


    Once we drove while crushing dozens of trees we could see a smallke.


    We could also hear something running at us from behind.


    The sound of Giant Monkeys could be heard as well. They were all monsters following the van we were riding.


    Through the sound I could tell that there were at least dozens. I turned my head in this and that direction and started talking.


    Should we start with some basic warm ups?


    2 meter high Giant Monkeys showed themselves on top of the trees.


    Their numbers were approximately twenty. Although the same monkey type they were smaller than the Mukamuka, and they had low strength but had good organization while also using spears made from sharpening wood.


    It could not be looked down on just because it was made of wood as they had the strength to pierce steel tes.


    What came stomping below was the monster boar.


    I think its official name was Buskato. (<em>Kyle: pronounced boos-kah-tow.</em>)


    The shiny outer skin was tougher than steel and its mr pointed up more than 1 meter.


    What made this special was that it could change its direction mid charge.


    If you look down on it because its just a boar then you might get impaled by its meter long mr. There were about 20 of these things as well.


    However, they were still just level 3 monsters. In the past I would have trembled in fear but it was different now.


    Manager Kim please use Sleep and go straight into the van!


    Cant I just use the spell in the van?


    That seems fine too.


    For now, all thebat members including me got off the van. The ones left inside were only Manager Kim and Edward.


    He had an awkward expression being left with a vampire but I gave him the new sword that I bought to relieve him.


    It was the level 8 sword.


    It shined with light and seemed sharp enough to cut a stack of paper but it was actually closer to a machete on top of only having a single edge so it was difficult to call it a sword.


    It had nicks everywhere and rust could be seen in ces too. It had a de length of 1 meter and was quite thick so the weight was pretty heavy as well.


    Is that really a level 8 item?


    Soo-ah ced Thors Hammer on her shoulder.


    Looking at her holding it with rtive ease even though its a heavy weapon it looks like I did well to sell it to her.


    It is. Also, the appearance isnt everything about weapons.


    But since you were buying one why not buy one that looks cool.


    Is that why youre not changing the Arachne armor?


    N, no?


    Maybe due to being flustered even her ears became red. It seemed to be true looking at this reaction.


    Whatever. If you get even a small wound then your armor will immediately be reced so just know that.


    I dont even have money.


    Youll have money to buy it by the end of this expedition. Theyreing!


    The monkeys were screaming with their unique harmony. Wooden spears poured down on our team.


    Get behind me!


    Cho Young-gu took a step forward and activated the barrier. The barrier spread by a level 5 shield couldnt bepared to the one from before in terms of both area and protection ability.


    The wooden spears were deflected without even being able to leave a scratch on the barrier. The level was different in the first ce.


    Park Han-bums Hand Cannon spewed out fire.


    The projectile was steel coated in chrome. The projectile with a diameter of 5 centimeters struck the Armdri tree the monkeys were on. (<em>Kyle: Pronounced ah-rhm-dree in original.</em>)


    With the sound like that of a balloon popping the tree trunk was destroyed.


    The monkeys made loud noises as they jumped to a another tree from the falling tree.


    While they were in chaos Yeon-gyeong and Han Joon-suk shot arrows.


    And Manager Kim who finally finished casting the spell used Sleep.


    Fall asleep!


    The level 5 wide area Sleep spell fell on the monkeys and boars.


    The monsters that were covered in shining golden powder shook their heads trying to regain conscience.


    However, it was a spell that had at least 2 levels of difference. It was not at the level where they could easily recover.


    Sway.


    Thud!


    The total number of monkeys that fell off the trees were 5. The number of boars that fell asleep in ce were 6.


    He talked too much and annoyed me with his grumbling but in any case his crowd control always did its job right.


    The remaining boars all charged at Cho Young-gu.


    Uraaa!


    He held the shield tightly and expanded a barrier once more.


    As the boars continuously crashed into the shield Cho Young-gus body slowly started getting pushed back.


    However, it was not nearly enough to break the barrier. The archers that got strength from their trusty defense expert Cho Young-gu shot arrows as much as they could. Manager Kim who was still in the van shot the needle gun behind them.


    Ah, damn. They dont get hit at all.


    I wonder if it was really a good idea to give that to Manager Kim.


    In the time I was thinking about that, Soo-ah came while swinging her hammer.


    Im going!


    Her short shout got weirdly bent at the end. Was this called the Doppler Effect. She sure was fast.


    She rushed through the boars swinging her hammer mercilessly.


    The level 5 Thors Hammer lit up and electrocuted the boars that seemed to be wearing metal armor.


    It seemed fine to leave those to Soo-ah. The ones left were the monkeys.


    Leave the monkeys to me!


    Yes sir!


    Soo-ah who had been running like lightning suddenly stopped and saluted me. She sure is carefree.


    I was shout at her not to do unnecessary things and jump forward when the monkeys suddenly hid their hands behind them. I was wondering what they were going to do when.


    They started pooping as a group.


    Uaa! What are those things doing??


    Cho Young-gu who was looking at all that fell back while being disgusted.


    Yeon-gyeongs expression became pale.


    Ahh its disgusting.


    Retreat for now. If it even grazes you youll be poisoned.


    It didnt just look disgusting and was actually a extremely bacterial poison water.


    It was a scary weapon that once hit it would first melt clothes and skin before poisoning and if you didnt get treatment within 10 minutes you would die.


    I will go.


    Jong Sa-won who tapped the ground a few times soon started running.


    He was slower than Soo-ah but he was flexible and swift which allowed him to avoid the feces the monkeys were throwing.


    Instead of climbing the tree, he cut down the tree in one swing with his newly bought level 5 longsword.


    The number of trees he cut down continuously numbered 5.


    The monkeys tried to desperately jump to another tree but in that time Han Joon-suks Dragon Breath hit them directly.

 Chapter 115

    Chapter 115


    The ones that were hit directly were turned into ashes while the ones nearby were ckened and fell to the ground.


    However, even during this there were monkeys throwing feces.


    Soo-ah shouted loudly at me.


    Senior brother! Pig!


    I got it.


    She was telling me to take care of the boars but I dont think its just my imagination that it felt like she was swearing at me.


    While I was running between the boars Soo-ah stepped on midair and flew up.


    Angel Shoes.


    Her agile movements while shooting up to the sky were admirable.


    Wow.


    Yeon-gyeong let out a short exmation.


    [+300]


    Once I struck down with the Hunter Greatsword a boar got split right in half and scattered on the ground.


    The scream of the boars that would get cut with only a graze, I kept swinging the sword in the blood mist.


    The monkeys were soon annihted by Soo-ah who could fly in the sky while the boars were turned into butchered meat in moments.


    It was a very short time but the number of boars that died in my hands numbered ten. It didnt seem weird for me to get a title called Pig ughterer.


    The amount of time it took to kill a total of 40 monsters was 10 minutes. There was no one wounded.


    Hah, hah.


    Soo-ahnded on the ground while breathing heavily. Flying in the sky was something that took a lot of stamina. Since she moved so fast on top of that its understandable that shes tired.


    Good work.


    I took out a towel from the backpack and threw it to Soo-ah.


    Senior brother should clean up first. Youve taken a bath with blood.


    I just have to wash it off with water.


    I pointed at theke behind us. To hunt for extended periods of time water was necessary.


    Melee warriors like me were often dyed in blood after a single battle after all.


    I just have to wash with water too.


    Ssh!


    Before I could say anything this girl jumped into the water.


    Hey, we have to check whether there are monsters in there first.


    I will go check.


    With that she made a round around theke at incredible speed. The water spray was tremendous. Are you some kind of motorboat.


    All clear! No problems!


    Then she waved her hand at me while leaning on the sandbank and smiling. That girl really has no nervousness does she.


    Theke area was a great hunting area as I had thought. Even if we just lit a fire and let out the smell of food monsters would appear frequently enough for us not to get bored.


    There was no need to go far to lure them so the reward points, ores, and items were soon stacking up.


    They say first contact with the Chungho Group has just happened.


    The night of the 3rd day since we came into the forest region. After finishing a simple dinner Han Joon-suk said so.


    Yes, I have just checked that as well.


    The news were all busy covering that matter. Using the videos and pictures uploaded on the Hunter Markets bulletin board they were able to obtain information as if they were at the site themselves.


    About 10 Chungho Group recon corp members were sighted near their main base and died while trying to run away. The government team probably wants to gather information by keeping as many of them alive as possible but they say they had no choice as their resistance was too fierce.


    Soo-ah said so while looking at her smartphone.


    It was usually best for this kind of information to not leak out but since there were too many members it was probably impossible to regte them all.


    It wasnt like they could take the smartphones of the normal hunters that made up more than half of the group.


    I didnt have a good feeling about this. As if she read my expression Soo-ah opened her mouth.


    Is the situation not good?


    Its not good. Theres no information on the Chungho Group. The information on the government group is overflowing. I didnt think they would be unable to regte the information to this extent.


    It was something I expected the moment they mobilized normal hunters but.


    Han Joon-suk rummaged the campfire. The fire that was about to go out becamerge again.


    The work that the government did was usually like that but I didnt think that they would just not regte the information at all.


    It was possible to figure out what they ate for breakfast if one were to have ess to the inte.


    By gathering this and that information, it was possible to know their current location and specte their next move.


    It didnt feel like they were tricking the enemy with false information either. The only thing that could be felt through the descriptions was the certainty of victory.


    It seems theyre thinking that they would definitely win since they had greater numbers and hunters with excelling abilities.


    However, as a person that fought the Chungho Group before, it felt like far too severe arrogance.


    I have another question.


    Jong Sa-won said.


    As time went on his body was bing skinnier but in inverse proportion to that the light in his eyes were bing fiercer.


    What is it?


    It has been over a month since the Chungho Group came into the forest region. If they had diligently hunted during that time then they would have a fair amount of items.


    It hasnt been that long since level 3 and 4 monsters started appearing. Isnt it not enough to change the overall tide of the battle?


    I have thought about the part Jong Sa-won pointed out before.


    However, it has been about half a month since level 3 and 4 monsters started appearing.


    It was not enough time for the Chungho Group of more than 3,000 members to all have such items.


    It was pretty menacing if they had many low level items but it couldnt match up to one high level item.


    Also, there is the existence of the irregrs. Even just the things the party leader has.


    Are you talking about this?


    I took out the the thing that he was talking about.


    The level 7 Eight Trigrams Scutum. If there were many of such items going around then that would be a problem.


    If there were even about 10 of such things the losing side would be able to turn things around.


    Of course, it wasnt like this side didnt have high level hunters so the actual result could only be found out by shing.


    However, I couldnt do anything about the bad premonition I was having.


    Just had the second battle. Its said to be a ambush but bigger thanst time. About 200 people ambushed.


    There seems to be little damage. Five died and thirty or so seem to be injured. The enemy seems to have taken about three times the casualties.


    The casualty ratio of 3:1 isnt bad no?


    Its like then when purely looking at the numbers but I think its bad to say that since some people died.


    Bullshit. This is a war and you expect people not to die?


    But for what reason did the people there go for? Theres no way the government wouldnt give a lot of money.


    Its said that the spoils of war are distributed immediately as they appear. If you kill an enemy you just get all their equipment too.


    Looks like their eyes would have be red. Even so, I wouldnt go even if someone told me to.


    Probably cant go more than not going.


    Did you go?


    I would have if I was level 3. It would be stupid not to join a war thats certain to be won.


    I wouldnt be able to kill a person either way. I feel queasy even while killing monsters.


    Guys like you are the ones that troll in a party. Im reminded of the coward that cried because he didnt want to kill a monster.


    You suddenly dissing me? Come to Changchundong underpass. Lets have a one on one.


    Bullshit. Youre not going toe out after saying so.


    On this anonymous bulletin board fights are breaking out easily.


    Either way, it doesnt seem like the situation is going as bad as I thought.


    It was a situation that was okay despite the casualty ratio of 3:1 during an ambush.


    As the Chungho Group has been living in the forest for a long time and know the terrain better, ambushes should have been taken into ount to some degree.


    The important point was whether the government team actually prepared against such things but it doesnt seem like their guard is down that much.


    What are you doing?


    Soo-ah said so after getting off the van and stretching while approaching me.


    Inte.


    Are you looking at that again? Youre living with that the entire week.


    I at least have to keep track of how things are going.


    Hmm~ hello.


    Yeon-gyeong got off the van while yawning.


    Thanks to the van, our team was able to sleepfortably even without camping equipment.


    If the seats were leaned back then space enough for 8 people to sleep somewhatfortably was created.


    Although it was definitely expensive, it was doing its moneys worth.


    What about Edward?


    Soo-ah said as she twisted her leg to the back and made it touch her head. Are you some kind of ballerina?


    Should be somewhere. He cant hunt monsters at that level.


    Edwards current level was 2. His growth was slow despite the fact that he had gone from level 1 to 2 at once. However, it certainly would be more unusual if he kept growing at that rate.


    Isnt he more useful than we thought? I didnt think he would help us in such a manner.


    I was thinking about adjusting his worth even before you said so.


    Edward did not sleep. Of course he could sleep if he wanted to but he wasnt a being that needed sleep.


    He could also move in the air while he also had a 5 minute invincible avoidance skill as well.


    He was a guy that was made to be a night watch.


    If I put out Kelby and the goblin I made before there was almost no chance we would get surprise attacked in the middle of the night.


    Good morning.


    Cho Young-gu came out of the van while rubbing his eyes and walked into theke while only wearing his undergarments.


    That was that guys way of washing up in the morning. He would go into the water and wash up in a simple manner ande out.


    Soo-ah frowned.


    Seriously, look at Joon-suk older brother and learn from him. Do you really have to be like that when there are girls here as well?


    I got it. I wille out wearing clothes next time.


    What. If youre disturbed then you should just turn away your head.


    Manager Kim came out wearing the same things as Cho Young-gu and got off the van. Soo-ah turned her head at me.


    Dont you think we need some sort of n?


    Endure. At least theyre notpletely naked. They are being considerate in their own way. That.


    Wow, as expected senior brothers way of thinking is different.


    I thought that she was making fun of me for a second there but looking at her expression that wasnt it.


    Her face was actually admiring while her eyes were shining brightly.


    If you seriously admire me like that at the words I just threw out halfheartedly Im the one that gets embarrassed you know.


    Edward couldnt be seen even after the entire party members had gotten up. I thought that he would appear on his own so we started preparing breakfast.


    Breakfast was usually reced with the 3 minute dishes that were stacked up in the van.


    Things like dried food didnt taste good and couldnt be eaten so the things that were rtively okay were canned food and 3 minute dishes.


    On the whole, the food preparation was done my me. This was because the food that any other person made didnt really seem edible.


    Han Joon-suk and Cho Young-gu had worked at a fried chicken restaurant at one point and yet they cant make food for shit.


    Wepleted the simple breakfast. Monster usually slowly appeared about ten minutes after we finish eating.


    They seemed to gather because of the smell of the food. But today it didnt seem to be so.


    Park Han-bum looked around and tilted his head.


    Its somehow quiet. Theres no wild animals to be seen too. Do you mind if I go reconnaissance the periphery?


    Ah, wait a minute. Theres something I have to say before that.


    I stopped him from taking out his bike for now and called the others.


    I took out the Pure Gold Ring from the manual while they gathered.


    It was the level 0 item that dropped from the level 7 Gragorian.


    It was an item that could summon a monster by sacrificing an item and since the monster had absolute obedience to the summonersmands it was an item that was useful in various ways.

 Chapter 116

    Chapter 116


    Why did you take that out?


    Soo-ah who was following me around saw the ring. If there was a speaking tournament that only used expressions then this girl would win no doubt.


    Im not giving it to you. Also, you know what this is.


    I wasnt expecting it you know. You didnt take it out for a while. I asked because Im curious.


    The forest region is prettyrge. Until now Edward or Park Han-bum did the recon but its more dangerous than the wends region so I thought it would be more convenient to use monsters.


    But dont you need to feed it items to use it?


    Yeah. Thats why Im going to get everyones eptance.


    Even if I was the party leader, I couldnt do everything as I wanted.


    There probably wouldnt be anyone who disagrees with my decision but if I didnt at least go through the process of asking their opinion the chemistry between the members might take a blow.


    You could just do it. Even if you dont ask nobody would disagree.


    I still need to ask.


    Do as you want.


    While I was talking with Soo-ah everyone had gathered.


    Once I gave a simple exnation about how I wanted to create a recon unit using the ring they all nodded at my opinion.


    Han Joon-suk opened his mouth first. Truthfully, he was the person that gave the opinions that mattered most after myself.


    As long as its for the team if its party leaders opinion, then I have no intention of disagreeing to it. In the future too.


    Me too. I know what party leader is concerned about but I dont think you need to ask us every single time like this.


    Dont ask these kinds of bothersome questions and tell us after doing it. Theres no one here that doesnt trust you anyway.


    Yeon-gyeong and even Manager Kim followed up with an approval. The others didnt have opinions that differed much.


    Han Joon-suk opened his mouth once more.


    Manager Kim does have a point. Since party leader has a leading role in almost everything I believe it is fine for you to abuse your power and feely decide on matters.


    See. I was right.


    Soo-ah poked me in the waist. I already knew how much these people trusted me. Although I still thought Manager Kim would grumble a bit.


    Either way, since we were talking about it and all I decided to summon right away. The party members crowded around me and sat down saying a few more words.


    If its for recon then flying monsters are the best. I rmend the Red Bald Eagle.


    A flying type is good too but I think the Million Worm that moves around in the ground is good too. Its also good at surprise attacks.


    Better, how about something you can ride? Agentaya Mongol Horse you know. Wouldnt it be nice cause you can ride it as well? It has good attack power too. It would nice if I could ride it with senior brother ah.


    I, I agree.


    Their individual preference ising out. I was going to make quite a few anyway so I tried making them all.


    Senior brother.


    Why?


    Isnt this over doing it?


    Thats why I got your agreement.


    I had a proud smile as I looked at the monsters lined up in front of me.


    A total of thirty monsters were looking at me with shining eyes.


    If they were enemies then each one would be horrific things but since they were like this they felt rather cute.


    For now, 10 Red Bald Eagles. 20 Agentaya Mongol Horses. I also made 5 Million Worms.


    The Million Worms were looking at me while only having their head popping out of the ground. They had a sharp jaw bone andpound eyes like insects.


    Underground organisms usually had degenerated eyes but as expected of monsters, they had excellent eyesight as well.


    You used up all the items we got in thest 2 weeks yes?


    Yep.


    Looks like we will be poor this entire expedition.


    Fight me if you have aint.


    Im good.


    Soo-ah let out a sigh. She did so, but it wasnt like she was actually thinking that I was pathetic.


    Either way, the summoned monsters were loyal servants and could be thought of as an investment.


    Han Joon-suk also seemed to think it was amazing as he approached a Million Worm and put a hand on its think body.


    The Million Worms body length alone was 10 meters while it had a diameter of 1 meter or so.


    As level 3 monsters unlike the other two level 2s, the Milworm were quite powerful.


    They would probably be able to chew and eat a tram.


    Its my first time even seeing a living Milworm but to even be able to touch it first hand.


    You have peculiar tastes.


    At my words, Han Joon-suk shrugged.


    Hunters usually didnt like underground insect type monsters.


    There was also the fact that they were difficult to kill but it was usually because of the disgust they felt from them being insects.


    Heave ho!


    Soo-ah went to the Agentaya Mongol Horse with Yeon-gyeong.


    The horses had saddles equipped from the beginning.


    It was like it was an organism that told humans to ride it.


    However, you usually got bitten to death before getting close to it, died by getting stabbed with the horn, or died by getting kicked with the back legs.


    Ohh, this is really high.


    Thats because its over 2 meters high.


    I said. Soo-ah was agile and able to fly in the sky so she probably wouldnt have any problems riding it. It will probably be hard to Yeon-gyeong though.


    It will stay still right?


    It at least follows my orders but I dont know. I have no idea how it thinks of you.


    Well know once we get up on it. Well.


    Once Soo-ah jumped up on the ck horse that was at the front, it turned its head to look at her.


    *horse noise*


    Ohh, yes yes. Im your new owner.


    You know how to ride a horse?


    There was luckily a horse riding facility near my neighborhood.


    What in the world did you not do?


    Studying.


    Yeah. I asked something pointless.


    A sigh came out involuntarily. Yeon-gyeong raised her hand and hopped.


    Elder sister! Me too!


    Ill help you.


    Ah?


    Heave ho.


    I lightly held Yeon-gyeongs waist and held her up.


    The Mongol horse was sorge that the saddle still had space left over while Soo-ah and Yeon-gyeong were riding it.


    I think its fine to think of it as being two times bigger than a normal horse.


    There were ten red eagles flying in the sky.


    I was going to leave recon to these guys normally.


    They understood words when spoken like Kelby.


    The eagles flew around the area and scouted for monsters. We left the remaining monsters at the base camp in case an ambush happened.


    Even with just this the safety was much more reassuring. I should have summoned them earlier.


    Soo-ah and Yeon-gyeong were going around theke again and again.


    Putting Yeon-gyeong in the front and riding while holding the reins looked like a scene out of a movie.


    Maybe because Soo-ah had arge build they actually looked like a couple.


    They look good together.


    Tell me about it.


    Han Joon-suk and I let out augh. We were ying like that when Edward who couldnt be seen all day appeared from far away.


    He was flying above the clouds but he had changed into a shadow.


    The crowd of bats hurriedly flew towards me and regained their original form.


    Where did you go to onlye now? Quite a bit of time has passed since the sun went down.


    I found something interesting.


    Something interesting?


    A relic. It seems to be an ancient object.


    A relic?


    Relics were usually traces of civilization. As I had never thought that there would have been a civilization at the Yellow Sea I was a bit taken aback.


    Of course, things like elves and orcs had the intelligence to build up a civilization.


    For now, there was a need to listen in detail.


    What kind of thing is this relic?


    A relic is a relic. How am I supposed to exin further?


    Youre doing this on purpose right? You should have seen it properly. Say it as youve seen it.


    There was an old looking structure in the forest. It seemed to be connected to the underground so I was going to go in but I am in a situation where I had to escape so I dont know the details.


    An old looking structure? No, more importantly you ran away?


    From what, right when I was going to ask that a roar that shook the forest could be heard.


    It automatically made me feel numb and chills climb up my spine. Something like the feeling of running into a tiger.


    Is it that?


    Ahh, I seemed to have touched something. Something that seemed to be a stone statue suddenly started moving as if it was alive and attacked at light speed so I ran away.


    From now on if you find something dont touch it ande report to me first.


    Ill keep that in mind. Either way, since that thing is about to appear do you mind if I go in and hide?


    Should I hit him once?


    While I was seriously contemting the eagles started circling and making long crying sounds. It was saying that the monster was very close.


    For now, Cho Young-gu stood at the front with theke behind him.


    Another roar spread out. It was a lot louder than before. The sound of trees getting knocked over could be heard and birds flew away.


    Its in the direction of 11 oclock with the van as the center.


    Han Joon-suk shouted. With his words ending another roar could be heard.


    N, no, 9 oclock.


    The sound of trees getting knocked down. This side was almost getting bored at how unintelligently it was crashing into the trees.


    This time from 1 oclock direction!


    What is it! What is going on?


    Manager Kim shouted with a loud voice.


    Calm down!


    No matter how strong it was, I was confident that we could win with this formation.


    We had the monster corps on top of that. If the enemys level was high then they would only be able to keep it in check but they would be plenty to disperse the things attention.


    Park Han!


    Once I turned my head to the direction the sound came from, I could see a monster jumping at Park Han-sol. It was so fast that even I couldnt do anything to stop it.


    Park Han-bum used the Hand Cannon. The monster that was going to bite him twisted its body to avoid the attack.


    The ce itnded was behind Cho Young-gu. It hadnded right in the middle of our party members.


    Giant White Tiger!


    It was a monster I expected when I heard the roaring sound. Level 5 Giant White Tiger. As its name implied it was a big white tiger.


    It looked just like a tiger but it had arge frame and was incredibly agile.


    Its attacks were limited to biting and swinging its front paws but it was said to be hard to kill at the same level due to its agility.


    Soo-ah who was the fastest dived in first.


    I internally admired how she ran at a 3 meter long predatory animal without fear.


    Thors Hammer that Soo-ah swung was blocked by the Giant White Tigers front paw.


    Sparks flew but it didnt look like it was affected at all.


    Soo-ah also didnt seem to care as she swung the hammer again.


    The speed at which she swung the hammer was slowpared to the speed of her movement.


    However, it was only rtively slow. It was enough to match up to the Giant White Tigers speed.


    Eat this!


    I swung my Hunter Sword as I joined inte.


    The monster that had its escape path cut off by Soo-ah raised its front paw to meet my sword.


    Its nail that hit my sword got cut off just like that. Its the conclusion of a mere level 5 monster raising its paw at the level 8 sword.


    As if it was greatly perturbed it growled in a low voice and jumped back.


    It was a jump that passed Soo-ahs height.

 Chapter 117

    Chapter 117


    Where are you running!


    Cho Young-gu held up his shield. The shape of the shield extended up.


    The Giant White Tiger that was escaping hit the shield and got put back in its original position.


    Nice!


    I held up a thumbs up to Cho Young-gu and ran at the monster.


    In that time, an arrow got lodged into its body and Park Han-bums Hand Cannon got a direct hit on its waist.


    At the moment the monster cried out and tried to raise its upper body Soo-ah struck the side of its head with the hammer.


    With the sound of thunder the monsters body flew towards me. I swung down the sword just like that.


    The monsters head got split in half and blood poured out like a fountain.


    [+500]


    Whew.


    After breathing deeply a few times I looked down at the dead Giant White Tiger. Although it was already dead, it was still twitching.


    It was easier than I thought.


    Soo-ah cracked a smile and swung the hammer round and round.


    No, theres something strange.


    What is?


    Theres no way a single Giant White Tigers presence could cause the forest to shake.


    Then is there something else?


    Im not certain but.


    I could hear the sound of the eagles crying from above.


    Once I looked up, I could see them forming two groups and circling.


    I did well to make those.


    Its not over yet!


    I quickly repositioned our party members.


    For now, I sent Manager Kim to the van while the rest of the group went behind Cho Young-gu with me at the very front.


    I sent Soo-ah to the top of the van. As she had good mobility and fast speed, for her to be able to support anywhere she would need a broad view.


    Where are they?


    Look above.


    Soo-ah who looked up at my words let out a short exmation.


    The red eagles were circling in two different areas. They were right above a rtively close tree.


    Cant we go to them first?


    We dont know what they are yet. We have to take them out into a ce we can see them.


    Of course, they might all be Giant White Tigers. However, even if they were the same type, they might be different levels.


    I pointed at one of the two areas the eagles were circling.


    Joon-suk, use that in that direction!


    Yes.


    Han Joon-suk pulled the bowstring.


    The Dragon Breath went to the 9 oclock direction while burning the forest.


    With a tremendous amount of heat the trees in a straight line were all turned into ash.


    While the trees were smoking while burning, a huge shadow came through that area and showed itself.


    The first thing that could be seen was a giant bunch of fur covering a front paw. Soo-ah let out a light moan.


    He big.


    As expected.


    It was a beast of a size that couldnt bepared to the Giant White Tiger we just killed. I inspected the monster with the manual.


    Twisted Giant White Tiger (7) : A Giant White Tiger that has be unnaturally bigger.


    Its level 7. Be careful.


    Again? Level 7 pops out continuously in this ce.


    Soo-ah stopped talking. It was because another one appeared.


    Giant, I could see an incredibly big ck beast.


    ck Tiger (10) : It is a strong monster.


    Level 10.


    Level 10 you say?


    I doubted my eyes. Did I see it wrong? Isnt the manuals error?


    Once the ck Tiger took another step forward its entire figure could be seen.


    Even just the height to its shoulder was 5 meters. It was hard to believe something like that was hidden in the forest.


    No, its hard to believe that such a thing is there in the first ce.


    I really wish someone would say that this situation is a prank.


    The golden pupils met with mine.


    I felt like my heart was stopping from just matching sights with it. Wrinkles formed on the bridge of its nose and its mouth opened a bit.


    It seemed like it was smiling and also seemed like it was intimidating.


    Damn. How many reward points did I have again?


    How many ores did I have and how many items do I have left again?


    I couldnt think about anything. My head wasnt functioning properly.


    A level 10.


    That was the only thing I could think about.


    The ck Tiger growled. At the moment I was going to take a step back.


    Haah!


    Soo-ah rushed up like an agile panther and swung the hammer with light movements.


    sh, thunder struck. The ck Tiger which got hit once swung its front paw as if it was annoying but Soo-ah avoided it and rushed toward its head once more.


    The monster raised its upper body and swung both its front paws but it wasnt able to catch the agile Soo-ah.


    A tiger was a beast in the same category as cats. They had nimble enough movements to be able to catch flying birds.


    However, it wouldnt be able to react as quickly as something moving on the ground.


    At that moment my head started working.


    Kelby! Protect this side!


    Kelby who was next to Yeon-gyeong soon became simr in size with the level 5 Giant White Tiger.


    The ability was probably simr too. On top of that, there were five Milworms under Han Joon-suks feet while the Agentaya Mongol Horses were protecting from the back.


    I sent a signal to Han Joon-suk with my eyes. He nodded his head.


    Everybodys attack besides Soo-ah and I were concentrated on the Giant White Tiger.


    Doesnt even have fear.


    Augh came out without me knowing. While I was being scared about its status as a level 10 monster Soo-ah had attacked abruptly.


    I was someone who had attacked a level 4 monster while I was a porter. As I had a level 8 sword in my hand right now I was in a far better condition than that time.


    Its said that you start to fear more things the more you have but it seems Im in that situation right now.


    It was the first time I was awed by Soo-ah who I thought was aplete idiot.


    Senior brother! Yourete!


    Youre noisy! Just focus on the enemy in front of you!


    Soo-ah kicked off the air and rushed to the ck Tiger. The moment it raised its front paw to swing it at Soo-ah its chest opened.


    I ran just like that and swung the Hunter Sword.


    With the feeling of being caught by leather ck fur scattered everywhere.


    The monster acted up as it twisted its body. I rolled on the ground to avoid the monsters teeth.


    As Soo-ah attacked it once more the monster stopped attacking me as if it couldnt be helped.


    While she was buying me time I took out the Dancing Sword and used it to jump up.


    The ck Tigers figure was more intimidating when seen from above.


    Its body length was over 10 meters and I could see its muscles all over its body twitching. A haze that came out with the monsters heat rose from its body.


    The heat that came out from his mass of muscles were distorting the light.


    The roar of the ck Tiger that came out from right in front of me shook my eardrums almost making them burst.


    The hammer Soo-ah swung hit the monster on his back.


    It quickly circled around to attack but Soo-ah had already retreated. Her speed clearly surpassed that of the ck Tiger.


    However, I was slower than the ck Tiger. If I lost track of its movements and acted after that it would be toote. I needed to think ahead and act ahead.


    The head was dangerous. It was an easy target for its bites and front paw attacks. It would be best to get behind it and get its back legs huh?


    My sight got destroyed as I felt terrifying pain all over my body.


    Senior brother!


    Soo-ahs voice felt far away. The sky and ground was spinning.


    It was like my entire body was being shattered into pieces.


    Arg.


    I grabbed my dizzy head and got up. My eyes were spinning as if having drunk alcohol.


    I couldnt grasp the situation.


    I took out a Wound Cure Potion from the item list of the manual.


    Gulp gulp!


    Ahhh!


    With the taste of the dreadfully disgusting liquid spreading throughout my body I could feel the pain once more.


    However, I could feel my sight recovering.


    I wasnt dead yet. The immortality didnt get used up either. Instead, my armor waspletely wrecked.


    For now I put in the armor into the manual and ran at the ck Tiger.


    There was no use putting something else on. In front of this thing wearing a low level armor was the same as having no armor. It was better for my body to be lighter.


    I recalled the previous situation while running towards the monster.


    While I was thinking about how to kill the thing seemed to have jumped and attacked me.


    As it was faster than I had anticipated I wasnt able to see it properly.


    I had to be more careful. The thought that I was definitely stronger than Soo-ah. Because of that thought I thought that the ck Tigers abilities were lower than they actually were.


    If I made a mistake Soo-ah dies too. If Soo-ah dies then the others all die as well.


    Lets use my brain. Im different from Soo-ah. I had to maintain the maximum safety distance and hit and run.


    I kicked off the ground and flew into the sky. There will not be a second mistake.


    Unlike Soo-ah who could read the monsters movements and react to it I was slower than it.


    I maintained a certain distance for now and kept circling the ck Tiger. It was to measure the distance between it and me.


    I kept circling while stepping on the Dancing Sword.


    It looked like the ck Tiger wasnt paying me any attention but once I got even a bit closer its shoulders twitched.


    It meant that it was reading my movements without seeing me with its eyes.


    I think it would be better to think that it had no blind spots. Also, while I was doing this Soo-ah was moving fast enough to leave after images.


    It was like a video was being yed several times faster.


    How much longer do you think you can hold on for!


    Until we kill that thing!


    Why is she acting so cool all of a sudden?


    You were moved just now right?


    Are you rxed enough to joke around?


    I did say so but I thought I wouldnt be able to escape the ck Tigers oppressive feeling if I didnt have small talks.


    The ck Tiger turned to look at me. I stepped on the Dancing Sword and jumped up on reflex.


    The monster went back to fight Soo-ah as if nothing happened but I instinctively felt that it would have been dangerous if I had gone a bit closer.


    I felt that it wasnt okay like this.


    I checked my reward points through the manual.


    Skill Name : Effort (0) , Immortality (4)


    Additional Technique : None


    Proficiency : 46


    Reward Points : 41100


    Stat Increase : Strength 550 Endurance 500 Reflex 450 Concentration 400 Defense 400


    Upgrade : 743/5000


    The upgrade was still far away but the reward points that had been stacked up until now was over 40,000. I put them all into reflex.


    By using up 37,500 points the reflex stat went up to 750.


    From 750, if I took Soo-ahs wide area buff of 20% then I had a reflex of 900%.


    I had suddenly gotten close to Soo-ahs speed of 1000%.


    At the same time the proficiency surpassed 50.


    At that moment a message appeared.


    Proficiency has surpassed 50. Additional Technique Overwork has been created.

 Chapter 118

    Chapter 118


    Overwork?


    Before I could figure out what it was Soo-ah suddenly shouted with great vigor.


    Woooah! Crazy! Ive gotten he fast!


    Soo-ah is on a rampage suddenly. She seemed almost two times faster than before.


    I was wondering how this happened but I remembered that she was copying my reflex.


    As my reflex went up her speed also increased drastically.


    The stamina use would be that much higher. I should check the additional technique first.


    Overwork : Able to increase one stat by a level for 24 hours. Permanently decreases endurance.


    It was a 24 hour long buff. It weighed on me that the endurance would go down but it couldnt be seen as aplete trash technique.


    It was like the number of cards I could use had increased by one after all.


    Also, it was a time when I needed this technique the most. There was no need to think about it.


    If I didnt kill the ck Tiger in front of me there would not be another time. It was a lot better to lose some of the endurance stat than to lose my life.


    The endurance stat goes down by one level. Reflex goes up by one level.


    I could feel my body getting lighter. Even if my endurance decreased it was still at 450. If it was like this I could still fight.


    I jumped up by stepping on the Dancing Sword. Thanks to the reflex that increased by over two times I could see all of the ck Tigers movements.


    Once I crossed the imaginary line that I had marked as shouldnt be crossed the ck Tiger turned its head to look at me.


    I could clearly see it lightly shrinking and then explosively kicking off the ground with its back legs.


    I stepped on the Dancing Sword that I had positioned in front of me ahead of time and flung myself to the left side.


    The monster swung its paws in vain in midair. I could feel him being taken aback.


    I stepped on the ground and jumped up once more. In my hand was the Hunter Greatsword. I mustered as much strength as possible and stabbed the sword straight into its lower stomach.


    I almost lost grip on the sword. My entire body had been deflected back let alone pierce his leather.


    The hand holding the sword was throbbing. It wasnt that good. The fact that the impact came back to me meant that the monster didnt take any damage.


    The ck Tigernded on the ground lightly. I couldnt feel much of a tremble even though that huge body just came down.


    Not only agility but it also possessed strength, speed, and great defense. I guess a level 10 is a level 10.


    There were no weak points that could be seen.


    Does the level 8 weapon not work either?


    I think we have no choice but to aim at its eye.


    As long as we dont die by getting bitten.


    The ck Tiger had simr attack methods to the Giant White Tiger. Biting, swinging its paw, and if it had another one it would be its powerful roar.


    If one didnt maintain their senses then they would go rolling into the things mouth on their own with a single cry.


    As such, it was almost impossible to aim at its eye.


    Before stabbing the sword into its eye I would be prated by its teeth and even if it wasnt so I would be dismembered by its paw. The me right now who didnt even have armor would definitely die.


    I had even sacrificed some endurance to increase the reflex stat to 800% but in the end there was no possible method of hitting him.


    I was thinking about how to attack its eye when a thought suddenly passed through my mind.


    The Eight Trigrams Scutum.


    Although it could only be used once a day it was a weapon with an attack that was that powerful and fast. If it was this I thought that even the ck Tiger would be unable to avoid it.


    Keep it focused on you and if I send the signale straight to my back!


    Yes sir!


    I matched my eyesight to the monsters and stood on the Dancing Sword. I could see Soo-ah flying around the ck Tigers giant body.


    It looked like a mayfly flying around a cat. In reality, Soo-ah was not doing any damage to the ck Tiger.


    Nothing could be done against the endurance of a level 10 monster with Thors Hammer.


    If even 1 damage went through then it would be possible to defeat it by stacking those but the damage right now was 0.


    If the attack were only ticklish there was nothing in the world that would die because of that.


    Ah.


    Soo-ahs foot that was stepping on midair suddenly got twisted weirdly.


    Did she twist her ankle?


    As if it thought that it was a chance, the ck Tiger that was moving reservedly because of Soo-ahs overwhelming speed showed its ws as it swung its paw.


    I quickly aimed the Eight Trigrams Scutum at the back of the monsters head while flustered. Even if it could be seen I had to attract its attention for now. However, at that moment Soo-ah made an eye signal at me.


    Did she create a gap on purpose?


    Several trees got swept away and disappeared due to the front paw the ck Tiger swung. Dust and debris, leaves went flying with great force.


    I was being nervous due to not being able to see Soo-ahs figure anywhere but she came out of the dust cloud while leaving afterimages.


    The ck Tiger got enraged and jumped up to the sky by kicking off the ground.


    Now!


    Soo-ah shouted. The ck Tiger that was able to travel 20 meters with a single jump opened its mouth at Soo-ah and I.


    I held up the Eight Trigrams Scutum and pointed it at its mouth.


    Im pretty sure I said that I would give the signal.


    More importantly now!


    The ck Tigers mouth opened wider. The moment I could feel its breath I aimed the Eight Trigrams Scutum right at its eye.


    This will hurt a bit.


    sh!


    A blinding light shot out from the Eight Trigrams Scutum.


    The monster jumped up and down as if it got stung by a bee. This one properly got through. However, looking at how lively it was it seemed to be far from dying.


    I passed Soo-ah a Cooldown Reset Potion.


    This is?


    Give me the 1 person buff. If the recasting timees drink this once more and use it one more time.


    Nod.


    The light that came out of her hand embraced me and I could feel my body bing lighter.


    Reflex 1,200%.


    With this, all the preparation I could do were over. What was left was to kill the monster.


    Lets go.


    And the strategy?


    You keep it busy and I kill it.


    Its nice how its simple.


    Soo-ah ran in midair. I also kicked off the Dancing Sword to fly towards the ck Tiger. Soo-ah from the top and me from the front.


    The ck Tigers pupils moved quickly at the attack that wasing from the Y axis. Every organism found it difficult to look at things up and down inparison to left and right. On top of that, it had its field of vision drastically decreased.


    However, I couldnt let my guard down because of that. The monster had a good sense of smell and hearing on top of sight. Even with one eye gone it was still a dangerous beast.


    The monsters head was right in front of my nose now. My legs were trembling and my spine tingled.


    My heart was beating like crazy. I even thought that I might die just like that.


    When was thest time I met an enemy this scary?


    When I met the level 4 monster on the road? The first time I faced an irregr in a dungeon?


    Was that situation worse than now?


    All these situations were dangerous and could have died.


    But I was still victorious.


    Right, I knew the method of winning.


    As always I will survive this time as well.


    Haaah!


    I rotated my body in the vertical axis direction and swung the Hunter Greatsword. The speed of the dash, weight, and rotational force was added. It was the greatest and strongest attack I could do right now.


    The ck Tiger twitched and twisted its head. The attack failed.


    As wide of a move it was there was a gap and the ck Tiger swung its front paw at me. As I avoided that Soo-ah smashed Thors Hammer on its head.


    With a tremendous sound electricity scattered around.


    Did it work?


    However the monster flinched and jumped at me instead of Soo-ah.


    Instead of running away, I also went towards the monster. The ck Tiger opened its mouth wide.


    No!


    Soo-ah let out a short scream. The heat from the monsters body burned my face.


    At the moment the distance between me and the monster decreased to 1 meter I threw the Bloody Sword at it. The target was the left eye that was damaged by the Eight Trigrams Scutum.


    Stab!


    A great sound came out of the ck Tigers mouth. It was to the point that the roar that it shouted out could almost be seen with my eyes.


    Strangely, a ringing noise could still be heard after the sound disappeared.


    When I tried touching my ears that felt stuffy, blood got on my finger.


    It seems my ear drums popped.


    The ck Tiger that had one side of its eye stabbed with a spike of sorts started destroying the nearby forest area.


    No matter if it was a boulder or tree, it was destroyed in moments as the area turned into a in. As I couldnt hear the sound could only be felt as vibrations.


    Instead of drinking a Wound Cure Potion, I held the sword and ran forward.


    This situation where I couldnt hear was a good thing on the contrary. There was no need to fear the ck Tigers roar and I didnt have to feel that pain again either.


    Ahhhh!


    I dashed at the monster while shouting. I could hear some kind of humming sound. It was like I could somehow hear myself shouting even if I lost my sense of hearing.


    It was not easy to close in on the ck Tiger that was rampaging like it went insane.


    However, this was thest chance. Even if I stabbed in the Bloody Sword a level 10 monster there was a high chance that it should be able to regenerate while ignoring the blood sucking state.


    Soo-ah and I kept trying to attack the ck Tiger that was rampaging like a crazy guy.


    There was no time to even think about how much damage might be going through. I just attacked if I saw a gap and dodged if an attack came.


    It seems the ck Tiger figured out that Soo-ahs attacks didnt hurt as it ignored her and started only looking at me.


    A 20 meter long tree was broken into bits and pieces due to its teeth. I dashed towards the monster while dodging the falling debris.


    A double jump on the tree, dash forward kicking off the Dancing Sword.


    The ck Tigers head shot up.


    The moment I thought the attack worked the ck Tiger raised its front paw and swung it at me.


    I could see it.


    I was preparing my next attack after dodging by twisting my body when something hit my body.


    Huh?


    Ssh!


    Before I could even realize what had hit me I flew several dozens of meters into the middle of theke.


    Damn. What was this?


    Before I sank down I grabbed the Dancing Sword and got out of the water.


    As soon as I got out of the water I could see Soo-ah getting flung back here in the same way as me.


    The ck Tigers front paw had definitely not hit Soo-ah. Even though there was a distance of over 1 meter between it and Soo-ah, Soo-ahs body had been flung back.


    Was it some kind of strong wind?


    For now, there was nowhere painful or broken so there was no real damage.


    That meant that its purpose was not to kill us but to move us far away.


    The ck Tigers line of sight went to the right.

 Chapter 119

    Chapter 119


    I turned my line of sight to where the monster was looking. The sight of the level 7 Giant White Tiger and my teammates in a fierce battle could be seen.


    Kelby was the one attracting the monsters attraction from a close range.


    Behind him was Cho Young-gu who was blocking the attacks that mighte suddenly. The Milworms were also shaking the ground under the Giant White Tiger.


    The Agentaya Mongol Horses were standing by to let my teammates escape whenever they had to.


    However, the ck Tiger was looking in that direction. I didnt have a good feeling about this.


    I dashed at the monster with all my power. Every time I kicked the ground dirt would cave in.


    The ck Tiger shrunk its body. That was a leaping pose. To my teammates direction.


    It was obvious that they would be annihted if the ck Tiger joined while they were fighting against the Giant White Tiger.


    I kicked off the ground onest time before jumping at the monster. The ck Tiger leaped simultaneously. The moment I thought I would barely miss it.


    At that moment Soo-ah grabbed the ck Tigers tail. It seemed to be surprised at her quick return as it turned its head to confirm Soo-ah.


    It was a sensitive response considering Soo-ahs weight. It wouldnt have had a problem just leaping with her on it.


    The thought that its tail might be its weak point shed through my head.


    However, it immediately swung its tail to drop Soo-ah. As expected, losing strength just by grabbing the tail is something that would only happen in a cartoon. (<em>Kyle: Dragon Ball reference for those who dont know.</em>)


    Either way, thanks to Soo-ah it failed to go to where my other team members were.


    The distance it leaped was short and was falling to where the level 5 Giant White Tiger had died.


    Hm? But why was Manager Kim there?


    He was incredibly flustered as he looked at the ck Tiger falling above him.


    As if his legs had stiffened he couldnt run away as he copsed on the ground. Why did he crawl out of the van? No, more importantly run away for now!


    Run away!


    I ran while shouting at Manager Kim in a loud voice. No matter how quickly I ran it was impossible to escape with him before the ck Tigernded.


    Should I call it the final counterattack Manager Kim held up the Needle Gun above his head.


    Ooooaaaahh!


    He continuously fired the gun while screaming. However, it was impossible to do any damage to the level 10 ck Tiger with a level 4 equipment. I could vividly imagine the scene of Manager Kim getting eaten by the ck Tiger.


    Hm?


    The ck Tiger that was shot at by the Needle Gun scrunched up its body in a weird way and let out a pitiful cry. It seems like it was unexpectedly able to do some damage. However, it wasnt like that could prevent the ck Tigers body itself from falling.


    The monster fell right where Manager Kim was. I unintentionally tightly closed my eyes.


    Damn it. Why in the world was he there.


    Just then, I could see Manager Kim staggering in the corner of my eyes. It was a location 10 meters away from where he used to be. When did he move all the way there?


    I quickly ran to and raised him from the ground, getting away from the ck Tiger.


    What in the world happened?


    -!


    I couldnt hear what he was saying. It was like there was a bunch of water in my ears. Ah. Shit. Now that I think of it my eardrums had popped.


    I quickly took out and ate a potion and waited for them to heal. Before 10 seconds passed I could start hearing things again.


    Please say that again.


    Like I said, I only remember shooting this as much as I could.


    No, more importantly, how did you get away from there?


    Instead of replying he showed me a ring on his finger. It was a sh Ring. It was an item that I had forgotten about as I hadnt used it since buying it. (<em>Kyle: The sh here is the word for sh in the Korean servers League of Legends so why not.</em>)


    I did well to buy this.


    Did youe here trusting that?


    No, thats not it, I just picked up something.


    He opened the Needle Guns magazine and showed it to me. The thing inside was a golden nail.


    Skillful Technical Mastercraftsman Nail (5) : As a nail made by using a powerful hammer, able to prate hard objects.


    Item? And a level 5 at that.


    Its an item that was dropped from the dead white tiger returning to the void. I looked at it and it seemed like it could go into the Needle Gun.


    And so you came out of the van while risking your life?


    Of, of course. I also wanted to be of help to the party.


    It was moving. To think that Manager Kim was someone with such a spirit of sacrifice.


    Of course there was no way that was true.


    He probably couldnt suppress his curiosity after something shiny dropped.


    Either way, even if the projectile of the Needle Gun was changed to a level 5 item it shouldnt be enough to do damage to a level 10 monster right? It wasnt like with a level 4 Needle Gun and level 5 nail a level 9 item is created.


    There was no way the damage would be calcted like that. At most it would be good if it did a level 6 worth of damage?


    I got it so go back for now. It can be dangerous after all.


    I said so and looked back at the ck Tiger. As if it was in pain it kept its body crunched up. It was the right time if there was one.


    I held the Hunter Greatsword and and circled around to its back side.


    I was a bit worried that I couldnt see Soo-ahs figure but there was a higher chance that she had copsed due to exhaustion than getting severely injured.


    For now, killing the ck Tiger was of higher priority.


    I quickly climbed up its back.


    Did you ever try riding on a tiger with a length of over 10 meters? It cant bepared to mere rodeo.


    It felt like my internal organs were getting disced and my brain was crashing into my skull every time it jumped.


    Since it didnt seem like jumping wasnt working it started crashing into trees.


    It seemed like even I would be fine after getting crashed into a tree with my bare body.


    For now, I took out a level 2 leather armor.


    As soon as the leather armor embraced my body, my body crashed into a giant Armdri tree.


    Urk!


    I momentarily let go of my hand.


    As I extended my hand while flustered I caught something. The feeling of something like arge pouch, soft and warm. I didnt know what it was but I held on to it.


    Grr?


    I could feel the monster getting flustered. The movement of the monster that was rampaging like a madman was definitely getting slower.


    I finally came back to my senses and check what I was holding on to.


    It was the pride of all men, the symbol of it, the thing attached below it.


    The testicles.


    As soon as I realized what it was, I squeezed it tighter.


    The monsters roar shook thend. Arg. I should have just not healed my sense of hearing.


    The monster didnt know what to do and just kept circling in ce. If it rampaged more fiercely then the pain would increase but if it stood still there was no way I wouldnt do something.


    In the end, after it failed trying to kick me with its back legs its body flipped over.


    It seemed to be extremely desperate as it swung its front paw at me just like that.


    A full swing with all its strength!


    The ck Tiger was a level 10. The things front paw attack could demolish a thick concrete building in a single hit.


    It had the power more than that of a tanks cannon shot. It would probably be able to get rid of a small hill if it really tried.


    The attack that had that level of power hit its own testicles directly.


    This one got through perfectly.


    The giant figure of the monster fell with great force.


    The ck Tiger that had hit its own testicles jumped up and fell on the ground head first. The ck Tiger that copsed was foaming bubbles out of its mouth while unconcious.


    No matter how sensitive of a spot it was I didnt think that I would go down in one hit.


    I was wondering why it reacted so surprised, it seems like it hit exactly at that spot.


    Either way, it would probably wake up with some half hearted attack so I was wondering what to do when Soo-ah stood at the ce between the monsters thighs, hammer in hand.


    And then she struck down the hammer. Urg.


    Twitch!


    The ck Tigers giant body twitched. Could it still feel the pain while unconcious?


    Even I who was watching started frowning. It was a scene that I couldnt see with my own two eyes but Soo-ah wasnt concerned in any way as she kept striking down with the hammer.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Every time she struck down with the Hammer, thunder struck down. The ck Tigers that ce was destroyed to the point of being gruesome.


    It was burned ck to the point that it wouldnt be any darker. Although it was ck from the beginning.


    This thing isnt dead though? How do we kill it?


    I went to the head of the monster while looking at Soo-ah who was on the verge of exhaustion.


    I held up the Hunter Greatsword and shoved it into its remaining eye.


    At that moment, the ck Tigers body shot up like a freshly caught fish and roared.


    It, it revived!


    Damn. Does it not die even with this?


    It seemed to be impossible to kill it by destroying its brain like this due to its size.


    However, crushing its head itself was impossible due to its tough leather.


    It might have some kind of defensive function but it absorbed quite a bit of the impact.


    In fact, even its testicles had a fair bit of defense but as it had hit it itself it fell unconscious, otherwise the damage wouldnt have gotten through.


    The ck Tiger moved its body here and there while growling. It seems like it wasnt right in its mind due to being blind and the great amount of pain it felt.


    Give me that for a bit.


    Yes sir.


    I received Thors Hammer from her and ran towards the ck Tiger.


    I then smashed down directly on its head with Thors Hammer.


    The ck Tiger that got hit by the level 5 hammer rolled on the ground while letting out a pained cry.


    It was because of the Bloody Sword that I had stabbed into its eye. The electricity had gone all the way inside its eye using the Bloody Sword as a medium.


    No matter how much of a monster it was if lightning struck near its brain then it was impossible to not take damage.


    As I got a few direct hits like that, it started rampaging like a madman again.


    It crashed into the ground and crashed into boulders and crashed into trees.


    The monster really rampaged as if it had rabies. Maybe 10 minutes passed like that.


    The monster finally copsed on the ground seemingly having exhausted its strength.


    However, it still wasnt dead. Soo-ahs face crumpled up as she opened her mouth.


    This is the first time we see a monster this tough.


    Its because were weak. It would have ended pretty easily if we had level 9 equipment you know?


    Thats true. But it doesnt cost a penny or two.


    If it was level 9 items they probably costed around 50b won. That amount of money was enough to build a building in Gangnam so it was possible to quit being a hunter and live a life of luxury for the rest of ones life.


    Although I would still continue working.


    But seriously, how do we kill that?


    With this.


    I took out a Technician Nail that Manager Kim had from the manual. I had kept one just in case.


    I put the nail on the monster that waspletely exhausted. And then struck down with Thors Hammer.


    The ck Tigers body twitched as sparks flew everywhere. However, it didnt move at all as if it didnt even have the strength left to cry.


    The unseasonal sound of hammering spread throughout the forest. After hammering a few time the nail really prated its head.


    Even if it was a level 5, it had good utility. It was correct for me to think that it was enough to prate the monsters leather.


    Soon, the nailpletely prated its skull. I struck down with Thors Hammer with all my strength onest time.


    Lightning struck down on the ck Tigers head in a straight line. The electric energy travelled through the nail and fried the ck Tigers brain.


    Grrr!


    It revived again?


    Soo-ah retreated in surprise. However, I could confirm the distinct number in front of my eyes.


    [+1,000]


    It was exactly 1,000 without a bonus.


    I didnt know how they could think about making the points given so low.

 Chapter 120

    Chapter 120


    After killing the ck Tiger, I found my team members gathered around behind me.


    Did they already kill the Giant White Tiger? It was a level 7 though?


    Han Joon-suk nodded as if he was reading my mind.


    Your expression seems to be asking how we were able to kill a level 7 monster.


    Are you learning mind reading?


    Its written all over party leaders face. Anyway, to answer your question we killed it more easily than expected. Manager Kim worked really hard.


    Manager Kim?


    Haha. It copsed after three casts of Sleep.


    Manager Kim was smiling to the point where the ends of his mouth was touching his ears. The guy that pursued safety more than I did shot the Needle Gun at the ck Tiger before as well, there seems to be something different about him.


    Listening to their story I could picture the situation. The Sleep skill that Manager Kim had right now was a level 5 wide area skill.


    On top of the Amplification Staff raising its potency by 30%, using the Floodin Staff to decrease the target area the ability was further strengthened.


    It wouldnt be enough to make a level 7 monster fall asleep with one cast, but using it three times as soon as the cooldown was over made it unable to endure.


    Since level 5 weapons could do some damage to level 7 monsters it probably was enough to be able to kill it.


    Cho Young-gu inspected the dead ck Tiger and let out an exmation.


    Either way, this thing really is huge. May I take some pictures?


    Well, as much as you want. You will have to take it quickly before it returns to the void.


    Lets take a groupmemorative photo while were at it then. Its amemorative level 10 monster after all.


    The people started crowding together at Cho Young-gus words. The photo was to be taken by Edward and I also stood in front of the ck Tiger.


    I usually didnt like things like this but just for this monster I wanted to leave some proper evidence. That it was ridiculously hard to kill.


    We waited for them to return to the void while keeping the eagles in the sky.


    It was the same for the level 7 Giant White Tiger but I was incredibly curious as to what would drop from the level 10 ck Tiger. I opened my mouth to talk to Edward.


    Why are you so quiet?


    What do you mean?


    We killed a level 7, level 10 monster so why are you so quiet. I thought youd ask for blood.


    At my level I wouldnt be able to endure such a level of monsters blood though.


    Is that so. Seemsplicated.


    Isnt that the same for humans? Its the same thing as getting a stomach ache after eating too much.


    I dont know in what way its the same but well, I get what youre trying to say.


    He probably means that its better to draw a moderate line.


    The level 7 Giant White Tiger finished returning to the void first. It was a helmet that let out blinding luster.


    Archimedes Helmet (7) : A helmet with gold and silver mixed in. Will eternally give off light.


    We will let Cho Young-gu have this.


    Re, really?


    Youre the main tanker after all. You should have priority to defense equipment.


    I held the helmet and passed it to him. To be honest, it was an item I needed as my original armor waspletely destroyed.


    But I didnt have the courage to wear that shining thing. It was an item that was good for being a target at night.


    The rest of my party members seemed to agree. More than it being my words having power, it was because there was a reason they could all ept.


    Even if it was a country if they did something outrageous then bacsh would appear.


    Thank you.


    Cho Young-gu grabbed my hand with an expression that seemed to be on the verge of crying. Well, since they all killed it with equal difficulty it didnt really matter whomever took it.


    That was especially more so for Cho Young-gu. The party members lives were dependant on how long he could endure.


    Then, finally, the ck Tiger that we were waiting to return to the void finally ended.


    What dropped was a book.


    Wow. A skill book.


    Soo-ah shouted. I was also surprised. How long had it been since a skill book dropped?


    As I quickly went to pick up the book that dropped on the ground, the skill books information appeared through the manual.


    Aura de (10) : ds a single sword with aura. A skill that is bound to the person that obtains it.


    A Binding skill?


    I was expecting a level 10 item toe out of the level 10 monster. But a Binding skill you say.


    While I was wondering what it was the book in my hand suddenly disappeared.


    Huh?


    Why?


    The book disappeared.


    Didnt you put it in the manual?


    No. It disappeared while I was just holding it.


    Damn. Theres such a thing?


    Im also thinking about what might have happened.


    I was considerably flustered. A level 10 skill book. The name was Aura de and could be d on a weapon.


    Even if I didnt know exactly it was obvious that it would be a powerful skill. However, I lost it the moment I had it in my hands.


    What happened?


    Han Joon-suk approached me after seeing my expression of stupefaction. They all had eyes curious as to what the level 10 skill book is. What did I have to say to them?


    No, lets calm down for now. Theres no way it would have just disappeared like that.


    I opened the manual for now. It definitely said it was a Binding skill person. I didnt know exactly what that meant but it at least didnt seem to mean it would just disappear.


    Skill Name: Effort (0), Immortality (4), Aura Sword (10)


    It was there. The Aura Sword skill.


    I let out a sigh of relief unintentionally. I was really d.


    Soo-ah held my arm and shook it.


    What is it? Why are you sighing?


    Haha it looks like I obtained the skill.


    Huh? Wait a minute. Senior brother doesnt have a skill slot left. Dont tell me you threw away the immortality skill and put it in there? Holy crap! You just took it because you were afraid that we would take it! I was thinking that senior brother was giving out too much. It was about time for you to be greedy. However, I liked it better when you were a pushover no, Im not saying that senior brother is such a person and anyway wasnt such a person but since you became a new person after clearing your mind its better no, either way I approve of your decision.


    Hey you. So do you like it or not.


    Manager Kim said as if suffocating. Wow. How did the atmosphere suddenly be like this.


    Who? Me? Who do I like?


    Soo-ah looked at me with a red face. What do you want me to do if you nce at me like that.


    Why is this girl that is even more shameless than a politician like this suddenly. I still dont understand what kind of character this girl is.


    Either way, I had to exin what I had to exin.


    This seems to be a Binding skill.


    Whats a Binding skill?


    Han Joon-suk said.


    To exin it simply, should I say that the person that picks it up is the owner?


    I see. However, is it learned even without a skill slot?


    As expected, hes a fast at understanding.


    Yes. It seems to be learned even without a remaining skill slot due to being a forceful acquiring. I think I will have to check if it actually works properly though.


    This kind of thing wasnt something that existed in the old system. There is no mistake that this was something made by the Delta system.


    Either way, considering how a single skill slot is 100b, this binding type is sure to have quite an impact on the original raid system. Seeing how it didnt exist before it seems to be something that only applies to level 10 skills but its an understatement to call it a catastrophe.


    I took out the Dancing Sword.


    For now, the skill exnation was simple. dding a single weapon in aura. If its a weapon then it should apply to a weapon that flies around in the sky as well. There was nothing about having to hold it in my hands after all.


    I focused on the Dancing Sword and imagined it being d in aura.


    I was groaning like that for a while when Soo-ah opened her mouth.


    What are you doing? Like a dog that needs to poop.


    I dont get how to use this.


    Isnt there a chant or something? Shouldnt something happen if you shout out the skill name?


    Ah. Right.


    Since I only used passive skills I forgot the simple matter of shouting the skill name.


    In the case of active skills, you normally had to at least shout it in a quiet voice to activate it. Of course, there were many that werent so as well.


    However, even if it wasnt like that you either had to make a special contract or act in a certain way to activate it.


    Aura de!


    I shouted loudly at the Dancing Sword.


    However, as expected there was no response. Wow. I really shouted with great confidence. I was started bing embarrassed.


    Han Joon-suk opened his mouth.


    How about you use it after holding it?


    Ah. Like this?


    I held the Dancing Sword in my hand and shouted the skill name. Then, a milky light 1 meter long came shooting out of the entire de.


    Jesus christ. What is this. The light was something as well but the feeling I got from the de was overwhelming. If it was with this then I felt like I would have been able to slice the ck Tiger in a moment.


    Wow. Its beautiful.


    Yeon-gyeong looked at the Dancing Sword as if entranced by it. As she said, it wasnt enough to say that the light from the de was mystical.


    It wasnt overly bright nor dim, neither murky nor clear. It had an exquisite sense of beauty exuding out of it.


    Also, as the light was not just spreading out but was unwinding like a skein it further added to the mystical feeling.


    Soo-ahs eyes shone as she shouted.


    Try using it once!


    I was going to do so.


    I looked around and found arge boulder by theke. It was a quiterge boulder of 3 meters both horizontally and vertically.


    The sword went in cleanly. There was the unique feeling of slicing through a boulder but it wasnt something like resistance.


    This time, I lightly cut the surface like slicing meat.


    A thin b of the boulder actually got sliced off. However, it was impossible to tell the actual might of the Aura de. This much could be done with the level 3 Rubicon Sword I had before.


    What was known for now was that it had good cutting force.


    Is there nothing more? Something really sturdy would be nice.


    Hm. Isnt there that? The broken armor.


    Ah. Right.


    At Soo-ahs words, I took out my broken armor. It was the level 6 ck te Armor that got broken with a single front paw swing of the ck Tiger.


    Ah. Tears are suddenlying out. I couldnt think of it during the battle because it was hectic but this was worth 10b. That had disappeared into thin air.


    Destroyed armor couldnt even be repaired. If it was crumpled up or had a crack then it might have been possible but the chest part waspletely shattered and gone. I either had to sell this as a lump of metal or roughly put it together to be disyed in the Hunter Market.


    As I was staring nkly at the armor, Soo-ah came and hugged me from behind.


    The armor will be d that senior brother used it.


    Yeah. That I can understand but why are you hugging me.


    Tofort you of course.


    Well. Okay.


    It wasnt like she was like this for a day or two. I didnt have the spirit to tackle her about it each and every time.


    I got Soo-ah off by force as she tried her best to cling on and put the ck te Armor on the ground.


    If this got cut then the Aura de skill could be called the strongest skill I possessed.


    Hah!


    It passed by the armor with barely any feeling transmitted to my hand.


    I tried touching the armor a bit thinking that I might have cut wrong but the only thing that could be seen was the armor being cut right in half.

 Chapter 121

    Chapter 121


    Soo-ah inspected the armor and let out an exmation.


    Wow! Look here. The cut surface ispletely clean. It seems to be very effective?


    I know that even without you saying it like a person selling home shopping objects.


    No, really, this seems to be a jackpot.


    At Soo-ahs frivolousness the other party members came to look at the cut armor.


    A groan came out from here and there. Even from my point of view it did cut well. However, as the thing that was cut was my broken armor I couldnt be all that happy.


    I am repeating myself but that is a 10b won worth item.


    Haha I get to see a level 10 skill while living.


    Manager Kim let out augh. I think its the first time I see that guy exim from the heart. The others showed a simr reaction.


    I scratched my head. It wasnt on purpose but it was like I had taken something good for myself.


    I do feel a bit embarrassed seemingly taking all the good things for myself. I willpensate thister.


    Theres no one here that can use that besides senior brother anyway. Its a good thing that someone else didnt get it. Imagine if Manager Kim got it. Oof horrible.


    Whats horrible!


    Manager Kim shouted at Soo-ahs words.


    It fits the saying, a pearl ne on a pigs neck. Would you kill monsters from the front line if you had Aura de?


    I can use this as well you know?


    Manager Kim took out the Needle Gun. Soo-ah let out a sigh.


    Its name is Aura de in the first ce. How are you going to use it with the Needle Gun?


    Ah. Right. Then I dont need it. I definitely cant do something mental like fighting monsters with a sword.


    See. If it isnt senior brother, who would fight with such a thing.


    At Soo-ahs words, everybody nodded their heads. Looking at it like this, this girl had quite the ability to instigate people.


    Of course, the others are probably thinking the same thing. However, there could have been differing thoughts if the conclusion was made and agreement was sought out with words.


    If that happened then there was no knowing whether someone would sneak a Binding skill for themselves.


    However, that kind of situation had been obliterated by a few words from her.


    I really cant tell whether this girl is dumb or smart. It might be both.


    Lets not contemte this girls character anymore. Its impossible to understand with my brain after all.


    In any case, I was nning on cutting my share from this times expedition. I had already gotten more than everything else we had gotten added with this one skill.


    Right, there was one more thing to do.


    If Aura de was used once then it would be maintained as long as there were no particr problems.


    The Aura de would disappear if a battle ended or I rxed. Other skills were like this as well.


    However, the Dancing was not a weapon that was used with my hand. It was fundamentally able to act on its own and could even fight on its own depending on the setting.


    It was incredibly inefficient to fight with such a thing in my hand.


    However, if by some chance the Aura de was maintained after it leaves my hand then it would be able to show tremendous strength. To be able to use Aura de from a distance. Even Lee Hui-seung teacher wouldnt be able to do this. (<em>Kyle: No idea who this guy is  .</em>)


    Whew.


    I carefully took my hand off of the Dancing Sword. The moment I dropped it the light suddenly got a bit murkier but the Aura de was maintained.


    After about a minute or so the light radiating from the Dancing Swordpletely disappeared.


    This was a bit of a let down.


    Hm. About a minute.


    Wouldnt you be able to maintain it longer if you be more used to it?


    Han Joon-suk said.


    Well, even a minute isnt a short amount of time. Its still somewhat useable.


    I just had to charge it again every minute so it wasnt that much of a problem.


    Either way, I got a new skill, one that was a powerful technique that couldnt bepared to the past.


    It was a rather new feeling. To think that I got a level 10 skill, not to mention it wasnt from paying for it but from a monster. It was something that I wouldnt have even dreamed of before.


    Thinking about how I was just a porter just a few months back this was really ultrahigh speed progress.


    This was all possible because of that level 4 monster I coincidentally met on a certain day. If I had just run away at that time then none of this would have happened. Thinking about it now it was a crazy act, rushing out to save someone and killing the monster somehow.


    The difficulty couldnt bepared to killing the ck Tiger just now.


    It was literally luck of the heavens. A luck that wouldnte twice hade and an item had miraculously dropped.


    There was also a level 5 hunter. I almost got this snatched by that guy.


    Either way, what was that guys name I think it was a really childish name.


    Suddenly, a monster with an arrow in it fell in front of me.


    My team members jumped up to their feet and took out their weapons. What fell was the Red Bald Eagle that was reconing.


    Rustle.


    What? Theres people here?


    With the sound a persons voice the figures of ten something people could be seen. They were a hunter group of ages of about 20s, 30s.


    Looking at their equipment they seemed to be mostly level 3 hunters.


    The Chungho Group couldnt be seen so they were probably a raid team like us who came to hunt monsters while the government group were fighting the Chungho Group.


    Hunters? Certainly, there wouldnt be normal people in a ce like this.


    A guy wearing sheet metal that covered his entire body said so. As I didnt reply he cleared his throat and continued his words.


    Hey. Kid. Did you not see a monster fall somewhere here? The one we just caught just fell here you see.


    Kid you say. I think Im bigger though?


    You talking about this?


    I held up the eagle that died after being hit by an arrow and showed it to him.


    The guys expression crumpled up a bit.


    Ah. Yeah. But how old are you?


    Why are you asking my age when its the first time we meet?


    No, I was wondering why you were talking to me in a rude manner when you look younger.


    He was a guy that had a overbearing attitude ingrained in his body. It would just be tiring to talk with this kind of guy for an extended period of time.


    If it was the past me then I would have bowed down and avoided a fight.


    Whatever, just leave.


    You at least have to give that to me.


    I wont ask you forpensation. So just leave.


    Even just this was conceding a lot. Since it was made using a level 2 item, althought it dropped often these days it was still worth about 200m. Items dropped with a certain probability but I didnt think it would be that high.


    However, shooting the monster could be seen as a mistake so I was trying to settle it peacefully.


    What bullshit is this?


    Instead of replying I stretched my right arm horizontally.


    A Red Bald Eagle that was resting at a nearby tree sat on my arm.


    The other sides members got surprised and held their weapons. They held their weapons out of reflex but they got flustered once they saw that the giant eagle was staying still on my arm.


    Wh, what? Isnt that a monster? Why is it like that?


    Did he tame it?


    Is he some kind of druid?


    Isnt he a tamer? I think I have heard of such a job.


    There are rumors but no one actually saw one. There werent any videos either.


    In the 50 year history of hunters there was no one that was able to tame a monster.


    There were rumors going around on the inte but since there was no one that could prove it, it wasmonly known to not exist.


    The te armor warrior made a amused expression.


    Hm. So are you saying that the monster we killed is a monster you spawned?


    If you understood then leave.


    Wheres the proof?


    What?


    Whats this guy saying now?


    I can ept that that thing there is one that you spawned but theres no way for us to know whether the one we killed was spawned by you.


    Are you saying you need proof?


    Yeah, either way its a fact that we killed it while its not certain whether that was spawned by you.


    Thats certainly true.


    But its the same species.


    Shut up, man. Its going well. If an item came out of that what are you going to do?


    I can hear it all you bastards.


    I let out a sigh and got up. There was no need to argue using logic with guys that were ignoring the truth that could be easily seen.


    Theres the saying that says that there is no way to win against a person that doesnt listen. Ah. Maybe this wasnt a saying.


    I threw the eagle to my back. The te armor warriors eyshes twitched.


    Whats the meaning of this?


    Take it if you can.


    Are you asking for a fight?


    If you want one.


    The te armor warriors line of sight went to my party members behind me.


    With one balding bulging stomach old man, and two young bitches?


    Ba, balding?


    Its not wrong.


    Soo-ah nodded her head.


    Youre wrong! Its just that my forehead became wider! And those guy swore at you too so why arent you angry?


    I was a bit angry as well but it was less than you I guess.


    I could hear Soo-ah and Yeon-gyeong giggling behind me. Why was this girl mentally attacking her team member.


    Hahaha. Its not like were trying to y around here.


    The te armor warrior startedughing loudly at my team membersck of tension.


    Hahaha!


    That sides members also startedughing as well.


    From my point of view, they all looked pitiful. The strongest one only had a single level 4 equipment and even that was a bow that killed the eagle.


    Guys like this could be taken care of by Soo-ah alone.


    I was thinking about leaving it to her but considering my personality I couldnt leave dirty work to someone else just because it was annoying. It was moreforting to do so on my own.


    I took out the Dancing Sword from the manual.


    Looking at the blunt and dull looking sword theirugher escted another level. Idiots that judged the level of an item by its outer appearance really existed.


    Is this funny?


    Hahaha. Is that a sword? Isnt it a club? If I got hit by that then I wouldnt be cut but bruised.


    Ah. Well certainly. It would be now.


    Would be now, he says. Talking like a middle schooler. What, does a dragone out if you put in strength?


    Not a dragon.


    Aura de.


    A shouted the technique in a small voice. A milky colored Aura de came out of the Dancing de.


    Theughing suddenly stopped.


    Are you not attacking?


    As I said so the te armor warrior started talking while stuttering.


    Wh, whats that? It cant be Aura right? Its my first time seeing Aura more than 1 meter in length.


    Its Aura de.


    Theres no way. Aura de can only be used by swordsmen at level 10!


    Should we see? If its a lie or not.


    I threw the Dancing Sword.


    The Dancing Sword that flew around forest with me as the center came back into my hands.


    The te armor warrior looked around with an anxious expression and had a proud look again.


    Hah. Fuck. Got scared for nothing. Wasnt even worth someth.


    Before his words ended a tree started falling.


    With that as the start, the trees in the forest started falling one by one.


    It was quite a sight seeing them fall like dominoes. Of course the thing that was even better of a sight were the pale white faces of those in front of me.

 Chapter 122

    Chapter 122


    Then shall we begin?


    Wa, wait a minute please.


    Please?


    N, no. Just wait a minute. No, wait.


    The guy hid between his team mates with an expression full of fright. Does he think that I cant see him if he hides there?


    If you dont get the hell out right now youre dead.


    Hey, hes telling you toe out.


    The guy hidden between his team members got pushed out. His proud look from before waspletely gone and had his head down.


    If you dont have ability you should at least have some wits. Or at least have some modesty. If you dont even have that then at least be kind.


    .


    If he saw the forest destroyed then he should have felt something was wrong. It was also hard to know the level of a hunter just by looking at their age and outer appearance.


    If one did not have the ability to discern the opponents equipment then having a modest attitude at all times was the most important thing to have in order to survive.


    If not then at least not pick fights. I have no idea what these guys trusted and picked fights with other hunters.


    Certainly, its not entirely their fault. In the first ce, most hunters had simr mentalities.


    Most hunters were arrogant, overbearing, andcked manners. This got worse the higher the level.


    Strength and authority, as well as money was concentrated in one ce so it was almost weird for people not to be arrogant.


    Soo-ah popped up suddenly.


    Hey, whats your name?


    The te armor warriors expression crumpled up.


    Senior brother, this guys expression is crumpling up though?


    Its Jang Moon-bok.


    The te armor warrior got surprised and said so.


    What are you going to do by knowing their names?


    Since some ves came on their own we should make use of them.


    ves?


    They picked a fight first right? But senior brother isnt killing them.


    True.


    Then we saved their lives. So we should receive some reward. Right?


    Thest part was to Jang Moon-bok.


    Thats.


    While Jang Moon-bok was mumbling, a hunter that was beside him unsheathed his sword and got up from his seat.


    Hey. Fuck. You should have just started fighting without cowering. Hey. Bitch. Fight with.


    And he got stuck in a tree about 10 meters away with his face caved in.


    Silence pervaded the area.


    Soo-ah dusted off her hands and opened her mouth.


    Theres the ruins right. Wouldnt it be better to take these guys there since were going anyway? If they went first then the traps would be deactivated. With their body of course. Why are you looking like that?


    No, its nothing.


    It was a brutal method but she had a point. I was thinking about taking all their items and chasing them away but that was just like telling them to die in this ce that was infested by monsters. It was more reasonable work them to death.


    Except I didnt have a talent in tormenting people. I think it would be easier to leave it to her.


    Soo-ahs one hit had an effect. The guys behind him moved as told with their mouth closed. We put Jang Moon-boks members in the front and went to the ruins.


    We put the van in the manual and put in all the monsters besides a single eagle.


    The Red Bald Eagles survey radius reached 3 km.


    It was able to discern enemies through smell and sound, not just through sight. Since it could fine monsters hidden behind trees as well it was useful in various ways.


    Theres a monster 500 meters away in the 11 oclock direction. Should we kill it?


    Han Joon-suk raised his head to check the eagles location. I shook my head.


    If we killed each and every single one it would take too much time. Lets go immediately.


    After proceeding while ignoring the ones we could ignore like that we arrived at the ruins after walking for about 30 minutes.


    It was a rock grave like ce made ofrge boulders. At the entrance, there were 3 tform like things. This is probably where the 3 tiger brothers originally were.


    Either way, shouldnt it be dangerous? Its a ruin protected by the ck Tiger. It wouldnt be weird for something stronger to appear.


    Park Han-bum said. He was more sensitive to danger more than anyone due to his soloing habits.


    On the contrary, it might be all there is. Also, if its a ruin protected by a level 10 then isnt that a greater reason to check whats inside?


    That is certainly true but.


    Park Han-bum nodded his head. I looked back to see if any of our members fell behind.


    Soo-ah was leading, no, nagging Jang Moon-boks members while Yeon-gyeong was nodding off on Kelbys back.


    Are you sleepy?


    Ah. Im sorry. I couldnt sleep wellst night.


    Are you ufortable anywhere?


    No, theres nothing like that.


    She had an expression full of worry while saying so. It didnt seem like nothing was wrong.


    What is it.


    Thats.


    Yeon-gyeong ced at Soo-ah. What was it?


    Did Soo-ah bully you while I wasnt looking?


    N, no its nothing like that.


    Then what is it. Say it freely. If theres a problem between party members then I need to know first.


    It might be seen as meddling but I actually really liked these people. I wanted to be together with them if possible. But there would be nothing sadder than a problem arising at a ce I didnt know about.


    Snores.


    Hm?


    Elder sister snores a lot. Since she sleeps right beside its a bit difficult to sleep.


    Ah. I got it. Lets change the seats the next time. Since theres quite a bit of space inside anyway.


    I put them close to each other in case they were diforted but to think there was such an issue. I already knew about Soo-ah snoring.


    It wasnt once or twice that she slept in my house after all.


    However, I wasnt able to realize since I was dense.


    But it seemed like Yeon-gyeong had more to say.


    Thats, even if I move.


    Is it that severe. For now, I told her that I understood and went to my teammates. It might be a sensitive issue to Yeon-gyeong after all.


    I carry around ear plugs.


    Han Joon-suk said.


    It was okay to sleep after using noise cancelling earphones.


    This Park Han-bum. He was more of an early adapter than I thought.


    I sleep after drinking alcohol.


    This guy, I told you not to drink alcohol while on expeditions!


    Han Joon-suk opened his mouth.


    Did party leader not know about it? I didnt say anything since I thought you already knew.


    Im a bit dense. Ive gotten used to it too.


    Certainly, I have heard that she sleeps at your house often. Ah. Im not thinking of anything strange. Since its usually like that when young.


    Youre young too! And its not like that!


    Either way, we need toe up with a n. To think it would be to this degree.


    I looked at Soo-ah who was nagging Jang Moon-bok and fell deep into my thoughts. This wasnt a problem of others being a bit diforted or that type of problem.


    Even if Edward and Kelby were keeping watch at night since you didnt know what could happen sleeping while using ear plugs was very dangerous. Its a good thing that nothing happened until now.


    For now, we decided to rest in front of the ruins. We had to prepare as much as possible before entering and we also had to think about whether we would actually send Jang Moon-boks team first.


    They were in the wrong but if I was asked if they were wrong enough to be used as dispensibles then my answer was no.


    For now, I essed the Delta Store through the manual. Since I still had dozens of level 1 items I was thinking that it would be possible an item that suited Soo-ah.


    I was looking through the store when I saw a items I didnt see before listed there.


    There were more types of items than before. There were many items I hadnt seen among level 1 items but there level 5 items as well.


    I was only able to buy up to level 2 items but when did it suddenly be like this. I didnt even upgrade the manual.


    I sat down and started thinking about the reason. There were a few things that had changedpared to back then. For now, my proficiency surpassed 50.


    Due to that, level 5 dungeons disappeared and I got an additional technique. The second was mystic dungeon. Thest was obtaining a level 10 skill.


    However, it was difficult to find a connection between these three things. It was possible for them to be connected though.


    I looked at the tutorial part of the manual just in case. It contained information about new things after updating so it might have things about the Delta Store.


    And I found it.


    The Delta Store rises in purchase level increases depending on the price of the purchased items.


    It was exactly one line. However, I was able to understand with just this.


    In the Delta Store that calcted 1 EP as 1 item, I bought a van that costed 100 EP and it caused the item store to open all the way to level 5 in one shot.


    So basically, it was telling me to earn diligently and raise my regr level. Who the hell designed this? Are they trying to suck me of my money up to my bone marrow?


    For now, I kept looking for an item for Soo-ah while grumbling.


    Since it went up all the way to level 5, there were all sorts of things. Amazingly, there was even a pill that changed a persons gender. It was exactly 100 EP.


    To think that this one pill was the same cost as a single van. However, for people that really needed this it was probably worth more than ten times that. I was thinking about trying to sell it after buying but decided not to.


    Who would buy an over 10b pill on the inte. Since the store only sold certified items, or old items in other words, it wasnt possible to sell it there either.


    In terms of familiar items there was a Needle Gun. It even sold custom projectiles so this was rtively cheaper.


    It was better to buy one of these for Manager Kim rather than using those level 5 golden nails.


    Also, I finally found a perfect item for Soo-ah while scrolling.


    Mute Earring (1) : Erases the sound in a certain radius. Able to prevent the use of various magic and technique usage.


    Because it was a level 1 item it wasnt even that expensive. Although it was still 10 EP it had pretty good performance.


    Because it wasnt an attack item and had a low level, it was chap but the muting function mighte in handy depending on the situation.


    Also, since it prevented sound from the space itself it didnt matter if the opponent was level 1 or 10.


    If it was arge area then they just had to get away but if it was a narrow ce like a dungeon then it might be useful against difficult opponents.


    Hmm.


    What are you thinking so hard about?


    Soo-ah shoved her head in. That surprised me.


    No. I was just wondering what to buy.


    What is it?


    A secret.


    I couldnt just tell the person herself.


    Eheheh. So its a secret. Then I wont ask. Ill pretend like I dont know.


    She was pretending to be cute like hehe. Did she lose it 2 weeks into the expedition.


    I put it aside for now and checked the preparations with my party members.


    There were no problems with our equipment and Kelby was as active as always while Jong Sa-wons condition didnt look bad either.


    Jang Moon-bok.


    Yes? Yes!


    Jang Moon-bok got up with his armor making nking noises.


    I had no idea how long Soo-ah nagged him for him to be so quick to respond.


    Did you check your members equipment?


    Yes! I checked them without leaving out a single one.


    If theres a guy that ran away tell me ahead of time. I might have to kill all of you if youre a hindrance after all.


    Yes! Yes? I think I heard wrong?


    Is this the army?


    I sighed and opened my mouth.


    I will give you two choices. Those that dont want to go in, leave.


    Can, can we do that?


    Jang Moon-boks eyes shook. He would definitely want to run away after being nagged at by Soo-ah that much. Thats why Im giving him a choice.


    Instead, youre leaving all your equipment.


    Thats just telling all of us to die. If we leave naked then we dont know when well be killed by monsters.


    Instead, you will be waiting out here. I willter take you to the government team. Then theres no dissatisfaction right?


    This was my proposition. Of course, it was a proposition that there was no choice but to have dissatisfaction to. Are you going to risk your life and join the ruins exploration or are you going to give up all your items. It was a choice that went beyond Do you like mommy? Do you like daddy?.


    Thats too unfair.


    I dont think so though.


    I made the Dancing Sword float above. Of course, Aura Bade was burning well. Jang Moon-boks neck went stiff.


    That is so! It is definitely not unfair!


    Then Ill give you 1 minute. Quickly discuss it and give me an answer.


    All of us will join the exploration!


    Jang Moon-bok shouted as soon as my words stopped. What. He didnt even ask his team members?


    Already?


    The items are our entire fortune. If we lose them then were dead. We would rather die inside!


    And yet guys like you picked a fight without choosing the opponent?


    Im very sorry! My eyes were rotten!


    Jang Moon-bok suddenly bend his back and then nted his head on the ground.


    What is this.


    Soo-ah. What did you tell these guys to do?


    Hm? What?


    Soo-ah looked at me as if asking why was I asking such a thing.


    Ah. This girl was in the sports department.


    I finally understood why Jang Moon-bok was like this. This country had more strict discipline in the sports department than in the army.


    I had experienced it throughout my school days so of course she would make them do such a thing.

 Chapter 123

    Chapter 123


    The ruin entrance was quiterge.


    There was space left over even with five people walking side by side with space between them. We took Jung Nam-boks team and moved forward.


    The use of these guys is finding the road and luggage carriers.


    I could carry the items and ores on my own so I left all the equipment for every day life to those guys.


    They were things like dried food or nkets and shlights that were prepared just in case.


    Even if they were thinking about something else, there was a limited number of things they could do.


    They already saw Soo-ahs monstrous ability so they wouldnt be able to gather the courage to rebel.


    No, if they did so then I would be thankful instead.


    I can take their items and chase them away without being mentally burdened after all.


    Them dying after leaving has nothing to do with me at that point.


    Now then. Move ording to the assigned path. Come back within 30 minutes. Move out!


    Yes sir!


    At Soo-ahs words, Jang Moon-boks team scattered quickly scattered into the ruins.


    The inside was quite dark and wide. We sent them on recon in groups of 2 so they will contact me as soon as they find something.


    If they unluckily activated a trap or something then I was thinking about using the Wound Cure potions since I had them.


    But since they had experience as level 3 hunters they probably wouldnt die that easily.


    It looks like people werent here for a long time.


    Han Joon-suk who was inspecting the interior said.


    The shape of monsters were carved on the ceiling and walls.


    The ck Tiger and Giant White Tiger we met were there and the giant monkeys and boar like monsters were there as well.


    But wouldnt those guys take the thing they find and run away?


    Cho Young-gu said. The helmet he was wearing was lighting up the entire interior.


    The peculiar part was that although the intensity of the light was strong it did not blind the eyes.


    They wille out once I pat them down. (<em>Kyle: pat them down here can also mean kick the crotch. As it is the Soo-ah we all know and love both can work although terrifying.</em>)


    Soo-ah said as if saying dont worry. Pat them down you say, what era is this from.


    Our team sat down and took a rest. After 30 minutes or so had passed the guys that went to recon returned one or two at a time.


    We did not find anything.


    Clear. No enemies.


    Its quiet.


    There was no particr gain. No monster or themon traps existed.


    The long tunnels were connected and sometimes the recon groups met each other.


    However, one group had still not returned. It was the team with Jang Moon-bok.


    I was thinking that it was about time to go find them so I started getting up when.


    Ahhhh!


    Jang Moon-boks scream could be heard.


    As I turned to the tunnel and saw Jang Moon-bok and the other guy running here in a craze. Did they fish out something?


    Hah. Huh!


    Jang Moon-bok who arrived at the entrance copsed on the ground as if rolling.


    After steadying his breathing he started talking with a desperate voice.


    Inside! Theres a living stone statue!


    Stone statue?


    It wasnt a new story. I had seen them in the Red Hole and stone statues were protecting this ruin as well after all.


    Since the other paths didnt lead to anything that meant that this was the right one.


    I asked just in case.


    Did you activate something?


    I just tried lightly touching it since there were two stone statues blocking the wide path. But those things started moving. I tried hitting it with my sword but I couldnt win at all so I ran away. Thankfully, it was slow.


    Looks like its just a gatekeeper.


    And the fact that such a thing exists means that this guy found the right path.


    All members carry the luggage and move out.


    Us, us as well?


    At Jang Moon-boks words Soo-ah opened her mouth.


    Of course. Who else would carry our luggage?


    Of course we should!


    He shot up and carried the luggage on the ground. He had been trained well.


    Once we arrived at the path Jang Moon-bok told us about, two 3 meter tall stone statues were blocking the path.


    They looked like the four heavenly guardians that stood at the gate. The figure of them holding spears was pretty intimidating.


    I tried looking at them through the manual.


    Guardian (?) : ???


    I thought that there was an error at first. However, it was the same even after rebooting the manual.


    It was the first time there was an existence that the manual couldnt distinguish.


    In the first ce, the manual was a something that had the ability to extract information from a person or item that it saw for the first time.


    But to say that its an existence of unknown level and ability.


    I made our members retreat and took out the Dancing Sword.


    Jang Moon-boks members were level 3 hunters. It meant that these were at least above that.


    I coated Aura de on the Dancing de and sent it flying.


    The stone statues felt the threat and started moving. It looked like slow movements but it was exactly enough to deflect it with the spear.


    Boom!


    What?


    The giant stone statue that was trying to deflect it blew up with incredible force as soon as it got hit by the sword.


    The Dancing Sword that destroyed the first statue continued on and prated the second statue as well.


    Boom!


    Hah. This was more of a let down than I expected.


    Soo-ah turned her head to look at Jang Moon-bok.


    His head fell to the ground. They were eyes asking why he made them cautious about something that dies so easily.


    It was that strong. Theres no need to me them.


    I grabbed the Dancing Sword that came back and put it into the manual.


    As I went closer to the stone statue, I could see an ore like thing. It was smaller than a normal ore.


    Strengthening Stone (5) : Strengthens an item.


    It was a Strengthening Stone that dropped in the Red Hole. It was only a moment that I wondered why this dropped here and found a second ore rolling around beside it.


    Dummicyte (5) : Is a rare earth metal type ore. Able to obtain various rare elements by refining. Can be used as a material forbination.


    This was a level 5 ore dummicyte. We destroyed two stone statues and both dropped ore type items.


    100% drop rate. I wonder if we have good luck or if these stone statues are the special ones.


    For now, I collected the ores while leaving my doubt.


    After progressing a bit more we saw more stone statues blocking our way. This time, there were three giant wolf like stone statues.


    Guardian (?) : ???


    The outer appearance was different but the name was the same as expected.


    The things slowly started moving. They got destroyed while they were still stone statues.


    The dropped objects were level 4 Strengthening Stones and ores.


    Whats this? Does this ce drop ores no matter what?


    Cho Young-gu said as he inspected the broken stone statue. Afterwards, we destroyed more stone statues that were on the path.


    The Strengthening Stones that we got like that numbered five while the ores numbered ten.


    This is pretty profitable?


    The ores that we obtained until now were usually level 1 monazite and bastnacite.


    They were good for upgrading the manual but they were too low leveled to be used forbination.


    However, the high level ores were pouring out of the ruin.


    After destroying stone statues like that and advancing quite a bit, a gigantic door appeared.


    Getting closer, there was a hole that seemed to be a ce to put a hand into.


    There was a lions head carved there and it seemed like something that would be operated by putting a hand into it.


    I called Edward.


    Hey, put a hand in here.


    I dont want to. Isnt that a wrist amputator no matter how you look at it. This.


    Dont you have regeneration abilities?


    I do have it.


    Then theres nothing bad about it. It will regrow after getting severed anyway.


    To say that theres nothing bad about getting my wrist severed. Are you really saying that? What do you think another persons wrist is?


    I will give you a bonus for the risk.


    Do I just have to put it in here?


    Edward carefully inspected the lion figure and put his hand in. After groaning a bit his expression lit up.


    I can feel something.


    Once Edward pulled on something the door slowly started opening. There was no unfortunate incident of a wrist getting severed or something.


    What is that. That expression that seems to think somethings a shame.


    No, its nothing.


    To think that it was really just a lever.


    After waiting for the door to open, we slowly entered. The inside was dark but thanks to Cho Young-gus helmet there was no problem inspecting.


    Wow.


    An exmation escaped from Soo-ahs mouth. The gentle light radiated in the room where hundreds of stone statues were.


    If a archeologist or artist saw this then it wouldnt be enough for them to merely talk of its history or beauty for an entire day.


    However, to me it all just looked like money.


    The statues all started moving at the same time. If it wasnt us but a low level party then they would have felt like they had entered the door to hell.


    However, to me who was using the Dancing Sword coated with Aura de this moment was the most enjoyable in my life.


    The Dancing Sword destroyed the stone statues as if blowing up balloons, looking like it was slicing the light inside the ruin.


    Wow. It was me doing it but this really was beyond my imagination.


    The Dancing Sword just went around the ce once and yet dozens of stone statues crumbled down. Soo-ah also held Thors Hammer and charged in. The ranged attackers also held their weapons to support.


    I could hear the voice of Jang Moon-boks members from behind.


    What do we do?


    Just stay still and shut up. Do you really think you should do something while watching that?


    True Big sis is amazing.


    In terms of firepower the Dancing Sword was overwhelming. But in terms of shiness, nobody couldpare to Soo-ah who was moving as fast as a bolt of lightning and creating lightning.


    In therge stone room, the lightning and sound of thunder could be heard endlessly.


    Wow! Theres a Strengthening Stone here!


    Soo-ah held up an ore and shouted.


    I had no idea why a person that worked as a porter had so little cautiousness.


    The Strengthening Stone was rtively okay but the other ores radiated radioactivity at the level of eunuch creators.


    Theres one here too!


    Here as well!


    Here too!


    Every time a stone statue got destroyed a Strengthening Stone or ore dropped. I shouted at my team members.


    Radioactivityes out so all of you back away!


    There was no way there would be a hunter that didnt know this but stupid humans were bound to exist anywhere.


    Even with modern medical science it was impossible to treat the bodies of people affected by radioactivity.


    It was not without reason that the percentage of people with cancer was ten times higher for hunterspared to any other upation.


    Thats why one had to take care of themselves.


    After destroying the several hundred stone statues, the ground was littered with broken debris and ores.


    I looked through the area for ores and put them into the manual.


    After sweeping them all in Soo-ah approached.


    How many were there?


    Hm. Strengthening Stone, about 100. The rest are all ores. The types are different but theres more than enough even after using them for what we need.


    For now, we had an entire ten level 7 Strengthening Stones. What was a shame was that there were only seven level 7 ores. We could still create two items that were level 7 with those ording to thebination form though.


    Below that was well, we have enough to create as many as we wanted.


    It was enough to rece all the items my party members had.

 Chapter 124

    Chapter 124


    Wow. Amazing. Is there anything else to destroy? Its aplete treasure trove, this ce!


    Soo-ah looked around while holding the hammer. I also wished there were more left over.


    With this one asion, I could use all thebination forms I couldnt use until now.


    And it wasnt over yet.


    I looked up to see the stairs in the middle of the stone room.


    A ce protected by that many stone statues. I got the feeling that there was something there.


    As Soo-ah had said, it was a ce that dispensed ores to the point of being a warehouse. Also, in a treasure trove like this, there was usually not only these kinds of misceneous goods but a central thing that was really expensive.


    I slowly went up the stairs.


    At the top of the rectangr stone altar was covered in dust due to the long passage of time.


    Upon closely inspecting the altar I found a small indent below it.


    You guys should all go down the altar for a bit.


    Why?


    Theres a hole here. You remember the stone statue we saw in the Red Hole right?


    Yes.


    There might be a simr mechanism here. It might be dangerous.


    I said so and carefully looked at the hole.


    If Im not mistaken, this is a hole to put in a USB.


    I had no idea why such a thing was here but I found the USB from the manual and held it in my hand.


    As something given by the Vampire Lord it was treated as an item so I usually carried it around in the manual.


    I put the USB in but there was no change.


    Hm Is this not it?


    I stretched my hand to try putting it in again when a tremendous sound came out of the entire ruin.


    It was the sound of a machine operating. It wasnt a sound that would be heard from an ancient ruin so what the hell was this about?


    You have essed the Main Database. Will you download the data?


    With such a message, a Deny/ept pop up appeared.


    I had no idea what this was all about. So it means that the USB will get something?


    For now I selected ept. Whatever it was there was nothing bad about getting it.


    Downloading a total of 900 zettabytes of information. Download 1%


    Zettabyte? How much is this?


    Giga, Tera, Peta, what was after that again It had been a long time since the max storage space had reached a limit.


    The size of the hard disk used 50 years was terabyte and we were using terabyte units today.


    However, zetabyte all of a sudden. It was to the point that I didnt even know approximately how much it was.


    As the download began, the mechanic noise became louder.


    Either way, it was stranger that it was working properly after all the time had passed.


    What are you doing?


    As there was no particr change besides the noise Soo-ah came up to the altar.


    I dont know either. Im just trying for now.


    Eh. Whats this? Did you put a USB in there?


    Ah. It seems to be getting something but the size is quiterge.


    How much is it?


    900 zettabytes.


    Hm. Im not sure how much that is. Anyone know how much a zettabyte is raise your hand!


    As soon as Soo-ah shouted to the people below Jang Moon-boks hand shot up.


    As she gestured toe up he hurriedly ran up.


    Hah hah. You said zettabyte?


    Yeah. How much is it approximately? I dont know much aboutputers.


    I said. I have usedputers for a long time but I just used it to organize the information in the Hunter Market, I knew close to nothing about the theory.


    What is the size of your hard disk that youre using right now?


    100 tera or so.


    Hm It should be about 10 million times that. 1 zettabyte is about 1 billion times more than a terabyte after all.


    Hm.


    My mind nked for a moment. So basically there is information about 10 million timesrger than my hard disk being stuffed into that small USB?


    No, since it said 900 zettabytes its about 90 million times the amount.


    90 million huh Wait, this isnt being processed. Didnt ourputer technology stagmate for a long time.


    The Mystic Dungeon was runs on theputer and now its suddenly downloading a massive amount.


    There were things happening that couldnt be ignored even if I wanted to.


    Download has beenpleted.


    So fast! I thought it was 90 million times more!


    For now, I calmed down and inspected the USB. It said that it was finished downloading but I had no idea what I had to do with this yet.


    At that moment, a message appeared.


    Part of data of the Alpha System has been downloaded. 900 EP is given as a reward. The location of the next ruin can be located through the Mystic Dungeon.


    900 EP?


    I got astounded and checked my profile. There really was 900 EP added. The numerical value called EP was equal to one item at its base.


    In other words, I had just gotten the equivalent of 900 items with this just now.


    Of course its not real items and only exist as a numerical value but it was possible to buy things form the Delta Store so it could be seen an amazing bonus.


    Amazing.


    I unintentionally copied Soo-ahs words.


    What is it? Why are you like that?


    I got 900 EP.


    Wow. Thats a beyond amazing.


    I was being excited at the bonus with soo-ah when the ceiling of the stone room suddenly opened and blinding light came in.


    The light that shined had the form of stairs.


    I carefully climbed up those stairs of light. My party members carefully followed up.


    Its the exit.


    As we reached the end of the stairs, we were at the other end of the ruins. I didnt think that we had even gone down but it turned out that the stone room itself was underground.


    For now, we went back to theke to rest aftering out of the ruins.


    In that time, I was looking at the manual to organize the information from the manual.


    What I was curious about for now was what this database was about.


    Seeing how the Alpha System was mentioned it was probably about the system that has been managing the dungeons until now.


    In other words, the old system that has been maintaining and managing the dungeons for thest 50 years.


    And the new system is Delta.


