Declaration Of Extra Strike

 

The final floor of the Daechung Lake’s Dungeon has not yet been discovered. Even so, with dozens of dungeons gathered together, it’s akin to a bustling place where hunters from all over challenge themselves daily to achieve the honor of being the first to clear them.

 

As the cars increased near the area, a wide lake soon came into view. A driver who turned off the main path to a quieter spot parked the car.

 

“I’ll park it here as you mentioned. The entrance is just a short walk inward.”

 

“Yes, come back at the same time in three days.”

 

“Yes, I understand.”

 

We got out of the car and headed towards where the dungeon was located. It seemed to be a popular spot for visitors, as the closer we got, the more crowded it became. Despite wearing the ring, I hesitated to move through the crowds. As I hesitated, Seong San-ha, who had put on his mask, grabbed my arm and pulled me along.

 

“Let’s go.”

 

As I got used to the crowd, the surroundings caught my eye. 

 

Lined up in a fan shape around two gates, various shops and stores were bustling on the plateau. From potion shops and blacksmiths to restaurants and accommodations, they were all bustling with guests. General stores selling items necessary for hunters were visible one after another. The atmosphere was distinctly different from Wolgye Naru, likely due to the majority of customers being hunters.

 

“We have a lunch special that boosts your abilities! Stop by before entering the dungeon!”

 

“Mercenaries are on standby all the time! Depending on your target floor, we can assign from Grade D to Grade A mercenaries. Visit the ZL Mercenary Office!”

 

“Get your Interdimensional Insurance here! One choice determines your future! We cover everything from body loss and rupture to life itself!”

 

Everywhere was packed with people, creating a lively atmosphere. I was busy looking at the unusual shops that caught my eyes while following Seong San-ha. If it weren’t for the quests, I would have visited everywhere and looked around.

 

As the names of the shops gradually changed to “Hundred Meters General Store,” “Last Potion Store,” “Final Convenience Store,” and others, it signaled the end of the street. 

 

As we reached the checkpoint for entry, towering billboards caught my attention first on either side of the two gates. Numerous banners adorned the billboards, displaying a variety of advertisements that captivated my gaze with their dazzling and constantly changing promotional videos.

 「Establishment of the Hunter Department at Korea University! Recruiting new students.」 「Today, your mood, emotional potions. BIG SALE!」 「Ranker’s Dignity – Phantom S Class」 「Comfort like no other in the world~ Purification Hunter Gear」 

One day, Yeon Seung-yeon said there was a way to promote buying time on the billboard in front of dungeon, and I guess that’s what he meant. There were more people looking up at the electronic display than I thought. They seemed to be looking anxiously at the clock and waiting for a certain advertisement.

 

‘I guess it’s more effective than I thought.’

 

Seong San-ha came next to me, who was watching people with interested eyes, and glanced up at the billboard.

 

“Is there a problem? What are you looking at…….”

 

At that time, the screen of the electronic display changed and the banners, which were divided into dozens, were merged into one. There was a bright light all over the large screen, and at the same time, the people standing in front of the electronic display cheered.

 

“Wow!”

 

“It’s coming out! It’s starting!”

 

“I have to film a video, so please be quiet!”

 

Someone’s silhouette came up on the screen as I heard a lively voice.

 [San-ha yah, what do you think a Hunter’s virtue is?] 

“What?”

 

The blurry focus of the man that can be seen……. Seong San-ha was also looking up at the electronic display as he turned around absurdly.

 

“Is Seong San-ha in an advertisement?”

 

I alternated my gaze between the giant face on the billboard and Seong San-ha standing next to me. Though his expression was hidden behind the mask, his tone hinted at an unmistakable sense of inconvenience.

 

“Yeah. The screen can’t quite capture this face.”

 

“What nonsense… but I guess you’re right. What kind of ad is it that features you?”

 

“A public service ad.”

 

The unexpected word wrinkled my impression. It was unfamiliar territory, something that had never appealed to Tae Jae-heon.

 

‘It’s an advertisement for ‘public service’ and it’s okay to leave it to Seong San-ha? Unbelievable.’

 

I scoffing inside but with his usual suited attire being replaced with jeans and a white t-shirt, and his disheveled hair now presenting a gentle smile, his appearance alone seemed to fulfill the public service. Urban embellishments, or something along those lines.

 

The ad briefly warned of the dangers of dungeon wave fluctuations. When a woman’s face, which had so far only been accompanied by her voice, appeared, cheers doubled in volume.

 

“Woah!! It’s Dan noonim!”

 

“Wow, she’s stunning! Lim Dan!”

 

As Lim Dan, the woman on the screen, squinted her eyes and spoke, the hunters below responded loudly, drowning out Seong San-ha’s voice completely.

 [My goodness, is it really that dangerous?] 

“You’ll be fine! You’re incredibly strong!”

 

“We’ll protect you!!”

