Chapter 345

The news of Behemoth’s safe return to Earth made the front page of every newspaper and portal.

“Behemoth Returns from the Eighth Floor!”

The fact that the legendary Behemoth was gradually unraveling the once-impenetrable Core was an electrifying headline, enough to grab the world’s attention. After all, these individuals were the First Hunters, the strongest people on Earth, and they were seen as beacons of hope in a chaotic era when monsters emerged through Fissures. To top it off, all three of them had striking appearances, which only increased the people’s admiration.

It was a Saturday morning. Karsiel was ironing Do-Jun’s shirt while watching TV. After finishing one sleeve, she set the iron aside for a moment, snapped a rice cracker in half, and popped it into her mouth. Then, she resumed ironing.

⌜So, according to the history of the Core, the most exceptional adventurers undergo what is called “Transcendence.” Those who achieve this state are known as the “Transcendents” within the Core. Our viewers are especially curious about this topic. And with that, we welcome Dr. Choi Ho-Cheol from the Hunter’s Bureau Central Research Center.⌟

⌜Doctor Choi, given that you assist the Behemoth Hunters, you must have extensive knowledge of the Core. Could you share any insights about Transcendence?

At the host’s question, Ho-Cheol gently tapped the microphone. Even on the show, he wore a white lab coat. After confirming that the microphone was working, he began speaking.

⌜What I’m about to say is purely speculation based on the information on the Core Forum, but it’s believed that the answer lies on the fifteenth floor of the Core. Those who gain the recognition of Hashinta, the administrator of the fifteenth floor, are awarded the “Star of Transcendence.” This is said to be a Hidden Piece that bestows power beyond an adventurer’s natural limits.⌟

⌜Ah, so obtaining the Star of Transcendence makes one a Transcendent?⌟

⌜Not necessarily. The Star of Transcendence is just a prerequisite. It is described as something that grants “eligibility” rather than guaranteeing Transcendence. However, every individual who has received the Star and crossed into the Deep Realm has indeed become a Transcendent. So, in a way, yes, acquiring the Star is at least a major step toward Transcendence.⌟

⌜At this rate, do you think the Behemoth Hunters will be able to obtain the Star of Transcendence?⌟

⌜I can’t say for certain, but the chances are high. Their achievements rival those of past Transcendents. I, too, sincerely hope for that outcome. My team and I are doing everything we can to support them.⌟

***

When Ho-Cheol said “my team,” he meant Do-Jun as well. It wasn’t just empty praise; both in the past and now, Do-Jun has given invaluable assistance. Ho-Cheol had hoped he might move from civil service to full-time research, but even his occasional contributions were a tremendous asset.

“Apologies for the wait, Supervisor Lee. The interview ran a bit long,” Ho-Cheol said when he returned to the research center after the interview.

“No problem. While you were talking, I went ahead and organized the data. Would you like to take a look?”

Ho-Cheol reviewed the synergy chart that Do-Jun had compiled. The experiment focused on artifacts used by Seoul City Hall’s Hunters. The interactions between artifacts were the primary focus of the Artifact Research Division.

“You organized all this in just thirty minutes?” Ho-Cheol asked, unable to hold back his amazement.

Do-Jun’s sensitivity to magic wasn’t just “a little” higher than average—no, it was as if he were a highly sophisticated supercomputer. In fact, even a supercomputer would have taken at least five days to sort through the interactions of over fifty artifacts with the level of precision he had achieved.

He had an insane talent, and it warranted pure admiration. The other researchers in the Lab had similar expressions as if they completely agreed. Since the Central Research Center and Seoul City Hall officially began collaborating on synergy research, Do-Jun’s contributions had left the entire team in awe.

At that moment, the automatic door to the lab slid open, and a researcher stepped inside. “Sir, the broadcasting station asked if we had any more data on the Star of Transcendence.”

“No,” Ho-Cheol kept his answer brief.

“Right. So I told them we’d let them know if we found anything new and sent them away. That’s all the data we have from the Behemoth Hunters and the Bureau Chief, after all... Huh? Where did my soda go?”

The stocky researcher scratched his head, then opened the fridge to check for another bottle, but there were none left. Ho-Cheol looked over at Yong-Yong, who had been suppressing small burps for a while now. The tiny monster subtly avoided his gaze.

“Oh, that reminds me, Supervisor Lee—you have a Status Window Snake too, don’t you?” Ho-Cheol asked suddenly.

“Pardon me?”

“That thing on your wrist. It’s a replica of a Status Window Snake, isn’t it?” Ho-Cheol asked, grinning as he pulled up the sleeve of his lab coat slightly to reveal a white bracelet.

Since the Behemoth Hunters had begun clearing the Core, Status Window Snake replicas had steadily gained popularity. Lately, they had become a full-blown trend.

“If you’d like, I can give you one. The ones I make personally are far superior to the mass-produced versions. Even though it’s just a replica, it boosts your Agility by ten points. I’ll give it to you as a special gift.”

“I appreciate the thought, but I’m okay. Thank you.”

“If you change your mind, let me know.”

Do-Jun simply smiled in response.

***

The fifteenth floor of the Core was the final floor before entering the Deep Realm. It was also where Hashinta, the administrator, resided. It was a place of great significance to adventurers.

On the fifteenth floor, a massive iron gate stood, easily over a hundred meters tall. In front of it was a single spearman, Hashinta, who was clearly the gatekeeper. His sheer size alone was enough to make him look extraordinary.

Strange

, he thought

.

