The Handsomer You Are, the Stronger You Become

The massive chamber stretched into the shadows, its ceiling hidden by darkness. Dim light emanated from glowing stones embedded in the walls, casting eerie reflections.

Kang Hyunsoo and the Samcheon Guild hunters stepped cautiously into the boss room, their weapons ready, but what greeted them was unexpected.

“There’s no boss monster?”

Han Sungbin’s confused voice echoed across the cavern.

The hunters looked around. The room was silent, devoid of any monster, let alone the imposing presence of a boss.

“Let’s move deeper in and search. It must be here somewhere,” Jin Seoyun instructed, motioning for the group to advance.

But just as she took a step forward—

“Stop.”

Kang Hyunsoo raised his arm, halting her and the group.

The hunters exchanged puzzled glances.

“Why stop?” Jin Seoyun asked.

“If we go any further, the boss monster will wake up. It’s best to deal some damage while it’s still dormant,” Hyunsoo explained calmly.

“Dormant? Do you know where it is?”

“Yes. Look over there, against the left wall.”

Hyunsoo pointed toward a shadowy section of the chamber.

But—

“All I see are rocks.”

“It just looks like part of the wall.”

“Is it even alive?”

The hunters squinted, still unable to spot what Hyunsoo was referring to.

Frustrated, Swallow, who hovered invisibly near Hyunsoo, muttered sarcastically, “Amateurs. Truly low-level skills at play here.”

Hyunsoo ignored the jab and elaborated.

“Look closely at the moss-covered rock. It’s the only one without any glowing stones embedded in it. That’s a dead giveaway. If you approach it, it’ll attack immediately.”

The group’s eyes widened as they inspected the area more carefully.

“Wait… he’s right. That does look odd.”

“It’s attached to the wall, not sitting on the ground like the others.”

The realization dawned on them, and Jin Seoyun turned back to Hyunsoo, visibly impressed.

“You’re absolutely right. Your observation skills are remarkable.”

“In an open dungeon, it’s critical to move cautiously. With no prior information, we can’t predict what might appear. Some monsters even suppress their identification markers, so it’s best to stay alert.”

“Monsters that can hide their markers…? I didn’t know that. Your reputation for dungeon expertise is well-deserved.”

“…I’ve just studied a lot of theory,” Hyunsoo deflected modestly.

Though he could have shared more tips about dungeon tactics, he chose not to. Drawing too much attention might lead to unnecessary reliance on him, or worse, it could damage Jin Seoyun’s pride as the team leader.

But it seemed his modesty only made her more curious.

“Do you know how to take it down?”

“We should strike first, from a distance. It’ll react the moment we enter its range. A long-range attack can reduce its health significantly before the fight begins.”

“Are there any traps or additional threats nearby?”

“Just a handful of minions—about five. No visible traps, though I can’t confirm without a detection skill.”

“Understood. Everyone, prepare for ranged attacks! On my mark, we’ll launch a coordinated strike!”

“Yes, Team Leader!”

The Samcheon hunters immediately got into position. Despite their levels being under 200, they prepared their weapons for a volley, aiming toward the dormant boss.

Swallow observed the preparations and commented softly to Hyunsoo, “At least she’s not throwing a tantrum this time, unlike your last life.”

“True, but I’m staying cautious.”

Hyunsoo recalled the Jin Seoyun of his previous life—impulsive and temperamental. While she seemed more composed now, he wasn’t ready to let his guard down.

As the group readied their weapons, Hyunsoo took a step back, quietly excusing himself from the first strike.

Jin Seoyun didn’t question his retreat. Raising her saber high, she commanded, “Everyone, throw your weapons!”

Clang! Bang! Crash! BOOM!

A synchronized volley of attacks struck the mossy rock.

The instant they made contact—

[Lv. 130. Moss-Covered Stone Golem]

“KUUUAAAARRGH!!”

The boss monster awakened, its massive body shaking off the illusion of being part of the wall. Identification markers appeared as it stood upright, towering over the hunters.

“Everyone, charge! Maintain formation and engage the boss!” Jin Seoyun ordered.

