A month had passed since Kael had caught the S-rank hunters gathered in Go Gun-hee's office. During that time, he had delved deeper into mastering his vector manipulation, refining his teleportation, control over forces, and most notably, his new skill: wound transfer. Yet, despite his impressive progress, something was missing. The thrill of battle had faded, replaced by a lingering sense of boredom.
Kael now found himself in an S-rank dungeon, standing in the heart of a colossal, dark chamber. The walls were encrusted with luminous crystals that cast a flickering glow, bathing the room in a bluish hue. Before him stood the boss: a massive serpent-dragon hybrid, its black scales reflecting light like fractured mirrors. Its crimson eyes gleamed with cold intelligence, and a low, rumbling growl reverberated through the chamber.
Kael, however, didn't look the least bit impressed. He stood there, a lollipop in his mouth, his gray eyes shining with boredom. He wore light gray joggers, a black hoodie, and a gray beanie from which a few strands of black hair peeked out.
The serpent-dragon hissed violently, launching a barrage of dark energy in his direction. Kael didn't flinch. He simply raised a finger. In an instant, the attack's trajectory shifted, redirected with surgical precision to crash against the wall behind him. Debris cascaded down, but Kael's gaze never wavered.
"Seriously? That's all you've got?" he muttered, his voice dripping with palpable ennui. "I expected more from an S-rank boss."
The serpent-dragon, enraged, lunged forward at a blistering speed, its massive jaws lined with razor-sharp fangs. Kael vanished in a flash of light at the last possible moment. A flawless teleportation. He reappeared above the creature, hovering effortlessly in the air thanks to a vector field.
"Let's see if you can handle this," he said with a sigh.
He raised an arm, and the invisible forces around him converged on a single point. In a heartbeat, he manipulated the vectors to create a massive shockwave that slammed into the serpent-dragon. The impact sent the beast crashing to the ground, shaking the entire chamber. Cracks spread across the stone floor, and a cloud of dust billowed up.
Kael landed softly, his feet barely making contact with the ground. The boss rose again, its gaze filled with rage. It opened its jaws once more, preparing to unleash another attack, but this time Kael didn't just deflect it. He extended his hand and manipulated the vectors to send the energy hurtling back toward the creature. The resulting explosion rocked the chamber.
"You should really think twice before using attacks I can throw back," Kael added with a sly smirk.
Despite its grievous injuries, the serpent-dragon refused to yield. It attempted one final charge, but Kael decided it was time to end the fight. He closed his eyes for a moment, visualizing a series of complex calculations. When he reopened them, a faint, nearly imperceptible aura surrounded him.
"Sorry, but the show's over," he said calmly.
Kael stretched out his arms, and an invisible web of vectors enveloped the creature. In an instant, the forces converged, crushing the serpent-dragon under immense pressure. The beast let out a final, anguished roar before collapsing, its body disintegrating into luminous dust.
Silence fell over the chamber, broken only by Kael's footsteps as he approached the center of the room. There, a brilliant crystal floated above a pedestal. Without hesitation, Kael reached out and grabbed the crystal. The dungeon's reward. He slid it into his pocket and popped a fresh lollipop into his mouth.
"Not bad… but still not exciting enough," he muttered, walking out of the dungeon.
Kael stepped through the portal's barrier, his gray eyes glinting with boredom as the crowd gathered behind the security fences leaned forward at his approach. Journalists shouted questions, their cameras fixed on him like relentless spotlights. He cast them a disinterested glance, ran a hand through his black hair poking out from under his red beanie, and popped his lollipop back into his mouth before continuing his leisurely pace.
Before he could leave the scene, a man from the Hunters' Guild intercepted him. Clutching a notebook and looking visibly nervous, the man tried to catch Kael's attention.
"Mr. Kael! How did the dungeon go? Did the boss put up a fight? Were there any complications?" he asked hurriedly.
Kael stopped, rolling his eyes as if the question were the most mundane and tiresome thing he'd ever heard. "Complications? None," he replied, briefly removing the lollipop to speak. "The boss was insignificant. A bit more resilient, sure, but nothing more."
The man opened his mouth to respond, but Kael didn't give him the chance. He returned the lollipop to his mouth, turned his back, and resumed his walk, hands in his pockets, his black hoodie swaying slightly with each step.
