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“Look here.”

Kim Junseo chattered as he spread out the documents he had brought.

“This is a newly discovered dungeon near Paju, and it’s quite tough. Five teams have already failed to clear it.”

“Huh, five teams already?” I clicked my tongue.

Failing to clear a dungeon means either all of the members died or they are still wandering inside. In other words, the difficulty is relatively high.

“Yes, its rank is undetermined.”

“Well, makes sense.”

It was inevitable since no one had returned alive from it.

“But don’t worry too much. The teams that went in before were all amateurs. Now, we’re going with the famous Parang, right? Furthermore, you’re just a porter, so you don’t have to fight. Just work appropriately and pocket the reward, got it?”

Kim Junseo, the team leader, waved a piece of paper in front of me. It was a participation contract provided by the Parang Guild.

“Hmm.”

I closed my eyes and drummed my fingers.

I was conflicted. I hadn’t even thoroughly tested the abilities of the new D-rank skeletons yet. Was there a need to take risks?

The tenfold reward was likely danger-pay for the dungeon yet to be ranked. Also, my mental fatigue was at its peak after encountering the orc yesterday.

But.

The offer was still very tempting. Firstly, such opportunities rarely come. Secondly, high-difficulty dungeon experiences bring tremendous growth for a hunter.

That Dark Lord fellow did the same, I recall.

That guy who received authority the same time as me had also rushed through dungeons early on.

“How did I upgrade my rank so quickly?”

“Why even ask? Obviously, I went to dungeons.”

“Ordinary dungeons won’t do. You must aim for dungeons above your level.”

“Remember? My early nickname was Dungeon Maniac.”

“Who will take you in? You must put in the footwork. Do I have to tell you everything?”

“Anyway, remember. High-difficulty dungeons are dangerous but full of opportunities and rewards.”

That was from an interview with Dark Lord.

After it was aired, he got some flak for saying that as a necromancer, which was considered overpowered already.

Still, his words should be heeded as someone who became a ranker in the shortest amount of time. No matter how cocky he was, a ranker was a ranker.

“Hey, Donghoon. What are you thinking so long? This is a jackpot, I tell you,” Kim Junseo grinned and urged me.

He seemed really excited because once I signed the contract, the reward would increase tenfold and so would his performance.

“Hmm, it’s said that excessive greed brings disaster…” I trailed off, and the team leader patted my shoulder and raised his eyebrows.

“Wow, take a look at this guy. I thought you were an ambitious lad, but it turns out you’re a coward.”

“Uh… Team leader, isn’t this about your ambition?”

“Oh, come on! Don’t be so cold. I thought your dream was to become a ranker. Do you know any rankers who avoided dungeons? Even as a porter, dungeons are where you grow.”

“…?”

The word “ranker” snapped me out of my thoughts. My eyes trembled as if struck by an earthquake.

He was right.

Even on the brink of death in the fight against the orc, I had dreamed of being a ranker. I wanted to become stronger.

What am I hesitating for?

How could I become a ranker if I was afraid of going to dungeons? Anyone would laugh at me if they knew what I was thinking.

Alright, let’s do it. Let’s go for it.

Sometimes, gambling is necessary in life.

I impulsively grabbed the pen Kim Junseo held out.

“When do we leave?”

“Ah, a clean and fiery decision. I almost misunderstood you.”

“Quick, before I change my mind.”

“Alright, alright. It’s a week from now, in front of Paju Station. The details and necessary items are all in these documents.”

I sighed. “A week, huh…”

It was a bit tight, but better than nothing. Luckily, I had some time to prepare.

I smiled at Kim Junseo. “Then I’ll take a week off. Is that okay?”

Although I was a freelancer, Kim Junseo didn’t usually like one-sided leave requests. But this time, even he made this an exception.

“Of course. Thanks, buddy. I’ll treat you to a meal soon.”

“Team leader, I’m feeling a bit disappointed.”

“Huh, why so suddenly?”

“You’ll have to treat me to dinner twice.”

“R-Really? Haha, okay. Of course, I will!” The team leader laughed heartily.

Alright, I saved on dinner expenses.

* * *

Reaper Scans

Translator – Dawn

Proofreader – BringTheRayn

Join our discord for updates on releases! https://discord.gg/reapercomics

* * *

“Major Guild Parang Sends Their Reserve Team to Try Newly Opened Paju Dungeon! D-6 Days!”

“Paju Citizens Relieved?”

“Giparang the Fine Bow: ‘It Should Be Enough with our Reserve Team! No Need to Worry.’”

“Dungeon Exploration Minister: ‘A Moment of Silence and Praying for the Safe Return of the Lost Explorers.’”

“Whew.”

There wasn’t much time left. Even if I was just participating as a porter, basic preparations were required.

Back at the training ground, I set up my camping gear. I planned to spend all my remaining time here for intense training.

But first, I needed to assess the power of my skeletons.

—Whoosh!

I swung the cheap staff I had bought from a local hunter shop.

[Skill: ‘Summon Awakened Skeleton’ (D-rank) activated.]

[10 energy consumed.]

[‘Bonehead 1’ summoned.]

[Skill: ‘Summon Awakened Skeleton’ (D-rank) activated.]

[10 energy consumed.]

[‘Bonehead 2’ summoned.]

…

[Skill: ‘Summon Awakened Skeleton’ (D-rank) activated.]

[10 energy consumed.]

[‘Bonehead 5’ summoned.]

—Rattle!

Using 50 energy, I summoned five skeletons from Boney 1 to Boney 5.

