The massive Gates loomed before the group of hunters, glowing with a mysterious, almost hypnotic light. They looked alive, shimmering and pulsating, as if beckoning them in. Kang Ryeo, the group leader, stopped in front of them, turning to face the hunters. His gaze was strict and focused, despite the relaxed air among the members of the Riders Guild.
Kang Ryeo: "Check your weapons. We have no time for mistakes. Tanks, take the vanguard. Ranged fighters, stay at the rear. Healers, stick close to the center. Everyone else, hold formation and follow my lead."
The group started preparing. Weapons clanked in their sheaths, bows and arrows were checked, and daggers were unsheathed briefly to test their balance. The atmosphere around them grew tenser, but the Riders Guild members carried themselves with a kind of defiant ease, as if this was nothing more than a stroll in the park. Hyun Woo silently watched as the two Tanks took their positions up front, hefting their heavy shields and adjusting the massive swords strapped to their backs.
Kang Ryeo: "Roll call."
Pulling a folded piece of paper from his pocket, Kang Ryeo began calling out the names of the participants, checking their roles and positions.
Kang Ryeo: "Kim Do-hyun, Tank."
A burly man in heavy armor nodded, slamming his shield against the ground lightly in a show of readiness.
Kang Ryeo: "Lee Chang-min, Tank."
The second shield-wielder stepped forward, silently taking his place beside his partner.
The roll call continued. Mi Ra, acting as a healer, confirmed her position. Other melee and ranged hunters nodded in acknowledgment of their roles. Finally, it was Hyun Woo's turn.
Kang Ryeo: "Park Hyun Woo, melee."
When Hyun Woo's name was called, two of the younger hunters from the Riders Guild exchanged glances and snickered before speaking up loudly.
First Hunter: "Seriously? An E-Rank? What's he doing here? Do they even let people like that through the Gates?"
Second Hunter: "Maybe he got lost? Or maybe he thinks this is a field trip?"
The laughter made Hyun Woo's cheeks flush, but he kept his face composed. His gaze remained calm, even as the tension inside him began to build. Before he could say anything, Mi Ra intervened.
Mi Ra (calmly): "Enough. Everyone starts somewhere. You'd be better off watching yourselves so you don't embarrass your guild."
Her words only prompted louder laughter from the young hunters.
First Hunter: "Look at that, a defender. Are you still scared to go into Gates above D-Rank? Maybe you need a field trip yourself."
Hyun Woo gently placed his hand on Mi Ra's shoulder, urging her to step back.
Hyun Woo: "Thanks, but it's not worth it. It'll only egg them on."
Mi Ra pursed her lips but nodded. She knew Hyun Woo was right. Meanwhile, the group leader gave the order to move out, and the party began advancing towards the Gates.
Crossing the boundary between worlds, Hyun Woo felt a strange sensation engulf his body. It was as if the air had grown denser, the pressure heavier. His eyes quickly took in the surroundings. They found themselves in a dark cavern, the walls covered with strange, almost ancient carvings. The damp air felt oppressive, the smell of mold filling their lungs. The ground underfoot was soft, covered in something that resembled moss.
The light from the portal behind them slowly faded, leaving the group in semi-darkness. The only light now came from the lamps affixed to the hunters' gear. Their beams revealed details in the dark—jagged walls, sharp rocks, and peculiar symbols etched into the stone. Kang Ryeo strode ahead, leading the group with confidence.
But the Riders Guild members behaved as if this were their personal circus. They laughed loudly, shouted back and forth, and waved their weapons around, ignoring their leader's warnings.
First Hunter: "Hey, check this out! Think these scribbles mean anything?"
Second Hunter: "Maybe it's the local monster schedule?"
Their laughter echoed through the cavern, making Hyun Woo look around warily. He knew that any unnecessary noise could draw unwanted attention. One of the Tanks, Lee Chang-min, turned to them with a scowl.
Lee Chang-min: "Shut up. If you want to get out of here alive, act properly."
But before he could say anything else, Kang Ryeo moved like lightning, pressing his sword to the Tank's throat.
Kang Ryeo: "Do your job, Tank, and leave the others alone. Or would you like to try me?"
Lee Chang-min's eyes narrowed, but he didn't argue. He nodded slowly and returned to his position, while the guild members laughed even louder, mocking how Kang Ryeo had put the Tank in his place.
The group continued pushing forward until they were surrounded by strange sounds—rustling, the scraping of claws on stone, and distant groans that grew closer. Kang Ryeo raised his hand, halting the group.
