Few moments ago
As Ji Woo moved behind Eun Mi, he discovered a group of men clad in black attire engaged in a fierce battle with her. Aware of his inferior strength, Ji Woo made a strategic decision to step out of the confrontation.
"The two men who ran away—I should catch them," he determined, retracing his steps to pursue the fleeing adversaries.
"Blink."
Closing in on them, one of the men swung his blade towards Ji Woo.
"Clash!"
"Letting the other guy go!" Ji Woo swiftly blinked behind the man, unveiling his new weapon—the Blaze Dagger.
"You will be the first to witness this weapon's powers," he declared, slashing through the mysterious man's mind blade.
"Krak!"
"The mysterious mind blade got demolished, and the dagger slashed through him."
"Shiii! I wanted to catch him alive, but who thought he was this weak. Still, this weapon is so sharp."
[ Host has killed someone of the same race for the first time ]
[Host will recieve notice about this matter later]
"uh.....
"surely ,even though i killed a human for the first time i dont feel any remorse or sorroww , its like i am not human.
"Whatever!"
Ji Woo looked back, but the other guy had vanished.
"Shoot! He escaped!"
Turning away, Ji Woo dashed towards Eun Mi. At that moment, she was overpowering the remaining mysterious members. As he reached the building just behind them, an explosion resonated.
"Bang!"
Ji Woo discreetly observed them. Suddenly, Eun Mi unleashed an attack.
"What?"
"Blink."
In a fraction of a second, Ji Woo narrowly escaped her powerful strike. However, he couldn't avoid getting his hand hurt in the process.
"Fu... fu... I was just lucky," he mumbled, struggling to manage the pain.
"Store," Ji Woo murmured as he scrolled through for a healing solution. "Intermediate Healing Potion."
Ji Woo purchased it, spending 1000 gold.
"Intermediate Healing Potion: can heal any injury in the body. It's expensive but very effective."
Ji Woo opened the cap, drank it, and felt the healing magic mend his injured arm. Satisfied, he moved it left and right.
"It's like a brand new one. Still, I would have surely died if I was a second late."
Acknowledging the vast power difference between him and an S-rank hunter, Ji Woo reflected, "I still have a long way to go." Determined, he dashed back to the alley where he left all the bags and retrieved them, heading back to his apartment
In the heart of a dark and bloody cavern that resembled a dungeon, a congregation of figures clad in identical black attire gathered. Among them sat a figure who exuded an air of authority—their leader.
"So, you are telling me that on the way, you encountered not only an S-rank hunter but also some unknown assailant," , the leader inquired, a tone of seriousness and menace underlying their words.
"Yes, my lord," replied a trembling figure named Reloe, the one who had narrowly escaped the clutches of Eun Mi and Ji Woo.
The dimly lit cave seemed to pulse with a malevolent energy as the leader contemplated the information. Shadows danced eerily on the cavern walls, creating an atmosphere laden with secrecy and foreboding.
"And what of the plan? Has there been any hindrance?" the leader questioned, their voice cutting through the ominous silence.
"Apologies, my lord. The plan remains intact. We have sown the seeds of chaos, and soon the harvest will be ours," responded another figure, kneeling before the leader.
A low hum filled the cavern as the leader considered the unfolding events. The air itself seemed to shudder with anticipation.
"Good. Continue to execute the plan. Our objectives must be met," the leader declared, their gaze piercing through the darkness.
Meanwhile Ji Woo faced the stark truth of Enu Mi's strength, a determination ignited within him. Locked in contemplation, he understood the necessity of growth to confront the formidable adversaries looming in the shadows of the future.
After securing his apartment, Ji Woo embarked on a journey to a new dungeon. The E-rank dungeon, accessible to hunters unaffiliated with any guild but part of the association, unfolded before him. The struggle to assemble adequate teams echoed through the entrance, a common challenge for those without established affiliations.
"Please let me join your team," a man pleaded with another group of hunters.
"I'm sorry, but we're already full," came the regretful response.
"In search of a healer! We'll give you 15% of all profit," another group called out.
"Healers are indeed valuable," Ji Woo mused, acknowledging the dynamics at play.
