The dim glow of neon signs reflected off the rain-slick streets of Seoul as Choi Jinhyuk tightened his grip on the cheap leather strap of his worn-out backpack. His breath came out in soft clouds, mixing with the chilly night air. A notification popped up on his phone—another request for a D-Class dungeon raid.
> [Hunting Request] Party Looking for a D-Class Support Hunter. Urgent! 3/4 spots filled.
Jinhyuk hesitated, then tapped the confirmation button.
"Guess I'll be eating tonight," he muttered to himself, a tired smile forming on his lips.
Despite being a registered hunter, life wasn't easy for a D-Class—especially one with a weak constitution. While others wielded fire, lightning, or brute strength, Jinhyuk's only ability was illusions. Small, weak ones at that. He couldn't kill monsters himself, but his illusions helped others land their attacks more effectively.
Still, it wasn't enough to make him truly valuable. He knew that.
"Jinhyuk, you coming?" A burly man waved at him from a nearby van. It was Kang Jisoo, a C-Class swordsman who occasionally let Jinhyuk tag along. "Hurry up, we don't have all night!"
Jinhyuk jogged over and climbed into the van. Inside, three hunters were already seated—Jisoo, a spear-wielding woman named Sooyeon, and a quiet young man with a crossbow. None of them looked particularly thrilled to see him.
"Listen, kid," Jisoo said as they drove toward the dungeon gate, "Just do what you always do—stay back and cast your illusions. Don't get in the way."
Jinhyuk nodded. "Got it."
The van pulled up near the gate, a swirling mass of dark energy that hovered above the pavement like a tear in reality. The glowing sign above it read:
> [D-Class Dungeon: Abandoned Mine]
Jinhyuk took a deep breath. Another hunt, another day closer to his dream.
Even if I'm the weakest hunter now… One day, I'll stand at the top.
With that thought, he stepped through the gate.
The familiar sensation of cold air and damp earth hit Jinhyuk the moment he stepped through the gate. The Abandoned Mine dungeon was a standard D-Class—dark tunnels, wooden support beams creaking ominously, and the occasional rustle of unseen creatures.
Jisoo pulled out his sword, its blade reflecting the faint blue glow from the dungeon walls. "Alright, standard formation. Sooyeon, take point. I'll cover the middle. Jinhyuk, stay in the back and—"
"I know," Jinhyuk cut in with a grin. "Stay out of the way and use my illusions."
Jisoo smirked. "Good. At least you're self-aware."
The team moved cautiously through the tunnels. The sound of dripping water echoed through the cavernous space. Jinhyuk's eyes darted around, scanning for movement.
Then—a growl.
From the shadows, three goblins emerged, their small, twisted bodies covered in ragged cloth. They bared their jagged teeth, gripping rusted weapons.
Sooyeon reacted first, thrusting her spear forward. The goblin dodged, hissing. Jisoo swung his sword, cutting down one in a clean motion.
Jinhyuk took a deep breath. Time to do my part.
He raised his hand, focusing his mana. A faint shimmer rippled through the air as his illusion formed—a second copy of Sooyeon appeared beside her, mirroring her movements.
The goblins hesitated. Their beady red eyes flickered between the real Sooyeon and the illusion. That moment of uncertainty was all she needed.
Her spear pierced through one goblin's skull. The creature let out a choked scream before collapsing.
The last goblin turned to flee—but an arrow from the crossbowman struck it down.
"Nice work," Sooyeon said, wiping blood off her spear.
Jinhyuk smiled. At least they acknowledged him this time.
Jisoo, however, just snorted. "Illusions are cute, but they won't save your life. One hit, and you're dead. Keep that in mind."
Jinhyuk didn't argue. He knew it was true. No healing powers. No offensive skills. Just illusions.
That's why I have to find a way to survive.
As they continued deeper into the mine, the air grew colder. A strange sensation prickled at the back of Jinhyuk's neck. He paused, glancing around.
Something felt off.
That's when he saw it.
Further down the tunnel, partially buried under debris, was a door. An old, rusted iron door covered in strange engravings.
"Hey… have you ever seen a dungeon with a door like that?" Jinhyuk asked.
Jisoo frowned. "What are you talking about?"
Jinhyuk turned back—but the door was gone.
His blood ran cold.
Did I just… imagine that?