CHAPTER 63

Strengthening the Foundation (5)

A dungeon with 100 goblins.

This was not as easy a goal as it seemed.

Until now, the citizens had mainly hunted goblins by utilizing safe zones or by relying on numerical superiority.

"Even if it's the same 100 goblins, the difficulty varies greatly depending on whether they charge all at once or appear little by little. The internal environment of the dungeon is also important."

Yang Ji-ho pointed out the key issue.

"That's why I think the first step should be to assess the dungeon's internal environment."

He was right.

For example, in the case of the Lizardman Swamp that Lee Jun-hyuk had cleared, the environment was highly advantageous for the Lizardmen.

Likewise, the Goblin Den was likely to be an environment that favored goblins.

"A reconnaissance team will be necessary—one capable of handling 100 goblins attacking at once without issue."

"Yes, exactly."

Several parties immediately came to mind.

Everyone who ventured outside the safe zone to hunt, including Lee Jun-hyuk's party, was skilled enough to handle 100 goblins with ease.

'But using them as the reconnaissance team would be a waste.'

The profits they earned from hunting sea monsters were incomparable to the rewards for killing 100 goblins.

'Ha Dong-gun's party is currently resting, though.'

Ha Dong-gun's party, considered an elite group, was currently on an extended break.

'Kang Deok-su alone is more than capable of serving as the reconnaissance team.'

Having evolved into a knight of steel, his abilities were more specialized than anyone else's when it came to fighting multiple monsters.

'But…'

Their current condition was not good.

I had been monitoring their status with the Absolute's Eye.

Among them, Ha Dong-gun, Kang Deok-su, and Kim Geon seemed in dire need of psychological counseling.

Ha Dong-gun, who had his companion Kim Ga-young, was in relatively better shape.

Having supportive family nearby was a big help. He showed signs of mild lethargy and depression, but with Kim Ga-young by his side, he would likely recover soon.

The real problem was Kang Deok-su and Kim Geon.

The two spent their nights drinking excessively and their days sleeping like the dead.

They were squandering all their hunting earnings on alcohol.

'Maybe forcing them back to work would be better!'

Just as I was considering how to handle them—

"What about temporarily issuing firearms for dungeon raids?"

It was Kang Han-gyeol, who had previously suggested leading a police force.

"If we form five-man teams with basic firearm training, they should be able to handle even 100 goblins rushing at them as soon as they enter the dungeon."

I knew well the power of rifles.

As he said, five well-trained riflemen could handle not just goblins, but even 100 orcs without much trouble.

"Are there any other options?"

Loosening firearm regulations too much was a concern.

There was always the risk of a major incident.

"I understand your concerns, Jae-hyun. If we loosen firearm regulations, there will be risks. But Jae-hyun, in no war have soldiers been given spears or bows instead of guns just because firearms are dangerous."

At that moment, I realized I was being overly cautious.

Perhaps it was because I was born and raised in South Korea, where strict gun regulations were the norm.

But the world was now at war with monsters.

'Those fighting for their lives need guns.'

I had only distributed firearms to those fighting on the front lines against monsters.

They were all in parties that had sworn loyalty to me.

Trustworthy, dedicated individuals.

Only a select few had been deployed for monster hunting.

'I was the one failing to fully trust people!'

Right now, I was acting like a dictator who confiscated weapons from the military out of fear of a coup.

I was weakening my own army's strength.

'If rifles are used more actively, the number of available hunters will multiply.'

Most South Korean men, if given a rifle, could immediately serve as combat-ready forces.

Growth rates would accelerate drastically.

'I should trust them.'

Of course, betrayal would be met with appropriate consequences.

But fear of firearm incidents was no reason to enforce strict regulations.

"Kang Han-gyeol."

"Yes?"

"How many police officers do we have?"

"A total of 150."

"I will provide 500 rifles and 30,000 rounds of ammunition. Can you manage that?"

"I will do my best."

Looking him straight in the eyes, I made a declaration.

"From now on, the title 'police' is abolished. The department you lead will be called the Dungeon Management Bureau. You may recruit as many personnel as needed. However, you will be responsible for initial dungeon scouting, firearm distribution for dungeon raids, and basic training for those who wish to participate in dungeon conquests. Can you handle that?"

After a moment of serious contemplation, Kang Han-gyeol replied,

"I'll do it."

"I'm counting on you."

After the meeting, I returned home and immediately activated construction mode.

'Instant Dungeon Construction.'

I decided to start with a trial dungeon.

[Select a location to install the F-rank Instant Dungeon {Goblin Den}.]

I chose Exit 8 of Jeonpo Station.

[Are you sure you want to install it?]

'Yes.'

At the same time.

[F-rank Instant Dungeon (Goblin Den construction is complete.)]

The construction was completed immediately.

Now, if left alone, one of the citizens would report the dungeon, and Kang Han-gyeol would take care of it.

'Before that.'

Even with the Absolute's Eye, it was impossible to see inside the dungeon.

In other words, to check the environment inside, it was necessary to send in a vassal.

Fortunately, there was someone perfect for the job.

'The Absolute's Gate.'

