Dungeon Hunter
Chapter 25's

Black Rat Nests

"Geez."

The Devil Sword Ubist split one of the Black Mice.

The demonic sword emitted waves of darkness; the Dark Attack!

Peoks.

The Black Rat flew towards the wall.

Ah, that's double!

[You have defeated the Old Black Rat.]

[Stats have been stolen via Darkness Strike.]

[Physical +1]

From beside him, Darion rushed forward, piercing the heart of the Black Rat with his gladius.

Another Black Rat died.

Eder not only twirled his thumb. He formed a sharp bone spear in his hand.

And start throwing those spears!

Whirr.

The spear split through the air, piercing the three Black Rats.

As expected, magic specialized in powerful single attacks.

Disgustful!

Jjik Jjik's!

The dungeon was filled with the sound of Black Rat screams.

He could hear the new Black Rat coming from afar to replace the one that had just been killed.

The Black Rat, who was sensitive to sound, had heard the confrontation between his fellow Black Rat and Kang Oh's entourage and rushed over.

Thus, after they defeated the five Black Rats, another group would replace them and attack.

And the cycle continued; every time they killed one group of Black Rats, another group came running around.

The endless Black Rat invasion!

"For all good will benefit them."

Every time he swung the demon sword, the Black Rat would shout.

These rats are like Zergling against the Dark Templars in the absence of Master.

The rats are out of sense.

Soon, corpses began to pile up around Kang Oh's party.

Then, the ground split.

The earth-colored Tunnel Snake had come to search for the corpse of the Black Rat.

One of the Tunnel Snakes quietly approached Kang Oh and opened his mouth. It was trying to eat one of the Black Rats.

"Who do you think you are!?"

Kang Oh glared at the snake and he swung his sword.

Whirr.

Kang Oh cut the skin of the Tunnel Snake; their scale was renowned for its toughness.

Kyaa!

The Tunnel Snake angrily straightened his head.

"What!?"

Kang Oh slashed Tunnel Snake once again.

The wounded snake did not just stand by and take it away. It responds by moving its head.

The Snake Tunnel specialized in digging the ground, and to that end, their heads were sharp, like the tip of a shovel; the snake used its sharp head to lung at Kang Oh!

However, Kang Oh's Hyper Intuition was activated, so it was useless.

Evade. Evade. Evade!

Moreover, the Tunnel Snake was only a half-snake, as it had no poison.

Kuhurey.

The snake let out a sound similar to a balloon that erupted and died.

Eder also killed Tunnel Snake easily. The one he was facing had been surrounded and crushed with bones.

After that, Eder defeated several Tunnel Snakes with his powerful bone magic.

'As expected of the boss monster!'

Kang Oh nodded. He does well for someone who works for free.

While Darion, who worked for three silvers, had difficulty with one Snake Tunnel.

Without Hyper Intuition Kang Oh, Tunnel Snake's head movements were dangerous to him.

'Live according to your appearance!'

Kang Oh clicked his tongue as he watched Darion recklessly dodge the snake's head.

But then again, there is the saying 'although rotten, it remains a herring'. In accordance with Burkan's disciples, Darion was able to kill the Tunnel Snake.

And thus, the Tunnel Snake, which was searching for the corpse of the Black Rat, was annihilated.

"There's enough."

Kang Oh looked around.

The Black Rat or Tunnel Snake did not appear again. They had killed all the monsters around.

"Darion, you take all the trash and Eder ..."

"Yes." Yeah."

"What do you think about summoning an undead monster with this body?"

Summoning undead monsters was a Necromancer skill! Of course, this did not apply to every Necromancer. 

"My specialty isn't undead summoning, so. The best thing I can do is summon a Skeleton Warrior or a mage."

"But you have to keep practicing to get better."

"My level and prowess won't go up, so..."

"Sad."

Kang Oh looks sorry.

Eder was a half-and-a-half Necromancer who could not summon powerful undead monsters.

Instead, I will support you with my bone magic and curse, Mr. Kang Oh, Eder said.

