Chapter Text
“Ugh, who invited the world’s weakest hunter…?”
Sung Jinwoo sighed wearily as the ‘whispered’ words seemed to echo throughout the cleared parking lot. The mesmerising swirl of the D-Rank gate cast a low glow over the 10 gathered Hunters as they prepared for the upcoming raid.
“An E-Rank?”
Jinwoo’s bony shoulders steadily crept up towards his ears in shame as the disparaging murmurs only increased in volume.
“Why is there an E-Rank at a D-Rank gate? Won’t he just get killed?”
“Hey! This is a good thing! If the world’s weakest hunter is here, that means that the raid’s gonna be easy!”
Jinwoo’s lips curled up into a self-deprecating smile as he slowly trudged towards the raid group. He may be used to hearing the jeers and jibes from the other Hunters, but that did not make it any more pleasant to hear.
“I just feel bad for our healer, man. I mean- she’s gonna have one hell of a job keeping the E-Rank alive in there”
Jinwoo sighed to himself as he settled himself at the edges of the group, feeling the piercing gazes of the gathered Hunters boring into the back of his head. Minwoo steadily checked his bag and its meagre belongings, letting the chatter of the other Hunters wash over him. None of the looks and remarks were ever malicious, just the right amount of apathetic and pitying to make things uncomfortable.
A healer, huh? Jinwoo thought absently to himself, as he continued his checks on his sparse and threadbare gear. At least this group is smart enough to bring along a healer to a raid… Jinwoo winced as one of his old wounds flared up, smarting at his sudden movements. Though I was the only one that got injured-
“Sung Jinwoo!”
Jinwoo jolted as a familiar voice rang out through the air.
“L-Lee Joohee!” Jinwoo gasped as a woman with long orange hair pulled back into a ponytail marched purposefully towards him.
“What have I said about taking care of yourself, jeez!” Joohee pouted as she coated her slender hands with a thin wispy aura of healing magic, gently healing Jinwoo’s visible wounds.
“Ah- sorry,” Jinwoo smiled sheepishly, the soft golden glow of Joohee’s healing magic dancing across his bruised and battered skin and bringing relief in its wake. “The last group I was with didn’t bring a healer to the raid…”
“What?” Joohee gasped, eyes wide in disbelief, hands halting in their worried flutter over Jinwoo’s injuries. “No healer? On a raid?”
“Yeah…” Jinwoo laughed softly at himself, unable to meet Joohee’s kind eyes as the reality of his own weakness threatened to choke him. “It was only an E-Rank dungeon and I’m the only one that got hurt…”
“But still!” Joohee’s brow furrowed in consternation, “You never know what will happen on a raid! It’s common sense to bring a healer-”
“Alright guys! Everyone ready to head in? It’s time!”
Jinwoo and Joohee jolted as one of the Hunters called out over the hum of chatter, halting Joohee mid-sentence.
Jinwoo smiled sheepishly as Joohee shot him a look that meant that the conversation was not over as she left to join the rest of the raid party.
With one last deep breath to gear himself up, Jinwoo resolved to do his best for his sister and mother before jogging lightly to the leaving raid party.
SKT
A cave dungeon. Of course it had to be a cave dungeon . And of course it had to be goblins…
Jinwoo groaned inwardly to himself as he stood to attention, a chipped and battered old dagger clutched tightly with both hands. He frantically flicked his eyes from side to side, keeping vigilant watch over himself and the party’s healer and his friend: Joohee.
The main force of the raid party may be holding the horde of goblins back, but still. Jinwoo was on high alert.
The thing about goblins… Jinwoo thought to himself, drawing upon his years of Hunting experience even as he winced at a particularly loud clash of bone club against shield. Is that they burrow hidden tunnels into whatever environment they're in to flank the enemy and take out their support…
He had gone up against goblins so many times that he had even noticed a pattern in their attacks and tactics, simple that they were. Jinwoo mentally counted down the seconds in his mind, waiting for the inevitable emergence of a Goblin from their left flank.
5… 4… 3… 2… 1- Now!
