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Chapter 77




SMH 77
Swordmaster Healer – Episode 77
TL: Boko
Editor: Ren
Chapter 26: S-rank Dungeon (1)
Sung Joon, who had checked his messages, belatedly remembered that he had promised to eat with Eun Joo.
“Should I go…” he wondered.
Rishubalt interjected, “You need adequate rest for the next battle. You are already well aware of that, aren’t you, my lord?”
“You’re right about that.”
Sung Joon, with his ample combat experience, knew just how important rest was.
[Just a little while ago, an S-rank dungeon emerged. I, along with other assault teams, applied for the preferential rights* to occupy a dungeon. I’d like to talk to you about this as well, if you have time.] (*Just a reminder: it means that they get to go into the dungeon first.)
Despite Sung Joon reading the message, he didn’t reply; yet, Eun Joo sent another message. Sung Joon, who read the contents of that message, was interested.
Because Sung Joon was an A-rank Hunter, it was impossible for him to apply for an S-rank dungeon solo run.
‘If there are official records of attacking an S-rank dungeon, my rating should increase by a lot, right…?’
The Eroding Dungeon had been acknowledged as an S-rank dungeon, thus dropping a lot of magic stones, but in the official records, it was recognized as an A-rank.
Even if one just safely clears an A-rank dungeon, their rating would increase by a lot, but it wasn’t at the level that could be compared to an S-rank dungeon.
[Please message me the location and the time.]
Sung Joon was an A-rank Hunter, so he could apply for matching for the one level higher S-rank dungeon, but due to their rarity, guilds or regular assault teams would often use their preferential occupancy rights in order to secure the dungeons. Thus, it would be difficult for him to schedule an appointment.
Sung Joon thought of Eun Joo’s offer as a chance, and sent his reply. And in just a short time, Eun Joo messaged him the location and the time.
“Ridis Hotel, huh…”
It was a place that large business conglomerates or rich Hunters used.
‘Well, she’s an S-rank Hunter, so she probably makes a lot of money.’
Sung Joon belatedly remembered that Eun Joo was an S-rank Hunter and nodded his head. Sung Joon also made quite a bit of money, but an S-rank Hunter’s earnings was beyond his imagination.
‘I’m not the one buying, so it’s great to eat somewhere nice.’
Sung Joon smiled.
Sung Joon had returned to his studio apartment and accessed Hunter.com, gathering information regarding the newly emerged S-rank dungeon.
All the information uploaded on Hunter.com confirmed that the appearance of the S-rank dungeon was real, but in order to make sure, Sung Joon called Hyun Sung.
“This is Kim Hyun Sung.”
Hyun Sung picked up the phone.
“Team Leader Kim, they say that an S-rank dungeon appeared just a little while ago in Seoul… is that true?”
“Yes, it’s true. I know for sure because our team is helping out with the Dungeon Bureau’s investigation.”
“If that’s the case, is it true that Ms. Choi Eun Joo’s regular assault team, ‘Dike’s’ preferential occupancy rights have been acknowledged for this S-rank dungeon that appeared?”
“Yes, Ms. Choi Eun Joo’s regular assault team, ‘Dike’ and Ms. Park Ha Yeon’s ‘Royal Cross’ jointly used their preferential occupancy rights, so it was acknowledged.”
At Hyun Sung’s words, Sung Joon sifted through his memories regarding Park Ha Yeon. He had often heard about her being the 10th place S-rank Hunter, so he definitely remembered her.
Since he had his computer powered on in front of him, he browsed Hunter.com for information regarding Park Ha Yeon.
Since it was information that was disclosed to the public, he couldn’t procure any detailed information on her, but he was able to figure out that she was a Supporter Hunter, as well as the vice guild leader of the 11th rank guild, ‘Imperial’ without much difficulty.
He just couldn’t figure out what kind of person she was.
‘I’ll figure it out if I meet her in person.’
