The moment the boss spider lost two legs, the outcome was practically decided.
It all came down to how comfortably they could walk the path to victory.
Right now, the giant spider no longer exuded the aura of a boss monster.
It was just a huge and powerful Rock Spider.
Thud-
“I can endure this!”
Sunhyung, who withstood the boss’s attacks, shouted.
Although his body wobbled a bit every time he blocked the massive legs and fangs, the opponent couldn’t deliver such a fast combo anyway.
Meanwhile, the lightning magic Sangsoo casted disrupted the spider’s senses.
Seizing the opportunity created by the two, Jeonghyun did not hesitate.
He leaped, diving beneath the spider.
Thunk-
Although the spider realized it and tried to clamp its pincers, Jeonghyun was already past that point.
When he rose again, he was under the spider’s intact side.
On the opposite side where Jeonghyun hadn’t severed the leg, there was an arrow inserted by Jeonga.
And there was a gap created by that arrow.
Quish-
Once Jeonghyun was confident that the blade could penetrate the Rock Spider, he thrust the dagger.
“First cut diagonally!”
Since the dagger wasn’t an ideal weapon for severing body parts, precision was crucial.
Taking advantage of the moment the spider stiffened, Jeonghyun skillfully inserted the dagger as if sewing a doll with a needle.
Even when considering the proportions, the size was likely similar.
While he couldn’t completely sever the leg as before,
Kee…!
Jeonghyun successfully forced the remaining third leg to sprawl out.
Neutralizing two weaknesses of the Rock Spider.
Once all two remaining legs were out of control, the spider’s movements noticeably slow down.
Perhaps there was an issue with its senses.
Having completely evaded the spider’s attack range, Jeonghyun shouted.
“Let’s finish this now!”
Although the severity hadn’t been properly revealed until now, the accumulated damage was tremendous.
The amount of bodily fluids pouring from the severed legs, combined with Sangsoo’s lightning magic, was beyond what any creature could endure.
Jeonghyun sheathed the dagger in his belt and switched to a mace.
“Sunhyung, I’ll attack from the front now!”
“Got it!”
To attack head-on, Sunhyung needed to provide more stable tanking.
Whether the boss sensed that the final moment was approaching, it began its last struggle with its non-severed leg.
Thud, thud-
However, the slowed-down and lightened claws were blocked meaninglessly by Sunhyung’s shield.
Moreover, taking advantage of the moments of vulnerability, Jeonghyun struck the face with the mace, preventing it from regaining composure.
Kee…!
The creature’s cries gradually diminished with each of Jeonghyun’s consecutive attacks.
Considering how even Sangsoo’s lightening magic, which would have easily passed before, now caused stiffness, the situation was dire.
Before long, the creature’s massive body
Thud-
Collapsed completely.
Though it seemed helpless when cornered in the square, it managed to defeat the boss monster in the end.
It was another victory against a danger greater than what he had encountered in the goblin stronghold Jeonghyun before.
“Sigh.”
Jeonghyun let out a relieved sigh internally.
Since the last hunt, he seemed to be experiencing all sorts of filthy situations imaginable from the gate.
From villains to mutated bosses.
“I can’t even imagine what will happen next time.”
However, for now, the giant spider that led them to despair was lying quietly, waiting for death.
At least they could enjoy the triumph at this moment without anyone objecting.
However,
“Whew, finally…”
“Stop right there.”
Expressing that triumph outwardly was a different matter.
As Sunhyung, filled with triumph, attempted to recite a flag raising magic words, Jeonghyun urgently covered Sunhyung’s mouth.
The creature’s breath wasn’t completely cut off yet.
There was a chance that if he recited the red flag-rasing magic words, the seemingly dead creature might miraculously come back to life.
However, ironically, the words came from the D-rank mage of the party.
“Finally Defeated!”
Sangsoo’s voice echoed through the square.
“That crazy… Why, why are you doing this?”
As Jeonghyun’s disdainful gaze fell upon him, Sangsoo was confused.
And upon hearing the flag-raising words, the spider, on the brink of death, raised its head with all its might.
Kieee-
“Still not dead?”
Regardless of who said it, the ominous atmosphere was undeniable.
Surprised, Sangsoo took a step back.
It was perfect, even asking if it was still alive.
Jeonghyun swung the mace with all his might to somehow interrupt the boss’s final resistance.
