The Faint Pulse
As the cleanup was wrapping up, a small ripple stirred through the air.
“Samcheok C-06 is still a fair distance away. We should double-check our gear before we head out.”
“With all this equipment, we probably won’t have much downtime during the move either.”
“Are we entering the gate as soon as we arrive?”
“We’re scheduled to depart in the morning and enter in the afternoon.”
“What’s the leader of Blue Dragon Team 2 like?”
“Team Leader Baek Hyunwoo. He makes decisions quickly and keeps a very fast pace. That said, he focuses almost entirely on combat, so he doesn’t pay much attention to the finer details around him.”
“Then if we fall behind, the gap will open up fast, won’t it?”
“That’s why we’ll stay in the rear, focusing on records, flow, and situational awareness. Blue Dragon will handle the fighting. We only provide support when necessary. As long as our roles are clearly defined, we won’t get in each other’s way.”
“So once we reach Samcheok… we investigate thoroughly, get out quickly, and then we can rest?”
“Exactly. That’s why you should prepare for a three-night, four-day operation.”
“We should also recheck all personal gear and supplies.”
“Agreed. Tomorrow we’ll finish individual maintenance and equipment checks first, then handle vehicle and bike inspections the following morning. We’ll move out together with two Blue Dragon SUVs.”
“Understood. I’ll get everything ready.”
Two days later, after finishing our preparations in the parking lot of the Uijeongbu Northern Branch, we departed immediately. When we finally arrived at the site after the long journey, it was still being set up—only vehicle barricades and temporary signs had been erected. Ten members of Blue Dragon Team 2 and five supply team members were waiting beside their vehicles, equipment already laid out in neat rows.
As we approached, Team Leader Baek Hyunwoo stepped forward first.
“Welcome. I’m Baek Hyunwoo of Blue Dragon Team 2.”
“Team Leader Yoo Mira. I understand the plan is for Blue Dragon to take the front while the investigation team handles the rear.”
“Correct. We’ll be moving quickly. The investigation team just needs to match our pace from behind.”
“Understood. Investigation Team, double-check your personal gear.”
We adjusted our harnesses and centered our weight, then fell in behind Blue Dragon Team 2, maintaining a steady interval as we advanced toward the gate.
“Blue Dragon Team 2 will enter first.”
Blue Dragon passed through the gate, and we followed at a measured distance. On the other side, a vast grassland stretched out before us. The grass reached our ankles, and the ground was packed firm.
“Six targets confirmed, one hundred meters ahead. Four orcs, two night wolves.”
A short transmission crackled from Blue Dragon’s side. The next moment, the grass parted as four orcs burst forward. Two night wolves trailed low behind them, bodies pressed close to the ground.
“Engaging.”
Blue Dragon’s melee hunters surged ahead. The leading orcs collapsed as blades carved through their arms and torsos. The two wolves that leapt in were met by a waiting spearman who pierced them cleanly on landing.
We continued forward without slowing much. The terrain began to slope downward. The incline steepened below our ankles, and a crosswind brushed past. A canyon yawned ahead, its mouth low and wide. We descended into the entrance in silence, matching each other’s stride.
Just as expected, a faint tremor rippled along both walls once we reached the midpoint. A transmission followed immediately.
“Approximately one hundred orcs and twenty riders approaching from the front.”
A low vibration spread through the ground. Dust rose near the canyon entrance, followed by the scraping of wolves’ claws. Orc riders on night wolves charged up the narrow passage in a single tight line, spears leveled forward.
Team Leader Yoo Mira swept her gaze over our group.
“Combat ready. Form up.”
Ho-min raised his shield at the front while I positioned myself behind him. The rest of the investigation team spread out in the rear, spacing themselves evenly.
Baek Hyunwoo lifted an arm and shouted.
“Prepare all bombs. Sequential drop.”
Blue Dragon members hurled mana-stone bombs into the canyon. The first explosion rocked the front line, sending riders staggering. Wolves lost their footing and several orcs tumbled backward. The second blast disrupted the main orc force behind them, shattering their formation. The third blast left the orcs with no time to regroup—their ranks collapsed entirely.
The moment the blasts ceased, Blue Dragon’s ranged hunters unleashed a barrage of arrows, lightning, and mana bullets. Scattered orcs screamed as flames and shrapnel erupted across their bodies. A wide-area flame spell followed, sweeping through the confined space and dropping orcs in waves.
A handful of riders and orcs broke through the chaos, but Blue Dragon’s melee hunters cut them down instantly. The original force of over a hundred orcs had been reduced by more than half, their formation in complete disarray. Blue Dragon pressed forward and finished the stragglers.
Once the canyon fell silent, Blue Dragon conducted a quick sweep and prepared to move again. Dust settled slowly over broken weapons scattered across the ground.
Baek Hyunwoo turned to the supply team.
“We’re heading out first. Finish up and catch up.”
The supply team nodded. Blue Dragon walked deeper into the canyon without looking back.
From behind, Jae-hoon muttered under his breath.
“They really don’t waste any time. They didn’t even wait for the supply team to finish.”
“Yeah. If a monster pops out now, that’s going to be a problem.”
“That’s why Blue Dragon’s supply team is made up of E-rank hunters. They’re issued mana-stone bombs and mana guns as standard.”
“Even the supply team has it rough.”
We adjusted our pace and followed Blue Dragon. The supply team remained behind to handle corpse disposal and area cleanup.
After some time, Blue Dragon slowed and began scanning the surroundings. They set down their equipment, and base camp construction began at once.
“Team Leader Baek, are we resting here for the day?”
