Ever since the emergence of Hunters, most aspects of life began to revolve around them. From business and politics to sports and even entertainment, Hunters had found themselves integrated into nearly every aspect of modern society.

The entertainment industry, of course, was no exception.

In South Korea, where the idol industry was already a global powerhouse, the concept of Hunter Idols quickly took root. These performers were skilled in singing and dancing and strong enough to clear dungeons, making them an instant hit with fans who craved both beauty and power. Some of the major Hunter guilds saw this as an opportunity to expand into the entertainment business, debuting artists who could captivate audiences both on stage and in battle.

And among them, the most famous Hunter Idol group was LUNARIS, a five-member girl group under Iron Fang Guild, one of the Six Great Guilds.

Unlike ordinary idols, every member of LUNARIS was an A-Rank Hunter, meaning they weren't just performers but also elite combatants. Their ability to clear dungeons, coupled with their breathtaking performances, had skyrocketed them to stardom, earning them a dedicated fanbase that adored them as both warriors and entertainers.

LUNARIS itself was the brainchild of the Guildmaster of Iron Fang Guild, Gong Hye-rin. As a seasoned Hunter and the mastermind behind the guild's expansion into entertainment, Hye-rin had carefully selected each member, ensuring they were not only powerful Hunters but also charismatic and talented enough to stand on the grandest stages.

Today, after finishing a grueling rehearsal for their upcoming performance, LUNARIS gathered in their private training room.

"You girls did great today," Hye-rin said as she observed them with an approving nod. Dressed in her usual green combat uniform, her exposed shoulders gleamed slightly under the studio lights. Despite her usual calm and deadly demeanor as an Assassin, there was a warmth in her tone when addressing her idols.

"Of course we did," SELENE replied with a confident smirk. "We're LUNARIS, after all."

Selene, real name Kang Joo-hyun, was the leader of the group, a natural-born performer with an effortless charisma. Her silver-dyed hair was tied in a high ponytail, and her sharp, foxlike eyes sparkled with mischief. Though her presence on stage was electrifying, in battle, she was a nightmare to her enemies, wielding twin daggers with deadly precision as an Assassin-Class Hunter.

"Ugh, but that last dance set was brutal," NOVA groaned as she stretched her arms over her head.

Nova, real name Lee So-young, was known for her fiery energy and playful attitude. Her auburn hair was styled in twin buns, giving her a mischievous look that matched her personality. Whether on stage or in combat, she was constantly moving, her speed and agility making her a blur to both fans and enemies. As a Bladerunner-class Hunter, she was one of the fastest Hunters in the guild, able to outmaneuver even the most dangerous dungeon monsters.

"You're just making excuses," VEGA chimed in, crossing her arms.

Vega, real name Han Min-ji, had a more reserved but powerful presence. With short jet-black hair and an athletic build, she had the kind of look that made people naturally take her seriously. While she didn't speak as much as the others, her quiet strength and intensity made her stand out. As a Brawler-class Hunter, she didn't need a weapon. Her fists were more than enough. Fans often joked that if anyone tried to pick a fight with her, they'd be signing their own death warrant.

"I agree," LUNA spoke with a teasing smile. "You were totally panting during that last routine, Nova."

Luna, real name Choi Ji-eun, was often considered the most visually striking member of LUNARIS. With her long, platinum-blonde hair and ethereal beauty, she had an air of elegance that made people underestimate her at times. But in reality, she was one of the most dangerous members of the group. As a Summoner-class Hunter, she commanded powerful spectral beasts in battle, each one deadly in its own right.

"Pft, you talk a lot for someone who almost tripped on her heels," Nova shot back, sticking out her tongue.

"You saw that?!" Luna gasped, feigning offense as she covered her mouth.

The last member, ORION, chuckled softly from the side.

"You were kinda obvious, Ji-eun," she said in a soft-spoken tone.

