The Handsomer You Are, the Stronger You Become

Kang Hyunsoo, Age 28. Talent: Swordsmanship. Level: Below 100, a low-tier hunter...

At the gathering point near Daechi Station, Jin Seoyun stared intently at her phone screen displaying the official details of Kang Hyunsoo—the so-called Scarecrow Man.

The information bore the official certification seal of the Hunter Bureau.

Yet…

“Are these stats for real…?”

Jin Seoyun found it impossible to believe.

“This doesn’t make sense. To slash through a scarecrow, you’d need to be at least level 300….”

From what she had observed at the training grounds and heard from others, Kang Hyunsoo’s capabilities suggested a minimum level of 300.

Even if that estimate was too generous, he had to at least be above level 100.

But reality told a different story.

His level didn’t even surpass 100, and despite initially assuming his age to be in his late 30s based on his appearance, he was only in his late 20s.

The information was undoubtedly accurate.

Not only had she obtained it directly from the Hunter Bureau after securing his consent as a mercenary, but his identity was also vouched for by her guildmates Min Dongchan and Ha Jaesung.

The more she stared at his unimpressive stats, the more absurd her curiosity seemed.

Maybe he just had excellent equipment? But judging by the aura and external appearance of his gear, none of it appeared to exceed rare-grade quality.

“So, the scarecrow must have been defective after all. Still, I have to follow through with the raid since I was the one who invited him.”

Jin Seoyun sighed, accepting her conclusion and shutting off her phone.

Her initial excitement had turned into disappointment, but she knew she had to take responsibility for her decisions.

Just as she was about to slip her phone back into her pocket—

Bzzzzzt—!

<Cousin Jin Gijun>

“Huh? Gijun oppa…?”

The sudden vibration caught her off guard. She hesitated for a moment before answering the call.

“Oppa, you’re done with your raid already?”

-“Yeah, our team was well-coordinated, so we wrapped it up quickly. I heard you’re heading into a D-rank open dungeon. Want me to come help?”

Her cousin Jin Gijun, the deputy guild leader of Samcheon Guild, often assisted her with leveling up as part of his elite squad. However, today he had been assigned to an A-rank dungeon, leaving Jin Seoyun to rest on her day off.

The emergence of the D-rank open dungeon had prompted her to quickly assemble a team, but originally, she had no plans to raid.

Now, with Jin Gijun finishing far earlier than expected, his offer to assist would undoubtedly make clearing the dungeon much easier.

But—

“No, I’m fine. I need the experience as a team leader.”

Jin Seoyun refused firmly.

Having a high-level hunter like Jin Gijun in a D-rank dungeon would complicate the distribution of experience and rewards.

While open dungeons were typically more challenging than standard ones, this was still a D-rank raid.

Even so, Jin Gijun couldn’t suppress his concern.

-“I get it, but things have been pretty dangerous lately. Remember the open dungeon incident a month ago where hunters were killed?”

“You mean the massacre in the Incheon open dungeon?”

-“Yeah, the culprits haven’t been caught yet. Better to stay cautious.”

The Incheon Open Dungeon Hunter Massacre.

A month ago, ten hunters had lost their lives while attempting to clear a C-rank open dungeon.

Investigations revealed that their deaths weren’t caused by the monsters within the dungeon, but by rogue hunters who illegally entered the dungeon, slaughtered the team, and stole the rewards.

This incident highlighted the inherent danger of open dungeons.

In standard dungeons, the entrance seals shut upon entry, preventing unauthorized access.

Open dungeons, however, allowed anyone to come and go freely, which made them ripe for plundering.

While South Korea had better law enforcement compared to the chaotic early days of the Great Upheaval, trust among hunters was still a fragile thing.

Though Jin Seoyun agreed with Jin Gijun’s concerns, she didn’t want to burden him unnecessarily.

He was undoubtedly tired, having just cleared an A-rank dungeon in Ulsan. Even if he wanted to help, it would take over two hours to reach Seoul.

“No one’s going to target Samcheon Guild in an open dungeon, oppa. And if someone does, I’ll handle them myself. Don’t worry—I’m heading out now.”

-“Your confidence is great and all, but maybe I should send some nearby guild members to—”

“I’ll be fine, really. I’ll call you after the raid, okay?”

Not wanting to prolong the conversation, Jin Seoyun ended the call.

There was no point in continuing—Jin Gijun would only worry more.

“Ready to go now?”

By the time she hung up, Kang Hyunsoo had returned from the bathhouse and stood before her.

Jin Seoyun pocketed her phone and greeted him with a smile.

“You’re back quickly. One of our team members hasn’t arrived yet, so we’ll need to wait a bit longer.”

“I only took a quick shower. Cleaning up is important, but being late for a raid is worse.”

“You’re quite meticulous. Most hunters don’t pay much attention to that sort of thing.”

“Really? I appreciate the compliment, then.”

“No, I should be the one thanking you.”

Jin Seoyun smiled as she studied Kang Hyunsoo.

Though his stats didn’t meet her expectations, his willingness to join the raid on short notice and the effort he put into preparing raised her opinion of him.