    It was probably the Delta from Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta so I had no idea why there was no Beta or Gamma.


    Either way, that was a problem to be solvedter. What was important was the fact that the USB given to me by the being called Deltas master downloading Alpha Systems database.


    I had no idea where that would be used. It might be possible that the Delta System and Alpha System were not on good terms.


    It is a bit weird that systems are not on good terms with each other but thats the feeling I got.


    Deleting the original system was the same, creating Red Dungeons in that ce seemed like a influence expansion fight.


    I didnt know if being like god that I didnt know were fighting outside of our fight, having a influence battle.


    There was no doubt that I was directly connected to such a influence battle. It was a fact that couldnt be ignored even if I wanted to.


    Thanks to that, I was able to grow exponentially in that short time.


    It was probably wouldnt have happened if it was as usual.


    Do you have some trouble?


    Soo-ah suddenly shoved her bottom on the seat next to me. This girl was the one person that properly knew about the Delta System.


    Its about the Delta System.


    Youre thinking about that again?


    Well, yeah. Im getting more things Im curious about the more I grow after all.


    What is it this time?


    The Delta System to the Alpha system, that is, I think its gathering data from the old system. And Im the one doing that job. It was a coincidence that I found the ruin this time but no, wait a minute.


    Was it really a coincidence?


    The one that found the ruin was Edward. Also, he was part of the Vampire Lords people. The Vampire Lord had a deep connection to the master of Delta too.


    Then it was possible that Edward was moving on someones orders.


    Edward.


    What is it.


    He turned his head and made a displeased expression. It wasnt that he was not in a good mood right now, it was just that that was his normal expression.


    How did you find the ruin?


    I just found it while on a walk. Why are you asking that?


    You didnt do it on someones orders?


    That is also possible.


    Whats that supposed to mean?


    As you probably know, I take orders from the Lord. That applies even after crossing dimensions like now. If he gave me an order then I have no choice but to follow it.


    So it means that there isnt no chance of that. Is there a way to escape thatmand?


    If I be stronger than the Lord then it will probably be cancelled on its own.


    That is an annoying problem.


    Thinking about it, the Vampire Lords level was shown as a question mark. I really didnt know how much stronger I had to get in order to be stronger than that guy. I wonder if the current me could win him.


    Soo-ah opened her mouth.


    Either way, its not like your taking a lose.


    Thats true. If its a profit then its a big profit though.


    Then just take it.


    Hm?


    The problem is that you feel like the other side is using you.


    Certainly.


    Then you just have to use the other side. Either way, you got stronger thanks to that and you also got a beautiful girlfriend like me.


    Dont sneak in something scary like that.


    Heh. Of course its a joke. Either way, I dont get why youre so hung up on it when it wont be a problem right now.


    Dont you feel bad if youre being used by someone? Theyre trying to use me to do something though?


    Then quit immediately.


    Hm?


    Its seonbae oppa will anyway. If you dont like being tied with Delta then you can just do the opposite of what they want you to do. If they tell you to go here then go there, if they tell you to go there then go here. Its not like someone is forcing you to do it so why are you worrying so much? Just dont do it.


    Must be nice being so simple.


    Do you have to be like then when someone diligently gave advice?


    It would be better to talk to an idiot than you.


    I shook my head and let out a sigh. There was nothing that was particrly solved but some of the stuffy feeling had lifted after talking with Soo-ah.


    Thinking about it it wasnt like she didnt have a point.


    Delta was currently pouring out greatly for me.


    They were giving things directly instead of using a roundabout way like in the past.


    The USB and ruin was the same.


    Since they were giving out so much, as long as I moved as Delta wanted me to then I could gain a huge profit.


    I might be able to be the first hunter to surpass Lee Hui-seung.


    It was possible that he had also gotten the support of a system.


    Thinking like that, I started thinking that it would be better to use them.


    Either way, if I raided ruins then Strengthening Stones and ores woulde out.


    And a huge bonus of 900 EP came in. It was an amount that made it possible to buy dozens of good new items.


    It said that I would be able to know the location of the next ruin through the Mystic Dungeon.


    I have to go home to be able to be able to use theputer for now.


    There was plenty of supplies left and to go back already, there wasnt enough money to distribute to my party members.


    It was a bit wasteful to sell Strengthening Stones or ores so I was nning on getting more things that can be money.


    We needed a recon monster too. I estimated that we would be able to gain quite a profit in about a week.

 Chapter 125

    Chapter 125


    Jang Moon-boks party prepared the meal. They had a cooking specialist among them so we were able to take care of food easily.


    It was nice to have people that did this and that for you.


    However, it wasnt like we could take them around with us forever.


    There was the issue of item distribution and although I wasnt able to make them suffer enough in the ruin it was time to let them go.


    As I gestured Jang Moon-bok nervously stood in front of me. He seems to be getting more nervous as time goes on for some reason.


    You called for me?


    Why are you so tense? I wont tell you to die so loosen up.


    It, its not like that.


    His expression loosened up a bit but he still couldnt meet my eye. Did he think that I was that scary. I think that I have a pretty tame expression though.


    Then whats the problem.


    Its my first time seeing a level 10 hunter and its my first time meeting a person as strong as party leader.


    Well is that so.


    It seems I showed too much power in front of these guys.


    I certainly did openly use Aura de and use it to destroy the stone statues so from a level 3 hunters perspective it did make sense to be nervous.


    I let out a lightugh. I was partly trying to let him loosen up but he had a look of discipline.


    Please speak if you have something to say.


    Youre free to go.


    Yes?


    Your actions did enrage me but it is partly our fault as well that the misunderstanding grew so Im thinking that this much is fine.


    That means.


    I wont make you suffer anymore so disappear.


    .


    Jang Moon-bok looked at me with eyes of surpise.


    Wow. Im thrilled! I can finally escape from this shitty suffering! I didnt expect such exmations but I wonder what this bitter expression is.


    May we have a meeting for a bit?


    Ye, yeah. Im not sure what the meeting is about though.


    Jang Moon-boks reply was unexpected so I unintentionally stuttered.


    Even now, Soo-ah was bullying the luggage carriers so I wondered why he was conflicting inside.


    Jang Moon-bok said something to Soo-ah and then gathered their members, starting the meeting. Soo-ah came towards me.


    Youre going to send them off?


    Yeah. We dont need them anymore.


    Thats a shame. I trained them well though.


    I agree that theyre useful. But we cant restrict them against their will.


    Then wouldnt they say that they will follow us around?


    Soo-ahs eyes shed.


    What nonsense are you saying. Why would they follow us around after all that theyve been through? If it was me, I would just spit and run away.


    It might not be like that you know?


    What did she have backing this thought for her to be this way?


    May we follow you around for a while?


    No, wait.


    I grasped my head at his words. I wonder what hes thinking.


    I think that its a great honor just to be with such a strong raid team.


    It seemed like a preparedment.


    There wasnt even 1 gram of his soul in those words. I surveyed the others. They all seemed to be thinking the same thing.


    At the very least they didnt seem to have been threatened by Soo-ah.


    Let me hear whats on your mind for now. Dont say things you dont mean. Even if you follow us around you wont get a share from the distribution.


    The monthly profit of our team is about 100m per person. We will follow you around if you give even just half of that.


    Since its ten people. Youre asking for 500m per month?


    Yes.


    I cant understand. As a level 3 party, if we suppose you hunt in the forest region you can get at least 500m per person. 100m sounds far fetched.


    The amount of money our team gets in one month was at the very least several 10b. Even if theycked the skill 100m per person was too low.


    Of course we got more than when hunting in a dungeon but its not like we actually get that much. As you know, killing monsters is difficult to the point that were sensitive about even a single monster after all.


    Is he talking about the eagle incident. Certainly, I was wondering why a level 3 party was making such a fuss about a single monster.


    Even if our party received injuries it was possible to heal them with potions and since my power was high the amount of time spent fighting was short.


    However for a normal level 3 hunter party, in the case of a same level monster, it is difficult to kill that many.


    It is okay if they fight by outnumbering but in the forest region it was not umon for more than ten to appear at the same time.


    In such a case, they would be exhausted to the point of having to rest the entire day after the battle to be able to retry the next day.


    Taking that into ount, 500m would be unreasonable but half of that would be an appropriate amount.


    How long would we be able to spend a good time hunting like that. There will be a day the Yellow Sea runs out of monsters. And if that happens we would have to go to higher level zones. If that happened there is no guarantee that normal hunters would survive amongrge raid teams.


    We are also a small scale raid team.


    However, team Delta has much potential. It is certain that it will grow from now on. We want to be the start of that growth. You may adjust our pay after that.


    In other words, youre saying will invest in us after seeing our teams future?


    Yes.


    I dont want to thought?


    Yes?


    Why do I have to guarantee you guys future. I could just work you to the bone for a month and then chase you out you know?


    Th, that is.


    Jang Moon-boks pupils shook greatly. I didnt know what he was expecting from me but I didnt want to increase the number of people for no reason.


    The number I can care for right now was about the size of my current party.


    More than that, I couldnt and didnt want to pay attention to it personally.


    Soo-ah opened her mouth.


    ept them since theyre putting on a cor on their own.


    You encouraged them right?


    About that. I did say that they wouldnt have to worry about starving to death if they stayed under you. They pretend that its not but its a fact that theyre uneasy. Thats especially so in times like this.


    Can you take responsibility?


    I will at least prevent them from causing trouble.


    Soo-ahughed as she linked her arm to mine. I could feel something soft. Where did she learn such a wicked skill from?


    Certainly, it wasnt like we were going to give them a lot and they were just following so there was no reason to refuse. Could this be called passion pay I wonder.


    Considering that 50m per person was a bit tough.


    Do as you want.


    Thank you! I will work hard!


    Jang Moon-bok shouted loudly. His team members also all cheered. It wasnt like there was no reason to do so but I couldnt understand. Did these guys have any dark thoughts about Soo-ah?


    For now, I took in Moon-boks team as a temporary Delta Team 2.


    Of course, the one leading team 2 was Soo-ah. Jang Moon-bok had the role of team leader with no real authority.


    The first job that Delta Team 2 did was none other than making a g.


    To say that you have been going around with no g. This is the face of a raid team so we will create it.


    After saying so they immediately started a conference.


    I did make one before but it was made without care and I lost it somewhere in the middle so I couldnt remember where it was.


    Well, it wasnt bad to see them trying to do their part.


    While those guys were creating and doing work on their own I habitually turned on my smartphone.


    As I essed the Hunter Market, the hot topic was the disappearance of the level 5 dungeons as expected.


    Due to raising the proficiency to fight the ck Tiger it had gone up to level 5.


    Level 5 dungeons gone! Is it just my imagination that the time period in between is getting shorter?


    Nope. Its actually getting faster. It might only be a matter of time before all dungeons disappear.


    What happens if they all disappear? Is humanity regaining peace?


    No way. The field monsters are still there. Theres the Yellow Sea too.


    But the monsters in the Yellow Sea dont respawn. If they all disappear would only the field monsters remain? With just that it would be difficult to gather rare earth metals though?


    The only thing would be the Red Holes.


    Those appear for a single day before disappearing though.


    Yeah. What was it, a beta test?


    But I heard people died a lot during that time. Saying that it was a lot more difficult.


    There was some bastard that said that it was a great ce so there were quite a few guys that went in without preparing.


    Ive heard that even level 3 hunters had to start from level 1 dungeons for Red Holes?


    There are a lot of monsters, its said that monsters up to 2 levels above the dungeons appear. Its also said that theres a boss monster thats a lot harder. So its said that a full level 3 party is needed to clear a level 1 dungeon.


    Is there even someone that cleared that?


    Ive heard there is. I heard that a team did an interview because they cleared it. But they didnt put it up on the bulletin board since the dungeons disappeared in a day.


    Certainly, if dungeons slowly disappeared then there would be a problem in rare earth metal gathering.


    Even if there was the Yellow Sea it was notparable to the dungeon where it could be farmed infinitely.


    That was the reason I didnt want to make dungeons disappear as much as possible.


    Gathering rare earth metals was one of the main missions of a hunter.


    In reality, the price of rare earth metals rose to the point that the worlds economy shook a bit. A few ces like the Yellow Sea rose in a few ces but it wasnt like it appeared all over the world so it was obvious that the supply would becking.


    To think that the world shakes because of me. It might sound like middle school syndrome but this was a clear fact.


    Field hunting was not an answer either as the efficiency was too low.


    It was more dangerous than a dungeon and the reward was much lower.


    In the end, it was necessary to open Red Holes for hunters.


    However, if I opened them hastily then people would enter carelessly like before and cause many casualties.


    For now, I was nning on opening them one by one and look at the situation.


    After looking through the bulletin board I saw something strange.


    [BJ PaCheonGeom Forest Region Live Cam Broadcast]


    Hm?


    Whats this?


    Going to the thread, there was a link to an inte broadcast. Some bastard was just live streaming as a personal broadcast.


    There was a great number of 5,000 in the forest region at the moment.


    Unlike the other regions where groups were drawing lines standing face to face, that ce was going to be a literal warzone so the peoples attention focused there.


    As much as it was focusing the bulletin board was actively updating information.


    He was literally idly broadcasting when a war was about to break out.


    Going to the broadcast, a magician type dandy looking guy was working hard broadcasting.

 Chapter 126

    Chapter 126


    <em>J: I wonder about that. And I will also be going to the army sometime this summer. Going to the armyter than Kyle even though I am the older brother. Anyway, this chapter is not edited (sorry).</em>


    [We are currently getting ready for battle. I am not sure about the location but I have heard that about 1 thousand or so hunters that seem to be the Chungho Group are nearby. That is why we are in the process of cutting down trees to prevent ambushes.]


    It was faster than I thought. Up until the morning they said that the battles were sporadic but it seems they are starting to sh with the Chungho Group for real in that time.


    Comments flooded the chatting screen.


    Have you fought with the Chungho Group yet?


    [I havent fought yet but the people that tried fighting them said that it was uninteresting. Its said that they have level 3 hunters as well but their skills are not good. Its said that it feels like they just picked up items and came here.]


    Then it should be easy to win. Pacheongeom, arent you profitting too much? Dont you not battle since youre just a crowd control user.


    [I picked crowd controlling specifically to broadcast. I am 3rd grade in Taekwondo and 3rd grade in Kendo.]


    Bluffing is real hahaha


    Pacheongeom actually seemed to fight well though? Its said that he was the boss during high school.


    Hows that rted to this? How scary do you think the front liner hunters are. Its not possible topare to some delinquent from high school.


    Its possible as long as you have money so what bullshit are you saying. A person I know is the son of an upstart rich family and he was just wearing around level 4 equipment.


    Dont you need at least 5b to have a full set of level 5 equipment? And they gave that to a kid?


    Moron. Isnt not one or two days that people have been using items to avoid taxes.


    [I will ban you if you swear. Please refrain from swearing. Ah. It seems we are fighting now?]


    The broadcasting camera turned and bustling noises could be heard from the forest.


    Soon, the sound of weapons shing and shouting could be heard. It seems a fight has broken out.


    However, it was weird that a mere 1,000 Chungho group members would pick a fight with the 5,000 government team.


    Unless they werent idiots, there was no way they wouldnt know about this sidess movements. In addition to that, this information was all over the inte right now.


    BJ Pacheongeoms streaming continued. The guy used a wide area slowing skill and turned the camera towards himself.


    [Did you see them run away? Kuku.]


    Cant see cause the quality sucks.


    What happened yo?


    [They acted up and all ran away. We are nning on pursuing them after seperating into three teams. It seems team 1 that was in the middle will be going first.]


    It seems like a trap to destroy one part at a time though? Arent they picking a fight and running away on purpose?


    It seems like that to me too? It feels like theyre trying to decrease the troops and then surround them.


    You idiots saw too much History of the Three Kingdoms. Who would move like that during a battle between hunters? These guys arent even military so do you really think that would go that smoothly? The Chungho Group is a bunch of delinquents anyway. They just acted up and ran away after getting beaten badly.


    Certainly, not like some chinks would be able to use such tactics. (Kyle: Koreans dont exactly like China not that all Koreans think like this or dislike them this severely.)


    No, even so, its weird.


    Theyck the skills in the first ce. It seems theyck the brains as well.


    There were all kinds of predictions and swears pouring out on the chatting screen.


    BJ Pacheongeom was cheering with an overly excited voice that they won. Either way, it was an obvious response since some form of reward would be given.


    How is it going?


    Han Joon-suk said after approaching. I lightly frowned.


    I didnt have a good feeling about this.


    1,000 Chungho Group members started a fight and then retreated before even 10 minutes passed.


    That is.


    Its weird right?


    The Chungho Group that we fought before werent such a disorderly mob. Of course, it could be said that their individual skills werecking.


    However, they were a group that had the level of leadership that allowed tactical movement.


    Such a group got beaten to the point that they had to retreat in a mere 10 minutes?


    They were people that blindly sacrificed their lives while fighting us. There was no way those guys would run away after 10 minutes.


    It seemed Han Joon-suk thought the same thing as me as he nodded his head.


    No matter how you look at it, theres a high chance that its a trap.


    I was wondering what to do when suddenly, a wise man time came.


    If I wanted to help then I should have joined the government team in the first ce; it would be hrious if I were to step up now and order them to do this and that.


    In reality, it didnt really matter whether the forest region went to China or our country.


    It wasnt like I had been attacked in a dungeon because that was in China. In the first ce, the bunch known as hunters were people that could instantly change into robbers if there was no one watching them.


    If the Chungho Group won in this battle, then the only thing that changes is that the hunters I fight in the forest region is the Chinese.


    It might be ease my mind more that way too.


    Lets not think about useless things and strengthen items.


    I gestured to call Soo-ah.


    Did you call?


    Take this.


    I tossed her an earring. It was an item that would solve her snoring problems.


    Mute Earring (1) : Erases the sound in a certain radius. Able to prevent the use of various magic and technique usage.


    I had 900 EP and all so it wasnt like it was going to be a burden.


    But her response was strange.


    A teardrop travelled down Soo-ahs cheek.


    Wrong. This girl finally lost it. Ah damn. The amount of items and skills invested in her was mind boggling. I did think that this was going to happen some time but it was too fast.


    Seonbae oppa, so you did know.


    I knew what?


    What bullshit is this, I was going to ask but I got a chill so I closed my mouth.


    As expected, seonbae oppa is a more careful man than I thought.


    Hm well, yeah.


    Just in case, I tried asking.


    What about the others?


    It doesnt seem like anyone knew. How am I? Im pretty right?


    She wore the earring and turned her head so that I could see it well.


    The silver earring that was made into the shape of lips matched Soo-ahs face type quite well.


    Ah. Yeah. It looks good. But, about today.


    Today? Did you prepare a birthday party?


    It was her birthday as expected. Should I say that I was really lucky. There was the thing I received before too so it would have been troublesome if it passed just like that.


    Ah. I got to know it a bitte so I couldnt prepare that. Sorry.


    Hehe. Its okay. I got a present after all. I also have something to give you.


    What is it.


    Close your eyes.


    This progression was dangerous. I desperately shook my head and opened my mouth.


    No, I will keep my eyes open so just give it to me. I feel like I will be surprised no matter what you give me.


    Ah. Just do as I say just for today. Do you think that I will kiss you or something?


    Okay.


    She was an impressive person. She hadpletely blocked all escape routes with a single phrase.


    I lightly closed my eyes. If this girl showed even the slightest weird behavior then I was nning on quickly opening my eye.


    *Kiss*


    Huh?


    I got flustered and opened my eyes wide. However, Soo-ahs figure was already gone. I unconsciously brought my hand to my lips. The feeling left behind was too vivid.


    Im going to go crazy, this.


    I was able to make two low level items be level 7 items with the Strengthening Stones I had. After contemting I decided on the two items.


    One was the Bloody Sword.


    I did had the Aura de skill so it was possible to use the thing itself as a weapon but as a low level item the blood sucking ability was useless.


    It wasnt able to do as much damage as I thought to the ck Tiger too.


    However, the blood sucking ability of the Bloody Sword itself was a good option to the point that it was cheating.


    I determined that changing this to level 7 would be more efficient than any other item.


    The second was Soo-ahs Arachne Armor. I will say this ahead of time but its definitely not like its because I have ulterior motives or something.


    Its a decision I made due to how useful the Arachne Armors supporting ability is.


    The spider webs were good for both offense and defense. Besides that, it had functions like trapping a prey or protecting allies and it could also be used as an alternative to rope if we didnt have any, making it useful in various ways.


    Also, I was nning on upgrading the items of the rest of my allies to level 6.


    Everyone besides me and Soo-ah, please select about one level 6 item and two level 5 items. I will upgrade all the ones that you have chosen. Also, if you cant choose then please tell me. We can just strengthen the one with a good option.


    Upgrading the item a person originally had had the advantage of being a item the person was used to.


    However, in the case of someone like Cho Young-gu whos main equipment was a no name, then it was better to buy a level 1 item from the Delta Store and upgrade that instead.


    I cant get a level 5 right?


    Soo-ah raised her hand. She asked with a really oblivious face. Was she unaffected by what she did just now I wonder.


    Yes, because youre getting a level 7. Instead, you can made a level 4. Tell me if you want to upgrade something.


    Yes sir.


    Like that, they decided among themselves what they wanted to upgrade.


    I started upgrading them on spot if they brought the items they wanted to upgrade.


    There were plenty of Strengthening Stones and ores so the upgrading itself went on smoothly.


    From the side, Delta Team 2s Jang Moon-bok was looking at that sight as if it was amazing.


    What does strengthening mean?


    Its making the level of an item higher.


    Soo-ah said.


    Is such a thing possible?


    Because its seonbae oppa. Hes able to do anything you see.


    Thats envious.


    Wouldnt you guys be able to do so if you work hard?


    As Soo-ah gave off a positive nuance, fire was lit in Jang Moon-boks eyes.


    I will work harder!


    Of course its not definite. Even if it looks like that, incredibly expensive ingredients go in after all.


    Augh came out unintentionally looking at Soo-ah giving empty promises.


    Those guys had no choice but to cling to her since she tossed them some hope after disciplining them.


    It was almost visible to the naked eye that she was exquisitely burrowing into a persons heart but the person herself probably didnt know.


    Certainly, it wasnt something I should be saying. Since it seems Ive been suffering since some time ago.


    We upgraded the items overall. I was a bit out of it due to doing too many things at once but the greatest change was that my teammates weapons were all changed to level 6.


    Besides that, I upgraded the low level items they were wearing for their passive effects to level 5 and level 4.


    There were also things besides the ones that we originally had that were newly bought and upgraded.


    Infinite Quiver (5) : Arrows are provided infinitely. The supply rate is fast. Can fire two arrows at once.


    Phoenix Armor (5) : A summoning type armor. Defense increases by 100%. In case it gets destroyed, it gets despawned and can be respawned immediately.


    Leather Boots of Charging (5) : Etherizes a person and allows movement through obstacles. While in ether state the physical damage received is decreased by 70%. Receives extra 30% magic damage.


    In order, Yeon-gyeongs Infinite Quiver, Cho Young-gus Phoenix Armor, and Park Han-bums Leather Boots of Charging.


    They are using these that were originally level 1 items bought and immediately upgraded to level 5.


    As they were originally new items, they got new options on top of the original options so they got good abilities.


    After finishing the strengthening like that, therge amount of Strengthening Stones disappeared in moments.


    It was feeling like suddenly bing poor after being rich but it was a fact that it looked meagerpared to what I got.


    Even if all of that wasbined it couldnt bepared to the Delta Store use currency 900 EP and the Aura de skill.


    Thinking about it, I got a level 7 upgrade too.


    I did ponder for a bit whether I was being too greedy but my party members were all satisfied just checking that the performance of their items increased.


    I can finally use the Stalker again.


    Han Joon-suk raised the bow with a content expression.


    The level 5 Dragon Killer that he was using until now was good as well, but the one that he truly like was the sniping use bow Stalker as expected.


    It seems he was pretty happy about being able to use it by upgrading it after not being able to due to it being too weak as a level 2 bow.

 Chapter 127

    Chapter 127


    Herd them all this way!


    Soo-ah shouted in a loud voice.


    I am running as if my life depends on it!


    Jang Moon-bok shouted. Beside him were the members of Delta Team 2 who were riding Agentaya Mongol Horses.


    Behind them where dozens of monsters charging at them like crazy.


    I calcted the timing and moved my hand. The Dancing Sword made a sharp noise as it grazed the ce we set up a trap ahead of time.


    A great amount of trees and boulders fell on the monsters with a tremendous sound. The charge of the monsters was cut short in an instant.


    Is it a sess?


    Jang Moon-boks members got off the horses and breathed in desperately. It seems the stamina use was high due to the unfamiliar horse riding.


    The monsters in the dust cloud started moving.


    They are still alive!


    Of course, idiot! Theres no way monsters would die by such an attack right!


    Soo-ah shouted back at Jang Moon-boks shout and jumped out of the tree. The purpose was to block their charge anyway.


    Once the dust cloud settled, Soo-ah could see the monsters all tied up by the spider webs.


    The trees and boulders were to hinder their vision and block their way and the real trap was to capture them by making them get tangled up in spider webs in the first ce.


    I tilted my head and opened my mouth.


    Why did we use the boulders and trees if we were going to get them tangled up?


    What would you do with people that are there.


    Soo-ah said to me as if whispering.


    So basically, she made team 2 work while setting up the trap.


    I let out a sigh at team 2 and Jang Moon-bok who didnt know this and were being happy. I wonder what kind of feelings they would have if they found out they went through meaningless suffering.


    What are you doing? Stop sightseeing and kill them already!


    Yes sir! Guys, kill them!


    Jang Moon-bok and team 2 massacred the monsters caught in the spider webs at Soo-ahsmand. A swarm of monsters that were at least level 2 and at most level 4 were killed without mercy by Jang Moon-boks team who were merely level 3 hunters.


    Kuhahaha! How is my Strike Sword!


    Power Charging!


    Animate Spear!


    A one sided ughter started. The monsters that were still alive cried in a sad voice while Jang Moon-boks team shouted technique names in contrast.


    These guys were showing off well while facing monsters that cant even move while caught in the spider webs huh, those guys.


    Either way, the method of hunting by utilizing Soo-ahs spider webs was going pretty well.


    For now, the luring team was scattered to lure monsters and then dragged them into the spider web ridden forest to kill all at once or caught them in spider webs one by one.


    There were monsters all over the forest even besides these ones that were caught in spider webs.


    It would have been impossible for the old low level Arachne Armor to bind the level 4 monsters that appear in the forest region.


    However, it was now level 7.


    It was possible to bind level 5 monsters even if it just passed by and got caught in one while level 6 monsters could easily be caught as long as Soo-ah personally poured out spider webs.


    This was really like a spiders way of hunting. The only thing that was different was that there wasnt only ones that get caught unluckily but also those that were caught by being lured.


    Either way, spider webs were a good way of hunting besides the fact that it did not distinguish between friend or foe.


    When are you guys going to release this!


    Manager Kim was hanging from a tree on spider webs.


    I told him to stay still but instead he prowled around and got caught in a trap.


    Soo-ah said that it was a good thing and told us to just watch but it seems hes suffering due to hanging for an hour.


    This hunting method was much more efficient than I thought.


    Also, it was even more so in the sense that it could be done without me joining. There were quite a few cases where it was dangerous when I wasnt there but the lure and spider web hunting method was rtively safer.


    Another one is on its way!


    Cho Young-gu and Yeon-gyeong was running here on horses.


    The two that knew exactly where the spider webs were directed the horse this way and that way to avoid the traps.


    And the giant monkey that was diligently chasing after them got caught in a wide spider web on the tree.


    The ones that caught would then diligently cry to call its friends.


    Soon after, dozens of monkeys came to save their friend but got caught in the trees. Jang Moon-bok opened his mouth.


    Do we have to kill those as well?


    No, I will do it so leave them alone.


    If I didnt kill them personally then the reward points didnte.


    I let team 2 kill the monsters just now to make them forget their fear of monsters.


    They had a fair amount of experience but they had never killed a bunch of monsters like we did after all.


    We killed and waited for the monsters caught in the spider web to return to the void then got the items.


    I waved my hand at Soo-ah.


    Then were going.


    Are you really going to leave only me out?


    We were nning on leaving Soo-ah and team 2 to hunt here while the rest of us go hunt elsewhere.


    Soo-ah was strong enough to possess level 7 equipment and Jang Moon-boks group just had to lure so separating it like this was the most efficient.


    You said that you would take care of those guys. Whether its a person or an animal, the person that takes them in is supposed to take responsibility.


    Hmph. Take me toooo.


    You wanna die?


    Ah, was it not cute?


    Her face flushed red.


    Im telling you, dont do something that suits you.


    Why were you doing something that was embarrassing to me whos seeing it and embarrassing to you yourself?


    The eagle that I had left flying in the sky for recon started circling in the air.


    It meant that there was a monster. Cho Young-gu turned the wheel.


    Trees kept blocking the road since we were driving at a ce without roads. After driving while destroying a few trees, we found 5 Milworms fighting with a level 4 Tutulips.


    The purpose of the Milworm was not to engage in mortalbat but to stall for time until we arrive.


    In other words, it was doing a role simr to that of a hunting dog.


    I opened the window of the van.


    Yeon-gyeong.


    Yes, party leader.


    As soon as her words stopped, she started firing arrows from inside the van.


    The Tutulips that died in a single hit copsed with its tongue out.


    The one that shot the arrow herself got surprised and checked Athenas Bow. The item that was originally level 4 became a level 6 this time around.


    The damage was certainly on another levelpared to before. Even if there was a 2 level difference, to kill thatrge monsters with a single hit.


    This is really strong. I thought I would have to hit it a few times but I was really surprised.


    That is the reason it was strengthened.


    This is level 6 so then how strong is the Aura de?


    Yeon-gyeong tilted her head and asked.


    You saw it.


    I did see it but I couldnt exactly feel the difference.


    I dont know exactly either. It did seem like it was able to break down a building though.


    What level of building?


    A 15 story high apartment maybe? I dont know since I didnt try though.


    Wow.


    To be honest, an apartment was nothing. If I had an appropriate amount of time, then I could destroy a skyscraper.


    In the first ce, buildings were things that crumbled down on their own as long as the bottom was destroyed.


    Yeon-gyeong suddenly bended her upper body and came to me.


    I didnt know where to look due to the volume that couldnt be hidden by even the leather armor. She came close and opened her small mouth. A refreshing aroma stimted my sense of smell.


    Seonbae oppa.


    Uh. Yeah?


    That was the way Soo-ah called me. As I looked at her with a flustered expression, Yeon-gyeongughed lightly and let out a soft smile.


    I just tried calling you. Its quite fun.


    So silly.


    While I was talking with Yeon-gyeong like that.


    The Milworms picked up the Tutulips and threw the corpse into the open trunk. We were putting it in the van instead of wasting time waiting for it to return to the void. It would return to the void while moving after all.


    As we were preparing to leave after closing the back door of the van.


    The giant insects pushed its head towards me and blinked itspound eyes.


    What do you want you bastards.


    I think it wants you to praise it.


    Han Joon-suk extended his hand to them and the giant Milworm squinted its eyes and shook its head.


    It was being cute in its own way but it waspletely gross.


    Ah. Im getting sick.


    Urgg Hey. Stop it.


    Cho Young-gu shivered and turned his head. Manager had his eyes closed tightly as well as if he wasnt feeling good while Edwards shivered as his pale face became whiter and hid in a corner after turning into a bat.


    Han Joon-suk lightlyughed after seeing such figures.


    Its cute if you look closely.


    I got it. Lets send it there now.


    I pointed at the eagle that was circling in the sky. The eagles I had spread everywhere was letting us know the location of the monsters.


    I sent the Milworm to that ce and all we had to do was go there with the van.


    After moving like that and killing monsters, the inside of the van was full of corpses before long.


    Because they all quiterge we couldnt fit more than three.


    In addition to that, because there were people riding as well it was disturbing to have corpses right beside them.


    The time it takes for a monster to return to the void was 10 minutes give or take. It wasnt exactly the same and there was a tendency of taking longer the higher the level it was.


    Also, the more rtively slower the speed of returning to the void was, the chance of an item dropping seemed to be higher.


    Because of this, time was often wasted waiting.


    That was the same in the Yellow Sea. To just leave it ande backter the terrain was tooplex and it was cumbersome more than anything.


    It would have been nice if it was possible to put this into the manual as well.


    I put my hand on the monster corpse while thinking like that.


    Then, the monster in front of me suddenly disappeared.


    Eh?


    I got surprised and opened the manual. The monster corpse was in the item list. Was this treated like an item as well?


    Certainly, if I think about it the summoned monsters went into the item list as well. There was no rule that dead monsters couldnt go in when thinking like that.


    Did the monster return to the void just now?


    Han Joon-suk asked. I shook my head and exined simply.


    I didnt exin in detail about the manual or item list and just told them that it was a additional ability of the Effort skill.


    The manual was an item important enough for me to be unable to tell him who was the closest person to me.


    If this was lost then the items and ores etc stored in here would all be lost as well.

 Chapter 128

    Chapter 128


    Saving the monster corpses in the manual, the hunting speed increased quite a bit.


    In the first ce, the level of my party members increased a lot and the monsters here were all low level so they were able to kill them without expending much stamina and they could also move without having to wait for the monsters to return to the void.


    Han Joon-suks arrow went flying from his Stalker.


    The arrow hit one of the Tutulips that were rushing at them from all directions. As it was a bow that made the arrow hit even if it was shot carelessly so it was impossible to dodge it and could only be blocked or deflected.


    However, it was impossible for a level 4 monsters strength to block the level 6 Stalkers attack.


    A Tutulips jumped out from behind. As it hit the van just like that, the van shook. I wonder how many ores Ill need to repair that.


    Either way, everyone besides Cho Young-gu, Jong Sa-won, and I diligently shot arrows or gun from the window.


    During that, I was dizzily throwing the Dancing Sword to the ones that rushed in one by one.


    Jong Sa-won flung his body and attacked with his strengthened level 6 Rubicon Sword while Cho Young-gu was behind me with the shield barrier on. He wasnt protecting me but the van.


    As the number of Tutulips I personally killed entered the double digits the swarming Tutulips started fleeing.


    I cant miss a single one. Thats all money.


    I summoned the Agentaya Mongol Horses. All the party members got on the horses and chased after the Tutulips.


    The hunting was smooth sailing. Recon done by eagles, and if the number was small then they would be killed by ranged attacks from the van and if there were many then Cho Young-gu, Jong Sa-won, and I woulde out and actively participate in the battle.


    We were able to raise the efficiency to the limit while keeping the ranged attackers in a safe ce and protecting them.


    We continued hunting like that for a week.


    The items gotten in that time numbered about 150. It was the total after adding both team 1 and team 2s harvest. It was a tremendous amount that was several times more than usual.


    Arent we going to be billionaires like this?


    Cho Young-gus expression was full of jubtion. The amount of money he had gotten until now was an amount that he wouldnt have been able to get in his entire life.


    However, thinking about how much they earned in the past week, they had probably almost gotten the amount of profit argepany would get in one year.


    Even if I had a level 10 skill and got powerful abilities, it would have been impossible if there wasnt a great hunting ce called the Yellow Sea.


    Even we are like this so I wonder how much therge raid teams that dominate the entire north region are earning.


    I probably didnt have to worry about it since I wasnt going to fight against them or something.


    Since we got an unexpectedlyrge profit, I was nning on giving Jang Moon-boks team a considerable bonus as well.


    It was because they had contributed quite a bit by diligently and swiftly lured mobs even though theycked ability.


    Thank you for your hard work everyone!


    Eh. I think its fine to work some more though?


    Cho Young-gus was overly talkative and said so. In reality, our party members were still full of energy.


    Thanks to theke there was no problem of sanitation either and meals were good thanks to Jang Moon-bok too.


    Most importantly, thanks to the level of the equipment having an overall increase, the hunting utilizing spider webs was toofortable. It was hunting that reminded me of the Leisure Party during my porter days.


    However, this much was enough.


    The ruin did not leave my mind during this entire week. I was thinking about turning on the Mystic Dungeon after returning home. It would be possible to hunt again after all.


    While we were packing up like that Soo-ah suddenly put her smartphone in front of me.


    What is it?


    Look at this.


    BJ Pacheongeoms private broadcast was on the screen.


    There was no particr story and just talked about how the food was and how easy going the battle yesterday was while receiving donations.


    I had also added it to my favorites just in case the situation took a bad turn while we were hunting so it wasnt something I found interesting.


    Soo-ah pointed at a corner of the screen seemingly having sensed the doubt on my expression.


    Here. Dont you think weve seen this person somewhere?


    There was a person that could be seen in a corner of the screen.


    Looking at the persons actions, the person didnt seem to know that he was appearing on the broadcast.


    I cant see the persons face so who is it?


    I cant remember the name but you know. The Ezekiel.


    Wait.


    I took the smartphone from her hand. The man in the corner of the screen slowly turned his head. The face was definitely familiar.


    It was none other than the one that led Team Ezekiel, Han Jung-ho.


    The outfit was also most certainly ck Belt Martial Arts Uniform.


    It was the level 3 defensive equipment the guy had.


    Why is this guy there?


    I remembered thest battle where I tossed Wee Oong-bee to fight. My purpose was for them to defeat each other but I didnt think that I would see him perfectly fine and in the government team.


    I thought of the reason that guy might be there.


    Did he go there because he had experience facing the Chungho Group?


    That might be possible. It might not be too though.


    What are you thinking?


    By chance. If that guy had evil thoughts then what would happen?


    Soo-ahs voice lightly trembled.


    Evil thoughts? So is she talking about the possibility that they have joined hands with the Chungho Group?


    Of course, Ezekiel itself was not a normal raid team.


    They were guys that didnt bat an eye at attacking other hunters and gathering the items from them after all. They were guys that might not even care about turning their backs on the country if they got money.


    Manager Kim who was nearby cut in.


    However, the Chungho Group attacked first. I dont think those guys would cooperate with the Chungho Group though?


    I also thought so.


    Even thinking about it again, it wasnt a problem for Han Jung-ho to be in the government team.


    He had experience battling the Chungho Group and he might be burning with revenge after losing so many of his subordinates.


    But something felt wrong.


    I had an ominous feeling that he was going to do something.


    In such cases, it was best to ask a rted personnel. I took out my smartphone and called Son Aram.


    [Who is this?]


    Can we talk right now?


    For now, Han Jung-ho was normally registered in the government team member list.


    On top of that, he had the position of group leader thatmanded 100 people due to being rated highly having battled with Chungho Group before.


    If it was only that then it would have been fine but the strange thing was that Ezekiel members were in different groups in small numbers.


    Some were group leaders while others were below that as team leaders.


    At my words saying that there might be a problem, Son Aram left words saying that she would look into it.


    However, there was no way to chase them out after doing battle so well until now without some physical evidence.


    They are definitely up to something.


    Han Joon-suk said with a heavy expression. I also agreed. If they had really joined for revenge then there was no need to be mixed into other teams. It would be better to move as an organization in one ce.


    What should we do?


    Yeon-gyeongs pupils shook as if there was an earthquake. It seems she was still concerned because the hunters on our side could be in danger.


    Im not sure.


    Since the situation became like this it did start to worry me. However, it wasnt like there was something I could do about it.


    Even if I rushed there and said that that guy was Ezekiel I would only receive gazes saying so what.


    Ezekiel itself didnt have that good of a reputation but it wasnt like the fact that they hunted other hunters came to light either.


    I had no pretext. It wasnt like I had some evidence that those guys were really cooperating with Chungho Group.


    It might be that this was all just pointless concerns. They might have actually joined to annihte the Chungho Group.


    Han Joon-suk opened his mouth.


    If they were really cooperating with Chungho Group then what method would they use?


    Thats. Of course they would send and receive messages through smartphones.


    Soo-ah looked at him as if asking why was he asking such a thing.


    It was said that the government was monitoring it but there were many applications that made that impossible in the first ce. As the government team did not take any phones, it was impossible topletely prevent such spy activities.


    It must be assumed that they had taken that into consideration.


    Seeing how they are leaving the inte broadcast alone, they are probably confident that they can win through numbers even after they spy using all that. They are also considering the Chungho Group as a mere group of bandits too.


    Then we would be able to know if we take their phones.


    How would we take them?


    Like we usually do.


    A smile appeared on Han Joon-suks face.


    Like we usually do he says. It made us sound like people that kidnapped anyone you know.


    For now, going back home was postponed. Instead, I would go alone to the government team, infiltrate them and return after capturing Han Jung-ho.


    It would have been difficult if it was the past me but the current me could easily subdue someone like Han Jung-ho.


    The rest of the members decided to continue hunting in the meantime. There was no need to let the resourceying around rest.


    I rode a horse to the government team.


    The horse ran quickly through the forest with its characteristic hoof sounds.


    It was a speed that couldnt appear from the van that had to destroy trees along the way.


    From the feeling of the branches grazing my ears it feels like 100 km/h but if measure properly it was probably around 70~80.


    Even so, it was impressive that such a speed could be achieved in a ce like this where there were many obstacles.


    It made sense because this horses wasnt a normal one but a monster. It couldnt be helped that its basic physical abilities were in a different dimension from normal horses.


    This is amazing.


    I unconsciously mumbled so while feeling the wind brushing by my face.


    It was not difficult to locate the government team. I just had to ask lieutenant Son Aram who was moving with the government team after all.


    Currently the Forest Region Conquest Business Team. Simply put, the government team was split up into three ces. They were simply called team 1, 2, 3 and the ce I was going to was team 1. There were located in the middle and in terms of location they were at the forefront.


    I was nning on meeting up with Son Aram for now to search for Han Jung-ho.


    3 or 4 hours passed while running like that.


    Its there I see.


    I flew an eagle to confirm the government teams location. The distance was approximately 3 km.


    I was wondering if I should continue riding but it might seem weird to ride a monster so I despawned it. It was a distance that I would be able to cover fast enough even on foot.


    I despawned the eagle in the sky as well. It could easily be seen and if there was an archer then it could be taken down easily like before.


    I was walking slowly like that when I felt a presence.


    It was not a distinct feeling. But it was certain that something was ring at me.


    What caused such a sense to appear? Is it because of something like reflex I wonder?


    I wouldnt be able to know even if I pondered about it so I stopped and stood still. Then, two hunters holding spears appeared from between the trees.


    The equipment was about level 3. Looking at them they didnt seem to be soldiers. It seems they picked several normal hunters to patrol the border.


    Who are you!


    The taller person of the two shouted loudly.

 Chapter 129

    Chapter 129


    A milky aura came out of the spear in his hands. I inspected him with the manual.


    Name : Hong Jung-ho


    Equipment : Sharp Spear (3) , Chain Armor (3)


    Skill : Aura (3)


    It was equipment and skill that wasnt very special in any way. In fact, he had a skill that didnt match the weapon.


    The aura looked quite intimidating but the actual power would probably only be about half.


    I lightly held up my hands to indicate that I had no intention to fight.


    I came because I have someone to meet.


    A person to meet? You cant be a spy right?


    Hong Jung-ho shouted while ring at me.


    Dude. Would a spy really just walk up front like this logically.


    His expression crumpled up as if such thoughts appeared on my expression.


    Even if you arent a spy you cant pass through here. This ce is in the middle of a war. We cant ept outsiders.


    I have a person I promised with so are you willing to have a phone call with them directly?


    I took out my phone and pressed some numbers. I called lieutenant Son Aram and passed it to him.


    If you do anything fishy then I will immediately kill you so dont move.


    You sure have a lot of concerns.


    I immediately retreated after passing the smartphone to him.


    Hong Jung-ho seemed to receive the call with a doubtful expression but then suddenly became polite.


    Son Aram appeared while panting. As it had been a while since I saw her, her white skin had be rather dark.


    It was obvious since she would be in the sun the entire day but she really should have used some sunscreen.


    There was no need to run here so desperately though.


    It was just in case something happened. Either way, if you told me that you were headed this way then I would have been waiting here.


    I shrugged my shoulders. I originally had no intention of calling here. I was going to sneak in and kidnap Han Jung-ho but thinking about it, I didnt have a method of kidnapping him without getting caught.


    I had to find where he was and if I went here and there then I would receive a lot of attention after all. In the end, it was best to get help from Son Aram.


    I entered the government teams base smoothly.


    It was an area that was lower than the surrounding and the forest was thick. It wasnt a good ce since it was difficult to patrol but thinking about the number of people there have, there was no ce better than this.


    So youre saying that this person called Han Jung-ho is suspicious?


    Yes.


    However, that person, he has experience fighting the Chungho Group. I dont think he would be suspicious though.


    Son Aram had also seen Han Jung-ho before. But she wouldnt have that bad of an image of Ezekiel. We had fought with Chungho Group, not Ezekiel after all.


    I calmly exined the things that guy had done.


    Like how he had unreasonably swarmed low level hunters to cause arge number of casualties or how he attacked us after being blinded by the item etc.


    Simply put, he is a person that would do anything as long as it brings him money.


    That is so in my opinion. And from his point of view, this work is not something that would earn him a lot.


    Once this battle was over, the reward would be proportional to the number of Chungho Group members killed.


    Also, I knew that there was the additional down payment as well.


    However, for Ezekiel that earned a fair amount managing a raid team, it would only be seen as chump change.


    What would a guy like feelcking to be here while receiving that much. Even going as far as to nt his subordinates.


    It is certainly suspicious. However, even if Sang-mins words are true, how are you nning on finding out the truth?


    I am nning on using the simplest method.


    No way Its not an illegal method, right?


    It could be seen as illegal I suppose.


    I scratched my cheek. Son Aram let out a deep sigh.


    Im not sure if you forgot but Im a police.


    If you get dismissed thene look for me. I will give you more than your current sry.


    The yearly sry of a police government official was only about several 10m.


    On top of that, she was a newbie who had barely been working for a few years so it would less than that. Since she was a Police University graduate she would be good at office work and to make a raid team properly function having an office worker or two wouldnt be a bad idea.


    Im not doing this work for money.


    Then what are you doing it for?


    Its to uphold social justice.


    Is she saying this seriously? Looking at her expression, it didnt seem to be a joke.


    I know that I might look like an idiot. However, its the truth. I cant handle looking at people live normally aftermiting a crime you see.


    Well, I like such people too.


    Yes?


    Son Arams pupils became bigger.


    Ah. Did I say something that might be misunderstood?


    Its not in that meaning, theres not many people that are like lieutenant Son in this kind of world after all. They usually think that chasing after money is the best after all. Including me.


    The way people think are all different after all. Either way, if its something illegal then it would be difficult for me to help.


    Even if everybody here can be in danger if that guy isnt caught?


    That is.


    In the first ce, splitting into three teams is a problem. Did it not happen due to Han Jung-hos opinion by any chance?


    That I do not know to that degree. However, since he had faced the Chungho Group before and possesses quite a bit of ability, he was probably able to give his opinion.


    Then he is more suspicious.


    The number of people in team 1 that was holding the center was 1,500. It was merely half the number of Chungho Group that numbered 3,000.


    The reason they were split into three teams in the first ce was because the governments confidence had backed it.


    The confidence that they could take care of a disorderly group of 3,000 Chinese hunters with even just half their number.


    However, in my eyes, it was merely overconfidence.


    For one thing, the Chungho Group wasnt a disorderly mob.


    They had a distinctmand system and each one of them had loyalty strong enough to throw away their lives.


    I felt that they couldnt be called a hunter organization but more like a military group or even had a strongmand system like amand and discipline of a triad.


    If it was like that, then on the contrary, this side was the disorderly mob.


    Also, it was not certain that they numbered 3,000.


    It was a considerable problem that they were treating that uncertain information as a fact while their numbers couldnt be grasped.


    It was information that I had obtained but I didnt know what they were thinking by justpletely trusting that information.


    Thest thing was the asymmetry in information.


    Our path and number of hunters, and the level of our side waspletely open to them.


    However, there was almost nothing known about the Chungho Group.


    Anyone could tell even without hearing the saying that you would win if you know the enemy and know yourself that this situation was problematic to a severe degree.


    Why was the government team so confident in victory even so.


    The reason was simple.


    Because were the strongest.


    It was well known that Korea had the strongest level of hunters in the world.


    For example, in our country, a level 3 hunter was only called so once they had a full set of weapon and armor and skill.


    However, other countries used the highest level equipment of a hunter as their standard.


    In such a standard I was a level 10 hunter. However, there was no way that was true. I would only be treated as a novice with a level 10 skill.


    There was also arge gap created by the way equipment was used and the knowhow of hunting monsters.


    Either way, it was a fact that Korea was at the forefront in hunter rted things.


    However, that didnt apply in the same way in a fight of humans against humans.


    I said this before but no matter what level people were, they would die if they were stabbed with a knife.


    Unless one waspletely covered in armor there would be a gap and even a level 10 hunter would die after getting hit by a level 1 arrow.


    I could feel Son Arams expression getting increasingly uneasy hearing my exnation. Thinking that she had almost yielded, I gave onest push.


    In the first ce, Han Jung-ho is a criminal. Just that there is no evidence. I have actually been attacked too. Are you telling me that you will put the lives of 1,500, no, 5,000 people at risk to protect such a guy?


    Please follow me.


    Son Aram let out a deep sigh and started walking.


    After passing by a ce with several hundred tents, we arrived at a ratherrge tent at the very edge of the area.


    Is this the ce?


    Yes. It isnt maintenance time so he should be inside.


    After saying so, she opened the entranced and entered inside. After following in after her, I found that the inside wasrger than I thought it was from outside.


    It was a space enough for ten people to sleep in.


    However, Han Jung-ho couldnt be seen.


    She asked a brown haired hunter who was lying down in a doubtful tone.


    Where is Han team leader?


    He went out about 30 minutes ago. He went out saying that there was a team meeting.


    That cant be. The meeting ended one hour ago.


    Son Aram shook her head.


    I got a bad feeling about this.


    I thought that they were onlymunicating through the phone but arent they directly contacting at a closer ce than I thought?


    Boom!


    It was at that moment. With a great explosion, the ground shook as if there was an earthquake.


    After that came a shout from several thousand people at once.


    Its an ambush!


    Everybody grab your gear!


    The hunters in the tents hurriedly got up and grabbed their weapon and armor.


    The ones that had to wear te type armor were desperately trying to wear it but it took quite some time to wear it.


    Wh, what in the world?


    Son Arams wide eyes looked at me. I let out a deep sigh and shook my head.


    It seems I came toote.


    Going out, there was fire burning everywhere.


    The tents were the type that burned well so it seems they were all burning due to the long range fire magic.


    Although they wouldnt die because theyre hunters, we definitely took a strong first blow.


    Pay attention! Figure out the enemys location first!


    They areing from all directions!


    Damn it! What are the patrol units doing? Block the ones that you can see for now! Move by the manual!


    It seems themand was working well even in this chaos.


    Either way, they were hunters that were familiar with raids. They had been through emergencies more than anyone and if they were people that would run away from just this much then they wouldnt havee here in the first ce.


    I was thinking that they would be able to hold on if I helped out a bit.


    It was at that moment.


    Bang!


    A gunshot echoed. That was the beginning.


    With a thundering noise bullets flew from every direction.


    It was a weapon that still proved powerful in interpersonal battle.


    No matter how fast and powerful arrows were, there was nothing better than this weapon.


    I turned my head to look at Son Aram.


    Name : Son Aram


    Equipment : Officer Armor (3) (Allows user to change into ether form for 10 minutes. Cannot attack in any way.)


    Skill : None.


    She was at least wearing level 3 armor. It had a good option for survivability too.


    However, I didnt have the conviction to be able to break through the blockade through this hail of bullets while keeping her safe. Even if it was armor it didnt cover her entire body after all.


    I was wondering what to do when I remember the Milworm. Of course, all five of them were with Han Joon-suk right now but if I didnt have them then I just had to make them.


    I took out the Pure Gold Ring and a level 3 item from the manual.


    What are you trying to do?


    Lets hide in the tent for now.


    I took her and went back into the tent. I immediately summoned a Milworm in there.


    A giant insect with a body length of 10 meters suddenly popped out of the ground.


    Kya?


    Lieutenant Son got surprised and hugged me.


    I had no idea how she could still smell good after camping outside for over two weeks.


    I calmed her down and made the Milworm dig the ground.


    As it was a monster that moved around in the ground in the first ce, it did not have a problem creating a tunnel good enough to hide her.


    You just have to slowly follow the road this guy makes.


    Wh, what about Sang-min?


    Grin.


    I lightly smiled instead of answering.


    There was no need to talk about brutal things.


    Han Jung-ho and Chungho Group. I did not know how these two were connected. However, I did know that everything was rted to that guy.


    It was something that happened because I let him live.


    If I had just killed him back then, such a problem wouldnt have arised. Thats why I thought that I should take responsibility.


    No, even if it wasnt such a grandiose reason.


    Han Jung-ho that bastard.


    I didnt like him you see.

 Chapter 130

    Chapter 130


    I was currently wearing the Defense Leather Armor that was upgraded to level 4 instead of the destroyed ck te Armor.


    Since I had additional defense from the armor on top of my normal defense stat my exposed body parts shouldnt be prated by regr swords or bullets for the most part.


    It would still be difficult to block machine guns though.


    Since there was nothing wrong about being careful, I wore a level 1 helmet backwards. It was protecting my entire head like this.


    Ahhh!


    My leg!


    The enemies that couldnt be seen were firing guns from the forest while the government team was falling in that gun ceremony one by one.


    There still werent that many casualtiespared to the fact that we had been ambushed.


    During that time, the government team lined up the tankers at the front while the ranged attackers were counterattacking from behind from time to time.


    The countermeasure was quite good considering it was a sudden ambush that utilized guns.


    It meant that the measure to take against gunfire was in the manual as well. It did seem like the preparations were done well.


    However, it was still difficult to tell how many enemies there were in the forest. The forest had many ces to hide in the first ce but the base just had to be a lownd.


    To break the barricade one had to go up the hill but it was a disadvantageous condition for the attacker.


    Looking at it like this, it really did seem like they were aiming for this.


    The area for the base may have been influenced by Han Joon-suk as well.


    Over there is dangerous! Get back immediately!


    A hunter that was crouching to the side found me and shouted in a loud voice.


    Name : Park Chan-hyung


    Equipment : Bullhorn Bow (3) , Well Tanned Wolf Leather Armor (4)


    Skill : Detect (3)


    Detect.


    He had a pretty eye catching skill. As a skill that let you see the location of enemies that you cant see it didnt have additional attack power but it was quite useful in an obstacle ridden environment like this.


    I went to him and shouted.


    Can you figure out the location of the enemies?


    I can, no, it is possible. But how did you?


    That is not whats important right now. Its fine if its approximate so please tell me their locations.


    Its a skill that uses sound as its base so I can only figure out the location of the ones that use guns.


    Thats fine so please tell me for now.


    He drew a picture on the ground. Bullets were flying around with the base as the center.


    Among them, the ce with the highest concentration of enemies was south with the base as the center. The ce with the least was the north. There was practically no one there.


    Since he said that it uses sound to find them it should be safe to say that bullets arent being shot from there.


    It should be fine to retreat to this direction.


    I also reported so.


    In the first ce, the formation itself was defending with the north to the back. If we retreated like that then it seemed like it would be possible to get through the attack without much damage.


    However.


    Its too obvious.


    Yes?


    This is the same thing opening the road for us to run away to the north route.


    I, I see.


    He made a surprised expression and inspected the distribution map he drew himself once more.


    It was something that could be figured out quickly after looking at this distribution map normally.


    However, it was currently a situation where the enemy ambushed and bullets were flying in. It would be difficult to interpret the situation clearly.


    If it wasnt an outsider like me and also predicted that Han Jung-ho would have probably prepared something that is.


    I raised my head and payed attention to the government teams movements. The hunters were slowly retreating to the north route.


    If the enemies really were waiting to ambush then it was the same thing as running into a trap on their own.


    What to do.


    I still didnt know how many Chungho Group members were waiting to ambush.


    I couldnt leave out the possibility of being in front of thousands of enemies if I went in on my own.


    On top of that, the armor I was currently wearing was level 4. I could just dodge or block melee attacks but if ranged attacks were focused on me then it would be impossible for me to withstand on my own.


    It would be easier if the enemy was a monster. However, the enemy was human. They were more cunning than any monster and were more intelligent too.


    Looking down on them because of their low levels was enough with just the government team.


    In fact, Wee Oong Bee was a level 6 hunter and had the level 7 Eight Trigrams Scutum.


    Even having a few guys like that would be critically dangerous.


    It was hard on my own.


    Then I just had to call for numbers. I was a bit sorry for my party members but well.


    The number of items I had right now was 164.


    The number items dropped in the past week was 151 and the ones left over was 13. In terms of level, 76 level 1, 41 level 2, 30 level 3, 15 level 4, 2 level 5.


    All together the price was 90b. Even thought we had sweep the entire area of a 10km radius from theke, it was still an astronomical amount.


    I used them all with the Pure Gold Ring.


    Looking at the monsters that piled up in the manual I started wondering if this was really the right thing to do for a moment but there should be as much to gain from the Chungho Group as I pour in.


    I selected monsters that could only be seen in the forest region. The ones that appeared here have a high chance of being optimized to this area after all.


    After checking the monsters that had piled up in the manual, I took out the Dancing Sword.


    I stepped on it to cross the battlefield and went up the hill.


    I could hear the government team that was retreating shout at me.


    Who is that? Why is he moving on his own.


    Come back immediately!


    Damn it! Wheres he affiliated to?


    Swearing poured out from behind.


    It was a normal response for them. They were probably thinking that the retreat route might get blocked because of me.


    However, the direction they were headed to was the entrance to hell. I had no thoughts or need to exin that to them.


    Gunfire echoed from every direction. It was aimed at me who had suddenly popped out.


    Several shots grazed my body but I only got dull feeling and didnt really receive damage.


    There were no bullets that could prate items in the first ce after all.


    It might only be dangerous once they use high explosives.


    Even that wouldnt have been effective if I had some proper equipment. Like how the monsters endured it.


    I used the Dancing Sword to escape the lond and enter the northside forest.


    As expected, I couldnt see any enemies here. The bullets that were flying at me didnte either.


    However, I was able to feel it.


    The cold auras in the front.


    Should I call this bloodthirst? In any case, I could feel the sharpened aura of a beast waiting for their prey from the forest in front of me.


    How many in the world were hiding?


    I took out an eagle from the manual.


    Go check the locations of the enemies.


    It nodded its head and flew up to the sky.


    Since I couldnt detect their exact location either, I sent it ahead and ran after it. After running like that for 10 minutes or so, a sloped path appeared.


    The eagle circled in the air and cried loudly.


    Is it this ce.


    A sloped path was a good ce to lie in ambush. If it was to kill the government team that escaped desperately then there was no ce better than this.


    I held the Dancing Sword and slowly went up the sloped path.


    I felt prickly all over my body. It was a sensation like needles poking my entire body.


    However, there were no one that showed themselves even after I got all the way up the path.


    Are they waiting because its just one? They probably wouldnt want to risk wasting the chance to get rid of the government team.


    I was wondering if I should actively look for them myself but soon found out that it wasnt necessary.


    A person showed up somewhere on the sloped path.


    Even if it was pretty far, it wasnt enough to be unable to recognize the face.


    It was Han Jung-ho.


    He slowly opened his mouth aftering about 20 steps away.


    Its been a while.


    Were not exactly friendly are we?


    We had only exchanged words once. It was when Ezekiel and Chungho Group had the level 7 Gragorians corpse between them.


    At that time, I had left the Martial Artist Longsword with Wee Oong-bee in hopes that they would fight each other.


    Consequently, it didnt seem like they fought properly though.


    Of course, I think that that was the best course of action at the time. Team Delta couldnt win against both organizations after all. However, I didnt know that the two would hold hands.


    I had looked down on Ezekiel too much. I couldnt have imagined that they would hold hands with Chungho Group, much less the ones that they had been in mortalbat with.


    Han Jung-ho snorted.


    I wont ask you why youre here. If you pass by I wont trouble you with past events.


    Sorry but I came here to meet you, you see.


    He twitched his eyebrow.


    Me? Why?


    I had a few things I was curious about. For now, I wanted to ask how you became chummy with the Chungho Group.


    No, what are you going to do if you re scarily at me like that.


    The end of my mouth twisted up as matched sights with the bloodthirsty guy. The two peoples line of sight tangled and the first one to talk was Han Jung-ho.


    How much do you know?


    From holding hands with the Chungho Group to trying to destroy the government team I guess?


    It was a spection to the end but since he was here then it was probably a pretty close guess. As I expected, I could feel his expression stiffen.


    If its that much then it is a sufficient reason to kill you.


    He said so and rolled up his sleeves.


    Ah. That guy was the type that didnt use a weapon huh?


    Name : Han Jung-ho


    Skill Name : Shockwave Eye (6) (Able to see the flow of all attacks.)


    Additional Technique : Blue Dragon Shockwave Fist, calls forth a dragon that goes forward in a straight line.


    Rising Dragon Shockwave Fist, calls forth a rising dragon.


    Inherent Power, inserts the power of a dragon into ones own body.


    Proficiency : 80


    Equipment : ck Belt Martial Artist Uniform (3) (Technique proficiency rises by 10)


    The only equipment he had was only one, the ck Belt Martial Artist Uniform. The rest were all level 6 skills. It was aposition that wouldnt even treat him as a level 6 normally.


    However, the Shockwave Eye skill that he has had power greater than that of several equipment of the same levelbined.


    The Shockwave Fist itself was a powerful damage technique and the passive that the Shockwave Eye had was at the level of a cheat.


    On top of that, a skill called Inherent Power got added as the proficiency rose. Im guessing that its a body strengthening type technique but Im thinking that its better than wearing a regr armor.


    At this point, it was a rare skill that was difficult topare at the same level.


    But well.


    It was still a level 6.


    I opened my mouth to him who was frowning fiercely and gathering aura.


    So youre nning on killing me right?


    Scared?


    No, if you have such conviction then I feel like it would be fine to kill you. Im not a good guy but its a bit bad if I kill a defenseless person you know.


    Bullshit!


    Blue Dragon Shockwave Fist!


    The technique name that came out with swearing echoed throughout the forest.


    A giant blue dragon attacking me. That opened its huge mouth and flew as if trying to swallow me.


    The Dancing Sword with Aura de on it blocked its path.


    The dragons mouth that got split helplessly.


    The Dancing Sword split the giant dragon in half in an instant and flew towards Han Jung-ho just like that.


    Hm?


    With a short scream, the sound of something hitting the ground could be heard. After the dragons figure disappeared, I could see Han Jung-ho on the ground with a face that was at wits end.


    What? What happened?


    He had a stunned expression that didnt understand the current situation. The disgusting smile that he had until just now was nowhere to be seen.


    Thats why you shouldnt have showed off so much.

 Chapter 131

    Chapter 131


    Step. Step.


    I went towards Han Jung-ho. He hurriedly got into stance.


    While his line of sight was on me, the Dancing Sword flew aiming at his back.


    He would have noticed it normally but his mind was half gone right now. He was in a state where he wouldnt have imagined an attack from the back.


    Hah!


    At that moment, a person wearing a blue martial artist uniform came out and swung his sword.


    Blue martial arts clothes, Martial Artist Longsword. Also, the familiar looks.


    It was Wee Oong-bee.


    He shed with the Aura de covered Dancing de with good vigor.


    I was excited while looking wondering if he would actually be able to block that.


    With a eardrum destroying sound the Martial Artist Longsword shattered into pieces.


    Wow. That was still a level 6 item. And it gets destroyed with a single hit?


    Hm?


    Han Jung-ho and Wee Oong-bee were knocked back with blood spraying from their entire body. Looking now, it seems the shrapnel from the broken sword shot towards them. Thanks to that the Dancing Sword missed them but it was hard to say if it was actually a thankful thing for them.


    Kuk what in the world is this.


    Han Jung-ho who had been done in without knowing what was going on had a flustered expression.


    That weapon. What is it?


    I could hear Wee Oong-bees voice tranted.


    I was toozy to wear the interpretation hat separately so i hadbined it into the manual.


    I sat down on the Dancing Sword as a chair after calling it back.


    I didnt think that the two of you would be together. Im quite curious about what happened in that time you know?


    .


    However, the two only red at me without answering.


    Did I ask in vain? Certainly, they probably werent in a mood to just talk about such things.


    I held up my smartphone.


    They looked at me as if wondering what I was going to do. Niceposition.


    Click.


    The fact that you are cooperating with the Chungho Group is proved with this.


    This bastard?


    Han Jung-ho grinded his teeth. What are you going to do about it.


    I had a light smile on my face as I started talking with a calm voice.


    If you tell me about the things that have happened until now, I will make it so that this picture doesnt exist. If theres a n that I dont know then thats even better.


    Bullshit!


    Wee Oong-bee shouted at me with a rough voice. Normally, there was no one that would conciliate on such terms.


    However, wouldnt they still try to hold onto a silver lining on deaths door?


    Han Jung-ho opened his mouth.


    Kuk. Are you thinking that I would kneel to a noob like you?


    No, youre kneeling right now in the first ce.


    His face turned red at my words.


    He had on leg kneeling with his body half up right now. He wasnt in a condition to stand on both feet and it would probably affect his pride too much if hepletely copsed.


    Either way, the negotiation broke down. I didnt really expect much in the first ce though.


    Han Jung-ho started talking to Wee Oong-bee.


    It will be difficult like this.


    Damn it.


    The twos eyes met and Wee Oong-bee raised his hand as if there was no other choice.


    And then.


    A rain of arrow poured down on me.


    The ground got turned over as it exploded and the surrounding was covered in dust and mes.


    There was an ambush as I thought.


    The dust cleared up and Han Jung-hos voice could be heard.


    Is he dead?


    No, theres no corpse.


    I was hiding in the forest a few dozen meters away from my original position.


    I didnt have Soo-ahs buff so my reflex was only at 750% but it wasnt to the point that I couldnt avoid the arrows. I could even dodge bullets if I wanted.


    Damn. Rat like bastard.


    All of you look for him! If we dont get him then the mission will be a failure!


    As Wee Oong-bee shouted roughly the entire forest in a several hundred meter radius started shaking.


    That meant that there were people hiding in all those trees. How many in the world were waiting in ambush?


    There was no chance of winning against those guys all at once no matter how many monster I summoned.


    However, this was the forest region.


    On top of that, it was a ce that they had picked due to being the best ce to ambush.


    The trees were more densely packed and it wasnt a good condition to fight inrge numbers.


    There were traps that they had dug up they would be traps that lead them towards hell on their own.


    Just one moment. A thought crossed my mind.


    Would it be alright to kill all these guys?


    Pft.


    It was a funny thought.


    I am a hunter.


    And, a hunter does not let their enemy live.


    164 monster came pouring out.


    The type was numerous too. Earth Worm, Grey Wolf, Tutulips, Giggle Monkey, Sniffer, Sharp Beak Eagle (<em>Kyle: Sniffer was 2x sfx for sniffing and turned into a noun.</em>)


    Also, the strongest among them were the two level 5 Giant White Tigers.


    Therge unit of monsters filled the small areapletely.


    They were all nightmare like monster, none more fearsome than the other.


    The monsters that were scary to just hear the breathing of were standing closely together.


    I could feel that they were all waiting for me to open my mouth.


    Monster army.


    I opened my mouth towards the nonhuman battle squad worth 90b.


    Lets start the hunt.


    Their roar shook the woods.


    I kicked off the ground and got on the Giant White Tiger.


    Growl!


    Stay still. You.


    He started purring with his head down one I stroked his fur.


    A tiger was definitely better than a horse as something to ride.


    I who was on the back of the Giant White Tiger took the lead as I swung the Dancing Sword at every enemy I saw as I crossed the forest.


    Every time I swung my sword in midair, it cut through three or four bodies.


    Ahhh!


    Save me!


    It, its monsters!


    Impossible! What is this!


    The Chinese screams stimted my ears.


    I didnt know how many there were waiting to ambush here. However, the guys scattering to find me were too good of a feed for my monster army.


    Ahhh!


    Dozens of lives disappeared everytime the monster army passed by.


    They were mostly level 3 hunters.


    There were some good ones among them from time to time but there werent many. There was a reason Han Jung-ho had taken so much effort to create this trap.


    As the government team had confidence in, they certainly would have been able to win in a face to face battle even if theycked the numbers.


    However, it wasnt like all of them were like that.


    Stop!!


    There was a hunter blocking the way of the monster army while spreading a powerful aura.


    He had his hair tied and was wearing a grey robes that made him seem like he came straight out of a Chinese novel. He was sending a cold aura towards me while pointing his sword at me.


    Name : Dan Mok-ju


    Skill Name : Moonlight Sword Style (6)


    Additional Technique : Moonlight sh, a power and fast crescent moon form shing attack.


    Thirteenth Month, 13 continuous attacks with no time to rest.


    Proficiency : 63


    Equipment : Four Arts Sword (7) (The length of the de can be changed at will) , Grey Shamanist Clothes (5) (Technique proficiency increases by 20)


    It was quite the surprising numbers.


    It could be said that he was stronger than Wee Oong-bee purely looking at the profile. A level 7 swords and a level 6 skill.


    The proficiency wasnt that high but it was true that it was giving off an incredible vibe.


    The monster army that was knocking down the enemies in high spirits couldnt attack this guy.


    I threw the Dancing Sword towards him.


    The heavy sword rushed at Dan Mok-ju with Aura de on it.


    He seemed to have felt the extraordinary strength on it as his face stiffened up. However, he held up his sword high seemingly having no intention of dodging.


    He had good vigor.


    Boom!


    Kuhk!


    His body was knocked back like a kite with a cut string. The Four Arts Sword stabbed into his side after he copsed.


    Uehk!


    Dan Mok-ju who barely got up threw up a mouthful of blood.


    Wee Oong-bee had deflected the Dancing Sword while this guy was able topletely block it.


    Even if he coughed up blood, he definitely couldnt be seen as below Wee Oong-bee in ability.


    How many guys did the Chungho Group have at this guys level?


    Spit.


    The guy spit out spit mixed with blood and red at me.


    Even while swaying only his eyes were clearly alive.


    I will fight seriously from now on.


    Sorry but I have no time to on just you.


    I said so as I threw the Dancing Sword once more. He avoided the sword that was recharged with Aura de by twisting his head.


    The huge tree behind him got destroyed. A moan escaped Dan Mok-jus mouth. There probably wasnt much damage since it was right next to him.


    He looked at the returning Dancing Sword and swung his sword at it.


    I took out the Hunter Greatsword from the manual while kicking off of the giant tigers back.


    The Dancing Sword behind, me at the front. The guys attention was instantly dispersed.


    Sorry but I dont have just one weapon.


    Thirteen Months.


    At that moment, sword auras burst out with him as the center.


    A total of 13 powerful auras. An attack skill used with a level 7 weapon was certainly powerful.


    However.


    The Dancing Sword stabbed him after prating his sword aura.


    Urk.


    It might have ended differently if he had avoided or deflected but his defeat was decided the moment he decided to fight head on.


    He also made the mistake of splitting his sword aura into two.


    He split the thing that was already difficult to block into two so he had no choice but to pay the price with his life.


    You bastard.


    Blood flowed in reversed from his mouth.


    [+700]


    Seeing how 700 points came in it seems Dan Mok-ju was treated as a level 7 hunter.


    I collected the Four Arts Sword on the ground. Even so, as expected of a level 7 it didnt break or crack.


    It was chipped a bit but that much wasnt a big problem. I just had no not sell it and give it to Jong Sa-won.


    He was a guy that was good at using dual wielding so there was probably no problem.


    Dan Mok-ju wasnt the only powerful hunter. I had cut down at least 3 hunters simr to him and the number of Chungho Group members killed by the monsters numbered hundreds. The amount of time to do that much was only about 10 minutes.


    Everyone fall back!


    Then, after grasping the situation btedly, someonemanded the retreat order.


    I was thinking that it was probably Wee Oong-bee.


    Branches shook violently. The footsteps of the Chungho Group running away sounded like a wave crashing.


    Everyone pursue!


    Imanded in a loud voice.


    The monster cried out and rushed forward all at once. I was maintaining the formation until now since we could receive a counterattack but it wasnt like that now.


    There was no need to be careful against guys that were running away with rock bottom morale.


    It was a lesson I learned from Han Jung-hos business. Not letting the enemy leave alive.


    It might be different if it didnt start but if I raised my hand then I had to give maximum damage.


    Also, I rode the Giant White Tiger looking around for Wee Oong-bee and Han Jung-ho. It wasnt difficult to locate them. I was checking their location by flying to eagles in the air.


    The two of them were currently moving separately. It probably meant that they were running away in different directions.

 Chapter 132

    Chapter 132


    I just had to catch one of the two and then get the other er.


    I ran to the closer one first.


    Hah. Hah.


    The one I could see was Wee Oong-bee. It seems he waste in retreating due to giving themand.


    I jumped over his head on the Giant White Tiger.


    Inded on the ground and slowly turned my body. I could see the dismayed expression on him who had a blood soaked martial artist clothes.


    He copsed as if resigning himself to everything.


    To tame a monster You really are a guy that surpasses my imagination.


    I will take it as apliment.


    Youre thinking that youve won with this dont you?


    What is that supposed to mean?


    Tough like that while facing death.


    I had a bad feeling about this.


    Did you think that this would be the only ce with a trap?


    Are you saying that the other teams are being attacked as well?


    I had only takenmand of this ce. The main force is somewhere else. The conclusion has most likely been made by now.


    Is that so.


    I lightly sighed.


    I couldnt do anything about that. Wee Oong-bee made a weird expression looking at my calmness.


    Youre not enraged?


    Why should I be?


    That is.


    He couldnt find the words to say.


    It was something out of my reach in the first ce. I wasnt a person a thoroughly patriotic person and I did as much as I can so thats not something I can help.


    Then why did you interfere in this business. You could have just left it alone.


    Because its earns me money.


    Of course there were many other reasons.


    I didnt like Han Jung-ho and the government team dying off bothered me as well.


    Son Aram was in the team as well and it was true that I was pretty angry once we started getting attacked.


    However, thats that.


    Theres no need to be enraged at every single guy suffering that I cant even see. Chungho Group is something that I have to take care of sooner orter after all. Even so, I am nning on having plenty of revenge.


    Kuk Damned bastard.


    Then lets end it here.


    I heard everything I needed to. It wasnt like we were friends meeting up after a long time or something so there was no reason to leisurely have a talk.


    I flung the Dancing Sword to cut his neck.


    Wee Oong-bees head that was rolling had a face crumpled up due to pain.


    It wasnt very hard to find Han Jung-ho.


    He had died to a Giant White Tiger without being able to resist seeming getting caught by the monster army while running away in the wrong direction.


    He would have won easily if he was in a normal condition but his bleeding was severe so battling probably would have been difficult.


    I found a phone by rummaging through Han Jung-hos body. The screen was cracked but seeing how it turned on it seems it was working properly.


    There was a password as expected.


    I kept it for now.


    I needed a professional to unlock it and for that I had to go back to Seoul so it was impossible to use the information here immediately.


    That was why it was going to be used as an insurance just in case.


    I didnt do anything wrong but there was a possibility of me getting branded as a criminal if the fact that I chased after Han Jung-ho got found out while he was missing.


    It wasnt like I didnt trust Son Aram but you didnt know what would happen with humans you see.


    Ahh!


    The roar of monsters and screams resonated everywhere. It seems the pursuit was going smoothly.


    After waiting an hour or so I called back all the monsters. A total of 101 came back.


    53 died and the ones that died were mostly level 1. Both of the Giant White Tigers were still alive.


    It was a bit painful that two level 4 died but there was plenty of profit to make up for it.


    Wow How many is this altogether.


    I got the monsters to pick up all the ores and items on the way back.


    The collected items excluding belongings totalled over 1,000.


    It was the number including the items the Chungho Group guys originally had and the item they left after returning to the void. If it was like this I had profited over 20 times more.


    If Soo-ah was beside me right now she would jump up and down in excitement saying that it was amazing. No chance. This was all mine.


    There were about 100 ores. I was hoping that Strengthening Stones would drop but there werent any.


    The items were mostly low level but there were a few useable things among them.


    They were mostly equipment of hunters at Wee Oong-bees level.


    The sword that Wee Oong-bee had broke due to the Dancing Sword and Han Jung-ho was a guy that normally fought with his skill so there was nothing to get but the Four Arts Sword that Dan Mok-ju had was a level 7 at its base. And the option was pretty good too.


    An option to change the length of the de at will was a very good skill when fightly multiple enemies.


    Thinking of it simply if I were to lengthen it to the maximum and use Aura de on it.


    Ah. The synergy would be no joke. Its to the point of being a cheat item.


    I got 2 level 7 items and 5 level 6 items besides that.


    The Chungho Groups only had one and at most two items with them there was littlepared to the number dead but it could still be seen as a huge profit.


    At this point, it can be said that there was enough funds to start arge raid team.


    No, it was to the point that I wondered if it would possible to sell this all.


    Good work.


    I stroked the Giant White Tiger at the very front and despawned all of them.


    After putting in all the monsters into the manual, it became quiet as if nothing had happened.


    Even so, there were traces of destruction here and there that showed how fierce the battle just now was.


    Either way, Wee Oong-bees final words do bother me.


    Thinking about the item drop rate and collected items etc. there seemed to be about 500 casualties.


    If I estimated the number that ran away as about half then that means about 1,000 were hiding in ambush here.


    That meant that 2,000 of 3,000 were not here.


    There was no reason for them not to be here so that meant that the possibility of them attacking the other groups was high as Wee Oong-bee had said.


    I collected the items and ores and headed towards the government team base.


    Since I got rid of the guys ambushing the guys at the base were probably retreating by now too.


    If that wasnt it they probably dropped dead. I did cuss them a fair bit but it wasnt like the members of the government team were that sloppy.


    Since the ones patrolling had a full level 3 set there should be quite a few better than them.


    Going to the base the situation seemed to be getting organized well.


    I headed to the tent where I hid Son Aram. As I dug up the thin dirt on top I found Son Aram looking at me with wide eyes.


    It look just like the eyes of a squirrel.


    Did it end?


    Ah. Yes. You cane out now.


    What about the damage?


    Its probably not that big.


    Son Aram finally let out a sigh of relief and came out.


    Since she was a normal person from the beginning there was no one that could reprimand her for hiding without participating in battle.


    I could see the other hunters being ted seeing Son Aram alive.


    It seems she was treated like an idol where the majority of the hunters were male.


    I gave a rundown of the situation to her.


    She opened her mouth while listening to the story of Han Jung-ho and the Chungho Group.


    If there was an ambush why are they not moving until now?


    Im not sure if youll believe me but I appropriately scolded them and sent them on their way.


    Pft. You joke well.


    Scolding them and sending them off was a joke but the ambush wasnt.


    Looking at my sincere eyes she asked once more.


    There really was? Also, Sang-min took care of them all on your own?


    If you cant believe it theres nothing I can do about that.


    Do you have some kind of proof? Its not that I cant trust you but for people to move because of this kind of information there was to be evidence.


    There is no proof of the ambush but there is this.


    I held up my smartphone and showed the picture of Han Jung-ho and Wee Oong-bee.


    Normally, nothing would be done with just a picture like this but this was a war right now.


    Having a picture taken with a Chungho Group member was enough as evidence.


    On top of that, disappearing right before the battle was a suspicious event too.


    She who saw the picture let out a light sigh.


    I will have to report this matter to my superiors and think of a measure. Please wait during that time. Right, please send me the photo as well.


    Sure.


    I was wondering how the ambush of the other government teams were going so I was nning on waiting.


    Son Aram hurriedly went somewhere and I was sending the picture to her when someone hit my back.


    Wow. You were alive?


    Turning my head, there was the hunter that had the Detect skill.


    Was his name Park Chan-hyeong.


    Can I not be alive?


    I replied with augh. It was a joke but it probably wasnt heard like that.


    No, it wasnt in that meaning. Alone like a crazy guy No, you ran like a person that wasnt right in the head after all. But why did you do so? The people swore a lot saying that you ran off on your own.


    Did it seem like I was running away?


    No, I know the reason after all Even so, there are probably many people that misunderstood.


    I dont really care about what others think. More importantly, how is the current situation?


    We were preparing to retreat after enduring one way or another when the enemies suddenly left like a wave. We did pursue btedly but it was after they had all retreated so I think everybody is wondering what had happened.


    It seems it was going as I thought.


    He opened his mouth as if whispering.


    But was it really there?


    What was?


    An ambush.


    Ah. Right. I think I told this guy that the northern direction was dangerous as well.


    However, there was probably no need to exin it as it is.


    Since even Son Aram didnt have the evidence he wouldnt 100% believe it anyway. He will probably just take it as Han Jung-ho selling the information and inducing an ambush.


    There wasnt. It seems I was wrong.


    You made a wrong guess then.


    Park Chan-hyeong giggled. It wasnt a bad attitude. It was a joke that came out since the battle was over and all.


    But it was a bit bothersome to say that I had no profit so should I give some bait?


    But I heard something weird.


    Yes? What is it?


    It seems like the Chungho Groups real target wasnt here but somewhere else.


    Yes? How do you know that?


    There was no ambush but its something I heard after meeting themander of this ambush n.


    Eh. Really? That person obediently talked?


    No way. I made him spill it.


    I held up my phone and showed him the picture of Han Jung-ho and Wee Oong-bee.


    Huh? This is team leader Han Jung-ho?


    This person was the one that nned this ambush. The one beside him is an important figure of the Chungho Group.


    Then the leader disappearing before the ambush was.


    It will probablye up soon if it was investigated.


    This person, no what happened to this bastard?


    Because of a monster suddenly appearing he ran away while I battled.


    Damn. That kind of bastard cant be left alive though.


    Chan-hyeong vented with an expression of anger and shame.


    I was thinking about whether I should say that I actually killed him or not but there was no need to say that I killed a person with my own mouth so yeah.


    The corpse was returned to the void so there was no evidence either.


    At that time several hunters swarmed here from the other side.


    There! You bastard. Arent you the guy that ran away before?

 Chapter 133

    Chapter 133


    Hm? What was going on?


    Chan-hyeong hurriedly got in front of me and opened his mouth.


    It, its not like that. Team leader. This person is.


    Chan-hyeong you stay out of this. We almost got annihted because of this guy.


    Because of me? Whats that supposed to mean?


    Hey you bastard! Because of you running away the ones that were holding the line also ran away! It was fine because we somehow held up but if the defense line broke down then it would have been an annihtion!


    Its not like that I said! This person didnt run away but.


    Chan-hyeong hit his chest as if suffocating.


    I brushed past him and went forward.


    Please stay aside.


    But.


    I will take care of this myself.


    I understand.


    Chan-hyeong got back as if it couldnt be helped.


    I inspected the hunter in front of me with the manual.


    Name : Kim Jin-woo


    Equipment : Extermination Sword (5) , ck Iron Armor (5) , Pendant of Stamina (4)


    Skill : Indestructable Diamond Body (5)


    This guy seemed to be the leader of this bunch. I didnt think his mood with be good since it wasnt like there werent any casualties but I didnt think that he woulde attacking like this right away.


    Listening to the situation its not like I cant understand but it was a depressing thing for me.


    They would have died if it wasnt for me.


    I started talking to him.


    So, what do you want me to do?


    Kneel down.


    Kim Jin-woo said so while spitting.


    I got ratherfortable because he showed his ill will so tantly.


    Smirk.


    This bastardughs?


    He swung his fist.


    I pondered for a moment if I should get hit by this or not. It was a bit annoying but it became easier for me to beat him up if I got hit once.


    Yeah. Lets close my eyes and get hit just once.


    I felt the blunt sense of my face being hit. To be honest, it didnt hurt at all.


    With my normal defense at 400% and having 60% more added thanks to the leather armors option it was like getting hit with a styrofoam bat.


    I was going to take a hit but this just doesnt hurt a little too much.


    Dont pat me and hit.


    This bastard!


    This time at least had enough power to make my head turn a bit. There was still no damage though.


    As I stayed standing straight Kim Jin-woo spit on the ground and wildly swung his fist. The trajectory was pretty sharp.


    It seems he has some experience in martial arts.


    The problem was that it didnt hurt at all.


    I let out a sigh and opened my mouth.


    Hey.


    What? You bastard. Hah. Hah.


    Already tired?


    I will hit you, just once.


    What bullshit.


    Kim Jin-woos body backflipped once.


    This. Did I hit too hard?


    His body copsed on the ground and made a dull sound.


    He fell head first so if the ground was concrete instead of dirt then he might have died.


    It seems hes still fine though thankfully since the reward points didnt appear.


    Te, team leader Kim!


    His colleagues hurriedly helped him up but he had already lost consciousness.


    This bastard!


    Kill him!


    You bastard, youre a spy arent you?


    Kim Jin-woos subordinates suddenly took out weapons.


    I hit him just once after getting beaten up a lot so wasnt this too much?


    Of course, that one hit was strong but still.


    ***


    What? What is going on?


    Its a spy?


    Is it the Chungho Group?


    Everyone gather!


    People suddenly started gathering around me and Kim Jin-woos group.


    The flow of events seemed to go in a weird direction but now it seems to have be big enough that it was uncontroble.


    At this point, I wasnt sure if it was my personality that was messed up or theirs.


    It was probably both.


    I had cussed that hunters had weird personalities but I got the feeling that I had been dyed in that as well.


    If it was in the past then I would have exined appropriately and get over it nicely you see. If I did so then there wouldnt have been such problems.


    So do I regret this?


    No way.


    I worked my ass off because I didnt want to live like that and became a hunter.


    I now had a level 10 skill and there was a great amount of items in my manual right now that totaled 1t.


    I didnt have to be falsely used at this point right.


    Was this that big of a wish and greed?


    I think that its okay for me to be more confident. If there was a problem that rose that wasnt my fault then I will not say that its my fault.


    I dont think that its an intelligent thing to apologize and kiss someones ass because I didnt want to start a fight.


    Because I grew to the point where I didnt have to go against my will to survive.


    I will exin.


    As Park Chan-hyeong tried toe forward I held him back.


    I could see him being flustered. He was probably thinking that something big would happen if it went on like this.


    Let him be so then.


    Small conflicts could appear due to a misunderstanding. However, the reason arge conflict happens is not due to a misunderstanding.


    Just because. They just wanted to.


    Kim Jin-woo and his group wanted to relieve their stress after battle on someone and I had just gotten caught as their target.


    Thats why, I was nning on making them pay the price for treating me that way.


    I stretched my hands into the air.


    What got held in that hand was a level 1 longsword.


    Whats that? Is he showing magic?


    Isnt that a longsword? It looks like a level 1.


    I thought it was a level 10 since he was he posing.


    Hey. Is level 10 some kids name? To appear in a ce like this?


    Sarcastic remarks and ridicule came out from here and there.


    However, I had conviction.


    There was no one in this ce that could properly block this sword.


    Looking at me who wasnt talking, one of Kim Jin-woos subordinates opened his mouth.


    It seems youre starting to get scared now?


    Name : Kim Jong-oh


    Equipment : Silver Sword (3) , Silver Knight Armor (3)


    Skill : Judgement (3)


    He was a typical knight type hunter.


    People usually looked at it like that if one had armor or a skill powerful against undead regardless of religion.


    Guys that didnt have confidence in their ability had a tendency of focusing on one area like this.


    You could choose the dungeon to go to after all.


    It was possible to do more than the ability you possess if you go to a dungeon were many undeadse out you see.


    Hey, what can you do on your own? You saw the team leader getting beaten right.


    He just let his guard down. I can take care of that kind of guy on my own. Hah!


    As expected.


    A sloppy sword strike came towards me. The trajectory was weird and it was an attack at the level where it would just bounce off the armor even if I stood still. A I took one step back the sword cut the air in vain.


    You moron. Can you not even hit a thing standing still?


    Shut up! Its because its been a while since I fought a human! I got the feel now!


    The end of my mouth rose as I opened my mouth.


    If this was a real battle then there wouldnt have been a second chance.


    Dont talk crap and stay still. Ill kill you.


    He swung his sword with a red face. I could feel his will to kill me.


    However, if it was possible to win on will alone then there would be no losers in the world.


    His sword cut the atmosphere in vain.


    This! This! Get hit already!


    As he swung his sword as if having a seizure he tripped on his own legs and fell over.


    What are you doing?


    Are you struggling against a noob like that?


    Shut up! It was really close!


    Kim Jong-oh got up while shouting.


    Did he not grasp the situation yet?


    Certainly, if they were guys that could look at it so calmly then this wouldnt have happened in the first ce.


    I started talking to Kim Jong-oh.


    Are you running your mouth with that amount of skill?


    Fuck. Even though youre just running around like a mouse.


    I was getting pretty bored.


    I dashed towards him as soon as I said so.


    Urg?


    He reactedte but the sword that was in his hand was flying in the sky. It was at the level where he barely got away without losing his hand thanks to his level 3 armor.


    He got flustered as he stretched his two arms forward.


    T, time!


    Time he says.


    My sword stabbed into his side.


    Kuk?


    It was difficult to prate a level 3 armor with a level 1 longsword but it wasnt like itpletely blocked the damage.


    It was perfect for giving pain and not killing.


    Urg.


    He was crunched up on the ground unable to get up. Well, Did he think that I wouldnt attack if he was like that?


    I took a step forward and struck down with the sword.


    The armor started getting caved in here and there. Kim Jong-oh struggled to avoid somehow he had lost his bnce and fallen over and didnt even have a weapon so it was meaningless movement.


    The only thing he could do was crouch down and scream.


    Theughter stopped at some point.


    The sarcasm and ridicule were gone too.


    Instead, sharp ill will and anger ridden eyes were directed at me.


    This bastard!


    A spear shot out with a sharp sound. It was the second guy.


    Name : Park Sang-young


    Equipment : Heart Piercing Spear (4) , Hundred Times Tanned Leather Armor (4)


    Skill : Continuous Thrusting (3)


    An attack aiming at the gap in the armor. If it hit properly it wouldnt end with a light injury.


    Was this guy nning on killing me?


    I fell back to avoid with no choice left.


    Urg.


    Kim Jong-oh staggered as he got up.


    Unlike the pain, it seems there werent any broken parts thanks to the armor.


    Did I hold back too much. Park Sang-young opened his mouth.


    Pay attention. That guys not an easy opponent.


    Damn it. This is disgrace Kuk!


    A swords end hit his sr plexus.


    His body flew back a few meters and rolled on the ground just like that. Seeing how he wasnt getting up it seems he lost consciousness.


    Focus on the enemy in front of you when fighting. If you dont want to die.


    This asshole.


    Park Sang-young extended his spear while enraged.


    From his point of view, it was an attack with his full power. I extended my hand towards the iing spear.


    Huh?


    As I held the spear and twisted it, the guys body that was holding it spun around once and rolled on the ground.


    The guy that was holding the spear with two hands couldnt endure the strength of me swinging with one of my hands.


    Its probably better to let go of the spear you know?


    Fuck off. You bastard.

 Chapter 134

    Chapter 134


    He endured while clenching his teeth.


    I held up the spear just like that.


    Huh huh?


    His body rose into midair. Exmations came out from the people watching.


    Wow. That damn, is such a thing even possible?


    Did he only raise strength or something.


    Doesnt he have a skill that raises strength?


    Hey. Even so thats a bit.


    Park Sang-youngs expression was a sight to see. He wouldnt have been able to experience this anywhere after all. Wasnt level 4 good enough for him to walk around proudly?


    However, he met the wrong person today.


    As I lightly swung the spear.


    Ahhh! Save me!


    In the end, he let go of the spear and got sent flying ten or so meters.


    At that moment, an arrow came flying at me.


    As I dodged it a fuss rose behind.


    Hey. You crazy bastard. Why are you shooting arrows in a ce like this!


    Shut up. Im killing that guy today.


    Thest of Kim Jin-woos group.


    Name : Lee Dae-hui


    Equipment : Vermilion Bird Bow (4) , ck Leather Armor (3)


    Skill : Concentration (3)


    Fuck I think a rib broke.


    Kim Jong-oh also appeared seemingly having regained consciousness. As expected, was it too rash to fight with only a level 1 sword. Even so, it seems like they would die if I didnt control my strength properly so it cant be helped.


    Looking at how he even got hold of a shield on the way, it seems he was properly angered.


    Damn it.


    Park Sang-young also appeared holding the spear again. Since I got a hold of his it seems he borrowed it from somewhere. Thinking about positions, it was a bnced team with a tanker, melee attacker, and a ranged attacker.


    It seems they think they can do it if theres 3 of them.


    I lightly breathed out and kicked off the ground.


    The first target was Kim Jong-oh.


    Kuk!


    The shield he had was a level 4 Reflection Shield.


    It had the option of returning 3% of the taken damage to the opponent.


    It couldnt be looked down upon just because it was only 3%. Even if one were to just keep blocking, the opponent would copse after the damage stacks you see.


    Thats why, there was no need to directly attack.


    I stepped on the shield he was holding and jumped into the air.


    Die!


    A arrow shot towards me who was in midair.


    I was going to hit it away with the sword but it suddenly burned up and took the shape of a vermilion bird. Burning heat swept towards me. I swung the long sword towards the flying vermilion bird.


    The vermilion bird got split with a single strike and turned into dust.


    Im, impossible! How did he do that to the vermilion bird!


    Lee Dae-hui let out a shrill scream. It would look like it didnt make sense from his point of view.


    However, this was a minor version of the Dragon Killer that Han Joon-suk had.


    Whether it was a vermilion bird or a dragon, what made it was an arrow and if I found and destroyed that then it would lose its strength and disappear.


    After getting rid of the vermilion bird, I jumped down towards the guy and kicked his head.


    Die!


    The moment Lee Dae-hui copsed on the ground a spear flew in.


    Since it was quite a sharp thrust I lightly hit it to turn it towards the shield Kim Jong-oh was holding.


    Huh?


    Kuk!


    Park Sang-young held his own two hands and kneeled on the ground just like that, the power of 3% reflection damage.


    I knee kicked him straight in the face. He got flustered and tried to dodge but it was toote.


    Gak?!


    With the sound of something breaking, teeth fell out.


    If it was a normal person, they would lose conscious and copse.


    I twisted my body and kicked Park Sang-youngs face with my heel.


    He spewed out blood as he got sent flying backwards.


    If he still retains consciousness after getting hit by this then I will acknowledge his endurance.


    Ahhh!


    Kim Jong-oh who was the only one left suddenly rushed in like a madman after throwing the shield away.


    Did he let go of his mentality after hisrades got done in I wonder.


    Or did he get ovee with anger.


    It was just surprising that he managed to survive with that level of skill.


    Die! You bastard!


    I dont want to though?


    I swung my sword towards his wide open chest.


    The sword and armor collided fiercely as sparks flew and he copsed on the ground while vomiting blood.


    Kuh fuck.


    Too weak.


    Was he being so arrogant with just this amount of strength.


    I thought I would feel a bit better after beating them up as much as I want.


    However, it wasnt so.


    I got more angry instead.


    Is this all you have?


    You asshole youre fucking dead.


    Kim Jong-oh kept swearing even while vomiting blood.


    It was pathetic.


    Trying to beat up someone with that meager amount of strength.


    If it wasnt for me they would have messed with someone else.


    What did I have to do to make this kind of guy not be able to do it again.


    Would it be better to kill you?


    Huh?


    He breathed in and closed his mouth.


    I took out the Bloody Sword from the manual and held it against his neck.


    There were murmurs from the crowd that asked shouldnt he be stopped. However, nobody stepped up to stop me.


    It was a fight between hunters anyway, and in a situation where it wasnt certain if I was a Chungho Group member they would lose out if they carelessly interfered.


    As I put strength into the hand holding the sword, blood came out of his nape. The Bloody Sword got dyed crimson after quickly sucking that blood.


    Don, dont do it.


    Kim Jong-oh said so with a pale expression.


    I looked down at him without a word.


    I could feel fear from his expression.


    Im telling you, dont do it, fuck.


    You dont want to die?


    Of course. Who would want to die?


    He opened his mouth with a trembling voice.


    Then you shouldnt have done something that would get you killed. You halfwit.


    I held up the Bloody Sword after saying so. I would hear oh my god sounds from the surrounding. Whatever though.


    Ahhh!! I was wrong please have mercy!


    Its toote.


    I struck down with the sword. At the point it was 1 cm away from his neck.


    Kim Jong-ohs pupils were looking at me after expanding.


    His pants got soaking wet.


    It seems he leaked thinking he was really dying.


    Fuck this is embarrassing.


    Swear words came out of his mouth. He really was a guy that didnt change.


    I put the Bloody Sword into the manual and stood up. I wasnt nning on killing him in the first ce. I was just trying to scare him a bit.


    My future would be bleak if I killed a government team affiliated hunter you see.


    Whew.


    Looking at the long sword there were cracks here and there. I used this since I thought there would be casualties if I used a high level item but itcked durability. I should give this to Kelby as food or something.


    I put the cracked longsword into the manual and took out the Dancing Sword.


    This wasfortable as expected.


    Since I destroyed an entire four hunters, they probably wont stand still.


    I didnt have any thought oning to an understanding so I was thinking about going to the end.


    I was looking around while looking for a prey when.


    p p p.


    I could hear pping from one side.


    That got louder and louder until the onlookers all started cheering.


    Wow! That guy is amazing? I never saw someone move so fast.


    I couldnt even see properly.


    Is it even possible to do something like that with a level 1 sword?


    Theres probably a skill.


    Did you see him use a skill?


    Do you not even know what passive is? Look at him moving so quickly. Its not the movements of a human being. Its probably something that increases physical abilities.


    Even so, whats amazing is amazing. I dont think I can fight like that even if I could move that quickly.


    Certainly, he did seem to have good skill as well.


    It took quite a bit of time for the cheering to die out.


    These guys were framing me as a spy so what the hell were they doing all of a sudden?


    Im sorry. Public order management is my responsibility.


    Son Aram bowed down. I nodded my head while thinking that it wasnt really her fault.


    Regardless of whether it was because of a misunderstanding or not they had attacked first and the disciplinary punishment was a matter of course ordingly.


    It wasnt like there werent anyints but it seems lieutenant Son Arams reputation had been built up as being good these past 2 weeks as it was resolved without much problems.


    Either way, werent you in a meeting?


    It was over after just grasping the scale of damage. There was too little information as well after all.


    Ah. Come to think of it. What happened to that?


    The Chungho Group right? I didnt get a separate report. The other teams are telling us to not worry since theres nothing off.


    Certainly. There was no other stories on the bulletin board too.


    The government team hunters were uploading their situation on the bulletin board in real time.


    I did think that it was a stupid move that leaked information to the Chungho Group but it was good in this kind of situation to understand the state of things.


