Shadows in the Core Country
As he drove toward the Dungeon Association headquarters, Bang Su-cheol called Section Chief Cha Yeong-il.
The line rang before switching to an automated message.
He left a voicemail, but there was no telling when Cha Yeong-il would check it. If Oh Jae-gyu was truly dead and someone was impersonating him to infiltrate the Dungeon Association... the Core Country... then every minute counted.
Bang Su-cheol dialed the Security Division 1 office.
―Well, if it isn't you. To what do I owe the pleasure?
The sarcasm was there from the first word.
Bang Su-cheol barely suppressed the urge to hang up.
"There seems to be a problem at the Dungeon Association."
―Problems pop up here every day. That's life. It's worse today with the awakening tests. You wouldn't be calling just to screw us over again like last time, would you?
His tone was laced with venom.
Bang Su-cheol sighed.
The Investigation Bureau was divided into the Investigation Department, which handled illegal raiders—villains—and illicit items, and the Security Department, which managed protection and security for the Association, dungeons, and such.
Earlier this year, Bang Su-cheol had nabbed a black market core broker. Interrogation revealed his supplier higher up the chain.
The problem? A security officer was involved in that supply line. The media unleashed hell, raiders trashed the Association, and in the end, the Security Department head resigned, along with two section chiefs under him.
Ever since, the Security Department's view of Bang Su-cheol had been ice-cold.
"A villain may have slipped into the Core Country."
―Hahaha, targeting the Core Country this time? I'll pass the word to my buddy there. Good luck.
Jeong Yong-min, head of Security Division 1, hung up.
Bang Su-cheol slammed the steering wheel. It didn't help his rage.
In a normal organization, they'd be furious at the crooked security officers. But most Association departments, including Security... treated the investigator who exposed the corruption like the enemy.
"Hoo... hoo... hoo..."
He calmed himself with deep breaths.
There was no way to catch a murderer through Security—at least, not without stoking their hatred tenfold.
Catch the perp?
Or play it safe to avoid the hate?
"Nothing left to ruin anyway."
Bang Su-cheol called a big shot. The line connected after three rings.
―It's been a while.
"I need a favor."
―I've waited five years for those words. Time to repay that debt? Speak.
"A villain's infiltrated the Dungeon Association's Core Country. Order Security to mobilize."
―That'll make your position even worse.
"I just need the perp caught."
―Understood.
Bang Su-cheol hung up and exhaled long and slow.
A fleeting thought: Was that a mistake? Catching Oh Jae-gyu's killer wouldn't bring cheers, praise, or promotion. Just winks and smiles from those who knew him well.
Didn't matter.
It had to be done.
Oh Jae-gyu—or rather, Maeng Gyu-pil—clutched his face and peeled off the mask like ripping away skin. The intricate masking mud tore free, yanking out hair, eyebrows, and all.
"Ugh..."
The transformation item, masking mud—made from mud, silicone, and various cores—was great in every way but one: the agony of removal.
Wear it too long, and it bonded to your skin, leading to nasty consequences.
Truth be told, masking mud was low-tier among transformation skills.
Above it was the mid-tier "Zak Tuk," which worked wonders. It could reshape your entire body to match any target. The catch? Exorbitantly expensive and good for just one use.
Maeng Gyu-pil had mastered Zak Tuk too.
He raised his middle finger.
"I put so much work into raising you. Time you pulled your weight. If you'd succeeded, I wouldn't need this masking mud crap."
The finger turned gooey. A gap opened between nail and skin, revealing dozens of tiny teeth inside. It masqueraded as a finger normally, revealing its true form—a Stro Lava—only when needed.
"Not mealtime. Later."
At its master's words, the Stro Lava reverted to finger shape.
Maeng Gyu-pil sighed, pulled ointment from his pocket, and applied it generously to his forehead, cheeks, and jaw to minimize skin damage. He checked his face via phone app. Already, near his cheekbones, the skin was reddening.
"No masking mud for a while after today."
He grinned at his reflection.
His right eye gleamed black, the left a silvery gray.
Odd eyes that startled anyone at first glance—eyes Maeng Gyu-pil adored, though far from ordinary. He hid them with color lenses or magic to avoid attention.
With another sigh, he donned fresh masking mud, meticulously sealing it around his forehead and ears. As it adhered, a burning sensation enveloped his face.
Ten seconds later, it formed a new face.
Perfect.
Maeng Gyu-pil pulled a USB drive and slotted it into the computer port.
The hacking program auto-launched, filling the monitor with code. Less than a minute later, the system was breached.
"Alright, let's start with Gravitium, Lithium, and Podum."
He fabricated a request form and issued the command. The hacked system relayed it to the inner storage room, and soon, faint robotic arm whirs echoed.
Maeng Gyu-pil connected his core bag to the transparent pipe and whistled as he waited.
The whistling stopped abruptly.
His sharp ears caught the click-clack of heels.
A woman burst into the core room counter. Song Jae-ok, on duty for Core Storage Division 2 today.
"Ugh, this sucks. Gimme a coffee. Make it sweet."
Maeng Gyu-pil eyed the plump woman steadily, then headed to the break room to brew instant coffee while glancing outside. Fortunately, she seemed oblivious.
"Something wrong?"
He set the cup before Song Jae-ok.
"Don't ask. The section chief dumped a ton of work and bailed. You can't imagine how slimy he is, Oh Deputy. Huh? Why's the coffee taste like this? You didn't use instant, did you? How many times have I said no instants? I meant beans."
