Dungeon Monsters Keep Offering Sacrifices

57 – Tide of Death (3)

It’s been 25 years since monsters appeared in the world.

During this time, humanity has progressed, and by now, the systems have developed so well that even when problems arise, they can be handled swiftly.

When major events like Monster Waves occur, the awakened centers in the respective regions detect them first.

Based on that information, reports are sent to the higher authority, the Dungeon Management Bureau, and eventually, the situation rapidly spreads to the Hunter Association.

Of course, in this process, hunters are deployed first to minimize damage.

It wasn’t only hunters who were deployed at the scene of the incident.

“Breaking news! There’s currently news of a Monster Wave occurring in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province!”

The announcer urgently conveyed the news.

“We will provide detailed information as it comes in!”

Even at midnight, everyone was tuned in to the news, broadcasting related updates.

Reporters who had already arrived at the scene were pouring out real-time breaking news articles.

“…We have invited Professor Oh Dong-seok, who has been researching monsters for a long time, regarding the current breaking news.”

The quick-footed ones not only deployed cameras to the scene but had already secured experts for insights.

“Hello. I’m Oh Dong-seok.”

The person introducing himself shortly was Professor Oh Dong-seok, working at the Hunter Academy.

Although introduced as a monster researcher, he originally was an active hunter.

He was even a first-generation hunter in the early days.

Having been active on the front lines, despite being in his middle age, his physique was robust.

Even now, his imposing figure was enough to make an impression on the news desk.

“Yes, Professor. It’s a pleasure. We apologize for bringing you into such a tense situation.”

The announcer smoothly initiated the conversation.

“hahahaha, it’s alright.”

Oh Dong-seok awkwardly chuckled, waiting for the next words to follow.

“Currently, there has been a Monster Wave in our country. Would it be okay to explain to the viewers exactly what a Monster Wave is while watching the news?”

Professor Oh Dong-seok responded to the announcer’s question.

“Yes, firstly, a Monster Wave refers to the phenomenon of monsters coming out of dungeons. The most plausible hypothesis is that it’s due to a rapid increase in the number of monsters within the dungeons. Think of it as monsters escaping from a cramped home; that might make it easier to understand.”

“Ah, I see. So, as you mentioned, a Monster Wave occurs when dungeons can no longer contain the monsters. Ultimately, isn’t the issue that the dungeons were neglected until the current situation arose?”

Oh Dong-seok nodded in response to the announcer’s question.

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As a result, the government and guilds periodically clear the dungeons.

They either destroy the core of the dungeon to completely eliminate it or periodically remove only the monsters to utilize the dungeon.

For instance, if a dungeon is deemed too dangerous or is poorly situated for management, they just eradicate the dungeon itself.

Conversely, if it’s easy to manage or the dungeon holds significant value, they utilize it either for training hunters or for acquiring resources.

Twenty-five years ago, during the Great Upheaval on Earth.

Oh Dong-seok thought that humanity gained both despair and hope simultaneously.

With the appearance of dungeons and monsters, humanity experienced another significant advancement.

The resources stored within the dungeons alongside the byproducts of monsters and the flora and fauna unique to the dungeons presented a new paradigm to humanity.

In short, the dungeons were both a disaster and a blessing to humanity.

“Before discussing the negligence in neglecting the dungeons, we need to see who was responsible for managing those dungeons. If someone within the government or guilds neglected the management, leading to this situation, then they can’t escape responsibility.”

The government couldn’t handle all these numerous dungeons alone.

Therefore, guilds, with the government’s approval, also manage the dungeons.

Of course, it wasn’t initially proposed by the government.

The guilds pressured the government to manage the dungeons in order to secure their own interests.

“Yes, I’ve heard your explanation. Professor. According to the information received, even the Association’s emergency response team has been mobilized.

It’s been rare for the Association to intervene directly, but it seems the situation is deemed serious. How do you view this, Professor?”

“Well, I need to be cautious in my words since there hasn’t been an official announcement… but it seems the Association sees this Monster Wave as at least a Grade B or higher threat.”

Taking a sip of water in front of him, Oh Dong-seok continued, “Additionally, the type of monsters that have appeared is crucial. Broadly speaking, monsters can be divided into two categories.”

Oh Dong-seok extended two fingers.

“There are those monsters that act solely based on their desires. These can be seen as primitive monsters in themselves. Conversely, there are those that possess intelligence.”

“Intelligent monsters… Professor, if the monsters leading this situation are said to be intelligent, wouldn’t it be quite challenging for our hunters?”

The announcer emphasized ‘our hunters’ in her question.

“I cannot say for certain. On the contrary, if the monsters are intelligent, there might be room for negotiation.”

Oh Dong-seok continued with his explanation.

Monsters with intelligence sometimes made proposals to humans first.

