Chapter 4: The Power of MSG

“I was a bit disappointed yesterday because I couldn’t get any more Dimensional Missions.”

Suho mumbled as he got up from bed.

There were no new missions, even as dawn approached.

But yesterday was yesterday, and today is today.

Now that the day has broken, maybe a new mission will appear.

“Let’s see what the Dwarves are up to.”

If I keep this up, I might develop a peeping habit.

Suho smirked and headed toward the refrigerator.

The freezer door, which had stopped working, was wide open.

“Ugh—so hard. I can’t believe I have to chew on jerky first thing in the morning.”

It seemed the Dwarves were awake; their voices drifted over.

‘They’re already up, huh? Their Satisfaction should be fine, right?’

Suho opened the Dimensional Panel.

[Red Hammer Dwarves]

• Affiliated Dimension: ESKHJ-0702L
• Number of Members: 23
• Satisfaction: 65/100

‘Satisfaction has dropped.’

Why?

It was definitely 70 before I went to bed.

Suho listened closely to the Dwarves’ voices.

“What choice do we have? The only food we have is jerky. Just eat it. Besides, there isn’t much left.”

“My jaw feels like it’ll fall off.”

“I want some hot soup. Someone, please boil some water.”

“What’s the point of just plain water?”

“It’s better than nothing. Ah, soup…”

He could hear the Dwarves’ sighs.

Suho’s eyes lit up.

‘So it’s because their meals are poor.’

Maybe another mission will pop up?

The moment Suho thought that, as if on cue, a message appeared.

[You have acquired the Dimensional Mission [Dwarves’ Food Situation (Ongoing)].]

[Check the details through the Dimensional Panel.]

But this time, it was different from before.

‘Ongoing?’

Suho quickly opened the Dimensional Panel.

‘So it’s a mission that can be completed multiple times.’

Looks like I’ll have to keep bringing them food. Until they can become self-sufficient.

‘First, they seem to want some soup.’

Suho hurried off to the Supermarket.

***

“Once you open the package, you’ll find dried noodles and a small packet inside.”

“Oh—there it is, there it is! What do we do next, Giant?”

In front of the box of ramen Suho had brought, the Dwarves gathered in a huddle.

Bold took the lead as their representative.

Today, too, his eyes were sparkling with curiosity.

“Pour in the water. About one water bottle per packet of ramen.”

Suho pointed to the two boxes of ramen and the 500ml bottles of mineral water he’d brought.

“Tod, Victor, you two go fetch some water! Quickly!”

“Heehee, got it. Soup! We’re getting soup!”

The two Dwarves dashed off to fetch water.

Suho continued explaining.

“When the water boils, tear open the small packet and add the powder. Then put in the noodles…”

The water was ready soon enough.

Not long after, the smell of ramen began to waft from the freezer.

“Oooh—looks delicious.”

“My mouth’s watering.”

“When can we eat? Can we eat it now?”

“Giant, can we eat now? I’m getting dizzy from hunger.”

The Dwarves crowded around the pot, fidgeting in anticipation. Suho enjoyed the sight.

“Dwarves or humans, we’re all the same.”

MSG got through to them.

“It should be about done now. Go ahead and eat.”

Suho gave the signal.

The Dwarves pounced on the pot.

“Oh, what is this taste?!”

“W-what is this? It’s spicy, but I can’t stop eating!”

“Hehehe, the soup is so rich and spicy!”

“Giant! The soup is incredible!”

The smell of ramen made Suho’s own stomach growl.

He munched on some cereal as he waited for the Dwarves to finish eating.

Soon enough, as the Dwarves finished their meal, a message appeared.

[You have completed the Dimensional Mission [Dwarves’ Food Situation (Ongoing)].]

[Red Hammer Dwarf Satisfaction increases by 15.]

Two boxes of ramen for 15 Satisfaction.

The Satisfaction gained as a reward seems to change each time.

‘Will I get something this time, too?’

