Chapter 23: Those Who Do Not Work, Shall Not Eat (2)

The dungeons, broadly categorized, are divided into [Erosion] dungeons and [Gate] dungeons.

If subdivided further, the types of dungeons become far more varied, but the basic structure consisted of the [Gate Dungeon], which only allowed one-way passage, and the [Erosion Dungeon], which permitted two-way passage.

Gate dungeons, as the name suggests, are dungeons that humans can enter through a specific gate or coordinate.

The spatial coordinates warp in such a way that a dungeon appears in that location.

On the surface, everything looks normal, and monsters cannot escape from the dungeon.

Ordinary people who haven't awakened can't even enter, while hunters and the awakened can freely open the gate and take whatever they want from inside.

However, the classification based on danger level is strict, and hunters must report to the Hunter Association or the Bureau of Management to fully claim the dungeon's spoils.

If a hunter enters the dungeon without reporting it, it is treated as if no one had entered the dungeon.

Even if the hunter hunts monsters, it is considered an 'accident' if they die.

Of course, there are no strict penalties from the Bureau for entering a Gate Dungeon without reporting, but unreported dungeon expeditions are treated like illegal poaching, and all dungeon loot may be confiscated.

Thus, occasionally 'unfortunate' accidents occur in dungeons.

Additionally, until the boss of a Gate Dungeon is hunted, escape is impossible.

Once the dungeon boss is defeated, the dungeon collapses, taking anywhere from one hour to 24 hours.

The dungeon where Yeonhwa and Shia grilled and ate the Black Minotaur's Eopjinsal was also a Gate Dungeon.

The dungeon where Yeonhwa lost her sister long ago was also a Gate Dungeon.

In Gate Dungeons, if the AI drones assisting hunters send a rescue signal, appropriate hunters rush into the dungeon to save people and defeat the dungeon boss.

As a result, the dungeons that high-ranking rescue hunters are most frequently dispatched to are usually Gate Dungeons, where escape is not freely allowed.

However, since all the loot and rewards for dungeon clearances belong to the rescue hunters once they enter the dungeon, hunters generally hesitate to send out rescue signals unless they are in extreme danger.

Two-way dungeons are also called Erosion Dungeons.

Unlike Gate Dungeons, Erosion Dungeons can be entered and exited freely, regardless of whether the dungeon boss is hunted or not.

These dungeons are fully integrated into reality and do not collapse even when the dungeon boss is defeated.

Sometimes, a Gate Dungeon that is collapsing after its boss is hunted will suddenly stop collapsing and transform into a Erosion Dungeon, remaining permanently in reality.

In such cases, the dungeon either becomes semi-permanently recognized as national property, or the hunter who cleared it is given a portion of the dungeon's land.

For these reasons, B-grade and lower Erosion Dungeons are considered a goldmine of infinite potential from the perspective of the state.

A skilled A-rank hunter alone can hunt all the monsters and bosses in a B-grade dungeon.

Even after hunting all the monsters, the Erosion Dungeon remains as another world, with an established ecosystem.

If there's an intelligent species with its own civilization, the government may initiate various negotiations or exchanges.

Simply by existing, a Erosion Dungeon increases the nation's landmass.

However, the fatal flaw of Erosion Dungeons is that, just as hunters can freely enter and exit, so can monsters.

In the past, there was a Erosion Dungeon called the [Goblin Empire].

At that time, Yeonseo was abroad, conquering an S-rank dungeon, so she wasn't present when the Goblin Empire, led by the Emperor Goblin, launched a massive invasion of the human world, killing countless people and pillaging several cities.

The Hunter Association belatedly sent an expedition, including S-rank hunters, to attack the Goblin Empire.

Many hunters died, and although the Emperor Goblin was gravely injured, he retreated by moving the entire dungeon.

Although the invasion was stopped, the failure to kill the Emperor Goblin left the Hunter Association on high alert, watching for the possibility of the Goblin Empire's return.