    Everything in the world was double sided.


    Ah. Where is the rest of your party members by the way?


    Why are you asking that?


    It is difficult to grasp the movement of the Chungho Group you see. We had a fair bit of information until now so we estimated their locations but now its not like that you see.


    She let out a deep sigh.


    That information, it was given by Han Jung-ho I see.


    Yes. We looked at the other routes but it was all information from Ezekiel affiliated members.


    Then those people are.


    For now, some people from team 1 are pursuing them. The things that could be used as evidence such as their phone or other objects have been confiscated. There was a phone that didnt have a password so we checked so it seems something suspicious has been found. It looks like the problem of Ezekiel will be resolved somehow.


    It should be enough for now with that.


    It felt like mending the barn after the horse is stolen but its a good thing that they realized at this point.


    Anyway, its difficult to know the exact location of the Chungho Group now. Thats why Im thinking that it would be good for your party to join.


    We were nning on going back.


    Ah. Already?


    Its has been 2 weeks though.


    Son Aram let out a deep sigh at my words.


    That much time has passed already has it. Being here, I cant tell how a day is passing.


    Well, that can happen when youre busy. The government team is going to keep progressing like this right?


    Yes. There was norge damage after all. I think we will be moving while inspecting arger area though.


    Doesnt that mean that the hunters will split up more than now?


    That cant be helped. We cant even grasp the locations of the enemies right now after all.


    It was at that moment.


    Ding dong  a message has arrived


    Son Aram got a message. Her face rapidly got dark as she checked the message.


    What is it?


    The government team is getting attacked.


    It seems the thing that was going to happen arrived. Wee Oong-bee that bastard, it wasnt a farce. Either way, to arrive without beingte I had to grasp the situation quickly and go help.


    As long as I was here, it was difficult for me to ignore it and was nning on helping if need be.


    Which side is it? Team 2? Team 3?


    Both of them.


    Both of them you say? Is it possible for 1,500 to attack both government teams?

 Chapter 135

    Chapter 135


    After Son Aram had said that she would quickly find out about the situation and disappeared, I looked at the market bulletin board.


    There werent many but there were still guys that were uploading information in real time.


    Government Team 2. Currently getting attack from all directions.


    How many?


    Dont know. By the sound, it seems to be several thousand. Feels like Im really going to die looking at the bullets raining down.


    Do you still have the mentality to write messages?


    Im a crowd controller. I have nothing to do anyway after using my skill once. Someone help.


    Are you crazy. To tell us to go die there?


    Its said that team 1 was ambushed as well but they ran away soon. That side should be the same.


    Its not such a mood though.


    Theyre saying that team 3 is also under attack. Fuck. Did they say that the Chungho Group numbered 3,000?


    I dont know. It seems to be more.


    Team 3 was a toon formed of alternative service workers. With a number of 2,000 they had a pretty high average level but because theycked experience it might be even more dangerous.


    Either way, the situation was at the worst point right now.


    The number of enemies attacking each team seemed to be about 2,000 to 3,000.


    Their number were double what we thought they were in the first ce.


    If the number that I chased away was added then it could be thought to be up to 7,000 maximum.


    For now, team 1 that had to quickly go support will be in a difficult situation.


    It was a situation where two ce were under attack at the same time so they had to decide quickly whether they would support both or abandon one.


    Park Chan-hyeong who was ncing at me from nearby slowly approached.


    Have you heard? The other teams are getting attacked.


    Ah. Im looking at it right now.


    What do you think will happen?


    Why is this person asking this to me? Chan-hyeong opened his mouth with an awkward expression.


    Ah. Theres no big meaning to it. Its just because Im nervous. Thinking that we might get done in at this rate.


    It would be best to split the team into two and support both units.


    However, wouldnt the number be too small then?


    If we gave up one of them because of that it would be more dangerous.


    The current total numbered about 5,000. If its assumed that the Chungho Group has over 7,000 then the moment we give up one team the difference will be more than two times higher.


    Of course the Chungho Group might have casualties as well but it couldnt be helped that there would be a difference in damage between the ones that have been preparing versus those that are one sidedly getting beaten.


    What if one ce was chosen?


    Why are you asking such a thing?


    I have a younger brother in team 2.


    I see. However, its something that I cant say at this point of time.


    Did you think I would be able to say something. I left Chan-hyeong who had a nervous expression and waited for Son Aram.


    A whileter, Son Aram arrived while panting.


    I could feel Park Chan-hyeong prick his ears.


    How did it go?


    Its been decided to go support team 3.


    As expected.


    It was something I expected.


    Did you know about it?


    To some degree.


    The best situation was supporting both sides and sessfully defending both.


    However, it was close to being a gamble and the chance of seeding wasnt that high. That meant that one side had to be selected and it was obvious that saving team 3 would be prioritized.


    I mentioned it before but the alternative service team was mostly made up of children of wealthy families.


    They were people that wouldnt have been here normally in the first ce. However, as they didnt have anything to do after dungeons disappeared so it was something that happened as the public was saying many things about it.


    From here, the truly powerful rich people had all gotten out. Thats why there were only 2,000.


    Even so, they were mostly those that had a sturdy backing.


    From the perspective of the government, they had no choice but to take that into ount and decide to protect them first and foremost.


    Will you not go together?


    Thats a ce thats fine not to go to so.


    Those guys had a lot of high level items and skills and numbers. It would be difficult for them to ovee the current attack but they wouldnt lose that easily.


    Compared to them, team 2 was not in a good situation.


    To be honest, if one side had to supported it would be that side. However, the logic of the world didnt go that way after all.


    Can you help by any chance?


    How much could I possibly do on my own.


    I shook my head. I didnt really want to go there. I didnt like seeing rich family children too.


    It seems like Ive asked for something unreasonable. Im sorry. I was desperate.


    I understand. It wouldnt have been easy to decide to abandon team 2 after all.


    Then what is Sang-min nning on doing?


    I should return to my party members for now. The Chungho Group is prowling around so Im quite worried about them as well.


    Son Aram nodded as if it was a shame.


    I was rather worried about her safety as well. She will probably stay in the back lines but she would still be within the battle after all.


    I was wondering if there was anything I could do for her and decided to have a Milworm secretly follow her.


    It was a thing that moved around underground so there was no risk of it being discovered and it would be able to protect her if there was a dangerous situation.


    There were quite a few numbers in the monster army so there shouldnt be a problem even if one was gone.


    Then please take care of yourself.


    You too. I will only be able to get something good once you survive and get promoted.


    Pft. Help if youre going to be like that.


    You have a lot of lingering attachments. Im not a person that moves for free. You will have to prepare something big if you want to make use of me.


    I know. Because youre a hunter.


    I parted with Son Aram and got away from government team 1. I slowly moved on the path that didnt have any patrols.


    I walked about 10 minutes like that when a rustling sound could be heard from the giant tree on the right.


    As I was waiting to see who it was, a person fell from the tree.


    Arg.


    It was Park Chan-hyeong.


    What are you doing here?


    I, I came to ask for a favor.


    He finally came back to his senses and spoke after shooting up.


    If he had a favor to ask for it would be that I guess. He said he has a younger brother in team 2 after all.


    I know that this is a difficult, so a favor that makes no sense at all. But right now, I dont have anyone to ask this of. So please.


    I lightly sighed and took out two horses from the manual.


    Hah? Monster?


    He stepped back a few times after getting surprised by the two Agentaya Mongol Horses that appeared suddenly. However, as I got on the horses back he opened his mouth with a flustered expression.


    Is, is this a horse?


    Cant you tell by looking.


    It looks like a monster thought.


    He slowly approached the horse.


    Ah.


    He got surprised by the horse blowing from its mouth and retreated. It was understandable since the Agentaya Mongol Horse was 1.5 times bigger than normal horses.


    On top of that, it had a horn like a unicorn and sharp teeth. It was fierce and had no fear.


    If they fought properly then Park Chan-hyeong would win but he probably cant help getting scared.


    Get on.


    Yes?


    Didnt youe here to ask me to save team 2?


    Are you helping?


    Park Chan-hyeong rushed toward me as if picking a fight.


    We struggled for a while thanks to him getting kicked by the horse hoof but well.


    I wasnt nning on abandoning team 2 in the first ce.


    The thought that Chungho Group had to disappear was a shared opinion between me and the government team.


    If I was going to get rid of them anyway it was better to attack now. It hurts the most when hitting the back of the head after all.


    Also, another thing, I was quite greedy for the items I could get from the Chungho Group.


    The reason I refused Son Arams request was because I didnt want to leave the impression that I listened to requests without payment.


    Also, it was possible to get caught up in annoying things if I got connected to the government.


    If they told me to cough up all the items dropped by the Chungho Group I was the only one losing.


    It was more profitable to move on my own.


    Two horses ran through the forest. Park Chan-hyeong wasnt used to horses but he was holding out somehow. It was made possible by the physical abilities of a hunter that far exceeded that of a nor persons.


    But, will it be fine with just us two?


    Why did you request of me something that wouldnt be fine?


    Because I was desperate.


    Its fine.


    It seemed like Park Chan-hyeong wanted to say something more but maybe because it was difficult to talk while riding the horse, he didnt ask anything more.


    After riding for an hour or so I could start hearing the sound of gunfire. Seeing how they were still shooting, it seems the battle hasnt started for real yet.


    Guns were only used for preliminary advantage in a battle between hunters anyway. It was a lot harder than one would think to kill hunters wearing armor and in a formation.


    However, after a momentary silent period a battle cry soon followed.


    The battle cry that would be heard clearly even though there was still quite some distance left.


    Park Chan-hyeong couldnt endure and opened his mouth.


    How many do you think there are?


    Im not sure. If they gathered to battle team 2 of 1,500 people they will at least have more than that.


    I was thinking there would be at least 2,000 and at most 3,000.


    If I was the one leading the Chungho Group, against the government team whose movement path was known I would surround them from far away and slowly enclose them.


    I would make it so that not a single one of them could escape and ask them to surrender.


    It was only possible to negotiate with the Korean government by having captives.


    If they annihted the government team here then the next one to appear might be Lee Hui-seung after all.


    I had to go disturb the enemies before that could happen. If its after the battle ended then I wouldnt be able to do anything.


    Hah!


    I lightly kicked the horses waist. The horse that understood themand started running faster.


    Park Chan-hyeong clung to the Agentaya Mongol Horse that was running as fast as a car on a road while clenching his teeth.


    I see it over there!


    The forest suddenly became sparser and a open area appeared. The majority of the trees were already cut down and were forming a wooden fence while several thousand hunters were attacking it.


    Defending using a wooden fence was a great idea in any case.


    Since the government team had to move around all the time, since doing such a thing each time would eat up the hunters stamina it wouldnt have been an easy decision to make.


    However, they had been able to hold out until now thanks to that.


    Masses of fire hit the wooden fences. The wooden scraps that turned into charcoal scattered everywhere.


    Smoke and dust, and the Chungho Group marching forward through that gave off the feeling of watching a tense war from the Middle Ages.


    It was difficult to tell which side had the advantage right now. However, it was a fact that there seemed to be more people on the Chungho Groups side and it seemed certain that it wouldnt be possible to block them using wooden fences.


    Hup.


    Park Chan-hyeong took in a deep breath. It was due to being extremely nervous.


    What should we do now?


    You want to protect your younger brother right?


    Yes.


    There is something that you have to do.


    Yes? What.


    Chan-hyeong opened his mouth with a strange look on his face.


    I summoned the monster army from the manual instead of replying.


    I thought it would be a bitcking with just 101 of them so I put in half of the items I had on me. I let loose 600 monster all at once.


    Chan-hyeongs face became pale white and then started bing blue.

 Chapter 136

    Chapter 136


    Ah what in the world.


    He, who was on the horse, couldnt continue his words. He was looking at the monsters that were lined up and bustling without breathing.


    I got off the horse and started stroking the Giant White Tiger at the very front that was exuding his power as the leader.


    He growled lowly while showing his teeth. Chan-hyeong breathed in while getting terrified.


    To think he would get that surprised.


    This guy is pretty cute though.


    I patted the Giant White Tigers cheek a couple of times and indicated the battle going on at the open area.


    I didnt have to worry about it not understanding.


    Because I at least checked that the summoned monsters properly understood and moved at mymand several times.


    The ones attacking the wooden fence is the enemy. Dont forget and bring all of their corpses here.


    Roar!


    The Giant White Tiger raised its head and roared loudly.


    Following that, the 600 or so monsters also started crying all at once.


    The line of sight of the hunters that were fighting all came here. Due to that, although it was only a moment the battle was stopped for a bit.


    Please convince the government team 2 and have them fight with the monsters. It might becking with just these guys after all.


    So I have to go into that for now I see.


    The wooden fences made around the open area was surrounded by the Chungho Group.


    It would normally be something that one wouldnt even think of trying to prate that. However, if the monster army started actively moving then there will be a gap that appears that we can slip in to.


    Then please get going.


    Park Chan-hyeong kicked the bottom of the horse he was riding.


    The horse neighed loudly and ran like the wind.


    Ahh! What are you doing?


    Behind him who was screaming, the 600 monsters started running as well.


    It looked like Park Chan-hyeong was the one that was leading the monsters.


    I also took a horse and ran after them.


    The Chungho Group was thrown into chaos at the monster army that suddenly came swarming.


    Park Chan-hyeong seeded in squeezing through a gap to pass through.


    I knew for the first time that the Agentaya Mongol Horse had such great jumping power.


    It lightly jumped over an almost 3 meter high wooden fence.


    Either way, it was important that Park Chan-hyeong could convince team 2 to fight the Chungho Group.


    It was because it would be impossible for 600 monsters to chase away all several thousand of the Chungho Group members.


    If those guys didnte out then I was nning on despawning the monsters and retreating.


    There was no reason to fight if I took a lose after all. And if it went like that then the one that gets doomed is government team 2.


    This meant that the fate of team 2 was dependent on Park Chan-hyeongs talking skills.


    Hah!


    I went to the forefront and ran in parallel with the Giant White Tiger.


    It did look cooler to ride on the tiger but there was the problem where it couldnt fight properly while riding it. Since there was a person on its back its movements would be limited and its speed decreased as well.


    It was a situation where even one stronger monster was needed so I decided to be satisfied with riding the horse instead.


    The monster army attacked the back of the Chungho Group and charged in like a wave.


    The enemies got confused as to where they should attack and the monsters that got in through the gaps started tearing down their formation.


    Ahh!


    Monsters are!


    Mother!


    I could hear the dying screams of the hunters all around.


    I also cut down the Chungho Group members by sending the Dancing Sword.


    Every time the Aura de covered Dancing Sword danced, at least one Chungho Member copsed.


    I went around in arge circle around the wooden fence like that clearing up the Chungho Group.


    Even if they were individually hunters formation became greatly important with this many numbers.


    The Chungho Group that got attacked from behind were being attacked from the front and back now and started retreating in a chaotic way.


    Sweep them all!


    From the monsters that attacked from above the ground, under the ground, and from the sky the enemies scattered like ants.


    It was important to cut down their moral in the beginning. The Chungho Group was also a gathering of veteran hunters.


    They werent people that were scared of monsters. They did fall into chaos because of the sudden situation but I was sure that they would soon reorganize and counterattack.


    This side had the advantage at least until then. And if we start getting pushed back, then government team 2 will not want toe out at all cost.


    I made the horse run faster as I rampaged through the enemies.


    The Dancing Sword danced around as it scattered light.


    The battle ended in a more boring way than I thought. I dont know if it was Park Chan-hyeongs persuading ability or if that side was quick in deciding but when it was barely 10 minutes since the monster army started attacking the Chungho Group the wooden door opened and hunters came pouring out.


    It was a difficult process to make the monsters move so that they dont meet the government team but it wasnt that difficult to control that monsters that listened to my every order.


    We didnt chase after the fleeing Chungho Group this time around. It was because they werent running away in a disorderly way but while keeping formation.


    In such a situation I would only see a loss if I sent the monsters.


    Instead, I mobilized the monsters to gather all the corpses of the Chungho Group members. There were quite a few that had dropped items in that time.


    I had been moving to earn a profit while government team 2 was ted with their victory.


    The number of dead enemies was around 1,000. I wasnt able to get all the equipment they dropped but as I got most of it I was able to collect a total of about 1,500 items.


    100 monsters had died so there were currently 500 of them remaining.


    In other words, I had invested 100 items and got 1,500 items.


    It was said that war was profitable but this wasnt just profitable, this was a huge profit. I had gotten over 2,000 items with just two battles.


    The manual was slowly reaching its limit. I was wondering when I would fill all 1,000 slots but it was now almostpletely full.


    It was only fine for now since it could infinitely stack items of the same type, otherwise it would have overflowed a long time ago.


    The monster as well only numbered a few dozen types despite their numbers so they didnt really take up much space in the item list.


    I thought that I would have to summon them forcefully if it became full.


    I was ordering like that when my phone rang.


    Looking at the name it was Soo-ah.


    Yeah. Why?


    [Are you alive?]


    Then who do you think the one on the phone with you is.


    [Thats good. I called you several times before as well but you didnt receive them at all you see.]


    Did something happen?


    [Something happen you say. Isnt that side more of a problem? It was quite chaotic though? Especially government team 2 where monster suddenly appeared and turned intoplete chaos]


    Concern could be felt from her voice.


    Perhaps I should have contacted her in the middle.


    Theres not much of a problem. Also, the monsters were spawned by me.


    [Yes? The monsters that seonbae oppa spawned are all here though.]


    I newly spawned them. I did use some items but it was increased several times over so dont worry.


    [I dont worry about that kind of thing. You have to use it when you need to. So when are youing back?]


    After I clear things up here, ah. If its fine with you guys how abouting to the government team 2s base? Since the Chungho Group is prowling around it might be dangerous.


    [Yes. I will try talking with everybody first.]


    After exchanging a few more words we ended the call.


    I was nning on calling over my party members for now.


    I didnt think that the battle with the Chungho Group would be over with this. In such a situation, it was definitely dangerous to leave my party members alone.


    If they think that they cant win then there is a high chance that they would use guerri warfare. If that happened then the main target would be the normal hunters that were hunting separately.


    Even if the level of my party members was high and even had monsters escorting them, it was difficult to know a persons fate.


    I will have to dy going back.


    It was important to find ruins as well but right now, taking care of the Chungho Group was more desperate.


    If the government team had taken care of it well on their own then I wouldnt have had a need to butt in but it looks like it will be difficult on their own.


    Also, the by-products that dropped here in the war was a lot more profitable than I thought.


    It was a profit that I wouldnt have been able to earn if I had participated in the government team from the beginning. It did feel like I was being a bit sly but well I think Im taking as much as I contributed.


    If it wasnt for me, then government team 2 would have been annihted today or would have be tools for negotiation as prisoners of war after all.


    After collecting all the items, I rode the horse to the wooden fence where the government team 2 was.


    I had to get the horse back from Park Chan-hyeong for now and I was going to receive credit for what just happened too.


    p.


    Lets control my expression. Control my expression.


    I lightly pped my face to control my mind.


    Even if they won the war, it probably wasnt like the government team didnt have any casualties. There was no need to go around greeting them with a smile in such a ce.


    The hunters were collecting the items that I had not been able to collect outside the wooden fence.


    Shame. Thats all money too.


    A hunter that recognized me on the Agentaya Mongol Horse opened the wooden fence door.


    I lightly greeted him with my eyes and went in. Inside the wooden fence was a not so wide area where 1,500 people were having a break while calming their excitement.


    Over here!


    Park Chan-hyeongs voice could be heard. He was waving his hand at me in front of a ratherrge tent.


    A middle aged man that seemed pretty old was looking at me from the side. Was that person the leader of team 2.


    Name : Eum Yeong-hyeon


    Equipment : Obliteration Axe (7) , Rugged Tree Stump Armor (6) , Mirror Pendant (5)


    Skill : Battle Cry (7)


    Definitely looked quite strong. That was a level where he could definitely win against Wee Oong-bee.


    The additional essory was a level 5 and he was overall at a level where he could be called a level 7.


    I got off the horse and ran towards Chan-hyeong.


    Thank you very much. Thanks to you my younger brother was safe.


    What happened to younger brother by the way?


    Hes recovering since he got an injury. Its not arge injury so you dont have to worry.


    Please you this just in case.


    I handed him a Wound Cure Potion. After the two battles I got arge amount of consumables so it was fine to hand over one like this.


    I had over 20 of the hard to find Cooldown Reset Potion. The number of Wound Cure Potions was in the three digits.


    What is this?


    Its a recovery potion. If one drinks this a regr injury can be healed.


    Th, thank you. To give even such a thing.


    Its not free so please pay for itter.


    I tried getting credit for no reason. Even if I didnt say so Chan-hyeong seemed like he might even offer a liver at this rate.


    Please dont worry. I will do anything as youmand.


    Well, it was better the more people there were. If he went together with team 2s Jang Moon-bok then he might be useful.


    He didnt seem like he had a bad personality and I was a bit good at reading people so this kind of guy had a hard time backstabbing. If anything, he would be the one that gets backstabbed.


    Are you the one that brought the monsters?


    Eum Yeong-hyeon who had approached at some point stretched out his hand.


    I had shaked his hand with light feelings but I could feel him put in great strength into his hand.


    I smiled lightly and put in a bit of strength.


    Squeeze!

 Chapter 137

    Chapter 137


    Yes. I heard that you had all been in danger. Im thinking that Im d that I wasnt veryte.


    Hm I see.


    His expression was stiff. He was probably trying not to show it but it should hurt quite a bit. Why did you challenge me to a battle of strength.


    I had power that wouldnt lose out to a level 10 hunter. Unless onepletely armed themselves with skills that increased power and such equipment, it would be impossible to win against me.


    In the first ce, there werent many people that could match me in my base stamina and strength but the Effort skills buff is considerable as well after all.


    I saw his face crumple up a bit and let his hand go. If it was this much, the greeting was done.


    After finishing the hand shake Eum Young-hyeon suddenly startedughing.


    I encountered a mishap after recklessly testing a hero huh.


    Yes?


    Sorry. Mypetitive spirit rose after seeing a person that made the several thousand Chungho Group members fall into chaos with his own strength. You get more childish the older you get.


    He was unexpectedly broad minded? I thought he had a nasty personality since he suddenly challenged me to a strength fight.


    Either way, thanks. I survived thanks to you. To be honest, I was thinking that I might die here you see. Although I didnt say it to my subordinates.


    Even if it wasnt for me it would have been possible to win since General Eum is here.


    Now now. The ttery is enough with that. Then, should we talk about the specifics inside?


    Eum Young-hyeon showed us into his tent.


    The inside was considerably wide and a map of the key areas was hung on the wall.


    He opened his mouth after sitting on a circr chair.


    The Chungho Group did retreat but a fair amount of their troops are still preserved. Do you have some kind of n for that by any chance?


    I dont know anything about tactics. I was just lucky this time around too.


    This young friend is humble. I never saw such a scene in my life you know. A monster army of that size right, theres something I want to ask.


    Please.


    What happened to the corpses of the Chungho Group members? There werent that many left.


    Among the 1,000 dead, most had been returned to the void and evaporated.


    The ones left was only about 100 or so.


    Monster need to be fed too.


    Hm.


    The change is expression was quite a sight. Of course, it couldnt be helped that it was ufortable for a person.


    Ah. Sorry. I have a physiological antipathy towards monster after all.


    Its fine to not apologize for each and every thing. I would have done the same thing after all.


    He carefully opened his mouth.


    In that case the items as well.


    They were probably eaten as well.


    As expected!


    Is there a problem?


    No. My life was saved by you so I can definitely yield that much.


    It seems hes thinking that its certain that I have collected it. It was the truth too. But since he said he wont cause problems about it Im only thankful about it.


    Well, that topic is over now, can you tell me about the monsters?


    I obvious predicted that question.


    People that summoned spirits and used them were rare but existed, there were also skills to tame wild animals. However, there was not a single person until now that could control monsters.


    Either way, the battle has been won so he would have to report how they won so it was obvious that he would be curious about my ability.


    I had also already decided my answer to that.


    Hide a few things and say a few things honestly. It was something that would surprise people but as always it was curiosity that would disappear like a sh of light. Hiding it in a poor manner would be a bigger problem.


    Tamed monsters disappear if they die. Their food is usually items. If you dont give it to them then the binding will be gone and will rampage.


    The lies I was said with a serious face were being written down by him.


    I felt a bit sorry but it wasnt like I could say everything as it is after all.


    So theres something like a restricting conditions?


    It does exist but I would like to refrain from saying that.


    Certainly, its like exposing yourself after all. My curiosity builds up as I get older.


    He was simr in age to Manager Kim so wasnt it a bit early to say that he was old.


    Then again, most hunters retired before they became middle aged.


    Its said that really sessful people have a method of maintaining their physique by having more skill slots.


    They said that there are rare skills that prevent the aging of the body or return the body to how it was at its prime after all.


    Since Lee Hui-seung also has a body that seems like hes in his thirties it cant be aplete made up story. That guy is already almost 80 you see.


    After a few more questions were exchanged Eum Young-hyeon extended his hand once more.


    I will put your name in the report in a cool way so look forward to it. There might a good bonus from the government.


    I wont have any big hopes.


    Maybe if there was something they could lose but theres no way those scrooges would use money after the problem has already been solved.


    I didnt have anything to lose either anyway. I was already feeling full just looking at the item list. If it was this much it was enough for me to y around for the rest of my life.


    For now, I should buy a new house. I was busy until now so I couldnt think about expanding my house but since I should be able to live freely for a while.


    Seonbae oppaaa!


    Soo-ah flew towards me with great force. It wasnt a metaphor, she was really kicking the sky.


    Is this some kind of body m.


    Ahh!


    Soo-ah who hit the ground head first let out a scream. Why did you dash at me so noisily. I might have epted you if you did it moderately.


    Wow. Thats just wrong. We met after such a long time.


    It hasnt even been a day.


    Is, is that so? I thought at least a week passed. Heehee.


    Whatever. The other people.


    Theyre waiting outside. There might be a fuss if they see monsters after all.


    Well, the people that need to know already know. Just tell them toe in.


    Yes sir.


    Not long after Soo-ah called, my party members came through the wooden fence. Dozens of monsters wereing in in a line behind them so onlookers came in droves.


    Wow. Isnt that a Milworm? I almost died because of that once.


    Me too. This scar was from getting bitten by a Milworm.


    Bullshit. If you got bitten by a Milworm it wouldnt be a scar but losing an arm or leg.


    Seriously. Im saying that its the truth so why arent you trusting me?


    You should say words that can be believed to be trusted.


    Exmations came out every time a monster passed by.


    That sound climbed to the maximum as Edward passed by.


    It wasnt an exaggeration to say that he looked like a prince riding a white horse as he slowly came in on a horse.


    The exmations of female hunters could be heard.


    Wow. Isnt that oppa amazing?


    Isnt he a celebrity? He looks really good though?


    Whats so good about a guy that looks like the brother of a prostitute Women really dont know anything.


    Tell me about it. Its not even winter so whats up with that coat?


    The res full of jealousy poured down on him at the same time.


    Hm?


    The guys that matched eyes with him retreated a bit with a twitch.


    Dont get red faced. You bastards.


    I let out a sigh as I despawned the monsters.


    The sightseeing was enough with this much.


    Despite having the horse despawned, Edward stayed in the sitting position as he slowlynded on the ground.


    I could hear the sound of the female hunters copsing.


    Should I say that his every move has elegance to it. Hes like a leech that rolls around in the house without doing anything but once hees out he poses like that.


    The fact that it even works is something that makes my stomach turn over.


    Urg. Party leader. Why did you suddenly despawn them.


    Jang Moon-boks group had fallen off the horses and were rubbing their bottoms.


    Since the original party was all riding in the van Jang Moon-boks group were the only ones that suffered.


    Ah. Sorry. I didnt know that you guys were riding as well.


    I could only see Edward posing after all. I did feel a bit sorry.


    After ending the parade that wasnt really a parade we entered our assigned tents.


    The inside was pretty wide but it couldnt bepared to the van so it was decided that Jang Moon-boks team 2 and Park Chan-hyeong would stay there.


    It wasnt easy to trace the surviving Chungho Group members.


    The outstanding recon members had died before this battle and the ones left were all battle members so it was impossible for them to find the traces of the Chungho Group.


    I tried flying a few eagles but because they all got shot down by arrows there wasnt much of a gain.


    I was thinking about sending the Milworms but there was no way of knowing where they were doing what. It wasnt like they could talk and the only thing they could do was dance around by shaking this way and that way and vomiting the monsters they ate.


    Thetter was something they did for Han Joon-suk saying that it was a present. The person himself was happy but the rest of us that were watching from behind almost vomited.


    In such a situation Park Han-bum came forward.


    The tracing techniques and outstanding camouge ability that he learned during his soloing period was decent for figuring out the Chungho Groups movements.


    The only worry was sending him on his own.


    Will you be okay? It might be dangerous. There can be hunters above level 7 among them too.


    Park Ham-bums level could be seen as around 5. He did have a level 6 bow but the other items and skills including the essories were level 5 after all.


    All you have to do is attach a hunting dog to me.


    He pointed at Kelby that Yeon-gyeong was hugging.


    I inspected Kelby after receiving him from her.


    Hells Guard Kelberos (0)


    Growth Points : 53


    Special Ability : Grows by using items as food. Grows more the higher the level of the item. Does not die. Can gain additional abilities by growing.


    Additional Ability : Can eat monsters.


    His growth points had reached 53 at some point. He had gone around as a monster level among level 3 monsters when he was at around 40 so since hes a bit over 50 he should be seen as being simr to a level 5 or 6.


    However, it was not enough to use as a guard.


    I opened the item list and poured out all the broken items that have been piled up until now.


    Dozens of items fell and roll around on the ground. I started thinking that it would have been worth quite a bit if they were in good condition.


    Park Chan-hyeong and Jang Moon-boks teams eyes went wide.


    Chan-hyeong opened his mouth.


    This. Are these all items?


    Theyre broken ones. Things that you can only get the price of the metal.


    However, it was seen as everyday food for Kelby.


    Eat it all.


    Woof!


    As I put Kelby in front of the broken items he started diligently chewing on the items. Perhaps he thought it wouldnt be enough with his small figure, his body grew bigger as he ate.


    Kelby ate away the items like he had been starved for a week. It was quite a bit but I could see the items disappear in mere moments.


    Looking at someone else eat somehow made me hungry as well.


    How about we eat something as well?

 Chapter 138

    Chapter 138


    It seems they were slowly preparing dinner outside as well.


    However, there was no way that the group rations that came out here would be delicious.


    We took out the ingredients prepared in the van and cooked simply outside of the tent. Of course, the cooking was done by the cook Jang Moon-bok and I only watched.


    I could still hear Kelby eating away at the items.


    His eating speed was pretty fast but it seems its still taking quite some time as the amount is significant.


    Where did you learn how to cook?


    Ah. I was originally a cook.


    Jang Moon-bok said. I was thinking that his way of using his hands wasnt normal, it turns out he was working in a rted job.


    Thinking about it, Cho Young-gu and Han Joon-suk also worked in the cooking field. Were they not able to cook because they were part of the fried chicken business I wonder.


    Isnt it difficult to find fresh ingredients outside? It would be difficult to make it taste good.


    I have a secret know how you see.


    Heughed and poured the powder in arge container into the pot.


    Wait. Isnt that ramen powder?


    Do you have proof?


    Kuk.


    The powder in the container had all disappeared already.


    However, there was bound to be some left even if it was poured out.


    I sweeped up the remaining powder and put it on my tongue.


    This is ramen powder.


    Cheh. I got caught. So do you hate it?


    No, do you have more? I seriously like ramen.


    There is a lot if you look in the blue box in the van. As expected, its ramen for a Korean.


    With the tent as the center, a savory smell of synthetic seasoning spread.


    Kelbys proficiency surpassed 60. This guys maximum size was also 2 meters high to the shoulder.


    His current figure was more like a huge doll than a short limbed beast. He was coiled up in Yeon-gyeongs bosom and fallen asleep.


    Ah. Im so jealous.


    I woke Yeon-gyeong up and sent Kelby with Park Han-bum. She opened her mouth with a worried look.


    It should be okay right?


    If its about Kelby you dont need to worry. He cant die anyway.


    That true but.


    Probably cant help worrying even if you know that.


    The next day.


    Park Han-bum who returned had located the Chungho Groups general location.


    The location was a hill about 10km away from here.


    He said that they were hiding by digging underground tunnels. For 2,000 or so people so fit underground, it was certainly impressive.


    It was probably not something made recently but something that had been made over time. It wasnt something that could be done in a few days after all.


    If it was like that, then it would have been difficult to find them even with dozens of eagles. Nothing can be seen from above after all.


    With this, we have an idea of how they create their bases. It was also the reason why it was difficult to figure out their location.


    The Chungho Group was preparing before the government team came.


    The government team did their own preparations but it was insignificantpared to those guys. There was a difference starting from the desperation.


    Soo-ah held her tongue.


    They want to live here so badly, cant we just let them live here?


    This is the problem with women. Do you even know how dangerous it is if the back is lost while the enemy is still in the front?


    Manager Kim butted in while clicking his tongue.


    Like Manager Kims hair? Its aplete annihtion if you lose your back hair while you dont have any front hair.


    Why are you bringing my hair into this?


    Eh. Its just aparison. Comparison. Dont you know metaphor?


    To think a difficult word like that woulde out of Soo-ahs mouth. Even I didnt know if that word was right.


    Manager Kims way of expressing it was a bit overboard but its not wrong. Its like that when thinking about the number of Chinas hunters. Also I said this before but no matter how much crap Manager Kim says just dont mess around with his hair.


    Yes. Im sorry.


    Soo-ah bowed down to Manager Kim. At that, Manager Kim got flustered and waved his hands.


    No, it can happen The team leader is just being too sensitive. Dont worry about it.


    Right? Seonbae oppa does have a fussy spot.


    Yeah yeah. He originally had a weird personality.


    They suddenly got along and started dissing me.


    Maybe I unconsciously frowned but the two started fake coughing and closed their mouths.


    Did I have such a fussy personality? Wasnt it not?


    I think that Im more normal than Soo-ah whoes into someone elses home and eats everything.


    Well. Whatever. When did I ever care about such things.


    The Chungho Group had almost doubled from their original 3,000. It was unimaginable how many more would rush in. They are basically saying that they would just keep a line at the front and hit from the back.


    It was something possible because of the sheer number of hunters China had.


    No matter how superior our hunters were, the numbers had to be matched to some degree. If the ones with ability fight in the front then the back will be a fight between the weak guys but we severelyck in that area you see.


    We had to eliminate the Chungho Group as fast as possible and block off their route of entering.


    But theres something Im curious about.


    Cho Young-gu said.


    What is it?


    How on earth are the Chungho Grouping in?


    Wasnt it confirmed that they wereing in through fishing boats?


    It was all said before. This guy.


    But how were the fishing boats able toe here without any resistance. Even if its short distance, the sea is home to many monsters that we do not know about.


    Of course, Cho Young-gu was right. The reason the fishery went out of business was because of the sea monsters in the first ce. Maritime trade being impossible was because of them too.


    It had already been decades since the maritime business got annihted after boats weighing several tens of thousands of tons sunk while crossing the ocean.


    However, the answer was unexpectedly simple.


    They are crossing over while risking their lives. Its not like they will be attacked with 100% certainty after all. It can be seen that they are being attack one or two time out of ten so on the other hand, they are sessful eight or nine times out of ten so there was nothing preventing them.


    The reason toe here while doing all that is.


    There are too many hunters in China. While the dungeons have disappeared, now is their most desperate of times.


    Ahh. I see.


    I nodded my head as I finally understood.


    For now, I decided to talk to Eum Young-hyeon about eliminating the Chungho Group.


    If it became a cooperation then my share would decrease but I was nning on yielding this time around.


    Team 2 needed to earn something as well. If I yielded now then there would definitely be profitter.


    The hunter worlds neighborhood bes smaller the higher you go and connections be as important as ability you see.


    Since hes a normal level 7 hunter and is middle aged, he is bound to have quite a few connections.


    Is it there?


    Eum Young-hyeon said. I nodded my head.


    We had currentlye out first to inspect the enemy territory.


    The soldiers were standing by in a ce 3km away and I had spread the monsters to eliminate the guards.


    The hill had holes everywhere like an ant hill with soldiers hiding in each hole.


    It was hidden well to the point that it couldnt be seen easily with the naked eye.


    I can feel the presence of people inside. They number about 2,000.


    Park Chan-hyeong said. The reason for bringing him was to grasp the unseen base. There were many uses for the Detection skill.


    2,000 you say That means all of the ones that ran away are here.


    Eum Young-hyeon said while stroking his beard.


    I think it would be better to ambush them before they notice whats going on. If the numbers are simr then this side has the upper hand after all. We can see it as a good chance.


    Eum Young-hyeon nodded at my words.


    We immediately began marching forward once we returned to the base.


    Once we arrived at the enemy base, we found that the hill waspletely empty.


    What happened?


    Eum Young-hyeon said while confused. There could be many reasons. We might have been caught by recon members or there could be a traitor on our side.


    Seonbae oppa, look at that.


    Hm?


    Soo-ah gave me the phone. Government team 2s movements were all being made public on the Hunter Market site.


    We are currently on our way to get the Chungho Group. If this goes well Ill buy everyone pizza.


    Lets line up ahead of time.


    Lets line up ahead of time (2).


    Wont they run away after looking at this?


    You think they will have people that know Korean?


    You trying to fuck things up? Wont you be punished if the n fails?


    There were dozens ofments under it. Because it was on the popr threads page, if the Chungho Group checked the bulletin board there was no way they wouldnt know. I was thinking that this was worrying but it seems it actually got caught.


    In the end, Eum Young-hyeon exploded.


    Get the bastard that put this up!


    While he was shouting like that a phone call suddenly came.


    Eum Young-hyeong who had received the call while boiling with rage suddenly had a stiff expression. I got a bad feeling.


    What happened?


    Team 3 has lost.


    I really didnt know why things were happening left and right.


    It made me feel like it was something of the past that Korea was the strongest in raids. I sighed thinking about what would have happened if it wasnt for me.


    Block the ambush for team 1, strike the back while team 2 was getting destroyed, and now I had to be the savior for team 3?


    What in the world happened?


    It seems they were even at first. Then the teams that were holding the backline suddenly started running away and the morale plummeted and got taken down just like that.


    Eum Young-hyeons expression was bitter. Listening to the story, it seems like the decisive factor was the discontent towards the alternative service team making three different teams.


    It was a situation where they would have broken up even without Han Jung-hos urging.


    They didnt have good attitudes and there were also many conflicts that we couldnt see. There was the case of the alternative service workers who had a higher average level treating the normal hunters like servants. That is why they were separated but they still had their abilities so I thought they would fight well to some degree but to think they would run away.


    He let out a long sigh after saying so.


    The situation was really bad. Of the 2,000 alternative service workers, the ones that were able to run away alive were 500. The rest were surrounded and isted.


    Checking the additional information, it seems government team 1 that went to help got isted with them.


    The good thing was that they werent caught as captives. It seems the Chungho Group is seeking to negotiate with our government instead of needlessly increasing the number of casualties by rashly fighting.


    The thought of lieutenant Son Aram shed by.


    I tried calling her a few times but her phone was currently off. If the Milworm I put on her was still doing its job then it might still be underground.


    In such a situation, it was probably impossible to call her before that. There was no choice but to wait for now.


    It might be a good thing. There would be no need to do these kinds of small scale battles if a ceasefire happened through giving them some of thend.


    It flowed towards the direction that Soo-ah had said before. Giving them a part of thend and having them hunt only there. However, my thoughts were different.


    Chinese hunters will keep pouring in. There is no way they would just keep hunting in their designated location. The battle will be ignited again and if they try to push in from there then it will be several times more difficult than now.


    However, you know as well that theres no other way.


    That is the problem.


    The two let out a deep sigh. Methods of mobilizing the entire monster army also had its limits.


    More than anything, the Chungho Group currently had the power topletely wipe out team 3.


    If they were attacked halfheartedly then it would just cause problems when negotiating.


    Right. By the way.


    Eum Young-hyeong continuously sighed and continued talking.


    It seems the team 3 hunters that ran away areing this way.


    They sure are shameless. What, are they asking us to at least give them food.


    That not it, it seems like they want to cooperate with our team to rescue team 3.


    If they were going to do so then why did they run away in the first ce? I cant understand.


    They ran away and they want to fight together now?

 Chapter 139

    Chapter 139


    I am known as Storm de An Gyu-bum. A level 8 hunter.


    It seems that it was true that people get calm instead if they be too surprised.


    He didnt look any different from when he was contemting whether he should kill me or not. The smile on his face was the exact same as the one in my memory.


    Well, not even half a year passed since then so how much could be possibly change.


    Either way, this guy was in alternative service work as well?


    Level 8 on top that. What the hell did he eat in that time.


    Name : An Gyu-bum


    Equipment : Sword of Judgement (8) , ck String Armor (5) , Resilience Gaiters (7)


    Skill : Martial Arts of Death (8)


    His equipment and skills were no joke. There was no way he could have leveled up by hunting so he must have used a lot of personal money.


    How much money did their household have I wonder. If the equipment and skill was converted to money then it would add up to about 100t.


    To be able to invest so much money on their child, they either had to be the owner of argepany or an incredible hunter.


    Eum Young-hyeon opened his mouth.


    I am called Eum Young-hyeon. Im a bitcking but Im leading team 2. How is the situation going right now?


    Team 3 and team 1 are currently isted. There were too many enemies so we couldnt even fight properly. I have also barely escaped.


    It waspletely different from our information. He was probably making things up as he wanted. It was possible to know the specifics from Son Aramter.


    So I hope shes alive.


    Eum Young-hyeon nodded his head.


    Is that so. Since you must be tireding all the way here, go rest for a bit and then well talk about rescuing team 3.


    Lets do so then. Is there a ce we can rest?


    We have put up some tents outside the wooden fence as sudden as it was. They are few in number so it will be a bit tight but its an emergency situation.


    There were about 50 tents at the ce Eum Young-hyeon pointed at.


    An Gyu-bums eyebrow twitched.


    Its too few.


    Our side has decreased it by as much as we can so the situation is the same. Please understand even if its a bit ufortable.


    How much do you need?


    What?


    Eum Young-hyeons expression crumpled up a bit. An Gyu-bum opened his mouth again.


    Im asking how much it is for each tent. Its too difficult for people like us to sleep in such a narrow ce you see.


    Thats not something thats sold. Thats why endure it even if its a ufortable.


    Hah. Truely an old fogger that doesnt understand words.


    An Gyu-bum unfolded his arms and talked with an arrogant tone.


    I couldnt stay still and took a step forward.


    Do it moderately. Everyone is enduring the difort.


    The guys standing next to An Gyu-bum held their swords against me.


    What is this all about?


    He is not a person that the likes of you can talk to.


    The one holding the sword towards me said.


    It was a female hunter called Jeon Min-jeong. Level was 6. Age seemed to be in the middle of the 20s.


    Seeing how she was sending some pretty sharp force to me it seems she wasnt raised with just the level of the items.


    Now now. All of you stop. Theres no need to fight among allies here. I will try my best to send more tents.


    Eum Young-hyeon quickly mediated.


    Why was he being so soft?


    General Eum.


    This is the time to have even one more helping hand. There is no need to have a conflict about small matters.


    It seems youre finally understanding words. Then I will trust you and leave.


    A dark smile was stered on An Gyu-bums face.


    He turned to leave with his group when he suddenly seemed to remember something and look at me.


    Was it Jung Sang-min?


    !


    He was remembering my name?


    I thought he didnt recognize me.


    You remember me?


    You can be proud. I remember you quite well you see.


    He was a pretty amazing guy. How overblown did his ego have to be to say such things.


    I will send you an additional 20 tents.


    Itscking with just that though.


    More than that is impossible. The people on this side will need a ce to sleep as well.


    As Eum Young-hyeon came out strong, An Gyu-bum stepped back as if there was no choice. Of course, he didnt forget to say a few more words.


    You could have just slept on the floor.


    Then what about you guy? I was going to rush in while saying so but Eum Young-hyeon held me back.


    I couldnt endure and opened my mouth.


    Why are you being so good to them?


    Dont speak nonsense. Its good to be good to each other.


    Theyre just children though.


    This bastard saying thoughtless remarks!


    Jeon Min-jeong pointed her sword at me again.


    An Gyu-bum lightly restrained her and opened his mouth.


    Why is he being good to us you say?


    I understand that you guys have a lot of money. But this is a battlefield. We are all exhausted. There is no reason for you guys to get preferential treatment.


    How much support fund do you think the government team is getting. From who do you think all that ising from?


    What do you?


    What they eat, what they wear, and what they are sleeping in is all from the money from us.


    Dont mess around. Thats from the government.


    How much do you think the government has to be able to pay for several thousand hunters? You are all only here to support us. In simple words, youre all people that have been hired to be our hands and feet.


    What nonsense.


    You think Im lying. Then ask yourself. That guy is quite high up so he should know what he should.


    I turned my head to look at Eum Young-hyeon. Looking at his expression, I didnt hear the answer to know.


    An Gyu-bum lightly tapped my cheek and opened his mouth.


    If you want to even receive a single penny then dont spout bullshit and do as youre told.


    Sorry but.


    I strongly held An Gyu-bums hand.


    I dont get money from here you see.


    Crack!


    Arg?


    You dare!


    A spear came from Jeon Min-jeong who was standing nearby.


    I let go of An Gyu-bums hand and swung the Bloody Sword to deflect her spear. (<em>Kyle: No idea why its suddenly a spear.</em>)


    Kuk.


    She kept in her moan as she retreated. The level 7 Bloody Sword was powerful even without covering it with Aura de.


    An Gyu-bum was considerably flustered.


    What happened? I remember you being a porter?


    The world is good today you see. I became a hunter fortunately.


    Fortunately? The skill book you took that time?


    You really have good memory. Thats right. I got all the way here thanks to that.


    Kuk. Its only a level 0 skill book!


    An Gyu-bum took out his sword. It was a level 8 sword. It was scary that bloodthirst was pouring out of it but I didnt think the current me would lose.


    However, there was a thought that caught me.


    Wouldnt the other hunters be affected if I smashed this guy here?


    The reason these people were here was because of the extra pay but wouldnt they be unable to get even that?


    Since they stamped the contract by thew so they will have to pay up. But if they gave this and that excuse then it wasnt difficult for them to dy it.


    I did think would they really do such a thing but it was possible. The more money one had the more they didnt the smallest things and take revenge after all.


    I normally wouldnt contemte on such things. However, I quite liked General Eum and the team 2 he led. Enough to think for their good.


    Enough!


    Eum Young-hyeong interfered with good timing. However, An Gyu-bum didnt look like he was going to stop.


    Instead, he swung his sword to intimidate him.


    Old man. Dont interfere. I will kill that porter today.


    p!


    Eum Young-hyeon bitchpped the guys cheek. He hit him so hard that his entire body shook greatly.


    Wow. Amazing.


    Kuk?


    I was already pissed off that a young bastard was speaking informally A deserter should act like a deserter and return after seeing the situation, why are you acting high handed?


    As the person suddenlypletely changed, the ones behind An Gyu-bum got very flustered.


    They all had faces saying huh, this isnt it though.


    Even if they looked strong they were only in the middle of their 20s.


    They had no choice but to flinch if a guy like General Eum came out strong.


    However, there was a guy that wasnt like that as well.


    It was An Gyu-bum whose cheek had gotten red.


    Old man it seems you want to die?


    p!


    Kuk?


    Looking at General Eum who pped him without a hint of hesitation felt extremely refreshing. To the point that I started thinking if it was okay to do so. However, it was true that it was refreshing.


    This.


    p!


    What was surprising was that he who was a level 7 hunter waspletely overwhelming the level 8 An Gyu-bum. As expected, level wasnt everything in a fight. No matter how good your equipment was, it was of no use if you couldnt hit the opponent.


    After An Gyu-bum had gotten hit a few more times like that, he grinded his teeth and red at him.


    I wont forget this.


    Do so.


    At this point, wasnt he a being that could be respected?


    In the end, An Gyu-bums group had no choice but to retreat while dejected. I was a bit worried about the future.


    Is it okay?


    You created this situation so why are you saying that to me?


    The one that hit him wasnt me but you General Eum.


    If I didnt hit him then you would have no?


    That is so.


    It would be bad to block the future of a young friend already. Its better for me to take it all on.


    To be honest, it wasnt kindness that wasnt necessary for me.


    However, I was quite moved that someone that wasnt really rted to me had risked a danger for me.


    You dont need to look at me with such a hot gaze. It was the same for me that I didnt like those guys. I was only concerned about whether the other hunters could properly receive their payment. Well, since such a thing happened its difficult to say whether any wille out though.


    Its fine to get that much by destroying the Chungho Group. But Im not sure if those guys will willingly cooperate.


    An operation guidance came down from above.


    While the National Defense Department was asking for a negotiation they will contact the Chungho Group to stall for time. In that time, team 2 and the deserters will cooperate to rescue the isted allies.


    If that is too difficult, rescue team 3 as first priority.


    Also that additional support would be difficult.


    Han Joon-suk who heard that let out a sigh.


    Its difficult.


    The estimated number of the Chungho Groups current force was about 5,000. It meant that we had to somehow rescue the isted ones with only the troops here.


    The ones isted were a total of 2,500.


    This sides troops were a short of that at around 2,000 but if we worked together then it wasnt something impossible.


    But unless the Chungho Group were idiots, they would have put an eye on us. If it looked like we were going to attack then of course the negotiations would be gone.


    In the end, there was no choice but for a small group of elites to move for this operation. The majority would be left here while a group of strong hunters would open up an escape for the isted allies.


    It was a dangerous operation.


    Manager Kim opened his mouth.


    Is there a reason for us to do this?


    There is lieutenant Son Aram in team 1.


    Even so. Cant you at least keep me out? I wont have much to do as a crowd controller.


    Old man. Were one team. If we live then we live together, and if we die then we die together.


    Soo-ah put a hand on Manager Kims shoulder.


    Hey. I have a child.


    If Manager dies then I will take good care of you.


    Urg. You would do very well.


    You dont need to worry so much. Even if the operation fails, there is a method to get out safely.

 Chapter 140

    Chapter 140


    Thats good if its like that then.


    If it really got dangerous then we could just get on the van and push through. To make it stop they had to be at least a level 6 hunter and I could take care of that.


    Manager Kim also nodded in the end.


    I looked around at my party members.


    In this time operation, team Delta will be ying a leading role. It would be difficult for the government team to move actively after all. There is the possibility of a person inside in league with the Chungho Group and there are guys putting up threads on the bulletin board as well so we are the only ones that can move without being caught.


    Seonbae oppa is eye catching though.


    Soo-ah held up her phone and showed it to me.


    There was a thread with the title A Monster Army Destroying the Chungho Group.gif.


    The content was a short video. It was a video of monsters sweeping through the Chungho Group with the Giant White Tiger at the very front.


    Also, it was just a moment but my figure also passed by. The face couldnt be seen clearly but it was enough for those that know me to recognize it.


    There is someone riding on the horse right?


    Wow. I see this kind of thing for the first time.


    Amazing. I cant see well cause the face is too small but who is it? Is it someone famous?


    Im in team 2 and I saw that person for a moment. It didnt seem like a famous person. Seems to be a new recruit.


    The appearance of a super rookie huh. There werent many of such people these days right?


    At that level, I dont think even level 10 hunters can win?


    No no. A level 10 would kill those all alone.


    Yeah. Have you never seen a video of a level 10 hunter? There should be one where they kill over a hundred monsters on their own.


    Didnt that get deleted?


    Yeah it got deleted. The person asked to take it down. Its a person that doesnt like being famous.


    It seems a level 10 hunter really was great. Seeing how its said that they can win against a total of 600 monsters.


    Certainly, even I thought that it wouldnt be impossible. Even the strongest was a level 5 Giant White Tiger and no matter how many of those attacked it wouldnt be able to scratch a guy with level 10 equipment.


    It would be like a bunch of flies swarming.


    That was also the dignity of a level 10 equipment that cost 100t at the lowest. For such people, killing low level monsters didnt matter.


    I returned the phone to Soo-ah.


    Its fine since my face isnt well known yet. Also, just because our team leaves doesnt mean were going to go save team 3 after all. We werent part of the government team in the first ce too. There is a bigger problem than that though.


    What problem?


    Its a bit of a personal problem.


    An Gyu-bum was cooperating in this times operation.


    It would be a shame to throw away the support of a level 8 after all.


    The only saving grace was that General Eum wasing with us. I was thinking that things would work out even if the guys from team 3 had a nasty personality if he was here.


    The reason the event yesterday stopped at that point was because Eum Young-hyeon had cut down their vigor right from the beginning.


    An Gyu-bum had only retreated because Eum Young-hyeon had quite a few years on him and had a pretty high rank. If the opponent was me, then he would have fought until one of us died.


    Are we going as well?


    Jang Moon-bok held up his hand. I nodded my head.


    Team Delta is moving so obvious.


    As my words ended, the members of team 2 started murmuring.


    Hey! He says were going as well!


    Really? Werent we getting left here?


    Are we doing something big for real.


    I dont want to die though.


    Then you can leave.


    Who says Im leaving? Can I not even talk?


    Hey hey. Quiet down a bit. Theyre having a meeting.


    Team 2 quieted down at Jang Moon-boks words.


    Since they were too low level to take part inbat I was thinking about leaving the patrol to them. There was a very low chance for them to get tailed if they ride on horses and it was possible to scout from far away using the eagle so it was possible to do their part rtively safely.


    The number of people in the operation was 41.


    It was 20 people from our team and elites chosen from among team 2 and 3.


    If we moved in such arge scale there was a possibility that we would be eye catching so we came out in the middle of the night.


    After walking quickly for an hour or so, we took a short rest.


    In that time I summoned a horse for each person. An Gyu-bums expression crumpled up.


    Are you telling me to ride this?


    If you dont like it then run.


    Your words are quite short? (<em>Kyle: Saying that hes not talking politely.</em>)


    He growled. However, I was not the person I used to me. I had no need to and no reason to get scared.


    If it wasnt for Eum Young-hyeon then you would have already been dead.


    What about General Eum? Ah. Youre scared of getting again?


    This bastard.


    I could see him on the verge of raging. This guy was definitely a different type from Song Han-sol.


    If Song Han-sol was psychopath thenpared to that this guy was just a middle school syndrome patient? Looking at how he was cowering because of General Eum, it might have been a type of bluffing when he was trying to kill me when we first met.


    Of course, it wasnt like I was saying he was a good guy.


    A rock thrown as a joke is a matter of life and death to a frog.


    That guy is probably that type.


    Come to think of it, there was another guy.


    Why is that girl not with you? She seemed to be your girlfriend.


    .


    Did you break up?


    Dont irritate me any further. I will really kill you.


    Yes. Undoubtedly.


    I shrugged my shoulders and turned back. Seeing how he says that he will kill all the time it seems its just a habit. That Jeon Min-jeong or whatever girl was scarier.


    Even now she was ring at me from behind An Gyu-bum. Her eyes were full of bloodlust. Should I say that her eyes were that of a person that killed before. That girl might be An Gyu-bums guard warrior.


    Could the girl from before have been something like that as well?


    She was really beautiful.


    What are you thinking about? Me?


    No, just that guy.


    I indicated An Gyu-bum who was in a word and ring battle with my chin. Soo-ah nced at him and whispered to me in a low voice.


    Do you know who that is?


    Of course. Storm de.


    I got goosebumps after saying it.


    To attach a title to himself that makes one cringe. Those were usually for when someone gets some great achievement or gets attached by a famous person as a nickname. Should I say that it wasnt something that someone makes but someone that is created naturally.


    For example, Lee Hui-seung was Hunter.


    It was a one and only nickname for him from the fact that he was the first hunter. It was just turned into a normal noun from that. Wasnt it amazing?


    I wonder if I still have the sign that I got from Lee Hui-seung.


    I asked for it to be kept safely, although mother hated it.


    Seonbae Oppa?


    Ah. Sorry. I was just thinking about something else.


    I reminiscenced for the first time in a while.


    Lee Hui-seung had a lot on influence on my wanting to be a hunter you see.


    That person is the grandson of the GE Group.


    Hm?


    I got surprised and looked back at An Gyu-bum. If it was GE then it was a world famous electronicspany.


    The phone I was holding was from there too. I was wondering where he was from to have so much money. To think it was the richest family in Korea.


    Really?


    Yes. He came out from time to time on TV. Hes pretty popr too because hes good looking. He came out in the news when he was going to the army too.


    I didnt know. Because I didnt watch the TV back then. I only used the inte to look at hunter rted information so there was no way I would know about such things.


    That kind of guy went to the army?


    The alternative service isnt really the army.


    I also did the alternative service you know.


    Of course, a hunter going and a porter going was different. Those guys were pretty much just going to work from their house and spending time there.


    Thats why famous celebrities made it a must do to get a lot of money and buy items to go to the alternative service.


    Of course, you needed at least 2b to get a proper set of level 3 items. It was something impossible unless one was a top ss celebrity.


    Its sometimes said that the money is paid for by the agency. I wasnt interested in that area so I didnt know the specifics.


    Soo-ah opened her mouth.


    Either way, it became big news. A rich familys son goes to the army. Well, that kind of thing. There were many girls that fell in love with him when he cried before going to the training institute.


    Somehow this girl seems to know too much?


    You as well?


    I dont like that type. Looking too good is ufortable.


    In other words, I didnt look that good.


    Soo-ah hurriedly continued talking.


    Of course, seonbae oppa is an exception.


    You dont have to explicitly say it. I also know that I dont look that good after all.


    Thats not true. You look really good. I asked Yeon-gyeong because I thought that my eyes were weird but she said its like that too.


    Im not a person that would fall for that kind of soulless answer.


    Haha. I was this old so how would I fall for that kind of lie.


    Seonbae oppa, the end of the mouth isnt going down.


    Hm? No, this was because the weather is good. There hasnt been weather this good in a while.


    Yesterday had really good weather you know.


    If I say so then just take it like that.


    I swung a chop towards Soo-ahs forehead. Of course it didnt hit. That girl was too fast.


    41 Agentaya Mongol Horses ran through the forest. Since dozens of horses were running the noise was pretty loud but since we were running while having dozens of eagles surveying we wont get caught that easily.


    Even if we were caught, since the number was small they wouldnt think that we were from the government team.


    It took about a day to walk from government team 2s base to team 3. However, it was a distance that could be traveled in 2 hours on horse.


    A lot of time had passed because we waited for it to be night so we ran without rest.


    An eagle cried while circling.


    It seems we have arrived at our destination.


    Lets walk from here on out.


    After getting of the horses, we surveyed our surroundings while carefully moving.


    Ambushes or patrol units were confirmed with Park Chan-hyeongs Detection skill. It was possible to detect an enemy just from breathing in a 100 meter radius, and chattering could be detected from an entire 1 km radius.


    More than that was impossible because many disturbances would mix but that was enough for now.


    Park Chan-hyeong quietly held his hand.


    There are two people lying in ambush in the 11oclock direction.


    I will take care of it.


    An Gyu-bum stepped forward. Eum Young-hyeon shook his head and pointed at me.


    He tried to say something in anger but he soon calmed his rage and let out a sigh. There was no way he didnt know that the operation would end in failure before it even began if getting rid of the patrol units failed.


    He was at least a guy that could distinguish the time and location I see.


    I nodded to Eum Young-hyeon and slowly moved. Soo-ah stuck to me.


    Quickly. We cant give them time to scream.


    Yes. Seonbae oppa.


    Soo-ah stepped on midair and went up on a tree. I also used the Dancing Sword and moved carefully.


    As expected, it was better to attack from the sky if we wanted to do it stealthily.


    A low exmation came out from behind.


    I ignored it and flew forward about 20 meters and saw two hunters quietly breathing behind a tree stump.


    I matched sights with Soo-ah and summoned the Bloody Sword. Soo-ah also took out the Agility Longsword that she originally had.


    The sword sliding on the sword sheath made a small sound.


    Damn it.

 Chapter 141

    Chapter 141


    Whats that sound?


    The hiding hunters looked around.


    Soo-ah and I didnt wait and immediately jumped down.


    Urg!


    Krg!


    We closed their mouths to prevent them from making noise andid them down.


    Thankfully, we were able to finish it before they could call theirrades.


    Im sorry.


    Soo-ah bowed down.


    It was a situation where we could have gotten caught but it went without a problem. It was difficult to get that close without getting caught in the first ce.


    Its fine since it worked out.


    As we took care of the patrol members, the rest of the group carefully approached. I could feel An Gyu-bum persistently staring at me. Why was this guy like this again.


    Who much is it?


    What is?


    The item that lets you fly in the sky. I will give you as much as you want so sell it.


    I was wondering what it was, so it was about that. Certainly, it was right to say that there was almost no item that could allow movement in the air. That kind of item was rare to the extreme so it wasnt even sold often in the market.


    1t.


    Truly preposterous.


    What is it. That expression that looks like its looking at trash.


    This is the market price.


    The Angel Shoes Soo-ah was wearing was a level 6 new item. The Delta Store was only open up to level 5 so it was an item that couldnt be bought even with any amount of money.


    That was why 1t was a reasonable price.


    Of course, there was some margin added to it.


    Some added because hes the grandson of the GE Group, some added because he tried to kill me in the past, some added because I wasnt feeling good right now.


    It wasnt like we had a good rtionship and since a guy I didnt like wanted something that much was cheap.


    Quiet. We are proceeding like this.


    Eum Young-hyeon shhed and put his index finger on his lips.


    Going forward a bit more we could see the surroundings get brighter. There were hunters going around here and there holding torches. Looking down from atop a tree it was possible to see Chungho Group hunters sleeping with only a nket without a tent.


    There was a ring of light several kilometers in radius made of campfires and torch lights. Which probably meant that the government team was isted inside of that circle.


    There did seem to be the advantage that it was easy for the government team found it easy to block attacks because their base was on a high ground.


    Even so, there was arge difference in numbers. If they wanted to then they could annihte them in an hour.


    Our target was to create an opening and rescue the government team.


    The number of monsters I had was a total of 511. If I let all of these loose and pushed through from one point it wasnt difficult to get through the siege.


    The problem was after that. Even if a road to the top of the hill was made the Chungho Groups numbers were overwhelmingly higher. It was only a matter of time before the retreat route was closed up.


    It meant that going in was easy while leaving was difficult.


    On top of that, the majority of the monsters were level 1 or 2. Thinking about the level of the Chungho Group hunters each monster would be able to do the work of 1.5 soldiers.


    In other words, they would be able to take down about 800 with them.


    The chance of winning in head on collision was slim.


    Thats why the prepared was to look one way and row another.


    For now, Delta Team 2 will circling around to the other side. If we give the signal they will begin attacking with part of the monster army.


    While the enemy was focusing on the other side I would go in on my own while the defense was low.


    After that, I would summon the rest of the monsters to prate the siege.


    The siege that had to be prated twice only had to prated once so it could be said that the difficulty was much lower.


    Soo-ah told the specifics of the operation to team 2. She had gotten quite good at doing that kind of thing now.


    Listen up. There is no need for you guys to strain yourselves and fight hard. Just control the monsters from behind and immediately retreat if it gets dangerous, got it?


    Yes. Elder sis.


    Jang Moon-boks group nodded their heads. While they were moving to the other side with the monsters, we took a break.


    They had to do well.


    They will do well.


    Han Joon-suk said. This guy, he had to fix his habit of reading peoples thoughts.


    Is that so?


    They were doing their part even when party leader wasnt there. Their abilities werent bad too.


    That was good then. I think it was fine to say that my luck was good since the troublesome guys that somehow rolled in were more useful than I thought.


    A whileter, a message came from Jang Moon-bok.


    We have gotten into ce. We will attack as soon as you give the order.


    The preparations werepleted for now.


    Begin.


    I finished writing the message and pressed send.


    At that, the Giant White Tigers roar resounded. As expected, a tiger was the best in aggro.


    The sound of swords and shield colliding could be heard from all around.


    I could see the hunters that were sleeping hurriedly get up and get their gear.


    Dozens of hunters passed by the tree we were hiding in.


    After ten or so minutes had passed, Park Chan-hyeong opened his mouth.


    Its now.


    I stepped on the Dancing Sword and jumped into the air. A lot of the troops had left but there were quite a few troops left.


    However, they were all tense because of the battle happening on the other side.


    It would have difficult to get through if it had been day though. I quickly passed by each time the moonlight was blocked.


    From here on, there was at least 500 meters until the top of the hill. It seems the trees between the Chungho Group and the government team were all cut down and were used to create a wooden fence for the government team.


    It was a difficult thing to run that distance while not getting spotted.


    Its an enemy!


    But even so, I got caught too quickly.


    I quickly ran up the hill. I ran at my maximum speed.


    I could hear arrows flying towards me from behind.


    I decided to keep running while trusting my armor.


    As I kept running while ignoring the rain of arrows passing by, I was soon able to arrive at the wooden fence in front of the government team.


    Who, who are you!


    Someone shouted from the top of the wooden fence. I wanted to exin slowly but there was no time for that.


    A triple jump using the Dancing Sword. I lightly jumped over the over 3 meter high wooden fence and got into the base of the government team.


    I did get caught but I was able to sessfully get in.


    Its the Chungho Group. Kill him!


    Ahhh!


    And spears flew in from all around.


    At least check who it is before attacking.


    As I moderately took down several attackers, dozens holding swords came at me.


    In a situation where the situation was getting worse, I found a face I knew.


    It was Kim Jong-oh. It was the shield user I beat up at government team 1.


    Hey! You! You know me right?


    Huh? You bastard! As expected, you were a Chungho Group member!


    No thats not it.


    Did I act like I knew him for nothing?


    Please wait.


    At that moment, Son Aram came squeezing through the people.


    I did think that she would be alive. But still, seeing her fine like this made me sigh in relief.


    Why did you not answer my phone?


    Im sorry. I lost it while running away.


    Either way, its good that youre alive.


    Its thanks to this guy.


    As Son Aram tapped the ground the Milworm popped up from the ground.


    She stroked it with movements that were still awkward.


    I almost died a few times but I survived thanks to this guy. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.


    Son Aram bowed down deeply.


    I thought that it was a good idea that I put him on her.


    But how did youe all the way here? The surroundings arepletely blocked. Ah. Is themotion outside by any chance.


    I came in the time they were upied to some degree. We have to leave immediately. I will be needing to talk with the government team leader.


    Yes. Please follow me.


    ***


    There would no other choice besides that right now.


    The leader of government team 1 nodded his head at my words.


    The problem was team 3.


    National Defense Department Alternative Service Section Chief Joo Sae-yoon.


    He was the one that was currently leading team 3. He showed concern at my opinion with a face full of wrinkles.


    Isnt it too dangerous?


    It is possible if all forces arebined.


    Its not like we never thought about trying to prate the siege. However, we gave up because we determined that it was too dangerous even if it did seed. What changes just because you alone are added?


    So simply said, its something like who are you to butt in is it. Normally, I would have left this guy whether he died or not but it was a situation where I needed the power of even this kind of guy so it couldnt be helped.


    There was no choice but to show him to be trusted.


    What if I wasnt alone?


    What Are you saying that someone else hase in here?


    I headed to therge vacant lot in the wooden fence instead of replying. After making the people get back and prepare arge area, I slowly started summoning monsters.


    Huh.


    Joo Sae-yoons face that was surprised at first started turning into astonishment and then fear.


    As the Giant White Tiger opened its mouth wide like it was yawning, the people retreated like a tide.


    Wha, wha, what is that!


    They are my summoned beings. There are over 500 of them. If we move with these then we can definitely break through.


    It wont be dangerous right?


    My children dont bite.


    Is, is that so?


    Joo Sae-yoon carefully extended his hand to the Giant White Tiger.


    Ahhh!


    Ah. Please dont touch him. Hes ferocious.


    You said it doesnt bite!


    Joo Sae-yoon shouted looking at his half disappeared wrist.


    That was also bitten as a joke so if it had been bitten seriously then his hand would have disappeared.


    The entire government team stood standing by in front of the wooden fence. There was resolution on the expression of the over 2,000 people. Jang Moon-bok had already swept up the enemy base and retreated.


    I put all the civilians like Son Aram and people that got injured and couldnt run on horses.


    There werent enough horses so two people had to ride on one. In severe cases there were three on one.


    I thought that it wouldnt work out like this so I hurriedly summoned more horses. There were still plenty of items so I had no problem getting more horses.


    After putting them all on horses I got on the Giant White Tiger. I considered riding a horse but I thought that it would be intimidating to be on the Giant White Tiger.


    I did not do so to look cool.


    Finally, I put an eagle in the air. It will tell us the direction the least number of them are. I stroked the Giant White Tiger and opened my mouth.


    Lets go.


    Roar!


    A roar that shook the forest came out from the base. The powerful forceing out of 500 monsters spread to the surroundings.


    Some hunters lost strength in their legs and copsed.


    Get yourselves together. You guys.


    The Giant White Tiger ran, destroying the wooden fences door.


    Behind it the monster army and the government team hunters further behind it came pouring out.

 Chapter 142

    Chapter 142


    Damn it! What is that!


    Its monsters!


    Block them!


    Where did everybody go!


    Damn it!


    As the terrifying monster army ran down the hill with the Giant White Tiger leading them, the Chungho Group troops hurriedly drew their swords.


    Thanks to Jang Moon-bok ying an active role, the siege was not as tight. If we got stalled even for a moment then hunters will soon gather and it will be difficult to push through.


    I took out the Dancing Sword and sent it flying in the air.


    The Dancing Sword was originally incredibly heavy. A weapon that used kic energy rather than sharpness to destroy the enemies.


    Aura de was coated on the Dancing Sword that had such destructive power.


    The Dancing Sword reached its peak.


    The Dancing Swords power when it strikes down from up there might be the most powerful attack I have right now.


    Also, that strength is something that even I cant imagine.


    With the sound like that of a missile flying, the Dancing Sword stabbed into the middle of the enemies.


    Boooom!


    Boom!


    The ground turned over and trees got pull out from their roots. Boulders shattered and dust shot up into the air.


    The scattering boulder pieces and tree splinters. Dust and dirt. And human limbs.


    In a moment, dozens of people met their deaths. The blood formed a small stream.


    The Giant White Tiger ran through that devastating scene.


    Kuhuk!


    Kuk!


    Ahhh!


    The ones that luckily survived got stomped under the monsters and became pounded rice cakes. Would the ones scream while vomiting blood ever have imagined that they would meet their ends at this ce?


    Blood sttered on my face. I red fiercely as I swung the Dancing Sword at the ones blocking the way.


    The lethal sword that moved as if there was a string attached to me cut armor and shield like it was paper destroying everything.


    However, the Chungho Groups counterattack wasnt formidable either.


    They threw their lives away to block the path of the monsters. Where they guys that jumped in this persistently?


    Around the time the Giant White Tigers steps started getting slower.


    Boom!


    Explosions rang out from behind the Chungho Group.


    We have waited a long time!


    Eum Young-hyeons voice could be heard.


    Our allies who had been standing by had started firing as support. Han Joon-suks Dragon Killer burned the enemies as it spewed fire.


    Manager Kims Sleep spell knocked out the Chungho Group members that wereing as support while Yeon-gyeong was continuously firing arrows like a storm.


    An Gyu-bum was also cutting down the enemies from behind. He looked rather timid, possibly due to not being familiar with interpersonal battle but he was doing his share.


    This way!


    Cho Young-gu turned on his shield barrier and opened the path. Finally, Eum Young-hyeon holding an axe jumped into battle.


    The Chungho Group held their weapons towards him who had suddenlynded in their midst.


    At the moment I was thinking that it might be dangerous, Eum Young-hyeons body bended back like a bow.


    UAHHH!


    A battle cry that could dominate the battlefield full of several thousand hunters rang out.


    My ear drums were ringing. It was to the point that my head felt dizzy even though we were quite far apart.


    What is Kuk?


    Cough!


    Kuaak.


    Dozens of hunters that were surrounding Eum Young-hyeon suddenly started copsing with blood spouting out of their entire body.


    This was not a normal battle cry.


    The soundwave itself had physical power and fried lives. I couldnt help being surprised because I thought it would be a technique that raised ally morale since it was a battle cry and all.


    Amazing.


    An exmation came out unintentionally.


    That was literally a skill that killed all humans in a certain area around him.


    I realized that I had incorrectly drawn a line on his level.


    Even if it was a level 7, a technique could perform greater than that. Level was not absolute and one could show might greater than their ability.


    I had always face higher level enemies and yet I couldnt grasp his exact level.


    I had thought that An Gyu-bum had back away from Eum Young-hyeon even after getting humted because of manners towards an older person or because of his position as the leader of team 2.


    However, thinking about it, An Gyu-bum was the heir to argepany. There was no way that a mercenary team leader of 2,000 would have a higher standing than An Gyu-bum.


    An Gyu-bum had instinctively felt it. Eum Young-hyeons level was much higher than what could be seen on the outside.


    It was only level 7 but there was no method of blocking that attack that used soundwaves. It wasnt something that could be solved by blocking ones ears.


    The soundwave itself had physical power that would prate the skin and shake up the internal organs after all. Even armor could not help.


    Even I wouldnt be able to block that attack properly if I was within its range. Of course, I had the Dancing Sword so I just had to swing it from far away but I would have been done in if I didnt know about it beforehand.


    Putting it that way, the manual really was great. It meant that I would be able to have the advantage of knowing the opponents specific information before fighting them.


    This wasnt the time for me to be nking out.


    Hah!


    I took that moment to my advantage as I charged forward with the Giant White Tiger. I asked the monsters to fight more actively.


    At that, the monsters that were in a wedge formation instantly scattered and indiscriminately started biting the enemies to death.


    Ahhh!


    Everyone run away!


    A hole was finally created in the Chungho Groups siege. Even if it was a small number, with people that possessed powerful skills and equipment in the front and back it was instead as if the Chungho Group was surrounded.


    Looking that the ones that built up courage to attack and die in vain, the Chungho Groups low level hunters running away was a matter of course.


    It was an overwhelming battle.


    The monster army finally prated the siege and came out. Following them, the over 2,000 government team also got through the siege.


    Run! You bastards! You die if yourete!


    An Gyu-bum who was waiting there shouted.


    I didnt know why he was being like that when he barely did anything. Either way, it wasnt like he was wrong.


    If they didnt match the speed the monsters were running at they would be left behind. The hunters mustered all their strength to run.


    And everyone was finally able to escape the Chungho Groups siege.


    Casualties 0, it was aplete sess where there were only a few wounded.


    We escaped the pursuit by running away at full power. There were too many enemies to fight as it was.


    We seeded in slowing them down by sacrificing a few monsters and the hunters were able to enter the base safely.


    It took 2 hours to leave but it took a full day to get back.


    Phew!


    Soo-ah sprawled in the van and let out a deep breath.


    We came rtively easily because we were on horses but the hunters that came on their own two feet were lying down here and there and resting.


    Son Aram quickly went around distributing nkets and people that had some strength left got up their bodies that wouldnt move to get some porridge.


    I left my party members to rest for now and headed to the temporary conference room. I, who had better stamina than most people, was better off.


    We have to retreat.


    Eum Young-hyeon said with a strong tone. The government team that had split into 3 hadbined into one once again.


    The remaining troops were about 4,800. It was a wonder that there were less than 200 casualties in the ambushes of the Chungho Group but it was certain that the current situation was a losing one.


    Government team 1s leader Lee Min-sung nodded in agreement.


    The problem was Joo Sae-yoon. He was a 3rd ss government official belonging to the National Defense Department and he himself was a level 6 hunter so he was strongly suggesting counterattacking.


    We have figured out the Chungho Groups total power throughout several battles. They have used all kinds of dirty tricks and we took how much damage? We have confirmed that they only have numbers and dont have much else to show so why are you so scared as to want to run away.


    He was speaking informally with an overbearing attitude to the other team leaders from the beginning to the end. Eum Young-hyeon and Lee Min-sungs expressions were stone stiff but they couldnt express any particr discontent.


    It was a situation where the de facto government team leader was him.


    He continued speaking.


    The damage is only 200. And most of it is the normal hunters thatck ability. Im saying that the alternative service members that can be seen as the main force is almost without damage. And you want to run away without being able to do anything? Are you really nning on doing so? Are you people really hunters of Korea?


    Then he started muttering to himself that they have be scared of the Chinese bastards.


    What was this guy talking about. Did he not even remember thanks to who it was that he had barely survived after being isted?


    There was no way the two leaders didnt know. But they also said this and that reason to state that it was wrong. However, Joo Sae-yoon maintained the same attitude the entire time.


    He even started saying that Eum Young-hyeon and Lee Min-sung, who had grasped the situation properly, were traitors of the country.


    At that point, I couldnt endure any longer and opened my mouth.


    Do you really think that you can win them?


    You keep your mouth shut. Do you really think this ce needs your opinion?


    What?


    Joo Sae-yoon red at me. He had an openly despising attitude.


    Did this guy have amnesia.


    Who do you think it is that.


    Let us stop.


    At the moment I was going to stand up Eum Young-hyeon spoke. He had said it to Joo Sae-yoon, not me.


    This friend here has plenty of qualification to be here.


    That is for me to decide. In the first ce, isnt he someone that didnt even move with us from the beginning and is a normal hunter? I think that it is suspicious as to why that guy is suddenly meddling here. You all know that things started getting tangled from the point this guy appeared.


    Wow. I was about to be sick. Was this guy also thinking that I was a spy from the Chungho Group I wonder.


    I didnt know how his head could only process like that.


    I realized that I had no reason to hold back.


    If I was a spy then I wouldnt even have tried to save you people. I would like it if you knew thanks to who youre alive.


    Where do you think this is you bastard! How old are you?


    Joo Sae-yoon shot up from his seat and grabbed my cor.


    Augh came out on its own. How old he say.


    Is that all youre curious about? If it was me then there would be a lot more to askk.


    Urk.


    Joo Sae-yoon sent a punch. I grabbed that punch with ease.


    Squeeze.


    Urg.


    He red at me with bloodshot eyes. It wasnt really scary even if he red at me like that though.


    Section Chief Joo! What are you doing!


    Eum Young-hyeon interfered without being able to hold back. He didnt even use honorifics anymore.


    In the end, the conference came down to nothing with no specific conclusion.

 Chapter 143

    Chapter 143


    From then on, Joo Sae-yoon ostracized me without hiding it. It was difficult to grasp the exact reason.


    Was it because he had a grudge from the Giant White Tiger biting his hand? Did the leader of a team have that small of a mind?


    No, it didnt seem like it was that simple of a reason he was angry at me. Of course, his pride would have taken a hit. However, he himself should know that it was thanks to me that he had survived. There was definitely a reason he was trying to push me away regardless of that.


    Also, there was a person I could ask this about right next to me.


    Han Joon-suk fell into contemtion and slowly opened his mouth.


    Probably. Its because he doesnt want the credit to be stolen.


    The credit?


    Joo Sae-yoon section chief is a government official. If hepletes this work then his road to a higher management seat would open up. Since An Gyu-bum is here on top of that he would want to look good. Thats why he wants to make this expedition a sess. Also, he thinks that he should take the greatest credit in leading the government team to victory.


    Is it for such a reason that hes ostracizing us?


    Even so, no matter how one looked at it there was a visible difference in military strength. It was proven through several battles that if the government team fights without me then they inevitably struggle. Is he so blinded for victory to ignore that?


    He probably knows himself that it is unreasonable. However, it is something that must be done from his point of view. Even if this expedition was sessful, if that was spread as being thanks to team Delta, no, party leaders abilities then there would be doubts about his abilities after all. Then of course his ambitions would end there.


    However, if he fails then its not a problem of promotion.


    I felt stuffy. If Han Joon-suks words were true then Joo Sae-yoon was putting the lives of thousands of hunters at risk for just him to advance in life.


    There are people whose desire to stand above others is greater than their desire for survival after all. This person called Joo Sae-yoon is probably someone who is included in that category.


    Then theres a high chance that I will be left out of theing operation ns.


    Its only a spection. I am over 90% certain about it thought.


    I did think that I didnt like the government bastards but to entrust the lives of thousands to that kind of guy. Is there really not a single one that can think properly?


    They have been doing well for too long.


    Han Joon-suk continued as he let out a deep sigh.


    Koreas hunters were at the apex for too long. Nobody was able to keep them in check and because of that they have been drowned in conceit that they are the strongest. It was true in reality too. Thats why, no matter how much the ones that led them do as they please it didnt be a problem. Those festering problems are exploding now.


    It was so.


    The thought that the likes of China should be dealt with simply. That obvious logic had been shaken so Joo Sae-yoon had fallen into panic.


    If he put me in on top of that he wouldnt be able to keep up appearances. The rumor of me using monsters as weapons was already spreading as far as it could and if my role continued to the end, his position as the government team leader would be insignificant.


    In the end, if Joo Sae-yoon didnt end the war without me, his future is dark.


    It will be difficult as it is.


    What are we going to do.


    Well, we should do like we usually do. Did we ever do things as others told us to do?


    I thought you would think like that.


    Han Joon-suk smiled. It was a face that said that he had understood everything I was going to do.


    I couldnt help saying something.


    I always wanted to say this but. Could you not do that thing were you seem like you know everything about what Im thinking? It really hurts my pride?


    Oh, did party leader not know?


    About what?


    There is probably no one in our party that doesnt know what party leader is thinking.


    Do I really show it on my face that much? No, does that mean that Soo-ah is reading my thoughts all the time?


    That Jang Moon-bok fellow probably knows too.


    Urg.


    It was to the point that a new guy could read my thoughts.


    A sigh came out involuntarily. It started thinking that I should take care of my expression. I was still the leader of an organization, if I couldnt keep my poker face then I wouldnt have any dignity.


    Pft. Theres no need to force yourself to make such a solemn expression. That is part of party leaders charm after all.


    I dont feel happy hearing that from a guy though.


    Then you can just hear it from a girl.


    I barely prevented him from calling Soo-ah. This guy also liked ying around with me too much.


    We will leave now.


    Eum Young-hyeon who heard me had an expression of agony.


    Must you do so?


    I dont think it would help much even if Im here. It would be better not to be here than to see the suffering with my own eyes.


    I know that section chief Joo is a problem as well. I will try to convince him with General Lee so how about you wait a little longer.


    He was truly thinking that it was a shame to let me leave. However, I shook my head. In the first ce, in this organization that had the alternative service team as the main force, Joo Sae-yoons opinion was absolute.


    It wasnt weird that Eum Young-hyeon couldnt defy his words in any way.


    Rather than being put at a distance by needlessly interfering it was better to entirely be separate.


    I wasnt part of the government team in the first ce after all. If I made many achievements here then I think it will instead be a problemter.


    I understand.


    Eum Young-hyeon let out a sigh as he nodded his head. He also understood the awkwardness of the situation I was put in. My ability was greater than any other person here.


    I had the power to prate the Chungho Groups siege on my own, and I even had the intelligencework to predict the enemys ambush.


    These two things were something necessary for the government team right now. However, in a situation where Joo Sae-yoon didnt think it was necessary it didnt be a card that can be used.


    If I was deployed at that time then it would already be toote. The war situation would have turned and the damage would have piled up like a mountain. Even if they were to win in that situation I wouldnt hear anything good. He was a human being that would reprimand me asking why I didnt join eariler.


    I did not want to fight in such a difficult battle.


    I said my farewells to Eum Young-hyeon and our team finished our preparations to leave.


    Are you leaving?


    Yes. It seems Im not very wee.


    Im sorry.


    There is no need for lieutenant Son to be sorry.


    Even so. I should have done something.


    I know well that it would be impossible. Thats why there is no need to take it to heart. Right. I will leave the Milworm as it is so please use it well like before.


    I wont even leave the base though.


    Just in case. Then, goodbye for now.


    I parted with her and we started moving.


    There were even people asking where we were going. I was already a well known person here. However, I didnt reply. There was no need to cut down morale at this point.


    Ah. I just remembered that I had a ce I needed to stop by.


    Where?


    Soo-ah said.


    You know Im the type of person that cant stay still while curious about something.


    The ce I went to before leaving the base was An Gyu-bums tent.


    What is it?


    Jeon Min-jeong held her spear the block my way.


    She showed animosity from beginning to end. Wasnt this overdoing it when we even participated in battle together.


    I came because I had something ask An Gyu-bum.


    I will pass it on for you.


    There is nothing good about the outside hearing it though?


    Say it in a low voice.


    Ah. There was such a method.


    I nodded my head and whispered in her ear.


    You guys.


    Wha, what are you doing.


    Min-jeongs face got red as she pushed her spear towards me. I lightlyughed as I felt the cold feeling under my chin.


    You told me to talk in a low voice, are you saying that because you dont know how many have good ears here?


    Urg.


    There was no one here that was normal. They were at least level 3 and if you excluded the executives, there were even level 6. Would there only be one or two among them that had good ears. She also realized that and couldnt retort.


    Tell him toe in.


    An Gyu-bums voice could be heard from inside the tent.


    Jeon Min-jeong guided me in as if it couldnt be helped. An Gyu-bum was waiting for me while sitting on the bed.


    He had a good life, to have a bed in a ce like this. Where the hell was that from?


    Its an item.


    An Gyu-bum said. Everybodys reading my thoughts I see. I should really live while taking care of my expression.


    I bought it in an auction for a high price. Its an object that bes small enough to be carried around. Fatigue is relieved after sleeping on this. Jealous right?


    Not really.


    It seems to be a new item dropped from a Red Hole. It was probably dropped when it was only open for exactly a day.


    I searched on the Delta Store and found that the same item was being sold for 10EP.


    How much did you buy it for?


    10b.


    Be moderate in your money bullshit.


    You dare!


    Jeon Min-jeong held up her spear once more.


    I held the spear with one hand.


    Huh?


    There was confusion on her expression. A weapon item had a different level of cutting powerpared to normal swords. On top of that, a level 6 equipment. It was at a level where a finger would go flying with a scratch and I had grabbed that with my bare hands.


    Do it moderately yeah? My patience has its limits as well.


    Shut up.


    Veins popped up on her arms. Her strength seemed to be pretty good but it was no use against me.


    An Gyu-bum frowned.


    Leave it at that. Min-jeong, you rx as well.


    Understood.


    As she rxed first I also let go of the spear.


    An Gyu-bum opened his mouth.


    You have something to say to me?


    Its nothing big. I was wondering if there was something you knew more about the Chungho Group.


    Whats that supposed to mean?


    His eyebrow twitched. It was a expression that said he was feeling unpleasant.


    You running away from the battle.


    Do you want to die?


    If you had run away after being scared of fighting then you wouldnt even try toe back here in the first ce. That said, you ran away because of the difference in numbers? Then it didnt make sense to cooperate with us in the rescue operation. I dont think that youre a scaredy cat to that degree.


    What are you trying to say?


    Something happened right?


    .


    His expression stiffened.


    I think that there was a reason you had to leave the battlefield. Although I dont know what that reason is.


    No need for you to know.


    So there is something. I understand that its something hard to say. I will ask one more thing. Is it rted to the Chungho Group?


    Its a personal problem.


    Then thats fine.


    I said so and turned around. Thanks to him replying properly I was able to relieve one burden.


    I was thinking that the battle would be more difficult if the Chungho Group had something special that we didnt know about but since it wasnt like that for now.

 Chapter 144

    Chapter 144


    <em>J: I apologize, I forgot to post the chapter yesterday. Well, here is two today. Mrgh.</em>


    Our party settled down on top of a hill where the base could be seen.


    The reason we were standing by here was simple. We were nning on interfering once the government team and Chungho Group begin battling.


    I called my party members together and gave a run down of our n.


    The content was simple.


    Once the battle begins and some time passes, the government team will begin to lose. Once the situation seems to be a bit bad, we will attack with the monster army.


    You think the government team will be pushed back?


    Soo-ah asked. I nodded my head.


    Their individual abilities are outstanding. However, the Chungho Group has made plenty of preparations while the government team didnt. On top of that, looking at how Joo Sae-yoon is trying to do a meritorious deed no matter what, there is a high possibility they will be done in while being rash.


    The Chungho Group might do a small scale battle instead of an all out frontal battle. If it bes like that then it will difficult for us to interfere.


    What do you think the Chungho Groups number one priority is?


    Not sure. That is. To take the forest region right?


    To do so annihting the government team is counterproductive. They are trying to get as many captives as possible to negotiate. And the greatest negotiation target is none other than An Gyu-bum.


    I was able to tell by talking with An Gyu-bum. An Gyu-bum was the highest priority protection target of the alternative service team.


    If he got caught then the government had no choice but to ask for a negotiation by biting the bullet.


    Thats why they had rashly run away in thest battle.


    It wasnt hard to infer the reason he was still participating in the battle. The seat known as the GE Groups heir wasnt that easy to look down upon after all.


    Thatrgepany had dozens of potential heirs and the one with the most noticeable achievements would take the seat.


    An Gyu-bum was in a tight spot where he had to slowly step up towards the course as a heir and this battle could be the touchstone to that.


    I continued.


    Thats why the Chungho Group will do a head on collision to catch the government team as captives. To do that there is a high chance they will pick this ce, the government teams base as the battlefield.


    Afterpleting my words I looked up at the far sky. There were dozens of eagles flying in the sky.


    If the Chungho Groups movements are found then they will immediately inform me.


    The next day.


    As expected, the Chungho Group started moving.


    The enemys location could clearly be seen to us who were hiding on top of the hill.


    Yeon-gyeong had eyes full of surprise as she opened her mouth.


    How many in the world are there?


    Not sure there seems to be more than I estimated.


    My estimated Chungho Group members was about 6,000 to 7,000.


    But the number of enemies that we could see from here seemed to be much more than that. Jong Sa-won who usually didnt speak much looked around a bit and slowly opened his mouth.


    It seems to be about 10,000.


    10,000.


    It was a number that was more than 3 times higher than the original estimate of 3,000. On top of that, if the ones that died were added, then they were originally around 12,000.


    I started thinking that we looked down on the Chungho Group too much.


    Han Joon-suks expression was not good.


    This wont be as doable as we thought.


    Certainly. I was thinking that we might be able to win with rtive ease if you appropriately hit them from behind.


    I was thinking about fighting in the same method as before. We were able to divert the enemies to win back then after all. However, with this many it was not an easy thing to do.


    I started thinking that it would be impossible to win while saving items.


    Han Joon-suk opened his mouth.


    How many monsters do you currently have?


    About 400.


    I had already lost a fair number of them in thest battle. There was no doubt that they would melt down in front of a huge army like that.


    Theres too little I see.


    If I used all the items I have right now then up to 2,400 should be possible.


    You have an entire 2,000 items?


    Soo-ah looked at me in surprise.


    However, its not enough with just that.


    2,400 monsters was a massive force. Even so, it was difficult topare to the Chungho Group.


    It was because most of the monsters were below level 3. It would be possible to shake the tide of the battle for a while with the element of surprise but victory could not be assured.


    How about we just run away?


    Manager Kim said. Han Joon-suk shook his head.


    If we left the government team like this then they will be annihted.


    Theyre not even rted to us. If they lose here then the government wont stay still right. They will bring level 10 hunters or something to take care of them. If they are trying to capture them as team leader said then they wont kill them all either. Even if the forest region goes over to them its not that important to us.


    Didnt you get enraged when I said sost time? Saying that the back is uneasy.


    Soo-ah said.


    At that time. There was a chance that we could win. This time, retreating is the only answer.


    What will you do?


    Han Joon-suk asked me. This was deeply troubling. Thinking about it logically, retreating from here was the answer as Manager Kim said.


    It might be a better idea to retreat and explore ruins.


    There was no need for me to risk my life to expand the Korean borders a bit more.


    We will move as nned.


    However, I decided to charge in as it is.


    There were several reasons. Largely, the fact that the swamp region is put into risk of being taken over as well if the forest region is given; the minor reason being that Son Aram and Park Chan-hyeongs younger brother was in the government team.


    Of course, this was just an excuse.


    The greatest reason was still the fact that the Chungho Group looked like a treasure chest in my eyes. If I could pulverize them then the number of items I can get will be several times more than now.


    Urg I really think this isnt right.


    Manager Kim. So are you not going to?


    I dont know. Im only going to use Sleep from the van.


    The original party members already knew how to move as I wanted.


    I headed to team 2. Including Park Chan-hyeong who left government team 1 to follow me, team 2 had a total of 12 people.


    Jang Moon-bok opened his mouth with a trembling voice.


    Are we fighting with those guys?


    Yeah. Can you do it?


    Gulp.


    It was to the point that I could see the cold sweat flowing down. The number 10,000 was intimidating to that degree, surpassing all imagination. Its to the point that Im thinking whether I can win against them or not after all.


    I will do it.


    However, Jang Moon-bok nobly nodded his head. To be honest, I was a bit surprised. It was a situation where it wasnt weird for him to run away.


    Good. Then right now, take off all your items.


    Yes?


    You have to fight while risking your life so you cant fight in that.


    Team 2s items were all upgraded to level 4. It was only went up by one level but it can be said that it was much stronger than before.


    I had invested quite a bit. I couldnt let the ones that follow me die in vain after all.


    Thank you.


    Park Chan-hyeongs eyes glistened with tears. This guy had a younger brother in the government team so he would have fought to the death either way.


    Also, the rest of the items were used to summon monsters.


    Now the number of monsters on me numbered 2,400.


    It could now truly be called an army of monster. However, I still thought that it wasnt enough with just this number.


    However, I did not have any more items.


    If I excluded items I was using that is.


    Will you sacrifice the level 8 Hunter Greatsword to summon a monster.


    A green message appeared in front of my eyes.


    I pressed ept and chose ck Tiger as the monster type.


    A 4 meter long giant ck Tiger appeared in front of me.


    Everybody got surprised as they hurriedly got back.


    A, a ck Tiger? How?


    The one that was most surprised was Soo-ah. She had personally fought it with her sword she knew best how terrifying it was.


    I summoned it. Its a level 8.


    Wow You had a level 8 equipment?


    Yeah. My weapon.


    The Hunter Greatsword? You used that? My god. That 25b worth.


    I didnt even use it much anyway.


    My main weapons were the Dancing Sword and the Bloody Sword.


    I had determined that since the weapons performed as well as a level 10 with Aura de there was no need for the Hunter Greatsword in particr.


    Also, thinking about efficiency, a level 8 monster was better than a level 8 equipment. A powerful monster would definitely have greater presence in arge scale battle like this than a single weapon.


    Uohhh!


    The Chungho Group that surrounded the base shouted loudly. We felt coercion that made even us who were on the hill tremble.


    The base has beenpletely surrounded. It seems like theyre not letting a single one escape.


    Cant they just stall for time like this? They probably dont have much supplies left anyway.


    Soo-ah said.


    If it became like that then there is a high chance support troops woulde. Even if our country doesnt have many hunters, they cant afford to lose the entire government team after all. They might go all out and deploy arge raid team. A Mercenary level raid team would be able to wipe out that number in an instant you see.


    Are Mercenary that strong?


    They have 10 level 10 hunters after all.


    From what is known to the outside, it is true. Team Mercenarys had a total of about 5,000 people. 10 among them were level 10. If even half of them came, the battle could bepletely turned over even with a difference in numbers.


    However, the problem was that level 10 hunters did not move easily.


    Hunters at that level didnt take orders from the nation. It was impossible to move them with money too. The equipment of a level 10 hunter alone amounted to several 100b at the very least.


    They were humans that didnt even listen to suggestions that didnt give an amount at the 100b level.


    Because of that, the nation level powers had no choice but to do their best not to displease them. If they did something wrong by any chance and went to another country then it would be a huge loss to the nation after all.


    Thats why, they had to bow down to them even with them just staying in this country.


    From their eyes, this kind of fight would only be seen as a fight at the level of kindergarteners. They wouldnt even want to fight in such a battle personally.


    The only reason they would be able toe as support is because of An Gyu-bum. He was still one of the potential heirs to the GE Group and the GE Group had a raid team called Gxy Extreme after all.


    Soo-ah nodded her head.


    Thats envious. To have so many level 10s. We only have one.


    One?


    I was wondering what she was talking about and noticed she was looking at me.


    Im not a level 10.


    You have Aura de.


    With just a single skill I can bet my lifes savings that I would lose in ten seconds against a real level 10.


    Hm I dont think so though.


    Thats because you never saw a real level 10 fight before.


    Seonbae oppa has seen it before?


    Just once.


    I have seen Lee Hui-seungs battle once. There was a time an irregr appeared once while I was going to a shopping center holding my mothers hand.


    Very luckily, that person wa there. He killed the dozen or so monster with his bare hands like he was killing insects.


    Of course, the current me would be able to recreate that scene. However, I would not be able to do so cleanly without having no one in the shopping center hurt and without a bit of damage to the shopping centers structures.


    That was almost at the realm of gods.


    Either way, the one thats at a disadvantage as time goes on is the Chungho Group. Most likely tomorrow or even today, they will start attacking.


    I carefully inspected the Chungho Groups movements.


    Han Joon-suk was inspecting the enemy base since some time ago. His Optical Ruby Ring was upgraded to a level 5 unlike mine.


    Unless blocked by trees or other obstacles, he should be able to see like he was right to the ce.


    It seems they are resting for now but looking at how they are maintaining their weapons it seems they are going to go straight into battle.


    Then we should prepare as well.


    In that situation, even Joo Sae-yoon wouldnt be able to rashly go out of the wooden barricade. This ces wooden barricade was of course made more properly than the ce he was trapped in. However, it still had a limit of how long it couldst against arge scale army of hunters.


    That level of wooden barricade could be knocked down by a level 3 with a sword or spear after all. Even if the defensive wall was sturdy with two threeyers it would quickly be destroyed.


    I called Son Aram.


    Sang-min?


    The situation doesnt seem very good right now but how is the atmosphere inside?


    Its not that bad.


    It was unexpected. I thought they would be scared shitless looking at the sheer numbers.


    Thats good then.


    I think its thanks to General Eum Young-hyeon. Also, our forces have been preserved better than we thought too.


    I nodded my head at her words.


    I have been thinking that that man was doing well but it seems he had quite some ability in maintaining morale.


    If the overall general was not Joo Sae-yoon but Eum Young-hyeon then there would have been time to spare even after destroying the Chungho Group.


    Also, thinking about it another way, the government team casualties only numbered 500.


    On the other hand, the Chungho Group had about 200 casualties. Of course, that was an achievement that wouldnt have been possible without me but it was a clear fact that the basicparison of casualty ratio was 4:1.


    It seems Eum Young-hyeon had encouraged the hunters using that.


