"Wow."

So many people!

Today, the third region's elite dungeon, *The Demon Army's Outpost*, was finally opening, and a massive crowd had gathered in front of its entrance. 

There were easily hundreds of people gathered at the wide basin entrance of the outpost, located in a rocky mountain region.

Almost all of the early dungeon raiders from the *Astra Online* Korean server were here.

And this wasn’t the end of it. More parties would continue to form on the spot, and latecomers would soon arrive.

This meant that the window of opportunity to reap the rewards of an early dungeon clear was getting shorter.

However, if we all started on equal footing, my synchronization rate of 100% would give me an advantage.

I did wonder if it was appropriate to use my hero’s instincts and battle experience in a place like this, but, honestly, it was the gods' fault. 

I told them I didn’t want anything when I was overwhelmed with despair, but they should’ve taken better care of me regardless. 

They didn’t even send me back in one piece.

*Shake, shake.*

I quickly shook my head, clearing away the memories that started to surface.

It was better not to think about the past—it would only make me depressed.

Still, ever since I started *Astra Online*, I found myself smiling more often.

I enjoyed this world like a child, immersing myself in its wonders.

Though it was just part of the game’s setting, ahead of me stood the *Demon Army’s Outpost*, a stronghold intent on invading the *Astra Continent*.

As a former hero, I couldn’t just ignore it.

This time, I hadn’t deprived myself of sleep to grind levels, and I had rested properly. 

I wouldn’t collapse immediately after clearing the dungeon.

*Creep.*

Carefully peeking out from behind a pile of rocks, I looked toward the entrance of the outpost.

There were a lot of people at the entrance.

If I wandered around alone with my small frame, I might draw attention.

It would be better to wait until most of the players had gone inside, then slip in afterward.

As I scanned my surroundings, I spotted a tall red-haired woman.

"Ah."

It was Chris unnie.

She stood confidently in front of the magical seal, smiling as always.

To her right was a pink-haired female mage, who was short—though still taller than me.

On her left was a large, muscular male spirit summoner with brown hair. 

His side profile gave me a sense of familiarity, but it was probably just my imagination.

A little further behind the group stood a tall man with black hair.

He had his arms crossed and his eyes closed, projecting an air of calm authority. He was likely a martial artist. 

His gauntlets weren’t visible, but martial artists often acted like that to give off an imposing vibe.

"A perfect 4-person party."

They must have made excellent progress as one of the leading groups in the elite dungeon runs.

While observing Chris's party, I briefly turned on the area announcement system, which I usually kept off.

I needed to check how much time was left until the dungeon opened.

[30-Level Elite Dungeon, *The Demon Army's Outpost*, will open in 10 minutes.]

After confirming the time, I turned off the announcements again. All I needed was the battle notifications.

The next 10 minutes dragged on slowly.

Still hiding behind the pile of rocks, I continued to peek at the crowd.

Finally.

*Wooooong.*

The magic circle at the entrance hummed loudly, and the sealed barrier began to dissolve.

"The dungeon's open!"

"Are we ready? Let’s go in right away!"

The parties gathered at the entrance began to disappear one by one, entering their own instance of the dungeon.

Chris’s party soon vanished as well, leaving no trace.

Within moments, the once-crowded entrance became almost deserted, with only a few players remaining at the outpost's gate.

*Scurry.*

I quickly darted toward the entrance and jumped in.

---

[Entry Level: 30]  
[Elite Dungeon (4-Player Party Recommended)]  
[*The Demon Army’s Outpost*]

After passing through the area where the magical barrier had been lifted, the few remaining players around me vanished. I had officially entered the instance dungeon field.

Before me lay the massive fortress of the *Demon Army's Outpost*.

*Step, step.*

I boldly approached the fortress and glanced around, then tilted my head in confusion.

"Huh?"

It wasn’t unreasonable to let that sound slip from my lips.

I was standing in front of the *Demon Army’s Outpost*, yet no one was around.

Should I ask, "Is anyone here?"

"Hmm…"

I stroked my chin as I paced around the entrance of the fortress.

The front gate was wide open, as if welcoming any players brave enough to enter.

I smiled faintly.

This is definitely a trap.

If I went in through the front, I’d be greeted by an overwhelming number of demons and monsters.

The game developers clearly wanted to wear down the players before the boss fight.

Given how this was structured, there had to be a shortcut that would lead me quickly to the named bosses.

Sure enough, after walking along the outer walls for a bit, I found a small hole just big enough for a person to squeeze through.

