Chapter 11: The Healer's First Dungeon Dive
“The place we're heading into today is a medium-small dungeon. It's been cleared a few times, but it's still tricky. Just think of it as full of zombies and skeletons.”
“...I see. I'll be careful.”
Zombies in dungeons weren't like the ones in movies. Real zombies attacked humans, but you didn't turn into one just from being bitten. Of course, if you didn't kill them, they'd rip you apart and you'd die anyway.
“No need to worry. It's only tough for beginners. Everyone except you, Seojun, has experience. Just support from the back. I'll be with you. That is, stay by my side.”
Yoo Chae-eun, who had parked neatly, stared straight at me. The atmosphere turned a bit strange, so I looked away first.
We were about to meet the four main members of Pania Guild soon. I'd only seen photos and info from Yoo Chae-eun, so I was tense.
“...Ah. Wait a sec?”
As I reached for the car door, Yoo Chae-eun stopped me and took off her aviator jacket. I flinched, but thankfully she had clothes underneath. The thin armor inside looked light and not burdensome.
She opened the door, got out with me, and grabbed her bow from the trunk. Even at a glance, its size and weight were extraordinary. The fact that her weapon was a bow made her class easy to guess.
“Shall we go now?”
“Yeah.”
We left the parking lot and arrived where the main members were waiting. There were four hunters, excluding the porters. They were Pania Guild's most active and important members—all A-rank. The aces of the guild, basically.
“Hello. I'm Lee Seojun. My class is Healer. I'm here as the healer. Nice to meet you.”
The four, excluding Yoo Chae-eun, looked at me with curious eyes. We'd actually planned to meet once before today. The guild was short-staffed compared to before, managing tons of dungeons with just these people, so scheduling had been tough.
“Oh! So you're the guy. Yeah, welcome! I've been looking forward to this! Take care of us. Seojun's fine, right? Call me Pildu-hyung! Yeah, speak casually.”
Short black hair, tanned skin, and muscles bulkier than most gym buffs—this 40-something man's name was Ma Pildu, class Fighter. He probably anticipated me the most since he fought monsters head-on. He seemed friendly and good-natured.
“Hmph. We don't even need a healer; I could just burn them all with my fire magic. I'm Lee Soo-jung. You know who I am, right? Anyway, I'm your senior.”
Her hair dyed red, she was Lee Soo-jung, mid-20s, Fire Mage as stated. Holding a staff embedded with what looked like a red ruby, she was quite the beauty.
“Pfft. Seojun, was it? She's always like that. She's been yapping about the new healer coming for a week now. During that Incheon trip, my ears nearly fell off because of her.”
The woman with her hair neatly pinned up, holding a long spear, was Kim Na-yoon. Early 30s but looked much younger. Wielding a spear as big as herself, her muscles were well-balanced and toned.
“Ah, unni!!”
She stroked Lee Soo-jung's hair like a doting older sister tending to her favorite dongsaeng. Ignoring Lee Soo-jung's blushing grin, I looked at the woman with two daggers at her waist.
“...Lee Se-ah. Thief.”
She introduced herself in a few curt words and pulled her hat down. We exchanged simple greetings and wrapped up. Yoo Chae-eun, done with procedures, walked over.
“Ready? It's Seojun's first time, so pay extra attention.”
“Got it. Think we can't handle it? You're being obvious.”
Lee Soo-jung twirled her staff as she spoke, making Yoo Chae-eun's cheeks flush. Ma Pildu, gloved in sturdy gauntlets, grinned and took the lead. Cheers erupted from onlookers. Hunters heading to slay dungeon monsters were heroes in civilians' eyes.
“Excuse me, Guild Master Yoo Chae-eun. If it's okay, a word? We can see the new hunter.”
A tired-looking reporter who'd waited ages made the request. Unable to ignore her, Yoo Chae-eun smiled brightly.
“Lee Seojun, who awakened as an S-rank Healer, has joined Pania Guild. We'll talk details after the clear.”
“...Huh? S-rank Healer? Wait, Guild Master Yoo Chae-eun?!”
Sorry about that. We ignored the reporter's desperate calls. Ma Pildu turned back to us from the front.
“Alright, let's head in. My fists are itching!!”
The zombies—rotting corpses stained with dark red bloodstains—weren't something you could call 'good-looking' even as a compliment. Dungeons with undead were characteristically dark and reeked foully. Lee Soo-jung's floating fire orbs ensured good visibility. The porters' flashlights from the rear helped too.
“Whoa, a drone's following us.”
“Yep. We always record combat footage for review. It's a big help.”
I mentioned the small drone scurrying above, and Kim Na-yoon laughed in reply. She added with a wink that it boosted publicity too.
“Wind Arrow.”
Yoo Chae-eun murmured softly and loosed an arrow infused with wind spirits. I inwardly marveled as it pierced zombies' heads. I'd seen her in viral videos online, but witnessing it live was a first.
“Oh! Skills haven't dulled yet?”
Ma Pildu smirked and smashed a zombie's head with his fist. The gory fluids from the crushed skull were nasty. Even from afar, the rotting stench hit me. Fighting up close like that inspired real respect.
