Mana Trap.
Strictly speaking, it’s not a common trap found in dungeons.
It was often installed in hunters’ residences or guild facilities for security purposes.
It wasn’t unusual for a trap to be touched by human hands; in fact, it was expected.
However, it was rare to see such traps in dungeons. This is because it requires an intelligent being to set it up.
So, except for Kang-hoo, no one thought there would be a mana trap.
Even in a mystery dungeon with all kinds of variables, they didn’t think there would be traps.
They were mistaken.
The party was surprised and astonished as they watched Kang-hoo dismantle each trap along the route.
Even Yeon Su-ah, who was the best at sensing the flow of mana among them, couldn’t detect the traps.If they had detection equipment, they would have found them immediately, but mechanical devices didn’t work inside the dungeon.
In the end, they had to rely on their senses to find them, and Yeon Su-ah could only tilt her head in confusion.
The number of traps Kang-hoo dismantled along the route totaled fifteen.
Their firepower was powerful enough to cause serious injury at least up to the ankle.
Even if they were weak, they were enough to sacrifice a few toes.
“This… feels quite embarrassing.”
Jang Tae-jin’s face turned red.
Before coming to the mystery dungeon, he had talked to Park Dong-jae about the strict criteria for joining external members.
They had to be good at dealing with variables, not be a burden to the team, and meticulously check for danger factors, among other reasons.
But considering the current situation, it was clear they were the problem.
Having missed the most dangerous aspect, they had no excuse.
They were all moving forward safely thanks to Kang-hoo. Without him, someone would have definitely gotten hurt.
Kang-hoo continued to do his work silently, not reacting to Jang Tae-jin’s response.
He knew that remaining silent was more beneficial than adding unnecessary words.
It was a strategic silence.
The people from Myeongga Guild would be valuable to use in the future.
Their connections and ties to dungeons were extensive and deep beyond imagination.
Making a good impression now would be useful later.
Just as Kang-hoo had gained favor from the Groo Guild when he visited Jeju Island, it was the same now.
‘Interesting. Very interesting.’
Kang-hoo continued to move forward, leaving his bewildered comrades behind.
Who is the more important person here?
He wanted to pose this question to them, although they were probably already deep in thought.
At that time.
Kim Shin-ryeong was sweating while continuously commanding her summoned creatures at her residence.
It felt refreshing to be out in the open training ground instead of the dark, damp crafting room.
She felt she had been neglecting her summoned creatures, so she was greatly increasing their training time.
In fact, it was also enjoyable to see the movements of the summoned creatures, whose abilities had greatly increased thanks to Kang-hoo.
“They really are something. It wasn’t just about pouring skills into my summoned creatures without thought.”
She was very satisfied.
The change was so significant that she could clearly feel the addition of ‘thought’ to the movements of the summoned creatures.
Looking back, it was because Kang-hoo constantly targeted the gaps in the summoned creatures during their training.
Instead of immersing in showing off skills, he focused on persistently targeting the gaps of the summoned creatures.
As a result, the level of the summoned creatures, which had repeatedly learned to defend and respond, increased significantly.
This wasn’t just about good training.
It was about who conducted the training, how they played the role of a teacher, and how valuable they were!
It was an issue to be approached from that perspective.
Kim Shin-ryeong kept thinking about Kang-hoo. The more she tried not to think about him, the more she did.
Leaving the flow of thoughts alone only made her think about him more. It was as if she was deeply attracted.
“Someone like him would be fun to equip with crafted items and test them…”
Her hobby, or rather her passion, naturally came to mind.
Being a tester.
In gaming terms, it’s like being a beta tester who experiences it before release.
Kim Shin-ryeong, skilled in making and modifying various items, often created items with unique options. She had done so in the past and was still doing so.
In the past, there was someone she used to equip with her crafted items, receive feedback from, and get great advice.
Though he had now become the worst villain she would never see again, back then, he was one of her most cherished ones.
“Vincent Meyer…”
The name she had tried to erase came to mind.
He was someone she wanted to nurture and support properly, and she had invested a lot in him. He had followed her that much as well.
But it was all pretense.
Everything he showed her was fake, and his true nature was now that of a murderer.
Kim Shin-ryeong always felt guilty about Vincent Meyer’s notoriety.
She felt the same guilt towards the hunters who were sacrificed because of him. It felt like a monster had grown because of her.
Despite not wanting to be hurt again, she kept getting drawn to Kang-hoo.
It was because of his undeniable skills. The more she saw, the more attractive he became.
Just like a gem that couldn’t hide its sparkle no matter how much one tried to ignore it.
That was exactly how Kang-hoo was now.
She wanted to keep watching and create connections with him.
Even with the painful experience of being severely hurt before, she wanted to be foolishly led by this connection again.
It wasn’t a rational affection, but it was indeed a strong attraction as a hunter to another hunter.
“I think I’ll need some whiskey tonight.”
Kim Shin-ryeong, completely lost in thoughts that began and ended with Kang-hoo, shook her head and headed to her room, craving strong alcohol.
It was time for a break.
His level had increased by one to 171. This level of experience gain was truly profitable.
