Episode 7 kicks off with questions about the last raid with Jinho and Jinwoo in the Hunters Association. An agent reports this mysterious case to Woo Jinchul. He explains his surprise to see two low ranked hunters like Jinho and Jinwoo emerge unscathed, that Jinwoo also survived the Double Dungeon, and that one of the hunters who died was Hwang Dongsuk’s brother, an infamous hunter who will likely seek revenge. Woo Jinchul agrees – this is an odd string of events.
Jinwoo’s Growing Power
Meanwhile, Jinwoo is at home testing his new abilities, starting with a lighthearted scene where he discovers his body now rejects alcohol as a toxin. No matter how many beers he downs, the buzz never comes. He also notices “Kandiaru’s Blessing” in his quest log, which retroactively explains how his leg regenerated after the Double Dungeon incident. So much has happened since that day that he didn’t think to check the rewards from that quest.
An Unexpected Offer
D-rank hunter Yoo Jinho proposes a partnership: he needs a reliable partner for 19 more raids to get his hunter’s license and start a guild. In return, Jinwoo can earn money and stay under the radar, something he desperately wants now that re-awakenings have made him a potential target. However, Jinwoo hesitates. He worries that tying himself to Jinho might prevent him from fully capitalizing on his true potential (and higher eventual rank). Tension flares when Jinho suggests he might leak Jinwoo’s secret if he refuses, but Jinwoo remains undeterred and leaves.
Hwang Dongsoo’s Vengeance
On the other side of town, Hwang Dongsuk’s brother, Dongsoo, learns about his sibling’s demise. Furious, and insistent that his brother was murdered, he researches Jinho and Jinwoo. After receiving the dossiers, Dongsuk asks his secretary what the consequences are of killing someone abroad. He clearly intends to get revenge.
A Glimpse of S-Rank Peril
In a casual workout with his sister, Jinwoo realizes he can exceed his daily quest requirements for bonus rewards and while trying to figure out how far he can go, he unlocks a secret quest. Choosing a “Blessed Loot Box,” (as opposed to a “Cursed Loot Box”, which I would love to see what that one contains!) he gains a key to an S-rank dungeon, The Demon’s Castle.
While reading over the details of the quest he sees that there is an opportunity to obtain the ingredients of the legendary Elixir of Life. Eager to cure his comatose mother, he can’t resist the opportunity. Although even elite hunters typically avoid S-rank dungeons, Jinwoo’s newfound determination and desire to save his mother overrides his fear.
Hell’s Gatekeeper Cerberus
No sooner does Jinwoo enter the dungeon than he’s faced with an A-rank, three-headed cerberus. Its sheer power dwarfs anything he’s fought before. Jinwoo’s attacks barely scratch it. His Murderous Intent skill doesn’t work against it and neither do the Paralysis or Drain debuffs from his dagger.
The beast bites him, nearly ripping his arm off. He’s already lost half of his health (down to about 1500HP) after only a few attacks. Then the Cerberus uses a Rage buff to increase all abilities by 100% for 3 minutes. He has no choice but to use his Full Recovery, but it’s short lived as he’s quickly reduced to half health again. He’s attacked again and as his health drops below 30%, he’s given a Willpower buff that reduces damage by 50%. The system wants him to live.
Desperate and on the brink of death, he considers using his teleportation stone to flee, but it’s knocked from his hand and he loses it in the chaos. In a last-ditch effort, he consumes Kasaka’s Venom Gland, gambling that his detox ability can neutralize its poisonous side effects. It works. And the Rage effect has also just worn off the cerberus. Supercharged and fueled by adrenaline, he strikes the wolf-like over and over, finally hurting it.
But the cerberus pushes him back and bites him. Jinwoo is stuck in the cerberus’ mouth, he’s down to only 179 HP, and he’s coughing up blood. But he hasn’t give up. He now has access to one of the cerberus’ eyes, which he stabs continuously until the beast finally falls.
A Hard-Earned Lesson
Upon defeating the Cerberus, Jinwoo levels up several times, healing his wounds and acquiring several items; the Castle Door Key, a Cerberus Fang, and a Gatekeeper’s Collar. He also receives a recipe for the elusive Elixir of Life, the ingredients of which he learns are within the castle.
The triumph comes with a dose of reality: if a single dungeon guard nearly kills him, the castle boss beyond is undoubtedly far more formidable. Knowing he can’t defeat the boss yet, Jinwoo vows to return after he’s stronger.
Final Thoughts
Episode 7 illustrates both the soaring highs and sobering lows of Sung Jinwoo’s ascent. Between Dongsuk’s vengeful brother and the unstoppable thirst for more power, Jinwoo’s journey is clearly just beginning. Despite almost dying in the Cerberus fight, he’s more determined than ever to grow strong enough to claim the Elixir of Life and, ultimately, save his mother. The stage is set for even more intense challenges, and fans won’t want to miss the next chapter.