Dungeon & Commander

Dungeon & Commander – 13

Sensing the tension on the employees’ faces, Go Chul-min smiled. He took a deep breath, filling his chest, and then shouted so loudly that his ears rang.

“This damn bank, go to hell!”

The employees stood with their mouths agape.

Go Chul-min walked out with a satisfied expression.

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He arrived ten minutes early, but his counterpart was already there.

“I’m Jo Gap-yoon.”

The way he handed over his business card exuded the seasoned atmosphere typical of the Dungeon Association. The card was made of the highest quality material, both textured and resilient.

“I didn’t bring a business card,” Go Chul-min said, flustered.

“Haha, what need does a guild master have for a business card? Your name alone is enough,” Jo Gap-yoon replied with a smile.

The conversation quickly became serious. Jo Gap-yoon did most of the talking while Go Chul-min listened attentively. Go Chul-min was surprised to learn that Jo Gap-yoon was once a carrier who had aspired to be an awakened.

“I held out, taking the awakened tester until I was twenty-seven, but I couldn’t go any further. So, I holed up in a goshiwon and studied. Thanks to that, I’m now working at the Dungeon Association.”

“Passing the dungeon exam is impressive,” Go Chul-min said, genuinely admiring him.

The Dungeon Association’s hiring exam was known to be as tough, if not tougher, than the bar exam, the foreign service exam, or the civil service exam. It was mostly graduates from prestigious universities who flocked to the Dungeon Association, and it was rare for someone with a carrier background to pass.

“The Dungeon Association is deeply concerned about the current atmosphere, where the morale has been severely impacted by the Devil’s Day disaster. The financial support is meant to help struggling guilds. The Financial Support Department can lend Uramata Guild House 1.5 billion won.”

Jo Gap-yoon was straightforward.

“…1.5 billion won?” Go Chul-min couldn’t believe his ears.

“It may be hard to believe, but it’s true. However, there is one condition.”

“Please, tell me.”

Go Chul-min was ready to accept any condition.

“A compliance officer dispatched by the Dungeon Association will be stationed at Uramata Guild House.”

“A compliance officer?”

“Even though they will be stationed, it will mostly involve checking in a few times to see how things are going. Here are the details. Read them thoroughly, and if you need legal assistance, you can consult a lawyer.”

“What does the compliance officer do?”

“It’s simple. They will directly verify that the loan funds are being used properly.”

“Is that all?”

“What more would you need?”

Jo Gap-yoon smiled broadly.

“I don’t need a lawyer. They’d just charge by the hour. I just need to sign here, right?”

“As expected, you’re as bold as they say.”

“Haha, you’re too kind.”

After signing in three places, Go Chul-min took a taxi to share the good news with the kids. A text message arrived, making his eyes widen.

“…Their efficiency is amazing.”

The guild account had already been credited with 1.5 billion won. Go Chul-min, who was initially heading to the guild house, changed his mind. While sharing the good news was important, starting team training with the simulators as soon as possible was even more crucial.

“Driver, please hurry,” Go Chul-min urged, his voice brimming with excitement.

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The living room was quiet. Yoo Min-jung, who had just gotten out of bed, disliked the suffocating silence and instinctively reached for the remote control. The morning news began to play, covering the weather, traffic, and major events from the previous day. There was also news about an upcoming dungeon opening.

These days, every news program covered the “reopening” of dungeons, but none provided an exact date.

“Lobbying must be intense,” Yoo Min-jung muttered.

She didn’t feel like eating but knew she had to in order to function. She toasted some bread, checked the expiration date on the milk, and poured it into a cup. As the smell filled the living room and drifted into the garden, she heard a cat meowing, followed by birds chirping as if in chorus.

Yoo Min-jung stepped out onto the balcony and sat on a dusty bench. When three cats approached, she poured some prepared cat food into a dish and placed it in front of them. A faint smile appeared on her face as she petted the cats. She needed to stay strong. That was all she could think about. It was the only way to get through the day.

After finishing her toast, Yoo Min-jung took out some porridge from the fridge and heated it. She finely chopped some kimchi and placed it in a small dish. After arranging the porridge, kimchi, and jangjorim on a tray, she took a deep breath to steady herself.

She then headed down to the basement training room.

Even knocking on the door required courage. In fact, the door was already open. As she turned the handle and pulled, the heavy door opened silently. The dojo, large enough to accommodate dozens of trainees at once, filled her view. In the center sat a man.

A one-armed man.

Once known as South Korea’s strongest awakened raider, Yoo Wan-seop stared blankly into the distance.

Yoo Min-jung approached slowly. There was no reaction from Yoo Wan-seop.

“…Dad.”

The stiff air seemed to waver slightly. Yoo Min-jung carefully set the tray down, trying not to feel disappointed. On that cursed day, Devil’s Day, her father had lost his comrades. Even his best friend and carrier, Jang Won-seop, hadn’t made it out of the dungeon.

Her father, who had always carried a strong sense of responsibility, couldn’t accept the fact that he had survived, even if it meant losing an arm.

Someday, her father would free himself from the prison he had locked himself in.

