Chapter 55: Test Of The Constellations (2)
Before parting with Lee Ye-rin, Kang-hoo asked her to investigate Park Min-sung.
Park Min-sung was the owner of the corpse that held the dagger Boundary of Massacre when Kang-hoo visited Ground Zero.
Considering the dagger he carried, Kang-hoo surmised that Park Min-sung must have been a skilled hunter.
Thus, he had retained the hunters license, smartphone, and ID card from the corpse, making a note of its location.
The corpse might have belonged to a missing person sought by family or acquaintances in the official hunter community.
Like criminals who have bounties, missing persons often had rewards, so Kang-hoo thought it worthwhile to check.
Lee Ye-rin declined the advance payment Kang-hoo offered, shaking her head.
She stated that since Kang-hoo had handled requests efficiently so far, she would conduct this one for free.
It was a gesture of goodwill.
Not wanting to reject such kindness, Kang-hoo gladly accepted her offer.
It was a favor given freely, so there was no obligation to reciprocate it later.
Before attempting the test of the constellations, Kang-hoo decided to stop by a modern bar near Pyeongtaek Station for a change of pace.
He aimed to be in the most relaxed state possible before facing the test of the constellations.
Although his favorite cocktail, the Solarkium Burst, wasnt known for its calming effects, the bars unique atmosphere and music always helped him clear his mind.
This visit was part of Kang-hoos usual routine, one he never neglected despite not being particularly stubborn.
En route to the bar, the area around Pyeongtaek Station was notably stable and well-maintained compared to other regions.
Normally, encountering bloodstains or collapsed individuals in dark alleys was routine.
Even potential high-crime zones presented no trouble.
Groups of hunters huddled together, smoking and murmuring amongst themselves, yet they caused no disturbances.
The hunters level challenging the test doesnt really matter, as the test of the constellations adjusts to it.
There was no pressure from the level.
If the test of the constellations had been set for a specific level, every hunter would have leveled up to take it on.
For those who had sufficiently grown, it would have been an easy test.
But because it was customized, the perceived difficulty remained constant regardless of when it was challenged.
It was incredibly difficult.
The constellations wouldnt offer a test as bait to eliminate bad contractors without good reason.
The fifty percent survival rate was telling.
One of the two hunters seeking to draw closer to their contracted constellation would inevitably perish.
But if you dont pass the test, you eventually stop growing. Its essential.
To avoid complacency, one had to strengthen their bond with the main contracted constellation.
The fourth privilege from the constellation, unlocked through the test?
That was just the beginning.
High-ranking constellations like the Dimension Plunderer granted a staggering array of privileges.
Kang-hoo casually chose a seat at a table in the bar, picking a somewhat secluded spot beneath attractive lighting.
The bartender, distinguished by her smoky makeup, approached him as if it were second nature.
What can I get for you?
A Solarkium Burst, please.
Huh?
Hmm?
In that moment, Kang-hoo and the bartender locked gazes, each sensing a familiar presence in the other. Then, they recognized why.
Kang-hoo was the first to break the silence.
Venny?
Club Hades! You were the last customer!
Thats amazing.
Wow, you were safe that day?
Thanks to you.
That day, during the massive kidnapping at Club Hades, Venny was the bartender who crafted Kang-hoos final cocktail before he fled the club.
Kang-hoo had been vaguely worried about what had happened to her, but, fortunately, she appeared to have escaped safely.
This is too much of a coincidence, isnt it?
Thats how fate works.
Wow the first drink is on me! I always felt bad for not finishing that Solarkium Burst for you that day!
The cocktail was well-made. But the glass broke, so I couldnt taste it.
Oh, really?
I was just unlucky.
Kang-hoo chuckled, recalling the cocktail glass that had shattered into pieces when an ashtray flew out of nowhere.
It was an unusual coincidence that resulted in the glass breaking spectacularly.
He still remembered vividly how bad he had felt about it.
Kang-hoo continued the conversation.
I wont refuse a gift. But consider this a separate tip.
Kang-hoo handed her a tip equal to the price of a Solarkium Burst.
It was his habit to tip bartenders and gather various information from them.
In places other than clubs, this culture of tipping and information sharing was almost nonexistent
But Kang-hoo, accustomed to the underworld, knew its order and unspoken rules.
Hehe, I wont refuse it.
You look healthy. Thats good to see.
Right. I was really lucky. By the way, have you visited that place I mentioned before?
The place Venny referred to was the dungeon located on the seventh underground floor of Club Hades.
At the time, he had taken note of it but hadnt thought he would need to visit, so the memory had faded.
Initially, since Club Hades was owned by Eclipse, the possibility of accessing it was nearly zero.