    It might be that they were thinking that they could win the enemies over two times their numbers if they relied on the wooden barricade. Of course, it didnt look like that at all from the outside.

 Chapter 145

    Chapter 145


    After about an hour of rest, the Chungho Group began attacking. For now, they werent putting in their full force.


    The government still had over 4,000 so it seems theyre thinking about chipping at their stamina by changing the ones attacking.


    For arge scale battle against hunters, area of effect attacks were the best. Magic and techniques rampaged everywhere. The fireball thatnded on the wooden barricade started a fire and a lightning attack was shot on top of it.


    A thousand arrows rained down from inside the wooden barricade. Each one of them carried immense force as they fell on the Chungho Groups base.


    Boom!


    With arge explosion, dozens of Chungho Group members got ripped to shreds. Behind them, a storm of ice was created while lightning was sweeping through the ce.


    Highly urate bows that were more urate than a sniper rifle shot into the eyes of the enemy.


    However, most blocked them with shields or armor and charged into the barricade.


    Then, the Chungho Groups melee hunters soon crashed into the wooden barricade.


    With a single collision, the wooden barricade that was made with 3 stacks got destroyed. In the end, the quickly made wooden barricade was of no use in front of hunters.


    Charge!


    Someone shouted, the Chungho Group poured in through the broken wooden barricade like a tide.


    And a blood sttering bloody battle started inside the barricade.


    Whew It makes one shiver just from looking at it.


    Han Joon-suk let out a light sigh.


    About 30 minutes into the battle, the government team seeded in pushing back the Chungho Group. In the end, the Chungho Group had no choice but to retreat after there were several hundred casualties.


    The cheering at the short victory was only a moment. The Chungho Group immediately deployed a second round of troops.


    The government team that had to battle again without rest had visibly less morale. However, it seems they thought that it was still doable since it didnt seem like they were nning on giving up the battle.


    If its like this then the timing to go in be awkward.


    The Chungho Groups message was simple. They were saying, how long can you guys possiblyst. They are telling them to cleanly surrender rather than get wiped out after getting exhausted.


    Also, that was the conclusion that I least wanted.


    I at least had to make it so that the Chungho Group cant be soid back.


    However, speaking of methods I only had the method of attacking their backs with the monster army. However, it was not a good idea to jump into the Chungho Group that had their formation up.


    If it wasnt until we couldpletely defeat them, then the loss on my side would pile up and we would lose instead of them if that happened.


    I had to make it so that they attacked with all they had somehow. As expected, it would be best to hit their backs.


    I was wondering what to do running my brain at full power when the eagles that were reconing suddenly cried out.


    What was this?


    The movements of the eagles wasnt normal. If what I was looking at was correct, then there were thingsing from dozens of directions.


    Seonbae oppa, look at this!


    Soo-ah put her phone in front of me. There, a video of lieutenant Son Aram was being yed.


    Currently, the government armys battle with the Chungho Group in the forest region is continuing. I do not want to admit it but we are in an incredibly inferior position. If this area were to be taken then there will not be an area that Koreas hunters can hunt in anymore. I will ask this of the hunters in the swamp and forest regions. Please lend us the power to defeat these people. The government armys defeat will not simply end as our defeat. It is a serious matter where from the forest, the swamp region and the entire Yellow Sea could be taken.


    Son Arams expression looked incredibly desperate.


    It hasnt even been 1 hour since the video got uploaded and it already passed 100,000 views.


    It makes sense.


    Either way, it was the first head on collision with Chinas hunters after several decades. The Chungho Group wasnt a group that their government officially recognized but it still a type of battle of pride.


    Because of that, it was pulling quite a bit of attention from not only hunters but even civilians.


    The eagles started crying even more fiercely.


    There was no way monsters woulde to this ce. That was definitely the hunters that were hunting in the surroundings gathering.


    However, they were gathering while beingpletely scattered. If they didnt have a definite center then there is a high chance they wouldnt be able to help much.


    I hurriedly summoned the Agentaya Mongol Horses.


    We had to gather those people in one ce for now.


    Wow haha, why did so many people gather here?


    I thought I was the only one going but theres a lot.


    I came to watch But its mood whee I think I have no choice but to fight.


    Does somethinge our way if we win there?


    Hey. But isnt this really dangerous?


    Then is fighting monsters safe?


    Thats true.


    Lets participate if were Korean.


    To be honest, if the forest region is taken then we dont have a ce to hunt anymore. If not for something in particr,e. If you dont want to suck on your fingers all day.


    Comments wereing up rapidly on the market bulletin board.


    Someone for patriotism, someone for sightseeing, and someone gathered to try to gather expensive items.


    Everybody didnt have a united opinion but once they were gathered they amounted to 3,000.


    It was a number that really couldnt be believed.


    Why were so many people in the forest region?


    I think the situation of theck of monsters is that severe.


    Han Joon-suk said. He said it in an indifferent way but I could tell that he was surprised as well.


    I gathered all the hunters that were gathered and moved in a single direction.


    I didnt know how I would takemand of this group that had all kinds of people but there were more people that recognized me than I thought so it was solved easily.


    That was all that to that bulletin board. There were many people that had seen me use the monster army and word went around from the people that noticed that the horses we were using were the same as the ones in the video.


    The gathering of the 3,000 hunters went well but there was a chance that this bunch of rif rafs would run away if given the time to.


    There was a good way to not give them the time to run away.


    I immediately summoned therge scale monster army and charged towards the Chungho Group. The 3,000 normal hunters followed from behind. With this, a huge army of over 5,000 wasplete. If it was this much, even the Chungho Group wouldnt be able to ignore it.


    To team up with a monster while Im alive.


    Theres all kind of weird things that happen in the world huh.


    Yeah. Even just a while ago I was fighting with that monkey.


    Murmur murmur.


    Even if they were allies, it couldnt be helped that they would feel disharmony fighting with monsters. However, although the monsters that were moving in an orderly way looked terrifying, they all seemed quite reliable.


    The Chungho Group could not attack the base anymore. They should already know about the hunters movements and they had also been beaten by the monster army before so they could be destroyed if they separated their troops.


    But if one were to ask if running away was an option, that wasnt true either.


    Over 90% of the forest region was covered densely with trees. It was normally a terrain that was easy to run away in.


    However, the story was different if the enemy was monsters. The monsters that I had summoned were optimized for activity in the forest region and the monsters that had developed senses of smell and hearing had the upper hand in the forest.


    If their backs were caught while escaping then that would be the end for them. Since they were not able to keep formation easily between the trees they had no choice but to be wiped out without being able to counter attack.


    It seems the ones in the base also noticed our movements because they started making amotion.


    How would Joo Sae-yoon act.


    What was important was his movements. If the government team came out after we charged in first then that would be the best.


    However, I was thinking that he wouldnt do so.


    He was thirsty for achievements. He was probably thinking that he had to stand out more than others somehow.


    In that case, there is a high chance he would only start moving once we start a fight with the Chungho Groups 10,000 and lose most of our troops.


    Like what I was nning on doing.


    And that would be his greatest mistake.


    The Chungho Group that had surrounded the base started breaking apart and grouping in a single location.


    It would be easier to destroy them if we hit their side but our side had our own problems.


    There needed to be time for the 3,000 hunters to settle and for them to get used to the monsters.


    For that, both sides needed time to straighten out their formations and it took two hours just to set up positions. It was impossible to use detailed tactics with a quickly formed group of hunters that were well known for not listening.


    Charging or not charging. Those were the only options.


    I got on the ck Tiger and scanned through the hunters.


    Thousands of hunters and thousands of monsters. The figure of them mixed up was a weird sight even to me. Some were even taking selfies while standing next to the monsters. Was there really no way to get these guys to not use SNS.


    Shouldnt you say something?


    Soo-ah whispered. It was right before arge scale battle.


    I have also seenmanders giving speeches to raise morale right before battle in movies and stuff.


    However, these people were hunters. No matter what I said, they were already battle specialists and so knew about battles better than many others. Most of the ones here probably had more experience than me.


    I was not a person that was standing above these people and neither was a person leading them.


    I was only a link connecting them who each had their own objective.


    Thats why there no need nor reason to stimte them with words.


    I held up the Dancing Sword high in the air.


    Everyones sights focused on me.


    Instead of a long speech, I swung down towards the Chungho Group.


    All units charge!


    Ahhh!


    *Roar*!


    A battle cry of humans and monsters got mixed and exploded out.


    Monster and hunters started running side by side.


    Some got on the monsters that they got friendly with although I didnt tell them to. There were quite a few guys that saw it and followed suit.


    Hah!


    A guy with a long spear shot forward as he kicked the side of a Longhorn Wild Boar. It felt like I was looking at a warrior from the Records of the Three Kingdoms.


    I couldnt let them get in front of me.


    I held the back of the ck Tigers neck andmanded.


    To the front.


    The giant ck Tiger flew in the air. Looking at the figure going dozens of meters forward with a single jump, the guy on the wild boar looked at me with a nk expression.


    I will kill you.

 Chapter 146

    Chapter 146


    <em>J: 14 chapters left of Kyles trantions. I hope he does not suffer too much in the army.</em>


    The ck Tiger thatnded much more lightlypared to its size continued to run forward.


    Soo-ah riding the Giant White Tiger followed from the side.


    The van also stuck to her back. I could see Han Joon-suk, Bae Yeon-gyeong, Manager Kim and Park Han-bum from the wide open window.


    As Cho Young-gu who was driving used his barrier creation a shield barrier that covered the entire front part of the van appeared.


    Also, Jong Sa-won was standing upright on top of the van while getting hit by the wind.


    An exmation came out on its own looking at his figure that was wearing tight leather armor that covered his entire body and a full face helmet, with the Rubicon Sword on his waist.


    The Chungho Group also sent out their forces. A formation where the center was dense while the sides were nted. It seemed like they were nning on blocking the charge of the center and annihting us after surrounding us.


    A battle between a wedge formations formation destroying power with the ck Tiger at the front and the defensive formation made to withstand it.


    An arrow passed by my ear.


    The arrows that were trickling down were now pouring down like rain.


    Kuuh!


    A Grey Wolf that was running madly staggered and copsed on the ground. A few hunters that were following got caught up by it and retired before being able to fight.


    However, the charging formation was still not broken. Most of the arrows got stuck in the ground or got deflected off the body of monsters.


    In the end, the fight became simple.


    Spear and shield.


    Which side had more power.


    The Chungho Group put up spears at the very front. As rushed as they were, they had brought out the ancient tactics of facing cavalry.


    However, that was tactic that only worked against horses that had a lot of fear.


    This side were not riding horses but monsters. They were beings that didnt lose their will even with dozens of spears stabbed into them.


    But I couldnt just watch us get done in like that.


    I called the Dancing Sword while on the ck Tiger.


    The Dancing Sword with Aura de on it fell on the Chungho Groups formation from the sky.


    Boom!


    With an explosion a hole was made in the front.


    The ck Tiger ran into that space.


    Roar!


    Ahh!


    Kuk!


    The ones that got crushed by the ck Tigers feet let out death throes. The ck Tiger destroyed the enemies formation as it sent the hunters blocking the way with a single hit of its paw.


    Human bones broke and muscles ripped apart. The ck Tiger tore down the enemies formation as it dived in like a wolf in a field full of sheep.


    The Chungho Group whose formation got destroyed instantly tried to endure with all their might but they were being brutally crushed by the monsters following behind the ck Tiger.


    The monster army passed by me and thousands of hunters followed after.


    The ck Tigers roar resonated throughout the battlefield.


    The center of the Chungho Groups formation tried to hold up somehow but thest remaining morale disappeared at the ck Tigers roar.


    Ahh! Save me!


    Someone started running away after throwing away their sword. A spear flew in and stabbed his back.


    One that was enduring while holding a shield got his head eaten by an eagle that swooped down from above. A guy holding a bow behind got his neck cut by a sword.


    The center armys sturdy looking formation started crumbling down in mere moments.


    However, the Chungho Group was changing their formation to surround our army.


    We had the advantage in the battle but there were too many Chungho Group members in the first ce. If we gotpletely surrounded then our morale could take a hit.


    I slightly turned my head to look at the base. However, they didnt seem to have any thoughts oning out after opening the wooden barricade. It probably meant they were look on for a bit longer.


    I could imagine Joo Sae-yoon putting his brain to work.


    They will only start moving once we are put at a disadvantage and start taking damage. He would then be able to take credit for it after all. He would be able to publicize that the government team was the lead from beginning to end after all.


    Thats why, keep watching.


    You guys wont have a chance to stand out.


    I jumped off the ck Tiger.


    He roared loudly and shot off like a bolt of lightning. The left and right started bingpletely blocked and the retreat route was in the process of being blocked. To maintain this formation, the best method was to prate the center.


    As I got off, the ck Tiger started rampaging like a bull in a china shop.


    Our side had the advantage currently. However, the tremendous forces of the Chungho Group continuously blocked the way no matter how many were killed. There was no end to the enemies but stamina was not infinite. The enemy was better at tactical movements too.


    I quickly made a decision.


    I had to capture the main leader moving the Chungho Group to end this battle easily.


    I called the Dancing Sword to jump into the air.


    As I was in midair, arrows came flying from everywhere. I appropriately deflected the arrows as I looked around.


    I could spot the Chungho Group executives who were actively giving out orders.


    However, what I wanted wasnt a middle level executive.


    The brain. I was nning on getting rid of the one that was moving this formation like his own limbs.


    Found him.


    A middle aged man wearing a roman helmet with red decoration thread.


    He had a sword drawn out and controlling the formation in a loud voice.


    However, I was not able to approach because of the arrows. No matter how much I deflected, it couldnt be helped that I would be a target while in midair.


    It was even more impossible to pass through the human wall though.


    At that moment, a huge white curtain spread in front of me.


    The arrows that were flying towards me lost their strength after hitting the curtain.


    The identity of that was none other than spider webs.


    Soo-ah who had blocked the origin of the arrow attacks came towards me as she walked in the air.


    What are you doing? Being an arrow receiver?


    Im going to get the leader.


    Huh. Let me go with you.


    Soo-ah held up her hand. This girl was the same as always even in the middle of a battlefield.


    Augh escaped my mouth.


    Follow properly on your own.


    I kicked off the Dancing Sword as I crossed the air and flew.


    Soo-ah ran across the sky behind.


    Block!


    The general wearing the roman helmet shouted loudly.


    The archers that only then regained themselves shot arrows.


    However, the arrows that came straight forward were caught in Soo-ahs spider webs and lost their strength. The arrows with explosion, fire, lightning, or any magical effect on them did not explode.


    Once they realized that arrows didnt work they immediately poured down magic.


    Cheh. I guess this wont work.


    Soo-ah was busy evading, knowing that it was impossible to block with the spider webs.


    I also evaded the magic with the Dancing Sword.


    There were less projectiles than arrows and they were slower too.


    The moment I was thinking it was easy to evade, a bunch of golden light covered me.


    Momentarily, my sight blurred as I got sleepy.


    Focus!


    p!


    Soo-ah pped my bottom. I woke up instantly as I turned my head. Soo-ah shouted at me as an ice spear grazed my face.


    Why is it the butt of all ces!


    I shouldnt miss my chance!


    Soo-ahughed as she went faster than me towards the enemy leader.


    3 hunters with shield stood in front of her who prated in.


    They were all level 6 hunters.


    Thors Hammer that Soo-ah was holding smashed into their shields but they didnt fall over.


    Cheh!


    Just block the ambushes!


    I, who arrivedte, sent my Dancing Sword.


    Boom!


    The shields shattered at the Dancing Sword that had Aura de on it.


    However, other shield users appeared behind them. The one that seemed to be the leader couldnt be seen.


    A situation where we had jumped into the middle of the enemys base. The surroundings were monochronically Chungho Group members.


    Hunters holding shields in the front.


    The ones around surrounding us were guys holding spears and swords.


    I took out Kelby who I had kept in the item list.


    Growl!


    Kelby who instantly gotrger ran towards the enemies. His growth points were over 50. In terms of level here was somewhere around 6 or 7 but he had the abilities of the items he had eaten until now.


    Defense +140%


    Reflex +200%


    Endurance +75%


    Concentration +30


    Stamina Absorption +15%


    Damage Reflection +50%


    Short Distance Teleportation 15M


    Clone Creation


    Sight Strengthening


    .


    He who had many additional abilities to the point that writing them on a page of a notebook wouldnt be enough, immediately jumped into the midst of the enemies.


    Also, the best ability against arge number was the damage reflection. Half of the damage on him would be put on the enemy.


    Kuhk!


    Ahh! Damn it!


    What is it! This!


    The ones that struck down with their swords had their hands ripped up while those that stabbed with spears had their bones broken.


    As Kelby started rampaging the encircling got thinner. The low level hunters couldnt even attack while the high levels received great injuries due to the damage reflection.


    It was the effect of the stacked buffs from eating all those items.


    If they attacked while putting up with the damage Kelby wouldnt havested long but the Chungho Group backed away and couldnt attack easily. It took quite a bit of courage to attack knowing that you would receive damage the moment you attacked.


    I sent the Dancing Sword to the shield users.


    Arge shield that could cover ones entire body shattered as several hunter got pushed back.


    Damn it all!


    What kind of!


    Throw your body if you have to, to block it!


    Kelby, Soo-ah, and I started stir up the middle of the enemys base.


    The sword prated the enemies as it drew arge circle.


    Dozens of people died off at once. Armor was like a piece of paper in front of Aura de. Swords that collided broke and shields were cut through.


    Everytime the Dancing Sword danced several necks went flying.


    However, the enemies endlessly blocked us.


    The moment I started thinking it would be difficult to catch the enemy general at this rate.


    Vroom!


    A van came prating the siege.


    Ahh!


    Avoid it!


    The rampaging van mercilessly ran over the Chungho Group troops and came here.


    Scree!


    The break was stepped on as the van noisily came to a stop.


    Nice timing!


    While Soo-ah and I were riding going in through the back door.


    Swords and spears, magic and arrows flew towards the van.


    The van shook greatly.


    Even if I didnt know exactly, the repair cost will be immense.


    Soo-ah shut her ears as she shouted.


    How much can it endure?


    It should be able to endure up to level 5 attacks. It will be a problem once the damage stacks though.


    Then were going!


    Cho Young-gu shouted as he stepped on the axel.


    The van shot forward like a cannonball. It was eleration high enough to beparable to a sports car.


    Kelby ran in front of the van. The one he was chasing was none other than the Chungho Group leader.


    He was a guy that had an outstanding sense of smell so we probably just had to follow him.

 Chapter 147

    Chapter 147


    With Cho Young-gu covering the front with the shield and the left and right being shot from by the ranged attacker, there were almost no one that could attack. The Dancing Sword kept flying around and made it impossible to even approach.


    Like a tank that descended in the Middle Ages, the van swept through while splitting the enemies into two.


    It was not difficult to locate the enemy leader.


    We could see the back of the guy running away and Cho Young-gu crashed into the guy with the van.


    Bang!


    Kuk!


    The guy rolled on the ground at the great impact. But looking at how he didnt die in one hit, it could be said that he was like a leader.


    He hurriedly got up and drew his sword.


    Damn it! I will kill you!


    He shouted a thunder-like shout.


    I got off the van and went towards him. His information appeared through the manual.


    Name : Joo Won-goon


    Skill : Conscript (0)


    Equipment : Ai Sword (7) , Kaisers Helmet (7) , Grey Wolf Armor (7) , Dragon Bone (7)


    Level 0?


    I didnt see wrong. His skill was definitely level 0.


    It was the first level 0 skill I saw apart from Soo-ah and I.


    Joo Won-goons expression crumpled up at my words.


    How did you know?


    Im also a level 0 you see.


    What?


    His pupils erged. This guy probably thought that he was also the only one that had a level 0 skill.


    Level 0 wasnt something especially for me?


    Unfortunately so.


    Kuk! I thought that things were working out too well. There is no reason for the world to be kind only to me.


    Joo Won-goon grinded his teeth in anger.


    What are you being so resentful about?


    What?


    I smiled as I took out the Dancing Sword.


    My feelings were lighter than any other time.


    I am you see. Feeling like Im finally properly starting.


    I couldnt admit it until now.


    No matter how stronger I got, no matter how much money I earned.


    That was all because of a level 0 skill that had an unbelievable ability.


    There was nothing that I had achieved on my own.


    I had such thoughts.


    However, it was different now.


    What does that.


    You and I are in the same condition no?


    I threw the Dancing Sword into the air. It got to a height were it couldnt even be seen.


    It was a location far higher than until now.


    Because then, it would mean that the one that wins here put in more effort.


    What did you say?


    At the very least. It would mean that the time I have spent until now wasnt wasted.


    The Dancing Sword struck down on Joo Won-goon.


    ***


    Conscript was a skill that could use arge amount of troops like their own limbs. The number that one could control increased with proficiency and their movements would be controlled with only his will power.


    Should I say that it was like ying a tactics simtion game.


    The reason why I could learn that was simple.


    Because I ate the skill.


    Conscript (0) : Able to control the movement of allies. Convenient for managing arge force.


    As I killed Joo Won-good, his skill metastasized to me. It seemed to be a function of level 0 skills.


    As Joo Won-goon died, the Chungho Group instantly started crumbling.


    Themand!


    Da, damn it! What do you want me to do!


    Do we retreat?


    Attack!


    I, Im going to run!


    The Chungho Group that moved by the Conscript skill until now. I was thinking that they were moving in a perfect manner, there was such a reason.


    It was obvious that their line ofmand would break down as Joo Won-goon was now gone.


    The Chungho Group hunters who were moving like they were a single entity couldnt find their ces and the ones trying to run and ones trying to fight got tangled up and aggravated the chaos.


    Several supervisors tried to encourage fighting by cutting the necks of the ones trying to run but even they were threw their swords away as they showed their backs.


    At the time the tide waspletely turning around.


    Creak!


    The tightly closed wooden barricade door of the base opened.


    Trying to gain something after interfering btedly, Joo Sae-yoons two eyes were bloodshot as he took the lead.


    At that figure, the Chungho Group members that were trying to do something until the end had theirst remaining morale disappear. The leader that should have straighten them out was already gone.


    The Chungho Groups formation broke down like a lie.


    I did not like the current situation.


    If it continued like this then the credit would be taken by the government team after we did all the hard work.


    Of course, I couldnt leave them be.


    It wasnt like there was no method you see.


    I activated the Conscript skill that I got just now. I had already gotten familiar with it to some degree.


    A huge map appeared in front of my eyes. The monster army was gree, normal hunters were blue, and the government team was shown as yellow. The red was of course the Chungho Group.


    From them, I moved the blue normal hunters to block the approaching government team.


    The hunters moved as one.


    They didnt receive an order from anyone but they naturally moved in the direction I wanted them to.


    All of you get out of the way!


    A collision urred between the hunter group I controlled and the government team, especially team 3 with Joo Sae-yoon at the front.


    The government team that was burning with desire swung their swords.


    ng!


    Fuck! What the hell? Why are you attacking me!


    Shut up and get out of the way! You guys work is over!


    The hell are you saying! When you joinedte!


    Why this insect like bastard saying what I should! You guys are the ones that interfered after we exhausted them!


    What?


    Simr scenes were happening all around.


    However, the more collisions there were the slower the pursuit of the government team. Even if it was the finale, they wouldnt be able to cut down the hunters that came to save them. There were no casualties and the conflicts didnt be too big.


    Also, the monster army that escaped that chaotic situation pursued the fleeing Chungho Group and were getting many military achievements.


    In the end, the government team couldnt achieve anything in particr. The Chungho Group lost half their members as they escaped while I used the monsters to move the corpses of the Chungho Group members and spoils of war into the forest.


    A message that I didnt see in a long time appeared.


    [The item list is full. An upgrade is needed.]


    I couldnt have imagined that I would be able to fill the manual when I had first upgraded it. However, I had surpassed it not long after upgrading it.


    If there were this many items, it wouldnt be changed into money.


    Soo-ahs mouth opened up wide looking at the mountain of items stacked in front of her.


    How, how many is all this?


    Including the ones in the item list, about 10,000.


    How much is it in terms of money?


    About 2~3t?


    Hehe That was an amount that existed huh.


    Soo-ah suddenly startedughing like a mental person. It was an amount that was absurd even when I thought about it. No, at this point, my sense of moneypletely disappeared.


    This was enough financial power to be counted as arge raid team. Of course, it was a shame that I couldnt take this all.


    I would have to share some of it with the hunters resting after the battle back there.


    Since there was no way of knowing who did more and what not, I was nning on distributing it moderately. It was impossible to bring the nose of the corpse or whatever because they all returned to the void after all.


    However, it wasnt like I could distribute them while they were piled up this much.


    I opened the manual.


    Proficiency : 52


    Reward Points : 45,000


    Stat Increase : Strength 550 Endurance 450 Reflex 750 Concentration 400 Defence 400(+60)


    Upgrade : 5,122/5,000


    The ores that piled up through the battles had surpassed 5,000.


    It was time to expand the item list through upgrading.


    Will you use 5,000 ores to upgrade the manual?


    As I pressed ept, the world got dyed in green again.


    The item list is increased to 10,000. Duplicates are counted as one.


    A newbination section will open. Monster category has been created.


    Administration Mode is further unlocked. Rapid Returning to the Void. Automatic Collection has been added.


    Mystic Dungeon has been detected. Data will be connected.


    A lot of things appeared again.


    The rest were all abnormal abilities but the Mystic Dungeon caught my eye.


    As desperate as I was, I put all the items into the item list. The close to 10,000 items disappeared in a blink of an eye.


    Oh. It all went in. Did you upgrade?


    Ah. Yeah. Theres a few more things besides that.


    What is it?


    I will exinter. Checkinges first.


    For now, I skipped the item list expansion that I already knew and inspected them in order.


    The first was thebination section. Combination was an ability I didnt really use that much. I only used it when strengthening so it wasnt very useful inparison to the other abilities.


    The thing that was added to it was none other than Monster Combination.


    There was a general resemnce with itembination.


    With the addition of an ore to two monsters of the same level, a higher level monster could be made. What was simr with itembination was that I had to sh with thepleted monster at least once to able to create it.


    The second was administration mode. Opening the menu, Rapid Return and Automatic Collection tabs had newly appeared. (<em>Kyle: Rapid Returning to the Void shortened to Rapid Return.</em>)


    To put it simply, it was a function that made it so that monsters would return to the void instantly instead of having to wait. In the case of Automatic Collection, it was a function that would make it so that the dropped items would be put into my item list without me having to put my hand on it.


    It was a system that improved the inconvenient parts of monster hunting.


    And the final one, connection to the Mystic Dungeon.


    Instead of looking into this and that, I think it would be faster to try running this and that. I opened the window that said Mystic Dungeon.


    Oh.


    At that, the map that I had seen before in theputer appeared.


    The only thing that was different was that the graphics were green but that wasnt the important thing anyway.


    It was possible to zoom in and out through gestures and it was possible to use the on/off function for dungeons and difficulty settings without any problems.

 Chapter 148

    Chapter 148


    After inspecting this and that, I immediately started the item distribution.


    Because there were close to 3,000 members, it was difficult to make them line up properly even with all my party members helping.


    Ah. Dont cut in the line.


    When did I cut in? Did you see?


    Hah. You just got in front of me.


    As if. When did I.


    There were definitely people that were cutting in line to get it even a bit faster and the further back it was the line was not made properly causing the chaos to berger.


    Seonbae oppa. I dont think this will go well? As if we didnt know they were hunters, they dont listen at all.


    Hm. Wait a minute.


    I was wondering what I should do when I remembered the Conscript skill. I had thought that that skill might be able to control these people.


    As soon as the skill was activated the map opened.


    Blue dots were scattered around messily.


    I collected them into a single ce and made them stand in a line. As I made them line up windingly like a line at an amusement park the hunters really started naturally lining up.


    Huh? Theyre suddenly creating a line well?


    Its surprising even as Im watching it.


    There were still people grumbling. There were also still people telling others not to cut in the line and start fights. However, they were still maintaining a good line.


    This was a more useful skill than I thought.


    After creating the line, the work became much faster.


    A level 2 item for each person. If there werent enough level 2 items then it would be estimated as 2 level 1 items.


    Of course, it wasnt like there werentints. The price of each item was different so it was possible for them to think that they have taken a loss.


    Isnt this cheaperpared to thest persons?


    A hunter said so while pointing at the person that just took an item.


    I smiled at him.


    And so?


    What, I fought better so why are you giving me a cheaper one? You should at least give me an extra level 1 item.


    Lee Yong-sung. A level 3 hunter yes?


    How, how did you know my name.


    That person just now was a level 4 hunter. Its not like I saw everybody fight so how would I set the standard?


    Even so, I fought harder!


    I will ask one thing. Do I have the responsibility to give you an item?


    Of, of course, I fought putting my life on the line.


    Really? You didnt just watch from behind the monsters?


    .


    If you dont like what I give you, you may just leave.


    Hm Im sorry.


    He bowed and took the item.


    Of course, I didnt know if that person really fought hard or if he just watched.


    However, there would be no end if I took into ount each and every huntersint. If it was arge raid team then it would be possible to distribute it fairly after turning it all into cash but that was difficult in this situation after all.


    Thats why,ing out strong is the answer right now.


    It was better for both of us to show that there was nothing fishy going on here than to im something else.


    Of course, there might be hunters eyeing other peoples items.


    That doesnt have anything to do with me.


    Like that, I finished distributing items to close to 3,000 people.


    Besides the fewiners, most had satisfied faces. The battle wasnt difficult in particr and after putting in some force the battle had already ended.


    It can be said that they took more than they did.


    Even after handing them out like that the number of items left was 7,000.


    I took this for now.


    There was no one that hadints here. I had achieved that much after all.


    On top of that, most didnt know how many items I really had. I was thinking that it was a really good idea to upgrade the manual.


    I was resting after that work that took the entire day ended when a group of hunters came towards us.


    It was a familiar face. With Joo Sae-yoon at the front, there was also Eum Young-hyeon and a strange formation with even An Gyu-bum included.


    The time was also dinner time when it was getting dark.


    Joo Sae-yoon who came to my party members who were sitting around after lighting a campfire looked down at me with a displeased look.


    My entire body got tired thinking about what kind of nonsense he would spout.


    Why did you ignore my order toe?


    Give orders to your subordinates. Im just a normal hunter, not part of the government team.


    As long as you have interfered in this business you are a rted party.


    Thats some funny logic. When you chased me out saying that I wasnt rted before.


    When are you saying I chased you out.


    Joo Sae-yoons face became redder than the afternoon sunset.


    Seeing how he easily got amnesia, he had the potential to rise up to be a high ranking government official. Should I say that hes a prepared member of the National Assembly.


    Leave if youre going to make snobbish remarks. Or are you going to eat dinner with us?


    I said so while holding the 3 Minute Soup in my hand. Team 2 worked hard as well so I am cooking today.


    Of course, the taste wasnt good but since the others were exhausted it was better for the lively me to do it.


    Sure.


    Joo Sae-yoon took the soup dish in my hand and sat down.


    What kind of situation was this?


    As I looked at him with a surprised expression, he asked back with a face asking if there was a problem.


    You must be curious as to why Im like this?


    Im very curious.


    I was wondering why this guy that was frustrated because of me before wasing out in such a friendly manner. There was no way a persons personality would change in a single day so he probably wants something from me.


    He put the dish to the side and looked at me with a gentle look.


    Its very ufortable so please say it if theres something you want from me.


    I know that I have treated you unfairly in the past.


    I think youve understood that a bitte.


    Yeah. Anyway, I want to apologize for that time.


    An incredibly suffocating feeling welled up. Should I say that it felt like eating a sweet potato without water in a dry sauna.


    I think it would be better if he acted high handed and picked a fight instead. I couldnt tell what he was plotting which made it two times more suffocating.


    I think it would be best to live on while pretending we dont know each other.


    Dont be like that too much, an adult is trying to apologize like this so you can at least pretend to take it right.


    He tried to be polite as he put a hand on my shoulder. I brushed it off as I resisted the urge to twist his arm.


    I could see Joo Sae-yoons face stiffen.


    However, his expression soon changed as heughed.


    Haha. This friend is really cross.


    So, is that it? If you came to apologize then say that its been epted with this.


    Okay. Lets stay friendly. Theres no need to anger each other.


    He said so as he continued his words.


    About the Chungho Group though.


    If youre asking for a trophy then I dont have anything on me.


    I know. I have heard that you have distributed them to the hunter after all. What I want to say is about the ones that have run away. Do you have any thoughts on pursuing them?


    I dont have any ns on doing such an annoying thing though.


    Yeah. Youve thought well. You should leave such cumbersome things to us.


    I swallowed my bitterugh as I looked at Joo Sae-yoon patting my back.


    So he came to persuade me about the issue of taking care of the remnants?


    Even if they were remnants there were still about 5,000 of them scattered about in the forest so it seems hes nning on taking the achievement of wiping them out.


    Also, theres no doubt that he came here to apologize to prevent me from saying something weird.


    I was in pure admiration.


    This guy was a really amazing guy.


    Even if it was for promotion how could he be so shameless.


    If it ended like this then he would be able to make up for his mistake somehow. He wouldnt havee to me without calcting such things after all.


    It was actually not a bad thing for me either. It was a good chance to clear up the bad rtionship with him.


    He was still a central figure in the National Defense Department and there was nothing good about having a bad rtionship with that kind of person. It can just be said that its good for both of us as we make up.


    However, a break was put from the corner of my mind.


    I knew that it was an intelligent thing to do to resolve it like this. However, looking at his shameless attitudeughing after fucking over someone makes the soup I ate just nowe back up you see.


    What did I have to do about this.


    A decision wasnt easily made.


    Then good work. I made you waste your precious eating time. I will buy you dinner to make up for it.


    Joo Sae-yoon got up as he said so.


    My mind instantly cleared up at his words.


    Ah. I see.


    If things ended like this then there would be more chances to see that guy from now on.


    If this business ended in this manner his promotion is set in stone and he would do all sorts of things to get to a higher position.


    Also, I would have to watch that.


    I almost forgot something big while only looking at the profit in front of my eyes.


    I slowly opened my mouth towards him who had just turned around.


    Joo Sae-yoon?


    What is it?


    He turned around with a smile on his face.


    About cleaning the remnants.


    I indicated the thousands of hunters that had settled down around us.


    I think those people would be interested?


    What did you say?


    I could see Joo Sae-yoons smile crack.


    What did you just say?


    Youre expression management isnt going well. Didnt we just make up?


    Are you telling me that youre going to meddle using those guys?


    Meddle you say. Its something theyre doing to eat and live. Its not like Im urging them, its something theyre doing on their own ord so how would I stop them?


    Dont joke around with me. You ordered them right?


    No way. They arent even my underlings so why would they follow my orders?


    Do you take me as a food?


    He suddenly grabbed my cor.


    Hes finally showing his true colors. The suffocating feeling just got washed away.


    Looking at this kind of thing, it seems Soo-ahs evaluation of me having a bad personality didnt seem to bepletely false.


    Seonbae oppa!


    My party members who had already felt that the mood was not normal had already gotten up from their seats. Soo-ah seemed like she would send a punch at any moment so I gestured to calm her down.


    You will regret it if you dont let go you know?


    I will let go if you promise to make it so that those guys dont put their hands on the Chungho Group.


    Why must I do so?


    Do you not know who I am yet? With just a word from me I can make you not get even close to dungeons for the rest of your life.


    .

 Chapter 149

    Chapter 149


    I didnt know how to react to this.


    In the first ce, dungeons up to level 5 were blocked and I was managing the Red Holes. If I wanted to then I could block the level 6 dungeons right now because I had enough reward points.


    To grab my cor when it wouldnt be enough to bow down to me. This guy.


    As I kept my mouth closed it seems Joo Sae-yoon thought I was scared as he continued coercing me with bloodshot eyes.


    Promise! To not do it!


    I was wondering what to do but I thought it would be better to use other people that to use my own hands.


    As I lightly swung my hands, the hunters around us all crowded around. I had used the Conscript skill one more time.


    Even if it was the stubborn Joo Sae-yoon, he wouldnt be able to prevent himself from being flustered while surrounded by hundreds of hunters.


    What are these bastards?


    What is what. Theyre people that came to get rid of the guy thats rampaging in someone elses territory.


    I said while letting out augh.


    These! Do you not know what happens when you provoke a government associate?


    He acted in a confident manner but I could feel his voice tremble minutely.


    Cho Young-gu who interfered btedly opened his mouth while grumbling.


    Ah. So noisy when were eating. The government associate over there. Do you not know where this is? Do you think someone will know if we killed you and buried you here?


    Joo Sae-yoons face puffed up to the point of exploding.


    You, you guys dont seem to know how much of a problem this will be. I will exin one more time.


    *ces hand*.


    Huh? Let go of me? Whose body are you putting your hands on right now!


    If you dont want things to get rough then follow obediently.


    Hey fuck! Let go of me I said!


    Hunters gathered. Cho Young-gu strangled his neck while others held his limbs from both sides causing him to choke and il.


    However, even as the same level 6, Cho Young-gu had overwhelming more power. This was the difference between a guy that raised his level with items and a hunter raised ability through realbat.


    In the end Joo Sae-yoon had no choice but to get pulled away.


    You bastards! You all better resolve yourselves! You wont be able to get even close to dungeons!


    I could hear him being violent even as he was being pulled away.


    Ahhh!


    The sound of something getting further and something hitting the ground could be heard.


    It seems they threw him under the hill.


    Eum Young-hyeon nced back and opened his mouth.


    He didnt die right?


    Probably.


    I shrugged and continued my words.


    Thinking about it, this guy kept a neutral stance the entire time. It seems he thought I would take care of it on my own.


    Either way, does General Eum have something to say to me separately? I think the only thing the government team has to say is that ridiculous things that guy just now said.


    I got dragged here by that guy. I just wanted to say my thanks. My life got saved thanks to you after all.


    Yes?


    Why are you surprised when I said something obvious?


    Right. I wonder why I was so surprised. When its so obvious.


    There were not many normal humans so Eum Young-hyeons thanks felt extremely foreign. To be honest, reactions like Joo Sae-yoons seemed more obvious after all.


    I want to repay you for this but I dont have something give you in particr so contact meter sometime.


    Eum Young-hyeon passed me a business card. On it, Team Mercenary, Yellow Sea Region Team Leader Eum Young-hyeon was written.


    Youre part of Mercenary?


    That is so.


    Um Do you know someone called Eum Hyeon-joon?


    Its my younger brother.


    The difference in age is.


    Hes the youngest of 5 brothers and sisters. Hes a guy that has been brought up while constantly adored.


    Ah Yes.


    He wasnt a person that went well with adorable though.


    Either way, there was a reason Eum Hyeon-joon got into Team Mercenary I see. I thought that his abilities werecking but was it something like a parachute? (<em>Kyle: Parachute appointment in Korea is a closely rted person that has a high position in apany/business helping someone get in. Basically corruption.</em>)


    I hope that you wont misunderstand. I didnt rmend him or anything, I was surprised as well when he got into Mercenary as well.


    Haha. I didnt think anything like that.


    Your expression seemed to be thinking just that. Well, its fine if it wasnt.


    It wasnt like my face was an electronic disy that showed everything I was thinking or something.


    Whew, I let out a sigh like that and shook my head when I matched sights with An Gyu-bum.


    Come to think of it, this guy was ring at me since a while ago. Did hee because he had something to say? Exchanging greetings with our rtionship is No, I dont think we have anything say anymore. Its not like he has a grudge with me after all.


    Well, he did seem to be angry the entire time. Should I say that I havepletely forgotten about him while checking the Effort skills abilities.


    I instead felt refreshing thinking about how he couldnt tell the real potential of the skill and mocked me.


    Why did youe here?


    Where did you buy that?


    What are you talking about.


    The van over there at the back. I have heard that theres not a single ce in the world that can create vehicles that can withstand hunters attacks.


    Ah. The van. Thats not for sale.


    So how much is it.


    Hes talking like some oil billionaire.


    Did you think I would sell this?


    1t.


    Okay. Ill buy it.


    I wasnt even nning on hm?


    Wait a minute.


    What did this guy just say?


    Why are you looking at me with such an expression? I said that I would buy it though.


    N, no, wait a minute.


    This was the first time someone surprised me so much after Soo-ah.


    Was 1t some houses dogs name.


    If its difficult immediately you can contact meter.


    After saying so he sent his business card flying.


    Checking it, it was certainly his business card. What. Was this guy being serious?


    Well I will think about it.


    It was confusing somehow. Of course, that amount of money was something that surpassed my imagination. There was nothing to lose. I just had to buy another one after all.


    But something felt off. A trillion for a single vehicle? Logically speaking, no matter how good it is thats not a price one would pay.


    In that sense, the portable bed that he bought was the same. To buy that at 10b. If he had such money, it would be cheaper to have a house on a truck.


    I wonder why he was messing around with the money so much when it was pointless.


    Just because he had a lot of money?


    No way. Guys with a lot of money were usually stingier with their money.


    There was no way a rich person would spray money into the air just because they had a lot of money. Guys with such personalities would be dropped from the potential heir list from the beginning.


    From the point of view of those that are maintaining their fortune, such a guy wouldnt be able to rise as the owner of apany after all.


    Even if An Gyu-bum seemed to have middle schooler syndrome, he wasnt an idiot.


    I thought that there was definitely a reason to it.


    Let me ask something.


    What is it.


    Where are you nning on using this?


    What will the guy selling it do knowing that.


    Im not going to sell it if you dont tell me the reason.


    An Gyu-bums expression crumpled up.


    Collecting cars is my hobby. Is that fine?


    Ah. Its quite a believable story.


    In any case, I understood that he didnt want to tell me.


    Joo Sae-yoon was able to return with his body intact.


    Since they rolled him down the hill to go well, it probably worked to disgrace him. It was something I heard from someone but it felt quite refreshing.


    The 3,000 hunters separated themselves appropriately and started pursuing the Chungho Group.


    The government team also started leaving the base to earnestly pursue. They will have bloodshot eyes chasing around Chungho Group escapees trying to see how gets more achievements.


    With this, it can be said that the forest was taken care of.


    The first thing I did after the forest work was over was using the Mystic Dungeon to find out the location of the next ruin. I was able to check the location of the next ruin with the blinking red dot.


    The location was.


    The Bering Strait that connected ska and Russia. A newnd that rose like the Yellow Sea. It was and that was being called New ska.


    I had thought that it would obviously be in the Yellow Sea and was looking at the region with a nk expression. It wasnt like there was no direct path to it but it was a situation where we had to cross China and go through Russia.


    We had to cross the borders of two countries so it was not an easy path to travel. I didnt have a passport in the first ce too.


    The Strengthening Stones and bonus EP was certainly a considerable profit but I thought about if there was enough merit to be worth crossing two borders.


    On top of that, that region was a ce Russia and America werepeting over.


    From Americas point of view, it was a perfect chance toplete their ambition of connecting theirnd to the Bering Strait. If that happened, they would be able to escape their situation of being an internationally isted country.


    Also, Russia was struggling to use this to rip off money from America.


    Thats why there was a struggle aspetitive as Korea versus China happening there.


    Jumping in there and searching for the ruin was not something I felt inclined to do.


    I decided to think about it slowly for now.


    No, I was nning on resting.


    We decided to return to Seoul to rest.


    Wheeew.


    Soo-ah stretched her body like a cat.


    She was agile on top of being flexible. She eats food like a pig so I had no idea how she maintains that figure.


    Hm? Youre already up?


    Is this your house?


    It has already been 3 days since returning from the Yellow Sea.


    In that time, Soo-ah had been here as if living in my house.


    Because my older sister brought her boyfriend over.


    I think you said such an excuse before as well.


    Its a different boyfriend this time.


    Are you making your sister a debauchee?


    Ahaha.


    Soo-ahughed awkwardly and continued.


    But where are you going in the morning?


    Looking for a house.


    Ooh Youre finally moving to an apartment?


    No, I think an apartment would be overdoing it. So Im nning on going to a detached house. Argend as much as possible.


    For now, there were two parasites and it didnt seem like they were going to live while caring about others opinions.


    I think it would be better to just use a bit more money to get arge detached house instead.


    Since my main job was monster hunting there was no need to be in the crowded Seoul downtown.


    Thats why I was aiming for arge house in the outer region of Seoul.


    It was plot ofnd that was originally an elementary school that was modified and used as a house. It had arge schoolyard and although it was a bit run down it also had a gymnasium that could be used to do sports in.


    Conveniently, I had a lot of money piled up. The close to 7,000 items that I had were all given to the market and since there were so many I got a message saying that it will take a few days for the money toe in.


    Even so, I had gotten 300b as the first payment. They said that altogether a total of close to 2t wille in.


    It didnt feel real at all. At this point, it didnt feel like money but some random number.


    Right. I also bought 20 yoits and threw them away after only licking the lid.


    It was rather moronic, but I always wanted to try it once.


    I want to go as well.


    I will also go.


    Edward who was sleeping while stuck to the ceiling opened his eyes.


    I didnt get used to that no matter how many times I saw it. Either way, if I moved to another house we wouldnt bump into each other so it should be morefortable.

 Chapter 150

    Chapter 150


    <em>J: 10 chapters of Kyles trantions remain.</em>


    Im thinking about changing all the money into level 10 items.


    I said so while driving the van. Soo-ah who was sitting in the passenger seat nodded her head.


    I didnt ask though.


    Just listen if I say so.


    Yes.


    Level 10 items were quite expensive. The cheapest ones started at 100b while the more expensive ones went up to several 100b. There were even some that went up to the trillions.


    Because of this, I was nning on buying the cheapest ones. It would be good if they had options but if there was toorge of a difference in price no names were fine too.


    Several people having lower level items was more efficient than one person having high level items after all.


    Thats why team 1 will be armed with level 10 items and go around level 8~9 dungeons getting ores and items to be rearmed.


    One might think like this. If several people arepletely armed with level 10 equipment and go around level 10 dungeons, then wouldnt it be possible to get level 10 items.


    Unfortunately, thats impossible.


    There were no existing level 10 dungeons after all.


    The reason level 10 items were so expensive and why there were so few level 10 hunters inspite of the time that has passed is because of this. It is said that level 10 dungeons existed as well.


    However, they disappeared one day and the reason was not revealed.


    There are only traces of the ces the level 10 dungeons were. Then where are the level 10 items from the marketing from.


    Most are dropped by irregrs in level 9 dungeons.


    Level 10 monsters appear quite frequently in dungeons were bosses exist.


    Thats why most level 9 dungeons with a boss are leased byrge raid teams and used by them.


    In other words, normal hunters could not use them at all.


    However, nothing could be said about it as they were renting it for extremely high prices so even if one want to go they couldnt even get near because of the leasing price.


    Then wouldnt we not be able to go in?


    It doesnt matter even if we cant go in there.


    Certainly, there doesnt seem to be a need to be obsessed with level 10 equipment. We can just get money in other ces and buy them after all.


    Not in that way. If its irregrs we can meet them easily after all.


    Ah. Come to think of it.


    It was not that difficult to call out irregrs in dungeons now. While shing with our bodies the condition has been more or less figured out.


    It appeared if arge number of monsters were defeated in a short amount of time. That didnt seem to be the only condition but they appeared quite often when we went through the dungeons quickly.


    Thats why we just had to go to unpopr level 9 dungeons. Those didnt have a long term lease so we can enter cheaply you see.


    The new house was somewhat useable. The house was a newly built concrete building. Arge road curved around the house.


    The fact that monsters avoided asphalt was a quite well known fact so cities were surrounded by a wide road. This house was literally facing that very road.


    In other words, it was a house at the very edge of Seoul.


    It also meant that field monsters could be met once we crossed that road.


    The house was decided to be handed over to me after the contract was signed. The person that was living in the house had already vacated it so there was not much problem immediately moving in.


    Besides the fact that the plot ofnd was immense the house itself was amon red brick house. Even so, the first and second floorbined was about 100 pyeong. Probably because I had never lived in such arge house before, it seemed like it would take some time to get used to living here. (<em>Kyle: 1 pyeong is about 3.3 meters squared.</em>)


    Even so, I thought that this was better than an apartment located in the middle of Seoul.


    There was no need to overdo it and live in a cramped neighbourhood.


    We finished moving after two days and filled in thecking furniture. Soo-ah and Yeon-gyeong helped with their full power with that.


    Maybe because of that, the house was somehow full of a womans preference.


    More than anything.


    This is our room.


    Why did you make your bedrooms?


    Theres rooms to spare anyway. It would be really lonely to live in such arge house without anybody else you know?


    No, well, thats true but Why is connected to my room?


    Was it originally such a structure?


    It was a room that was connected with a single door to therge room that I was going to use.


    That is. Because thatsfortable.


    I think I will not befortable though.


    Right. We also made a swimming pool.


    Hm?


    A swimming pool you say. Are they talking about a real swimming pool?


    For what? Also, its winter after a bit longer.


    We can just make an indoor swimming pool. Dont you want to see our figures in swimming suits?


    Not really Thats showing off our money itsnt it.


    Its not like we dont have money. We can use it if we need it. It doesnt take that much to make it anyway.


    No, we dont need it in the first ce.


    I was shaking my head when Yeon-gyeong came into my view.


    Somehow, I wanted to see this girl in a swimsuit a bit.


    In the end, with Soo-ahs intensive demand the swimming pools construction was put into motion. I had already given a resting period to the party members anyway.


    Part of the profit from thest expedition was distributed in a sry like manner. I think there wouldnt be a case again where we divide the entire profit from now on.


    Through Han Joon-suks advice Team Delta was currently being turned into a corporate body and the party members were nned to be official staff members you see. I think the sry will be paid as achievement bonus on top of the official staff monthly sry. This time, it was also distributed in a simr manner.


    Even so, they were able to take a lot more money than before. 10b were given to each person after all.


    Even after giving that much money was overflowing for me like a stream. An appropriate sry was given to the members of team 2 as well.


    By the way, the swimming pool was decided to be built by Soo-ahs money. She had strongly insisted that she wanted a personal pool and I had just given a part of the remainingnd in the house to her.


    After resting for about a week, I was thinking that we should decide on our next target when Jong Sa-won suddenly contacted me.


    It was bad news.


    Shinchon Severance Hospital.


    In this ce that was known as the most famous hospital for specializing in cancer, Jong Sa-won was lying down in a VIP ward.


    Had four months passed since I met him.


    Since he was doing well without any incident in particr so I was thinking that maybe the disease was improving but it seems that wasnt the case as expected.


    Im sorry.


    His figure that was lying down in patient clothes without his helmet looked quite different from his figure overflowing with sharpness. His face had a clearly sicklyplexion to it and his body was a lot thinnerpared to before.


    It was weird that I didnt know about it until now.


    I tried to endure it somehow. The doctor said that anymore is overdoing it.


    Im sorry I should have known sooner.


    You already knew about my disease didnt you. I was more thankful that you didnt worry about it.


    Jong Sa-wons expression was cid. It was a figure that had already epted death.


    I came out of the ward and had a face to face talk with the doctor.


    From now, at most two months. If the speed of progression got faster then it would be possible for him to die within a month.


    Maybe because he is still young, the progression speed was faster than predicted.


    Is there no method?


    There is none for now.


    It is fine no matter how much it cost.


    If you really want to then there is a pill that is in clinical trial but Its better if you dont get your hopes up too much.


    I let out a sigh at the doctors words.


    Jong Sa-won was with me for a pretty long time. He could be seen as the person that had been with me the longest after Soo-ah after I became a hunter.


    He had a good sense in battle and the way he didnt spare his body to rush in with vigor waspletely different from other hunters. Even if that was because of his thirst for revenge, even if that was to burn everything of his remaining not so long life, the fact that he was a born warrior didnt change.


    Was there no method.


    Soo-ah who came to visit with me opened her mouth.


    The Wound Cure Potion probably has no effect right?


    Thats something that only works on external injuries so Theres not much effect on diseases.


    Hm. Then what about the Revival skill?


    That too. He will probably die again after living for a bit.


    There doesnt seem to be a method.


    Wasnt this girl giving up too quickly?


    However, it was the same for me that I didnt have any methods.


    The disease called cancer had still not beenpletely conquered.


    The area that progressed the most rtively was in medicine. It was none other than because of the introduction of the healing skill that caused the surgery department got expanded.


    The parts that one couldnt even dare to touch were cut off and healed using a skill so even if it was terminal cancer, the entire organ could just be taken out.


    It spread? Then the part it spread to is taken out as well. Normally, a persons body would not be able to handle it but the healing factor together at the same time as cutting it make it possible.


    However, it is said that the aftereffects for Jong Sa-won is bad enough to the point that its impossible. It was the same thing as the cancer having spread throughout his entire body.


    Did I have to give up to watch and wait for him to die off? Couldnt there be some method?


    A super human called a hunter dying to a disease seemed to be incredibly ironic.


    Even if the disease wasnt cured, wouldnt there be a method to dy the progression?


    There is a method though.


    Edward said.


    What is it?


    Its making him my family.


    Family?


    Yeah. Its extending his life by making him a vampire. Of course it would be difficult to be a human. There would be no problem in living on.


    Lets leave that as thest resort.


    I was nning on using that method if there was no other way. Of course, if the person himself agrees. However, it couldnt be helped that living with a human body and living with a vampire body would be different. Also, I wanted him to live as a human as much as possible.


    Hm. High level hunters seemed to live for a very long period of time Certainly, since Mr. Jong was originally a low level hunter.


    Its not like you dont get ill because youre a high level. There a fair number of them that die of cancer after all. Its just that because they have better stamina than normal people and because they have an easier time paying for the surgery, they live longer.


    Then what about that person? Was it Lee Hui-seung?


    That guys body just doesnt age in the first ce. I dont know what item hes using though.


    I think he didnt ever got ill though?


    Hm living for a long time you would think he would get ill.


    Couldnt there be a curing method that we dont know about?


    Even if its like that, its not like we can grab his cor and ask about it.


    In the first ce, he wasnt the next door neighbour or something and he wasnt a person you could meet just because you wanted to. He was a person that could ignore the presidents words inside of Korea after all.


    Its to the point that it was an honor to see his face passing by.


    Then what about that person? Was it An Gyu-bum?


    What about that guy?


    Hes rich. There might be something he knows.


    Hm.


    An Gyu-bum huh.


    I didnt really feel inclined on meeting him again. However, as Soo-ah had said as a member of the GE Group, I couldnt leave out the possibility of him knowing something else.


    If it was possible to prevent aging, then wouldnt it be possible to dy the progression of cancer?


    Of course, it was merely a hope.


    However, there was nothing lost asking about it. Should I say that it was timely, I had something that could move him too.


    Soo-ah added something else.


    Still, its better not to anticipate too much.


    An Gyu-bums voice came through the phone.


    [Its possible.]


    Hm?


    [Theres an item that can revert the body to its optimal state. I think that it would be possible to make it go back to normal.]


    Its possible?


    [Are you going to make me say the same thing twice?]


    Wa, wait a minute. If theres such an object why is it not known to the world?


    [Are you treating me like a drug peddler? Leave if you dont want to trust me.]


    Wa, wait, can we meet for now?


    [I would like to hear your answer from that matter from before.]


    An Gyu-bum said so and hung up.


    Soo-ah shook my shoulder and asked.


    What did he say? Is it really possible?


    Ah. It seems like it for now but.


    We didnt even choose the time or location but that side hung up.


    As I called again, An Gyu-bums annoyed voice could be heard.


    [Why did you call again?]


    Lets decide where and when were going to meet.


    [Im going there right now so just wait 10 minutes.]


    What? Knowing where I am?


    [Dont look down on the GE Groups informationwork. I can know everything you do like looking at the back of my hand.]


    No, what are you going to do knowing that?


    Did this guy have the temperment of a stalker?


    [I have to get what I need to you see. I was going to meet you by kidnapping you if you didnt contact me.]


    Yeah. I will wait for now.


    I elevated my evaluation of An Gyu-bum by a level.


    From a weird guy to a horrifyingly weird guy.

 Chapter 151

    Chapter 151


    A ck and incredibly high ss looking sedan stopped in front of the hospitals entrance.


    Thinking about how normal vehicles are not allowed toe all the way in here, it would mean that its a great enough VIP to be checked by the hospital.


    Woah. Its an expensive car. Is seonbae oppa not going to buy a car?


    Car? We have one.


    That doesnt even have a number te.


    I got the vehicle registration you know? Even if its a temporary one it has a number and everything. Also, whats more convenient to drive around than that? No need to worry about parking, no worry about idents, the space inside is wide too. Even if I bought a new car, it would be used for a few days and be put in a corner of the storage and never even looked at again.


    Thinking about it thats true. I admit it.


    Soo-ah nodded her head.


    Why did you quibble over it when you were going to admit it so easily?


    What should I say. I do get the urge to have it when looking at an expensive car you see. Its not like I dont have the money either. I somehow want to show off too. But seonbae oppa doesnt care about things like that.


    What would you do showing off your money. It just makes robbers swarm.


    Even so, isnt it a bit wrong to lick the yogurt lid and throw it away?


    Who was it that said that it was a waste to throw it away and ate it all?


    This and that is different. Its said that divine punishment will fall on you if you throw away something to eat. Also, I shared it with Edward you know.


    Whatever. Anyway, if youre going to show off your money then do it on your own. That guy is a specialist so you can learn from him.


    I indicated An Gyu-bum who was wearing a suit and sunsses that seemed expensive at a nce with my chin. He had the air of a rich person when he was wearing armor in the Yellow Sea but now he looked like a literal rich familys son.


    An aura that prevent normal people from even getting within 100 meters of him bursted out of him. It felt like the air he breathed would be 100 times more expensive than the air others breathed.


    Who said it was for me. Im doing this because I wouldnt like it if seonbae oppa got looked down on somewhere.


    Who looks down on me?


    People like that.


    Soo-ah pointed at An Gyu-bum.


    Guys like that will look down on the opponent no matter who it is. Also, theres no need to look good to people who judge others by the way they look on the outside.


    Why does seonbae oppa talk so well? My heart will flutter.


    Soo-ah looked up at me while her face got red.


    I lightlyughed.


    Do it moderately, you. Did you think I wouldnt know your techniques.


    Cheh. This works well though.


    Idiot.


    Would I fall for something I fell for once?


    Either way, I did say that but its true that I felt that I was saving too much. To be honest, my hand was trembling at the money used to buy the house this time after all.


    I resolutely bought several 10b worth items so I didnt know why I tremble so much when buying anything else. It seems to be because buying items doesnt feel like Im using money in the first ce. Either way, I will probably get used to it as time goes on.


    Right. I did send some money to my parents who were in my hometown.


    In my opinion it was a small amount but they caused a fuss calling me and everything. Since 1b was suddenly put into my mothers ount she worried about whether I did something illegal or not.


    I did say that it wasnt much for now but I had just prevent her froming here.


    I didnt know what to say about a weird girl and a vampire living in my house.


    I dont know where you learned the habit of ignoring someone in front of them.


    Ah. Sorry. I was thinking about something else for a bit.


    An Gyu-bum hade up to me at some point and talked to me.


    Talking in whatever way he wanted to without thinking about the other person was a passive thing so I didnt even get angry about it.


    There was a familiar girl next to him. It was Jeon Min-jeong.


    This girl, seeing how shes normally stuck next to him I know well that shes a bodyguard.


    Ah. Hello to you too.


    .


    The response was cold as always. I didnt know why she didnt like me so much when I didnt do anything that would make her feel so bad. No, I think I might have done a little something


    Lets change locations. Follow me.


    An Gyu-bum gestured with his finger.


    I should snap it.


    For now, we moved to a cafeteria that was at the hospitals VIP lounge. The hospital did business with rich people so much that they had an entire building dedicated for VIPs.


    As a hospital that used a universitysnd I wondered if it was okay to do business so tantly but I would be the only one that gets tired out if I got angry about it.


    I sat across An Gyu-bum. Soo-ah and Edward stood side by side behind me. They could just sit down next to me so I was wondering why they were standing but they were having a fierce staring contest with Jeon Min-jeong behind An Gyu-bum.


    I lightly sighed and opened my mouth.


    Youre not lying about there being a method to cure cancer right?


    Why dont you say it louder? So that you can give those people hope.


    An Gyu-bum said so while pointing behind me. Looking back, there were a bunch of people with dark expressions. Thinking about it, this hospital was the ce that had the greatest prestige in cancer treatment in Korea.


    There was a high chance that a person passing by is the patient or a family member. If their expressions are so bad it would mean that their future isnt good.


    I lowered my voice a bit. Getting reprimanded by this guy hurt my pride a bit but this was a different issue. There was nothing more unsightly than acting emotionally at something that was true.


    The method is?


    Before that. You are willing to hand over the van right?


    As long as the method is certain.


    I could hand over the mere 100EP worth van anytime. It didnt matter where this guy used it.


    Good. Then shall we see the van first?


    Here?


    Looking at itst time you were carrying it around. Doesnt that mean you can reduce its size?


    I was thinking about why he had such a misunderstanding and realized that the bed he carried around was also an object that could change size. It seems he thinks that all new items can change size.


    You cant change the size of this. I will show you if we go to the parking lot.


    Hm.


    I could feel An Gyu-bums expression get cold. Did he want to buy the van because of that? I hurriedly continued talking.


    Wasnt what you wanted a vehicle that can endure hunters attacks?


    Thinking about it. That level of defensive ability can be created with Reactive Armor.


    Are you nning on riding a tank around?


    The tactic of using a vehicle with heavy armor around it to fight monsters was continuously advancing. However, it could still only be used against up to level 3 monsters.


    On top of that, if the frame got heavy then the engine became bigger and because the frame would getrger it increasingly became something difficult to use in a real battle.


    Thats not it but its just quite a let down.


    Youre not stopping the negotiations aftering all the way here right?


    I got a bit anxious. If I didnt get the information from him here then I had no other option that to depend on Edward. Also, there was no guarantee that Jong Sa-won was going to ept that he wasnt human.


    I had to get the information out of this guys mouth no matter what.


    No, its not like that. From my point of view, its something that has a considerable risk. Its a method thats not only for cancer but can maintain ones body in its most optimal state. I cant tell that to anyone now can I?


    What is it that you want.


    Give me the van.


    If its that much.


    I was going to hand it over in the first ce after all.


    That woman as well.


    An Gyu-bum pointed at Soo-ah who was standing behind me.


    Crazy bastard.


    A profanity came out of my mouth. I didnt think he was abnormal I thought that he was a terrifyingly abnormal guy. However, to be to this degree.


    The curing method. Do you not need it?


    It was wrong for me to trust a guy like you.


    I wanted to spit at An Gyu-bum who had both arms on the sofa and lying back with aidback face but I didnt want to cause amotion in the hospital so I just got up.


    I pulled Soo-ah who was looking at me with a considerably flustered expression.


    Lets go.


    Se, seonbae oppa. Is it okay?


    What is.


    If we leave here then the method to save Mr. Jong will be.


    There should be another way.


    I was talking like that when An Gyu-bums confident voice could be heard.


    Theres none. I assure you.


    Get lost. I have other people to ask besides you.


    There should be a road no matter where you go to. If I couldnt find it I was nning on going to the broker elder brother. That elder brother had a lot of connections here and there so its possible that it reaches An Gyu-bums level. If I gave him a bunch of money he might be able to bring me some method.


    It seems you misunderstood me. Im not that much of a basket case.


    An Gyu-bum got up from his seat. I turned my head and red at him.


    He smirked as he opened his mouth.


    When I said I wanted that girl, I just wanted to use her as a bodyguard. Theres no way youre thinking about something weird right? Do you think about weird things while looking at her as well? Min-jeong. Am I such a strange guy?


    No, youre not.


    Jeon Min-jeong said so without batting an eye. That girl really isnt friendly.


    It doesnt matter what you do. However, dont involve my person in that.


    Squeeze.


    I could feel Soo-ah tightening her grip on my sleeve.


    Momentarily, anger rose all the way to the top of my head. I was going to just go but I got too enraged so I dont think I should.


    It would be difficult to hit him once but I think I will calm down once I say something at least.


    I was wondering what I should say to screw him over when An Gyu-bum suddenly bursted withugher loudly.


    Puhahaha!


    What bullshit is this?


    Kukuku. No. Rx your expression. I was just joking around a bit. Do you think I would use a girl without background somewhere? Our house doesnt even look twice at someone not from a good university even for maids.


    Hah.


    Crack crack.


    If I dont bury that mouth somewhere then Im not a human being anymore.


    Friend, grow your sense of humour a bit.


    Whos your friend!


    I shouted so and dashed towards him. Jeon Min-jeong tried to block me but there was a worlds difference between our reflexes.


    Kuk!


    You bastard. How should I kill you? Should I take out your teeth first?


    Endure it. Im a person that still has something to give you.


    Is that so? Then lets start by getting hit once first.


    An Gyu-bum sprayed blood as he crashed into the sofa and fell over with it.


    Jeon Min-jeong hurriedly went to help him up and drew her sword against me.


    Wait.


    An Gyu-bum whose face got swollen red blocked Jeon Min-jeong.


    The surroundings had already be a mess. People wearing ck suits came swarming in, security guards came and held my shoulder. There were people with their smartphone cameras on behind them.


    A person shouting, a person trying to pull me away, the people watching got mixed and the VIP lounge instantly turned into a marketce.


    Everyone be quiet!


    An Gyu-bum suddenly shouted.


    At that, the surrounds go quiet like a lie. He touched his face that got hit and frowned.


    Bastard. I said it was a joke but you hit strong enough for it to hurt. You dont have any friends right?


    You probably dont have any either.


    Puhaha! It seems your sense of humour has returned somewhat.


    He startedughing loudly again. I really didnt know. What kind of human being this guy was.


    Did he just have a personality that likes getting hit?


    I will trade the van and information. Come to the parking lot.


    An Gyu-bum said so and turned around.


    Jeon Min-jeong red at me to the end but as An Gyu-bum urged her she turned to follow him as if it couldnt be helped.


    The people wearing ck suits also disappeared following him.


    Soo-ah opened her mouth.


    Do you think rich people are normally that out of their minds?


    Not sure It might be that hes crazy.


    The one that hit was definitely me and the one that rolled on the floor in an unsightly manner was him. However, a peculiar feeling that I lost to him enshrouded my body.


    The more I got to know him, he seemed to be a greater retard than I thought.


    The hunter world was where they would try to kill each other at a single profanity. But he endured even after getting hit in a ce with this many people?


    This was dangerous.


    Damn. It would have been better if it was a crazy guy.

 Chapter 152

    Chapter 152


    I followed behind the guy to the parking lot. He was waiting for me surrounded by dozens of people in ck suits.


    Take it out.


    Wait.


    I took out the van from the item list. As a van suddenly appeared from nowhere, an exmation came out of An Gyu-bums mouth.


    Didnt you say that did doesnt have the function to be small?


    This is a different ability.


    I will give you the information if you add the secret ability and give it to me.


    Dont spout bullshit and hand over the information. If you dont like it youre not getting the van either.


    Hm. Come here for a bit.


    He held his index finger and signalled towards me.


    Are you asking me to break your finger?


    Oh boy. Youre a really twisted guy huh. How does this look like that?


    Do you call your parents like that as well?


    Are you my parents?


    Damn. If only you couldnt talk.


    It hurt my pride a lot but I endured thinking about Jong Sa-won.


    As I went towards him, Jeon Min-jeong who was next to him handed me a ck suitcase.


    As I received it and opened the bag, a ck suit was in it.


    Whats this?


    The thing you want. It blocks aging as a matter of course and prevents diseases as well. By the way, thats a level 10 item and its not sold even in the market so it wouldnt be possible to get it anywhere.


    Really?


    Do I look like someone that has that little to do to bring you all the way here and joke around?


    It seems like he had really little to do looking at how he was stalking me in the first ce.


    I inspected the suit through the manual.


    Eternal Immortality Suit (10) : Returns the body to its prime condition. Aging is stopped and bes immune to diseases. Can regenerate missing body parts.


    It wasnt a lie. I was curious as to how this guy had such a thing but I was also curious as to why he would hand over such a thing.


    The van was a good item but could it be said to be as good as this suit? This was something that not only Jong Sa-won but anybody would be greedy for.


    Its all good. Besides one thing.


    What is it?


    Is there no other design besides a suit? You cant battle while wearing this right.


    The suit itself was a level 10 so there was no problem with its defensive capabilities.


    It wouldnt get ripped but it can be said that it had no ability to absorb damage.


    Thats a problem you will have to take care of yourself. Dont speak nonsense and hand over the item.


    Take it.


    I pointed at the van.


    By the way, this was a newly avable merchandise of the store, a 10 EP low price van. Everything was the same besides one thing, it didnt have the internal space expansion.


    Of course, even without that it was a really good item. It was a vehicle that had absolute bullet proof and had some defensive ability against hunter ambushes.


    It would be overdoing it to use it in a ceremony, but if its a situation where safety is needed then there should be a time this will be needed. Im thinking that it was for such a reason that An Gyu-bum tried to buy it for a price of 1t.


    Of course, looking at his expression it can be assumed that he has some other thoughts but, well, he shouldnt be able to do much.


    In the first ce, its not something that can be disassembled.


    Even if it could be done, the same thing cant be made. The main point of this vehicle is whether its treated as an item or not after all.


    An Gyu-bum inspected the van closely.


    Hm. Its the right item right?


    Check if youre curious.


    I was nning on doing so.


    As he said so, he took out a short sword. Seeing how it looked, it was a level 3 no name short sword. It was just right for testing defensive ability.


    An Gyu-bum stabbed the short sword into the vans wheel.


    Instead of the wheel ripping or exploding, the short sword was deflected. He had a satisfied expression.


    Good. Lets say the trade is over with this.


    He held out his hand and I shook that hand. Putting aside the fact that I didnt like this guy, I was being truly thankful about allowing me to get this kind of item.


    Contact me if you have a good item next time as well. Ill give you a good price for it.


    Im honestly quite curious. Whats your reason for trying to gain so many rare items? Is it really just for collection?


    Yeah. Theres a collection in the house.


    Well, whatever. Whatever you do with that.


    It was too obvious that it was a lie but there was no point in forcefully getting it out of him.


    I came back to the ward and handed the suitcase to Jong Sa-won. He who had taken the suit out had an doubting look and opened his mouth.


    Ill get better if I wear this?


    Yes. Im not sure if the effect is immediate but at the very least it wont worsen.


    I see.


    He silently looked at the suit. It was an extremely luxurious cloth and design just looking at it. Thinking about it, there was almost no difference in design between this and the suit An Gyu-bum was wearing. Was he wearing this as well? I btedly thought that I should have checked with the manual.


    What are you doing? Are you not going to wear it?


    Soo-ah urged Jong Sa-won. He silently looked and the clothes and opened his mouth.


    This was probably expensive right?


    I got it cheaply. Its almost like getting it for free really.


    It was something I got with a 10 EP vehicle. In terms of money, about 1b. Thinking about how this is a level 10 item, its basically the same thing as getting it for free. It was a profit for me so there was nothing bad for me.


    Thank you.


    He seemed to have more to say but I could see that he kept it in. It seems he didnt just want to say his thanks. I could feel an emotion that was moreplicated, a feeling that was difficult for me to understand right now.


    Due to the death of his brother and the revenge for it, he had been hunting monsters like crazy. Even while the party members were having run in between hunting, he would often stay alone at the side. I tried not to care too much even if on purpose.


    I didnt have any wish to drag him in and make get more intimate with the others. I knew he didnt have much time left after all. I had left him to do as he want, to live as he want.


    He who had been fighting a battle of his own had suddenly gotten a long period of time to live. As someone who didnt understand his pain, I didnt think I had the qualification to say this and that to him.


    However, it was different from now on. There was a lot of time left for him. There had to be no cases of him throwing himself out for meaningless revenge from now on. The time hade for him to now live his own life.


    Even if the conclusion was him leaving our party, I was going to respect his decision.


    Jong Sa-won who properly wore the suit slowly moved his body.


    Slight excitement appeared on his face.


    This My body properly moves.


    It seems to be more effective than I thought.


    It seems a level 10 was a level 10. Jong Sa-wons face that seemed like he would die any minute had liveliness in it now. His thin body was the same but I could feel power from his every movement.


    For now, Jong Sa-wons procedure to leave the hospital was put into motion. Hearing that he was moving to a sanitarium, the doctor silently epted his discharge. It was because further treatment had no meaning for him from a professional examinations judgement.


    I was curious as to what kind of expression he would make if he knew that his body waspletely fine but there was no need to say unnecessary words.


    While we were returning on the van, Jong Sa-won opened his mouth.


    Where is the next hunting area?


    For now, I am nning on deciding between a level 9 dungeon and New ska.


    I see. Anywhere is fine so I would like to go soon.


    There is no need to move in such a rush. We can just go after your body is healed to some degree.


    Im not sure what I should do in the remaining time.


    By any chance, your house is?


    I dont have a separate ce I live in.


    I found out that during the resting period after hunting, he always went to the hospital to get treatment. Thinking about it, when he first came holding the Rubicon Sword, he had said that he sold the house on top of his younger brothers insurance after all. It seems he had constantly been in the hospital after he had gotten money while living in a small one person room.


    Then please stay at my house for the time being.


    I dont have any thoughts on bothering you.


    Not really I bought a new house so its quite wide. There quite a few ce you can train as well so I think it would be helpful if you help out with training team 2 instead.


    Jong Sa-won thought for a short while and nodded his head.


    He was alone after losing his family anyway. It would be morefortable for both of us to stay at my house. I was also alone and there were a couple of weird people but as Soo-ah and Yeon-gyeong had said it was better the more people there were in arge house so there was no need to think that he would be a bother.


    Since the house was sorge, I hired some people to clean. A person to manage the gymnasium and guard the property and a housekeeper in charge of domestic affiars.


    Thend was quiterge but they said that they were people that would work hard as long as their monthly sry had a good pay so I gave them the first months sry immediately.


    The next thing to do was to change all the money I got from the market into items. Money close to 2t disappeared instantly.


    An individual getting rid of this much fortune at once would be impossible if it was in the past but thinking about the money the market moves, it wasnt much.


    In the first ce, the amount of money that moves around in this small country is said to beparable to that of a financial giant like China after all.


    China got that much by selling rice but our countrys main export was none other than items. Equipment that all have a price tag of 100m were being exported in the hundreds of thousands every year.


    The poption had decreased so the economical scale had shrunk so the money was pouring out.


    If there was a problem it would be that the normal people are not feeling that at all.


    The top ss hunters were living a life of luxury but the lives of normal people were getting tougher as time went on. The capitalism trap where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer was happening to the extreme on thisnd.


    It was not an exaggeration that there was no method to solve this. In a situation where the market was monopolizing almost all the wealth, a fraction of thergepanies andrge raid groups were living off of the remainder after all.


    The government was also getting a tremendous amount of money off of the markets taxes every year. The problem was that most of that money was being used to make things convenient for therge raid teams orpanies.


    It meant that welfare for normal people is meaningless for the most part since the money was all from that area.


    Soo-ah who heard me opened her mouth.


    Either way, it means our country is really rich right?


    Well, the country is like that but normal people arent. That money is all used to make roads and to control dungeons and monsters after all. Its said that its to the point that theyre causing a fuss that theres not enough even after taking so much money from the market through tax.


    Hm. I see.


    Thats whats said but who knows. It might be leaking through the back.


    I was currently sitting in the first floor living room waiting for people. I had called the others to discuss where to make our next hunting area.


    The difference from before was that I could call people without worrying too much since the house isrge. I started thinking that I should have gotten a house earlier.


    I called team 2 for now as well. I had temporarily blocked them from working as a group of hunters besides Delta activities. If they did something simr to someone else like they did to us while hunting on their own and caused a conflict, it would just make it difficult for me after all.


    But that didnt mean that they could move with team 1. The difference in level is huge in the first ce you see. Even so, it would be difficult to lend them level 10 items.


    Thats why, I was nning on electing a new leader of team 2 and make them go around separately.


    I had already decided internally.


    Soo-ah opened her mouth.


    So youre nning on putting Mr. Jong Sa-won into Jang Moon-boks team? Would the directing go well when that mister doesnt talk much?


    Then will you do it? They seemed to listen to you very well.


    Hehe. Why are you saying something so saddening. You know that I cant even use half my strength if Im not next to seonbae oppa dont you.


    The Ne of Confinement that she had did not function if she got a certain distance away from me. Thats why I couldnt leave her with team 2. But that didnt mean that I could send Han Joon-suk who was the brain and sending Cho Young-gu with him would be bad too.


    The two are close friends so they will try not to be separated as much as possible after all. I tried probing Yeon-gyeongs opinion but as expected she felt like she would be burdened. In the end the only person left was Jong Sa-won. Also, I thought it wouldnt be a bad idea for him to try out being in charge of a team.


    He had been active alone for far too long after all.

 Chapter 153

    Chapter 153


    Its not asrge as I thought.


    Han Joon-suk said so as he came into the house.


    Its not big? This plot ofnd was a school you know?


    Since youre getting one anyway, you could have gotten arger ce. That field and gymnasium is all going to be used for Team Delta no?


    Thats true.


    Then it wouldnt be bad thinking about how its going to increase in size. Well, you can just move next time though.


    How far ahead are you thinking?


    Koreas greatest raid team.


    This guy had a lot of ambition.


    I was originally a porter and if I had a dream it would be bing the greatest hunter This was also a great ambition but a top raid team was a whole other story.


    The difficulty was worlds apart from an individual reaching the top and a group reaching the top. Was he saying that we were going to rise to the top surpassing the raid teams that have been piling up assets over 50 years I wonder.


    Well, I hope that we can get there someday.


    It will happen. We have party leader with us after all.


    Me?


    Party leaders role will increasingly be more important. Unlike us.


    Thats true.


    I nodded my head.


    I had grown explosively in thest month.


    Not long ago, my hand would tremble at holding money at the tens of billions but I just sold a total of 2t after all.


    However, that was something that was only possible because I sweeped up the Chungho Group. It would probably be different from now on. It wasnt a good thing to constantly face 10,000 people at once too.


    Now that I think of it, China had still not mentioned anything about the Chungho Group. Seeing how theyre still ignoring them after 10,000 came and got close to annihtion, it seems like its possible that they really arent rted to the government.


    It was possible since each region had a lot of power. Since its said that each region is raising hunters for tactical use theres a high possibility that its one of them.


    After everyone gathered, we all went to the living room.


    Come to think of it, I could understand what Han Joon-suk meant about the house being small.


    Even if it was 100 pyeong with the first and second floorsbined, there was no good ce to hold meetings with 20 people.


    It couldnt be helped so I had only Jang Moon-bok participate from team 2 while the rest stood by outside.


    The meeting didnt take very long. Because it was almost decided that Jong Sa-won would be the leader of team 2, it was only a matter of getting his agreement.


    It was decided that team 2 would go around the Yellow Sea region a bit more with Jong Sa-won as the center. There were still remnants of the Chungho Group and since level 4 monsters appeared as well, it was the perfect environment for team 2 to hunt in. If they got experience and earned money like that, Im nning on upgrading team 2s items as well.


    Jong Sa-won and Jang Moon-bok left the conference room to discuss the uing expedition.


    I also distributed level 10 items to the rest of the party members.


    Soo-ah held the level 10 no name longsword and cheered.


    Are you really giving these to us?


    Im not giving it to you, its a loan. You can think of all that as part of the teams fortune. You have to return itter so you cant ever lose it or something.


    Dont worry. I will even sleep while hugging it.


    No, dont do that. You have bad sleeping habits.


    Giggling could be heard from here and there. There was no one who didnt know how bad her sleeping habits were after all.


    A level 10 items was given each to 8 people including me. Even if it was a no name, since main equipment started at several hundreds of billions it was a decision that couldnt be helped.


    Instead, a shield to Cho Young-gu, a sword to Soo-ah, equipment appropriate for each ones role was given. I reced my broken armor with a level 10 no name te armor.


    Everyone was equipping or swinging their newly distributed items with excited faces.


    Now seemed to be the most suitable time to say it.


    With this much I believe there will not be many problems going around a level 9 dungeon. It might even be possible to deal with an irregr.


    That certainly seems so. However, why are you saying it so weirdly? Its like youre saying that you wont be going.


    This girl really notices things quickly.


    Thats right. Im nning on moving on my own for a while.


    Yes? What do you mean?


    Soo-ahs eyes went wide as she looked at me.


    Its a matter that I have already talked about with Han Joon-suk. Me staying in the team does not help very much with everyones growth.


    Their sights all went towards Han Joon-suk. The one that talked about this first was actually not me but him.


    At some point, my growth had overwhelmingly surpassed the growth of my party members. Because of that, my existence was a hindrance to the party members growth.


    If they got more indolent theres a possibility their ability falls. Hunters were people that hunt as the word says. Of course, its best to have good equipment but there was no way to hunt beasts without sharpening ones abilities.


    It would affect Team Delta on the long term if they continue to rely on me.


    I couldnt help nodding to his words.


    More than anything, I could feel his affection towards Team Delta. It seemed like he wanted our group to not be a small gathering merely tangled with human rtionships but a real raid team.


    It didnt mean that I was allfortable separating with them just because its me.


    From what I see, there were people thatcked ability, and people that didnt have the mental fortitude of a hunter.


    Also, it was true that I was uneasy thinking about the possibility that someone would get hurt or even killed.


    However, the moment I thought about that, I understood what Han Joon-suk was trying to say. These people were not my children or something and they were not people that I needed to protect either.


    These problems did not appear on the surface until now but if it continued this way, because of my soft personality there was a high possibility they would have a tendency of relying on me.


    Something done in good faith did not always lead to a good conclusion.


    In that sense, what Han Joon-suk had been saying was correct to say a hundred times.


    Also, I thought that it was my good luck that I met with someone like this.


    Our meeting was only a coincidence but I didnt think that we would still be together for so long.


    It was a decision that I made after thinking for a long time so I hope that you will all agree to it.


    However, I couldnt do anything about feeling sorry.


    It can be seen as me throwing them away after all. I even thought that they might abhor me.


    However, the party members that were looking back at me did not have a dark or depressed expression at all.


    Hm It seems everyone doesnt have particrly shocked expressions. I was about to be sad.


    Well, I did think that such a day was going toe after all.


    Cho Young-gu said so with a lightugh.


    It got difficult for me to chase after you because Im so old. I should be able to take it easy now.


    I will have Manager Kim do shooting practice for a while. If you cant get a hit rate of over 90% from a 20 meter distance Im never going to let you in on the expeditions.


    Buy why?


    Im the leader of team 1 now.


    Han Joon-suk said so as Manager Kim grumbled.


    Jeon team leader. Is it really okay to leave team leader to this guy?


    Yes. I believe he is the best figure to lead the team as of now. If not well, is Manager Kim going to take up the position?


    No Thats not it but. Eh. I was thinking that it was going to get easier.


    As Manager Kim grumbledughter resounded. He had always grumbled in discontent but he was actually a person that had quite a big role in our party.


    Its not like we cant meet at all right. I will wait so pleasee often.


    Yeon-gyeong said so and lowered her head. I didnt know which part she was embarrassed about but I stroked her head.


    Dont y around because Im not around. I will leave Kelby behind so take good care of him.


    Yes. I will think of him as party leader.


    No, thats a bit.


    Bark!


    Kelby who was being hugged by her lightly barked at Yeon-gyeong.


    The meeting ended with this. Should I say that it was unexpected among all expectations that Soo-ah who I had worried about the most epted it calmly.


    She didnt seem to have much of a change even after the meeting ended.


    So where is seonbae oppa going to go?


    New ska. Im going to search the ruin in that ce. It seems to be rted to Delta after all.


    It must be boring to go all the way there on your own.


    Im nning on taking Edward with me.


    That guy?


    Hes only a parasite if hes in the house anyway. Hes useful to use as recon, useful to use as a night guard, he works as a morning call and also has uses for this and that.


    Are you thinking of me as some kind of rm clock?


    Edward who was chewing on potato chips on the sofa on the other side grumbled.


    Now that I think about it, you seem to have gained some weight recently.


    What are you talking about? Vampires dont gain weight.


    No. Really. Theres a scale so should we try?


    I dont need it.


    He said so and took a long sip of the c in one hand. He seemed to have gotten into junk food even though he doesnt need to eat. Then again, he does need to stay in the house all day so he wouldnt have any pleasure of living otherwise.


    Even so, I dont think a fat vampire is right. Ive never heard of such a thing.


    What are you all doing! We gathered for the first time in a while so we should have a drink no?


    Manager Kim charged into the living room and called us.


    ***


    Ueegh!


    Hey.


    I patted the back of Soo-ah who was throwing up everything she had eaten.


    Normally, the opposite scene was natural normally. I died first and this girl would get me to my house after all.


    How much did she eat?


    Looking around, there was almost no human that was sitting properly alive.


    The one that could be called rtively okay was only Yeon-gyeong. She was nodding off with Kelby on herp though.


    Sway.


    Thump.


    Cancel that.


    I put Yeon-gyeong who was lying on a long wooden chair in her room. I had left the room when Soo-ah was right in front of me aftering back at some point.


    Do you feel okay now?


    Im not going to go.


    What are you talking about?


    Im not going to follow after seonbae oppa.


    I never told you to follow after me though. Im only going to take Edward in the first ce and if youre gone then team 1 doesnt have any melee attackers.


    Thats right. Thats why Im not going. Seonbae oppa told me to follow but since team 1 needs me.


    What is she saying?


    I think the gibberish has long passed overdoing it.

 Chapter 154

    Chapter 154


    Go and sleep. Itste.


    I pushed her into the open door. But instead of going in, she closed the door and stood with her back on the door.


    What are you doing.


    Just admiring your face.


    Hah.


    I sighed and scratched my head. I thought she was staying quiet without saying anything but it seems that wasnt it.


    Say it if you have something to say. Youre not nning on staying like this all night right?


    I dont have much to say.


    Then go in and sleep.


    Cant I sleep with seonbae oppa?


    Youre drunk arent you?


    Ill just sleep holding hands. Really. For reals. I swear to god.


    Say appropriate things. You look idiotic.


    I carefully approached her.


    Ah.


    She twitched and got surprised but then suddenly closed her eyes and held up her head.


    I then reached for the doorknob behind her back and turned it.


    Go in and sleep.


    Ahh?


    I pushed her into the room and closed the door.


    It was a somehow dangerous moment.


    I was sighing while leaning against the wall when the door opened slightly and Soo-ah peeked out.


    I didnt even have the power to scuffle though.


    What?


    Sl, sleep well. Im not going to remember this tomorrow after all. I think it would be good if seonbae oppa didnt remember this either.


    I didnt drink any alcohol.


    Hik.


    She closed the door again and disappeared.


    It was a pretty embarrassing moment. If I was her I would want to die. I didnt know why I was pushing her away when she was going so far.


    What should I say. I had the feeling I wasnt prepared to take in someone yet.


    It was a job where I could die at any time after all.


    I went into my room and spread out the nket and lied down. It wasnt tomorrow but thinking about how I had to soon go far away exhaustion overcame me.


    I could hear the sound of people repeating pour and drink outside. If they regained themselves they should have gone to sleep, were they nning on staying up.


    I plugged in earphones into my ear.


    With quiet music the surrounding sounds disappeared.


    The moment I thought I had fallen asleep, something soft and wet could be felt on my mouth.


    It was too realistic for it to be a dream.


    I opened my eyes wondering what it was.


    Eyes that seemed to be greatly surprised could be seen.


    Hik?


    A persons shadow retreated as it got surprised. It was dark so I could only see the silhouette but I could know who it was immediately.


    Yeon-gyeong?


    Hah? Yes? You werent sleeping?


    Ah I think I just woke up. But what are you doing? At this time.


    It, its nothing. I just opened the wrong door when trying to go to the bathroom.


    The bathroom is on the left at the end of the hallway.


    Yes. Im sorry for waking you up.


    Bow.


    She opened the door and went out with careful steps.


    Then, a dashing noise could be heard. It wasnt in the direction of the bathroom.


    This It doesnt seem like I can sleep.


    Day of departure.


    Team 1 finished preparations for the level 9 dungeon they reserved and team 2 to go to the Yellow Sea. In that time, I had applied for a travel visa to China and Russia which I got immediately.


    Han Joon-suk opened his mouth.


    When are you nning on returning?


    Im not sure how long it will take. If short it should take half a month and a month at the most.


    I will report everyday.


    Yes. I will ask that of you.


    Even if I was at a separate ce on my own I still had to know how the team was doing so I exchanged email addresses with Han Joon-suk.


    Since he said he would take responsibility for team 2s matters, he is basically the one managing our team.


    It was a position with much authority but there was no one that wanted it.


    In the first ce, the one that would be best at such work would be Manager Kim who had experience at argepany but he backed down saying he couldnt do it due to age.


    This.


    Soo-ah handed me the Ne of Confinement.


    Why?


    It doesnt really have much ability if seonbae oppa isnt there anyway. Give it Edward or something.


    That was true. Soo-ahs overwhelming closebat abilities had this Ne of Confinement as the basis after all so there would be quite a bit of difference in total strength.


    Thanks.


    I nodded and epted it. I did leave Kelby with them but it was uncertain how much Kelby would be able to do in a level 9 dungeon.


    I also have level 10 equipment so I can do it. I will have grown enough for seonbae oppa to be amazed.


    Yeah. Youre all grown up now.


    You dont really think that though.


    What.


    Its nothing.


    Soo-ah said so and smirked.


    I started thinking that she was a person that knew how to make a person feel better. It is normally a situation where it wouldnt be weird for one to get angry several times over.


    Then again, I guess thats why Im taking this girl around. I did act like she was annoying but she somehow came all the way here.


    Then lets all not get hurt and meet with healthy figures.


    I said so and took out the van. By the way, I got a van each for team 1 and team 2. It belonged to Delta anyway and 100% of the share was mine so I was just taking credit for it.


    Alos, I was able to unlock more things in the Delta Store thanks to that so the item list increased by quite a bit.


    It became possible to buy up to level 6 items so I am nning on unlocking more once I return from the next ruin. There is no actual profit from the equipment right now but the level 0 items had a lot of utility after all.


    I drove the van on the free road. The ce that was originally North Korea was blocked by the border of China.


    Even if the hunters quibbled with each other the two countries were still friendly with each other so it was possible to pass without problems as long as one had a passport.


    I pass Gaesung and continued on the highway to Pyongyang.


    Driving continuously for several hours my back was creaking. It seems to be because I did it after a long time after usually leaving it to Cho Young-gu.


    I hit Edward who was sleeping in the passenger seat and opened my mouth.


    You take the driving exam.


    Urg Why should I?


    If you can work as a driver as well then I will raise your sry.


    You should have said so earlier. Change over.


    What, you know how to drive?


    No, but how hard could it be.


    Nevermind. The fine for no license is no joke.


    Dont you have enough money to pay for a fine?


    That true but Well, whatever. Try it once.


    I nodded and changed seats with him. I made him try since he was being rather confident but he was driving in a more proficient way than I thought.


    Have you tried driving before?


    I just learned by watching.


    Is that even possible?


    Ill be down if you think that vampires and humans are the same. Among all races, the ones that are so slow are learning are probably only humans.


    As a representative of humans it did affect my self esteem but since it was convenient I just let it slide.


    I was a bit afraid about getting caught for not having a license but it was fine as there was no ident. There were not many vehicles in this ce in the first ce so it shouldnt be much of a problem.


    If there was a problem it was that the roadwork was a mess so monsters appeared from time to time on the highway. This van was tough enough to crash into monsters but the problem was other vehicles.


    Oh dear.


    As expected. I could see several vehicles get damaged and entangled.


    It seems a monster jumped on a passed vehicle while the people were trapped inside. A monster that looked like a praying mantis was stabbing down on the roof of the vehicle.


    It was ripping it off like taking off the lid of a can but it was quite chaotic.


    Edward asked.


    What should we do?


    What, what should we do. Just crash into it.


    Very well.


    As Edward stepped on the gas pedal a tremendous amount of torq was generated as the van shot forward like a bullet. It was eleration that overshadowed a sports car.


    Even so it seemed to be too fast so I tightly held the seat belt and handle above the window.


    The mantis monster Tenodera turned its head this way.


    Crash!


    Then its body scattered into pieces into the air. A level 3 monster just gets disassembled if theyre crashed into with such force I see.


    Edward who crashed the van into the Tenodera stepped on the break moderately and rotated the van. He looked at me with a proud look after sessfully stopping the car after weaving through the other vehicles on the way.


    Yeah. You did well.


    This much is a matter of course.


    It certainly was amazing how he yed around with the van like it was in a acrobatics parade.


    This was something impossible to do even by learning it so I wondered if it was possible to get to this level just by watching. There was probably no choice but to ept it since hes not human.


    After getting off of the van I went towards the destroyed vehicle.


    The vehicles blocking the road were three. One was flipped over while the other two were tangled up.


    Sa, save me!


    I could hear a peculiar Korean ent from inside.


    It wasnt the old North Korean and although close to modern Korean, quite a bit of the ent still remained.


    Please wait.


    I pulled the door but it seemed like it got stuck as the car got crushed and didnt open.


    Looking below fuel was leaking and sparks flew from the hood. It seemed like it would explode if I left it so I put strength into it and pulled.


    With a crushing sound the door got off. Inside was a middle aged man and a young woman that seemed at least 20 years younger than him. They seemed to be father and daughter.


    Either way, why arent they getting off. I even kindly opened the door. Are they asking me to escort them on top of that?


    Please get off for now.


    Ah ye, yeah. Youre a southerner.


    As he got out first, the girl followed after him. The other people also got off their vehicles.


    There was nothing weird about it since they couldnte out because of the monster.


    We moved to a ce away from the vehicle in case it exploded.


    Thank you for saving me.


    The middle aged man said.


    Name : Kim Sung-hyeon


    Equipment : None.


    Skill: None.


    Characteristic : Korean Immigrant Autonomous Region , Pyongyang Mayor.


    It was pretty surprising that I could see a persons name who was not a hunter. On top of that, it even showed what his job was.


    It didnt separately mention it but it seems this evolved with the upgrade.


    Either way, Pyongyang Mayor you say. This guy was a really high ranking person.


    The person that transfered to the Korean Immigrant Autonomous Region governed all of North Korea and that was the Pyongyang Mayor.


    I started thinking that I would be able to get a lot off of this guy.


    Its on the way. Please get on.


    Is that okay? Theres quite a few people.


    The number of people that got off the vehicles numbered 10. My van probably looked too small to fit all of these people.


    It couldnt be helped that it looked like that.


    Please get on from the back. The inside probably looks wider than you think.

 Chapter 155

    Chapter 155


    Huh?


    Kim Sung-hyeon looked in the van with surprised eyes. Its because a quite significantly wide space had appeared once I opened the back door.


    It was an amount of space where a fair amount of luggage could be stored even after ten or so people spread their arms and legs.


    What kind of principle is this?


    Its an item.


    I see I have heard that there have been many interesting itemsing outtely.


    Im not going to sell it.


    Is that so? Why?


    Its something that cannot be found anywhere after all.


    Isnt there the Hunter Market in the south?


    The Hunter Market was only operated through direct management. There were only 2 in our country, 5 in China, and about 50 all over the world.


    Of course, this ce was also part of China but one had to travel at least 1,000 km to the nearest Hunter Market so it was better to go to Seoul.


    It does exist but its not like the market sells everything.


    Is that so. I thought that everything existed.


    Kim Sung-hyeon said as if surprised.


    To be honest, I also had a time when I thought so. Handling all items in the world was the markets motto after all. However, it can be known that thats not true by thinking for a bit.


    Even without the new items, there is no way to exin the mindblowing abilities of top ss hunters with existing items.


    Arriving at the destination while chatting like that, a half ruined city came into view.


    Because the aftermath of the nuke was severe, most of North Koreas poption had moved to China.


    The poption of Pyongyang also surpassed 2 million had decreased to 500 thousand now.


    The past building stayed looking ghastly but they had been left as they were without being able to demolish them.


    It was also because of money but they are also leaving them because they also function as natural walls against monsters.


    The others besides Kim Sung-hyeon and his daughter were dropped off in downtown Pyongyang.


    The two said that they would at least treat us to lunch and invited Edward and I to his house. To be exact, it was Kim Sung-hyeon who invited us.


    Either way, since he said that he wouldnt be able to sleep at ease if he didnt reward his lifes savior or something so what can I do.


    I went in the direction he pointed with the thought of getting treated to lunch.


    Hm. Is that a castle?


    Edward said. It was to the point that a guy that lived in a castle would say so. We were only able to arrive at the enormous mansion after traveling another 10 minutes after passing the steel gates.


    This kind of house What does this guy do?


    No, was it the mayor of Pyongyang. However, is it possible to live in this kind of house with just that kind of position?


    After eating food that surpassed being fancy, we sat down in the living room and drank tea.


    I didnt know what this guy did for a living to have so much money. At this level it seems he was rich enough for even An Gyu-bum to not be able topete.


    Kim Sung-hyeon opened his mouth.


    Is there anything you want by any chance? Even if I look like this I have quite some power you see. If you wish for something I would like to grant it for you.


    I dont reallyck money you see.


    Certainly, you said you were a hunter. With your level of ability you wouldntck money Ah. Right. If you have a need to go into a dungeon, please tell me.


    A dungeon?


    Even if Im like this, Im the mayor of Pyongyang. All matters in the northern penins region great or small pass through my hands first. I can open up a dungeon if you wish for it.


    Hm. That was rather tempting.


    It did bother me a bit that it was Chinasnd but its not like there werent hunters that went on expeditions in other countries after all. Since it wasnt all easy to go around dungeon in South Korea, it wouldnt be bad to get help from Kim Sung-hyeon on this side.


    I wondered if there was no way to make use of this better.


    Then, I remembered Red Holes. It might be possible to earn more from this man.


    By any chance. How are you managing thend where the dungeons disappeared?


    Hm Why are you showing interest in such a ce?


    He asked back as if my question was unexpected.


    Its a personal curiosity, as you know, nts grow quite well around dungeons after all.


    There is no one to manage them so they are all shutdown at the moment.


    May I purchase thatnd?


    Hm. That is difficult. As you know, allnd of this country belongs to the nation.


    Kim Sung-hyeon shook his head as if troubled. I was going to give up thinking that it was going to be impossible as expected when he continued.


    Instead, a long term rent is possible. Since there is no one looking for it, use it as you please.


    No. Im thinking about creating a proper contract to use it. To make it so that Chinas government cante on their own.


    Hm If so it cant be helped that it will be expensive No way. Youre thinking that dungeons can appear again on thatnd?


    It is possible, but it might not be too.


    That is too dangerous of an investment. Its possible that theyre gone forever.