Orion, real name Im Hye-won, was the calmest and most mysterious member of LUNARIS. With long, dark blue hair and a serene presence, she had a unique ability to command attention without saying much. She rarely got involved in the group's teasing, instead observing quietly with a small smile. But when she did speak, her words always carried weight. As a Spellblade-class Hunter, she combined magic with swordsmanship, making her one of the most versatile combatants in the guild.

"Alright, enough bickering," Hye-rin interrupted with a smile. "You all did well today. Rest up because we have a lot of work to do before your next stage. And after that, you'll be preparing for the next raid mission."

The reminder that they weren't just idols but also Hunters made the room fall into silence.

Balancing both worlds was never easy.

While their fame gave them certain advantages: sponsorships, high-quality equipment, and connections, it didn't change the fundamental truth of their existence.

They were still Hunters.

And Hunters risked their lives every time they stepped into a dungeon.

But this was the path they had chosen.

"Understood, boss," Selene said, her confident smirk returning. "We'll be ready."

As the members of LUNARIS began chatting again, teasing each other and laughing, Hye-rin watched them with an unreadable expression.

To the world, they were idols, stars, untouchable figures of admiration.

But to her, they were something else.

They were a symbol of strength, ambition, and the limitless potential of Hunters.

And she would make sure they would shine brighter than anyone else.

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"Why am I thinking about Hunter Idols now?"

Tae-woo muttered to himself as he sat atop the still-warm corpse of a Black Wolf, absently staring at the glowing purple crystals dotting the cavern walls. There were a few more dead wolves scattered around him. The fight had ended a few minutes ago, yet his mind had somehow drifted to one of the most ridiculous things possible, which was LUNARIS, Korea's top Hunter Idol group.

It made no sense. He had just fended off a whole pack of wolves, cutting them down one by one in a brutal fight for survival, and now, instead of thinking about battle strategy or how to test his new abilities, his brain had decided to focus on a bunch of gorgeous women singing and dancing in flashy outfits.

His priorities were questionable at best.

[I can answer that.] Alice suddenly chimed in, her tone sounding far too smug. [It is because Master is a perfectly healthy young man who enjoys watching cute girls in cute outfits dancing on stage. Belly buttons and armpits optional.]

Tae-woo's eye twitched.

"…Shut up, Alice."

[Shutting up now.]

Tae-woo groaned, rubbing his temples. He hadn't even known Alice for a full day, yet somehow, she had already developed a talent for getting under his skin. Her tone may have been soft and polite, but it was laced with an undeniable cheekiness that made it clear she was enjoying this far too much.

At the very least, she was actually helpful when it counted.

Shaking his head, Tae-woo shifted his focus back to the matter at hand.

"Anyway," he muttered, nudging one of the dead wolves with his boot, "I guess these mutts were a massive improvement over goblins."

Unlike his last culinary experiment, the Black Wolf meat had at least been edible. After taking a chunk and eating it, something he was still coming to terms with as a normal part of his life now, he had received two new abilities.

[Yes. The first ability you acquired is Keen Sense,] Alice informed him, her tone returning to her usual professional demeanor. [It grants you enhanced night vision and the ability to track via scent, much like wolves.]

Tae-woo focused for a moment, testing the ability, and almost immediately, his perception shifted. The dim cavern that had been shrouded in shadows now appeared much clearer, the details of the environment sharpening as if someone had adjusted the contrast on a screen.

Then came the smells.

The lingering scent of blood, the dampness of the cavern walls, and the faint metallic tang of the crystals all flooded his nose at once, filling his mind with an overwhelming amount of new information.

It was a lot.

"…Okay, that's going to take some getting used to," he muttered, rubbing his nose.

[Understandable, Master.]

Tae-woo sighed, shaking off the lingering disorientation before holding up his arm.

The second ability had been a bit flashier.

With a simple thought, three sharp, crystalline claws emerged from the back of his hand, extending into razor-sharp talons that gleamed under the eerie violet light.

