In the basement of the association building, on the 3rd floor.
“I will guide you to the A-rank test site.”
The association employee escorted Jong-sik with a polite attitude.
Unlike the above ground, the underground was creating a dark atmosphere. In front, there was a sturdy black door, and to the right, various weapons were displayed, while to the left, there were rows of clothes.
“If you haven’t prepared anything or need to purchase additional items, you can buy or rent them here. Would you like to take a look around?”
The employee paused for a moment and asked Jong-sik. Jong-sik lightly nodded in response and walked straight ahead.
‘…What is he thinking?’
The employee glanced briefly at Jong-sik’s attire. Not only was he not wearing a functional suit, but he also hadn’t prepared any weapons. It seemed like the appearance of a soldier going into battle without a gun.
And yet, even the guild had rushed to pay the examination fee for such a candidate. The employee shook his head with a wry smile and furrowed his brows. Then it happened.
“Isn’t this the entrance?”
Jong-sik, who had stopped in front of the black door, suddenly spoke up. The employee then snapped out of his reverie and took out his card key from around his neck.
Click.
“Yes. I will open it right away.”
Soon, the heavy door, boasting considerable thickness, began to open slowly. Seizing the opportunity, the employee informed Jong-sik of the precautions for the test.
“This is a replica of the dungeon that occurred in Incheon Zone 4 three years ago. As you may know, except for boss-level monsters, all monsters here are real creatures obtained by the association. Also…”
In summary, the employee’s words were as follows:
First, except for bosses, the monsters are real creatures obtained by the association.
Second, the association is not responsible for any deaths or injuries.
Third, there are CCTV cameras installed everywhere, so you can withdraw at any time.
“Understood.”
Although it was just a formality, Jong-sik nodded without any particular reaction.
Click.
The door, which had been wide open, suddenly closed shut.
“May you succeed.”
With the encouragement of the employee behind him, Jong-sik began to stride forward.
***
It was just one step away.
On one side, there was a dense forest, while on the other side, it was the interior of a typical modern building.
And right now, Jong-sik was stepping into this dense forest.
The forest was filled with the scent of nature.
Swoosh—the wind rustled through the trees.
Various plants under the high and dark ceiling.
And finally, the dense mana surrounding the area.
It was a place meticulously crafted to perfection.
“It’s worth receiving the examination fee of 30 million won.”
Finishing his brief observation, Jong-sik moved forward without hesitation.
In fact, the examination area was three times larger than a real dungeon.
The reason for this was to assess the examinee’s ability to utilize terrain features, track monsters, and distribute stamina effectively.
Therefore, most examinees prepared for the exam by practicing in private examination areas before taking the actual test.
However, Jong-sik, oblivious to such practices, relied solely on his own experience to determine his destination.
Walking along.
And the destination was none other than the waterside.
Since ancient times, life had always been closely associated with water, and monsters were no exception.
To prove this point, Jong-sik sensed the scent of monsters nearby, not too far from where he was.
“Eeek!”
“Gah!”
Jong-sik swiftly struck the goblin he encountered at the waterside, causing it to fall to the ground. In front of him, an intangible sword materialized.
Swish!
The sword created by Jong-sik’s magic severed the goblin’s head.
Thunk!
The creatures didn’t even realize their own deaths until the moment they died. That’s how fleeting death was.
Jong-sik continued to move forward along the stream.
In his wake, scattered corpses appeared. There were orcs, trolls, ogres – all fallen victims to his blade.
Sometimes, as if aware of the CCTV cameras, he displayed dazzling attacks that anyone watching would admire. For example, spells like pyrokinesis.
How many had he killed like this?
“Wow, this is some top-notch illusion magic.”
Finally, before Jong-sik, the boss monster revealed itself.
It was distinctly different from the creatures he had encountered so far.
Of course, that was because the “Frenzied Lizardman” was created using holograms.
Jong-sik smirked with amusement. But in an instant,
“Eeeek!”
