Dungeons, gates, monsters, mages, warriors—rankings assigned to various professions are not absolute.
Depending on the given situation, affinities, and types of power, lower-ranked professions can often defeat higher-ranked ones. There are also numerous cases where dungeons classified as lower-ranked are actually more dangerous than those classified as higher-ranked.
In the end, rankings are nothing more than an internationally standardized system for certification rather than an accurate measure of actual skill or danger.
"...That is the opinion of the academy."
"Sounds awfully fancy."
I responded in a sharp tone to Lee Jung-ho's uninspired explanation.
As soon as the day's training ended and the upcoming schedule was announced, I left the cadets to their personal training and entered Lee Jung-ho's instructor's office.
Even though I hadn't asked any questions, he explained the situation on his own.
"It's not wrong, but it's just turning a blind eye to the truth. If that were the case, why even have rankings in the first place?"
Lee Jung-ho sighed and nodded.
"You're right. Rankings aren't an absolute measure, but there is a general standard. The academy's explanation is just a forced response. But… there was no other choice."
"I know the academy didn't determine this evaluation. They're just handling the execution."
The decision to move up the schedule and adjust the dungeon rankings came from my father.
'What is Father thinking?'
Special Rank 6.
Even for someone like me, who has grown considerably, it's a dangerous level.
I fell into deep thought.
This didn't happen in my past life.
So, what has changed, and what is happening now?
Come to think of it, I heard that my family's supply shipments have increased lately.
On top of that, the training intensity for the warrior squads has been escalating.
'Is he preparing for something?'
This evaluation…
It doesn't seem to be just about testing me and the eighth child, Lee Seo-hyun.
"Did the other classes also receive dungeons of this level?"
"Yes. All cadet classes have been assigned Rank 6 dungeons. However… only Class 1 and Class 5 have been assigned Special Rank dungeons."
A "Special Rank" designation meant that the dungeon possessed some sort of unique trait.
'Forest of the Faceless… The Forest of the Faceless, huh…'
After carefully retracing my memories, I was finally able to recall the Forest of the Human-Faced Spiders.
"That's the area that became stabilized in the future. The place where spiderwebs cover the entire dungeon, instantly revealing an intruder's location to the monsters."
A tricky dungeon.
The dungeon assigned to Class 1 was likely just as dangerous, if not more so.
It wasn't hard to guess why only Class 1 and Class 5 had been assigned dungeons classified as Special Grade.
"It's my father's test."
He must be preparing something. Raising the overall level of the cadet corps and, at the same time, testing his own children—it was obvious.
"Is there any reaction from the branch families, vassals, or external factions?"
Lee Jung-ho let out a bitter smile.
"Yes, as expected, we're already hearing complaints from the factions that entrusted their cadets to the corps."
"But the family's stance won't change. If they don't want to participate, they can sit out. That's their response, right?"
"Exactly."
There was no avoiding it, and I had no intention of avoiding it anyway. I had to prepare.
The danger wouldn't change, but this evaluation was strictly a "dungeon exploration."
Since it wasn't a conquest or an extermination, the mission would likely continue regardless of any obstacles.
"If this isn't classified information, can you give me the test outline, schedule, and any details in advance?"
"Of course. It was meant to be shared with the class leader anyway."
Lee Jung-ho spread a map on the desk.
"The evaluation will proceed as scheduled in the 12th week. The objective is to explore the deepest part of the Forest of the Human-Faced Spiders. For now, the planned infiltration route is here—we'll be entering along the ridgeline. Are you familiar with human-faced spiders?"
Human-faced spiders.
Literally translated, they are spiders with human-like faces, but in reality, their resemblance to humans is minimal at best.
They have human-like skin tones, and hair-like bristles grow on their heads, but their eyes are compound, and long fangs protrude from their mouths.
"Roughly. But there must be a purpose to this exploration, right? They're not just sending us in to go in and come out, are they?"
Lee Jung-ho nodded.
"Of course. The mission is to record the movements of human-faced spiders that are at least ten years old using video equipment."
For a moment, I let out a hollow laugh.
