Solo Panicking

The Dangers of Dungeons

The sun was already starting to set by the time Y/N left the bakery. It had been a long day, but the warmth of the late summer evening provided a welcome relief. The streets were less busy now, most people having retreated to their homes, and the cool breeze ruffled her hair as she made her way back to the apartment building.

As she passed a nearby alley, something caught her attention, a group of people emerging from a dilapidated building across the street. They were all holding some kind of weapon, the telltale signs of a raid party. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw one of the Hunters struggling to walk, leaning heavily on the shoulder of another.

It was Jin-Woo.

Y/N's stomach twisted as she watched him limp, his face pale and his steps unsteady. His clothes were torn in places, blood staining his shirt, though it didn't look life-threatening. Still, he was clearly in pain.

Without hesitation, Y/N quickened her pace, her feet moving before her mind could catch up. She crossed the street, closing the distance between them.

"Jin-Woo!" she called, her voice carrying over the quiet street.

His head snapped up at the sound of his name, and his eyes widened slightly when he saw her approaching. The man supporting him, also glanced up, his expression curious but not unkind.

"Y/N?" Jin-Woo's voice was weak, and he grimaced as he tried to stand up straighter, as though trying to hide how much pain he was in.

Y/N reached them in seconds, her eyes scanning over Jin-Woo's injuries. His left arm hung limp at his side, and there were several cuts along his legs, probably from the sharp claws of whatever monster they had fought.

"Are you okay?" she asked, her voice urgent as she moved to his other side to help

support his weight.

"Just a few scratches," Jin-Woo muttered, though the strain in his voice made it clear he was downplaying the severity of his injuries.

"He's always like this," Song Chi-Yul said with a small, tired smile. "But this time, it was a close call."

Y/N frowned, her concern deepening. "What happened?"

Chi-Yul let out a soft sigh. "A D-rank dungeon. We didn't think it would be this dangerous. But the boss... it was stronger than we expected."

Y/N felt her heart skip a beat. A D-rank dungeon? Jin-Woo was only an E-rank, and yet he still chose to participate in these higher-level raids. She knew it was because he needed the money, but seeing the toll it was taking on him made her blood boil.

"Do you need a hospital Jin-Woo?" She asks, despite knowing what he will say.

All Jin-Woo does is shake his head before slightly wincing. Y/N and Song Chi-Yul share a glance.

"Let me help you get him home," she said, her tone a bit more firm now as she shifted her arm around Jin-Woo's waist, offering him more support.

"I can manage," Jin-Woo mumbled, but his legs were shaking, and Y/N could feel how much he was struggling just to stay upright.

"Don't be stubborn," she said, her voice softening. "Let me help you."

Jin-Woo opened his mouth as if to protest, but then his shoulders slumped, and he nodded slightly. "Okay... thanks."

With Song Chi-Yul's help, they managed to get Jin-Woo back to the apartment complex. The older Hunter offered a polite nod before leaving them at the entrance, giving Y/N a small wave as he headed home.