Image and Author | Jung Yoon Kang

By: Dan Rivera

What are you willing to do to survive? Would you trust a stranger? Would you take a stranger’s life? These are the questions haunting Lee Hansu ever since he stepped into the world of Dungeon and Stone.

Lee Hansu has been playing various games to pass time while he is infirm. One day, he discovered Dungeon and Stone, a vertical scroll survival game. It has its charms, but Hansu stuck with it mostly because of its challenge. Unfortunately, it plays like older games, when you die, you must start over.

Taking this as a challenge, Hansu continued playing, enjoying the discovery and the difficulty posed by the permanent death mechanic. After nine years of constant play, he finally reached the final boss room.

Upon entering, a message appeared: [You’ve reached the abyss] [Tutorial Complete]. He found himself in front of a roaring fire, surrounded by muscular, half-naked men and women. Disoriented but quick-witted, Hansu realized he now had a muscular, tattooed body with calloused hands.

It finally dawned on him that he was inside the game he had been playing. Another disoriented person, coming to the same realization, voiced alarm—and was beheaded. The group’s leader explained the slain man was possessed by an Evil Spirit.

Hansu now understands he must play his part and hide his identity to survive. However, a critical problem remains: everyone is called by name, but he doesn’t know his own—or the original owner of this body. He must find a way to learn his name without giving himself away.

Bjorn Yandel

Bjorn is a barbarian in Dungeon and Stone, and Hansu has taken over his body. To survive, Hansu must conceal the fact that he is not the original owner. Bjorn’s imposing physique and reputation make it essential for Hansu to act convincingly. Navigating the dangerous world while hiding his true identity is a constant challenge for him.

Erwen Fornacci di Tersia

Erwen is a fairy Bjorn meets during his first dungeon exploration. They decide to team up for survival since it’s both of their first experiences inside the dungeon. Though initially hesitant and cautious around each other, they gradually develop a strong bond. One that may grow deeper as they face the darkness and dangers together.

Ainar Fenelin

Ainar is another barbarian and a friend of Bjorn’s. She is notably muscular and proud of her impressive height. While she may not be the smartest, her strength and combat skills are undeniable. Armed with a massive two-handed greatsword, Ainar is a formidable force on the battlefield, capable of devastating her enemies with sheer power.

Missha Karlstein

Missha is a beastwoman and an experienced explorer with striking red hair, eyes, and matching fur on her cat ears and tail. Unlike most of her kin, who fight alongside bonded spirits, Missha’s fighting style differs, hinting at a dark past with her family. Despite this, she is a capable and skilled warrior in the dangerous world she inhabits.

Images: Jung Yoon Kang