Without hesitation, the hunters launched their assault.

But—

THUD! CRASH! BOOM!

“Damn, it’s strong!”

“Tankers, don’t block its strikes—dodge them! Attackers, aim for the gaps between its legs and torso!”

“Yes, Team Leader!”

The Stone Golem was far stronger than anticipated.

Standing over four meters tall, it struck with such force that the ground cracked beneath its fists, sending up clouds of dust.

And that wasn’t the worst of it.

[Lv. 120. Damp Cave Stone Golem]

[Lv. 120. Damp Cave Stone Golem]

“Grrrrkkk!!”

The sudden battle had also awakened the minions near the boss monster.

Kang Hyunsoo could no longer just stand by and watch. Though he didn’t directly join the attack on the boss monster—@@novelbin@@

“Haaaah!”

【Activate】
[Powerful Slash (E)]

Slash—!!

[You have defeated Lv. 120. Damp Cave Stone Golem.]

Hyunsoo swiftly dealt with the interfering minions, ensuring they wouldn’t hinder the battle against the boss monster.

Thanks to this—

“Haaaah!”

Jin Seoyun and the Samcheon Guild hunters steadily advanced in their fight against the boss. The moss-covered General Golem swung its massive fists down, but the tankers skillfully dodged while the attackers, including Han Sungbin, Min Dongchan, and Ha Jaesung, landed successful hits.

In the end—

Rumble, rumble, crumble—!!

The General Golem's massive body collapsed.

Following Jin Seoyun’s precise saber strike, the stones comprising the monster shattered and tumbled to the ground.

“We did it…!”

“Victory!!”

Cheers erupted among the Samcheon Guild hunters as they stared at the pile of shattered stones.

“Well done, everyone. You’ve all worked hard,” Jin Seoyun said, turning to her team with a smile.

But it wasn’t over yet.

The moment she turned away—

[Lv. 140. Great Moss-Covered Golem]

“GROOOARRR!!”

The stones scattered on the ground suddenly began to merge, reforming the boss monster. Now larger and with an even higher level, the Great Golem roared as it fully reconstituted itself.

Its new form came with additional abilities. As soon as it regained its shape, it swung its arm and hurled a massive rock.

Previously, it had only attacked by slamming its fists down, but now it used long-range attacks.

The rock hurtled toward Jin Seoyun, who had her back turned.

“Team Leader! Look out!!”

“Dodge it!!”

“……!!”

The rock was moving so fast that Jin Seoyun barely had time to turn her head. It was already within striking distance.

‘I… I can’t dodge it…!’

Her instincts screamed danger. She jumped sideways in an attempt to evade, but it was far too late.

She raised her arms, clenched her eyes shut, and braced herself for the impact.

But the impact never came.

Instead—

CRACK! SHATTER!! THUD!

A deafening sound echoed nearby.

When Jin Seoyun cautiously opened her eyes, the sight before her left her stunned.

“It split in half!”

“Wow! That was amazing, Team Leader!!”

The massive rock that had been flying toward her had been cleaved cleanly in two and now lay harmlessly on the ground.

Her team erupted into cheers at what they thought was a miraculous defense.

Encouraged by this turn of events, the Samcheon Guild hunters charged forward.

“That bastard resurrected and attacked our leader!”

“You’re dead now, you stone-headed freak!!”

Min Dongchan and Ha Jaesung led the offensive, rallying the others to attack the resurrected boss and its newly emerged minions.

But Jin Seoyun couldn’t join in the celebration.

‘That wasn’t me…’

She stared at the bisected rock in confusion. She hadn’t done it.

Her saber, still in hand, was untouched by even a speck of dust or stone powder.

As she puzzled over the situation, she caught a whiff of a distinctly masculine, comforting scent.

‘This smell…?’

The sudden, pleasant aroma caused her eyes to widen, and she instinctively turned her head.

There he was.

“Stay focused. Even in a D-rank dungeon, losing focus can get you killed.”

Kang Hyunsoo.

The so-called scarecrow mercenary she had recruited stood behind her, his eyes locked on the boss monster.