For the state and the Hunter Association, Erosion Dungeons were a double-edged sword.

Some intelligent monsters could use Erosion Dungeons as a base to invade the real world, killing people or threatening nations, as seen in the Goblin Empire case.

However, Erosion Dungeons also brought endless resources, with respawning monsters providing an unlimited supply of dungeon loot.

On the other hand, since dungeons could also invade the human world, Erosion Dungeons were an unknown realm that the state prioritized for conquest.

And today, the Saintess of the Dead, Shia, was about to enter a Erosion Dungeon for the first time—an A-rank dungeon known as the Wyvern Nesting Grounds.

Originally, she had planned to go with Yeonhwa, but Shia had received a 'temporary hunter license' and was on a mission.

To maintain her temporary license, she had to complete the mission solo, without a party, and among the missions available under special terms, Shia had chosen the 'Wyvern Nesting Grounds.'

"Wow, it's quite big."

The Wyvern Nesting Grounds was a Erosion-type dungeon located near Mount Gyeryong.

The official name of the dungeon was the [Kurtala Mountain Range], and the gate to the dungeon was managed in cooperation between the Gyeryongdae Service Support Corps and the 2nd Military Police Corps, alongside the Hunter Association.

Shia had taken the self-propelling high-speed train from Seoul Station to Gyeryong Station, arriving early in the morning.

She saw quite a few soldiers either heading out on leave or officers going on business trips.

Additionally, the changed landscape of Korea viewed from the train was quite an enjoyable sight.

"Must be because it's Gyeryongdae, there are so many generals around."

In Shia's faint, distant memory, she was sure she had completed her military service, but she could no longer recall what it had been like.

Still, even with the advent of the hunter world, does this country still maintain mandatory military service?

"I'll have to ask Yeonhwa about that later."

It wasn't difficult to walk up the winding mountain road.

The smartwatch acted as a navigator, showing the way.

Normally, civilians wouldn't have access to military-related maps, but it seemed hunters were an exception.

After walking up for a while, Shia saw a checkpoint that gave off a strong military base vibe.

Clicking her tongue, she thought, "Poor kids."

Even in 2088, military police were still guarding checkpoints with bulletproof helmets and guns.

And this was in Gyeryongdae, a place where generals sparkled like stars.

It was a place where one-star or two-star generals could be seen as easily as a passing neighbor, where the stern gaze of a general could suddenly bring down a 'disciplinary lightning bolt' on an unfortunate soldier.

"Loyalty, may I briefly inspect your ID…"

"Wow, crazy…"

"…?"

The two military policemen who had been about to check her ID suddenly froze, as if hit by a petrification curse.

Oh dear, they must be very tired.

It seems even today, the military can easily turn healthy people into wrecks.

[Miracle – Great Healing]

"Huh?!"

"Wow, what, what's happening?"

Feeling sorry for how exhausted they seemed, Shia cast a small healing spell, and both soldiers looked shocked.

Their exhaustion must have lifted completely.

Did they come to their senses?

"You looked very tired… Was that unnecessary interference?"

"N-no, not at all! I apologize! I'm Sergeant Yoon Hyojun! May I ask what business you have here?"

It was the first time Shia had seen a soldier emphasize his name so strongly.

"I'm Hunter Isiah. I came for the Wyvern Nest extermination mission. I believe the Hunter Association has already contacted you?"

"Understood. Please wait a moment. Hey! Stop spacing out and go check the orders immediately!"

"Ah, yes! I'm sorry! I'll be right back!"

It seemed the sergeant and his subordinate were on duty together.

The subordinate had been so dazed at the sight of Shia that he couldn't even speak for a while… It seemed the military remained the military, regardless of the time.

"Hehe, don't be too hard on him."

"N-no, ma'am!"

"Sergeant Yoon Hyojun! The ID has been verified! Hunter Isiah is authorized to enter the Kurtala Mountain Range!"

"Yes, ID confirmed. Um, excuse me."

"Yes?"

"Is this your first time here?"

