[14th Everdusk, 2103] ā CGA Branch, Dyna Crest Country, DC-23 City
Inside the massive CGA building, I walked straight toward the line I had visited the last time to request a dungeon raid.
Taking my place in the queue, I waited patiently until my eyes landed on a familiar duoāLucas and Tess.
They stood in a different line, also waiting for their turn. Lucas looked restless, scanning the area as if searching for someone. I didnāt need to guess who. If he saw me, Iād definitely get pulled into their dungeon run. No thanks.
So, I quietly shifted behind the tall guy in front of me, using him as cover.
Fortunately, my plan worked. Within a few minutes, Lucas and Tess reached the counter, engaged in a conversation I couldnāt help but overhear as I moved closer.
"But sir, why can't I take the test? You wonāt let us enter the same dungeon, and Iām not even allowed to go in alone?"
Lucas protested.
So he wanted to go solo. Interesting, but not surprising. Even 'chosen ones' had to follow the rules.
"I understand your concerns, sir,"
the attendant replied politely.
"But with the branch manager and vice-manager currently unavailable, thereās no one authorized to oversee a solo test right now. I apologize."
Lucas frowned and leaned in.
"Then is there
any
other way to take the test or go in alone?"
"Let me ask my seniors, sir. Please wait a moment."
As the attendant left, another familiar figure walked overāa CGA field agent I had met before. A part of me wonderedā¦ If I hadnāt come today, would Lucas have taken my spot and gained a few bonus opportunities?
Not that I cared. Even if I did accidentally take it from him, he wouldnāt know.
"Oi, move it or step aside. I donāt have all day,"
grumbled the man behind me.
I blinked and looked ahead. The line had cleared, and the attendant was staring at me, waiting.
"Ah, sorry bro."
I stepped forward.
"Hello, sir. How may I help you today?"
"Iād like to raid a dungeon."
"Of course. Please present your ID and any relevant details."
"Here."
I handed over my ID.
"I'm a Level 20 Necromancer. Solo."
He checked my ID, noting the
Lone Wolf
symbolāproof I was certified for solo raids. Once confirmed, he smiled.
"All set. Would you like a
private
dungeon or a
public
one?"
"Can you explain the difference? Iām still new to this branch."
"Certainly, sir. It's our duty to guide you."
He launched into an explanation.
"Private dungeons
are reserved. You or your team enter alone, and no one else can join. The dungeon only closes once it's completed. On the other hand,
public dungeons
allow anyone to enterāno limit to how many teams or solo hunters. The only restriction is level-based."**
"And what happens when the boss is defeated?"
"Good question. Public dungeons donāt close or refresh immediately. They remain open for two months before resetting. However, theyāre rareāless than five are known to exist in this country."
"Got it. Thenā¦ can you recommend a private dungeon for someone around Level 20 to 30?"
He typed on his screen for a moment, then frowned.
"Apologies, sir. All private dungeons in that range are booked for a week by various guilds."
Figures.
"There
is
a public dungeon available thoughāLevel 20 to 50. The entry fee is 20% of your daily monster corpses."
I considered it.
āHmmā¦ waiting a week is not an option. This works.ā
"Iāll take it. Please show me the way."
He nodded, issued me a printed slip, and handed back my ID.
"Proceed to the dungeon area and present this slip to the gate officer for access."
"Appreciate the help."
I headed toward the designated dungeon zones, where several glowing portals stood. Hunters and full guild teams were entering and exiting nonstop. I scanned the area until I found an official who had just sent off two groups.
"Hello, sir. May I help you?"
he asked as I handed him the slip.
"Yes. I'm here to enter the public dungeon. Solo."
He glanced at the paper, then looked behind me.
"Whereās your team? This dungeon is public, but it's still dangerous. You canāt just stroll in alone. Iāll report this mistake to the attendant who authorized it."
He tried waving me off, but I calmly took out my ID and pointed at the
Lone Wolf
insignia.
"Sir, Iām qualified for solo raids. Please check again."
His expression changed instantly.
"Oh! Apologies. I thought you were another reckless rookie trying to sneak in alone. Please donāt take offense. ComeāIāll show you the entrance myself."
With a grin, I followed him.
We walked toward a wide portal where numerous hunters bustled around. Several makeshift stalls had popped up just outside the rift, clearly trying to profit off the constant dungeon traffic.
"This is the dungeon, sir. Itās open 24/7. When you exit, report your kills. Youāll need to hand over 20% of the monster bodies. Trying to hide kills will result in a penaltyā
half
of your total count."
"Understood. Butā¦ do you have any dungeon details? Monster types, maybe?"
"One moment. Normally we donāt provide that info, but since youāre going solo, weāll make an exception."
He tapped away on his device, then turned the screen toward me.
<<< Beast Grove Dungeon (Lv. 20ā50) >>>
Dungeon Type:
Field Dungeon
Accessibility:
Open to All
A sprawling dungeon filled with wild beasts and untamed monsters. Designed for open-world exploration, the dungeon features diverse enemy types, mini-bosses, and a powerful field boss. Suitable for adventurers ranging from Level 20 to 50.
I narrowed my eyes.
A field-type, huh? This should be interesting.
āTo Be Continuedā