Chapter 21: Building a Tavern of Dimensions

A giant amusement park in Yongin.

Drrrrrrrr!

Inside a helicopter soaring above, a cameraman captured the scene below.

The Red Dungeon at Carnival Plaza.

Around it, Hunters wore clothes emblazoned with the insignias of their respective Guilds.

Bulmyeol’s Kang Chanseok.

Hwarang’s Lee Yoona.

Changcheon’s Lee Gi-seong.

Sword Pavilion’s Yoo Seolha.

Centered around them, a team of thirty, armed with various equipment, were preparing to begin the raid.

Since it was being broadcast live,

the viewers’ interest was off the charts. Comments poured in like wildfire.

-Wow, damn. Isn’t this the Korean Avengers?

-That’s an insult to the Avengers.

-Ah, don’t ruin the mood, loser.

-But seriously, that lineup is insane. Kang Chanseok, Lee Yoona, Lee Gi-seong… Aren’t they all aiming to become S-rank Hunters?

-If any of them gets just one S-rank Skill or Level Stone, one of those three will hit S-rank right away.

-A new S-rank Hunter after ten years?

-I don’t want to be a killjoy, but it won’t be that easy. I heard the drop rate for Skillbooks or Level Stones is insanely hellish.

-True. And since the Dungeon is only B-rank, you shouldn’t expect much. Think of it as just farming some experience.

-But what’s up with Yoo Seolha? Why is she even there?

-Because she’s the Swordmaster’s only disciple?

-Or maybe because she’s Yoo Baekjun’s daughter? I remember she got pushed like that back in the day.

-So she’s the cheer squad leader, huh? What’s a D-rank going to do in a B-rank Red Dungeon? They should’ve put in another B-rank Hunter instead.

-Have a drink. It’s not like you see these faces every day.

-But damn, she’s seriously gorgeous.

-Noona! Please marry me!

A Hunter from Sword Pavilion, Han Na-ri, who was checking the comment reactions near the Red Dungeon, snorted and rapidly typed on her phone.

-Yoo Seolha is B-rank now. She’s crazy strong.

-What, are you an insider?

-Are you a Hunter on-site? Lee Yoona’s looks are insane too. Who’s prettier, Yoo Seolha or Lee Yoona?

After changing the mood in the comments, Han Na-ri put away her phone with a satisfied smile and walked over to Yoo Seolha.

“Seolha, how are you feeling?”

“Not bad.”

“Yeah? Then shall we go all out today?”

“Of course. We need to claim those Rewards for ourselves.”

“Let’s make sure we do well, so that bastard Kim Muhyeok regrets leaving Sword Pavilion.”

At Han Na-ri’s determined expression, Yoo Seolha nodded and looked toward the Red Dungeon.

The future of Sword Pavilion was in there.

If she didn’t prove her skills in this Red Dungeon raid, Sword Pavilion wouldn’t have a chance at the next Red Dungeon.

“All raid members, please gather.”

At the order of Kang Chanseok, the overall leader of this raid, the scattered Hunters all gathered in front of the Red Dungeon.

Yoo Seolha led the Sword Pavilion members with Han Na-ri and stood before Kang Chanseok.

With a serious expression, Kang Chanseok began to speak.

“We didn’t have much time to prepare, so our coordination won’t be perfect. But since we’ve gathered here for Korea’s future, I trust everyone will move as one.”

“Also, since this is a Red Dungeon, I know the Rewards are tempting. But today, I hope everyone can put aside personal desires and focus solely on clearing the Dungeon.”

The entire raid nodded, and when Kang Chanseok extended his hand forward, everyone placed their hands on top of his.

At that moment, a message appeared before their eyes.

[A Korean Hunter has discovered a Hidden Piece.]

[The Trial Rewards for Korean Hunters will be enhanced.]

[Dungeon Rewards for Korean Hunters will be enhanced.]

[Ten Hidden Piece Achievements have been accumulated.]

[The Red Dungeon Rewards for this Nation will be increased.]

Everyone shook their heads in disbelief.

In that moment,

Kang Chanseok raised the corners of his mouth and shouted energetically.

“To the Hidden Piece Holder who gave us the chance to raid this Red Dungeon, and to those other countries that look down on us, let’s show them what we can do!”

“Waaaaaaaaaah!”

All together, they raised their hands and cheered, then moved toward the Red Dungeon.

Yoo Seolha also entered the Dungeon with Han Na-ri.

Shuaaaaaak!

[You are entering the Red Dungeon.]

[Red Dungeon (B)]

-Eliminate all enemies.

Just like that, there was no information about the Red Dungeon.

Srrrng!!

Yoo Seolha drew her sword and scanned her surroundings.

A red liquid deep enough to cover her ankles covered the floor, and in the distance stood a Black Castle.

The sky was dark, and a red moon lit up the world.

It was dreamlike, yet disturbing.

The sticky sensation made her involuntarily frown.

