Chuncheon's Monster, Han Ji-woo
There had been a time in his school days when he was called Chuncheon's monster.
He hadn't set out to earn that nickname, but after dominating every high school in Chuncheon with his fists, everyone started calling Han Ji-woo a monster.
He'd never even traded blows with anyone. Opponents who faced him were like children before an adult.
Stunned by Seol Ara's question, Han Ji-woo paused before answering in a trembling voice.
"Ah, yeah. Do you know me by any chance? Sorry, but I've only got two minutes to talk with you all. We won't have much time for chit-chat."
The response carried barely suppressed excitement and emotion.
-You went to Gangnim High School, right?
"Yeah. Are you an alum too?"
-Ji-woo. It's me... Ara. Seol Ara.
"Seol Ara? Wait, from our first year of high school, the one who...!"
Han Ji-woo cut himself off mid-sentence. He'd almost asked if she was that Seol Ara, the one who'd dropped out. It had to be a painful memory for her. No need to dredge it up.
But Seol Ara brought it up casually, as if it were nothing.
-Yeah, that's me. The Seol Ara who dropped out in the second semester.
...I've received so much help from you, and I'm sorry for cutting off contact so suddenly.
She swallowed the words that lingered on her tongue.
After dropping out, she'd left Chuncheon with her parents and deleted every number in her phone—including Han Ji-woo's. She'd regretted it every day since becoming an adult. She should have kept in touch with him, at least.
It was what she'd always wanted to say if she ever saw him again: an apology and a thank you.
But this wasn't the time for personal matters.
-Every time a message popped up saying "Han Ji-woo has shared something," I hoped it wasn't you, but... I'm so glad it is. Anyway, that's it from me. Talk to our leader.
"Ah, okay."
Seol Ara ended the conversation first. She knew if she kept talking, she'd start spilling old stories.
Han Ji-woo felt the same regret at cutting off an old acquaintance so abruptly, but with time so short, he held back.
As Han Ji-woo checked the remaining time, the deep voice from earlier returned.
-Hello. This is Mitchell Hoff.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Han Ji-woo."
-First, thank you sincerely. Your help in so many ways got us this far.
"I've benefited from you all too."
-Time's short, so let's skip the pleasantries. Where are you right now?
"It's called Hidden Space. Hard to explain, but when the 100 warriors were kidnapped into the dungeon, I was the 101st. Do you know Ferrofero?"
Their words flew like bullets. Less than a minute left. The urgent exchange continued.
-The manager cat, right?
"Yeah. His mistake snagged 101 people, so I got classified as an impossible achievement. That's how I ended up here as a reward."
-Can the manager come and go freely?
"No. But he sneaks in sometimes. Ah, right now..."
As Han Ji-woo started to speak, Ferrofero's voice cut in.
-Talking nonsense will push everyone into misfortune!
Shocked voices followed.
-When did this guy show up?
-No time for you—go away.
-Whoa, he's actually leaving.
Ferrofero must have popped in briefly from monitoring the Dungeon Shop via the crystal orb. Han Ji-woo caught his intent.
Don't tell them he's on our side now.
Probably wary of Esperona, the Dungeon Guard. Han Ji-woo pivoted smoothly.
"Anyway, my place is pretty livable. Just worried about you all. How can I help more?"
* * *
"Anyway, my place is pretty livable. Just worried about you all. How can I help more?"
Han Ji-woo's voice echoing through the Dungeon Shop stirred everyone's hearts.
From the moment they started talking, most felt overwhelming gratitude. This anonymous benefactor had saved their lives countless times with his shares.
What was more precious than one's life? Knowing Han Ji-woo had preserved theirs only deepened their respect and thanks.
Hearing his voice made it all the more joyful.
Lisa was the happiest. Her soft heart had benefited most from his unexpected conveniences.
Her gaze swept over her comrades—all smiling, eyes sparkling.
Perfect.
Their goodwill toward Han Ji-woo felt like her own joy. They looked like they'd received a blessing from their god.
Of course, a couple showed little reaction. That was fine.
But...
Why is he...?
One man furrowed his brow, lips twisted into a grotesque grin—Andra Marshall. She'd never seen that face on him before. Usually emotionless and inscrutable, now his features crammed every human feeling into a chilling mask.
Lisa froze. Andra met her eyes.
Thump!
She knew what a sinking heart felt like. An ominous premonition and nameless terror gripped her, as if she'd seen the forbidden.
Andra's face returned to normal. But Lisa's rigid body wouldn't move.
Someone's warm arms enveloped her shoulders. She finally turned away.
"Look only at the good stuff."
Seol Ara smiled brightly.
"Unnie..."
"Don't look at that crap. It'll ruin your eyes. Okay?"
"Hee-hee. Yeah."
Lisa recovered instantly.
Mitchell's voice then filled the shop.
"Ji-woo, you've helped us plenty. And those armors you shared... incredible. How were they made?"
-I just gathered materials. The great blacksmith Osgeelro Haiban made them.
"The dwarf you mentioned in your letter. Please thank him too."
-...Yeah. I will.
More than that, how far down have you gone?
Only 20 seconds left. Mitchell spoke faster, gauging the time.
"Floor 10. The Dungeon Shop's between 10 and 11."
The others ached to join, to ask questions and give thanks directly. But the two-minute limit forced silence.
Yet Han Ji-woo seemed to sense it all.
-Time's almost up! Sorry, but let's say goodbye till next time. If you're truly grateful, don't let anyone else die. Survive—no matter what!
His final caring words broke Lisa and others into tears. Never had she imagined shedding such hot tears from genuine emotion in this dungeon.
"Sniff. Thank you! So much! I'm Lisa—remember me!"
Lisa couldn't hold back.
Others chimed in.
"I'm Jonathan! Thanks, Ji-woo-nim!"
"Yui here! Owe you big time!"
"Josh! All thanks to you!"
"Irene Luker! I survived this far because of you, Ji-woo! Thank you!"
"Kim Jung-min here! Thanks, bro!"
Voices overlapped in a cacophony.
With three seconds left, Han Ji-woo squeezed in one last line.
-Thanks, everyone. And Ara.
"...!"
-Good to hear your voice.
Voice Manifestation has ended.
"Whoa, two minutes flew by."
It felt like a flash. Still, he'd learned a few things: their location, their leader, their deep gratitude—and Seol Ara among them.
"Ara... four years?"
Recalling their first meeting, Han Ji-woo frowned and shook his head. Not a great memory.
"What a twist."
Two connected people dragged into the same dungeon together. Good or bad? He couldn't tell.
The afterglow lingered, leaving him lost in thought until a hot cup of tea snapped him back.
"Gotta step it up."
Having an acquaintance among them changed everything. Beyond conquering the depths, no more casualties—especially not Seol Ara. He couldn't lose her again after pulling her back from death once.
"Should be safe for a while."
He knew how overpowered Osgeelro Haiban's Red Dragon Bone Armor was. Dungeons ramped up gradually, not in leaps. It'd protect them awhile.
"So, what next?"
Muttering to himself, Han Ji-woo glanced skyward casually.
Then.
"...Huh?"
Something was descending from on high.