The Third Return of the Necrotic Magic Swordsman

[14th Everdusk, 2103] — CGA Branch, Dyna Crest Country, DC-23 City

Inside the massive CGA building, I walked straight toward the line I had visited the last time to request a dungeon raid.

Taking my place in the queue, I waited patiently until my eyes landed on a familiar duo—Lucas and Tess.

They stood in a different line, also waiting for their turn. Lucas looked restless, scanning the area as if searching for someone. I didn’t need to guess who. If he saw me, I’d definitely get pulled into their dungeon run. No thanks.

So, I quietly shifted behind the tall guy in front of me, using him as cover.

Fortunately, my plan worked. Within a few minutes, Lucas and Tess reached the counter, engaged in a conversation I couldn’t help but overhear as I moved closer.

”But sir, why can’t I take the test? You won’t let us enter the same dungeon, and I’m not even allowed to go in alone?” Lucas protested.

So he wanted to go solo. Interesting, but not surprising. Even ’chosen ones’ had to follow the rules.

”I understand your concerns, sir,” the attendant replied politely. ”But with the branch manager and vice-manager currently unavailable, there’s no one authorized to oversee a solo test right now. I apologize.”

Lucas frowned and leaned in.

”Then is there any other way to take the test or go in alone?”

”Let me ask my seniors, sir. Please wait a moment.”

As the attendant left, another familiar figure walked over—a CGA field agent I had met before. A part of me wondered… If I hadn’t come today, would Lucas have taken my spot and gained a few bonus opportunities?

Not that I cared. Even if I did accidentally take it from him, he wouldn’t know.

”Oi, move it or step aside. I don’t have all day,” grumbled the man behind me.

I blinked and looked ahead. The line had cleared, and the attendant was staring at me, waiting.

”Ah, sorry bro.” I stepped forward.

”Hello, sir. How may I help you today?”

”I’d like to raid a dungeon.”

”Of course. Please present your ID and any relevant details.”

”Here.” I handed over my ID. ”I’m a Level 20 Necromancer. Solo.”

He checked my ID, noting the Lone Wolf symbol—proof I was certified for solo raids. Once confirmed, he smiled.

”All set. Would you like a private dungeon or a public one?”

”Can you explain the difference? I’m still new to this branch.”

”Certainly, sir. It’s our duty to guide you.”

He launched into an explanation.

”Private dungeons are reserved. You or your team enter alone, and no one else can join. The dungeon only closes once it’s completed. On the other hand, public dungeons allow anyone to enter—no limit to how many teams or solo hunters. The only restriction is level-based.”**

”And what happens when the boss is defeated?”

”Good question. Public dungeons don’t close or refresh immediately. They remain open for two months before resetting. However, they’re rare—less than five are known to exist in this country.”

”Got it. Then… can you recommend a private dungeon for someone around Level 20 to 30?”

He typed on his screen for a moment, then frowned.

”Apologies, sir. All private dungeons in that range are booked for a week by various guilds.”

Figures.

”There is a public dungeon available though—Level 20 to 50. The entry fee is 20% of your daily monster corpses.”

I considered it.

‘Hmm… waiting a week is not an option. This works.’

”I’ll take it. Please show me the way.”

He nodded, issued me a printed slip, and handed back my ID.

”Proceed to the dungeon area and present this slip to the gate officer for access.”

”Appreciate the help.”

I headed toward the designated dungeon zones, where several glowing portals stood. Hunters and full guild teams were entering and exiting nonstop. I scanned the area until I found an official who had just sent off two groups.

”Hello, sir. May I help you?” he asked as I handed him the slip.

”Yes. I’m here to enter the public dungeon. Solo.”

He glanced at the paper, then looked behind me.

”Where’s your team? This dungeon is public, but it’s still dangerous. You can’t just stroll in alone. I’ll report this mistake to the attendant who authorized it.”

He tried waving me off, but I calmly took out my ID and pointed at the Lone Wolf insignia.

”Sir, I’m qualified for solo raids. Please check again.”

His expression changed instantly.

”Oh! Apologies. I thought you were another reckless rookie trying to sneak in alone. Please don’t take offense. Come—I’ll show you the entrance myself.”

With a grin, I followed him.

We walked toward a wide portal where numerous hunters bustled around. Several makeshift stalls had popped up just outside the rift, clearly trying to profit off the constant dungeon traffic.

”This is the dungeon, sir. It’s open 24/7. When you exit, report your kills. You’ll need to hand over 20% of the monster bodies. Trying to hide kills will result in a penalty—half of your total count.”

”Understood. But… do you have any dungeon details? Monster types, maybe?”

”One moment. Normally we don’t provide that info, but since you’re going solo, we’ll make an exception.”

He tapped away on his device, then turned the screen toward me.

>>

Dungeon Type:Field DungeonAccessibility: Open to All

A sprawling dungeon filled with wild beasts and untamed monsters. Designed for open-world exploration, the dungeon features diverse enemy types, mini-bosses, and a powerful field boss. Suitable for adventurers ranging from Level 20 to 50.

I narrowed my eyes.

A field-type, huh? This should be interesting.

—To Be Continued—