 [If it’s a dungeon with dangerous wave fluctuations, we shouldn’t enter, right?!] 

“Yes! I won’t go in!!”

 

“Please tear it up, Dan-nim!!”

 [For any abnormal reactions, you should report to 333. Please be vigilant.] 

“Woah!!”

 

“We’ll definitely protect you!”

 

“333! 333!”

 

‘What on earth are these people doing?’

 

As soon as the advertisement ended, those people who seemed like fanatics quickly dispersed into the crowd, blending into ordinary people. Feeling puzzled, I asked Seong San-ha,

 

“Who was that woman with you that caused such a reaction from people?”

 

“Lim Dan, don’t you know?”

 

It’s Lim Cheong’s sister! The one who’s working under Ho-hyun’s guild(?) Lim Dan also appeared at the very first chapters, being mentioned as one of the most famous hunters. It sounds familiar somehow… No, I don’t think I know her.”

 

Racking my memory, I couldn’t recall anything specific, so I shook my head. Seong San-ha chuckled lightly and casually nodded.

 

“You don’t really need to know right now. If you’re done sightseeing, let’s go.”

 

As if he had been waiting for me to finish looking around, I followed him, feeling perplexed.

 

“Please show your hunter ID and documents.”

 

“Here they are.”

 

“Yes. Both of you are verified. You may enter.”

 

After completing the inspection, receiving back the hunter ID from Seong San-ha, I looked at it curiously. Presenting a hunter ID and passing through normally like this made me seem like a really ordinary hunter, didn’t it?

 

Feeling excited for no reason, I gestured ahead as we walked out.

 

“Hurry up! I heard that store we passed by is really famous; we must eat there. Let’s go there after.”

 

“You’re enthusiastic.”

 

Leaving behind the leisurely following Seong San-ha, I headed towards the only store inside the inspection area. While waiting in line for inspection, I heard people talking about this place being a famous spot near the Daechung Lake’s dungeon, and indeed, the store was bustling with customers.

 

As Seong San-ha and I entered, we squeezed through the hunters who were gradually making way for us and walked inside. I ordered tteokbokki with tempura, odeng, sandwiches, and hot dogs, then looked around while waiting for the food. 

 

Most people seemed to have brought a lot of luggage, perhaps for a long expedition. Some had huge backpacks or multiple bags packed to the brim, making me curious about where they would store all that stuff when fighting monsters in the dungeon. Well, there were hunters who spent as long as a month in dungeons.

 

While looking around, the food suddenly arrived. True to its reputation, the delicious dishes were quickly devoured. When I lifted my head from my food, I caught Seong San-ha staring intently, chin in hand.

 

“…Want some?”

 

“It’s fine, eat as much as you want.”

 

“You sure you don’t want any? It’s really good.”

 

“You seem pretty happy for someone who claims to be on a diet.”

 

“Who would pack that kind of food before entering a dungeon? It might be your last meal, you know.”

 

Grumbling, I picked up five rice cakes and stuffed them into my mouth at once, making Seong San-ha chuckle.

 

“Last meal, huh. Don’t trust your lord?”

 

“Don’t talk with your mouth full. Finish eating first.”

 

Despite not responding to my instruction to honor his word and return within three days, Seong San-ha chuckled softly from inside his mask. I continued eating tteokbokki.

 

“It’s been a while. How many days did you schedule this time?”

 

“Ten days for us. We’ll reach the 16th floor and make some gains before heading back.”

 

“Ten days? That’s intense.”

 

“Yeah. We hired mercenaries for the early floors to clear them quickly this time.”

 

Underground dungeons were said to be more difficult than aboveground ones. I was curious about Seong San-ha’s abilities, as he confidently claimed he could lead us through about 21 floors underground in just three days.

 

‘He must be an S-class guild leader since he’s Cheong Rang’s head.’

 

Seong San-ha glanced at the skewers in my hands and clicked his tongue.

 

“Don’t worry about me, just keep eating.”

 

“That’s not what I meant. By the way, are you a healer?”

 

Seong San-ha’s mouth twitched slightly in response to the unexpected question, as if he momentarily paused in surprise.

 

“Why bring that up now? Are you suddenly curious about me?” 

 

His voice carried a hint of amusement, even though his expression was hidden.

 

I decided to drop it. “Never mind. You’ll see when we get there. A healer is just a healer.”

 

Although I couldn’t see his expression, I could sense the suppressed laughter in his voice, prompting me to cut off further questioning. As I turned away to contemplate, someone spoke from behind me.

 

“Hello. Are you two here together?”

 

Turning around, I saw two women standing behind us.

 

Was that question directed at me? I glanced around, realizing there was no one else nearby, and nodded.

 

“Yeah, the two of us came together.”

I will drop Chapter 75 tonight and we will have normal Friday updates as usual, guys!

Check out "Survive! Foolish Bottom" if you're interested in idol/transmigration stories. I will be mainly updating them at the moment.