Chapter 10

Master of Supreme Art (3)

“Hmm?”

As I opened my eyes, the dazzling fluorescent lights assaulted my vision.

The smell of disinfectant stimulated the tip of my nose…

‘A hospital?’

Ah, right.

I cleared the Dungeon, didn’t I?

The Old Man eventually accepted my proposal.

I even received the stage clear message, so it must be certain.

After that, I have no memory, which means

I lost consciousness.

“……”

Just as I was frowning, trying to adjust to the bright world,

“Hmm?”

I felt piercing gazes from around me.

Forcing my eyes open, I saw a lady in a formal suit, arms crossed, looking down at me.

She spoke bluntly.

“Looks like you’ve come to your senses.”

I tilted my head, puzzled, and asked.

“Who… are you? Oh?”

Then, I couldn’t help but widen my eyes.

A face I clearly remembered.

And the golden nameplate on her waist.

It’s Gi So-yul, isn’t it?

‘Wow.’

I was impressed inwardly.

She had a completely different vibe compared to when she wore her combat gear last time.

Back then, she had the feel of a tough female warrior, but now, she felt like a cold, rational career woman?

“Since you’re awake, let me reintroduce myself. I am Gi So-yul, the vice guild master of the Parang Guild. I’m also known to the world as the Dark Emperor.”

Gi So-yul recited calmly.

I nodded.

“I see. Well, that’s true, but…”

Why is she here?

I quickly scanned my surroundings.

Only she and I were in the hospital room.

Just the two of us.

What’s going on?

Could she be here to eliminate me for stealing the opportunity?

It’s not impossible.

She is the queen of assassination.

Even if she took my head here, she’s a supernatural being who could leave no trace.

“Honestly, I was surprised. It was a boss that seemed impossible to beat, but I never imagined the porter Hun would clear it. And in one go.”

Contrary to my worries, her attitude was still polite.

But I didn’t let my guard down.

Who knows?

She might be a crazy psycho who commits murder with a polite smile…

“…But why have you been staring at me with that look since a while ago?”

Gi So-yul frowned, sensing my wary gaze.

Afraid of offending her, I shook my hands frantically.

“Ah, no. I was just wondering why the vice guild master of a large guild would come to see me alone.”

“Well, of course, I’m curious too.”

“Pardon?”

“How on earth you cleared that ridiculous Dungeon. And what the reward was if you cleared it. Whether you were really recognized as a talent and became the Old Man’s disciple. Things like that.”

“Ah…”

I pondered, listening to her questions.

In fact, her questions were natural.

The ownership of the Dungeon clearly belonged to her.

I was just given a chance once.

Frankly, from her perspective, it was like a rolling stone from nowhere had stolen the opportunity right from under her nose!

‘If it were another ruthless Ranker, my head might have already been flying.’

The fact that she’s not angry already shows how much virtue Gi So-yul has.

‘Moreover.’

This world is harsh.

So harsh it’s brutal.

What if the fact that a newbie like me obtained a huge opportunity becomes known?

I could become someone’s target.

Whether it’s just a crazy person driven by jealousy.

Or an underworld group trying to cut off the sprout.

I always have to be careful.

“Hmm, porter Hun? What are you thinking so hard about?”

“Ah, Dark Emperor, before I answer. Could you perhaps tell me how the article about this Dungeon exploration was written?”

She looked at me with surprise at my question.

“I think I know what you’re worried about. You don’t have to worry too much about that. For now, we’ve reported that the Parang Guild advance team cleared this Dungeon safely. We’ve also received confidentiality agreements from all the survivors.”

“Pardon?”

That means.

The world doesn’t know that ‘I’ am the one who cleared this Dungeon?

Ah, I am truly touched.

What a considerate act this is!

I bowed politely.

“Thank you for your consideration, Dark Emperor.”

“You’re more mature than you look, porter Hun. Other Hunters are desperate to show off their achievements to the world.”

“Safety over showing off. Safety first, safety second.”

“You don’t have to thank me either. This is a matter directly related to Parang’s pride.”

“Ah?”

As I blinked, she chuckled.

