Dungeon & Commander (124)
“Not at all.”
Jang Geon-ho let out a sigh.
“Can I come in and explain?”
“Follow me.”
Go Cheolmin led Jang Geon-ho up to the master room.
Shin Jong-su, who had walked to the guildhouse entrance with his hands behind his back, wrinkled his nose at the sweat-soaked Pink Team.
“Still doing these outdated training methods here, huh? No guild in this day and age does stuff like this. Ugh, the sweat stench. What a low-class bunch.”
The Roulette tanker's words were meant to provoke a fierce reaction from Pink Team. But Kim Jun just gave him a mad dog glare before turning and heading inside the guildhouse.
Yoo Min-jeong, Choi Muhyun, Skyla, and Yeom Sang-taek completely ignored him and followed Kim Jun.
“Hey! What the hell is with these guys?”
Shin Jong-su shouted.
“Ouch, that stung.”
Kim Ye-geun snickered.
“Shut up!”
Shin Jong-su bellowed as he stormed into the guildhouse. Kim Ye-geun, Yoon Hye-jeong, and Hwang Myeong-su followed him into the surprisingly spacious interior.
They were speechless.
Choi Muhyun and Skyla running the track, Yeom Sang-taek lifting weights, Yoo Min-jeong pedaling away, and Kim Jun kicking a water bottle and looking disappointed.
According to modern Raider training theory, brute-force strength or endurance workouts were no longer welcome.
Investing time in martial arts or magic was several times more efficient. It was the claim of world-class Raiders and proven by renowned researchers.
Of course, stamina mattered.
A solid foundation was needed to build the beautiful edifice of martial arts and magic on top.
But that was training for amateurs. Pros had their own style.
Forcing major league players to do high school baseball basics would earn nothing but ridicule.
Shin Jong-su, Kim Ye-geun, and Yoon Hye-jeong exchanged glances. For once, all three agreed.
The carrier thought differently.
“Wow, they're really flying.”
Hwang Myeong-su cheered as he caught up to Skyla and Choi Muhyun, running alongside them. Skyla and Choi Muhyun glanced at him but brushed him off lightly.
“You're Skyla, right? I've seen you on the news. I'm Hwang Myeong-su, Roulette team's carrier. I love this kind of training. Running's so simple, but it shows you your limits in just an hour or two.”
Hwang Myeong-su was confident in his running.
Before getting hooked on climbing, he'd lived for marathons. Among Korea's carriers—hell, maybe even Raiders—he figured he was the best.
But that confidence shattered fast.
He hadn't noticed just watching.
Running with them, their pace was shockingly quick. Just matching it left him winded.
“...Miss, hold up a sec.”
Hwang Myeong-su fell back, grabbed his bag from his beloved Ferrari, found the locker room without asking, changed into training gear, and rejoined Skyla and Choi Muhyun.
Better now. Must've been the dress shoes earlier. Plus, haven't run in ages. Still, fast for Raiders. Most skip running training.
“You two are the fastest in Uramata, right? I can tell just looking.”
At Hwang Myeong-su's words, Skyla and Choi Muhyun simultaneously glanced at Kim Jun, still kicking that water bottle.
The message was clear.
That carrier's the fastest.
Hwang Myeong-su turned to stare at Kim Jun. Korea's most famous carrier. Until that guy showed up, he had been that carrier.
Owner of immense wealth.
Ivy League brain.
Conqueror of Everest and every adventure under the sun.
And then he'd challenged dungeons as a carrier.
That was Hwang Myeong-su!
But Kim Jun's arrival had turned him into yesterday's news, like some stray dog.
Hwang Myeong-su spotted Kim Ye-geun sneaking up behind Kim Jun, who was pondering the water bottle.
Gonna cause trouble right away? That's Kim Ye-geun for you. Not surprised.
Kim Ye-geun reached for the famous carrier's pocket, curious what was inside. Kim Jun grabbed his wrist without even turning.
He slowly faced Kim Ye-geun.
“What?”
“......”
Shocked, Kim Ye-geun tried to yank free, but it was like iron. He even cast the buff spell Strong to boost his strength, but his hand just trembled.
Kim Jun suddenly released him.
Kim Ye-geun flew backward.
“Hahaha, serves you right! Knew this day would come!”
Shin Jong-su burst out laughing.
Then Go Cheolmin and Jang Geon-ho came down the stairs.
“Everyone, gather up.”
Pink Team assembled.
“Good news. Something that'll shock you. The entire Roulette team we raided Changwon Dungeon with recently has decided to join Uramata Guild. Pink Team's got a sister team now.”
Pink Team, staring at the master, turned to look at Jang Geon-ho, Shin Jong-su, Yoon Hye-jeong, Kim Ye-geun, and Hwang Myeong-su.
“You're joking, right?”
It was Kim Jun.
“Not at all.”
“...For real?”
Skyla this time.
“Introduce yourselves. You're eating from the same pot starting today.”
Pink Team finally grasped the reality.