It wasn’t just Yoo Seolha—everyone who entered felt the same.

“Ugh… This place feels disgusting. Do we really have to fight here?”

“It’s definitely different.”

“I think the enemy must be in that castle, right?”

Various opinions burst forth, and Kang Chanseok mediated.

“We’ll move in the order discussed earlier. If enemies appear, don’t kill them right away—try to figure out as many patterns and abilities as possible.”

“Understood.”

“Okay.”

The Changcheon Guild, led by Lee Gi-seong, took the lead.

Splash.

Splash.

Bulmyeol and Hwarang followed, with Sword Pavilion bringing up the rear.

“Sword Pavilion members, move in Infinite Sword Formation.”

“Yes.”

Sword Pavilion’s role was to provide rear support, but also to observe as much as possible with a wide field of view.

“Something’s coming!”

With a shout from the front, Yoo Seolha also began to see something.

Wolves, dyed completely red.

Five wolves charged quickly, targeting the Changcheon Guild at the front.

Changcheon Guild’s Hunters quickly spread out, moving to intercept the wolves.

Lee Gi-seong swung his spear.

Chaaak!

He sliced a wolf in half.

The liquid spattered as the wolf was split.

But the liquid scattered in all directions gathered again, forming the wolf’s shape once more, and the wolf charged Lee Gi-seong again.

Chaaak!

Chaaak!

No matter how many times he cut them, it was useless.

“Physical attacks don’t work! Try attacking with magic!”

Boom!

Boom!

Explosion spells detonated.

Crack!

Crackle!

Ice magic rained down.

The red wolves, immune to physical attacks, fell one by one. They took care of four wolves, leaving just one.

Lee Gi-seong tried to learn as much as possible while facing the last red wolf.

And finally, he found its weakness.

Chaaaak!

As he swung his spear wide, the liquid forming the red wolf splattered in all directions. At the center, there was a tiny core, no bigger than a grain of sand.

The tip of Lee Gi-seong’s spear struck the core.

In that instant, the red wolf lost its form and vanished.

“Whew… They’re pulling tricks right from the start.”

“Good job.”

Kang Chanseok approached and patted Lee Gi-seong on the shoulder, then shared information with the raid members.

“The boss monster might also be immune to physical attacks. Mages, conserve your mana as much as possible. We’ll deal with the red wolves using weapons.”

“Yes.”

“Then Sword Pavilion will take the lead.”

At Yoo Seolha’s words, Kang Chanseok nodded.

“That would be great.”

With the formation reorganized, Sword Pavilion took the lead and faced the red wolves.

Sword Pavilion’s Infinite Sword Formation.

Anyone caught inside would be cut down by countless sword strikes—a formation created by the Swordmaster.

Puk!

Chaaak!

The red wolves vanished within the sword formation, and the raid picked up speed.

Finally, they reached the front of the Black Castle.

“Don’t let your guard down from here! The boss monster of a Red Dungeon is on a whole different level from a normal Dungeon. Everyone, stay sharp!”

Kang Chanseok, who had been speaking politely until now, issued a stern warning and gripped his weapon tightly.

“Let’s go in!”

Before leaving for the Rift, there was something to do.

[Would you like to use a Shard of Divinity?]

[There are three buildings you can construct using a Shard of Divinity. Please choose one.]

[Pasture]

[Smithy]

[Ore Mine]

A Pasture is a place where you can raise animals.

You can obtain meat and leather there, and it’s useful since it produces food.

It’s basically a must-build in the early stages.

‘With the territory expanding, the Orcs and Goblins are hunting animals, but……’

That’s only a temporary measure.

A steady supply of food requires a Pasture.

The Smithy is a place to get equipment, but unlike the library, you need someone to actually smith there.

It also needs to be linked with the Ore Mine, so it’s useless to build it now.

“Pasture.”

It’s just a matter of order.

I’ll build the rest eventually.

[Pasture construction time is 24 hours.]

[Once construction is complete, you can raise one animal of your choice.]

Having built a structure with the Shard of Divinity and collected a Hidden Piece, it was time to head for the Rift.

‘I’m nervous.’

Standing before the purple portal, I raised my hand, and a message appeared.

[Lowest Apostle Hunt]

-You will move to the location of a Lowest Apostle.

-If you defeat a Lowest Apostle, the Lower Apostle category will be unlocked.

-You may also send only a Guardian.

So that’s how it works.

“Oh ho.”

I wondered what would happen if I sent only a Guardian and they failed.

I summoned Park Chanseong and sent him into the Rift.

A short while later.

[Park Chanseong has died.]

[Returning to Dragon Lair.]

Shuaaaak!

With a flash of white light, Park Chanseong appeared.

“Huff… huff… huff……”

He really doesn’t die.

“Go in again.”

“P-please…”

I forced Park Chanseong into the Rift again, and a new message appeared.

[A deceased Guardian cannot enter again.]

So, I’ll have to use them for scouting.

