Episode 36: Ground Zero (1)
Of course, from Kang-hoo’s point of view, it appears to be a modified work, but from Jang Si-hwan’s point of view, it is solid.
Now, the Hunters of the Fortuna Guild do not need to be noticed even if they come and go freely in Seoul.
This is because the agreement on mutual cooperation and comprehensive exchange is in fact no different from a guild union alliance.
There is no reason to find it strange that Jang Si-hwan helps Casey in times of emergency or vice versa.
In this way, Jang Si-hwan will narrow the physical and psychological distance from the other thirteen star members.
After making sure the underlying work is done, everyone works together as one.
When people see this, rather than questioning the authenticity of the alliance, they see it as one huge ‘army of heroes.’
This is Jang Si-hwan’s big picture.
To be exact, it is the original author’s own karma for making such a plan for the main character, Jang Si-hwan.
‘In the original, it couldn’t have been such a heart-warming scene.’
Kanghu bit his lower lip.
The main character, Jang Si-hwan, was recognized by Casey Rex, one of America’s named hunters!
Look! The main character in the novel you see is so amazing! It was a scene with that kind of meaning.
From Shin Kang-hu’s point of view, it seemed like a grand plan of evil guys, so I couldn’t be more uncomfortable.
I feel like I want to rush in right away and break the game. This created such an unpleasant combination.
‘Seoul is tricky in one way or another.’
Seoul, where even mercenary activities were not permitted, had to be under the jurisdiction of the Jeonghwa Guild.
A workaround would be to work for the Hunter Constabulary Service, but a state agency is not a good option.
All actions are recorded, making covert activities impossible. Moreover, the work done is limited.
And in the larger framework, the Hunter Police Agency in Seoul is effectively the 2nd company of the Jeonghwa Guild.
‘I would like to refuse to be deeply connected to the Purification Guild, but I would like to give a spoonful of appropriate benefits.’
There is one major issue that will be taking place under the leadership of the Jeonghwa Guild in the near future.
This is a strategy for a very large dungeon called ‘Hell of Judgment’.
This is a large-scale raid involving as many as 1,000 people, and the only issue is recruiting mercenaries from outside.
This leaves room for outsiders in terms of talent scouting.
In addition, since the Hell of Judgment Dungeon was owned by the Purification Guild, there were no issues that would cause conflict.
Kang-hu thought about putting a participation application here.
This is because, in keeping with the concept of a very large dungeon, there are a lot of middle bosses and secret terrain inside.
In the original, it was also a dungeon where Jang Si-hwan always had fun whenever his growth was blocked.
In other words, if you change the perspective, there are many ways for Ganghu to benefit. Because I know a lot.
Gulp-gulp-.
Kanghu took a sip of the large can of coffee he just bought at the convenience store.
Perhaps because it was an enlarged 500ml can of coffee, there was still plenty of capacity left even after two sips.
at that time.
“You’re not from Seoul, are you?”
Suddenly, I heard a woman’s voice from behind me.
Since Kanghu had no personal connections in Seoul, he could not believe that the voice came from someone he knew.
There was a bit of awkwardness in the low, husky voice.
Does it feel like a foreigner fluent in Korean is speaking?
I turned my head to see if I could see a familiar face.
‘Yu Qinghua.’
It was Yoo Cheong-hwa, whose face and name naturally came to mind when I met Ahn Young-ho some time ago.
She, who is Chinese, is a member of the Thirteen Stars and has the ability to copy skills.
The reason I immediately recognized that she was Yu Qinghua was simple.
A black blouse that exposes even the cleavage.
A red rose tattoo extending from the collarbone to the upper chest.
This is because even the small star-shaped tattoo under both eyes was her signature mark.
Red hair, red lipstick, red jacket, red pants.
And high heels.
The dress code was also red, which was clearly Yu Qinghwa’s preference.
“What’s going on?”
Ganghu answered slyly.
It is unlikely that Yu Qinghua knew who he was and spoke to him.
Because I have no contact with her at all.
If you feel embarrassed or overreact here, it will only cause more unnecessary doubts.
“I just feel like a hunter from a foreign country. “Hunters who are mainly in Seoul don’t pay attention to the electronic display board.”
“okay.”
I nodded because it was true.
Clearly, Ganghu was closely watching the news from Seoul.
“Isn’t Seoul boring? “The prices are high, and no matter where you go, only those who can afford it eat it.”
It’s the right thing to say, but thinking about it coming from Yu Cheong-hwa’s mouth made me laugh.
He’s the type of guy who does everything while secretly hiding behind the scenes and benefiting from the purification guild.
I’m definitely fluent in Korean.
If you remove the slightest sense of difference in the way they speak, it is not difficult to think of them as Korean.
My gaze naturally went to Yu Qinghua. At the same time, I prepared myself for her abilities.
Yu Qinghua is a hunter whose main specialty is skill copying, but also has mental abilities as a sub ability.
The moment his eyes met, Ganghu had a very gloomy and difficult thought in his head.
The reason was simple.
This is because it is an effortless way to avoid her ‘mental scan’, which tries to look inside your head.
Yu Qinghua, who made eye contact with Kang Hu, looked slightly surprised and then grinned.
I tried to secretly scan Kang-hoo, but it was a failure from the start, and it was the look in my eyes that looked at Kang-hoo again.
This is because in order to naturally avoid mental scans like this, you must be at a higher level than yourself.
