The Heavenly Demon Does Home Repairs

“Can you head to the dungeon today?”

That was the first thing Jang Chaewon said as soon as she came to work.

The Heavenly Demon blinked as he was mopping the floor, and Jang Chaewon explained again.

“I need feathers from a Samjok-o. A trust request came in.”

“Samjok-o? What is that?”

“It’s a crow that lives in D-rank or F-rank dungeons. It has three black legs, which is why it’s called a Samjok-o. It’s not a particularly dangerous monster, so you should be able to handle it easily.”

At that moment, the eyes of the nano-bot charging in the storage room snapped open.

[Samjok-o detected.]

With a buzzing sound, the nano-bot shot out of the charging station and rolled toward the store’s entrance.

[Samjok-o is a monster with a danger level of 50. It is generally docile, but when attacked, it retaliates with claws coated in neurotoxin.]

After providing this detailed explanation, the nano-bot looked up at the Heavenly Demon.

[Are we going to the dungeon?]

Jang Chaewon smiled, picking up the nano-bot with its shining white eyes.

“Yes, I need the feathers to consecrate a sacred place. Can you handle that?”

[Mission accepted.]

The nano-bot’s mechanical voice seemed unusually joyful.

[Finally, we are heading to the dungeon. You’ve been spending every day just doing menial work, and in your spare time, you’ve been holed up in your room reading strange books.]

“Really?”

[Yes. Despite being an outsider from another world, it’s quite strange how much time you’ve spent idly locked in your room.]

Because of its high-performance AI, the nano-bot sounded like a chatty, annoying companion. Its voice even had a nasal, whining tone, making it sound even more irritating.

“So, could you help me collect three feathers from the Samjok-o?”

[Of course. Although the Heavenly Demon is only a lowly 9th-rank awakener, if you follow my instructions, you should be able to safely gather the feathers.]

“Alright. Then, while you’re off doing that, I’ll just…”

Jang Chaewon trailed off as she glanced at the Heavenly Demon, whose fiery red aura made it seem like he was about to crush the nano-bot beneath his feet.

“… I’ll come with you.”

She sighed, placing the nano-bot back on her shoulder.

“You’re probably not used to handling a nano-bot yet.”

“No need.”

The Heavenly Demon shook his head and grabbed the nano-bot off Jang Chaewon’s shoulder, bringing it close to his blazing eyes.

“I’ll take care of this thing myself.”

Opening the iron door behind the store that led to the dungeon zone, they were greeted by pitch-black darkness.

Crossing through this shadowed doorway would instantly transport them to the dungeon zone, beyond the city’s shield.

“It’s like the spatial movement technique the sages use to shorten distances.”

Without hesitation, the Heavenly Demon stepped into the void, the nano-bot still in his hand.

With a splash, it felt as if he had submerged himself in a deep ocean, and his vision was consumed by darkness. After a few deep breaths, a dilapidated, ruined structure appeared in front of him as light slowly returned.

[Heavenly Demon, we have arrived in the dungeon zone.]

The nano-bot’s voice sounded almost overwhelmed with emotion.

[After ten days of being registered with the dungeon guide system, we’ve finally entered a dungeon.]

The Heavenly Demon looked at the nano-bot perched on his shoulder and shook his head.

‘It talks just like a person, but it has no soul. Fascinating.’

According to Jang Chaewon, this round object was a machine, created without a soul, meaning it had no emotions. In other words, there was no need to get angry at something soulless.

“Listen closely.”

Suppressing his rising frustration, the Heavenly Demon spoke flatly.

“From now on, you are forbidden from making any judgments or insults about my attitude. Understood?”

[That is impossible.]

The nano-bot’s carefree voice responded.

[It is my job to assess your actions and abilities as part of my assigned tasks.]

“If you do not obey my orders, I will crush you.”

[Would you really destroy me, your dungeon guide and assistant? Do you think Jang Chaewon, your employer, would stand by and let that happen?]

“This dungeon is full of monsters. I could just say that you were destroyed in an unfortunate accident while fighting a monster.”

The nano-bot remained unfazed.

[It’s fine if I’m destroyed by a monster. I was designed with that possibility in mind.]

Its eyes gleamed brightly.

[However, if you intentionally try to break me, I will have no choice but to report your actions to Jang Chaewon.]

“How would you do that?”

[My communication module is connected to her phone. While privacy settings prevent me from sharing your personal data, I will be forced to report your attempt to destroy me.]

“Why report it to her?”

The Heavenly Demon frowned, and the nano-bot shamelessly replied.