"I didn't mishear that, did I?"
"...."
"They want us to film in the Forest of the Human-Faced Spiders? And specifically, specimens that are over ten years old? That means we have to capture footage of fully grown adults."
Human-faced spiders are classified as Rank 6 monsters.
Their forest is covered in a thick layer of webs, as if blanketed by snow.
And these creatures have the ability to read the flow of mana through their webs, allowing them to detect intruders.
"It's practically the same as telling me to infiltrate a military base covered in surveillance equipment and steal classified information."
The only difference is that if I get caught, I won't be tortured—I'll be eaten.
I let out a sigh and focused on meticulously reading the map and evaluation documents.
"You must be struggling with this decision as well, Young Master."
Lee Jeong-ho closed his mouth, not wanting to disturb my thoughts.
Not only was this mission classified as Special Grade 6, but it also involved filming. In truth, it was an absurd task.
At this level, even certified warriors who had earned the rank of semi-martial master should be forming a squad to handle it.
Aside from Lee Cheol, if Class 5 entered the dungeon even in peak condition, encountering just five or six five-meter-class monsters would be enough to wipe them out.
"Young Master, should I file another complaint to the academy—"
"No, before that, check something for me."
I cut off Lee Jeong-ho and pointed at the section on equipment distribution in the mission overview.
"Here. This part. It doesn't say to what extent equipment is allowed, does it?"
"Huh?"
"I mean personal gear. Was there a separate directive regarding equipment?"
Lee Jeong-ho thought for a moment before answering.
"I heard that standard-grade equipment will be distributed uniformly. If desired, personal weapons may also be permitted…"
"So that's all there is? No other instructions? And the mission is just to record footage for as long as possible with the provided camera equipment?"
"Yes, that's correct."
Lee Jeong-ho replied with a flustered expression.
As I read through the mission overview, my eyes gleamed.
"Surprisingly, it's not entirely impossible."
Lee Jeong-ho's eyes widened.
The youngest Young Master was smiling meaningfully, his face brimming with confidence.
***
Training up to the 12th week was conducted in a completely different manner than before.
It focused on planning and modifying operations, preparing for the evaluation, and training accordingly.
Time flew by like an arrow.
Despite countless protests, the evaluation plan remained unchanged.
As a result, a considerable number of cadets dropped out from various classes.
"Did you hear about Class 5?"
"Of course. They got assigned Special Grade 6, right? And the nature of their mission is just… Those dropouts are probably regretting getting stuck under that bastard's command."
"I don't care anymore. I'll just try again next term. I'm not throwing my life away for this."
"But… none of the Class 5 cadets have dropped out, right?"
"That's insane."
Not only dropouts but even the remaining cadets frequently gossiped about Class 5.
As I watched the cadets grumbling and packing their bags to leave the dormitory, I glanced sideways.
"What do you think?"
I turned to Choi In-ha, who was standing beside me, watching the dropouts.
"This exam is obviously harder because of me. No matter how you look at it, this isn't an evaluation meant for cadets."
Choi In-ha smirked.
"At this point, trying to provoke me won't work."
"That's right, Young Master!"
Kim Han, standing next to me, chimed in with his usual cheerful voice.
"This is truly the final stretch. If anyone wants to leave, do it now."
"None of Class 5's cadets will run or hide anymore. And most importantly…"
The one who picked up where Kim Han left off was Kim Bo-seong, who had been slowly approaching.
He used to openly challenge me, but now, he trained harder than anyone else.
"We believe in you, Young Master."
"You sure know how to say cringe-worthy things with a straight face. Teenage boys, I swear…"
"…Aren't you the one who created this atmosphere? And if someone heard you, they'd think you were way older than us."
Sorry, but my actual mental age is at least twice yours.
I let out a small chuckle.
"Alright then. I'll take that as confirmation that no one's giving up."
Not a single cadet from Class 5 dropped out.
"Once you've checked all your gear, board the transport. We're leaving soon."
A transport bus was prepared at the Class 5 training grounds.
Stacks of equipment and supplies for the operation were loaded onto it.
