A-Rank Dungeon
A-Rank dungeon. It was known as a scale that, in truth, required an elite guild-level party to contain.
"Normally, the boss or other executives would handle it, but as you know, the boss is in Russia right now. And that's when a brilliant idea struck me."
The consigliere snapped his fingers with a sly grin.
"Let's use this opportunity for you."
"...For me?"
I tilted my head, struggling to grasp his meaning, and he spoke with a weighty tone.
"It's about symbolism. The Foreign Quarter still symbolizes protection under Don Vito Calione. But if you show your face there—what do you think would happen?"
His explanation made everything click.
His shoes clicked steadily as he approached, placing his hands on my shoulders.
"Naturally, people around will see you as the next-generation heir. If the boss were here, he'd veto it as too dangerous... but the choice is yours."
He patted my shoulders lightly, brushed them off, then returned to his seat, eyeing me.
"What do you say? If you're against it, I'll deploy our men right away—no pressure."
There was no flaw in the consigliere's words. It was famous how Vito Calione had solo-cleared dungeons to symbolize stability and security in the area.
Above all, Parnello standing steadfast beside me said nothing. He was leaving it entirely to my judgment.
Meaning it wasn't overly risky.
In that case...
"If I go, may I ask who the members would be?"
"Members? Well, your safety comes first, so I'd assemble a solid party. From those available right now, three names come to mind."
The three names from his lips:
"Parnello, Alesia. And... Antonio Bivalt. That should do it."
Parnello and Alesia were expected, but even Antonio Bivalt, the boss of our closest famiglia.
"That lineup would be safe enough. But would Don Bivalt really come? It's outside his territory."
I knew his personality, so I asked—but
"—Of course he will. Who do you think is calling?"
Seeing the consigliere's eyes flash red with a grin, it all made sense.
...Right, this guy's got a temper too.
"Besides, he's been training his successor lately, so he'll probably leave his turf to him and come. No need to worry."
I knew that successor was Jinwoo, which made it more concerning, but I didn't want to pass up a safe shot at clearing an A-Rank dungeon.
High risk, high return. Higher-grade dungeons always dropped better rewards—that was common knowledge.
"Then I'll go."
"Good. Get ready. I'll contact Antonio."
I gave a light bow to the consigliere, who had already grabbed his phone, and stepped out.
"Frankly, I'm a bit worried."
Parnello finally spoke once the study door closed.
"If you're that worried, why not say it inside? Why wait till we're out?"
"I thought voicing my concern there might cloud your judgment, young master. I agree with the consigliere that your choice matters most, so I stayed silent... but I can't help worrying."
His awkward smile made me shake my head casually.
"What's an A-Rank dungeon... Even if something happens, you've got Parnello and the others to protect me, right?"
I grinned playfully, and he finally chuckled.
"Yes, exactly. I must protect you with my life."
"Then no problem. Let's hit the dungeon."
My first real A-Rank dungeon. Adventure stirred within me.
* * *
The site, reached by car, was already secured by our men who had arrived ahead.
"You've arrived, young master."
They opened the door the moment the car stopped, bowing.
"Good work. Civilians?"
"Yes. All within the danger zone have been evacuated to Calione-operated hotels. Radius of 500 meters has only our personnel."
Thorough as always. No wonder people never left the Foreign Quarter.
"Don Bivalt?"
"Yes. He's guarding the dungeon entrance."
The consigliere had said he'd arrive first—no worries—and it was true.
Confirming Parnello and Alesia were out, I moved forward slowly.
"By the way, Alesia, have you been in a dungeon before?"
"Me?"
She startled at her sudden mention.
"A few times as a trainee. Best place for real combat experience."
"Trainee?"
Trainee? What?
"Most kids we take in at the mansion were under my tutelage. Alesia stood out."
"Teacher, really..."
She covered her blushing face at the old story. In her black suit for missions—not her usual maid outfit—she fidgeted cutely. Refreshing sight.
She's always in suits during tense situations...
Then, faint light leaked from the dark alley's end.
"Ah, that must be it."
Spotting the portal, their expressions shifted instantly. From warm to deadly serious, approaching cautiously.
Wooong— Wooong— Wooong—
A nauseating hum grew louder, light brightening around it. Amidst, a portal pulsed, ethereal glow waxing and waning.
"You've arrived, young master."
A middle-aged man bowed at the entrance.
"Don Bivalt. Long time."
"Yes. Indeed, young master."
He rose with his usual calm smile—sharp-featured, like Jinwoo. Head of the Bivalt famiglia.
No heavy presence like other bosses, which made him oddly relaxed. Hard to believe he was dungeon-bound.
"Everyone's here, so shall we enter? I'll take point, Sir Parnello?"
Antonio cracked his neck.
Parnello nodded indifferently, drawing a knife.
"Yes. Young master has academy tomorrow. Best to wrap it quick."
"Agreed. My proxy's a bit unreliable."
"That proxy wouldn't be..."
"Yes, my son."
Good lord. I suspected, but Jinwoo for real.
I could see why he was uneasy.
"I'll go first."
Antonio stepped in; blinding light swallowed him.
A flash. Blink—he was gone. Parnello stepped up next.
"I'll follow."
He vanished after Antonio.
"The mood's lighter than I expected."
Alesia chuckled softly.
"We're here to close it, not explore. Straight to the boss room—no need to clear everything. Not too tough."
Closure, not exploration. Made sense now. Speedrun for gear? No—priority was area safety.
We couldn't just stand by.
"...Shall we head in?"
"Yes. By now, they've secured the entrance. I'll take rear—go ahead."
I approached slowly. Like a pupil: glowing rim around pitch-black abyss.
I plunged into the void.
Whoooosh—
Familiar now from spatial magic and dungeons. Brief weightlessness ended; we faced a pitch-black forest, light devoured.
"You've arrived, young master."
A figure approached. Voice: Antonio? Too dark to see.
Crunch— Crunch—
Sticky liquid underfoot.
Closer, his form clarified.
I was stunned.
Short time in, yet he'd already fought—wiping something off his fist with a handkerchief.
"What happened in that brief moment?"
"Nothing much. Just a welcome illusion."
...Welcome illusion. No need to pry.
Then it hit me.
"By the way, Antonio—where's Parnello?"
No sign of the vanguard.
He pointed behind me slowly.
"Said he'd tidy up and dashed ahead."
"Ahead?"
BOOOOMMM—!!
Distant roar; ground quaked violently.
What the hell causes that..?
"He'll be back soon."
Antonio checked his watch casually.
Moments later, Parnello returned, black ichor dripping from his dagger.
"Scenery matches everywhere. Hard to scout other paths."
Thick, viscous—not ordinary.
"Don Antonio. Found the way?"
Parnello asked the eyes-closed Antonio.
"Exit mapped. Tracking enemies' positions and routes."
They grasped the dungeon's traits instantly.
Watching, I knew: Easy. Too easy.
Like riding a school bus driven by a veteran with decades accident-free.
"I told the outer staff to be cautious... but you've already started."
Alesia entered late, assessed swiftly, relaxed, and approached.
"Young master."
She pulled a hand-drip set from sub-space.
"Coffee?"
I beamed at it.
"Perfect."
Me, called young master—too happy.