Anticipating the difficulty of finding a team, Ji Woo prepared to rely on his own skills to navigate the dungeon. Just as he was about to step forward, a tap on his shoulder caught him by surprise.
Turning around, Ji Woo faced a group of four hunters, unmistakably of at least D-rank. Among them were a mage with vibrant purple hair, a bald tanker, an agile assassin, and their leader, a blonde-haired swordsman.
"Apologies if we bothered you, but could we ask you to be part of our team?"
the leader extended his hand in a welcoming gesture.
Ji Woo, ever perceptive, sensed an undercurrent of hidden motives. His system echoed a warning:
"The targets in front have hostility against the host.
" Despite this, he maintained a composed demeanor and shook hands naturally.
"Sure, but let me tell you beforehand, I'm just an F-rank hunter. Please don't expect too much from me," Ji Woo disclosed.
The leader, undeterred, replied, "It's okay. You just have to support us from the back; we'll take on the rest."
The E-rank dungeon yawned open before Ji Woo and his newfound companions, each step leading them deeper into the labyrinthine mysteries that unfolded within. The entrance, teeming with hunters clamoring for a place in a team, faded into the background as the party ventured forth into the unknown.
As they entered, Ji Woo could discern the allure that drew countless hunters to these subterranean realms. The dungeon unfurled into a vast open world, a seamless transition from the dimly lit entrance to an expansive forest that sprawled in every direction. The towering trees loomed overhead, their twisted branches intertwining to form a canopy that obscured the sky.
"Before we move ahead, why don't we introduce ourselves?" the leader suggested
" I'm Kyo, the leader of this motley crew," he declared with a charismatic smile. This is 'Sora' our mage , and this bald tanker, is 'Jang' and finally this is 'heyon' our agile assassin.
"Uh.. then i will introduce myself , i am Han ji woo "
As the introductions unfolded and they moved deeper into the forest, the situation remained relatively neutral. The ambient sounds of the dungeon — the rustle of leaves, distant echoes, and the occasional murmur of unseen creatures — created an eerie yet intriguing atmosphere.
Ji woo was still at his gaurd knowing that they could backstab him anytime.
"Ji woo, please gaurd our back as we will look at the front" , the entire group had evil smirk in thier face as they moved furthur ahead and ji woo guarding thier back.
As they ventured further,
"Rusing !!" , ruslig!" ,the bush infront of them was buslitng
As the thick bushes rustled with a sinister whisper, Kyo's commanding voice sliced through the air, "Prepare for battle!" Ji Woo, instinctively responding to the call, unsheathed his Blaze Dagger, its fiery edge reflecting the impending clash of steel.
From the concealment of the foliage emerged a horde of goblins, their malicious intent palpable in the air. In a display of dominance, Kyo, the leader, issued the decree to engage the monsters and showcase the strength of their party.
However, Ji Woo, in a swift and decisive motion, leaped into action. His movements, a dance of lethal precision, executed a series of slashes that left the goblins decimated in his wake, his Blaze Dagger painted a vivid picture of destruction in the air—slash, swoosh—a testament to the prowess that belied his F-rank status.
The lifeless bodies of the goblins littered the forest floor, their grotesque forms contorted in the aftermath of Ji Woo's onslaught. As the echoes of battle subsided, Ji Woo glanced back at his comrades, his dagger stained with the crimson residue of monster blood.
"Swoosh!!' , "Slash!''
"I apologize," he uttered, his voice carrying a tone of arrogance. "I got ahead of myself and killed those weaklings."
[Host has slayed 5 Goblins ] [500 EXP acquired ]
His face, though wearing an expression of remorse, harbored a subtle complexity. While his words conveyed contrition, his eyes, sharp and predatory.
"Its alright ji woo !" say's kyo with a surprised and cautioned tone.
Ji Woo effortlessly dispatched goblins with the Blaze Dagger. His movements, swift and precise, left a trail of fallen creatures in his wake. The efficiency of his actions became a source of bewilderment and fear for the onlooking group led by Kyo.
"Just who is he?", the entire group surprised!'
"How can a low-ranking hunter move with such speed?" Kyo mused, his eyes narrowing with curiosity and a hint of unease.