    I dont think that you need to worry about such things.


    Hm. If so I understand. I will immediately bring a contract.


    He asked for the rted documents to his secretary.


    This kind of negotiation would normally have been impossible. Dungeons are key industries of a nation after all.


    However, it had already been almost 5 months since the dungeons started disappearing. In that time, the dungeons only disappeared and never appeared.


    Just once Red Holes had appeared but that was only for a single day and they had appeared in South Korea so they were thinking of it as something like a natural urrence.


    In that situation because the economic situation in the Korean Immigrant Autonomous Region was at its worst so in Kim Sung-hyeon the Pyongyang Mayors perspective he had to sell it even if he had to bow down.


    The rent that was decided like this was 10b for one dungeon area for 10 years.


    It was an impossibly expensive price for a forest and field region of around 1,000 pyeong which isnt veryrge. However, if a dungeon appeared, the price would rise by over dozens of times.


    After emptying my remaining fortune, I bought just 10. It was now a good situation to call me a beggar. But I wasnt really worried. Right now, I was a walkingrgepany after all. If I wanted to earn money, I had the ability to get up to several tens of billions per day.


    I just had to open Red Holes on thend I bought and use 2,000 monsters to go through them one by one the entire day after all.


    It wasnt like I had to hunt myself and items will pile up as long as the monsters are caught and killed. 2,000 monsters can just be released in the Yellow Sea anyway.


    If I used the Rapid Return and Automatic Collection, even I didnt know how much I would be able to get.


    Since I was thinking about it and all, I immediately tried. As soon as I left Kim Sung-hyeons house I went to the closest dungeon area I purchased from him.


    The map of the Korean penins appeared soon once I turned on the Mystic Dungeon. It was a matter of course but it was possible to tamper with the dungeons in North Korea as well. From them, I activated the dungeon at the ce I was at.


    At that, red aura swayed and a dungeon entrance soon appeared in real time.


    For now, I considered the level of the monsters and chose a level 3 dungeon. Since most of the level 1 and 2 monsters had died, the ratio of level 3 monsters among those left was the highest.


    Sorting out only the monsters level 3 or greater, they totaled up to around 1,300.


    I was going to push them all into the dungeon when an error message appeared.


    The number allowed to enter the dungeon has been filled. (30/30)


    Hm?


    There was a limit to entering the dungeon.


    I was sure that the original dungeons did not have this kind of limit. There was a time hundreds had gone in to clear a dungeon after all.


    If it was like this, there would be a fiasco in the n to quickly clear using arge number of monsters.


    Since it couldnt be helped, I put 29 highest level monsters in.


    Themand was simple. Just go around the entire dungeon and kill at the ones that could be seen.


    The monsters over level 6 with the level 8 ck Tiger as the center swept through the dungeon.


    The amount of time it took purely hunting monsters was about 2 hours. It took longer than I thought.


    It happened because the area of the dungeon was wide and the number of monsters was many. Seeing how it took this long even with high level monsters, it would be impossible to take the same level hunters and clear the dungeon in two hours like before.


    The number of items that dropped were 7. Since they were level 3 items, I had gotten over 3b in 2 hours.


    I collected the monsters for now and left the Red Hole. Edward who had been waiting outside opened his mouth.


    The profit?


    Its somewhat okay. Should I say that we dont have to worry about money to live at the very least.


    It was at the point where I could get over 10b in a day as long as I set my mind on it.


    It was the same thing as getting dozens of high level hunters work for free so it would be weird if I didnt earn that much.


    Then how about we settle down here and hunt? Without a need to go so far.


    Should we?


    It was a bit tempting. If I make up my mind and settle down here for a year the profit would be in the trillions.


    However, I soon changed my mind. Its because I thought that I was already at the point where I didnt have to cling to money anymore.


    Urg Its cold.


    I turned on the vans heater. It had already been 3 days since we passed Russias border.


    Around the time the road started getting rough the temperature outside became negative.


    Edward was wearing a fur coat so it didnt seem to matter. As much of a shame as it was I purchased a temperature regting mantle from the new items.


    Temperature Regtion Mantle (1) : Protects the user from the cold or the heat. Cannot endure in extreme environments.


    It didnt have any other special abilities but unlike the robes that magicians used it was possible to wear even while wearing metal te type armor so it was a pretty useful item.


    If one wasnt originally a magician that meant that they had to wear armor that had temperature regtion options but it seems they were made to get rid of such inconveniences.


    The extreme environments this was talking about was also actually temperatures under negative 100 degrees Celsius and over 100 degrees Celsius where humans couldnt possibility be able to live. At the very least, it couldnt be on Earth so there was no need to care too much.


    Only after driving like that for one week were we able to reach the road that leads to New ska. I wore the Russian interpretation hat that I prepared ahead of time.


    It was a military helmet that had a crest with the shape of a bird with two heads and was made with mice colored fabric that covered the ears as well.


    Thest region before heading to New ska was Novoskaya. It was originally a small port where shrimp catching boats traveled but after the Monster Wave it waspletely shut down and became a deste ce where only the army base remained. (<em>Kyle: Novoskaya doesnt seem to be a real ce in Russia.</em>)


    However, this ce was filled with many people unlike any time before.


    At this ce where there were only a few military use tents, dozens of buildings were being built and just the number of people walking around numbered tens of thousands.


    There were already hunters gathering from all over the world so it was clear that there would be even more people as time went on.


    The Yellow Sea was the same but it wasnt difficult to go into a new ind within ones countrys ownnd.


    There were sentries but it was to maintain public order and there were Asian hunters within Russia so there would be no suspicion against me.


    On top of that, Russian woulde out fluently thanks to the interpretation hat so I was able to easily enter Novoskaya vige.


    Lets rest here for today and go in tomorrow.


    The sun had already fallen and the night was dark. It was currently close to winter so even at 3 or 4 pm it became dark. It would soon be November and at that point the sun wouldnt rise all day.


    Fighting monsters at night was something even I would rather not do.


    Leaving aside the danger, it was taxing mentally you see.

 Chapter 156

    Chapter 156


    The next day.


    I immediately took the van to the ce the ruin was.


    The location was a region at the far South side of New ska. Its a pir shaped joint thats touching the ocean and it has been confirmed with the Mystic Dungeon that the ruin is between that boulder.


    Also, I had to meet an impasse that I couldnt even think of.


    There was a white snowy field spread in front of my eyes.


    On top of the ground beingpletely frozen over the snow was piled up to my ankles. After the road that Russias side had made ended the van couldnt possibly pass through.


    At that point, I could see the people parking their cars and continuing on foot.


    Hm Does that mean we have to get off and walk as well I wonder.


    Edward said.


    Just go.


    Even if its this kind of vehicle the wheels wouldnt be able to roll properly though.


    Dont worry. Theres a way.


    A way?


    The store got unlocked further after buying 2 more vans from the Delta Store and Additional Items for the van got unlocked as well.


    Snow Chain (1) : Can drive on icynd as if driving on a in.


    Of course, that snow field was amazing. Even if it was this van that plowed through the forest region it wouldnt be able to go properly on thisnd.


    However, what if it was the Snow Chain that has the guarantee of an item?


    I opened the manual and added the chain to the van as it was. Then, without a need to personally put it on, it got applied automatically.


    Rattle.


    Hm?


    The van shook a bit but it went on the icy ground smoothly.


    There was no feeling of the van slipping. There was the diforting feeling of driving on an unpaved road but it seemed like it would be possible to get to a pretty significant speed if I wanted to.


    Whats that. What kind of vehicle is it to go so well?


    Hey! How did you do that?


    It looks like you have a chain but it wont work with just that much!


    The nearby hunters that we passed by shouted at me who was in the passenger seat.


    From the perspective of those people, it would look like I was doing something rash. They were people who had a fair share of experience. There is a reason they are walking around this widend.


    As I ignored them mumbling noises could be heard. It was a small sound but as my physical abilities had been improved to the max, the sound flowed into my ear.


    He will know once he dies of starvation in the middle of the icy ground.


    Leave him alone. Looks like an Asian anyway. Theres no need for us to care about it.


    What. It was a Chinese bastard? Why is he like that aftering to another country?


    Theres Asians in our country too. Did you not know?


    Theres no way a Russian would go in that foolishly. Its probably a Chinese bastard.


    Thats possible. Hehe. If those guys freeze to deathter lets collect the items.


    You dont even know how far theyre going.


    We should find them soon if the road is made.


    Theyre probably saying it because they think I cant hear them. I should remember the guy that called me a Chinese bastard and beat him upter.


    In what way do I look like a Chinese?


    Hm? Is there something different? Korean or Chinese, theyre both the same Asian though.


    Edward said.


    Its different. It is a miniscule difference though.


    Is that so. Even so, I dont understand how that is something to feel angry about.


    Lay off of me. Its like that if I say its like that.


    To be honest, I couldnt retort because it was true. China was certainly one of the top economic superpowers in the world. Because of the state dominated financial system andmunist system they have a somewhat underdeveloped social system but even so, it was a country that was hard to see ascking culturally or economically.


    There was no reason to be ufortable about looking like a Chinese in the first ce.


    The reason that I do feel unpleasant somehow might be because of what happened at the Yellow Sea. The number of Chungho Group members that died at my hands numbered thousands after all.


    So do I regret it?


    Not at all.


    Entering someone elsesnd, settling down and attacking was most definitely an act that looked down on our country. It might be hard to see it as a sin severe enough to warrant death. It might be difficult to say that my action of cutting down thousands of Chungho Group members was justified.


    I would still do the same acts even if the same situation happened. People that took others things couldnt be sent off peacefully after all.


    One should put their own lives on the line if they want to take something from others.


    The van with Snow Chain on it crossed the icy ground with ease. There was the feeling of riding on an unpaved road but it was going without problem so there was no problem in particr.


    Monsters that looked simr to pr bears, White Tigers, Ice Wolves were the main ones that could be found on this icynd.


    Since monsters were lives as well they were just living in the ce most suited for them. The White Tiger that we saw at the forest region was more like a guardian of the ruin.


    Either way, I tried fighting them every time I saw them. It wasnt to get items or ores but to learn information on the monsters. I could only spawn monsters that I fought at least once to summon them through the Pure Gold Ring so it would be a good idea to put them into the database.


    Even doing so it didnt take that long to arrive at the destination.


    It was fine to throw the Dancing Sword out the window after all. If its possible to kill them by throwing the sword a few times then thats good but if it runs away I wont chase after it.


    The dead monsters return to the void immediately and if items or ores dropped they would immediately be put into the item list.


    It sure isfortable. Veryfortable.


    This was more like picking up jewels on the sidewalk than hunting. Others might die of jealousy if they looked at it. If a guy like me saw it he wouldment all day saying that the world was unfair.


    We kept moving like that when I could see a huge vehicle in front of us. As I saw with sight strengthening Optical Ruby Ring, I was able to know that it wasnt a normal vehicle but a Monster Car over 5 meters in height alone.


    A single wheel was over 2 meters in diameter so basically, it was a vehicle made to function in even the worst environments. It was a car that looked like something the Americans would make.


    Did we get to the border already?


    Hm Its my first time seeing a vehicle like that.


    Edward said so as he narrowed his eyes. It seems this guy could see it even without an items help. It could only be seen as a ck dot from here with the naked eye though.


    By the way, this guy was currently a level 3. Its thanks to continuously drinking monster blood. He tells me to call him a Vampire Viscount or something.


    What are you going to do?


    Do what you say. Of course were just going to go.


    I dont think they will just let us go like that though.


    Hm Since we came from the Russian side they wouldnt be too friendly?


    I changed the interpretation hat first. Even if we couldmunicate, I didnt know if they would easily let us pass. It was no use to go to another path.


    The area around the ruin waspletely under the control of America and I had to cross the line the American raid teams were protecting after all.


    For now, I will try meeting them and if it doesnt go well Im nning on passing by flying in the air.


    It was a bit bothersome but this was the best method for now.


    In such icynd it was difficult for the Milworm to dig the ground. They probably couldnt even move in the ice in the first ce.


    After preparing as much as possible we drove the van.


    But I realized that something was weird the closer we got.


    That.


    Theres no one alive.


    Edward said. It was as he said.


    The huge vehicle was half destroyed and around it, caterpir type snowmobiles werepletely destroyed and lying around.


    There were private use snowmobiles too. There were also dozens of dead bodies frozen and being eaten by monsters.


    Damn it!


    I threw the Dancing Sword out the window.


    The monsters scattered at the sudden attack. 10 or so Killer Bears and dozens of Ice Wolves copsed while spraying blood.


    The ones that survived let go of their greed for the corpses and began running away.


    Edward looked around the disastrous scene with curious eyes.


    Did they get ambushed by monsters?


    No, theres not many cases where monsters destroy vehicles so thoroughly.


    Thats true.


    I got off the van for now. It was to grasp the situation properly.


    The corpses were severely damaged due to getting eaten by monsters. The ones with their limbs intact could be counted with one hand and even those were eaten here and there making it difficult to look at them with ones own eyes.


    What was peculiar was that the equipment was left as it was. They were all items over level 5. In terms of money it would reach several tens of billions.


    After collecting those and inspecting all over their bodies for their identities, I turned on the returning to void mode. They would only be monster food if they were left here.


    Dozens of corpses quickly disappeared and ores and items came into the manual. I scanned through them but there was nothing special.


    After taking care of the corpses like that I carefully inspected the vehicles.


    This is a sword.


    Edward inspected a snowmobile that was cut in half.


    As he said, the destruction mostly seemed to be from that of a sword. It wasnt like there were no monsters that used swords but at the very least there werent any that used it in this icynd.


    Who could it have been?


    Looking at how there is no trace, its likely that the enemy is only one.


    If its like that then its annoying. He didnt even take level 5 equipment. That means the person is a really high level as long as hes not an idiot.


    In the worst case scenario it could be a level 10 hunter.


    A level 10 hunter is said to be 1 in 10,000. Even I didnt get there yet.


    Should I say that it was a bitcking to call myself a level 10 with 1 armor and 1 skill at level 10.


    Real battle ability is well, can be seen as sufficient for a level 10 but since I never faced one I still couldnt get a feel of what kind of level it was.


    That didnt mean I wanted to fight against a level 10.


    Those guys were monsters in the first ce after all. It was the same in the hunter world where the poor get poorer and the rich get richer. The higher level you be, the money you earn increases exponentially and the rank of the equipment these people have changes too.


    They can have dozens of skill slots and there are guys that have a full set of items that cost trillions each. It was the financial power piled up for 50 years.


    I dont know who it is but I hope that we wont meet.


    Edward said.


    It was at that moment.


    Boom!


    A great explosion echoed.


    What, what is it? Did a missile fall or something?


    I got surprised as I turned my head towards the direction the sound came from. The explosion came from several kilometers away. Seeing how there was no fire or smoke it wasnt an explosive.


    That was a greater problem.


    Edward lightly trembled.


    This guy got scared? There shouldnt be a need for him to get scared as long as its not on the level of a Vampire Lord or something though?


    It seems like I will have to see what has happened for now.

 Chapter 157

    Chapter 157


    I took out an eagle. Edward had a strange expression.


    You can check what there is over there with that?


    I strapped a camera on its neck you see.


    It was a high performance camera that could record 4K videos. It was also possible to show it on the disy in the van via wirelessmunication.


    Because there was a limit to themunication with an eagle, it was a method that I had thought of and found that it was pretty useable.


    Go see whats happening over there.


    The Red Bald Eagle cried shortly and flew into the air. It able to normally fly 100 meters up in the air.


    No matter how outstanding ones senses were unless they often looked up at the sky it would be impossible to find it.


    Even if it was found they wouldnt be able to know that there was a camera on it.


    After sending it off like that I turned on the 14 inch disy in the van. The recording from the camera was shown.


    At first it was a white background where nothing could be seen but as the focus got corrected we could tell that it was the snowy fields.


    We could see the van we were riding on first and then the screen started moving swiftly.


    After about 10 minutes, the eagle finally arrived at the area in question.


    Ha.


    A sigh came out unintentionally. The area was scorched as if it had been bombarded. The parts of the bodies were scattered around and vehicles were half destroyed as oil leaked out.


    In the middle of all this tragic scene was arge man with white hair.


    It was a body that seemed to be made of pure muscles.


    Even in this cold weather all he was wearing was thin ck leather clothes and half his body was still exposed. No matter how powerful a hunter was, there was no way a person would be able to bare this cold so the leather clothes were probably resisting the cold.


    The sword he was holding was ck as well. It did look powerful but it wasnt an item I remember. That meant that it was an item that wasnt sold in the market.


    I felt that it was a shame how I could see profiles through the camera. It was certain that he was powerful seeing how he was able to ughter dozens of hunters alone and destroy the vehicles on top of that.


    Either way, it would be better not to run into that guy.


    It wasnt that I thought I would lose but that there was no need to be rash and fight an unknown strong person.


    The reason I came here was to find the ruin not to fight strong people after all.


    If my party members were here then I might have taken the risk and tried fighting once.


    The current Delta Team 1 was truly quite powerful after all. The saying that there is no winning against overwhelming numbers holds true in the hunter world as well you see.


    Even if its a powerful level 10 hunter there is bound to be an opening and Soo-ah speed as she stabs into that gap or Han Joon-suks arrow is really threatening.


    I suddenly started wondering what would happen if I fought with the rest of Delta Team 1.


    If both sides prepared to the fullest, I thought I would win. I had the monster army after all.


    But if the monster army was left out wouldnt I lose?


    Soo-ah would copy my speed while Aura des attack power could be blocked by Cho Young-gus level 10 shield.


    The aerial attack using the Dancing Sword could also be dealt with by Soo-ah.


    On top of that, I wouldnt be able to endure under Han Joon-suks Stalker and Yeon-gyeongs rapid shooting.


    Jong Sa-won and Park Han-bum would also try to aim at a gap. Manager Kim is hm Either way, it was a dreadful formation when I thought about it.


    It could be said that I made it but looking at it like this it really was terrifying.


    Hm?


    My eyes met with him. To be exact, the guy was ring at the eagle.


    The moment I thought his body was fading away.


    Bzt!


    The screen cked out.


    The eagle I sent didnte back. It should be assumed that it got taken care of by that guy.


    He didnt have a weapon like a bow. It could only be guessed that he threw his sword or used magic.


    To be able to kill an eagle 100 meters in the air without any preparation movements.


    I dont think I would want to meet that guy if possible.


    I feel the same way.


    It had only matched sights with him and the camera stopped moving and the eagle died. Just looking at that it could be known that he wasnt an ordinary hunter.


    The only thing that could show simr effects would be the level 7 Eight Trigrams Scutum that I had.


    However, even that had to be taken out and pointed at and could only be used at a rtively close range.


    I wonder what it got killed by.


    Whew. Lets get as far away from him as possible for now.


    The van continued moving. We were going around so it would take a bit longer but this way was better.


    We were moving like that when the eagle I put in the sky for recon cried.


    What is it?


    I was thinking that maybe that guy appeared but looking at the direction the eagle was at there were dozens of vehicles travelling in a line.


    Looking at the direction, it was the same ce as the guy.


    Do we have to block them?


    For what?


    Those people might die.


    Its none of our business though.


    Edward frowned.


    He was right. Whether they lived or died it had nothing to do with me. And I had something I had to do right now.


    Even so, it didnt feel right looking at people going to die and doing nothing.


    Edward who was looking at my expression opened his mouth.


    A human like you, I sometimes dont know even as I begin to think I know you.


    What.


    Sometimes endlessly cold and then suddenly show love for humans.


    Im just a normal person. I just cant pass by people in danger in front of my eyes.


    Is that how it is.


    Edward continued as he nodded his head.


    So. Are you going to help them?


    Im not sure. If I approach them right now I might be seen as a weird person but I should still attempt it. From what I saw through the video, it doesnt seem like it would be easy even for a level 10 hunter you see.


    We moved the van to block their path.


    As arge van was blocking the path, the dozens of approaching vehicles all came to a stop. Monster cars, to snow mobiles, to mobiles, every single one of them were extremely expensive vehicles.


    It seems America was still a rich country after being isted. Certainly, the Americas could be self sufficient after all.


    A bald white guy got off a huge vehicle with a frown. He put both thumbs into his belt and looked at me from head to toe.


    His age seemed to be somewhere around the 50s. Looking through the manual, he seemed to be a level 8.


    His name was John McLain.


    I was going to ride over but barely endured. What are you doing?


    Its dangerous if you go this way.


    What are you saying? Is there a ce thats not dangerous in this ce?


    Its not that kind of danger. Werent there a number of casualties recently in this area?


    Why are you asking that?


    I could see his expression harden. Theres no way he wouldnt know about a freak rampaging like that.


    It seems like the main culprit of that is in front.


    The main culprit you say Is it the Russian bastards?


    I do not know that much. But he was a quite strong looking hunter.


    Just one? Are you joking with me? Do you know how many people died in Either way, it means that it could be the Russian bastards.


    John approached me and put a hand on my shoulder.


    Where is that bastard?


    It seems youre misunderstanding me. The freak over there is.


    Whatever it is, if its a guy thats causing a mess as you said he should be taken care of.


    He is right. Its dangerous with your level of skill.


    What did you just say?


    His expression hardened in a scary way. I had provoked him a bit on purpose. Its because I thought that he would rush towards that guy at this rate.


    Even if you can win a level 8 hunter.


    He tried to grab my cor.


    As I stepped back his hand swung in the air and he opened his mouth with surprise.


    Youre a pretty skilled guy I see.


    It seems youre not believing me.


    More importantly. How did you know that I was a level 8?


    That equipment. Theyre all level 8. Theres no way I wouldnt know if I have eyes.


    So you provoked me even while knowing that Im a level 8. Okay. Then I will ask one more time.


    Whatever you want.


    Why should I trust you?


    A sigh came out on its own at his words. It meant that he will just do as he wants in the end.


    Are you nning on going in the end?


    Are you telling me to trust a guy I see for the first time and change the direction of thisrge army? You should know that there has to be appropriate evidence?


    A sigh came out on its own.


    I had done as much as I can at this point. I couldnt jump in to hold him back when hes saying that he will go die on his own.


    Then do as you want. I have done as much as I can, it would be toote to regret before dying though.


    I said so and turned back.


    Wait.


    What is it?


    As I turned my head, he held up his phone and showed it to me.


    In it, the forest region battle was being yed.


    I rampaging in the enemy base on the back of the ck Tiger holding the Dancing Sword.


    There was an overwhelming difference in structurepared to when I was riding a horse. On top of that, my face was captured perfectly.


    What. Who had filmed that? Was it a film director?


    This. Is it you by any chance?


    Johns expression was starting to glow considerably.


    The mister in his 50s was looking at me like a boy that met a star.


    I was going to say that it wasnt to avoid this situation but I sighed as I nodded my head. If I could save some people by being embarrassed for a bit that would be better.


    Yes. Thats right.


    As expected! I thought I saw your face somewhere! Look! James! Eki! Come here for a bit! The Great Summoners here!


    Great Summoner?


    What was that cringy name?


    The name of the team John McLain was leading was Die Hard.


    I didnt know this but he said that even his name was from a movie by the same name from one hundred something years ago. I didnt have much of an impression because I didnt know such an old movie.


    So Whats that thing about Great Summoner?


    Was it Joon?


    Its Jeon Sang-min.


    Ah. Its difficult to pronounce your name. Ill just say Joon. Either way, Joon you are aplete star in our country right now.


    How in the world.


    It seems youre the only one that doesnt know that the video uploaded on EyeTube is really popr.


    I didnt look around much else besides the market after all. Also, who would have thought that the video would be passed on over the ocean to America.


    The satellitemunicationwork is connected but it was extremely slow. The guy that uploaded it onto EyeTube really had nothing to do.


    Does that earn me money?


    Hm If you shoot an advertisement? However, I dont think a hunter of your level would need that amount of money.


    That is true. Ah. Please have a good day.


    Thank you. Great Summoner, could we take a picture together by any chance.


    Hah Please do as you wish.


    I sat down at a table and signed and shook hands with all the people waiting in a line.


    The woman I just signed for stuck close beside me and took out a selfie stick. The chest that seemed like it would burst stuck to me.


    It didnt seem like Yeon-gyeong would be able topare.

 Chapter 158

    Chapter 158


    What in the world were the people in this country eating?


    Looking at the women leaving while squealing reminded me of Soo-ah. I had not seen them for only a week but I already wanted to see them. I had lived well alone before so it seems Ive gotten used to people too much.


    The situation got cleared after I greeted and took pictures with about 100 people.


    To think that half of the 200 people would be my fans.


    I did wonder what was happening in this country but it was good that it went well thanks to it.


    John opened his mouth again.


    So theres a really strong guy killing people I see.


    Theres a video recorded so please take a look at that.


    I took John to the van. He admired the interior that was muchrger and forcefully sat down in front of the disy.


    The video of the eagle dying soon started ying.


    The dead hunters andpletely destroyed vehicles. And the white haired muscle man standing in the middle alone.


    Its certain that hes alone. But isnt it difficult to see it as him killing all of them?


    I have confirmed several simr scenes on my way here. Also, if it wasnt him there wouldnt have been a need to kill my recon unit.


    To tell the truth it was only one ce. But he would only listen if I say this much.


    That is true but Isnt there a need to look into this more for now?


    Must you contact that guy no matter what?


    It wouldnt matter to you because youre not a part of this country. To us New ska is an important link connecting us to the continent. If we didnt take this chance when Russia is being passive we have no choice but to be isted forever. In that situation, should we look into it if incidents that we cant make heads or tails of are happening by risking our lives.


    You have great patriotism.


    Isnt that the same for everyone? I also know it as you fighting for your own country.


    That is.


    To be honest, I was a bit surprised as well. I thought that I didnt have much affection for the country called Korea.


    I had a lot ofints about the government and I didnt like the society that only wanted to increase the number of poor people.


    Its not like I thought that it would be good if such a country got ruined.


    However, once I started fighting the Chungho Group, I somehow naturally ended up helping the government team.


    There wasnt much to patriotism. It was a natural phenomenon like an arm bending inwards.


    Even so, I had only entered after calction. The chance of winning was much higher and if it was truly dangerous enough to be risking my life, I wouldnt have gone in taking my team members with me.


    But it was surprising that the Americans that had high individualism came out like this.


    America is a great country. We had ovee shock in the past and united our power to endure until now. But the fact that we are isted makes it difficult to increase our chances of growth.


    America currently has a lot of food product yes?


    Yeah. If it was possible to export that it wouldnt be difficult to regain our former glory.


    Modern agriculture needed cutting edge technology. Monsters made it impossible to spread seeds on arge plot ofnd and collect it using a machine.


    Thats why people use elerated growth using dungeons or use a way of blocking monsters. The ones that were developing the former was China while the one that developing thetter was America.


    Thats why, the one that would dislike the road from opening the most would be none other than China.


    If I was in such a situation, I would send a bunch of high level hunters and try to prevent Americans from settling down in New ska.


    I started thinking if China didnt know what I was thinking.


    However, this ce was an area bordering Russia to the end. No matter how close of a rtionship Russia and China have, it would be impossible to deploy an army to another country.


    If their opinions matched then it would possible to deploy hunters. However, it would still be impossible above a certain number.


    From Russias perspective, the eastern end was not and that the governments hands reached well after all. If arge number of Chinese hunters were to enter that kind of ce there was a high chance it would be a situation like putting a cart before the horse.


    Then what can be thought of is sending a small number of powerful hunters and destroying the American hunters. It wasnt like Russia didnt have any level 10 hunters but it wasnt like they would leave the capital for this cold ce where nothing even existed.


    Thinking up to this point, I started thinking that the hunter we just saw might be a hitman from China.


    I was pondering whether to say this to John or not but didnt. It was a problem where 3 nations would be involved. There was no need for me to recklessly interfere.


    This kind of thing could be known soon even if it wasnt for me. America was probably suspicious of this as well. The problem would be that they dont have conclusive evidence yet I guess.


    If they could catch that hunter the truth would be revealed but it would only be possible if America moved their highest level hunters.


    There is a low chance of a level 10 personally visiting so it would only be possible if the American government stepped up.


    For that to happen more time, no, more casualties would be needed.


    Also, there was a human being that wanted to be the basis for that was in front of me right now.


    You might really die. No, you will die with a high chance.


    Isnt that impossible to know without fighting? It seems like you have been scared by the enemy too much. Or are you looking down on me?


    Johns eyes narrowed. Of course, it was difficult to judge these things with just a video.


    The number of John McLains team was 200. It was a mid size raid team and there were quite a few level 8 hunters. It would be possible to catch a level 10 hunter with this.


    However, I didnt have a good feeling about it. Instantly killing a monster 100 meters in the air, throwing away level 5 items, and more than anything, Edwards reaction was not normal.


    He was at least several times more sensitive to an enemys power than me who was a human. That kind of guy got scared from something several kilometers away.


    At this level it would be a Vampire Lord or something greater than that.


    I thank you for your advice. However, its an embarrassing thing for a hunter to be scared before even fighting.


    Even if its embarrassing its much better than dying.


    That might be so. Either way, we are nning on continuing.


    It cant be helped then.


    I said so and let out a sigh.


    [Seonbae oppa. What are you doing?]


    Im working.


    [Im on my way home after finishing work.]


    There werent any problems?


    [An irregr appeared. An item didnte out though.]


    Thats a shame.


    [Instead Exotic Matter came out.]


    Oh Thats not bad.


    An exmation came out on its own. Exotic Matter was matter outside of rare earth metals among ores.


    It became impossible to analyze particles due to the Large Hadron Collider getting destroyed during the Monster Wave now so ores with substance that didnt exist before were all being called Exotic Matter.


    Also, that kind of ore was being sold at a really expensive price.


    There was a reason for that as Exotic Matter dropped form level 9 to 10 monsters all raised the efficiency of all development processes to the extreme.


    It wasnt at the level where they raised it by 30% or 40%.


    At the very least 100%, at times it even surpassed 1,000%. It seemed impossible but it actually worked like that. The reason humans didnt run out of energy even while monsters were swarming all over the world was because of this after all.


    There were voices saying that this ignored the so called Law of Thermodynamics and soon disappeared but those voices disappearedpletely once it was confirmed that a miniscule amojunt of mass was lost when it was used as a catalyst. In the end, the conclusion that Exotic Matter itself had energy was made.


    Just that it was weird how there was much more energying out than when calcted by mass ratio. Experiments were continuing from various perspectives but it was pretty much concluded that it would be impossible to know unless the Large Hadron Collider worked again.


    But since it was being used well without knowing what it was, the only ones feeling critical minded were the scientists.


    How much is it worth?


    [20b.]


    Its not bad? Theres no one injured?


    [Mister Young-gu got hurt a bit. He was soon sent to the hospital after emergency treatment with potions so he should recover soon.]


    I should wish him well.


    He was a person that had almost never gotten hurt when with me. Even so, it was good that he at least didnt die.


    After ending the call with Soo-ah like that I pointed at Die Hard who were disappearing while raising a cloud of dust and opened my mouth.


    Lets chase after them.


    Are you really going to do it? I dont really want to though.


    He rubbed his neck with the choker on it. It was the Ne of Confinement that Soo-ah used to have. He wouldnt die as long as he had that so he had too much fear for a monster.


    Im not going to get too close. Im thinking about staying at least a kilometer away. No matter how strong he is he shouldnt be able to do anything at that range.


    I have a bad feeling though.


    I just want to check if my feeling is right or wrong.


    I have no reason to fight him so I will avoid it. However, there was now a bit of a reason. I quite liked team Die Hard and I was quite curious about that serial killers identity. If he was really a Chinese hunter.


    Or if he was a person from Russia. Thats why I had secretly attached a listening device on John McLain when he entered the van.


    It wasnt an item but a 100,000 won worth subminiature mike I bought on the inte. It was a bit expensive because it couldmunicate through the satellite but I had gotten it because it was said that 1 more was given if you bought 10. There were many other misceneous things here and there in the van.


    I was hunting while putting my life on the line in the first ce so I had to use everything I could.


    So we slowly went north following the road Die Hard took.


    What kind of guy are you?


    I could hear Johns voice. It seems they met him faster than I thought. I told Edward to speed up the van. I wanted to confirm what was happening first.


    We went up the hill of ice that the other vehicles had gone around. The level 1 Snow Chain had the adhesion to go up cliffs at a 90 degree angle. There was no problem with a hill that was merely slippery.


    An explosion could be heard from over the hill.


    Together with screaming.


    Themunicator on John already didnt function anymore.


    Damn it. Ill go ahead so follow!


    I opened the van door and jumped out. I summoned the Dancing Sword to jump in midair before my feet touch the ground.


    The continuous sounds of explosion and rupturing. I had no idea what was going on.


    With an impatient heart I ran as fast as possible.


    As I jumped a few times like that the horrible sight below the hill appeared soon.


    Huh?


    What could be seen in front of my eyes was a huge crevice.


    The dozens of vehicles and 200 hunters were gone without a trace and only the white haired man remained looking at the sky.


    For now, I had to assume that team Die Hard was annihted. There was no chance a human could survive falling into a crevice that was who knows how deep.


    His sightnded on me.


    The moment I felt threatened I stepped on the Dancing Sword to change my direction.


    Boom!


    A tremendous amount of energy that passed by me could be felt.


    It felt like my entire body was getting mangled up even though it missed by several meters. I barely found my bnce andnded on the ground.


    What in the world was that.


    I inspected the guy. The gloomy eyes that were looking at the camera in the video, looking at it in reality it looked darker and heavier than ever.


    Name : Baek Gyeong (Copy)


    Skill Name : Infinite Power (10) (Copy) , Metamorphosis (10) (Copy)


    Additional Technique : Dimension Gate, opens a dimensional entrance by ripping space. Cannot move long distances.


    Hadron Canon, fires a high concentration energy that disintegrates enemies in a straight line.


    Proficiency : 100


    Equipment : Leather Armor of the Abyss (10) (Copy) , Sword of the Abyss (10) (Copy)


    Characteristics : In an extremely unstable state. Has a very high chance of causing disintegration.

 Chapter 159

    Chapter 159


    The first thing that came into view was the word Copy. It was attached to all things from name to skill and items. Considering how the manual isnt ever wrong, it meant that this guy was a copy from top to bottom.


    If that was possible wasnt important right now. There was evidence in front of my eyes after all.


    The van got to the top of the hill. Baek Gyeongs eyes headed in that direction.


    Damn it.


    Avoid it!


    I said so as I flung my body to the side.


    At that moment, a tremendous amount of energy came out without any preparation. It look like a mere haze but had an amount of power that would be difficult to measure.


    The van that got hit directly by it blew up with a massive sound. It wasnt an explosion that caused a fire. It felt more like the power itself blew up and ripped space apart.


    The only thing that was left was a hill that was half gone. The van was gone without a trace as well.


    Edward had died.


    I grinded my teeth and red at the guy.


    He was a guy that didnt want toe here in the first ce. His death was my fault. Thats why, the revenge had to be done by me as well.


    I held the Bloody Sword and made the Dancing Sword fly. The destructive sword with Aura de flew towards Baek Gyeong.


    A tremendous amount of power came from him once more.


    It collided with the Dancing Sword with Aura de on it causing energy to sh and scatter.


    The zing energy scattered while creating spectrums. It was like a rainbow was fuming out.


    Even during this the Dancing Sword prated the mass of energy and flew towards Baek Gyeong.


    The moment the sword was about to prate his body.


    He caught the de with his hand.


    What kind of!


    No matter how dull of a de it was, it was in a state where Aura de was on it.


    Catching that with bare hands was not possible even for a powerful hunter.


    It was impossible.


    I was thinking that when I could see the situation again. The Dancing Sword in his hand didnt have Aura de on it. The Aura de had all been used up in the collision with the Hadron Cannon.


    After confirming that I held the Bloody Sword and kicked off the ground running. If the Aura de wasnt the problem I just had to do damage by melee attacks.


    The distance between us decreased instantly.


    A change happened for the first time on Baek Gyeongs gloomy expression. I was going to swing the sword at the guy that was a fingertip away.


    The ground below me copsed. The guy had stomped down hard.


    For the icy ground to copse with just that.


    How much power did he have?


    Kuk!


    I called the Dancing Sword by reflex to prevent myself from falling below.


    Then I realized that the Dancing Sword was still in the guys hand.


    Kuk.


    At the thought that I would fall in at this rate I hurriedly stabbed the Bloody Sword into the cliff.


    However, probably because of the cutting power of the Bloody Sword only the speed decreased a bit and my body continued to fall.


    Damn.


    As desperate as I was, I took out a level 1 longsword and stabbed it in.


    My falling body finally stopped. It felt pretty long but the amount of time it took to get here was several seconds. Thankfully, I only fell dozens of meters. For now, since I stopped there wouldnt be a problem going up riding the wall.


    Phew. Damn.


    It was pretty dark but thanks to the Optics Ruby Ring it wasnt that difficult to see the surroundings.


    I tried looking down to check how deep the ground was and found out that it was just a few meters below.


    If I was only a bitter I would have fell on that ground.


    What would have happened then?


    Since I get almost no physical damage while wearing the armor I would have been fine.


    For now, I took out the word and jumped down. The ground was hard dirt. With this it could be confirmed that New ska wasnt and made of ice.


    At the same time, I realized that there might be more survivors from team Die Hard than I thought. Most hunters would be able to survive this kind of height after all.


    There would be no point even if I went up if I couldnt take care of that Baek Gyeong guy.


    It wasnt like I didnt think about waiting here and leaving once he goes away.


    But he had my Dancing Sword.


    I couldnt stay still while that is being taken.


    I kicked off the ground with great strength. After jumping about 10 meters with a single jump I continuously kicked off the wall of ice on both sides and quickly got to the top of the crevice.


    As I got up Baek Gyeong showed his back.


    He turned his head to look at me.


    A tremendous amount of power gathered in front of the guy again.


    It was a Hadron Cannon.


    However, I have already confirmed that it could be cancelled out with the Dancing Sword.


    I pointed the Bloody Sword forward and ran towards him in a straight line.


    Boom!


    Stab!


    The Bloody Sword that cancelled out the Hadron Cannon got stuck in the guys chest.


    Then, as he looked at his chest that had been stabbed with his nk expression, he slowly opened his mouth.


    Data collectionplete. Transferring.


    What?


    It was a human voice but I got goosebumps from the feeling that was like listening to a machine.


    Something was weird about this guy.


    He was a human but he couldnt be called a human.


    In the first ce, the fact that he was a copy meant that there was something that was the original. In that case did that mean that this guy was a clone of some level 10 hunter?


    The guy that got his chest stabbed retreated step by step and then suddenly started releasing ck aura from all over his body.


    His body swayed this way and that way as if he was a balloon that started losing air and soon evaporated.


    Is this what it meant by disintegration?


    After the guy had disappeared in moments a sense of futility filled my heart.


    The sword and armor he was holding had cleanly disappeared as well. With nothing gained there was only things lost.


    This kind of battle was the first.


    I let out a sigh and held the Dancing Sword that he dropped as he disintegrated.


    [Collected data of Baek Gyeong (Copy).]


    Hm?


    It was a message that came up in the manual. I hurriedly opened the tutorial column of the manual. There were all kind of things I didnt know about in there after all.


    I found out that there was a new information category called Baek Gyeong (Copy) created there.


    [Baek Gyeong (Copy)]


    A copy of the powerful hunter Baek Gyeong.


    It was created by the systems error so the evidence of its existence is miniscule.


    As something created in an experiment Area 88 of the Chinese government it can currently be maintained for about 1 month. Its main source of power is Exotic Energy created by grinding items.


    There are currently 99 units created and another 1,000 units are nned for creation.


    1,000.


    A forcedughter came out at the words that 1,000 as strong as this guy were nned to be created.


    I had to risk my life to catch one Baek Gyeong. The level 8 raid team Die Hard couldnt avoid their fate of being annihted.


    It would be stunning to even have 10 of those and yet 1,000 it says.


    It was to the point that I wanted to question what the hell the Chinese government was nning on doing. I also wondered what Area 88 was in the first ce. Of course, there were many things I didnt know about in the world. There would be things that are more secretive and dangerous in the hunter world piled up in thest 50 years.


    However, 1,000 units of level 10 hunters you say. Even if I was uneasy, that power itself was real.


    Kuuk.


    At that moment a thick hand came up from the cracked icend.


    As I turned around in surprise John McLain was looking at me while waving his hand.


    What happened to that guy?


    I killed him for now.


    I see. Hey you guys! Hes dead! Come up!


    John who shouted down into the crevice jumped up to the top of the crevice.


    Phew. As you said I thought I was going to die. I should have listened.


    How many casualties do you have?


    As I said so Johns expression turned dark.


    About 20. The number injured are over 50.


    Im not sure if it will work as constion but its good that the damage ended with that much.


    John sighed at my words.


    Yeah. To be honest, if it wasnt for you we might have been annihted. It didnt seem like that guy was going to stop there you see.


    Thats for certain.


    Baek Gyeong annihted all the hunters he came across. There was no way he would leave them just because they fell into the crevice. He would have tried to kill each and every one of them no matter what.


    Are you okay?


    I am okay.


    Well, that guy seems to be okay as well.


    John said that as he pointed up.


    As I turned my head I could see Edwarding down from above.


    I never thought I would be so happy to see him.


    You didnt die.


    Did you wish for me to die?


    No, thats not it. Im d. Either way.


    I really thought he died. Baek Gyeongs Hadron Cannon was that powerful after all. It had destructive power that could destroy the van that could endure a fair bit of attacks.


    It wasnt even physical damage so I thought he wouldnt be able to endure even if he Etherized.


    I survived thanks to this item.


    Hended on the ground and pointed at the Ne of Confinement.


    At his story of escaping before getting hit by the Hadron Cannon I nodded my head.


    Edward opened his mouth.


    Either way, what in the world was that guy?


    Im assuming that hes a copy hunter made in China.


    Copy?


    Ah. I would have to gather more information but it shouldnt be wrong.


    The manuals information was never wrong until now.


    John cut in.


    Do you have some kind of evidence?


    I dont. For now anyway.


    So how were you able to arrive at that conclusion?


    I could hear him talking in Chinese before he died.


    This was the truth. What he said was without a doubt traditional Chinesenguage.


    John had slightly doubting eyes but it seems hes at least believing that Baek Gyeong was of Chinese origin.


    Hes probably thinking that I have no reason to lie for now.


    On top of that the circumstantial evidence had quite a bit of persuasive power.


    For now, I should report this to the government. Can youe with me by any chance?


    Me?


    Yeah. If I say that youre the Great Summoner it adds credibility to my words after all.


    America you say.


    However, I had no particr reason to go right now. It would be a good thing if I didnt get treated like a monkey in a zoo. It was obvious that I would suffer being called the Great Summoner and all, not to mention that it was possible that I would be taken in to for investigation to find out the secret.


    The ability to summon a monster army was a powerful ability that others couldnt have after all.


    More than anything, I had something to do right now.

 Chapter 160

    Chapter 160


    <em>J: And this is thest chapter Kyle left for me to post in his stead. I will still check up on the site asionally, so if anyone finds any mistakes Kyle made, let me know and I will fix them. Oh, and sorry about posting it two dayste. Ipletely forgot about this site until today due to the new semester of university starting this week.</em>


    I have something I have to do you see.


    Ah. Come to think of it, why did youe all the way here from Korea?


    He sure asked quickly.


    You should know that a new ind called Yellow Sea appeared as well. Im doing a private investigation of the cause.


    It was beating around the bush but a part of the truth was mixed in. I actually didnt know why the Yellow Sea appeared after all. The Delta System had gotten into my hands and that was interfering with the existing system.


    However, it seems the original system does not wee that.


    I am saying this while personifying but its true that it feels like that. Delta deleted the originally existing dungeons and added superior items and was even trying to obtain information on the original system.


    The fact that beings I didnt know about were at war could be inferred just looking at the things that have happened until now.


    Also, it was chance to get closer to find out about the things happening behind looking for ruins.


    This was the reason I was looking for ruins despite the fact it didnt earn me much money.


    Wouldnt it be possible for me to meet that Master of Delta guy someday if I keep tracking it down?


    For now, it was all my spection until now but I could feel myself getting closer the more I grow.


    After parting with team Die Hard I immediately bought another van. It was impossible to repair apletely destroyed van so it couldnt be helped.


    With this the credit that reached 900 EP fell to the 500s.


    With the ones bought for team 1 and team 2 each amounted to 300 EP and other misceneous things were bought so it became like that.


    After driving for a long time we finally arrived at the South coastline. The ocean that was spread out made it impossible to travel by ship because of the pieces of ice and ciers.


    So its that ce.


    Edward pointed at the cave protected by a huge statue below the cliff on the other side.


    The size of the stone statue was about 5 meters and thinking about how they were all going to move at once my head already started hurting.


    I didnt know this. I think I dont like fighting at the base.


    You? Are you really saying that?


    Edward frowned. Is it hard for him to believe since he has been beaten up by me I wonder.


    No matter how easy of a battle it is, variables exist after all. Always putting your life on the line is a really exhausting thing.


    From what I know, theres no one that battles easier than you. For now, that Dancing Sword or whatever seems like something that shouldnt exist.


    Thats true.


    I felt a bit embarrassed after saying it myself.


    I had quite a few difficult battles but it was also true that I often used the Dancing Sword to sweep them as if cleaning.


    For now, we got off the van and went down the cliff. The Dancing Sword was truly convenient in various ways. To be able to move regardless of terrain. If I didnt have this I would have had to crawl down the cliff or something.


    Or I had to buy the Angel Shoes from the Delta Store but thinking about how the price of level 6 items were 500 EP it really wasnt easy to buy one.


    The two giant stone statues were huge bears. Im guessing they are different depending on the region. My guess is that its a monster that is the variant of a pr bear.


    I carefully went towards the stone statue.


    There was no tremors from the stone statue unexpectedly.


    What did you dost time?


    It started moving once I put a hand on it.


    Then does it stay still as long as you dont put a hand on it?


    I tried going inside the ruin just to be sure. The stone statue didnt move.


    It seems you just had to not touch it. Since there was a high chance of a level 10 monster appearing I was nning on touching it once it appeared. Since a level 10 Aura de dropped from the ck Tiger wouldnt these guys give something as well?


    Either way, it wasnt easy to see a level 10 monster like this so I couldnt miss this chance.


    I ignored the stone statues and went into the ruin. A warm feeling could be felt in the ruin unlike the outside.


    There was a circrrge hall with dozens of stone statues lined up along the wall.


    It was simr to the Yellow Sea over all but there were some differences.


    From the tunnel connected to the hall dozens of monsters holding weapons started running towards me.


    There were things that looked familiar and things that I saw for the first time.


    If there was a simrity it was that they were all at least level 5. I took out the Dancing Sword and started cutting them down indiscriminately.


    Kueek!


    Kiek!


    Kyaa!


    A merman with the head of a fish and human legs stabbed at me with a trident. Even while startled by the monster I swung the Bloody Sword to cut off its arm.


    A scorpions tail made of ice came towards me. It was a strike that would make me freeze due to the ice poison on it. As I cut off its tail a transparent liquid spouted out and copsed on the ground.


    [+500]


    [+600]


    As I frantically cut down the monsters swarming in from all around, reward points, items, and ores kepting in. The wide area was full of hundreds of monsters at some point and I waspletely surrounded.


    Even so, it wasnt like I felt threatened or something.


    Instead, the crowded monsters collided with each other unable to attack properly.


    Every time the Dancing Sword drew a circle the front line of monsters all got killed. Ten or so monsters died with each attack and items woulde in each time. The ones killed until now numbered 100. It wasnt a situation that exhausted me either so I felt like I could do this kind of battle all day.


    Edward who was looking at that scene from midair opened his mouth as he clicked his tongue.


    Who said they didnt like battles? At least dontugh.


    I only just realized there was a smile on my face.


    I fixed my expression and opened my mouth.


    Shut up man. Im not being happy about the battle but because of earning money.


    It was just that my mind was feeling productive looking at the ores and items piling up in real time. Theres no way I would like a battle with my life on the line right.


    As the battle about 30 minutes ended, the area returned to its original appearance as if nothing had happened.


    It was because all of the monster corpses were Rapid Returned. Not a single bloodstain or piece of corpse was left behind and all disappeared.


    Edward looked around at the surroundings and sighed.


    At least leave one. Theres not even one for me to suck blood from.


    Sorry. I forgot about it. I will leave one next time.


    I thought that Rapid Return was good but it seems there was a drawback as well. Either way, it wasnt difficult to leave one or two so it wasnt much of a problem.


    After the battle ended, I destroyed all the stone statues.


    Strengthening Stones and ores showered down. There were level 7 and even level 8 Strengthening Stones. Overall, it was higher in level than the ones from the forest region.


    The appearance of monsters and high quality ores.


    It was simr to the ruin in the forest region but slightly different at the same time. I thought that it might be a bit dangerous but I ignored it for now. In the end, I wouldnt know until I actually experience it.


    This way.


    Do you know where youre going?


    I went this wayst time as well.


    That sure is a logical reasoning.


    Edward let out augh. However, since he didnt have any other alternative he had no choice but to follow behind me.


    Passing the area from before we went to the tunnel on the right. If the structure was the same as what I remember we would be able to arrive at the ce with the stairs without getting lost.


    I proceeded carefully just in case monsters appeared again.


    Most dangerous would be blocked by the level 10 armor on me but you never knew where and when danger would appear.


    After moving like that for 10 minutes a straight long hallway appeared. Stone statues were lined up on the left and right.


    Edward lightly whistled.


    This ce is also filled with stone statues I see.


    Its okay for getting allowance.


    For now, I sent the Dancing Sword with Aura de on it.


    The blunt sword with white light passed by the statues at a fast speed.


    It was more like exploding than cutting.


    The Dancing Sword with Aura de destroyed the close to 100 stone statues in mere moments.


    The items from the broken statues immediately went into the item list. The fact that I didnt have to pick them up one by one was incredibly convenient.


    I was thinking about whether I should get a skill slot and buy Psychokinesis you see.


    By the way, Psychokinesis is a skill that allows movement of an object below 100 kilograms.


    A regr person could be held as well so it was a skill that had many uses.


    On top of that it allowed the user to levitate oneself. It meant that it was possible to fly although it was incredibly slow.


    Of course, the ce Psychokinesis is used the most is getting a TV remote thats far away.


    Because Psychokinesis itself didnt have many uses in battle it was mostly used by hunters that had a surplus of money and was only used as a skill to make their lives easier.


    Passing the empty hallway like that we hade back to the area we were at before.


    It seems its not this path.


    I was nning on exploring every single area so it doesnt matter.


    I sluggishly went to another path.


    It wasnt like there was a time limit and it would be able to get through it in one or two hours so there was no need to rush.


    After going through all the paths I returned to the area.


    This made me a bit flustered. There was no path to the altar.


    Did I miss something?


    No matter how I think about it I didnt miss a path. All paths were inspected.


    Edward opened his mouth.


    Maybe theres a hidden path somewhere?


    Its not like its not impossible but.


    The ruin the Mystic Dungeon indicated was definitely here. That meant that the ce the original systems data can be gotten is somewhere here. Also, Im thinking that its in a simr manner to the ruin in the forest region.


    The problem was that it couldnt be seen.


    If there was a hidden path as Edward said, it wasnt an easy talk to find it.


    If it could be found just by looking for it theres no way it would be hidden.


    Isnt there some sort of hint.


    Well If youre frustrated how about you take care of the things outside first?


    He was talking about the two bears outside. I thought it wasnt a bad idea.


    We went of the ruin like that. The ruin at the bottom of the cliff had two bear stone statues at the entrance. The road from the ocean was blocked so it was a discrete location that wouldnt be found easily.


    In other words, theres no way someone woulde here even by chance.


    But there was such a person. A person wearing a ck suit at that.


    Hey, hisashiburi. (<em>Kyle: Hisashiburi means long time no see in Japanese.</em>)

 Chapter 161

    Chapter 161


    <em>I leave the cleaning to you J </em>


    <em>J: Well. I forgot to post this for a while, but hey, I have exams. Now, Kyle will most likely trante 2 chapters a week as he said above, but I will not necessarily be able to post them the day he does them. I will at least try to do so once a week. Only this one for this week, though.</em>


    <em>Oh, and not edited.</em>


    Damn.


    I red at An Gyu-bum who was smiling insidiously with one hand up.


    I was wondering what you were up toing to such a cold ce.


    An Gyu-bum hugged his own body with his arms.


    Did you tail me?


    Not as far as tailing, just following around.


    Youre dead if theres no proper reason.


    You dare!


    Jeon Min-jeong who was stuck next to An Gyu-bum like a shadow took a step forward.


    I will make it so that you cant use that mouth of yours anymore if you take another step forward.


    Urg.


    She put a hand on the handle of her sword but she couldnt draw it.


    She knows herself that theres no way she can win if I fight seriously after all.


    An Gyu-bum opened his mouth with a smirk.


    To intimidate a powerless girl. Youre going a bit too far.


    Im not in the mood to joke around. I can tolerate you tailing me within Seoul but its a different story here. You did something at the level where you couldnt say anything about even if I killed you right now. And I dont really want to miss such a chance you see. Thats why, help me justify the reason you tailed me within 10 seconds. Otherwise Ill make it so that you cant even regret it.


    Thats scary. Are you not even thinking about whos behind me?


    The GE Group? Do you think they can do something to me without any evidence?


    Sorry. If its evidence then its up there.


    He pointed a finger towards the sky. As I turned my head up a drone was flying at an incredible height.


    Is it recording?


    Of course. Its diligently recording. Of course, its impossible to watch it without my permission but if I die the video will be handed to the analyticalboratory and theyll know at once that youre the culprit.


    He opened his mouth while grinning.


    Curiosity rose together with annoyance.


    I really couldnt understand. Why was this guy trying to get involved in my life so much.


    Why are you being so obsessed with me?


    Because its fun?


    Cut the crap. I get that youre not normal but youre not a guy thats free enough toe to such a ce just for fun.


    Did you understand me to that extent? Good. Then lets talk.


    An Gyu-bum took a few deep breaths and opened his mouth.


    You saw Baek Gyeong right?


    !


    Theres no need to get surprised. I also, no, should I say we? We know about Baek Gyeong to some degree after all.


    So, youre saying thats the reason you tailed me?


    I had only run into Baek Gyeong coincidentally. That wasnt a reason to be tailed.


    I told you. I didnt tail you. I just spotted you while following Baek Gyeong around. To kill those guys single handedly, it was quite a sight.


    So youre saying its a coincidence?


    I cant help it if you dont believe me though.


    An Gyu-bum shrugged. I couldnt believe him to be honest. However, I didnt think he would answer properly even if I dug more.


    I changed the question instead.


    How do you know about Baek Gyeong?


    Thats, because we tracked him since a long time ago. Im quite interested in fun items you see.


    Item?


    Ah, that looks like a human being but its not a human being.


    Aha.


    Since its a copy. It wasnt very surprising.


    Hm, it seems like you knew that much?


    I just felt that it wasnt like a normal person.


    I spun my words for now. I wasnt even sure about how much this guy knew about Baek Gyeong.


    There was nothing good about making it noticeable that I knew about in such a situation.


    If you hand over information that you know about Baek Gyeong then Ill give you information on this ruin.


    You know about the ruin?


    Probably more than you know.


    An Gyu-bum.


    All I knew was the simple fact that he was the sessor of the GE Group.


    Excluding that, the fact that he had a surplus of money and that he uses it as he wants.


    It was weird that he was spending that money in strange ces instead of arming himself in level 10 items.


    Since he was a guy that said he would buy the van at 1t it would be easy for him to be a level 10 hunter.


    However, this guy didnt seem to have much interest in being a hunter.


    The Storm de or whatever was also just a type of pastime.


    Simply put, Im the executive advisor of system research facility run by the GE Group.


    So something like a sry Lupin?


    Its fine to think of it like that. But its not like I dont do any work at all?


    Stop saying meaningless things and talk about the ruin.


    This ruin is you see.


    An Gyu-bum slowly raised his hand and put it on the bear stone statue.


    We will talk after killing this.


    What!


    As An Gyu-bum slowly backed away the stone statue started moving.


    ska Arctic Bear (10) : A monster that lives in cold areas. Has a powerful front paw swinging attack as well as a roaring ability that can induce fear.


    Its ska if its ska and Arctic if its Arctic so what the hell is ska Arctic Bear but then again the name depends on the person naming.


    Its the reason why there are monsters with scientific names while others have weird names.


    Either way, a level 10 monster itself didnt pose a problem.


    I won against a ck Tiger before and Im iparably stronger than that time after all.


    But the story is a bit different if there are two of them.


    An Gyu-bum, this bastard. What is he thinking!


    Why are you looking at me like that? I woke it up since I thought you would be able to kill them.


    You, you wait and see.


    I grinded my teeth and took out the Dancing Sword. I was thinking about damaging them before they fully woke up.


    Exmation came out from behind as I covered the Dancing Sword in Aura de.


    I ignored it and sent the Dancing Sword.


    The Dancing Sword stabbed one of the slowly moving bear in the middle of the forehead.


    A thundering noise a hundred times louder than striking marble with a hammer was produced. The ska Arctic Bear flew backwards causing its head to crash into the ceiling of the entrance.


    The stone pir copsed just like that and the entrance broke down. Its going to be tiring to get in thereter.


    Grr!


    The other one charged forward kicking off the ground.


    Cheh.


    The ground was irregr on top of this ce being the coast so movement wasnt a normal kind of difficult. I moved to the side for now to avoid the arctic bears attack.


    Hah!


    I could see An Gyu-bum draw his sword and charge at the bear.


    That guy, was he charging at a level 10 monster when he was merely a level 8?


    The moment I imagined his figure getting ripped to shreds by the bear An Gyu-bums body sunk into the darkness.


    It looked simr to Edwards Shadow Conversion.


    Martial Arts of Death.


    A trail of ck light cut the arctic bears body.


    However, the attack got deflected as it got blocked by the bears leather.


    It was interesting how it was an attack carried out while etherized but it was meaningless with such low damage.


    What are you.


    Dozens, no, hundreds of shes rained down on the arctic bear in an instant.


    It was an attack that looked like a aet of ck light was falling. An amount of attacks that I found difficult to follow with my eyes poured down.


    sh marks got embedded all over the arctic bears body. Damage that could fluster the enemy got through after hitting several hundred times.


    Kwooo!


    In the end the arctic bear let out a roar mixed with pain and swung its front paw towards An Gyu-bum.


    However, An Gyu-bum who was dematerialized leisurely avoided the attack and retreated. He then shouted towards me.


    Urg! I leave the rest to you!


    Are you kidding me? Catch what you started catching.


    No, I can only use this technique once.


    That asshole.


    I looked at the arctic bear that was colored red all over.


    One of the bears was still stuck under the ruin entrance debris and iling around. It seemed like it would break free soon so it seems like I will have to take care of this one first.


    I kicked off the Dancing Sword and flew up.


    What was the strongest attack I could show right now.


    My greatest strong point was my powerful physical abilities.


    Also, Aura de that could be covered on a weapon.


    Finally, the Dancing Sword that boasts tremendous weight.


    Combining all those theres a very simple conclusion.


    Hah!


    I continuously stepped on the Dancing Sword and jumped toward the sky. I passed the cliff, reaching the sky up to the limit of the Dancing Sword and grabbed the sword.


    I then started falling down.


    Free fall from 100 meters while holding the Dancing Sword covered with Aura de.


    I shed the arctic bears head while carrying massive kic energy from speed alone over 150 km/h at the moment of arrival.


    The might of the sword that sliced the bear vertically was far too powerful and made half the cliff behind it copse.


    But the sensation in my hand merely felt as if I was slicing tofu. My hand didnt even get stuck at all.


    I shivered at the wry sense that I could feel all over my body while kneeling in front of the arctic bear.


    Grr.


    I could hear the growling noise from the arctic bears mouth. I looked up at it while slowly raising my body.


    A thin crimson line was drawn from the top of its head and continued towards its inner thigh.


    A fountain of blood shot into the air. Warm blood sprayed everywhere as the massive arctic bears body of over 5 meters got split in half.


    It met the New skan chilly wind and fluttered away as it became a red blizzard.


    The monsters body that got split in half copsed to the left and right.


    [+1,000]


    The things body started returning to the void as the reward points came in. It was the Rapid Return function.


    Ore, Ruthenium has been obtained.


    I was hoping an item would drop if possible but it was an ore this time around.


    Seeing how its a name I heard for the first time it seems its a level 10 Exotic Matter.


    I decided to inspect the detailster and looked towards the other monster.


    The monster that barely managed to break free from the copsed entrance was running towards me while stomping the ground.


    I considered taking care of it using the same method as before but decided to go with closebat this time.


    To be honest, the one just now was quite a lucky case. It was just staring at me, waiting for me to fall down after all. If it could use its head even a bit it wouldnt have let itself be hit by such an attack.


    Also, monsters werent idiots. Theyre not normal beasts either.


    It would have seen its friend get severed in a single strike so it probably wont get hit by it.


    But so what.


    A single one was just a good prey.


    *Fighting sfx*


    I took out the Dancing Sword from the copsed arctic bears heart while twisting it. Warm blood poured down on my face.


    [+1,000]


    I felt this all the time but the reward points are really stingy. To give a mere 1,000 points when I killed a level 10.


    Phew.


    I let out a light sigh as I cleaned my face with the sleeve of my clothes. Would Soo-ah have tried to clean my face frivolously if she had been here?


    Edward held out a towel at that moment.


    As I stared at him his face crumpled up.


    Soo-ah requested this of me.


    That girl. Doing something pointless.


    Either way, it wasnt bad that someone was caring for me. I wiped the blood on my face and body and threw away the towel on the ground. Theres probably no need to go through the trouble of using it again after washing.


    I see youre slowly bing a greater monster.


    Youre originally a monster though.


    I think thats a racist remark.


    Its not a race but species discrimination.


    Either side is bad.


    Edward said so with a straight face. Hes a guy that doesnt know humor<em>.</em>

 Chapter 162

    Chapter 162


    Wait. I feel like An Gyu-bum said this to me.


    I hurriedly shook my head to erase the unpleasant memory.


    Either way, as long as I had a level 10 armor and level 10 skill it wasnt that difficult of a task to win against a single arctic bear in closebat. I had experience killing the level 10 ck Tiger with a level 8 weapon after all.


    The physical ability improvement of the Effort skill was just that great.


    The arctic bear was not able tond a single proper strike on me so I got on its back and simply cut its neck.


    Even if its carotid it was still a level 10 monster.


    A wound of that level would soon recover but I had a level 7 Bloody Sword.


    Even if it was just shoved into a wide wound it would be able to slow the recovery rate.


    The Bloody Swords ability to suck blood in real time got stronger causing the monster to copse of severe blood loss.


    All I had to do after that was to stick the sword into its heart.


    It was far too simple for a method of hunting a level 10 monster.


    Even another level 10 hunter wouldnt be able to kill it with such a method.


    It was also thanks to the Effort skill but it was also thanks to my experience of desperately fighting and collecting data to the very end.


    I knew the weak point of most monsters after all.


    The way of movement to attack patterns, I knew all of it.


    Even if its level went up, it was a bear in the end. It was the reason why it was easier to fight against beast type monsters.


    If a tentacle type or ghost type immateriel came out then it would be really annoying but these guys just die if you remove its blood and stab its heart you see.


    Good job.


    I could hear An Gyu-bums voice from behind.


    As I turned my body to nce at him I could feel him flinch.


    What are you ring at so scarily?


    Well. It cant be helped if I get mad if a guy causes a mess and runs away.


    I told you I did it because I thought you would be able to kill them.


    If only you couldnt talk.


    He was a cheeky bastard. I was wondering how to straighten him up when a message appeared in front of my eyes.


    You have obtained a level 0 skill book.


    Huh?


    It was a level 0 skill. It had been a long time since it dropped since Soo-ahs Friendship skill.


    The anger that was bursting out shimmered instantly.


    Yeah. There was nothing good about messing with such a guy.


    I opened the item list while feeling my own cunningness. I wonder what skill came in.


    It was a bit of a let down that it required an extra skill slot because it wasnt a confined skill but it wasnt that difficult for the current me to purchase an additional skill slot.


    Effort (0) : Able to improve the users abilities through reward points.


    I doubted my eyes.


    No, thinking about it, there was no rule that said that the same skill cant drop twice.


    Even so, it felt unreasonable to be the Effort skill again when a level 0 skill thats so difficult to find dropped.


    Hm. Either way, do these guys not drop any items?


    An Gyu-bum tilted his head as he inspected the locations the arctic bears returned to the void.


    I was thankful that I could avoid something annoying thanks to the Automatic Collection function. Of course, I wouldnt have distributed any items to this guy even if it dropped.


    Ah. But to think its the Effort skill.


    Repetition is unreasonable.


    I was sighing while inspecting the Effort skill when another message appeared.


    Will you learn the Effort skill.


    I currently didnt have any skill slots avable. Due to that, I couldnt learn this even if I wanted to.


    I tried pressing ept while doubting myself.


    sh.


    While light suddenly exploded in front of my eyes. Oh crap was all I could think about.


    The first time I learned the Effort skill I copsed for 3 nights and 4 days straight. I was in a state where I didnt move to the point that I was thankful I wasnt bedsore but if I were to copse for several days this time as well that would be awkward.


    Of course, Edward was here so he would take care of me somehow but the problem was An Gyu-bum. That guy could take my equipment as he wanted after all.


    There was no rule that said that conglomerates didnt covet others property. Reversely, rich people had a tendency of desiring others property even more.


    I was anxious as to what would happen if I lost consciousness here when my sight slowly recovered.


    I doubted that several days passed in that time but I could see An Gyu-bums dazed expression, the still stiff faced Jeon Min-jeong, and Edward who had his arms folded as if everything was a pain in the ass.


    What did you do just now?


    An Gyu-bum asked. Even I didnt know the specifics so I couldnt exin.


    Did something happen?


    No, something like a halo above your head.


    Halo?


    Its because Im good looking or so I was going to say but I endured. I would have said it if Soo-ah was here but if I did it in front of these guys only the atmosphere would be weird.


    Either way, it seems like several days didnt pass thankfully. I wasnt certain if it was because I experienced it before or if its because I had a sufficiently good physical ability.


    Either way, I now had something like 2 Effort skills somehow.


    Adding Effort on Effort (0) : Able to improve the users abilities through reward points. Receives two times more reward points. The ability improvement amount increases to double.


    This was okay. I was just thinking that the reward points were stingy. Since reward points didnt go up if I hunt using the monster army I didnt get much points at the Yellow Sea.


    If I got all the reward points from killing the Chungho Group members I would have had at least several hundreds of thousands of points.


    However, the amount I had right now was about 60,000.


    With this much it would be used up after raising the proficiencies 10 times or so. The period of rapid growth was basically over already.


    However, if I were to get double the reward points I would be able to aim for the same growth rate as before.


    Since the improvement rate doubled as well the Effort skills value basically quadrupled.


    Thinking about it this isnt on the level of being okay?


    I endured my mouth from opening wide and turned my sight toward An Gyu-bum. I had something to obtain from this guy as well.


    Since I killed the bear. Tell me about the ruin.


    You didnt forget the condition of trading right?


    Yeah. If your information is useful then Ill tell you what I know.


    Good. Then lets talk inside. Its too cold here no matter how you look at it.


    An Gyu-bum said so as he shivered while only wearing a suit.


    Now that I think about, was this guy okay with just that? If that suit was the same thing as the one given to Jong Sa-won there wouldnt be any temperature adjusting function.


    I decided to take this chance to inspect him again.


    Name : An Gyu-bum


    Equipment : Sword of Judgement (8) , Eternal Immortality Suit ++ (10) , ck String Armor (5) , Gaiters of sticity (7)


    Skill : Martial Arts of Death (8)


    The thing this guy was wearing was definitely the Eternal Immortality Suit.


    But there was something weird attached to it.


    I was wondering what that was so I opened the additional exnation of the Eternal Immortality Suit.


    Eternal Immortality Suit ++ (10) : Returns the body to its prime condition. Aging is stopped and bes immune to diseases. Can regenerate missing body parts. Can use additional functions through strengthening.


    Additional Function 1 : Protects the wearer from the outside environment. Survival is possible regardless of temperature, pressure, and atmosphere condition.


    Additional Function 2 : Etherizes the equipped items. Able to take them out when needed.


    There were incredible things attached to it.


    In other words ++ meant that there were additional functions attached to it I suppose.


    Of course, that in itself might not be that great. One can just get an item with such a function after all.


    That can be said to be custom made for An Gyu-bum who found it annoying to carry about several items at once. Conclusively, this could also be seen as a type of money unting.


    Of course, theres a practical side to it as well.


    For people that dont have the Manual like me the fact that one can etherize equipment and take it out when needed is an incredible advantage.


    On top of that, there are items that cant be ovepped.


    The effect on Additional Function 1 was especially something that could only be seen on full body suit type items.


    The fact that such an effect is constantly active without having to wear it all the time is a definite merit.


    There was much more meaning to the fact that such options were attached to a level 10 item.


    Level 10 equipment were thought to be impossible to strengthen or upgrade but with this it was possible to minimize equipment carried around and make more powerful equipment.


    No matter how good of an option an item has, hanging a dozen of them would be inefficient after all.


    There was no way such a thing would appear as a drop so I thought that there would be a method to making it.


    It would be nice if it was possible to beat the hell out of him and figure it out.


    I did think for a moment that it was possible to kidnap him and force him to spit it out but there was a high chance that it wasnt something this guy knew but something discovered by the GE Group System Research Laboratory or whatever. It probably meant that it wasnt something that would be solved by beating up An Gyu-bum.


    This side had to give something for that side to give something.


    What An Gyu-bum always proposed was that type of negotiation and it was true that I saw a lot of profit from it. I thought that it would be better to go towards looking for an item this guy wants for now.


    I decided to check the Effort X 2 skill before going into the ruin.


    Skill Name : Adding Effort on Effort (0) , Immortality (4) , Aura de (10)


    Additional Technique : Overwork, consumes the Endurance stat to raise another stat for 24 hours.


    Proficiency : 52


    Reward Points : 65,000


    Stat Increase : Strength 550 Endurance 450 Reflex 750 Concentration 400 Defense 400


    Upgrade : 1,573/10,000


    Adding Effort on Effort you say.


    It was a name that had too much spirit in it. I thought that I was putting in enough effort until now so why did it feel like I was getting urged on.


    I started feeling like I should bezier like how you dont want to study when someone tells you to study while youre studying.


    Either way, I tried pouring the reward points into Strength.


    As much as it had to increase from 550 to 600 it costed 6,000 reward points.


    If it was in the past, I would have been able to raise the proficiency several times at once but, well, it wasnt hard to ept that more effort was needed the stronger you be.


    Strength stat has be 650.


    It should have gone up by 50 if it was like before but it went up by 100 and became 650. This is what it meant by the ability increasing by double the amount.


    If I wanted to raise it from 550 to 650 it would normally have costed 6,000 + 6,500 for a total of 12,500 reward points but it was achieved with less than half of that amount.


    I got excited and so poured the remaining reward points into upgrading my stats.


    Strength 750 Endurance 650 Reflex 850 Concentration 700 Defense 700


    Proficiency : 63


    Reward Points : 0


    I raised the Endurance, Concentration, and Defense stats mainly as they were the lowest.


    The most useless among these was actually Defense but I decided to think of it as an investment for the future. I felt like I would be able to deflect a pistol bullet.


    I still got the feeling that I would die if I got beaten up by monsters with my bare body no matter how much I raise this but it wasnt like I could wear my armor all the time and emergency situations could arise at any time so I was raising it as something like an insurance.


    In other words, as long as I didnt die of a disease or something there was a slim chance of me dying outside of a raid.


    Also, Concentration.


    If Reflex decided speed in closebat then Concentration helps greatly in mid to long range battles of at least 10 meters.


    In other words, it helps in battles againstrge monsters that require that amount of distance.


    The reason I overlooked it until now is because there werent many asions where I had to fight againstrge monsters but thinking about how Im going to meet level 10 monsters rather frequently from now on this way was better.


    It would also work as preparation for when I meet Baek Gyeong again. To approach while dodging the Hadron Cannon which is his greatest weapon fast speed is really important after all.


    Since the proficiency passed 60 on impulse level 6 dungeons will soon disappear as well.


    How about youe here and clear this?


    An Gyu-bum pointed at the copsed entrance in front of the ruin.


    Who was he treating like aborer?


    I will if you request me.


    Please clear this away. I request it of you.


    An Gyu-bum said so without a bit of hesitation. I felt like I got hit once since I thought that he would rampage saying that theres no way he would do so.


    Do you not even have any pride?


    I can push around a level 10 hunter with a few words so why would pride matter?


    I nodded my head at An Gyu-bums words. His words were certainly correct.


    It might be that Im the one with overblown pride. He was cheeky but I did have to engrave what is correct.


    Everybody get out of the way.


    I covered the Dancing Sword in Aura de and threw it towards the ruin entrance.


    As the sword prated the boulders it started destroying the boulders as if they were exploding.


    Boom! Booboom!


    Ahh?


    As the boulders instantly got destroyed into pieces the debris scattered into the surroundings. An Gyu-bum gettingpletely covered in that debris is aplete coincidence.


    A coincidence.


    .


    Yeah, Im a petty person.

 Chapter 163

    Chapter 163


    As I entered the ruin I got a strange sense of disharmony. It was definitely the same space as before but should I say that I felt a minute sense of difference.


    I was wondering what was different when Edward suddenly opened his mouth.


    The air changed.


    The air?


    It means that theres a ce the wind flows to.


    Now that you mention it.


    Edwards senses were rather trustworthy. The stuffy and heavy interior of the ruin felt different now.


    It was only a little but wind was blowing. The fact that the ce is being ventted means that a passage connected to the outside has been created.


    I looked back at An Gyu-bum. It was now time for him to start talking.


    The ruin is Alpha System. Ah. We call the original Raid System the Alpha System.


    I know.


    This was something I knew as well. I remembered the manual saying so when receiving the ruins data. The manual Im using right now is the Delta System.


    An Gyu-bum opened his mouth as if it was unusual.


    You know quite a lot.


    I went through this and that.


    Either way, this ruin can be said to be one of the ces that save the Alpha Systems data. We are organizing many things through information obtained from this ce.


    Obtaining information?


    Yes. These ruins exist in various ces all over the world. Many people found the ruins until now and a vast amount of data was obtained from those ces. Our System Research Laboratory is doing such work as well. Also, the ce with the most amount of information is probably Chinas National Defense Laboratory.


    Wait a minute. This is a bit sudden.


    Is it confusing? This is a fact that many outside of the top tier hunters dont know. Its an event not known to the general public after all.


    An Gyu-bums words were truly surprising.


    To say what was so surprising, it is the fact that quite a few people know that this world is being designed by something in this world.


    What is the Alpha System.


    And what is Delta.


    Theres only a single conclusion that remains at the end of that train of thought.


    Monster waves are not natural urrences but something created artificially while current dungeon and raid systems are being controlled by someones will.


    Then what in the world is the data in this ruin?


    I only downloaded the data into the USB the guy called the owner of Delta gave me.


    However, An Gyu-bum and the ce called the System Research Laboratory seemed to know some specifics.


    Its simple. Its data that makes the current system work.


    I cant understand with just that much.


    Dungeons, monsters, items, skills. The things that allows these things to materialize is the data. Of course, its not like its possible to analyze all the information by obtaining the data. Theres a lock that cant easily be opened and even then the data is all fragments after all. However, we were able to achieve many things using that. For example, yeah. Something like this suit.


    He pointed at the Eternal Immortality Suit he was wearing. It was certainly a mystery.


    Thinking about how level 10 items dont drop easily its unusual to possess several of such suits.


    No way. Are you able to duplicate items?


    Ill feel down if you say duplicate. This is aplete product. The necessary funds was not negligible of course, but it cant bepared to imitations like Baek Gyeong.


    Wait. So.


    Was this guy saying that it was possible for them to create items?


    So it means that you wanting to buy my van wasnt just as a hobby.


    Of course. Who would try to use an entire 1t for a personal hobby?


    Im finally understanding many things. But whats your reason for telling me all this?


    I was curious about that.


    Either way, the things this guy was saying was entirely unknown to civilians.


    Many things about hunters were openly avable and many things were uncovered throughout the decades.


    I did think that there would be things that were kept a secret but to think that they would be carrying out such actions.


    An Gyu-bum opened his mouth.


    Well. I know that I receive more the more I give away for guys like you.


    The information I can give may be insignificant though.


    That would mean my eyes were wrong then.


    An Gyu-bum said so and pointed at himself with a thumb.


    He had quite a talent in making people cringe with cool lines.


    I have a few more things to ask.


    Whatever you want.


    Are the items being sold in the Hunter Market also things made by you guys?


    Im unrted to that side. Just that we have a business partnership.


    What kind?


    Did you not think that its strange that the price of items isnt dropping much despite items continuously flowing out of the Yellow Sea or dungeons?


    Well. I thought that the price rebound was slow because they were being exported to other countries.


    Items are pretty expensive products. One normally buys it and uses it for a long time. Theres even cases where its passed on through generations. Its impossible for the price to be maintained when its constantly being poured out unless theyre buried in the ground or something.


    Then where in the world are they being used?


    I suddenly remembered something the moment I said so.


    The Exotic Energy needed to maintain Baek Gyeong. The tutorial exined that the raw material was none other than grinded items.


    Items are needed for item creation. Golden powder that glows softlyes out if you grind all the low level items that are pouring out. That is being used in various ces such as various industries. The generation efficiency of power nts increases, something like that.


    Wasnt that only possible with Exotic Matter?


    Its a matter that was found out recently you see. Everybody is keeping quiet about it. Dont you think that only the ones who know should profit?


    Is it really okay to tell me?


    If you know, well. Do you think that you will be able to do something yourself?


    That would be impossible.


    The GE Group was argepany even before the monster wave.


    That kind ofpany actively operates a raid team and even created aboratory to study the Alpha System while pouring in an astronomical amount of money in it.


    There was no way I could possibly replicate the research achievements made in such a ce after hearing a few words.


    There wouldnt even be anyone that trusts me even if I went around announcing it.


    Good. I think I told you everything I should have in my opinion. Isnt there something you should give me as well?


    I nodded my head at An Gyu-bums words and opened my mouth.


    I was able to obtain more information than I expected. Then I should pass him the information he wants as well.


    Baek Gyeong was made in China.


    Are you joking with me? Thats something anyone knows.


    Well, I expected this much of a reaction.


    99 of them were created until now and its said that they are nning on creating 1,000 of them in the from now on. The amount of time they can be active is about a month. Its said that theboratory is in Area 88 but Im not sure where exactly that is.


    An Gyu-bums mouth opened wide at my words.


    He stared at me for a while and opened his mouth with a trembling voice.


    I wasnt looking forward to this but To be honest, I was thinking that you would tell me about Baek Gyeongs strength, technique, way of battle, and weak points.


    Is that so?


    This guy, he was simpler than I thought.


    An Gyu-bum stood still muttering and then repeatedly nodded his head.


    He opened his mouth after he finished thinking.


    Where did you figure out all of this?


    I dont think I ever asked you such things?


    But theres no way I could trust groundless information.


    Dont trust it if you dont want to. In the first ce, theres no evidence backing your words as well.


    Well, thats true.


    An Gyu-bum answered with a shrug.


    To be honest, there was no need to lie to each other at this point.


    It was difficult to say that we were friendly but it wasnt like we were sworn enemies either. We werent fighting for profit either.


    On top of that, it can be concluded that most of the information can be trusted seeing how the Alpha System was mentioned.


    Either way, theres a single problem if I were to trust your words.


    What is it.


    Where those guys are trying to use Baek Gyeong.


    Seeing how it was brought to New ska arent they trying to prevent America from advancing to this continent?


    There might be that reason as well but isnt 1,000 a bit too much for just that purpose?


    True. There would be no reason for such numbers unless theyre nning on starting a war.


    There was no reason for China to start a war unless they were out of their minds. They werent poor and they held almost all food production excluding America and Australia after all. They didnt have anything to envy even with just this you see.


    Then what in the world were they trying to do with Baek Gyeong.


    If one thought about what Chinacked the most then the answer was pretty much decided.


    It was none other than the Hunter Market. Theycked excellent hunters despite their overall numbers so Chinas status in the highly priced item market is rather low.


    It could be a hasty prediction but they might be aiming to item market managed by South Korea.


    I also tried clearing dungeons using a monster army as a test.


    With power of a mix of level 3 to 8 I was able to earn several billion they would be able to earn a lot more if they used Baek Gyeong.


    One might think that 1,000 was a bit too much thinking about how they can only be maintained for a month or so they might be nning on shoving them into dungeons in rotation.


    They might be trying to use them to clear dungeons. It would be possible operate like a factory in high level dungeons if they can mass produce that level of hunters.


    An Gyu-bum nodded as if he had the same train of thought as me.


    Im thinking that thats plenty possible. There would be a limited amount of things that can be done with iplete Baek Gyeong.


    China had many hunters. Just that it was a reality that theycked high level hunters by quite a bitpared to that number.


    They are trying to raise high level hunters through policies but ironic situations ured where they would once they became level 10 hunters.


    For China that only had a single faction of socialism it was difficult to ept the helplessness of them getting away from national force.


    Due to that, they found it necessary to have hunters that could be regted causing the existence called Baek Gyeong to appear or so it can be interpreted.


    Either way, it sure is amazing. No matter how desperate they were human clones. Isnt it technology on another levelpared to creating items?


    Nonsense. Baek Gyeong is only an iplete product. Thats the reason it dies easily or disappears easily despite its ability. Compared to that the items created by our System Research Laboratory is no different from the original items. No, it can be said that theyre better.


    Well, thats so if you think of it like that.


    It couldnt be helped that human cloning is more impressive.

 Chapter 164

    Chapter 164


    To speak of our System Research Laboratory.


    An Gyu-bums mouth didnt stop moving the entire time we were walking through the ruin tunnel. It wasnt entirely bad since since they were all stories that I heard for the first time.


    It was turning intopany boasting as time passed.


    So how do you analyze the data you received from here?


    With overtime and sry.


    That means he just pours in researchers.


    So its difficult for me to do it in other words.


    Our group that included An Gyu-bum and Jeon Min-jeong quickly passed through the tunnel and I was able to confirm a new road at the blocked path.


    Go check.


    Got it.


    Edward carefully inspected around the opening.


    Edward who could instantly etherize was quite a good choice for checking for traps. The person himself didnt really fear for such things as well. He was almost useless in battle but he was pretty useful for other things.


    He nodded towards us after hitting the ground and walls a few times.


    It seems there werent any traps.


    Okay. Lets go.


    After following that newly created road for a long time arge door appeared.


    Like the ruin in the Yellow Sea, there was a hole to put in a hand. As Edward put his hand in and fiddled around a bit the door started opening slowly with a nking sound.


    Edward opened his mouth.


    Put your guard up.


    Hm? What do you?


    However, I was soon able to understand what he meant.


    A chilly feeling was bursting out of the inside.


    Inside the wide space through the door.


    There was a high altar like before as well as he hundreds of stone statues.


    But there was something different from before.


    An existence that didnt feel like a human.


    There was a guy I didnt want to see twice if possible standing alone in front of the altar.


    Baek Gyeong?


    There was no mistake. White hair and leather armor that half covered his body. A ck greatsword.


    Why is that guy here?


    Damn it. Quickly block him!


    An Gyu-bum pulled out his sword and rushed forward.


    Because the guy that doesnt move first most of the time rushed forward I took out the Dancing Sword and dashed forward on reflex. Baek Gyeong swung his sword and struck down at the altar.


    An Gyu-bum tried to block it somehow but.


    Boom!


    The altar got destroyed after getting split in half with a tremendous explosion.


    An Gyu-bums body got sent flying at the same time.


    Young master!


    Urg!


    Jeon Min-jeong hurriedly helped him up but An Gyu-bum vomited blood on the ground and fell unconscious.


    At least it seemed like he didnt die. It was only to that degree because Baek Gyeongs attacked wasnt directed at him.


    Metal fragments could be seen within the destroyed altar. It seemed to be machines for saving data.


    Baek Gyeong destroying it was probably to prevent other people from obtaining data.


    I held the Dancing Sword below the stairs to the altar and pointed it at him.


    Baek Gyeongs line of sight turned to me.


    His lips slowly opened.


    Dataparisonpleted. Target. Jeon Sang-min.


    My name how?


    Battle information confirmed. Command. Annhte.


    The instant his words stopped a terrifying amount of energy gathered around him. I was able to instantly tell what the identity of the energy was.


    It was the Hadron Cannon.


    Even I didnt have the confidence to be safe after getting hit directly by that with level 10 armor equipped. But what if I dodged?


    It was obvious that An Gyu-bum and Jeon Min-jeong would be caught up in the attack.


    There was no need to throw my life away for those guys.


    Die.


    My body was rushing towards the guy the moment the guys Hadron Cannon was about to fire.


    Dont misunderstand me.


    Im not doing this because Im a saint or something.


    I unequipped the armor and took on the Hadron Cannon with my bare body.


    The moment the Hadron Cannon hit me I could feel my body get deconstructed at an atomic level as my consciousness faded.


    ***


    Not everybody could experience the feeling of dying.


    There probably werent many people that would experience this twice.


    My sight went white and I lost all my senses. I felt like my body became endlessly light as arge strength seemed toe to me like a wave.


    Then, the moment my existence was about to disappear.


    My eyes shot open with a shock like getting struck by lightning.


    What I could see in front of my eyes was Baek Gyeongs flustered figure.


    I swung the Aura de covered Dancing Sword just like that and sliced his bare upper half.


    Kuuk!


    Baek Gyeong, whose scream alone was like that of a humans, copsed while spraying ck blood.


    I summoned the armor once more and went towards Baek Gyeong who was on the ground.


    Mission unsessful Data Transfer.


    Do things moderately. You clone bastard.


    I chopped off his neck. Seeing how he was still alive after half his chest was cut I thought that it wouldnt end unless I cut off his head.


    But a voice continuously came out of Baek Gyeongs head that rolled on the ground.


    Data Transfer Impossible Mission is A failure.


    Tough bastard.


    The guy this time didnt break down immediately like before. It seems the state is different individually.


    I held up his head just in case.


    At that moment a message popped up on the manual.


    Will you obtain Baek Gyeongs Database.


    As I selected ept messages popped up one after another.


    Downloading Alphas Database. A total of 2,000 EP will be given as a reward. The location of the next ruin will be tracked. Tracking has beenpleted.


    There was quite a lot this time. The amount of data in each ruin is different I see. I thought that it was good that I could get the data that I couldnt get after the altar got destroyed.


    I threw away Baek Gyeongs head that became useless and inspected the altar.


    The inside was crammed full of machinery.


    To be honest, I couldnt tell what was what but I was able to tell that it was destroyed to the point that it could be repaired.


    As I concluded that I couldnt get anything more from the altar I went towards An Gyu-bum.


    Jeon Min-jeongs expression turned sharp but she didnt take any further actions. It probably means that she doesnt think of me as an enemy anymore.


    May I inspect him a bit?


    Please.


    To think such words woulde out from this girls mouth. I could at least tell that she wasnt following An Gyu-bum because she was ckmailed or some negative reason.


    An Gyu-bum had received severe injuries but it was on the good sidepared to Jeon Min-jeongs frivolousness.


    I knew quite a bit of medical logic because I frequently went to the hospital so I was able to tell that he would heal even if he was left like this.


    It seemed to be the effect of the Eternal Immortality Suits effect. Most people would be half dead if they vomited enough blood for the ground to be wet.


    But I poured in a Wound Cure Potion into his mouth.


    An Gyu-bum slowly opened his eyes within a few minutes. No matter how good the effect of the potion was, it was not enough to heal someone this quickly.


    Hmm.


    Did youe to?


    Wh, what happened?


    Unfortunately, the altar was destroyed. It seems you were also interested in the ruins data. It seems like it will be difficult for you to properly obtain it.


    What happened to Baek Gyeong?


    Up there.


    Baek Gyeongs head was rolling around at the ce I pointed at. (<em>Kyle: So I was trying not to add notes as much as possible but how long is this head going to roll around for, damn.</em>)


    Because he wasnt monster or human, he didnt even return to the void.


    Amazing. Did you kill him with a single strike?


    He looked around and opened his mouth. The surrounding was clean despite battling Baek Gyeong.


    Well yeah.


    He endured a direct hit of the Hadron Cannon. Even though he could have avoided it.


    Jeon Min-jeong said. Was that why her attitude changed.


    An Gyu-bum opened his mouth with wide eyes.


    You endured that? It would have been difficult to block that even with level 10 armor though?


    Well, somehow.


    In reality, I didnt endure it but die.


    I had just revived through the Immortality skill. However, there was no need to exin each and every thing.


    Now then. Shall we pay up?


    I said so with a light p.


    Puzzlement was written all over An Gyu-bums face.


    Pay what up?


    The price of your life. And that.


    I called the Dancing Sword. Baek Gyeongs head was stabbed on the end of the de.


    I opened my mouth with a smile.


    This. Dont you want it?


    Baek Gyeongs head huh definitely wont be cheap.


    An Gyu-bum sighed.


    The database from the ruin is all saved in here. You would be able to extract the data from this head right?


    Theres nothing too difficult about it.


    It was true that Baek Gyeong was made through overtechnology. However, An Gyu-bums System Research Laboratory was the same so I thought that it would be possible as long as their technology didnt fall behind too much.


    He pondered for a moment and opened his mouth.


    How is 100b?


    Its not like the guy that bet 1t for the van.


    Its that. I just tried. I wasnt nning on actually giving you that much.


    An Gyu-bum said with a shameless expression.


    It was definitely going overboard even from my perspective. Even if raidpanies piled up dozens of trillions a trillion wasnt a joke to them after all.


    Okay. Ill be satisfied with that much.


    Either way, I had obtained money to use for the meantime.


    It was funny even though I was the one that said it. Money to use for the meantime. It was money that 3 generations might not be able to use up.


    I opened my mouth as I passed over Baek Gyeongs head.


    Ah. Also, I want to know some details about item creation. Can you tell me?


    I dont even know such things though.


    Didnt you say that you were in charge of the System Research Laboratory?


    Ourpany produces smartphones but its the same thing as asking me how theyre made.


    An Gyu-bum shrugged his shoulders. He wasnt wrong.


    How about where theyre distributed and who buys them?


    Well, if its just that.


    He nodded and continued.


    To put it simply, theres a secret site where items not handled by the Hunter Market are being sold. Normal civilians dont even know of its existence. Many hunters all over the world bid there and the person that bets the highest price takes it.


    So youre creating items to be sold there. While the price is higher the more unusual it is.


    Indeed.


    So on that topic.


    I thought about the Delta Store.


    The store was unlocked up to level 6. I had to purchase more to unlock more anyway and I needed a ce to dispose of the purchased items.


    The Hunter Market doesnt buy items that arent part of the records.


    I have quite a few rare items, are you interested?


    What kind of things are they?


    Im not sure? What about things like this?


    I purchased one of the cheapest 10 EP items among the Utility items.


    Socks of Tall Stature (1) : Looks about 5 cm taller when worn. Able to stack.


    It was a striped sock. He looked at me like I was ridiculous as I held up the sock.

 Chapter 165

    Chapter 165


    <em>J: Proofread the first 10% of the chapter because I happened to find a seriously ridiculous mistake. Kyle is getting better, except for weird typos and not being able to romanize sound effects well.</em>


    Whats this? Youre probably not trying to joke around.


    Talk after trying it on first.


    Hm I will pray that this is not a pointless prank.


    An Gyu-bum passed the socks to Jeon Min-jeong. As she put them on, her body seemed to instantly get taller. An Gyu-bum inspected her with a surprised face.


    Did you be taller?


    It, it seems so.


    She, who had gotten much taller than An Gyu-bum, lowered her head as if embarrassed.


    She was already taller than An Gyu-bum originally so they now almost looked like brother and sister.


    The guy opened his mouth with an excited face.


    How much do you want?


    10m.


    Deal.


    Ive been called a person thats easy to use a lot in the past.


    There was more I gave away than I received and that felt better for my heart.


    I felt like I had to repay the person if I receive something you see. Thats why Im more at peace by being on the short end of the stick.


    It was better to erase debts of others.


    However, this guy was on another levelpared to me.


    No matter how much money you have. Its obvious that you would go bankrupt some day if you gave out as much money as one called.


    Of course it didnt have anything to do with me so I selected another item from the store.


    Headband of Growth (1) : Hair bes abundant.


    This is?


    Should I say its a headband that cures baldness?


    His eyes went wide at my words. It was a fact that there wasnt a single item that cured baldness among the many beautification items.


    To, to think that such a thing existed.


    An Gyu-bum received the headband with trembling hands.


    This really has an effect right?


    Of course.


    This is for the price as well.


    This ones double.


    Urg Fine.


    An Gyu-bum nodded.


    I started digging the store after earning 40m in one minute including Baek Gyeongs head.


    An Gyu-bum looked at me with a nervous expression and opened his mouth.


    I, I will stop here.


    Hm? Why? Theres still other stuff.


    This is the limit of what I can purchase at this moment. It will be difficult for me to deposit a greater amount than this.


    Hm I see a rich familys sessor doesnt have much power.


    Im just saying that its difficult immediately. If youe to the researchboratory a weekter I will receive as much as you want.


    Hm. Thats a shame. I still have a lot.


    Is a discount possible if I buy a lot at once?


    Theres no way thats possible.


    This kind of person tasted best when ripped off perfectly.


    We ended the trade at that and I confirmed that the money got deposited.


    Im not sure if I said this before but this kind ofrge scale trade is normally impossible to do between individuals.


    However, the only case where this is possible is when its a ount guaranteed by the Hunter Market.


    In such a case, the tax isnt payed immediately when items are bought and sold.


    Its because the amount of tax would be immense if tax was applied for each trade. A general ie tax would be applied all at once after all the trades are finished.


    Thats why hunters turn mary assets into item fund states when it bes time to pay the general ie tax.


    The tax is minuscule because the ie is 0 you see. They cant make people pay tax just because they have items you see.


    In the first ce, rich people use this a lot as tax evasion because trade is free unlike real estate.


    The government seems to be trying to solve this one way or another but the ones seeing the most profit from item trade is the Hunter Market and the tax they pay is mind boggling so they couldnt do anything about it.


    We should go our ways soon.


    An Gyu-bum said so who moved his body around a bit after recovering.


    I think we can go that way. It seems to be the way Baek Gyeong came in but it was a path that opens normally once the data from the altar is sessfully retrieved.


    Now that I think about it, how did Baek Gyeong know about the ruin ande all the way in here?


    The answer to that question came from An Gyu-bum.


    The ruins use a great amount of electricity after all. If its Baek Gyeong whos sensitive to electromaic waves it wouldnt be that difficult for him to figure it out.


    Thanks a lot. Can I call you if theres something Im curious about?


    Whenever you want.


    But how are you nning on leaving? You couldnt have walked all the way here.


    An Gyu-bum took out a snow mobile from midair instead of replying.


    I asked if he was a manual like me just in case but it seems hes using another dimensional space called inventory. It was impressive in and of itself so I couldnt help being a bit surprised.


    Having a spacerge enough to put in a car was truly showing off after all.


    I started thinking that the reason An Gyu-bum gave away so much was because he had enough money to do so.


    I handed him a Snow Chain from the Delta Store as a service.


    I earned a lot so this much wasnt much.


    The guy then put away the snow mobile and put the Snow Chain on a van. What in the world was the size of that inventory?


    As the guy left I destroyed the remaining stone statues and left the ruins after collecting all the ores and Strengthening Stones.


    With this, all the objectives foring to New ska were achieved. No, it was enough to call it overachieving.


    Either way I got on the van with Edward and slowly got going.


    No, I tried to get going.


    Vrmmmm!


    At that moment, I confirmed a van heading this way with great force.


    It was none other than An Gyu-bums van.


    The effect of the Snow Chain was definitely good. To brake on icy ground as if on asphalt.


    No, thats not whats important.


    I opened the window and called out to An Gyu-bum.


    The guy also opened his window and looked this way.


    Whats up?


    Theres some bad news.


    What is it?


    Baek Gyeong appeared again.


    Huh. Why is that appearing again? Are they all shoved into ska?


    It was tiring now to be honest. Its fine with fighting it twice, why again.


    No, wait.


    I looked at the ck dots that could be seen on the horizon and opened my mouth towards An Gyu-bum.


    No way. Are those all Baek Gyeong?


    Probably?


    What in the world.


    I looked at the dots that were approaching with great speed with a flustered expression.


    The numbers that I could count with my eyes was dozens.


    No, the numbers were increasing.


    No way Are all the Baek Gyeongs here?


    Probably?


    You cunt. Stop ying around. Why are all of thoseing here?


    It seems the entirety of New ska was being explored by sending Baek Gyeong. Thinking about it, its a matter of course. It would have been impossible to find the ruin on thisrge piece ofnd with one or two after all.


    If its like that then notice it faster!


    I dont think this is the time to argue though.


    Damn it.


    The figure of the Baek Gyeongs approaching at high speed could be seen more clearly now.


    They numbered at least 90.


    It can be said that all the Baek Gyeongs are headed this way.


    The force with which they kicked off the ground was so great that the icy ground shook.


    I hurriedly turned the van around and started driving at max speed. An Gyu-bums van followed right behind.


    Two vans and the 90 Baek Gyeongs that followed from behind.


    The chase soon ended.


    Ah. God damn it.


    A huge cliff could be seen in front. Beyond therge icy ground that fell perpendicrly, the ocean that sparkled blue could be seen.


    Edward calmly stared at the ocean and opened his mouth.


    So I die now.


    Dont spout nonsense. You bastard.


    Cant we escape by flying in the sky?


    Edward said.


    If we can dodge the Hadron Cannon that is.


    Even I who could fly by stepping on the Dancing Sword didnt have the confidence to do that.


    It might have been possible if it was one or two but escaping by flying in the sky with that many Baek Gyeongs as the opponent?


    It would be better to enter the ocean.


    Ah. Wait a minute.


    It didnt seem like that bad of an idea.


    An Gyu-bums van btedly stopped beside mine.


    His expression was quite a sight.


    Can I ask you to save me?


    Shut up, man. Did someone tell you to bring such things?


    I let out a long sigh.


    I should save him for now. He had talent in angering people but it would be a shame to let him die here.


    Get rid of that van for now and get on.


    What are you.


    If you talk back one more time Im leaving without you.


    Before I barely ended my words An Gyu-bum and Jeon Min-jeong got off the van and put the van into the inventory.


