Chapter 04
Sometimes You Need To Gamble
Is it really the prestigious guild, 'Blue'?
The scale of the dungeon was larger than expected.
"Look here."
Kim Jun-seo lined up the data he had brought and scrutinized it.
"This is a newly excavated dungeon near Paju. It's quite challenging. Five teams have already failed to conquer it."
"Huh.., five teams?"
I clicked my tongue.
Failing to conquer means either everyone died or they're still wandering inside the dungeon. In other words, it signifies considerable difficulty.
"Yeah, the grade is undecided."
"Well, that makes sense."
There's no way the grade would be determined for a place no one has come out of.
"But don't worry too much. All the teams that have gone in so far were mediocre. But now you're going with the famous 'Blue,' right? Besides, you're just a porter, you don't need to participate in combat directly. Just do your job decently and take your pay! Got it?"
Swish, Team Leader Kim Jun-seo waved a document in front of me.
It was a contract to participate in the dungeon provided by the Blue Guild.
"Hmm."
I closed my eyes and tapped my finger.
I was hesitant.
Is there a reason to rush when I haven't even properly assessed the abilities of the new D-class skeletons? The 10 times higher reward might be considered a hazard pay for a dungeon whose grade hasn't been determined yet.
Honestly, after meeting that orc yesterday, my mental fatigue is at its peak.
"But."
However, the allure was enough.
Firstly, opportunities like this don't come often.
The second reason is because high-level dungeon experiences lead hunters to tremendous growth.
"Even that Dark Lord went through the same thing, right?"
The guy who received power at the same time as me also explored dungeons indiscriminately in the early stages.
- "How did you manage to upgrade your rank so quickly?"
- "What are you asking? Obviously, you have to go to dungeons."
- "Just dungeons? Absolutely not. You must go to dungeons that are higher than your own abilities."
- "You know, my early nickname was 'Dungeon Maniac'."
- "Who's going to hold your hand? That's why you have to use your wits. Huh, do I have to explain even that?"
- "Anyway, remember this: Higher-ranked dungeons are as dangerous as they are full of opportunity and rewad."
That's what he said in the interview he did on the broadcast.
Being a Necromancer, he sucked up the honey.
He got some flak for urging people to use their wits.
But in any case, you should take into account what a Ranker says, even if you're as unlucky as I am. A Ranker is still a Ranker.
"Hey, Donghun. Why are you pondering so much? This one's going to be a big hit, you know?"
Kim Jun-seo laughed and fumed.
He seemed really excited.
The moment I signed the contract.
With the compensation being ten times higher, the performance will also increase by ten times.
"Well, they do say excessive greed brings trouble...."
As I mumbled, Team Leader approached, patting my shoulder and raising an eyebrow.
"Look at this guy. I thought he was ambitious, but now it turns out he's just a pushover?"
"Uh... Team Leader, I'm not being greedy."
"What? Hey, you. Don't twist my words! Weren't you dreaming of becoming a Ranker? Do you think any Ranker would dismiss a dungeon? Even if you're just a porter, you should know that the dungeon is where you grow."
"...?"
Ranker.
That word snapped me back to attention.
My eyes shook as if there was an earthquake.
That's right.
Even when faced with the moment where it felt like my life would end because of an Orc.
I dreamed of becoming a Ranker.
I wanted to become strong.
"What are you hesitating for?"
Could I become a Ranker, when I'm afraid of dungeons?
If people knew my inner thoughts, wouldn't passing children mock me?
Yes, let's go.
I'll give it a shot.
In life, sometimes you need to take some risks, right?
Impulsively, I grabbed the pen that Kim Jun-seo offered.
"When do we start?"
"Haha, this guy is so refreshingly fiery. Just as I thought, huh? I almost misunderstood you."
"Tell me, Before i change my mind."
"Alright, alright, a week from now, in front of Paju Station. The necessary equipment and a brief explanation are all written down in this document here."