"Yes, it's my first time. I just got my hunter license yesterday."

Though it was her first time… Shia couldn't help but wonder what the soldier wanted to say, as his gaze lingered a bit lower.

Ah, well… I get it.

He's a man, after all.

I also know that I—Saintess of the Dead, Shia—am incredibly beautiful.

Aside from the fact that my skin is a bit too pale and deathly, my 'Holy Power Pouch' is very ample.

It's natural for a man to be unable to resist staring.

"Would it be okay if I escorted you to the Kurtala Mountain Range gate?"

"Aren't you abandoning your post? You're a sentry, aren't you?"

As far as I knew, sentries were not allowed to leave their guard posts or checkpoints under any circumstances…

"Well…ahem… I'm not exactly on sentry duty. I'm here to hand over to my junior. My shift is ending soon, so it's fine."

When my shift ended, I used to head straight to the barracks to sleep… How diligent he is.

Although it was clear what his intentions were, I didn't mind having a guide.

Looking across the base, I could see that Gyeryongdae was quite large.

Exaggerating a bit, it seemed almost like a city within a city, with many buildings and complex roads.

I could have just used my smartwatch to find the direction to the gate, but since he was offering to guide me, there was no reason to refuse.

"Well, if it's not too much trouble, I'd appreciate it."

"…! I'll prepare right away!"

With that, Sergeant Yoon Hyojun headed into the checkpoint.

It sounded like a bit of commotion was going on inside, but I didn't pay much attention.

I just needed to pass through the checkpoint and receive his guidance.

"Alright, I'm ready to guide you."

"Yes, I'll be in your care."

Apparently, hunters are not considered civilians.

Simply possessing a hunter license entitles one to treatment equivalent to a Grade 5 civil servant.

Hunters are allowed much more freedom when entering military bases and have some level of access to classified information.

"By the way, did you know that although it's rare, quite a few deer inhabit Gyeryongdae?"

"Deer?"

Slurp…

"Yes, it's said that Gyeryongdae is famous for having a few white deer. I've never seen one myself, but soldiers from the Transport Battalion who drive taxis around the base at night often spot them. One time, a deer even rammed into a parked base taxi, and the driver got reprimanded for it…"

Ignoring the chattering soldier, I sank into my thoughts.

I wonder… Do the deer here taste good?

In that other world, I occasionally participated in hunting competitions with Menelapie and grilled some deer meat.

It tasted decent.

Hunting and eating deer with Empress Menelapie was more about the memories than the flavor itself.

The nostalgia made me smile.

Deer meat. Yes, deer meat…

I wonder if I could catch and eat one of the deer in this mountain…

Ah, no!

Today, I'm here to eat something much more exciting and delicious!

"We've arrived."

After walking for 30 minutes, we reached a restricted area.

I could see a few men in suits who seemed to be Hunter Association staff, indicating that this gate was likely managed in cooperation with Gyeryongdae.

"Ah, thank you for guiding me."

"Uh, um…! Excuse me, but could I have your number…"

[Miracle – Holy Body Descent]

Crunch!

A flower of tendrils bloomed from my waist, enveloping my body.

The sudden transformation made the soldier collapse to the ground in shock.

Some of the soldiers and hunters managing the gate instinctively reached for their guns upon seeing the tendrils burst from my waist.

However, once an association employee confirmed that I was a hunter, there was no further commotion.

"Thank you for your help. I'm in a hurry, so I'll be going now."

"…Uh, y-yes…"

I understood that the man probably just wanted to get the phone number of a beautiful woman, but… Unfortunately, I wasn't interested.

I waved slightly at the dazed soldier, then turned and walked toward the gate.

Since it was a Erosion Dungeon, the gate was always open.

The association staff, having been informed of my arrival, stepped aside as soon as they recognized me.

"Alright, it's time to eat some wyvern egg jangjorim…"

Today, either the wyverns would die.

Or I would be eating their jangjorim.

One of the two would be decided.

Whoosh

"Oh, it's cold."

