Jin Tae-woo sat at his small dining table, staring at the message he had just received earlier. It was from the Hunter Association, which offered him job opportunities as a freelancing Hunter who did not join any guild.
And it was a dungeon raid.
Tae-woo exhaled slowly, rubbing his chin in thought. It had been a while since the last time he went, and this would be his first raid as a B-Rank Hunter.
Not long ago, he was nothing but an F-Rank Trainee, the weakest of the weak, struggling to make ends meet with scraps from E-Rank and F-Rank dungeons. Now, he was considered a high-tier Hunter compared to the majority of others. The transition had been so abrupt that he still had trouble fully grasping it.
Still, if he was going to move forward, he needed to test himself.
So, he typed a reply, confirming his participation.
[You have accepted the contract. Please arrive at the location before the scheduled time.]
With that settled, Tae-woo stood up and grabbed his equipment.
He had invested some of the money from his B-Rank registration bonus into proper gear. Instead of relying on hand-me-downs or cheap market armor, he had purchased something light and practical, like a pauldron, knee protectors, and greaves to cover his most vulnerable areas while prioritizing mobility.
As for his weapon…
He ran his fingers over the hilt of his new longsword.
Unlike the cheap weapons he had used in the past, this one was well-balanced and razor-sharp, made of high-grade mana-infused steel. It wasn't anything special compared to the weapons of top-tier Hunters, but for him, it was a massive step up.
Tae-woo swung it once, testing the weight, before sliding it into the sheath at his hip.
He was ready.
----------------------------------------
The abandoned construction site stood eerily quiet, its skeletal metal beams and half-finished structures looming in the distance. The portal, a swirling blue vortex, hovered in the middle of the site, crackling with arcane energy.
Several Hunters had already gathered, including a familiar face.
"Well, look who finally made it!" Choi Ji-hoon grinned, striding over as he adjusted the straps of his quiver. His C-Rank Ranger gear consisted of reinforced leather armor and a newly maintained composite bow slung across his back. "Damn, Tae-woo, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I feel like a proud parent. Our little F-Rank has grown up into a big, strong B-Rank!"
Tae-woo sighed. "You sound way too emotional about this."
Ji-hoon placed a hand over his heart dramatically. "Of course I'm emotional! I used to be the one carrying your sorry ass in dungeon raids, and now you've surpassed me!" He shook his head, sighing in mock devastation. "It's like I raised my own successor, only for him to leave me behind…"
Tae-woo smirked. "You can still carry my stuff if that makes you feel better."
Ji-hoon groaned. "And now he's cocky. Great."
Despite his teasing, Ji-hoon was genuinely happy for him. Tae-woo could tell by the way he patted his shoulder with a brotherly grin.
"Jokes aside, congrats, man. But don't let it get to your head just yet. This isn't some E-Rank or F-Rank dungeon. D-Rank dungeons are an entirely different beast." Ji-hoon's tone became serious. "You might be stronger now, but strength alone won't keep you alive. You've got experience fighting weaklings, but this is your first time facing mid-tier dungeon threats."
Tae-woo nodded. "I get it."
"Good." Ji-hoon crossed his arms. "Since I'm such a kind and generous friend, I'll even show you the ropes despite being a lowly C-Rank compared to you, my lord."
Tae-woo rolled his eyes. "I don't need a personal instructor."
"Says the guy who spent years being the weakest Hunter in Korea."
"Says the guy who almost got his face torn off by a goblin shaman."
Ji-hoon scowled. "That was one time!"
Before they could continue their bickering, the atmosphere around them shifted.
A new group approached.
And with them, a familiar face.
Kong Jae-sik.
Tae-woo immediately recognized him as the C-Rank Hunter he had knocked out cold not long ago.
Jae-sik's face was still bruised, though it seemed like he had healed enough to walk properly. His narrow eyes burned with anger, but there was hesitation in his posture, a flicker of uncertainty that wasn't there before.
His lackeys trailed behind him, gazes darting between Tae-woo and their leader.
Jae-sik sneered. "Well, well. Look who's acting all high and mighty now."