Kang Ryeo (in a whisper): "Prepare yourselves."
Out of the darkness ahead, silhouettes began to emerge. They were E-Rank monsters—small but vicious creatures with long claws and crooked teeth. Their eyes glowed red, and their movements were quick and erratic.
First Hunter: "Ha, there they are! It almost feels bad to kill these things!"
The young hunters from the Riders Guild charged forward, swinging their swords and shouting, treating it like a practice session. They laughed, playing with the monsters rather than fighting them seriously.
Hyun Woo stayed close to Mi Ra, watching everything unfold. He didn't like this attitude. He knew that even in low-level Gates, any carelessness could lead to tragedy.
The dark cavern filled with the echoes of screams, laughter, and the clash of weapons. The hunters from the Riders Guild turned it into a full-blown spectacle, waving their swords and taunting each other, as if it was some private game rather than a fight for survival. They deliberately prolonged each kill, taunting the monsters, trying to make every strike into some kind of performance.
Hyun Woo stood beside Mi Ra, watching this chaos with a grim expression. He gripped his sword tightly, trying to stay close to the healer, who struggled to keep her focus on her spells. Mi Ra flipped through her book, her fingers trembling slightly as she chanted softly, casting buffs on the Tanks fighting at the front.
The monsters, though E-Rank, attacked quickly and chaotically, slashing with claws and biting anything within reach. The two Tanks, Kim Do-hyun and Lee Chang-min, struggled to hold back the onslaught, taking considerable damage. Yet none of the guild members even considered helping them.
Mi Ra (quietly): "I can't keep up... too many spells at once..."
Hyun Woo glanced at her, then turned back to the monsters that were getting closer. Clenching his teeth, he stepped forward, positioning himself between Mi Ra and the nearest creature.
Hyun Woo: "Just do your thing. I'll cover you."
His voice was firm, even though his heart pounded in his chest like it wanted to break free. The monster lunged at him with a snarl, and Hyun Woo barely dodged, countering with a quick slash of his sword. The blade sank into the creature's side, and it crumpled to the ground, bleeding. His hands were trembling, but he kept fighting, protecting Mi Ra.
Kang Ryeo stood a little ways off, leaning against the cavern wall. His gaze was almost lazy, a smirk playing on his lips. He didn't take any action, didn't even try to direct the battle. It seemed as though he was enjoying the chaos his subordinates were creating.
Two of the younger hunters from the Riders Guild were toying with the last monster, deliberately missing its attacks to give themselves more time to mock it. One swung his sword, pretending to miss, while the other held his shield, laughing at the creature's futile attempts to strike.
First Hunter: "Look at it—it can barely land a hit!"
Second Hunter: "Think it'll get offended if I give it a chance?"
The monster snarled, lunging at them, but its efforts were in vain. Kang Ryeo, watching this, laughed louder than anyone, almost doubling over in delight.
Kang Ryeo: "Now this—this is entertainment. You guys gonna fight over who gets the kill, too?"
And indeed, a few minutes later, when the monster was finally slain, the young hunters began arguing over the dropped crystals. Their shouts drowned out even the cavern's echo, and soon they were shoving each other, trying to prove who deserved the loot.
Kang Ryeo didn't intervene. He just stood there, watching the brawl, enjoying the show. The other hunters from the guild looked on with indifference, as if this were entirely normal.
Meanwhile, in another part of the cave, five hunters who were not part of the Riders guild gathered together. Healers were tending to the Tanks' wounds, while the others packed the collected crystals into their backpacks, exchanging wary glances. Hyun Woo sat next to Mi Ra, holding two small crystals that he had managed to gather. His eyes were fixed on Lee Chan Min, who was breathing heavily while Mi Ra worked to heal his deep wounds.Hyun Woo: "How are you holding up?"
Lee Chan Min (hoarsely): "I've been better. Those idiots nearly got us all killed."
Mi Ra: "I'm doing my best, but their behavior... it's madness."
She finished treating Lee Chan Min, her hands still trembling from the tension. Hyun Woo watched her intently for a moment before shifting his gaze to the rest of the group.
Hyun Woo: "You saw it too. They didn't even try to help. What kind of group is this?"
Lee Chan Min: "The Riders Guild. They're always like that. They think they're kings because they've got a strong leader. But outside of their guild, they're nothing."
Mi Ra (bitterly smiling): "And yet, we still have to work with them. Groups like ours don't have a choice."
Hyun Woo clenched the crystals in his hand, his gaze filled with determination.
