Ch.89S-Rank Dungeons Are Dangerous (2)

At the current time, representatives from prominent guilds and senior government officials were gathered at the Hunter Association in the United States to discuss an urgent matter.

“This isn’t just any incident—it’s an S-rank large-scale dungeon. We need to gather forces from around the world without hesitation.”

“We’ve already contacted nearby regions, but is that really necessary? America’s combat strength has nearly doubled compared to a few years ago.”

Frank Peterson, the Association’s International Relations Officer, cast a skeptical glance.

His comment triggered laughter from one corner of the conference room.

It was S-rank Hunter Forden, the representative of Guild General.

“Look, Officer, you probably don’t know since you weren’t in this position back then, but huh, do I really need to explain this to you?”

“…What do you mean?”

“An S-rank large-scale dungeon isn’t just some trivial place where you go in, kill monsters, and leave.”

Many who had experienced the previous incident nodded at Forden’s words.

Several others added their comments to reinforce his point.

“It was truly horrific. I’d never before seen high-rank hunters die without even being able to use their powers.”

“Damn it! To be honest, I hate even being here discussing this. You’re asking me to walk into that hell again?”

“As Forden said, the title of S-rank means little in there. We learned that lesson painfully during the last incident.”

After the storm of comments subsided, Forden, who had first raised the objection, addressed Frank.

“Do you think S-rank hunters are strong?”

“…Of course, wouldn’t they be? They’re at the pinnacle of all hunters.”

“During the last large-scale dungeon incident, even the upper monsters managing individual sectors or plant guardians possessed power equal to ours. I think even someone with your intellect can understand what that means?”

That single statement was enough to make everyone realize the danger of an S-rank large-scale dungeon.

Frank, the Association officer, closed his mouth tightly and awkwardly turned his head.

In the somewhat heavy atmosphere, Vice Chairman Joshua spoke up to summarize the situation.

“Even so, fortunately, the assessed danger level is S4-rank, the lowest. As Frank mentioned, with our current strengthened forces, the situation should be much better than before. We desperately need your power.”

“Let’s set aside the pleasantries. How many forces have we gathered?”

“Thirty-four high-rank hunters from neighboring countries have confirmed their support. Among them are six S-rank hunters.”

“Hmm, six is a bit disappointing.”

However, as Joshua said, that number should be sufficient for clearing the dungeon.

The hunters in attendance clicked their tongues but nodded in agreement.

“Which S-ranks have expressed their intention to help?”

“Sanada the Sword Master from Japan, Yesiel from France, Ivan from Russia, and…”

As Joshua continued listing the hunters’ names, his expression became subtle when he named the last person.

“Ji-cheol Lee from Korea. That’s all.”

“Ji-cheol Lee?”

Those present reacted with surprise.

After all, Korea had lost an S-rank hunter who came to assist America during a similar situation in the past.

She had been called the first S-rank talent, and everyone here remembered that fact.

“I thought it might be a sensitive matter, so I deliberately avoided making an aggressive request, but I heard he volunteered himself.”

“Oh, that’s unusual. I thought Korea would be the last to offer help, if anywhere.”

Amidst the generally intrigued reactions, some hunters exchanged meaningful glances.

Will, the head of the Tactical Research Department, who had been wearing an interested expression, looked at one of them and asked:

“Come to think of it, you saw her fight up close, didn’t you? Honestly, how was she?”

Will’s question was directed at Michael, an S-rank hunter who also worked as a model and was America’s next-generation franchise star.

Michael remained silent for a moment, then stroked his chin and answered with a smile.

“…Strong and beautiful. Her power and technique had already reached the pinnacle. Worthy of being called the first S-rank.”

However, that’s precisely why she was dangerous.

Keeping this thought to himself, Michael continued:

“Anyway, there shouldn’t be any problems, right? The current S-rank hunters in America are no less capable than she was back then.”

“Well, of course. That much time has passed.”

Since all the essential information had been conveyed, the meeting didn’t last much longer.

As everyone was leaving for their quarters, someone approached Michael as he was exiting the conference room.

It was Jacob, an American S-rank hunter with long brown hair and sunglasses, who had quietly listened to the agenda during the meeting without saying much.

“It’s been a long time since that day.”

“…Did you come just to say that, Jacob?”

“No, hearing about her just reminded me of that time. She was terrifyingly strong. Well, she’s dead now.”

“I’d appreciate it if you’d refrain from unnecessary comments. Vice Chairman Joshua and many others at the center of the American hunter community don’t know the truth.”

“I know. I won’t slip up in front of anyone.”

Michael thought to himself that if Korea had known the truth back then, they would never have agreed to help America.

‘So they still haven’t discovered the truth.’

But it couldn’t be helped. It had to be done for America’s safety and the world’s balance.

Michael left the conference room with a cold smile.

Watching his retreating figure, Jacob chuckled and muttered under his breath:

“Still can’t be honest, can you? She was just a thorn in your side.”

The upper echelons probably felt the same way. That’s how overwhelming her strength had been.

But what was the point of saying anything now?

‘Whatever, it doesn’t matter anymore.’

She was merely human, and in the end, she died.

And as the saying goes, the dead tell no tales.

#

– Did you hear an S4-rank large-scale dungeon appeared in America?

– It’s true. Foreign news articles are popping up everywhere.

– Wow, another large-scale dungeon? What the hell did those Americans do this time? lol

The announcement that another S-rank large-scale dungeon had appeared shocked the world. Korea was no exception.

– Are they going to whine for help again?

– No matter how incompetent our government is, they wouldn’t be crazy enough to send help. The Chae Hwa-in incident already caused public outrage.

– If they send help again, they’re confirmed sheep and pigs.

In fact, the Association and government, which had failed to speak up against America at that time, faced severe public criticism.

– Anyway, it’s going to be chaos for a while. A large-scale dungeon can’t be cleared without casualties.

– Won’t they just clear it without much trouble? Hunters have become stronger overall, and there are many more S-ranks now.

– Didn’t you watch the news back then? None of that matters with large-scale dungeons. If things go wrong, everyone dies.

– Honestly, even S-rank hunters might not make it out alive.

Netizens were surprised but not overly concerned. After all, it wasn’t their problem, and they didn’t think America would fail to clear the dungeon.

– We can just watch the fire from across the river.

– Is that what you should say? They’re still our fellow humans.

– Fellow humans my ass. Those bastards pressured us when we didn’t cooperate, but after Chae Hwa-in died, they shut up and called it a “noble sacrifice.”

Meanwhile, news broke that Ji-cheol Lee, Korea’s S-rank hunter, was heading to America.

Some criticized it as unnecessary, but most were surprised that Ji-cheol was going to help another country.

– That thug actually helps people?

– No way, America must have paid him a lot.

– But still, why go? He may be a jerk, but he’s one of only three domestic S-ranks. What if something happens to him?

The concerns intensified when news spread that Baek Eunha and Baek Seoha would suddenly be accompanying him.

– What’s going on? Why are they all acting like this? Did America blackmail them or something?

– No, Baek Eunha, you loser, why are you going there? Just stay here!

– Baek Seoha really shouldn’t get hurt…

And the group at the center of this controversy, Baek Eunha and her companions…

“…Don’t you have a private jet or something?”

“I rarely leave the country, so why would I have one?”

“Ugh, I don’t really want to use the ring right now…”

They had finally boarded a plane and were heading to America, where the S4-rank large-scale dungeon awaited.