The Erosion Dungeon, Kurtala Mountain Range, seemed to seamlessly connect with the Gyeryong Mountain Range.

As I stepped through the gate, I was transferred into the midst of towering mountains.

Since this dungeon was heavily integrated with reality, there was no floating sensation typically associated with teleportation.

As soon as I took a step through the gate, the military base and association staff vanished, and the scenery instantly changed, a rather fascinating sensation.

I poked my head back through the gate slightly, and sure enough, the military base and staff were visible on the other side.

"Good, coming and going shouldn't be a problem…"

Then, I took out the new AI assistance drone provided by the association.

Let's see… I was supposed to start recording as soon as I entered the dungeon and later submit the footage to the Hunter Association, right?

There were many reasons for recording.

The most basic was to test my abilities.

The association already knew, based on Yeonseo and Yeonhwa's testimonies, that I possessed power far beyond average.

But they wanted more than just verbal testimony—they wanted to see it with their own eyes.

If I had the strength of a B-rank hunter, they might have accepted the testimony and easily granted me a B-rank hunter license.

But given the testimonies suggesting that I could fight on par with Yeonseo, the strongest hunter, the association wanted to directly assess my strength.

Apparently, this footage would be used to determine my future ranking and officially register my hunter license, but I wasn't entirely sure about the details.

The footage could also be used for educational or research purposes at the Hunter Academy… but that wasn't my concern.

The important thing was that I needed to record this footage to keep the new AI drone, which they had given me for free.

"Why isn't this working…?"

It was still a prototype, and it seemed like it was already malfunctioning.

Chief Choi Bomi had said that if the drone camera worked correctly, a red light would turn on… but…

"Did I press the wrong button?"

I grabbed the drone, which was floating in midair, and brought it closer to inspect it, but I was none the wiser.

Should I have read the manual more thoroughly?

But honestly, who reads manuals?

Well, there's no other choice.

I'll just keep pressing buttons until the red light comes on.

Click, click

… Beep, beep

… Click

"Damn it, what's wrong with this thing!"

The drone camera was quite large.

No matter how much I pressed, it didn't seem to work, so I sat down on a nearby rock, placed the drone camera on my lap, and fiddled with it.

I had learned to use the smartwatch in less than a day, but this drone camera, aside from a few buttons, gave no clear indication of how to use it.

Doesn't it have a hologram function like the smartwatch?

At that moment, a hologram from the drone camera appeared before my eyes.

Though it was complex and had many functions I didn't understand, I figured pressing the [Start Recording] button would do the trick.

"Ah, it worked…"

Thankfully, pressing the button caused the red light on the drone to turn on.

"But why is it blinking?"

I had heard that the red light should turn on and then off when recording started, but the light on this camera kept blinking.

Is this right?

My knowledge of technology stopped around 2024, so I wasn't sure.

"Ah, whatever!"

If this video didn't record properly, I could always record another one.

The Hunter Association had told me they only needed one good video from me out of the many missions they assigned.

Honestly, I didn't care about the quality of the footage.

As long as I could eat wyvern egg jangjorim, I'd be satisfied.

○○○○

Shia didn't know.

She didn't realize that this new AI drone was packed with all kinds of advanced features.

Normally, the auxiliary drones provided to hunters included a broadcasting system for streamers who did Hunter broadcasts.

Of course, not just anyone could apply for this, and not all drones had this function installed.

Just installing this function costs tens of millions of won, and because it's so expensive, the quality is also top-notch.

The drone camera automatically adjusts the distance from the user, capturing the most optimal and dramatic angles, making the footage look like a high-action movie or anime.

Some say that the camera angles are why Hunter broadcasts are so popular with viewers.

During a Hunter broadcast, the drone camera follows the hunter, automatically selecting the most cinematic and perfect angles, especially during battles.

It makes the footage look like an action movie.

The more powerful the hunter's abilities, the more thrilling the battle scenes become, driving the audience into a frenzy.