Other than Satisfaction, there was no mention of a separate reward.

Still, since they enjoyed their meal so much, maybe they’ll give me something?

Hopeful, Suho fell into thought.

‘But at this rate, it’s going to be tough.’

There wasn’t much left in his bank account.

Thirty bottles of soju yesterday, and today two boxes of ramen.

On top of that, it looks like he’ll have to keep spending money.

‘I need to make money. As soon as possible.’

Suho racked his brain for ways to earn cash.

There is a typical way.

‘If I go to a Dungeon, I can put out this urgent fire.’

It’s been twenty years since the world changed like a game.

Humans have adapted to Dungeons and Monsters.

The materials harvested from Monster carcasses are used in every industry.

If I hunt Monsters in the Dungeon, I’ll have more than enough to cover the Dwarves’ food expenses.

‘Alright, let’s go to a Dungeon.’

Suho decided to head for a Dungeon.

Of course, he’d have to register as a Hunter first.

Just as Suho finished thinking, someone approached the freezer door.

It was Chieftain Tarunga.

“Giant.”

His expression wasn’t bright.

Just a moment ago, he’d been happily gulping down ramen soup.

“Did you enjoy your meal?”

“Of course. Truly, in my 120 years of life, it was one of the most delicious meals I’ve ever had.”

Chieftain is older than he looks.

Dwarves must have pretty long lifespans.

“I’m glad it suited your taste.”

“Haha… well…”

Tarunga gave an awkward laugh.

“Is there something you’d like to say?”

“It’s just… It’s only right to return a favor, but our circumstances are so dire, we have nothing to give you at the moment.”

Ah, so that’s what it is.

Well, if they barely have enough food, what else could they have?

Still, it’s too soon to give up.

Considering the difference in item levels between the Dwarves and Earth, maybe I’ll get something that can block bullets with just a lid.

I’ll take whatever I can get.

“I can’t expect anything big for a single meal. Just give me anything you don’t use anymore. I’ll gratefully accept whatever you have.”

“Still…”

“Really, anything is fine. I like collecting odds and ends. Old things, well-worn things, it’s all good. Haha.”

Why do I feel like I’ve become a junk dealer?

Even so, Tarunga hesitated.

He couldn’t help but feel sorry.

But then Bold popped out.

“Giant, really, anything is okay? Even if it’s a little broken?”

“Bold! Don’t be rude to the Giant!”

Suho quickly jumped into the conversation.

“Yes, anything is fine. As long as it’s not completely destroyed.”

If I don’t like it, I’ll just ask for something else next time.

Since it’s an ongoing mission, I can do that.

“Then would you like to have this? It’s a little broken from use.”

Bold unfastened something from his belt.

“A claw hammer, I see.”

“Yes, the claw on the back broke. Hehe, I’m not very good with a hammer yet.”

“Hey—you’re a disgrace to the Red Hammer Clan.”

“But I’m good at cooking, at least. And even though the claw is broken, it’s still usable. The head is fine.”

“Still, how can you give the Giant a broken item…”

Tarunga sighed repeatedly.

But Suho was excited to get the hammer.

“Thank you. I’ll gladly accept it.”

Suho accepted the offer without hesitation.

Bold held out the hammer to him.

[Would you like to trade with the Red Hammer Dwarves?

[Accept / Decline]

‘Accept’

The freezer shimmered slightly, and a hammer appeared at his feet.

Suho picked it up.

[Broken Claw Hammer]

• A claw hammer crafted with the skill of an excellent artisan. The claw for pulling nails is broken, lowering its performance and durability.
• Item Grade: High
• Physical Attack Power 120
• [Lower Shock Amplification]
• Strength +5
• Durability 100

‘Wow.’

The hammer’s grade is ‘High.’

The attack power alone makes it a pretty decent weapon.

It even comes with a skill that increases shock.

‘This is crazy, just crazy. If this is what a broken one is like, what about a pristine one…?’