Hyun Woo: "This isn't right. We're all here to survive, not to die because of their games."
Lee Chan Min: "Welcome to the real world, kid. Here, it's every man for himself. Especially in groups like this. They don't value us because we're not one of theirs."
Mi Ra: "But we still have to survive. Let's just stick together. It's the only way we're getting out of here alive."
Mi Ra's words were quiet, but there was something hopeful in them. Hyun Woo nodded, though anger still simmered inside. He knew that if he didn't want to become part of the chaos, he'd need to find his own path.
On the other side of the cave, the yelling and the brawling among the Riders continued. Kan Ryeo finally stopped laughing, but his expression made it clear that he had no intention of putting an end to the madness.
Kan Ryeo: "You done yet, or are we still waiting?"
His voice echoed through the cave, causing the hunters to freeze for a moment before the argument resumed. The rest of the group watched with a mix of disgust and annoyance, but no one stepped in.
Hyun Woo, watching from the other side, gritted his teeth. He promised himself he would do whatever it took to never end up in such a situation again.
The shouting and fighting among the young hunters reached a peak, and finally, Kan Ryeo, still smirking, stepped forward. His calm, confident stride immediately drew attention. The leader didn't waste words – he approached the nearest brawler and, with a swift punch to the gut, made him double over and collapse to his knees.
Kan Ryeo: "Enough of this circus."
His voice was calm, but there was an underlying threat that made the hunters fall silent immediately. When one of the young hunters began to mumble an excuse, Kan Ryeo grabbed him by the collar without hesitation and slammed him against the cave wall. The stone cracked loudly, and the air filled with the sound of ragged breathing and the murmurs of the others.
Kan Ryeo: "I said wrap it up. If anyone makes me waste my time again, you'll wish you'd never been born."
He slowly released the hunter, who crumpled to the ground, and cast his gaze over the entire group. His eyes were cold, like icy blades. Once he was sure everyone was still, he turned and headed deeper into the cave.
The members of the Riders Guild began to chuckle quietly, though not as loudly as before. They helped their comrades up, those who had gotten a taste of their leader's fury, and quickly followed him. The tense atmosphere lingered in the air, but no one dared to disturb it.
Without looking back, Kan Ryeo shouted over his shoulder:
Kan Ryeo: "Hey, you five back there. If you decide to fall behind, the Riders Guild isn't coming to save you. Survive however you want."
Those words, spoken without an ounce of emotion, echoed through the cave, making Hyun Woo pause for a moment. He clenched his teeth but said nothing. His eyes met Mi Ra's, who sighed softly.
Mi Ra (whispering): "And they call him a leader."
Lee Chan Min, standing beside them, let out a bitter laugh and adjusted his shield.
Lee Chan Min: "That's how it is with guys like him. They don't care about anyone who isn't part of their guild."
Hyun Woo said nothing, only glanced at the others. Those who weren't part of the Riders Guild gathered in silence, checking their gear. They knew better than to get involved, understanding it would only make things worse.
The group moved deeper into the dungeon. The atmosphere grew heavier – the air was damp, and the smell of mold and decay thickened. The cave walls were covered in strange carvings, almost as if they were watching every movement the hunters made. The beams of their lanterns illuminated the uneven floor and occasional puddles, shimmering with some dark, viscous liquid.
The members of the "Riders" guild started talking again, but their tone was more subdued this time. They whispered among themselves, exchanged glances, and occasionally threw mocking looks at the five who trailed behind.First Hunter (whispering): "These rookies won't last long. Look at them shake."
Second Hunter: "Good for us. Fewer people, more crystals."
The words reached Hyun Woo, but he kept silent, clenching his teeth. His hands trembled slightly from the tension, but he forced himself to remain calm. Behind him, Mi Ra seemed fully focused on their surroundings, while Lee Chan Min panted heavily, still recovering from his wounds.
After some time, Kang Ryeo raised his hand, signaling the group to halt. They had reached a small fork in the cave where it widened into an open space, with a few paths extending further in different directions. He gestured for everyone to take a break.
Kang Ryeo: "Two-minute break. Move, but don't fall behind."
The guild members immediately scattered, sprawling across nearby rocks. They looked completely relaxed, as if they weren't in a potentially dangerous place. The remaining five hunters, including Hyun Woo, settled a little apart, keeping close to each other.
Hyun Woo placed the two small crystals he'd managed to collect on his palm, examining them. The strange stones glowed with a soft, bluish light, as if holding a fragment of another world inside. He noticed Mi Ra watching him closely.
