The Hunter's Gonna Lay Low [Part 1]

Life is Like a Boomerang (8)

[The new grade for the Jongno 3-ga underground dungeon is S+ grade.]

"S+ grade?"

The priority levels for rifts, which require high-priority strategies, are divided from grade 1 to grade 10, whereas dungeons, which are less dangerous than rifts, are classified from S to F grades. This classification was proposed by the United States. Initially, the system also used alphabetic labels for both rifts and dungeons, but the notation was changed in accordance with international law.

Until now, there had never been a dungeon rated higher than S-grade. People speculated that there might be an L-grade above S-grade because of the extraordinary Hong Ye-seong. In other words, even Cha Eui-jae, who had explored countless dungeons and rifts, was encountering this new grade for the first time. Cha Eui-jae quickly turned to Lee Sa-young, who would likely have more information.

But Lee Sa-young, squinting his eyes and staring into space, seemed equally clueless. He muttered lowly.

"This is a first..."

The sudden change in dungeon grade upon Cha Eui-jae's entrance had happened before at the West Sea Rift; Jongno 3-ga underground dungeon was the second instance. It felt as if the dungeon was waiting for him to arrive. The anxiety gnawed at one side of his brain.

'Because of me.'

...No, there was no time to indulge in such feelings. Getting lost in emotions would only hinder him. Cha Eui-jae slapped his cheeks with both hands and stood up.

"Do you have any data on this dungeon?"

"There is some, but it was taken before the dungeon was restructured. It's probably useless now."

Lee Sa-young frowned slightly and stared at Cha Eui-jae's face, seeming somewhat dissatisfied. He continued.

"Besides, with the dungeon being restructured, it's basically a completely new dungeon. We'll have to investigate."

"..."

An unknown dungeon. Cha Eui-jae stared blankly at the white ash swirling outside. It was a familiar sight. Both the eroded and restructured dungeons resembled the West Sea Rift. Only J knew this fact. What was the relationship between the erosion phenomenon and the West Sea Rift? Just as Cha Eui-jae's thoughts began to sink deeper, a low, mocking voice pulled him back to consciousness.

"By the way."

Lee Sa-young twisted his lips.

"Do you have a masochistic hobby or something?"

"What nonsense... Do you enjoy talking nonsense?"

"Well, your actions make it seem that way."

Lee Sa-young slowly stood up and reached out, touching Cha Eui-jae's red cheek with his fingertips, then lightly rubbed the skin with his thumb, whispering.

"Why don't you try again? I don't usually enjoy hitting, but... I can make an exception."

"This punk, is your head screwed on straight, damn it."

No, calm down. Cha Eui-jae pulled away from the hand rubbing his cheek and collected himself. Otherwise, he might punch Lee Sa-young in the stomach. He heard Lee Sa-young whining about his wrist being grabbed but pretended not to hear. One good thing about being with Lee Sa-young is that he never stops talking, so Cha Eui-jae doesn't have time to get lost in his emotions.

"You're talking so much; you must be feeling better. Get ready. We need to move. We have to get back quickly."

"Well, alright."