—Creak, clack!

They naturally moved into formation as I envisioned in my mind.

Boney 1, Boney 2, and Boney 3 looked especially distinct. Though their rank was D, their overwhelming aura surpassed their level. This was the result of training.

In the past, I didn’t know.

But now, I knew well. The skeletons bore the fruits of their labor, which became more evident through their upgrades.

They evolved continuously. Even these bone creatures had energy, skills, and combat senses.

I wanted to make them even more potent.

“Alright, Bones 1 through 3, move!”

—Creak!

At my command, they moved seamlessly. They trained against scarecrows, as usual. The only difference this time was…

—Whoosh! Slash!

A wooden scarecrow, tightly bound, was sliced cleanly by Boney 1’s greatsword.

—Whoosh! Thud, thud, thud!

It was the same with Boney 2’s case. Its designated target scarecrow was punctured like a sponge.

Holy cow.

They had become at least ten times stronger than before.

It’s not just their strength.

Their speed was incredible. For a brief moment, it was hard to follow with my eyes.

Ah, my heart was moved by the sight. I couldn’t believe these were those pathetic skeletons from just days ago.

But it’s too early to be moved.

—Whoosh!

An arrow from Boney 3 pierced through wood, piercing again and again.

A mere bone arrow had penetrated three massive tree trunks.

“Wow,” I exclaimed, my mouth open.

Honestly, its impact was similar to that of a bullet.

“This is D-rank? It could easily overpower a C-rank…”

I recalled the battle from yesterday. The combined efforts of the skeletons had quickly eliminated the high-level D-rank orc.

This was the moment I realized they had indeed become stronger.

However.

With strength came concerns.

First, training equipment.

It was now challenging to use wooden scarecrows. What improvement would wooden targets provide when my skeletons were at the level where they sliced through wood like tofu? This meant that I’d have to spend more money on training equipment from now on.

The second concern…

It was the fact that the D-rank and C-rank were much more challenging than I imagined, to the point that it wasn’t possible to confront them with an average human body.

Some would ask why that would be a problem. Skeletons wouldn’t have an issue. I’d be the one to have issues with this problem.

What If a powerful enemy targeted me instead of the skeletons? If they pierced my heart or decapitated me? No matter how strong my summons were, it would be over, The End!

—Creak!

While I was deep in thought…

—Click, click!

Boney 5 approached, clicking its teeth together.

“Hm? What’s up?”

—Click, click!

Then it raised its staff and pointed it at me.

“Wh-What’s this all of a sudden?”

[‘Bonehead 5′ used the skill ‘Air Shield’ (Lv.1).]

A soft energy enveloped my body. I felt the air tighten around me.

How did it do that? Could it have read my mind?

—Clack, clack!

It clicked its teeth as if affirming my thoughts.

“Huh.”

This was an even more remarkable achievement than the skeletons’ increased strength. Initially, they only followed my orders, but now they expressed their intentions.

And what’s Air Shield?

I didn’t know Boney 5 had a skill other than just fireball. I wondered if there was a way to see the list of skills that it had. That would be great.

—Click, click! Thud!

Then Boney 4 also dropped its heavy shield and looked at me.

“…What is it this time?”

—Click, click!

It pointed to the tattered scarecrow. Which meant…

“Are you saying you’ll replace the scarecrow?”

—Click, click!

It nodded affirmatively.

Boney 1, 2, and 3 also approached with glowing eyes.

“Alright, good. Try whatever you want.”

Honestly, I was pleased. With Boney 4 and 5, my worries disappeared instantly.

I could save money by using Boney 4 as the training dummy instead of buying new equipment, which would also serve as training for it. Boney 5 could continue practicing by protecting my life.

—Clang!

Boney 1’s greatsword struck Boney 4’s shield but bounced off. Though, Boney 4 also seemed to feel the impact and took a step back.

—Whoosh!

Above them, Boney 3’s arrows rained down.

—Thud, thud, thud!

Even the bone arrows that pierced wood couldn’t penetrate Bonehead 4’s shield.

“Pretty sturdy, huh?”

Next, Boney 2’s spear technique.

“Boney 2, attack me this time,” I instructed it.

I also had to test Boney 5’s D-rank ‘Air Shield’ for safety. Though it was a bit scary to test it on my body, it had to be done eventually to try higher-level dungeons.

“Don’t hesitate. Strike with all your might.”

Boney 2 hesitated in a cute manner but quickly thrust the spear at my command.

—Thump! Thud!

With a dull sound, my body was flung back.

I sat down from the sharp pain digging into my ribs. But it wasn’t bad. It was an impact I could endure. This level of sturdiness should be able to block most D-rank attacks.

—Click, clack!

Boney 2 seemed concerned and tilted its head. How cute.

“I’m fine, continue.”

I couldn’t be satisfied with just one try. Attacks from enemies could come anytime, anywhere.

I also needed to develop my defensive senses and combat instincts. The sweat and blood I shed now could save my life in critical moments.

After about an hour had passed,

[Bonehead 1’s strength has increased by 1!]

[Bonehead 2’s strength has increased by 1!]

[Bonehead 3’s strength has increased by 1!]

[Bonehead 4’s constitution has increased by 1!]

[Bonehead 5’s magic power has increased by 1!]

“Huh?”

[Ta-da!]

[Congratulations!]

[The first growth since awakening has unlocked the status window feature!]

[Tip: If you want to check the skeleton’s status, look at the summoned skeleton and say ‘Status window.’]

“What is this?”

A new message popped up, something I had never seen before.