In fact, there were cases where intelligent monsters offered hunters compensation to protect their dungeons, ensuring their survival.

Conversely, there were instances where hunters initiated negotiations with dungeon owners, begging for their lives.

As such, if a monster possessed intelligence, there was always a possibility of negotiation.

During the discussion of related stories, the announcer interrupted Professor Oh Dong-seok.

“Oh! We have breaking news just in. The emergency response team from the Hunter Association has arrived at the scene. We will connect the cameras at the scene.”

The screen, which had been showing the announcer and Professor Oh Dong-seok, shifted to the scene where the monster wave had appeared.

In the field, hunters from the emergency response team were gathered.

And in front of them.

– We would like to negotiate with you.

The entity leading the monster wave spoke.

“It seems the word ‘negotiation’ has come up, as the professor mentioned. It appears to be an intelligent being, as he said.”

However, the hunters rejected the proposal.

Oh Dong-seok silently stared at the screen.

The monster that mentioned negotiation seemed to be saying something, but it was not audible.

Instead, the hunters began to push the reporters back, and the screen gradually distanced itself.

“Oh, it looks like the hunters are about to attack!”

One of the hunters from the emergency response team moved.

Light emanated from his entire body.

“Is that Yimira Hunter?”

Oh Dong-seok thought for a moment as he watched the screen.

Yimira.

She was a graduate of the Hunter Academy, and Oh Dong-seok himself had taught her during her student days.

“Now that she’s stepped forward, it should be resolved soon.”

Her current grade is B.

However, Oh Dong-seok thought differently.

Even if she were an A-class hunter, it wouldn’t be unreasonable.

Her abilities were top-notch.

That’s why she had joined the best guild and now, of her own choice, joined the emergency response team.

‘An attack utilizing divine power….’

Many of the creatures comprising this current monster wave were undead.

There were even some that appeared to be Death Knights and Liches.

All of them possessed the attribute of darkness.

‘The attribute of darkness is vulnerable to that of light.’

The ability possessed by Imira was an attack using divine power, an attribute of light.

‘So, there was a belief hidden somewhere.’

When the monsters first proposed negotiations, the emergency response team initially declined. After all, the situation was precarious.

If the monsters were to engage in negotiations and humanity rejected them, it would stain the Hunter Association with the stigma of abandoning humanity.

But could they afford to decline negotiations? What if refusing led to even greater losses?

In such a situation, the emergency response team opted for the orthodox method.

They centered around Imira, with surrounding hunters bestowing buff skills upon her.

“How do you perceive the current situation, Professor?”

Even amidst this, the announcer’s questioning persisted.

Assurance was probably necessary.

“Well, it was all talk. I believe this particular monster wave won’t conclude with just this.”

Even if the Death Knight was classified as an A-rank monster, it couldn’t exert its strength alone.

Thus, Oh Dong-seok too viewed the current situation optimistically.

“As expected. Oh, the hunters’ attack has just begun!”

The announcer’s expression brightened.

Imira’s divine power attack soared toward the monsters.

A massive explosion ensued, shrouding the area in thick smoke.

“Well, thankfully. The monster wave seems to have been stopped—”

The announcer halted mid-sentence.

“….”

Oh Dong-seok also stopped speaking, gazing solely at the screen.

No, everyone inside the studio fell silent.

“Huh?”

The scene where the smoke vanished and revealed itself was shocking.

Hunter’s attack was blocked.

And the entity that blocked the attack was Deathknight.

But that wasn’t the problem.

A massive shield held by Deathknight.

And a maid outfit hanging in front of the shield.

Amidst the silence, only the maid outfit fluttered, showcasing its presence.

* * *

Since the broadcast, the Hunter community and Hunternet had gone into a frenzy.

It was truly chaotic.

“A Maid Cafe opened in Anyang!!”

(Picture of a fluttering maid outfit.jpg)

It was none other than Deathmaid-jjang lololololololol

┗ Japan unleashed a poison on Korea! Japan, apologize! Japan unleashed a poison on Korea! Japan, apologize! Japan unleashed a poison on Korea! Japan, apologize!

┗ Monster turned into a maid ㅗㅜㅑ

┗ What the hell is going on there…

┗ Damn, it’s so gay……

“Hunter Association, what the hell?”

If the association president is this incompetent, just disband it lololololololol

Recommendations: 674 Dislikes: 1

┗ Seriously, what the hell does the association even do? They are just incompetent, trying to squeeze commissions out of us.

┗ For real lololol losing to a guy like that? lololololololol

┗ Association president dislikes real-name system lololololololol

“Wait, they’re blocking that attack?”

Turns out the maid outfit is a damn scam item?

┗ Oh

┗ Oh…

┗ Is there really a reason?

