Absolute Dweller - Chapter 63: Building the Foundation (5)

[Episode 13] Building the Foundation (5)

A dungeon with 100 goblins.

This was not an easy goal.

Until now, citizens had hunted goblins mostly through the safe zone or using superiority in numbers.

“Even if it’s the same 100 goblins, the difficulty can vary greatly depending on whether they all rush at once or appear little by little. The environment inside the dungeon is also important.”

Yang Ji-ho hit the nail on the head.

“So, I think the first step is to understand what the environment inside the dungeon is like.”

He was right.

For example, the lizardmen swamp that Lee Joon-hyuk conquered had a very favorable environment for the lizardmen.

The goblin lair would likely also have a favorable environment for the goblins.

“We’ll need a vanguard. A vanguard capable of easily handling 100 goblins.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

There were six parties that immediately came to mind.

All those who went outside the territory to hunt, including Lee Joon-hyuk’s party, were skilled enough to easily handle around 100 goblins.

‘But it would be a waste to use them as the vanguard.’

Currently, the settlement money they earned from hunting marine monsters was hardly comparable to 100 goblins.

‘Although Ha Dong-geon’s party is resting…’

The Ha Dong-geon party, which could be considered the ace party, was currently on a long break.

‘Kang Deok-su alone could serve as the vanguard.’

His Steel Knight ability was specialized for dealing with multiple monsters.

‘But…’

Their current condition was not good.

I occasionally checked on them with the Absolute Dweller’s Eyes.

Among them, Ha Dong-geon, Kang Deok-su, and Kim Geon seemed to be in serious need of psychological counseling.

Ha Dong-geon, who had a partner in Kim Ga-yeong, was relatively okay.

Because a supportive family was right by his side. Although there were some signs of listlessness and depression, it seemed that he would quickly improve if Kim Ga-yeong stayed by his side.

The problem was Kang Deok-su and Kim Geon.

The two of them drank heavily at night and slept like the dead during the day repeatedly.

They were spending all the money they earned from hunting on drinking.

‘I might as well force them to work!’

While contemplating how to handle them…

“How about lending firearms for a limited time for dungeon conquests?”

It was Kang Han-gyeol, who had appealed for a police force in a previous meeting.

“Basic firearms training received by five individuals would be enough to handle 100 goblins as soon as they enter the dungeon.”

I knew the power of rifles well.

As he said, five well-trained riflemen would be able to easily handle it. They could even handle 100 orcs rushing at them without much trouble, let alone goblins.

“Is there no other way?”

However, loosening firearm regulations could lead to trouble.

It could cause a major accident if done wrong, and I was anxious because of that.

“I understand your concerns, Mr. Jae-hyun. If firearms regulations are relaxed, there will certainly be some risk. However, Mr. Jae-hyun, on any battlefield, soldiers would not be given spears or bows instead of guns simply because guns are dangerous.”

The moment I heard that, I realized that I was worrying too much.

Perhaps it was because I grew up in South Korea where firearm regulations were familiar.

The world right now was a war against monsters.

‘People fighting for their lives need to be given guns.’

I only distributed firearms to those currently fighting monsters on the front lines. They were all parties that included vassals.

People I could believe in because of their high trust and loyalty.

Only a few elite parties were involved in monster hunting.

‘I wasn’t able to trust people!’

My current self was like a dictator who, afraid of a coup, took guns away from the army.

I was undermining the strength of my own army.

‘If firearms are actively utilized, hunting manpower will increase by several times.’

South Korean men would be ready for immediate deployment as soon as they held a rifle.

Naturally, their growth rate would double or even triple.

‘Believe.’

Of course, I would apply rational punishment for betrayal of trust.

But there was no need to regulate firearms out of fear of gun accidents.

“Mr. Kang Han-gyeol.”

“Yes.”

“How many police do we have?”

“We have 150 in total.”

“I will provide 500 rifles and 30,000 rounds of ammunition. Can you manage them?”

“I will do my best.”

I declared, looking straight at Kang Han-gyeol.

“I will abolish the title of ‘police’ from now on. The department led by Kang Han-gyeol will be referred to as the Dungeon Management Bureau. You are free to recruit as many people as you need. However, your department will be responsible for all aspects of initial dungeon exploration, including issuing firearms for dungeon conquests, and providing basic education for those hoping to attack the dungeon. Can you handle all of these responsibilities?”

After contemplating with a serious face, Kang Han-gyeol replied, “I’ll try my best.”

“I’m counting on you.”

After the meeting, when I returned home, I immediately activated construction mode.

‘Instant dungeon construction.’

I decided to try making one for now.

[Please select a location to install the F-grade instant dungeon {Goblin’s Den}.]

The location was Exit 8 of Jeonpo Station.

[Are you sure you want to install it?]

[Yes/No]

‘Yes.’

At the same time.

[Construction of the F-grade instant dungeon {Goblin’s Den} has been completed.]

It was completed immediately.

If left alone, someone among the citizens would report about the dungeon, and Kang Han-gyeol would be in charge of handling the situation.

‘But before that…’

It was impossible to see inside the dungeon even with the Absolute Dweller’s Eyes.

In other words, in order to confirm the environment inside, it was necessary to send a vassal.

