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More than twenty Hunters entered the gate. The raid party took the lead, with rookie Hunters and Do Junyeong in the middle, and Seora and Han Suwon guarded the rear.
【Entering the Level 5 Dungeon, ‘Luminous Cave’.】
In the most common cave-type dungeons, beautiful luminescent stones were embedded throughout, fortunately allowing clear visibility. However, the luminescence didn’t just come from the ores.
“There’s luminescent liquid here.”
Thick liquid oozed from the floor, the walls, basically everything. A Ranger from the raid party took out a wooden stick from their inventory and poked the liquid.
“It’s sticky and slightly acidic. Fortunately, it’s not poisonous.”
“In that case, it’s likely slime.”
The rookie Hunters carefully examined the inside of the dungeon, focusing on the raid party’s quick judgment.
“We can hear sounds. Monsters are approaching.”The raid party quickly assumed combat positions. Amid heightened tension, green slimes, about the size of an adult that could swallow one whole, began to appear.
“They’re not poisonous, so let’s eliminate them with fire!”
“Rangers, collaborate with the Mages!”
The battle began with the commander’s shout. The rookie Hunters trembled but gripped their weapons tightly, focusing on their fight.
“They’re scared, but everyone seems composed. On the first practical training day, there are often Hunters who hesitate and cry.”
If trauma sets in from the beginning, it makes it difficult to act as a Hunter. Seora and Do Junyeong’s mission was to assist and support the rookies to prevent such cases.
“I’m curious about Yun Seora-ssi’s first training day.” Han Suwon, who paid more attention to his guild members than the rookie Hunters, showed interest in Seora.
“Me? Well, let’s see. Nothing special happened. I took the test, passed it, and got admitted. The training came after that. Hmm, how was it…”
Seora had been among the lowest in skill, even among F-class Hunters. Hence, despite entering a Level 5 Dungeon for training at the time, she had almost died. Even killing a single monster was challenging for her.
“At that time, Director Do handled the training. Thanks to his excellent guidance by my side, I didn’t get seriously hurt.”
The monsters inhabiting that dungeon resembled bees. They were annoying, flew in swarms, and had weak paralysis venom in their stingers, making the situation quite tough. If it weren’t for Do Junyeong subtly looking out for her, she would have suffered from the poison for quite a long time.
At that time, she had merely thought his assistance was due to the training.
“That’s fortunate.”
“Yes, it is.” Seora, while guiding the rookie Hunters, looked at Do Junyeong, who was protecting them from danger.
She had been filled with resentment. The dungeon, the monsters—the reasons her parents left her. She had eagerly tried to kill them, finally facing the joy of encountering them. With the inadequate help of Do Junyeong, she had managed to kill one barely. Then, it seemed like she had mercilessly beaten the already dead creature as if it were an enemy of her parents.
Because the sight was unpleasant, those who were attending the training with her subtly avoided her. Only Gong Haeyeon had approached her, saying that as long as she was by her side, she wouldn’t die. Thus, Haeyeon became her only close colleague.
That time was in January when she was twenty years old. Exactly three years had passed, and many things had changed.
“Come to think of it, Director Do mentioned that he’s friends with Yoon Jaeheon. So, you were already acquainted.”
Seora turned her gaze subtly. She didn’t want to discuss the embarrassing past.
“I guess that’s why Director Do specifically looked out for you.”
However, this was an unexpected revelation.
“Oh, was it that noticeable?”
“Of course. Every time I tried to scout you, he would send those glances. I understand the reason now.”
Right, that did happen. Come to think of it, he really did overtly watch over me. Perhaps it was because of the promise he made when we were kids, promising to protect me. Ironically, she didn’t even know that Do Junyeong was her brother’s friend.
Feeling apologetic and thankful once again, Seora looked at Do Junyeong, and Han Suwon gestured inward. “That seems a bit dangerous.”
From the depths of the cave, a single giant slime, resembling a Boss Monster, revealed itself.
“C-class Hunters probably won’t get hurt, but it could be a little dangerous for those E-classes and below.”
Seora also agreed with Han Suwon’s words. Fortunately, there was no poison, but even just the acidity could be a significant danger for lower-ranking Hunters.
“One thunderbolt from the guildmaster should probably burn it to ashes.”
“Then it’ll be meaningless. I believe we shouldn’t foster the expectation that someone will always step up in times of crisis from the start.”
Though it sounded cold, it was the right thing to say. That’s why the experience of the first practical training was crucial. Like Seora, who eventually gritted her teeth and killed bee monsters even with the capabilities of an ordinary person.
“Tankers, shield against the slime! Healers, treat the acidity to keep the Tankers’ health from dropping!”
“It’s changing its form!”
“Rangers, shoot!”
Tentacles resembling whips suddenly sprouted from the round body of the boss slime, sweeping through where the raid party was. The Tankers blocked, and the Rangers shot down what the Tankers couldn’t block in time.
