"…Everyone, disembark."
Lee Hyunwook and the special strategy team got off the transport truck.
At that moment, a reddish hue shone on their faces, and when they turned their heads in that direction…
"Heavens…"
They were overwhelmed.
"…"
The crimson fissure glowed menacingly like the eyes of a demon.
"That's… the Red Gate…"
Before setting out, they had received training from Captain Seo Eunha and Lieutenant Chun Myung-ho about the 'Red Gate', and the most basic 'raid tactics' needed inside the dungeon.
Of course, Lee Hyunwook already knew all about it and even knew some details more specifically.
"Sigh… They said it's a Gnoll dungeon, but I can already smell the stench of beasts from somewhere."
As An Min-tae said, a foul odor drifted over.
It seemed that the gnolls that had emerged during the eruption were burned to death with fire magic.
The monsters that come from this gate are 'Gnolls'.
A gnoll is smaller than an orc but larger than a human, a humanoid monster of the canine family.
Consequently, they possess an incredibly agile physical ability.
'And above all, their numbers are quite high.'
That was the most challenging part.
They swarm out just like what people often refer to as a 'pack of dogs'.
Following them, Major Kwak Yong-jun and Captain Lee Taek-ham got out of the military vehicle that arrived next.
"Hey, guys, everyone's out?"
"Yes, we're ready."
"Alright, let's move."
In essence, these two had no role in this operation, but they were like guides.
However, it looked appropriate for officers to be at the forefront when interacting with external organizations.
"There, you're from the AMT strategy team, right?"
Upon arriving at the construction site, a man in a black suit approached them with a sullen look.
He seemed to be an employee of the Cheonghwa Guild.
"Yes, that's correct."
"Alright, go that way."
Joint operation it may be, but since this place was under the management of the Cheonghwa Guild, they had to follow their control.
Near the entrance of the construction site, a few containers were placed.
They had no choice but to stand idly with their weapons in hand since there wasn't even a place to sit.
As expected, they were given cold treatment from the start.
"Hmm, guys, wait here for a bit, we have some business to attend to."
Kwak Yong-jun and Lee Taek-ham, even the two executives disappeared somewhere.
Watching them leave, An Min-tae and Choi Tae-yong whispered to each other in low voices.
"Um, don't you think the company commander is acting suspicious again?"
"Well, it's well known that the company commander is buttering up to Cheonghwa…"
"But who would have thought even the first platoon leader would be involved… I heard there were talks of him moving to another battalion as a raid team leader, do you think he's already securing his post-military career? Even though everyone usually gets to the rank of major…"
Should we say it's akin to high-ranking government officials retiring and moving to executive positions in related industries? AMT officers often moved to private guilds before being promoted to lieutenant colonel.
As far as Lee Hyunwook could remember, Kwak Yong-jun joined the Cheonghwa Guild after the fourth wave.
He felt somewhat uneasy about favoring them from now, but honestly, it was an unavoidable decision.
'After the fourth wave, the first battalion practically became a nonexistent unit…'
As they endured the solitary wait, they started hearing conversations from nearby.
"Hey, look at those guys over there."
"Huh? Heh… isn't that AMT? They really came?"
They were players belonging to the Cheonghwa Guild.
"…But what can they do, stepping forward? They're not even non-commissioned officers, but soldiers leading the raid?"
"I heard they were the ones who protected the civilians during the dome incident at Seoul Station?"
At that comment, someone snorted derisively.
"Ha, that event has been overly glorified on TV and the internet lately, but honestly, it must have been just luck. How could they be of any help when even we couldn't do it, seriously…"
It seemed like they were the Cheonghwa Guild raid team who would likely enter the gate with them.
But to talk about them behind their backs so openly…
They didn't expect a warm welcome but couldn't help feeling bad.
The AMT members felt their spirits dampened and rolled their anxious eyes.
And then…
"Eh, what the? Hey! Aren't you An Min-tae?"
One of the guild members who was talking behind their back shouted,
An Min-tae turned his head with a bewildered expression.
"…Eh?"
"Wow, it's amazing! How did I bump into you here?"