[The second ability is Iron Claws, which evolved into Crystallite Claws upon inheritance,] Alice continued. [It allows you to sprout sharp claws for melee combat.]

Tae-woo turned his hand, flexing his fingers as the translucent blades caught the light. They looked deadly sharp, and judging by their lightweight yet sturdy feel, they would be perfect for close-quarters combat.

He gave them a few slow, experimental swipes, cutting effortlessly through the air. They felt natural, almost like an extension of himself rather than something foreign.

"…Not bad," he admitted.

And just as easily as they had appeared, he willed the claws to retract, watching as they sank back into his skin, leaving behind no trace. Not even a scar.

[Considering that these abilities do not overlap with your preexisting ones, they are not absorbed, meaning you can use them freely,] Alice added.

Tae-woo stretched his fingers, feeling the newfound strength coursing through him. At least he was actually gaining useful abilities now.

"Well, that makes this a little more worthwhile," he admitted, rolling his shoulders before getting back on his feet. "Let's see if the next monsters I find have anything good to offer."

And, preferably, something that didn't taste like chewed leather soaked in garbage water.

Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

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"Thank you for the good work!"

Selene's bright voice rang through the studio as she thanked her fellow members of LUNARIS, along with the crew who had worked tirelessly alongside them. Another exhausting day of rehearsals, recordings, and performances had finally come to an end, and now, it was time for them to head home and rest.

For most idols, wrapping up a long day meant heading back to a shared dorm or returning to their families. But for Selene, or Kang Joo-hyun, home was a luxury apartment she had all to herself, a space she had earned through her hard work as both an A-Rank Hunter and a top-tier idol.

Joo-hyun had never imagined that she would become an idol, let alone a Hunter Idol, but life had a funny way of throwing surprises. She had been personally scouted by Gong Hye-rin, the Guildmaster of Iron Fang Guild, who saw potential in her not just as a Hunter but as a performer. Alongside four other gifted Hunters, Joo-hyun had debuted as part of LUNARIS, and almost overnight, their group had skyrocketed to superstardom.

It had been one and a half years since their debut, and in that time, she had grown to love the spotlight. Despite the grueling training, the tight schedules, and the pressure of being in the public eye, she truly enjoyed being on stage with her fellow members, whom she considered her sisters.

Of course, fame always comes with its own set of downsides.

Being a Hunter already meant being a public figure, but becoming a Hunter Idol placed them in an entirely different level of celebrity. They weren't just known within Hunter circles or among dungeon enthusiasts, they were also household names, their faces plastered across billboards, magazines, and television screens. With that level of fame came constant scrutiny, fan expectations, and, of course, the ever-present risk of stalkers.

This was exactly why Joo-hyun dressed inconspicuously whenever she was out in public.

Tonight, she opted for a baggy jacket, loose pants, a baseball cap, and oversized sunglasses, which was a tried-and-tested disguise to avoid unnecessary attention. Even then, she knew evasion wasn't always foolproof. She had already been recognized in the past despite the precautions, and sometimes, it wasn't the fans she had to worry about.

As she made her way home, walking along the quieter streets, a sensation pricked at the back of her mind, an instinct honed through many battles and dungeon raids.

Someone was following her.

She didn't react immediately, keeping her pace steady as if she hadn't noticed anything. If she had been an ordinary idol, this situation might have been terrifying. But Joo-hyun was no ordinary idol. She was an A-Rank Hunter, a battle-hardened Assassin, and she had no intention of letting some stranger catch her off guard.

Taking a sharp turn into an empty alley, she whispered under her breath.

"Invisibility."

In an instant, her body vanished from sight.

Joo-hyun held her breath, pressing herself against the alley wall, waiting to see if her pursuer would reveal themselves. Even though she was confident in her abilities, she knew her invisibility had its limitations. It was effective against normal people, but against another Hunter, especially one with heightened senses, it wouldn't be foolproof.