The fortress wall was poorly constructed, likely due to the outpost being hastily built.

Crouching low to the ground, I carefully crawled through the gap in the wall.

Once outside, I muttered quietly.

"This brings back memories."

In reality, the hero party’s role wasn’t always about fighting on the frontlines.

When we had to take out a demon army general within enemy territory, we often used infiltration tactics like this.

I knew the route well because I was used to it.

Finally, when I stood up and looked ahead—

It looked like an army base?

"Wow."

Inside the fortress, it looked like they had simply enclosed a large army encampment with poorly constructed walls.

They must have relied on the protective magic circle surrounding the outpost because there were no external guards at all.

However, the internal defenses around the barracks were solid.

Several demon soldiers patrolled the area, keeping watch.

It was a bit amusing.

There was no one on the walls, yet they were guarding against people who were already inside?

If this wasn’t an instance dungeon, players would have swept through this outpost in no time.

"Well, it’s not that strange."

The demons on the *Astra Continent* often relied too much on their physical strength and magical power, ignoring strategies and tactics.

They would blindly attack, relying solely on their commanders' firepower.

From here on, it’s a stealth mission.

The patrolling demon soldiers, though humanoid in form with horns on their heads, were clearly capable of using magic and seemed to be an important part of their defense. They wouldn’t have been entrusted with this task if they were weaklings.

As long as I stayed out of their detection range, I could avoid unnecessary combat.

The piles of supply crates scattered around conveniently served as cover for me.

*Sneak, sneak.*

*Whoosh.*

A demon soldier passed by, just on the other side of a crate. Fortunately, I wasn’t spotted.

This shortcut wouldn’t be easy for a four-player party to navigate.

Carefully weaving between the crates, I inched closer to the large barracks.

Eventually, the demon soldiers disappeared from view.

Standing up from my crouched position, I faced the large barracks ahead.

"Wow."

It was as if the structure was screaming, "The boss is here!" compared to the smaller tents around it.

There was no sign of guards near this oversized barracks, surrounded by smaller tents.

After all, in games where you progress from the first floor, don’t you sometimes wonder, "Why isn’t the second-floor boss coming down when there’s a commotion below?"

It’s all part of the game’s logic.

At least now I could focus on the boss fight. Though I couldn’t rule out the possibility that some minions would join the fray during battle.

*Creak, creak.*

With small, cautious steps, I entered the barracks.

Immediately, I spotted a male demon sitting in a chair directly in front of me, a pair of massive horns protruding from his head.

He was about the height of an average human man.

His skin was blue.

His body was covered in bulging muscles.

He rested his chin on his hand, as if lost in thought.

Compared to the *Sealed Demon* from the last elite dungeon, this demon looked rather unimpressive on the outside.

But the overwhelming power he possessed was clear from his HP.

The number: 3,000,000.

*Beep.*

As soon as I entered the barracks, I naturally entered his detection range.

The demon, who had been sitting with his eyes closed, opened them and looked directly at me.

His lips curled into a smile as he spoke.

"What are the guards doing? A human rat has snuck in. Even in this age, where the bloodline of heroes has been severed, are there still those who dare oppose the demon army?"

Wow, AI technology is amazing.

It even recognized that I came alone.

And it’s a named boss with dialogue.

What should I say to him?

Should I go with something like, "If you just hand over the accessories, I’ll spare your life?"

*Woooong.*

Apparently, he had no intention of waiting for me to break the ice. A powerful energy began gathering around him.

"I’ve been bored, so this is perfect. I’ll use your death to announce the return of the demon army to this land."

*Rumble.*

The barracks shook.

 The boss fight had begun.

I quickly drew my sword.

*Whoosh!*

"Ugh!"

A fierce wind suddenly blew. I crouched down and resisted the gale.

*Boom, boom, boom!*

A shockwave spread out from the demon, tearing the entire barracks apart.

The sky was now visible above me.

With a dazed expression, I looked up at the now-destroyed roof.

Why even bother designing the barracks if this was going to happen as soon as the fight started?

*Tap, tap, tap!*

From the smaller tents nearby, elite demon soldiers rushed out to join the named boss.

There were four of them.

"Eek!"

I leaped in place, startled.

Another boss with minions right from the start.

"Kuahahaha!"

With both hands enveloped in dark magic, the boss charged toward me at high speed.

---

[1st Named Boss]  
[Level 33: *Craksas, Lieutenant of the Outpost*]  
[HP: 3,000,000/3,000,000]