I immediately opened Room 2901 and stepped inside.

As soon as I entered, the smell of alcohol filled the air.

Empty bottles were scattered across the living room, along with snack bags and trash strewn everywhere.

I approached Kang Deok-soo, who was sprawled out on the couch, snoring loudly, and called his name.

"Kang Deok-soo, wake up."

But my voice alone got no response at all.

"Deok-soo, wake up."

When I grabbed his shoulder and shook him, he finally reacted.

"Ugh? Jae-hyun…?"

His face still looked drunk.

Every time he spoke, a strong smell of alcohol wafted out.

When I frowned slightly, Kang Deok-soo quickly covered his mouth with both hands.

"Wh-what brings you here…?"

"I have a favor to ask."

"…A favor?"

"Yes."

I briefly explained the concept of the dungeon.

"So you're saying a dungeon full of goblins has appeared? Within the territory?"

"That's right."

Kang Deok-soo's expression turned serious as he asked,

"Isn't that a big problem?"

"That's why I need your help. You should be able to clear it on your own."

"Hmm… Alright."

"First, you should clean up and get ready."

"Yeah."

After showering, Kang Deok-soo looked much better than before.

"Let's go."

I led him straight to Exit 8 of Jeonpo Station.

Bzzzz—

There, a dungeon entrance emitted a faint blue glow.

It was my first time seeing one in person.

"Is this it?"

"Yes."

"It looks interesting."

It would be even more interesting inside.

A completely different environment awaited beyond the entrance.

"Then, I'll leave it to you."

"I'll be back soon."

After confirming that Kang Deok-soo had entered the dungeon, I immediately used the Absolute's Eye to observe him.

As soon as he stepped inside, he was greeted by pitch-black darkness.

"Jae-hyun, I can't see anything in here."

[Granting a Headlamp.]

'Open shop, purchase headlamp.'

I immediately provided him with a headlamp.

When he turned it on, the rough walls of a cave came into view.

"Rise."

Kang Deok-soo summoned only one Steel Knight and advanced forward.

Screech?

The first enemies to appear were three goblins.

The moment they saw the beam from Kang Deok-soo's headlamp, they flinched and charged at him.

"Screeech!"

"Screeeee!"

But their heads were instantly severed by the halberd swung by the Steel Knight.

Three goblins were instantly cut down.

[You have hunted a Goblin (Lv. 7).]

[You have gained experience points.]

[18,012 KRW has been deposited into the Wallet of the Household Sovereign.]

"This is too easy."

The goblins inside the dungeon were actually weaker than the ones in reality.

The weapons they carried were nothing more than crude bone or stone knives, and most importantly, they never appeared in large numbers.

[You have hunted a Goblin (Lv. 7).]

[You have hunted a Goblin (Lv. 8).]

[You have hunted a Goblin (Lv. 7).]

The goblins, appearing in groups of three, were effortlessly cut down by the Steel Knight every time they showed up.

As they ventured deeper into the cave, the space gradually widened, and accordingly, the number of goblins appearing increased slightly.

"Kieeek!"

[You have hunted a Goblin (Lv. 7).]

[You have gained experience points.]

[17,991 KRW has been deposited into the Wallet of the Household Sovereign.]

However, even with a few more goblins, they were no match for the Steel Knight.

Clang!

The goblins' attacks were completely blocked by the gleaming silver armor, while the Steel Knight's halberd relentlessly cut off their lifelines with every swing.

And when a single Steel Knight had slain a total of 94 goblins…

[Citizen Kang Deok-Su has cleared the 'Goblin Den.']

Unfortunately, no crystals were obtained from the instant dungeon.

It seemed that crystals could only be acquired from naturally occurring dungeons.

Kang Deok-Su emerged from the dungeon looking noticeably refreshed.

As he gazed at the still-intact dungeon entrance, he asked,

"Can I do this again?"

"It should be possible."

"Can I go in one more time?"

"Of course."

Watching Kang Deok-Su clear the instant dungeon only strengthened my confidence.

'This is the perfect level for training.'

There was nothing to worry about.

Especially since those who would follow Kang Han-Gyeol's lead into the dungeon would be armed with rifles, there was even less cause for concern.

'I can increase the maximum capacity at once.'

Leaving Kang Deok-Su to enjoy his goblin hunting, I returned home and placed the remaining nine dungeons in optimal locations.

'Now, let's draw.'

As soon as I sat on the sofa, Kami jumped onto my lap.

– Beep!

I chuckled and gently stroked Kami with my index finger.

"You seem to be in a good mood today."

– Beep beep!

Usually, this little one was busy napping under the warm sunlight, but sometimes it would show affection like this.

After playing with Kami for a bit, I opened my skill window.

And then—

'Divine Summoning!'

Clatter!!

With the consumption of 300 crystals, a dazzling golden magic circle radiated a brilliant light.

The light emitted from the completed magic circle soon gathered into one place, growing larger and larger.

Woooong!

As the golden glow shone resplendently, strands of red thread wove into it.

And when the entire process was complete—

A crown, lavishly adorned with gemstones, radiated a magnificent light.

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