“Yes. It’s late, and everyone’s exhausted. We can’t push further.”
“Then we’ll set up here as well.”
“Investigation Team 3, we’re done for today. Prepare to camp.”
“Understood.”
We pitched our tents, lit a campfire, and pulled out combat rations.
“Jihoon, how’s the combat ration? Edible?”
“Still… not quite used to it. But I heard they’ve improved a lot lately. Is that true?”
“I wouldn’t know. This is my first time eating one too.”
“Well… it’s our first time camping inside a C-rank dungeon, after all.”
“True. Still feels a bit like camping, doesn’t it?”
“As long as no monsters show up.”
“Dayoon, have you tried it?”
“No, first time for me too. It’s better than I expected. The camping vibe is nice.”
Team Leader Yoo Mira glanced around before speaking.
“We rest here tonight. We leave early tomorrow, so finish up and get some sleep.”
We doused the fire and crawled into our tents. The sound of zippers echoed briefly, then silence fell as we closed our eyes.
The next morning, I woke to the sound of activity outside. Blue Dragon Team 2 had already finished their preparations and was moments from departure. I roused the others, grabbed our gear, and we resumed our march from the rear, keeping our interval.
“Man… they’re seriously fast. Their leader’s style must be ingrained in the whole team.”
“Jae-hoon, stop complaining and move.”
“Tch… I wasn’t complaining. Fine, I’m coming.”
The deeper we went, the darker the terrain became. A wide cave entrance gradually came into view ahead. Moisture clung to the walls, and the interior was swallowed in darkness. We switched on our lanterns and entered in single file.
“Jihoon, can you see all right?”
“Yes, hyung. It’s clear.”
Our lights swept across the floor and walls, revealing uneven surfaces. Ahead, Blue Dragon’s footsteps maintained a steady rhythm. As we moved deeper, the air grew noticeably damper and the passage narrowed, the wind curling faintly around us.
Blue Dragon suddenly slowed and signaled a halt five meters ahead. We held our breath and waited. A short series of footsteps echoed from the darkness. Lantern light caught the silhouette of a kobold warrior gripping a spear, charging down the tunnel.
Blue Dragon’s tanks locked their shields across the passage width. Melee hunters behind them thrust spears forward to intercept. Ranged attacks—water arrows and mana bullets—followed in quick succession, finishing the kobolds.
The fight ended quickly. Blue Dragon piled the bodies to one side and resumed formation. We followed, examining the mineral veins along the walls. Our lights revealed two thin glowing lines. The first was a low-grade mana-stone vein. Faint blue light seeped from the cracks; two palm-sized fragments broke off when we pried at them. We tucked the pieces into our backpacks.
Blue Dragon reformed and continued deeper. We maintained our distance. The air grew heavier, the tunnel tighter. They slowed again. After passing more kobold remains, the ground vibrated faintly. Two massive pincers emerged from the darkness, followed by enormous bodies—giant scorpions. Nine more followed in their wake.
Blue Dragon’s two tanks stepped forward. In the narrow passage their shields nearly sealed the walls. Melee hunters extended their spears. The scorpions charged, pincers hammering against shields with metallic clangs. The hunters struck precise gaps, dropping the first row instantly. The second row halted before the shields and was dispatched in turn. One scorpion tried to flank along the wall, but two melee hunters rushed it, pinning its pincers and body until its shell cracked.
Blue Dragon swept the area once more and reformed. We followed at our interval. A few steps later, the darkness ahead thinned—the tunnel’s end. We emerged into a vast cavern dominated by a lake. Sunlight poured through a large opening in the ceiling, rippling across the water. The floor was wide and level.
“Wow… it’s huge.”
Jae-hoon looked around in awe. At that moment, dark ripples swelled in the center of the lake. Fifteen snakes, each seven to nine meters long, rose halfway out of the water and began gliding toward us. A larger wave surged behind them—a giant snake emerged, its scales gleaming under the sunlight.
“Whoa… that one’s really…”
Jae-hoon grimaced.
“Unni, I don’t like snakes either… I’m scared they’ll show up in my dreams.”
Sorin stepped back and pressed close to Dayoon.
“Ugh… this is seriously gross. I’m staying back!”
Dayoon shuddered.
“It’s fine. I’ll keep them from reaching you.”
Ho-min raised his shield and took the front.
“Ho-min oppa is reliable… but Jae-hoon oppa, not so much?”
Dayoon shot him a sideways glance.
“Tch, we’re at the water’s edge. My lightning will clean this up fast.”
“Sure, sure~ Whatever you say.”
Sorin laughed and retreated further.
The snake pack looked even more repulsive up close. We naturally fell back, watching Blue Dragon assume combat positions. Their ranged attackers opened with lightning, flames, and arrows. Most of the smaller snakes fell immediately. The giant snake twisted forward. Blue Dragon’s tanks absorbed the charge while skills rained down from behind. Water churned violently; one lash of its tail sent droplets spraying against the walls.
Two melee hunters circled to its flank, climbed onto its back, and drove mana-infused daggers deep into its body. Using the momentum, they reached its neck and severed the head in one stroke. The giant snake convulsed before collapsing onto the shore. Its body continued twitching for a while even after the head was gone. When the hunter dismounted, a short cheer rose from the team.
Cleanup was swift. Blue Dragon gathered the corpses, and the supply team immediately began dismantling them. The giant snake was already half-processed—scales and fangs packed separately into crates.
As talk of withdrawal began to circulate, I turned my head. From beneath the lake came a very faint dungeon core reaction, spreading like ripples. It didn’t match the scene of corpses being processed. No one else noticed, but the signal was unmistakably directed at me.