The F-Rank Guild Master Has Too Much Money Chapter 3

 

Gods with nasty personalities often add a “dirt spoon” background when creating heroes—just for their own amusement. Unfortunately for me, one of those twisted gods happened to be my brother.

 

If he was going to make me a hero anyway, would it have killed him to place me in a diamond spoon household?

 

But expecting generosity from that bastard is like expecting a Balrog to run a charity drive.

 

Giving me a dirt spoon setting in this human life? That wasn’t a coincidence—it was mockery, plain and simple.

 

But there was one thing my dear brother overlooked—

 

I knew the future.

 

In other words, I knew exactly where the jackpot would hit.

 

And the first jackpot was inside the A-rank dungeon that appeared today.

 

I hailed a cab and headed toward Namdaemun Market, near Myeongdong.

 

All direct transportation to Myeongdong had been blocked due to the dungeon outbreak. But for someone like me—a regressor from the future—that wasn’t a problem.

 

This dungeon outbreak was unprecedented in Korean history. The government and the Hunter Association were in total disarray and hadn’t managed to secure the area properly.

 

“Sorry, sir. We can’t go any further from here.”

 

“That’s fine. I’ll get out here.”

 

‘Piece of cake.’

 

After spending eleven years working under a low-ranked Hunter, Myeongdong was practically my second home—our office had been based here.

 

‘I could find my way around blindfolded.’

 

I chuckled to myself as I moved easily through the panicked, evacuating crowd.

 

Most people still had no clue, but the Myeongdong dungeon was actually a three-layered ant nest.

 

And thanks to the ants’ hoarding instincts, this dungeon became famous for its massive loot drops.

 

Sure, Hunters came for the gold—but what they really wanted was the S-rank necklace that had a slim chance of dropping from the queen ant on the third floor.

 

Although it was classified as an S-rank item, the Queen Ant’s Necklace had exceptional effects.

 

Beyond its naturally high defense, it had a <Damage Reflection> option—something you couldn’t find in any armor. It was every Hunter’s dream.

 

‘That necklace only dropped twice in history—once from this dungeon, and once again from a similar ant nest ten years later.’

 

Normally, I’d need to form a party and carefully plan every move to clear a dungeon like this.

 

But now that my divine power had awakened?

 

I didn’t need anyone.

 

Why bother with healers or tanks?

 

I had the power of a god.

 

All I had to do was walk in, unleash a bit of that power, and stroll back out.

 

Playing the role of a hero would be effortless—and the hefty paycheck that came with it was just a nice bonus.

 

I already felt like a billionaire. My stride was light, and even the long walk felt weightless.

 

When I finally reached the A-rank dungeon, a glowing gate shimmered at the center of the ruined area.

 

“Lucky.”

 

A dungeon gate glows translucent white when it’s untouched. Once someone enters, it turns red.

 

‘First thing I’m doing once I get paid is moving out. Goodbye, moldy-ass basement.’

 

I had a full schedule today—slay some ants, earn my Hunter license, and more.

 

Just as I stepped toward the gate, someone grabbed my shoulder.

 

I turned to see a woman with her long hair tied up in a high ponytail, a deep frown on her face.

 

‘Lee So-mi?’

 

The first female Hunter in Korea, and the only person in the world who could swing a greatsword as tall as herself.

 

Lee So-mi—S-rank Hunter and vice-guildmaster of the Kyunghee Guild.

 

Now that I thought about it, the Kyunghee Guild was the one that cleared this ant nest in my past life.

 

The guildmaster, Kang Geon-hee, another S-rank, had led the raid. So-mi and three A-rank members had followed him in—and they cleared the whole thing, though it had taken them quite a while.

 

“You look like a civilian. You shouldn’t be here.”

 

“I’m not a civilian.”

 

“Do you have a Hunter ID?”

 

“Do I need to show it to you?”

 

I brushed her hand off my shoulder and kept walking, but she grabbed my wrist this time.

 

‘What the hell? Time’s ticking—why is she interfering?’

 

I frowned at her. She took a breath, then said:

 

“I know it’s listed as an A-rank, but the wave readings are almost S-rank. Even experienced Hunters wouldn’t go in lightly. Please don’t be reckless—turn back.”

 

“I know it’s an A-rank.”

 

I shook off her grip again, but this time she stepped in front of me, blocking my path with a forced smile.

 

“Why are you doing this?”

 

“Sorry, but this is our guild’s first time clearing this dungeon too. If something happens to you, we won’t be able to help.”

 

“I don’t need rescuing.”

 

“Seriously. We won’t be able to save you.”

 

“I said—I don’t need saving.”

 

At my firm response, she suddenly grabbed my wrist again and yanked me backward.

 

“Ugh!”

 

Dragged helplessly by the raw strength of an S-rank Hunter, I couldn’t even break free. The more I resisted, the more my wrist throbbed.

 

“Let go of me!”

 

“Jeez, you’re really stubborn.”

 

“I told you I’ll be fine! Why do you even care?!”

 

“Hunters are obligated to protect civilians.”

 

Once she seemed satisfied I was far enough from the gate, she finally let go of my wrist.

 

“Sorry. That probably hurt.”

 

“You think that counts as an apology?!”

 

There wasn’t a bruise, but my wrist was visibly red. Seeing it, So-mi looked slightly embarrassed.

 

“Sorry… but you weren’t listening.”

 

“So just because you’re a Hunter, I have to do whatever you say?”

 

“Like I said, civilians aren’t allowed to enter dungeons. If you’re really a Hunter, then show me your Hunter ID. Otherwise, I can’t let you go in.”

 

This back-and-forth was getting nowhere. I sighed and muttered,

 

“Looks like I don’t have a choice.”

 

“Huh?”