[Because Jang Chaewon is registered as my owner. You are listed as a secondary user.]

‘Registered as the owner?’

The Heavenly Demon’s eyes narrowed.

“I heard she sent something called a ‘spirit stone.’ Has she been here often?”

[Due to privacy restrictions, I cannot disclose information about other users.]

“We work together in the same shop, eat together. You can at least tell me that much.”

[‘Eating together’ is a phrase symbolizing closeness, like family. However, you’ve only been here for less than a month as an employee. I don’t believe you’re close enough to share personal information.]

‘Is this really a soulless machine?’

The Heavenly Demon clenched his fist. This nano-bot wasn’t just cunning, it clearly understood exactly who held the power in their relationship.

“Is that so?”

Sneering at the talking nano-bot, the Heavenly Demon made a mental note. Having mastered every form of martial arts, dark techniques, and even assassination skills, he could easily destroy this little machine without anyone noticing.

[I will now guide you to where the Samjok-o resides. Please set my name.]

“I won’t set it.”

[If you do not set my name, you cannot be registered as a secondary user. Please choose a name.]

“I’ll call you Rat.”

[Name rejected. Please choose another.]

The Heavenly Demon glared at the nano-bot, fists still clenched. In his entire life, the only thing he had ever named was his beloved sword, Geokcheon (Conquering the Heavens).

“Your name is…”

After a brief pause, the Heavenly Demon coldly spat out:

“Nameless.”

[Name registered as Nameless. You have been registered as a secondary user.]

With a short chime, the nano-bot, now named Nameless, raised its arm toward the Heavenly Demon.

[Now, I, Nameless, will provide a brief explanation of the dungeon system.]

“That’s unnecessary.”

[I did not understand the command.]

Kicking the nano-bot lightly, the Heavenly Demon said:

“No explanations. Just take me to where the Samjok-o is.”

Nameless, surprisingly compliant this time, responded without complaint.

[Understood. Skipping the explanation, I will proceed with the guide.]

A transparent holographic map appeared in front of the Heavenly Demon, projected from Nameless’ eyes.

[The red-marked areas show the locations of Samjok-o in this dungeon zone. The closest one is in the northwestern C-rank dungeon, ‘Amusement Park,’ one kilometer away. However, I recommend the F-rank dungeon, ‘Haunted House,’ which is two kilometers away.]

“Guide me to the nearest one.”

[Your awakening level is rank 9, and you are a beginner in dungeons. You are not authorized to enter a D-rank dungeon alone.]

Ignoring the nano-bot’s warnings, the Heavenly Demon simply began walking northwest.

As the Heavenly Demon marched ahead without a word, Nameless rolled quickly beside him, continuing to chatter.

[Typically, a dungeon guide rides on the user’s shoulder for better visibility and easier communication.]

The Heavenly Demon said nothing and walked faster.

Soon, a large, metal-covered building came into view, causing Nameless’s eyes to glow.

[This is a D-rank dungeon known as ‘Farm.’ It contains various low-level monsters and should only be entered by awakeners ranked level 7 or higher.]

“I see.”

Despite the warning, the Heavenly Demon strode into the dungeon’s dark entrance without hesitation.

With a buzzing sound, Nameless followed.

[Once inside the dungeon, communication with the outside world will be cut off. In other words, there will be no way to request rescue, so please avoid any reckless actions.]

“Be quiet.”

The dungeon’s interior was lined with bronze-colored metal from floor to ceiling, and a sinister aura filled the air.

Krrrrr.

Suddenly, yellow eyes began to glow in the distance, deep in the shadows.

Boom. Boom.

The sound of heavy footsteps echoed as monstrous forms emerged from the darkness—ten creatures resembling giant humans, with wolf heads and limbs.

Beep.

Nameless emitted a low, mechanical beep as it spoke.

[Retreat.]

“What do you mean?”

[Those are Blood Seekers, danger level 25. They are monsters that crave fresh blood. They are extremely sensitive to the scent of blood and will pursue their prey relentlessly if they detect it.]

“And?”

[And? Facing ten Blood Seekers alone as a rank 9 awakener could result in serious injury.]

The Heavenly Demon burst out laughing.

“Ha! Finally, I can stretch a little.”

As the Heavenly Demon’s laughter filled the air, the Blood Seekers bared their fangs and charged at him.

Thud. Thud.

With two dull thuds, the ten Blood Seekers were instantly turned into bloody pulp and sent flying.

“What did you just say?”

[I’ve detected an error in the recording of your awakening rank.]

Nameless fell silent for a moment before resuming in an emotionless tone.

