047 - Dungeon Break (1)
Two hours before the Mugung Guild executives' assembly.
Mugung Guild Master Han Kang-seok received a summons from the Association.
It wasn't just Han Kang-seok.
Representatives from Korea's top ten hunter guilds, along with most of the guild masters operating in Seoul and the capital area, had gathered there.
"...Is this really happening?"
Most assumed it was just assessing damage from the dungeon breaks and planning recovery procedures.
But the shocking data projected on the conference room screen by the Association director painted a different picture—a map of the capital region.
Capital Region Map: High-Risk Dungeon Breaks
"These are dungeons scheduled to break or with high probability of breaking. Colors indicate risk levels, and about fifteen are on the verge of erupting right now. As guild masters who've already been notified know, we've divided zones and begun initial responses."
Dozens of crimson dots—marking imminent danger levels—dotted the capital region.
Yellow dots for scheduled or probable breaks numbered several times more.
Some guild masters were learning for the first time just how many dungeons lurked in the capital area.
"As you all know, Seoul handled this incident more cleanly than other regions, which were complacent. But this isn't the end—it's the beginning. Only by uniting all guilds in the capital region can we overcome this crisis."
There were two ways to stop a dungeon break.
The best was entering the dungeon first and clearing it before monsters could pour out.
The next was fortifying the gate entrance and overwhelming them with firepower the moment they emerged.
The capital's low casualties came from the Association mobilizing police, military, and numerous high-rank hunters to seal dungeons tight.
But now, the Association's resources alone couldn't hold them back.
Hence, they'd divided zones among all guilds in the region for coordinated deployment.
"We've assigned zones near your guild headquarters as much as possible. Arrangements are already in place for direct coordination with local administrations, so we ask for your full cooperation."
Cooperation.
In truth, it meant blocking dungeons for free, but no one could voice complaints.
Law allowed mobilization orders for hunters during national emergencies.
No guild could abandon Seoul and the capital cities to flames.
"How long must we do this?"
"We're working with the Magic Tower to find causes and solutions. Our estimates show break rates dropping sharply after about forty days."
"Forty days..."
It meant playing defense against endless monster waves for forty days straight.
If the capital was this bad, other regions were undoubtedly worse.
"So we're in for hell until the Magic Tower finds a fix."
"Progress on research from the Gangwon Province incident. We earnestly request your cooperation."
The Association director bowed deeply to the room.
"..."
Hunters glanced at the top ten guild masters in the front row.
They effectively held decision power.
But no one grumbled, suggesting prior agreements.
'We'll be the ones suffering again.'
A mid-tier guild master grumbled inwardly.
One consolation: no earnings, but merit points would accumulate.
Small guilds like his could leverage that for future government or Association support—not a bad deal.
The meeting didn't drag on.
Exiting guild masters immediately summoned members and relayed details.
Mugung Guild followed suit.
"Forty days..."
One of Mugung's team leaders groaned.
Normal raids lasted a day to three— a week at most.
Hunters' sturdy bodies could endure, but mental strain was the issue.
Enduring long-term with monsters gunning for your life wasn't sane.
Post-raid rest wasn't just vacation.
Finishing the Association briefing relay, Han Kang-seok faced executives calmly.
"It's a disaster with mobilization orders—no refusing for Mugung. But prioritize your teams first. Police and military handle civilian evac. It's a forty-day marathon; minimizing injuries is key."
"..."
Easier said than done.
They all had plenty to say, faces tense.
But knowing Han Kang-seok—most frustrated, unable to refuse—silenced them.
"Mugung handles Seongbuk-gu. I'll assign team zones via internal channels post-meeting. Dismissed—good luck."
"Yes!"
The resounding reply ended the meeting cleanly.
Kim Sun-woo, in the corner with Robert, packed to leave when Han Kang-seok's secretary approached.
"Hunter Kim Sun-woo. Master requests a moment."
"The Master?"
"Go on. Probably about Gangwon Province."
Kim Sun-woo nodded and followed to an upstairs meeting room.
Sipping coffee, Han Kang-seok smiled faintly as he entered.
"Feeling alright?"
"Yes. Fully recovered."
"Good to see. We'll keep it brief—we're both busy."
Another sip, then a short sigh.
"Planned to teach you martial arts once recovered, but work piled up. Heading out immediately."
"Business trip?"
"Daejeon blew up with a massive dungeon. Mobilized as A-rank. Stuck there awhile, unfortunately."