Wait, it’s not even meant to be a weapon!

So what are their actual weapons like?

He was dumbfounded for a moment.

‘But who cares if it’s crazy? It’s all good for me.’

He’ll be dealing with the Dwarves more in the future anyway.

A smile crept onto Suho’s face.

***

‘I could sell the hammer and put out this urgent fire right away.’

The hammer’s grade is high.

The options are good, too.

It’s a little short to use as a weapon, but if I sold it, I could easily get at least ten million won.

‘But selling it right away would be risky.’

An unregistered Awakened trying to sell a high-grade item.

And it’s even an unusual shape.

Selling it might make people suspicious.

‘I’d be better off using it myself.’

With these stats, it’ll be useful even in a Dungeon.

That way, I won’t draw unwanted attention, and I’ll still be able to make money.

So Suho headed for the Hunter Association.

To enter a Dungeon, he’d have to register as a Hunter first.

“How can I help you?”

An Association staff member asked.

“I’d like to register as a Hunter.”

“So you’ve Awakened. Congratulations. Please fill out this form first.”

“Okay.”

Suho filled out the paperwork as instructed.

Then, through a simple test, he proved he had Awakened.

“Here’s your temporary Hunter ID. You know you’ll need to complete training before you can officially register, right? Until then, you can’t enter Dungeons. If you delay the training for more than six months, you’ll be fined, so be careful.”

Suho had no intention of delaying.

“When can I take the training?”

“Just a moment… There’s a session starting tomorrow. After that, not until early next month. If you’d like, I can sign you up right now.”

“Please sign me up for tomorrow.”

“Alright. The training will last for two days. You can bring your personal equipment if you like. I’ll send you the details by message.”

“Thank you.”

He secured his training schedule right away.

“Let’s get this done quickly so I can focus on Dungeons and the Dwarves.”

He’ll explore Dungeons, grow as a Hunter, and make money.

He’ll carry out Dimensional Missions and strengthen his relationship with the Dwarves.

Reciting his two immediate tasks, Suho left the Association.

Before long, he arrived home.

By habit, he opened the freezer door.

Bang bang—clink clink clink—

The Dwarves were still hard at work.

But something felt off.

What is it?

Suho watched the Dwarves closely.

He couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

‘Something’s definitely different. Ah, let’s check the Dimensional Panel.’

If there’s something, it’ll show up on the Dimensional Panel.

[Red Hammer Dwarves]

• Affiliated Dimension: ESKHJ-0702L
• Number of Members: 40
• Satisfaction: 60/100

As expected, the Dimensional Panel had changed.

‘Their numbers increased.’

There were 23 Dwarves before, but now there were 40.

Their Satisfaction had also dropped.

***

“We don’t know the exact number since we’re all scattered, but there should be about 2,000 of us. Only a few of us came ahead to secure a village site. The rest will keep coming over time.”

The reason for the increase was explained by Bold.

‘I almost thought someone had a baby in the meantime!’

Now that he thought about it, he was curious about something.

“I don’t see any children or women. Will they be coming later?”

“Yes, only the Chief and a few men came first. Once more people arrive, the village construction will go faster.”

That’s good.

But—

‘That means more mouths to feed.’

They can’t farm on the mountain right away.

So the only options left are hunting or gathering.

But it’ll be hard to survive on just that.

In the end, Suho will have to help.

‘I’ll worry about later when the time comes. For now, I’ll buy enough food for them to last through my training.’

If their Satisfaction bottoms out while he’s away, that’ll be a problem.

Suho went to the mart and bought twenty boxes of ramen.

Now his bank account really was empty.

***

The next day.

“Thank you so much, Giant. We’ll never forget this kindness.”

“Giant, thanks for the ramen. Hehe. Have a good trip.”

“Safe travels.”

The Dwarves saw Suho off.

“I’ll be back. See you in two days.”

Suho said goodbye and left the house.

On his back, something dark and sinister was clinging to him.