Chapter 76
Chapter 76
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 76
Chapter Title: Schemes in Kaesong Undercity and a Lone Betrayal
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Kaesong Undercity.
The previous expedition had ultimately failed, but thanks to the successive Sin-Gangnam incidents following the first and second waves, this pastor had reaped massive gains without lifting a finger. As a result, this place—Kaesong Undercity—was thriving in a way uncharacteristic of a Scavenger city.
“Hmm? Why have the livestock in the ‘ranch’ and the humans entering the city suddenly increased?”
“Th-that’s... thanks to the recent Sin-Gangnam incidents, Pastor.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Pastor Lee’s sole interests were the prosperity of his ‘human ranch’ and devising new menu items that would satisfy the apostles of the god (the Slaughter King’s apostles) even more.
He had delegated all minor issues outside of that to other Scavengers. But with the city suddenly expanding and the human count in the ranch swelling without any extra effort on his part, he had summoned the delegated Scavenger to uncover the cause.
“There were two Sin-Gangnam incidents. The first was when that Golden Mine Knight—the one who killed our... Leg-horn—turned Sin-Gangnam upside down. Not long after, the forces of the Constellation Mountain Ghost stirred up even more chaos in the midst of it all, leading to a huge windfall.”
“Those pirates must’ve pulled off something after all. So they brought that in exchange for ‘livestock’ and ‘gold’?”
“Yes, exactly. Heh heh heh.”
“Hmm... Not a bad deal. We couldn’t use that junk anyway~”
“And yes, Pastor. The next issue... As you mentioned before, we tried connecting with China for food supplies, but it was all a failure.”
Even in this booming Undercity, there was a critical problem.
Other goods could be acquired through black markets or trades with other factions, but food wasn’t so simple.
Every faction teemed with living beings, so food was universally consumed. And there were scarcely any willing to trade with evil-aligned forces like the Constellation Slaughter King.
To secure high-quality meat, they needed to resolve food supplies, so they had dispatched multiple Scavengers to nearby China.
“The Constellation Qin Emperor, the Constellation Dragon-Phoenix King, and even the Communist Party government—all of them?”
“Yes. The Constellation Qin Emperor and Dragon-Phoenix King flew into a rage, saying how could they trade with monsters who treat precious citizens like livestock? Meanwhile, the Chinese Communist Party government offered mercenary deals instead of food trades—they even said they’d throw in humans as performance bonuses.”
“So the Chinese Communist Party is saying they’ll provide food in exchange for mercenary work?”
The funniest part was that the divine absolutes—the constellations—valued their citizens more dearly, while the Communist Party callously offered humans as bonuses.
It was a laughless comedy of a reality, but it meant nothing to the subordinates of the Slaughter King.
“How dare they try to use us, who devoutly serve the god, as their mangy dogs. Foolish chinks...”
“Anyway, I get your intent to refuse. But then... how do we handle food procurement? We’re back to square one. And the Scavengers flooding in here have increased massively...”
“Then we fall back on our primal method, as always.”
The answer for those who served a constellation was simple.
Fight in its name, offer tribute as desired, and grow in power and influence.
If they couldn’t accommodate the rapidly swelling forces, they could just seize more through battle.
“We’ll have to obtain it through fighting, in the end.”
“One issue, though... the Golden Mine Knight. What if he interferes? The guy even rides a Gold Dragon...”
“Hmm... How about this? A joint operation with all the evil-aligned constellation armies surrounding the south and Korea. We take the lead, and let the rest scavenge in the chaos as they please—like those raiders.”
Just as the Constellation Mountain Ghost’s forces had profited from plundering Sin-Gangnam, Pastor Lee planned to let other factions reap benefits while his group dominated.
Evil-aligned constellations wouldn’t ally easily, but they’d jump into the fray for their own gains amid the chaos.
“No matter how formidable the foe, they won’t be able to interfere easily like this.”
“G-great idea, sir!”
“You think so? Then get to work immediately. I need to continue my research, so summon me once the schedule is set.”
With that, Pastor Lee instructed the Scavenger and headed back to his lab.
To turn the world into a ‘human ranch’ for the Constellation Slaughter King, he needed a more perfect system for human domestication. He also had to continue breeding improvements for more stable, higher yields of meat.
“Now then... Who should I contact first? This is going to be huge. Kee hee hee.”
As the Sin-Gangnam incidents concluded, the world—far from peace—began preparing for the next storm.
***
Baekya Guild, Guild Master’s office.
Looking back, I’d never been in a position of leadership or as a leader figure in my life.
Sure, I’d been a sub-team leader at Academia Staff, but that was just for efficiently managing personnel and relaying orders effectively—not a role for actual decision-making.
“Haa~ Alright, let’s see. What to start with? First, introductions. Ayoung knows the academy head well, and I’ve talked with the others, but do Guild Master Shin So-mi and the former headmaster know each other?”
“Hmm, not strangers. Heh heh. Introductions won’t make us buddies, but if that Yoo Seongwon kid recommends it, I’ll consider you comrades.”
“Yes. Please guide us well.”
Introductions went smoothly enough, so now it was time for the main topic.
I lacked the tact for small talk anyway, and I couldn’t lead these folks well, so I dove straight into our shared issue: tackling the C-rank dungeon.
