In the mountains of Cheongsong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, there were people climbing up.
They were the Assault-Type A-Rank Gate Strike Team.
The strike team consisted of a total of 60 members from 5 Korean teams and 5 American teams, along with 50 healers and the prophet Ramus, totaling 111 personnel.
They followed Ramus and Endings, who were at the forefront, up the mountain path. After walking for some time, Ramus finally stopped his steps.
“Here. This is it.”
Upon hearing this, Endings also stopped and looked around.
All they could see were trees and grass. The mountain vegetation swayed in the mountain breeze. It seemed peaceful enough.
At first glance, there didn’t seem to be anything special. Even the mana floating in the air seemed serene.
However, Ramus was certain about this place. There was no hint of falsehood in his words.
After all, there was no reason for a slave of the demon Koolara to lie.
So Endings issued preparation orders in anticipation.
“Everyone, clear the area within a 1,000-meter radius from this point.”
As if they had been waiting, the hunters moved swiftly.
Chop! Thud!
Trees that would obstruct the upcoming battle were quickly cleared. The lush green mountain had turned into a bare one in no time.
After completing Endings’ orders, the hunters reorganized their formation.
The strike team maintained a layered circular formation.
At the forefront were close-range dealers and tanks, followed by long-range dealers and healers in the rear.
Standing at the center of the circular formation, signaled the start of the operation.
“We have 5 minutes until the Gate appears. I trust you haven’t forgotten what I said before we departed. Follow the instructions without deviation. After eliminating the monsters initially released, reorganize the formation and enter the Gate.”
At that moment, Gong Se-hee, who had been silently guarding, recalled something that happened earlier.
Three hours ago.
During the operation briefing, Jong-sik emphasized two things.
First, they would form a snail-shaped circular formation to ensure no monsters were missed.
Second, after defeating all the released monsters, they would enter the Gate with their assigned healers. It’s worth noting that today, the role of healers was not just backup. They were also part of the attack force.
Upon hearing this operation explanation, the hunters’ faces turned puzzled. It was such an absurd operation.
‘Using healers as members of the attack force!’
‘What nonsense is this?’
However, no one dared to raise strong objections. Because Jong-sik explained the plan with Ramus the prophet’s influence.
“Healers can deal damage to monsters… It’s hard to believe, but I can’t just disbelieve it. After all, everyone here gathered just because of his words.”
Still, there was anxiety. As if trying to dispel that anxiety, Gong Se-hee gripped her sword tightly.
At that moment, a tearing sound was heard.
The source of the sound was at the center of the circular formation.
Space was distorting.
Finally, the Gate they had been warned about opened.
“Everyone, stay focused and prepare for the attack.”
The reason was simple.
The grade of the Gate is determined by the grade of the monsters inhabiting it, and the monster revealed now was…
“…Trolls?”
It was none other than the B-grade monster, the troll. Following it was another B+ classified monster, the Twin-Headed Troll.
In other words, it was a situation contradicting Ramus’s prophecy of an A-rank Gate appearance.
It was inevitable that unrest would arise among the hunters.
However, the unrest among them took on a different aspect.
“What’s this?”
“It’s a troll den. Hah, we were nervous for nothing.”
“But the location and time matched perfectly, right? Maybe he wasn’t called the prophet for nothing.”
“Just trolls. I’ll take care of it.”
Korean hunters wore smiles as if relieved.
“See! I told you so. It must be a lie. Do you really think that cave looks like an A-rank Gate? It’s obvious even from the outside.”
“Darn it, Alex is right. We’ve been deceived. Matthew, what are we going to do?”
“What are you asking? Of course, we stick to the original plan. Captain?”
A grim atmosphere pervaded among the American hunters’ formation.
It was understandable. They willingly followed the Korean team, led by Jong-sik, based solely on Ramus’s prophecy, and now faced this situation.
“Enough! Who’s gossiping during battle? Don’t cloud the mood with uncertain matters. We’ve already made our decision.”
Even Leader Matthew’s scolding couldn’t quell the unrest spreading among them.
“A decision? That’s just a decision made unilaterally by the captain. I can’t accept it.”
“I’m with Alex on this. And I trust my choice. We can’t stand side by side with them. We need to be one step ahead.”
At that moment, Alex and Jonathan exchanged glances quietly.
Simultaneously, they broke formation.
It happened in an instant, without anyone being able to stop them.
‘This is for the country.’
‘We can’t let these monkeys take all the glory.’
Judging that the difficulty level was manageable, they didn’t consider the consequences.
Once the two leaders of the team left, their followers swiftly followed suit, totaling about ten members.
“Are these guys out of their minds? Can’t they come back immediately?”
A thunderous roar erupted from Matthew, the leader of the American team, but they didn’t stop.
The formation was already in disarray, and the assigned healers didn’t know what to do.
Meanwhile, those who sprinted straight ahead pushed their way into the Gate.
Watching them, the Korean hunters hesitated in their steps.
Perhaps they feared losing out on the spoils if they remained idle.