A young man came forward with a pleased face.
But his outfit was quite… unconventional.
From head to toe, and from wrist to fingertips, everything was branded.
Even the piercings that covered his ears…
It was an inappropriate attire given the forthcoming raid operation, but it was actually quite common.
Successful players were treated like stars, and there were quite a few who couldn't control their desire to show off. If you looked at their kind of SNS, it was filled with photos taken in front of the gates.
"Heh, hey, your uniform is cool, isn't it?"
"…Ah, Tae-seop. Long time no see."
Answering was An Min-tae, but it wasn't his normally cheerful voice.
It didn't seem like they had a very pleasant relationship.
But then…
"Hey, Lee Hyunwook!"
It was the platoon leader Lee Taek-ham.
He gestured for him to come over.
"We're starting the strategy meeting now. You should join too."
"Yes, of course."
It was a little off. It wasn't 'you too', technically, it was a situation where it was perfectly fine if only Lee Hyunwook attended.
"An Min-tae, I am going to the meeting. Stay on standby with the others."
"Ah, yes… Understood."
"Wow, he's pretty formal, huh? Min-tae, is that your leader?"
An Min-tae's acquaintance asked this, but Lee Hyunwook ignored it and proceeded to the meeting venue.
Between two equal containers, there was a space where a screen and a makeshift table were set up.
"…Hahaha, of course, that would be an area handled by the Cheonghwa side."
The voice of Captain Kwak Yong-jun could be heard.
He was smiling pleasantly as he was discussing something with someone from the Cheonghwa guild, that person was…
'…Yoo Haena.'
Considering her position as the Seoul strategy director, it was obvious for her to be present in these kinds of discussions.
But at this moment, what Kwak Yong-jun was respectfully holding with both hands was Yoo Haena's business card.
'Tch, Captain Kwak Yong-jun got caught in the web.'
If he carelessly bit that bait, someday he would be shedding blood and tears.
Then, Yoo Haena noticed Lee Hyunwook and gave a sly smile, and Kwak Yong-jun turned his head.
"Ah! Director Yoo, this guy here is the soldier in charge of leading the special raid team this time. He performed well in the recent Unlucky event at Seoul Station. Despite being F-rank, he gained ability improvements through achievements, well, he's doing very well these days in many ways. Hahaha-"
"Ah, achievements? Somehow…"
With Kwak Yong-jun's introduction, she seemed to understand why Lee Hyunwook didn't act like an F-rank.
In this way, the 'achievement system' was a firm excuse that anyone could easily overlook.
Soon, the meeting began.
'…It's all useless information.'
Operational overview, control over the operation, and issues of benefit distribution were discussed.
For Lee Hyunwook, who already knew everything, these were essentially nutrient-less conversations.
And about 20 minutes later, the meeting ended.
"Alright, we will start entering the gate in an hour. Please be prepared by then."
"Yes, we can enter anytime. Let us know when the Cheonghwa side is ready."
Captain Kwak Yong-jun obsequiously shook hands with a bald man called department head or something.
Immediately after, when Lee Hyunwook was about to leave…
"Hey, Corporal? Just a moment."
Yoo Haena came to speak separately.
At her words, Kwak Yong-jun momentarily hesitated and sat down.
However, when Yoo Haena sent an unpleasant look, he could only make an awkward face and had no choice but to get up.
Thus, only Lee Hyunwook and Yoo Haena were left alone.
"Corporal… no, should I now call you the special operation team leader?"
She slowly crossed her legs while holding her chin.
"…It doesn't matter."
"You're really stiff, aren't you? Anyway, meeting like this again, it seems we have some kind of fate."
Whatever it is, it does exist. It was a horribly tangled relationship.
'You kill Seo Eunha, and I kill you.'
Lee Hyunwook swallowed those words, wearing an expression that asked, 'What do you want?'
"Hm- well, you guys, you didn't come here because you wanted to, right?"
"What need is there for a soldier's personal desire in being deployed for a mission?"
He didn't know much about the military spirit, but he answered vaguely like that.