"Md. I-i understand. But when we get a new body for you, like Lich's body, will you be able to summon a powerful undead?" Kang Oh asked.

"A Lich should."

Currently, Eder's abilities were only at level 70 - level 80.

Since Eder could not level up normally, he would eventually become useless at some point.

However, his power will soon increase if he gets a new body, such as changing a car engine.

'Currently, nothing is free.'

He could hire her like a horse for a while!

But in order to keep using it, Kang Oh needs to take care of some things he might need.

'Well, he's at least much better than Darion.'

Kang Oh decides that as he searches the hidden dungeon, he will also find a way to get a strong body for Eder.

* * *

"Let's go."

After Darion collects all the trash, Kang Oh continues his hunt.

To use Darion once again!

And thus, Kang Oh's entourage began to search every nook and cranny of the Black Rat Nest.

Countless monsters became experience points for Kang Oh.

The Black Rat's Nest had its own villains; with its many legs, the Cleansing Centipede swept across the Black Rat. 

Sassaac.

Every time it moved, it sounded like a broom was clearing the ground.

It has about 70 feet. In other words, it was about level 70.

It spewed out an extremely powerful poison, and its terrifying appearance would give rise to the primitive fear of its victims; a monster that was extremely difficult to deal with!

"You're supposed to be really good for stamina, right?" Kang Oh asked.

Of course, it might just be folklore, as it has never been medically proven. 

Nonetheless…

"Certainly that?"

Darion's eyes sparkled.

He initially believed that this centipede was useless, but after hearing about its possible effect on his virility, Darion's eyes were fixed on the centipede. 

Eder was no different.

Worse, he is a spirit.

The two, acting very much like religious fanatics, killed Broom Centipede in the blink of an eye. 

'Oh, they have never shown such strength before.'

Kang Oh picked up the junkyard consisting of the flesh of a centipede and its legs. He gave it all to Darion.

"Did you really give it to me?" Darion asked, looking at him in disbelief.

"Why don't you want it?"

"No, I know."

Darion immediately stored the meat and legs of the centipede.

Eder simply watched the exchange, sucking his finger. 

Later then…

"Do you want to hunt a few more days and get more meat and centipede legs?" Kang Oh said, luring Darion.

Yet…

"No, thank you," Darion flatly refused.

"Sad."

He will not be deceived.

"Is this good for one's stamina as well?" daron asked as he stared at the Black Rat's prey: mushrooms, cockroaches, and earthworms. 

"No."

They gently stopped at the cockroaches and worms and continued on their way. 

Kang Oh's entourage begins exploring the Black Rat Nest once again.

Someday…

They found the Black Rat Leader.

The leader of the Black Rat was much larger than the average Black Rat.

"Stami.." Darion started.

"Give me a break, will you?" Kang Oh interrupted. 

"Ehem."

Darion avoids Kang Oh's gaze. Eder's still sucking fingers.

"And you, stop sucking your skinny fingers. Concentrate on."

There were over a hundred Black Rats behind their leader.

Jjik's?

As soon as the Black Rat Leader noticed Kang Oh's party, they attacked.

The Black Rat leader and his followers rushed forward within the cramped narrow passageway.

'Oh my goodness, they are so many.'

He felt like a Marine firing endless waves of Zergling from inside the bunker.

However, Kang Oh is not a Marine; he is a large and powerful Ultralisk[2].

Eder, with his bone magic, was like a Lurker, whereas Darion was like a Zealot[3].

Ordinary Black Rats, as well as their leaders, were definitely no match for them.

The bodies of the Black Rat kept piling up more and more!

The Black Rat leader fought to the end, but in the end, was even killed; he fell down with his tongue sticking out of his mouth.

But as soon as their battle ended, a group of Cat Hunters appeared, having cat ears and tails.

Most of them were men equipped with bows or swords. However, there was one cat girl.

"Geez!"

The only female catgirl widened her eyes, looking astonished.

"It's all Black Rats!"

She has a cute, child-like face and has pointed ears and a smooth tail.

"Excuse me, handsome gentlemen. May we take some of the Black Rats, her?" asked the cat girl, smiling with her eyes.