Her heart beat steadily as she listened intently for any sound of footsteps or movement.

A few seconds passed.

Nothing.

Still, she remained cautious.

As an Assassin, stealth and deception were her strongest assets. While she wasn't on the same level as Guildmaster Hye-rin, she prided herself on her ability to move undetected, strike quickly, and disappear just as fast. If her pursuer was just an overly eager fan, she wanted to slip away without confrontation. If they were someone more dangerous, she would be ready.

After another moment of stillness, Joo-hyun decided to dismiss her invisibility and stepped back into the street, exhaling softly. She tucked a few strands of silky silver hair behind her ear, her flawless complexion illuminated briefly by the glow of a nearby streetlight.

Despite dressing down, her natural beauty was impossible to hide. With her delicate yet striking features, long lashes, and the elegant way she carried herself, it was no wonder that she was often referred to as the "Ice Queen of LUNARIS." Cold, refined, yet undeniably alluring.

She resumed walking at a normal pace, though her ears remained sharp, still alert for any sign that her pursuer was still there.

She could handle this.

Sure, she might be an idol, but she was also a Hunter.

If whoever was following her tried anything stupid, she wouldn't hesitate to remind them why she was an A-Rank Hunter in the first place.

Still, she hoped it wouldn't come to that.

Despite all her training, she had no desire to use force against another human, at least, not unless she absolutely had to. Monsters were her true enemies, not people.

With one final glance over her shoulder, Joo-hyun adjusted her cap and continued on her way home, hoping that whoever had been tailing her had lost interest.

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"Seriously, why am I thinking about Hunter Idols again?"

Tae-woo muttered to himself, exhaling as he stood amid the freshly slain monsters scattered across the dungeon floor. Everything had become a blur. Not too long ago, fighting creatures like these would have been a grueling, life-or-death battle, but now?

Now, it was just another chore.

A single swipe of his crystallite claws, a well-placed slash from his conjured blades, and the monsters crumpled like wet paper.

Maybe he really had grown stronger.

He had started to notice a pattern. The more he Devoured, the stronger he got. It wasn't just a vague feeling either; his reflexes were sharper, his movements smoother, and his entire body felt more powerful.

But here he was, instead of reflecting on his combat prowess, getting sidetracked by idols like some distracted teenager.

[Again, I believe I know the answer, Master.]

Alice's voice chimed in, sounding far too amused.

[Master enjoys watching idols sing and dance on stage. And truly, they have mastered the art of blending cuteness with sex appeal. Quite the impressive skill set, if I may say so.]

Tae-woo let out an exasperated groan, rubbing his temples.

"Alice," he said slowly. "You're not helping."

[Ah, my sincerest apologies, Master.]

She did not sound sorry.

Tae-woo sighed, kicking aside the corpse of a wolf-like monster. The annoying thing was that Alice wasn't wrong.

His thoughts had drifted again, even in the middle of battle. And where had they drifted to?

LUNARIS.

The famous Hunter Idol group under Iron Fang Guild. They were everywhere: billboards, variety shows, brand endorsements, and places where their faces could be plastered on. Even when he wasn't trying to think about them, their songs would start playing at some convenience store, or one of their posters would be plastered on a mall wall.

And, well…

There was that limited-edition gravure poster of Selene he had back home.

The one where she was in a bikini, standing on a pristine beach, her silver hair catching the sunlight just right. The lighting was perfect, the pose was flawless, and the composition? A true work of art.

A national treasure, if he were being honest.

…It was also the reason why his little sister, Ha-rin, rarely entered his room anymore.

Tae-woo grimaced, recalling the heated argument from the day he put it up in his room.

"Oppa, I can't believe you! A gravure poster?! Are you actually a pervert?!"

"It's a limited-edition promotional item! It's ART!"

"Art, my ass! You're a full-grown adult, not some lonely otaku!"