"Anyway, what I want to say is this. Once we enter the gate, you and your subordinates should just… stay aside. Don't do anything."
She smiled smugly with an arrogant expression.
Then, while resting one hand on the table, she rhythmically tapped the table with her index finger.
Tap- Tap-
That posture and habit- a deliberate display of leisure and arrogance, was Yoo Haena's habit that comes out when she wants to flaunt her power in front of others.
"…Well, even though we failed three times, we have prepared enough to succeed without any issues this time. You guys just came out unable to withstand the old man in a shabby room with three stars' back-scratching, right? I know everything."
The three-star shabby old man referred to the AMT Seoul Operation Commander Jung Sang-sik.
It was a subtle flaunting of her power, suggesting that she knew even the internal affairs of the AMT.
"So honestly, you probably haven't received proper training, and it's dangerous, isn't it? I'll do you a favor. Even if you do nothing inside the dungeon and just come out quietly, your superiors will never know."
This time, Lee Hyunwook grinned slightly.
"Excuse me, Director Yoo?"
"Call me Catherine."
"Catherine, then… what exactly are you worried about?"
She tilted her head in response to his question.
"Me? Worried? What would we have to worry about?"
Lee Hyunwook laughed haughtily, a subtle sneer on his face as he crossed his arms.
He then leaned back against the backrest of his chair.
At this, Yoo Haena's expression stiffened slightly.
"Ah… are you worried that we, not the Cheonghwa Guild, will take down the boss monster?"
Lee Hyunwook provoked her in return.
Yoo Haena's eyebrows twitched.
In this setting where her authority was clearly displayed, she had ignored and provoked Lee Hyunwook, but he seemed completely unaffected, even leisurely. He even assumed an arrogant posture.
All aspects of this situation could only sharpen Yoo Haena's state of mind further.
Lee Hyunwook wore a faint smile, confirming the cracks subtly spreading across her expression, unnoticed.
'As expected, it's easy.'
In his past life, he had frequently poked at this woman's temper, manipulating her to move in the direction he wanted.
Later on, she would become a 'villain', drastically changing into a rather cruel figure, but for now, she was just a powerful and wealthy player with a slightly odd personality, not yet a ruthless villain who showed no mercy.
"Pfft, you, now… you're going to take down the boss monster?"
"Of course. Isn't that the primary objective of the strategy in the first place?"
Taking down the boss monster, meant completing the dungeon raid itself, so if AMT took down the boss monster first, it would be like rubbing salt into the wound of the Cheonghwa Guild, who had failed three times.
It would also be something that the "old man in the shabby room," General Jung Sang-sik, would be thrilled about…
"Eh, as if such a thing would happen."
"In that case…"
Lee Hyunwook stared intently into Yoo Haena's eyes.
"…If I take down the boss monster, what will you do, Catherine?"
"…"
"If that happens, can you give me what I want from the rewards obtained in the dungeon?"
It was another provocation.
A chill settled in Yoo Haena's eyes.
"What is this, are you proposing a bet?"
"Ah, does it sound like that… hmm, I think I just felt a bit slighted a moment ago, so I might have gotten a little carried away. If you don't want to, you don't have to."
A bet, not over material goods but one involving pride; there was no way Yoo Haena could refuse it.
She laughed in disbelief as if finding the situation absurd.
"I'm sorry, but while you seem to have guts and quite skilled for an F-rank… to be frank, it seems like you're still quite lacking in worldly experience."
Yoo Haena raised her index finger and pointed towards the group behind her.
"You see our raid team lineup and you still propose this absurd bet, right now?"
Where her finger pointed, about ten people were gathered.
They were the raid team of Cheonghwa Guild, who would be deployed for the raid in the Red Gate this time.
"How about it, you recognize quite a lot of faces, don't you?"
As Lee Hyunwook took a quick glance in that direction, she wore a smug expression.
"Among the Players' Selection, three of this year's TOP 100 promising individuals are right there."
After three failures, it was obvious that a substantial effort had been made, including deploying a number of promising candidates.
However…
'…I don't recognize a single one.'
