The Dimensional Swordmaster C24

Chapter 24. The Unknown Means (4)

Ownership of the dungeon still belonged to the Yeollak Guild. However, many argued that the gravity of the situation could not be ignored.

Thus, for this instance alone, it was agreed that the dungeon would be treated as equivalent to a special S-rank level. Through meetings with the Hunter Management Bureau, the first investigation of the gate would be carried out as a joint-guild operation.

According to Bureau regulations, any guild wishing to participate in the initial raid at gate-open was allowed to enter. Even with that alone, more than ten guilds expressed intention to join.

“With a minimum of five members per team, even conservatively, we’re looking at fifty people in total. For a D-rank dungeon, that number is absurd.”

Gong Sijin opened the briefing documents. After once more emphasizing the confidential nature, he scanned the faces gathered in the room.

“Our guild will be sending the five of you. Hunter Gong Siyoung, Hunter Myung Haejin, Hunter Woo Yujin, Hunter Gu Jayoung, and Hunter Yurian. Any questions so far?”

Woo Yujin, who had been fidgeting nonstop, shot up his hand. Gong Sijin pointed at him.

“Yes, Hunter Woo Yujin. Go ahead.”

“What’s Yurian Hunter’s position supposed to be? Last time, he looked like a ranged dealer or maybe a support… What’s his rank?”

Yurian pointed to himself. Woo Yujin nodded, confirming he meant him.

“I asked him directly, but he said he didn’t know.”

Through several internal meetings, Woo Yujin had learned Yurian’s identity.

The existence of someone from another world was shocking enough—but even more astonishing was Yurian’s ability.

With no skills and no items, he created things freely, at will. The term “mage” suited him better than anything else.

Moreover, Woo Yujin had already received Yurian’s help inside the dungeon. Perhaps because of that, his attitude toward Yurian was quite friendly.

“Hmm… Yurian Hunter’s rank…”

Gong Sijin scratched his cheek. They had already failed at measuring it once, and their plan to find another way had dissolved with the appearance of the overlapping gate.

They had no means of discovering his rank now. Still… if he were to hazard a guess—

“I doubt he’s below B-rank. S-rank feels unlikely, and A-rank seems probable but not definite… So I’d say roughly B-plus-plus?”

His voice trailed off. It was nothing more than uncertain speculation. No one could answer easily to such a vague suggestion—somewhere between the border of B and A.

“What does that even mean? Is this an asset-management report? Are we doing credit rating analysis now?”

Gong Siyoung snapped, telling him to stop spouting nonsense. Woo Yujin had thought something similar, making the atmosphere even more awkward.

Not understanding the term itself, Yurian asked what an “asset-management report” was. Meanwhile, Myung Haejin, secretly impressed by the new concept of “B++,” leaned in to whisper explanations into his ear.

Pink hair and white hair pressed close together, chatting quietly.

How long had they even known each other? When had they become comfortable enough for casual physical contact? Gong Siyoung’s eyebrow twitched sharply.

What the hell is that supposed to be?

Their sudden closeness grated on him. They had been like that ever since entering the conference room.

Was he really that quick to befriend anyone who treated him well? How flighty could a person be? And what of his judgment?

Guess the freshly cooked rice and broth I fed him meant nothing.

How could he latch onto someone he just met today? Even if he had no one else to get close to, why that brat?

Gong Siyoung jiggled his leg irritably as he glared at the two. Noticing the vicious stare, Myung Haejin smirked and deliberately slung an arm around Yurian’s shoulder.

That bastard was doing it on purpose—obviously. Watching that shameless face only stoked his fury.

“Before entering the gate, make sure you thoroughly review the documents. Remember, our objective is exploration. There’s no need to take unnecessary risks. If any emergency arises, your safety takes priority. And since Hunter Haejin is leading this raid, don’t forget to follow his instructions. Understood, Hunter Siyoung?”