Jinwoo sprang into action, jabbing his chipped dagger into the dark shadows of the wall to his left.
Screech-!
He gritted his teeth in determination as his dagger met flesh. But despite his surprise attack, the goblin did not die, instead, it struggled and fought back in its death throes. Even weakened and injured, the goblin threatened to overpower Jinwoo and his meagre strength.
Jinwoo barely noticed Joohee yelling out in surprise at the monster’s sudden appearance, nor the frantic calls of the party’s damage dealers. ‘Shit! The healer! They’re going after the healer! Sung, keep it off of her-!’
“Gah-!” Jinwoo grunted in pain as the goblin managed to flail one arm free and claw deep, weeping scratch wounds down Jinwoo’s chest with its blunted, split nails.
“Stay… back!” Jinwoo gasped desperately as he shoved the goblin back and away from the frozen Joohee with all of his strength, putting his entire body behind the shove. He could not let the goblin take out their healer- rule number one of dungeon raids, and Jinwoo could never forgive himself if he let Joohee get hurt.
When threatened, goblins will attempt to bite the face and neck area-
“Shit-!” Jinwoo struggled to hold the goblin back, his eyes widening as he watched the goblin peel back cracked dry lips to reveal rows of crooked, razor sharp teeth. He struggled to shove his dagger deeper into the goblin’s gut, but his shaking arms were already at their limit holding the monster back from Joohee.
His mind knew what the goblin would do next, but his body just didn't have the strength to counter. But still, Jinwoo thought to himself, glancing back at the scared stiff Joohee over his shoulder, he could not- would not move.
Jinwoo bared his own teeth in a determined grimace, waiting for the pain of the goblin’s bite to come-
Thwack!
-Only to reel back, hitting the ground hard as an axe effortlessly split the goblin’s head in two like a rotten pumpkin.
One of the raid party’s D-Rank tankers towered over him, green blood dripping from their axe in thick rivulets as the goblin’s corpse slowly slid to the ground. The tanker gave Jinwoo a single shallow nod before turning on their heel and making their way back to the main raid force.
One hit… Jinwoo clenched his eyes shut, battle tension draining from his haggard body. It only took them one hit… Jinwoo looked down at his thin, shaking hands, still clenched tight around the frayed hilt of his dagger.
God I’m weak… Jinwoo clenched his teeth as he glanced back to the felled goblin. What use is knowing these things when I’m not strong enough to use it…
Jinwoo allowed himself another second to wallow in his own weakness before dragging himself back to his feet. The raid party was already moving on without him, and his mother and Jinah were more important than his shortcomings. He would push through anything no matter how weak he was… For them…
SKT
Ahn Sangmin of the White Tiger Guild hummed thoughtfully under his breath as he leaned back against his car. The eerie glow of the D-Rank gate cast long shadows over the file held in his hands.
Lee Joohee, a B-Rank healer eh? And unaffiliated too!
Ahn Sangmin’s brow quirked in interest as he skimmed the document. B-Rank healers were rare, she would be a valuable asset to the White Tiger Guild if he could convince her to join.
And it would make a nice ‘fuck you’ to that smug asshole Joo Sungchan… Ahn Sangmin gritted his teeth in annoyance at the memory of the other Surveillance Chief's smirk as he showed off his new A-Rank recruit- Kim Chul.
So what if the other Surveillance Chief had managed to snag an A-Rank tank? It didn’t give Joo Sungchan the right to act like he owned the entire Surveillance department- I’m a Surveillance Chief too! Team 2 is just as good as team 1, asshole-!
“Ah- Chief! They’re done!” Ahn Sangmin’s assistant, Hyun Kichul exclaimed, struggling to keep his volume at a manageable level.
Ahn Sangmin perked up, eyes snapping to the ragtag group of freelance hunters triumphantly exiting the closing gate. Instantly he picked out his mark right at the rear of the group- an attractive young lady with striking orange hair and a personable smile as she chatted freely with those around her.
