Chapter 13: Aftermath & Suspicion

Exit from the Dungeon

The blinding light of the outside world greeted them as Mon and Bert stepped out of the dungeon gate. The air was crisp, a stark contrast to the suffocating heat and blood-soaked battlefield they had just escaped. A heavy silence hung in the air before the rest of the surviving party stumbled out behind them.

Some collapsed to their knees, others let out shaky breaths of relief, and a few simply stood still—too stunned to react.

"We... we actually made it out?" one hunter muttered, his voice laced with disbelief. Blood dripped from a deep cut on his arm, but he hardly seemed to notice.

A female hunter, her weapon lost during the battle, simply nodded. Tears welled in her eyes as she clutched her chest. "If not for you two… we'd all be dead."

Mon remained silent, scanning the area. Several HAP officers and healers rushed forward to attend to the wounded. Despite their safe return, he couldn't shake the eerie feeling creeping up his spine.

From the shadows beyond the crowd, a hooded figure watched.

His face was hidden beneath his cloak, his features obscured by the dim lighting near the gate. Yet, there was something unsettling about him—an air of amusement, as if he had expected this outcome.

A low chuckle escaped his lips. "They survived… how amusing."

And then, like a whisper in the wind, he was gone.

Mon's gaze flickered in his direction, but the presence had already disappeared. He exhaled slowly. He didn't know why, but he had the distinct feeling that this wasn't over.

Hunter Association Philippines (HAP) Headquarters

The towering skyscraper of Hunter Association Philippines (HAP) loomed before them, a testament to the government's efforts to regulate the new world of dungeons and hunters.

As Mon and Bert walked through the main hall, a ripple of whispers followed them.

"Did you hear? They survived a double dungeon!"

"I thought they were all goners. How did they make it out?"

"Wait… isn't Mon just an E-Rank? That doesn't make sense."

Bert smirked. "Looks like we're celebrities now."

Mon sighed, ignoring the murmurs. Unwanted attention was the last thing he needed.

Before they could reach the reporting office, several guild recruiters approached, flashing their best smiles.

"You two should join our guild. With your skills, you'd get access to high-tier dungeons!"

"We offer elite memberships for hunters of your caliber."

Bert entertained the offers with an amused grin, but Mon raised a hand. "We're not interested."

The recruiters faltered, disappointment flashing in their eyes, but Mon and Bert didn't stop walking.

Upon reaching the HAP headquarters office, they submitted their full report on the double dungeon incident. They detailed every event—the appearance of the Orc Hero, the brutal battle, and their near-death experience.

The HAP officers listened attentively, taking notes, but Mon could tell they weren't as concerned as they should be.

"We'll investigate," one officer assured them.

But Mon wasn't convinced. Something wasn't right.

Rest and Recovery

Back at their rented apartment, Mon and Bert finally had the time to assess their conditions. Their bodies were sore, their minds exhausted, but they had survived.

Mon pulled up his status screen, his eyes scanning the new updates.

Mon's Status Update:

Level Up! → Level 20

New Passive Skill: Advanced Firearm Mastery (+15% accuracy & damage with guns)

Stats Increase: (+10 Strength, +8 Dexterity, +10 Intelligence)

Bert's Status Update:

Level Up! → Level 22

New Passive Skill: Advanced Dual Blade Mastery (+15% attack speed & damage)

Stats Increase: (+12 Strength, +10 Agility, +8 Endurance)

Bert stretched his arms, feeling the surge of power within him. "Damn, I really feel like an A-Rank now."

Mon, still staring at his screen, muttered, "And yet, they still call me an E-Rank."

They chuckled, but the weight of what had happened still lingered in the air.

For the next few days, they focused on recovery and preparation:

Bert trained with his new blades, testing their speed and sharpness.

Mon experimented with his expanded Dimensional Storage, learning its new limits.

They restocked on bullets, potions, and protective gear.

For the first time in a while, life almost felt normal. Almost.

Planning the Next Move

Sitting at a small restaurant, Bert leaned back in his chair, shoveling food into his mouth. "So, what now? Another dungeon?"

Mon shook his head. "No. We need to investigate the double dungeon incident. Something isn't right."

Bert raised an eyebrow. "You think it wasn't random?"

Mon tapped his fingers on the table, deep in thought. "I don't believe in coincidences. That dungeon… it felt like it was waiting for us."

Bert frowned, sensing the seriousness in his brother's voice. "You're saying someone planned this?"

Mon exhaled. "Maybe. Or maybe something else is happening behind the scenes."

Before Bert could respond, Mon's system suddenly pinged.

A new notification appeared on his interface.

[New Message from Unknown Sender: 'You're being watched.']

Mon's eyes narrowed.

His grip on his phone tightened as he subtly glanced around the restaurant.

Bert noticed his sudden change in expression. "What's wrong?"

Mon didn't answer immediately. His senses sharpened, scanning the crowd.

Then, in a hushed voice, he said, "…Someone's watching us."