A few tentacles that managed to escape and were aiming to attack the rookie Hunters were sniped by Seora from the rear. When Han Suwon glanced at her, she shrugged.
“I believe you shouldn’t inflict severe trauma from the first practical training.”
“Regardless. If that’s Headbang’s wish, I should follow. Still, please trust my raid party for now. Even if they’re 3rd-tier, they’re reliable enough to be pulled out for the training of the rookie Hunters.”
Han Suwon’s words were accurate. Despite suffering minor injuries, they managed to defeat the Boss Monster before any of the rookie Hunters got hurt. They handled the acidic slime without it touching them, finishing perfectly with fire treatment.
“Level 5 Dungeon cleared.”
Only after confirming the notification that the Boss Monster had been killed did the raid party finally lower their weapons. About three of the rookie Hunters slumped down on the spot.
“We have two injured, both with minor injuries. They can return to the guild for treatment.
However, the raid party’s work was not over yet. They swiftly attended to the injured, confirmed the extent of the damage, and efficiently gathered the dungeon loot without missing a thing.
The rookie Hunters, who had forgotten that after the battle, they still needed to tend to injuries, had a sudden realization. This is why practical training is crucial.
“For the first practical training, everyone responded calmly and well. Those injured, please raise your hands.”
Do Junyeong and Seora meticulously inspected the bodies of the rookie Hunters. If they found any scratches or minor injuries, they treated them with potions.
Even though they were still trainees, the joy of participating in their first successful raid seemed to outweigh everything.
After coming out of the dungeon and confirming the gate’s closure, Do Junyeong made an announcement: “Tomorrow, we’ll carry out the practical training in a Level 4 Dungeon.”
The faces of the rookie Hunters, which had previously been full of joy, were replaced with tension.
“Don’t worry. Sunset Guild, known to be one of the most aggressive yet defensively strong among the 5 top guilds, will be joining us.”
“Aggressive is just a better term for ignorant.” Han Suwon whispered in Seora’s ear. She couldn’t understand why Sunset and Clear Blue had such a bad relationship. “It was nice to meet you even for a brief moment today. Please visit Clear Blue Guild sometime. We’ll treat you to a meal.”
“A meal? Uh, do I have a reason to be treated?”
“You do. You did reach the top in the country.”
Ah, the shocking memory of the first day of the new year came to mind—the first place plaque still hanging on the office wall even after two weeks had passed.
“… You don’t have to congratulate me.”
“Please consider it as a humble effort. It’s my attempt to establish some connection with the 1st place holder. And you didn’t use the business card I gave you in the end.”
Ah, the forgotten business card left in the inventory. When Seora cleared her throat, Han Suwon grinned. “It’s a relief that you’re safe, Yun Seora-ssi.”
The Werewolf’s Dungeon incident. Han Suwon also seemed to be unable to forget that day’s events.
“So, feel free to contact me anytime. I’d be happy to host a delicious meal as an apology for what happened.”
“You’ve already apologized.”
Since Seora didn’t refuse and said okay, Han Suwon finally seemed satisfied. Despite his notorious gruffness, he was actually quite pleasant to deal with.
【Administrator: (╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻】
The administrator attempted to flip the table with emoticons, but Seora ignored it. There’s nothing worse than taking away food from a Korean.
“The day went by so quickly. It would have been nice if we could’ve spent more time.”
“We’ll meet again.”
“Yeah, that’s true, but… be careful tomorrow.”
At Han Suwon’s words, Seora tilted her head. Be careful? When going to a Level 4 Dungeon?
“Be careful of people, not the dungeon.”
Although the following words remained cryptic, he seemed unwilling to say more. Seora was puzzled but chose not to press further.
***
“…”
However, if she had known this was the implication, she would have asked.
The next day, the much-awaited third day of training.
“Headbang! Long time no see!”
With a bright smile, wearing a cloak over her shoulders, Sunset Guild’s Guildmaster Eun Injae shook Seora’s hands in front of the gate. Seora seriously wanted to ask these guildmasters if they had nothing better to do.
“I was informed that Sunset’s 2nd raid party would be participating.” Do Junyeong spoke similar lines to yesterday. However, Eun Injae’s reaction was even more intense than Han Suwon’s.
“How could I stay quietly in the office after hearing that Headbang is coming? Don’t worry, Director Do. I won’t interfere. I’m not that thoughtless.”
Beyond the brightly smiling Eun Injae, the members of the Sunset Guild could be seen. Seora felt a little sorry that they had to witness this side of their guildmaster…
“I regret not being able to witness Headbang’s skills in Cheorwon because I got knocked out too early. Of course, you won’t need to step up today, but still, when else can we be together like this?”
Seeing how excited she was, it seemed futile to tell her to go back. Do Junyeong had many things to say, but he sighed and decided not to.
“And Han Suwon also appeared yesterday? He can come, but I can’t?”
‘That’s the biggest issue…’
Later, she would have to corner Han Suwon to get the whole story seriously.
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