Tae-woo exhaled, already tired of this conversation before it even started. "I don't have time for this."
"You're acting distant now that you're suddenly famous, huh?" Jae-sik's fake smile widened. "Did a little rank-up go to your head?"
Tae-woo barely reacted. "We have a job to do. I don't have time for this."
He turned to leave, but Jae-sik grabbed his shoulder.
The moment Jae-sik's fingers clamped down on his shoulder, a cold surge of irritation coursed through Tae-woo's veins. A strange, fleeting hunger tickled the edge of his consciousness, which he immediately pushed away.
One of Jae-sik's lackeys panicked. "Jae-sik, let it go." He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "We can't mess with him anymore. He's a B-Rank now."
Jae-sik's grip tightened, but there was visible conflict in his eyes.
Tae-woo didn't move.
For a brief moment, silence stretched between them.
Then Jae-sik's expression twisted into a bitter smirk.
"Tch." He let go, stepping back. "Doesn't matter. Losers will always be losers."
Tae-woo said nothing as Jae-sik and his lackeys walked away.
"Damn, what's his problem?" Ji-hoon muttered, watching as Jae-sik and his group disappeared into the distance. "I guess he's cranky now that he can't make you his personal punching bag anymore."
Tae-woo rolled his shoulders, trying to shake off the lingering tension. "Just let him go. He's not worth the trouble."
Ji-hoon snorted. "Man, if I were you, I'd rub it in his face a little. You shot up four whole ranks, and now he has to share a raid with you? That's got to sting." He smirked, clearly amused. "Bet he was hoping you'd never come back from that Abyssal Gate so he wouldn't have to see you again."
Tae-woo said nothing. Jae-sik's words still echoed in his mind. He knew people like Jae-sik. They needed someone weaker to step on, someone to make themselves feel bigger. Without that, they had nothing.
Ji-hoon clapped him on the shoulder. "Well, whatever. A little tension in the air never hurt anyone. But damn, we really are stuck with a bunch of jackasses for this one." He sighed dramatically. "I was hoping for a chill dungeon raid, but nope. Guess we're in for some drama."
Tae-woo barely heard him.
His gaze had drifted down to his own hand.
His knuckles were bare now, but he could still feel something beneath the surface of his skin. A residual sensation. A lingering presence. The memory of those sharp, violet-hued crystal spikes that had erupted from his flesh when he had struck Jae-sik down.
They weren't there now, but the feeling hadn't vanished.
It was waiting.
Lurking.
He flexed his fingers experimentally. Nothing happened. His skin remained normal, unmarked. But he knew better.
This was real.
Something inside him had changed.
Something was different.
He felt it in how his body had moved without thinking when he stopped the motorcycle snatchers. He felt it when he sent Jae-sik flying with a single strike, the sheer power behind it beyond anything he had ever known.
And more than anything, he felt it in the hunger.
The dull, persistent hunger gnawed at the edges of his awareness, lingering just beneath the surface. He had eaten plenty before coming here—more than enough to satisfy a normal person. And yet…
It was still there.
That emptiness in his gut.
That deep, instinctive craving for something else.
Tae-woo exhaled slowly, pushing the feeling aside.
Not now.
He had a job to do.
For now, everything else could wait.
----------------------------------------
Park Eun-ha stood in the vast, dimly lit training room of the Azure Sky Guild, preparing for another round of simulation training. The cool glow of the mana projectors above cast soft shadows over the polished floor, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere.
Dressed in a dark blue sports bra and tight workout pants, she was the embodiment of elegance and power. The snug fabric clung to her toned, athletic frame, accentuating the natural curves of her hourglass figure. Her slender waist, which sharply contrasted with the fullness of her hips, only added to her striking allure. Every movement she made was fluid and controlled as if she were sculpted to perfection.
Her shoulder-length violet hair, normally styled with a degree of refinement, was now tied into a loose ponytail, with a few damp strands framing her flawless, porcelain face. Sharp, slate-gray eyes gleamed with quiet intensity as she flexed her fingers, a faint mist of cold air forming at her fingertips. Beads of sweat clung to her smooth, toned abdomen, trailing along the defined lines of her muscles, but she paid them no mind.