“Now’s our chance, Kichul.” Ahn Sangmin moved, pushing out of his leisurely lean and smoothly shuffling his papers and recruitment materials in fluid practised motions. His eyes roved over the emerging group, expertly noting every detail and looking for any individuals of note.
Hmm, everyone is in good shape, with the front-liners fully healed. She’s good. Ahn Sangmin suppressed an excited grin, concealing his enthusiasm behind a business-casual smile. Never let them know your next move.
“Miss Lee Joohee?” Ahn Sangmin asked pleasantly, approaching the group nonchalantly as he ignored Kichul’s less than cool stumble at his side.
“Ah- yes? How can I help you?” Lee Joochee asked pleasantly, smiling politely back at Ahn Sangmin and Kichul.
And she’s polite and personable too! Jackpot! Most mid to high rankers are pompous jerks but she’s- wait, who’s that?
Ahn Sangmin raised a brow in puzzlement as a willowy looking young man turned to look at him in unison with Miss Lee Joohee. He looked remarkably… fragile. Ahn Sangmin knew that in the world of Hunters, appearances were deceiving, but the vast array of sticky bandages and band aids that dotted the young man’s skin told him that it wasn't the case.
Is- Is that an E-Rank? In a D-Rank dungeon-? Ahn Sangmin was taken aback for a second before he forcibly snapped himself back on track. He was in the middle of an important negotiation with a potential B-Rank healer (B-Rank healer!) - he could think about the E-Rank later. Though from what he could see from Kichul’s dropped jaw, his assistant hadn’t gotten the memo.
“Miss Lee Joohee,” Ahn Sangmin cleared his throat pointedly, discreetly nudging Kichul with his elbow to prod him into getting himself together. “My name is Ahn Sangmin from the White Tiger Guild, and this is my colleague Hyun Kichul. Would it be alright if he talked privately? I would like to discuss a business opportunity with you.”
“A business opportunity?” Lee Joohee tilted her head inquisitively to the side, a thoughtful expression on her face.
“You go ahead Joohee.” The young man said with a genuine smile, dipping into a respectful bow to Ahn Sangmin and Kichul before turning on his heel and walking away.
Ah, another polite Hunter, what a good day… Ahn Sangmin thought to himself with a smile tugging at his lips as he watched the young man leave. Thanks for leaving me a nice in with Miss Joohee, kid.
“Mr Ahn? What sort of business would you like to discuss?” Miss Lee Joohee asked lightly, clasping her hands politely together.” Miss Lee Joohee laughed sheepishly to herself, breaking eye contact with Ahn Sangmin and fiddling with her thumbs. “Though I’ve got to warn you, if it’s about joining the White Tiger Guild or a high ranking raid party, i’ll have to decline.”
Ah.
“D-Decline-? But you haven't heard my offer yet?” Ahn Sangmin inwardly cursed himself as he stumbled over his words.
“Well you see,” Lee Joohee chuckled lightly to herself, rubbing a hand sheepishly over the back of her neck, “I don’t do very well in, uh- high pressure dungeons…” Lee Joohee shuffled from foot to foot awkwardly, “It just doesn't agree with me, so I prefer to enter low risk E or D-Rank dungeons…”
“Oh, that’s very understandable Miss Lee.” Ahn Sangmin smiled back politely, inwardly bemoaning the loss of a potential great asset to the Guild. He felt a gentle nudge to his arm and discretely looked over to Kichul with a questioning glance.
Meeting his assistant’s eyes, Ahn Sangmin watched as Kichul nodded ever so slightly at Lee Joohee and shrugged his shoulders slowly. Sangmin easily picked up on his assistant’s unspoken question: Should we pursue the issue a little?
Ahn Sangmin thought on the issue for a second before slowly shaking his head in a negative. I can’t blame her to be honest- I can negotiate contracts with the best of them, but I doubt I could hack being in a dungeon raid. … though that might be because I’m Unawakened. If she doesn't want to be part of a higher ranking raid party, then we can’t force her.
Ahn Sangmin gave Lee Joohee a respectful nod, opening his mouth to close the conversation before a sudden thought struck, stopping him in his tracks.