Being all A-rank, they didn't seem strained. I worried I might not even be needed. Salary of 30 billion won felt like freeloading.
Zombies were slow, too. Rearguard Fire Mage Lee Soo-jung, Archer Yoo Chae-eun, and I had plenty of leisure.
Crack. Crraack.
“Urk.”
A skeleton gripping an axe lurched and chopped at Ma Pildu's shoulder. Tough as he was, blood—red human blood—flowed. Instantly, Lee Soo-jung's flames assaulted it, reducing bones to ash. Her boast of incinerating everything wasn't empty.
“Here~ Toss a potion!”
At Ma Pildu's nonchalant call, a porter hurriedly handed over a red potion. He uncorked it casually and poured it on his shoulder. Just a slight frown, no groan. Everyone acted like it was nothing, but it looked painful to me. Potions worked, sure—blood flow lessened. But...
Why use a potion when I'm here?
Heal
No need to overthink—I cast the skill. Soft green light spread from my hand to Ma Pildu's shoulder. Blood stopped; the wound healed cleanly, ignoring his surprised face.
Paid the salary? Time to earn it.
“Hah? Wait a sec.”
Lee Soo-jung yelled at me, cutting Ma Pildu off.
“How can you spam Heal like that? This is potion level. What if you can't use it when it really counts?!”
I glanced at Yoo Chae-eun beside me. She gave an awkward look, like she couldn't explain. Guess she hadn't told them yet. I'd said I'd show it myself anyway.
“...Is it because Heals have limited uses?”
“That's part, but it's too wasteful for scratches like this. They happen all the time.”
Ma Pildu shouted loudly, then softened apologetically, adding caringly. It looked serious to me, but if he said otherwise...
“Not mad. Just, wasting Heal on this means none for emergencies.”
Kim Na-yoon twirled her spear after finishing monsters, chiding gently.
“Aw, first time—mistakes happen. You healed his wound...”
“Whoa, uncle's living the high life? How long since a proper Heal in a dungeon?”
Thinking I was cowed? Flustered, Lee Soo-jung teased. Ma Pildu shook his head.
“It's just medium-small anyway. We'll clear quick, no issue.”
Same boat—better they know eventually. But not now. Timing's off.
“Sorry. I'll be careful next time.”
Choked on spit; voice trailed. Ma Pildu scratched his head sheepishly. A few hairs fell as his hand lifted.
“Here. Rest spot.”
Lee Se-ah spoke softly as mood chilled. We'd reached mid-dungeon; a spot for overnight stay appeared.
Porters unpacked tents and campfire gear at the spot. Ma Pildu flexed his bulky muscles, pitching tents handily. Lee Soo-jung sparked fire magic; crackling campfire blazed.
Lee Se-ah cleaned her bloody daggers, took something from porters: cup ramen. Kettle boiled over fire; Yoo Chae-eun poured hot water in.
Ramen's spicy, addictive scent teased my stomach.
“Ramen's getting old.”
Lee Soo-jung swept back red hair. Kim Na-yoon, settling with spear down, checked her watch.
“True. Got jerky. Wait and eat?”
“......”
Alarm beeped from Kim Na-yoon's watch. Yoo Chae-eun handed me finished ramen with wooden chopsticks.
“Hot—eat carefully, Seojun.”
“Thanks.”
Cup ramen around campfire was delicious. Outdoor food always hits different. Kim Na-yoon's jerky grew meatier with chews. Mealtime quieted everyone—funny and cute.
“I'm fine anytime. Start or middle.”
“Thanks, Seojun, but porters and healers skip night watch.”
Yoo Chae-eun stated firmly before sleep, assigning watch. Standard procedure.
“Porters carry gear—that's it. Can't have our precious healer on chores. Right? Hahat!”
“Tch.”
Ma Pildu flexed; Lee Soo-jung clicked tongue. Didn't expect such healer pampering. Porters got good treatment here too, though.
“Still, come on. If you insist, I'll take first. Okay?”
Stubborn, they exchanged looks and nodded. 'Night's after goodnights; sleeping bags zipped. I scanned around.
Dim cave dungeon—didn't wanna stay long. Musty. Body felt grimy. Shit, bats up there? Thought of flashlight up, stopped. Wanna home bath ASAP.
Thud. Thud.
Footsteps—I turned. Next watch: Ma Pildu.
“Huh. Time left—why so early? Bathroom?”
30 mins early—not likely. Bathroom?
He approached, bowed 90 degrees.
“Sorry. Yelled at you today. You healed for me—thanks, really.”
Bothered by his words? Big guy bowing flustered me. Slightly melted chocolate from his pocket into my hand.
Melted a lot.
“It's fine. Forgot already. Knew you worried.”
“...Kid, you're a good one. Like you. As I said, call me Pildu-hyung casually.”
“Sure, Pildu-hyung.”
Casual reply; he looked shocked. His smile screamed 'Touched!'
“Good. Sleep now, dongsaeng. Rest is mine!!”
Pushed me to tent. Heavy palm on back. That'd hurt.
Sleep evaded, but eyes closed. Felt good joining Pania.