Chapter 30: The Request (2)

[True Iron Shield]

• A round-shaped shield that can be held in hand or strapped to the forearm. Made hastily by a skilled craftsman using low-quality materials.
• Item Grade: Advanced
• Physical Defense: 500
• [Intermediate Impact Reduction]
• Vitality: +10
• Durability: 550

[Sturdy Leather Pants]

• Pants made from beast leather. Crafted with excellent craftsmanship, boasting outstanding mobility. The quality is lower because the material is inferior to the craftsman’s skill.
• Item Grade: Advanced
• Physical Defense: 250
• [Low Impact Reduction]
• Agility: +5
• Durability: 200

Suho examined the new equipment.

It was something Tarunga and Dalkong had urgently requested to be made.

‘The performance isn’t exactly outstanding.’

Unlike the Red Gray Guardian or the Fire Thorn Magic Sword, the materials didn’t contain any magical power, so the performance wasn’t exceptional.

‘Still, it’s way better than having nothing.’

At least it’s not a mess.

Now, at the very least, it didn’t look strange on the outside.

‘If you count the pants, that makes five equipment items, right?’

Hunters can equip up to seven items.

If you wear more than that, the item’s stats won’t activate.

They’ll just be treated as plain, sturdy clothing.

‘The Spider Silk Bracelet can be taken off anytime, but I should start thinking about combinations.’

Considering accessories, seven isn’t a large number.

The combinations have to be chosen carefully.

At least the Red Gray Guardian takes care of the head and torso slots, so there’s some breathing room.

‘Well, it might just be a spoiled worry.’

A few cheap items or one expensive item.

Hunters always debate between the two.

There’s no right answer, but most hunters choose the latter.

They’d rather buy expensive gear and use it for a long time than frequently swap out cheap equipment.

Because of that, it’s rare for a hunter to be worried about running out of equipment slots.

‘I’ll think about that later. Shall we head out now?’

After putting on the rest of his gear, Suho stepped off the tow truck.

Behind Shinchon Department Store.

A place that was always crowded with people was now completely deserted.

Instead, a massive barricade blocked the area, surrounded by soldiers.

And nearby were staff from the Hunter Association and the Golem Hunters.

‘Just in case a dungeon breaks out and chaos ensues.’

When a Break occurs, the Gate shatters.

At the same time, monsters appear by the hundreds within a few hundred meters.

Of course, they had to maintain tight security.

Still, if a Break truly happened, the damage would be severe.

Monsters that appear at this time far outnumber those originally inside the dungeon.

Even the monster regeneration ability of the dungeon core is entirely consumed by the Break.

That’s why it’s best to deal with dungeons from the inside whenever possible.

“I am Won Suho. Today, by order of the Association, I will be entering the dungeon.”

“I’ll guide you. Please follow me.”

Suho followed the Hunter Association staff and entered past the barricade.

Up ahead, people who were to enter the dungeon together had gathered.

And behind them, a glowing cluster of light surrounded the Dungeon Gate.

At that moment, a familiar voice called out beside him.

“Wait!”

***

“Here we are again. I really should’ve caught Won Suho back then.”

Scout Lee Jungwook from the Oseong Guild said regretfully.

He was someone who had persistently requested Suho’s position despite unreasonable demands, clearly someone who coveted him.

“Hello. It’s you again. But what are you doing here?”

Suho thought it was strange for the scout to be here.

His question was answered.

“I’m managing the rookies who haven’t graduated from 1 star Dungeon.”

He pointed to someone standing beside him.

A girl with dark skin.

Dressed in training clothes with a long sword strapped on.

She looked like a high school student, but her eyes were rather fierce.

“I see.”

“This is Yun Mirae. She’ll be entering with Won Suho this time. Please take good care of her. Mirae, say hello.”

Soon, Yun Mirae’s voice was heard.

“Are you asking this uncle to take care of me? Hmm… Can you really fight better than me, uncle?”

She looked sharp and aggressive.

“Oh, come on, don’t just throw words around. Won Suho, Mirae’s tone can be a bit harsh, but she’s a good kid. She’s skilled too. Please take care of her.”

“I’m the one who should say that. Mirae, please be good.”

“Ugh, your tone, uncle.”

Suho smiled slightly.

It was because, as Lee Jungwook said, he didn’t feel any ill will from Yun Mirae.

Then another person spoke up.

“I’m Kim Jinseong from Baekho (White Tiger) Guild.”

A man in his early twenties.

His equipment was well put together for each part of his body.

His posture was dignified.

He was a typical rookie from Baekho, known for raising strong newcomers.

“Ah, yes. Hello. I’m Won Suho.”

“Let’s not get in each other’s way and work well together.”

“…Yes, indeed.”

As Suho gave a lukewarm reply, another man approached.

“You’re exchanging greetings. I’m Seo Hyunseok, joining this mission.”

He was a middle-aged man with a gentle appearance.

Smiling confidently, he spoke.

“I belong to the Association. I retreated from the first line some time ago, but I’m a seasoned Ranger. I won’t be a burden. Haha.”

His tone was soft, and his relaxed manner made those around him feel at ease.

“Jungwook, should I ask this uncle to take good care of me too?”

“Mirae, cut it out.”

While Yun Mirae and Lee Jungwook were bickering, Seo Hyunseok spoke seriously.

“I heard the last words of a friend who entered and came back alive from this dungeon. We must clear this dungeon. I’ll be counting on you all.”

Yun Mirae stopped her banter and bowed her head.

Around that time, Shin Sunghyun, secretary to the Hunter Association President, appeared.

“As you know, this dungeon has already failed in an assault once. The dungeon’s information was revealed through the last words of Hunter Gitaeshik, who escaped back then.”