Usually, with four or five people, they would need to reach the mid-boss at least to expect a level up.
However, thanks to the additional experience points coming in, he gained relatively more benefits compared to the remaining four.
Kang-hoo, along with Park Dong-jae, had separated from the group for forward reconnaissance and vigilance.
Now, it was time for the two to scout while the remaining three rested.
The next break would be a complete role reversal, a planned rotation.
Once Kang-hoo and Park Dong-jae confirmed they had moved far enough, the three remaining people began their usual conversation, shifting the topic to Kang-hoo.
Jang Tae-jin, who had observed Kang-hoo most meticulously, was the first to speak.
“There’s no need to worry about maintaining bleeding. In some ways, he’s much more adept at creating variables than Hose.”
Jang Tae-jin and Choi Hosu were the same age, while Yeon Su-ah was younger, so the two spoke casually with each other. Only Yeon Su-ah addressed the two “brothers” with formal respect and courtesy.
Choi Hosu nodded.
“I’m the type to quietly endure incoming attacks to buy time. Shin Kang-hoo is more about setting up the board himself.”
Yeon Su-ah added her opinion.
“What I appreciate most about Kang-hoo is that he’s an assassin. Typically, assassins don’t act like that, right?”
“Because the risk is too high.”
“Exactly. Like Tae-jin oppa said, he’s already fragile as an assassin. If he dies doing that, it’s only his loss.”
“His basic stats seem a bit lacking, but he covers it with skills, so it’s not a problem at all.”
“Yes. His basic movements are slower than expected, but his skill-based speed is incredible. I lost track of him several times.”
“How many skills does he have?”
“I don’t know. He keeps varying his skills, especially the shadow-related ones. I can’t figure out if each shadow is separate or how they work.”
The conversation flourished.
Ultimately, all three were impressed by Kang-hoo’s skills.
His utilization of abilities was so excellent that it couldn’t be underestimated by calling it a ‘skill advantage.’
No matter how good the ingredients are, a dish can turn out bad if the chef’s touch is poor.
But according to the trio’s standards, Kang-hoo was the best chef.
He knew how to use his skills appropriately and how to maximize their effects.
This was something that couldn’t be displayed without cold judgment and a variety of experiences.
Then.
“What are we doing, really?”
Jang Tae-jin burst into laughter.
He felt a sudden surge of self-deprecation.
Usually, when entering a mystery dungeon, the main topic was the review of the previous battle.
They would discuss their shortcomings, reflect, or boast about their achievements.
However, since entering the dungeon, their conversation had always centered around Kang-hoo.
Even though Kang-hoo wasn’t present, out scouting, they kept talking about his skills.
In fact, it was a ‘trademark’ of Myeongga Guild members.
They always paid attention to, admired, and sought to learn from skilled hunters.
This was the driving force behind the current elite few.
To the three Myeongga Guild members, Kang-hoo was an undeniable talent they couldn’t overlook.
Was it the level? No.
In fact, his lower level made him more promising. It meant he had much more potential for growth.
At the same time.
While scouting with Park Dong-jae, Kang-hoo could confirm the mid-boss area not far away.
The mid-boss monster’s name was Falks. He wielded a giant scythe and had a humanoid appearance.
It was also the final destination of their mystery dungeon strategy. The main boss monster was too powerful.
After hearing the related briefing, Kang-hoo thought there was no reason to be greedy.
Kang-hoo said.
“The dungeon is fascinating. The monsters aren’t stupid. They are composed of thinking, non-aggro types.”
“Right. The monsters in the mystery dungeon are particularly smart. Even if you lure them, they stop chasing.”
“That surprised me.”
In the previous battle, Kang-hoo tried to lure and eliminate some leader-type monsters.
It was a commonly used method in dungeons to isolate and easily eliminate monsters.
But the mystery dungeon’s monsters could think and judge.
After chasing for a while, they sensed something suspicious and returned to their original positions.
Moreover, they would wait patiently and ambush if necessary.
Instead of revealing themselves immediately upon sensing a presence, they would hide until the approach was close.
There were more than one ambush by archers. And their cunning increased over time.
“Half excited, half worried.”
So, Kang-hoo felt tense as he looked at the mid-boss monster, Falks, he would soon face.
A strong enemy with brains was the most troublesome. The least desirable opponent.
Of course, this increased his expectation for the skills he would plunder from it.
Half a day later.
Kang-hoo, killing all the monsters on the route, steadily raised his level.
By the time his level went from 172 to 173, and then to 174.
Kang-hoo and his party had reached a position 100 meters from Falks.
And then.
“……It’s really big.”
Everyone was astonished by the sight of Falks holding a scythe over 4 meters long.
Falks, gripping the scythe much longer than his body with both hands, was already excited.
“This won’t be easy.”
Kang-hoo’s gaze deepened.
To attempt a meaningful attack on him, it was essential to close the 4-meter distance in one move.
Maintaining or closing the distance poorly could result in being struck by the scythe.
It seemed like a tough opponent.
This was the charm of the mystery dungeon, but also a risk that could end it all in one go.
The boundary between hell and heaven was a hair’s breadth away.