048 - Dungeon Break (2)
“...First, conquer it, huh.”
Jin So-hui tapped her lips thoughtfully.
“This place was originally an E-rank dungeon, right?”
“Yes. Even if it's been upgraded, we're predicting upper D-rank at most, or maybe C-rank. The Association's measurements show data close to that.”
“Even at that level, it's worth a shot in a dungeon break state. We could minimize damage to the city, too.”
Monsters wreaked havoc on the city the moment they appeared.
Roads would shatter first, and their rampages everywhere would damage buildings and structures.
If possible, entering the dungeon first like this—before the overflow— and conquering it was the most efficient approach.
“And we've got excess manpower gathered here anyway. The administrative system's not fully set up yet, but it's a good idea. It's a perfect chance to gauge how bad these recent breaks have been. How about sending in a scout team first?”
“Sound judgment. But compose it of C- and D-rank hunters.”
“Small elite squad, got it. Can you relay that to the Huashan Sect?”
“Understood.”
Robert, the team leader, nodded and passed the message to the Huashan Sect before returning to the Night team.
“Sun-woo, stay outside. If things go south, you'll need to lead the team.”
“Wouldn't it be better if I went in instead?”
“Hm...”
Robert pondered briefly, then nodded, deeming it more efficient.
“That might be better. Then Seong Ha-rin and Lee Han-su, join Sun-woo on the scout team.”
“Yes!”
“Got it.”
Instead of himself, Robert assigned sub-leader Seong Ha-rin and tanker Lee Han-su to Kim Sun-woo.
Both were top talents in the Night team, so they wouldn't hold anyone back.
“...”
Han Su-ah looked like she wanted to go too, but bringing non-combat personnel into an unknown interior was out of the question.
The scout team assembled in front of the dungeon gate.
From the Magic Tower, Jin So-hui herself stepped up—alone.
When Kim Sun-woo glanced her way, she shrugged.
“Other mages would just get in the way.”
“Your team didn't complain?”
“I'm the leader. Who's gonna say anything?”
Glancing at the Crimson Tower side, the mages looked anxious.
Meanwhile, Jin So-hui flashed a grin their way, suggesting their troubles were far from over.
The Huashan Sect side...
“Baek Hwa-un.”
“Baek Hwa-yun!”
...sent the twin swordsmen.
Early thirties, same age as Kim Sun-woo.
Hwa-un was the older brother, Hwa-yun the younger, but their auras differed vastly.
True to Huashan warriors, they exuded solid, robust energy.
'Both C-rank.'
Two C-ranks and two D-ranks.
Plus Kim Sun-woo himself and mage Jin So-hui.
Overkill for a scout team.
“Before we go in, let's pick a leader. I'll pass. Someone else take it.”
The hunters exchanged looks at Jin So-hui's words.
Who Seong Ha-rin and Lee Han-su would back was obvious.
The surprise came from the Huashan twins' deference.
“...Hunter Kim Sun-woo should lead.”
“We're fine either way.”
After the Gangwon-do incident and facing him directly, they'd vaguely grasped the gap and stepped back.
Kim Sun-woo naturally became scout leader and addressed the group.
“I'll take point. Huashan swordsmen, cover the vanguard with me. Ha-rin and Han-su, protect Mage Jin So-hui.”
“Got it.”
No telling what lay inside.
Kim Sun-woo, with his sharp senses, took the lead.
'No need to take risks.'
Sneak in, gauge the vibe, pull back if it seemed conquerable later with more hunters.
Or smash it with the scout team's power and done.
Whoosh.
With leader set and positions assigned, they crossed the gate into the dungeon.
“...?”
Kim Sun-woo froze briefly upon entry.
He'd heard this Daehak-ro dungeon was a standard low-rank one.
A cave at most, or a dense forest.
But...
“This vibe's different from what I expected.”
Caw, caw, caw.
An unknown bird let out eerie cries as it passed.
Blood-red sky, pitch-black earth, barren wasteland devoid of life.
Kim Sun-woo advanced cautiously, probing for presences.
Fortunately, none entered his sensory range.
“...So-hee, what do you think? Feels too stable for a break—mana flow's steady.”
“Yeah.”
