Chapter 170

Chairman Choi Tae-seung.

His demeanor was heavy, unlike anything he had shown until now.

“Actually… we recently received a request for support from Russia.”

“Russia?”

I tilted my head.

They aren’t even our allies, so why bother?

“Well, recently they’ve been unable to handle the Dungeons over there. As you know, communist countries like China and North Korea have weak allies, right? Russia is just measuring the situation, pretending to be neutral.”

“Well, that’s true.”

“Russia has managed to hold on because they’re the 15th strongest hunter nation in the world… but, well… it seems the conflicts between the internal mafia groups are more intense than expected.”

“Hmm, the mafia…”

I tilted my head back and massaged my neck.

When I think of the mafia, only one person comes to mind.

Vladimir Rodygin.

I’ve heard that the mafia, which was already prevalent, has become even more rampant since the world became dominated by hunters.

He started his career as a hunter to take down those mafia groups.

“But.”

It was pure curiosity.

“Is there another reason why our country has to help them?”

There are countless countries in need of support.

South Korea is a hunter powerhouse, so it’s hard to feel it, but I’ve heard that many countries are in serious trouble.

The number of Dungeons keeps increasing.

And there aren’t enough hunters to deal with them.

What if a Dungeon Break occurs, where monsters pour out of the Dungeon?

‘Hmm.’

I shook my head inwardly.

It would be utter chaos.

A disaster.

Just like the orcs I faced when I was an E-rank hunter, an irresistible calamity would engulf the civilians.

“There are many countries to help, like Africa, Qatar, El Salvador, and so on. I know Russia has quite a few Rankers.”

“Ah, that’s…”

Choi Tae-seung closed his eyes and sighed at my question.

He looked very uncomfortable.

“Be honest with me.”

“Actually, it’s a situation we could ignore… but coincidentally, some of our own hunters voluntarily went to provide support. But it’s been a month and we haven’t heard anything from them. The Association is in a difficult position. The families of those hunters keep filing complaints.”

“……”

So that’s what it was.

I guess the Association is a civil service job after all?

The fear of complaints is beyond imagination for civil servants.

“It’s not that we don’t understand the feelings of the missing people’s families… but it’s not like we can do anything about it.”

“I see.”

To safely clear an S-rank Dungeon, you need at least a Ranker.

‘But.’

In the competitive hunter society, Rankers are always in a position of power.

Of course, the Association is in a weaker position.

Since the weaker party can’t send the powerful party as they please, they’re asking me for a favor like this.

“Moreover, the families are stirring up public sentiment by posting articles, which is causing a lot of headaches. Haa… It would be nice if the Russian side could at least give us some information, but they’re in the same situation. The Dungeon hasn’t been cleared, and the scouts who went in haven’t come out, so they’re even more frustrated.”

“Hmm, is that so?”

Crack, crack!

I cracked my knuckles.

“Anyway, to put it simply, it’s a very dangerous place, right?”

The Chairman hesitated for a moment at my blunt question, then sighed.

And coolly admitted it.

“…Yes, that’s right.”

“Hmm.”

I was conflicted.

In fact, S-rank Dungeons are very rare.

That’s why many Rankers and guilds try to secure them first.

The more difficult the Dungeon, the sweeter the reward.

The hunters who voluntarily went to provide support this time must be one of those types.

‘So.’

I didn’t feel particularly sorry for them.

No one forced them to go, so who can they blame for going in out of their own greed?

Isn’t life all about high risk, high return?

I’ve always risked my life in the Dungeons I’ve cleared so far.

That’s the sad fate of a hunter.

‘But.’

This time, something smelled fishy.

A foul smell.

Aside from the fact that no one has come out alive.

The Russian Rankers are just leaving an S-rank Dungeon alone?

‘Sounds interesting.’

Suddenly, I got goosebumps.

It was amazing that I felt this way in a situation that would have scared me in the past.

‘I’ve seen too much of the world.’

I got a glimpse of the vast universe through Delilah.

Compared to that, a Dungeon like this is insignificant.

“We’re not forcing Joo Donghoon to do anything. It’s just that you’re one of the only four High Rankers in Korea now…”

High Rankers are those ranked within the top 100.

“We’re just asking. You can refuse if you feel uncomfortable.”

“No, no.”

I shook my head.

“I’m happy to go. I don’t feel any pressure.”

I’m not the type to back out of a Dungeon anyway.

I easily passed Delilah’s Trial, which is more than enough to handle an S-rank Dungeon, with the best record.

“But.”

I smiled.

“Can I also set one condition?”

If you just help out because you have the ability, people call that being a pushover.

“A condition… you mean? Yes, of course!”

Choi Tae-seung jumped up.

He looked like he was just testing the waters, but didn’t expect me to actually say I would help.

“If it’s something the Korean Association can do, we’ll do anything!”

The Chairman was about to bow his head to the ground, so I hurriedly calmed him down.

“No, no. Calm down first.”

“Ah, yes, yes… I should.”

“Have you ever heard of a Fragment of Ancient Magic?”

“…A Fragment of Ancient Magic?”

He looked like he was hearing it for the first time.

‘Tch.’

I guess it’s hopeless?

But I can’t give up.

[Effect 4: ‘Fragment of Ancient Magic’ (SS-rank) is required to activate this item.]

A material to activate the Special Dungeon, Diary of a Magical Dropout (S-rank).

I was going to use the Association to find this.

‘The Association’s alliances are strong.’

Each country is closely connected through the World Association, sharing information.

Also, there’s a department that manages the information of those hunters, so it will definitely be a big help.

“Could you use the power of the World Association to investigate any hints or traces of this? I need it.”

Mutual assistance.

Each side uses the other.