"And that dagger... it looks incredibly powerful. He must have spent a fortune on it," the tank chimed in, their gazes fixed on the enigmatic weapon in Ji Woo's hands
"He's surely a rich guy. If we kill him, we can get that powerful weapon and whatever else he has," murmured kyo with a clownish grin, its wearer blinded by unchecked greed.
As they ventured deeper into the dungeon, Ji Woo continued his onslaught, dispatching goblins with an efficiency that bordered on the supernatural. The group led by Kyo, however, struggled to keep pace, their kills few and far between.
"Boss, are you sure we can take him? I mean, he's piling monster corpses like a foundation," the bald tanker, Jang, voiced his concern
Arrogance, however, echoed from the mage, Sora, who dismissed the threat with a flick of her hand. "If he's alone, we can handle him easily."
"If I were you, 'I wouldn't underestimate that guy," cautioned the assassin, Heon,
Amidst the internal discord within the group, Kyo stepped in, his cold expression betraying a mind hard at work.
"Let's not underestimate him, but let's not engage him directly either."
"what do you mean?" , question's him the mage.
As they bickered over their next move, Kyo proposed a cunning plan. "Jang, Heon, we might not be a match for him '. "So Let's make him work for us. Lead him toward the boss monster".
"Whether he kills it or not, we can eliminate him from behind and deal with the weakened boss.", he says with evil grin in his face.
The suggestion elicited a nod of agreement from the group. "As expected of the boss, this way we can get two birds with one stone," remarked one, his eyes glinting with ambition.
"Swoosh!!'
[Host has slayed a goblin ]
.....
[Host has gained -- EXP]
...
[Host has slayed a goblin ]
...
"Slash!''
[.....]
[Host has gained 10000 EXP]
{ System notice } [ Host Lvl 16 - 17 ]
" Leveling up is surely hard!" , i have killed so many still its not enough ?'
Ji Woo, amidst the slaughter of goblins, couldn't help but notice their scheming glances .
"These losers are so obvious with their intentions," he mused. His eyes, sharp and calculating, surveyed the group as he continued slashing through the monsters with an unwavering resolve.
"I should probably finish them as fast as possible," Ji Woo resolved
As he finished dealing with the last of the monsters, he sensed a presence approaching from behind. Kyo, the leader of the group, casually draped his arm around Ji Woo's shoulder, a gesture that was meant to be congenial but carried an undercurrent of ulterior motives.
"Ji Woo, you're quite strong for a low-ranking hunter. These small fries won't be much of a threat to you anyway. How about we go big this time?" Kyo suggested, a crafty glint in his eyes.
Ji Woo, ever perceptive, kept a cool exterior, his gaze subtly shifting toward the dagger at his side. His mind, cautious and analytical, prepared for whatever proposition Kyo had in mind.
"Yes, what do you mean by that?" Ji Woo replied, his tone neutral but laced with a hint of curiosity.
Kyo's smile widened, a sign that he had successfully hooked Ji Woo's interest. "Perfect. I'm thinking since we're definitely strong with you beside us, why not hunt the boss directly? I'm sure if we cooperate, we can easily make more profit."
Ji Woo arched an eyebrow, mentally dissecting Kyo's proposal. The offer was enticing, but he knew better than to dive headlong into a potentially treacherous alliance. Still, his face betrayed none of his internal musings.
"And what's in it for me?" Ji Woo inquired, his voice steady.
Kyo, with a flourish, extended his hand toward Ji Woo. "Surely we will give you fifty percent of all the profit. What do you say?"
Ji Woo, displaying a degree of nonchalance, examined Kyo's outstretched hand before responding, "Sure." He clasped Kyo's hand in a gesture of agreement, the deal sealed.
As they exchanged a handshake, the words "happy cooperation" echoed simultaneously from their lips. But beneath the veneer of mutual understanding, an unspoken tension lingered.
"Ji Woo, while seemingly playing along, remained vigilant, aware that in the world of dungeons and alliances, trust was a currency easily devalued.
In his mind, Kyo reveled in the success of his ploy. "Just you wait, Ji Woo. Everything that belongs to you will be mine," he silently mused, the shadows of ambition dancing in his eyes.