She was Park Eun-ha, the Ice Warden of Azure Sky, and she was far from satisfied.
The automated voice of the training system echoed through the spacious chamber.
[Simulation Begins.]
In a flash of arcane light, three towering figures materialized before her: cyclopes, their hulking forms brimming with simulated mana. Each one stood nearly five meters tall, their massive, one-eyed faces twisted in primal aggression. Clad in makeshift armor of animal hides, they gripped colossal wooden clubs thick enough to reduce boulders to dust.
They were nothing more than constructs, brought to life through the combined marvels of magic and technology, allowing Hunters to hone their combat skills without the risk of actual dungeon combat. But Eun-ha treated them as real threats.
The cyclopes roared in unison, their thunderous battle cries shaking the very walls of the training chamber.
And then, they attacked.
Eun-ha moved.
Despite being a Mage, she danced between the incoming attacks with the grace of a seasoned duelist. Her body was twisted, curved, and evaded; her every step was calculated, and every motion was precise. She was too fast, too fluid, slipping through the crushing force of their swings as if she were made of air.
The faint shimmer of enhancement magic surged through her veins, amplifying her agility, reflexes, and coordination beyond human limits. Where most Mages relied on barriers or teleportation to escape danger, Eun-ha relied on pure technique, the kind of skill that came from relentless, unforgiving training.
The moment she found an opening, she struck.
A frigid gust of mana surged around her as she lifted her hand, conjuring jagged spears of ice from thin air. The gleaming crystalline spikes suspended above her head for a fraction of a second before they shot forward at blinding speed, piercing through flesh, bone, and muscle.
The cyclopes howled, their bodies impaled and frozen, ice spreading across their forms in a deadly, creeping frost. Their massive figures convulsed before finally collapsing to the floor.
And then, just as suddenly as they had appeared, their bodies shattered into glowing fragments, dispersing into the air as the simulation ended.
Eun-ha regained her footing, brushing a stray strand of hair from her damp forehead. Her chest rose and fell in steady breaths, though she barely felt winded. Her glistening skin caught the dim blue light of the room, emphasizing the delicate curve of her collarbone, the tight definition of her abs, and the subtle sheen of sweat on her toned arms.
She turned her gaze toward the large digital clock mounted on the wall.
"Five seconds," she muttered to herself.
There was no satisfaction in her voice. No pride in the feat she had just accomplished.
She sighed, her eyes narrowing as she clenched her fists.
"Still not enough."
Then, the door swung open, and a young woman with light brown hair stepped inside, a bright grin plastered across her face.
"You think that's still not enough, Eun-ha-noona?" she asked, tilting her head as she walked toward the training area. Her voice was light and cheerful, carrying an infectious energy that contrasted sharply with the cold, stoic air of the room.
She was Seong Hana, an A-Rank Hunter of the Azure Sky Guild. Despite her high rank, she had an easygoing and approachable personality, making her one of the more beloved members of the guild. While many in Azure Sky were known for their intense discipline and professionalism, Hana had a bubbly, almost mischievous charm that set her apart.
Her light brown hair was styled into a high ponytail, swaying slightly as she moved. Her hazel eyes sparkled with curiosity, and her soft features carried a youthful warmth that made her seem almost out of place among the elite Hunters of Azure Sky. But beneath her cheerful demeanor was a warrior through and through.
She was a Dragoon, a high-speed, mobility-focused Class specializing in agile aerial combat. Clad in a casual, fitted hoodie and tight leggings, her toned physique was evident, with lean muscle wrapped in a deceptively delicate frame built for swift, acrobatic combat. If Eun-ha moved like ice-cold precision, Hana moved like a lightning bolt, fast, unpredictable, and devastating.
Hana tossed a fresh towel at Eun-ha, who caught it with ease before beginning to wipe the sweat off her face, chin, and upper chest.
This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
"Don't you think you set your standards too high?" Hana asked, crossing her arms.
