D Tower 1st Floor

The 1st floor of D Tower. I could see an escalator leading upward, and around it, a few “Urban Foxes” and “Goblins” were loitering. Even though it was a tutorial, a dungeon was still a dungeon.

“The monsters here will be at least one level higher than those outside.”

Just as expected.

——————

Urban Fox. LV 4

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The levels of Urban Foxes and Goblins were about 1 to 2 levels higher. The stronger ones were even 3 levels higher.

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Goblin. LV 8

——————

I had already done as I planned and dissolved the party with Seonhwa. In other words, we weren’t sharing experience points.

“Let’s start by taking down the Goblins we can see.”

If you don’t mess with the foxes, they don’t initiate an attack. In higher-level dungeons, all monsters are aggressive, but this place is a tutorial dungeon. The tutorial might not feel like one, but the fact is it’s easier than high-level dungeons.

Seonhwa did much better than I had expected.

‘So it’s really talent, huh?’

There was a time when she froze in fear even against a baby Goblin. But after four days together, she had become adept at hunting Goblins.

‘She’s handling level 8 Goblins well despite being only level 6.’

A level 6 player was taking down level 8 Goblins with ease. This was truly the realm of talent.

“Let’s take down that last Goblin and catch our breath.”

“Got it.”

Seonhwa took down the last remaining Goblin. For the record, she was wearing ‘Old Iron Gauntlets.’ Seonhwa defeated the Goblin with her fists, accurately targeting the weakness I had taught her.

‘She’s doing really well.’

The Goblin’s attacks didn’t lay a finger on Seonhwa. She seemed to have some special skill or a unique physique.

Seonhwa asked me.

“Did I do well?”

“What do you think? Did you do well?”

Seonhwa shook her head.

“I feel like I’m not doing as well compared to you, Oppa.”

Huh.

‘Now that I think about it, that’s true.’

This child’s play, which I considered genius, didn’t actually seem all that impressive. Is it because she’s young, easy-going?

‘But why am I so good at this?’

I have no idea. But it seems certain that so far, I’m doing even better than Seonhwa. It’s to the point where I started to hold a very reasonable doubt – could it be that I am a genius?

“A sub-boss monster will appear soon.”

“Okay.”

A sub-boss monster, the ‘Goblin Soldier,’ will reveal itself. Its level will likely be indicated with a ‘?’. It’s going to be significantly higher than mine. I estimate its level to be around 13. My current level is 8.

‘I can do this.’

Proven through numerous strategies, I’ve seen plenty of virtual dungeon play. Of course, that virtual dungeon was artificially designed according to ‘King of Martial Arts, Masanghyeon’ and the survivors’ reminiscences, but from level 8 and up, one can conquer the first floor.

‘No. You have to be exactly level 8.’

Once all the Goblins and Urban Foxes here are hunted, the sub-boss monster, ‘Goblin Soldier,’ will appear.

“Caught your breath?”

“Yes. I think my stamina is fully recovered.”

“Then let’s take down the rest.”

After finishing off the remaining ones, the ‘Goblin Soldier’ will show up, and we’ll form a party again.

“And then run right here.”

Here. Near the ATM machine. I gave the instructions once more.

“Okay.”

Seonhwa faithfully followed my words. She took down the remaining monsters, and in the process reached level 7.

“Oppa, I’ve taken care of them all.”

“I know. Run to me.”

Seonhwa rushed over. We both hid behind the ATM machine on the first floor. Close together, fortunately, Seonhwa’s small size was an advantage. I spoke in a low voice.

“Duck your head.”

Just then, the whole field momentarily darkened. As if there was a pause in the game. Like hitting ‘PAUSE.’

* * *

‘A pause?’

Middle managers could temporarily halt the field with their authority and ‘items.’

‘I heard this item is quite expensive.’

I don’t know how much, but it takes a significant investment of COINS. When middle manager BJ wanted to interfere with the play, he could use it to halt broadcast to the guardians.

[Pause mode has been activated.]

[‘The Anonymous Observer’ shows deep curiosity.]

[‘The Brave Lion King’ starts to show interest again.]

Unnamed guardians began to cry out in protest.

“Player Kim Hyukjin, are you in your right mind?”

“What’s that?”

Senia looked at me with an unemotional face. Her eyes were devoid of feeling, yet there was something quite fierce about them.

“You’ve acted as if you know everything. Is this situation also intended?”

“Uh.”

“I don’t know what power you have. But if you have it, why act foolishly as you do now?”

“That’s what I’m trying to find out?”

She glanced at me again, then continued slowly.

“The Goblin Soldier’s level is 13. It’s receiving a boss mob level adjustment. It’s not a being that you can hunt right now. Especially not just the two of us.”

What? This woman. Was she always this talkative?

“Do you hope I don’t die?”

“…”

It’s obvious.

‘Because I’m a player with material that could cause a sensation.’

Because I’m good content. There must be numerous players, but the most unique gameplay must be mine. Unless there’s another regressor. Unless there’s someone like me who knows all the plays by heart.

For a BJ like me, hard to come by content.

“It seems like you, Senia, have quite the silver tongue.”

“… Are you insulting me?”

“Let me give you a tip.”

