The Dungeon Cleaning Life of a Once Genius Hunter

City bus.

It’s the first time I’ve ridden one since middle school.

Right after hanging up on Team Leader Park, I was shocked once when I realized I didn’t have any decent clothes at home, and twice when I found out my Bentley was gone after I stepped outside.

I was about to take a taxi, but then I was hit with despair when I realized I didn’t have a single coin in my wallet.

In the end, I had to scrounge through the pigsty and managed to find enough change to finally catch a bus, which brings us to the current situation.

The great Kim Junwoo riding a city bus.

It’s quite a shock, but… well, it is what it is.

Right now, I’m no longer the world’s first SSS-rank Hunter or the leader of an elite task force…

“Ah, damn, just thinking about it pisses me off.”

Sighing deeply, I tilted my head back.

Anyway, now I’m living a completely different life from the one I used to.

That also means my relationships with the people around me have changed completely.

In other words, the fact that I hurt Park Geuntae is something that will never happen, no matter how much time passes.

So that man doesn’t need to apologize, and he’s someone who has nothing to do with me now.

The only reason I said I would go to work is because I had a hunch that maybe he was the one who killed me.

My death definitely seemed suspicious.

The way it was staged to get my attention, the way they bound me with gunfire so I couldn’t use my skills… and finally, the gunshot aimed at me wasn’t an ordinary attack.

A massive monster firearm.

A Titan, the type of weapon used for monster hunting.

It was the highest-rank item for the “Sniper Class,” and it almost drilled into my head at point-blank range.

Someone planned this intentionally.

The most likely reason is revenge driven by hatred.

And the most likely suspect is Team Leader Park… or if not him, then his son.

He could’ve planned revenge for the beating he received from me. If he hired professionals for it, it kind of makes sense.

…Seriously.

I just shoved him a little, and now it’s being called ‘assault.’

He was the one who grabbed me by the collar first, anyway.

“Damn it, if only he had understood when I tried to talk calmly from the start, none of this would’ve happened.”

As the bus rattled nonstop, I clicked my tongue and looked out the window.

Unwanted memories surfaced from the depths of my mind.

***

“Please withdraw your request.”

The Dimension Management Association headquarters.

After finishing a meeting about the upcoming hunt, I was returning to my office when a middle-aged man I didn’t recognize blocked my way.

“Who are you?”

“I’m Park Geuntae, the team leader of the Dungeon Cleaning Team.”

“…”

I’d never heard of him.

“Is there something you need from me?”

“I heard you requested a reduction in the number of personnel for the cleaning team. Things are already tough with our current staff shortage. If we reduce it any further…”

Ah, I groaned briefly.

At the same time, a frown appeared on my face.

“Why are you telling me this? I just made a suggestion. I don’t have any authority over it. The ones who make the final decision are the control team, so you should talk to them.”

“Everyone in this industry knows the Hunter’s influence. No matter who says what, you’re the world’s No. 1 Hunter. With just a word from you, the association could be swayed, and reducing our team’s headcount would be nothing for you.”

His tone sounded polite but had an oddly sarcastic edge to it.

“Please reconsider. Reducing the staff is not an option.”

The man bowed deeply.

Despite his respectful posture, there was an undeniable intensity in his eyes.

I scratched my head.

I had suspected that my suggestion to reduce personnel would eventually reach their ears.

But I didn’t expect him to come all the way here.

Most importantly, judging by the look in his eyes, I could tell that this conversation was going to be a hassle.

“Do you know?”

That’s why I spoke calmly.

“Lizards cutting off their own tails is actually a very inefficient defense mechanism. But when danger arises, they do it without hesitation. Why do you think that is?”

“…What?”

“It’s because it’s the only way for them to survive.”

For a moment, the man’s eyes wavered.

It seemed like he vaguely understood what I meant.

“No matter how inefficient or costly it is, they cut off their tails because it’s the only way to save themselves. That’s the nature of a last resort.”

“But we…”

“That’s not what you meant, right? I understand. Everyone thinks they’re indispensable. But… do you really think that?”

I smiled faintly while looking at the man.

On the other hand, his expression started to grow darker.

“The Association is currently suffering from serious financial difficulties. It’s obvious, given that we’re spending more than we’re earning. Anyway, because of this, they said they were going to adjust the salaries of the higher-ranked Hunters.”

“Wait, hold on! Are you saying because of their salaries, you’re going to…”

“The Association’s number one priority is to protect civilians from dungeons and monsters, and it’s the operation teams, the Hunters like me, who carry out that job. But what if those Hunters can’t even get paid properly for their work? How are they supposed to fight in a hunt if they’re not getting their worth? So, what should be done about it?”

Taking advantage of the momentum, I took a step closer to the man, pressing him with the harsh reality.

“Sometimes, the last resort must be used.”

“That’s outrageous! There’s a limit to everything!”

“The cleaning team, honestly, doesn’t do much anyway.”

“Do you even know what we do?”

“Cleaning is cleaning. What more do I need to know?”