"I'll have you know that many respectable men collect high-quality merchandise!"

After that, Ha-rin stopped stepping into his room unless absolutely necessary, opting to speak to him from the doorway instead.

Tae-woo sighed, feeling the weight of his questionable life choices pressing down on him.

"Alice," he muttered. "Just… tell me if there are any more monsters up ahead. I need a distraction."

[Very well, Master. There are indeed more foes nearby. And who knows? Perhaps one of them will grant you an ability even greater than your fascination with idols.]

Tae-woo narrowed his eyes.

"…I feel like you just insulted me."

[Me? I would never.]

Shaking his head, Tae-woo readied his blades and pressed forward, hoping that whatever he encountered next would keep his mind from drifting to gravure posters again.

As Tae-woo continued making his way deeper into the dungeon, he took the time to review what he had gained so far from Devouring the monsters he had slain. It was still a strange feeling, knowing that eating his enemies made him stronger, but at this point, he was getting used to it. And if it meant adding more useful abilities to his arsenal, then he wasn't about to start complaining.

The first ability he had obtained came from an Almiraj, a peculiar creature that looked like a rabbit with a single horn protruding from its forehead. Unlike normal rabbits, though, this one had a carnivorous streak and an unsettling penchant for raw meat, making it far more aggressive than its mundane counterparts.

On the bright side, its meat wasn't bad. Tae-woo had been expecting something awful, but to his surprise, it tasted just like regular rabbit meat. If anything, it might have even been better, lean and slightly gamey, but still palatable.

Of course, he would have preferred if he could have actually cooked it first, but he was working with what he had.

By consuming the Almiraj's flesh, Tae-woo had gained Dash, an ability that allowed him to move at lightning-fast speed in short bursts, far faster than even what his enhanced Hunter physique would normally allow. It wasn't the flashiest skill, but it was undeniably useful, especially in combat situations where agility was the key to survival.

The next monster he had encountered was a Giant Gecko, a large, lumbering reptile that was remarkably resilient. Its defining trait was its accelerated healing factor, which allowed it to recover from wounds at an astonishing rate, a useful trait for a dungeon-dwelling predator.

Eating the gecko's meat, however, had been a different experience entirely. Unlike the Almiraj, which at least tasted somewhat normal, the Giant Gecko had soft, rubbery flesh that came with an unpleasant bitterness that lingered on the tongue. It wasn't the worst thing he had eaten so far, but he wouldn't exactly be going back for seconds.

Still, the ability he gained made it worth the effort.

From consuming the Giant Gecko's flesh, Tae-woo had obtained Fast Healing, Lesser, an ability that allowed his wounds to heal at an accelerated rate. While it wasn't full-blown regeneration, it was still incredibly useful, as minor cuts and gashes would close almost immediately after being inflicted. At the very least, he wouldn't have to worry about bleeding out from minor injuries, which could be the difference between life and death in prolonged fights.

However, he hadn't gained anything particularly notable besides those two abilities. The weaker monsters in this area didn't seem to have much else to offer in terms of unique skills or traits. If he wanted stronger abilities, he would need to face stronger enemies.

For now, though, he would remain in this area, at least until he had completed whatever trials he was supposed to undergo. There was still no clear indication of how he was supposed to escape this place and return to the real world, but one thing was certain.

He would keep moving forward until he found an answer.

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After what felt like an endless series of battles against mobs of monsters, Tae-woo finally reached what was unmistakably the end of the area. Standing before him was a massive door, its sheer size and ominous presence radiating an intense pressure that made the air feel heavier around him. Even without stepping through it, he could tell that whatever lay beyond was unlike anything he had faced before.

His instincts screamed at him that this was it.

The final challenge.

He narrowed his eyes, exhaling slowly as he steadied himself. In normal dungeons, large doors like these always meant one thing.

A boss battle.

The rule was simple: defeat the boss, and the area would be cleared.