The drone camera turns its user into the protagonist of a real-life movie.

This is why Hunter broadcasts are among the most popular forms of entertainment in this era.

And what Shia didn't know was that the drone's hologram didn't only detect hands.

It could also be triggered by feet, tongues, pens, or sticks.

More importantly, the latest AI drone's hologram had registered not Shia's hand but the massive size of her 'Holy Power Pouch' before her finger could even press the [Start Recording] button.

Before Shia's finger could press [Start Recording], her overwhelmingly large Holy Power Pouch had already pressed the [Broadcasting] button, causing a series of coincidences that led to this accident.

The continuous blinking of the red light wasn't signaling the start of video recording, but the start of a live broadcast—a fact Shia had no idea about.

Her drone automatically connected to the internet and began streaming on the largest platform, [Switch], under a small, unnoticed broadcast channel.

There was no need to create an account.

As long as the hunter's name was registered on the drone, [Switch] automatically handled the rest.

Thus, Shia's first stream began under the broadcast name 'Hunter Isiah,' without a proper title.

-What is this?

-What kind of broadcast is this?

The first screen showed nothing.

Even several minutes into the broadcast, Shia's stream only displayed something like a curtain of shadows, blocking everything from view.

There was some small background noise, as if someone was struggling with a device, but all that could be heard were grunts and the occasional fidgeting sounds.

The random viewers who stumbled across the stream dismissed it as some amateur who didn't even know how to operate a basic machine.

As a result, most internet lurkers and casual viewers quickly lost interest and left the stream.

-What the, it's some small-time?

-I'm out, bye.

-Thought it was a Hunter stream, but it's a noob.

-This is just clickbait.

Still, a handful of curious viewers remained, wondering what was going on and deciding to stick around for a bit.

After all, it was early in the morning, not a time when major broadcasters were active.

Those watching at this hour were likely slackers with too much free time or people taking a break from work with nothing better to do.

"What kind of stream is this…?"

A man living in Yeouido, Seoul, was among the few who happened upon the stream while idly having breakfast.

He hadn't sought it out deliberately.

He had been preparing for a business trip, but when the trip was suddenly canceled, he found himself with an unexpected day off.

Having woken up early, rather than going back to sleep, he was passing time by watching random streams while eating breakfast.

Hunter broadcasts were among the most popular forms of entertainment of this era.

The title [Hunter Isiah] was enough to pique the interest of a few viewers, even if only a small number.

"Nothing to watch this morning. Should I switch to a regular show…"

[Ah, it's working…]

"Pffft!?"

At that moment, he nearly spat out his food.

Because the black shadow blocking the screen wasn't a curtain—it was…

"A chest…?"

An unbelievably large and voluptuous Holy Power Pouch.

Was this some kind of body cam stream?

"Wow, that's insane… No, seriously, what kind of stream is this in the morning… Maybe I'll just watch for a bit…"

The man, who had been about to switch channels, froze in place, captivated by the overwhelming sight of the Holy Power Pouch and the stunning appearance of the broadcaster.

[But why is it blinking?]

It seemed the streamer didn't even realize the camera was rolling, tilting her head in confusion.

'Is this a gimmick?'

Sometimes, streamers pretend they don't realize they're live as part of a quirky act.

Though in most cases, it's fairly obvious.

It would take exceptional acting skills to pull it off convincingly, but if this small-time streamer were doing that, her acting was quite impressive.

While her massive chest had grabbed his attention first, the streamer's face was also striking.

Not only was she more beautiful than most celebrities, but her skin was unnaturally pale, and her neatly styled silver hair stood out.

[Ah, whatever!]

Eventually, the streamer let out an annoyed sigh and pushed the drone camera away.

The drone then floated into the air, automatically adjusting to capture the perfect angle and began properly broadcasting.

The camera quality was top-notch, capturing everything with the clarity of a movie.

"….Guess I'll watch."

The man had no idea that he would soon become a major supporter of the 'Hunter Isiah' stream under the username [KawaiiHorned].