He wandered through the city, his gaze flitting indifferently over the passersby and buildings around him. The warm glow of the setting sun bathed the streets in shades of orange, creating a tranquil atmosphere. Kael strolled without hurry until a familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee caught his attention. He stopped in front of a small neighborhood café, its glowing sign drawing his gaze.
Pushing the door open, he was greeted by a calm, cozy ambiance. Exposed brick walls, shelves lined with books, and soft background music gave the place a soothing charm. Kael approached the counter, where a cheerful barista greeted him.
"What can I get you?" she asked with mild enthusiasm.
"Just a plain black coffee," he replied in his usual nonchalant tone.
She nodded and got to work while Kael waited, idly observing the other patrons. Once his coffee was ready, he took it and searched for a seat by the window. Settling in, he placed the cup down and gazed at the bustling street outside.
Removing his lollipop, he placed it beside his cup and took a sip. His gaze lingered on the dark liquid as his thoughts began to wander. He mentally replayed the fight against the dungeon boss, analyzing every move and calculation. His mastery of vectors had become almost second nature, but he knew there was still room for improvement. He recalled the precise moment he had deflected the boss's attacks flawlessly, utilizing techniques he had recently honed.
"I still need to work on force transfer," he muttered to himself. "Redirecting a full-powered attack is still too unstable."
Kael left the café after finishing his black coffee, the lollipop returning to its habitual place between his lips. He pushed open the dark wooden door, the bells chiming softly to mark his departure. Night was beginning to fall, and the neon signs and streetlights transformed the streets of Seoul into a vibrant display of colors and movement.
With no particular destination in mind, he strolled along, hands buried in the pockets of his black hoodie. He observed the passersby, the animated conversations, and bursts of laughter here and there. The city's ambiance left him strangely at ease despite his usual air of indifference. He had no clear purpose, but it didn't seem to bother him.
As he walked past a gym lit with blue neon lights, his gaze was drawn to a familiar figure exiting the building. Her blonde hair tied in a ponytail, her face as stoic as ever, Cha Hae In held a water bottle in one hand and lightly dabbed her forehead with a small towel.
Kael instinctively slowed, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
"Cha Hae In," he murmured, savoring the sound of her name. He approached her with his characteristic nonchalance, stopping a few steps away.
"Working out at this hour? I thought S-rank hunters didn't need that," he teased.
She looked up at him, her expression a mix of surprise and neutrality. It was rare for anyone to speak to her so casually, but with Kael, she'd almost grown used to it.
"I train to keep my reflexes sharp," she replied simply, her voice calm but firm. "And you? Wandering aimlessly as usual?"
Kael chuckled softly, his lollipop tilting slightly between his lips. "Maybe. It gives me time to run into interesting people."
She raised an eyebrow, though a faint smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "You mean running into me?"
"Exactly," he replied without hesitation, his smirk widening. "It's always a pleasure to see you, Cha Hae In. But tell me, do you always stay out this late?"
She took a sip from her water bottle before answering. "I prefer training when it's less crowded. Gyms don't smell as bad at night."
Kael burst into laughter, a rare but genuine sound. "And I guess that means the smell is still tolerable here because of my presence?"
Hae In glanced away slightly, a hint of pink coloring her cheeks. "Maybe," she said, her tone barely audible.
Noticing her discomfort, Kael stepped closer, narrowing the distance between them. "So, I'm an exception? I have to say, I'm flattered."
She crossed her arms, quickly regaining her neutral expression. "Don't get used to it. And stop flirting every time we meet."
"Oh, but it's the only thing that keeps me entertained," Kael quipped, a playful glint in his bright gray eyes.
They continued talking for a while, their conversation punctuated by Cha Hae In's sharp retorts and Kael's smug smiles. Beneath the lighthearted banter, though, there was an underlying tension between them—a mutual curiosity neither fully acknowledged.
"Well," she said eventually, tucking her towel back into her bag. "I need to get home. And you, try not to get yourself into too much trouble before we meet again."
"Trouble? Me?" Kael replied, feigning innocence. "Nothing is impossible for me. But I'll make sure to stay alive so you can keep enjoying my company."
She shook her head slightly, though a faint smile betrayed her amusement. "Goodnight, Kael."
"Goodnight, Cha Hae In," he replied, watching her walk away.
He stood there for a few moments, his gaze following Cha Hae In's graceful silhouette as it disappeared into the night. Then, turning back, he resumed his walk, an enigmatic smile on his face, his thoughts swirling.
