Chapter 65: Annoying bastard..."

Moon So Yeon didn’t say another word. She raised her hand, and pale green wind currents immediately swirled around the members of the Crying Ghost Guild, creating a protective layer of energy around them.

"Prepare to enter the Dungeon."

The hunters simultaneously checked their weapons. No one was laughing or talking, and there was no sign of hesitation. They knew full well they were about to step into a place that could swallow an entire B-rank Guild whole in just a few minutes.

But this was nothing to be afraid of for an SS-rank Guild like them, who had handled numerous SSS-rank Dungeons in dangerous special zones.

The Boss inside the Dungeon was continuously growing stronger. If they couldn’t eliminate it before its energy reached its limit, the gate would explode. If that happened, monsters would flood the entire city of Dong-San.

And those who died wouldn’t just be hunters; countless civilians would be swept into this disaster.

"Moon So Yeon."

Kang Ian called out to her.

Moon So Yeon turned her head to look at him.

"Don’t hold back. Take it down as fast as possible."

"Got it."

She nodded, then led the group into the Dungeon. One by one, they disappeared behind the twisting reddish-purple light at the entrance.

Kei stood still, watching them leave.

Beside him, Hanna was still trembling. Ular’s face was pale, and Yudian silently watched the members of the Crying Ghost Guild depart. In the eyes of the two brothers lingered a sense of unwillingness, but behind it was an undeniable feeling of helplessness.

Kei walked over, supporting Hanna’s arm, and extended his other hand toward Ular.

"Let’s go. You two need treatment."

Ular looked at Kei’s hand, was silent for a few seconds, then took it. Yudian also pushed himself up and left the area in front of the Dungeon gate with them.

After walking a short distance, Kei couldn’t help but ask:

"What are you guys planning to do now?"

Before Ular could answer, Yudian spoke up:

"The Black Rose Guild will withdraw from the battlefield. We’ll return to the guild first to treat the wounded. After that... we’ll figure out the next step."

Yudian’s voice was hoarse.

He didn’t say it out loud, but everyone understood that the next step probably wouldn’t involve the Black Rose Guild continuing to attack the Dungeon anymore.

They would have to start planning their next move for the Guild, a new territory, a new city that suited their Guild’s current strength.

Hunters who wanted to stay in Dong-San City would have to leave the Guild, join smaller guilds within Dong-San City, or join the large guild that would soon come to protect the city.

No matter what happened, the Black Rose Guild would definitely not be the same as before.

Kei watched the backs of the Black Rose hunters slowly walking away. Some had to support their comrades, some clutched their bleeding wounds with one hand, and some couldn’t even lift their heads.

They were disappointed in their own weakness, unable to leave with their heads held high.

Kei felt a bitterness in his heart.

What was happening with this Dungeon was clearly connected to his arrival in this world. From the strange black stones to the monsters that kept evolving...

Yet the ones directly bearing the consequences were the hunters of Dong-San City.

The Black Rose Guild had lost people, lost their chance at victory, and might even lose the reputation they had spent so many years building.

Kei clenched his fist.

"Maybe I’ve caused them trouble..."

"What’s wrong?"

A lazy voice sounded right beside him.

Kei was startled and turned his head. Kang Ian, who had appeared out of nowhere, was walking alongside him. His expression was as indifferent as ever, as if the Dungeon ahead wasn’t a bomb about to explode but just a broken door.

"Why such a sad expression? What does this have to do with you? It’s clear their small Guild just couldn’t handle the burden of the abnormal events happening in this city; them having to drop out was only a matter of time."

Kei pursed his lips, suddenly feeling annoyed. He pushed Kang Ian’s shoulder away a little.

"Leave me alone, it’s none of your business!"

Kang Ian was pushed aside, but he didn’t get angry.He just glanced down at the hand that had touched him, a faint smile curling at the corner of his lips.

Kei turned his face toward the Dungeon, no longer wanting to look at Kang Ian’s annoying face, and asked:

"Why don’t you go in there and take care of the Boss?"

Kang Ian was silent.

Kei continued, his voice lowering:

"I don’t know how strong the members of Guild Crying Ghost are, but the energy concentration in the Dungeon right now has probably already surpassed SS-rank. What if they run into danger?"

"Then let them die."

Kang Ian answered too quickly, leaving Kei stunned.

"What?"

"If they lose in this Dungeon, then dying in there is fine too."

Kang Ian looked toward the trembling gate, his voice so calm it was cold.

"Saves face."

Kei stared at him.

"You’re talking about your own teammates."

Kang Ian shrugged and said:

"They knew the danger before stepping in, I didn’t force them. If you’re afraid of dying as a hunter, then don’t be a hunter."

Kei glared at him, did this man even have a heart?

"Knowing the danger doesn’t mean they deserve to die!"

Kang Ian didn’t answer.

To him, it seemed a person’s life was just a number in a calculation. If that number wasn’t big enough, it could be cast aside at any moment.

Kei hated that.

He hated that indifferent expression, hated that cold tone, hated even more how Kang Ian could talk about other people’s deaths as if discussing tomorrow’s weather.

Kei turned his head away sharply.

"Annoying bastard..."

"What did you say?"

"Nothing."

"I clearly heard something."

"Then your ears must still be broken."

Kang Ian slightly raised an eyebrow. At that moment, a thunderous explosion suddenly came from the direction of the Dungeon gate.

Boom——!

The ground shook violently. The crimson-purple light in the sky surged upward like a massive flame. Strong winds swept through the area, whipping up dust and debris in a thick haze.

Kei turned to look back.

The Dungeon gate had widened once again.

From within, a faint golden light pierced through the darkness, followed by a roar that rattled everyone’s chests.

Kang Ian stopped smiling.

His platinum eyes fixed on the swelling gate, and finally, a trace of seriousness appeared.

"Looks like they’ve found it."

Kei clenched his fist, holding back the urge to punch Kang Ian.

"What are you still standing here for?"

Kang Ian didn’t look at him. He turned and slowly walked toward the Dungeon.

"I’m going in. You just stay out here and wait obediently."

Kei was stunned.

Kang Ian looked back, the corner of his mouth slightly curling up.

"After I come out, I’ll come find you for a chat. I hope you won’t treat me coldly when I return as the hero who saved this city."

The next moment, his tall figure vanished into the distorted gravity field. Kei watched after him, feeling both angry and worried.

But deep down, Kei still hoped the hunters of Guild Crying Ghost could return safely.