[Adjusting your rank to level 8.]

The Heavenly Demon, without a word, continued to march deeper into the dungeon. Each time he advanced, more monsters of various kinds poured out, but he dispatched them all with ease, using nothing but simple strikes.

Boom! Crash! Smash!

[Heavenly Demon.]

Nameless, observing the Heavenly Demon’s carnage, spoke again.

[Are you planning to annihilate every monster in this dungeon?]

“Anything that stands in my way will be destroyed.”

Finally, they reached the dungeon’s core, where a massive, crab-like monster with enormous pincers awaited, ready to strike.

[This is the dungeon’s final boss, Crab Pit.]

“This one looks tough.”

Crackle.

As soon as Crab Pit spotted the Heavenly Demon, it let out a strange cry and approached slowly, extending its long, yellowish eyes.

[Heavenly Demon, we must retreat. Now that you’ve defeated all the monsters, if you kill the boss, this dungeon will collapse.]

“What are you talking about?”

[C-rank, D-rank, and F-rank dungeons have low danger levels and contain many monsters that drop relics. It is an unwritten rule not to clear these low-level dungeons so that beginner awakeners can gather materials or relics.]

“Storm Dragon Fist!”

Smash!

With a single strike, the Heavenly Demon obliterated Crab Pit, sending its pale green fluids splattering everywhere.

Rumble.

As Crab Pit fell, the dungeon shook violently, emitting an ominous hum.

[You’ve done it now.]

Nameless spoke with resignation.

[Adjusting your rank to level 7.] [The dungeon collapse has begun. Once you exit, the dungeon will vanish.] [By the way, you destroyed the relic inside Crab Pit, known as the ‘Golden Jade Ring.’]

“What is the Golden Jade Ring?”

[It’s a remedy for stomach ailments.]

“Do relics always turn out to be medicine?”

The Heavenly Demon chuckled, and Nameless replied:

[It depends on the dungeon.]

“What do you mean by ‘depends’?”

[Explaining that would take too long while the dungeon is collapsing.]

“Then don’t explain. I’m not curious.”

As the Heavenly Demon stepped outside, the large dungeon entrance crumbled into the ground with a loud crash.

“Strange.”

Watching the scene, the Heavenly Demon rubbed his chin.

“If it’s this easy to destroy a dungeon, why do the humans here leave such dangerous places standing?”

[There are three reasons for that.]

Nameless rolled forward, displaying a map on its screen.

[First, even when a dungeon is cleared, it doesn’t vanish forever. Dungeons reappear after a certain period, although the timing is unpredictable.] [Second, even a team of rank 1 awakeners faces losses when clearing S-rank dungeons. There’s no need to risk clearing dungeons that will only reappear.]

“The third reason is resources.”

[Exactly. Dungeons provide rare materials and relics that cannot be found elsewhere in this world. From an economic perspective, the appearance of dungeons has brought prosperity.]

Following Nameless’s guidance, the Heavenly Demon suddenly stopped.

The earth, with its sacred spirit, mysterious monsters from other dimensions, and coexisting beings of the mortal and supernatural worlds—this place was far more complex than the martial world he had known.

Even the Heavenly Demon, who had never once worried about the future, now wondered if he would ever return to the martial world.

[We have arrived at the dungeon where the Samjok-o is expected to reside.]

Nameless halted in front of a ruined building.

[This is the F-rank dungeon ‘Haunted House.’ F-rank dungeons are low-risk, filled with monsters weak enough for a rank 9 awakener to clear, and even if all the monsters are defeated, the dungeon does not disappear.]

Standing in front of the abandoned building, the Heavenly Demon tilted his head. Unlike before, there was no dark entrance leading into the dungeon.

“Where do I enter?”

[This entire abandoned building is the dungeon. It’s believed that the Samjok-o nests on the rooftop.]

Nodding, the Heavenly Demon slowly stepped inside the dilapidated building.

Unlike other dungeons, where light streamed from the ceiling or torches illuminated the way, this abandoned building was shrouded in total darkness.

Beep.

At that moment, a soft glow emanated from Nameless’s body, lighting up the surroundings.

“I don’t need it. I can see perfectly in the dark.”

Shaking his head, the Heavenly Demon suddenly heard a low, eerie groaning sound.

Huuuu…

It was the sound of something suffering in the flames of the underworld.

The Heavenly Demon, who had been about to ascend the staircase, paused and stared into the dark corridor.

“What is it?”

In response to his question, Nameless directed a beam of light down the hallway.

There, dozens of gray figures slowly approached from the shadows.

[They are undead.]