Everyone silently focused on Shin Sunghyun’s voice.

“There’s little time left until the Dungeon Break, so I hope everyone clears the dungeon safely. Now, I will give a final briefing on the dungeon information.”

Shin Sunghyun continued.

Soon, the briefing ended, and the group entered the Gate.

***

The dungeon’s layout resembled the Colosseum of ancient Rome.

The arena was lined with dozens of doors.

Nine gates in total—

Four of which were pushed open upwards.

“As we heard in the briefing, monsters will appear in numbers equal to the hunters entering.”

Seo Hyunseok, leading the party, quickly explained.

This was the reason why the Association couldn’t send a large number of hunters.

The more hunters, the more monsters appear, so coming in a small, elite group was the only way to minimize damage and clear the dungeon.

“As promised, for the first stage, each of us will take one and handle it quickly.”

Seo Hyunseok finished giving instructions.

As the doors fully opened, the shapes of monsters became visible.

Stone Gladiators.

Except for their bare hands, they looked exactly like gladiators from the Roman era.

Four of those gladiators began advancing toward the group.

Suho felt relieved watching the scene.

‘Good. At least they’re not treating Balryong as a person.’

If one more monster appeared, it would’ve been problematic.

Are they really treating him as a summon?

Suho glanced at Balryong.

“Your expression looks like you’re thinking something rude.”

Suho ignored Balryong’s words and turned his gaze back to the monsters.

‘They’re weak. There’s no way all the hunters here would be defeated by these.’

While Suho was thinking that, Yun Mirae already drew her long sword.

She had been coiled like a spring even before the monsters appeared.

‘The people here are among the best of First-Rank hunters, right?’

The Association actively requested the guild.

Due to the dungeon’s nature, they needed the best First-Rank hunters.

This was the party assembled.

Baekho Guild’s rising star.

The Association’s veteran ranger.

Except for Icarus, who didn’t send anyone, these people were undoubtedly the strongest of their ranks.

Since Lee Jungwook asked Suho to take care of her, she probably wasn’t just an ordinary independent hunter.

Still…

Yun Mirae had been practicing kendo since childhood.

The desire to win was like a habit for her.

Even now, after entering the dungeon, she wanted to beat everyone else.

“I’m the strongest. I’m going to be the first to kill one.”

Muttering the phrase she always repeated before competitions, Yun Mirae surged forward.

Thud.

The gladiator jumped and charged.

In an instant, a stone fist flew toward her.

Yun Mirae sneered and bent her knees.

Hoo-ung.

As the shattering sound echoed, the gladiator’s fist passed right over her head.

Ska-kak.

Yun Mirae’s long sword sliced through the gladiator’s arm.

Thud—the arm dropped.

Yun Mirae didn’t stop.

Tadadak—

She quickly stepped and circled behind the gladiator.

Like a lightning bolt, she swung her sword.

Tsuka kakakaka—

A rapid flurry of sword strikes followed, leaving afterimages.

Hudooduk—

The gladiator’s body shattered into pieces and fell.

[You have defeated Stone Gladiator]

[Experience points acquired.]

“Phew…”

Checking the message, Yun Mirae exhaled a breath she had been holding.

‘It can’t get any faster than this.’

She was confident.

In the time it took the gladiator to throw a single punch, she had sliced ten times and felled it.

No one could be faster than her.

She glanced over at Kim Jinseong from Baekho Guild.

Almost done clearing, but not quite finished yet.

The man from the Association was the same.

Raising the corner of her mouth, Yun Mirae finally looked toward Suho.

Then she muttered with a puzzled expression.

“What? What’s going on?”

Suho was staring intently somewhere.

But the battle’s aftermath was unclear.

Only the shattered remains of the Stone Gladiator lay at Suho’s feet.

Curiosity overwhelmed her surprise.

Yun Mirae approached Suho.

“Uncle, how did you do that?”

By then, Kim Jinseong and Seo Hyunseok had finished their fights.

Suho’s gaze shifted to Yun Mirae.

“Tell me, how did you defeat it so fast?”

Yun Mirae pointed to the debris on the ground and asked.

Suho answered plainly.

“I just hit it once, and it died.”

It was the truth.

No need to avoid.

Hit it head-on.

It would break.

Following his sense, he simply struck with a flaming strong blow.

The result was the Stone Gladiator shattered into pieces.

“That’s impossible. I didn’t even see it.”

While Yun Mirae was dumbfounded, the gate—started to open again.

This time, another stone gladiator appeared.

But this one held a sword and shield.

‘This time, I’ll definitely be the first to kill it!’

Yun Mirae’s competitive spirit flared up.

Tat.

Yun Mirae charged as the door fully opened.

Swa-ek—

The gladiator stepped out and swung his sword.

Yun Mirae hesitated briefly and deflected the blade with the tip of her sword.

‘This is going to end in one hit.’

She was determined.

And she wanted to see how that uncle really killed the monsters!

‘True Iron Strike!’

Yun Mirae activated her skill.

The tip of her sword trembled like a hummingbird’s wing.

Blue sword energy gathered on the blade before shooting toward the gladiator’s body.

Tschatschatschatschatschatschat—

The sword, shield, and body—

Were all torn apart by dozens of sword energies.

“Hah, this time I was faster… What!”

Breathing heavily, Yun Mirae turned to Suho.

“Unbelievable.”

Her astonishment exploded.

The shattered remains of the gladiator lay right in front of Suho.

“Hey, how? Uncle, seriously, how did you do that?”

Yun Mirae rushed over and asked.

“I just hit it to death.”

Suho replied nonchalantly and looked away.

He was far more curious than Yun Mirae’s question.

‘When will you finally show your true colors?’

Suho’s pupils glowed sharply blue.