Chapter 11: Choosing and Entering Dungeons that Yield Elixirs

Lee Changgeon put a cigarette in his mouth and lit it.

Taking a deep drag, he surveyed the entrance to the Labyrinth.

“Hoo.”

Hunters entering the Labyrinth to tackle the Trial.

“Is it that guy? The most likely candidate suspected to be the Hidden Piece Discoverer?”

“Yes. His name is Kang Chanseok. An A-rank Hunter, and one of those overshadowed by Kim Muhyeok.”

“Tsk. Hoo.”

Lee Changgeon exhaled smoke and checked the A4 paper in his hand.

A detailed profile on Kang Chanseok.

His Labyrinth clear times were faster than others, and the Dungeons he cleared were all quite high-level.

• Participated in the Labyrinth two days in a row.
• Always tackled the Labyrinth in a team, but recently started going in alone.
• Has been staying longer in the Labyrinth recently.

Looking at the notes, it was enough to raise suspicion.

“What about the movements of the United Kingdom, France, and Japan?”

“It appears they’ve all made contact already.”

“Honestly, where are they getting their information from? Hoo. I’ll go talk to him myself, so prepare a meeting.”

“Understood. But… do you think the Hidden Piece will be found again today?”

The world’s top exploration teams had combed every corner of the Labyrinth.

Veterans who had discovered dozens of Hidden Pieces.

Three years ago, those very people declared there were no more Hidden Pieces. Since then, not a single one had been found.

‘Currently being tackled: the 52nd floor.

Since it’s a newly explored floor, the odds of a Hidden Piece appearing are high.

But not for the other floors.

Even finding two so far was a miracle.

“The odds are extremely low.”

No sooner had he said that—

Lee Changgeon’s eyes widened.

[The Hidden Piece has been discovered by a Korea-affiliated Hunter.]

[Trial rewards for Korea-affiliated Hunters will be enhanced.]

[Dungeon rewards for Korea-affiliated Hunters will be enhanced.]

His gaze turned to Kang Chanseok.

A message like this appeared when the person suspected of being the Hidden Piece Discoverer hadn’t even entered the Labyrinth yet.

“If not Kang Chanseok, who’s the next likely candidate?”

“Lee Yoona. Over there.”

The secretary pointed to a woman who looked exactly like her profile photo.

A third Hidden Piece had been discovered, even though the top candidates hadn’t entered the Labyrinth.

“…This means it’s more likely that a single person is collecting them all, rather than each getting one separately.”

“One moment.”

The secretary checked something, and their expression turned strange.

“President. Please check this for a moment.”

“What is it?”

He took the profile the secretary handed him.

“Cheon Yongje?”

“Yes. The day the Hidden Piece was discovered, this Hunter entered the Labyrinth for the first time.”

“Hmm.”

“And the next day, shortly after entering, the message that a Hidden Piece was found appeared.”

“Did he enter today as well?”

“Yes. And again, the Hidden Piece discovery message appeared. Could all this be a coincidence?”

Lee Changgeon stared intently at the profile.

-E-rank Summon Skill awakened.

-Survivor of the Yongin Dungeon Break 15 years ago.

-Entered the Academy at age 20 right after becoming eligible, but failed to become a Hunter for five years.

His gaze shifted toward the Labyrinth.

“Check if he’s still inside.”

“Understood.”

The secretary made a call.

“…I’m sorry, President. Hunter Cheon Yongje exited the Labyrinth entrance ten minutes ago. It seems I made a mistake.”

“…Hoo. This is driving me crazy.”

It was clear someone was monopolizing the Hidden Pieces. But all the top suspects were outside the Labyrinth.

Kang Chanseok, Lee Yoona.

Even Cheon Yongje.

If not these three, then who?

“It feels like all the common sense I knew is being shattered.”

“I feel the same. Honestly… has anyone ever acquired three Hidden Pieces in a row?”

“No. And no one ever will.”

Lee Changgeon tossed his spent cigarette and put a new one to his lips.

A situation so desperate, he had no choice but to smoke again after quitting for ten years.

The only consolation was that the Hidden Piece Discoverer was still affiliated with Korea.