Tae-woo let out a low chuckle, shaking his head in disbelief.

"I can't believe it," he muttered, half to himself. "I actually conquered an Abyss dungeon… Not even S-Rank Hunters have managed something like this."

For a moment, he allowed himself to feel a small sense of accomplishment, but then he paused, his brows furrowing as a sudden realization hit him.

"But wait," he murmured, crossing his arms. "If S-Rank Hunters struggled with these dungeons, then why have I only encountered weak monsters like goblins and wolves?"

That didn't add up.

If this place was so dangerous that even the strongest Hunters feared it, then why had it felt like a walk in the park so far?

Alice, ever the helpful presence in his mind, chimed in with an explanation.

[It is because this level is tailor-made just for you. The enemies you have faced so far were specifically adjusted to match your current abilities. However, the creature beyond this door… is on an entirely different level.]

Tae-woo nodded, processing her words.

"Ah… so this has all been part of the trial," he mused, rubbing his chin.

[That is correct. This trial is known as The Trial of the Unprepared. You have faced nothing but weaklings up until this point, giving you the illusion that this dungeon is easier than it truly is. The real challenge begins now.]

Tae-woo clicked his tongue. "So, basically, it's a setup to catch me off-guard. Make me overconfident, let me get comfortable, and then… bam! I run headfirst into something way out of my league."

[Precisely.]

Tae-woo let out a small, dry laugh.

"I should've known. It's a classic trap." He crossed his arms, staring at the door thoughtfully. "This is still a lesson most Hunters have to learn anyway. Never get complacent. Never assume things will stay easy just because they seem that way. Always prepare for the worst."

[Then, I shall assist you in any way I can, Master. The boss is waiting beyond the door. Your objective is simple: defeat it. In doing so, you will unlock more of your abilities as an Abyss Walker.]

Tae-woo rolled his shoulders, mentally preparing himself. "Alright, then." He cracked his neck, placing both hands on the heavy stone doors before him. "It's time."

But then, a thought crossed his mind.

"Wait a second." He lowered his hands, looking up. "Alice, if you're supposed to help me, then why haven't you told me who your boss is?"

The response was immediate.

[That information is currently restricted.]

Tae-woo narrowed his eyes. "Why?"

[Because it is irrelevant to your current objectives, Master. My primary function is to assist you in survival and progression through the Abyss. Any information beyond that is unnecessary at this stage.]

Tae-woo sighed, rubbing his temples.

"Of course. That's how it is, huh?"

[That is correct, Master.]

Tae-woo clicked his tongue in irritation but ultimately let it go.

"Fine. I'll deal with that later." He exhaled sharply, refocusing himself. "First, I've got a boss to take down."

With a steady push, he forced the doors open, stepping into the unknown.

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The instant he entered, he was met with a chilling sound.

A low, guttural growl, followed by a deafening howl reverberating through the chamber.

Tae-woo instinctively tensed, suppressing a shudder as he stepped fully into what was unmistakably the boss room. The space was vast, with high ceilings and walls lined with silver-blue crystals that cast an eerie glow over the area. But his focus was entirely on the figure standing at the center.

It was humanoid in form, but its bestial features left no doubt that it was something far from human. A massive wolf-headed creature, its entire body was covered in silvery fur that gleamed under the dim light, each strand seeming almost metallic. Its muscular frame exuded raw power, and its clawed hands flexed as though eager to tear into flesh.

And then, its eyes, a pair of deep crimson orbs glowing with feral intelligence, locked onto Tae-woo's own.

The moment their gazes met, the creature bared its fangs, curling its lips into a snarl as it took a slow, menacing step forward.

Tae-woo let out a small breath, standing his ground as he assessed his opponent.

"That… looks strong," he muttered under his breath.

Alice's voice responded, unshaken.

[He is Lycaon, the Silver Werewolf. He is the boss of The Trial of the Unprepared.]