┗ Looking for a Deathknight subjugation party (1/10)

┗ With 10 people, we’ll get subjugated lololololololol

“But what about the hunter next to the monster?”

Why is he with the monster?

┗ Oh? Now that I look at it, you’re right.

┗ What is it? Did that guy attach himself to the monster?

“hahahaha, Deathknight, this crazy guy.”

(Deathknight.gif, defending against all hunter attacks)

He’s really good at blocking, huh? What’s this guy’s identity? Wow.

┗ I’m scared…

┗ hahahaha, let’s go, our country is doomed.

┗ Hey, isn’t that guy an S-rank monster?

┗ Damn it, Deathknight is A-rank, what nonsense is this?

┗ Real deal.

Even Lee Kanghyun, who was in the midst of drawing items, connected to Hunternet at this moment.

“Whoa. What’s going on all of a sudden?”

Emergency messages about the monster wave kept coming in.

In the midst of this, it wasn’t the atmosphere for drawing items while playing a game.

Lee Kanghyun checked the posts coming up on Hunternet.

Most of the real-time posts were related to the monster wave.

Among them, posts about Deathknight were overwhelming.

“This is insane.”

Seeing Deathknight blocking the attacks gave him goosebumps.

“Wow, that guy is truly insane.”

At the same time, Lee Kanghyun burst into laughter at the sight of the shield that Deathknight was holding.

“hehehehe. What is that?”

The maid outfit attached to the front of the shield caught his eye.

The combination of Deathknight and the shield didn’t match at all, creating even more discomfort.

In reality, most of the real-time reactions were only talking about Deathknight and the maid outfit.

“No matter how you look at it, that guy must be the owner of the dungeon, right? Isn’t that right, Maruya?”

Lee Kanghyun spoke, looking at Maru.

If it’s a monster with that much impact, it must definitely be the owner of the dungeon.

“Hmm?”

Maru, who always had some reaction when spoken to, was silent for now.

“Maru, what’s wrong?”

As Lee Kanghyun turned his head, he noticed Maru standing still in silence.

Maru just gazed steadily at Lee Kanghyun.

“Why are you staring at me like that? Do I have something on my face?”

As Lee Kanghyun continued to speak, Maru finally responded.

“Hard—”

If it were in the past, Lee Kanghyun might not have understood Maru’s words, but now it was different.

With the emergence of abilities, he began to hear the words of monsters.

“Hmm? ‘You are the master’?”

In response to Lee Kanghyun’s question, Maru spoke again.

“Hard—”

This time, Lee Kanghyun pointed with his hand at the Death Knight he had been looking at.

Then he pointed back at himself.

“Hard—”

Huh?

“That Death Knight is me…?”

Lee Kanghyun raised his head, and something flashed in his mind.

“Oh, no way.”

In response to Lee Kanghyun’s question, Maru nodded.

“… It can’t be, right?”

Lee Kanghyun quickly launched the game.

Then he clicked on Azmo’s dungeon.

“Crazy!”

Azmo’s dungeon was completely empty.

Not even the appearance of the Death Knight and Lich could be seen.

Just to be sure, he searched through all the dungeons, but they were nowhere to be found.

“Oh…”

With a bewildered look, Lee Kanghyun stared at the news.

In a shield adorned with maid costumes, a Death Knight stood, fending off the attacks of hunters.

Amidst the similar designs of maid costumes, everyone seemed to have forgotten.

It was the costume selection voucher received as a reward for the first real money purchase.

Lee Kanghyun chose a maid costume from there and gifted it to Celia.

Later, when a dress came out, he gave it as a gift to Celia again, leaving the original maid costume for Celia to use as she pleased.

However, the result turned out like this.

“This is something.”

The owner of the Death Knight, exuding a crazy presence while wearing a maid costume, claimed to be himself.

He touched the screen here and there just in case, but there was no way to summon those who had already left the dungeon.

Someone had to control them.

In the current situation, he had no choice but to go himself.

While Lee Kanghyun was contemplating for a while,

– An urgent mission has occurred.

An alarm popped up.

– Rescue Azmo and Vetter!

– Reward: Dungeon ‘Temptation of Illusion’ location transfer ticket

It was an urgent mission to rescue the dungeon manager Azmo and his deputy Vetter.

There was no immediate problem with Death Knight and Arch Lich present.

But if the current situation continued, the government would eventually issue a Hunter Mobilization Order as a last resort.

No matter how strong they were, there was a limit to dealing with the numerous hunters rushing in.

Eventually, someone might be subjugated.

Of course, people might get hurt or die in the process.

But this incident was a matter of life and death for Lee Kanghyun as well.

“Let’s resolve this quickly.”

They were precious assets guarding Lee Kanghyun’s dungeon.

It was a dungeon connected to his very life.

If the Death Knight and Arch Lich were subjugated, a significant gap would be left in Celia’s dungeon forces.