'He really said 'his'!'

Darion went to heaven while Eder's shoulders were lifted. 

"You can."

"Yes you can."

Darion and Eder simultaneously replied.

Kang Oh will not let her have a single one.

“No,” said Kang Oh firmly.

Then, Darion and Eder looked at Kang Oh, their eyes filled with hatred.

He just ignored them.

"Do you want to stay with me for a few more days?" Kang Oh looked at Darion.

"T-No, I'm fine." Darion immediately shook his head.

"Then can we trade this for that, huh?" The cat-eared girl gave him a round decoration.

'You used this as you increased your closeness to the cat tribe.'

It was much more valuable than the flesh or skin of the Black Rat.

"You have a deal."

The hunters took 10 dead Black Rats, and the cat girl lowered her head.

"thank you. Then I'll go now, her."

As he left, Darion and Eder diligently waved and said goodbye.

After he got a considerable distance, the cat girl joined hands with one of the hunters. .

"Darling, it looks like we don't have to hunt today. We can go home early."

"And do what?" said the male cat mischievously

"Ah, who knows?"

Darion, who was watching, looked like he had been betrayed.

"He's married!"

"I'm jealous" said Eder.

He has been the longest bachelor of the three.

Pat.

Kang Oh claps and brings them back to the real world.

"Let's continue."

Kang Oh's entourage then entered the area guarded by the Black Rat Leader. 

The female Black Rat is inside.

Suksacks.

As soon as they finish off the female Black Rat, the search is complete.

[You have completely conquered the Black Rat Nest.]

[You have obtained the title, Butcher of the Black Rat Nest.]

[Back to the Adventurer Guild to receive your reward.]

Although he had completed his mission, Kang Oh continued his hunt through the Black Rat Nest.

To squeeze out the maximum value from Darion to the end!

And finally, the clock has shown at 6:00 p.m.

“Before...” said Kang Oh.

"No thanks" Darion refused.

"I'll give you overtime."

"I'm good."

"Hmphs. Let's go back to Altein."

With no other choice, Kang Oh is forced to return to Altein.

* * *

"I'll go now."

Darion left as soon as they arrived at Altein. Their mercenaries for a week, no slave contracts expired.

That cold-hearted bastard; he left before he could stop him!

"Sad. I should've used it more."

Kang Oh licked his lips in frustration.

'Eh, there must be another chance later.'

Kang Oh and Eder head to the Adventurer Guild.

“I'm done conquering the Black Rat Nest,” Kang Oh approached the middle-aged search giver and said.

"Let's see... Oho! You killed over 400 Black Rats," said the middle-aged man.

[You have completed the mission.]

[You have become an Internship Adventurer.]

[Your credibility within the Adventurers Guild has increased.]

Internship Adventurers are the lowest ranked Adventurers.

The difficulty will increase, but the reward will also increase, so becoming a higher ranked Adventurer is a must.

In order to raise one's Adventurer rank, one had to complete the mission of the Adventurer Guild and increase their credibility with the guild.

Of course, one could also take out a loan from the Adventurers Guild based on their credibility. 

[As an additional gift, you can choose two sets of Apprentice Adventurer Set.]

"I'll take the leggings and the boots."

"Here."

Kang Oh receives leggings and boots, which are marked Adventurers Guild, hummingbirds.

The Adventurer Set enhances the acquisition of experience from killing monsters!

With just two sets, one's experience gain would increase by 5%!

Kang Oh soon completes the Adventurer Set. In terms of armor, Kang Oh had already equipped the Hero Ghost Pattern Armor.

"By the way, I heard rumors about you using a strange sword. Are you perhaps interested in another sword?" the middle-aged man asked.

'A different sword... Could it be the demon sword!?'

He knew that the middle-aged man was trying to give him a clue about the new demon sword.

“Of course,” replied Kang Oh immediately.

"I heard that the destroyed Loxia family has a very terrible sword."

[You've heard about the Loxia family. A search will be made if you get more leads.]

"Where is the sword?" Kang Oh asked.

"I don't know myself."

The middle-aged man shook his head.

