Solo Leveling : Fire

Chapter 17

The next day, Choi Jong-in prepared himself for yet another solo raid. This time, he was entering an A-rank gate alone. Over the years, he had developed a preference for tackling dungeons on his own. The only exceptions were when he was guiding new guild members or low-class hunters, allowing them to experience firsthand the dangers and hardships of an A-rank dungeon. It was a way to prepare them for the future, training them mentally and physically. However, if given the choice, he preferred the solitude of a raid, where he could unleash his full power without worrying about others.

Before heading into the gate, Choi made a call. The person on the other end was Go Byung-gu, one of South Korea's few S-rank hunters and a highly skilled healer. Years ago, Choi had sought out Byung-gu, hoping to recruit him into the Dragon Knight Guild. The reason was simple—healers were an invaluable asset, and having an S-rank healer would significantly bolster the guild's strength. However, Byung-gu had declined the offer. Choi understood his reasoning and respected his decision, but he didn't give up completely. Instead, he proposed an alternative: Byung-gu could act as the guild's healer without actively participating in raids. His sole responsibility would be to remain outside the gate and stand by in case of emergencies. After some reluctance, Byung-gu had agreed.

Now, in the present, Choi Jong-in called Byung-gu to check in. On the other end of the line, Byung-gu was stationed near another raid team—specifically, the secondary B-rank team. Choi inquired about their status.

"How are things going on your end?"

Byung-gu let out a small chuckle. "Smooth so far. They're wrapping up soon. Nothing out of the ordinary."

Choi nodded to himself. "Good to hear."

Their conversation was brief, and after ending the call, Choi stepped into the A-rank gate. As he crossed the threshold, a familiar sensation washed over him—the slight distortion in space, the sudden drop in temperature, and the eerie silence that came with entering another dimension. He opened his eyes and took in his surroundings.

The dungeon was a vast, dense forest, with towering trees that stretched endlessly into the sky. Shafts of golden light peeked through the canopy, casting an almost serene glow. However, Choi Jong-in knew better than to be deceived by the scenery. He took a deep breath, feeling the mana in the air.

Without wasting time, he began his hunt.

The creatures lurking within the dungeon were fast, agile, and dangerous. They resembled massive wolves with obsidian-black fur and crimson eyes that burned with malice. Their claws were long and razor-sharp, capable of slicing through steel with ease. Choi Jong-in faced them head-on, moving with practiced efficiency. His mana flared up as he conjured flames in his hands, and with a simple flick of his wrist, pillars of fire erupted from the ground, incinerating his enemies instantly.

The miners accompanying him observed in awe. Though they were used to witnessing his overwhelming power, it never ceased to amaze them. Despite the sheer devastation he could unleash, Choi Jong-in always made sure to keep them safe. They trusted him completely, knowing that as long as he was with them, there was no need to fear.

The battle continued, and Choi Jong-in dispatched the remaining monsters with ease. In just a few hours, the gate was cleared. He checked his surroundings one last time before signaling to the miners that they could begin extracting any valuable resources.

Once everything was wrapped up, Choi left the dungeon and headed straight back to his office. He settled into his chair and pulled out a document he had been keeping close watch on—an intelligence report regarding an anomaly in a C-rank dungeon. As he read through the details, a realization struck him.

His eyes narrowed slightly. "It's begun."

He leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. If his calculations were correct, then the double dungeon incident—the very event that would lead to Sung Jinwoo's reawakening—was now in motion. This was the turning point. The moment when everything would change.

Choi Jong-in exhaled slowly, a knowing smirk forming on his lips. The storm was coming, and he had only a few months to prepare.

Chapter End.