Mi Ra: "Are you okay?"
Hyun Woo looked up, nodding, though a trace of exhaustion glimmered in his eyes.
Hyun Woo: "I'll be fine. And you?"
Mi Ra: "I'm alright. These Gates aren't as tough as they could be... if everyone worked together."
She cast a glance at the guild members, who were laughing as they divided up the crystals amongst themselves.
Lee Chan Min (hoarsely): "Those idiots are going to get someone killed one day. But they don't care. To them, we're just extras."
Hyun Woo studied Lee Chan Min thoughtfully. Despite his injuries, Chan Min was trying to maintain his composure. He still looked strong, but it was obvious that he was struggling.
Hyun Woo: "Why did you go with them?"
Lee Chan Min gave a bitter smile as he adjusted his shield.
Lee Chan Min: "Did I have a choice? To enter the Gates, you have to register, and that means going with whoever's available. Guilds like the Riders take advantage of that. They fill over half the group, and the rest of us have to tag along."
Mi Ra: "Still, I'm surprised you're holding on, especially after Kang Ryeo almost killed you."
Lee Chan Min: "I'm used to it. It's not the first time he's threatened me."
Hyun Woo looked from Lee Chan Min to Mi Ra, and then back down at the crystals in his hand. He felt a sense of determination well up inside him.
Hyun Woo (quietly): "We need to stick together. If things go wrong, no one else will help us."
Mi Ra smiled and nodded.
Mi Ra: "Agreed. As long as we stay together, we have a chance."
The path ahead wasn't long, but the tension in the air grew thicker with every step. The group of five hunters, Hyun Woo among them, marched in silence. Each of them was lost in their own thoughts, focused on keeping pace with the rest of the forces. Ahead, the sounds of battle echoed—the clash of swords, the roar of a monster, and the loud laughter of the Riders' hunters.
When they reached the wide cavern, they were met with an astonishing sight. The battle with the boss was already in full swing. The monster—a massive golem of stone and metal—let out deafening roars, desperately trying to fend off the hunters. The members of the Riders' Guild were darting around it like frenzied children, taking turns to attack and dodge its blows.Kang Ryeo, standing off to the side, turned when he heard the footsteps of the five stragglers. His gaze, filled with contempt, settled on them, and a smirk spread across his face before he shouted loudly:
Kang Ryeo: "Well, look who finally crawled in. Pathetic and weak! What use are any of you?"
His words echoed against the cavern walls. He took a step forward, casting disdainful looks at each of the five, before directing a challenging glare at the two tanks and the healers.
Kang Ryeo: "While your tanks are lying around trying to catch their breath, and your healers prove to be entirely useless, my team has nearly brought down the boss. See how real hunters get the job done?"
His words landed like blows, leaving nothing behind but bitterness and humiliation. The young hunters from the Riders' Guild laughed loudly, backing up their leader.
Riders' Hunter: "Maybe all of them should just hand in their licenses and go back to farming vegetables?"
The laughter grew louder as Kang Ryeo, with a smug grin, turned back towards the boss. The colossal creature collapsed to its knees and then fell to the ground with a resounding crash. From its chest emerged a Soul Crystal, as large as a human head, glowing with a blinding blue light.
Kang Ryeo approached the fallen boss, crouched down, and inspected the crystal before tossing a cold remark over his shoulder:
Kang Ryeo: "Just as I said. People as weak as you shouldn't even have hunter licenses. You're not only useless but a distraction from real work."
His words cut deep into each of the five. The healers dropped their gazes, unable to find any words in response. The tanks clenched their jaws, barely holding back their anger. But it was Hyun Woo who was hit the hardest, his eyes blazing as he stared at Kang Ryeo, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white.
The first to speak was Lee Chan Min. His voice was heavy and strained, yet filled with restrained fury.
Lee Chan Min: "That bastard doesn't even know what he's talking about. Without us, they wouldn't have lasted through the boss's first strike."
Mi Ra, who stood nearby, shook her head, trying to hold back her tears. Her voice was filled with bitterness.
Mi Ra: "Not every healer can handle this. But that doesn't make us useless. They don't even realize how many lives our spells save."
Hyun Woo remained silent. His gaze was locked on Kang Ryeo and his men, who were triumphantly dividing the spoils. The younger hunters squabbled over the smaller crystals, shoving each other and laughing boisterously. But Hyun Woo couldn't shake the thought that they understood nothing—neither about real teamwork nor about the value of a true team.