If even Han Kang-seok was called, what disaster was it?
Gangwon and Chungcheong hit hardest—scale unimaginable.
"Unavoidable."
"Yes. I regret it as much as you. I'll make good on our promise upon return."
Han Kang-seok grinned.
Truthfully, teaching martial arts was pure goodwill.
No need to feel burdened, but seeing his excitement, Kim Sun-woo just smiled back.
"Oh, Association watched your Gangwon feats closely. Medal and B-rank promotion incoming soon. A few more deployments, and it'll be official based on merits."
Pat pat.
Shoulder taps of congratulations.
"Fastest, most unprecedented promotion on record—just you. Congrats."
"Thank you."
B-rank promotion.
Expected, so he took it in stride.
F-to-C or to-B felt similar—numb after reaching the impossible.
'A-rank might excite me a bit.'
Finally lowering his hand after repeated pats.
"Looking forward to more. Rare true martial artist in the guild—high hopes."
With blessings, Han Kang-seok left.
Alone, Kim Sun-woo leaned against the wall, stroking his chin.
"B-rank."
Team leader training unfinished, yet rank rising.
Would Robert treat him as superior?
That'd be hilarious.
Chuckling, he headed to the Knight Team office.
Members geared up, ready to deploy.
"Talk with Master go well?"
"Yes. Deploying already?"
"A bit early, but break precursors hit our zone's center."
Situation grimmer than thought.
Public notice fresh, yet downtown break imminent.
"Planned longer recovery—forced back in."
"Current gear okay?"
"Yeah. You'd be shocked at the value on me."
Flashing hanbok and artifacts, Robert nodded.
"Solid armament. Good."
Really, one sword sufficed for a monster like him.
No need to say.
"Departing now."
Knight Team, assembled early beyond summons, deployed ahead of others.
Bus to near Hyehwa Station, Daehangno.
Disembarking, armed police and soldiers guided civilian evac.
Always crowded—total chaos.
"Been a while."
Kim Sun-woo scanned nostalgically.
Korea University campus nearby.
Partied here daily in wild days.
"What were you like as a student, oppa?"
Curious Han Su-ah sidled up.
No deep thought needed.
"What else? Family loaded then—no holds barred."
More drinks than books read, probably.
Still aced studies, kept grades solid.
"What about you, Team Leader?"
Curious about Robert.
Glancing around, then distant sky.
"Majored in philosophy at Cambridge. Stiff life, minding family eyes."
"I've been! Gorgeous campus. Back gate's Fitbillies—great dessert cafe. Know it?"
"Frequented it. Only edible food there... desserts."
"Cambridge."
Kim Sun-woo looked wistful.
Originally planned study abroad there or Oxford.
Father insisted broad horizons for business.
That future vanished.
"Inside. Other guilds here already."
Daehangno—large, populous—joint zone for several guilds.
Two arrived: coincidentally Huashan Sect, and...
"Huh?"
"..."
They spotted Kim Sun-woo too.
He vaguely recalled her, not exactly.
Tear mole under left eye—familiar...
"Ah, Magic Tower counselor?"
"Right. Outfit threw me—TV made me doubt, but it's you."
Crimson hair, tear mole.
Striking mage grinned, hand extended.
"Jin So-hui of Crimson Tower. Fate to meet again—nice working with you."
"Kim Sun-woo. Good seeing you too."
As they shook, wary Han Su-ah asked.
"You know her?"
"...Consulted Magic Tower pre-martial arts. She counseled me."
"Told you no talent, chased you out. My share in your fame, right?"
Jin So-hui grinned; Han Su-ah smiled back.
Eye corners twitched stiffly.
Then Robert, back from Huashan talks, nodded at them.
"Acquainted—easy intros. Jin So-hui, Crimson Tower heir, high-rank mage at 5th circle."
"High-rank? 6th circle for that."
Jin So-hui knew Robert too.
But Kim Sun-woo's shock was elsewhere.
"...Tower heir? Then why counsel...?"
"Ah."
She scratched cheek sheepishly.
"Messed up, grounded. Saved promising hunter—net gain?"
Giggling, elbowing his side.
"Like drinks? Booze payback. Lifting alcohol ban soon—craving some. Know a spot; drinks after?"
"...Focus on now, please."
Robert stern-faced at her flirting.
Turning to Huashan, cautiously.
"Huashan suggests clearing dungeon pre-backflow to avoid external damage. Crimson Tower's stance?"