Gong Sijin singled him out by name. With one leg crossed at a crooked angle, Gong Siyoung begrudgingly nodded.

He hated Myung Haejin’s guts—but he wasn’t going to sabotage team morale even before entering the dungeon.

He could separate public and private matters. If the Guild Master appointed Myung Haejin as leader, he would respect it. Even if he hated it so badly it nearly made him cry blood—there was nothing to be done.

His expression showed every bit of his inner turmoil, the kind that made it impossible to tell if he intended to cooperate or not. Gong Sijin scratched his head.

Meanwhile, Myung Haejin—who had been smirking at Siyoung the whole time—clapped his hands, shifting the mood instantly.

“Don’t worry, Master! I’ll bring everyone back safe and sound.”

At his spirited declaration, Gong Sijin smiled faintly and patted his shoulder.

“Of course. I trust you, Hunter Haejin.”

Though Gong Siyoung’s strength was undeniable, he lacked talent for teamwork.

Myung Haejin was the opposite—he would do anything for the team.

For that reason, he had been chosen as leader. In any unforeseen crisis, he would make the best decision.

“Alright, then shall we head out? But before we go—Siyoung, Yurian, stay behind for a moment.”

The others gathered their documents and left the room. With a beckoning gesture, Gong Sijin called Yurian and Gong Siyoung closer. Once the door closed, he linked arms with Yurian.

“I heard about it. You discovered a sudden-type dungeon earlier today.”

His eyes sparkled. His voice lowered conspiratorially, as though sharing a secret. Covering his mouth, he whispered so only the two of them could hear:

“And you were the very first to notice it? How does our Yurian have such talents?”

His gaze held the warmth of someone deeply pleased. Flustered by the praise—by being told he was exceptionally gifted—Yurian scratched his head awkwardly.

He didn’t recall doing anything special. He had simply said, “I see something over there.”

The actual reporting and handling had been done by others. Perhaps that was why such affectionate praise felt so unfamiliar.

“You ate well, right? Siyoung treats you properly, doesn’t he? I wonder if you’re sleeping comfortably. Nothing bothering you? If you need anything—anything at all—tell me right away. I’ll make sure you’re taken care of.”

At this rate, he’d start checking Yurian’s biorhythm and fortune calendar.

Stepping in front of Yurian, Gong Siyoung subtly blocked him—as if telling his brother to dial it back.

“Shouldn’t we get going? You said we’re short on time.”

“Oh, right. My mind’s all over the place. I wanted to give you this before you entered the dungeon.”

He held out a phone. Instinctively, Gong Siyoung reached for it, but Gong Sijin quickly pulled it back. He pointed at Yurian.

“Not you—this is for Yurian. It’s already activated, and I saved all the necessary contacts. Siyoung can teach you how to use it. Oh, and I loaded some helpful materials on it as well—look through them when you have time.”

The phone was filled with various apps: the Hunter Management Bureau app, the Yeollak Guild app, a video platform, and even a children’s encyclopedia—apps Gong Sijin had carefully selected for him.

Receiving the phone, Yurian let out a breath of amazement.

“This is that communication device, right?”

“Yes. It’s called a smartphone. A small gift from me to you.”

Proudly, he pressed the speed-dial key, set as number one. The call signal sounded immediately.

“Wow…”

Even a phone call amazed him. Yurian held the device in both hands as if it were a precious treasure.

Watching him light up like a child, Gong Sijin smiled warmly.

“If you’re happy, then I’m happy. Siyoung, you’re responsible for teaching him how to use it, understood?”

Yurian nodded eagerly.

Reluctantly assigned the role of smartphone tutor, Gong Siyoung’s brow creased.

“Yurian, would you step outside for a moment? Siyoung, stay with me.”

Still absorbed in the smartphone, Yurian headed toward the door. Only after watching him leave did Gong Sijin sling an arm around Siyoung.

“Siyoung… Things might get a little complicated this time.”