“I’ve joined the guild house. It’s still small and shabby, but I’ll grow it, just like you did with your guild. I won’t let Jushin, who abandoned you, get away with it. Please, watch over me, Dad.”

As she turned to leave, tears she had been holding back streamed down her face. Without making a sound, Yoo Min-jung left the basement training room.

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A red Ferrari roared into the guild house parking lot. Yoo Min-jung, wearing sunglasses, stepped out of the Ferrari. Dressed in canvas sneakers, tight jeans, and a black short-sleeved T-shirt, she walked into the guild house and then stopped abruptly.

Slowly, she removed her sunglasses.

Someone was running inside the guild house. The person running on the long, oval track didn’t notice Yoo Min-jung had entered. Completely absorbed in running, Yoo Min-jung watched his profile for a while.

‘Dad…’

It was absurd, but Yoo Min-jung couldn’t help but see a glimpse of her father in the carrier who was merely running. There was something about his demeanor that reminded her of her father’s past. She didn’t like it.

How dare a mere carrier.

This guy had guaranteed himself a 700 million won salary without the guild master’s permission. Although Go Chul-min accepted the offer without any issues, it was still an overstepping action.

Without changing her clothes, Yoo Min-jung started running. She quickly caught up to Kim Joon. Only then did Kim Joon notice her.

“Hello.”

Yoo Min-jung disliked his clear, innocent eyes and overtook him. She couldn’t lose to someone with such a look. Despite running fast enough to make her breath heavy, Kim Joon was soon running beside her again.

“Do you like running too?”

Yoo Min-jung was so surprised that she almost stumbled. She nearly made a fool of herself in front of a carrier. She tried several times to sprint ahead and leave Kim Joon behind, but it was in vain. Kim Joon stuck to her like glue. What infuriated her even more was his smiling face. He should have been gasping for breath, but he looked as if he was casually sipping tea.

‘This ends now.’

Yoo Min-jung increased her speed and simultaneously enveloped herself in magic. ‘Speed Up’ was usually used by buffers, but as a level 6 mage and dealer, it wasn’t difficult for her. She shot forward like a sprinter.

“Wow! You’re really fast!”

Yoo Min-jung’s face twisted at Kim Joon’s exclamation. That wasn’t the reaction she wanted. She wanted to lap him, but using magic outside the dungeon could strain her body. Overusing it might even land her in the hospital.

‘He should realize by now who runs better. But why is he so good at running?’

Yoo Min-jung pondered how to end this impulsive race. By then, spectators had gathered. Choi Moo-hyun and Yeom Sang-taek were standing there, and behind them, Go Chul-min was watching with his arms crossed, smiling as if enjoying a show.

Kim Joon ran past them at his own pace. Go Chul-min stopped him.

“Kim Joon.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Run without the sandbags.”

“Oh, should I?”

Kim Joon stopped lightly and removed the sandbags tied to his legs. Yoo Min-jung, still running, was speechless. He was running with those on? Unbelievable!

“Remove the ones on your waist and arms too.”

“…I can’t fool your eyes, Master.”

Kim Joon removed all the sandbags from his body and jumped up, looking as if he could fly.

“Run properly.”

“Yes, sir.”

Kim Joon started running again. Without the sandbags, he focused solely on speed. The distance between him and Yoo Min-jung halved in an instant. Yoo Min-jung gritted her teeth and cast ‘Speed Up’ once more. She felt the intangible energy envelop her body.

Her legs, which had been slowing down, felt light again. Strength returned to her bending waist.

“You’re really fast.”

Kim Joon had caught up again.

“…So are you.”

She couldn’t deny it. Her pride was wounded. Yoo Min-jung knew she was relying on magic, while he was running purely on his own strength.

“It’s been a while since I wanted to run properly. Let’s go!” Kim Joon cheered as he started sprinting.

Following behind him, Yoo Min-jung cursed inwardly.

‘What is this guy? He wants to run properly now? What was he doing until now?’

Grinding her teeth, Yoo Min-jung chased after him. Over the course of five laps, the distance between them gradually increased. Yoo Min-jung’s breath was coming in gasps. Though Kim Joon’s breath was also heavy, he still had strength left and was speeding up.

She felt a strong urge to use attack magic. One spell could break those springy legs.

‘No, that’s not right.’

Yoo Min-jung realized that if she kept pushing herself out of pride, her body, especially her legs, would suffer. The first thing they taught at the Dungeon Association’s Magic School was the severe side effects of overusing magic.

Slowing down gradually, she stopped near the entrance, conscious of the spectators.

“I-I was just running because I was bored,” she said, even though she was drenched in sweat. It was pointless, but she said it anyway.

“Ah, I see,” Choi Moo-hyun’s single comment made Yoo Min-jung’s face turn red.

“Alright, let’s start training!” Go Chul-min’s words brought the situation to a close.

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While changing into the training suit that was as stretchy and form-fitting as spandex, Yeom Sang-taek’s heart pounded. It had been a long time since he had last used a simulator for training.