Eun-ha remained silent for a moment before speaking. "To subjugate the Abyss, this alone isn't enough," she said as she ran the towel over her neck, her sharp gray eyes reflecting her unrelenting drive. "I need to be stronger and faster."
Hana let out an exaggerated sigh, shaking her head. "Well, nobody has succeeded in exploring the Abyss yet, so don't be so hard on yourself, Noona." She gave Eun-ha a playful nudge. "You train harder than half the S-Ranks I know. Give yourself some credit."
"Hmm," Eun-ha responded, a noncommittal hum escaping her lips.
Hana plopped onto a nearby bench, stretching out her legs. "Anyway, what happened yesterday? During the meeting between the Guildmasters of the Six Great Guilds, I mean." She tilted her head curiously. "Is this about Jin Tae-woo?"
Eun-ha stilled for a fraction of a second before setting the towel aside.
"They discussed what to do with him now that his Class has evolved from Trainee, making him jump several ranks and officially becoming a B-Rank Hunter," she said, her tone measured, unreadable. "It was... an intense discussion."
Yesterday, as Cha Min-soo's deputy, Eun-ha had been present during the private meeting between the Guildmasters of Korea's Six Great Guilds. She had witnessed firsthand how the most powerful Hunters in the nation debated, some with genuine interest, others with hidden agendas, over who had the right to recruit Jin Tae-woo.
Two guilds were at the forefront of the discussion: Azure Sky and White Lotus.
It was only natural.
After all, Cha Min-soo had been the one to personally step into the Abyssal Gate to retrieve him, while Han Seo-yeon, the Saintess of White Lotus, had been the one who fought to have him rescued in the first place. Both guilds had invested in his survival, making them the most likely contenders for his recruitment.
Yet, despite all their strategizing, all their arguments, one thing remained uncertain.
Did Jin Tae-woo even want to join any of them?
Eun-ha exhaled quietly, her fingers lightly tapping against her thigh.
No matter how much the Guildmasters schemed, none of them had accounted for what Tae-woo himself wanted.
And in the end, that was the real deciding factor.
"What do you think, Noona?" Hana asked, her hazel eyes sparkling with curiosity as she leaned forward, elbows resting on her knees.
Eun-ha glanced at her, arching a delicate brow. "You're asking for my opinion?"
Hana nodded enthusiastically. "Yup! You were there, so maybe you have some thoughts about this matter too." She tilted her head slightly, her ponytail bouncing with the motion. "I mean, a guy going from F-Rank to B-Rank overnight? That's gotta mean something, right?"
Eun-ha let out a slow, measured sigh.
"I'm not interested," she stated firmly, folding her arms. "Even though he might have jumped ranks, he is ultimately still unproven." Her gray eyes sharpened, her expression growing colder. "Azure Sky has no use for those who can't pull their own weight."
Hana blinked before letting out a low whistle. "Harsh."
She stretched her arms above her head before grinning. "Oh well, I guess it's none of our business speculating about uncertain stuff. He'll either prove himself or he won't." She hopped to her feet, hands on her hips. "Anyway, wanna hang out? There's this new restaurant that just opened, and I've been dying to try it. Come on, Noona, you need to eat real food instead of whatever weird protein bars you live off of."
Eun-ha remained unmoved. "…Not interested. I need to resume my training."
Hana groaned dramatically. "Ugh, Noona, aren't you, like, way too addicted to training? Even Min-soo Oppa takes breaks sometimes!"
Eun-ha didn't respond, simply walking toward the center of the training room, her focus already shifting back to the simulation.
Hana puffed out her cheeks before sighing in defeat. "Fine, fine, I get it. You're married to training. I'll just go look for someone else to hang out with. See ya, Noona!"
With a carefree wave, Hana spun on her heel and left the training room, the door sliding shut behind her.
Now alone again, Eun-ha exhaled slowly, rolling her shoulders as she centered herself.
Her heartbeat was steady. Her muscles, honed and refined through relentless practice, were primed for combat.
She stepped forward, standing in the middle of the vast, empty space.
Then, a cool, synthetic voice echoed through the room.