Sung Joon decided to think about it in a carefree way. He finished his call with Hyun Sung and passed the time by briefly browsing through Hunter.com.
Time flew by quickly and it was now time for him to met Eun Joo, as he had promised. Sung Joon went outside and rode in his Hunter sedan towards the Ridis Hotel.
“You may go in.”
As it was the most luxurious hotel in Korea, there were armed guards protecting it. There was a low chance, but if there were an outbreak of a Raid nearby, they were there to protect the guests.
Aside from that, it was because public order had lessened when the dungeons and Raids had appeared. Contrary to the past, people could often see armed security guards in Korea now.
“Mr. Sung Joon! Over here!”
Eun Joo, who had been waiting in the lobby, discovered Sung Joon, and waved her hand with a joyful expression. It looked as if she were a puppy who had discovered her owner and was waving her tail.
Sung Joon thought that he might be late, so he checked the time, but it was twenty minutes before their appointment.
“You came early,” Sung Joon commented.
“I didn’t have anything to do and I was bored. That’s why I came first and waited,” replied Eun Joo, smiling timidly.
He didn’t know what was making her so happy; her smile wouldn’t leave her face.
When he saw her expression, Sung Joon just thought that perhaps something good had happened for her.
“You’re hungry, right? Let’s hurry and go in.”
Sung Joon nodded at Eun Joo’s offer. The two ate in the hotel’s restaurant while conversing.
They started their conversation lightly, but soon started talking about the S-rank dungeon.
“You know Ha Yeon, right? We’ve decided to attack this S-rank dungeon together this time.”
Eun Joo and Ha Yeon were close. Therefore, they were familiar* when they talked to each other. (*Lack of honorifics.)
“How is the party organized?” Sung Joon asked.
A party’s configuration was one of the most important issues when attacking a dungeon. Eun Joon grinned, and opened her mouth.
“The S-ranks are me and Ha Yeon. And if we include you, Mr. Sung Joon, there are thirteen A-ranks,” she said.
“That seems quite adequate.”
Sung Joon nodded his head. That was enough people to attack an S-rank dungeon.
“That’s fifteen people altogether.”
“One Supporter, one Mage, and two Healers.”
It wasn’t just the number of people, but the composition also wasn’t bad. Especially since they had Park Ha Yeon, who was the first amongst Supporter Hunters in Korea to achieve S-rank, so their combat strength would increase significantly.
There was a massive difference between an A-rank Supporter Hunter’s buffs and an S-rank Supporter Hunter’s buffs.
“Ha Yeon and I both definitely want you to join us.”
“If you give me an additional payment of 10%, I’ll think about it positively,” Sung Joon replied.
Eun Joo furrowed her beautiful slender long eyebrows at his response. In no time, they had completed their meal and dessert was coming out.
Sung Joon hurriedly finished off his dessert and when he was about to stand up from his seat…
“Please give me just a minute.” Eun Joo called out to Sung Joon.
Sung Joon sat back into his chair, and smiled faintly.
“We’ll give you an additional payment of 10%. Let’s go together.”
“That sounds good. When is the attack scheduled?”
“It’s in one week. However, we’re thinking of practicing our teamwork at ‘Iron’. You have a membership there, right?” Eun Joo asked. Sung Joon nodded his head.
“Of course.”
“Hehe. Thank you.”
Eun Joo laughed bashfully. She felt great, since she could attack the dungeon together with Sung Joon.
“Since it seems like we’ve also finished our meals… Shall we get up?”
“It’s disappointing to separate like this… Shall we have a drink? The bar here is pretty good.”
“A drink?”
“Yes.”
Sung Joon briefly pondered her offer. And when he thought about it, he hadn’t even had a sip of alcohol because he had been so busy.
He didn’t have the money back then and lately, he didn’t have the mentality to spare.
“My lord, you loved alcohol. It’s not great to drink heavily, but it wouldn’t matter if it’s just recreational,” Rishubalt said.