At the rear, guarded by Seong Ha-rin and Lee Han-su, Jin So-hui hardened her expression at the ominous air.
“Even low-rank breaks should sting like needles on your skin. This is so stable it's like it doesn't exist. ...Almost like it's hiding, holding its breath from something.”
She snapped her fingers, summoning a soft-glowing orb into the air.
“Invisible beyond a set range. Things feel off, so stay sharp, everyone.”
“Anyone experienced a dungeon like this before?”
“Not me.”
“Nope.”
All shook their heads at Kim Sun-woo's question.
As an F-rank, he'd only cleared cookie-cutter dungeons.
He'd asked the veterans, but they were the same.
“Creepy place. I'm weak to horror or occult stuff. Honestly, a bit spooky.”
Baek Hwa-yun, the younger twin, cracked a joke to lighten the mood.
A Huashan warrior scared by this? Chuckles followed.
But presences nearby hardened everyone's faces.
“...Behind!”
“Not one direction. Everyone, careful.”
Not strong, but worth watching.
Thud thud thud!
Beast-shaped black blobs leaped from the ground toward the team.
Slash!
No need for full sword arts.
Black Flow Sword sliced one in half.
But the feedback felt faint.
Facing the first foe at point, Kim Sun-woo shouted.
“Ghost types!”
Physical attacks meant nothing to them.
Zombies or ghouls might differ, but these had no substance.
The bisected monster dissolved into black smoke, reforming.
Thud! Thud!
Auras or sword energy dealt real damage, at least.
Luckily, the scout team had a skilled mage.
Whoosh!
Crimson flames erupted.
Crimson Tower specialty: raw firepower.
Battle mage specializing in offense—frontline favorite.
Flames spread, engulfing nearby monsters instantly.
Roar!
Black smoke crumbled in the blaze.
Silence fell, as if nothing happened.
As all scanned warily, Jin So-hui poked a fading corpse with her toe.
“Shadows.”
“Shadows?”
“Yeah. Using shadows as medium to spawn monsters. Not something you'd see in a D-rank...”
Kim Sun-woo felt unease at her words.
'...What?'
His senses screamed sharply.
Don't let that slide.
Fwoosh.
Still maintaining flames amid lingering presences, Jin So-hui furrowed her brow.
“Either way, if they come out, it'll be a hassle. Better thin their numbers first.”
“...Hold on.”
Kim Sun-woo reached to stop her.
-Using shadows as medium to spawn monsters. Not something you'd see in a D-rank...
Shadow-spawned monsters.
Meant a separate creator.
—Slash!
A sharp whoosh pierced the air.
Aimed at Jin So-hui in the center.
“...!”
Sensing danger, her eyes widened.
She gathered flames into a barrier, but it shattered instantly.
Crack.
Artifact barrier and protective wards broke with faint pops.
Auto-activates in crises—shattered before she could react.
'Damn it...!'
Facing the crimson trajectory, Jin So-hui cursed.
Too late to dodge.
Only twist to avoid instant death.
But a hand yanked her body first.
—KABOOM!!!!
Monstrous impact rocked the front line.
Nearby hunters tumbled in panic.
“...”
Kim Sun-woo, holding Jin So-hui and thrusting Black Flow Sword forward, broke a cold sweat.
'Insane power.'
Blocking that drained 30% of his inner energy instantly.
A split-second slower, and the sword would've shattered—with Jin So-hui pierced alongside.
Drip.
Crimson blood trickled down the blade.
Not his or hers.
The blood projectile, shot through the air, lost power and reverted to liquid.
“Th-thanks.”
Pale-faced in Kim Sun-woo's arms, Jin So-hui thanked him, hands still trembling.
But his gaze fixed ahead.
Shh.
Monster presences receded, withdrawing.
“...A person?”
Baek Hwa-yun, crouched alert, frowned in disbelief.
Emerging from the monsters: a humanoid figure.
Antique attire like medieval nobility, black cloak dragging the ground.
Slicked-back hair, powdered-white skin, eyes grotesquely blood-red.
“Fresh guests after so long. No idea how you arrived, but entertaining you to the best of my ability is the Vladimir family's duty.”
Hollywood-vampire looks, but no one admired.
“I'll ensure this becomes your finest night.”
A thick aura of death clung to him, sharp as ever.