[Simulation Begins.]
----------------------------------------
Ten Hunters had gathered for this dungeon raid. For Tae-woo, some were familiar faces, while others were completely new.
As he stood among the group, a young man with an easygoing smile approached him, extending a hand. He had a solid, athletic build, broad shoulders, and an aura of approachability that put people at ease. His neatly styled dark brown hair and expressive, friendly eyes gave him a reliable presence.
"So, you're Jin Tae-woo? Nice to meet you. I'm Jang Woo-bin, and I'm a Castellan, so I guess my role will be the team's tank," the young man said with a grin. "I'm a C-Rank Hunter."
Tae-woo shook his hand, taking note of Woo-bin's sturdy stance and the heavy armor he wore. Castellans were a rare but powerful tank-type class known for their ability to create fortified defenses and bolster their allies with battlefield tactics.
Woo-bin's armor was an imposing set of steel plates, polished to a dull gleam, covering him from neck to toe. The segmented plating allowed for mobility while providing substantial protection. His shoulder pauldrons were broad and reinforced, designed to absorb impact, while his gauntlets were thick, lined with protective runes that likely enhanced his durability. The chest plate bore the insignia of a fortress, the traditional mark of a Castellan, and his sturdy greaves clanked lightly against the ground as he shifted his weight.
A large tower shield was strapped across his back, nearly as tall as he was, with a faint magical sheen to it. No doubt, it was reinforced with defensive enchantments. At his hip, a one-handed warhammer hung in its holster, the head of the weapon reinforced with intricate carvings, likely a mix of utility and magical runes.
Despite the intimidating armor, Woo-bin carried himself with relaxed confidence, his presence making him feel more like a friendly older brother than an immovable battlefield wall.
Before Tae-woo could reply, a voice interjected from beside Woo-bin.
"And I'm Yoo Sena, and I'm this dork's friend and minder," a young woman quipped, placing a hand on her hip. "B-Rank Hunter, second dungeon raid, and a Druid, at your service."
She was petite but carried an undeniable presence, her deep auburn hair tied into a high ponytail, with a few loose strands framing her sharp, foxlike features. Her warm brown eyes carried a playful glint, but there was something keen in her gaze, the kind of perceptiveness that came with being a spellcaster.
Unlike Woo-bin, who looked like he could stand in place and tank an entire monster horde, Sena's outfit was designed for mobility. She wore a forest-green tunic that hugged her slender figure, cinched at the waist with a thin leather belt, allowing her ease of movement. The fabric, while light, shimmered faintly, suggesting it was enhanced with minor defensive enchantments.
Her long, fitted sleeves ended in fingerless gloves, likely for better control over her magic. Beneath the tunic, she wore dark leggings reinforced with leather padding, ensuring both comfort and flexibility. A pair of knee-high boots completed her look, sturdy yet silent when she moved.
In one hand, she casually leaned against a long wooden staff, its surface gnarled and covered in faintly glowing green inscriptions. The top of the staff curved into a crescent, from which a single, softly pulsing crystal was embedded, a conduit for her magic.
"I'm a B-Rank Hunter, but this is only my second dungeon raid, so I guess I'm relatively inexperienced," Sena admitted with a casual shrug. "Oh, and don't let the 'B-Rank' fool you. I'm still new to all of this, so I might not be as amazing as some of you veterans. But hey, I'll do my best."
Tae-woo offered a small nod. "Nice to meet you both."
He noted the dynamic between Woo-bin and Sena. The way she teased him, the way he chuckled without offense, it was clear they had been friends for a while. Despite Sena's self-proclaimed inexperience, she didn't seem the type to be easily shaken. That was a good trait to have.
With introductions out of the way, Tae-woo turned his attention to the rest of the group.
Now that all ten Hunters had gathered in front of the portal, it was time for the mission briefing.
A representative from the Hunter Association stood before the gathered Hunters, providing the final briefing. She was a petite woman dressed in a sharp black suit and skirt, with her glasses perched neatly on the bridge of her nose. Though her stature was small, her voice carried authority, and her neatly styled bob-cut hair and delicate features gave her a certain cute but professional appearance.