“Tell me what happened inside.”

“A blue-haired woman froze me in an instant… Uuugh.”

Park Chanseong trembled in fear.

If she uses ice magic, could she be the Apostle of the Ice Dragon God?

I’d find out once I went in, so I stepped into the portal.

[Would you like to begin the Lowest Apostle Hunt?]

“Yes.”

As I answered, a flash of white light enveloped me, and a completely different space appeared.

On a frozen lake.

There was a house made of ice.

In front of it stood a woman with long blue hair, just as Park Chanseong had said.

Just in case, I used the Golden Dragon Eye, but aside from confirming she was the Apostle of the Ice Dragon God, everything else was filled with question marks.

As the Apostle of the Ice Dragon God smiled,

I activated Absolute Barrier to protect myself.

Pababat!

Icicles shot up from the lake, but they all shattered against the Absolute Barrier, scattering shards of ice.

“This successor is pretty quick on the uptake?”

“This successor?”

“What, did you think you were the only successor of the Lord?”

The Apostle of the Ice Dragon God smiled widely.

From the look of it, I guess she hasn’t had her power for long. That means she doesn’t know anything yet. “Well, it can’t be helped. Die!”

Crackle!

Hundreds of icicles shot up from the ground. As I blocked them with Absolute Barrier, a snowstorm whipped up, obscuring my vision.

The air grew cold and heavy.

Snow piled atop the Absolute Barrier, blooming into crystals that exploded. As the damage accumulated, cracks began to form.

I poured mana into the barrier to maintain it.

‘Summon Orc.’

An Orc appeared inside the barrier.

“Fight the Apostle ahead. If you can kill her, go ahead.”

[Understood!]

The Orc grabbed his axe and charged.

With a heavy swing, his axe split the blizzard.

He kicked off the ground and swung his axe at the Apostle of the Ice Dragon God, hidden in the snowstorm.

Crack!

A shield of ice blocked the Orc’s attack. At the same time, spears of ice rained down, targeting the Orc.

Vwoom!

The Orc smashed the ice spears with his axe.

But there was no end to the barrage.

Puk!

Puk!

Spears pierced the Orc’s limbs, and the Apostle of the Ice Dragon God herself stabbed the Orc’s heart with an ice spear.

[The Orc has died.]

[Returning to Dragon Lair.]

Maybe I could have won if I’d had buffs?

I’d have to check that later.

Time to deal with the Apostle of the Ice Dragon God myself.

“Got another Guardian to summon? Go ahead, I’ll wait.”

“I don’t think I’ll need a Guardian.”

“Really? How arrogant. If you’re putting me on the same level as other Lowest Apostles, you’re making a big mistake.”

I haven’t met many, but she’s definitely stronger than the Apostle of the Lightning God.

Probably,

she’s a Lowest Apostle on the verge of breaking into the Lower Apostle class.

“Let’s see if it’s a mistake or not.”

I activated the mana in my Dragon Heart.

I pictured the spell in my mind, constructed the magical formula, and used the mana in my Dragon Heart to chant the activation word.

“Fire Wave.”

A massive blaze surged behind me, then crashed forward like a tidal wave.

The roaring flames consumed everything.

They melted the frozen lake and vaporized the water.

“Not a chance!”

The Apostle of the Ice Dragon God cast magic, raising a wall of ice.

But the wave of fire melted the wall and engulfed the Apostle.

Fwoooosh!

The area was swallowed by flames.

At the center, the Apostle of the Ice Dragon God screamed as she burned.

“Kyaaaaaaah! Why… why?!”

“I’m a bit tougher than you thought.”

Knowledge gained from the Hidden Piece of the dragon.

From there, I learned how to maximize the power of magic.

Even with spells of the same rank,

I could make them much stronger.

Plus, after eating the Core of the Spider with a Human Face, my mana was way higher than usual.

“Thanks for the valuable info.”

“N-no! I was so close to becoming a Lower Apostle… I can’t die like this! Kyaaaaaaaah!”

The flames burned the Apostle of the Ice Dragon God to black ash.

The Apostle of God vanished, leaving behind a Shard of Divinity no larger than a fingernail.

I picked up the Shard of Divinity, and a purple portal appeared.

[Main Quest completed.]

[You have obtained a Dimensional Tavern Pass.]

[A Main Quest has arrived.]

[Main Quest 14]

-Build a Dimensional Tavern and use it to appoint a Guardian.

-Reward: Dragon Lair rank up

Back at the Dragon Lair, I checked what buildings could be constructed with the Shard of Divinity.

[Dimensional Tavern]

The Dimensional Tavern was available, so I built it immediately.

[Dimensional Tavern construction time is 48 hours.]

[Once construction is complete, you can use the Pass to enter the Dimensional Tavern.]

I can’t wait for two days to pass.

I wonder who I’ll meet there.

“That’s enough for today. Time to go check out the Red Dungeon raid.”

At this hour, they should be done raiding, right?