It was uncertain how that gap would be filled later.

Therefore, a decision had to be made quickly.

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“Isn’t it enough to just bring them before things get worse?”

It shouldn’t be at the cost of further damage.

However, if those guys cause more harm here, it will become irreversible.

The only consolation is that those bastards didn’t inflict significant damage on the hunters. Instead, they seemed to focus solely on defense.

– Evaluating the difficulty of the urgent mission.

– The difficulty of the urgent mission does not match the current level of the dungeon’s owner, Mr. Lee Kang-hyun.

– Temporarily excluding all causality ratios for difficulty adjustment.

– Removing the dimensional portal entry restrictions between the dungeons ‘Nest of Spirits’ and ‘Temptation of Illusions.’

“?”

Dimensional portal entry restrictions lifted!

To Lee Kang-hyun, it was like receiving a stroke of luck.

However, he had no intention of making the same mistake again.

Ultimately, Azmo’s actions were a mistake on his part.

“From now on, I’ll manage all the monster waves myself.”

He had learned the hard way that, at the very least, the monster waves should never be unleashed freely.

And he was determined to set up safety measures.

There was one more thing.

“No, how were Death Knight and Ark Lich able to leave?”

Until now, they couldn’t leave without fussing over causality ratios all the time.

Therefore, Lee Kang-hyun had thought that even if Death Knight and Ark Lich were dispatched, they couldn’t leave the dungeon.

That thought was too naive.

“Well, I’ll figure it out later.”

Whether it was a loophole discovered or some kind of conflict, he would find out later.

For now, it wasn’t the crucial issue.

Taking this incident as a lesson, Lee Kang-hyun immediately issued an order to Celia.

– Bring Azmo and those bastards into the dungeon.

Of course, there was an emphasized and crucial part.

– Absolutely! Do not create any more trouble here. Quietly rescue them only, no matter what it takes.

Now, Celia was the only one he could trust.

“Maru.”

Ikanghyun called Maru’s name.

“Let’s go out too!”

* * *

【Rescue Azmo and bring him back】

Celia, who was attending to her duties, looked up.

It had been a long time since the master issued a command.

【Minimize casualties in this process】

“I follow the great one.”

Celia bowed her head.

This mission was a rather challenging one, rescuing a comrade.

According to the master’s orders, casualties had to be kept to a minimum.

Of course, some precautions had to be taken before initiating any action.

“Shadow, sir.”

As Celia spoke, a shadow appeared behind her.

“Pass this on to Irena.”

Irena, the princess of the Sale Kingdom.

But now, she was on Celia’s side.

“Tell everyone in the kingdom to prohibit entry into the mountains until I return. Those who violate this will be dealt with accordingly.”

The shadow nodded once and disappeared.

At least, there would be no humans entering the mountains through the Sale Kingdom.

Celia immediately called Goblin Lord.

“Goblin Lord, gather your forces from now on. You will come with me. Of course, leave some troops to patrol the forest.”

Goblin Lord received Celia’s orders and quickly summoned his reconnaissance unit.

“Denver.”

Celia called Denver, who roamed the dungeon.

Once an adventurer, he had now become a ghoul and a part of the dungeon.

“Go to the nearby dungeons and inform everyone.”

Celia had four dungeons under her command.

There used to be more, but the great master had merged them all, leaving only four.

Certainly a power worthy of being called a miracle.

“Declare all boundaries of the dungeon to be at their highest. From now on, consider every entity entering the zone as an enemy.”

Particularly, the nagas in Zone 4 were strongly urged to heighten their vigilance.

As soon as Celia gave the command, the nagas emerged from the lake, beginning to guard their surroundings.

Even though this level of caution would deter any intruders from entering the dungeon, Celia conducted a final check.

The nucleus at the center of the dungeon.

And she cast her gaze towards the being guarding that nucleus.

A figure shrouded in a large robe.

“Well, this should be worry-free.”

Celia turned her eyes away.

Now, it was time to depart to carry out the master’s orders.

Celia even summoned the skeleton knights guarding the vicinity of her workspace.

Clank-

Coincidentally, the goblin lord had also completed all preparations.

Under his command, goblins armed to the teeth stood in formation.

Observing this, Celia nodded approvingly.

They were part of the reconnaissance unit guarding the forest around the dungeon.

Therefore, through trade, they had specially equipped themselves with top-notch gear.

They shouldn’t be underestimated, just like regular goblins.

“Now, let’s go carry out the master’s orders.”

A distorted space appeared in front of Celia.

It was a dimensional portal.

Moreover, it was a portal connected to the ‘Temptation of Illusions’ dungeon on Earth.

Celia and the goblin lord started entering the portal.

Following them, the skeleton knights and goblins also headed into the dimensional portal.