"So, this is a D-Rank mission, and your objective is to hunt all the monsters inside and defeat the dungeon boss. Still, please be careful," the representative warned. "Even though it's a D-Rank dungeon, always prepare for the unexpected."
The assembled Hunters exchanged murmurs, some shifting in place while others nodded in understanding. D-Rank dungeons weren't something to take lightly, and no one wanted to be caught off guard.
The representative glanced over the group. "Any questions?"
A hand rose from among the Hunters.
"Who gets to be the team leader?" someone asked.
"Well, we have three B-Rank Hunters among us today, so you can decide among yourselves which one will take charge," the representative explained.
More murmurs rippled through the group.
Tae-woo instinctively remained silent. Even though he was a B-Rank now, he had only just ascended and had yet to prove himself. It wouldn't make sense for him to lead a team when he was still adjusting to his own newfound strength.
Beside him, Yoo Sena also seemed hesitant. Despite being B-Rank, she had admitted earlier that this was only her second dungeon raid. It was too early for her to take on the role of leader.
Just as the tension stretched, someone stepped forward with a smooth, confident stride.
"I'll take the lead," she announced, her voice steady and brimming with natural authority.
The group turned to see the speaker. A young woman.
She was tall and striking, her presence effortlessly commanding attention.
Unlike most of the Hunters, who wore heavy armor or practical battle gear, her choice of attire was bold, crafted for both agility and intimidation.
She wore a sleek, fur-trimmed leather battle top, the material clinging to her slender but powerful frame. Unlike bulky warriors, her physique was lean yet sculpted, her toned muscles evident in the exposed skin of her arms and shoulders. Her strength was not that of raw bulk but of a honed, battle-ready body built for both speed and precision.
Her skirt was short, designed for ease of movement, with two high slits running along the sides, revealing the long, athletic lines of her legs. She moved with a predatory grace, each step exuding confidence and raw physicality.
Slung across her back was a massive double-bladed battle axe, its ornate steel gleaming under the sunlight. It looked almost too large for someone with her slender build, but there was no doubt she could wield it effortlessly.
Her luxurious black hair was neatly tied into a loose ponytail, letting a few strands frame her sharp, striking features. Her dark eyes were focused, filled with calculated intensity, as she scanned the group before speaking.
"My name is Go Min-kyung," she introduced herself, her voice unwavering. "B-Rank Hunter, Class: Amazon."
Amazons were fearsome melee fighters known for their ferocity in battle and peerless agility. Unlike Berserkers, who fought in wild frenzies, or Warriors, who relied on strict discipline, Amazons combined both brute strength and fluid grace, making them some of the most lethal close-combat combatants.
Min-kyung's sharp gaze flickered over her potential teammates, her posture relaxed yet imposing. "If no one else wants the role, I'll take command," she added.
Ji-hoon nudged Tae-woo with an appreciative whistle.
"Damn," Ji-hoon muttered under his breath, his eyes locked on her stomach. "Look at those abs."
Tae-woo rolled his eyes. "Not the time, dude."
Min-kyung paid no mind to the murmurs around her. She simply folded her arms, waiting for anyone to challenge her claim to leadership.
No one did.
Tae-woo's eyes briefly flickered toward Jae-sik, who was standing at the back of the group, his jaw tight, his expression dark with barely concealed rage.
It was obvious why.
Tae-woo recalled Jae-sik's misogynistic rant from the other day. Seeing a woman, and a B-Rank one at that, take the leadership role was something that no doubt infuriated him.
Jae-sik's hands clenched into fists, but his lackeys whispered something to him, likely reminding him to keep his mouth shut. He was already outmatched by Tae-woo, and Min-kyung? She was on an entirely different level.
The representative gave an approving nod. "Now that that's been decided, I wish you all good luck."
With everything settled, the group of ten Hunters turned toward the portal.
It was time to depart.
As the blue vortex pulsed before them, each Hunter readied their weapons.
One by one, they stepped forward.
The dungeon raid had begun.