NOVEL NEXT Chapter 29: Chapter 29: The World Takes Notice
As the hidden realm fully collapsed, Mai Lee found himself standing in the same dungeon where the trial had first begun. The ruined stone chamber was now eerily silent, the oppressive aura that had once filled it completely gone. The other hunters who had survived the ordeal looked at him in awe and disbelief.
The strongest among them, an A-rank hunter named Jang Seok-hoon, stepped forward hesitantly. "You… you just soloed an S-rank boss." His voice trembled. "What the hell are you?"
Mai Lee dusted himself off and glanced at the notification still flickering in his vision.
[Final Trial Cleared!][You have received a special reward.]
He focused on the system message, and a new window appeared.
[Hidden Reward Acquired: Abyssal Tyrant's Core]
A high-grade monster core infused with abyssal energy. Can be used for crafting, skill fusion, or direct absorption.
His heart raced. A core this powerful could be game-changing. He stored it away for later and turned his attention back to the hunters.
Most of them looked at him with admiration, but a few had more calculating expressions. He could already see it—word of this event would spread. The moment they left this dungeon, the world would hear about the unknown E-rank who had effortlessly taken down an S-rank trial boss.
He needed to prepare.
Jang Seok-hoon finally found his composure. "Listen… I don't know who you are or how you pulled that off, but I owe you my life." He bowed deeply. "If you ever need anything, I—"
Before he could finish, the dungeon began shaking violently. The exit portal flared into existence behind them.
"The dungeon's closing!" one of the hunters shouted.
Without hesitation, Mai Lee stepped through first.
Outside the Dungeon – Hunter's Association Headquarters
As soon as they emerged, they were met with a swarm of Association officials, journalists, and curious onlookers. The dungeon was supposed to be a simple B-rank, yet the sudden spike in energy readings had alarmed the higher-ups.
One of the Association's top executives, a stern-looking woman in a black suit, approached immediately. Her eyes locked onto Mai Lee.
"You. Come with us."
The hunters stirred uneasily.
Mai Lee raised an eyebrow but didn't resist. He expected this much.
Within moments, he was escorted into a black armored vehicle, heading toward the heart of Seoul.
Hunter's Association – Private Room
A spacious room with reinforced walls. A single table in the center. Two high-ranking officials sat across from him.
The woman from earlier spoke first. "My name is Director Choi Hye-rin of the Korean Hunter's Association." She slid a document across the table. "We need you to explain what happened inside that dungeon."
Mai Lee leaned back in his chair, calm. "I killed the boss."
Her sharp gaze didn't waver. "An S-rank boss."
"Yes."
A brief silence. The second official, an older man, tapped his fingers against the table. "You entered that dungeon as an E-rank."
Mai Lee smirked. "And now?"
The system notification he had been waiting for finally arrived.
[You have leveled up.][Current Level: 20 → 30]
A grin spread across his face as a familiar window appeared in his vision.
Full Stat Window Update (Every 10 Levels)
[Mai Lee – Level 30]
Rank: ???Strength: B+Agility: AEndurance: BMana: A+Intelligence: ALuck: ???
Talents & Skills:
Copy Talent (SSS) – Automatically copies all talents and skills within 1 km radius.Fusion Mastery (SSS) – Allows fusion of copied talents into greater forms.Tyrant's Domain (A+) – Overwhelming aura that weakens enemies within range.Regeneration (B) – Passively heals minor injuries.Energy Blade (A) – A mana-infused sword attack.Enhanced Reflexes (A) – Increased reaction speed.[New] Abyssal Tyrant's Core (??? – Unused)
Mai Lee closed the window.
Director Choi frowned. "What's so amusing?"
He leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. "I think you're asking the wrong question."
She narrowed her eyes. "And what question should I be asking?"
Mai Lee's smile didn't fade.
"How long do you think you can keep me a secret?"