Lee Hyunwook, who had lived in the future, could not recognize even a single one among them.
That was to be expected.
Today, by entering the Red Gate, their fame would come to an end.
Yoo Haena, who had no way of knowing this, smiled slyly and said,
"Ha, are you flustered?"
It seemed like she misinterpreted Lee Hyunwook's expression once again.
"So, have your thoughts changed a bit?"
"…"
"Alright, if you want to bet, let's bet. However, if you lose…"
She stood up from her seat and looked down at Lee Hyunwook.
"…You will have to work under me after you're discharged from the military."
"…"
"I told you I think highly of you, right? Hmm, no matter the position, without any complaints, it's fine, right?"
"…"
"If you think about it, any position would be a fortune for you. Because it would be better than being an AMT soldier, right?"
With that said, she turned around and threw in one more phrase.
"It seems like we'll be seeing each other more often, us~"
Lee Hyunwook nodded as he watched her retreating figure.
'Just as you said, you will indeed be a fortune for me.'
He fell into contemplation, pondering on what item he should ask from Yoo Haena.
* * *
"An Min-tae, why the long face?"
"No… it's nothing."
After coming back from the strategy meeting, the expressions of the special raid squad members, including An Min-tae, were not good at all.
Of course, they had been tense even before that, but now they seemed somewhat defeated.
And then there were the members of the Cheonghwa Guild raid team chuckling behind them…
'That guy came over earlier and ruined the mood.'
It seemed that an unfavorable situation had occurred while Lee Hyunwook was absent.
After pressing An Min-tae several times, he found out what had happened.
As expected, it was that Taeseob guy or something, he was the problem.
"… Just, literally, subtly scratched our pride saying they were better and then left."
There was the archer player Kim Tae-seop, whose entire body was decked out in luxury and expensive items.
He was An Min-tae's classmate from the player training center, and even reportedly from the same squad.
"… The day that bastard was chosen by the Cheonghwa Guild, naturally, I wasn't chosen by anyone. That's why I'm here… seeing me in this state seems to have pleased him."
Having met for the first time in a very long time since graduating from the player training center, it seemed Kim Tae-seop was very pleased to encounter him in such an awkward relationship and had made quite a scene.
"Ha, it's infuriating, even being looked down upon like this…"
"Hey, calm down and think about raiding the dungeon. If you die, there won't be any pride left."
"…Yes, I'm sorry. I'll get my act together."
An Min-tae swept his face with his palm.
On one side, they were dressed in battle uniforms, while the other side was adorned with luxury items.
It was a situation where one couldn't help but feel a relative sense of deprivation.
Soon, the two teams lined up side by side, facing the gate.
"Now, the Cheonghwa Guild is planning to enter first, so please get ready."
Cheonghwa Guild's staff members controlled the current situation.
At that moment, Kim Tae-seop subtly approached next to An Min-tae.
"Salute! Corporal An Min-tae! Hahaha!"
He chuckled as he patted An Min-tae's shoulder a couple of times.
"Hey, Min-tae, you know you have to properly guard me just like during our training days, right?"
"Yeah…"
"As a soldier, you have to protect the citizens at the risk of your life, right?"
"…"
"Honestly, if I get hurt even a little this time, you don't deserve to get paid with tax money, agreed?"
"I got it…"
Overwhelmed by the excessive arrogance, An Min-tae nodded, suppressing his anger.
But then…
"…Ah!"
Kim Tae-seop suddenly cried out in agony, clutching his left arm.
"Huh? Why is he suddenly like that?"
His colleagues approached, startled.
"Ah! What, what is this? My, my watch is acting strange!"
"Huh? What's wrong with the watch? Is it broken? That's a thirty million won watch!"
"…No, no! Suddenly the watch is tightly squeezing my arm!"
As it sounded nonsensical, everyone was momentarily stunned.
"Wow, do modern luxury watches come with acupuncture features?"
When Lee Hyunwook asked naturally, laughter broke out here and there.
Even the members of the Cheonghwa Guild's strategy team giggled.
"What? What are you saying right now…?"