Lately, the Core had begun to feel unfamiliar to him. Gone were the usual brawls between adventurers and monsters. In fact, the other day, he had witnessed an utterly bizarre sight—a Dark Elf from the Deep Realm had brought a salad to share, expressing gratitude for his hard work.

Well, he had stored it away instead of eating it as he had no taste for grass, but that wasn’t the point. It felt as if a warm breeze had begun to blow through the entire Core, including the Deep Realm. The dark, oppressive atmosphere that had once defined this place was nowhere to be found, and Hashinta found it difficult to adjust.

Even the adventurers had stopped descending to the fifteenth floor. Had they all died before reaching it? No. That wasn’t it. They simply weren’t coming down anymore. Rumor had it that adventurers had settled on the upper floors, choosing to live peacefully and enjoy the simple, mundane happiness rather than continue descending.

Hashinta’s first thought after hearing the rumors was that the adventurers had completely lost their minds. After all, what kind of place was the Core? It was a place where one had to kill to survive and a ruthless battleground where only the strong endured. It was the very embodiment of survival of the fittest.

Ahhh, am I seriously not gonna get a single adventurer here?

Hashinta wondered desperately.

He was the gatekeeper of the First Trial that stood on the way to the Deep Realm. His role was to judge the adventurers who sought passage. If they had built up even the slightest strength to survive there, the gate would open. If not, it would remain shut.

I’m not even hoping for someone like Imfelheim or Murmu.

He wasn’t even hoping for an adventurer like Imfelheim or Murmu to come along. After all, they were the current Transcendents, one of the strongest in the Deep Realm. Each had earned his recognition and received a Star of Transcendence.

As Hashinta was lost in his thoughts, a puff of smoke appeared in midair with a bright

pop

before dissipating. When the smoke cleared, a tiny fairy was floating there. He recognized her immediately.

“Tusitala!” He greeted her.

“Hey,

nom

. Keeping things safe, I see,

nom.

”

“It’s been a long time. I haven’t seen you around for a while... Wait, what are you eating?”

Tusitala swallowed whatever was in her mouth. She held a skewer with small, round pieces on it.

“It’s a rice cake skewer! You want some?” she asked.

“No thanks...? Anyway, you look pretty relaxed,” Hashinta remarked.

“What?! Relaxed?! You have no idea how busy I am! I just made my rounds through the Deep Realm, plus the third, fifth, and eighth floors of the Core! You know I’ve been working a hundred and forty-four hours a week, not just fifty-two?! If I got overtime pay, maybe I wouldn’t complain! If this were Korea, there’d be riots over it!”

“What are you even talking about...?”

“Whatever! Anyway, I came to see you because of the King of Earth.”

“The King of Earth?”

Now that he thought about it, he had heard rumors of a man called the King of Earth, a unique adventurer whose achievements and power were leagues ahead of the rest. Hashinta had been looking forward to meeting him. Although he wouldn’t match the levels of Imfelheim, Murmu, Wei Zhongqi, or Kiriel, he would at least possess a certain caliber.

“The King of Earth is coming to the fifteenth floor soon. I just came to give you a heads-up,” Tusitala said.

“Oh! That’s wonderful! It’s been dull lately with no adventurers coming by.”

“Yeah, well, when he gets here, don’t ask questions. Just open the gate for him. Got it?”

Did he hear that right?

“Open the gate? Without a trial?” Hashinta asked, incredulous.

“Yup.”

Hashinta burst into laughter.

Absolutely ridiculous. Not once in the history of gatekeepers had such a thing been allowed, and it never would be. It wasn’t a matter of showing favor; it simply made no sense and went against the principles.

As if expecting that reaction, Tusitala just shrugged. “Well, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

And with a pop, she vanished.

***

Deep in the night, when everyone was asleep, Do-Jun slowly opened his eyes. Carefully, he detached the children clinging to him and got out of bed. On the desk, curled up on a palm-sized cushion that Yoon-Hee had made, was a baby snake.

Kyuu... Kyuu...

Its soft cries sounded almost like snoring.

Do-Jun planned to briefly visit the fifteenth floor of the Core today. He briefly debated whether to bring Kyu-Kyu along. Its power wasn’t particularly significant compared to Do-Jun’s, but it was certainly convenient to have him around.

Perhaps sensing his thoughts, the tiny snake’s eyes slowly open. As soon as they made eye contact, the tiny snake’s eyes gleamed, and before Do-Jun could react, it slithered up and coiled around his wrist.

***

This was going to be a simple, brief visit to the fifteenth floor. Do-Jun intended to finish his task quickly and return to Earth.

The Star of Transcendence, huh...?

Do-Jun soon arrived at the First Trial, a massive stone door guarded by a single soldier with a spear in hand.

That must be Hashinta.

“You’ve come a long way, adventurer!” a booming voice echoed. “I am Hashinta, the guardian of this gate! Now, I shall test whether you are worthy of entering the Deep Realm! If you lack the qualifications, the gate will not open. If you possess them, the path shall be revealed!”

Do-Jun stroked his chin. “There’s something I want to ask.”

“Speak.”

“The Star of Transcendence—tell me about it.”

A glint appeared in Hashinta’s eyes. “That is not something to be spoken of so lightly. Only those whose power is utterly unmatched, those who surpass all limits, are granted its strength! There have only been a handful of adventurers who have earned it.”

“Sounds like quite the artifact.”

Hashinta decided to share a truth that would shock any adventurer. “Of course! You cannot even fathom its worth! The Star of Transcendence contains, albeit in minuscule amounts... the power of the Great Ouroboros.”