“Dealers go to number 1, tankers to number 2, buffers to number 3, and carriers to number 4. Let’s get in,” Go Chul-min shouted.

Entering the training room with four simulators, Yeom Sang-taek stood in front of the machine marked with a large number 3. The sleek, streamlined simulator resembled a fighter jet cockpit. Pressing the red button made the lid open with a ‘clunk,’ a moment Yeom Sang-taek never liked.

Choi Moo-hyun was the first to get into his simulator, followed by Yoo Min-jung.

‘I can do this. The success rate will be high today. It has to be.’

Chanting to himself, Yeom Sang-taek placed his right leg into the open simulator. As he sat down, the semi-transparent lid closed automatically.

‘I’m okay. Even claustrophobia can’t break me.’

Focusing on his breathing, the tightening sensation eased.

“Can you hear me well?” Go Chul-min’s voice came through the simulator’s internal speakers.

“…Yes.”

Yeom Sang-taek tried to respond energetically, but his voice lacked enthusiasm.

“Today’s training location is an F-grade dungeon, and the monsters you’ll encounter are Viresisaurus. The temporary leader for this training will be Yoo Min-jung, a level 6 dealer. Treat this training as if it were a real battle and give it your all.”

As Go Chul-min finished speaking, a flash of light burst forth.

Yeom Sang-taek’s eyes gradually adjusted to the darkness.

Taking a deep breath, Yeom Sang-taek cast ‘Light.’ The ball of light floated up, pushing back the darkness. Beyond a 10-meter radius, everything was pitch black.

He confirmed Yoo Min-jung in front of him and Choi Moo-hyun beyond her. Kim Joon, carrying a store bag, stood at the back. They were in a single file line.

Kim Joon smiled. Having bested Yoo Min-jung in running, Yeom Sang-taek chose to ignore him. He didn’t want to associate with a mere carrier.

“Diamond formation,” Yoo Min-jung instructed.

Yeom Sang-taek had heard of it but couldn’t recall its meaning. He stammered in confusion.

“Don’t you know?” Yoo Min-jung asked, moving to his left and staring at him.

“Uh, well…”

“Stick to my right. In a 3×3 formation, the tanker is at 2 o’clock, the dealer at 4 o’clock, the buffer at 6 o’clock, and the carrier at 8 o’clock. Remember now?”

“Oh, right.”

Yeom Sang-taek positioned himself at Yoo Min-jung’s 3 o’clock and Choi Moo-hyun’s 4:30.

“Advance.”

As Yoo Min-jung gave the order, Choi Moo-hyun moved forward step by step. Before they had taken even three steps, Yoo Min-jung’s voice rang out.

“Tanker, your strides are too wide. Think about the rear.”

“Ah, sorry.”

“Why are you looking back? A tanker’s basic duty is to keep an eye on the front.”

“…Got it.”

Choi Moo-hyun stiffened his shoulders and focused ahead.

After several corrections of “Too short!” and “Too wide!” Choi Moo-hyun finally found the right pace.

Yeom Sang-taek felt sorry for Choi Moo-hyun. The fire-attribute dealer was taking out her frustration on the tanker after having her pride bruised by a mere carrier. Pointing this out would only bring trouble upon himself.

“A monster is approaching from 30 meters ahead!” Yoo Min-jung shouted, turning to glare at Yeom Sang-taek.

Long-range detection was the buffer’s responsibility. Yoo Min-jung assumed Yeom Sang-taek had missed it due to lack of focus.

“Are you just going to stand there stupidly?” Yoo Min-jung whispered to him.

“…Sorry.”

Recalling the attack style of the Viresisaurus, Yeom Sang-taek cast the strengthening spell ‘Strong’ on tanker Choi Moo-hyun. ‘Strong’ made the body heavier, slowing movement but effectively defending against charging monsters.

The dark smoke surrounding Choi Moo-hyun formed a barrier but then dispersed with holes.

“Damn it!”

The buff had failed. Choi Moo-hyun staggered, taking the full impact of the failed buff.

Yeom Sang-taek wasn’t unscathed either.

“Phew.”

Yoo Min-jung shook her head and shot a fire arrow at the approaching Viresisaurus. The arrow cut through the air. Though the Viresisaurus had tough skin on its forehead and chest, the arrow slowed its charge, easing the burden on Choi Moo-hyun.

Boom!

Choi Moo-hyun deployed ‘Diamond Wall,’ deflecting the Viresisaurus’s charge. He was pushed back about 30 centimeters, but the monster was thrown nearly 3 meters away. It quickly got up and retreated.

“Thanks,” Choi Moo-hyun said, glancing at Yoo Min-jung.

“Your internal energy was unstable. Controlling your energy comes first. Honestly, your basics are lacking,” Yoo Min-jung responded coldly.

A moment of silence followed.

Yoo Min-jung’s exaggerated sigh made both Choi Moo-hyun and Yeom Sang-taek tense up.

“…Two Viresisauruses approaching from 9 o’clock,” Yeom Sang-taek said in a barely audible voice.

“Speak confidently,” Yoo Min-jung reprimanded him again.

“…Got it.”