I know about the future BJs too. Middle managers know, and so do countless YouTuber BJs. I have a vague idea of how they conduct their business and what it takes to become a famous BJ. A BJ like Senia, who is only pretty with no speaking ability, will not survive in the fierce competition.

“Act it up when the pause is over. No, that doesn’t fit your personality. Just explain how it’s absolutely impossible for me to take down that monster. Because that’s true.”

This is a bit off topic, but. Senia is really beautiful. Seemingly out of place in this situation, but I keep finding myself thinking she is that pretty.

‘If someone this beautiful didn’t become famous later…’

It means she didn’t make it. Couldn’t survive the competition among BJs.

“Make it dramatic.”

“…”

Senia kept looking at me with an expressionless face. She didn’t respond, but from the slight trembling of her wings, there seemed to be some internal turmoil.

“Then I won’t die, and I’ll hunt it.”

“You mean… the Goblin Soldier?”

“Yeah. The Goblin Soldier.”

“You can’t beat it with your ability. It’s impossible.”

“Just wait and see. How do I do it? How sensational would it be if a player like me, who’s so good, took down a sub-boss monster in a tutorial dungeon?”

“…”

The more guardians that watch, the better. Famous BJs attract famous guardians and they tend to be generous with their support for both BJs and players.

“Let’s make a deal.”

Before Senia could say anything, I pushed forward.

“Player Kim Hyukjin, you are far too arrogant. You’re only level 8. There’s a limit to the rudeness I can tolerate.”

It was clear Senia was a middle manager. A being who could kill me if things went sour. If it wasn’t for the ‘Law,’ the managers could take my life with little trouble. A flick of their finger, and my body would be split in two.

“If you wanted me dead, you would have done it long ago.”

“…”

“You stopped the game with a pause ability, didn’t you? Too precious to kill me? Isn’t that ability very expensive?”

“…”

Senia’s wings trembled again. It was clear. She might be powerful as a manager, but she lacks persuasive ability. She lost out to competition because she’s only pretty and can’t talk.

“A player at level 8 without any significant skills. I’ll take down the sub-boss mob. Guardians might just throw their underwear in the air. Then you’d become a manager who produces quality content.”

“…”

“You wouldn’t lose out, would you?”

Finally, Senia asked.

“What are the terms of the deal?”

“How about we deal after I take down the sub-boss monster? It seems like the pause is almost over anyway.”

For the first time since meeting her, Senia slightly furrowed her brow. It was the first change in her expression. As if saying, ‘How on earth do you know all of this?’ Obviously, I wouldn’t answer that question. No need to.

“Alright. I will watch. Keep in mind, the Goblin Soldier… with your current abilities, you can’t possibly hunt it.”

At that moment, the ‘pause’ state was lifted. The black and white world returned to normal. The world that had been stopped began to move again.

[You have cleared all the monsters in the field.]

[The condition to spawn the sub-boss monster ‘Goblin Soldier’ has been met.]

[Sub-boss monster ‘Goblin Soldier’ is being spawned.]

‘Here it comes.’

Currently, I’m laying down beside the ATM machine, hugging Seonhwa from the side. A cold sweat ran down my back. Although I spoke confidently to Senia, I c.Bitmap couldn’t help but feel tense.

[‘Goblin Soldier’ has been spawned.]

[The sub-boss monster zone is declared.]

Sub-boss monster. A Goblin Soldier has appeared. It will soon look around. Inspect the surrounding corpses.

‘It’ll get angry.’

As I thought.

[The sub-boss monster ‘Goblin Soldier’ is raging.]

And the enraged ‘Goblin Soldier’ will use its most threatening attack as soon as it appears. A spear throw. The most dangerous ability it has. With my current abilities, I can’t withstand that attack. If it hits me head-on, I’ll be killed instantly.

Kigigik!

Along with the cry of the ‘Goblin Soldier,’ I felt a chill go down my spine.

Shwish!

There was a whoosh of air. It’s hard to describe exactly, but it was like feeling something terrifying approaching.

‘Here it comes.’

Thump!

There was a sound. The Goblin Soldier’s spear had pierced the ATM machine. Something sharp protruded just above where I lay.

Gulp.

I swallowed. Having only seen the strategy, actually experiencing it was an entirely different, thrilling ordeal.

‘I’ve survived the first hurdle.’

The most threatening attack of the Goblin Soldier was over. Right at the beginning of its appearance. It viciously throws its spear at the player’s direction. This is the most dangerous attack. Hence, why I used the ATM machine partition as a shield to hide behind.

[‘The Anonymous Observer’ is amazed by your resourcefulness.]

[Unnamed guardians are flocking to channel #19207.]

[‘The Anonymous Observer’ has sponsored you with 50COIN.]

I couldn’t pay attention to that notification.

‘Hiding next to the ATM machine is the most efficient strategy.’

Moving elsewhere makes the Goblin Soldier move. It comes closer and throws its spear.

‘That very position where it doesn’t move and just throws its spear.’

While still being able to be protected by a cover. Right beside the ATM machine was it. The optimum hunting spot known through virtual dungeons. The most dangerous attack had been blocked.

I glanced at Senia, semi-transparent.

‘Watch.’

Level 8. Watch how a lousy player like me hunts a sub-boss monster.