“I completely understand Miss Lee, we won’t press the issue, but I do have another question, off the books” Ahn Sungmin thought back to the fragile looking young man from before, still stuck on a probably E-Rank surviving a D-Rank dungeon relatively unscathed.
“Who was that kid with you earlier? He looked like an E-Rank so I was just wondering how he was able to clear that D-Rank dungeon with your group earlier,” Ahn Sangmin said as he thoughtfully stroked at his chin.
“Yeah! The mortality rate of E-Ranks in E-Rank dungeons is really high- not to mention in D-Ranks!” Kichul chimed in, bewilderment apparent in his too-loud voice.
“Oh, you mean Hunter Sung Jinwoo?” Lee Joohee furrowed her brow with a gentle huff, crossing her arms across her chest in good-natured irritation. “I keep telling him the same thing! But he keeps saying that Hunting is his hobby!”
“His hobby?” Ahn Sangmin raised a single brow in incredulous disbelief, catching Kichul’s jaw dropping out of the corner of his eye. A hobby? Unlikely. No one would risk their lives every day for a hobby. There must be something deeper…
“That’s what I keep telling him!” Joohee huffed, barely concealing her concerned temper behind a gentle smile, “He keeps getting scraped and cut up in these dungeons! And I won’t always be around to heal his wounds! It’s not worth all of that for a hobby! Even in this raid, he had to keep a D-Rank goblin off of me and he got scratched on the chest for it!”
“You’re right of course,” Ahn Sangmin nodded sagely, Kichul imitating his nod at his side, “My apologies for taking up your time, I’ll leave you to your afternoon- Wait-” Ahn Sangmin cut himself off mid-sentence as a sudden realisation of what Lee Joohee had said struck him.
“Y-You said that he faced a D-Rank monster head on by himself and… only got scratched-?” Ahn Sangmin barely managed to ask through his disbelief. An E-Rank on the bottom of the scale managing to hold back a D-Rank monster. Solo?! It was borderline impossible. Anyone else would have died. And from Kichul’s wordless sputtering at his side, his assistant agreed.
“Yes, he managed to keep it off of me before one of the other D-Ranks got to it- he even got injured from it as usual, why?” Ahn Sangmin watched in disbelief as Lee Joohee answered the question nonchalantly, as if she thought it was normal.
“Ah, no reason- please excuse me Miss Lee. Please enjoy the rest of your afternoon” Ahn Sangmin barely managed to keep himself from tripping over his words as his mind span.
It was supposed to be the other way around. Higher ranked Hunters die in dungeons below their grade when they get cocky and don’t do their research.
Even A-Ranks.
So how. How has one of the lowest rated E-Ranks Ahn Sangmin has ever seen managed to survive in Dungeons above his rating…?
Ahn Sangmin’s eyes widened as a sudden idea struck him with the force of a train.
So many Hunters’ lives could be saved… If Ahn Sangmin played his cards right- if he got his Guild Master Baek involved… It might work.
“You said his name was… Sung Jinwoo, correct?” Ahn Sangmin asked, barely noting the woman’s bewildered nod before he politely bade her farewell and made his exit.
“Mr Ahn? What’s got you so worked up?” Kichul asked hurriedly, scurrying along after Ahn Minsung as he strode purposefully back to the company car. “Are you really that upset about Miss Lee not wanting to join?”
“No- Kichul.” Ahn Sangmin froze, hand clenched on the handle of the car door. “I’ve just thought about something better.” Sangmin swallowed as he ran through the logistics of his idea in his mind.
“I’m going to recruit Hunter Sung Jinwoo”
“You’re what?”
SKT
“You’re what?”
Baek Yoonho leaned back in his luxurious office chair, taken aback. When his Chief Surveillance officer had called him in for a meeting, Yoonho had assumed that it would be regarding a potential high ranking recruit like Kim Chul, not…
“I am requesting permission to recruit Hunter Sung Jinwoo!”