“This… piece of XXX!”
Spitting out incomprehensible words inside, as if cursing at the spider.
Pak—
And with Jeonghyun’s final attack, the spider’s face, which had opened wide and screamed, completely crumbled.
The spider, as if really dead, remained on the ground and did not get up again.
And,
[You have acquired 1 coin.]
It was a perfect finish.
“Phew—”
As the tension that had been present until the end released, Sunhyung sat down as is.
Perhaps the strain on the body was as much as receiving a full-frontal attack. The remaining people who held their positions also seemed to share similar feelings.
Jeonghyun approached the boss’s corpse, retrieved the dagger that was pierced in the spider, and finally took his seat.
“Did we… survive?”
Still not fully realizing the victory, Jeonghyun and Sunhyung, joined by Jeonga who had come closer to their location, asked hesitantly.
“Yes, we did.”
Even though they didn’t say it out loud, it seemed like everyone thought they would die without a doubt.
Before Jeonghyun could answer, a window popped up in front of his eyes.
[Proficiency level of “Reasonable Agile Movement” (F) has increased from 1 to 2.]
[Hidden Achievement unlocked, ‘Why are you here?’ Earned 5 coins.]
It was a clear ending.
It wasn’t strange for Jeonghyun to level up, as it was one of the characteristics he acquired first and played a crucial role in the boss battle.
Moreover, either by defeating the mutated boss or for some other reason, a hidden achievement was unlocked, earning him 5 coins along with a message.
More than worth the effort they had put in.
“Ah…”
Jeonghyun, who was about to cheer without realizing, closed his mouth.
It was somewhat strange to show off that he leveled up again shortly after the previous one, especially if one didn’t have multiple attributes.
On the other hand, Sunhyung honestly expressed his gains.
“Oh? My level proficiency went up! It went up!”
Sunhyung’s Shield Fighter attribute also rose to level 3 on this occasion. From level 3 onwards, he would officially receive treatment as a skilled person, so he looked even happier than usual.
Congratulations from party members followed, and as the joy of gaining rewards and the realization of surviving overcame the fatigue of battle.
Jeonghyun tidied up and stood up.
“Let’s stop here. I don’t want to stay here any longer.”
“Agreed! Let’s get out of here quickly!”
As they began to prepare to leave one by one, Sangsoo approached Jeonghyun hesitantly.
“Do you have something to say?”
“Uh…”
After hesitating for a moment, Sangsoo bowed with his waist and apologized.
“I’m really sorry for everything!”
It was an apology from Sangsoo, who had mocked Jeonghyun whenever he had the chance, citing Jeonghyun’s F-rank status and his experience working in a by-product workshop.
Jeonghyun was momentarily surprised because even though he knew that people’s attitudes toward him had changed, he didn’t expect a sincere apology like this.
“It’s okay. Well, you’re a D-rank after all.”
“Oh, no, even if I am a D-rank I learned a lot from you!”
Finally deciding to play along a bit.
“Well, I guess. Now that you joined Jungjin. It’s right that you ignore someone like me.”
“I really messed up! Please forgive me! Jeonghyun, no, sir!”
The more Sangsoo apologized, the more he bowed his waist.
Although Jeonghyun felt a bit awkward as he didn’t expect such a sincere apology, he knew that the way people looked at him had changed, and there was no harm in acknowledging it.
Jeonghyun smiled and raised Sangsoo, who was bowing deeply.
“It’s really okay. Well, in its own way, it was cute.”
“······What?”
Jeonghyun patted Sangsoo’s shoulder and added.
“Let’s stop here and get out. Okay?”
“Ah… Yes! Let’s get out!”
Sangsoo quickly started preparing to leave, taking others with him. As the saying goes, there was a mutual understanding, and this party seemed to be made up of decent people.
Finally leaving the gate, there were no spiders bothering them.
Perhaps instinctively aware that they were the beings that had killed their boss. It was even the mutated boss, the few spiders Jeonghyun felt were retreating hurriedly when approached.
Thanks to that, Jeonghyun could leisurely retrieve the daggers thrown during the escape.
“Wow! Sunshine!”
And when they completely left the cave and met the sunlight again, it was truly a moment of joy.
Jeonga jumped around, enjoying the joy, and others expressed their emotions in various ways.
“Aaargh!”
Sunhyung kneeled down and shouted, while Doyoon, as if praying, clasped his hands together and expressed his gratitude.