"...Slipped my mind."
"Mind your slips elsewhere. Be careful next time."
"Yes, ma'am."
Maeng Gyu-pil masked his murderous urge with a cheerful reply.
"Jae-gyu, you're acting weird today."
Song Jae-ok eyed him suspiciously.
"Weird how?"
Maeng Gyu-pil's eyes chilled.
Just in case, colorless Phlogiston gas seeped from his fingertips, drifting toward Song Jae-ok.
"Hard to say. Your vibe's different. Did the chief chew you out too?"
"No, not at all."
"Then? The cores in storage aren't missing, right? You joked about siphoning some for black market cash. You didn't, did you?"
"Pardon?"
"Kidding, kidding. Why the wide eyes?"
At that moment, a rice-grain-sized Gravitium core slid through the transparent pipe into the core bag.
"Moving cores?"
"Yes. Awakening test day, remember?"
Maeng Gyu-pil whipped up an excuse on the spot, explaining calmly. If she didn't buy it, Phlogiston would silence her in a flash.
"Right! Honor Hall's gonna be chaos. I thought it was bullshit when I first heard."
"Same here."
Maeng Gyu-pil shifted the Phlogiston two meters from Song Jae-ok. No chance this idiot would uncover the truth.
"You know about Kim Jun, right?"
"Who doesn't? Whole country's heard."
"I don't like him."
"Why not?"
How do I get rid of this woman?
Kill her? But a missing duty staffer would draw searches... and complications.
"Ever since that cocky carrier started strutting, bad stuff keeps hitting the Association. Know your place. Why stir trouble with dumb stunts? Never liked him from the start. Carriers should act like carriers."
"I kinda admire his effort."
Maeng Gyu-pil spoke sincerely for the first time.
"That's 'cause you don't get it. Live by your nature—that's order. Coffee was good. Thanks."
Song Jae-ok headed into the hall. Right led to Core Management 2 office, left to the restrooms. She veered toward the office.
Maeng Gyu-pil ground his teeth.
Parachute hire badmouthing a grinder like Kim Jun? Maggot.
Lithium and Podum cores followed through the pipe into the bag.
As he prepped another request, she reappeared—heels nearly silent this time.
Maeng Gyu-pil flinched involuntarily.
"Caught you! Up to no good? Why so jumpy?"
Song Jae-ok approached.
Maeng Gyu-pil gathered the Phlogiston around her. At over 1500 degrees, she'd ash without a scream.
"Kidding, kidding. Forgot my phone. Anyway, good luck. Off to clean up after that ten plagues of a chief."
Song Jae-ok snatched her phone from the counter with a grin and left. Her cloying perfume lingered.
Whoosh.
Phlogiston ignited the air, banishing the stench with the flames.
Maeng Gyu-pil swallowed his irritation and resumed requests. They processed quickly. He checked his watch.
"Almost time. Shame. I'd love to watch. See how triple-density cores affect the wax dolls, how strong the awakened ones get, Kim Jun's reaction... Hope he doesn't die there. Nah, can't have that. Whatever—proves his vessel's limits."
Maeng Gyu-pil dove back into work.
The underground passage stretched long.
Awakening Seat test passers strolled leisurely, chatting. They knew the destination.
Honor Hall.
Needed 15+ years experience, at least one "Raider of the Year," and 30+ dungeon points for induction. So tough only 24 raiders were registered.
Only Yoo Wan-seop among actives; Lee Hwan hadn't qualified yet.
Kim Jun dredged up childhood memories. He'd visited Honor Hall twice.
First too young to remember—only photos remained.
Second: gripping his sturdy father's hand, wandering amid life-size wax figures, huge portraits, ancient daggers and shields. Vivid as yesterday.
Today marked three. No longer a tourist. Just claim the "Memorium" from Honor Hall, and the test ended officially.
His nose tingled. He'd made it this far.
Not over yet.
Kim Jun tamped down excited emotion. Written, practical, and Awakening Seat tests were done, but no room for complacency.
Written exam nearly failed him via cheating scandal—thanks to proctors.
Practical pitted him against powerhouses no examinee should face. Random draw? Kim Jun doubted those three strongest were coincidence.
Awakening Seat was deadly too. Without Sa Yeonggyo and others, he'd have flunked.
Tap every stone bridge. Give his all to the end.
Walking to Honor Hall with other third-test passers, sudden agony wrenched his gut. Internal injuries.
Kim Jun staggered.
Sa Yeonggyo was there in a flash, supporting his arm.
"You're frailer than you look."
Kim Jun glanced at her. Frail constitution? Couldn't argue. From her view, sure.
"Back from Africa, right?"
"Yeah."
"Heading back?"
"Probably. Why?"
"Wanna clash properly before you go."
"Staying in Korea awhile. Got business."
A smile bloomed on Sa Yeonggyo's face.
She'd felt the gap in their third bout, yet craved rematch. She'd grind flaws in spare time, hone relentlessly to win.
These types skyrocketed in short bursts.
Guess I gotta level up too. Don't wanna lose from here on.
Kim Jun eyed her waist. That special leather belt he'd overlooked amid third-match fury.
Sa Yeonggyo caught his gaze.
"From Grandpa."
"Expensive?"
"You feel it?"
"Mana swirling around the belt. Five... types?"
"Spot on. Five types. You're sensitive. Dojong exclusive."
"What?"