The Invisible Force
Yang Hee-seon furrowed her brow.
"Looks like I just got played."
"...Pardon?"
"Never mind. More than that, it's probably fighting spirit. They also call it Invisible Force. The reason it doesn't have a fixed name... is because it's so hard to pin down its true nature. Some describe it as another form of power born from the fusion of mental strength and internal energy."
Kim Jun nodded slowly, then asked the question burning in his mind.
"How do you block it? I'm curious about how to learn it too."
"You can't block it. The only way is to grow strong enough to match it. As for learning Invisible Force... even Yoo Wan-seop probably doesn't know. It just naturally awakens through training."
Kim Jun hung on every word, not missing a single syllable.
For some reason, his mind felt clearer, sharper.
It was like he'd been lost, with no idea where he stood or which way to go—until he spotted a towering spire in the distance. Head there, and I'll reach my goal. That certainty settled in his chest.
Invisible Force.
One more reason to get stronger.
The Mercedes, driven by the man called the butler, pulled up near Kim Jun's home.
Stepping out, Kim Jun bowed to Yang Hee-seon.
"Thank you for the ride."
"Call anytime if you have questions."
"Yes, ma'am."
The Mercedes vanished into the darkness.
Gripping his heavy sword, Kim Jun waited for the elevator.
His fingertips still buzzed with excitement. He'd been as deeply focused as when plunging into a dungeon to battle monsters.
Choi Min-su, Yang Hee-seon, and even Yoo Wan-seop.
None had ties to Uramata Guild, yet they'd all stepped up to help with his tests. He owed them deeply.
The doors slid open.
He pressed the button, and the elevator rose.
Just then, Yang Hee-seon's words from the car replayed in his head.
"Looks like I just got played."
Kim Jun tilted his head.
Played by whom?
Since he'd asked about his duel with Yoo Wan-seop, the odds were high it was the master who'd put her in an awkward spot.
Thud, thud, thud.
He lightly tapped the elevator floor with the heavy sword. As the final echo rang out, Kim Jun pieced it together and burst out laughing.
A battle for possession had broken out.
Without him even realizing.
The doors opened.
He entered his home and found his mother approaching from the sofa.
"What's so funny?"
Kim Jun gave her a simple rundown of the day's tests and their meaning—skipping the heavy stuff like Black Society.
He expected her to laugh, but instead she grabbed his hand with a serious gaze and pulled him to the sofa.
"Listen up."
"...Yeah."
"From now on, you have to treat those people right."
"I already do."
"Be more humble. Show even greater respect. Hardly anyone doesn't know you now. Wherever you go, people will recognize you—even in a taxi. Don't get arrogant. You weren't born into a prestigious family like Lee Hwan. You're different from Muhyun or Min-jeong too. You don't have parents who truly understand and support you."
"You've always got my back, Mom."
"All I can do for you is make a hot meal. So don't forget your roots. Steel yourself like when you first decided to become a carrier—like back when you had nothing. Got it?"
He felt her sincerity.
"Got it."
In his room, he set the heavy sword beside him and lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
A faded Post-it note clung to the corner.
I can do this!
He'd written it when he started training his body and studying to become a carrier.
Now he understood why she'd sat him down for that talk.
What he had now could never be taken for granted. None of it had come easy. Nothing should be treated lightly.
Not his teammates, not the master, not mentors like Choi Min-su and Yang Hee-seon—or even his teacher on Yeongun Island. Not Mokhonbo or any of his skills.
Even Yeon Chung-jae, who'd tried to kill him but ultimately made him stronger—he felt a spark of gratitude there too.
Sitting up, Kim Jun texted the three of them: Thank you for today. Sincerity made the words flow easily—and replies came back.
Kim Jun figured why the master hadn't replied. That overwhelming display in their third clash said it all.
He reached out, gripped the heavy sword's tip, and lifted it.
His muscles tensed taut.
He swung it slowly, precisely one hundred times. Then, clutching the White Spear, he closed his eyes. Even in dreams, he hoped to meet Yeon Chung-jae and master Yeonkwai.
* * *
The cigarette before entering a dungeon still tasted amazing.
"Huh? You started smoking?"
An Seong-ho strolled out to the break room balcony.
"Stressful times. Want one?"
Maeng Gyu-pil offered a cig.
An Seong-ho shook his head.
These days, only health nuts became raiders. Well, the body's original owner, Do Jin-yong, had been obsessive about fitness too.
"When's the gate opening?"
"In... 27 minutes."
An Seong-ho checked his watch.
Maeng Gyu-pil stretched his arm over the railing and flicked ash with his finger.
Whoever walked below? Not his problem.
"Team leader here yet?"
"Not yet."
"Everything's great, but paperwork? Total bullshit."
"Agreed."
An Seong-ho nodded. Every team leader griped about it. Raider participation forms, association demands—you name it. Sometimes it made you hate the job.
Kim Jun was probably frowning over blank forms with the other expedition leaders right now.
A helicopter thrummed overhead.
Broadcast chopper.
A D-rank dungeon with Kim Jun—the hot topic—involved? Live coverage made sense. Interest ran high for expedition captain Jeong Myeong-ho and late-joiner Ju Shin's Kwon Joo-chan too.