"Hey, hey, Kim Tae-seop, that's enough, come here right now."
Kim Tae-seop glared at Lee Hyunwook, but the situation didn't escalate as the leader of the Cheonghwa side's strategy team stepped forward.
"Hey, you, what's the matter with this bastard's watch? You don't suddenly feel like not going into the gate, do you?"
"No, bro! It's not like that!"
Kim Tae-seop unfastened the watch and turned around with an embarrassed expression.
They could do this because they still didn't know about Lee Hyunwook's ability.
Lee Hyunwook smiled thinly at An Min-tae, and he also let out a suppressed laugh.
Soon, the entry into the gate began.
"Now, we will go in first and clear the path, so you can come leisurely."
A Cheonghwa guild member holding a shield said.
Despite having failed three times already, they were overflowing with confidence.
It meant they had put a lot of effort into this strategy operation.
"Yes, but always be careful overhead. You never know what might fly in suddenly?"
Lee Hyunwook advised like that.
However, the Cheonghwa side just snorted.
"Huh? Oh, come on, who should be careful of whom? You guys should take care of your own lives."
But they didn't know.
That advice was a very crucial strategy method…
Soon, the 14 members of the Cheonghwa Guild strategy team began to enter the red gate in a line.
However, Lee Hyunwook and his group had to wait one more time.
"Now, we will wait for 180 seconds."
After the first entry, there was a rule to enter after 180 seconds or 3 minutes, passed.
It wasn't due to the system, but to allow a gap between groups in case of any problems occurring near the entrance, preparing for any contingencies.
Lee Hyunwook looked around at his group before entering.
"That's why I told you to be careful overhead…"
Lee Hyunwook had indirectly warned them.
It wasn't feasible to tell them directly, so he did it that way but, as expected…
'This is exactly why this dungeon was so difficult to conquer.'
They face near annihilation from the very beginning, with a shower of arrows pouring down as soon as they pass through the gate.
And these weren't just any arrows, they were arrows coated with poison, and if you block them, a flurry of fire attacks follows shortly.
'The Gnolls are cruel. Especially if the group has a boss monster called the Old Alpha Male…'
Old Alpha Male,
It was one of the higher-ranking boss monsters among the various Gnoll tribe bosses.
As the name suggests, it was an elderly male leader with exceptional leadership and considerable wisdom.
After devouring the first strategy team, it realized that they would periodically enter through that hole. So it always surrounded the hole, prepared to shower arrows down upon them.
Starting with such a massive setback from the beginning, the possibility of successfully conquering became extremely slim…
'But if we survive here, the rest is manageable.'
Lee Hyunwook placed a hand on An Min-tae's shoulder.
It seemed quite burdensome for him to hold the heavy shield above his head.
"An Min-tae, stay still and don't move."
"Ah, yes!"
After saying that, Lee Hyunwook started walking out from behind the shield.
"Huh? Co, Corporal Lee Hyunwook!"
Shick- Shick- Shick- Shick- Shick-
As he revealed himself, hundreds of arrows rained down towards him.
At a glance, it seemed like a suicidal act.
However, the moment Lee Hyunwook stretched his left hand toward the sky-
Woong-
The torrent of arrows halted mid-air, frozen in space.
However, Lee Hyunwook could only control the 'tips' made of metal, so unable to bear the weight of the hundreds of shafts and fletchings, they slowly started to descend to the ground.
But then…
"Shatter."
Chee- che- che- che- cheng-
Hundreds of arrow tips exploded all at once, fracturing into thousands of pieces of metal.
The shafts and fletchings crashed to the ground, and the metal fragments scattered here and there…
Woong-
Then stopped again in mid-air.
Now, they were perfectly within the control range of Lee Hyunwook.
"Wow…"
Everyone, especially the Cheonghwa Guild's strategy team, dumbly stared at the miracle unfolding before them.
"The ones who need to be careful overhead…"
Next, as his left hand, which had been raised towards the sky, slowly tilted downwards…
"…are you guys as well."
Over the heads of the Gnoll troops on the hill, an innumerable amount of metal fragments,
Rained down like hail.