The two teams eyed each other. No “nice to meet you” or “welcome aboard.” Jang Geon-ho stepped forward and offered his hand to Yoo Min-jeong.
“Roulette team leader, Jang Geon-ho.”
Yoo Min-jeong turned to Kim Jun. Choi Muhyun, Yeom Sang-taek, and Skyla did the same.
Kim Jun sighed and stepped up to shake Jang Geon-ho's hand.
“Let's make it work.”
Jang Geon-ho got the message instantly. The team leader and the rest of Roulette were speechless.
The liquor dwindled in silence.
Roulette team, gathered for the first time, was already on their third bottle of strong stuff.
Finally, Kim Ye-geun spoke.
“We got dumped.”
No one disagreed. They exchanged looks and downed their glasses.
“The Crazy Buffer ditched us.”
Shin Jong-su.
Jang Geon-ho hated to admit it, but given Uramata's reality—a carrier as team leader—it was hard to deny.
“I know a reporter at Daily Raiders. Wanna leak it? People won't stand for it. Uramata'd shut down, and we'd go back to Miracle. Team leader, what do you think?”
Shin Jong-su eyed Jang Geon-ho.
Jang Geon-ho realized the brute tanker had called him “team leader” for the first time. Drunk or not, it felt good.
“That old hag'd sniff out who snitched and find them easy. We couldn't even get near Miracle. Association might boot us too.”
Jang Geon-ho was sure Yang Hee-seon could pull it off.
“Team leader, got any ideas?”
Kim Ye-geun now.
Even the sticky-fingered buffer called him “team leader.”
“To get back to Miracle, like it or not, we gotta last three years here. Uramata can't crumble in that time. So Roulette team takes over Uramata Guild.”
Jang Geon-ho whispered.
Everyone leaned in.
“And?”
Shin Jong-su's eyes sparkled. More focused than ever.
“First, I become senior team leader.”
“Obviously. Can't let that carrier punk take it.”
Kim Ye-geun fumed.
“Problem's the master's opinion. You saw it. He favors Kim Jun. And honestly, Kim Jun stuck it out and revived Uramata, so it's fair. But now that we're here, we can't just watch.”
“Way to change master's mind?”
Shin Jong-su.
“Challenge him to a duel.”
“Duels are banned.”
Kim Ye-geun murmured.
“Officially. But I'm talking guild-internal, for senior team leader spot. Outsiders won't know. Association neither.”
“Aha.”
Shin Jong-su nodded.
“He'll have to accept. Pride as team leader. I smash him, master and Pink Team see reality.”
The heavy mood vanished.
Shin Jong-su even toasted “To our senior team leader!” Kim Ye-geun joined in.
Hwang Myeong-su, who had just been drinking and watching, sneered inwardly.
Yoo Min-jeong's the daughter of great Yoo Wan-seop. Choi Muhyun's Choi Min-su's son. Yeom Sang-taek was picked by Crazy Buffer. They acknowledge Kim Jun. Why? Skill. He's the best team leader.
These guys don't get it. Or don't wanna. Stuck on 'carriers are weak.' Not totally wrong—until Kim Jun, it was gospel.
Hwang Myeong-su excused himself to the bathroom and slipped out. Any fondness for Roulette team died there.
Kim Jun circled October 1st in red on his calendar.
Awakening test.
In ten days, he could finally shed the carrier label.
Pass that, and he could enter dungeons openly. Reveal himself as Pink Team's leader too.
His heart raced already.
Dealer, tanker, buffer—one to pick. Which?
He wanted all three. To truly understand the roles, to become a commander.
Decision made.
Tanker first!
Impenetrable shield protecting the team!
Pink Team desperately needed one now.
Kim Jun recalled Choi Min-su fending off thugs with minimal moves, total ease. He wanted that skill in his bones.
As tanker, he'd stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Choi Muhyun, blocking charging monsters. A dream once—now reality.
Kim Jun sat at his desk.
The thick binder was from Yoo Min-jeong—prep materials for the awakening test.
Dungeon history, Raider types and abilities, hunting tech and tactics, Association rules, tanker/dealer/buffer breakdowns, key skills and power, monster types, core varieties and uses—massive info.
Awakening test: Pass both written and practical.
First: Written exam.
Second: Sit in the unique awakening chair; score decides fate.
19 or below: Fail.
Untrained folks rarely topped 5. Even talent hit 10 max. Talent and training for 19+.
20-29: Provisional hold—retest later.
30+: Pass. 30-49: Prodigy or genius.
50+: True genius.
Wonder what mine'll be? Can't be under 19.
No talent? He'd lose face with Choi Min-su, Yeon Un-jae, master, team—everyone.
Steeling himself, Kim Jun dove into study. Exam prep was his wheelhouse. CSAT perfect score know-how still worked.
Phone rang.
Glancing at the screen, an unexpected name.
Kim Jun snatched it up.
Kim Jun stepped out to the road in front of his apartment. Cars passed under streetlights.
A flashy sports car parked curbside. Hwang Myeong-su got out, waving, reeking of booze.
“Surprised by the sudden call?”
“A bit.”