The man seemed to be at a loss for words, staring at me with wide eyes.

“Anyway, cleaning is something anyone can do. It doesn’t require the high specs of the control or support teams, nor does it need talent like the Hunters. We can always fill in any personnel shortages, so for the sake of the Association, let’s just move on, shall we?”

“We also take pride in our work…”

“Sure, sure. It’s something that should’ve been done years ago, but I held off because of camaraderie. Well… I trust you understand, so I’ll be leaving now.”

With that, I walked past the man, heading toward the door.

“Is the Association’s number one priority really to protect civilians?”

After I had taken a few steps, the man spoke up again from behind.

Not wanting to waste any more time, I tried to ignore him.

“Aren’t we citizens too?”

“…”

I couldn’t help but turn my head.

At the same time, the man’s knees dropped to the floor with a thud.

“Please. I beg you, reconsider.”

“…Tch, so annoying.”

Was he really going to act this shamelessly now?

I thought I had made myself clear, but I guess that wasn’t enough.

“Honestly, you should be grateful to us.”

“…What?”

“Think about it. You’re not the ones risking your lives in the fights, you’re just behind the scenes cleaning and making money. You should be thanking us for helping you make ends meet all this time. Why do you want so much more?”

You’re not even parasites.

I muttered the words so softly that they were barely audible, but the man definitely heard them.

I said them right in his ear.

“What… what did you just say?!”

The man suddenly grabbed my collar, jumping to his feet.

Such an honest reaction.

I held back a smile that almost slipped out and, at that moment, pushed the man’s chest lightly.

Thud—

“Ugh!”

“…What the hell?”

To my surprise, I must’ve used more force than I intended, because the man was sent flying across the room and slammed his head into the wall.

Whether he had fainted or was just lying still, the man didn’t move.

Soon, blood started trickling from his head.

“Tch, damn it. This is really too much.”

I frowned at the unexpectedly troublesome situation and ran a hand through my hair.

After a brief pause, I quickly took out my phone.

I immediately opened the recent call list and, muttering curses, pressed the contact for the manager.

***

Near Sillim Station.

After getting off the bus, I checked the map that Team Leader Park had sent me on my phone and slowly walked on.

After about 10 minutes, I arrived at the worksite, where a few control lines and security personnel were stationed.

Through the lines, I could faintly see the entrance to the dungeon, glowing orange.

It was a “Yellow Level” dungeon, classified by the color of the dimensional gate, indicating a dangerous level.

‘Wait, if it’s at this location and time…’

I quickly turned on my phone to check the date. After rummaging through my memories, I nodded.

It was clear.

That was the dungeon where the monster “Foxtrot Centipede,” a giant centipede-type boss, resided.

The very dungeon I had participated in hunting when I was 28.

‘So, I really have gone back ten years.’

Judging by the faint color of the dimensional gate, the hunt must have already been completed.

It was a dungeon that even I struggled with back then, so it seemed they succeeded without me.

“Ah, you’re here, Junwoo! Over here!”

Just then, a familiar voice called out from inside the control line.

It was Team Leader Park.

In his 50s, with a balding head and dressed in cheap hiking gear.

He looked just like how I remembered him.

The only difference was his eyes—they looked different from the last time I had met him in my previous life.

‘Hmm, he doesn’t seem like someone who would kill…’

Though, I couldn’t make a final judgment yet. You can’t judge a person by appearance alone.

Tch, no choice. I’ll have to keep watching him.

“What are you standing there for? Come on in! Have you eaten breakfast?”

“….”

I was lost in thought for a moment when Team Leader Park grabbed my arm and pulled me toward the control line.

“See? I told you he’d come! From the very first day, I could tell he was earnest!”

There were other people there besides Team Leader Park. They seemed to be the rest of the cleaning team members.

“Really, looks like he just got caught trying to skip out and ended up here.”

“Earnest, my ass. Last time, he said he couldn’t do it and didn’t do anything.”

“We’re fine with four people… Why are you so insistent on matching the team size?”

Two men and one woman took turns openly complaining.

“Well, now that everyone’s here, let’s get to work. The longer we wait, the more dangerous it’ll get. Sanghyuk, set the timer.”

“It’s already set.”

“Okay, how much time’s left?”

“45 minutes.”

“What?! Only that much time left?”

“That’s because that bastard was an hour late.”

Ugh, Team Leader Park groaned.

“Guess there’s no helping it. Let’s hurry up before the higher-ups start complaining. Everyone, put on your protective suits! We’ve already lost an hour, so the gas will have been released by now. Don’t take off your gas masks.”

“Yes.”

“Junwoo, take this. It should fit, more or less.”

“…Alright.”

Team Leader Park handed me a white protective suit and gas mask that were stained with grime.

I stared at them for a moment before raising my head.

While the team members were busy moving around, I stood there silently.

“Hm? Why are you just standing there? Is there a problem?”

“No, not exactly…”

I spoke flatly.

“So, what exactly does the dungeon cleaning crew do?”