    I say this again but that inventory is an item that exists in another dimension and is part of the old system.


    Just that even the size of a normal bag is tens of billions so I had no idea how many of those inventories he stacked up.


    I had no idea why such a guy only had level 8 equipment. It would be fine to decorate himself with level 10 items.


    It wasnt time to think about such things right now.


    An Gyu-bum who entered the van and closed the door looked around the unusually wide interior with a bewildered expression.


    What. How is this ce so wide.


    Screeech!


    Huh?


    Hah?


    As I stepped on the pedal An Gyu-bum stumbled and copsed into Jeon Min-jeongs embrace.


    I feel like something was reversed but it was still a rather familiar scene.


    It kind of looked like I was looking at Soo-ah and I.


    What the hell was I thinking about.


    The wheels with Snow Chain ran on the cliff while chewing up the icy ground roughly.


    An Gyu-bums voice could be heard from behind.


    Wait! Are you crazy!


    Shut up and watch!


    Ahhh?!


    The van rode the sharp New skan wind and rose into the air.


    It flew?


    Jeon Min-jeong and An Gyu-bum opened their mouths at the same time.


    As they said, the van passed the cliff and was flying in the sky.


    And in the next moment.


    It fell.


    Ahhhh! It wasnt!


    Who said it flew? Stop fretting and prepare for the impact.


    They were both not wearing seat belts so there will probably be quite some impact.


    Of course, the van will block the impact first and the items theyre wearing will block the damage second so they wouldnt get hurt that much.


    The moment the van fell on the surface.


    With a tremendous explosion water gushed up dozens of meters into the air.


    Even if it was on water, the amount of impact a van has while falling from 100 meters is immense.


    The reason why people lose consciousness when falling from a bridge is because the impact upon crashing into the surface of the water is that great.


    Since a van this heavy tell the force of the impact is difficult to imagine.


    And the van slowly started sinking into the ocean.


    It felt weird looking at how I was sinking into the ocean in real time.


    Edward opened his mouth while leaning on the seat.


    What are you thinking? This van is great but it wouldnt be able to run in water.


    Ah. About that. Its difficult in water but its possible to run on water.

 Chapter 166

    Chapter 166


    How?


    Like this.


    Click.


    I lightly flicked my finger.


    Arge switch then appeared on the overhead console.


    Once I pushed up the switch the wheels inted like an airbag.


    Amphibious Wheels (3) : Allows driving on water.


    The identity of this is none other than an additional option of the van. It was a 50 EP item that I bought from the Delta Store. Thinking about how the van itself is 100 EP its a tremendous price that reaches half of that. It doesnt really feel that expensive but it was the only hope in this kind of situation.


    The van that was sinking into the bottom of the ocean started floating up.


    Of course, theres no way a normal van would be able to function properly after sinking to the bottom of the ocean but this wasnt a normal van in the first ce.


    An approved item means that its free from almost all physical damage of reality. So of course it wouldnt have any problems or rust after falling into water.


    Someone put their hand on my shoulder. It was An Gyu-bum.


    He opened his mouth with sparkling arms.


    How much is this?


    Is that really important right now?


    Did he really think that anything could be done with money.


    This was something that couldnt be installed without the Delta Store.


    The Snow Chain was fine because it just had to be linked to the wheel but this physically tampered with the van after all.


    No, maybe this guy would be able to find some method?


    ck dots appeared at the top of the cliff with a tremendous sound.


    It was Baek Gyeong.


    Even if those guys were copies of a level 10 hunter or something it wouldnt be easy for them to jump down from a 100 meter high cliff.


    Even if they were to jump off it would be difficult for them to show their full power. Unless they had some kind of swimming skill. And Baek Gyeong didnt have such a skill as far as I knew.


    I didnt jump into the ocean without thinking you see.


    Either way, I was thinking that we barely survived.


    An outrageous amount of energy that even shook the atmosphere started gathering with those guys as the center.


    I finally realized something.


    A Hadron Cannon fired by 90 Baek Gyeongs all at once.


    I stepped on the gas as much as possible.


    The wheels spun at great speed and cut the water.


    It didnt be as fast as when going on a road but it was still at least over 60 km per hour.


    But would it be enough with this?


    No.


    It was impossible no matter how I thought about it.


    90 Baek Gyeongs would be able topletely raze the nearby ocean to the ground.


    There was only one option left for me.


    I pulled down the switch that had newly appeared.


    The wheels that becamerge shrunk and caused the van to sink back into the ocean.


    It was suffocating as I slowly got sucked into the dark ocean depths.


    We might have sunken 10 meters or so?


    The ocean started boiling up with a tremendous amount of light above the surface of the water.


    The ocean got turned upside down and the van also got flipped.


    The surroundings couldnt be seen at all due to the great amount of bubbles.


    Urg.


    An Gyu-bum and Jeon Min-jeong who were standing got tangled up in the van and crashed here and there.


    Hurry up and wear your seatbelts!


    Urg. Damn it. I got it!


    Around the time the two somehow sat down and put their seatbelts on in the van that kept shaking.


    Vision returned to the drivers side all of a sudden.


    My mouth opened wide at the scene that entered my eyes.


    Ah.


    The ocean dozens of meters high was split into two.


    The floor of the ocean could be seen. The ocean wasnt able to fill the empty area because of the powerful electromaic field produced by the Hadron Cannons.


    The miracle produced by 90 Baek Gyeongs.


    The Baek Gyeongs that created such a miracle jumped off one by one.


    This is ridiculous.


    Even Edward looked at that scene with his mouth wide open.


    Anyone would be overwhelmed by such a scene.


    We would really get killed by Baek Gyeong if I stared absent mindedly like this.


    I pulled up the switch and made the van move on the ocean.


    I then jumped on to the road of miracle.


    It felt like my intestines were turning when the vannded on the ground.


    Put the wheels back to normal.


    I ignored the Baek Gyeongs following from behind and stepped on the gas.


    Hadron Cannons were fired from behind and caused explosions.


    However, Baek Gyeong wasnt able to follow the van in terms of raw speed.


    As such, it should be possible to increase the gap by driving to the end of this road and then escaping back into the ocean.


    Cold sweat fell like a waterfall.


    Even An Gyu-bum didnt open his mouth in such a situation.


    It probably means that he can distinguish the time and location.


    The vans RPM reached 10,000.


    Even so the vans interior was as quiet as could be.


    It had good riding quality, low noise, it cant be helped but be called perfect. It felt like I was advertising though.


    Either way, I let out a sigh of relief at Baek Gyeongs figure that could be seen from the back mirror getting further away.


    A Baek Gyeong then appeared while splitting space.


    I remembered a skill that I forgot due to being preupied by the Hadron Cannon.


    Dimension Gate : Rips space apart to open a dimensional entrance. Allows long distance movement.


    Damn it!


    I hurriedly turned the handle. My reaction time when timed probably wouldnt pass 0.01 seconds. But the location was far too close.


    Baek Gyeongs body was sent flying roughly.


    I confirmed Baek Gyeongs corpse that was rolling on the ground without a head.


    He sure is dumb. To jump in front of a driving car.


    Edward said so as a light smile appeared on his mouth.


    Baek Gyeong was in a hurry as well. He tried to teleport as rushed as he was an ended up in front of the van.


    But the vans speed was already reduced.


    And Baek Gyeongs appeared from here and there as they split space apart.


    It was already impossible to run away.


    I hurriedly skimmed through the Delta Store.


    Was there an item that could help ovee such a situation?


    There was Internal Space Expansion, Exterior te Reinforcement and Booster attached as additional options to the van.


    But they were currently locked. Even if they were all added I didnt think that it would be possible to run away from Baek Gyeong.


    Is there no other choice but to fight in the end.


    It was the option I wanted to avoid the most. To fight a battle against 90 level 10 Baek Gyeongs.


    I nced at the back. I might have to toss those guys as bait and escape.


    If I ended up in a desperate situation.


    Would I be able to do so?


    No, I didnt take out all my cards yet.


    I opened the item list.


    The monster army of 2,000 was waiting for my orders inside.


    If I used them up it should be possible to open up a path somehow.


    I was thinking like that when I could see something shining in the sky above.


    I had an incredibly bad feeling about this.


    The moment I realized it was a missile, it exploded with a sh.


    Ahhh!


    A scream came out unintentionally as the van flew up.


    I didnt scream even at the Hadron Cannons might but I couldnt help it. Because I knew what a missile was like after all. A scream hade out on reflex.


    Red mes embraced the surroundings. Is it fire after water.


    I moved the van for now to escape the center of the explosion.


    However.


    With sounds that seemed like it would destroy my eardrums explosions appeared one after another.


    In a situation where I couldnt grasp what was happening I couldnt do anything besides driving the van.


    The van that barely managed to escape the missile barrage crashed into the cliff of water.


    I operated the switch to float to the top of the ocean and turned my head to see the situation at the back.


    As the electromaic field made by the Hadron Cannons slowly disappeared the ocean was slowly gathering towards the center while the Baek Gyeongs that got caught up in the explosions died off.


    Even the fact that they were vulnerable to firearms despite their strength was simr to human hunters.


    Is it over now.


    The dead Baek Gyeong numbered ten.


    The rest were still on the cliff or were in the process of running away.


    I didnt know where the missiles came from but they had saved our lives.


    Even if they were missiles they werent long range use. I only got a glimpse of it but it was about 3 meters long.


    It was too small to be a cruising missile but too big to be a tank missile.


    It didnt seem like the range would pass dozens of kilometers either.


    What was that explosion just now?


    An Gyu-bum rose from his seat while taking off his seatbelt.


    Can you not tell even after seeing it?


    Was it some kind of magic?


    Ah. I guess it was too fast for this guy to be able to see it.


    As I exined simply An Gyu-bum opened his mouth with a serious expression.


    Missiles from the ocean you say? Thats weird.


    What is?


    The number of ways to fire missiles from the ocean is limited. Its either to sail a boat or to fly a jet.


    There were monsters in the ocean. There were some in the sky as well but since they didnt exist at high altitude airlines were still doing well.


    It was probably a jet.


    The missiles came flying not long after the Baek Gyeongs approached us. It must have been very close for it to arrive in that time range.


    Certainly, a jet would have been eye catching.


    I nodded my head. However, it was hard to think that it was a boat.


    In the first ce, a boat made with steel couldnt endure monster attacks after all.


    This was the same no matter how tough the metal was.


    Even a level 1 monster would be able to prate the most powerful alloy. If it was a tank it would be possible to see it and attack but it was impossible to do the same for the ones underwater.


    Hm then what is it? Is it a ghost?


    What I thought was a simple matter started bing a haze.


    Then the ones that helped, no, its not helping now that I think about it. Its only certain that they were trying to kill Baek Gyeong. They wouldnt have thought that a van woulde out safe after getting hit by missiles after all.


    Im somewhat mad thinking about it that way.


    It means that they thought that it would be fine even if we died.


    How about we find out who they are.


    WAit.


    I opened the window and sent an eagle out the window.


    Of course, it would be impossible to find them so soon. Even if it was a short distance it would be dozens of kilometers after all.


    The waves on the ocean were peaceful as if the tense battle just now was a lie.


    We were on standby about 10 km away from New ska.


    An Gyu-bum opened his mouth as if he suddenly remembered something.


    Now that I think about it, I forgot.


    What.


    This van. Why is it different from the one you gave me?


    Because this one has additional options to it. Wasnt the one you wanted one that could block hunters attacks? I thought the one I gave you would be sufficient.


    No. In the first ce, the one I wanted was the one you were using.


    Its the same van. Just that the options are different.

 Chapter 167

    Chapter 167


    Youll get filed awsuit and go under if you do business like that.


    So are you going to file awsuit against me or something?


    No, but Im hoping you give me another one of these vans. With the same options as this one.


    Is that so? Then it cant be helped.


    An Gyu-bums expression brightened at my answer.


    I opened my mouth with a smirk.


    Get off.


    What?


    There wouldnt have been a need for you to get into this car if I didnt let you on in the first ce. From my perspective, I let you on while risking the danger. But youre using that as a weakness to hand over another van? What do you call this again? Saving a person from the water only to.


    Ah. I saw that on the news some time ago. Someone saved a drowning woman but she filed awsuit saying he touched her breasts right?


    Edward said.


    What the hell was this guy watching?


    Its not that. Either way, get off or not, the choice is up to you.


    Shameless bastard. Must you reallye out like that?


    Instead, I wont receive payment for saving you.


    Deal.


    An Gyu-bum nodded.


    I almost thought that this guy started talking about the van because he was aiming for this as he agreed too easily.


    Business with this guy is always like this.


    I was definitely on the profiting side but there was a bad aftertaste for some reason.


    An Gyu-bum opened his mouth.


    What about Baek Gyeong?


    Still there.


    I had confirmed this through an eagle.


    It seems like theyre not going to give up on us that easily.


    Those guys need the ruin data as well after all.


    It became impossible for Baek Gyeong to transfer the data after his head got cut off. Also, it was currently in An Gyu-bums hands right now. Thinking about it, I feel like I gave it away a bit too cheaply but there was a lot to rip off of this guy from now on so I decided to leave it at that for now.


    It would be difficult to go up on shore like this so I think it would be better to return by crossing the ocean instead. Thinking about the speed on water it will probably take quite a while though.


    It cant be helped. Leaving that aside, did you still not find the identity of the guy that fired the missiles?


    Dont rush me. Im still sending them even if you dont ask.


    I thought that it wouldnt be enough with just one no matter how I thought about it, so I sent out all the eagles I had. Almost a hundred eagles were roaming the New skan coastal waters.


    However, I was still unable to find out the identity of the one that fired the missiles.


    If the possibility of it being a jet is eliminated then it was something impossible.


    If it was a ship it would have been discovered by now.


    There was no ce to hide on the ocean after all.


    Unless they were hidden underwater like us.


    I let out a sigh and lightly shook my head. Why did I finally realize this.


    Give me a second.


    As I opened the van door chilly ocean wind swept into the van. An Gyu-bum frowned.


    What are you trying to do?


    Hm What would be good I wonder.


    I took out a huge chunk of meat from the van. I had brought it along since I didnt have to worry about it rotting in a ce as cold as New ska.


    I tied a string to it and threw it into the ocean.


    A chunk of meat that weighed over 10 kilograms got sucked into the ocean. I calmly waited for the string to get pulled after loosening it.


    An Gyu-bum opened his mouth.


    What in the world?


    Im trying to fish a bit.


    I dont think this is the time to idly fish. And do you really think its enough to just tie some meat to a string?


    It would be difficult if it was a normal fish. But wouldnt a monster be different?


    A monster?


    Anymore is apany secret so dont ask.


    No way. Are you trying to tame it?


    Im trying to kill it and use it as my summons to be exact. Well, its not that different when looking at it from a broad perspective.


    I didnt expect them to bite as soon as I threw the meat in. Its said that there are many monsters in the ocean but the ocean isrge in the first ce after all.


    I was trying to restzily by leaning on the drivers seat when the string suddenly got pulled tightly.


    Already?


    I pulled the string with great force.


    What I was holding right now was made by twisting rope so it definitely wasnt sloppy. As an object with Ker fiber in it it can hold up a metal ball that weighs several tons in terms of tensile force.


    Of course, it was uncertain whether it would be possible to fish it up like real fishing since it doesnt have a hook.


    But what I wanted was to lure it in the first ce.


    Haaah!


    I gathered all the strength in my body and pulled on the string.


    At that, a giant shrimp jumped up while breaking through the water surface.


    No, its not a shrimp but a


    Giant Seahorse (1) : Hunts using its sharp mouth. Able to move quickly in water.


    A seahorse?


    It did have a bent back like a shrimp but its mosquito like long and thin mouth,ttice patterned shell, and the fins that stuck out a bit was much more like that of a seahorse.


    If there was a difference, it would be that its mouth is sharp like a spear. That hade up while pierced into the half frozen meat.


    For a monster with such a small mouth to greed after meat.


    The monster that was in midair shook its fins as if they were wings to tilt its direction towards me.


    It was doing a lot despite being mere fish.


    It was still only a level 1 monster. I was now capable of killing it easier than breathing.


    Keeek!


    I sent the Dancing Sword and made its back get folded in half. Transparent liquid spouted out from it with an expected cry. It seems its blood was transparent being a marine product and all.


    [+100]


    An item nor an ore dropped but I didnt really care.


    Whats important is that I caught a ocean monster.


    I took out a bunch of items from the item list. They were items I got from the North Korean Autonomous Region and New ska.


    I had attempted this before as well but the level of a monster was always dependant on the level of the item.


    In other words, even if I had information on a level 1 monster, if I used a level 3 item a level 3 monster woulde out. Of course, the efficiency isnt that good.


    Since low level monsterck special abilitiespared to high level ones.


    I used the Golden Ring on all the items in the item list. 30 Giant Seahorses got created in an instant.


    They were varied between level 1 and level 5.


    As I shoved all of those into the ocean, An Gyu-bum who was watching that opened his mouth.


    So you can summon after killing one and obtaining its information. Im surprised.


    This is an ability you cant buy with money.


    Even I know that much. A skill is much more difficult to createpared to items. Of course, I do believe that is a problem that will be solved soon.


    An Gyu-bum muttered something on his own and then raised his head to continue talking.


    Can you stop by our researchboratory some time?


    I refuse.


    How much do you want?


    Is it money no matter what it is? I wont go no matter how much you give me so get that into your head.


    Why so?


    Well. Cause I dont know what you might do to me there. What aspect of you am I supposed to trust to enter a tigers den?


    Im not going to do any human body dissection though. I just need to draw some of your blood and take a few pictures after going into a few machines.


    Im telling you that I dont want to enter those machines you dimwit.


    It could be safe as this guy said. But it might not be so. There was no need to do something dangerous.


    And the security would be really tight if its the GE Group researchboratory making it a piece of cake to trap someone at my level.


    Thats a shame.


    Looking at how he was smacking his lips while talking I felt even more reluctant to go.


    I thought that I would have meet this guy in a ce full of people no matter what.


    After waiting for about two hours since releasing the seahorses.


    A level 5 Giant Seahorse raised its head next to the van.


    Are you telling me to follow you?


    Kieee!


    The monsters long and thin cylindrical mouth opened vertically like a birds beak.


    After following it for a while I sensed something weird.


    It was as if electricity was flowing below my feet.


    It wasnt like I could feel electromaic waves or something like a normal person which meant that a massive amount of electromaic waves were spread around the area.


    It seems this is the ce.


    The seahorse wasnt going any further.


    I decided to wait a bit. It wasnt like I could swim even if I entered the ocean and I thought it would appear on its own if there was something there.


    Then.


    The van slowly started rising into midair.


    There was no need to even lean out the window.


    The figure of a massive submarine rising from the water surface could be seen from the windshield after all.


    As expected.


    A submarine huh.


    What is it? Is there such a fish?


    Edward said with wide eyes.


    Thinking about it, this guy never saw a submarine before.


    Its like a ship that travels underwater.


    For a ship to travel underwater. Humans are quite impressive.


    Either way, theres quite a lot I want to ask?


    An Gyu-bum said. I had simr thoughts.


    The thing I was most curious about. How were they able to operate a submarine under the ocean.


    It would sink even if they met a level 1 monster after it makes a hole on the side and it wasnt like they would be willing to go around risking their lives.


    The answer to that question got solved pretty easily.


    I called the eagles to recover them but they didnte close to the van.


    They have to follow mymand but they cant approach so they were going up and down over and over again.


    I turned my head to look at Edward.


    He opened his mouth with a lightly crumpled expression at my stare.


    Why are you looking at me like that?


    Are you alright? It seems like monsters arent able to approach this submarine.


    I believe I said that Im not a monster though.


    Is that so.


    Seeing how he actually isnt being affected, I understand that there is a difference. I suppose races with intelligence is different.


    I rode the Dancing Sword to retrieve the monsters in the distance.


    Around the time I finished that up.


    A hatch opened on the other side of the submarine and people that seemed to be soldiers could be seen.


    Since the submarine was over 100 meters long, it seemed like it would be better for us to go to them than them walking all the way here so we rode the van on the ck submarine.


    A submarine of this size should actually be a nuke submarine.


    We got in front of the dozen soldiers lined up before getting off the van.


    The lieutenant colonel looking person started talking once our members got off and I put the van into the manual.


    I am Lieutenant Colonel Reagan. We should have a lot of curiosities about each other so lets talk about the details in the submarine.


    Is it okay to allow civilians on a ce like this?


    An Gyu-bum asked.


    Since youre still alive after getting hit by that, youre more than qualified to board this.


    Lieutenant Colonel Reagan shrugged.


    These guys didnt care about whether we lived or not in the first ce.

 Chapter 168

    Chapter 168


    <em>J: Kyle says he is nning on getting some more chapters done this week. Also, he apologizes for beingte. Apparently, he was busy + ying around, but I do not see the point in an apology, so I removed his long apology. Also, 2% edited. Just happened to see a few mistakes I could not overlook.</em>


    The submarine was a Seawolf rank nuclear powered submarine, the Elveridge.


    With a length of 100 meters it was a monster level submarine capable of voyaging over 500 kilometers.


    It was also what contributed greatly in making America the greatest country in the world before monster waves.


    For this to still exist.


    An Gyu-bum opened his mouth while observing the surroundings.


    I didnt know much but he had a pretty excited look as if he had some knowledge on it.


    In reality, nuclear powered submarines were treated as obsolete and couldnt even be seen unless it was in a museum.


    Since submarines would just sink if they were to go to the ocean, highly dangerous nuclear powered submarines couldnt even dare to set off.


    How in the world is this wandering the ocean?


    An Gyu-bum who was walking through the narrow passage asked the soldier behind him.


    However, an answer did note back.


    Obviously, it would be a national secret.


    He then nodded as if ashamed of himself.


    After moving for a while we were guided to the captains room that was rtively wide.


    Wait a minute please.


    Lieutenant Colonel Reagan said so and left. There were two soldiers on standby in front of the captains room.


    Despite that, they didnt have guns and were not hunters but regr humans. It wasnt confinement since I could leave any time I wanted.


    It seemed fine to think of them as observer cum guides.


    There were exactly four beds in the captains room. I lied down on a bed for now.


    I got drowsy as soon as I lied down as the pent up stress rose up.


    The battle with Baek Gyeong, the battle with the Arctic Bear, and the other battle with Baek Gyeong.


    A considerable amount of fatigue had piled up due to the continuous battles.


    To be able to sleep in such a ce. Youve got quite the nerves.


    I let out a shortugh at An Gyu-bums words.


    In the first ce, my reason for finding the submarine was simple. I wanted to see the face of the guy that fired the missiles and second to see if it was actually possible for it to travel in the ocean.


    If that was possible it would mean that maritime transportation would be possible which would mean humanitys domain wouldpletely change.


    China would start rampaging, and considerable chaos would ur even if not to the point of when monster waves first appeared.


    The story after that is not at the level where I can infer.


    Its possible that a huge problem may arise.


    At that point, its would be none of my business though.


    After taking a short nap of 30 minutes, we were called to the captains cabin.


    There was an officer of about 50 years of age waiting for us with a pipe tobo in his mouth.


    Wait, isnt smoking forbidden on a submarine. This guy is dangerous, damn.


    Shall we introduce each other? I am Colonel Ronald, the captain of the Elveridge. You are Jeon Sang-min correct?


    You know my name?


    You were pretty famous.


    It seems John Mins words wasnt a joke.


    He said I was pretty famous in America, but how did a nuclear powered submarine captain recognize me?


    And you are.


    Colonel Ronalds line of sight turned to An Gyu-bum. He swallowed with a slightly tense face. It seems he was concerned about someone recognizing him.


    Could you introduce yourself?


    His expression crumpled up a bit. A light smirk appeared appeared on my face unconciously.


    Hes An Gyu-bum. The sessor of the GE Group.


    I see.


    Is that it?


    Is there something more that I should know?


    No, its fine.


    An Gyu-bum frowned. It seems he thought hispany would be recognized even if he himself wasnt. However, no matter how famous the GE Group is its not like they sell items to America or something.


    Edward and Jeon Min-jeong also introduced themselves.


    Pointless chattering continued for a while and then Colonel Ronald got to the main point.


    Do you know why I called you guys in? Even though this ship isnt supposed to board civilians that is.


    Because of Baek Gyeong I suppose.


    So you call that Baek Gyeong?


    Ronald said. As expected, it seems America didnt know much about this.


    An Gyu-bum shoved my ribs from the side. Probably telling me to not carelessly let things slip.


    I ignored him and started talking.


    That is so. Its the existence thats currently destroying the American hunters at the moment.


    It seems theres more I need to hear from you people.


    I answered while shrugging my shoulders.


    Theres nothing free in this world.


    Our government will reward you greatly.


    I have a surplus of money actually.


    Do you have something you want?


    An Gyu-bum hit me lightly at Colonel Ronalds words.


    I asked the Colonel to be pardoned and left my seat with him.


    Leave this to me.


    What are you going to do?


    You dont need anything else besides money. And I have more information on Baek Gyeong than you do so I will be able to get direct profit through negotiations.


    What would I get?


    My utmost support.


    What would I do with your support.


    I will support team Delta from uniform to all sorts of items.


    It is a bit funny to ask this after all this time but why are you going so far? What good would it do if you supported me.


    As you know, my personality is absolute trash.


    This guy could self objectify better than I thought huh?


    An Gyu-bum opened his mouth with augh at my reaction.


    Why are you looking at me with such a surprised look in your eyes? Did you think I wouldnt know that much?


    No, I was just surprised at the fact that you would go around acting like that even while knowing that.


    Its fine for me to do so.


    That sounds about right.


    Just how overblown is this guys ego.


    Either way, theres a lot of enemies around me because of that. Even now theres no telling when my seat will be stolen.


    Isnt there still a lot of time left before your grandfather dies? Theres should be your father above you too so you seem like leftovers.


    Im not talking about the presidents seat. Im talking about the System Research Laboratory seat. I need you on my side to be able to maintain this. Im supporting you for that reason. Its a good idea to possess some force just in case.


    Wait. So youre telling me youre going to use me, no, team Delta as your personal army?


    Theres a nice word called cooperative rtionship. You just need to help me out a bit when I need it.


    Dont really feel like it though.


    You dont need to. Its not forced after all. I just need to shower you with money like until now and you just have to take it.


    It was an incredibly active attitude. So this is what he meant by supporting. Is he thinking that I will want to help even if I dont like him if he feeds me to hell?


    Ill say this again but you dont need to do it if you dont want to.


    I nodded my head at his words.


    Alright. Ill rip you off as you want then.


    I knew you would do so.


    Ill say this ahead of time but I wont ever do something if its absolutely absurd.


    Yeah.


    An Gyu-bum held out a hand after saying so.


    I hit his hand as if lightly pping instead of shaking hands and turned away.


    Ill leave the annoying things to that guy and go sightseeing the nuclear powered submarine. There was no telling when I would be able to see such a thing again after all.


    Since they said I couldnt go around alone, I was looking around with a soldier on me.


    Originally, letting a civilian on board and letting them walk around like this would have been something impossible. However, I wasnt a normal civilian for one thing.


    I was a level 10 hunter and was a pretty famous figure in America as the Great Summoner. Personally, its a bit embarrassing nickname but movement is easier for a hunter the more famous they are so it wasnt all that bad.


    Otherwise, there would be no way they would let someone wander around the interior of a submarine that should be a national secret.


    The submarines interior was more cramped than I thought. I thought there would be some space for activity but I was told that arge portion of the space was used up for operating the nuclear power generator. There were about 200 crew members.


    It was a very small numberpared to its size.


    Its possible to stay underwater without surfacing for several years if they really wanted to but people arent able to stay in such a cramped ce for an extended period of time.


    I suddenly remembered something and looked through the Delta Store.


    There was an option to expand the interior of the van so I was wondering if it was possible to apply that on the submarine.


    Space Expansion Marble (3) : Expands the space the user is riding. It is possible to retrieve after usage.


    It seems its an item thates in the form of a marble and can be applied to what one is riding.


    The cost was 50 EP. It was incredibly expensive as expected. However, since it was possible to retrieve it after using it, it wasnt all that bad of an item if I were to go around using it here and there.


    I wanted to test if it was possible to apply it to a ride like this that wasnt considered an item.


    It didnt matter because I could just use it on a van if it didnt work and it would be possible to sell this at a high price so I wasnt seeing a loss here in any way with that alone.


    I was able to confirm the marble get added to my item list as I selected purchase in the store.


    I held it up after taking it out.


    This wasnt a marble but a


    A dice?


    Did you say something?


    The soldier said so while turning around. Iughed awkwardly as I shook my head. While slowly following him from behind I looked into the marble, no, 20 sided dice.


    There was a number from 1 to 20 written on each side.


    I wasnt able to tell the exact meaning but I think it was safe to say that the space expanded would berger the higher the number.


    In other words, its a type of random reward.


    The space would be expanded proportional to the number rolled.


    Its a good thing I dont like gambling.


    For it to be a random stat item. If such an item existed in the old system there would have been a heap of people that made their family go bankrupt.


    In any case, I guess I should roll this on the ground since its a die and all?


    I stopped my slow steps following the soldier in front of me and lightly tossed the die.


    The die that bounced on the ground a few times spun around and soon stopped.


    The number facing the top was 10. No more no less, exactly in the middle.


    It seems you dropped something.


    The soldier picked up the die and handed it to me.


    I made an awkward smile as it was handed to me.


    Either way, thats a pretty interesting die you got there. Its my first time seeing a 20 sided die but it has 10 written on every single side.


    Every single one?


    Isnt it yours?


    The soldier tilted his head as if confused.


    Haha. Its something I got as a present you see.


    I glossed over it and inspected the die. As he said, the die that originally had the numbers 1 to 20 written on it were now all changed to 10.


    In other words, you cant roll twice after rolling once. Now, only 10 wille out no matter how many times I roll it.


    It seems it was made this way since it could be reused any number of times.


    Rolled Expansion Marble (3) : Expands the interior space by 10 cubits. 1 cubit is a cube where one side is 1m.

 Chapter 169

    Chapter 169


    <em>J: 30% edited. I did not mean to, but the space expansion marble was interesting.</em>


    I checked once more wondering if 10 cubits would merely be 10 1 meter cubed cubes but I was wrong. 10 cubits was a cube where each edge was 10 meters long.


    In other words, its 1000 timesrger than 1 cubit


    Ah. Then how many timesrger is 20 cubits?


    Its 20 cubed. 8000 times?


    Damn.


    Im getting a bit dizzy.


    If I had applied a 20 cubit die on the van then I would have obtained space that isrger than 100 container boxesbined.


    At this level, even a submarine of this size would feel the change. It might be possible to apply dozens of these to create arge moving base.


    For now, there was a need to experiment with this.


    I stopped the soldier and returned to the cabin. There was no need to experiment in a ce other people were looking after all.


    What were you doing this entire time?


    Only Edward was in the cabin. It seems An Gyu-bum was still conversing with the Colonel. Jeon Min-jeong should, of course, be next to An Gyu-bum.


    I thought that it was timely and closed the cabin door for now. The soldiers that were standing outside didnt particrly react in any way. They probably thought it wouldnt be possible to move freely since there was no other door in the cabin.


    I stood at the center of the cabin and held the marble in my hand.


    The method of using this was simple.


    As soon as I tapped the marble through the manual, a green message popped up.


    Will you use the Space Expansion of 10 Cubits?


    I pressed ept.


    Huh?


    The space started stretching like a piece of taffy. After that, Edward and I as well as everything in the cabin started bing smaller.


    No, it wasnt us bing smaller. Its just that the cabin itself had berger to a great degree.


    That entire process ended before even a second passed. I was at a loss of words for a while as I looked around. I could see a ceiling over 10 meters high and a room with only a few beds and a shelf.


    Wow. Amazing.


    An exmation came up unintentionally. For it to be a Space Expansion Marble that can be applied to regr transportation that doesnt count as an item.


    It was an item that had incredible potential depending on how it was used.


    It seemed like it would be possible to sell at a high price for those in need.


    This was done by you right? Why did you suddenly made me smaller No, us smaller?


    Edward also started looking around as if flustered.


    It seems he didnt understand the situation yet. I shook my head as I pointed at the door that was pretty far away. The doors size was still the same.


    What?


    Try going out. Youll be able to see that you didnt be smaller.


    I wonder what youre talking about.


    Edward headed towards the door even while grumbling.


    Creak.


    m.


    And he closed the door as soon as he opened it.


    The outside is the same? What kind of situation is this?


    Whats what? The room becamerger. Like the interior of the van.


    Ho. I was just thinking that the room was a bit too cramped.


    Thats your only reaction?


    Ive decided not to get surprised at the human called you. (<em>J: And so anothermon sense-chan is broken, lol.</em>)


    I suddenly feel a bit let down for some reason.


    If Soo-ah was beside me she would have caused a ruckus. Should I say that its a bit bored since theres no one causing a mess beside me.


    Eh? Whats this?


    Ah. Now that I think about it, there was another person that could rece that spot.


    Although in a bit different of a manner.


    An Gyu-bum came towards me with rough steps. He then pushed his face forward to the point where I could feel him breath and opened his mouth.


    It was pretty obvious what he was going to say now.


    How much is this?


    Do things moderately man.


    Jeon Min-jeong easily calmed An Gyu-bums excitement for now.


    An Gyu-bums excitement had died down once she showed him theboratorys remaining funds.


    It seems he still couldnt get rid of his desire and looked at me with a pleading gaze.


    Can I buy it on credit?


    No.


    Ill make you a promissory note. Large transactions are normally done in this way you know.


    Youre being noisy. You know that hunters dont move unless its for cash right?


    Damned bastard. I invested in you so much.


    Thats that. This is this.


    An Gyu-bum grumbled as if meaning for me to hear it.


    To be honest, it was true that I swayed a bit. I ripped him off quite a bit after all. But if I gave in once or twice, it was obvious that it would be a habit.


    Thats why it was necessary to draw a line right from the beginning even if it seems cold hearted.


    One must not be mistaken.


    Our rtionship was that of a business, not any more or less. It wasnt like my rtionship with An Gyu-bum was good in the first ce and our personalities shed too.


    The only connection between us is money. The one thing that hangs on my mind is the item he gave out to cure Jong Sa-wons disease.


    Even if it was a deal where we both profited, I was the one that was more desperate. It would have been possible for him to demand much more using that but he didnt do so.


    Leaving aside the other things, he wasnt a shameless guy.


    I even got you the suit. I even helped you when you were in peril. That was really expensive too. Others would have demanded much more using that as bait but it ended at that because it was me.


    Dont say that with your own mouth. You bastard.


    Are you reallying out like that the moment I thought of your good side.


    It was definitely true that he had a lot of good faith. The middle process was a bit annoying but as the conclusion of the deal Jong Sa-wons life was saved while it ended with me just giving away a crappy van without even the space expansion option.


    That doesnt change the fact that this guy is unlikeable.


    I saved your life so make do with that.


    Didnt we agree to solve that with the vans price.


    I feel like Im on the losing side now that I think about it. Youre not saying that your life is worth that little right?


    I really cant get along with you.


    An Gyu-bum let out a sigh while grumbling.


    That was what I wanted to say though.


    Either way, what happened to the negotiations?


    I suppose the thing youre most interested in is how this submarine can function is?


    Certainly.


    They say theyre using an electromaic wave generator.


    An electromaic wave generator?


    They say that monsters cant approach if arge amount of electromaic waves are created. Of course, it doesnt mean that it works just by spewing it out.


    If it worked that easily then they wouldnt have told us. But isnt it quite the discovery even with that?


    Not sure. Seeing how theyre confident that nothing can be done with just that it seems thats not all there is to it.


    Well, I suppose.


    It was the same thing as saying that it didnt matter whether they talked about what has already been shown.


    If that wasnt it, they would have just hidden quietly and run away.


    So, what did you gather from Baek Gyeongs information?


    What I just said.


    Only? You only found out that they used an electromaic wave generator?


    We didnt ask each other specific. We didnt have the authority to do so anyway. How much would a Colonel level soldier know anyway?


    Then what did you negotiate?


    How to resume trade between Korea and America.


    Is that possible? If a road isnt opened immediately.


    Of course it wont be easy. They say that its not possible to apply this technology on arge carrier ship that needs to move the load. For now, the amount of electricity that is required increases exponentially therger the ship bes and they say they may need up to dozens of nuclear reactors that use concentrated nuclear fuel.


    Wait. Is there no side effect on the body when such arge amount of electromaic wave is being released?


    They say vomiting if light, and death in the worst case. They say this is the case after working hard to make the living areas not be affected by the waves Theyre nning on changing the crew members to hunters some timeter.


    Certainly. Hunters would be affected less.


    Hunters were powerful in various aspects.


    This applied to resistance as well. They are able to endure somehow using the power of items after all.


    I asked once more.


    Hm. Then how are you nning on opening a tradingwork. No, in the first such you dont have such authority.


    Who do you think I am? The sessors seat of the GE Group can do anything as long as they set their mind on it. The amount of ready cash I can gather alone is in the trillions. Trade with America isnt a matter I need permission from the government and they would probably wee it with open arms? Since theyre saying that they will raise the price of rice to double because of the change in the supply from China its even more likely.


    Yeah. Lets say that its possible. Then what are you going to do after that? Are you going to create a treaty with Russia? If that was possible, you would have already done so.


    The reason Russia drew a line and just stayed in standby. There was a reason they left Baek Gyeong to roam on theirnd. Monsters were one thing but it was because their rtionship with China was more important.


    I was thinking about searching for a method while trading technology through a research agreement with ourboratory since its unreasonable for now but.


    An Gyu-bum took a look around the room.


    I thought of something better.


    No way.


    If such a thing was possible theres no need for the ship to berge right? Its possible to apply immediately. Right. What happens to the weight of the load that goes into this room? Is it the same? Or does it decrease?


    It decreases.


    That was something confirmed through the original van.


    It wasnt a simple expansion of space but no matter how much was put into that space, the weight decreases proportional to how much the space increased by.


    If that wasnt so, it might have been possible to infinitely increase a small space and create a ckhole after stuffing it full of things.


    Its terrifying thinking about it.


    An Gyu-bum opened his mouth.


    The method of expanding space?


    Im not going to tell you.


    Sell it to me.


    Youre nning on duplicating it right? Im not going to let you though?


    If I gain money through it Ill give you royalty. How about 10%?


    An Gyu-bum said so as if he was being extremely generous.


    Did this guy know me as some kind of saint?


    Do you think that even moderately makes sense?


    An Gyu-bum opened his mouth with an awkward expression.


    Its not 10% of the profit but 10% of the sales. If the research cost and supply costs were to be added, its the same thing as giving over half of the profit.


    Seems usible. Theres no method for me to check. There should be a method to rip me off as much as you want.


    Can you really not trust me to that degree? Thats rather saddening.


    Theres no idiot that trusts a businessman.


    There was no person in this world that did business that would make them see a loss.


    This guy should be giving me arge share because he can profit that much.


    Its only one in the first ce. You should be able to get a better price if you sell it to ourboratory. Ill give you a good price so how about you sell it?


    You probably wouldnt be able to use it even if you buy it off of me though?


    Arent you looking down on ourboratory too much?


    No, this isnt a problem of such things in the first ce.


    Space Expansion Marble.


    It was a good item with a wide range of uses. The Space Expansion Marble was originally in a locked state in the Delta Store. It had only been unlocked after I bought the Snow Chain and Amphibious Wheels.


    I bought it because it would have sold for quite a price and it had better functionality than I thought too.


    There was only one problem.


    I looked at the room the Space Expansion Marble was applied on.


    The method of retrieving the marble was simple as expected.


    The Space Expansion Marble was in the item list and there was a message that said in use on top of it.


    As I tapped on it, a message appeared.


    Will you retrieve the Rolled Space Expansion Marble?


    As I pressed ept the room quickly returned to its original appearance.

 Chapter 170

    Chapter 170


    <em>J: So, I forgot to post the chapter. Anyway, Kyle is getting extra training in preparation for the thing I mentioned in chapter 169, so he has not been able to get any chapters done beyond this one. I do not know when he will be able to do it. We will have to wait and see.</em>


    I threw the marble that appeared on my palm to the flustered An Gyu-bum.


    Whats this?


    The thing you wanted. Why dont you go ahead and try to use it?


    How do I use it?


    I dont know. Im not sure about that. Since well be here for a while and have some time you could try thinking about it during that time.


    The problem with the Space Expansion Marble that I recalled.


    That is that it cant be used by someone without the manual.


    Frankly, this was an additional option to the van. The same type of thing as the Amphibious Wheels or the Snow Chain. And these were all items that were linked to the manual.


    The Snow Chain could of course just be attached to the wheels but it was impossible to use the Amphibious Wheels without the manual. This was the same for the Space Expansion Marble.


    If An Gyu-bum were to be able to use this then it wouldnt be impossible to mass produce and sell it.


    10% did seem stingy but money came in proportional to the amount sold it couldnt be said to be bad.


    But if it could only be used through the manual?


    That would mean that I have to move myself to install it personally.


    In that case, there would be no meaning to a broker like An Gyu-bum.


    An Gyu-bum who wrestled for an hour finally let out a sigh as he gave up.


    I opened my mouth after expanding the cabins space with the marble I received from him.


    You can tell why you cant use it right?


    How are you able to use this?


    None of your business.


    Hm It seems a special ability is needed seeing how youre not telling me about it.


    Looking at this, his head wasnt entire that bad.


    An Gyu-bum opened his mouth once more.


    Is it a skill?


    Maybe.


    So its an item.


    Perhaps.


    Damn it. I really cant tell whats going on in your mind.


    My expression management practice that I did recently is showing its results I see.


    He continued talking.


    So youre saying that you cant tell me?


    Theres no hunter that shows their bottom is there.


    They usually at least say their skill.


    Thats in the case of a low level hunter.


    Only hunters above a certain level started not wanting their skill to be leaked. Most people only had a single skill slot and they had no choice but to share info on their skills or equipment to be able to hunt in dungeons with their teammates.


    Information shared within the party not being shared outside is used as the base though.


    Who the hell would keep that.


    But if it were to be high level hunters with at least several hundreds of billions they would have several skill slots and they would definitely have a secret weapon or two.


    Also, I am able to see through all of that.


    Leaving other things aside, I think that the manual at the very least should be kept from An Gyu-bum. If this were to be mass produced then the profit I see from being the sole possessor would disappear after all.


    I soon became famous within the submarine. The first thing was that I lived up to my name as the Great Summoner, the second being the cabin I was staying in.


    Thinking about it, there was no particr need to hide the fact that there was a space expansion item.


    Its better to show such good items to people that will buy it at a high price after all. Also, the greatest customer was America.


    Unless they could use somerge scale space expansion on a small ship it would be impossible to pursue recovering trade routes without further technological advancements in that area.


    Even if it wasnt a boat, using space expansion on airnes would be fine too.


    Since weight is decreased proportional to the increase in size theres no need to worry about the ne not taking off. No, if its to raise the price of the space expansion item its better to use them on nes.


    Even if its a bit annoying it would be possible to receive money without going through a medium.


    Since I was here already, I thought that it wouldnt be bad to install it personally.


    If they ask for additional installments then I can just tell them to send the ne to Korea so that didnt be much of a problem either.


    ***


    It took a month to arrive at the San Diego military port.


    It was a pretty dull voyage but there werent any particrly ufortable points.


    Thats because I installed the 3 cubit marble in the captains room from the marbles I rolled as a test. It was a bit wasteful since it costs 50EP but since 3 cubits is basically a miss I installed it without feeling distressed.


    Thanks to that, I was able to arrivefortably while receiving special treatment. The food was also top tier among what could be eaten in the submarine and I could also wander freely in the submarine.


    Whew. I feel like Im alive aftering out of the submarine after a month.


    After getting off the submarine and leaving the port building I breathed deeply.


    Lieutenant Colonel Reagan came towards me.


    Wait a bit here. Someone wille soon.


    Well, I dont really have a ce to go anyway.


    An Gyu-bum left ahead of time with people sent from the GE Group. It seems hes nning on staying at a hotel for the meantime. Edward and I were nning on heading to a housing prepared by the American government.


    An Gyu-bum said that he would provide a room but I didnt want to stick with him as much as possible.


    He talked too much for one thing.


    He was too annoying so I did ask for him to be moved to another cabin but I gave up after hearing that there werent any more empty cabins left.


    But is there really not anymore remaining?


    Yes. Thats all I have for now.


    Tut. A shame.


    Lieutenant Colonel Reagan said so as if it was a shame. It seems to be because of the Space Expansion Marble installed in the captains room. He had his own room as vice captain so it seems he was continuously giving me signals to install one for him as well.


    But maybe if it was a 1 cubit one, there was no need to expand even his cabin.


    It was enough to get on the Colonels good side after all.


    I will go for a walk for a bit.


    I will guide you.


    No, I want to enjoy some rxation since I will get busy soon.


    Cant be helped then. Dont go too far.


    I called Han Joon-suk after setting out on a walk. I had applied for roaming when I left for Russia so there was no problem in calling.


    Just that I didnt expect to not have data on the submarine so there was a ton of messages piled up in the Team Delta chatroom.


    I left a simple report of survival and called Han Joon-suk.


    [Ah. Its good that youre alive.]


    I almost died though.


    Thinking about it, the battle with Baek Gyeong was perilous.


    Even I who had the passive mindset of it will somehow work out felt threatened when facing dozens of Baek Gyeong after all.


    [Either way, where are you?]


    Somehow I ended up in America. San Diego.


    After exining a few things he let out a sigh of relief.


    [How long are you nning on staying there?]


    I will return immediately after finishing a few things. Hows Soo-ah doing?


    [Hear for yourself.]


    [Seonbae Oppa!!!]


    Urg.


    Soo-ahs shout came across prating the phone.


    My ear rang but this voice was weing at the same time.


    Instead of getting angry or worrying, Soo-ah started listing everything that had happened until now.


    The fact that they got a level 10 item from a level 9 dungeon while I was trapped in the submarine. The fact that team 2 returned safely from the Yellow Sea.


    Either way, the appearance of an irregr was more frequent than I thought.


    I imagine this is because of the level 0 item that Soo-ah has. What was good is the fact that they can kill a level 10 monster without me. We decided that the level 10 item would be kept by the person best suited for it.


    I thought that I didnt have to worry anymore since they seemed to possess enough ability as a level 10 farming party. Since I also gave 100 Escape Scrolls before leaving there probably wont be anyrge dangers.


    By the way, I now had more than 200 Escape Scrolls in storage. Too many of these dropped to the point that it became annoying to count them one by one.


    Ill go soon.


    [Ill call. You definitely have to answer.]


    Yeah.


    Edward had disappeared after ending the call and looking around.


    Where did this guy go?


    I was slowly walking by the beach when I found him flirting with a few blonde girls next to a cafe.


    What should I say. I who was dumbfounded approached him and started talking.


    What are you doing here?


    Ah. I was answering since they asked for directions.


    Looking at his eyes it didnt seem like a lie.


    But you werent even someone from this area in the first ce.


    You dont know the directions either.


    I dont know the directions but I can search together.


    Do as you want.


    I let out a sigh while shaking my head. This guys love business had nothing to do with me. Even if he was a vampire he wasnt particrly dangerous either. Since I wasnt going to forgive him if he ever drank human blood Edward wouldnt do such things.


    I was just about to turn around when a woman that was talking to Edward started talking to me.


    Um.


    Yes?


    Its you right?


    What is?


    Just when I was wondering if I had to continue this conversation, she took out her smartphone.


    There was a picture of me heroically swinging my sword while riding the ck Tiger.


    What is this. This picture makes me look like some general.


    Y, yes.


    Are you really the Great Summoner? Can I take a picture with you?


    As I nodded, the two people stuck to me excitedly as they took selfies. Edward who was looking at that let out a sigh.


    It seems poprity is great.


    It was pretty fun looking at his crumpled expression.


    After taking a selfie, the two women looked up at me as if expecting something.


    It felt like I had to bring out the ck Tiger or something. But there was no reason for me to act like a clown. I was about to say my farewells and turn around when another voice of invitation could be heard.


    Would you like to eat together if you have time.


    Im sorry. Im just on a light walk at the moment. I have a ce I have to go to soon too.


    As I cut them down they lowered their heads as if let down.


    I felt a bit bad seeing how down they were. It wasnt like I was good at talking to women and Im not exactly the fun type.


    Someone hit my shoulder.


    Turning around, there was a giant white guy almost 190 cm tall looking down at me.


    There were two people and one had yellow hair while the other had red hair. The simrity was that they both had huge figures.


    They seemed to be hunters seeing how they had an intimidating gaze and scars here and there on their faces.


    The yellow haired guy opened his mouth.


    Hey. What are you doing right now?


    What does it have to do with you?


    It has a lot to do with me. The one youre trying to flirt with is my girlfriend.


    I wasnt particrly trying to flirt with her though.


    Do you think Im blind? I clearly saw you sticking close together.


    That was to take a picture.


    And I made sure to exercise a manner hand.


    In the first ce, western girls werent really my type since they looked too masculine.


    I realized within 10 minutes while walking that girls that look like elfs thate out on television or movies are extremely rare here you see.

 Chapter 171

    Chapter 171


    <em>J: Kyle finally adapted enough to the ce to trante, so here is the chapter. Not edited, as always (when will I edit all these chapters.).</em>


    You dare tell such a lie!


    This person is right.


    The girl that was taking pictures with me stepped forward.


    What?


    Cant you tell? This person is the Great Summoner.


    Huh?


    The blonde man made a weird expression.


    He didnt seem to know what to say. It would be fine to just apologize but it seems hes unable to do so because of his pride.


    Well, I didnt really want to get an apology from him. He was just a normal person that didnt know anything and even I would be angry if my girlfriend was hugging a guy I didnt know after all.


    I think Im too understanding. Considering how most hunters personality is absolute trash wouldnt I belong to the upper 1%?


    Isnt he a scammer? He might have gotten closer to you by pretending to be the Great Summoner.


    Huh? Pr, probably not?


    The girl looked at me while being flustered. Why was she being like that after recognizing me first?


    The girl took out a picture andpared it to me.


    Its the same no matter how I look at it though?


    Look look.


    The blonde guy snatched the phone and stared at me.


    Isnt he a bit short? He looks uglier than the photo too.


    What?


    It does kind of seem like that Im not sure. Asian people have simr faces after all.


    I started getting pissed off.


    What were these people doing with a person in front of them?


    I even took pictures with them.


    Edward. Lets go.


    I thought that a fight would break out if we talked more so I just turned back. I didnt have any thoughts on starting a fight the moment I stepped foot on America.


    There was no need to get angry and exchange fists at such a level of an insult. All I have to do is endure.


    I was going to go like that when the red haired guy blocked my path this time. I let out a sigh and checked his profile.


    Name : Kevin Hussein Johns


    Equipment : Refined Artisans Underwear (3) , Dimensional Sword (6)


    Skill : Powerful Strength (5)


    These guys were stronger hunters than I thought. I turned my head to look at the blonde guy.


    Name : Ethan Pobelter


    Equipment : Strengthened Leather Gloves (6) , Refined Artisans Underwear (3)


    Skill : Shield Fighting (5)


    He had peculiar skills. Shield Fighting huh. Looking in depth it was a battle technique that incorporated a shield. Seeing how he doesnt have a shield at the moment, it seems theyre really just here on vacation.


    Shall we talk for a bit?


    The red haired guy, Kevin opened his mouth.


    I dont have anything to say though?


    If you really are the Great Summoner you see. I want to see your skills.


    He looked at me in an intimidating manner while cracking his knuckles.


    It seems hes trying to start a fight with me thinking Im a fake. No, hes hoping Im a fake I guess.


    They werent able to distinguish my face even while having a photo. Im wondering if I should just pluck their eyeballs out or something.


    What are you going to do if he turns out to be the real one?


    Pft. Are you dumb. The Great Summoner is in Korea. Theres no reason for him to be here so what are you talking about?


    It is pretty logical.


    But something that shouldnt have happened happened you see.


    But this wasnt even our country and I was also just on a walk.


    As a bum certified by my teammates I decided to endure just once more.


    Since it was a mistake on both sides, lets just pretend nothing happened here.


    So youre nning on running away since youre at a disadvantage?


    As if.


    You guys cant catch me if I try to run away.


    Then why dont you try running away.


    A frypan sized fist flew towards me.


    It was so slow that a fly would be able to wash its face and fly away. I endured a sigh froming out and stepped back.


    The sound of air ripping could be heard the moment he struck empty air.


    I did word it like that but in any case it means that he missed.


    Kevins expression became weird. It was an expression that inly showed his flustered inner thoughts.


    This monkey like bastard.


    Hey. Thats racist.


    Shut up! The guy swung his fist without rest. I was able to dodge all his attacks by purely moving my upper body.


    Ahh!


    In the end he tackled me by lowering his upper body. It seems hes thinking about swooping down on me since I was so good at dodging.


    He rolled on the ground unsightly once I tripped him who was passing by.


    Kevin shot up with a reddened face.


    Ethan who was looking from behind opened his mouth.


    That bastard. Hes pretty good huh? Youre not on the slow side after all Kevin.


    Shut up. I tripped because I got caught on my own leg.


    You probably want to think like that.


    Kevins face crumpled up once I said so.


    Pft.


    The sound of girlsughing could be heard from behind. He said she was his girlfriend but it seems it wasnt like that. If they really were dating, I dont think she wouldugh like that when he ended up in such an unsightly situation. They were probably just acquainted.


    God damn it.


    Kevins face burned red. Seeing how he became red up to his ears it seems he was incredibly ashamed.


    He wanted to show off in front of his girl but it was a shame that his opponent was me.


    He extended his hand towards the air and opened his mouth while looking at me with eyes full of bloodlust.


    You bastard. Prepare to die today.


    A sword appeared from the void. It was the Dimensional Sword. It wasnt like the inventory or manual. That sword had the ability to hide in another space.


    The atmosphere of the surroundings became weird once he took out a sword. This ce was still a vacation spot. There were quite a few people around.


    The people that gathered thinking that it was a simple argument started making amotion.


    I turned my head to look at Edward and his face was pretty crumpled up.


    That guysughing.


    Whats so fun?


    No, thats not it. To think that theyre risking their lives to fight someone stronger than them. Could it be that humans dont have the ability to determine the opponents strength?


    No, they probably do. Its just that their will to show off in front of a girl is making them unable to do so.


    This bastard! You really are asking for death!


    Kevin shouted out in rage. It was pretty intimidating when a guy close to 2 meters tall raised his sword.


    But that was all there was to it.


    Didnt I endure as much as I should have if its this much?


    Kevins sword was caught in my hand.


    To exin, the sword was too slow and I had the speed and strength to catch it. I just had to not touch the de so it wasnt that difficult of a job.


    What What is this.


    This guy gave it his all to get the sword out of my hand. But my strength right now wasparable to an oil pressure press machine. It wasnt at a level where human strength could do something about.


    Ill take the sword dly.


    What?


    I hit the hand that was holding the sword.


    He spun at the same spot with the sound of his wrist breaking and copsed after spinning once.


    The scream came only after all that.


    Ahhh!


    I suppose this isnt bad.


    I inspected the sword here and there and used it on the Golden Ring.


    A level 6 Giant White Tiger got summoned together with light.


    It was not only Ethan whose mouth got wide open at the huge tiger whose shoulder alone reached 3 meters in height, but also Kevin who was holding his broken wrist.


    The The Great Summoner?


    Do I look real now?


    I caressed the Giant White Tiger that had lowered its head as I smiled.


    Kevin was staring at me with a nk expression as if having forgotten the pain in his hand. He probably didnt even think about the fact that his weapon just disappeared.


    Damn it! To think that it was really the Great Summoner.


    Ethan said. I pointed at him with my finger. It was pretty cute seeing a guy with such a huge figure twitching in fright.


    M, me?


    Who else besides you?


    Ethan approached slowly with an expression that seemed like he chewed on dung. This guy didnt even have a weapon on him right now. I dont know how Americasws work but I have heard that they have a much wider self defense range.


    I started talking to Ethan who was overflowing with cold sweat.


    I endured a lot right.


    Yes, yes. Thats right.


    Then you should have done things moderately. Dont you think so?


    The one that started a fight was that guy.


    Ethan indicated Kevin who was copsed on the ground holding his wrist. Was he trying to put all the me on that guy? Its not like I was an idiot.


    I believe that the one that first messed with me was you. The one behind you isnt your girlfriend right?


    Th, thats right. I saw her for the first time today.


    Then why did you say she was your girlfriend?


    I barely managed to flirt with her when some strange guys No, people butted No, seemed to be having a conversation.


    So you tried to kill someone that didnt have any rtionship to this situation.


    Tha, thats not me but that guy.


    Enough of your excuses.


    p.


    I lightly pped the guys cheek.


    No to the point of being painful but enough for him to feel bad.


    Urg?


    Ethans face burned red.


    I opened my mouth while smiling.


    Why? Are you angry?


    N, no.


    You look angry though? Its fine for you to swing your sword at others but its not fine to be hit on the cheek? Right?


    Thats not something I did.


    p.


    This time a bit stronger.


    Urg!


    Tell me if youre angry.


    N, not at all.


    p!


    Ethans head turned instantly. mes ignited within his eyes.


    Seeing how he has endured to this point, it seems he has quite some perseverance.


    I will pretend nothing happened if you endure one more time.


    If its just that.


    Ethan clenched his teeth.


    I kicked his stomach.


    Bleeeh!


    He copsed while clutching his stomach as if he didnt expect it. I felt a bit better looking at him puking everything he ate.


    U, um.


    A girl was walking towards me while shivering. It was the girl that recognized me at first.


    Her face was considerably pale at the moment.


    What is it?


    Are you nning on killing these people?


    I started thinking after hearing that. I broke Kevins arm and used up his sword. Ethan was on the ground clenching his stomach and puking what he ate. Im starting to think that they paid for the insults they gave me.


    Swinging a sword can be considered a death sentence but they werent my opponents in the first ce after all.


    I felt like there was no need to beat them up to the point of near death just because of these petty things.


    I dont think theres a need to go that far.


    She let out a sigh of relief as I shook my head.


    Thank you. For stopping at this extent.


    Then I will take my leave.


    Excuse me I want to buy lunch as an apology.


    She opened her mouth with twinkling eyes.


    I felt like this girl was incredible to be like this after what just happened.


    I lightly refused while shaking my head. I had no intention of getting mixed up any further with these people. I was about to leave after retrieving the Giant White Tiger when I sighted dozens of men hurriedly rushing this way.


    Looking at how chaotic their atmosphere was they were probably aiming for me.


    I inspected them all wondering what the hell it was and it turned out that they were all at least level 4 hunters.


    The moment they arrived in front of me, the one in the very front opened his mouth.


    It was a guy called Brandon.


    We are the Britania guild. Why did you attack my subordinates?


    Its the opposite though.


    What did you say?


    Brandon walked towards Kevin who had copsed on the ground. Bradon who was talking about something approached Ethan with a pale face.


    Is it true?


    Nod.


    Not knowing what he heard, he let out a sigh and looked around. There were currently several hundreds of people gathered here. It wasnt possible to do something even if he wanted to.


    He approached as if it couldnt be helped and opened his mouth.


    You could have said that you were the Great Summoner ahead of time.

 Chapter 172

    Chapter 172


    <em>J: Gonz, you can stop poking me now. I got busy with preparations for the army and studying (even though it is the summer break.). Apologies for forgetting to post the chapters. Good news is, Kyle managed to regrly trante chapters in the meantime. Also, not edited. (Edit 5 minutes after posting) Wow, someone actually added the post to Novel Updates before I could. How????</em>


    I suppose its fine for me to go now?


    Sorry, but I think thats going to be difficult.


    Whats that supposed to mean?


    I can pass by the fact that you attacked my guild members but dont you think you should return the weapon you stole?


    Im not sure what youre talking about.


    Ive heard that you took Kevins weapon.


    Ah. So its about that?


    I brought out the Giant White Tiger I had put in.


    As a huge monster suddenly appeared on the beach Brandon took a step back while full of tension.


    Ive turned it into this though?


    Then give me the monster.


    It seems talking with an iron te on ones face is a fact shared internationally.


    I nodded with a smile.


    Then try taking it.


    Can, can I really do so?


    Greed rose on Brandons face.


    Im not sure if itll listen to you though.


    He carefully approached the Giant White Tiger. The moment Brandon stretched his arm to touch the Giant White Tiger, it bit his arm.


    Hiik?!


    Ah. Sorry, this guys jokes go too far.


    As I caressed its neck it let go of the arm it was biting while purring. Brandon copsed on his butt after almost losing his arm.


    It was a figure that lost its soul. It was a bit pitiful.


    God, god damn it Get that guy!


    Brandon regained himself and shot up.


    The Britania guild surrounded Edward and I.


    Looking at them, they were pretty outstanding hunters. They were level 6 on average and there were even some level 8 hunters.


    At this point, it wasnt a level A but it was at least a level B raid team.


    Youre nning on fighting at a ce with this many people?


    Well leave if you return the weapon you took.


    Thinking about the price of a level 6 item,ing out like this wasnt all that surprising. There was no way I could actually give them the Giant White Tiger though.


    I was wondering if I actually had to fight when the atmosphere shook violently.


    It was an aura that made ones entire body shake.


    I could feel clear animosity towards humansing from the ocean.


    Team Britania turned their sights towards the ocean as if I wasnt the only one that felt it.


    Brandon was faster in determining the situation than me.


    Alert! Everyone change to battle formation!


    To battle formation!


    Every member of Britania suddenly brought out their weapons and headed towards the ocean. Ethan who had copsed on the ground also moved quickly.


    Edward opened his mouth.


    Those guys. It seems they were something like coast guards.


    Theyre exercising force against civilians with such a position?


    It was a bit astounding but it was a good thing that there wouldnt be any further pointless friction.


    Um.


    But there was a guy that didnt go yet.


    It was the red haired guy, Kevin.


    What do you want?


    Um Cant you return my weapon? I cant battle without.


    I dont have it though?


    Please, Im begging you.


    He suddenly started tearing up after lowering his position and holding my hand. Someone will think that hes proposing if they see this. I took out my hand and retreated.


    I told you its gone even if I want to give it to you.


    No way.


    The guy drooped his head with a stupefied expression. He did be a bit pitiful. I thought about giving him a low level weapon among the ones I had but shook my head.


    I remembered his figure as he swung his sword. What did I like about a guy that changes depending on the situation to take care of him.


    Ill give this to you instead so leave.


    I handed him a Wound Cure Potion.


    Even if it was a guy without a weapon, he needs to treat his wound to be able to tank.


    It was like giving him medicine after giving him an illness but whatever.


    I decided to look at the battle situation on the Giant White Tiger. I didnt know what would appear but since theres a lot of tourists here I could take care of it if team Britania cant.


    But do humans deal with monsters every time they appear on the beach?


    Edward said.


    No.


    Most took the approach of surrounding the entire beach with concrete and asphalt.


    They also pour concrete into the ocean like a seawall. If a seawall is constructed like a maze then there arent many monsters that can get through.


    After constructing the basics your everyday monster wont appear.


    Its not like one or two monsters dont appear but the hunters on standby mobilize immediately.


    The beach here is like that as well.


    Only, I didnt have a good premonition. Its because its difficult to let out such an intimidating aura without being a monster of a considerable level. Unless its Baek Gyeong.


    It cant be that guy can it? Theres no way it can swim all the way here when we traveled over a month in a submarine.


    Boom!


    Ahhh!


    Run away!


    Screams could be heard together with a massive explosion.


    The sight in front of me made my mouth be wide open.


    There was a sight that was astounding in a different sense from seeing 90 Baek Gyeongs.


    Hundreds of monsters wereing up to the beach.


    It was the figure of monsters that looked like a mix between humans and fish fiercely advancing towards nearby humans while holding tridents.


    Mermaid Warrior (7) : A race that uses the ocean as its base. Able to move onnd.


    Mermaid Healer (8) : A race that uses the ocean as its base. Uses healing magic.


    Mermaid Fighter (7) : A race that uses.


    There were hundreds of monsters that were at least level 7ing up to the surface.


    It was a never before recorded phenomenon.


    Kiee!


    The dozens that surfaced first were rushing team Britania with their sharp spears as weapons. They fell behind in terms of basic level and they werent even close to being a match numerically.


    I didnt even have time to think about how such an event came to be.


    I had to block those for now. Behind the port was a major city with a poption of over a million and the casualties can increase exponentially if they cant be blocked here.


    There was no reason to hesitate.


    I called out the monster army from the item list.


    A huge number of monsters poured out on the beach. The people that were running away lost the strength in their legs as they looked at therge scale monster army.


    Ahh!


    It cant be!


    A monster wave is!


    The civilians who had never seen this many monsters before got infected by fear. But they soon realized that the monsters werent even looking at them.


    And someone started shouting after seeing arge figure at the very front; the ck Tiger looking arrogantly at the mermaids and me riding it.


    Its the Great Summoner! Were saved!


    The Great Summoner?


    No way!


    Oh. God. Thank you!


    Hope spread throughout the people faster than the speed panic spread.


    I sat on the ck Tiger on purpose to be able to aim for such an effect.


    I shouted after seeing the people slowly start to gain their calm.


    Everyone please evacuate to a safe location!


    Waa!


    OMG! To see this with my own eyes!


    Take a picture! Picture!


    But the people slowly started approaching the monster army, let alone run away. There was a smartphone held in each and every one of their hands. There were even people streaming this live.


    I swear to god, these kinds of people are everywhere.


    I used the Recruitment skill to make the monsters move. I pushed away the civilians who were approaching the monsters to the outskirts and looked down at the mermaids.


    It looked difficult for team Britania to hold up any longer.


    However, they were doing their best to block them to buy at least a bit more time.


    They didnt have a good first impression but I felt a bit better looking at them risk their lives to protect civilians.


    I shouted at them in a loud voice.


    All of you retreat! I will take care of the back!


    Urg! I, I leave it to you!


    Brandon started fleeing the battlefield as soon as I said so.


    There were a few casualties that ured from team Britania while I took out the monsters and organized them.


    They could have lived if I moved a bit faster but even I needed to take my time to organize monsters that numbered over 2000.


    Im not sure if I can say that its thankful but Kevin survived. I wouldnt have been able to sleep that well if he died.


    I basically had little knowledge onrge scale battles.


    Thats why I looked up formations during every free time I got after obtaining the level 0 Recruitment.


    There were several factors that decided victory or loss in arge scale battle. That is, the number of soldiers, individual ability, morale of troops, degree of training, and finally terrain.


    And currently, the monster army had the upper hand in every area besides individual ability.


    The problem was that there was toorge of a difference between individual ability.


    I put the monsters that were at least level 4 in the middle and stacked them for the middle to be thick. Thinking about the fact that the mermaids have an average level of 7 it wasnt enough but I was nning on pushing through with numbers.


    About 500 monsters made up the center army while the other 1500 became the wings.


    The widely spread level 1 to 3 monsters were more for pressuring the back line and creating an encircling.


    As long as the mermaids were monsters, it wouldnt have a lot of effect on their morale but it would definitely have an effect on spreading their attacks.


    I couldnt say that it was an borate theory but there is something called Lanchestersw thats often used in a battle betweenrge forces.


    Its a theory that says that the side that has more numbers has an exponentially higher chance of winning in a face to face battle.


    ording to his calctions, in a 5 on 4 fight, theres not 1 person surviving on the 5 side but 3.


    Of course, its a calction made on the basis that they all have the same abilities but it should be possible to get by since our side has overwhelmingly more numbers.


    Also, our side had another weapon.


    And that was none other than me myself.


    Lets go!


    Roar!!!


    The level 8 ck Tiger ran forward with a roar. The 2000 monsters following from behind started running at the same pace.


    It was movement that resembled a well trained army. The monster army that didnt know fear and didnt leave any nk space charged towards the mermaid army.


    A minimap created by the Recruitment skill appeared in front of my eyes.


    Allies were green while enemies were red to be able to tell the situation easily and the size of the dots differed depending on the soldiers ability.


    Hah!


    I swung the Dancing Sword on top of the ck Tiger.


    The Dancing Sword that drew arge circle as if a string was attached sliced through the mermaid frontline.


    The tridents the Mermaid Warriors were holding were all cut down from that one strike.


    Did they give away their weapons instead of their lives?


    I called back the Dancing Sword that used up all its Aura de and jumped off the ck Tiger.


    Roar!


    The ck Tiger jumped towards the center of the mermaids while the monsters following from behind also engaged in closebat.


    No matter how powerful the ck Tiger was the mermaids were level 7 or 8 as well. It wasnt possible for it to sweep through the battlefield on its own. Those guys had that much ability. It wasnt simply the strength of their body.


    They were taking care of the monsters with weapon mastery that surpassed humans.


    If I wasnt here, winning against these guys with just the 2000 monsters would have been a pipe dream.


    However.


    A mermaid sttered blood as its waist got cut in half.


    I used a ranged attack to intimidate them in the beginning but Aura de originally showed maximum efficiency when used while held in ones hand.


    Every time I swung my sword, mermaids would be cut somewhere on their bodies together with their weapons.


    A guy that got cut vertically. A guy that copsed with his waist cut in half.


    My surroundings soon started piling up with cut corpses of mermaids.

 Chapter 173

    Chapter 173


    <em>J: You better not be thinking I cannot see that you are trying to hide a trident behind you, Gonz. Here is another chapter to satisfy your desires, so spare me. Not edited, as always.</em>


    Once I started rampaging within the enemys formation and the ck Tiger and other monsters above level 4 supported, the mermaids advancing speed noticeably decreased.


    In a state where their morale was cut down quite a bit, the only thing left was a battle of stamina.


    Kuooo!


    Kyaak!


    The sound of monsters roaring and screaming, the sound of bodies being sliced, the sound of blood sttering, and the sound of spears and swords being broken could be heard.


    Even during all this the low level monsters steadily narrowed the encirclement so that the mermaids couldnt escape.


    However, it seems the difference between individuals couldnt be helped because I could see the number of green dots disappear rapidly on the minimap.


    I clenched my teeth and swung the sword.


    The mermaids sacrificed their weapons again to block the Aura de.


    Once an attack got deflected, the monsters on our side got killed in droves in that short time.


    On top of that, these guys maintained a considerably high level of battle strength even without their weapons.


    Huuong!


    A Mermaid Fighter ripping off a Giant White Tigers leg was seen in the corner of my eyes.


    Damn.


    Hundreds of my sides monster army died in the time I killed dozens of mermaids.


    Most of them were low level monsters but I cant say that it didnt have an effect.


    The only ce that had the advantage was the location I was rampaging at.


    However, since there were quite a few mermaids dying at my hands I think it should be possible to win this battle of stamina eventually.


    We were slowly raising the g of victory when a giant wave came from the ocean.


    It was a wave that reached 5 meters which was pretty much at the same level as a tsunami.


    Kuk!


    I tried to escape the range of the wave while making the monster army retreat to the back.


    However, no matter how quickly I move, there was no way to bring the monsters out while in the middle of battle.


    Ahhh!


    A few civilians who were holding their phones stubbornly got swept up in the wave together with the monsters. I hurriedly took my distance from the wave and confirmed the situation.


    Among the 1,700 monsters that were alive, a third got swept up in the wave.


    This was a muchrger loss than I imagined. Even thoughnd monsters have powerful bodies, it wasnt like that would benefit in water as well.


    The monsters that got swept up by the wave started getting annihted by the mermaids who were adept at swimming.


    Damn it.


    The situation rapidly started bing disadvantageous.


    I couldnt have predicted such a situation. I had started a battle that I thought I could win.


    I thought that I would be able to benefit by having America owe me a debt. But at this point the loss was far greater.


    Close to half of the 2,000 monsters were already gone.


    The thought of why I should block this wave of monsters while sacrificing so much shed by for a moment.


    I hit my face fiercely.


    I was a professional hunter. It was obvious to receive an appropriate reward for what one has done.


    However, that didnt mean that one had to weigh the loss and gain in every situation.


    You have to do what you have to do.


    Instead, you strive for the maximum reward.


    This was the greatestpromise I coulde to.


    Therefore, leading this battle to victoryes first.


    Receiving benefit from itester.


    I sent the neck of a mermaid flying again.


    Red blood evaporated after mixing in to the sand for a moment. The severed corpse returned to the void as it was and appeared as a level 7 item in the manual.


    I put it through the Golden Ring immediately.


    A level 7 Mermaid Warrior appeared as my side.


    Kya kya kya!


    It ran towards the same nsmen that were allies until just now holding a sharp trident.


    I could feel them bing flustered at the unexpected situation.


    Kieek!


    Kyaaa!


    Mermaids were intelligent creatures like vampires. They had spear techniques and a clear method ofmunication between them.


    Thats why they were even more flustered by the betrayal of theirrade.


    I took the chance while they were wavering to pressure them even further.


    [+1,400]


    [+1,600]


    [+1,400]


    .


    I got surprised while looking at the reward points and remembered that the amount of reward points I received doubled as well as the Effort skill got upgraded.


    I think it would be possible to add some stats in the middle of battle.


    You have obtained the item me Sword of Hell (7)


    On top of that, an item dropped from the mermaids everytime I killed 10 or so. If the drop rate was 1 in 10 when it wasnt a dungeon, it was a pretty high rate.


    Like that, every time an item dropped, I put it through the Golden Ring. I selected the summoned monster as mermaids on purpose to incite confusion.


    Haah. Haah.


    I breathed heavily as I swung my sword.


    Even with my endurance that had been upgraded to 650 my stamina got expended in a mere 30 minutes. Attacks using Aura de took up that much stamina.


    The number of mermaids was constantly rising and each time they were killed their numbers would be reced. The 300 or so from the beginning was being maintained.


    Compared to that, the number of monsters on my side constantly decreased from 2,000 to below 500.


    However, the remaining 500 were the elite among the elite. The number of newly created level 7 monsters already surpassed 50 and the rest were also at least level 5.


    I felt like it would be possible to win if the battle continues in this manner.


    There was a critical problem though.


    It was none other than the fact that my stamina wasnt infinite.


    I upgraded my endurance as desperate as I was.


    I used 7000 reward points to raise my endurance of 650 to 750. Even after that there was quite a bit left so I used another 8000. And then another 9000.


    I burned a total of 24,000 points to raise my endurance to 950.


    I could feel my stamina that hit rock bottom begin to rise up again.


    It might be a temporary measure though.


    However, the average reward points I got for every mermaid I killed was 1,500. Even if I kill just 10 its 15,000 points.


    If its that much then continuously raising the stat during battle is possible.


    Kieeeek!


    A mermaid rushed forward with its fish like mouth wide open.


    I took a step forward after cutting it vertically. I had been moving passively until now but there was no need to preserve my strength since I had a method to continuously raise my stamina.


    Also, I could gather enough reward points to put into endurance around the time my stamina runs out due to continuous battle.


    Will you invest 10,000 reward points into endurance?


    As I selected ept, my endurance rose to 1,050.


    Also, another message appeared in front of my eyes at that moment.


    Endurance has surpassed 1,000 points. Another ability will be unlocked.


    Psychokinesis will be added. An extra 10,000 reward points is needed to activate it.


    I checked my stats the moment I saw the message.


    From the original strength, endurance, agility, concentration, and defense, a category called psychokinesis got added.


    The start was 1,000 points, and it was the ability to move a weight of 100 kg.


    About 30 minutes since the battle began dozens of vehicles arrived on the coast.


    They seemed to be hunter use trucks seemingly several timesrger than the ones I saw at the Yellow Sea. As expected of America, they had a different scale entirely.


    Hundreds of hunters poured out from them.


    It seemed they got a briefing on the way as they rushed past the monsters and ran towards the mermaids.


    The one at the very front was a petite heavy armor wearing woman.


    Mr. Great Summoner, we will help!


    The enemies are level 7 monsters! It might be dangerous!


    They are monsters that are in the database. We are aware of the method of killing them.


    She didnt have a normal amount of confidence.


    Her equipment didnt seem normal either so I tried opening her profile.


    Name : Jane Gray


    Equipment : Azure Scale Armor (8) , Azure Sky Greatsword (8) , Expert Leggings (4) , Steel Gloves (2) , Earrings of Strength (6) , Helmet of Power (5) , Medusa Shield (7)


    Skill : Great Destruction (9)


    Proficiency : 91


    Additional Skills : Earthquake, Strikes the ground to cause a powerful earthquake.


    Characteristic : Defense squad of the state of California. 5th Special Mission Battalion Leader.


    This seemed more than enough to be able to fight the mermaids. The ones following behind here were mostly level 8 as well.


    After they joined in, the battle became much easier. It was a bit of a shame that I couldnt get all the reward points but I was able to get all the items and ores through rapid return and automatic collection so it wasnt all that bad of a situation.


    It was better to save one monster than to receive reward points after all.


    We were barely able to annihte the mermaids after an hour long battle.


    The ones I took care of personally numbered about 100. The amount of reward points I got was about 150,000.


    Among that, a total of 90,000 points were used to upgrade endurance while 10,000 was used to activate psychokinesis.


    The conclusion of current stats is like this.


    Strength 750 Endurance 1,550 Reflex 850 Concentration 700 Defense 700 Psychokinesis 2,000


    It was a situation where only endurance stuck out like a sore thumb but thanks to that I was able to endure for nearly an hour so I didnt think it was wasted.


    Since these skills used the users stamina instead of not having other costs it allows the user to use it more.


    I had no choice but to have high endurancepared to the other stats since the level of Aura de is much higher than my equipment or skills.


    And about psychokinesis.


    It should have normally started at 1,000. IT was possible to move 100 kilograms for every 1,000.


    However, my Effort skill was currently doubled. Because of that, it started at 2,000.


    At this point, it was fine to say that getting another Effort skill was heavenly luck.


    I can receive twice the reward by standing still after all.


    Also.


    My proficiency became 71.


    A message came to my phone.


    It was Han Joon-suk.


    Did you close another dungeon?


    Yes.


    Its said that high level monsters are pouring out at the Yellow Sea. I think we might get into a head on collision with China.


    It seems China is starting to feel the heat since dungeons are disappearing one by one.


    At this point, the possibility of a face to face battle cannot be denied. If China starts using Baek Gyeong actively then an enormous amount of damage might be inflicted.


    The time to open Red Holes was slowly approaching.

 Chapter 174

    Chapter 174


    <em>J: I got the final confirmation for the exact date at which I must go for military service yesterday. I leave on the 23rd of September. This does not mean that there will be a hiatus. Kyle will continue to trante as usual, and I will post the chapters whenever I get the chance to go to the city for a break. That means the interval between chapters might be a few months if I am unlucky. Just letting everyone know. . Not edited.</em>


    Thank you for fighting for America. You are Americas hero. The people of the White House will most certainly be ted as well. Not to mention the citizens of America.


    Jane Gray stuck her hand out after transporting the injured and organizing the surroundings.


    You arent nning on glossing over this matter like this right?


    Of course you will receive an appropriate reward.


    Ill look forward to it.


    She seemed to be sneakily trying to end the matter about rewards by making me a hero so I specifically mentioned it.


    The specifics musteter but Im looking forward to a generous reward since its the American government and all.


    May I guide you?


    Guide?


    I have heard that Mr. Jun will be giving our country a big help. Your quarters have already been decided so I think it should be fine for you to move with us.


    So it was like that.


    I did feel like it was a bit weird that a battalion that was on the level of being a state defense squad would arrive so quickly. It was the same thing as people arriving in 30 minutes at Busan from Seoul after an incident.


    If they were headed this way in the first ce, then it made sense.


    Either way, who is this Mr. Jun?


    Arent you Mr. Jun Sang-min?


    Its Jeon Sang-min.


    Jon Sang-min?


    Please just call me Mr. Jun.


    I let out a light sigh.


    ***


    But its a bit weird.


    What is?


    Why did those guys not return to the void?


    Jane Gray said so in confusion while looking around.


    I wonder why. Im not so sure.


    I think an investigation must be done first. I feel like it might be a new type of monster. Theres also the fact that they appeared suddenly But there are quite a few mysterious events urring here and there though.


    Mysterious events?


    The dungeons of the continent are disappearing rapidly. On top of that, theres the issue with New ska.


    Ah. So youre talking about that.


    I nodded with a wry expression.


    That all happened because of me.


    If I said so what kind of expression would she have. Of course, if I let that slip out of my mouth I would definitely be treated like a retard.


    Either way, its obvious that she would have questions about it.


    Mermaids returned to the void as soon as they died and all the items and ores that dropped from them all disappeared after all.


    The dropped items had all been turned into mermaids. The total number of mermaids I got like that numbered 89.


    I had 60 level 7 warriors and fighters and 29 healers. In the case of the healers, they could use healing magic on allies even if they werent mermaids on top of being skilled in closebat so they were quite useful.


    By the way, the number of monsters excluding the mermaids is 300. They had decreased significantlypared to the original 2,000.


    However, it couldnt be said that my overall strength has decreased much. The ones that survived were elites over level 5 and since level 7,8 mermaids were added as recement they might be better than the previous 2,000.


    I talked to Jane Gray.


    Im not sure why they didnt return to the void. More importantly, I think we should bnce ounts.


    Bnce ounts?


    As it was a battle that urred suddenly I had no choice but to start the battle without proper preparations. Because of that there was quite a few losses. Im not sure if you know me well but my main forcees from the monster army that I summon. And an astronomical amount of money goes into using even one monster.


    Ah I see. I understand. I will give a proper report in that aspect.


    It felt like she was trying to end this conversation hurriedly.


    I suppose topics such as reward problems are ufortable for her being a soldier and all. She wasnt in a position to give a definite answer either.


    However, if I didnt get a proper answer here then I might not be able to receive a properpensation.


    No matter how much more normally America runs more normally than the Korean government they still move as an official system called a government so it shouldnt be that different.


    On top of that, I didnt think that they would care that much about a foreigner like me.


    The number of monsters I lost in this battle is 1,700.


    Yes. I will certainly include that in the report.


    Also, each monster ranges from 100m to 1b.


    Ah.


    I could feel that she was bing more flustered.


    Lets talk about the details as we go.


    Sh, shall we?


    I drew out the information on the dead monsters while following behind Jane Gray who had stiff movements.


    It seemed like it would take quite a while even for me to calcte so I was nning on calcting on the way.


    Jane asked me to ride on the vehicle they prepared. From my perspective, the van was better but there was no need to brush aside their good intent when they prepared a limousine especially for me.


    The vehicle was a top ss luxury limousine that I only ever saw in movies. The length was over 10 meters and had a high ss sheen. I didnt know where it was made but there was an emblem that I saw for the first time shining on the front.


    Wait a minute, is that diamond? What are you going to do if someone steals it.


    As I went in after opening the door, I could smell the high ss leather that filled the inside of the vehicle. The ivory colored interior that didnt have any uselessly fancy decorations gave me a prettyfortable feeling.


    Its the same vehicle the president rides.


    Jane opened her mouth from behind.


    To go so far. I was starting to think that they were scheming something. It seemed like they werent nning on sending me off quietly.


    They will try to take whatever they can.


    However, I didnt have any ns on being treated so lightly. I was nning on giving what I do while receiving what I should.


    I went in and Jane Gray entered after.


    She started talking to the driver after refining her curt expression and posture.


    Let go.


    I didnt get on yet though.


    Edward stuck his head inside the vehicle.


    Ah I, Im sorry.


    Her face became red as she cleared her throat.


    I thought I was the only one that was nervous but it seems she was the same.


    Certainly, this type of highest ss limousine wasnt something just anybody could ride. As she said, it was only for times such as the presidents formalities so it cant be helped that she would be more nervous as a soldier.


    Ehem. Ive shown you an unsightly side.


    Not at all. I thought you would just be stiff since youre a soldier and all but it was fun seeing an unusual sight.


    Edward got on the vehicle and we got on our way. During all that, I was staring at Jane who was trying to hide her reddened face by looking out the window.


    Her brown hair and petite body, as well as her soft facial lines made me feel like someone put a picture from the Renaissance period in front of me.


    On top of that, her personality was pretty clumsy as well.


    I thought that all the girls here would be liberal like men but its totally cute seeing her blush like this.


    Sunbae oppa, are you alive?


    Holy crap. I was surprised at the message that came suddenly.


    Why did this girl send a message at such a timing?


    Yeah, Im fine.


    Youre being broadcasted live on the news right now.


    Already?


    Yeah. What the hell are you doing there?


    I somehow ended up doing some heroic things.


    Ahahaha. Youre really funny.


    I didnt say that to be funny.


    But you were still really cool. Your face came out as the size of a door you know?


    Someone was earnestly filming you see.


    I feel like there were some that died doing so though.


    They were people that endured to the end even after I used the monsters to make them not get caught up in the battle. Nothing can be said since they died due to their own mistake but the death of citizens is a sorrowful thing.


    I continued messaging like that when I felt a piercing gaze.


    I turned my head to see Jane looking at me with eyes full of curiosity.


    Is it your girlfriend?


    N, no. I dont have a girlfriend.


    Is that so? Hm Theres not many cases where my intuition was off.


    This guy is really just my friend.


    I said so while desperately shaking my head.


    Edward opened his mouth from the side.


    Is that so?


    Y, yeah.


    Then its fine for me to say that to Mrs. Soo-ah right?


    I will give you a big bonus.


    An additional 100,000.


    Fine.


    I felt like this guy was slowly aiming at my weak points these days.


    Even so, Im thankful that his base is shallow. If it was me, I would have called for around 1m, not 100,000.


    But isnt it hot?


    Jane who wasughing in the corner said so while pointing at the thick fur coat.


    San Diego was a country that had high temperatures even within America.


    The temperature didnt drop below 10 degrees even in winter and its sometimes warm enough to wear just a t-shirt. Today was an especially warm day too.


    It would be weird not to have questions.


    Its alright.


    You look a bit pale, are you ill somewhere?


    Jane put a hand on Edwards forehead as she said so. At that moment, Edward, Jane, and I all twitched.


    A strange mood was suddenly created.


    The first one to open their mouth was Jane.


    Your body is cold.


    Haha. The clothes this guy is wearing is clothes that make the temperature drop like a refrigerator.


    It was too cold considering that Should I say that it was like touching a corpse.


    Jane was not a woman that didnt know anything. She was a leader that led hundreds of hunters and a level 9 hunter. Money was all that was needed for equipment but career wasnt made with money.


    She probably went through many more battlefields than I think.


    Also, her sharp gaze wasnt falling off of Edward.


    Jane Gray opened her mouth in a low voice.


    Youre not a human being I see.


    Damn. I didnt think it would be blown in one shot.


    I let out a sigh as I nodded.


    You are correct. Hes not a human but.


    I will speak.


    Edward said so and showed his fangs. Janes expression became even stiffer. Only the low sound of the engine could be heard.


    Jane slowly opened her mouth after a long silence.


    Is he Mr. Great Summoners summon?


    Yes? Ah. Yes. That is so. Hes one of the monsters I summon.


    It would be nice if I could pass it off like this.


    But the words that came after that were truly out of all expectations.


    If thats so, then does Mr. Edward only move ording to Mr. Junsmands?


    Im not sure what you mean.


    That is In other words.


    Janes face rapidly began turning red.


    Figuring out the fact that the mood became weird I looked between her and Edward repeatedly with eyes full of suspicion.


    Eh. Theres no way that could be.


    Could you give me your phone number?

 Chapter 175

    Chapter 175


    The lodging the American government prepared for me was a considerably high ss mansion. Should I say that it was like a Hollywood stars house.


    There was arge swimming pool in the garden, a separate building with a garage and the main building consisting of 3 floors. The garden was sorge that the driveway connected to the iron gates seemed to be about 500 meters long.


    Its a safehouse. People from the government will arrive shortly while youre resting. She left after guiding us to the mansion.


    I let my body sink into the living room sofa and stared at the ceiling with nk eyes.


    My god, Edward of all people.


    He, who was sitting next to me suddenly opened his mouth.


    Why did that woman take my phone number?


    Im not sure. It seems shes nning on using it as an experiment.


    She was excessively kind considering that though? If Im not wrong, she seemed to want to be my servant.


    No, I dont think its like that.


    I shook my head with a solemn face.


    I felt like there was a need to exin a girls life in detail to this guy. No, in the first ce, werent vampires a race that hoarded women?


    To try to meet me without even the thought of bing a servant. I have no idea what shes trying to do.


    Are you a virgin by any chance?


    I asked just in case. It was weird no matter how one looked at it.


    Humph. Im a vampire.


    Edward crossed his legs while wiping one side of his hair.


    But he couldnt hide the quivering of his eyes though.


    Youre a virgin I see.


    I dont think youre in the position to say such things though. If Im a virgin then arent you ipetent?


    In, ipetent you say! Hey! Is a human being the same as a vampire?


    Whats so different? Are you thinking that vampires are born Casanovas or something?


    They have such an image.


    It seems you dont know something but have you heard of the existence of female vampires?


    Hm Arent there?


    Not servants.


    Are there not?


    Nope. In the first ce, women cant ept peerage.


    Now that I think about it, vampires had a peerage system of their own. This guy was still a vampire viscount. He was at level 4 thanks to constantly sucking monster blood and he will advance to count once he be level 5.


    Either way, what about that side not having women.


    From your standards, it can be seen as riding an all boys middle school, high school, and engineering tech tree. The life of a vampire you see, as long as its not a vampire with a surname, they will only ever see men their entire lives. Can you understand? Such a life?


    So in other words, youre a virgin?


    Listen properly for fucks sakes!


    In the end, Edward started raising his voice. Its been a long time since this guy raised his voice. No, is it the first time?


    Either way, a virgin vampire. I didnt expect that at all.


    On top of that, its said that arge number of vampires unintentionally live like Buddist monk so it feels like the great image I had of them is crumbling down.


    I ced a hand on his shoulder.


    This big brother will help you.


    No, take care of your own business. Mrs. Soo-ah is one thing and what are you going to do about Mrs. Yeon-gyeong?


    What about her?


    At night on the day before we left mmmm!


    I desperately blocked his mouth.


    There wasnt anybody listening but just in case something like wiretapping No, even if there was theres no danger of Soo-ah finding out huh.


    How did you know?


    Im a creature of the night. If its at night, Im able to see through walls to distinguish matter.


    Are you saying that you peeked?


    No, I was on the ceiling of your room from the beginning.


    Why were you there?


    Then make me a room or something.


    Ah.


    I finally realized that I didnt make a separate room for Edward to stay in.


    However, there are many empty rooms.


    Are you a child. You couldve just gone into any empty room.


    I was going to do so. But that day, there were particrly people in every single room.


    Certainly, it was the day when everyone drank and dropped dead.


    Most drank outside but some went back inside and fell asleep. It wasnt weird for Edward to be in my room.


    I couldnt help but nod at his wless logic.


    However, this leery feeling didnt disappear. I was thinking about what it was when I remembered something from what he said.


    Wait. Does that mean that you can peek on the girls at night?


    The girls?


    Soo-ah and Yeon-gyeong.


    Ah. I dont do that.


    You dont but not cant? Why?


    Because theyre ugly.


    .


    I silently stared at his face for a while.


    He had eyes that didnt have a hint of lying.


    This guy. He said that for real.


    I tried asking just in case he wasnt into Asians.


    Then what about girls at the level of the one from just now?


    Are you talking about Jane Gray?


    Yeah.


    That girl is uglier though. To be honest, I only realized that she was a girl after hearing her voice.


    This guy was amazing. Where the hell were his eyes nted?


    Then what kind of girls are beautiful?


    Im not sure Perhaps on the level of Joo Ja-yeon?


    Joo Ja-yeon was a famous actress thates out on TV these days. She was also an idol that receives great praises saying that she has a face that onlyes out every 100 years or so.


    Its hopeless. This guy is destined to forever be a virgin.


    ***


    Staring nkly at the sky while letting my body rest in the water of the swimming pool, I could finally understand why Soo-ah wanted to make a swimming pool at my house.


    It was a pretty good feeling.


    It was the middle of winter in December and even though the sun started going down it didnt feel that cold. The water temperature was adequate as well so I dont think I need to worry about a cold either.


    Of course, I wasnt in the water for simply ying in the water.


    I let my body slowly float up to the surface.


    I slowly raised my body after letting my body touch the surface of the water.


    I was eventually able to seed in making my feet stand on the water.


    I could also see ripples being created on the surface below my feet as well.


    I took a step forward. My foot sank deeply into the water causing my body to sway momentarily but I was able to get my bnce.


    After walking a few steps like that I soon got used to it. People might be surprised if they saw this but it was pretty easy once you get your bnce.


    My body got sucked into the water once more.


    This is pretty fun.


    What are you doing?


    Edward said as he sat on the edge of the swimming pool.


    Ah. I just wanted to try it once.


    Pointless thing to do.


    A human that walks on water has been a long romance. Im not the only one you know?


    I said it like that but it wasnt merely for repricating something that would onlye out in a religious book.


    I am currently in the middle of training to control psychokinesis meticulously. It was a new ability and I had to get my body used to it if I wanted to use it in battle.


    And thats why youre making such a mess at the pool?


    Theres that as well but I wont get hurt even if I fall into the pool once I start training flying in the sky.


    Thats not what someone who fell from 100 meters in the air should be saying.


    Thats because I was wearing armor. That armor is really heavy you see. Its only possible for me to wear it because its me.


    The level 10 armor I had at the moment was a no name with no options. Even so, it had good defensive abilities and it could protect my entire body since it was a full te armor.


    The only w was that it was extremely heavy.


    Thats why its price was cheaperpared to other level 10 items.


    I scooped up some water while thinking about this and that.


    Arge bubble of water then rose up. It was approximately the size of a fist. It would be more urate to call it a chunk of water than a bubble.


    Whats that?


    Should I call it a training ball?


    A spherical ball of water lingered in front of me as if water was spilled in zero gravity. I tried disfiguring it by concentrating my attention.


    At first, it was difficult to even make it move ording to my will but I was able to create whatever figure I wanted.


    First a triangle, then a rectangle, changing to various shapes gave a prettyrge help in learning how to control psychokinesis minutely.


    As I got used to it, I made two balls of water float up. I was going to try using the power separately instead of focusing it in one ce.


    Ssh!


    Urg. Its difficult as expected.


    It was definitely difficult to focus on two different ces instead of one.


    The Dancing Sword didnt matter since it would move on its own without me controlling it but psychokinesis waspletely different.


    It was on the same difficulty as drawing two different shapes with each hand.


    Where are you nning on using such an ability to practice so hard?


    Edward asked while yawning.


    I didnt have any thoughts in particr at first. Its because I thought that it wouldnt be very useful in battle even though I thought oh great since it was psychokinesis and all.


    Psychokinesis was currently at 2,000.


    In other words, I had the power to move 200 kilograms but it only meant that I could lift an object of that weight; It wasnt possible for me to attack an opponent or something.


    It wasnt even possible to tie an enemy down with that strength. Theres no way the monsters I fight will subject to that level of strength after all.


    I pondered whether I should just use it to turn the lights off or to get the remote that was far away and decided that I should first see how others use psychokinesis first.


    However, it wasnt easy to find posts on psychokinesis on the market bulletin board.


    It was because it was a rather pointless skill to have when there was only a single skill slot avable.


    Hunters dont use these. It was better for civilians with a surplus amount of money to use it.


    I gave up in the end and started digging through regrmunities.


    However, there werent many gains there as well. There was quite a bit of content but it wasnt useful.


    The psychokinesis of the old system did not allow minute control and was only able to move light things making its usage limited.


    Flipping up a womans skirt, catching a smartphone while its falling. They were all pitiful things like hidden cams.


    Was it not possible for me to find a better usage for this skill.


    I suddenly got an idea while changing channels using psychokinesis.


    I thought that it would be useful for blocking bullets.


    Guns were the best weapons for dealing with hunters. It didnt matter much to hunters that were covered all over but those kinds of armors werentmon and were bound to have a few exposed parts.


    Even an excellent hunter would eventually get killed if dozens of soldiers continuously fire.


    However, what if I used psychokinesis?


    The gun itself was a scary weapon but in the end, the thing that fires it is the finger on the trigger.


    Also, it doesnt take much strength to prevent that finger from moving.


    If I could appropriately distribute my power in that area, I can at least prevent the guns I can see from firing.


    If I could use the ability more skillfully, it might be possible to destroy the gun itself.


    In the end, a gun also words by machines moving. If I could disable the firing mechanism that hits the gun it might not be impossible.


    After thinking that, I went out to study concentrating my power in a small location.


    I did this and that and came to the conclusion that it was difficult.


    If it was only a single enemy then it wasnt difficult.


    However, what if it was dozens?


    Distributing my power to each and every one of them seemed almost impossible.


    However, time was all I had left. I could train psychokinesis as much as I wanted before people came from the American government.


    The reason Im using pool water is to make it easy to see the form psychokinesis shows its power. Changing the shape of the ball of water was to practice precise control.

 Chapter 176

    Chapter 176


    The training continued for several days.


    It was difficult to manage even two at first but increased to five in three days. On top of that, this was when each one had a different shape; I could control up to 30 if it was just moving them around.


    This time, I tried moving each ball of water in different orbits. It didnt have much meaning besides being something for practicing my control over psychokinesis.


    The experiment guinea pig was Edward.


    I made him stand still and tossed balls of water at him.


    He dodged them with ease.


    Hey, at least get hit by one.


    You said that youd cut my bonus if I get hit though?


    Thats so but still.


    This was a guy that didnt work hard if money wasnt involved so I set a bonus and said that I would decrease it by a fixed amount each time hes hit. He started dodging them like the level 4 monster he was.


    It was difficult to manage 30 balls of water at once but hitting someone with them was even harder.


    However, as difficult as it was, it fueled my desire for some reason.


    It was to the point that I started wondering if there was ever a time I worked so earnestly to achieve something after obtaining the Effort skill.


    There were a few times my brain processed at maximum capacity to escape a tough situation but it was always just adapting to circumstances.


    Ironically, the Effort skill had pretty much stolen effort from me.


    Fist sized balls of water flew with dizzy movements.


    Edward wasnt on the speedy side at the base. However, thanks to the Ne of Confinement clumsy attacks wouldnt even get near him while he was copying my speed.


    Even if the water twisted at a 90 degree angle he would instantly twist his body to dodge it.


    If I could change the direction of all 30 balls of water at once then I could surround him to make it impossible for him to escape but such difficult movement was only possible with five.


    The other 25 were being thrown at appropriate directions.


    That was the limit of my current ability and going beyond that was not an easy task.


    It was the same thing as moving five different arms in different ways after all.


    In the end, I had to distribute my attention appropriately so that some areplex while others are simple.


    However, it was difficult to get the balls of water to hit Edward with just that.


    Their movements are too simple.


    I know that too. Damn.