As long as they remained here—

He would do anything for them.

But since he didn’t know what the Hidden Piece Discoverer wanted, he couldn’t do anything for them even if he wanted to.

“Hoo.”

Maybe it would be better to stop searching and just create an environment where the Hidden Piece Discoverer could act freely.

So they could operate comfortably in Korea.

“What’s the next item on the schedule?”

“You have a meeting.”

“Alright. Let’s get to work.”

As Lee Changgeon turned his back to the Labyrinth entrance, an unfamiliar voice rang in his ear.

[Can you hear me?]

A gender-neutral voice, impossible to tell if it was a man or a woman.

Anyone else might have been startled by the sudden voice, but Lee Changgeon, a former A-rank Hunter, remained calm and observed the situation.

[Seems like you can hear me. Could you try responding? Just think your answer, that’s all you need to do.]

Lee Changgeon swallowed.

He had a hunch who it was, but to be sure, he focused on the question he wanted to ask.

[Who are you?]

[I am the Hidden Piece Discoverer.]

[Are you the one who found all three Hidden Pieces?]

[Yes. Well, I’ll find more in the future, but let’s keep this short since I don’t have much time.]

This was an opportunity.

He focused on what the other person was saying.

[First, I have no intention of leaving Korea, so you don’t need to worry about that. As long as the Association doesn’t do anything stupid, I’ll stay here for life.]

[And?]

[I want to trade Magic Stones and items without revealing my identity.]

That was exactly what he wanted as well.

As long as they stayed in Korea, he was willing to do anything.

[If you tell me the method, we can proceed that way.]

[Good. I’ll contact you again when it’s time to trade.]

[Wait. May I make one request?]

[What is it?]

[Would it be alright to officially announce that you’re operating in Korea?]

[Go ahead.]

After the conversation ended, Lee Changgeon turned to his secretary and spoke.

“Stop searching for the Hidden Piece Discoverer as of now.”

“What? But if another country—”

“There’s no need to search anymore.”

“What? What do you mean—”

A smile tugged at Lee Changgeon’s lips.

“Call a press conference and gather every reporter.”

While checking out Dungeons at a cafe, new posts appeared in the community.

[Breaking news! Korean Hunter Association: “We’ve made contact with the Hidden Piece Discoverer.”]

[President Lee Changgeon: “I’ve received confirmation that they will operate in Korea.”]

Korea, now even closer to being a Dungeon-holding nation, could they secure two Hidden Piece Discoverers?

[Could Korea reclaim its heyday thanks to the Hidden Piece Discoverer?]

[Anonymous tipster: “They still haven’t identified the Hidden Piece Holder.”]

[Japan’s Hunter Association promises the best treatment to the Hidden Piece Discoverer.]

[China’s Hunter Association demands Korea properly disclose Hidden Piece Discoverer information…]

[Is Korea a nation of liars? The Association President’s lie to reassure the people!]

Breaking news poured in.

“Impatient, aren’t they?”

But he could understand.

Poaching promising talents.

All sorts of restrictions on the Magic Stone industry.

Dungeon contracts bordering on unfair treaties.

The Korean Hunter Association had been a punching bag for other nations’ Hunter Associations.

And this was just what he knew.

How much more hardship must the President have endured? He probably wanted to make a big statement this time.

“Well. I’m sure he’ll handle it.”

Once again, I turned to the screen and searched for Dungeons.

There were no monsters I wanted in E-rank or F-rank Dungeons.

I’d have to check D-rank Dungeons.

But I wasn’t qualified to search for D-rank Dungeons yet.

To gain search privileges, you had to clear the 10th floor of the Underground Labyrinth and submit the Mark you earned.

‘Not having search privileges doesn’t mean you can’t enter the Dungeon.’

But because so many died pushing themselves too hard, the Association created this system to lower the fatality rate.

Having cleared the 3rd floor, I should be able to enter D-rank Dungeons by next week.

Until then, maybe I could take it easy for a while?

Bzzz!

Bzzzt!

The phone vibrated, and I checked the name.

[Team Leader Jigwonyeok]

He’d asked to grab a meal together last time.

I’d forgotten.