“Our common goal is heading to the C-rank dungeon first off.”
“There’s an easier way. Just go to a B-rank no one’s touching.”
“...Hey! Ayoung! You got a shovel? Gotta bury someone today. Hitting me with that after I’ve mentioned it a million times?”
“Yes! Here, mister!”
“Why are you carrying a shovel around?”
This damn old hag’s backtalk had me snapping for a moment, putting on a show with Ayoung, but oddly, the hag remained unfazed.
Guessing she had something to say, I waited.
If it was just backtalk, I wouldn’t let it slide, of course.
“Hmm, so you’ve considered B-ranks too. But my presence or absence makes a huge difference—that’s the truth. Let’s see... Guild Master Shin So-mi, how much B-rank experience do you have?”
“Just once. For the A-rank promotion exam—that’s it.”
“I’ve cleared over 300 B-ranks alone. Even as a has-been now, I didn’t slack on leveling up to reach S-rank. A mid-tier guild like Baekya challenging a B-rank and clearing it fast would raise eyebrows, but with me along, no need to worry about that.”
Hmm, that sounded convincing enough.
From the outside, an S-rank veteran joining for a B-rank versus a shaky mid-tier guild attempting it solo—big difference.
“As I said, I told the Association I quit the academy to train disciples, so bringing you along for a B-rank is no issue at all.”
“Makes sense. So when and where?”
“If you’re game, we can head out now. I’ve prepped my old active-duty trailer for this trip—full gear, B-rank data lists printed, Association coordination done. Just hop in and go.”
Whoa, seeing this thorough side was reassuring.
Even untouched B-ranks were new to me, and Baekya had zilch experience, so prep would’ve been grueling and time-consuming. But with Elder Baek Ga-yeon, it felt like a VIP lane opening up.
“No rule against taking the open path. Good. Let’s go now.”
“Heh, knew you’d say that. Spirited young man— I like it. You two?”
“Of course we’re going!”
“I’ll join too. Need to build experience.”
Level-hungry me and Ayoung were in, and Guild Master Shin So-mi accepted the sudden proposal, eager for higher realms.
We piled into Elder Baek Ga-yeon’s vehicle right away and departed the guild for the B-rank site.
“I’ll brief you on the dungeon en route. Our target: B-rank Dungeon—Visible Forest. Former domain of the Constellation Hundred-Eyed Bird, now a remnant after its subjugation. No dominant monster types—varied foes appear.”
“Hmm... Visible Forest?”
“Anyway, time till arrival, so more details. From B-ranks onward, they’re proper high-tier dungeons—sections unsolvable by combat alone abound. Puzzles, riddles, occasional will tests. Better hear from Guild Master Shin So-mi than my dusty memories—I’ve cleared too many to recall sharply.”
“Yes. Mine was a Slaughter King-line B-rank—Blood Hell. A maze drenched in red and blood stench, fighting endless demons. Boss aside, they were weak, but the atmosphere grinds your sanity down—brutal.”
Hearing Guild Master Shin So-mi’s tale had my nerves on edge.
Whoa, so not just brute force—internal gimmicks and setups torment you?
Terrifying to imagine, but with a group, maybe bearable?
“Hmm~ Almost there. Conveniently close to Seoul. Hold up—controlled zone, so Association staff guarding. Need clearance. Check potions and gear meanwhile.”
“Got it.”
Closer than expected—no time for much talk before arrival.
Elder Baek Ga-yeon stepped out, chatted with the officials at the barbed-wire perimeter, and they swiftly opened the gate for us.
‘Hmm, untouched B-rank, so lax management. And that look—no suspicion we’re clearing it.’
The official’s eyes showed total trust in quick handling—and an S-rank on a B-run.
Really drives home the power of status and position.
Of course, it comes with bigger hassles, so I stay mum.
“Alright, everyone out! Entrance is a hike, so gear up here and move.”
Under Elder Baek Ga-yeon’s lead, we armed up and headed into the mountains.
Dungeon influence warped the woods with alien plants and trees. Midway up, the entrance appeared.
High-tier dungeons usually spawn nearby monsters... but my minimap and senses picked up zilch.
“No monsters at all?”
“It’s a remnant without its constellation—like a haunted ruin of the dungeon world.”
“Makes it creepier.”
“Heh heh, what’s to fear? You’re frontline and de facto leader—enter first. We’ll follow.”
Nodding, I gripped my Titan stake and stepped into the hazy portal.
Inside: dark forest, eerily silent, air chilling.
Focusing for B-rank threats, I scanned—then noticed the quiet behind me.
“Hmm? What’s up? Why not coming in...”
“Then good luck soloing. True hunters explore unknowns and overcome crises. Heh heh heh.”
“Huh? What?”
Turning, Elder Baek Ga-yeon—no, that damn old hag—grinned with a thumbs-up. Beside her, Guild Master Shin So-mi and Ayoung were bound in white cords, helpless.
No way! Tricking me into soloing a dungeon?
I rushed to exit, but the portal had long closed while I reeled.
“Wh-what the heeeellll!”
Left alone in the B-rank, I began pondering how to resolve this mess.
And vowed: once out, I’d bury that damn hag six feet under! Filial piety be damned—I couldn’t tolerate this.