Or, it is a picture that is possible for a professional hunter who has been thoroughly trained to respond to mental abilities.
【Fox of Deception】
【Acquires status window information of a target lower in level than you when there is no mental defense mechanism.】 【
Great Replicator】
【You can duplicate the target’s skills through repeated mastery and learning. However, the efficiency of the replication skill cannot exceed 20% of the existing level.】
【Woman of Silence】
【In any case, information about contract constellations other than the two representative constellations is not known.】
Just looking at the confirmed constellation information, it is clear that she will be in the future. I could see how difficult he would grow into.
There are three constellation information visible.
However, because the Silent Lady constellation is ‘blocking’ information about other constellations.
It should be considered that information about other constellations is unknown.
【Interesting. There is a world that I cannot look into.】
The Dimension Stealer began, perhaps surprised by the information about Yu Qinghua’s constellations that he could not look into further.
She is not a member of the thirteen stars for nothing.
The core constellations that each member has contracted with are constellations with as great a divinity as the Dimension Stealers.
“excuse me.”
“yes?”
“Let’s stop with this useless attempt. “I have no intention of opening the door, so stop knocking.”
“That’s sharp. “Did you expect me to use my mental abilities?”
“I’m not that great of a hunter. “Nothing to worry about.”
I spoke appropriately.
It’s not that I don’t like Yu Qinghua’s attention, but there’s no reason why I need to receive her attention.
They are people who have no choice but to become enemies after each other. There is nothing good about getting closer.
“Seeing that you say you’re not a great hunter, I’m getting more interested in you like a tree frog?”
“….”
When Kang Hu didn’t respond, Yu Chenghwa took out a business card from his business card holder inside his jacket pocket.
It was a business card with a red background and a bright gold border, and it had a familiar name engraved on it.
‘Shintu Guild.’
Shintu Guild is one of the top five guilds in China.
“If you are bored with domestic activities or want to receive full support, come to me. “There is also a department dedicated to Koreans.”
“I guess this business card gives me a free pass?”
Kang-hu glanced over.
“Of course. “It’s a business card I only give to people who have properly resisted my abilities at least once.”
“You passed the test?”
“Well, that’s it. “If you show me this business card at any time, you will be able to talk to key officials.”
“okay.”
“Or maybe this wouldn’t be so bad. “You can contact me here.”
Yu Qinghua held out another business card.
This time, it had his name and number written on it.
“Is this a personal business card?”
“that’s right. Please feel free to contact me. “I will open my heart to you as much as you approach me first.”
The corners of her red mouth curled up, and her strange eyes penetrated Kang-hu.
Anyone could see that it was blatant flirting, but Kang Hu did not seem particularly impressed by such flirting.
“I’ll take good care of it.”
“See you again.”
“If we are meant to be.”
That’s how my meeting with Yu Cheong-hwa ended.
It was an unexpected meeting, but it ended naturally and well.
This is how I came into contact with one of the thirteen stars.
Should I use it aggressively or should I bury it in my memory as if it never happened?
This part seemed to be something to think about carefully.
The question is whether to observe those who will eventually become enemies closer or from afar.
This is because it is not a question of right or wrong, but a question of which strategy to choose.
I had to be careful.
* * *
While waiting for the Gyeongui-Jungang Line from Seoul Station toward Paju, where Imjingang Station is located.
Kanghu was lost in thought as he watched the large-scale protests taking place near Seoul Station.
“Hunter Public Security Agency, subdue the abyss as soon as possible! Disband!”
“Arrest Captain Lee Hyeon-seok and execute him immediately!”
“If you don’t have the ability to do it on your own, let’s take down the warlord with the help of the Purification Guild!”
These protests were not taking place in just one place.
Abyss.
As one of the warlords closest to the metropolitan area, he is a thorn in the side of Jeonghwa Guild and Jang Si-hwan.
This is because the abyss is a place that constantly raises questions about the identity and evil deeds of the Purification Guild.
In the original work, Jang Si-hwan is said to be displeased by spreading unfounded rumors about himself.
Considering the Demon King’s collaborator ending, the words of the abyss were not groundless rumors but the definite truth.
‘If I want to put the line right, it’s right to put it in the abyss. The purification guild is also uncomfortable.’
Abyss is not a clumsy mercenary group and is on a different level from a less well-organized criminal organization.
It is one huge military organization.
So, if you wanted to work within the sphere of influence of a large organization, Abyss was a very good choice.
Of course, Lee Hyun-seok, the leader of the Abyss, is completely meritocratic, so even if he goes now, he will be treated poorly.
Kang-hu, who was looking at the text message window without thinking, saw a text that had been crowded out by spam text messages.
I looked at the caller’s name and it turned out to be Ahn Young-ho.
It was a name I saved because it had meaning and value.
[Brother Seongyu, are you doing well? My name is Youngho Ahn, whom you saved earlier.]
[When are you coming to Japan? My uncle also really wants to see Seongyu. Please come anytime.]
[All the benefits promised back then remain the same. It will be easier to work in Japan.]
“Yes, there was Japan.”
Kang Hu showed a satisfied expression.
There is no need to confine your thoughts to the domestic market.
Thanks to my good relationship with Ahn Young-ho, I was able to expand my ideas abroad.
It was the best hand for Kang-hoo, who wanted to continue to drive growth in some way.