"Interesting, truly," he murmured to himself, shoving his hands into his pockets and blending into the bustling crowd.
The sun gently filtered through the curtains of Kael's apartment, illuminating his face as he slowly opened his eyes. He lay still for a moment, savoring the morning calm, before finally getting up. Running a hand through his messy black hair, he casually made his way to the bathroom.
After a quick shower and his usual teeth brushing, he got dressed: a black sweater, matching sweatpants, and a blue beanie that let a few dark strands peek through. His usual red jacket was tied around his waist, and, as always, he slipped a lollipop between his lips.
"Another day, another dungeon," he muttered to himself before heading out of his apartment.
On the streets of Seoul, he walked at a leisurely pace, his gaze wandering over the faces of passersby and the storefronts. He wasn't in a rush, although the dungeon he was heading to intrigued him slightly. Not for its difficulty – far from it – but because of a rumor he had heard: a hunter so weak that he had become a legend for his incompetence. Sung Jin Woo, the weakest E-rank hunter.
When Kael finally arrived at the dungeon site, a crowd had already gathered near the entrance. Animated discussions floated in the air, and it didn't take long before he overheard snippets of conversation.
"Did you hear? Sung Jin Woo is here again." "Why does he keep going? It's dangerous for someone like him." "I bet he'll be the first to run away as soon as we encounter a monster."
Kael raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "So it's him, huh?" he thought, scanning the crowd for the one causing all the attention.
But before he could spot the famed hunter, his own arrival caused all heads to turn.
"It's him, Kael Arden, the strongest S-rank!" someone whispered in the crowd. "The famous vector manipulator! He's cleared impossible dungeons alone." "What's he doing here?"
Kael felt the admiring and fearful gazes on him, but he didn't react, walking calmly as ever. A hint of boredom flickered in his bright gray eyes as he observed the hunters around him.
A man cautiously approached, likely the leader of the group. "Kael Arden? What is someone of your rank doing here? This dungeon is only a weak D-rank."
Kael shrugged, taking the lollipop out of his mouth to respond. "I just wanted to have a little fun, see how things go in low-rank dungeons. You don't mind, do you?"
The leader hesitated but didn't dare refuse. "No... of course not. You're welcome, but... I suppose you know this isn't really a challenge for someone at your level."
Kael smiled slightly. "That's the point."
As he headed toward the dungeon's entrance, his eyes finally fell on a frail young man with messy black hair. He wore equipment barely suitable for a D-rank, and his expression was that of someone accustomed to being underestimated.
"Sung Jin Woo, I presume," Kael murmured to himself. The young hunter didn't seem to notice his gaze, too busy adjusting his gear.
The conversations around him continued.
"Look at him, he looks even more pathetic than usual." "He's going to slow us down, for sure."
Amused by the situation, Kael couldn't help but make a comment. "You guys talk a lot for hunters who hide behind an S-rank to feel safe."
An awkward silence followed, and the gazes quickly turned elsewhere.
Kael paused in front of Sung Jin Woo, eyeing him slightly before smirking. "So, you're the legend everyone's talking about? The weakest hunter."
Sung Jin Woo looked up at him, a spark of determination in his eyes despite the obvious humiliation. "That's right."
Kael nodded, his mocking smile still in place. "Let's see if you're as weak as they say." Then, without waiting for a response, he turned toward the dungeon entrance, ready to begin.
As the hunters prepared, several of them continued to murmur about Kael, both in awe and fear. He ignored them, focused on what awaited him inside.
With one last glance at Sung Jin Woo, he muttered, "Try not to die, kid." Then he stepped into the dungeon, eager to see what this strange team had in store.
The group entered the dungeon, its members moving with focused expressions, ready to face whatever awaited them. Kael, however, didn't seem in a hurry. His steps were slow and detached, as if he had no concern for the creatures they were about to encounter. He lightly swung his arms, savoring the sense of freedom while watching the others mentally prepare for what seemed like a simple challenge.
The first creatures, goblins with rough and clumsy appearances, appeared in a narrow alley of the dungeon. These were easy to kill for any D-rank hunter, but Kael simply leaned against a wall as if this confrontation was a mere formality. He didn't even bother to stand up.