Then, a voice rang out, stopping their steps. It was Jong-sik.
“Stay behind the healers, and the rest hold your ground. I made it clear.”
Moving through the disorganized ranks, he shouted with unwavering authority. There was no hint of doubt or impatience in his firm voice.
‘He made the right call from the start. They can handle themselves. Well, there weren’t enough healers anyway, so it’s probably for the best.’
It felt as if a burden had been lifted, as if the ailing patient had suddenly recovered.
Was that why?
The healers returned to their positions, and the hesitant Korean hunters followed Jong-sik’s command.
When Jong-sik took command of the operation, what did he say? “If you’re going to die, at least die trying.”
The Korean hunters faithfully followed that command. Jong-sik said to hold their ground, so they held their ground.
And just like that, the situation was swiftly brought under control.
On the other hand, Matthew’s face turned red with anger. He couldn’t help but compare Jong-sik’s leadership to his own.
Especially since DokjJong-sik was described as a newcomer participating in the operation for the first time and also taking on the role of operation leader…
“I was the one who turned out to be worse than the newcomers.”
Matthew, who had been unconsciously ignoring him, was now feeling ashamed to the point of madness. He chewed on his lip as he looked at Jong-sik.
In the place where his team members had left, Jong-sik, who had arrived there in no time, effortlessly filled the gap left by the ten members.
Although they were B-grade monsters, trolls were known for their exceptional regeneration. However, even their boastful regenerative abilities were useless against Jong-sik.
Jong-sik mercilessly slashed at the troll’s body with his mana-created blades, not giving it a chance to recover.
After a while, chunks of flesh fell to the ground. It was as if the troll’s body had been minced into small pieces.
“…!”
Truly overwhelming powerlessness.
Having ruthlessly dismembered one of them, those who instinctively sensed the predator’s presence refrained from approaching Jong-sik.
“…Is he from the psychokinesis lineage? His skill proficiency is remarkable.”
“Damn. Did they say his name was Dok Jong-sik? Why does that name sound unfamiliar to me?”
Witnessing such a spectacle, Matthew’s eyes widened in astonishment. The other American hunters were no different. They couldn’t help but admire.
Observing their reactions, the Korean hunters felt a subtle sense of pride.
“He’s definitely not just an ordinary newcomer.”
“It’s too early to be this surprised.”
“I guess they thought he’d be easy to deal with.”
Meanwhile, Jong-sik continued to engage in battle without a hint of hesitation.
‘Anyway, how much time had passed?’
The influx of creatures crossing the gate gradually diminished sharply. And before long, even that came to a halt.
“I think it’s about time to start entering.”
Jong-sik ordered the entry into the dungeon. Subsequently, the healers who had fallen behind began to move hastily.
Soon, a group of hunters and healers began to converge. This was the moment a complete dungeon raiding team was formed.
Beyond the gate, the assault team was met with a landscape of a crimson jungle in all directions.
The lush greenery that should have been present was entirely stained red for some reason.
Every tree, the ground, and even the sky, which should have been blue, were all tinted red.
“Ugh, what a disgustingly unpleasant place.”
“It seems like a maze-type dungeon.”
As someone mentioned, the dungeon was indeed part of a maze. The rugged jungle was truly like a labyrinth.
In cases like this, it’s customary to split up the team and move. Jong-sik, who had navigated through countless dungeons, was well aware of this.
Jong-sik scanned the group. Everyone had entered the gate without anyone missing. It was only then that Jong-sik spoke up.
“Alright, everyone pay attention. I’ll give you the instructions. Team 1 from the United States and Team 2 from Korea will stay at this base camp and guard the exit.”
Upon hearing this, there was a deep furrow on Gong Se-hee forehead. It was understandable since she had never missed a boss monster raid.
However, she couldn’t express her dissatisfaction. Moreover, upon hearing Jog-sik continued words, she had to hide her emotions even more.
“Understood, but this base camp is our last line of defense. So, stay alert, everyone. And if anything happens, don’t hesitate to fire a signal flare.”
Jong-sik didn’t stop there; he also instructed the teams to split up and scatter in all directions.
He added that the team looking for the dungeon’s Boss should promptly fire a signal flare.
Upon his instructions, the hunters moved decisively. However, they soon felt vibrations that made them stop in their tracks.
[Aaaaaaargh!]
A sharp roar echoed from within the jungle. Simultaneously, vibrations reverberated through the ground.
“Well, this is convenient. Describing it verbally was quite daunting. Everyone, prepare for battle. Healers, come forward.”
With that, Jong-sik smirked as if things were going according to plan.
Shortly after,
A horde of crimson-stained monsters revealed themselves.
Was it because they sensed the presence of the assault team that had crossed the gate?
No.
They were simply chasing their prey.
“Mat, Matthew!”
The one who leaped over the bushes and ran towards them was one of the American hunters who had defected in the middle. And behind him was a horde of monsters in hot pursuit.
It was a pack of trolls stained crimson with blood.