"A week... It's a bit tight..."
It's a little tight, but it's doable.
Fortunately, I have some time to prepare.
I looked at Kim Jun-seo and smiled.
"Well then, I'll take a week off. Is that alright, even though I'm a freelancer?"
Kim Jun-seo, who usually didn't find unilateral vacations particularly pleasant, was an exception this time.
"Go ahead. Thanks, you punk. I'll buy you a meal soon."
"Even the team leader feels offended?"
"Huh, all of a sudden?"
"Twice."
"T-twice? Haha, sure. Of course, I'll buy it!"
The team leader replied with a hearty laugh.
Okay, the meal expenses are settled.
---
[Large Guild 'Blue' 2nd Division, Newly Opened Paju Dungeon On! D-6!]
[Were the anxious citizens of Paju relieved?]
[Ranker Master Archer Kiparang, '2nd division is enough! No need to worry too much.']
[Dungeon Exploration Department Head, 'Praying for the safe return of the previous exploration team.' Deep contemplation.]
*Phew.*
There isn't much time.
No matter how much I participate as a porter, I need to be prepared.
After returning Back at the camp, I spread out the camping gear I brought.
For the remaining time, I planned to train here all day!
But before that.
First, I needed to assess the power of the skeletons.
Huwong!
I swung the cheap staff I had bought from the old neighborhood hunter's shop in the past.
[Skill activated: 'Awakened Skeleton Summon' (Grade D).]
[Consuming 10 energy.]
[Bone #1 appears.]
[Skill activated: 'Awakened Skeleton Summon' (Grade D).]
[Consuming 10 energy.]
[Bone #2 appears.]
...
[Skill activated: 'Awakened Skeleton Summon' (Grade D).]
[Consuming 10 energy.]
[Bone #5 appears.]
Thud!
From Bone One to Bone Five.
Using 50 energy, I created a total of five skeletons.
Squeak, creak!
They naturally formed the formation in my mind.
Especially Bone One, Bone Two, and Bone Three looked different.
They were Grade D, but their presence was undeniable, to the point where they couldn't be called Grade D.
This was the result of training.
"I couldn't understand in the old days."
Now, I knew perfectly well.
The skeletons bore the fruit of their efforts, and it became even more apparent through grade upgrades.
They evolved more and more.
Even for these creatures made of bones.
They had stamina, skills, and a sense of combat.
I wanted to raise them even stronger.
"Alright, from Bone One to Bone Three. Move!"
*Thunk!*
They moved swiftly at my command.
Originally, they were supposed to train against the usual scarecrows.
The only difference now was...
*Whoosh!* *Crack!*
The sturdy wooden scarecrow, tightly bound, was cleanly severed in one stroke by the skeletal greatsword.
*Swoosh! Swish! Swish! Swish!*
The Others were no different.
As the spear moved gracefully, holes were punched through the designated scarecrow area like a sponge.
'Crazy.'
This was at least ten times stronger than before.
'It's not just about strength.'
The speed was no joke.
It was only for a moment, but it was difficult to follow with the eyes.
Ah.
My heart swelled with grandeur.
Is this really the same skeleton that looked like a shit?
Well, it's a bit early to be moved.
*Thwack!*
An arrow shot by Bone 3 pierced through one tree, and another, and yet another.
With just bone arrows, it pierced through three towering Adreana trees.
"Wow."
I let out a gasp, as my mouth wide open.
it's as if they were bullets, I can't believe it.
"They call this a D-rank? I'd almost believe it's C-rank...?"
I recalled yesterday's battle.
The coordination of those guys who dispatched the D-grade superior orcs so easily as soon as they awakened was a moment I truly felt I had become stronger.
"But."
As I grew stronger, there were parts that worried me.
"First, training equipment."
Now it's getting burdensome to use wooden scarecrows.
Considering I can chop wood like soft tofu, what progress can I make by training with wood?
In other words, from now on, it might cost quite a bit.
"Second..."
