The Association was louder than usual.
Hunters moving in and out.
Staff running reports.
Tension everywhere.
Because of one announcement.
"A new gate has appeared."
But that wasn't the problem.
"It's unstable."
Seo stood in front of a group of Hunters.
Her expression serious.
"…Initial evaluation marked it as C-rank."
Murmurs spread.
"…But the mana readings keep rising."
Silence.
"…It could evolve into B-rank at any moment."
That shut everyone up.
C-rank was manageable.
B-rank?
That meant casualties.
"…We need a strike team," Seo continued. "Immediately."
Her eyes moved—
And stopped.
On Adrian.
"…You're joining."
No surprise.
Adrian stepped forward calmly.
"…Understood."
Gate Entrance
The gate pulsed violently.
Unlike the previous one—
This one felt alive.
Hunters gathered.
More experienced this time.
Weapons ready.
Tension high.
"…This feels wrong," one muttered.
"…It is," Adrian said quietly.
Seo glanced at him.
"…You sense it too."
Adrian nodded.
"…This isn't just a dungeon."
A pause.
"…It's changing."
The gate distorted.
Then—
CRACK
A shockwave burst outward.
"…MOVE!"
The Hunters barely reacted in time.
The gate stabilized.
But its color—
Shifted.
From blue—
To deep violet.
Silence fell.
"…That's not C-rank anymore," someone whispered.
Seo clenched her jaw.
"…We're going in anyway."
Adrian stepped forward.
"…Good."
His eyes sharpened.
"…I need stronger enemies."
Inside the Gate
Darkness.
Thicker than before.
The air felt heavy.
Oppressive.
Like the dungeon itself was watching them.
"…Stay close," Seo ordered.
The team moved carefully.
Step by step.
Then—
A growl echoed.
Low.
Deep.
Not one.
Many.
From all directions.
"…Get ready!"
The shadows moved.
And the monsters appeared.
Larger.
Faster.
Different.
[Corrupted Beasts – Enhanced]
Level: 10–12
"…Already stronger than last time?!"
They attacked instantly.
Claws.
Teeth.
Speed.
The front line clashed—
But struggled.
"…They're too fast!"
Adrian stepped forward.
"…Then we slow them down."
He raised his hand.
"…Rise."
Ash surged.
But this time—
Something changed.
The soldiers that formed—
Were different.
Taller.
Sharper.
Their bodies more solid.
Their eyes—
Faintly glowing.
The Hunters froze.
"…They evolved…"
Adrian narrowed his eyes.
"…So that power wasn't wasted."
The new Ash Soldiers charged.
Faster than before.
Stronger.
They tore through the corrupted beasts—
Efficient.
Precise.
"…Unbelievable…"
Seo watched closely.
"…He's getting stronger mid-battle."
Adrian moved alongside them.
Not behind.
Not commanding from safety.
Fighting.
Directly.
A beast lunged—
He dodged.
Countered.
Slashed its throat.
Another came—
He stepped in—
And drove his blade through its skull.
Clean.
Controlled.
Deadly.
[Level Up!]
Adrian exhaled slowly.
"…Still not enough."
Then—
The ground shook.
Hard.
"…What now?!"
The dungeon trembled violently.
Cracks spread across the ground.
Then—
Something massive moved beneath them.
"…Back!"
Too late.
The ground exploded.
A gigantic creature burst out—
Towering over them.
Covered in hardened black armor.
Multiple limbs.
A distorted, monstrous head.
[Corrupted Guardian – Gate Core Beast]
Level: ???
Silence.
"…Level unknown again…"
Fear crept in.
"…We can't fight that…"
The creature roared.
The sound alone—
Shook the entire dungeon.
Hunters staggered.
Some nearly collapsed.
"…Fall back!" Seo shouted.
But Adrian—
Didn't move.
His eyes locked onto it.
"…Finally."
The ash around him surged violently.
"…Something worth killing."
The creature charged.
The ground cracked beneath its weight.
Adrian stepped forward.
Alone.
"…Let's see…"
His grip tightened on the dagger.
"…how strong I've become."
The battlefield froze—
Just before impact.