“Do you think people would believe that an E-rank mercenary, a porter at that, was the MVP in a search party with a Ranker?”

“Ah…”

The point was simple.

We’re embarrassed, so we’ll shut your mouth.

But, you might die if you show off, so understand.

Anyway, I’m thankful.

‘However.’

There was a part I was concerned about.

Just because she gave me a chance once.

Do I have an obligation to tell her everything about my strength?

The fact that she’s being generous to me.

The fact that she has leeway.

It’s all because she’s strong.

But, I’m weak.

I don’t have the luxury of exposing my strength to someone.

“But, Dark Emperor.”

“Yes, speak, porter Hun.”

“How many days have I been lying down?”

“Hmm, it’s been three days since you came out of the Dungeon, so it must be the third day.”

Damn it.

I’ve been lying down for a long time.

I looked at her, seemingly embarrassed.

“Honestly, I don’t know what’s what yet, and I haven’t even figured out what the reward is… so I don’t think I can answer right away.”

This is genuine.

It’s because this conversation started as soon as I opened my eyes.

“Hmm… is that so?”

Gi So-yul’s eyes narrowed.

She suspected I was avoiding the question, but she seemed to understand.

“If you give me a little time, I’ll organize my thoughts and tell you.”

“Hmm.”

“You don’t have to worry about me running away. What Hunter in the world can escape the Dark Emperor’s eyes?”

“Okay. I’m grateful that you’re cooperating. Then I’ll come back to see you when you’re somewhat organized.”

Gi So-yul coolly acknowledged and left the hospital room.

Her presence, which had filled the space, disappeared.

“Hoo.”

I felt like I could breathe a little easier.

Damn it.

Life has been so spectacular lately.

Suddenly appearing Orcs, followed by awakening after 3 years, meeting a Ranker.

And even a strange Dungeon.

Moreover, if I make the wrong decision here, I could end up on bad terms with Parang.

Or, conversely.

I could remain on good terms with Parang.

I was thinking that as I tossed and turned.

[Check your clear rewards!]

‘Oh, right.’

The message I hadn’t opened yet because I fainted.

It was time to check it now.

[Rewards are arriving!]

[Congratulations!]

[Stamina increased permanently by 20.]

[Acquired skill, ‘Teachings of Supreme Art’ (S-rank).]

“Wow!”

I shouted without realizing it.

Goosebumps ran all over my body.

The stamina increase is also a huge reward, but

‘Another S-rank label.’

Skills of a rank that others struggle to obtain even once in their lifetime.

I’ve already obtained two in a short amount of time.

[Hunter: Ju Dong-hoon]

[Title: X]

[Stamina: 120/120]

[Unique Ability: Cursed Necromancer]

[Rank: D]

[Effect]

-You are a Necromancer, a profession that deals with dead souls. You can subdue your opponents by utilizing terrifying evil spirits and poisons. However, you are cursed.

-You can only summon Skeletons.

[Skills Possessed]

-‘Awakened Skeleton Summon’ (D-rank)

-‘Memory Recreation’ (S-rank)

-‘Teachings of Supreme Art’ (S-rank)

‘Crazy.’

So that’s why the experts say, ‘Dungeon, Dungeon.’ There’s a reason for it.

Looking at the status window, which was more filled than before.

I felt a sense of fulfillment in my heart.

‘First, should I look at Memory Recreation?’

[Skill: Memory Recreation]

[Rank: S]

[Effect 1: Consumes 50 Stamina to read the memories of the deceased.]

What on earth is this?

I was puzzled.

In a way, it’s not a big deal, but it’s a high rank.

Moreover, it was clearly a hidden skill.

A hidden skill that can only be awakened by facing a ‘cursed’ soul.

I had many questions, but since there was no way to know now, I skipped it.

‘It would be good if I could use it effectively when clearing Dungeons.’

Wasn’t I able to clear this Dungeon because I could see the Old Man’s memories?

There will be a day when I can use it again someday.

‘Next is Teachings of Supreme Art.’

I calmed my trembling heart and calmly checked the next skill.

[Skill: Teachings of Supreme Art]

[Rank: S]

[Effect 1: Consumes 20 Stamina to summon the absolute being who pacified the other world, ‘Master of Supreme Art’ for 60 minutes.]