    He continuously dodged my attacks. Even I who was controlling psychokinesis was feeling chaotic so I was wondering how he was dodging so well so I inspected him closely.


    Edwards line of sight was exactly on the five balls of water I was controlling. He was only focusing on the five that were changing randomly instead of the 25 that moved in a straight line.


    In that way, he would retreat if a ball of water he was concentrating on approached or he would not take his eyes off of it if it gets near his body.


    If all five of them got near him he would fly high up to run away entirely.


    It was obvious in a sense but it was astounding how he was able to figure out the main point in such a short amount of time and use it in practice.


    I realized that it would be difficult with the current method and so changed it.


    I was weak at controlling psychokinesis but difficult battles like this were my specialty after all.


    I made the five I control move to the outskirts on purpose and made the other 25 move anywhere towards him.


    Hmph. This kind of attack.


    I instantly changed the ball of water I was controlling while he had his guard down.


    In other words, I had attempted controlling five of the 25 that I sent towards him.


    I had only chosen not to do so since training was the purpose. If I wanted to hit him then I had many methods up my sleeve.


    Huh?


    He who had only dodged in the same way flipped his body backwards in surprise.


    However, he had been caught off guard after easily dodging continuously and since I had nned the attack aiming for that it was impossible to dodge.


    The moment the ball of water was about to hit him.


    Edward leisurely got away as his boy turned ck.


    It was Shadow Conversion.


    Hey! Isnt it cheating to dodge by turning into Ether!


    You never said that I couldnt.


    Are you really going toe out like that?


    Im sorry but it cant be helped if its for my bonus.


    I fully understand how desperately hes participating in this training.


    I released all the restriction I had on the balls of water.


    What are you doing?


    He said as he came out of the Ether.


    Well. Im nning on cheating a bit of course.


    What?


    I raised my two hands and brought up the swimming pool water. A ball of water that swayed randomly then started rising against gravity.


    The ratio of the water was 1. In other words, the weight of the water that can fit in a 1 meter cube was about 1,000 kilograms, or 1 ton.


    It was incredibly heavypared to how my strength could only move 200 kilograms.


    However, if I had no need to control it.


    I could raise as much water as I wanted.


    The water scooped up from the swimming pool swept over Edward.


    He dodged in a leisurely manner and shook his finger at me.


    Just this much isnt enough.


    A second torrent of water swept over him. And a third, a fourth.


    I continuously poured the pools water at him.


    Edward who got flustered started screaming.


    Come on! This isnt training!


    Who told you to cheat?


    God damn it!


    In the end, Edward could only end the training after beingpletely drenched in water.


    My my bonus is.


    I suddenly felt sorry for Edward who was discouraged while looking like a drowned rat.


    Ill give you half.


    Really?


    His head shot up with his eyes gleaming.


    I felt like I was looking at myself when I looked at this guy. Doing anything as long as it was for money even if it crushed his pride.


    I thought that I should at least be a bit kind to him. Treating him the same way I was treated would just be denying my own past after all.


    Edward opened his mouth.


    But isnt half a bit too little? Since you cheated as well, how about 70% to be equal?


    Is this the timing for you to negotiate?


    Ahh!


    I poured water over him as he screamed.


    I canceled my previous thought.


    This guy wasnt someone that could seed in life.


    It wasnt much as training but I felt that using psychokinesis got much morefortable.


    Its because I realized I could use psychokinesis by not maintaining or controlling it but continuously adding strength to it.


    In other words, if 30 enemies were pointing their guns at me, I could quickly use 200 kilograms of force on one, and then another person, and another person to produce several times the efficiency through this method.


    What was important was the speed at which the power was used.


    It would be better if there was delicacy as well but it was easier to continuously apply power.


    Either way, the training didnt stop.


    There was no need to go outside the safe house and I thought that the American side wouldnt like me leaving either. And since it was training on my own for the first time in a while, it didnt feel like I was confined but fun on the contrary.


    Around the time a week passed like that.


    A person came.


    Heeey!


    So its you?


    I frowned.


    For the first person to visit in a week to be An Gyu-bum.


    What is that. That reaction. I came since I thought youd be bored though.


    Why did youe?


    Well. Its obviously because I had some things to do for business.


    He created a circle with his thumb and index with a smirk.


    If youre saying that youll be a broker then I refuse. Why should I give you a portion?


    Theres no need to see it so negatively. Isnt it better to leave negotiation to a professional? Ill only take 30%.


    7 to 3? Are you joking with me? What are you doing to take 3.


    More importantly, I couldnt trust An Gyu-bums negotiation abilities.


    Its not once or twice that I saw him get the short end of the stick.


    Dont only doubt. Okay then. How much are you nning on receiving from this?


    Im thinking about receiving about 50b for a 2020.


    Ill get you 100b.


    Hm.


    Also, an 8 to 2 deal. Hows that?


    20 cubits for 100b wasnt a bad deal.


    The middle value of the Space Expansion Marble was 10 cubits. I needed four 10 cubit to create a 20 cubit.


    In other words, the average production cost that went into creating a 20 cubit was about 20b.


    If I got 100b with that then it wasnt that bad of a deal.


    Even if I gave An Gyu-bum 20b, I would receive 60b in the end. Theres no way the Space Expansion Marble trade would end with one purchase so its obvious that I would get a massive amount of money.


    However, that was only when it actually happens.


    How do I trust you to leave such a negotiation to you?


    Hmph. If you dont trust me then dont worry.


    Whats that supposed to mean? It doesnt make sense.


    You dont need to trust me. The negotiation will be carried out by the Negotiation Team from headquarters after all.


    What?


    What do you think Ive been doing for a week? Of course I was constantly contacting headquarters to create the best negotiation team. If you stop worrying and leave it to the GE Group then Ill turn this negotiation into a jackpot.


    Wa, wait. Are you telling me that you proceeded with this without my consent?


    Nothing I cant do.


    No, what were you going to do if I didnt ept it?


    I knew that you would ept it. You dont lose anything and youre not one to refuse someone whos trying to do his best to help you after all.


    Thats true.


    It was pretty displeasing that he proceeded with things as he wanted but the conclusion earned me a profit. This guy was still annoying but he was still trying his best for me in his own way.


    Hm.


    Do you not like it?


    No, its not like that.


    Then sign the contract.


    No, I think the ratio has to be adjusted a bit.


    Even 8 to 2 is a huge ratio. We formed the greatest negotiation team and if you knew how much money we used to bring them here.


    9 to 1.


    Alright.


    What is this. This guy. He talked like he would never ept it so why did he ept so easily?


    Why do you have such a face?


    Because you epted so easily.


    Im a businessman that faithfully applies my customers needs you see.


    Is that so.


    The reason I always feel like Ive been tricked is because of this guys sudden change in attitude. Of course, a 9 to 1 ratio was a prettyrge profit for him as well.


    That guy would receive 10b if I earned 100b after all.


    Even if I applied the space expansion in 10 ces the profit would be 100b.


    Thinking about it, I feel like Im on the losing end.


    Lets renegotiate.


    Are you going toe out like that when its already been decided?

 Chapter 177

    Chapter 177


    <em>J: GonZ, it is just your imagination. Yeah, just your imagination. Not edited.</em>


    Since I feel like Im getting the short end of the stick. Nevermind if you dont like it.


    Hah. So how much do you want?


    The production cost of a 20 cubit Space Expansion Marble is 20b. So excluding that amount, 9 to 1 from the profit. In other words, you get more the higher you can get the price during the negotiation.


    Well, okay. Instead, no more renegotiating.


    The guy took out a contract.


    I thought that this much was good so I signed it and lightly shook my hands with him. It felt like we really became some kind of business partner or something.


    I dont know how I got into such a rtionship with this guy but there was no need to cut it off if we both earned a profit I suppose.


    Then Ill go straight into negotiation so you stay right here. By the way, its probably a good idea to not go out.


    Hm? How so?


    Do you not even look at the TV even while staying indoors all day?


    I dont particrly like it.


    The television was Soo-ahs while I was in Korea too.


    Even so, you should know how famous you are since you use the inte no?


    That should calm down soon enough.


    The battle that urred on the beach of San Diego was already a hot issue on the inte.


    Because I was filmed from a close distance unlike the time at the forest region my face had appeared as the size of a door.


    Due to that, various presspanies were raging to interview me.


    However, nobody knew I was at a safe house due to being under the protection of the government. It was impossible to find me no matter how hard the reporters looked for me.


    Due to that, attention had been amplified due to me unknowingly bing a mystical person. Either way, I didnt think much of it since it was all things that urred on the inte.


    There were many that recognized me as the Great Summoner but it wasnt like there had been problems because of it and a bit of annoyance wasnt really a problem after all.


    As I signed the contract, An Gyu-bum hurriedly returned. He said that it would take around a week so I was nning on training psychokinesis during that time.


    I was practicing psychokinesis at the swimming pool the next day when Jane Gray suddenly visited.


    She started talking with a surprised expression after seeing me walk on the swimming pool water.


    Is that a water walking technique?


    No, its just psychokinesis. But did you need something?


    I came looking for Edward.


    Hm. That guy isnt in the house right now. Why didnt you call ahead of time?


    I called but he didnt receive it. Thats why I even left a message saying that Ille today.


    So thats why he disappeared. I thought he couldnt be seen all day.


    It seems like he wonte back today. Go ahead and rest since youre here and all.


    Its because of me isnt it?


    Probably.


    There was no need to make her hope by telling a lie. Edward being in a rtionship had nothing to do with me but there was no need to hook him up on purpose after all.


    Am I not good enough?


    Its not like that. The problem is probably that he has high standards.


    As if women on the level of Joo Ja-yeon were thatmon.


    Hes a guy that says it has to be on the level of a woman whos called the greatest beauty of Asia. Staying single is for the best for that kind of guy.


    Im not good enough as expected.


    What did this woman understand my words as?


    Its not like that.


    Are you saying that I have charm as a woman?


    Of course. In my opinion, youre too good for him. On the contrary, I want to ask. Why do you like him so much?


    Because hes good looking.


    Right.


    I wanted to say that the face wasnt all to a guy but it didnt feel right for me to say so and so I left it at that.


    So, is that your only business?


    No. I had something to pass on to Mr. Jun.


    What is it?


    Do you have any interest in attending a show?


    Nope.


    I cut her off immediately.


    Jane opened her mouth with an expression that said that it was a shame.


    An offer came from a famous talkshow of STV broadcasting station. This is an incredibly famous program. Itd be quite a shame if you were to refuse.


    I dont really have much interest in shows.


    There was only one reason hunters wanted to earn fame. Money rolled in if ones name became famous. However, I had plenty of money. Also, it was possible for me to earn more from now on. I didnt particrly want my figure being exposed to the public by attending shows.


    You do know that Mr. Jun is extremely popr right?


    I have heard so, yes.


    I had looked up my name because of An Gyu-bum. I had surpassed being the Great Summoner to being called the Hero of San Diego.


    Everybody wants to see you. I dont think it would be bad to express your thanks to them.


    Its not that they want a temporary amusement?


    Do you think Americans are people that dont even know favors?


    I didnt mean it in that way. However, people are always like that. They just want to see the so called hero.


    In the first ce, I had applied forpensation from the American government. The lost monsters and dead mermaids would add up to an astronomical amount of about 500b.


    I dont know if it will work or not so Ill only know once time passes but I have said that there might be slight problems in installing Space Expansion Marbles if it doesnt pass so it probably will.


    However, if this were to spread to the public would the American citizens still think of me as a hero?


    I continued talking.


    Also, the public opinion will change once thepensation amount is revealed.


    Youre only receiving the rightfulpensation for your actions though.


    Well, in any case, Im not going.


    As I refused in session she made an expression of pity.


    However, it was decided that I would go in the end.


    There was only one reason.


    Thepensation I applied for would only pass with the condition that I attend the show.


    There were probably many reasons such an option got added but the most important one is probably to turn the attention away from the unease created after the recent events.


    New ska, the sudden attack of monsters, and the disappearance of dungeons etc. were being issues within America and anxiety was rising about what would happen.


    In that situation, the Great Summoner appeared as the Hero of San Diego so the American government probably wanted to use me in any method possible.


    I didnt think it was that bad if it was a show where the performance fee was 500b.


    The broadcasting station was smaller than I thought. The lights were a bit bright but the studio was about the size of 3 ssrooms put together and the number of spectators were limited to about 30 people.


    Also, the person interviewing me was STV broadcasts figurehead MC Will Bradshow.


    I didnt know that well but I was told that he was a pretty famous person so I just epted it as it was.


    Its not a live broadcast but a record so you dont have to be nervous.


    Will said as he approached me who was waiting in the waiting room. He was an aged gentleman with soft eyes as well as white hair and beard.


    The broadcast started with after a brief greeting with him.


    The burden got lightened a bit since it was a record but it couldnt be helped since it was my first time in a show.


    A loud cheer greeted me once Will introduced me and I entered the studio.


    It was only an audience of 30 people but they were all cheering while giving a standing ovation. There was even a girl who was screaming to the point that she looked like she was about to faint.


    A few questions were asked.


    The thing the people were most interested in was about how I could tame the monsters as expected.


    Of course, I couldnt tell them so I reced the answer with making an eagle fly around the studio.


    There were also a question on my thoughts about the 500bpensation problem and the criticism. The answer to that was simple.


    It was money that I should rightfully receive and I had the right to it.


    1,700 monsters died. 500b was a bit extra added to the total price of the monsters.


    Of course, there were things I obtained from killing mermaids but that was what I should rightfully receive so there wasnt anything the American government would lose out on.


    The MC and audience nodded their heads.


    Around the end of the broadcast Will Bradshow carefully asked a question.


    This is information that we obtained with much difficulty. We have heard that Mr. Jun will be staying in America for a while. Can we hear the reason for that?


    Im not sure if I can say that.


    Its said that you might be able to help solve arge problem America has been having.


    I looked at Will. Could it be even the matter about the Space Expansion Marble has been leaked?


    However, the matter of me personally installing it and officially starting trade is a confidential matter. I answered while shrugging my shoulders.


    Im unable to answer that at this point of time. However, you wont be disappointed even if you have high expectations.


    ***


    The broadcast was edited immediately and was broadcasted that day at night.


    I didnt know why it was processed so quickly but I suppose it means that the publics interest in me has increased that much.


    It felt rather amazing since its said that no one gathered so much attention recently.


    At this point, it felt like the president of America shoulde out and give me amendation or something.


    Of course, it was only a thought to the end.


    .


    I didnt know that the president would appear for real you know.


    Dwain Wholshore.


    Ah so.


    I looked at the middle aged man in front of me once more.


    Brown skin that made it certain that he was of Hispanic origin and green pupils that took after his North European mother.


    The clear wrinkles on his forehead and gray curly hair was no doubt president Dwain Wholshore who appeared on television about a week ago.


    I shook the hand the president put forward while being nervous on the inside.


    I had no clue as to why this man appeared here. There should be many things a president has to do so did he have the leisure to show up here?


    The president spoke as if he read my expression.


    I came because I wanted to meet the hero that saved the citizens of America. You were a much younger friend than I imagined.


    Yes, yes.


    I nodded and repeated the same answer.


    It was such a sudden situation that I couldnt process it properly. I was looking at the recorded broadcast while eating dinner when a visitor arrived suddenly and for that to be the president.


    But for what reason did youe visit me?


    I have told you the official reason for visiting but theres actually another reason.


    He talked in a low voice.


    I have something to ask of Mr. Jun.


    What would the president of America have to ask of me?

 Chapter 178

    Chapter 178


    <em>J: GonZ, are you sure that is not a voodoo doll.? Anyway, 20 days left. Mrgh. Not edited 2% edited (found some things that bothered me too much to leave alone).</em>


    Im thinking that its not going to be an easy task whatever it was.


    Lets hear it first. What is it?


    Its a confidential matter so its a little difficult to say it so easily. How about I tell you if you can assure that you can do it?


    Hm.


    This was the first time I heard such a proposal. I did feel like it was possible if it was about something confidential but its a situation where the listener is being robbed.


    Why did he think that I would ept it without even knowing what it was about I wonder.


    Its difficult to tell you the specifics but I can assure you that thepensation will be more than satisfying. That I can promise you as the president of America.


    Even if it was the president, there were things he could and couldnt do.


    Theres one thing that I keep no matter what and thats not leaving my life in others hands.


    I think it wont be possible.


    I shook my head.


    At my words, the chief secretary behind Wholshore red at me.


    His height was a hand taller and had a scary face making me wonder if he was actually an American elite.


    It feels like they just picked a scary looking guy from a gangster group.


    President Wholshore made a face that seemed to be taken aback.


    He had eyes that said that he didnt know that Id refuse. No, he was probably not used to being refused.


    After staring at me for a while, he slowly opened his mouth.


    Can you not help a little for this country?


    Its not my country.


    This type of thing had to be cut down properly. There was no telling what would happenter if there were loose ends.


    Is that so.


    He let out a rather low sigh.


    I somehow got a bad feeling about this. They arent nning on detaining me by force at this point right?


    America and Korea were still allies and although direct influence has decreased quite a bitpared to the past, they shouldnt have the right to do as they want to a foreigner.


    Of course, I know that they can ignore such things if they really wanted to. However, I was currently pretty famous and I even attended a talkshow that boasted high ratings.


    Either way, if I disappeared in such a situation the American government will have to bear quite a burden.


    I was worrying so when president Wholshore suddenly opened his mouth with a wide smile.


    Dont you want to know about the secret of the Alpha system?


    ***


    Miramar Navy Air Base.


    As the ce where the western headquarters of the Marine corps was it was also the ce where the headquarters of the 3rd Navy Airbase was located.


    I had currently boarded the great Air Force 1.


    There were dozens of radars that were releasing huge amounts of electromaic waves around the airfield.


    I wouldnt know what those were if I didnt ride the submarine but I now knew.


    The most dangerous thing whennding were flying monsters near the airfield and they were ced to prevent those from approaching.


    They had such a technology, so I didnt know why they didnt pass it on to other countries.


    The ne slowly rose to the sky. The ground got far in a short time and I was flying above the clouds by the time I knew it.


    What are you thinking about?


    President Wholshore, who was sitting on the other side, asked.


    This ce was a reception room within the ne and only president Wholshore and I were in it.


    Edward was currently resting at another location.


    I answered without lying since there was no reason to do so.


    That radar from before, its to repel monsters right?


    Yes.


    Why are you not exporting that technology to other countries? Its not like theres no trade and isnt technology trade unrted to the impossibility of marine transportation?


    There are of course several reasons. However, they are not as selfish of a reason as Mr. Jun thinks they are.


    Then what is it?


    President Wholshore opened his mouth with a light smile.


    First, theres the problem that others wont approve of a patent.


    A patent?


    China is a problem more than anything. That side is not trying to approve our patent on that technology no matter what Its a technology that we created by investing a massive amount of funds on so we cant exactly hand it over just like that no? And theres also a limit to supplying this technology. And another, the electrical power usage is immense. Finally, theres also the problem that its harmful for the human body.


    Its not as easy as I thought I see.


    It seemed fine to forget about the patent problem. One could hide things like this technology as much as they wanted after all.


    It would be better to understand it as them not being able to sell it at as high a price as they wanted and so negotiations breaking down.


    On the contrary, the electricity problem and physical harm could actually be an issue.


    Either way, could you now give me an answer? Why you came to meet me and what youre asking of me.


    I had been curious the entire time.


    All I had to do was to install the Space Expansion Marble on the ne. I was thinking about making a good amount of profit from it and was nning on getting stronger by piling up items in Korea.


    You might ask what I was going to do by getting so strong but a hunter had to be stronger while he can.


    More than anything, the atmosphere these days wasnt normal.


    The Baek Gyeong China was creating was one thing and the mermaid ambush waspletely out of all expectations too. It wasnt only the Delta systems problem. I had a strong feeling that this world itself was shaking.


    President Wholshore opened his mouth.


    It was an answer unrted to my question.


    To be honest, we had already predicted the mermaid attack.


    It might be hard to believe but even if such a thing happened, it wouldnt be so surprising.


    I had encountered too many surprising things.


    The Yellow Sea suddenly appeared, and I even got a USB that could open Red Holes. On top of that, I found a ruin that contained the Alpha systems data. Also, I also realized that there were people other than me who were looking for it.


    Something strange being added to that wasnt particrly surprising.


    We currently have a method of predicting the movement of monsters through hacking the Alpha system.


    Then why were you unable to standby at that ce ahead of time?


    I thought that the secret of this world wouldnt ever be solved before I became a hunter. However, there were many things that I saw and experienced until now.


    Human beings did not ck off in digging into what this mysterious phenomenon that urred in this world was at a ce I didnt know and they were moving quickly to fill their own greed.


    There was nothing different about America.


    No, as one of the most powerful countries, they probably progressed research more actively as high of a poption as they had.


    Our prediction was off.


    I, I see.


    I had no idea how to answer that.


    President Wholshore continued after making a light smile as I made an awkward expression.


    To be exact, it would be more urate to say that it was changed than wrong. Tracking the movement path of the mermaids, we came to a certain conclusion.


    What is that?


    I said as I felt suffocation in my throat.


    Its that the mermaids moved with a definite target. Also, that target was none other than Mr. Jun. In other words, you.


    It wasnt surprising.


    I thought that might be so after all. I coincidentally came to America and the San Diego Navy base was at that ce. Also, I suddenly got ambushed by mermaids while on a walk.


    It was too borate to say that it was a mere coincidence.


    There was a simpler conclusion to it.


    Its that the Alpha system started to take notice of my existence.


    Its that it was keeping me, who was moving with the support of the Delta system, in check.


    50 years ago.


    Monsters appeared on thisnd. They attacked monsters onnd, in water, and also in the sky. Due to that, half of the human race died and mankind did their best to recover the damage from that time.


    Science stagnated and technology declined.


    However, it seems they havent been ying around for 50 years.


    Even while I was fighting for survival every single day, effort was being made to solve the mystery of the world.


    President Wholshore opened his mouth.


    The Alpha system itself is a world. Dungeons, huge amount of monsters, and also a level system to receive better rewards. These kinds of things cant appear in a day.


    Are you saying that its someones n?


    I am saying that this entire thing is a meticulously formed program.


    I could certainly understand.


    However, who for what purpose did they made that program.


    No, there was a problem to solve before that.


    Was such a thing really possible?


    Was it possible to give rise to such a revolution that stretched across the entire Earth on someones thoughts.


    If that was possible.


    No, if it was possible because it happened then the only ones that could do so was none other than the American government.


    Since it wouldnt be an exaggeration to say that America was the pinnacle of knowledge 50 years ago.


    President Wholshore made a bitter smile as if noticing my line of sight.


    If that had been us then we wouldnt have gone to meet Mr. Jun.


    It might be a trickery.


    Do I look like such a leisurely person?


    His tone was soft but the meaning inside couldnt be taken lightly.


    Is he telling me to shut up and listen I wonder.


    Indeed, this is the president of America.


    However, its also true that I cant just trust it just like that.


    I answered as if unaware of it.


    President Wholshores expression stiffened for the first time.


    Must you make me say such words with my own mouth. Thats correct. America does not know as to where the group that did such a thing is. No, it would be urate to say that we have no idea. We could only think about avoiding the disaster that couldnt be after all.


    Then are you saying that you now know?


    I can say that I know to some extent now.


    Where are they?


    President Wholshore slightly leaned his body on the sofa. I finally realized that I had rushed ahead far too quickly.


    There is something that must be asked before that. Why is Alpha aiming at you?


    Im not sure. It seems they dont like something about me.


    It seems youre not very interested in Alphas identity.


    He wants us to exchange information. However, it was impossible to not mention the Delta system to exin why I was Alphas target. I was thinking how I should go about making an appropriate information exchange when president Wholshore opened his mouth first.


    Ive heard that Mr. Jun uses technology different from that of the original.


    He doesnt know about Delta but it means that he knows that theres something different about me.


    He would be stupid if he didnt know, really. Theres the Space Expansion Marble, the monster summoning, and amphibious car that was impossible with the existing items or skills.


    However, there were many excuses I could give.


    It was something I obtained from defeating an irregr.


    There are cases where irregrs would drop items different from that of originals. In my case, it was a level 0 skill but there were many cases where it wasnt.


    Indeed. However, theres no way a single person could run into that many irregrs no? Since when has Mr. Jun started working as a hunter?


    He should know that much so he was just trying to confirm.


    A little over half a year.


    How many irregrs did you run into in half a year?


    It seems the position of president of America isnt obtained through ying Go-Stop as expected.


    He continued his words.


    The identity of the Alpha system has slowly been revealed over the past 50 years. A few existences trying to hack the system have appeared as well. Even so, the system has never treated someone as an enemy. That is why I am increasing interested in you.


    President Wholshore stared at me as if trying to prate me with his gaze.


    This guy, he might kill someone just with his gaze.

 Chapter 179

    Chapter 179


    <em>J: Surprise~ X1</em>


    Who in the world are you?


    Im a normal person as you can see. However, I wont deny that I have a little special ability.


    Hm Im a person with quite a bit of strength even if I look like this. It seems youre not afraid.


    How about you go about it properly if youre going to threaten someone? Not even a 9 year old would be frightened.


    I felt better now that he was pressuring me straightforwardly like this. One would have their guard up against someone who hides their true feelings after all.


    Thats why An Gyu-bum was the closest enemy to me right now.


    He didnt properly show his inner thoughts while continuously showing me goodwill after all.


    I was using him since he was loaded and all but I felt like this guy might request something great at some point.


    I was thinking about trying not to owe him as much as possible for that time.


    President Wholshore took a deep breath and opened his mouth.


    I have no intention of threatening you. I was thinking about telling you the specifics either way and I was hoping to hear a bit more before that. Its a bit of a shame though.


    He took the coffee on the table to his mouth.


    The Alpha system was created in Korea.


    Is that so.


    Youre not surprised?


    I thought that it was a possibility.


    The ce that saw the greatest profit from the Alpha system is Korea no doubt. A small country became a top level country instantly and obtained economical power on the same level as China who had dozens morend and poption.


    Nowadays, Korea was slowly giving out shares to China but Korea had monopoly on the Hunter Market for the past 50 years.


    However, there was only one reason no one could doubt them.


    It was because monster waves themselves were toorge of an event for a single country to cause.


    There was no one that believed such a thing could happen in the first ce that made others unable to doubt someone.


    However, a specific name called Korea came out. This means that a considerable amount of information had already leaked out.


    Do you know who made it by any chance?


    We are not certain about that yet. However, we are guessing that Mr. Lee is rted to it.


    Mr. Lee being.


    Lee Hui-seung.


    Sir Lee Hui-seung was connected to the Alpha system.


    This was pretty stunning. Was the person that was called the Teacher of Mankind, Hope, and Savior actually the one that caused this disaster?


    No, this wasnt a decided matter.


    Can that information be trusted?


    Its only a spection for now. More data is needed to find out more details. You are aware that exploration of ruins are ongoing yes?


    Yes.


    We are figuring things out one by one through information from those ruins. All ruins exposed have all been mined and the only thing left are the newly sproutednds. Also, I have heard that Mr. Jun has explored the ruin in New ska.


    Somehow yes.


    It seems the submarine wasnt wandering there for no reason.


    It would have been lost to Baek Gyeong if it wasnt for me so there was nothing for America to feel left out on. I asked just in case.


    Do you need that data by any chance?


    We have already negotiated with Mr. An. Its been decided that we would receive the data at ater date.


    This Mr. An was probably An Gyu-bum.


    I didnt know how he negotiated but he probably didnt hand it over cheaply. It might be money or rights the GE Group would receive once trade resumes.


    Either way, that guy profited greatly because of chasing after me.


    I was thinking that I should drain him further.


    I was trying my best to get used to the sudden situations.


    The fact that the Alpha system started to put its guard against me didnt really matter much. I knew that it was a matter of time when I figured out Deltas will.


    I had no qualms about continuing to use Delta while risking the danger.


    The problem is that theres too many things I dont know. I couldnt bepared to the American government and it was the same for An Gyu-bum. I was just a normal hunter that got minor profits from acting like a parasite of the Delta system.


    And it was true that I had been satisfied with that.


    However, that wasnt the case anymore.


    Something was happening.


    We conversed about many things while flying in Air Force 1. He tried to obtain information from me in any way possible and I told him many things except the Delta.


    Of course, it wasnt satisfying but I felt like it was appropriate for the good information that I obtained. Moreover, information on Baek Gyeong probably had quite a bit of worth since even America didnt know much.


    The ce we arrived at after flying for several hours was an undergroundboratory in Texas.


    The elevator was going down endlessly.


    I quietly opened my mouth in the dark.


    What are you trying to show me?


    President Wholshore opened his mouth at my question.


    It will be pretty fun.


    Whats that supposed to.


    I understand that you have many things you are curious about. However, theres no method more certain than seeing it for yourself so please wait a bit.


    Once his words ended, my sight suddenly expanded.


    A blinding city was spread in front of my eyes after the dark vertical tunnel ended.


    There were dozens of skyscrapers and there was arge dome shaped botanical garden in the middle of them.


    I called it a botanical garden but it was more exact to say that it felt like a world on its own. In a space as wide as dozens of ser fields put together a jungle, ravine, and dry desert were in the same ce.


    It was an unbelievable sight even after seeing it personally.


    I opened my mouth with a trembling voice.


    What is this?


    What do you think it is?


    He asked me on the contrary.


    I slowly opened my mouth. There was something I thought of the moment I saw this.


    Is it a dungeon?


    Thats correct.


    However this is It doesnt make sense.


    I shook my head. The spaces, each with their own vegetation, were inside the dome. The thing that it reminded me of was a dungeon.


    However, dungeons couldnt exist in that form.


    You should definitely have some doubts yes?


    Certainly.


    It cant be helped. You would never have thought about creating dungeons in that way after all. However, that is a dungeon without a doubt.


    The elevator continued to go down.


    A short whileter, I stood in front of the dome shaped dungeon made of ss.


    People who were waiting for us ahead of time guided us. I slowly entered the dungeon.


    The dome was structured such that there were smaller domes within it. Also, each dome was made with transparent ss so that the inside could be seen.


    The entrance was also made of ss and inside, a different vegetation of cave, desert, and jungle was spread out.


    Wholshore stood in front of a dungeon.


    There was a 5 meter long Red Tongued Iguana on the other side of the ss. It felt like it couldnt see outside of the ss.


    Everything is the same as original dungeons besides the fact that it was manmade.


    Do the monsters get reset as well once its cleared?


    Since everything is the same, of course.


    What is this.


    To create a dungeon.


    Is this the power of money and time.


    I had seen many things until now but this was more shocking than the time the Yellow Sea appeared.


    If that had been something I couldnt understand, then this was the same thing as creating a human the same as me.


    But why did you show this to me?


    A dungeon was a strategic resource in and of itself.


    Items from it are sold at a high price and ores are used in various businesses. High level ores could be used in power nts. A majority of businesses were working with rare earth metals.


    America probably created man made dungeons to make up for the deficiency and it passed experimental stages to enter realization.


    But there was no reason to show such important information to an outsider.


    I have a question.


    The question being?


    This dungeon is currently working independently from the Alpha system. In other words, its true that its working in the same way as the Alpha system but its missing the most important thing.


    Its a reward.


    Indeed.


    President Wholshore nodded his head.


    To piece everything together, the Alpha system not only created the monster wave but it also manages the reward system.


    Being independent from the system means that the reward from the Alpha system isnt being given properly.


    This means that although they were able to copy the dungeon which was part of the Alpha system but they werent able to bring the reward system.


    Then what is it that I have to do?


    We are thinking about creating a thinking about connecting the dungeon system we created to the Alpha system through a detour. However, the firewall of the Alpha system was much tougher than we imagined. To be honest, we have not seeded even once.


    Are you saying that it would be possible if its me?


    Mr. Jun is a main target of the Alpha system. I dont know the reason but if you can connect the dungeon to the Alpha system then we will pour all of the annual capacity of production on you. In that time, we would nt a Trajan Horse in the Alpha system. We will use that to steal away the Alpha system reward system while avoiding the systems watch.


    Is that possible?


    Im not sure to be honest. Everything was told by our researchers after all.


    President Wholshore made an awkward smile.


    Certainly, there was no way someone could know all those technological details even if it was the president.


    I had a certain question during the conversation.


    I had a feeling that thing were progressing too matter of factly.


    Excuse me. There was the thing about hacking as well, and you said something about pouring the annual capacity of production. Is that a metaphor?


    The Alpha system being with a high integration ability possessingputer is the conclusion of our researchers.


    Aputer?


    Yes. Im not certain about the details but we are thinking that it has changed this world with mind blowingly high levelputing skills. Our researchers are doing their best to follow but its at this level for now.


    I looked around the dungeon as he spoke.


    I pondered whether I should believe that the monster wave that put the world on the brink of destruction was caused by aputer program.


    However, it was the same for the USB given by Deltas master and the downloaded data from the ruin, as well as the use of the manual.


    In the end, I had to admit that everything had a close rtionship to an actualputer.

 Chapter 180

    Chapter 180


    The conversation was long but the thing I had to do was simple.


    I had to go into the man made dungeon created by America and fight with the Alpha system. The American researchers would nt a Trojan Horse while I was pulling its attention.


    Through that, they would be able to copy the Alpha systems reward system on this dungeon.


    It feels like attaching a faucet on an oil tank. Its simr to saying goodbye to my life if were caught too.


    If the situation bes dangerous, we will immediately stop the n. Since Mr. Jun is an important figure to America as well.


    You can talk as you want but.


    America had no choice but to put their countrys profit as first priority.


    If they could obtain the reward system by sacrificing me then they would select the reward system without a bit of remorse. I would do so even if I was America.


    However, I epted the proposal.


    Of course, I was promised an astronomicalpensation. It was an amount more than twice that of the original 500b.


    However it wasnt only for the money.


    I couldnt 100% trust president Wholshores words.


    However, the Alpha system having a connection to Korea was rather believable. On top of that, if Master Lee Hui-seung was rted then it meant that I mighte across a stronger opponent than I imagined.


    I needed an ally that could help in that case.


    A sturdy ally that could withstand not only the Alpha system but also the Korean government as an enemy.


    Also, there was no better friend than America for that.


    Its not because I trusted them but because I was desperately needed by America.


    Is it okay? This might be a dangerous proposal.


    Edward, who had been silent the entire time we were in theboratory opened his mouth.


    I also thought so.


    However, if it was a danger that would approach at some point, I thought that it would be better to prepare ahead of time.


    It was better than to be done in one sidedly after all.


    Of course, this entire thing might be a misunderstanding.


    That wasnt bad too. If it was actually a misunderstanding and it turned out to be America ndering then my worry would have been unfounded.


    I honestly thought that it would be nice if it was Americas misjudgement.


    ***


    I couldnt see the entrance to the dungeon I was supposed to go into.


    The inside of the transparent ss was quite different from other dungeons.


    President Wholshore opened his mouth as I looked at him.


    Connecting directly to the Alpha system is something dangerous even for thisboratory. This is merely the minimal safety measure put in ce to prevent information from spreading outside.


    What is it that I have to do exactly?


    Go in. And fight with the monsters inside.


    Thats lucid.


    Even if it wasnt what I liked doing the most, it was the thing I was best at.


    I could do that endlessly.


    Also.


    Even if there was a problem I didnt have to worry.


    Even if president Wholshore and the Americans wanted to trap me in the dungeon I had a method of escaping.


    Escape scroll.


    It was an item that allowed a person to escape from a dungeon. Because it dropped constantly, it was left to rot and piled up to the hundreds and now became the most important item to me.


    Then, I will now enter.


    I wish you luck.


    Break a leg.


    Edward took a step back while crossing his arms.


    How dare this guy try to escape on his own.


    Ahh. Do, do I have to go as well?


    Isnt that obvious? Were in the same team.


    Urg It cant be helped.


    I entered the dungeon while grabbing the guy that was slowly retreating contrary to his words.


    It was dark in the dungeon. Light didnt enter from anywhere and there was nothing to lighten the ce up. I started thinking that I should have bought up a level 7 Archimedess Helmet that Cho Young-gu had.


    However, I shook my head.


    It was far toorge of a waste to buy a 13b item just to light up the surroundings.


    Instead, I put on a 5000 won LED headlight from a mart.


    The dark interior suddenly became bright. I could only light up the front but I could even see the shadows clearly thanks to the Optics Ruby Ring.


    At this level, there shouldnt be much problems in walking in the dark.


    Humans sure have it hard. How were they able to survive with the handicap of not being able to see in the dark?


    Do you have a sickness where you cant live if you dont brag? Humans invented tools instead. In fact, isnt it amazing how they got this far even though their physic is lower?


    Not at all. Humans were just lucky. If vampires had existed on Earth, then humans would have long gone extinct.


    Is that so. Werent you a race that couldnt live without sucking human blood?


    You sure are foolish to believe that bullcrap spread by mass media. We are a noble race. We can live well even without the blood of other races.


    Yes yes. Who was it that was drinking monster blood?


    That, thats just to absorb the power of lower beings. You guys eat cows and pigs as well.


    I never denied that though.


    Ei, either way, vampires are great.


    I told you, I never denied that.


    Urg.


    I could see Edwards face redden in the dark.


    It was pretty fun teasing this guy huh.


    I did only bring him for scouting purposes but I felt like he was pretty useful to get rid of boredom.


    I walked within the dark interior for now.


    This ce was the interior of a fully man made building unlike other dungeons. There was no doubt that the brick wall and white tiles were made of concrete.


    This was far too ordinary of a building interior to be called a dungeon.


    However, they probably got treated as part of a dungeon unless they were trying to trick me.


    There was no need for a dungeon to look like a cave or jungle after all. In actuality Red Holes had more extreme bizzare sceneries after all.


    I was walking slowly like that when I heard the sound of a wall being scratched from the front.


    I slowly progressed while not letting go of the tension. I took out the Dancing Sword and pushed Edwards back.


    What, what are you doing?


    A scout should take the front like a scout should.


    Are you trying to kill me?


    Do you die in one shot if I attack you?


    I can dodge if its just once.


    Then you dont have any worries. Ill give you a bonus.


    Leave it to me.


    Edward walked forward with wide steps. His eyes lit up at the mention of money I see.


    It was exaggeration in the first ce. He had the Confinement Ne that Soo-ah used to use. If he was copying my reflexes right now then he could even dodge a level 10 monsters ambush. Even if he couldnt dodge itpletely there would be enough time to etherize.


    In other words, he was much more proficient in survival than I was.


    There was that much reason to bringing this guy here.


    He flew quickly as he kicked off the ground.


    I briskly followed him with a light smile. To think that he exaggerated so much when he was going to rush forward so recklessly.


    After running dozens of steps he suddenly retreated as if bouncing off.


    Then, something sharp reflected the light of the headlight.


    Its an enemy! A humanoid type with 1 meter long nails! It seems like itll hurt quite a bit if you get cut by those!


    How many?


    Only one for now!


    Move back.


    Edward, who hadpleted his job as a scout, retreated behind me while etherizing.


    Something wasing towards me while scratching the wall and ground.


    Its figure appeared once it got reflected by the headlights. Its height was 3 meters. Its entire body was created by an exoskeleton and its nails were sharp enough to be called des.


    Its head was an inverse triangle like a mantis whilerge eyes were attached on the side like a frog.


    Overall, it looked like a bunch of straw connected but it definitely didnt look weak.


    Mantis (7) : Has a powerful leaping ability that uses its inverse joints.


    The exnation was simple.


    It might not be that difficult to face as a level 7.


    However, I pulled back for now. Its because I checked additional exnation on its head.


    *Invincible Underling : Does not die unless the boss is killed.


    It was property that I saw for the first time. I have never heard of such monsters existing. This was something that didnt even appear in a Red Holes so why did it appear here?


    I tapped the transmitter in my ear.


    The inside and outside of a dungeon is usuallypletely cut off. Not even the strongest wave can prate the two worlds. However, it was possible in this man made dungeon.


    How was that possible?


    I didnt know either. The only thing I know is that it works.


    What is this?


    [What are you talking about?]


    The voice of a researcher could be heard from the other side of the transmitter. It was Benjamin Suresh, the manager of the Texas undergroundboratory. An Indian half I believe.


    A monster with an invincible attribute appeared.


    [Invincible you say?]


    He still repeatedly asked a few time. It seems that side is flustered as well.


    Did this mean that it wasnt created by them?


    However, there was no such monster in the Alpha system.


    I hope you can figure out the situation.


    [We are trying to see what happened as well. Its possible to monitor you so if you begin the battle for now we will send you as much information as possible. If its dangerous then you cane out and.]


    No, it seems like it should be possible to stall for time.


    [ Then please.]


    I gripped the sword tightly. I had no thoughts on running away. To think it was an invincible monster, it was interesting for now and it wasnt a bad idea to practice killing this guy.


    Whats invincible supposed to mean?


    Ah. That Mantis. Its option is invincibility. Its said that it can be killed it if its leader dies but since the leader cant be seen for now.


    Theres only 1 that can be seen at the moment. It was impossible to tell where that leader was for now.


    Did the American guys use some kind of trick?


    Edward said.


    I knew what this guy was trying to say. He was suspecting that they had created a monster that didnt exist and were using me to test it out.


    That might be possible.


    Are you nning on fighting?


    Theres no need to run away from an enemy you can win no?


    The Mantis had approached while we were talking.


    I threw the Dancing Sword for now.


    The Mantis body flew a dozen meters before crashing into the wall. Edward tilted his neck at the futile ending.

 Chapter 181

    Chapter 181


    This is invincible?


    The Mantis raised its body once more as soon as he finished his words. Its back that had been twisted to the point that it seemed broken was recovered at some point.


    It was like this as I thought.


    I opened my mouth while clicking my tongue.


    Thats invincibility.


    An annoying guy I see.


    Its better than ignoring damage.


    I dashed towards it while kicking off the wall.


    The Mantis made a metallic sound while showing its teeth.


    Its sharp nails targeted me at the speed of light.


    I deflected it using the Dancing Sword and approached it.


    Kik?


    Uaaa!


    And I tossed him backwards after grabbing its waist.


    A smash that incorporated pro wrestling suplex technique. It wasnt something I learned, just imitating. From the sensation I felt throughout my body, its backbone probably got shattered into dozens of pieces.


    Kyak!


    Damn!


    However, I had to retreat from the guy that shed at me even after being smashed into the ground.


    I understood to some degree with this.


    Being invincible meant ignoring all damage received. However, its not that the attack itself is nulled.


    It meant that I couldnt destroy it like a cow horn. It bes a lot easier to face if its like this.


    I received a transmission from Dr. Suresh.


    [We have confirmed it just now. Thats a mantis type monster. Its true that we have put it in after designing. However, we have definitely not added such a function to it. In the first ce, we didnt think that such abilities could exist.]


    It did sound like an excuse but I didnt think it was a lie.


    Just copying a dungeon was huge work. However, if America was really able to create a Mantis that had an invincibility option then that could be seen as original creation not cloning. There was no way people that could create such a thing would ask me for help because they couldnt create a mere reward system.


    I understand. I will trust you for now.


    [Pleasee out if you feel that its dangerous.]


    No, its fine for now.


    [Then, then is there anything we can help.]


    I suddenly thought of something the moment I was going to say that it was fine.


    At the very least, this dungeon was under the control of theboratory. In that case, they would be able to know the number of monsters in it and the location of particr monsters.


    Can you find out where the Mantis leader is?


    [I will look for it.]


    Please tell me as soon as possible.


    After ending the transmission, I swung the Dancing Sword.


    The Mantis that was jumping at me got deflected back again.


    What are you going to do? That thing wont die you know? Wouldnt it be better to go out?


    We just need to locate the leader. Then those things are nothing.


    They dont die. But that doesnt mean that a weak thing bes strong.


    At least, it has no choice but to be meek in front of me.


    I slowly approached the Mantis that took out its head from the wall.


    It straightened its back as if trying to intimidate me. It looked exactly like how animals are said to intimidate enemies by making their figures lookrger.


    Also, theres a characteristic to those that try to do so.


    Its that theyre weak.


    Am I scary?


    Kyak!


    The thing got its body stuck in the wall once more. This time, it was a force strong enough to cause the concrete inner wall to get destroyed and its head to go through it.


    I attacked the leg of the Mantis that was getting its head out of the wall.


    It lost its bnce and copsed on the ground with a cracking sound. I continuously struck whether it was the left leg, both shoulders, back, or spine.


    Kieek! Kyak!


    Youre noisy!


    Kyaht!


    I said shut your mouth!


    Kyaat!


    The Mantis made a threatening cry as its head got crushed to the ground.


    I flung the Dancing Sword on that guys head.


    Edward opened his mouth with a bitter expression as I was beating it up as if drumming.


    Is there a need to go to that extent?


    We need to tie him down until we know where the leader is.


    Youre not wrong but.


    His line of sight went towards the screaming Mantis.


    What. Are you feeling sympathy for your fellow monster or something?


    For one thing, Im not a monster, and secondly, how about just tying it up instead of beating it up like that?


    If theres a rope that can die up a level 7 monster that is.


    I tried searching in the Delta Store just in case.


    Of course, it wasnt like there werent things like rope. However, it was only at level 1. I didnt think that such a rope could suppress this guy.


    Just beating it up was morefortable in various ways.


    The Dancing Sword attacked on its own so it wasnt like I lost my strength too.


    I waited for Sureshs call toe while diligently beating it up.


    However, unlike how Suresh told me to wait for a minute, a call didnte from theboratory even though 30 minutes had passed.


    I found it difficult to stall for more time so I tried using the rope as well but it was concluded that it would be difficult.


    An hour passed like that.


    The moment I was thinking that we had to leave this ce.


    A message appeared in front of my eyes.


    Attempting the impossible is a beautiful thing. You have obtained a new skill through effort.


    New ability Armor Pration has been added.


    [Stats : Strength 750 Endurance 1,550 Reflex 850 Concentration 700 Defense 700 Psychokinesis 2,000 Armor Pration 0]


    I was able to confirm the addition of the new stat through the manual.


    The new ability added after psychokinesis. However, the acquirement method was different as psychokinesis was something I got from the Endurance stat passing 1,000.


    In other words, it was the same method as obtaining the Effort skill.


    Wait a minute.


    This meant that I wasnt using the Effort skill properly until now.


    I knew that there were abilities pertaining to repeating a particr action.


    The things I obtained through that were physical ability strengthening things such as Concentration or Reflex.


    There was nothing harder than training such things on my own. Also, after obtaining 5 such skills, I didnt think to get more skills. I had been thinking unconsciously that those were it.


    However, another stat appeared in front of my eyes.


    This meant that I was able to create many more abilities.


    What are you doing?


    Ah. I was just thinking for a bit.


    How about leaving now? Even if the Mantis isnt powerful youll be done in without being able to do anything if a few more appear.


    No, I think theres a method.


    What are you.


    Wait a bit.


    I checked the remaining Reward Points for now.


    The amount remaining after raising Endurance was about 50,000.


    I increased Armor Pration by one for now.


    After confirming that it rose by 100 at once I started beating up the Mantis once more.


    Kyaak!


    Its reaction was strange. It did scream before as well but it didnt feel like it was in pain. However, this time I definitely felt that pain was mixed in its scream.


    This meant that damage was going through to the guy that had invincibility.


    For it to be an ability that can even prate a invincibility stat.


    This is pretty good.


    I used the Dancing Sword to continuously beat it up and slowly raised the Armor Pration stat.


    And the moment it passed 500.


    Kyaaaa!


    The Mantis right shoulder, the metallic exoskeleton became broken in an unsightly way.


    Once I smashed down on its left shoulder its arm dangled. The Mantis copsed on the ground while making a moan that sounded like it was in agony. Perhaps it was thanks to beating it senseless for a full hour, it had already pretty much lost its will to fight.


    I opened my mouth while clicking my tongue.


    Monsters these days dont have any backbone.


    Are you even human.


    Edward looked at me as if he was fed up.


    This guy was feeling empathy for the Mantis as I thought.


    The Mantis that had its entire body dismembered made a final scream and drooped down.


    For all limbs to be cut off and then have a sword in its heart for it to die, it was monster with tenacious life force.


    Since it had invincibility on top of that, normal hunters would have had no choice but to escape.


    Twitch!


    Hm?


    The thing that I thought was dead started moving little by little.


    However, it only twitched a bit since its limbs were all cut off and attacking was impossible.


    However, for it to not die even after its heart has been pierced.


    Edward stuck his tongue out as if he was astonished.


    This is a guy with quite some life force.


    I think its more the invincibility than the life force.


    Invincibility?


    Yeah. It doesnt die before the leader dies. Thats why its still alive even after having its limbs cut off and his heart prated I suppose.


    I see.


    It wont return to the void since its still alive. Ah. They said that items dont appear in this dungeon in the first ce.


    It was still uncertain as to whether it was connected to the Alpha system or not.


    But well, since I obtained an ability called Armor Pration it can be said that I got a muchrger harvest.


    Beep.


    A transmission came from Dr. Suresh btedly.


    [We have located the leader!]


    You didnt contact in an entire hour. How did that happen?


    [The transmitter isnt perfect yet. We have tried to contact you several times but.]


    Well, its fine. Where is the leader?


    [For now, go straight through the passage.]


    I started thinking while listening to Dr. Sureshs exnation.


    It might be possible that these people knew the existence of the Mantis. Theres the fact thatmunication was cut off for an hour and it was suspicious that the transmission got reconnected as soon as the Mantis was caught.


    However, I decided to be tricked for now.


    If the ce Im at is a dungeon, then I am able to survive through any situation using the Immortality + Escape Scrollbo after all.


    I slowly traveled through the dark passage. A knocking sound could be heard from behind my back.


    It was the sound of the Mantis with its limbs cut off hitting the ground while moving. I looked momentarily to see if it regenerated its own body and attack but it seems it doesnt have such abilities.


    But I put Edward at the back just in case.


    A 2 way passage appeared.


    [To the right.]


    I moved on Dr. Sureshsmand without a word.


    It was clear that theboratory could see the inside of the dungeon like it was the back of their hand. How Im fighting, where I am, and what kind of conversation I was having seemed to be clear to them.


    It didnt quite be a reason to suspect Dr. Suresh but it was difficult to believe thatmunication was cut off just during the battle with the Mantis.


    However, there was no reason to put me into danger here when you think about it.


    Maybe if I had already installed the Space Expansion Marble. There should be a mountain of things they should gain from me so there was no need to pointlessly put me in danger or use me as a guinea pig in an experiment and make me mad.


    Half in doubt.


    It would be possible to make a conclusion once I got to the end of this dungeon.

 Chapter 182

    Chapter 182


    I ced the Escape Scroll in an easily avable spot in the item list so that I could use it at any time.


    I took one out and gave it to Edward just in case.


    Just hold it and use it when I tell you to.


    He silently nodded his head.


    He had used it before to leave the vampire dungeon so there was probably no need to exin.


    We passed the passage and arrived at arge hall.


    It was a dark dungeon until now but this ce had a few halogen lights on the ceiling. I turned off the light and looked around.


    The height of the ceiling was about 10 meters. It was arge space with a length of 30 meters.


    There were 5 long bars hanging from the ceiling and there were dozens of tools that seemed like lighting in each room.


    There was a column about 50 cm higher than the rest of the ground and it seemed like a stage at a nce.


    A stage and lighting.


    It seemed like a multipurpose theater.


    I tapped the transmitter and opened my mouth.


    Did you personally design the interior as well?


    [Ah Yes. It was made experimentally for now. Since a form familiar to humans isfortable for us to appropriately defend against the attack of the Alpha system Please be careful! The enemies areing!]


    Dr. Suresh voice suddenly changed.


    I could hear the racket from the Mantis approaching from every direction of the hall.


    The total number of entrances to the stage were the four corners of the hall. From those, it would be three excluding the one I came from.


    I took out my weapon and inspected the surroundings.


    And soon enough, the ceiling crashed down.


    The metal bar that had lightings on it swayed and fell to the ground.


    With a tremendous sound all five lighting bars fell and a dozen Mantisnded on it.


    Each and every one of them had the invincibility option.


    Where is the leader?


    [Its in the proximity! Its location is!]


    Something showed its figure by destroying the wall behind the stage before his words could end.


    It was a monster that looked like beetle and was 5 meters long.


    Grabgor (10) : An insect type devil race. Commands arge number of pawns and is covered in powerful armor. Its weakness is its stomach. Changes its attack pattern when in a crisis.


    Grabgor.


    It was my first time seeing a guy of the devil race. Even Edward who was a vampire wasnt called a devil race.


    The Mantises vibrated their stomachs to spread an intimidating cry.


    Ten Mantises were surrounding Edward and I in a half circle and the giant Grabgor was approaching from behind.


    Its outward appearance was that of a mere beetle but I realized that its head part was simr to that of a human face from close up.


    That has a dangerous smell to it.


    Edward said with a frown.


    I agreed.


    A human face and an insect body.


    It was the most unpleasant monster I had seen until now.


    To look better than me as a mere insect.


    That that moment, the eyes on the Grabgors head opened.


    A buzzing sound like voice came from its mouth. It was as if two voices were ovepped.


    [[Are you the one annoying me?]]


    Does it know how to talk?


    [[I will make you pay the price of awakening I, the Grabgor.]]


    I didnt wake you up though. Dont you have the wrong guy?


    [[Shut up. Arent you the one that woke me up while I was sleeping in the abyss?]]


    Sorry. But I dont think thats me. I dont even know where the abyss is.


    [[Then who is it if it isnt you!]]


    Im not sure. It might be the Alpha system.


    [[Are you disdaining me!]]


    The Grabgor raised its upper body and dropped down again.


    The ground then shook with great force. I didnt know how good of an infrastructure this ce had but if it shook a few more times in this way I think it might copse.


    The enemy is 10 Mantises and a Grabgor.


    Even if I could face a level 10 monster, it cant be helped that facing 10 level 7 monsters would be tricky.


    It seems the Grabgor knew that as well as it had a face that knew of its victory.


    [[Kuhahaha! Flea like bastard! Face death while feeling despair!!]]


    Ah. Sorry but.


    I waved my hand in midair and made 20 mermaids appear.


    15 warriors and 5 healers came out and held their weapons.


    At that, I could see the imposing beetle twitch a bit.


    [[What is this?]]


    Youre not the only one with underlings.


    The warriors were level 7 while the healers were level 8. At this point, it wouldnt be difficult to keep the opponents busy even if they are invincible.


    If I killed the Grabgor in that time then it would be my victory.


    The mermaids and Mantises began the battle by shing their spears and nails.


    Edward had already hidden and I flew towards the Grabgor while holding the Dancing Sword and Bloody Sword.


    [[Die!]]


    A ck needle like projectile came out of, not his human face mouth, but his real mouth.


    I made my body tilt to the side while maintaining the speed. It was a change in direction using psychokinesis, not the Dancing Sword.


    Two needles pierced the stage ceiling and disappeared. From the aura on it, it seemed to have simr attack power to the Eight Trigrams Scutum.


    I was thinking that it was a bit weak of an attack considering it was a level 10 monster but those needles got fired out of its mouth like a machine gun.


    Annoying bastard.


    I used the Dancing Sword to run in midair and ran away from the needles it was shooting.


    The Grabgor shouted while crumpling its expression.


    [[I thought you were a flea but it turns out youre a mice bastard!!]]


    Youre noisy. Are things called devil race originally such talkative beings?


    I threw the Dancing Sword at the thing.


    The Dancing Sword with Aura de got blocked easily by its backshell.


    I was hoping that it could at least leave a dent but.


    [[That level of power is futile!]]


    It shouted with a triumphant voice.


    He was a guy with a lot of words.


    After retrieving the Dancing Sword I circled around it.


    The hall was pretty wide but it wasnt wide enough for the Grabgor to move freely.


    In that situation, once I moved at high speeds it only kept spinning, unable to attack.


    This is why having arge figure isnt always a good thing.


    The problem is that even I cant attack.


    The Grabgors weak point is its stomach that isnt protected by the shell but it was difficult to attack since it was stuck on the ground like that.


    However, the only weak point that could be seen wasnt the stomach. I jumped up and threw the sword at its face.


    The Dancing Sword shot towards its face as I wanted.


    There was no way for the Grabgor to block this attack with its short legs.


    He tried firing needles as desperate as he was but the Dancing Sword with Aura de deflected all of them and pierced into its face.


    With a strange sound its face got split into two.


    I called back the Dancing Sword that had fallen on the ground without any strength and inspected the thing.


    I was suspicious as to whether it was finished with just this but a new face sprung out of the split face. It was a womans face this time.


    [[Is that all you have?]]


    The split mans face and womans face that had just sprung out opened their mouth at the same time.


    I had felt that the voice was ovepping but it turned out that this womans voice was mixed in.


    Is it not enough with just this as expected?


    I flung the sword once more.


    The womans face got split in half. The sword got deflected instead of getting stuck but a new mans face appeared from between the womans face.


    Wow. This is bing more and more grotesque.


    I heard that it was a devil race but the method to deal with it was far more different than normal monsters.


    Attacks such as stabbing its eye didnt work on this guy.


    I was wondering if I had no choice but to target its stomach as the manual said when I remembered the 30,000 reward points I had left.


    If it was Armor Pration that even destroyed the exoskeleton of the invincible attribute Mantis then it should be more than enough to destroy that sturdy shell.


    I used up the remaining reward points to raise Armor Pration all the way to 1,000.


    Proficiency rose to 81.


    Armor Pration rose to 1,000.


    Addition technique, Pration can be used.


    Pration : Able to damage the internals by prating the opponents armor. Avable for 10 minutes. Cooldown is a day.


    A new technique got created once Armor Pration reached 1,000.


    It can be said that it was a skill I needed the most in the current situation. It was the shell of a level 10 powerful monster.


    It might have been difficult to damage it even with Armor Pration at 1,000.


    However, if I were to use this additional technique then Im thinking that I should be able to finish this battle pretty easily.


    I raised the sword and raised my body. After rising to almost 20 meters by passing the destroyed ceiling and charged straight at the Grabgor.


    [[Foolish!!]]


    I could hear the Grabgors voice of ridicule.


    The conclusion will show who was more foolish.


    Pration.


    I activated the newly obtained technique. A 10 minute timer started at the right corner of my sight.


    I dodged all the needles the Grabgor shot and approached it.


    It seems it wanted to do its all to kill me but its impossible to do so with its figure.


    No matter how powerful of a power one had, it still received the influence of the worldsw of physics so something smaller is bound to be faster.


    I, who had gotten close, jumped onto its back shell.


    [[Profane!!]]


    I ignored the thing that was shouting this like a false religion pope and activated Aura de on the Dancing Sword.


    A sense of fullness could be felt from the sword.


    I struck down the sword with my all.


    The sound of impact didnte from the outside.


    With a sound that sounded like it came from the other side of a thick wall the Grabgors body jumped up as if it got electrocuted.


    [[Uoooh!]]


    A scream that had rage and pain mixed.


    I realized that the damage had gone through properly so I struck down on its back without rest.


    I could feel its innards shaking. Its back repeated splitting and closing. Whether it did so or not there was no need to waste such an opportunity.


    The remaining time was 10 minutes. I was thinking about applying as much damage as I could in that time.


    Die! You bastard!


    I struck down the Dancing Sword as if chopping wood. It weight quite a bit.


    Since it was being struck down with Aura de covering it, there was no way the level 10 Grabgor could endure it.


    [[Ahhh! Stop! Stop it!]]


    I see you havente to your senses even in this situation.


    Did it think that I could listen to itsmand.


    I didnt know what kind of beings the devil race was but I think I know at the very least that its intelligence iscking.

 Chapter 183

    Chapter 183


    [[Urg!]]


    In the end, he couldnt endure and writhed around.


    It seems it wanted to make me fall off somehow but perhaps it would work if I was a normal person with a bad sense of bnce. There was no way a hunter of my level would just fall off with just this much movement.


    I kept my bnce as if in a rodeo and continued attacking.


    [[Kyaaak!]]


    It might end more easily than I thought.


    The moment I was going to attack again while thinking that there wasnt much to level 10 monsters.


    Its back shell got split into two and pped open.


    I got flung away violently without the time to respond.


    A violent gust of wind swept across the entire hall.


    After barely regaining my bnce in midair I looked at the guys face with an astounded expression.


    The Grabgor was ring at me while floating in the air.


    That ridiculously huge guy was flying in the air.


    Movement that ignores gravity. I was wondering if he was using something simr to psychokinesis but it wasnt that looking at the gust of wind blowing below his wings.


    [[Thee arent a human I can forgive. I will open the gate to hell for thee!]]


    That massive body was flying at me at high speed.


    Behind him, the hole he made upon his entrance was bingrger due to the rear st.


    I didnt think a 30 meter middle sized stage would look so small.


    I hurriedly flung my body to avoid it.


    He brushed past me.


    The massive Grabgors body passed by while destroying the stages wall.


    Its safe to say that I would die if I got hit even once by that. The guy was showing unbelievable speed in the air when he was a slowpoke on the ground.


    So this is what it meant by the attack pattern changing once it received damage.


    Oh! The situation has be pretty good.


    Edward peeked out from the stage console room. I was wondering where he was hiding, turns out he was there.


    Does this look alright to you?


    Isnt its weakness its stomach? It seems fine to attack it there.


    As he said, while flying in the air the Grabgors stomach waspletely exposed. However, there wasnt much meaning to its weakness when I could just attack by prating its shell.


    Either way, did I ever tell him that things weakness?


    How did you know that its weakness was its stomach?


    I know if I look.


    Certainly, since its entire back was covered by the shell, its stomach was the only ce to attack.


    I could feel the Grabgor move behind the copsed wall.


    Edward shouted onest time.


    Attack the stomach! The stomach!


    I know too dude.


    It was possible to attack its innards directly with Pration but it didnt seem bad too directly attack its stomach as well. There might be a weakness beyond being hard after all.


    [[Die!!]]


    The Grabgor dashed once more while creating a huge rear st.


    It was going so fast that it felt like I was being pushed back due to the wind pressure before it even it reached me. I used the Dancing Sword to fling my body to the right.


    At that moment, my body lost all control at the wind pressure created by its wings.


    Uh?


    By the time I regained myself I had crashed into the wall on the side of the stage and falling.


    There were dozens of needles aimed at such me.


    I curled up as desperate as I was.


    Needles got embedded in the armor.


    Thankfully, there were none that prated it but there were small cracks here and there on the armor.


    Damn it. This is expensive.


    Since it wasnt destroyed if I left it in the manual it would get repaired automatically but it might break if it got hit a few more times.


    100b would disappear if I were to buy a new one.


    I wont let that happen!


    I kicked off the wall and charged at the Grabgor.


    Needles flew at me once more. I used psychokinesis to push my body down. With that, my trajectory path had changed instantly.


    The ck needles brushed past above my head. The building shook as holes got created on the wall behind. I thought momentarily that the dungeon would copse if those were shot recklessly.


    However, that was a problem forter.


    [[This bastard!]]


    The Grabgor swung its leg while shouting.


    Its six legs moved dizzily to distract me from getting near its stomach.


    I thought that it would be fine to just get under its body it didnt seem possible to get past its six legs.


    Well then.


    I just had to break its legs.


    [[Kuh?]]


    Its front leg is gone for now. The front leg that was rtively thin got twisted to the opposite side with a single strike from the Dancing Sword.


    Perhaps due to the pain, it sensed the danger and pped its wings to fly up.


    It then crashed its head into the ceiling.


    Pieces of brick and metal fell on its head and it continued to fly up while getting hit.


    In the end, it started firing needles at me from the hole it created in the ceiling.


    Kieee!


    Kueek!


    The needles it shot from the sky affected the battle of the Mantises and meraids as well. The Mantises that are supposed to be invincible started copsing after getting hit by the needles.


    It seemed to be a problem of the judgement. They were invincible due to the leader, but they received damage since they were attacked by the leader.


    However, the problem is that the only ones dying werent the Mantises. The mermaids hit by the needles copsed one after another while the Mermaid Healers were diligently healing them from behind.


    Thanks to that, there werent many dying but at this rate annihtion was a matter of time.


    Since it couldnt be helped, I put all the mermaids into the manual.


    The ck rain continued to pour down without distinguishing between ally and foe.


    I dodged with my all but it couldnt be helped that I got hit a few times.


    The cracks on the armor were getting more serious. At this rate, I really might have to trash it.


    I was pondering what to do and put the armor on the Pure Gold Ring without a choice.


    I couldnt use this method after it broke.


    I thought it wasnt a bad idea since a level 10 monster would show as much or even better efficiency than just the armor.


    The only thing left was what monster to summon.


    I had something I was thinking about actually. I didnt know if it would work but if it was possible then it might be easier to kill that guy.


    Will you destroy the item to summon a monster?


    Once I pressed ept the no name armor I was wearing got disintegrated and gave off strong light.


    Perhaps because it was a level 10 the effects were quite different as well.


    However, since the ck needles were pouring down even during all this I had to move to dodge them. I could somehow dodge them due to bing lighter after taking the armor off.


    After enduring somehow for about 10 seconds the monster I summoned showed its figure.


    Abination of white hair and ck clothes.


    The being that had the strongest one strike technique, the Hadron Canon.


    It was Baek Gyeong.


    Name : Baek Gyeong (Copy)


    Skill Name : Infinite Power (10 , Copy) , Metamorphosis (10 , Copy)


    Additional Technique : Dimension Gate, opens a dimensional entrance by ripping space. Able to travel long distances.


    Hadron Canon, Fires a high density energy that disintegrates enemies in a straight line.


    Proficiency : 100


    Equipment : Leather Armor of the Abyss (10 , Copy) , Sword of the Abyss (10 , Copy)


    Characteristic : In an incredibly unstable state. Will break down with a high probability.


    It possessed all the characteristics of the Baek Gyeong that I knew.


    The only problem was that it had the danger of breaking down easily.


    Thats why it had the disadvantage of disappearing at any time.


    However, monsters summoned by the Pure Gold Ring go into the item list. In other words, the monster itself is judged as an item. Also, what being judged as an item means is that it automatically gets recovered with the passage of time.


    In other words, its still as unstable as ever but even if I leave it, it wont disappear or something.


    I ordered the Baek Gyeong that was just staring at me after being summoned.


    Send that guy to hell in one shot!


    Command. Received.


    He held his head up and raised his hand toward the Grabgor that was raining down ck rain from above.


    A terrifying aura started gathering at the end of Baek Gyeongs hand.


    [[Wh, what is that?]]


    The enemy that suddenly appeared and the ability of the enemy made the Grabgor aim the ck needles at Baek Gyeong.


    However, that attack all evaporated the moment it came into contact with the orb shaped Hadron Canon Baek Gyeong was creating.


    The Grabgor made two mistakes.


    One is that it didnt dodge after seeing the Hadron Canon and the second is that it was revealing its weakness, its stomach.


    Baek Gyeong soonpleted the Hadron Canon and fired it at the Grabgor.


    sh!


    A blinding light exploded and a huge amount of energy shot vertically up.


    Everything that touched it got disintegrated to an atomic level and even the Grabgor couldnt escape that destiny.


    [[Ahh.]]


    There was emptiness on the Grabgors face.


    At Baek Gyeongs Hadron Canon that the Grabgor couldnt even react to, its stomach waspletely prated and its inner organs and yellowish liquid was flowing out.


    Even through all this its back shell was still fine but there wasnt much meaning to it.


    After a few powerless wing ps the Grabgors body slowly crashed to the ground.


    With an impact that shook the entire dungeon, the stage copsed.


    Wouldnt it affect theboratory at this level?


    [Youre amazing.]


    I could hear Dr. Sureshs voice through the transmitter.


    However, it wasnt the time to pay attention to his voice.


    Its because a message appeared in front of my eyes.


    You have obtained the skill book Invincibility (10)


    Invincibility (10) : Grants the invincibility option on a designated subordinate. The subordinate does not die. A human being cannot be a subordinate. A subordinate that has been chosen once cannot be changed before it dies.


    Oh. This was pretty good.


    Its only one and it cant be changed once its been decided until it dies so its basically a one time use but seeing the Grabgor, it takes damage if the skills user, I, attack it so I could personally kill the subordinate if I wanted to change it.

 Chapter 184

    Chapter 184


    However, thinking about the price of a single monster, it wasnt that efficient.


    The thing that could produce the greatest efficiency was Baek Gyeong as expected. Since there was a danger where it would just break down so applying this technique on that guy would be the best.


    The copied Baek Gyeongs greatest weakness would be nulled.


    If there were to be a problem, its that its not in the form of a skill but a skill book.


    There was no method to get a skill slot expansion item at the moment so it would be difficult to apply it within the dungeon.


    Edward who was inspecting my expression opened his mouth.


    It seems something good came out?


    Somewhat. But seeing how a reward appeared, it seems linkage to the Alpha system has seeded but.


    I started talking after pressing the transmitter.


    Where should I go now?


    [There should be a ce the monsters came in from.]


    The ce monsters came in from you say.


    I looked at the back wall that the Grabgor destroyed on his way in.


    There was currently arge hole there.


    Do I just have to go in there?


    [Yes. But be careful. It wont be possible to monitor ormunicate from that point onwards.]


    In other words.


    [Its the Alpha systems territory from there.]


    Then what do I have to do in there?


    There was no answer from Dr. Suresh.


    I tapped the transmitter but there was no signal.


    It should be fine to kill monsters sent by the Alpha system I guess.


    I slowly walked towards the wall behind the stage.


    If it was the past me, I would have taken a break after finishing the battle but I had over 1500 Endurance at the moment. It was enough to endure fighting all day.


    This level of battle had no meaning to me.


    The only thing that worried me is the fact that I didnt have armor.


    I silently stared at Baek Gyeong.


    He stared back at me silently as well.


    Can you take that off for me?


    What.


    Baek Gyeong replied. Its good that we canmunicate for now.


    I pointed at the level 10 leather armor he was wearing.


    Leather Armor of the Abyss (10 , Copy) : Made from the leather of evil beings killed in the abyss. Immune to curses and restraint.


    I had said so since it was still a level 10 armor even if it was a copy. It did seem like it would break after getting hit a few times though.


    I cannot take it off.


    Is it that much of a waste?


    Its made that way.


    Baek Gyeong said so with an expressionless face.


    I thought about taking it off by force but I decided to leave it just in case something went wrong and it broke.


    I wore a level 6 armor that I bought from the Delta Store.


    I did pick the cheapest from the level 6 equipment but it was still 500 EP.


    Gargantias te Armor (6) : Raises Stamina, Mental Strength, and Strength to the one that has the highest value.


    But the option was considerably, no, incredibly good.


    Since the Endurance that can be said to be stamina, was at 1,550, Mental Strength and Strength would both rise to 1,550.


    It was expensive but at this level it can be said that I got my moneys worth.


    Only, I didnt know how the Mental Strength would apply since it wasnt a stat that was open yet.


    Delta Store expands up to level 7.


    Also, the level I can buy went up.


    There was no leisure to go through it all but I was able to confirm that there were quite a few items rted to the van as well as utility.


    I put Baek Gyeong into the item list for now. There was no telling when this guy would break down and I was nning on saving him before getting a skill slot. Since he was made by a level 10 item if I were to lose him the loss would be pretty big.


    I took a few deep breaths and approached the wall.


    Compared to the bright stage, the hole behind the wall endlessly dark.


    I couldnt believe that I could enter the Alpha systems territory through this ce but I couldnt believe that the Grabgor appeared here in the first ce.


    I sent a signal to Edward with my eyes.


    He opened his mouth while hesitating.


    Its not a ce that feels good.


    Tell me if you think you cant go in.


    Hmph. Dont forget the danger pay.


    Edward stepped forward after saying so.


    At that moment, his figure disappeared.


    Hm?


    It didnt seem to be a normal hole. I silently waited for Edward to reappear.


    If Edward who could use Shadow Transformation were to be done in instantly then it would be difficult for me to endure as well. If it really was so then although it was a bit cold of me, it would be better not to enter.


    Thats the correct decision.


    Edward was a monster and he and I were only in a contracted rtionship after all.


    Can I do that with my personality.


    I carefully approached the hole after drawing the Dancing Sword.


    At that moment Edwards head popped out of the hole.


    His head came out so quickly that I didnt have time to dodge.


    Crash!


    What are you doing?


    Come out after saying so.


    I said so while rubbing my forehead.


    Thankfully, only our foreheads collided, we might have unluckily hit each other on our lips.


    Edward sighed and went into the hole once more. I also threw myself into the hole.


    I felt dizzy for a bit and then the surrounding background suddenly changedpletely.


    This is?


    Also, the inside waspletely different from what I expected.


    I looked around while being surprised.


    Through the copsed wall behind the stage was a vast cosmos.


    Numerous stars shing as small lights and a sun that was particrly bright could be seen.


    I suddenly remembered what the Grabgor said.


    Could it be This is the abyss?


    I think its just space though.


    Do you think Im asking because I dont know? In the first ce its weird that a universe is spread in this ce and theres no problem in breathing as well.


    Now that I think about it, thats true. Humans are inconvenient in various ways.


    Dont you have to breathe as well?


    I dont die just because I cant breathe.


    Dont vampires originally not have such an ability?


    They do.


    Edward strongly nodded his head. To be honest, most of the abilities they had had nothing to do with being a vampire. In my opinion, it was an ability they got from being a monster, not a racial characteristic.


    Monsters didnt need to eat, need air, and could perfectly survive in the cold or heat.


    Are you going to stay there?


    No, wait a bit.


    I took a step forward from the foothold below the hole. It felt like my body was floating.


    To be exact, I couldnt feel gravity pulling me down than to say that my body was floating up.


    It was a peculiar ce in various ways.


    It would have been impossible to stay at ease in space like this. There was no atmosphere and no pressure. Also, there was no necrosis due to the radioactivity from the sun.


    In fact, it was an incrediblyfortable feeling.


    If I had to say, it was like returning to ones mothers embrace.


    Its a strange feeling.


    Edward said.


    What is.


    I feel nostalgic.


    Have you been here before?


    Theres no way that can be so. Its my first time here since being born.


    Lets look around a bit more for now.


    It was best to run around on foot when you didnt know. There was no ground to step on but I had the Dancing Sword and psychokinesis. Edward could fly in the sky as well so we could freely move around in space.


    How much did we move I wonder, I suddenly felt a sense of ipatibility.


    What is it?


    No, wait a bit.


    I inspected the surroundings while looking around. This ce was a vast universe. It was an empty space with nothing in it besides the stars and the sun. However, there was something bothering me since before.


    I was wondering what that was and realized that the locations of the stars seemed to have changed.


    Ah.


    What is it?


    Wait here for a bit.


    I used the Dancing Sword to fly at maximum speed. After traveling 1 km and returning in one minute, I opened my mouth while breathing roughly.


    The stars are moving.


    What does that mean?


    It means that the locations of the stars are changing every time I move.


    Like I said, what does that mean.


    It means that theres something nearby that we can go to. Shut up and follow.


    I stepped on the Dancing Sword after saying so.


    I ran towards the brightest star I could see. I ran faster than 100 km/h by stepping on the Dancing Sword. After running for 10 minutes like that the figure of the star could finally be seen.


    It was a t world.


    Stars normally looked round. The hugend would have strong gravity itself and would form a sphere on its own.


    However, this was tnd left in the middle of space like the ancient people had imagined.


    It was difficult to grasp its exact size but it seemed to be about 10 times the size of Yeouido (approximately 8.5km^2).


    In that smallnd was a river, mountain, forest, and in.


    This is.


    Edward said.


    I nodded my head and replied.


    Thats right. Its a dungeon.


    The identity of the stars scattered in space.


    They were none other than dungeons managed by the Alpha system.


    Leaving that aside. This is quite the item.


    Edward said so while fiddling with the Confinement Ne.


    He was currently copying my Concentration stat. Thinking about how he had to fly not run in space, it seems the Concentration stat not only affects running speed but just movement speed.


    He asked with a certain look in his eyes while fiddling with the ne.


    How much is this item? Can I buy it?


    1b.


    Pretend you didnt hear it.


    I let out a lightugh and turned my sight towards the dungeon in front of my eyes. If it had to be ssified it would be an open dungeon type. A normal one with various geographical features mixed in.


    The monsters seem to be about level 3.


    Can you see that?


    Thanks to this ring. Want to buy one? Its cheaper than the Confinement Ne.


    How much is it?


    He showed quite some interest in the Optics Ruby Ring.


    100m.


    Im joking. Just take it.


    I took out an Optics Ruby Ring from the item list and handed it to him.


    I had piled up quite a few of the utility items among the level 1 items just in case so there was quite a bit of them in excess.


    Edward went wide eyed. It was a pretty surprised expression.


    Are you really just giving it to me?


    Think of it as getting your danger pay ahead of time.


    I am thankful but. Im not sure if its okay to receive this.


    Edward said. It seems hes feeling awkward.


    Why, is it strange?


    Thats. Theres never been a time you gave something for free after all.


    Well, I just thought that it might be about time I started treating you like arade. Also, youre my scout. Just think of it like an expensive telescope.


    His face lit up at my words.


    He was unexpectedly the type that shows his thoughts on his face. Now that I think about it, was I this obvious as well?


    Hm hm. Did I ever mention that I had always respected you within my mind before?


    Respect he says.


    I let out augh.


    For such a thing toe out of his mouth. The power of money was certainly good.

 Chapter 185

    Chapter 185


    We searched by looking around the dungeon from the bottom to the top moving around here and there.


    Thend was t in shape and the bottom was an upside down triangle.


    What should I say, it looked like arge piece ofnd was plucked out.


    What happens if we go in there?


    Edward said.


    Not sure. Wouldnt it be the same as going into a dungeon? It is a problem that theres no exit though.


    We have currently entered the Alpha system in an abnormal way.


    That is the reason we were able to see such a sight. However, if we were to enter the dungeon then we would automatically be included in the normal situation and that would be the same as being in a regr dungeon.


    The problem is that the dungeon is closed.


    In that case there was no entrance or exit and theres a high possibility that it would be impossible to exit the dungeon once trapped inside.


    OF course, I was nning on entering at least once despite that.


    I had escape so there was probably no problem.


    For now, I didnt have to worry about how to get in.


    I felt myself getting pulled towards the dungeon automatically just by getting near it after all. Once I felt myself getting pulled as if by the Earths gravity, a blue sky soon appeared over my head and I found myself crashing towards the earth at tremendous speed.


    It was on the level of skydiving. My limbs would get dismembered if this went on huh.


    However, I had many ways to decrease my speed. I used the Dancing Sword and Psychokinesis to decrease my speed for now and carefullynded on the surface.


    The ce Edward and Inded at was a ce near a small river. The orc warriors of the settlement nearby that spotted us started causing an uproar.


    Kuerk!


    Kurkrek!


    Once I swung the Dancing Sword at the things running while shouting in a hard to pronouncenguage and holding weapons, a dozen orcs instantly copsed covered in blood.


    Returning to the void and item collection waspleted at the same time and I was able to confirm oresing in normally.


    For now, the dungeon itself was normal.


    Shall we clear it first.


    I opened the item list and set the monster army free.


    Once I took out all 300 monsters it didnt even take 30 minutes to clear the dungeon.


    That was also the time it took to find the monsters, it barely took any time to kill them.


    All the monsters in the dungeon had died but the dungeon still wasnt cleared.


    As expected, is it because theres no exit?


    Theres no exit if theres no entrance.


    I was wondering whether I should just escape using the escape scroll when I could hear a roar that shook the entire dungeon.


    Thats when I remembered something I had been forgetting.


    Ah. Irregr.


    There were often times when this happened when I entered a dungeon.


    Irregrs usually appear when monsters are killed too quickly but it seems thats the same here as well.


    The monster that appeared because of that was a level 5 Iron Golem.


    [Human. You dare wake.]


    The golem made of metal got cut cleanly in half.


    Its core got destroyed at the same time its body got cut so it stopped moving without being able to do anything.


    You have obtained 5 item Escape Scrolls.


    The item that dropped was quite a let down.


    It was an item I had over 100 of after all. However, since it wasnt like I was going to farm I ripped an Escape Scroll while trying not to think about how much of a shame it was.


    The moment I ripped it, my body left the dungeon.


    As expected the ce I arrived at was the space. It seems I appeared here since there was no exit.


    Urg. This is pretty nauseating.


    Edward who left the dungeon a bit after said so while shaking his head.


    Either way, what are you nning on doing now?


    Wait a bit.


    I carefully inspected the dungeon we just left.


    The reason I went in this ce that had no particr profit was to see the sight of the dungeon being reset.


    Normally, we werent able to see a dungeon after leaving it but it was possible here after all.


    Soon after, in the quiet dungeon interior the loud sound of machinery rang out.


    I was looking in to see what the noise was all of a sudden when a door opened in the middle of a low mountain and monsters came pouring out of it.


    It wasnt only that.


    From the ground, in a cave, and in water, monsters came out.


    Each time that happened a noisy machinery sound could be heard.


    It was like taking out monsters from a refrigerator that was installed somewhere in the dungeon.


    Edward opened his mouth.


    It looks like taking out something from a refrigerated storage.


    For now, I was shocked in two ways.


    The dungeon reset was actually a realm of mystery.


    However, the thing I was seeing was no mystery. It was just releasing monsters through a door that was installed somewhere.


    In fact, it was better to call it a realm of technology instead.


    The second is that the monsters seemed to be released to be hunted.


    It cant be helped that its weird.


    Monsters normally treat humanity like their enemies. No matter who it was, they would have infinite enmity towards living humans.


    For that reason, it was thought that their objective was the annihtion of mankind.


    But looking at this, it was difficult to say so. In fact, it seemed more like giving humans food.


    Humans would hunt the monsters in the dungeon and monsters would wait for humans toe in after getting hunted.


    This was like.


    It was no different than an amusement park waiting for customers.


    After thinking up to that point my head shot up at the chill that I suddenly felt.


    At the ce my sight reached was a huge sun. In the middle of the sun that was shining brightly until just a moment before was a huge pupil looking at me.


    The figure of it looking at me as if looking through a telescope made it impossible for me to move as if my entire body was tied up.


    [So theres an uninvited guest.]


    A heavy voice. That voice was reverberating throughout the universe.


    !


    ***


    Once I regained myself, the pupil of the sun could no longer be seen.


    Edward opened his mouth. His voice was trembling.


    Just now What was that?


    Not sure. Probably the Alpha system.


    That means it saw us.


    Yeah.


    The change was already happening. The space that was calm until just now started swaying.


    The stars started shaking and a haze started rising from below.


    It was as if the entire space was water inside a pot and that water started boiling.


    Also, everything spilled over.


    The next moment I was on an endlessly wide in. The numerous stars had all disappeared and the only thing above my head was the blinding sun.


    Also, something was running towards this ce while causing shockwaves.


    I thought that it would be a monster sent by the Alpha system that realized my existence.


    Wouldnt it be a guy like the Grabgor I wonder.


    It might also be hundreds or thousands of normal monsters.


    I wasnt thinking that this would be a ce where I could just sightsee carefreely anyway.


    I was waiting thinking that I would destroy as much as I could when something I didnt expect at all came into my sights.


    Whats that?


    That came out of my mouth unconsciously.


    Existences that neared 1km. They were all monsters with exposed bones and muscles.


    Their entire bodies were colored white and looked like mannequins without weapons.


    It was like.


    Looks like they werent finished making them.


    Edward said.


    I nodded my head. The things rushing towards me.


    It was difficult to understand even if it was me saying it but those were iplete monsters.


    ???(??) : ???


    No information appeared on the manual. There was no name, level, or characteristic. This was all information that wasnt bestowed in the first ce.


    Things that had no existence, only figures.


    I drew the Dancing Sword.


    I didnt know the enemys ability.


    Just that fact alone made my heart beat furiously.


    I had battled with perfect information as the basis until now.


    That was the same even before obtaining the manual. I would familiarize myself with information on the dungeon, analyze characteristics of monsters and patterns, and followed an optimized battle form.


    This was the method I fought until now.


    However, the thing in front of me was an unknown opponent. It was the bare Alpha system that I had never seen before.


    How far could I go against that?


    My heart beat like crazy.


    Are you going to wait like that? We should immediately run aw.


    Edward looked at me and stopped his words.


    You have no ns on escaping.


    Its information gathering.


    Is that so?


    Edward tilted his head and retreated.


    I held the Dancing Sword and faced the enemies that were running towards me.


    I couldnt tell how many there were.


    There were enough to be impossible to count with the naked eye and there was a great number of monsters stampeding behind them after all.


    It would be a great profit if they were to drop just one among reward points, items, or ores after all.


    Youre seriously nning on doing this right?


    Edward said. I nodded.


    I wasnt nning on sparing any strength. I would fight with my all and it wouldnt be toote to retreat after my strength has been exhausted.


    I released all the monsters in the item list.


    All the monsters excluding Baek Gyeong showed their figures.


    A number that neared a total of 400. It could be said that they were elite among elites that only consisted of monsters above level 3 after a series of battles.


    I prepared for the first sh against the white monsters after controlling my monsters with the Recruitment skill.


    A wedge shaped formation with the strongest monsters in the front.


    Normally it could be said to be a charging formation. Its normally not used for defense but it was a situation where enemies were rushing forward irregrly.


    I could split the enemies that seemed like they would charge even if we stood still, into two.


    Also, at the very front was the level 8 ck Tiger and me standing there.


    Ahhh!


    The enemies rushed forward like a wave with a bizarre cry.


    The monster at the very front was a 3 meter tall Grizzly Gori. Of course, since it wasntplete it didnt have aplete figure.


    Its normally a level 6 monster but how is it now I wonder?


    I threw the Dancing Sword at its chest.


    The sword that ate a bunch of Aura de prated the goris chest.


    It copsed while grasping the hole on its chest.


    [+600]


    The reward points came in like normal. It was weaker than I thought too.


    Being iplete meant that it was worse than theplete. I washed away the unease in me and started swinging the Dancing Sword with Aura de randomly.


    My monster army confronted the enemies without stepping forward.


    Afterpleting the charging formation, I swung the sword like crazy.


    Due to that, the white wave got split in half in front of me.


    There were some that separated while trying escaping the Aura de but they had no choice but to move forward due to their allies rushing forward from behind so they started getting cut up one after another.


    The two monster armies rampaged to eat up each other.


    However, the one that won was always this side.


    The white monsters started dying off soon.


    It was a shame that they didnt drop any items.


    The interesting fact was that they gave EP instead of items.

 Chapter 186

    Chapter 186


    You have obtained 1EP.


    You have obtained 1EP.


    I received EP with a certain probability when the enemies died. EP was originally something that could only be obtained by sacrificing items.


    But currency that could be used in the Delta store was dropping instead of aplete item.


    Did Delta have something to do with this ce.


    Haah!


    I split the enemys formation while swinging the Dancing Sword like crazy. Our side that moved as if a single entity and the enemy side that moved haphazardly.


    In a situation where the ability was simr, the thing that decided victory or defeat was formation and strategy.


    Also, my army that moved as one through the Recruitment skill was obtaining victory bypletely shutting out the enemies.


    A battle of 10 to 1.


    It could be said that it was a stunning achievement in a straight forward battle with no advantage in terrain and while being surrounded.


    However.


    It was a problem that the number of enemies was over 10 times that of ours.


    Like how ones clothes get wet due to a drizzle, the formation started breaking down here and there.


    The low numbers was also a problem but the fact that even monsters didnt have infinite stamina was a critical problem.


    The movement of the monsters that were fighting several dozens each started getting visibly slower.


    Kuoo!


    In the end, they couldnt endure and ally monsters started falling here and there.


    The white monsters started crawling in from those gaps.


    Both sides were unyielding warriors that had no fear of death.


    The side getting surrounded, and the side getting swiped away.


    The battle of monsters was much more ghastly and cruel.


    Damn it.


    Also, the side getting pushed back was mine. Of course, it wasnt a loss until now. It might be wise to back out now.


    The amount of reward points I got in that short amount of time was 200,000 points and quite a bit of EP had stacked up as well.


    I was thinking that it was about time to stop when.


    Milworm will evolve due to receiving experience.


    A strange message appeared.


    Mother Million Worm (4) : A worm that travels within the ground. Has the ability of a strong biting attack and spraying poison. Once dead, turns into Baby Worm (1).


    A monster leveled up.


    That in itself wasnt weird. Edward leveled up through his blood sucking ability after all. However, this was a normal monster.


    Something that didnt happen until now had happened.


    While I was faltering messages appeared one after another.


    Silver Wolf will evolve due to receiving experience.


    Cave Wolf will evolve due to receiving experience.


    White Tiger will evolve due to receiving experience.


    They werent simply rising in level, the characteristics they possessed where changing as well.


    The Silver Wolf changed to a Tundra Silver Light Wolf and gained resistance against the cold while the Cave Wolf became a Blind Cave Wolf that had extremely developed hearing that could locate enemies with only sound in exchange for not being able to see.


    There was a newly inserted word in this entire process.


    It was none other than experience.


    I never thought about monsters gaining experience.


    I had thought of them as a type of consumable that would die after being used for a while.


    However, looking at the situation now it seems monsters get a certain amount of experience they kill a monster.


    I inspected the Milworm a bit closer.


    There was a stat added on its profile that wasnt there before.


    Mother Million Worm (4) : 3/100


    Also, once it killed another monster, the number went up from 3 to 4. It seems they receive 1 experience for each monster.


    Its stingy as hell.


    I thought that this is why it was difficult for the monsters to level up.


    I checked the White Tiger that had level up from level 5 to level 6 just in case.


    Giant White Tiger (6) : 2/1,000


    It would level up after killing 1,000.


    Of course, the amount needed to go from level 5 to level 6 would be smaller than this but it should still be over 500.


    There was no way it would have been able to kill over 500 in this battle alone so it had received experience from all the battles until now.


    Also, that stat had only appeared after leveling up for the first time.


    It could be said to be a type of hidden factor.


    The Giant White Tiger started biting the enemies while rampaging more fiercely.


    It had only gone up to level 6 from level 5 but it was flying as if it had been reborn. It was apletely different sight from its previous exhausted look.


    I couldnt know for sure but it seems its used up stamina was restored during its level up.


    Also, I thought that this might be able to lead this battle to victory.


    Kuoo!!


    ck Tiger will evolve due to receiving experience.


    I turned my head to look at the ck Tiger that gotrger.


    The number on its head wasnt 8 but 9.


    Ah. I think it might really be possible to win this?


    The amount of experience needed to go from level 8 to level 9 was 3,000.


    It could be known how hard it hunted to get to that point.


    As the monsters leveled up one after another, the mood changedpletely.


    They had gotten stronger than before and even their stamina got reset so the gap that was increasing slowly closed up and the white monsters that had the upper hand started getting pushed back.


    The enemies that seemed like a white wave had been crippled at this point.


    The remaining enemies seemed to be several thousand so it would have been difficult if they pushed through a single point with all they had but it seemed futile for them to try to destroy the monster army at the moment.


    I also started cutting down the enemies while swinging the Dancing Sword like a madman.


    ***


    The number of monsters that I had in myself in 2 hours numbered almost 1,000.


    It was a bit of a shame that ores or items didnt drop but it was already quite a profit with just the reward points and EP and more than anything, it was encouraging that the monsters were leveling up at high speeds.


    I think it will be difficult to have such a battle again so I had to gain as much as possible out of it.


    I was continuing the battle while erasing the number of white monsters when the enemies suddenly started crying towards the sky at once.


    With the sound that spread like an infection, the enemies started gathering at a certain location.


    The moment I was wondering if they were nning on breaking through a single point, they werent just gathering but startedbining with each other.


    It was like ying together to form a huge mass.


    Wow I get to see such a thing while alive.


    Were you made like that as well?


    Im feeling the need to embed the fact that Im not a monster.


    Edward was a monster from a Red Hole. However, I didnt think that he would be that different from monsters from the Alpha system.


    He himself thought so, which is why he has a face full of anger.


    He was denying it within his mind but his conscious knows that they are simr to himself and since such beings are doing such a strange act theres no way he would feel good.


    A weird cry filled the entire in.


    I thought that it would be dangerous if I just left it like that so I moved the monsters. I had started an attack against the monsters that werebining.


    Haah!


    I threw the Dancing Sword with Aura de to prate dozens of monsters. The ck Tiger rampaged and dismembered the enemies. The Milworm sucked their bodily fluids and created a living mummy.


    However, all these waves of attacks didnt prevent theirbination.


    The ones dying mixed in with theirrades with theirst breaths and the ones already dead got added to thebining mass.


    We, who had been surrounded contraily were the ones surrounding now but it didnt seem to be possible to stop them from bing one.


    What are they trying to do.


    Not sure. I can only think of one thing.


    Edward said so with a serious look.


    I also had the same thought. However, I didnt want to say it.


    The power of the being created bybining a thousand monsters, would the current me be able to face it?


    I determined that further attacks would have no meaning so I made the monsters retreat.


    Its because it would be troubling if it suddenly started attacking.


    Thats why I put as much distance as possible between us and waited in silence.


    What kind of monster will appear.


    Theres no way a monster over level 10 will appear, right.


    However, it would be weird for a mere level 10 monster to appear when so many monsters werebined.


    I was observing the white mass with half excitement and half fear in what would happen when cracks started appearing on the surface of the mass.


    Blue mes burst out from the cracks.


    I could feel unprecedented power from the middle of the mass.


    God damn it!


    I finally realized the identity of that thing and hurriedly unsummoned the monsters.


    The hundreds of monsters that filled the in quickly disappeared and a huge explosion urred from the cracking white mass.


    Edward!


    I know!


    Edward and I hurriedly took out an Escape Scroll.


    The moment I ripped it, a dreadful heat that burned everything brushed past my body.


    I snapped back to conscience at the sound that shook the dungeon. I could still feel the dreadful pain that burned my entire body.


    Checking my skill, the cooltime for Immortality was running. It seems I was a bitte in ripping the Escape Scroll. Edward opened his mouth while raising his body from the floor.


    What was that just now?


    It was probably a type of bomb. A type that gathers the energy the monsters have into a single point and explodes.


    To be honest, I didnt have any certainty until the very end.


    However, the moment cracks appeared I felt that it was dangerous and felt that I might die. It was the right decision in the end.


    If I was even the slightest bitte it would have been impossible to talk while alive like this. Even if I had immortality there was no way an explosion of that scale would calm down so quickly so I might have died the moment I revived.


    The ce we were at currently was the stage we fought the Grabgor.


    The hole on the back wall that was connected to the Alpha system was still there but it was just an empty space. It was impossible to enter the Alpha system through this again.


    Lets go back now.


    It can be said that I fulfilled my role at this point.


    The problem of thepensation should have been solved with this and I can look forward to having a good rtionship with the American government from now on. Of course, theres something to ask before that.

 Chapter 187

    Chapter 187


    Creating a detour connection route by infiltrating the Alpha system was a brilliant idea but the feasibility was low.


    However, Dr. Suresh had achieved that difficult task. It was something that could only be said to be great.


    Mr. Jun! You are a godsend!


    He hugged me with an ted expression.


    I was wondering whether I should push him off by force but decided to leave him alone.


    He was hitting my back while being happy for a while and then opened his mouth with a voice drowned in emotion.


    I was able to achieve the impossible thanks to you.


    Did it go well?


    Perfectly. It is now possible to activate the reward system in the dungeonwork we created. This is all thanks to Mr. Juns active role.


    Then can I ask why we didnt receive proper information?


    Twitch.


    Dr. Sureshs body instantly stiffened. I felt him out without any certainty but it seems it was the bullseye.


    Wh, what are you talking about?


    He was a person that couldnt act. The type that was a researcher to the bone. It was difficult to think that such a person used petty tricks.


    There were many weird aspects. There was the Mantis, and you never mentioned anything about entering inside the Alpha system.


    As I silently confronted Dr. Suresh after saying so, he opened his mouth with a mumble.


    That is.


    I will speak from this point on.


    President Wholshore appeared.


    I tilted my head.


    You should be a busy person but youre still here?


    The schedule of presidents should be organized to the minute. It has been several hours since I entered the dungeon so that means he just sat here for that amount of time.


    There was almost no case of this happening unless it was a national disaster.


    Its a vacation day you see.


    He sat down on a sofa in the reception room.


    As he signaled with his eyes to take a seat, I sat on the opposite side as if it couldnt be helped.


    The words of the president were simple. It wasnt apleted system but because it was an unstable one.


    On top of that, to trick the eyes of the Alpha system they were constantly changing the form of the dungeon randomly so not even they knew that much information.


    The thing we saw was a concrete type building but it was sometimes a cave type and sometimes changing to a wide field type dungeon.


    Shouldnt you have talked about that ahead of time? Is it because I might run away?


    To be exact, its not because you might run away but because you might not cooperate.


    So thats why you shoved me in and then see what happens. And you thought that we wouldnt be able to leave if you closed up the dungeon.


    Edward said.


    I got a moderate understanding of the picture now. To put it simply, sweet talk me into it and then get me in the dungeon.


    Whether I fight the Alpha system or not its attention would turn towards me and the research team would create a detour route in that time.


    In any case, I just had to stall for time so they would have had time while I was doing my utmost to survive.


    If there was a problem, it would be that they didnt have the Escape Scroll.


    I lightly grinded my teeth.


    So theyre backstabbing me when I showed them such goodwill.


    So it means it didnt matter whether I died or not.


    Thats not true. A special task force was waiting to rescue you if it got dangerous. Only, we used such an extreme measure as Mr. Jun was our only hope. I do feel sorry about that.


    As he finished his words, the reception room door opened and Jane Gray entered.


    In other words, they were nning on sending in the team that girl leads.


    In the first ce that would be useless once I entered the Alpha system.


    On top of that, for it to be Jane Gray.


    To be brutally frank, a level 8 hunter would merely be a distraction. I might be able to trust you if it had been level 10 hunters that were on standby.


    Level 10 hunters dont move for these things.


    Not even on the American presidents orders?


    I said so in a sarcastic manner on purpose. Of course thats not different just because one is Korean. Level 10 means those that have reached the pinnacle as a human. Even if it was the president that was the power of the secr world, they wouldnt move.


    They would never move unless they received an appropriate reward.


    However, if they had the money to move me, they would have the money to move them as well.


    He continued his words as if he knew my suspicion.


    This isnt the first time this was attempted.


    In other words.


    Arge number of level 10 hunters were deployed and the majority of them died. I apologize once more for making you do such a dangerous job without a proper exnation. I am nning on giving you a properpensation for that.


    There was a sincerely sorry look on president Wholshores face.


    I almost epted it just like that.


    As expected, it was acting miles away from Dr. Suresh. Certainly, one would only be able to be the president of America by having such skills.


    Its not a problem to gloss over so easily.


    I understand. Its fine to ask as muchpensation as you want to.