He wondered if it was worth the risk to visit a place whose contents were unknown.
But since Venny brought it up again, there might be more concrete information.
No, I dont have any ties to Club Hades. Its not easy to gain access. Is there something there?
Yes. The dungeon on the seventh floor underground. It exists, but no one has entered it.
Why? With such a place, hunters would be rushing to it.
A dungeon hidden in a secret location would typically arouse the curiosity of hunters.
Since it belonged to Eclipse, they might have dispatched hunters to investigate.
Was there a particular reason they hadnt?
No one seems to be able to enter. Its not about the level or the number of personnel.
Have you heard any rumors?
I overheard two hunters who tried and failed to enter. They mentioned something about a mana issue.
Ah.
Thats when he realized.
It had to be a dungeon that demanded a hefty amount of mana just to gain entry.
Officially, it was known as a Limitless Mana Dungeon.
In essence, a hunter needed to inject a substantial amount of mana to unlock the door.
If a hunter couldnt muster or supply that much mana, entry was impossible.
This was because the mana radiating from a magic stone wasnt enough; the dungeon specifically required a hunters mana.
The embodiment of the subconscious.
Kang-hoo smiled ruefully.
This was a dungeon concept he had merely pondered in his mind in the original story, yet here it was, perfectly executed.
So no one has been able to get in. I heard even the boss was turned away.
This piqued his interest.
If by boss she meant Kang Dong-hyun, and he couldnt get in, then it was likely a dungeon that necessitated at least 500 mana.
I believe I can manage it.
Kang-hoos eyes gleamed with anticipation.
If he could endure the pain from his innate mana hypersensitivity, he could afford the entrance fee.
Given time, he could gather and provide an endless supply of mana.
It wasnt about the mana stat. It was about the continuous supply of mana.
With his mana hypersensitivity allowing for a virtually unlimited mana supply, this task was relatively simple for Kang-hoo.
This is my chance.
A realization struck him.
If the dungeon remained off-limits to all, there was no risk of being followed once inside.
The challenge lay in gaining access to the building under Eclipses surveillance.
But once he was inside the dungeon, nobody could interfere.
Moreover, a Limitless Mana dungeon likely had excellent rewards.
Since entrance was restricted, the rewards inside were generally enhanced due to limited exploitation.
This was why top hunters focused on hidden or unknown dungeons.
The first or long-awaited exploit guaranteed high rewards and experience. There was a reason for that.
Great info.
Kang-hoo handed over ten more 50,000-won bills as an extra tip.
My goodness. Is this information worth such a tip?
Venny quickly pocketed the tip with a broad smile, knowing the fickle nature of customers.
Kang-hoo replied with a smile.
It depends on who uses it and how.
The next morning, he began the test of the constellations.
Feeling great after a good nights sleep, his condition was better than ever.
[I wish you success in proving your worth.]
As the test began, the Dimension Plunderer sent Kang-hoo a restrained but hopeful message.
Considering her personality, it was akin to fervent support.
It meant she wanted him to succeed.
This is like my debut performance in front of numerous constellations.
Kang-hoo felt awkward, as if he were standing in the middle of a huge stage, and scratched his head.
The area was flooded with light pouring in from all sides, making it impossible to focus anywhere.
The light symbolized the constellations.
In other words, this place was like being in the middle of the main stadium at Jamsil.
He was being watched by numerous audiences, the constellations.
It was essentially a showcase.
The test of the constellations allowed all interested constellations to watch.
It was like a public exam.
Therefore, every move inside was shared with all.
[The constellation 'Master of Mobile Warfare' sends vigorous support, fully believing in your skills.]
[The constellation 'Apostle of Justice' believes in your uniqueness and proudly declares its sub-sponsorship.]
[The constellation 'Fighter of Chaos' acknowledges your skills, despite being an unfortunate contractor.]
Many constellations, with whom Kang-hoo had connections or that he subjugated through constellation plundering, raised their voices.
There were different approaches, but all acknowledged Kang-hoos significant skills.
Perhaps because of this, the already dazzling beams of light brightened even more.
The number of constellations watching was on the rise.
Whew.
Kang-hoo, who seldom felt nervous, took a deep breath and relaxed once more.
Making a strong impression on the constellations now would greatly benefit him in the future.
This moment was crucial.
And then,
[The Dimension Plunderer has summoned a black thought-form, 'Plagelum,' for the test.]
The object that announced the start of the test appeared on the stage, and at the same time, an arrow pointing somewhere outside the stage came to life.
[Run with all your might to the location indicated by the red dot.]
[Before you reach it, you cannot kill Plagelum, and its whip will shatter your soul.]
A game of the chased and the chaser.
It was a test with a clear concept.
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