An attack skill embedded in the boss monster surged towards Jong-sik.
Zap! Zap!
It was the boss monster’s attack skill, “Lightning Spear”. A skill that had sent ten Rankers who ventured into dungeons to their graves.
Jong-sik simply leaped lightly to evade the attack.
The fearsome Lightning Spear struck the ground with a loud crash.
Watching the spectacle calmly from mid-air, Jong-sik spoke.
“It’s over.”
Moments later,
Dozens, hundreds of swords materialized above the Frenzied Lizardman’s head. Then, boom boom boom! A chain of explosions echoed through the examination area.
***
Korean Hunter Association Video Surveillance Room.
Normally accommodating five or six people, the surveillance room was now filled with people.
It wasn’t like that from the beginning.
Three association supervisors, four guild representatives who made appointments with Dok Jong-sik, and even his younger brother, Dok Jong-pal. All eight of them gathered to watch Dok Jong-sik’s examination footage.
But now there were easily over twenty people gathered in the surveillance room.
And that’s not all.
Among them, even the Incheon Branch Manager of the Hunter Association was seated.
“Sigh, the competition is going to be fierce.”
The guild representatives could already feel their heads pounding.
Under normal circumstances, recruiting ideal talents meant finding promising hunters, sponsoring them, and naturally recruiting them into the guild when they showed growth potential.
But the current situation was different. Everyone had already seen the appearance of the sudden big rookie.
“We absolutely cannot miss out.”
They firmly resolved to engage in a fierce battle over Dok Jong-sik. That’s when it happened.
“This is insane.”
Someone watching the footage muttered.
In the footage, Dok Jong-sik was swiftly beheading a Two-Headed Ogre. No, to be precise, the Two-Headed Ogre’s head was splitting on its own.
“So, even the Two-Headed Ogre is a one-shot kill.”
“What kind of skill is that? Gravity type? Wind type?”
“…Ha. It’s supposed to be the first time encountering goblins, but it’s too natural. It’s mind-blowing.”
Just a while ago, goblins had their heads chopped off in a similar manner. People hadn’t hidden their surprise then either, but it wasn’t as extreme as it is now.
It was understandable; 2nd-grade goblins and 4th-grade Two-Headed Ogres were of different ranks. Yet Dok Jong-sik’s face remained peaceful.
People marveled at Dok Jong-sik’s prowess, which exceeded their imaginations. But the astonishment didn’t end there.
Dok Jong-sik had used skills that he hadn’t written on the questionnaire. Therefore, there was a brief uproar among the people.
“He even has fire skills.”
“Wait, wasn’t the fire skill not listed on the questionnaire?”
“It’s the first time I’ve seen a rookie hunter with skills they’re not using.”
“Let’s share how much everyone is thinking about the contract deposit.”
That too, was brief, and then the surveillance room regained its silence.
They were overwhelmed by Dok Jong-sik’s appearance defeating the boss.
“….”
“….”
Zzing-!
In an instant, someone opened the door.
The momentary silence was broken.
Shortly after,
People who had left the surveillance room began to run in a hurry, one after another.
Their destination was the A-rank examination site.
***
Not all hunters are treated the same just because they’re hunters.
Especially D-rank and C-rank hunters often receive treatment similar to ordinary people among hunters. No, they’re even more looked down upon, if anything.
How do I know?
Because C-rank hunter Dok Jong-pal experienced it firsthand.
Moreover, something like this happened.
It was about two months ago.
There was an incident where he went from being a B-rank dungeon attacker to a porter in a party.
The reason was that during an attack on a B-rank dungeon, the porter among the A-rank hunters died during the raid, and he appointed Jong-pal as his replacement porter.
With just that word, Jong-pal fell from his position. He helped the A-rank hunter by handling the monsters they encountered, even giving massages.
But Jong-pal didn’t complain. No, he couldn’t complain, as it was true. That’s how great the prestige of an A-rank hunter was.