He was surprisingly different from his appearance.

Taking a bath before a raid?

From his rugged face, she would have assumed hygiene wasn’t a priority, but he seemed unexpectedly clean.

With her sensitive nose, this trait was especially appreciated.

And she wasn’t the only one impressed.

“Hyunsoo! You’re back? Whoa, you look like a completely different person after that shower.”

“Seriously. Did the bathhouse sprinkle gold dust on you? Should I go too?”

Min Dongchan and Ha Jaesung approached as Kang Hyunsoo returned, greeting him warmly.

Their compliments were primarily focused on his appearance.

“A dragon…?”

Jin Seoyun, who had been listening to the conversation nearby, tilted her head slightly in confusion.

Sure, it was true that Kang Hyunsoo smelled fresh and clean, but she couldn’t fathom why his friends were showering him with such over-the-top compliments about his appearance.

Kang Hyunsoo was fully aware of the same thing.

“Gold dust? Cut it out, you guys. If anyone hears this, they’ll think you’re mocking me,” he grumbled, frowning at their exaggerated praise as if it made his skin crawl.

It wasn’t that he lacked confidence.

After a quick shower at the bathhouse, he had received some promising system messages:

[The foul odor has dissipated, and you now emit a pleasant fragrance.]
[Appearance Power: 14]
[Condition met.]
[Absolute Beauty Quest 3 is now available.]

[Absolute Beauty Quest 3]

• Clear a D-rank or higher dungeon while maintaining an Appearance Power of 11 or above (0/1).

Not only did he feel refreshed, but his Appearance Power had recovered to 14, unlocking the third Absolute Beauty Quest.

He had worked hard to improve his Appearance Power, and receiving recognition from others gave him a small sense of pride.

Yet, perhaps because compliments about his appearance were so unfamiliar, they also made him feel a bit uneasy.

So, Kang Hyunsoo quickly changed the subject.

“When do we start the raid? I believe there isn’t much time left for the selection rights.”

The shift in conversation proved effective.

As soon as he mentioned the missing team member—

“Oh, there they are. Team Leader Jin Seoyun, the last hunter has arrived,” Ha Jaesung announced.

Sure enough, a hunter wearing the Samcheon Guild uniform was approaching from across the street.

And to Kang Hyunsoo’s surprise, it was someone he recognized.

“Hello, everyone!”

‘Han Sungbin…?’

The rising star hunter, often called the “Face Genius,” Han Sungbin.

The same man Kang Hyunsoo had seen on TV just days ago, with his signature flowing hair, jogged toward the gathering point.

Even Swallow recognized him immediately.

“Oh, it’s that young man from TV. Quite the looker, but his story has a tragic end….”

Without any explanation from Kang Hyunsoo, Swallow summarized Han Sungbin’s life with brutal accuracy.

“Yeah, he’s the one who ends up remembered as a brilliant but ill-fated hunter,” Kang Hyunsoo muttered under his breath.

“I’m sorry I’m late! I came straight here after finishing an interview, but traffic was awful…. Really, my apologies!”

“No, no, we’re grateful you could make it at all. Oh, by the way, let me introduce you. This is Hunter Kang Hyunsoo, who’s joining us as a mercenary for this raid,” Jin Seoyun said warmly, motioning toward Kang Hyunsoo.

“Ah, I see. It’s nice to meet you, Hunter Kang Hyunsoo! I look forward to working with you!”

Han Sungbin extended his hand with a bright, cheerful smile, a picture of sincerity.

But Kang Hyunsoo hesitated as he looked at the outstretched hand.

‘Should I warn him? If I do, could he avoid what’s coming?’

Knowing what lay ahead for Han Sungbin, he felt the urge to offer a word of caution.

However—

“Likewise, I look forward to working with you.”

He shook Han Sungbin’s hand and shook his head inwardly.

‘No, I shouldn’t say anything. There’s nothing I can do to help.’

Warning him might lead to misunderstandings, and even if he wanted to intervene, he didn’t know the precise details or timeline of the impending event.

And besides…

‘Maybe… the future can change, just as mine has.’

Thinking more optimistically, he realized that the past didn’t necessarily have to repeat itself.

Just as he was living a different life after his regression, Han Sungbin might also overcome his trials this time.

“Team Leader Jin Seoyun, should we prepare to enter?”

“Yes, everyone, please gather around. The selection rights are about to expire, so let’s proceed right away.”

The ten hunters of the Samcheon Guild formed a group near the portal.

“Lady Seoyun, we’ll wait for you outside. Please return safely.”

“Thank you, don’t worry about us. Alright, everyone, let’s begin. Please proceed into the dungeon!”@@novelbin@@

Following Jin Seoyun’s instructions, Kang Hyunsoo stepped up to the portal.

[This is a single-use open dungeon. It will vanish upon clearance.]
[Rank: D]
[Minimum required participants: 10.]

Vwooong—! Whooosh—!

With a low hum and a bright flash of light, Kang Hyunsoo took a step into a dungeon he had never encountered in his previous life.