Baek Yoonho silently raised a brow in bewilderment, watching as Ahn Sangmin sweated nervously before him.
“Sung Jinwoo?” Baek Yoonho asked once again, mind still stuck in a cycle of disbelief as he glanced down Hunter Sung’s file and the picture of the frail, awkward looking kid, “An E-Rank Hunter? You want to… recruit them into the White Tiger Guild…?”
“Yes.” Ahn Sangmin stood firm under the weight of Baek Yoonho’s incredulous stare- which was impressive even of itself as many unawakened and lower ranked hunters tended to cower a little in his presence- despite his best efforts with his own employees.
“I believe that Sung Jinwoo would be beneficial to our guild,” Ahn Sangmin’s eyes glinted with a confidence and passion that took Baek Yoonho aback.
Beneficial huh…? Baek Yoonho took a moment to think about Ahn Sangmin’s request, lacing his hands together beneath his chin as he stared intently at his sweating 2nd division Monitoring Chief. He wouldn’t directly approach me for logistics and accounting hires- which would better suit an E-Rank Hunter, so this has to be Dungeon related. But…
“You know that White Tiger recruits from C-Rank and up for raids, right?” Yoonho asked rhetorically.
“Yes Guildmaster,” Ahn Sangmin replied evenly, “I am suggesting a different route with Hunter Sung Jinwoo”
“Oh?” Baek Yoonho raised a single brow in interest, intrigued by the genuine fervour in his subordinate’s eyes. “What’s your idea?”
“I don’t want to recruit Hunter Sung Jinwoo for raids…” Baek Yoonho watched as Ahn Sangmin’s enthusiasm only seemed to build, “I want to recruit him as a trainer…”
“A trainer…?” Baek Yoonho asked haltingly, struggling to wrap his mind around the unexpected words.
“Yes.” Ahn Sangmin straightened his shoulders confidently even under Baek Yoonho’s intense gaze- he must have been supremely confident to not falter even in the face of Yoonho himself. “Please have a look at Hunter Sung Jinwoo’s file, sir.”
His file? Baek Yoonho raised a brow sceptically. An E-Rank Hunter’s file? What would be interesting in there, other than a few low-scale E-Rank gates? At most there’ll be a few gates a year, no more than a single page…
Yoonho’s thoughts trailed off as his eyes caught the sprawling list.
No… That’s statistically impossible…
Baek Yoonho thought numbly, flipping faster and faster through page after page of registered completed Raids spanning years. E-Rank gates- D-Rank gates-
There’s no way… Baek Yonhoo leant back in his seat, if he were anything less than S-Rank, his disbelief and sheer shock would be on full display. It’s physically impossible for an E-Rank Hunter to survive this many Raids- the average E-Rank dies after ten E-Rank gates, let alone the hundreds that Sung Jinwoo has survived, let alone the D-Ranks-
“These records aren’t falsified, right Chief Ahn?” Baek Yoonho laced his scarred fingers beneath his chin as he saw Ahn Sangmin’s proposal in a new light.
“No Guild Master, they’re not.” Ahn Sangmin replied, taking great care to keep any trace of smugness and ‘I told you so’ out of his voice. It would be unprofessional after all. “Hunter Sung must be an expert in Dungeon survival, and the number one cause of Hunter deaths in Dungeons is-”
“Acting cocky and lack of proper instruction.” Baek Yoonho’s eyes widened, only his composure as an S-Rank kept the budding excitement from showing on his face. “And if Sung Jinwoo were to instruct our own Hunters…”
“Our mortality rate would decrease and our Raid efficiency increase.” Ahn Sangmin’s wide eyes seemed to glint in the airy lighting of Baek Yoonho’s office.
Would it work…? Baek Yoonho’s eyes bored into the luxurious lacquered wood of his office desk in intense thought, Sung Jinwoo is a low ranker, which means that he wouldn't grate against a higher ranker’s instincts- like a mouse before a lion. If Sung Jinwoo gains enough respect for higher rankers to listen, then…
“Guild Master? May I have permission to recruit-”
“Do it.”