“Hello?”

-Are you busy?

“No.”

-Then why didn’t you contact me about eating? Do I have to be the one to reach out first?

“I forgot. How about today?”

-I’m busy.

He sounded tired.

“Then when’s good for you? I’ll treat you to some barbecue. Tomorrow? The day after?”

-I’ll call you when I have time.

If he called me first when it wasn’t about a meal, there was only one reason.

“So what do you need this time?”

-Need? Are you busy the day after tomorrow?

“Nothing planned, why?”

-Our Guild is tackling a D-rank Dungeon and there’s an open porter spot. If you want to come, come along. It looks good on your resume if you want to join a Guild later. What do you think?

He wasn’t wrong.

The only problem was, I had no plans to join a Guild.

I could go or not—it didn’t matter.

But since he called thinking of me, it felt too cold to refuse outright.

Maybe I should at least hear what Dungeon it is?

“What kind of Dungeon?”

-Rock Giant.

Exactly the Dungeon I was looking for.

A monster perfect for collecting Magic Stones.

Rock Giant.

I didn’t expect to find it like this.

“I’ll go.”

-Really?

“Yes.”

-I’ll put your name on the list. Come to our Guild the day after tomorrow at 1 p.m.

“Okay.”

After hanging up with Jigwonyeok, I finished my coffee and stood up.

With the D-rank Dungeon settled, time to go earn some money.

I need to raise my Guardian’s rank, pay off my loans, buy a house, and cover living expenses—I have to work hard.

‘Time for a quick sweep.’

I checked the nearby F-rank and E-rank Dungeons using the Golden Dragon Eye.

[Activating Golden Dragon Eye.]

[Snowy Frost Fortress Entrance (E)]

-Frost Soldiers are guarding the entrance.

-The slumbering Frost Knight has awakened.

-Reward: Frost Heart (E), Mana Stone (F).

“This actually shows up?”

Frost Heart.

Not an amazing elixir, but still hard to come by.

“I’ll take this one for myself.”

I reserved the Dungeon and entered immediately.

[Entering the Dungeon.]

A snowy mountain range, swept by cold winds, spread out before me.

At the entrance, the wind wasn’t too strong yet.

Stepping through the snow, I advanced.

A half-collapsed fortress wall appeared. In front of it, frozen soldiers stood gripping their weapons.

“Summon Orc.”

Shuaaak!

With a flash of light, the Orc appeared.

[Did you call?]

“Let’s clean up.”

[Yes, understood!]

As the Orc charged forward, the frozen soldiers shook off shards of ice and began to move.

Thud!

The Orc, stomping the ground, grabbed the two axes strapped to his back and slammed them down.

Kwaang!

The ice covering the ground shattered to powder. The Orc’s axes swept through the gap.

Slice!

Slice!

The Orc’s movements, honed by axe mastery.

As he took down the soldiers at the entrance one by one, a Frost Knight in armor emerged from the ruined gate.

“I’ll handle that one. Gravity Hand.”

Kwaang!

An invisible hand of gravity crushed the Frost Knight’s head.

It shattered into powder.

[You have killed the Frost Knight.]

[You have cleared the Dungeon.]

The Frost Knight dissolved into powder.

A large ice crystal remained in its place.

I picked it up and checked its information.

[Frost Heart (E)]

-A mana concentrate formed from decades of cold energy.

-Used to craft cold-attribute items.

-Used for cold-attribute Guardian advancement.

-When consumed, slightly increases cold-attribute affinity and resistance.

-Slightly increases stored mana.

I popped it into my mouth.

Like eating, the moment it entered, the crystal melted down my throat and into my stomach like ice cream.

A coolness spread throughout my body.

[You have consumed the Frost Heart.]

[Attribute affinity and resistance have increased.]

[The Dragon Heart absorbs mana.]

I could feel the Dragon Heart in my chest grow just a little larger.

To grow the Dragon Heart—

I’d have to keep eating diligently.

[Master. I have something to report.]

“What is it?”

[The Goblin seems to have discovered something. He wouldn’t tell me what it is—says he’ll explain it himself.]

“Yeah?”

Maybe I should go check it out.