Chapter 3: The Side Quest Begins
Sung Jin-Woo sat at the breakfast table, the remnants of his mother's cooking still steaming in front of him. The savory aroma of beef stew mixed with ramen filled the room, but his mind was racing with thoughts about Tusk, the fearsome orc who had emerged from his shadow. Was he truly in a fantasy world now? How did this happen, and why was he suddenly an E-Rank hunter with the ability to summon beings like Tusk?
He rubbed his temple, trying to wrap his head around everything. Just when he thought he had a grip on his new life, a notification popped up again:
[HELP THE FIEND GUILD ON AN S-RANK DUNGEON : LEVEL UP TO LEVEL 40]
[REWARD : MYSTERY BOX AVAILABLE ]
He hesitated, eyes darting to the "Accept" button—his heart racing with anticipation. Leveling up sounded incredible, even with the lingering doubt of his meager E-Rank status. But the enticing concept of a mystery box drew him in like a moth to a flame. Who could resist surprises?
"Okay, let's do this!" he said, slamming his fist lightly on the table, causing his mother to glance over with a puzzled smile.
"Did you just say something?" she asked, bemused, while placing his empty bowl in the sink.
"Just motivating myself, Mom!" he chuckled, awkwardly ruffling his hair.
With a deep breath, he accepted the offer. Almost instantly, a familiar sensation engulfed him; it felt as if he were being pulled into another realm. Like the calm before the storm, he braced himself, excitement mingling with anxiety
In a blink, he found himself standing at the entrance of a dark S-Rank dungeon. The ominous mist curled around his feet as he surveyed his surroundings. This wasn't the typical dungeon he was used to—it radiated power and danger. Kaito—or rather Sung Jin-Woo—was acutely aware of his vulnerability, being an E-Rank hunter, but he quickly remembered Tusk's support from the back of his mind.
"Stay close, Tusk, we might need your strength!" he called out, his confidence rising slightly.
From the shadows, Tusk emerged, a colossal tower of muscle wrapped in his black cloak. "Master, I'm ready for battle!" His glowing blue eyes sparkled with excitement, and Kaito felt a rush of reassurance.
With a dramatic sweep of the cloak, Tusk stepped forward, exuding an aura of intimidation that made the air thick with tension.
"Just remember, if we encounter anything too powerful, we retreat!" Sung Jin-Woo said, attempting to sound more authoritative than he felt.
"Retreat? Is that even a real option?" Tusk grinned, revealing sharp teeth. "I was made for battle!"
Kaito couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie. "Okay, let's show them what we're made of!"
As they stepped further inside, shadows twisted along the walls, ominously hinting at the monstrous creatures lurking within. Just then, howls echoed through the darkness. A horde of goblins emerged, brandishing rusted weapons, their red eyes glinting with malicious intent.
"Well, here's our welcoming committee!" Kaito exclaimed, adrenaline pumping through his veins.
Tusk wasted no time. With a roar, he charged forward, swinging his massive club and sending goblins flying in all directions. Kaito followed suit, summoning a surge of power as he wielded his sword. He struck with confidence, the memory of his previous life flooding him with skills he'd honed over years of gaming. He dodged and weaved, feeling like a seasoned pro despite being an E-Rank.
"Wow, you're actually good!" Tusk said, dodging an incoming goblin swing. "Not bad for someone who worried about facing these little guys! Maybe you should thank me for showing up!"
"Don't get too cocky now!" Sung Jin-Woo chuckled, slicing through another goblin. "I don't want to hear TOLD YOU SO when I'm the one doing all the work!"
They fought fiercely, laughter intermingling with the sounds of battle until they cleared the first wave of goblins. As the last one fell with a satisfying thud, Kaito felt a sense of exhilaration wash over him.
[YOU HAVE GAINED 50 EXP!]*
[YOU LEVELED d UP ! YOU ARE NOW LEVEL 2!]
"Yes!" he cheered, a triumphant fist raised in the air. "I'm leveling up! This is awesome!"
Tusk clapped him on the shoulder, nearly toppling him over. "See? You're a natural! Let's keep going—there will be more!"
And just as he said that, the dungeon shook, stones crumbling from the ceiling. Suddenly, a chilling voice echoed, sending shivers down their spines.
"Intruders!" a looming figure emerged from the shadows, a monstrous goblin chieftain adorned with crude armor and wielding a menacing axe. The atmosphere shifted dramatically, tension thick as a blade slicing through the air.
"Looks like we've got bigger problems," Kaito said, his heart hammering. "Let's dance, Tusk!"
Tusk grinned fiercely, "This is what I live for! Let me handle him!"
Together, they charged into the fray, a perfect blend of might and agility crashing against the formidable goblin chieftain. Kaito felt the thrill of battle surging through him, igniting a fire he had never felt before.
Could he truly take on this S-Rank dungeon and emerge stronger? His mind raced with the possibilities—and the mystery box awaited him like a tantalizing prize. The storm of combat had only just begun.