Chapter 148
Chapter 148
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 148
Chapter Title: Dungeon Survival
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While filling out the application for the Dungeon Survival Reforged program, I asked Professor Park,
"We're participating as representatives of Gukcheon University's Hunter Department... so who's the other one?"
"Eun Sang-min. He's your senior. You know he's a C-rank hunter, right? He's got plenty of experience as a hunter, so just listen to him and follow his lead."
I frowned slightly.
Eun Sang-min.
A fourth-year who had just reached C-rank a week ago. I didn't like him much. Reaching C-rank was probably just for show. I'd seen him recently, and he didn't look strong at all. I felt like I'd win if we fought.
More than that, the real reason I disliked this guy was from right after I'd advanced to my second year. The whole Hunter Department had gone out for a group dinner, and there, he'd openly insulted me for not having awakened my abilities.
Even if he was drunk, he was the first one to straight-up belittle me like that. The others had subtly looked down on me or mocked me behind my back.
And Eun Sang-min hadn't apologized once since.
"That senior didn't show up today..."
"He's on an important dungeon raid with the Han Su-ri Guild. It ends in three days, so he'll contact you then."
Han Su-ri Guild.
Just one of the countless small-to-medium guilds out there.
Eun Sang-min's brother-in-law was an A-rank hunter and the master of the Han Su-ri Guild.
That explains it. Eun Sang-min got to C-rank fast with the guild's help.
Still, I couldn't completely dismiss him. Being C-rank meant he could handle mana.
"These documents outline the rules for Dungeon Survival. Read them carefully."
As I read through the papers, my eyes widened.
Baek Ji-eun? Baek Ji-eun is doing the commentary?
Baek Ji-eun.
An A-rank hunter affiliated with the association. Her skills were impressive, but her looks were model-level too. Lately, she'd been appearing on variety shows. Rumor had it she was prepping for acting.
Whoa. I get to meet Baek Ji-eun in person? Best decision ever to join.
She was 29.
Reaching A-rank in her twenties made her a genius without question. And she had the potential to reach S-rank.
Her tits are F-cups. Crystal clear in my memory.
The first gathering for participants a week from now had me hyped.
Baek Ji-eun better show up on gathering day, right? Nah, no way she skips.
???
I let out a small sigh to ease my tension and pressed the intercom.
I couldn't hear anything from my side, but it would've registered inside properly.
Sure enough, a voice came from the speaker attached to the intercom.
"What do you want?"
It was Han Ha-rin's voice. I was currently at her apartment door.
We lived in the same officetel. She was on the fourth floor, me on the sixth. But even when we ran into each other, we barely talked—total awkward acquaintances.
"Han Ha-rin sunbae. We're on the same team, right? I came to talk about Dungeon Survival stuff."
Even to me, it sounded like a perfect excuse. Of course, my real intentions were full of ulterior motives.
"...We're meeting with Eun Sang-min sunbae later to talk. No need for a chat today."
"Guess I have no choice then. I wanted to share some hunter know-how... See you later, sunbae."
I said that and pretended to leave. Inside, I was sweating bullets.
Ask me to stay. Ask me. Ask me!
Did my desperate thoughts get through? Han Ha-rin's voice came from the speaker.
"Wait. You said know-how sharing?"
I'd learned from hacking her smartphone last time. She was deeply troubled about awakening her mana.
And I'd recently awakened mine. Her hunter rank was higher, but my actual strength surpassed hers now that I had mana. She probably sensed it too.
"Yeah. As a fellow hunter, I'm lacking in some areas... And we're teammates. Shouldn't we share good info?"
"...I think so too. Come in."
The door unlocked. Han Ha-rin was there. She hadn't changed yet, still in the outfit I'd seen her in at university: white pants and a blue shirt. Must've taken off her black jacket at home.
Great figure—looks good in anything.
I greeted her and stepped inside.
I'd been curious what her place looked like, but it was spotlessly tidy, nothing particularly eye-catching.
Surprisingly, she treated me properly.
A glass of orange juice was all, but I was satisfied she offered anything.
"You said you wanted to share know-how. What kind?"
"I had my second awakening recently. It's a natural-element ability handling lightning... You control gravity, right, sunbae? Got any good tips?"
"...Lightning?"
"Yeah. I call it brain lightning, though."
Crackle.
Sparks danced above my palm.
"Don't use abilities inside."
"Ah. Sorry."
Her cold tone made me snuff it out immediately. Han Ha-rin crossed her arms, pondered deeply, then spoke.
"Look up books on lightning. Might find unexpected uses."
"Got it. I'll keep that in mind. Anything you're curious about from me, sunbae?"
She stared at me blankly. Seemed hesitant, then parted her lips.
"...How'd you awaken your mana?"
"Ah, mana. It's a secret I haven't told anyone... But I'll tell you, sunbae."
"..."
Her eyes sharpened with focus, determined not to miss a word.
"I got a special mana massage. You know what mana massages are?"
"Yeah. Massages using mana."
Mana massage—also called qigong massage. The principle was simple: just massage with mana. It was surprisingly effective, booming a few years back.
And it still had steady demand.
"I thought mana massages were just great for fatigue recovery?"
Most people thought like Han Ha-rin. But actually, they helped with overall health too, since mana was beneficial energy. Just not super effective on hunters.
"Mine was a special mana massage. Did that for about a month... consistently. Then one day, boom—second awakening and mana with it."
"...You expect me to believe that?"