Hence the swarm of reporters shoving mics at the management office entrance earlier.
Maeng Gyu-pil had never gotten that treatment, even in his prime.
Petty malice stirred in his gut.
What faces would those reporters make if news hit that the expedition wiped—leaving one survivor? And that survivor was third-rate guild leader Do Jin-yong?
They'd scramble for the scoop, fighting for interviews, desperate for a quote.
It'd be hilarious, but can't let that happen.
Kim Jun emerged from the main building, and reporters swarmed in.
He unleashed Mokhonbo, slithering through like an eel to the annex raider lounge.
"Check that out."
Maeng Gyu-pil pointed at Kim Jun gliding across the ground, reporters huffing behind with mics and cameras.
"Makes me wanna relearn Mokhonbo."
An Seong-ho said.
"Right? That's the real deal Mokhonbo, huh?"
Maeng Gyu-pil blurted it without thinking.
"Real Mokhonbo?"
An Seong-ho eyed his fellow tanker, intrigued.
"Heard once it's an incredible skill. Not this half-assed thing anyone learns but never uses in real fights."
He glossed over it, unsure if An Seong-ho bought it.
If the guy suspected even a little—if he imagined this wasn't Do Jin-yong and let it show—no way he'd leave Sokcho Dungeon alive.
"So the team leader learned the real Mokhonbo. Explains his movement."
An Seong-ho nodded.
Maeng Gyu-pil smirked, tossed his cig, and headed inside with him.
The lounge was dead quiet.
Two women glared daggers.
Sa Yeonggyo and Bang Yun-a.
"Don't forget you're just interim leader."
Bang Yun-a spoke first.
"Guild master's hinting I should keep running Medusa Team. You telling me you didn't notice?"
Sa Yeonggyo shot back.
"What?"
Bang Yun-a flushed red, rising—fireballs flickering near her hands.
Sa Yeonggyo had already drawn her Magic Whip from her belt, smirking provocatively at Bang Yun-a.
Tension crackled—yet Choi Muhyun scrolled his phone with earbuds in. Yeom Sang-taek just pored over his neat notepad.
Only Skyla shook her head with a sigh.
Then Kim Jun entered.
Miracle happened.
Bang Yun-a's fireballs vanished. Sa Yeonggyo's whip snapped back to her belt.
Kim Jun spotted Sa Yeonggyo.
"Medusa Team?"
"All prepped perfectly. Just popped by to check on our Pink—er, your team."
She emphasized Pink Team deliberately.
"Raid ends, you report back immediately. Focus on Medusa. Why're you still here?"
"You're so mean."
Maeng Gyu-pil blinked in disbelief.
Sa Yeonggyo pulling cutesy on the Pink leader?!
Pouty face, parted lips, one shoulder shrugged—it was pure feminine charm, the kind that rattled men.
What? Does Sa Yeonggyo like him?
Maeng Gyu-pil sized up Kim Jun.
"No time. Gate's opening soon."
Kim Jun was icier than usual.
"Fine."
Sa Yeonggyo left without argument. Maeng Gyu-pil was speechless.
Few knew how spoiled Sa Yeonggyo truly was. Maeng Gyu-pil had attended Association President Sa Gyeongbaek's parties—he knew the real deal from Korea's top family, raised on privilege as a given.
He leaned toward An Seong-ho and whispered.
"Sa Yeonggyo likes the team leader?"
"Probably."
An Seong-ho said flatly.
"You knew?"
"She makes it obvious."
Holy shit.
Maeng Gyu-pil stifled a laugh. Live long enough, see it all. Association President's granddaughter crushing on a fresh-off-carrier raider?
Did Sa Gyeongbaek know?
A schemer like him? No way he'd miss it. He was letting it slide.
She's still young.
Maeng Gyu-pil watched Kim Jun brief raid protocols.
The more he learned, the more astonishing the guy.
How'd he steal Sa Yeonggyo's heart? Marry her, and he'd rocket to raider elite. Slim chance, though.
Sa Gyeongbaek wouldn't allow it.
Briefing done.
"Check gear. Assemble in annex lobby in 10."
Kim Jun exited.
Maeng Gyu-pil donned association-standard raider gear. Sucked using cheap stuff after so long, but identity concealment demanded it.
"Huh?"
Yeom Sang-taek pulled pitch-black arm guards from his bag.
No way?
Sensing the stare, Yeom Sang-taek grinned.
"...Where'd you get that Dark Cover?"
"Teacher gave it."
"For real?"
"Yeah."
Yeom Sang-taek beamed with joy and pride.
Those guards were once the Crazy Buffer's trademark. Even top buffer Mun Hyo-rin coveted them.
For such a powerhouse item to go to Yeom Sang-taek?
The guy could barely squash a spider—hardly prodigy material. Why gift it to him?
Across sat Choi Muhyun in unfamiliar armor. At the murky chestplate, Maeng Gyu-pil's eyes widened.
Parcheon Armor.
The very set Choi Min-su wore conquering dungeons.
"What do you think?"
Choi Muhyun asked.
"Cool."
Maeng Gyu-pil meant it. Though he skipped, 'Would've been cooler on Senior Choi Min-su.'