There just happened to be a suitable candidate.

‘Absolute Dweller’s Door.’

I immediately opened Room 2901 and went in.

As soon as I entered, the smell of alcohol hit me.

Bottles were rolling around the living room floor, and snack wrappers and trash were littered everywhere.

I approached Kang Deok-su, who was lying on the sofa snoring loudly, and called his name.

“Mr. Kang Deok-su, wake up.”

However, there was no response at all to my voice.

“Mr. Deok-su, please get up.”

When I shook his shoulders, he finally reacted.

“Hmm? M-Mr. Jae-hyun?”

He still had the expression of someone who hadn’t fully sobered up.

Every time he opened his mouth, the smell of alcohol wafted out.

When I frowned slightly, Kang Deok-su covered his mouth with both hands.

“W-What are you doing here?”

“I have a favor to ask of you.”

“…A favor?”

“Yes.”

I briefly explained the concept of the dungeon.

“So, a dungeon with goblins has appeared? Inside the territory?”

“Yes.”

Kang Deok-su asked, his face serious.

“Isn’t that a big problem?”

“That’s why I’d like you to help. Since you can handle it alone.”

“Hmm. I understand.”

“First, please wash up and come out.”

“Yes.”

After showering, Kang Deok-su looked much better than before.

“Let’s go.”

I led him straight to Exit 8 of Jeonpo Station.

Zing—

There was a dungeon entrance emitting a faint blue light.

It was my first time seeing it in person.

“Is this it?”

“Yes.”

“It’s amazing.”

It would be even more interesting inside.

A completely different environment awaited us.

“I’ll leave it to you then.”

“I’ll be back soon.”

After confirming that Kang Deok-su entered the dungeon, I immediately used the Absolute Dweller’s Eyes to observe him.

As soon as he entered the dungeon, he was greeted by pitch-black darkness where he couldn’t see an inch ahead of him.

“Mr. Jae-hyun. I can’t see anything here.”

[I’ll provide a headlamp.]

‘Open shop, buy a headlamp.’

I immediately gave him a headlamp.

When he turned it on, he could see the rough cave walls.

“Rise.”

Kang Deok-su advanced with only one steel knight summon.

“Kikik?”

The first thing that appeared was three goblins.

When they saw Kang Deok-su’s headlamp, they immediately rushed in.

“Kikigik!”

“Kiik!”

However, they were quickly decapitated by the Steel Knight’s halberd.

Three goblins were swiftly dispatched.

[You have hunted a Goblin (Lv. 7).]

[You have gained experience points.]

[18,012 won has been deposited into the Absolute Dweller’s wallet.]

“Isn’t this too easy?”

Indeed, the goblins in the dungeon were inferior to those in reality.

Their weapons were rudimentary, like bone or stone knives, and they appeared in smaller numbers.

[You have hunted a Goblin (Lv. 7).]

[You have hunted a Goblin (Lv. 8).]

[You have hunted a Goblin (Lv. 7).]

Each time three goblins appeared, they were quickly dispatched by the Steel Knight.

As they ventured deeper into the cave, it gradually widened, and the number of goblins increased slightly.

“Kiek!”

[You have hunted a Goblin (Lv. 7).]

[You have gained experience points.]

[17,991 won has been deposited into the Absolute Dweller’s wallet.]

However, even with more goblins appearing, they were no match for the Steel Knight.

Clang!

The goblins’ attacks were all blocked by the silver armor, while the halberds of the Steel Knight consistently ended the goblins’ lives.

After the Steel Knight had slain 94 goblins.

[Citizen Kang Deok-su has cleared the ‘Goblin Lair’.]

Unfortunately, no crystal rewards appeared from clearing the instant dungeon.

It seemed that crystals could only be obtained from naturally-occurring dungeons.

After completing the conquest and coming out, Kang Deok-su’s face looked much more refreshed than before.

Despite finishing, Kang Deok-su looked at the intact dungeon entrance and asked.

“Can I do this one more time?”

“It should be possible.”

“Then can I do it again?”

“Of course.”

Seeing Kang Deok-su conquer the instant dungeon alone gave me even more confidence.

‘It’s perfect for training.’

There was no need to worry.

Moreover, under Kang Han-gyeol’s leadership, those who challenged the dungeon would be armed with rifles when entering, so there was even less need to worry.

‘I can even increase it to the maximum at once.’

Leaving Kang Deok-su, who had become engrossed in goblin hunting, I returned home and installed the remaining nine dungeons in strategic locations.

‘Now, let’s see what I get.’

As soon as I sat on the sofa, Kkami ran over and climbed onto my thigh.

-Cheep!

I chuckled and gently stroked Kkami with my index finger, “You seem to be in a good mood today.”

-Cheep cheep!

He was usually busy napping under the warm sun, but occasionally he would act cute like this.

After playing with Kkami for a while, I opened the skill window.

And then.

‘Amazing Draw!’

Drumroll!

300 crystals were consumed, and a golden magic circle emitted a dazzling light.

The light from the completed magic circle soon gathered in one place and began to expand.

Woooong!

Red threads seeped in around the golden brilliance.

When the entire process was over.

<Absolute Dweller’s Crown>

A crown adorned with jewels emitted a radiant light.