    Whatever?


    As long as its within my abilities.


    The American presidents abilities you say.


    I didnt know how much that was but it shouldnt be small.


    I nodded my head for now.


    Well, Ill think about it for now.


    Thank you for understanding. I will mention once more that we have truly prepared all we could against the unforeseen danger. Mr. Jun is an existence needed from Americas perspective after all.


    How infallible.


    I want to have some rest but is there a ce?


    I will take measures so that you are able to return to the safehouse. We will proceed immediately once negotiations for the space expansion areplete.


    I will be waiting.


    Right. Theres also one more proposal.


    President Wholshore opened his mouth as if passing by.


    How about staying in America at this chance? Korea would be a good ce to live as well but we can treat you like a state guest if you stay.


    Im not sure. I will have to think about that a bit more.


    I was wondering why this talk wasnting out.


    I shook my head for now. The proposal itself wasnt bad. It was true that there was no particr need to stay on Koreannd after all.


    However, there were too many people that weighed on my mind.


    Also, as if he had thought to that point, President Wholshore continued his words.


    If you have any rtives or acquaintances, we will provide permanent residency to all of them. We can do it for many people so you do not have to worry about that.


    Makes one waver.


    As expected, the seat of president of America really isnt obtained by ying GoStop.


    ***


    I called An Gyu-bum immediately after returning to the safe house.


    Is the negotiation going well?


    [Its proceeding without problem. There were some differing opinions on future aid but its being finalized.]


    Yeah? How much has it been concluded to?


    [100b for 20 cubits.]


    Raise it to twice that amount for now.


    [What?]


    I could hear An Gyu-bums flustered expression from over the phone.


    It was fun seeing such a figure. I was the only one getting done in you see.


    Didnt you hear me? Raise it to double.


    [Wh, why are you suddenly like that? Negotiations might break off.]


    It doesnt matter. Even if it breaks off it wouldnt be my fault.


    [Did something happen?]


    A matter that you dont need to know about.


    [I dont know what that is but a negotiation isnt something that can be flipped so easily. So calm down for now and lets go with 100b.]


    Double. No negotiation. If they dont ept it say that Im leaving.


    [Damn it You crazy bastard! Do you know how much effort I put in to achieve this!!]


    An Gyu-bum suddenly shouted.


    Oh ho. Look at this.


    Do you want to be fired?


    [Haha. Please pretend you never heard that just now. 200b is fine right? Dear customer?]


    Yeah. Report it until tomorrow and make it as if nothing happened if it doesnt work.


    Beep.


    I ended the call and lied down against the sofa.


    Thinking about the reaction from here and there a smile appeared on my face unconsciously.


    You shouldnt have done it.


    Edward opened his mouth while clicking his tongue.


    I knew that you didnt have a good personality. But I didnt know you were rash to that degree.


    One should pay the appropriate price for tricking someone.


    What are you nning on doing if the negotiation actually breaks down? Even if the president works from behind, its still a civilian contract. Do you think it will actually work?


    I have nothing to lose. That side is the one that loses. That chump change doesnt matter. Its not like I have nothing to earn money with. And you cant be surprised with just this much. I still have more to get.


    What more are you going to do.


    Im not sure. Im thinking for now.


    Isnt money not that important in the first ce? I think there are many enemies you have to face though.


    I just have to think about that then. Besides, its not for certain. Theres no need to trust everything the president said.


    The Alpha system was created in our country. Also, Lee Hui-seung is deeply connected to it.


    These two facts certainly had credibility to it. However, it wasnt like there was definite evidence. If there was evidence President Wholshore would have shown me.


    If he could convince me to stay in America, there would be nothing better after all.


    It might have been something that was said to make me leave Korea after feeling threatened by Lee Hui-seung.


    Cross checking facts is a necessity though.


    The problem is about how I will figure that out in Korea.


    For now, as long as the Alpha system treats me as an enemy, they will try to approach in any method possible. Since they found me within the system they might feel greater threat.


    I have no idea how I ended up at this point.


    I just had to live moderately well but I had seeded too much.


    Delta that was the cause of all this never tried to approach me after the Red Hole incident.


    It did seem like he handed me the Mystic Dungeon in hopes that I would rece the original dungeons with Red Holes but I hadnt even activated that at the moment.


    There were problems here and there but they have been somewhat solved so the problem to face now was the Red Hole.


    Level 8 dungeons were deleted and I could erase level 9 dungeons with the reward points I currently had. That would mean that the dungeons in the entire world would disappear.


    There was already chaos all over the world.


    The rare earth metals that were being supplied had been cut off and the price of industrial products was skyrocketing because of that. Ores were somehow being supplied by the inds such as the Yellow Sea.


    America essing the reward system was probably to recover the falling rare earth metal supply rate.


    However, the number of dungeons in the undergroundboratory was merely in the dozens. It was impossible to rece all the dungeons that disappeared with just that.


    They would somehow work it out as time passes but it would be difficult to handle the social chaos until then.


    I had to open Red Holes no matter how I thought about it.


    The problem is that theyre too dangerous.


    To the people that were familiar with the original dungeons, Red Holes were no different to ant nests. The level of the monsters that appeared were high and there were many of them as well. On top of that, they had toplete a certain quest to clear it and the dungeon boss was far too powerfulpared to the dungeon level.


    If these matters that require attention arent familiarized, it cant be helped that arge scale death parade will ur.


    I have heard that the number of people that died in one day when I opened it numbered 3 digits in our country alone. If that was increased to the entire world it might reach several tens of thousands. In just a single day too.

 Chapter 188

    Chapter 188


    <em>J: Chapter 1 of 10. As for the reason why there are only 10, I will exin on thest chapter I will post today along with some bad news.</em>


    The problem of the Red Hole was something to take care of after returning to Korea. Before that, it was important as to how I would spread this information.


    I did think about how it would be if I were to reveal myself and say that I could create dungeons.


    It would get incredibly annoying.


    Edward agreed with me.


    Not only the Korean government, but governments from all over the world would be bloodshot to possess me. It would be fine if they were amicable but there were plenty of people that would do whatever they can for profit.


    People around me, especially my family or teammates mighte across problems so it was better to prevent it ahead of time.


    In the end, that meant that I had to hide the fact that it was me.


    Still, I was able to think of two methods after pondering for an entire day.


    The first was to open a very small number of dungeons.


    Dungeons were precious resources so the ones appointed to them first would be the major raid teams of each country.


    Those people had know hows build up over time. There would be few casualties as long as they dont let their guard down.


    Like that, I would slowly raise the number of dungeons and the method of clearing dungeons would spread, causing the number of casualties to drop.


    The second was to just release information on the inte.


    It wasnt like hunters that werent rash didnt exist but the majority of hunters considered information gathering important. Even by just releasing the information I had on Red Holes, the damaged could be lessened quite a bit.


    Of course, there would still be stupid people that just charge in to the dungeon regardless.


    The former was stable although it took some time while thetter could clear the dungeon quickly but with many casualties.


    Which do you think is better?


    Im not sure. If it was me, I would choose thetter but from a humans perspective it would be the former. Humans put more meaning into death than we do after all.


    Youre saying some useful things unexpectedly.


    Edwards opinion was right.


    The problem of rare earth metal distribution was a problem as well but it wasnt something to do while taking the danger that follows into ount.


    For now, since ores are being supplied from new inds like the Yellow Sea and New ska, it should be possible to minimize the confusion by slowly opening up Red Holes.


    Ring ring-


    The phone rang. It was Han Joon-suk.


    Is there a problem?


    [I have something to report.]


    To report? You did so not too long ago though.


    Han Joon-suk, who was currently in charge of Team Deltas management, was sending an email every time they had an achievement at a dungeon after organizing it into a document.


    That was a few days ago and there was no particr reason for a new report.


    [Did you see the news by any chance?]


    No. I was a bit busy.


    [China just announced ownership over the Yellow Sea. It seems theyre nning on provoking for real now.]


    So it turns out like this in the end.


    I did think it was going to happen at some point.


    From Chinas perspective, they couldnt be satisfied with half of the ores and items produced from the Yellow Sea after all.


    At first they had tried to use the Chungho Group to cause confusion but they had been quiet after failing because of me.


    However, it was confirmed that they could mass produce Baek Gyeong so it wasnt difficult to predict that they would move using brute force.


    But it was still far too fast.


    I thought that they would wait at least a few months.


    How exactly are things proceeding?


    [China has announced ownership rights over the Yellow Sea. Their logic is that the entire Yellow Sea is theirnd since its connected to their country.]


    But the Yellow Sea is connected to our country too.


    The Yellow Sea was connected on the TaeAn Penins. In other words, Chinas announcement didnt make any sense.


    [Theres something else. Not too long ago, do you remember how they dered the Yellow Sea itself as their ind sea?]


    Ah ah. That has continuously been a problem.


    The conflict between China and Korea on the Yellow Sea had been continuing for quite a while now.


    Especially after North Korea went over to China after the monster wave incident 50 years that movement proceeded faster.


    At the time, the Korean government couldnt function properly due to the monsters so they were trying to get over it nicely instead of getting a headache over it.


    So they sent time while pretending not to know about it.


    Did they tackle that as well?


    [Yes. Their logic is that the entire Yellow Sea is theirs because we had given up possession over it back then.]


    They should know well that it doesnt make sense.


    [That kind of thing probably doesnt matter. Its probably a means to stack pretext after all. Either way, the Chinese government has dered that they would take over by force if the Koreans dont leave the Yellow Sea until the end of next month.]


    The Korean government was snorting saying that the provocation was nonsense.


    Even if a war urred, it would only be and battle. Its because both sides had nuclear weapons. In the end, hunters would be deployed and it wouldnt be much different from what happened until now.


    Currently, the majority thought that our country and China had simr war potential. And that was also only because of the difference in numbers, our country was overwhelmingly in the lead in terms of quality.


    The reason the Korean government was showing such an aloof attitude was because of this as well.


    On the other hand, I thought that this was the best chance to see the connect between the Korean government and the Alpha system.


    China had 1000 Baek Gyeongs.


    It was impossible to block this using normal methods. I had confirmed their power personally after all. No matter how many hunters there are if they start shooting Hadron Canons as a group even level 10 hunters wouldnt be able to endure and turn into particles.


    So it shouldnt be possible to block them using normal methods. If that was the case, then there was no choice but for Lee Hui-seung to take action. If he really had a connection to the Alpha system then a special event might ur there.


    For example, monstersnding on the entire Yellow Sea.


    However, I had another method of resolving it.


    I will see how it progresses for now. Please be careful of hunting at the Yellow Sea in that time.


    [I understand. But around when are you nning on returning?]


    I will go as soon as Im done with my business here so Im thinking that it will take another month. I will try to go as soon as possible. Ah right, I will send you the contract by email so please hunt at dungeons at this ce for now.


    [Dungeons you say?]


    Yes. It is at North Korea but the problem of ownership has been taken care of so there shouldnt be any problems.


    [Are you nning on opening Red Holes?]


    Yes. I cant let them start a war after all.


    I ended the call with that.


    For now, there was need to actively take part in the trouble with China.


    The main reason China was coveting the Yellow Sea was because of theck of dungeons so if that were to be solved there was no need for them to fight like that.


    I opened the Mystic Dungeon through the manual.


    The world map appeared before my eyes. Dungeon points were blinking all over the map.


    I opened dungeons with appropriate proportions for each country. Our country had 10, China had 100, and so on. Also, I opened all the dungeons that were within my possession in North Korea. Team Delta will be hunting with that ce as the base for a while.


    In the end, the negotiations went as I wanted. Thanks to President Wholshores active mediation 20 cubits were passed at a nonsensical value of 200b and I received a profit of over 20t over a month by installing them on dozens of nes.


    I wonder what I could do with 20t.


    One would be able to buy a small kingdom and live in thep of luxury. Or they could multiply it by investing. It was also possible to do business or donate it.


    There might be some that would invest it into the future of mankind.


    There would be nothing one couldnt do with that amount of money after all.


    Also, I put all that money into the Hunter Market.


    Even thinking about it simple, it was 200 level 10 items.


    As to where I used it all.


    I bought items and created monsters.


    I looked at the level 10 monsters lining up in front of me with a pleased expression.


    ck Tiger, Grabgor, also Arctic Bear etc. They were all monsters I had met at least once. Even with their presence alone the surroundings fluctuated. With this kind of power, I dont think I would lose against the typicalrge scale raid team.


    Youre crazy.


    Edward had said to me.


    I think so too.


    And that was my reply.


    Nobody would have thought that 20t would be spent all at once like this.


    However, this was the conclusion I came to after going through many battles.


    A level 10 monster had the efficiency of a single level 10 hunter.


    However, thinking about the equipment a single hunter needed, this method was much cheaper.


    In other words, it was possible to see several times the profit by creating a monster.


    Im thinking that I might even be able to be on par with Lee Hui-seung.


    Even if one decorated themselves with level 10 equipment the main was a weapon and armor. Others besides those were merely support roles.


    Even if one had dozens of skills, skills that are used often would only be narrowed down to one or two.


    Having 10 level 10 skills didnt mean that the persons power increased 10 times.


    Even if there were dozens of passive skills they dont ovep after all.


    I have concluded that it would be difficult to find a person stronger than me as a single entity.


    I gained the Immortality skill by adding a skill slot with the remaining money and appointed Baek Gyeong as a subordinate.


    I bought a level 10 armor.


    Also, China released Baek Gyeong on the Yellow Sea.


    I hurriedly rode a ne and returned to Korea. America seemed to want me to stay longer but this side was more urgent.


    Aftering back to my house after such a long time, I could see Soo-ah who was training while drowned in sweat.


    It felt like it had only been yesterday since we met when it had already been several months.


    Youre working hard.


    Huh?


    Soo-ahs pupils that found me started trembling.


    To be honest, I was quite happy to see her as well so I was wondering whether I should run up and hug her or something when.


    Ahhh!


    Soo-ah covered her face and started dashing towards the house.


    What is she doing?


    You dont understand a womans heart.


    Edward said.


    His words were too harsh for a virgin.


    Youre noisy. What do you know?


    She probably didnt want her figure without makeup and drenched in sweat to be seen.


    That guy usually doesnt use make up.


    At least I never saw her wear make up.


    I do think there was one time when she did but I cant remember that well since it was such a long time ago.

 Chapter 189

    Chapter 189


    <em>J: Chapter 2 of 10.</em>


    Edward looked at me with an astounded expression.


    Why are you looking at me like that?


    Did you really think she doesnt wear makeup?


    Are you telling me she had makeup on?


    Tut. Men.


    Youre a guy too. You bastard.


    Urg. Why did you hit the back of my head?


    You have to get hit if you say things like that.


    Kuek. If I be independent.


    Check your bank ount. Money should have been transferred.


    Hm?


    He hurriedly took out his phone and checked his ount and closed his mouth.


    I could see the tip of Edwards mouth rise. It was a figure that barely held backughing. I had transferred quite a bit since he worked hard for quite a few months.


    At the very least, I put in more than the yearly sry of a normal businessman.


    There was the suffering he went through during a few months and since he did his job as a scout it was a reward for that.


    Of course, its nothingpared to the money I earned this time around. I did want to give more if I could. However, if I gave too much from the beginning it was obvious that he would be arrogant so should I say that I controlled it a bit.


    Since I had to mix the whip and carrot appropriately if I wanted to control him properly it was better to leave some margin for his sry.


    With the thought that he would be shocked if he heard that, I slowly entered the house.


    Once I entered, Soo-ah who had been sitting on the living room table in an awkward position shot up to her feet.


    Seonbae oppa!


    She ran with enough force to destroy the table.


    I lightly dodged her and opened my mouth.


    You just saw me so what are you doing?


    I was a mess because of all the sweat.


    Now that I look, it seems she hurriedly changed her clothes. Theres moisture in her hair too.


    Did you wash in that time?


    Yep. Im fast right?


    Thats amazing. But, wheres Yeon-gyeong?


    Ah. She went home for a bit.


    Her home?


    Yeah. Her brother caused a bit of a problem.


    Yeon-gyeongs family was what you would call a wounded hunter. They were people that did minor work due to a disease or injury they received while working as a hunter but there are many cases where they cant endure staying at home when they used to work and cause a problem.


    Yeon-gyeong didnt say so but it seemed like she was concerned about her family and it seems one of them caused a problem.


    Is it something we should help with?


    If it was like that wouldnt she have said so first?


    Soo-ah said.


    Since she was close to Yeon-gyeong it might be true but thinking about her personality she might be agonizing over it on her own.


    But since there werent many problems that couldnt be solved with money I wasnt particrly worried.


    Yeon-gyeong was a high earner who earned billions on her own after all.


    Even in terms of brute strength, there was no one that could look down on her. There wouldnt be anybody that would want to mess with someone that has a level 10 item after all.


    Squish.


    After feeling something, I turned my head to the side to see Soo-ah holding my arm and looking up at me as if expecting something.


    Hehe.


    What is it.


    As I tried to take out my arm she stuck to me even more.


    It was a tant n to not let go.


    What is it.


    Its because its nice to see you after such a long time.


    She sent a straight ball.


    I couldnt get used to it because it had been such a long time.


    I used psychokinesis to ce a ck box that was in the bag on her head.


    Tap.


    Ahh? What is this? Why is it flying on its own?


    Its psychokinesis. Also, I picked this up on the way.


    I could see Soo-ahs pupils expanding.


    Pupils were an involuntary muscle so the size couldnt be changed by ones will. In other words, this girl was seriously surprised.


    Why did I know this kind of thing in the first ce.


    She pulled my wrist.


    Seonbae oppa. Go to the hospital with me first.


    What are you talking about?


    You have me a present so theres no doubt that theres something wrong with your head.


    Dont use the opportunity to use informal speech. Also, I did give you something before you know.


    I had definitely spent a lot of money to buy her an earring before. I did give it to her for a reason though.


    You gave that to me because I snored.


    You knew?


    Later.


    Soo-ah said so and held the ck box.


    It wasnt anything much but just sports shoes. Things like nes or earrings seemed too meaningful and it didnt seem right for me who didnt have fashion sense to buy clothes so I ended up buying amon white sports shoes.


    Soo-ah opened her mouth in surprise.


    My size.


    I asked Yeon-gyeong.


    You could have just asked me.


    Whatever. Theres some for the others as well. Its not just for you so dont be so happy What are you doing?


    She was carefully putting them back into the box.


    Im nning on safekeeping them.


    I gave it to you to use.


    Itll wear down.


    You can just buy another one.


    I will safekeep this and buy the same one and wear that instead so no worries.


    I think youre not right in your mind to safekeep something to wear though.


    After the short reunion ended, Han Joon-suk visitedter.


    The situation is proceeding interestingly.


    I opened my mouth first.


    During the time I was hurrying, China had already begun to take over part of the Yellow Sea. The news was condemning Chinas use of force.


    It wasnt on the broadcast but news on the white haired Baek Gyeong was alreadypletely spread on the inte. Although not clear, theres also a video of it using Hadron Cannon. The problem was the number of Baek Gyeongs.


    Im wondering if its because they havent all been released yet but ording to rumors going around theres only about 10 of them active.


    It was uncertain as to whether they made all 1,000 already but it can be predicted that theyre already in the final stages already.


    There was no way the Chinese government woulde out this strongly without that kind of conviction.


    The problem is that the countrys border is copsing here and there even though only 1/100 were released.


    It was said that Korean hunters were powerful but was that a lie?


    Han Joon-suk opened his mouth as if knowing what I was thinking.


    High level yers havent taken action yet. The government would have to promise them an astronomical amount to be able to move their heavy butts after all.


    So that would mean the ones currently at the border are second grade.


    That is so. Its just that theres not much information about level 10 hunters so its uncertain how much ability they actually have.


    The main point would be whether they can fight Baek Gyeong or not.


    Baek Gyeong?


    Han Joon-suk tilted his head.


    The unknown hunter, its the name the white hair that fires an energy cannon.


    So you call that Baek Gyeong?


    It seems the detailed information hasnt been spread yet.


    Certainly, there wasnt any information on Baek Gyeong on the news or on the inte. Looking at how An Gyu-bum knows, the majority of the higher ups should know so I predict that it should be leaked to the general public soon.


    I told all the information I knew to Han Joon-suk.


    He listened with a serious expression and slowly opened his mouth.


    It seems like it would be better toy low for a while. Since they arent people that we, excluding team leader, can handle after all.


    I think it would be possible to fight one if team 1 moves together.


    Even if we do win, if someone were to get hurt, it would be a loss.


    I nodded at Han Joon-suks words.


    There was no need for us to be obsessed with the Yellow Sea. We had the Red Hole so there was no problem with item supply you see.


    Also, level 9 dungeons were still alive. They would disappear since my proficiency surpassed 80 but I just had to create more Red Holes.


    Either way, team Delta could take a step back from all the series of events currently urring.


    I opened my mouth just in case.


    Theres no damage on our side yet right?


    Yes. Were currently using the dungeons in North Korea after all. Its just that, I dont know how long that can continue.


    His exnation was like this.


    Our country and China was currently confronting each other. It couldnt be called a full scale war but enough to be a limited warfare. North Korea had autonomous rights so their borders werent restricted.


    However, if the Chinese government put pressure on them, they would have no choice but to block the roads.


    Also, its said that dungeon management had visited the dungeon surroundings of the dungeons team Delta was using.


    It was a situation where they would block the roads and take the Red Holes at any time.


    Lets worry about that when the timees for now. Theres a person I know after all.


    In the end, it was up to how Kim Sung-hyun woulde out. We had a good rtionship due to saving him at the time but theres a possibility that he is blinded by greed and blocks the border.


    It was a scenario that could be thought of since the dungeons would return to his possession if I am unable to dere rights over them.


    Thankfully, he didnt show such movements yet.


    Han Joon-suk asked.


    What are you nning on doing from now on?


    I am nning on opening the rest of the Red Holes.


    There might be universal chaos then. The hunters that had been starved for dungeons would try to enter indiscriminately and each countrys government would freeze just trying to manage that.


    Thats exactly why.


    Yes?


    I will open all the dungeons. But just in China. Everywhere else will proceed slowly as nned.


    That is.


    I could hear the sound of blood draining from Han Joon-suks face.


    The reason he made such an expression was simple. The number of hunters China had publicly was 3.5m. However, theres word going around that theres double that number since they would be regted by the government once they issue a license.


    If they suddenly went to the Red Holes, China would undoubtedly fall into chaos.


    Whether they liked it or not, the attention of the hunters that got forced into the Yellow Sea would turn to the Red Holes and the Chinese government would have to bring back the Baek Gyeongs to their country to control them.


    In that situation, they would have no choice but to pull out of the Yellow Sea.


    It is true that the items or ores that pour out of the Red Holes would help them in the beginning, but it honestly couldntpare to the strength of 1,000 Baek Gyeongs.


    What was important right now was to stall for time. Thats because Baek Gyeong naturally breaks down as time passes.


    Han Joon-suk opened his mouth with a serious face.


    There will be arge amount of casualties.


    I know.


    Even if its an enemy country theres no need to go so far.


    Its not entirely because its an enemy country.


    Its because of Baek Gyeong I see.


    I nodded my head.


    China created Baek Gyeong. In the first ce, I thought there was that much of a reason as to why they created arge number of them in secret. I opened the Red Holes in hope that they would use their strength there.


    Of course, it was a small number of 100.


    However, it can be suspected that more would open with that as a start.


    If the Chinese government were to throw away their greed for the Yellow Sea and concentrate on Red Holes, I would have chosen to slowly increase the number of Red Holes.


    There was no need to fight among humans when there was amon enemy called monsters after all.


    If they had done so, there would have been no need for me to use such a dangerous method.


    However, they didnt hesitate to use force on another country.


    They had actively started taking over the Yellow Sea.


    Also, if they were to seed, they would greed for more with that power and confidence as the base.


    It was the Yellow Sea for now, but it could lead to the invasion of the Korean penins itself.


    Its too exaggerated of a prediction?


    Even just looking at how they deployed Baek Gyeongs to New ska to block Americas trade routes, it could be known that they had the ambition of bing a super power.


    After shutting out America after that.


    There was a high chance it would be our country that was monopolizing the item market.


    I might have made a mistake. However, we have already experienced their power in the forest region. If we dont cut them down once, theres no telling how far they will go.


    I will respect team leaders decision. I also support it your thoughts after all.


    Thank you for understanding.


    Han Joon-suk was rtively moderate personpared to me.


    That kind of guy supported my decision. It meant that Chinas activity was that dangerous.

 Chapter 190

    Chapter 190


    <em>J: Chapter 3 of 10.</em>


    However, there was something that had to be done before opening all the Red Holes.


    Thinking about the disaster that would ur at the sudden mass opening, I thought that it was right to give them a chance to leave themselves.


    Also, the inte was useful at times like this.


    Whether they trust this or not was up to the Chinese government. Also, the ones that pay for not trusting me isnt me but them.


    I went to a nearby PC cafe to avoid getting traced.


    Technicians were able to quickly find out where thement was written by tracing the IP address so it was better to avoid getting my profile exposed.


    The PC cafe had a problem of the CCTV but that was also solved easily.


    There was an item that could be used to cover the face in the utility section of the Delta Store.


    Surprise Party Mask (1) : Makes the users face look old.


    As a 10 EP each mask, it could change a persons face to look like a 70 year old.


    Wee.


    Seat for one please.


    I chose a PC cafe far from my house on purpose.


    Also, I essed a Chinese site. China also had a site that hunters regrly used like the Hunter Market of Korea. A famous trading site called Baibao had a bulletin board rted to items for hunters.


    I had Chinese trantion function as a passive so there were no problems in using it.


    And so, I posted a simplement on the bulletin board.


    30 minutes from now, a Red Hole will open on the east wall of Xian Castle Wall.


    Of course, there was no response.


    There were already about 100 Red Holes open so it was bustling with stories about them but there was no one that would show interest in a nonsensical topic like this.


    The onlyment that was posted was 123 that didnt have any meaning.


    I waited for 30 minutes to pass and opened the dungeon.


    At that, the site became noisy at the newly opened Red Hole.


    There was no one showing a response to the post I made.


    However, after doing so a few times, people showed increasing interest in my posts.


    What is this person?


    Must be a seer.


    123


    Didnt he just get lucky?


    An extremely lucky person.


    The nuance couldnt be passed on due to it being a trantion but it was still response that showed surprise.


    Either way, what was 123.


    I foretold the location of a few more Red Holes. My post soon rose to the sites main.


    My posts started appearing on Baibaos main page.


    I decided that it was about time and wrote a long post.


    24 hourster, all Red Holes in China will open. The total number will reach 20,000. The difficulty of clearing it will be as hard as much of a reward it gives.


    I did write it impromptu but the main point was thest two sentences.


    At that, Baibao site started exploding.


    ***


    Oh. You came?


    Soo-ah, who had been watching TV while lying down on the sofa, waved at me.


    What are you doing?


    China is a mess right now you know? Seonbae oppa did this right?


    The TV was showing the story that started in Chinas Baibao site. A prophecy that all Red Holes would open tomorrow had been made.


    The Chinese government didnt make anyment about it but seeing how the public security police had started to move, it seems theyre preparing just in case.


    Hm. Would it be fine with just that?


    China had over 20,000 dungeons.


    For those that had been sucking on their thumb for the past few months, the Red Holes that suddenly appeared was a sweet rain after a drought.


    If they were to storm to the dungeons, the public safety police wont be able to stop them on their own. It was the same for the hunters hired by the government. In fact, they will probably try to enter first.


    However, even in that situation, the Chinese government kept their silence and continued their attack on the Yellow Sea.


    By the way. Is that okay?


    What is.


    Red Holes. New items drop from there. I think it would be a loss if level 0 items or skills drop.


    That should be fine.


    Well, it should be fine if seonbae oppa says its fine but.


    Soo-ah nodded. The good thing about this girl was that she didnt dig further to my answers.


    Even though she should be curious.


    I didnt feel the need to hide it from her.


    She had a pretty tight lip you see.


    To put it simply, its like this.


    I slowly started exining.


    The Effort skill or quite a few of the items I had were things that rapidly raised ones abilities.


    Also, most of them were things that the Delta system created. The thing I was most concerned about when opening Red Holes was about this as well.


    If level 0 items and skills poured out of the Red Holes then I would no longer be a special existence after all. But to say the conclusion, I didnt have to worry about that.


    In the first ce, level 0s didnt drop.


    Like the level 0 Recruitment skill the Chungho Group leader had, it did drop with an exceedingly low drop rate though. However, it was only that one time. There might be a few more but that was it. Level 0s didnt drop from Red Holes.


    The Mystic Dungeon is not only able to control the level of each dungeon, but can also check the type of items that drop from it. Also, there isnt a single one that drops level 0s.


    The conclusion I made is that level 0 items themselves are special items that Delta itself made.


    In other words, theres no other way to obtain it except by chance at a very low probability. Also, that probability wasnt that different from before Red Holes to after them. I had pretty much gotten my Effort skill from the irregr that jumped out of an original dungeon after all.


    I dont know what it is, but it seems like itll be okay.


    Well I suppose.


    But why did you exin with so much effort? I wasnt really curious. Did you want to talk to me?


    Soo-ah pushed her face in while blinking her eyes.


    I let out a sigh and got up from my seat. It seems this girl only had useless thoughts in her head even in this situation.


    I called An Gyu-bum to get some detailed information.


    [What is it?]


    Whats with the attitude to a customer that allowed you to earn it big?


    [What are you talking about with our rtionship.]


    What is our rtionship.


    [Friends of course.]


    Friend my ass. Leaving that aside, I have something to ask you.


    [Do I have to listen if you ask?]


    How much did I allow you to earn again?


    [ Please ask whatever. Dear customer.]


    I didnt know exactly, but the amount of money this guy earned was in the trillions.


    It was a massive amount considering it was only after a few negotiations. Since he got a lot more than the amount I ripped off of him he had gotten his investments worth.


    I received that much as well so I didnt have anyints but I was nning on sucking him dry as long as I was the greatest customer.


    How is Chinas attack going? And Baek Gyeongs situation?


    [It seems the number of Baek Gyeong is still in the dozens. However, the Chinese hunters that were participating are stirring. Probably of the rumor from Baibao But why are you asking all of a sudden?]


    I just wanted to know how the situation is going.


    This guy had quick wits after all. I didnt think it was a good idea to take out the story about Red Holes.


    [Well. They are continuing to push. It should get settled once master Lee Hui-seunges out.]


    Even if there are Baek Gyeong?


    [Something like Baek Gyeong is nothing to that man.]


    If all 1,000 of them appear at the same time?


    That Im not too sure about. Im not unable to trust you but I dont think 1,000 of them have already beenpleted. Even if there were more, wouldnt there only be 10 or so?]


    That would be nice but well.


    [Either way, it sure is unusual. I didnt think you would show interest in something like this. Werent you indifferent to other peoples business?]


    He let out a bait. He was probably trying to feel the waters if I were to bite. However, I wasnt that easy either. My inner feelings showed on my face but it was easy to mask my voice after all.


    I have a team as well after all. If they arent able to hunt in the Yellow Sea, it would be a massive loss.


    [Then how about you participate in the battle? I think your level of power should help quite a bit.]


    I was nning on doing so. Do you know when Lee Hui-seung is participating?


    [I wouldnt know. That man is elusive after all.]


    Hm. Youre of no use I see.


    I asked a few more questions and ended the call. It was just things about the Space Expansion Marble and the American situation.


    America wanted to continuously increase the business. The first contract was over 20t and the second and third were already nned.


    They wanted it to be done in America but it was concluded that it would be done in Korea.


    The only person that could do it was me after all.


    The next day.


    I drove the car to the Yellow Sea.


    Edward was the one driving and I was in the back seat being Soo-ahs conversation partner.


    I thought you would leave me behind this time as well.


    No. I felt thisst time but I thought that it would be better to have you by my side.


    This was the truth.


    My ability rose tremendously. If Soo-ahs buff ability was added on top of that, even I was interested at how far that ability could go.


    I couldnt take her since New ska was a long term expedition but the work this time around would finish in a few days so there was no particr reason to leave her behind.


    But was this something you could get more of?


    Soo-ah said so while fiddling with the Confinement Ne on her neck.


    It wasnt something taken from Edward but a newly purchased item.


    Its something sold in the Delta Store for 50EP.


    It was a level 3 new item so it wasnt that expensive in the first ce.


    Then wouldnt it be better for the others to have it as well?


    Its a useless item if Im not there. I was nning on distributing it when theres a chance to go hunting together.


    Figures.


    The van arrived at ManLiPo.


    The ce that used to be a beach resort was filled with buildings. Also, there were thousands of hunters and soldiers ced to regte them.


    It seems like it will be difficult to enter though.


    Edward said.


    Because the entire Yellow Sea was in battle between Chinese and Korean hunters, they couldnt let just anybody go in. However, I had already taken care of that problem.


    I had an omnipotent kit for problems like this called An Gyu-bum after all.


    A soldier approached and tapped the driver seat window.


    Once Edward opened the window, a person that seemed to be a young officer opened his mouth.


    I have heard ahead of time. Identification please.


    I took out my identification handed it to him.


    An Gyu-bum this guy, he does his work properly.


    The soldier repeatedly confirmed the identification and my face and raised the barrier after saluting.

 Chapter 191

    Chapter 191


    <em>J: Chapter 4 of 10.</em>


    I passed the checkpoint and entered the Yellow Sea district. It was a bustling ce before as well but there were even more people moving about.


    Most of them were people trying to pack up and leave but there were quite a few hunters equipped and waiting with a grim expression.


    There were vehicles going in and out of the hospital constantly. Even now, there was a fierce battle happening here.


    I had gotten an introduction to a guide thanks to An Gyu-bums mediating.


    Waiting at the appointed location, I was able to see a familiar person came up to me.


    Lieutenant Son Aram?


    Its been a while. Also, Im not a lieutenant anymore.


    She who had cut her long hair short had a thin face as if having gone through much hardship.


    I looked at the two flowers on her shoulders and nodded.


    You have been promoted.


    Thanks to you.


    Superintendent at 28 was pretty fast.


    She might even be the fastest among her coworkers.


    But what are you here for.


    I was appointed to Mr. Sang-min.


    Lieutenant Son No, superintendent was?


    Once someone became a superintendent, they didnt show up on the front lines. Of course, she was a Police University graduate so it was different from a person that was promoted from a constable but it was still not a position that would be a personal guide.


    I volunteered.


    No, leaving aside volunteering. Does a police do such work?


    You have quite some connections you know? To be the GE Group. When did you get so close to that person?


    Since she knew An Gyu-bum from the forest region battle, she was probably convinced that An Gyu-bum had a hand in this once the GE Group story came out.


    But for them to be able to put an executive of the police organization on my side. It seems the government was desperate. They were in a situation where they needed the cooperation of a high rank raid team so it seems they couldnt refuse the request of the GE Group who had team Gxy.


    Either way, itsfortable for me since its someone I know but Shouldnt there be things you have to do here? It looks busy at a nce.


    It looks like that doesnt it? But its actually quitex.


    What does that mean?


    Everybody avoids me. Theres no duty assigned to me either. I was just staying at this ce for a while.


    Is it a way of keeping you in check?


    It cant be helped that the surroundings would be wary of someone that got promoted quickly at a young age.


    I think its just being more ufortable. Theres no problem in particr so please dont worry. I suppose I will just receive another special promotion by following around Mr. Sang-min.


    There wont be such a thing this time. I am just nning on seeing the situation after all.


    If I am able to meet Lee Hui-seung as a bonus, that would be even better.


    Hes a person that could be a potential enemy so I couldnt miss the chance to see his abilities personally.


    After boarding the van, she soon got along with Soo-ah and chattered away together.


    Soo-ah was good at creating rtionships whether it was guys or girls. Its probably because of her purely active personality as well but she also had the ability to leave out topics the other side wanted to avoid.


    Thinking about it, she was good at matching Song Han-sols standards.


    It meant that she wasnt a simple idiot. She has pretty fast wits and did the work she had to do well.


    She was the best as arade and wasnt bad as a friend either. She wasnt a great beauty but she became a lot prettier than when I first saw her. It was to the point that quite a few people would stare when walking on the road.


    Where will we be going?


    I was having such thoughts when Soo-ah suddenly asked.


    I hid my agitation and turned my head towards superintendent Son.


    A ce where Baek Gyeong is as much as possible.


    Baek Gyeong?


    Son Aram said.


    Ah. That white haired weird hunter.


    Ah. You mean the White Knight.


    Does the police call it the White Knight?


    He has white hair as is incredibly powerful after all. Its a bit simple but its easier to call it like that after all.


    Soo-ah continued with a lightugh.


    However, it wont be easy to meet it properly.


    Why is that?


    The White Knight only appears momentarily and disappears soon after pouring out attacks.


    I did think that it would do so though.


    Her eyes sparkled at my words.


    Is there something you know by any chance?


    I was wondering whether I should tell or not and decided to tell her. It should spread soon after all. There was nothing bad if she could profit from this information after all.


    Firstly, Baek Gyeong isnt human.


    Its not human. Then what in the world is it?


    You can think of it as a type of monster. Its a mass produced entity of China.


    The police has been making simr predictions. There cant be 10 people that look identical after all.


    Also, it is impossible for them to be active for extended periods of time. Theyre not yet aplete existence you see. They probably have to rest for a while after pouring out attacks due to the risk of breaking down.


    Hm. There is certainly some credibility to it. It fits with the White Knights activity pattern as well.


    What would I get from lying?


    But how in the world do you know such things?


    Son Aram suddenly asked a sharp question.


    I answered while shrugging my shoulders.


    That. Is because an aquaintance has quite some power.


    Are you talking about An Gyu-bum? Urg. I cant even begin to grasp how someone could be friends with such a person. He was really unlikeable.


    I dont like him either. It somehow became like that while associating with him. Either way, let us go to the ce they most recently appeared. You know the location right?


    Yes. You just have to travel around 100km in the northwestern direction. You just have to follow the road so it shouldnt be difficult.


    We moved ording to her words first.


    After traveling for about 20km upon leaving the Yellow Sea district, the paved road ended.


    It was unpaved but it was ttened quite well so it was possible to travel at over 50km/h.


    At this rate, it seemed like it would be possible to arrive in a few hours so I checked the situation in real time through the market bulletin board and the news.


    There were some threads that posted the situation in real time and there were even some guys that broadcasted live.


    Soo-ah opened her mouth.


    Look at what that person is doing. Itsing out right now.


    That person?


    You know, the famous streamer. Called Pacheongeom.


    Ah. The guy that broadcasted at the forest region? That guy came all the way here?


    Because it earns money. Theres 1,000 Moon Balloons bursting in real time. Oh my god.


    Did you send some as well?


    A, about 1?


    Youre staring at that the entire day. You only sent that much?


    I sent 100. You need to send that much to enter the fanclub.


    Soo-ah replied with her head hanging low.


    No. Its not like theres anything wrong with it. Theres no need to be so sorry.


    Its work done with his life on the line so sending that much is whatever.


    I said so and turned on Pacheongeoms broadcast.


    Tremendous explosions could be heard from the phone. Wow. This was insane.


    Is it broadcasting in the middle of a battle?


    I was pretty surprised. I thought that he would broadcast from an appropriate distance from the battle but this Pacheongeom guy was holding a camera in the middle of a battlefield.


    Looking at the angle, it seemed to be a type of GoPro that filmed while attached to the head.


    [Brothers! Hah hah! Can you see this? Those crazy bastards are the White Knights!]


    Also, Baek Gyeong showed up on the screen he turned to.


    I opened my mouth in surprise.


    Where is this?


    Its called the 2nd Canyon Region! Its 30 minutes from here!


    Son Arams who had been calling somewhere replied desperately.


    Edward! Step on it!


    More than this?


    The speed was already surpassing 70.


    The van was mercilessly shaking and my innards were already turning inside out.


    Just step on it all the way! The van wont break anyway!


    The person is the problem.


    Edward said so and stepped on the axel.


    The sound of the engine roared as the van shot forward.


    The instantaneous eleration at least was on the level of a sports car.


    ***


    sh!


    Strong light burst out from the other side of the hill far away.


    It seems like its over there?


    Soo-ah said so while pointing at the window.


    It was a distance that could be seen with the naked eyes but it seemed like it would take at least 10 minutes to arrive. In that time, it was a situation where it would be a miracle if they werent annihted by Baek Gyeong.


    I did think it might be possible for them to endure somehow but it was difficult to expect much after what happened at New ska.


    There were only hunters at least at level 6 and it didnt take more than 10 minute after all.


    I will go ahead first.


    What are you going to do?


    Run.


    Eh Seonbae oppa. Oh my god.


    What are you so surprised about. Youre going as well.


    Kyak. Then are you carrying me there?


    No.


    I held Soo-ah up using psychokinesis. If this girl was around, all my abilities increased by 20 percent.


    On top of that, I was nning on raising Concentration using Reward Points.


    Edward! Open the back door!


    Thats passive.


    Hah!


    I left the back door wide open and left the van.


    I lightly saluted superintendent Son Aram who had frozen up with wide eyes and immediately started running.


    The van brushed by. I was faster than the van even in this state but.


    I poured in the Reward Points into my stats.


    Once I invested 25,500, Concentration that had been 700 rose to 1,000.


    There was a lot of reward points remaining. But there was a simple reason I invested it here.


    Concentration rose to 1,000. A new ability unlocks.


    Passive skill Direction Change will be activated.


    It was to confirm the newly added technique.


    Direction Change : Able to change direction while ignoring momentum. Speed is maintained during Direction Change.


    To put it simply, it made it possible to change direction while running.


    It was simr to how I usually used the Dancing Sword to change my direction but it was possible to change my direction any time I wanted while maintaining my speed so it was safe to say that there was no one that could catch me in closebat once I gain speed.


    Hieek! Why did we suddenly get faster.


    Soo-ah got surprised as she held her hair that was getting ruined.


    It will get faster.


    I checked the skill for now and continued pouring Reward Points into Concentration.


    By the way, the amount of Reward Points I had left was 300,000.


    This was all earned from inside the Alpha System. The number of white monsters that died in my hands reached almost 1,000 so even 300,000 was little.


    I poured in an additional 150,000 and raised Concentration up to 2,000.


    I didnt think that I was overdoing it.


    Baek Gyeongs Hadron Cannon wasnt something that was blocked just because one tried to block. The answer to an attack that was impossible to defend against was avoiding it and agility was the most important to be able to avoid it.


    On top of that, since I had just gotten the Direction Change skill, moving fast itself would be of great help in battle.


    Also, once Concentration reached 2,000 a message appeared once more.


    I was wondering what kind of skill would appear this time when.


    Stat has reached its limit.


    A message that I didnt imagine woulde out came out.

 Chapter 192

    Chapter 192


    <em>J: Chapter 5 of 10.</em>


    I didnt think that there would be a limit to the increase.


    In other words, it wasnt possible to recklessly raise a single stat. There were still many other stats to raise so it didnt matter that much but I was wondering what I should do after reaching 2,000 in all the stats.


    Seonbae oppa! Front! Front!


    Ah.


    I hurriedly changed my direction vertically. I almost crashed straight into a cliff.


    Whew! How did you do that just now?


    Its a new skill I got called Direction Change. It allows me to change my direction while maintaining the speed.


    Isnt that cheating?


    Yeah. Its cheating.


    I said so and continued running.


    I decided to think about the limitter. It was a problem that could be solved after raising all the other stats. There might be a way to break the limit while raising the other stats.


    Running at over 100km/h, the battlefield soon appeared in front of my eyes.


    sh!


    Another blinding light burst out.


    The cause was none other than Baek Gyeong. The Hadron Canon that crossed the middle of the battlefield had evaporated ally hunters. I could see a hunter that was running away while screaming.


    Shits crazy! Fuck! Im really sorry brothers but I really have to run!


    It was none other than BJ Pacheongeom. He was running away while shouting with his okay looking face when Baek Gyeongs line of sight turned towards him as if that figure caught its eye.


    The problem was that there were already dozens of people running away in the direction Pacheongeom was running away.


    The people there would die without a doubt if left like that.


    The atmosphere boiled up fiercely in that short time. The Hadron Cannon had a short cooltimepared to its power.


    The fact that it possessed continuous fire capabilities was the real scary part of that technique, not just its power.


    On top of that, the power of it was too much for me to handle with my bare body.


    Countless numbers of techniques shed by my mind but none of them could block that.


    Well, at least I couldnt that is.


    I took out Baek Gyeong from the manual.


    Did you. Call me.


    Send that guy off in one shot.


    Understood.


    This side was a Baek Gyeong that had subordinate invincibility option attached to it.


    This side will probably shootter but if that Baek Gyeong had a brain, it would turn its attack to this direction.


    Flinch.


    And as expected.


    At the tremendous amount of power pouring out from here, the enemy Baek Gyeong turned this way.


    I hurriedly got away from between the two. The moment I got a few dozens of meters away, the Hadron Cannon the enemy Baek Gyeong fired flew towards my subordinate.


    Also, the timing was a bitte but our sides Baek Gyeong also fired a Hadron Cannon.


    With a sound like that of two hails colliding, a huge shockwave exploded out.


    Kyak!


    That shockwave was so great that it ignored my psychokinesis and sent Soo-ah flying far away. I hurriedly scooped her up and fell back.


    Its insane!


    There was a massive crater at the ce the two Hadron Cannons collided.


    Se, seonbae oppa.


    Once I lowered my head to look at Soo-ah, she was holding on to me tightly while shivering.


    I was wondering if it was on the level where she would be frightened but realized the corner of her mouth was up.


    Why are youughing?


    Theres a good smelling from seonbae oppas body.


    Keep it moderate.


    I dropped her on the ground and turn my line of sight. Soo-ah got up from the ground while dusting herself and grumbling. I could take such a joke anytime but this was a battlefield.


    But why are there two Baek Gyeong?


    One is mine.


    Really? What in the world did you do seonbae oppa?


    Its too long to exin so Ill tell youter. You go back for now and evacuate everyone. It seems like the hunters here would cross the styx river just from the aftermath after all.


    In the first ce, BJ Pacheongeom wasnt that skilled of a hunter. He was probably just able to buy items from the money gotten from streaming.


    Soo-ah opened her mouth while looking at our sides Baek Gyeong.


    Whitey. Good luck!


    Whitey?


    Its white. And Baek Gyeong has no affection.


    Is that so.


    Baek Gyeong whose name had be Whitey at a moments notice stared at Soo-ah while tilting its head.


    My. Name. Is not. Whitey.


    Dont worry about such things and face that guy.


    I hurriedly sent Soo-ah away and pointed at the enemy Baek Gyeong.


    Our sides Baek Gyeong, so Whitey, nodded and prepared another Hadron Cannon.


    Boom!


    The battle between Baek Gyeong and Baek Gyeong was incredibly simple.


    Both were equipped with overwhelming ranged weapons so they just kept firing Hadron Cannons while staying in ce.


    It was at the level of a human cannon.


    I did feel like it would be fine to fire while moving but since the one that got advantageous as time passed was Whitey(?), I let it be.


    As great of a technique the Hadron Cannon was, the copied Baek Gyeongs body wouldnt be able to endure after all.


    However, just watching didnt fit me either.


    I held the Dancing Sword and engaged in closebat. The hunters nearby were quickly taken care of by Soo-ah and I crossed the empty space with tremendous speed.


    Once I got within 50 meters of the enemy Baek Gyeong, it finally turned its eyes towards me.


    I could instantly confirm its eyes tremble.


    It was confused as to whether it should attack Whitey or me.


    If I was the one in such a situation, I would attack me for now and try to avoid Whiteys attack. Either way, I wouldnt waste a second like that.


    One second in such a battle was time that divided life or death.


    The moment I reached him, I swung the Dancing Sword at him.


    As desperate as he was, it cancelled the Hadron Cannon and held up the sword it had against the Dancing Sword.


    Even if it was a copy, it was still a level 10 Sword of the Abyss.


    The Dancing Sword got deflected as blue sparks scattered. I jumped up into midair and swung my sword down on him.


    It was a strike that possessed my strength and weight.


    Kuaa!


    It was blocked once more by its sword but it wasnt like there was nothing gained.


    Blue cracks started appearing on Baek Gyeongs white face. He stepped back while being in pain. In that time, Whiteys Hadron Cannon flew in.


    However, Baek Gyeong used Dimension Gate to hide his body.


    By the way, Dimension Gate is Baek Gyeongs movement skill.


    The movement distance is from 0 to 100km.


    The further the distance travelled, the longer it takes to be able to use it again. The cooltime was 1 hour so it couldnt be seen as omnipotent.


    Either way, it used it suddenly so it shouldnt have been able to go that far.


    Where are you!


    I jumped up to the air to find Baek Gyeong who used the movement skill. His appearance was incredibly weird. So it couldnt be helped that he would catch ones eye as long as it wasnt too far away.


    And as expected, I located him hurriedly running away about 1km to the west.


    Whitey! Follow me!


    I shouted loudly and ran using the Dancing Sword.


    I. Am not. Whitey.


    It wasnt because Soo-ah said so, it was because it wasnt possible to distinguish between ally and foe. It wasnt like a good name came up in my head too.


    I will give you a good name if I think of one.


    Understood.


    Whitey nodded and followed.


    However, it couldnt follow my speed that had reached 2400 from Soo-ahs buff. I added my speed to toss the Dancing Sword so that Baek Gyeong couldnt run away.


    sh.


    The Dancing Sword that had my running speed added on it lew fast enough to change the reflected sunlight.


    Ut?


    Baek Gyeong who had been running while showing its back got surprised and flipped his body.


    The Dancing Sword got stuck in the ground and sent a huge shockwave and I could see Baek Gyeongs body copse. It wasnt even a direct hit but the aftermath so seeing it so feeble, it seems its body is almost at its limit.


    It was a situation where it would be over in a few more hits.


    Afternding on the ground, I ran at him.


    Even in that time, Baek Gyeong was continuously trying to run away.


    I could hear Pacheongeom yelling from far away.


    I couldnt tell what he was saying due to the distance. It was probably talking about Baek Gyeong. With this, the fact that I summoned Baek Gyeong will probably spread throughout the country huh.


    There was no need to hide it and I didnt really try to hide it since it didnt really matter but Im thinking that there will be people that tackle me over it from somewhere.


    The government might try to investigate me.


    However, that was a problem for the future.


    I took out the Dancing Sword that was stuck in the ground and threw it towards its back once more.


    The Dancing Sword prated its back just like that.


    Kuaaa!


    The guy that had a huge hole in the middle of his body screamed and knelt down on spot.


    The Dancing Sword lew up in the air once more and dropped down on its head.


    Its head exploded as red blood got sprayed.


    It was a gruesome sight but Baek Gyeong wasnt a normal human being. As long as it was a monster, as long as its life wasnt properly cut off I couldnt let go of my tension.


    Also, a huge amount of energy started gathering around him.


    It was trying to fire a Hadron Cannon with the sword stuck in its head.


    This guys endurance seemed to be a level above the others.


    Whitey!


    Understood.


    Whitey who had barely caught up to me started preparing a Hadron Cannon as well.


    The enemy Baek Gyeong with a sword in its head and half its face crumbled tried to fire a Hadron Cannon but it seemed to be going overboard due to its body breaking down.


    The ball of energy that was gettingrger suddenly blinked out of existence and its body got evaporated by the Hadron Cannon Whitey shot.


    [+2,000]


    Whew.


    I approached him and picked up the Dancing Sword that had destroyed its head.


    Its body soon returned to the void and an ore came into the manual at the same time.


    There wasnt anything much about the item but it wasnt like there werent any rewards. I had confirmed Whiteys battle capabilities and also got information that each entity had different endurance.


    It wasnt to the point of being satisfied but thinking about how the battle with Baek Gyeongs was just starting, there was no need to be let down.


    Also, the real reason I came to the Yellow Sea was to meet Lee Hui-seung, it wasnt to block Chinas attack.


    I could hear the sound of the van from behind.


    It had only just managed to reach this ce after the battle had ended.


    I waited for the van that Edward and Son Aram was riding to arrive.


    Once the van stopped, Son Aram waved at me and shouted.


    Arge number of White Knights have appeared!


    Large number? How many?


    At least 100.


    100 Baek Gyeongs.


    That number possessed enough firepower to eat up a country.


    However, I wasnt scared or worried. If it was this kind of number, that guy had no choice but to appear.

 Chapter 193

    Chapter 193


    <em>J: Chapter 6 of 10.</em>


    I was trying to move quickly when a familiar-looking man showed up. It was the famous streamer Pacheongeom.


    There was a small camera on his head.


    Brother, thank you. I was able to survive thanks to you. Could you have an interview with the audience if you have the time? It would be an honor and an honor again if you could. Ah. Of course, I will send the money from this interview at ater time to your ount. I dont have any ns on keeping it long. Its fine with just a moment. I am just far too happy to be able to see Mr. Jeon Sang-min who is famous as the Great Summoner.


    Later.


    There was no reason not to do an interview. My face had been sold as much as it could and I would have to exin about Baek Gyeong at some point after all. But now wasnt the time.


    Either way, why did this person have so many words?


    Th, then could I at least have your number. Brother.


    Mr. Pecheongeom should be older than me. Brother is a bit weird.


    Eh. Oh my god. You know my name?


    Theres a fan of yours you see.


    I pointed at Soo-ah who was nearby. The camera turned with his head and an exmation could be heard.


    Is, is she brothers girlfriend?


    Not yet.


    Soo-ah said so on her own. I had no energy to tackle it anymore. I asked for pardon from Pacheongeom once more and hurriedly got on the van.


    I leaned on the seat after closing the door.


    After facing Baek Gyeong a few times, I think Im starting to get the hang of it. There were two main techniques he used.


    It was Hadron Cannon and Dimension Gate. It was possible to avoid the Hadron Cannon and it was possible to kill him before he used Dimension Gate to escape.


    The problem was when there were too many of them.


    If dozens of Baek Gyeongs attacked then the escape route became that much narrower. If that became 100, there might be no ce to hide from their attacks.


    Even so, I think it would be possible by flying in the sky.


    For now, I had no choice but to face it.


    I had Whitey who had the invincibility stat to pull their attention so I think I just had to hit them from behind.


    If I have Soo-ah by my side then Concentration is increased up to 2400 and the one time buff pulls it up to 3000.


    At this rate, it might be possible to surpass 200km/h.


    Its 200 in words but its a speed where I could travel dozens of meters in the blink of an eye. At this speed, even the level 10 Baek Gyeong would find it hard to react and if I were to utilize Direction Change on top of that, it wouldnt be difficult to face several at a time.


    Of course, this is all assuming that Lee Hui-seung fails.


    ***


    It took about an hour to reach the ce Baek Gyeongs had appeared. It was said that a full on battle had yet to start so there was no need to run all the way there.


    The ce we arrived at was both sides confronting each other on hills with a valley in between. Once the van they had never seen before appeared, the ally hunters with full equipment surrounded the van.


    Its Yellow Sea Police Department Superintendent Son Aram. The people here arepanions that came with me.


    Whats your business? This ce is too dangerous for police to be here.


    They were basically telling us to piss off without causing a ruckus since we might die. The mood itself did seem fierce enough though. I showed my face from the window just in case.


    I came to check the situation and I might be able to help.


    How would I trust you? This ce is an alliance between raid teams that most would know of. Shut up with your trivial words and leave.


    Do you know me?


    As I suddenly asked, I could feel the man be flustered.


    Of course he wouldnt know me. He wouldnte out like this if he did.


    How the hell would I know you?


    Then why are you talking informally when this is the first time we meet?


    Wh, what? This bastard, the blood on your head hasnt even dried yet!


    Whether it dried or not has nothing to do with you. If you really dont want me to join then Ill just stay in the back and watch you whether you die or not.


    Wh, what did you say? You bastard! Get the fuck off!


    The man grinded his teeth.


    It was to the point that I could see his veins pop up on his forehead. I opened my mouth with augh.


    Is there a point to getting off.


    Kuk?


    I fired psychokinesis on the mans face.


    Since it was originally not a technique used for hitting there wasnt much damage but it was enough force to knock him back.


    The man that got sent flying back a few meters got up while holding his face and stumbling.


    This son of a bitch.


    Hey. You got a double nosebleed.


    What?


    He got flustered as he checked his face. The man that had blood dripping from both his nostrils had his expression crumple up.


    You dare! To the main tanker of team Strawberry Box!


    Ahaha!


    Strawberry Box he says.


    The one thatughed loudly was Edward and the one that was being sorry was Soo-ah. Son Aram seemed to be keeping neutral but I could see her lips shake minutely. Now that I look at it, wasnt she pinching her thigh?


    You said that one would know just from the name. Youre certainly right.


    I mixed the truth and provocation and said so.


    The mans face burned up crimson.


    The sound of drawing a sword was quite clear. This was why hunters were a problem. It wasnt good to take out a sword so easily just because one was a little mad.


    Either way, this was what I wanted.


    It was a situation where even a single powerful ally was important. If I were to beat up all the guys here, they would have no choice but to ept me.


    As for identification, superintendent Son Aram was here so that wouldnt be a problem.


    Strawberry box was so haughty because they were a mediocre raid team but raid teams that actually had a reputation didnt easily ignore the police. They had governmental authority, different from brute strength, that could make things annoyingter after all.


    Anyway, should I use some force.


    I opened the door and slowly got off.


    At that, I could see the hunter with the drawn sword lower his posture.


    It wasnt simple intimidation but actually trying to cut me down. I thought that it would be unfair for me to not get serious when the other side was so I drew my sword as well.


    Well, I probably just had to not kill him.


    Hmph! Youre trying to fight me with that useless sword?


    Whether its useless or not will be known soon.


    The level of the opponent that appeared on the manual was level 5. The name was Kim Beon-chang.


    I think it was a name his parents gave him to seed but he was going topletely get ruined today so I was a bit sorry.


    What are you guys doing! Are you not going to attack?


    No, I dont think theres a reason to go so far as to use swords.


    We can just send them back.


    Theres even a police.


    Fuck. Whats the point of a police? This guy might be a spy.


    It doesnt seem like it though? And Im not getting a good feeling.


    That guy doesnt even seem to be that scared.


    It seemed like the other members of Strawberry Box didnt want to fight.


    It could be said that they had good sense.


    Kim Beom-chang grit his teeth at hisrades lukewarm reaction.


    The determination to see this to the end could be seen.


    Okay. If you guyse out like that, then Ill take care of this guy on my own.


    Huh. Yeah.


    Good luck.


    Go for it!


    Kim Beon-chang received the cheers of hisrades and took a step forward.


    I then smashed his waist with the t side of the de.


    Kuek?


    He got sent flying with great force and smashed into the cliff. Mr. Beom-chang fainted with bubblesing out of his mouth in one hit. It was damage that would take at least 6 months to recover from even at a nce. I did try to hold back but it seems it didnt go well.


    I was wondering why and realized Soo-ah was behind me. I spent a few months without her buffs so it seems Im not used to it yet.


    Gulp.


    The people surrounding the van all stopped breathing.


    There was no one else besides Kim Beom-chang. There didnt seem to be a need to beat up these people as well.


    I opened my mouth with a soft smile.


    Could I ask someone to guide me?


    Flinch!


    Everyone simultaneously took a step back. I did talk as softly as possible because they might be like this.


    I let out a sigh and was about to talk again when one of the members of Strawberry Box opened their mouth.


    Huh? I think I saw that person somewhere?


    Who is he?


    Hes a really famous person. That Where did I see him. You know. The one that got really famous in America.


    Ah. The Great Summoner!


    The Great Summoner you say?


    That guy No, that person is?


    Theres a lot of talk about him reaching level 10 at the shortest amount of time.


    I wondered how they figured that out. I never advertised that I was level 10.


    Thats that person?


    Hey. Fuck. Then arent we fucked?


    No, we didnt do anything wrong in particr.


    Im. A fan Would he give me a signature?


    Try talking for now.


    The people that had been avoiding their sights slowly started approaching.


    Fame was good because of this.


    ***


    I joined the battlefield by mixing with team Strawberry Box.


    There was a bit of a ruckus and there were some that thought it was weird that Kim Beom-chang suddenly got loaded on an ambnce but team Strawberry Box protected me actively.


    Thanks to that, the fact that the Great Summoner appeared on the battlefield spread like wildfire but there werent many that were fussing to meet me while facing the Chinese hunters.


    I asked Son Aram.


    Where is Baek Gyeong?


    It seems theyre almost here. They said that they captured them travelling on foot. They will probably arrive in 30 minutes.


    Then wouldnt it be better to take care of them before they appear? I cant understand why were waiting.


    They are probably nning on taking care of all the White Knights using this chance.


    It would be better to take care of the hunters here and then Baek Gyeong.


    There is a person this side is waiting for as well you see.


    Ah.


    And 30 minutester.


    Lee Hui-seung arrived before Baek Gyeong.


    His figure seen from a distance didnt seem that special. Of course, a tall height and good looking figure at the age at the mid 30s. The firm back muscles were first ss as a hunter but that was it.


    It could be said to be a rather ordinary appearance for the greatest person in the world.


    Even if it wasnt like lighting out of his eyes, I thought that I would at least feel intimidation but this presence was at the level of a level 6 or 7 hunter.


    However, the thing I could confirm from a distance was the force he possessed. As Kim Beom-chang had said, this ce only had raid teams that had a name. It wasnt like extremely major teams like team Gxy or Mercenary but they were still well known.


    But the team leaders of these teams stepped forward to greet him first.


    It was treatment given to only the veteran among veterans. Also, the person himself passed by with a light nod as if used to this treatment.


    That person is supposed to be over 80 years old right?


    Son Aram said so seeing Lee Hui-seung for the first time.


    His physique seemed to be fixed at the best state a human body could show. Aplete physical body and 50 years of experience. Also, techniques and items that couldnt be known due to his endless economical power.


    What would his power that is thebination of all those be like.


    I was truly interested in that.


    At that moment, Lee Hui-seung turned his head.


    I took a step back unconsciously. The moment our eyes met, it felt like my heart got stabbed by a sharp dagger.


    Didnt he look at us just now?


    Soo-ah said so while tapping me.


    I quietly nodded my head. Lee Hui-seungs eyes were looking forward as if he had never looked at us. Hunters had crowded behind him like subordinates serving an overlord.

 Chapter 194

    Chapter 194


    <em>J: Chapter 7 of 10.</em>


    The tension shot up the moment Lee Hui-seung appeared.


    Prepare for battle!


    Prepare for battle!


    Prepare for battle!


    Lee Hui-seungs shout was passed on through the hunters mouth.


    The hunters stomped their feet like a beat. There was battle spirit burning within their eyes.


    It looked like all of the people here would fight to the death with a singlemand of his.


    It wasnt just him though.


    I, I need a sword.


    Edward said. His breath was rougher than usual.


    I checked Son Arams state just in case. She was the same.


    Are you alright?


    Me? Im always fine.


    She said so with a big smile. I felt that it was good for now.


    Looking around, it seemed the only normal people were Soo-ah and I.


    She continued her words.


    But is this something like mind control?


    Theres nothing confirmed but its probably a wide area skill no?


    I didnt know what it was but it was a technique that affected over a thousand people. This was impossible unless it was a level 10 skill. There was no doubt that it was a technique used by Lee Hui-seung.


    I was wondering why only we were okay when.


    A message appeared through the manual.


    Lee Hui-seungs Battle Cry skill collides with the users Effort skill. It cannot show its effect.


    So it was because of this.


    It seems the level 0 skill interferes with Lee Hui-seungs wide area skill.


    After somewhat getting a grasp of the situation, I checked Son Arams state through the manual. She was shouting and stomping her foot like the other hunters.


    It was a sight that couldnt be imagined from the normal her.


    Name : Son Aram


    State : Battle Cry is under effect. Excessive adrenaline is being produced. In a state of excitement. Pain is reduced by 50%. Damage taken is increased by 10%. Damage increases by 20%. The buff will disappear after an hour. Negative effects will continue for a day.


    Get yourself together for a bit.


    I approached her and patted her cheek after taking the sword.


    She collected her breath and opened her mouth.


    Ive shown you an unsightly figure.


    It seemed to be quite difficult to calm down seeing her fingertips tremble.


    Please stand by in the van for now. I dont think it would be a good idea to participate in this battle.


    However, I can also fight Ah, its nothing. I will do as you say.


    She could still understand mymands. Looking at how she entered battle mode, it was certain that it wasnt the normal her. I shoved her, who was still showing regret while ring at the enemies, into the van.


    She opened her mouth as if she had suddenlye to her senses.


    My head is finally clear now. Haah.


    May I ask what had happened?


    It felt like my entire body was burning up. It felt like I would be able to endure if I didnt immediately draw a sword and cut down the enemies However, I cant feel that in here.


    I see.


    Edward was also dragged here by Soo-ah and thrown into the van.


    Stand by in here for now.


    What about seonbae oppa?


    I will leave after confirming that persons abilities.


    I came here to meet Lee Hui-seung. And he actually appeared. There was normally not much good luck. I was nning on approaching the distance where I could check his skills and items through the manual.


    Even with that information I could calcte his battle power.


    I would be able to determine victory or loss without actually fighting him.


    I went out after leaving the three in the van for now.


    Kill! Kill! Kill!


    The raid teams including Strawberry Box were shouting while banging the ground with their weapons.


    The way they moved as one made me think of the Recruitment skill.


    Baek Gyeong didnt appear in the enemy base yet.


    It seemed like it would take longer than expected.


    I slipped between hunters to approach Lee Hui-seung.


    He was currently standing on arge truck used as themand center. The crimson armor he wore all over his body caught ones eye.


    The helmet that was half open closed up. Afterpletely covering his face, he waved his hand forward.


    Crimson gs moved from various ces in the base. Soon, a rough voice came out after a siren like noise from therge truck Lee Hui-seung was on rang out.


    [Charge forward!]


    Ahhh!


    The hunters started charging forward.


    It even made my chest burn up as well. However, that was nothingpared to the other hunters that were already in a trance.


    Move aside!


    Kill them all!


    Only I was going against the flow of the hunters. The wave of hunters bumped into me while swearing. I quickly slipped between the hunters and got closer to Lee Hui-seung.


    I had to get to about 10 meters to be able to see the opponents skills and items.


    This wasnt a fixed number though. When checking those that werent humans such as monsters, there were times when it worked from a distance of 50~100 meters but this was usually when the monster had a huge figure.


    Thats why, it could seen that the scanning range was proportional to the size of the entity.


    Also, Lee Hui-seung wasnt any different in sizepared to a normal human.


    That meant that I had to approach his truck as much as possible.


    My speed dropped as I was trying not to bump into the hunters and to not be found out by Lee Hui-seung.


    In that time, hundreds of arrows poured down from the air.


    Chinas side had started counterattacking.


    An arrow that possessed explosive power brushed by the rim of my ear. As the arrow exploded the moment it hit the ground, a hunter got blown back by the explosion.


    Most long range weapons were bows or crossbows.


    It wasnt possible to do much damage to fully equipped hunters with modern weapons, but they could be effective against the backline hunters.


    However, the moment its used, both sides knew that it would turn into a battle of annihtion.


    A war where one didnt do their best. A limited warfare instead of an all out war. Also, it was a situation where a battle urred between hunters.


    However, this was still a war where both sides put their life on the line.


    They were holding cold weapons that would only be seen in the Middle Ages, but it didnt change the fact that they were out to kill each other.


    Even during this bloody battle, I was still chasing after Lee Hui-seung.


    He wasmanding not from the front but the back of the formation.


    The top of the truck was a good ce to look down on the battlefield and a rtively safe location from the enemys sniping.


    However, he couldnt let his guard down. Hunters had the ability to snipe from an extremely far distance after all.


    Like that.


    A projectile the thickness of an arm flew towards Lee Hui-seung. This wasnt an arrow but a weapon that would only be used in a siege.


    Even if he had level 10 armor, it couldnt be helped that such a weapon would have an effect. However, he continued observing the battle situation as if he didnt notice it.


    It was toote for me to even shout. The projectile will reach before the sound reaches my neck.


    The moment I thought the projectile bulls eyed Lee Hui-seung.


    Therge projectile made of metal instantly exploded and sent debris scattering.


    My entire body stiffened.


    I didnt see it.


    How he moved. What method he used to destroy the projectile with massive amount of energy in it, I couldnt even guess.


    This was far more overwhelmingpared to when I first saw the Hadron Cannon.


    The projectile came a few more times after that. However, all those attempts were futile and they started aiming for him less and less. They had realized btedly that they couldnt injure him with ranged attacks.


    The situation was advantageous for our allies.


    Despite the disadvantage of fewer numbers, we were pushing the Chinese hunters with overwhelming power. It waspletely different from what happened in the forest region.


    Our allies had the upper hand in every way.


    Attack. Defense. Agility, it wasnt just about those basic things.


    The ability of each hunter in performing their duties.


    Movement that made up for the weakness of each position.


    Agile movement that filled up empty positions.


    All of these were being done by hunters that were working together for the first time.


    It was as if they had been working together before.


    This wasnt a problem of experience at this point.


    Someone was moving the entire army.


    Also, there was only one person that could do that besides me.


    Lee Hui-seungs Strategy skill collides with the users Recruitment skill. It cannot show its effect.


    Lee Hui-seungs second wide area skill.


    However, I felt like that wasnt all. How many skills were in this mans body, I couldnt know until I saw it personally.


    I approached while getting rid of my presence as much as possible.


    And finally, I was able to seed in reaching thergemand truck.


    I held my head up to look at Lee Hui-seung.


    And I realized that he was looking at me as well.


    Between the hunters that were moving randomly.


    He knew exactly that I was approaching.


    The number of ally hunters was in the tens of thousands. With the items they possessed and the skills they used, no matter how sharp my perception was, it would have been impossible to feel my presence.


    [Why are you moving as you want?]


    A voice rang in my head like an illusion. I determined that it was Lee Hui-seung in an instant, and realized how he was able to find me.


    This guy was looking at a map as well.


    It was probably not a manual.


    However, it was certain that the movement of hunters was created through the Strategy skill. It would have been impossible to find me if not for that.


    He opened his mouth once more.


    [Seeing how youre not listening to Strategy, it seems youre an irregr.]


    Irregr?


    Thats what we say about monsters.


    The moment I was pondering, my concentration was lost.


    His figure that was in front of me disappeared.


    My neck went flying.


    This was a bad feeling no matter how many times it happened.


    The world spun a few times. My sight got dark and the moment my conscience was about to scatter, my eyes shot open at something pulling me.


    There were eyes looking at me.


    Lee Hui-seung opened his mouth.


    Immortality I see.


    Damn it!


    Lee Hui-seung swung his sword and I retreated like lightning.

 Chapter 195

    Chapter 195


    <em>J: Chapter 8 of 10.</em>


    There was a super giant sword with mes burning on it.


    For an irregr to walk in on its own. I dont know what your ns were but.


    As he swung his sword toward the ground, hotva spouted out as the ground shook.


    I was wondering what he was doing while in the middle of a war with Chinese hunters but I didnt have the time to look around. It felt like my neck would be sent flying the moment I looked away.


    I couldnt afford another mistake like before.


    Immortality was already used up.


    I will definitely die the next time around.


    Lee Hui-seung opened his mouth.


    I will ept if it is a challenge. You know that the price is your life yes?


    Wa, wait!


    I barely managed to say so.


    It like my mouth was burning up from the extreme heat from Lee Hui-seung each time I opened my mouth.


    Speak.


    He replied with a soft smile. It felt like he was showing mercy before death. He didnt even treat me as an opponent.


    Why did you attack me?


    Thats not something a guy that approached like a mouse should be saying though. If you were nning on talking about such things, it seems theres no need to listen anymore.


    He crouched down.


    It felt like bing a rabbit in front of a tiger. Despite the fact that I had level 10 items, had Aura de, and had the Effort skills proficiency at over 90.


    Was I only a pipsqueak in front of this person.


    I shot forward with all the strength I had.


    And then jumped a few times using the Dancing Sword.


    My body had instantly gotten away from the battlefield and headed to an unknown ce. The direction and distance didnt matter. It was first priority to get away from Lee Hui-seung first.


    [Youre a pretty fast guy.]


    I got flustered at the sound that I suddenly heard beside my ear and looked around.


    I couldnt see his figure.


    At the next moment, I felt a strong power as it pulled my body.


    Kuk!


    I utilized psychokinesis to the fullest but it was useless. A power that even caused the Dancing Sword to get pulled, pulled me. I gave up struggling and held the Bloody Sword.


    As I fell towards the ground at a fast speed, I swung Aura de randomly.


    I couldnt know Lee Hui-seungs location but I couldnt just be done in like that after all.


    The ground exploded and thick dust rose. In a situation where it was impossible to tell where the enemy was through ones eye, I quickly moved while lowering my posture.


    After leaving the dust cloud, I was able to spot Lee Hui-seungs figure.


    He was in the same ce as before.


    He was ring at me while crossing his arms on themand truck.


    [Youre good at running away. Today is not a situation where I can fight you so go away.]


    Damn it.


    He didnt let me go due to mercy.


    Baek Gyeongs wearing ck clothes had started appearing at the other side of the hill.


    The figure of 100 Baek Gyeongs showed themselves.


    A tremendous amount of energy could be felt from the guys lining up on the hill.


    A situation where hunters from both sides where fighting while mixed up. The fact that they were firing Hadron Cannon in that situation meant that they didnt care whether their side died or not.


    Crazy bastards.


    However, it was beyond my power to block the Baek Gyeongs right now.


    I had already gotten too far from the battlefield and more than anything, Lee Hui-seungs existence was a problem.


    Instead, I opened Lee Hui-seungs information that I just checked. My neck did get sent flying the moment I got close but I had seeded in obtaining his info.


    Also, information that I checked once was saved in the manual and could be checked at any time.


    Name : Lee Hui-seung


    Equipment : Red Dragon Armor (10) , Dragon yer (10) , Blue Dragon Leggings (10) , Red Dragon Glove (10) , Wind Dragon Earring (10) , Dragon Helm (10) , Golden Dragon Shield (10) , Wind Walker (10) , Eye Of Dragon (10) , Underwear of Immortality (10) , Inventory (10) , Infinite Storage (10)


    Skill : Doomsday (10) , Asura Physique (10) , Physical Enhancement (10) , Air Walk (10) , Holy Pegasus Sword (10) , Heaven Destroying Fist (10) , Owl Eye (10) , Memorize (10) , Hyper eleration (10) , High Blink (1) , Battle Cry (10) , Strategy (10) .


    I was astounded while looking at his profile.


    There were items and skills that I had never heard of listed.


    His equipment was full of dragons as if he killed them, and his skills were full of legendary martial arts as if he came out of a wuxia novel.


    On top of that, he even had many skills good for utility. Even something like Memorize was a skill that gaveplete memorization abilities.


    Owl Eye was a technique that could remember a skill it sees once for 10 minutes and was able to use that skill during that time.


    In other words, if these two skills were put together, he could continuously use skills he saw once.


    It could be seen as a type of skill synergy but I felt that this was too much.


    Of course, he even had skills that raised physical abilities.


    Hyper eleration instantly allowed ones speed to rise by 1,000% and High Blink allowed short distance teleportation with a 1 second cooldown time.


    Either way, each and every one of the skills werent ordinary but there were over 100 of them.


    A level 10 skill cost at least 100b and thinking about how a skill slot cost 100b, the money it took to obtain an additional level 10 skill was at least 200b.


    There were at least 100 of those. It was 20t at the very least.


    However, that wasnt all.


    He had Inventory and Infinite Storage among the items he had.


    I couldnt confirm the items he had in them. So it was impossible to estimate the cost of the equipment and skills in his possession.


    However, I had already predicted such a thing. He had ruled over from the top for thest 50 years. It would be weird if he wasnt like this.


    It was a wonder how strong he would be when it was all added together but the conclusion was that he was much stronger than I thought.


    It was definitely difficult for me to win against him for now.


    However, it wasnt like there wasnt anything gained from the one sided battle.


    I calmly analyzed my battle with Lee Hui-seung.


    The teleportation distance of Blink was about 50 meters. And it was possible to move freely for 1 second.


    It was probably thanks to this skill that he was able to approach me from the side and cut my neck.


    However, I had avoided his second attack.


    He didnt let me off and I didnt suddenly get faster.


    It was just that he was that slow.


    In other words, as long as it wasnt an attack that was from my blindspot, I would be able to dodge it.


    In that case, wouldnt it work out if I fought from outside Blinks distance?


    Unfortunately, that would be difficult.


    As much as Blink was a skill with a 1 second cooldown, he would catch up to me in a short amount of time.


    So, no matter where I was, I would be done in by Blink.


    In the end, I had to move while predicting Lee Hui-seungs movements.


    The only thing I could rely on was the fact that it wasnt impossible to avoid his attacks by reading his movements.


    Whether it was reflex or concentration, mine was higher after all.


    I took out a Cooldown Reset Potion from the manual for now.


    As it was a potion that reset the cooldown for every skill, it also reset the cooldown time for Immortality.


    The potion travelled down my throat.


    The cooldown time of all skills will be reset.


    The cooldown time of Immortality has been reset.


    I gained another life with this.


    Also, the remaining Reward Points were poured into Reflex. I still had close to 300,000 points remaining, and I was thinking that I might be able to get physical abilities simr to that of Lee Hui-seung with this.


    But an unexpected thing urred.


    Once Reflex reached 1450 it suddenly stopped.


    Proficiency has reached 100.


    Effort Upon Effort has been mastered.


    You are no longer able to increase proficiency.


    Ah.


    I got flustered at the messages that appeared one after another. I had mastered the Effort skill by reaching 100 in proficiency.


    I didnt think up to this.


    However, the things I didnt think about continued to happen.


    Master bonus will be given.


    Advances to the next level.


    Effort Upon Effort will evolve to level 1.


    Eh?


    Level 1?


    I was wondering what this was and was being flustered when Edward who was driving the van while causing a sandstorm approached.


    Soo-ah poked her head out from the wide open window.


    Seonbae oppa! Are you alright?


    I got revived after dying so would I be fine.


    Get on! That person might attack again!


    Not yet.


    I shook my head.


    What are you talking about? We might die if we stay here any longer you know.


    I still have something I need to check.


    I had already confirmed Lee Hui-seungs ability in a one on one battle.


    Now I had to confirm his one against many battle.


    I lifted my head to look at the Baek Gyeongs.


    The Hadron Cannons had all finished charging.


    With blinding light the Hadron Cannons exploded.


    This was enough force to destroy the entire battlefield.


    At that moment, Lee Hui-seung moved.


    No way!


    No matter how strong he was, I thought it would be impossible to destroy an attack of such power.


    In the first ce, the only method was to destroy them before they fired. I was nning on releasing the level 10 monsters to kill them too.


    That was before firing the Hadron Cannons too. There was no way to block the energy ball that has already been fired. It was something I saw and experienced.


    However, I couldnt help but doubt my eyes.


    Lee Hui-seungs body instantly multiplied into 100 and dissipated the Hadron Cannons individually.


    There was no skill in the world that could create 100 clones, let alone ones that could perform as well as the original. Even if it was a hidden technique, this was the same.


    However, he did it.


    No matter how I thought about it, it was an impossible feat.


    As Lee Hui-seung blocked the Baek Gyeongs attack, the hunters started cheering. Even if they werent under the effect of Battle Cry, I think they would have cheered regardless.


    It was to the point that even I couldnt help but let out an exmation after all.


    Is that Even human?


    Edwards mouth was wide open. Even Soo-ah who chattered endlessly was looking at the scene in front of her nkly with her mouth open.


    Lee Hui-seung was the embodiment of the Alpha system itself.


    Even if he didnt have any direct rtionship to it, he was the person that received the greatest benefit from it.


    As much as he did, he probably didnt like the situation where it was being shaken.


    Thats why I had tried to spy on him since I might sh with himter but this was a different dimension entirely.


    Are we really going to fight that person?


    No, lets stay quietly.


    I hurriedly got on the van.


    I needed time.

 Chapter 196

    Chapter 196


    <em>J: Chapter 9 of 10.</em>


    I inspected the Effort skill while travelling on the unpaved road.


    Effort Upon Effort (1) : Able to raise stats using Reward Points.


    Additional Technique : Overwork , Raises another stat for 24 hours by using up the Endurance stat.


    Pration , Able to damage the inside of an enemy by prating their defense. Can be used for 10 minutes. Cooldown time is 1 day.


    Proficiency : 0


    Stats : Strength 750 , Endurance 1,550 , Reflex 1,450 Concentration 2,000 , Defense 1,000 , Psychokinesis 2,000 , Armor Pration 1,000


    The proficiency got reset as it rose to level 1.


    The stats were the same and so were the additional techniques.


    I checked if it was possible to raise the stats beyond 2,000. It was still impossible to do so.


    It could be said that nothing changed.


    However, there is another thing I received after filling proficiency.


    That was none other than Master Bonus.


    I couldnt check it until now because I was busy but I thought that it wouldnt be a small matter since it was the reward forpleting the Effort skill.


    I opened the manual and opened the Bonus tab that was flickering.


    No way.


    There was an ability that was hard to believe at that ce.


    Summon Level 11 Dungeon : Able to open a level 11 dungeon by using the Mystic Dungeon.


    Level 11 dungeon.


    A level that I thought wouldnt exist had appeared.


    What happened?


    Soo-ah shoved her face closer. As I didnt answer, she brought her lips closer.


    I got surprised and tilted my face. I almost got into a kiss scene in the middle of the day.


    What are you doing?


    Tut. It was a chance.


    I shoved Soo-ah away and fell into deep thought.


    A level 11 dungeon.


    Of course, there was much meaning to a level 11. The maximum level of the Alpha system was level 10 and of course, the limit to items and skills were all level 10.


    In other words, the fact that level 11 dungeons existed meant that level 11 skills and items existed as well.


    If I were to be able to farm in this ce, I might be able to face Lee Hui-seung no matter how high up he is.


    Of course, it wouldnt be easy to hunt in that ce.


    Red Holes had a considerably higher difficultypared to the original dungeons. It was already difficult and the monsters would be level 11. It wasnt certain if I would even be able to kill one on my own even if I rampaged.


    On top of that, there was no way a single one would wander on its own.


    It meant that it would be impossible to wipe out dozens of them instantly like before.


    However, I had 200 level 10 monsters.


    If I released them to hunt then hunting would definitely be possible even if there was some loss.


    If it was the skills and items from that ce, it would be possible to face Lee Hui-seung.


    Baek Gyeong was defeated by Lee Hui-seung.


    100 Baek Gyeongs had been destroyed by a single person.


    Of course, Lee Hui-seung wasnt let off cleanly either. He went into seclusion due to the aftermath of the battle.


    I couldnt see the battle with my own eyes but the video record was spreading on the inte.


    That couldnt be called a human battle anymore.


    Thousands of lightning fell and the ground split. The atmosphere froze and the ground melted.


    The video that seemed to recreate a battle between gods from legends ended with Lee Hui-seung creating thousands of clones to ughter the Baek Gyeongs.


    Of course, Lee Hui-seung wasntpletely safe either. It might be because he overdid it or he received an injury that I didnt know of but half of his body had disappeared. It was to the point that it was surprising that he was even still alive.


    Either way, he returned alive and the Baek Gyeongs were annihted.


    China that had predicted absolute victory fell into panic. However, the chaos didnt end there.


    Red Holes all over China.


    The short line became the headline news all over the world.


    Baek Gyeongs had been destroyed by Lee Hui-seung already.


    But a major incident had urred before the internal chaos from that could be calmed.


    All the hunters that had entered the Yellow Sea left like a tide. They headed towards the dungeons of each region that numbered 20,000.


    It was a situation where the public securitys control didnt work at all.


    From the point of view of the hunters that had been left drying, they couldnt just stand by sightseeing the Red Holes that could disappear at any time.


    Hunters entered dungeons in a disorderly manner and dozens of hunters went into a dungeon.


    There was a personnel limit of 30 people but there didnt seem to be a time limit.


    For now, the hunters that went in once would clear it or never try to leave before they die. It was a situation where even the government hunters were in the dungeons as well so there was no one that could keep order.


    As a result, the conclusion appeared before even a week passed.


    [The Korean government has thus seeded in conquering the entire Yellow Sea.


    The voice of the news anchor was slightly excited.


    They hadpletely swallowed the Yellow Sea whole while the Chinese hunters had entirely retreated.


    China instantly raised opposition and requested us to get out of the Yellow Sea but they didnt have the power to turn that into reality.


    They had currently lost 100 Baek Gyeongs. I didnt know how many they had left but it would be better for them to use them to calm Chinas inner chaos.


    They wouldnt be able to turn their eyes to outside business for at least half a year.


    With this, I blocked Chinas ambition. Lee Hui-seung had temporarily entered seclusion due to the aftermath of his battle with the Baek Gyeongs.


    Seonbae oppa, what are you looking at so seriously?


    Soo-ah appeared while rubbing her eyes after noon.


    What were you doing all night to get up now?


    Ah. I was training a bit.


    Training?


    We rested for a while after level 9 dungeons disappeared no? I felt a bit stiff not moving around for so long. I worked out with the guys.


    By guys you mean team 2 right?


    Yes. It might be possible to restart hunting in the Yellow Sea so I had to train them ahead of time.


    It was forbidden to hunt in the middle of war.


    Because of that, team 2 had no choice but to forcefully rest for a week but it seems Soo-ah had volunteered to train team 2 in that time.


    It was praiseworthy how she did something without being told to.


    But what are we going to do from now on?


    What?


    Level 9 dungeons disappeared now.


    We can just go to Red Holes.


    Ah. Is seonbae oppaing with us then?


    No. Im nning on going to a harder area.


    A harder area?


    Im thinking about going to level 11 dungeons.


    Level 11???


    Question marks appeared on Soo-ahs face.


    It was too much for team 1 to go to level 11 dungeons for now.


    I was nning on going in on my own. I will take Edward as a bonus.


    He was outside our total power so it didnt matter where he went.


    ***


    The next day. I moved to Pyeongyang with team 1. Thankfully, the border wasnt blocked and my identification was still valid. There was no contact from Peongyangs mayor Kim Sung-hyeon too.


    He might feel some regret soon so I was nning on sending some money his way. Even if he was amicable money made parents and brothers not recognize each other after all.


    I hope you wont look down on it just because its level 8. Red Holes have several times the difficultypared to normal dungeons after all.


    Please dont worry. We have prepared to the utmost for our safety after all.


    Han Joon-suk answered while nodding his head.


    There are some that ambush as well so.


    Its fine since we have Kelby.


    Yeon-gyeong said. She had recently returned after family business. I have heard that the problem had been solved appropriately.


    It made sense as they would retreat first against a level 10 hunter as their opponent as long as they werent on the level of arge scalepany. Even if they were arge scalepany, there were methods as long as I interfered.


    Also, if the problem got that big then I would know before she tells me.


    Kelby?


    It sensed the movement of even level 10 monsters ahead of time.


    Was this guys sense of smell that good.


    I opened Kelbys profile.


    Hells Gatekeeper Cerberus


    Proficiency : 87


    Special Ability : Grows through eating items. Grows more the higher the level of the item. Does not die. Gains additional abilities through growth.


    Additional Ability : Able to eat monsters. Able to sense the location of monsters.


    Its proficiency was at 87.


    On top of that, it had the ability to sense monsters. Its basic physical stats were at least level 9. At this point, it was fine to use him at level 8 dungeons.


    I calmly looked back at Edward.


    Why are you looking at me like that?


    No. I was just thinking that your growth was too slow.


    This is slow?


    He asked back as if it was absurd. His current level was level 5, Vampire Viscount. He had gotten to level 5 from level 1 in just a few months so it was certainly very fast.


    But it was true that he was preposterously weakerpared to my other teammates and Kelby.


    In the first ce, I didnt have much thought about raising this guy.


    I was just carrying him around as a scout because of his high survivability.


    However, he now lost to Kelby even in that. He was truly a guy of no use.


    Can you not look at me like such a useless trash?


    Ah. Sorry. Did it look like that?


    Why dont you write it on your face instead?


    Edward grumbled.


    ***


    I separated from team 1 and headed towards the level 11 dungeon.


    I checked my profile once more on the way.


    I used the remaining Reward Points appropriately after the Effort skill rose to level 1.


    I would have used the Reward Points when the time came if it was like before but I changed my mind after shing with Lee Hui-seung.


    All the dungeons were closed already. There was no need to worry about it anymore and I might get done in if I spared some strength. I thought that I could win against anyone before but that thought has now changed.


    As powerful as Lee Hui-seung was, there should be humans simr to him somewhere in the world. If I didnt do my best to raise my abilities, I might die an unnatural death sometime somewhere.


    That was the lesson Lee Hui-seung gave me.


    Stat Increase : Strength 1,450 , Endurance 1,950 , Reflex 1,950 Concentration 2,000 , Defense 1,000 , Psychokinesis 2,000 , Armor Pration 1,000


    Additional Technique : Uncontroble Strength , Additional damage proportional to base attack is added.


    Another passive skill appeared once Strength passed 1,000. Strength did affect damage in the first ce but it seemed there was something more to it.


    I approached a nearby boulder. A boulder about 2 meters in diameter. Creating a handprint would have been the limit for the past me.


    I took a deep breath and stretched a fist towards the boulder.


    I didnt expect too much, instead, I was worried that my hand might hurt.


    With the sound of thunder, the boulder got split.


    Edward who caught up to me opened his mouth.


    I thought he would talk about the broken boulder but it seems he was looking at something else.


    The dungeon you made is on the other side of that hill right?


    Yeah.


    It seems someones there though?


    Theres a person?


    Edward was better than me at sensing presences.


    I carefully went towards the dungeon. There were hundreds of hunters camping around the dungeon that had a red aura swaying.


    What in the world.


    Who goes there?


    I met eyes with a hunter that was standing guard with a spear in a timely manner.

 Chapter 197

    Chapter 197


    <em>J: Chapter 10 of 10. Now, the reason why there are only 10 chapters tranted sincest time is because Kyle is forbidden from essing the sites necessary for tranting (for example, the site with the raws) and he got a warning for that. He cannot continue since that would cause some serious problems. So, the bad news is this: we will be forced to go on hiatus until we finish our military service. We apologize to everyone whoes here to read ETH. If no other trantors pick up ETH before we return, we will finish it then. Good bye, everyone, and (maybe) see you all in 2021.</em>


    I was astounded at the figure of him pointing his spear at me while crumpling his expression fiercely but I answered while maintaining my calm.


    Im the owner of this dungeon.


    The owner?


    He snorted as if astounded.


    I turned my sight to the vicinity of the Red Hole where the hunters were on standby.


    To make a settlement in front of another persons house. This is quite absurd.


    What the hell is this guy talking about? This ce is under our control so get the hell out if you dont want to die!


    Thats what I should be saying though?


    It was originally a level 3 dungeon. However, I changed it to a level 11 one before setting off.


    If there was someone in there, it wouldnt immediately change to a level 11. The dungeon has to be cleared or reset for the level to change after all.


    However, once the dungeon gets reset, it turns into hell itself.


    Looking at them, they seemed to mostly be level 5.


    The number was about 50. Calcting those in the dungeon, there were probably up to 80. This was a prettyrge scale on the level of a small mid level raid team.


    The province of Pyeongyang wouldnt care in particr since they sold it to me so they were nning on taking over this ce using that gap.


    They had probably gathered items like crazy these past few days.


    I took out the documents on dungeon rights from my bag. I brought them just in case there would be guys like this so it was all good timing.


    The moment I handed it to them, a slightmotion urred among them.


    There were no problems in the documents. Of course, they probably dont have the ability to distinguish whether this is real or fake but since my attitude was confident, it couldnt be helped that they were in chaos.


    Your name is Jeon Sang-min?


    The person that seemed to be the leader approached and returned the documents.


    His name was Seo Jong-beom.


    He was a tanker type hunter that used a broadsword and level 7 armor.


    Most tankers possessed an important role in their team so I was thinking that he might be this raid teams leader.


    My name is on the document.


    Cheh. Arrogant bastard. But how would we trust this document?


    Call the Pyeongyang City Hall if youre in doubt. Or are you going to retreat after getting beaten up?


    Seo Jung-beoms expression twitched at my words.


    There was no way they would do so. I didnt know how many days they had stayed here for but they probably got quite a few items.


    This ce was currently a level 3 dungeon. It hadnt been upgraded to a level 11 dungeon yet and I was nning on raising it before entering so it was probably a pretty good ce to hunt.


    There was no way they would be willing to step back just because the owner came.


    On top of that, this side only had two people so they thought it might be fine to take care of them quietly.


    I had seen too many of such people so it wasnt a particrly strange thing.


    Hm Wait a bit.


    I confirmed Seo Jong-beoms eyes turn cold.


    I thought that I would have to do some work even if its troublesome.


    Edward opened his mouth while they were talking with Seo Jong-beom at the center.


    I think I know how things are going to go at this point. What are you going to do about them? Kill them?


    Im thinking about that as well. Its tiring for me to kill someone each time something like this happens too.


    I could kill no matter how many if they were monsters.


    But things change if they are people. If it was the past when Icked strength I would have had no choice but to put my life on the line to kill them but I now possessed the power to take care of them with a single finger.


    Even if I didnt step up myself, it would be taken care of if I released the monster army.


    Whether they died or lived all depended on how my mind moved.


    I didnt like killing people so easily.


    However, I couldnt just send them off like that. I had a police aquaintance called Son Aram so it might work out if I hand them over to her but this was North Korea in the first ce.


    Also, although I didnt check, there was a high chance that they were Chinese citizens that lived in North Korea.


    Even if I handed them to the police, it was uncertain whether they would help a foreigner like me. Especially when the rtionship between our countries wasnt good they might try to take my rights.


    As expected, I think the cleanest method is to kill them.


    Edward said.


    I didnt want to agree but that was the only method they wouldnt cause a problem.


    I felt that it might be good to have a private prison. It would be perfect if I could buy one from the store but it didnte out well.


    Seo Jong-beom approached after concluding the short meeting.


    Did youe to a conclusion?


    Ah. We dont know if it really is your property but we decided to pull back for now.


    Thats unexpected.


    Well, we did work hard for a few days so we thought that it was time to rest.


    Seo Jung-beom said so and turned back.


    I had to wait for those in the dungeon toe out so I took a seat with Edward and took a rest.


    Edward opened his mouth.


    It seems to have been solved well. However, I feel like theyre up to something.


    They might be trying to say otherwise once theirrades return. I dont care either way though.


    That might be so. I will go survey the surroundings for a bit.


    He went on his scouting duty without being told to.


    It seems being called useless has been rather shocking to him. I said that it wasnt the truth but it seems it wasnt of much help.


    He was a pretty helpful guy. I had good eyes but I didnt have good perception and that part was covered by Edward. There was a reason I was taking around a guy.


    It was to the point where I could feel Soo-ah being jealous of Edward after all.


    Edward left and I searched the Delta Store.


    I had gotten a huge amount of EP when I infiltrated the Alpha system before.


    The amount of EP I currently had amounted to almost 5,000. On top of that, the item list had been unlocked up to level 7 so there were quite a few new items.


    The things I usually looked through was the utility items.


    Most of these didnt drop in Red Holes. It could be said that they were the stores exclusive items so they were items with great rarity.


    The main products would definitely be the van and the rted expansion items. The Space Expansion Marble was also an expansion item of the van.


    I was looking through the new items to see if there was anything good but there were quite a few that caught my eye.


    Long Distance Transmitter (0) : Able tomunicate regardless of distance. Able to use by attaching to original module.


    It was a finger sized device but it could be used as a wireless Egg and I could use it to call or use the inte when attached to a phone. It didnt go through a base station or satellite so there was no need to pay a separate fee.


    Of course, it wasnt like that was the extent of its advantages. It could not only be used regardless of location, it could also be used in a ce waves didnt reach.


    It meant that it was possible to use deep underground or even in dungeons.


    If I distributed this to my teammates, it would be possible to contact each other even in extreme situations bringing up survivability rate.


    Hm?


    I was looking through the other items as well when a certain equipment caught my eye.


    It wasnt a utility item but a weapon, but it had quite a usable option.


    Dimension Sword (7) : When a critical hit is done, it does not kill the target but send it flying to an unspecified location.


    It did say unspecified but it wasnt like it sent it to space or underground or a ce hundreds of meters above the ground.


    It was limited to a ce on the ground. Just that, it might end up on Antarctica if one had bad luck so there was nothing I could do about that.


    It was a good weapon for those I didnt want to kill but could just leave alone.


    The price was about 700 EP.


    To be honest, it wasnt a cheap price.


    It was to the point where I wondered if I had to pay such a price to save those guys.


    However, thinking about it another way it was an item I needed. It was the best weapon for those that I didnt entirely want to kill or those that would leave me with a bad aftertaste.


    After pondering, I put it into my wishlist for now.


    There might be a situation where I need it after all.


    A whileter, Edward returned.


    His face seemed a bit excited. It felt like he saw something fun.


    What is it? That face.


    Ah ah. I saw something interesting you see.


    What is it.


    There were other hunters at the bottom of the mountain.


    Other hunters?


    Yeah. It seems there were other guys aiming for this location. I could see them crawling up.


    Their numbers?


    Almost a hundred?


    I pointed at Seo Jong-beom as I opened my mouth.


    Are they allies of that guy?


    Probably. They have the same crest.


    So they called for reinforcements while buying time.


    I finally realized why Seo Jung-beom fell back so easily.


    Another thing, I think they didnt realize who I was yet.


    Especially for guys that led raid teams, information was life itself. It might be different for others but theres a chance that Seo Jung-beom knows me.


    Otherwise, it didnt make sense that they would bring close to 200 people to take down two people.


    There are too many people with good heads in the world. The problem is that they use their head in bad ways.


    If there was something he didnt know, it would be that Im incredibly strong and the fact that this dungeon has been upgraded to level 11 already.


    Even if I left this ce, it would be impossible for them to hunt here.


    It would be fortunate if they didnt get annihte the moment they entered.


    I thought up to that point when the entrance of the dungeon vibrated lightly as people came out.


    As it had been a level 3 dungeon, there didnt seem to be much damage. It couldnt be helped that there were a few that were dripping blood but it was good considering hundreds of monsters came out.


    I got up from the seat and went towards Seo Jung-beom.


    He turned to me as well as if having been checking on me.


    He opened his mouth first.


    We will leave without you pressing us.


    You. You know who I am right?


    Are you someone I should know?


    Its fine if you dont. By the way. Can I request something?


    Requet?


    I would like you to tell the ones below not toe up.


    Wh, what are you.


    The warning is only once. If you leave without doing something stupid I will let you go this once.


    Hm I got it.


    Seo Jung-beom nodded and left.


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