Ownership of the dungeon still belonged to the Yeollak Guild. However, there were many opinions that the seriousness of the matter had to be considered.
Therefore, for this instance, it was agreed to treat the dungeon in accordance with an S-class special level. Through a meeting with the Hunter Management Bureau, the primary exploration of the Gate was scheduled to be conducted as a guild alliance.
According to the Bureau’s regulations, any guild wishing to participate in the initial raid upon the Gate opening was allowed to enter. There were a total of about ten guilds that expressed their intention to participate.
“The minimum entry requirement is five people per team, so even by a conservative estimate, that is a total of 50 people. For a D-rank dungeon, that is an absurdly high number of personnel.”
Gong Sijin spread out the briefing materials. Emphasizing once again that it was confidential, he looked at each person gathered in the meeting room one by one.
“From our guild, the personnel present here will enter. Hunter Gong Siyoung, Hunter Myeong Haejin, Hunter Woo Yujin, Hunter Gu Jayoung, and finally Hunter Julian, making a total of five people. Any questions so far?”
Woo Yujin, who had been restlessly shifting in his seat, raised his hand high. Gong Sijin pointed to him.
“Yes, Hunter Woo Yujin. Please speak.”
“I was wondering what Hunter Julian’s position will be? When I saw him last time, he looked like a long-range dealer or a supporter, but what is his rank?”
Julian pointed to his own chest with his fingertips. Woo Yujin nodded to signify he was correct.
“I asked him directly, but he said he didn’t really know.”
In the process of several internal meetings following the event, Woo Yujin had also learned of Julian’s identity.
The fact that a person from another world actually existed was shocking, but more surprising than that was Julian’s ability.
Without skills or items, he created various things at will. The term “Mage” could not have suited him better.
Furthermore, Woo Yujin had already received Julian’s help inside the dungeon once before. Perhaps because of that, his attitude toward Julian was quite favorable.
“Hmm… Hunter Julian’s rank, you say…”
Gong Sijin scratched his cheek. It was after he had already failed once at measuring the rank, and the plan to find out by using a trick had fizzled out due to the appearance of the nested Gate.
In this situation, he couldn’t know Julian’s rank, but… if he were to make a guess, around what level should he be considered?
“I suspect he might be at least over B-rank. Calling him S-class lacks reality, and while he seems like an A-class, it is difficult to be certain… Could we roughly estimate it at about B++?”
Gong Sijin let his voice trail off. It was also just an uncertain guess on his part. No one could easily answer the statement that he would likely be somewhere around B to A.
“What on earth does that mean? Is this an asset management report? Are you doing a credit rating evaluation right now?”
Gong Siyoung scolded him, telling him not to say such ridiculous things. Since Woo Yujin had been thinking something similar, the atmosphere became even more awkward.
Julian, who did not understand the terms themselves, asked what an asset management report was. Myeong Haejin, who was inwardly admiring the new unit of B++, whispered into his ear.
The white-haired one and the pink-haired one sat closely together and whispered something or other.
Exactly when did they meet for them to be engaging in physical contact so naturally? At the sight of the two of them, Gong Siyoung’s eyebrows twitched.
‘What is this, seriously.’
He was increasingly getting a knot in his stomach at the way he was acting friendly with Myeong Haejin. It had been like that the whole time since they arrived at the meeting room.
I guess he acts like that with anyone as long as they are nice to him? Exactly how flighty can a person be to act like that? And what about his eye for people?
‘He doesn’t even think about the sincerity of me feeding him freshly cooked rice and meat soup.’
Even though they just met today, does it make any sense for him to be completely distracted by Myeong Haejin? Even if there is no one else to get close to, why of all people does it have to be that guy?
Gong Siyoung glared at the two of them while tapping his leg incessantly. Myeong Haejin, noticing the venomous gaze, pulled the corners of his mouth into a smile. He draped his arm over Julian’s shoulder as if to show off.
Is that guy seriously playing games? It was clear he was doing it on purpose. Seeing that brazen face made anger bubble up inside him.
“Make sure you have a firm grasp of the material before entering the Gate. Also, remember that our goal is strictly exploration. There is no need for you all to take unnecessary risks. If a problem occurs or in a crisis situation, take care of your own safety first. Since Hunter Haejin is the leader for this raid, you must not forget to cooperate with his instructions as much as possible. Are you listening, Hunter Siyoung?”
