Chapter 34

With Taeshik fading, Jinwoo explains that each fight makes him stronger. The dying man's last words are a warning to fear whatever darkness comes next. As Taeshik passes, a notification grants Jinwoo a new ability called Stealth. Kim departs the dungeon alongside Joohee, leaving Jinwoo by himself to deal with the boss. He turns to the prisoner Taeshik had spared, asking whether the man recalls the faces of everyone he hurt. Terror grips the prisoner just before a hulking goblin, three lesser minions clinging to its back, tears into him; Jinwoo then ends the hobgoblin too.

Arriving at the aftermath, Investigator Woo Jinchul blames himself for never sensing what his subordinate Taeshik truly was, then freezes upon placing Jinwoo's face from the hospital. He wants to know which of the three hunters brought Taeshik down. Before Jinwoo can speak, Song claims the kill as his own. Given Song's C-Rank casting and the credibility of B-Rank healer Joohee, the investigator seems satisfied. Still, Jinwoo keeps his guard up, aware that Woo holds an A-Rank. Afterward Song remarks that Jinwoo now owes him, and the two trade a grin.

Part of the Dungeon and Prisoners Arc, this installment was adapted in Episodes 9 and 10. The man behind Taeshik's hiring is taken into custody not long after, wrapping up the case. Later, as the two rest together in a park, Joohee reaches into her bag, pulls out an essence stone, and wonders aloud whether Jinwoo recognizes it. Hwang Dongsoo receives a mention.