"Is there anyone who can tell me about the sword in detail?" Kang Oh asked.

"Find Tino at the Jurento Bar. He's been alive for a long time so he knows a lot."

"I understand."

Kang Oh is heading to Jurento Bar.

“I'm looking for Tino,” said Kang Oh.

The man, apparently the owner, pointed at a table.

He saw a small old man with a flat face on the table.

"Tino?" Kang Oh called.

Tino slowly raised her head.

"Huh? You who?"

His dim eyes looked at Kang Oh. He must have been drunk, because his face was red.

"I'm an Adventurer and my name is Kang Oh. Do you know about the sword of the Loxia family?" Kang Oh asked.

"Loxia, Loxia... I've heard that name somewhere before... I'm dizzy so I don't remember. I think I'll remember if you can get me some honey water, '" Tino said.

In other words, if he wanted to know more, he would have to buy her some honey water.

"Ahems. Please bring honey water here."

"That's 1 gold. You have to pay up front."

The owner extended his hand. Honey water is 1 gold.

"Why is it so expensive !?"

"It's wild honey" said the owner shamelessly.

"Water ... honey water!" Tino urged from beside him.

Kang Oh glanced at his side towards Eder.

"Do you have money?" Kang Oh asked while pouting. If you have some, give it.

"No, I don't."

Eder turned the pocket of his robe outwards; all that came out was dust.

'Damn.'

Kang Oh was shaken as he took out a gold coin.

The owner took the gold coins and quickly prepared the honey water.

The honey water looks light, so it's definitely not wild honey.

"Ehem. Here it is."

Tino dropped it at once.

"That's not enough. What about seafood soup too... I'm finally starting to wake up."

Kang Oh glared at him, his eyes filled with killing intent, so Tino immediately changed his tone.

"So where am I?"

"I want to hear about the sword of the Loxia family," Kang Oh said, stressing the word 'Loxia'.

"The sword of the Loxia family..."

Tino stroked his beard.

"I've heard rumors that there's an ominous mysterious sword stored inside the Loxia family's secret warehouse."

"Where's the secret warehouse?" Kang Oh asked.

"I don't know. Some people tried to find the warehouse after the Loxia family fell, but no one ever found it."

"Do you have any other information?" Kang Oh asked. 

He had drunk honey water worth 1 gold, so he had to give him more info.

"If you go to the Altein Central Library, there will be a book called The Loxia Chronicles . The book might help you."

[You've heard about the Loxia family's secret warehouse. If you get more clues, a mission will be made.]

"Is that all you got?"

"That's it."

"I understand."

Kang Oh left the bar and headed straight for the Altein Central Library.

"What brings you here?" ask librarian.

"I came looking for The Loxia Chronicles ."

"Please wait a minute."

The librarian immediately returned and handed the book to him.

"Mm, thick."

The Loxia Chronicles is 1,500 pages long.

"Eders."

"Yes." Yeah."

"Read this and find the info on the new demon sword."

Kang Oh gives The Loxia Chronicles to Eder.

"Why me?" ask Eder.

Kang Oh expected such a response, so he wasn't surprised. 

"What do you mean why? Do it unless you want to die."

Kang Oh brandished his sword and threatened him.

"Th-That's a breach of contract..."

"The contract says nothing about ensuring your safety."

"The quest must be..."

"It states that I have to keep your body safe. It doesn't say anything about keeping your soul safe either."

Kang Oh smiled wickedly.

It was the same evil smile he wore when he made a contract with Eder!

At the time, Eder looked like he had once owned.

Of course, his skull was covered by a smiling mask, so Kang Oh did not notice it.

Kang Oh pushed his sword right in front of Eder. The tip of the blade touched Eder's smile mask.

"What's gonna happen? Do it or die?"

[1] Reference Starcraft, Marines and Zergling are fairly basic infantry units.

[2] Another reference, Ultralist is one of the endgame units for the Zerg faction and is the most formidable Zerg unit.

[3] More units of the starcraft, Lurkers and Zealot are higher level infantry units.

THANK YOU FOR READING