[Effect 2: The summoned ‘Master of Supreme Art’ cannot exert physical force in this world. You can only receive his knowledge for a limited time.]

[Effect 3: The cooldown time for this skill is 24 hours.]

[Effect 4: Only the skill user can recognize the ‘Master of Supreme Art’.]

Gulp.

I swallowed involuntarily.

‘The absolute being who pacified the other world, huh…’

I felt a sense of grandeur in my heart.

Finally, our Skeletons.

Did we get a top instructor who can even steam Rankers?

“Damn it, I don’t think I can stay like this.”

I pulled out the dangling IV drip in one go.

This wasn’t the time to be getting IV fluids.

I felt like I would go crazy if I didn’t check it quickly.

Swish, swish.

I hastily changed into the clothes hanging next to me and went out the door.

“Uh, uh? Patient Ju Dong-hoon?”

The flustered nurse called out, but I was in a hurry.

“Kyaa! You can’t, you still need to rest…?”

“Sorry. I have something urgent to do. Put the hospital bill under my name.”

My heart was pounding.

-Indeed, the potential is enormous. They must have been tremendous warriors in their past lives. I’ve been wanting such individuals all this time, but why only now. Tsk.

The Old Man’s voice still rang vividly in my ears.

Is this how parents feel when they hear their children praised?

I wanted to get them trained quickly.

[Using skill, ‘Teachings of Supreme Art’ (S-rank).]

[Consumes 20 Stamina.]

[‘Master of Supreme Art’ appears.]

It was when I arrived at the usual empty lot and immediately used the skill.

Thwack!

“Ugh!”

I felt tremendous pain in my forehead.

It hurt so much that tears welled up and I saw stars in the sky.

When I came to my senses, I saw the Old Man glaring fiercely.

“How audacious! Tsk, you promised to inherit everything from me. What were you doing that you’re only calling me now? How can you even follow the tip of my toe if you’re so lazy?”

“No, wait a minute. Old Man… I came and called you as soon as I came to my senses…?”

I felt wronged.

No, wait.

Before that.

Didn’t it say that the Old Man couldn’t exert physical force in this world?

“You’re still a youngster. Your expressions are so easy to read. Tsk tsk. Since you and I are connected spiritually, would there be a problem in inflicting pain? Or not?”

The Old Man shook his head as if he didn’t like it.

He seems like a very tiring old-fashioned type…

“Anyway, you’ve summoned me. Let’s start right away, you rascal. No time.”

“Ah, yes, yes.”

I nodded and replied to the Old Man’s urging.

“We just summon the bones as promised, right?”

“No, there’s no need for that.”

“Pardon?”

“Today, before the training, let’s decide what to learn first. I’ve grasped the talents of those ten, but the problem is you.”

“…Yes? What does that mean?”

I widened my eyes.

If he’s talking about ten,

It must be the abilities of the Skeletons.

Could it be that he’s even grasped the talents of the ones who haven’t awakened yet?

‘And before that.’

Why am I the problem?

Don’t tell me this Old Man.

Is he trying to teach me too?

It was then that the Old Man blurted out.

“Do you know why Supreme Art is called Supreme Art?”

“……?”The title I obtained after mastering countless talents is Supreme Art.” Even if I were to pass on all my skills, it wouldn’t be enough, so why would I only pass on 10 skills?”

Smirk.

The Old Man smiled grotesquely.

I suddenly felt uneasy.

Terrifyingly uneasy.

“Then you can pass it on to the Skeletons, right?”

“Nonsense, those guys’ talents are only inclined in one direction. There’s no point in teaching them other skills, they won’t accept them.”

“Th, then?”

“What do you mean then! Of course, you have to receive it.”

“Yes? But… Old Man, you said it yourself, my talent is trash….”

“You’re noisy. Since you’ve made a promise with me, you must inherit Supreme Art. Until you can, if you can’t. Don’t worry. Making trash comparable to a genius can also be a skill. Fortunately, it seems I can exert physical force on you, so that’s a relief.”

No, what is this all of a sudden?