Gong Sijin pointedly mentioned Gong Siyoung. Gong Siyoung, who was sitting with his legs crossed crookedly, nodded reluctantly.
He hated Myeong Haejin terribly, but even so, he had no intention of ruining the team atmosphere before even entering the dungeon.
He also knew how to strictly separate public and private matters. If the Guild Master had appointed Myeong Haejin as the leader, it was right to respect that. Even though he hated it so much it felt like he would die, or like tears would come out, what else could he do?
Because his thoughts were revealed plainly on his face, his expression was grim. It was ambiguous from his face alone whether he meant to listen or not. Gong Sijin scratched his head.
Until then, Myeong Haejin, who had been glancing at Gong Siyoung and chuckling weakly, clapped his hands. The topic changed quickly.
“Don’t worry, Master! I will take responsibility and return safely and securely from this raid.”
Gong Sijin smiled slightly at Myeong Haejin’s spirited reply. He patted Myeong Haejin’s shoulder.
“Of course. I am counting only on Hunter Haejin.”
Although Gong Siyoung’s abilities were outstanding, he had no talent for team play at all. Conversely, Myeong Haejin was a person who would do anything for the sake of the team.
For that reason, Gong Sijin appointed Myeong Haejin as the team leader. He would surely make the optimal decision in any unexpected situation.
“Well then, shall we head out? Before going, shall Yuri and Siyoung talk privately for a moment?”
Those who had gathered their materials left the meeting room. At Gong Sijin’s gesture, Julian and Gong Siyoung approached. After confirming the door was closed, Gong Sijin linked arms with Julian.
“I heard the story. I heard you discovered an outbreak dungeon during the day.”
His eyes were sparkling. His voice lowered as if telling a secret. Gong Sijin, covering his mouth, whispered so only the two of them could hear.
“I heard that Yuri was the first to notice that too? I didn’t know our Yuri had such a talent.”
A warm breeze blew in the gaze that looked at Julian as if he were incredibly praiseworthy. Julian scratched his head awkwardly at the compliment that he was talented in many ways.
For his part, he had no memory of doing anything specific. He had only said a single word—that something was visible over there.
Practically speaking, the people who made the report and handled it were others. Perhaps because of that, Gong Sijin’s attitude felt very awkward.
“You ate well, right? Did Siyoung take good care of you? I don’t know if you slept well. Is there anything uncomfortable or difficult for you? If there is anything you need, please tell me right away, Yuri. I will do my best to serve you.”
If he stayed a bit longer, he was likely to look into Julian’s biorhythms and even his fortune. Gong Siyoung subtly blocked the space in front of Julian to tell him to stop.
“Shouldn’t we be going now? You said there’s no time.”
“Ah, right. Look at me. It’s nothing else, I wanted to give this to you before you go into the dungeon.”
He held out a cell phone. Reflexively, Gong Siyoung reached out to take the phone, but Gong Sijin quickly stepped back. He pointed at Julian.
“It’s not yours, it’s Yuri’s. I’ve already opened the account and saved all the necessary numbers. You can learn how to use it one by one from Siyoung… Oh, I’ve also put some materials in here that look useful, so please look through them when you have time.”
Various apps were installed inside the phone. The Hunter Management Bureau app, the Yeollak Guild’s exclusive app, a video platform, and even a children’s common sense dictionary—these were things Gong Sijin had carefully selected after much thought.
Julian, who received the cell phone from Gong Sijin, let out a gasp of admiration.
“This is that thing you called a communication tool, right?”
“That’s right. It’s called a smartphone. It’s my small gift for Yuri.”
Saying he had set his own number as speed dial number 1, he pressed the Talk button. Immediately, the signal went through.
“Wow…”
The admiration continued even though he had only placed one call. Julian held the phone tightly with both hands like it was precious. Gong Sijin smiled heartwarmingly at the sight of him being happy like a child.
“I’m glad you’re happy. Siyoung, take responsibility and teach him how to use it. Got it?”
Julian nodded. Gong Siyoung, who was suddenly tasked with smartphone education, furrowed his eyebrows.
“Yuri, would you like to head out first? Siyoung will stay behind a bit longer.”
Julian, distracted by the smartphone, headed for the door. Only after watching him leave did Gong Sijin put his arm around Siyoung’s shoulder.
“Siyoung. This matter is likely to become a bit complicated.”
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