The Guild Master's Test
Amaterasu vanished in a flash, fleeing the Dungeon like her life depended on it. The entire swamp had disappeared, so I bolted from the scene to avoid any interrogations.
"Phew…."
Thankfully, I didn't run into anyone on my way out. I thought everything had gone smoothly.
"Hello…."
"Hello?"
"Get your ass over to Jujak Guild right now!"
I'm screwed.
Park Hayul had yelled and hung up immediately. I'd trashed someone else's reserved Dungeon. Of course there'd be hell to pay—responsibility and all that.
She might even get dragged into it since she introduced me.
But who knew it'd be that strong?
Triple S-rank ability? I'd never seen anything like it. I figured it'd just be a bit stronger than Double S.
I didn't expect it to wipe out the whole Dungeon.
And it could get even stronger here? I was starting to scare myself!
I forced positive thoughts and headed back to Jujak Guild.
"Phew…."
I caught my breath, then called her.
"Hey, I'm here."
Park Hayul came out to meet me. I braced for the anger.
"Let's go."
Surprisingly calm. Excited, even?
I followed her into the guild building and up the elevator. A question popped up.
"Who are we meeting?"
"Who else? The Guild Master, obviously."
Jujak Guild's master, Joo Hwayeon. One of the rare S-rank Hunters in Korea—no, the whole world.
I'm about to meet a legend.
How strong was she? Did she have Grating?
My heart raced. The elevator kept climbing.
"What the hell did you do in that Dungeon?"
Park Hayul asked out of pure curiosity, not accusation.
"Just… used my ability, that's all."
"What ability makes Hwayeon unnie summon you like this?"
She muttered to herself. I got the curiosity, but I couldn't spill yet.
30th floor. Joo Hwayeon's domain.
"The Guild Master is waiting."
A secretary greeted us right away and led the way.
"Hey~?"
There she was: Joo Hwayeon. And I felt it immediately.
She has Grating.
Stronger than mine. When would I catch up?
It'd take time, but I wouldn't despair. I had plenty of chances to grow stronger.
Joo Hwayeon had striking red hair in a long ponytail. And that bold outfit—minimal fabric. Her ability burned clothes, right? I'd seen her interview.
Reporter: "Any reason for the revealing clothes?"
"My ability sets them on fire. So I wear custom pieces that only scorch the essentials."
"Have a seat. Oh, Hayul, thanks for coming on your day off. Head back and rest."
Sounded caring, but it was a clear dismissal.
Hayul bowed lightly and left without protest.
"So… Park Kiyong, right?"
"Yeah, just call me Kiyong."
She looked early 30s, but she was 45—way older than me.
Can't call her auntie.
No woman wants that. I'd gauge it and go with noona.
"Cool? Then I'll drop the formalities."
Her polite speech felt awkward anyway.
"Wanna join our guild?"
Predictable offer. She'd seen the ability traces and moved fast.
"You won't regret it, Kiyong. Same ability type—I'll guide you personally."
I pondered. Guild perks meant no more reservation issues like yesterday.
But guilds meant chains. No freedom.
I'm better off independent.
Guild support? I hopped dimensions, conquering solo. Requests beyond their reach.
Support's nice, but not worth the leash.
A affiliation could protect me until full growth. If this came after my first request, I'd have bitten.
But now? Stronger. Self-reliant. No need.
Decline. Low gains.
"Sorry, but I'll pass."
No change in her expression.
"How about mercenary work?"
No illusions—straight to plan B.
Mercenary…
That worked. Pick my jobs.
Downside: Can't choose party members.
No job's perfect, but that's negligible.
"Sounds good. Mercenary it is."
"Hehe, contract time?"
She gestured; secretary brought it instantly. Prepared ahead.
So recruitment was bait—mercenary was the goal.
I scrutinized the contract. Fresh off unemployment, but I read every word.
Good, no poison pills.
Time to sign.
Scribble, scribble.
Done. She smirked.
"Mercenary sealed. Here's your first request."
A-Rank Dungeon
What made her trust me with an A-rank Dungeon? Suspicion hit instantly.
What about me screams A-rank ready?
Smelled fishy. Two possibilities:
Test. Or…
Newbie hazing.
Crush threats before they rise.
But Joo Hwayeon?
No bad rumors. Not her style.
Then a test.
For what? Curiosity burned.
Test contents? Rewards beyond?
I eyed her beaming face. Accepting played into her hands.
But damn, too intriguing.
"I'm in."
Curiosity won.
"You're testing him?"
"Yeah."
As I left, Park Goeun questioned Joo Hwayeon, who stared at my empty seat.
"Just coincidence? His ability synced perfectly with the Dungeon environment, causing the explosion?"
"Normally, yeah."
Sometimes abilities explode in power with Dungeon synergy.
But Joo Hwayeon sensed different.
"Felt off…."
"Off how?"
Park Goeun probed.
"Like facing other S-ranks. He's officially C-rank, right?"
"Yes, C-rank."
Goeun answered, stunned.
"Really?"
Joo Hwayeon grew serious.
"More than that. Different Grating?"
She leaned back.
"What a ridiculous guy. If this pans out…."
We might actually pull it off.
Goeun fell silent, then spoke.
"You think it's possible?"
"My gut's screaming yes since I saw his face. With him, we can do it."
"I'll trust you. Your instincts are beastly."
Goeun smirked.
"Can't you just say I have good instincts?"
Joo Hwayeon pouted at her.
Request in a week. Time to gear up.
My old sword was trashed in the Melt duel. So I headed here.
"Yo~ What's up?"
Park Ayun's place.
"Need a weapon forged."
50k from the goblin Dungeon was all I had, but worth a shot.
"Backed up big time. Come back later."
She looked swamped—dismissal issued. I stayed put.
"See this, and you'll change your mind."
I pulled from Inventory: Platina's loot.
And the shimmering World Tree Branch.
Park Ayun's eyes flipped.
She's lost it.
She locked the door at record speed.
"Inside! Now!"
She cradled the items like babies and dragged me to the back.
"Whew, hot."
Air was scorching.
"Measure up on that machine."
She wouldn't look away from the materials. Results in hand, she drooled.
"Come back in three days."
Sword done in three—no interruptions.
What kind of blade will it be?
Platina's top-tier stuff plus World Tree Branch.
Ayun's rep was solid—no skill worries.
Three days. Gonna feel looong.