The levels of D-grade, and even C-grade, are higher than I thought.
It's beyond what an average human body can handle.
So what's the problem?
The skeletons aren't the problem.
The problem is me.
If a formidable opponent targets not the bones, but 'me'?
If my heart gets pierced and my throat gets cut by the opponent's attack?
It will be Game Over for me even if My summoned beings strong.
*Thunk!*
when I was pondering alone.
*Thunk!*
bone 5 came closer, its teeth clashing.
"Huh? Why?"
*Thunk!*
Then he raised his staff and aimed it at me.
"W-What is it? All of a sudden."
['Bone 5' uses the skill 'Air Shield (Lv.1).]
A gentle energy enveloped my body. I could feel the air expanding vigorously in all directions.
What is this guy? Could he possibly be reading my thoughts?
Thud!
He seemed to agree, as his teeth clicked together.
"Whew."
This was a result even more astounding than the strengthening of the skeleton.
They originally only followed my orders, but now they were expressing their own intentions.
"And what's this 'Air Shield' thing anyway?"
Were there skills other than Fireball?
Can I see the list of skills?
It would be really helpful if I could.
Thud! Thump!
Then, bone 4 that had been still dropped a dull shield on the ground and looked at me.
"What?..."
Thud!
He then pointed to the tattered scarecrow with his hand.
In other words...
"Could it be... you want to replace the scarecrow?"
Thud!
He nodded as if he agreed.
Bone One, Bone Two, and Bone Three approached, their eyes gleaming.
"Alright, go ahead and try whatever you want."
Honestly, I was pleased. With the presence of Bone 4 and Bone 5, my worries were swept away.
Instead of acquiring equipment, using Bone 4 shield would also serve as training, killing two birds with one stone.
Similarly, Bone 4 would enable repetitive training to protect my life.
*Crash!*
Bone 1 greatsword clashed against Bone 4 shield, but it was deflected.
However, Bone 4 seemed to feel the impact and took a step back.
*Swoosh!*
Bone Three's arrows rained down.
Even the bone arrows, which pierced through wooden pillars, fell short of penetrating Bone 4 shield.
"Oh...., it's very Sturdy"
This time it was Bone 2 spear technique.
"Bone 2, attack me this time, not Bone 4."
I instructed Bone 2. I needed to test how safe Bone 5 'Air Shield' (Grade D) was, despite it being a little scary to experiment on myself. It was something I would have to do eventually, especially when challengeing higher-level dungeons.
"Don't hesitate it's okay. Give it your all."
Bone 2, who was cutely twitching, swiftly thrust the spear as I commanded.
*Thunk! Thwack!*
With a dull sound, my body was sent flying.
I slumped down, overcome by the sharp pain that dug into my ribs.
But it wasn't bad.
I Could withstand this level of impact?
If so, I should be able to block most Grade D-level attacks.
*Thud!*
Bone 2 seemed concerned and tilted its head. Adorable.
"It's okay, keep going."
I shouldn't be satisfied with just one try.
The enemy's attacks can come from anywhere at any time.
I, too, need to sharpen my sense of defense and combat instincts.
In moments of dire need like this, the blood and sweat I've shed can save my life.
About an hour must have passed.
["Bone1" power increased by 1!]
["Bone2" power increased by 1!]
["Bone3" power increased by 1!]
["Bone4" health increased by 1!]
["Bone5" magic power increased by 1!]
"Huh?"
[Crack!]
[Congratulations!]
"After awakening, the status window is now accessible with your first growth!"
[Tip/To check the status of the skeleton, look at the summoned creature and shout "Status Window."]
"What's this?"
A message I hadn't seen before.
I have a bad news and good news guys.....
The bad news is my laptop charger is dead so..., I can't do any translation(well i technically still can do it with phone but it really pain in the ass)
The good news is i Will try to translating using phone, but don't expect anything, if i don't upload in 3 days then maybe i give up translating.
Bye.......
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