An ideal relationship where both sides benefit, not just one side giving help.

“Leave it to me, Joo Donghoon.”

The Chairman bowed politely.

“There should be something in return for what you give, right? If you help us this time, I’ll do my best to find out.”

—

A day passed.

After sending the Chairman back, I did some light exercise with the skeletons.

Of course, on the vast outskirts of the new sub-space, Peach Blossom Land.

“My Lord. Is Eldrin not coming?”

Whoosh! Thud!

Sunny asked, putting down his spear.

I nodded.

“Eldrin is not participating in this expedition.”

Until the city is completed, Eldrin’s forces will help Dmir.

There’s no race as good as Elves of the Forest for clearing forests.

And we’ve become relaxed enough that we can afford to leave out Eldrin.

Because Kayden and Dana are here.

“My Lord.”

Thump!

Kayden approached, slammed his shield on the ground, and knelt.

At some point, he had changed his title from ‘Benefactor’ to ‘My Lord.’

Hahaha, Lord! I told them! ‘Benefactor’ my ass! This world likes to be called ‘Lord,’ ‘Master,’ or ‘My Liege’ by their subordinates! I told them that Lord would like it, so they said they would apply it immediately!

Did Dmir educate him separately?

“……”

Well, I don’t really care about the title.

It’s just refreshing that skeletons share opinions and information.

“Okay.”

When I replied, Kayden raised his head.

“I have experience leading armies through revolutions. If you entrust it to me, I would like to train the troops in formation.”

“Oh, really?”

That’s right.

Kayden’s previous job was Commander-in-Chief, right?

And a top-tier Commander-in-Chief who overthrew an elite thousand-year empire with a weak commoner army.

“Then you’re the Chief of Staff from now on. Help Sunny well.”

“I will obey!”

Thump!

When Kayden stood up, thump! the other ‘Bone Fours’ around him slammed their shields on the ground.

Wow.

Did they already train that?

“Dana.”

“Yes, Lord!”

When I called, Dana also ran over and lowered her posture.

“Dana, help Kayden well too.”

“Our believer will only pray for Lord’s army.”

Dana’s pledge.

Both Kayden and Dana.

They were very reliable.

– “Heh heh, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen this kind of training.”

The Elder, who was watching the scene from the side, smiled contentedly.

– “The scale has also increased, and I like that each of you has your own abilities as the absolute ruler of a world.”

“Right?”

– “Therefore.”

The Elder smiled and continued.

– “From now on, I will put aside those skeletons and devote myself to guiding you only for your Ten Thousand Arts.”

“Good.”

I definitely felt it in this trial.

The achievements of the skeletons are important, but my own strength is also important.

If my skills are blocked, I can’t do anything.

In the end, it’s not my subordinates who protect my body, but my own skills.

“Ah, first. Just a moment before that.”

Before the full-scale training began.

Whoong! Whoong whoong!

I looked at a skeleton punching the air.

‘Bone Eight.’

[Name: Bone Eight]

[Energy: 600/600]

[Unique Ability: Skeleton Lord]

[Class: Martial Artist]

[Rank: S]

[Strength: 60] [Agility: 60] [Stamina: 60] [Magic: 60] [Technique: 60]

[Skills]

‘Advanced Martial Arts’ (Lv.1)

‘Skeleton Summon’ (Lv.Max)

His class was Martial Artist, as expected.

Perhaps because he was a Skeleton Lord, his stats were evenly distributed at 60.

He only had two basic skills.

“I don’t know what kind of resentment your main body has…”

I smiled, looking at him.

“For now, work hard. I’ll definitely release you later.”

Squeak!

Whoong! Whooong! Whoong!

He nodded, training alone.

“Okay.”

Now it’s done.

Under the leadership of Sunny and Kayden, the training of the skeletons began.

– “Now you have to start too, right?”

The Elder held up his spear.

I nodded with a determined expression.

‘The period is exactly one day.’

I was planning to leave for Russia as soon as I finished preparing.

The Association gave me a week, but.

Still, someone might be isolated, so I should go quickly.

“Then shall we begin?”

Swish!

The God-Slaying Spear blazed red in my hand.

– “Okay. You bastard. Let’s start by checking your spearmanship today!”

Again.

The beginning of hell training.

—

Vladimir Rodygin.

A man who lost his family to the Russian mafia and whose only goal in life was to eradicate the mafia.

A hunter who earned the nickname Space Mage and immediately landed at rank 601.

“……”

He was staring blankly at the horrific scene before him.

Gritting!

His teeth were grinding.

His blood was boiling.

Hey guys! This Hyung has arrived!

Did everyone watch TV? Did you see my ranking!

I told you I could do it, right?

The gang leader, who had entered the base using space magic with a refreshing smile.

The scene he faced was a tragic and terrible massacre.

“What, what is this.”

It was obvious who had done it.

The mafia groups that had always seen them as a thorn in their side.

“…Those bastards I’d love to fry and eat…!”

Again.

It was again.

After losing his family to the mafia, the trauma he had barely hidden resurfaced.

The mouth of the mafia boss, who had tried to be cheerful and always smiled refreshingly, twisted.

“Again… you touched my family?”

His hands were trembling.

His blood was boiling with anger.

The arm lying there was his most beloved younger brother’s.

The corpse lying there with blood crusted on its mouth was one of his subordinates who had followed him well.

“How. How on earth…!”

Vladimir muttered, biting his lip.

Before leaving, he had definitely hidden them in a hideout using space magic.

A hideout in the underground of a remote forest, with no entrance in the first place.

It was information that could never leak out.

‘Unless there’s a traitor inside.’

His eyes sank coldly.

Vladimir, who had barely pushed away the feeling of sadness, slowly began to count the number of corpses.

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