CHAPTER 20

Chapter 20

Choi Jong-In sat calmly in the helicopter, his gaze fixed on the approaching island of Jeju. The rhythmic hum of the helicopter's rotors filled the air, accompanied by the occasional crackle of the radio. The pilot, a seasoned A-rank hunter assigned to this mission, glanced back at him, his face filled with concern.

"Sir, are you really serious about this?" the pilot asked hesitantly. "I know you're a National Hunter, but this dungeon has been deemed unraidable. Even the strongest hunters who attempted it before... didn't make it back."

Choi, dressed in his sleek combat attire, his signature sword resting in his hand, merely smiled. "Don't worry too much about it. I'm not here to raid the dungeon. This is just reconnaissance."

The pilot still looked uneasy. "Even so... If things go south, there's no backup."

"That's precisely why I need to see it for myself," Choi replied. "I have to understand the evolution of these creatures. Only then can we plan a real strategy."

As Jeju Island came into view, the pilot descended toward the shoreline, the gusts of wind from the blades stirring up waves along the coast. The landscape was eerily quiet. No movement, no sound. Just an oppressive stillness.

The helicopter landed softly on the sand, and Choi unfastened his harness before stepping out. He inhaled deeply, his sharp senses immediately scanning the environment. The air was thick with mana, but something felt... different. More potent. More ominous.

The pilot hesitated before speaking again. "Mr. Choi, I'll wait for you here. I don't feel comfortable just leaving you on your own. If something happens, at least I might be able to assist. I'm an A-rank hunter, after all."

Choi turned and regarded the pilot for a moment before shaking his head. "I appreciate the offer, but I need you to leave and return exactly at this time tomorrow. We don't know how much these monsters have evolved. If they've changed significantly, I can't guarantee your safety."

The pilot clenched his jaw, clearly reluctant. "But—"

"No arguments," Choi interrupted gently, his smile reassuring but firm. "This is an order. I'll be fine."

The pilot sighed but eventually nodded. "Understood. I'll return tomorrow at this exact time. Just... don't die out there, sir."

Choi chuckled. "I'm Korea's strongest hunter. If I die here, we have bigger problems."

With a final salute, the pilot lifted the helicopter off the ground and soared back toward the mainland. Choi watched until it disappeared over the horizon before turning his gaze to the dense jungle ahead.

Taking a step forward, he immediately felt the change in atmosphere. The mana was thicker here, pulsating with life. He could hear the faint rustling of leaves, though there was no wind. His footsteps were light against the damp earth as he ventured deeper into the jungle, his senses sharpened to detect even the slightest threat.

The deeper he went, the more evident the transformation of the island became. The trees were unnaturally large, their bark covered in strange, pulsing veins of mana. The ground was lined with thick roots that seemed to shift slightly under his weight.

Then he saw it—a carcass of an ant monster, significantly larger than any he had seen before. Its exoskeleton was cracked open, its insides hollowed out as if something had burrowed into it. But what stood out the most was its wings—an ant with fully developed wings.

Choi knelt beside the corpse, inspecting the details. "So they've really evolved..."

The realization sent a chill down his spine. If the ants could now fly, their mobility and attack range had increased exponentially. Raiding this dungeon had already been a near-impossible task, but now? The stakes had just escalated to a new level.

Continuing his exploration, he kept his movements silent. He could feel the presence of creatures. 

Eventually, he reached a clearing. In the center stood an enormous mound, resembling a nest. From within, he could hear the faint clicking sounds of the ants communicating. He carefully concealed himself behind thick foliage, observing their behavior.

Dozens of ants, each larger than a human, moved in synchronized patterns. Some carried carcasses of smaller creatures into the mound, while others stood guard. Then, his eyes locked onto a particular ant—one significantly larger than the rest. Its wings spread wide, its exoskeleton glistening under the pale light filtering through the trees.

"The evolved general," Choi murmured.

The power radiating from this creature was unlike anything he had encountered before. It wasn't just a mindless monster—it was intelligent. It was strategizing. And that made it infinitely more dangerous.

Choi exhaled slowly, weighing his next move. Engaging now would be reckless. His priority was gathering information, and he had seen enough.

Turning on his heel, he began making his way back toward the shoreline. He was careful, retracing his steps to avoid unnecessary conflict. But as he neared the edge of the jungle, a low, guttural hiss reached his ears.

He stopped.

Something was watching him.

His fingers instinctively reached for the hilt of his sword.

Then, in an instant, the trees behind him rustled violently. He spun around just in time to see a blur of movement—an ant, faster than any he had seen before, lunging at him.

With a swift motion, he drew his sword, flames igniting along the blade's edge. The creature screeched, halting its advance at the sight of the fire. It wasn't just any normal ant. This one was different—larger, its exoskeleton covered in faint, glowing runes.

Choi's eyes narrowed. "So... there are more variations. Interesting."

The ant hesitated, its antennae twitching as if analyzing the threat before it. Choi could tell it was considering whether to attack or retreat. Choosing to avoid unnecessary combat, he let his flames flicker aggressively along his sword, making himself appear more dangerous.

After a tense moment, the ant let out a clicking sound and backed away before disappearing into the jungle.

Choi sighed, sheathing his sword. "Smart one."

Chapter End.