The hunters in the group, though modest, immediately rushed into battle. Swords cut through the air, spells flew, and within minutes, the goblins were reduced to rubble. But what caught Kael's attention was the young hunter he had seen earlier: Sung Jin Woo.
The young man was clearly struggling with one of the goblins, his sword swinging weakly. With every strike, he seemed to hesitate, his movements clumsy, lacking precision. Kael watched closely, a bit surprised. He hadn't seen such a weak hunter in combat since... well, ever. The other group members were eliminating goblins effortlessly, but Sung Jin Woo seemed to be having trouble with one.
"He looks... really weak," Kael muttered to himself, a slight smirk forming. But what surprised him even more was that a girl, clearly a healer, approached him and began healing him. She acted quickly, healing his minor wounds with a few swift gestures. Kael watched the scene indifferently, but the situation only reinforced his impression of this hunter. The "weakest" E-rank hunter.
The battle finally ended, the goblins lying dead on the ground. Kael finally stood up, stretching slowly as he yawned. He watched the group continue on their path, but he was clearly no longer as interested in the outcome of the battles. The monsters in this dungeon were pathetic.
"Really not interesting..." Kael muttered to himself as he made his way to the next room.
The group walked through the dark corridors of the dungeon, the walls etched with ancient runes. Their footsteps echoed in the silence, and the few other goblins and creatures they encountered weren't a real obstacle. Kael lagged behind, observing the group from a distance while casting curious glances at Sung Jin Woo. Even after being healed, he seemed to still struggle against such simple creatures with mediocre strength. He didn't seem to understand the speed and efficiency of battle. What amused Kael was that he showed no improvement despite the experience.
As they neared the boss room, Kael began to feel a bit more interested. But not because he expected a great battle. No, he already knew it would be another stroll. But the idea of having another test for his vector abilities intrigued him, even though deep down, he knew he would easily crush whatever awaited him.
"This dungeon is a joke…" Kael rolled his eyes before stepping through the door leading to the boss room.
As Kael entered the boss room, he immediately felt a shift in atmosphere. The room was vast, much larger than any of the previous ones they had passed through. At the center of the room stood a gigantic statue seated on a throne. The statue, imposing in size, depicted a giantess, her posture commanding natural respect. She appeared frozen in a position of sovereignty, her arm resting on the arm of the throne, while the other was stretched forward as if she were ruling an invisible kingdom.
Around this massive figure, a series of smaller statues were arranged in a circle. Each held a shield and a weapon—sword, spear, or another—seemingly positioned to defend their stone queen. Kael paused for a moment to observe these frozen guards. The shields were decorated with ancient symbols, and the spears, in particular, looked almost lifelike. These statues were impressive, though frozen in eternal combat stances.
But that wasn't all. Next to these protective statues, a large stone tablet caught his eye. It was inscribed in an ancient language and held in place by another statue—larger than the guards, but still much smaller than the one seated on the throne. This tablet seemed to be an artifact of considerable importance. But it wasn't the time to dwell on it. Kael had a more immediate objective in mind.
In addition to the tablet and the warrior statues, Kael noticed several other statues with musical instruments—lutes, flutes, drums—spread around the edges of the room. The juxtaposition of war and music, violence and harmony, struck him as strange. Something felt off in this room, but Kael didn't have time to ponder the mystery. He focused on the enormous figure seated on the throne.
"Really… a kind of temple to war and music," he thought as he quickly analyzed the situation. His eyes remained fixed on the statues, studying every detail. He wasn't in a rush. He knew this boss wouldn't surprise him. It was all about timing and strategy. And for that, he had his vectors.
He moved further into the room, his eyes sweeping over the statues and symbols around him. Everything appeared perfectly organized, but Kael wasn't fooled. Behind this neat arrangement, he knew he'd be facing something more dangerous. He briefly turned toward Sung Jin Woo and the other hunters. They were all tense, ready to engage in battle. But Kael showed no signs of agitation. He had complete control over the situation.
"I suppose this will be another walk in the park," Kael murmured as he adjusted his hat. "Let's see what she has to offer."
He took one last glance around, preparing for what was next while considering his options. He knew he wouldn't be using his vectors excessively this time, but rather testing his abilities on a different level. No matter how powerful this boss was—Kael would crush her just like the others. She was just another step on his journey.
The other hunters, intimidated by the room's atmosphere, assumed their combat positions. Kael, on the other hand, showed no signs of distress. He awaited the signal. The battle was about to begin.