First Lesson in the Kobold Den
"Looks like that punk's embarrassed, eh?"
"...Is that him being embarrassed?"
When I asked, the two of them burst into laughter and offered handshakes.
"Yup, yup. Most folks beggin' this guy to take 'em as disciples or mentors? They all got wrecked by us or couldn't hit his passin' mark and slunk off. But then this kid shows up and flattens both of us in a flash? That's a pass! How 'bout that? Ain't it great?"
"Right, right! Even mid-tier pros get smashed against the two of us, and this kid beats us... You ain't ordinary, are ya, student? Ahahahaha!"
Sure enough, even in the game, I'd never seen this guy look embarrassed. He always had that distant expression or just chuckled it off, right?
"I see... Well, thank you so much for the spar. I learned a ton."
"Nah, nah. We had a blast."
"Just a quick tussle, and I could tell. This one's goin' places. Let's see more of ya, eh?"
"Yes, until next time."
I bowed in thanks after shaking both their hands, then followed after Gwak Chunsik, who'd already started walking.
Soon, we entered the building. Compared to the others, it was a massive mansion, standing out like a sore thumb.
"Whatcha starin' at? House too big, got ya stunned?"
Gwak Chunsik smirked smugly at me standing frozen in front of the place.
"I just thought it stood out from the rest. Besides, our house is bigger—why would I be impressed?"
I said it straight, and he furrowed his brow before whipping his head away.
"Tch...! Get in here, you brat!"
Grumbling all the same, he beckoned me inside with a wave.
The mansion's interior screamed luxury. Guess it's true what they say—talent gets you a palace, even in retirement.
"Here."
"Ah, yes."
He led me to what looked like his personal study. One wall was covered in medals, plaques, and photos—proof of the legend he used to be.
"Just sign the mentor agreement, right? Lemme see... Here ya go."
Tutting like he wasn't thrilled, he slapped a single sheet of paper down in front of me.
"Never thought I'd be mentorin' some academy punk at my age..."
"Still, a lucky break, isn't it? Good with aura, rich family, real skills."
"Hah! And full of himself!"
"Self-aware, at least."
He snorted at that, unable to hold back a chuckle.
"Fine, fine—you're right, brat. At least my golden years won't be dull."
Deep down, he was pleased, even if he griped.
Then his phone buzzed on the desk. He glanced at the screen, grinned, and nodded.
"Huh, right on time."
He silenced the vibration, stood, and looked at me.
"Let's go."
"...Pardon? Where to?"
"Gangneung! Dungeon raid."
"...?"
Wasn't this guy sent here as punishment for offing villains? And now dungeon crawling?
"Why the shocked face?"
"...Word is, you're retired from active hero duty, just an honorary director. You sure it's okay to raid dungeons like this?"
"What? Hahahaha!"
He roared with laughter at my question.
"By the book? Hell no. But Gangwon-do's big enough without bein' too big. No people, tons of land—so when a dungeon pops up unexpected, they call me in."
"...You?"
"Yup. Association sends these requests regular-like... but I pushed today's back 'cause a guest wanted me as mentor."
If that was true, no issues at all. In the game, you only met him late-game, so I never knew... but this explained why he got VIP treatment even out here.
"...So the other elders here do the same?"
Build a remote spa for retired heroes, top-shelf service, call 'em for help when needed... Smart move by the Association. And only one guy there could've cooked up that idea.
"Enough chit-chat. Time to head out—they'll be here to greet us soon."
"Got it."
Following him outside, we spotted a man in a black suit, arms crossed. His badge marked him Association staff.
"Teacher! Over here!"
He waved cheerfully at Gwak Chunsik, then spotted me and flinched, trembling.
At the same time, a transparent quest window popped up in front of me.
[Quest Title Appears]
...Huh? It triggers here?
"Um... Teacher. Mind if I ask who the gentleman behind you is?"
Gwak Chunsik just clapped my shoulder casually.
"My disciple."
...Can't drag a formal mentor-mentee to off-the-books gigs, so he kept it vague. I nodded, getting the hint—but his eyes gleamed not with pride, but triumph.
Damn, calling him master once got him this smug...?
The staffer nodded at the grin and approached.
"Teacher's disciple—future top hero material. Nice to meet you; looking forward to it."
"Likewise."
I shook his hand with a smile; he grinned back, then grabbed me with his left and Gwak Chunsik with his right. Badge said certified space mage—teleport prep.
"Taking you to the new dungeon in Odaesan National Park. Association staff's on-site; raid it and head back. Your disciple... with Teacher Gwak Chunsik there, no worries."
True—next to this guy, any dungeon stunt was safe.
"Teleporting now. Safe travels."
With that, my vision flipped.
* * *
"Damn space magic—great and all, but always leaves my gut churnin' after."
Gwak Chunsik grimaced, rubbing his belly post-teleport.
"Isn't that just age?"
He shot me a squint and barked.
"I always get carsick bad! Think I like it?!"
"Sure. Hang in there."
"Damn kids these days... Tch!"
Realizing more talk would just bruise his ego, he gave up and stomped off first.
A simple camp peeked through the trees ahead. As we approached, two men emerged from the tent.
"We've been waiting, Teacher."
"Dungeon?"
"Yes, inside that cave. C-rank hazard. A few kobolds crawled out—likely a kobold dungeon."
"Got it. Be back quick."
"Thank you. Uh, the young man behind...?"
"Damn disciple."
"Ah... Yes."
Grinning "disciple" a minute ago, now tutting "damn disciple." Heroes ain't all big-hearted.
"Shall we, Master?"
"Y-yeah? Watch and learn from behind. Ahem."
One "Master" and he beams, taking point again.
...Pathetic how words alone hook him.
The dungeon screamed kobold paradise: deep tunnels, dark and damp, narrow chokepoints perfect for defense. But that caution meant weak packs.
"Know kobold traits?"
Gwak Chunsik broke the silence as we walked side-by-side.
"Traits? Dig like pros, killer noses, hate intruders in their turf— that sorta thing?"
"Right, right. So why ain't they swarmin' us? Any guesses?"
Testing me right at the entrance. Time to surprise him.
"'Cause you're killing every kobold ambushing from the floor with each step."
"...You noticed?"
"Told you I'm no ordinary talent."
Truth: At first, I just wondered why no kobolds. But as we advanced, sensing fear from the floor—where nothing should feel—clued me in. And with each of his steps, one less fear signature.
"So you can spread aura and scout now too?"
"Close enough. No clue how you're killing 'em, though."
"Hmm. Start with basics then, step-by-step."
"How do you kill the floor ones? Looked like you were just strolling, hands behind back."
"This? Nothin' special."
He lifted a foot, showing the sole of his worn shoe—blue aura embedded.
"Just walk like this. Sense 'em, spike aura like thorns. Like so."
Aura Thorn Spike
Pshh! A thorn shot from the sole, nearly grazing the ceiling before retracting smoothly.
Even without full aura knowledge, this feat was insane.
"Too advanced for you now. Start by shaping aura. Feel that corner ahead?"
"Yeah—feels like a big chamber, fifty or so."
He nodded, pleased.
"First lesson. Clear 'em barehanded. Don't let 'em touch your skin."
"...Pardon?"
Thud—an aura hand enveloped me. And.
"Ah."
"Go."
"...Damn it."
Once more, my body soared.