“Had to talk. Called.”
Outside the guildhouse, Hwang Myeong-su felt Kim Jun looked even younger. This kid gets team leader respect?
“Shoot.”
“As a fellow carrier, I'm jealous. So young, already respected by peers. Really envious.”
Booze loosened his tongue more than usual.
Kim Jun got it. He was a carrier.
“Roulette's team leader's challenging for senior team leader spot.”
Kim Jun's eyes widened, but mouth stayed shut.
“I know Jang Geon-ho's strengths and weaknesses inside out. Help you, you beat him.”
“One question first?”
“Fire away.”
“Why'd Roulette join Uramata?”
Hwang Myeong-su grinned and explained Yang Hee-seon's ultimatum briefly. Three years to return to Miracle.
Kim Jun nodded, walked to the road, hailed a taxi.
As it stopped, he opened the back door, eyed Hwang Myeong-su.
“Get in.”
“......”
Speechless Hwang Myeong-su.
“No more drunk driving.”
Kim Jun hauled him into the taxi.
“Don't you want senior team leader?”
Hwang Myeong-su blurted.
“If it's on my path, I'll take it. Driver, please.”
Kim Jun spoke to Hwang Myeong-su, then turned to the cabbie.
The taxi drove off.
Hwang Myeong-su slumped in the back. Kim Jun's words echoed.
A sage answer to a dumb question. Team leader isn't clawed for—it's a bus stop on his road. If team leader and senior are stops... where's he headed? Embarrassing, can't even look up.
Truth was, he'd wanted to impress Kim Jun, escape carrier life. If Kim Jun did it, with his money, smarts, experience—he could too.
Goal changed.
Follow and learn. Every bit. Then my path like his appears.
Mind at ease for once.
No wild Ferrari ride tonight—he'd sleep fine.
Last night falling asleep, morning shower, breakfast on leftover chicken—Go Cheolmin pondered senior team leader.
Ideally, Kim Jun. Diligence, judgment—perfect.
But new Roulette team.
To them, Kim Jun was arrogant carrier. No joint dungeon runs.
Didn't know his capabilities.
Didn't grasp Cheonroegeom lord, Choi Min-su and Yeon Un-jae both accepting him as client.
Senior team leader Kim Jun? Roulette revolts. Leak to press? Awakening test October 1st tanks.
Can't have that.
Go Cheolmin decided.
Locking up to leave, familiar face at elevator.
“What're you doing?”
“Suddenly missed you, master.”
Kim Jun grinned.
“Well, well.”
They rode together.
“Uh...”
“Hm...”
Both at once.
“You first.”
“Got it. Thought about it—Jang Geon-ho for senior team leader.”
“Why?”
Go Cheolmin figured Kim Jun thought like him—awakening test. Wanted confirmation.
“Helps Roulette team.”
“...Roulette? Why?”
“They're mismatched, clashing personalities, hastily formed. Give Jang Geon-ho power for authority, discipline follows. What do you think, master?”
“How'd you know they're hastily formed?”
Go Cheolmin hadn't detailed Roulette's transfer.
“Overheard somehow.”
No way he'd out Roulette's carrier. Hwang Myeong-su'd be in trouble.
Kim Jun zipped lips like Fort Knox. Go Cheolmin knew, nodded slowly.
“Got it. Jang Geon-ho senior team leader for now.”
Elevator stopped.
They headed to parking.
Lamborghini's roar didn't thrill today.
Jang Geon-ho muttered unwittingly.
“We cheered for Kim Jun.”
From Skyla's published “Raid Story.”
Recalling it irked him every time.
He'd read the whole thing multiple times—that line stuck wrong.
Why cheer for a carrier?
Rumor true?
Someone analyzed Skyla's post, timeline of Pink Team's actions, even posted schedule online.
Claimed Kim Jun solo-killed Formicans, took core. Many bought it.
Counterarguments strong.
Skyla's writing vague, open to interpretation. Fair point.
Another view: Kim Jun took Formium, but didn't kill Formicans.
Skyla, Choi Muhyun, Yoo Min-jeong killed it on ground; carrier Kim Jun extracted core from corpse.
Jang Geon-ho liked that.
Fits story tone, Kim Jun's style.
But that line.
Just brought core—cheered?
Skyla's straightforward tale used “cheer” once. Right there.
“Damn it!”
Jang Geon-ho slowed into parking.
Out early, but Kim Jun's domestic car sat deepest inside. Irritation peaked.
Inside guildhouse, Kim Jun ran the track. Not blazing, but form perfect.
Even better than before.
“You're here?”
Kim Jun said. No wobble. Voice or body.
“...Yeah.”
Jang Geon-ho recalled betting Kim Jun on old hag's dare. Magic-overtook him on road, but lost anyway.
Won't lose now. Triple genius honor on line!
Changed in locker, caught up to Kim Jun.
“Formicans—you killed it, right?”
Blunt strike.
Kim Jun ran on, deaf.
“For-mi-cans! You! Killed! It! Right?!”
Jang Geon-ho yelled.