Of course not. She'd researched mana awakenings deeply; special mana massage would've been unheard of.
"Can't force you to believe it. But it's 100% true."
"..."
She bit her lower lip.
I stayed calm. I wasn't the desperate one.
Han Ha-rin had been stressing over mana awakening, so she'd want to believe even nonsense.
"...Where do you get that special mana massage?"
"Can't anymore. The masseuse was a B-rank hunter who passed away recently."
"..."
She looked slightly disappointed.
"Ah, but I worked under her briefly, so I know how. She said I had talent and taught me the secret technique. She was such a nice person..."
I put on my most somber face. Not great at acting, but couldn't sound cheerful about a "dead" acquaintance. All lies, of course.
"You can do it?"
"Ah, you look skeptical, sunbae. Mind if I use the bathroom? I'll show you something cool."
She hesitated, then nodded. Her bathroom was identical to mine.
Same building, figures.
Difference was the shampoo brands.
I filled the tub a bit and stepped onto the water. Activating Water Walk.
"That's... Water Walk? You can do that?"
Her eyes went wide.
"I've got a knack for mana control. That's why she said I had talent. And I've got the secret mana oil for the special massage at home... Be right back. Wait here."
I bolted before she could respond. Rushed home, entered the Playful World, earned some points, and exited.
Spent 2 points to buy it.
I returned to Han Ha-rin's with it.
"Sunbae, give me your hand. This is the secret potion... See how it glows faintly? Means it's activating properly."
I applied some Holy Water to her hand myself.
Han Ha-rin gasped softly at her glowing hand.
"I had no idea something like this existed..."
Showing her wonders like this built trust inevitably.
"But it requires mana-controlled massage in a specific way. Unless you've got extreme mana control like me, no effect. If you want, I can do the special mana massage for you."
I added,
"Ah, not free, though. It's pricey. I paid 15 million won per session."
Free would raise suspicions. She had money, so a fair price.
Han Ha-rin's loaded anyway. 15 million per massage is pocket change.
Too cheap, and she'd doubt it more.
"...What parts does that special massage cover?"
"Different effects per area... Full body is best. Mana needs to be felt throughout. Want to try the special massage?"
"..."
She pondered deeply. My heart raced.
But Han Ha-rin shook her head.
"No thanks."
Still didn't trust me fully? Or uncomfortable handing her body over. I hid my disappointment and said,
"If you change your mind, just say. I'll do it. Ah, keep it secret. Don't want trouble if it spreads."
"Got it. Won't tell anyone."
"...I'll head out then. It's dinnertime anyway."
"Okay."
Han Ha-rin remained cold. No invite for dinner.
???
Three days later.
Han Ha-rin and I met Eun Sang-min at a café.
Eun Sang-min had small, sharp eyes. He grinned at us, oozing smug confidence. Annoying as hell.
Not even that handsome, why's he grinning like an idiot.
Eun Sang-min glanced me over, then fixed on Han Ha-rin.
"Ha-rin, seeing you here makes me weirdly glad. First time meeting privately, right?"
"This isn't private."
Han Ha-rin replied coldly. She was equally icy to everyone but her friends.
100% sure. This guy had the hots for Han Ha-rin.
Ignoring me is one thing... But eyeing the girl I've claimed?
Can't forgive that. Time to put him in his place.
"Mm. We are here for a meeting, yeah. How about dinner after? My treat. Know a nice hotel restaurant."
"I've got plans for dinner, so I'll pass. How do we move in Dungeon Survival?"
"Don't know the dungeon yet. I'll give orders on the spot; just follow. I'm C-rank, so no worries for you two."
Han Ha-rin frowned. This wasn't the meeting she wanted.
"...Got it. Let's wrap up here then."
As she rose, I said to Eun Sang-min,
"Eun Sang-min sunbae. I can't accept you as leader."
"What? What the hell does that mean?"
He scowled, asking again—not because he misheard, but sheer disbelief.
I decided to explain simply for his sake.
"I don't follow orders from hunters weaker than me. You seem weaker than me, sunbae. So in Dungeon Survival, I'll lead the team. No issue, right?"
"You lost your mind? Hey, what year are you?"
"Eight! Teen! Year."
"Ha... Unbelievable. Even if the department's lax, you don't respect seniors?"
Guy who barely attends classes pulling the senior card. At least talk properly once before acting big.
"I'm not wrong, am I? Strongest hunter leads the party—that's basic, right? That's what I know. Ah, you only group hunt in guilds, so you don't know basics? Ah! Jealous! Wanna join a guild and hunt easy too!"
Eun Sang-min's face hardened.
"You're insane. Get up, punk. Time I taught you manners."
"Fight? Sure. Don't cry after losing."
"Showing off in front of Ha-rin... Big mistake."
"I'd do it without Ha-rin sunbae. I don't take orders from weaklings... Why bring up Ha-rin sunbae? You like her or something?"
I glanced at Han Ha-rin. She watched coldly, no intent to intervene. To her, we were just outsiders.
Her attitude said she'd ignore us and go home.
"Follow me out, asshole!"
"No need to yell. Coming. They say scared dogs bark loudest. You chickening out?"
No senior bullshit in front of a girl.
"Didn't they teach you not to say what you can't handle?"
"Said it 'cause I can handle it. You fucking loser."
I snapped to my senses.
"Ah. Sorry, sunbae. Got heated and misspoke."
"Now you're scared...?"
"Nah. You fucking dog-shit loser."
A fist flew toward my face.