Solo Panicking

The Dangers of Dungeons

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The sun was already starting to set by the time you 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 your clothes as you made your way back to the apartment building.

As you passed a nearby alley, something caught your 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. Your heart skipped a beat when you saw one of the Hunters, it wasn't a love at first sight but more of a sudden panic. There he was struggling to walk, leaning heavily on the shoulder of another.

It was Sung Jinwoo.

Your stomach twisted as you 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 at a glance, seeing he was still moving. Still, he was clearly in pain.

Without hesitation, You quickened your pace, your feet moving before your mind could catch up. you crossed the street, closing the distance between them.

"Jinwoo!" You called, voice carrying over the quiet street.

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

"You?" Jinwoo'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.

You reached them in seconds,your eyes scanning over Jinwoo'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?" you asked,yourvoice urgent as you moved to his other side to help

support his weight.

"Just a few scratches," Jinwoo 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."

You frowned,your concern deepening. "What happened?"

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

You felt your heart skip a beat. A D-rank dungeon? Jinwoo was barely an E-rank, and yet he still chose to participate in higher level raids, despite it being D-rank? You knew it was because he needed the money, but seeing the toll it was taking on him made you feel for him.

"Do you need a hospital Jinwoo?" You ask, despite knowing what he will say.

All Jinwoo does is shake his head before slightly wincing. You and Song Chi-Yul share a glance.

"Let me help you get him home," you said, tone a bit more firm now as you shifted your arm around Jinwoo's waist, offering him more support.

"I can manage," Jinwoo mumbled, but his legs were shaking, and you could feel how much he was struggling just to stay upright and conscious probably.

"Don't be stubborn," your voice softened. "Let me help you."

Jinwoo 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 Jinwoo back to the apartment complex. The older Hunter offered a polite nod before leaving them at the entrance, giving you a small wave as he headed home.