Other people couldn’t hear his voice, but his voice was certainly relayed to Sung Joon.
Sung Joon wordlessly nodded, nodding so slightly that other people wouldn’t notice. Eun Joo was beside him, so even if he responded with a soft voice, he might be treated like he was crazy.
“Are you buying, Ms. Choi Eun Joo?” Sung Joon asked, laughing slyly.
He had just bought a meal that cost thousands of dollars, so she could at least pay for the drinks.
The bar would probably be expensive, but if he attacked the S-rank dungeon as she suggested, the reward he’d receive from that would be much higher, so it wouldn’t matter.
However, contrary to Sung Joon’s expectations, she took out a gold card from her cute wallet and smiled with her eyes.
“Today’s an anniversary, so I’ll buy.”
“An anniversary?” Sung Joon asked.
“It’s a thing like that,” Eun Joo said, smiling peculiarly, and led Sung Joon to the hotel’s bar.
The Ridis Hotel’s bar boasted a fittingly luxurious interior and was filled with expensive-looking liquor.
The two sat in their seats and Eun Joo expertly ordered for them. The liquor and snacks came out, and the two made small talk, beginning to enjoy the drinks and the snacks.
‘It tastes good…’
It may have been because it was expensive liquor but it was different when he swallowed it. He hadn’t had spare time, so he couldn’t enjoy alcohol, but when he had drunk on occasion, he drank soju, so it was a new taste for him.
“This place is pretty good, right?” Eun Joo asked.
Sung Joon couldn’t help but nod. They filled his glass without pause and the moment he started to feel intoxicated…
“Mr. Kang Sung Joon?”
He turned his head in the direction of the familiar voice and there stood Seol Ah wearing a suit. She looked surprised at the unexpected meeting.
“Who are you?”
Eun Joo’s eyes filled with various emotions and shook confusingly. Sung Joon opened his mouth with a calm expression.
“She’s someone I know,” he responded calmly, before turning his gaze towards Seol Ah.
“Ms. Yoon Seol Ah? Why are you here?”
“I just… I came just because,” Seol Ah replied, trying hard to hide her awkward smile.
She tried her best to hide it, but it seemed like something bad had happened to her, as her dark expression remained.
“I see. Please enjoy yourself.”
If she had been a close friend, he might’ve offered for her to join him, but since he didn’t have that kind of relationship with Seol Ah, he turned his head away immediately.
“Ah…”
Seol Ah’s voice was filled with disappointment. She was surprised herself when she realized that fact.
‘Why… Why am I…’
She kept turning her gaze towards Eun Joo. Eun Joo seemed to have also figured out the truth, as she looked at Sung Joon meaningfully.
When Seol Ah saw that, she couldn’t just leave. She didn’t know the reason, but it bothered her.
“May I join you?” Seol Ah asked.
Sung Joon turned his gaze towards Eun Joo. Rather than respond, Eun Joo smiled faintly and nodded her head.
“It seems like you can join us,” Sung Joon said, relaying Eun Joo’s intent for her.
“Thank you,” Seol Ah said.
Seol Ah sat beside Sung Joon. Seeing that, Eun Joo’s eyes widened and she opened her mouth.
“P-Please sit over here!” she stuttered.
Seol Ah smirked.
“That’s alright. This seat is comfortable.”
As Seol Ah said that, she drew a little closer to Sung Joon, and Eun Joo bit her lip lightly. In order to pacify her anger, she gulped her drink down in one go.
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“Please drink slowly,” Seol Ah said.
It was a light provocation, but Eun Joo let it pass, beginning to drink without stopping. Seol Ah accepted the challenge, continuously gulping down drinks.
Sung Joon had left briefly, but when he came back, it was too late.
Seol Ah and Eun Joo had lost consciousness and were speaking irregularly, to which he didn’t know the meaning. Seeing that, Sung Joon sighed lightly and had no choice but to book a room.