"Yes, sir!"
The cadets responded in unison.
As I ran my hand over the sword hanging from my waist, I let out a slow breath.
Each cadet stood with determination far beyond their years, their uniforms proudly displaying the emblem of the Sungmu family.
Before long, the transport vehicle approached the wall separating the safe zone from the danger zone.
"…This scenery hasn't changed, whether it's the past or the future."
The closer we got to the danger zone, the more desolate the cityscape became.
The city near the boundary line had turned into a slum.
"Still, it's better inside the walls. The frontier settlements in the danger zone are practically stuck in the dark ages."
Before long, the vehicle passed through the barrier and arrived at the designated point.
The dense forest was practically a jungle.
Although the area had been stabilized, it had not been fully developed, and the wilderness of the danger zone exuded an eerie presence.
Lee Jeong-ho and the escort warriors disembarked together.
"We're here. From this point on, the vehicle won't be able to proceed. The escort warriors will only protect this base camp. From here on, you cadets are responsible for everything."
Lee Jeong-ho lined up the cadets and spoke firmly.
"I won't waste words. As an instructor, I'll provide as much support as possible from this base camp. Now, prove everything you've prepared. That's all."
Lee Jeong-ho turned and walked away, joining the escort warriors in setting up the base camp.
I stepped forward to face the cadets.
"From now on, I'm in command. First, we'll clear a path to the designated northern infiltration route. Just because this is a danger zone doesn't mean there aren't any monsters. In a jungle this dense, there's bound to be at least one or two. Scouts, move with caution."
The march began from the base camp, set up on the mountain's mid-slope.
Following animal trails, we climbed the ridge and made a direct approach toward the designated infiltration route.
Fortunately, we encountered no major threats during the infiltration.
I looked down at the white mist covering the forest below the ridge.
"We've arrived."
A sinister aura slowly seeped through the vast forest.
Every overgrown tree was densely covered in thick, grayish cobwebs that hung heavily.
The Forest of Faceless Beings.
It was my first time seeing it in person.
It felt even larger than I had imagined from the documents, and far more ominous.
—Kieeeeeek!
A bizarre screech carried through the mountain air, riding on the wind.
Someone swallowed dryly at the sound, their eyes trembling as they looked down at the forest.
"Attention, everyone. Final communication check and supply inspection."
—No issues with reception. Due to the webbing covering the sky over the Forest of Faceless Beings, satellite transmissions will be difficult. Keep in mind that situational awareness may be compromised.
All of us cadets adjusted our transparent earpieces, conducting the final check.
Base camp's Lee Jeong-ho seemed to have finished setting up as well, as he responded over the radio.
"Huff, haah…."
We hadn't even walked far, yet the cadets were already breathing heavily.
The reality of battle was right before us. No matter how much we had prepared, the sheer weight of the tension made it hard to breathe.
Most of the cadets were in that state.
The ones who weren't reacting at all were the true outliers, possessing nerves of steel.
And yet, despite it all, every cadet had a determined glint in their eyes.
"Gather around for a moment. I'll go over the revised operation details."
"…?"
The cadets exchanged puzzled looks.
A revised operation? After coming all this way?
"The overall mission remains the same. But Choi In-ha, you have an additional task."
"…Sir?"
"From this point on, you'll be in command."
For a moment, the cadets' expressions shifted from confusion to outright shock.
"What do you mean…?"
I cast a glance at the Forest of Faceless Beings.
Through the dense, ominous webbing, a massive figure appeared, then disappeared.
"I'll be moving alone from here."
"What do you mean by that, sir?"
As the cadets' confusion deepened, I slowly revealed the plan I had kept hidden.
"I intend to become bait for the Faceless Beings."
Silence fell.
The cadets doubted their own ears.
"…Could you repeat that?"
"You heard me correctly. I'm going to be bait for the Faceless Beings. Now, I'll explain the additional plan. The overall strategy remains the same, but I withheld this part for security reasons until now."
As the words left my mouth, the cadets' faces grew increasingly pale.
He's insane.
That was the thought that crossed all their minds simultaneously.
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