‘I heard that many healers believe in religion, is that really true?’
And finally, Sangsoo, who caught Jeonghyun’s attention last, was earnestly talking on the phone.
“Yes, we’re out of the gate now. Don’t say a word. There was a mutated boss, and we barely survived. More importantly, can we meet in a hurry?”
It was a bit strange that he went through the ordeal of dying and immediately made a call. But without dwelling too much on it, Jeonghyun didn’t think deeply.
By the way he spoke, it seemed like he was talking to someone related to the guild, and since guilds played a role in representing the interests of their members, it wasn’t surprising.
Even though the Association had sent a team in advance to check, they might not have been able to confirm the mutated boss, and his guild member was in danger?
In fact, it was a significant event, even though they didn’t fully feel it.
***
In the heart of South Korea there was the imposing headquarters of Jungjin Guild, a giant in the industry.
Inside, amidst the bustling human resources department, was the office of Cha Junwon, the team leader.
Standing at a height well over 180, his flawlessly handsome face not only attested to Junwon’s promising role in internal affairs but also garnered recognition externally.
And to top it off, being a B-Rank mage hunter added an extra layer of chaarisma. Such popularity, indeed.
Tap-
Two teacups were elegantly placed on the high-end table.
“So, why did you insist on seeing me in such a hurry? If you’ve been through something, you should take a break.”
The visitor who sought out Junwon was none other than Han Sangsoo.
“Well, you see…”
This was the second time Sangsoo had visited Junwon’s office. However, meeting a renowned B-rank hunter always brought tension.
Even though Junwon had casually mentioned to contact him if there were any needs, accepting the request to meet was unexpected.
Regardless, Junwon patiently waited, despite feeling a bit uneasy about Sangsoo’s hesitant self.
The Human Resources Team 2, led by Junwon, mainly handled lower-level scouting.
Even high-level hunters tended to get nervous when meeting someone of their caliber. But now, meeting a freshly recruited D-Rank Level 2 hunter was quite something.
Junwon, unlike many high-level hunters, wasn’t one to disregard others. Moreover, he was accustomed to such reactions.
“If you have a good hunter to recommend, feel free to let me know anytime. Can you recommend someone?”
“Ah, I see.”
So, this was the reason for the urgency.
Junwon felt a bit deflated, but he maintained an attentive attitude.
The power of Jungjin Guild’s HR team leader was formidable, attracting numerous requests.
Although he had mentioned recommending people if there were any good hunters, it usually ended up being someone he knew well or a widely known hunter.
“I see. Tell me. Is the person you met during this gate incident?”
“Yes! That’s right. It was in the Rock Spider’s Cave.”
“If you managed to capture the mutant boss together, their skills should be commendable. What’s their Rank?”
Indeed, defeating a mutant boss with just a party of five in the lower levels was remarkable. Whether due to extraordinary luck or skill, the fact remained impressive.
Details needed to be heard in order to make a proper assessment.
“Well…”
Sangsoo hesitated for a moment, but eventually answered.
“He is an unregistered individual. His proficiency level is around 3.”
Junwon’s brow furrowed slightly, maintaining his poker face.
An unregistered individual? It was no different from saying they were practically F-rank.
If the proficiency level was 3, they might be passable, but F-rank level typically capped out at 4. Going from 3 to 4 wasn’t an ordinary feat, and growth limitations were usually clear.
Junwon spoke with a slightly lowered voice, “Sangsoo. I understand, but still, an unregistered individual is a bit…”
“Oh, no! Please give it a listen. Even though they’re unregistered, he didn’t seem to be F-Rank!”
It was clear to Sangsoo what Junwon was trying to say.
Desperately, Sangsoo interrupted Junwon’s words.
Junwon was somewhat surprised by Sangsoo’s reaction. The person who had been practically groveling to him moments ago was now cutting off his words?
It was a somewhat impolite attitude, but Junwon was patient and continued to listen to Sangsoo’s story.
As Sangsoo’s narrative unfolded, Junwon’s eyes gradually widened.
Sangsoo became more excited as he spoke, revealing more details about this exceptional individual.
“…Such a person, you say?”
Finally, as Sangsoo’s story concluded, Junwon, with a somewhat bewildered tone, muttered, “Is that really an an F-rank, or rather, an unregistered Level 3?”
