Chapter 78
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 78
Chapter Title: 27. Dungeon
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In a forest somewhere a little removed from the verdant mountain woodlands near the capital's outskirts.
The thickly sprawling branches blotted out the sky, letting hardly any sunlight filter through, so even in broad daylight, the forest interior remained dim.
A damp mossy scent mingled with the smell of rotting leaves, stinging the nose.
Naturally, this wasn't a spot for a leisurely picnic.
It demanded thorough armament and honed skills.
Above all, without something to prove your identity, you couldn't even set foot in this dangerous place.
Those clueless about the situation might grumble that just crossing a dark forest couldn't be that hazardous.
But one look at the royal guards patrolling the woods with gleaming eyes would silence them quick.
You might think it excessive at first, but then you'd shake your head.
This was an officially recognized dungeon directly managed by the royal family. Monsters periodically crawled out from inside, so tight security was only natural.
Of course, it was partly for the citizens' safety.
But more likely, it was to keep out the flies eyeing dungeon byproducts while incidentally padding the national treasury with entry fees.
I headed straight for the dungeon entrance without hesitation.
Despite the early hour, heavily armed guards stood ahead, crossing their spears in an X to block the way.
"Have a good one."
Shing.
"Halt. This is a restricted area. No civilians allowed."
As I waved lightly and tried to slip inside, a chilling metallic ring sounded, and a sharp spear tip leveled at my chest.
A glance at them showed eyes glinting murderously through their helmet slits.
'Well, damn. Can't even joke around here.'
The guard who'd sized me up by eye spoke in a stiff tone meant to intimidate.
Probably figured a fresh-faced kid suddenly trying to enter the dungeon looked plenty suspicious.
"Show your credentials. If you don't have any, turn back now."
"Haha. No need to be so rigid."
I'd expected not to get in easy anyway.
So despite their firm stance, I grinned and pulled out the plaque I'd prepared from my pocket.
As the guard's eyes hit the plaque from my pocket, I handed it over for a good look.
"Take your time checking it. Make sure it's not a fake, inspect it thoroughly."
Of course, it wasn't some forged academy ID smuggled out.
This was a legitimate mercenary badge, issued through proper channels after blood, sweat, and tears.
Thinking back on the hell I went through for this one plaque still brings tears to my eyes.
If only I could've ranked up quick.
Unfortunately, the mercenary guild ran on a merit system, so I had to sacrifice my sweet weekends, spend every week outside, and claw my way up from the bottom.
Other mercenaries might scoff that it made no sense.
No way a green rookie who'd just started could already be C-rank, they'd yell.
But I stood tall.
'Jealous? Then sweep the guild board quests like I did.'
All those missions piled up on the guild's bulletin board.
When the receptionist lamented that newbies these days wouldn't touch anything unless it was easy and flashy.
My first move was to grab every single paper posted there.
It was only possible because I'm Korean to the bone with that iron will.
Wouldn't do it twice, though.
Especially those trash ones.
'Damn cat-finding quests... ten times at least?'
The memory of climbing roofs to fetch cats, ripping my clothes and getting scratched, made me shudder.
And when it turned out to be the same cat three times or more, even a hollow laugh wouldn't come.
"...Young one."
"C-rank mercenary? At that age?"
The guards eyed the plaque suspiciously, furrowing their brows as they muttered.
They scanned it up and down repeatedly to check real from fake, but of course it was legit, so pointless effort.
"Looks awfully young. You didn't steal it, did you?"
"Nah, no way. Just check the guild records—it'll pop right up."
I replied with a relaxed smile.
Nothing to hide, so I could be bold.
"Besides, if it'd been stolen, I wouldn't flash it so openly."
"...Tch."
The guard glared at me a moment, then clicked his tongue and handed back the plaque.
"Entry requirements met. You're C-rank, so you know the outside and inside are worlds apart, right?"
"Of course. I know it down to my bones."
I shot back smoothly, pocketing the badge.
I'd experienced it countless times in the game, after all.