 

Still rubbing my reddened wrist, I flicked my hand sharply through the air.

 

A sudden gust of wind stirred up debris and dust from the collapsed buildings around us—remnants of the dungeon’s emergence.

 

“What the—?!”

 

Using the dust storm to block her view, I sprinted toward the gate with wind-enhanced speed.

 

“Hey!!”

 

“Thanks for your concern!”

 

As So-mi charged through the swirling dust behind me, I reached the gate just as a brilliant light erupted beneath my feet.

 

* * * 

 

I shut my eyes against the blinding flash, and when I opened them again, I was inside a dark, cavernous space.

 

Stalactites hung from the ceiling like jagged teeth, holding the entire structure together.

 

“Looks just like an ant nest.”

 

Just then, another burst of light flared in the middle of the darkness.

 

As the glow faded, a silver fox appeared, its fluffy tail swaying gracefully.

 

‘A fox? In an ant nest?’

 

Confused, I narrowed my eyes at it—until the fox suddenly spoke, its voice echoing directly in my head.

 

【Well, well. So the rumors were true. Aether really did become human. Keke.】

 

‘Wait, how does this fox know I’m Aether? And it’s speaking directly into my mind… Is it some kind of oracle? A messenger from another god? Just what is this fox?’

 

The fox and I locked eyes like we were engaged in a silent standoff.

 

‘…Is it a dungeon mob?’

 

No—that didn’t make sense.

 

In an ant nest, only ants should exist. And dungeon mobs are generated with the dungeon itself—they don’t suddenly appear in a flash of light like this. Which means… this fox must be…

 

【Aether, I’m a little hurt. Don’t you recognize me?】

 

“Hey, fox. If I did know you, I’d be thrilled to say hi. But who the hell are you?”

 

If it knew I was Aether, then it could only mean one thing—it was a god.

 

【You’re still way too soft. No wonder Corne always walks all over you. Tsk tsk. Silly as ever…】

 

Silly. That word struck a chord.

 

There was only one god who used to call me that.

 

【Kekeke. Even as a human, you’re so easy to read.】

 

“…Shayna?”

 

【Bingo. Though you sure took your sweet time recognizing your only friend. I’m a little offended, you know.】

 

The fox—no, Shayna—casually licked her paw and dabbed at her ear.

 

【So I heard you made a bet with Corne? Never thought you’d actually go through with this whole hero thing. Kyakyakya!】

 

“What? Who said that? He’s the one who turned me human and dumped me here!”

 

【Who cares? Haha, haha.】

 

“You think this is funny? You’re seriously laughing?!”

 

I grabbed her tail and gave it a good shake.

 

But the more I shook her, the harder she laughed. Tears welled up in her eyes—not from pain, but from laughing too much.

 

【Kyakyak! You two brothers are ridiculous! A god playing the role of a hero—what kind of absurd twist is that?】

 

“Oh, so my suffering’s a comedy show to you now?”

 

【That’s what you get for having a brother like Corne. Call it karma. What else can I say?】

 

Karma, huh… sure. Let’s go with that.

 

I let go of her tail. There was no point—tormenting her wouldn’t make her suffer anyway.

 

Shayna spun once in midair and landed gracefully on all fours.

 

【So, you’re really going through with the bet?】

 

“Yeah. I’ve already started this stupid hero act. Might as well stop the apocalypse while I’m at it.”

 

At that, Shayna clicked her tongue in amusement.

 

I sighed deeply—and then it hit me. She had called my name earlier, before I said anything.

 

“…Wait a second. How did you even know I was here?”

 

【Corne said something fun was happening and told me to come watch.】

 

‘Watch…? Seriously? So I’m just entertainment now. He actually sent her to observe me in this pathetic state. Hah… that bastard.’

 

“That crazy bastard… What am I, a zoo animal now?! Watching me like this—is anyone else here too?”

 

【…I’m the only one who came down in person. The rest are probably watching from the stands.】

 

“The stands? Seriously? Who would want to watch this garbage? They’ve already seen a thousand heroes save the world.”

 

【Ah, but this one’s special. This time, the hero is a god. That’s jackpot-level content!】

 

“Jackpot, my ass. Don’t they have better things to do? If they’re wasting time watching this, they should be managing their own damn worlds.”

 

【Fair point… Oh! Hey, bow your head for a second!】

 

“What? Why?”

 

【Just do it! I’ve got something good for you.】

 

At Shayna’s urging, I bent one knee and lowered my head. The fox pressed her front paw to my forehead.

 

The moment her paw touched me, a system pop-up appeared in front of my eyes:

 

[You have acquired the skill <Whisper of the Gods> and the skill <Helping Hand>.]

 

“Huh? A skill window?”

 

[Skill Window]

 

• Wind Blow – F Rank [Basic Skill]

Allows the user to create and control wind at will.

Activation Condition: None.

 

• God’s Whisper – S Rank [Special Skill]

Grants the ability to hear the voices of gods.

Activation Condition: None.

 

• Helping Hand – S Rank [Special Skill]

Receive assistance from a god.

Activation Condition: None.

 

• Clairvoyance (??? Rank) [Special Skill]

????????????

Activation Condition: ?????

 

Oh? I’ve got skills now.

 

I stared curiously at the window—something I never saw before I regressed.

 

Maybe it appeared after I awakened my divine power?

 

One skill in particular caught my attention.

 

Clairvoyance? Why is that even in my skill list?

 

【Hmm… should I test something?】

 

Shayna extended her tiny paw and began tapping the air like she was typing on an invisible keyboard.

 

–Ding-dong–

 

A notification sound rang in my ears. A message?

 

☆Beautiful Shayna has donated 100 Mana Stones.☆

→ Just a test. Take it and shoo.