But now, an A-rank hunter had died, and the Association Branch Manager, known as an S-rank hunter, was speaking gently to him.
“Dok Jong-pal, right?”
“Ah, yes.”
Jong-pal replied, still finding it hard to believe. Especially having ‘군’ attached to his name. He couldn’t hide his surprised expression at the treatment he was receiving for the first time.
“So you’re Dok Jong-sik’s brother?”
“Yes.”
“You have an impressive older brother.”
“That’s right. My brother has always been amazing.”
Relieved by the praise for his brother, Jong-pal responded with a more relaxed expression.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen a good video, so I’d like to repay the favor. Whenever you have time, how about having a meal together?”
“…Ah, I’m sorry, but I can’t give you an answer. I think I need to ask my brother about it.”
“Haha. Your brother is cautious. Well, ask him and let me know.”
The Association Branch Manager handed him his business card.
“Yes. I’ll ask him and let you know.”
“But why don’t you go to your brother? Everyone was running to him like bees.”
“Isn’t the underground floor accessible only to examinees and officials?”
“Usually, yes.”
“So I was going to wait outside.”
“Hmm. Then let’s make today an exception. Go down and meet your brother. If anyone stops you on the way, tell them I permitted it.”
“…Um, yes. If you do that, I won’t refuse. Thank you.”
“Haha. Sure. Don’t forget about the meal we planned.”
With gratitude, Jong-pal left the inspection room. The room was empty after everyone left.
***
It seems that a word can travel a thousand miles, as evidenced by the dozens of people gathered at the door.
“He’s out!”
“Hello. Sorry for the delayed greeting.”
“Congratulations on passing the A-rank exam.”
“We’re a guild that seeks beyond the borders, even overseas….”
.
.
.
As Jong-sik emerged from the test, he scanned the people around him in thought.
“This is what I’ve been hoping for.”
But where could Jong-pal be?
Just as he pondered this, Jong-pal finally revealed himself, albeit belatedly.
“Seems like even a tiger shows up when called.”
Jong-sik waved his hand and called out to his brother.
“Oh, Jong-pal. Come over here.”
At his words, the officials swiftly cleared a path for him. Jong-sik asked his brother, who was standing beside him.
“Jong-pal, you said you’ve been a hunter for a few years, right?”
“About four years…?”
“Then you should have some understanding of this scene and have heard about various guilds coming and going.”
“Well, yeah. But why all of a sudden?”
“I’m planning to join a guild here today. So, I need your help. That’s why I brought you along.”
“…Hyung. I’m just a C-rank. I’ve never even tried or seen an A-rank contract.”
“So what? If you haven’t seen it, you’ll see it today. Come on, man. Time’s already running out. Yeona said she’s making Dakbokkeumtang for lunch, so let’s wrap this up quickly and go in.”
Ignoring his bewildered brother, Jong-sik raised his voice.
“Well, nice to meet you all. There are too many people to introduce individually, and it’s too tiresome to set up meetings. Yeah, it’s a waste of time. I’m sick of wandering around and wasting time for nothing. So, let’s settle things here today.”
It might sound arrogant, but the people gathered here were not ordinary.
They were individuals accustomed to facing high-ranking hunters.
So, they could answer with a kind smile without even wrinkling their brows.
“Haha, settling things… You said you don’t like beating around the bush, so I’ll ask directly. We’d like to welcome Mr. Dokjong-sik to our guild. How should we proceed?”
As the man asked, Jong-sik responded as if he had been waiting.
“Well, what can you do? Isn’t it all about making money? Since I like money, I’ll go wherever they offer the most contract fees.”
Laughter erupted around at his straightforward response.
“Yeah, I’ll just go with the flow. No need for lip service.”
They thought as they each considered the amount they had in mind for the contract fee.
However, they could only become dumbfounded by Jong-sik’s follow-up response.
“Oh! I looked into it yesterday…”