As if demanding the fee.
I paid them the amount through gritted teeth.
Then, with a light nod, I moved to enter the dungeon.
"Ah. Wait!"
A urgent call from behind made me pause and turn.
"You might be skilled, but be careful. Wouldn't want you dying pointlessly."
I wondered what he'd say. Guy looks like a bandit.
Still, since I look young, he's worried out of nowhere?
Catching his awkward gesture—grabbing his helmet top to shield his eyes—I couldn't help but snicker.
"...No harm in caution."
Couldn't argue with that.
Being careful never hurt.
I nodded, mulling his words.
"Thanks for the advice."
A casual salute to the nose-rubbing, averted-gaze guards.
Then I passed them and entered the dungeon.
Shoving through the rippling portal brought a queasy lurch.
The tinnitus and floating sensation faded as the surroundings shifted.
Whoooosh.
I took a slow step onto the floor and scanned around.
Drip... drip...
A musty smell filled the humid, chilly air.
Water droplets faintly fell from the ceiling.
The floor was moss-covered, slick enough to slip if you lost your footing.
"...Whew."
In the utter silence, cut off from the outside, I drew a quiet breath.
Stale air filled my lungs, chill creeping in.
First time actually entering a dungeon, so it felt fresh in its way.
My take on the air in my debut dungeon?
'...Stuffy?'
Not tasty. End of story.
...Or something.
Honestly, if asked what I expected, I'd have nothing to say.
"...Alone, and my mind wanders to useless crap."
Not good.
Mountains of stuff to do.
Shaking off distractions, I started moving to explore the dungeon.
I remembered the layout, but it was fuzzy, so I pulled a crumpled something from my pocket.
A map, bought for a small fortune at the mercenary guild.
For the price, the condition was lousy.
I'd thought it'd be neatly marked and clear.
But nope.
Crude scribbles and wiggly lines like a kid's crayon doodle.
Wonder what that seller's face looks like.
"...Fuck."
'...I should say upfront, I didn't make it?'
Recalling my death glare at the receptionist.
Her frantic denials and wronged expression.
My face soured involuntarily.
Fine.
Shitty as it was, it wasn't useless.
I could fill in the gaps if I got the rough directions.
One more check, then I crumpled it back into my pocket.
'Elixir Fragment's on B3, boss room, left side.'
Remember pushing a loose brick to open a secret spot.
Not certain, so once there, I'd poke anything suspicious.
Decision made; now just get there safe.
One issue: the path wasn't a red carpet.
State-run dungeon, fees collected by the kingdom.
No monster leaks since discovery, thanks to management.
But that didn't mean it was easy.
Home to acid trolls mainly—early The Glory players who blundered in got wiped, infamous for it.
Trolls had filthy tough hides, hard to kill.
Slash the skin, acid sprays—tricky to handle. I struggled plenty at first.
Squelch. Squelch.
My steps on the wet cave floor echoed.
How long had I walked?
A wriggling presence stirred in the dark.
'Here they come?'
I halted, hand instinctively on my sword hilt.
Fluorescent eyes flashed in the gloom.
A pungent acid stench assaulted my nostrils.
Aiming for ambush, holding breath quietly.
But their huge bulks made it impossible to miss.
'And that smell.'
"Kieeeek!"
I stood still, staring their way.
Detected, they judged—roars erupted as massive shadows lunged one by one from the dark.
Revolting green skin, lumpy muscles, drool stringing from maws.
Acid trolls, plain as day.
"Let's see."
One, two, three... roughly five.
"Kuwaaaargh!"
They charged with earth-shaking roars, intimidating advance.
But I stayed calm.
Tough, but doable.
"Ganging up? One guy—aren't you ashamed?"
Monsters without reason, so my taunt wouldn't land.
Still, they bellowed as if they understood and rushed en masse.
The horde of giant beasts barreling in was terrifying.
I just grimaced.
Not fear—just their godawful breath.
Shing!
"Come on then, straight at me, you bastards!"