Myeongga Guild (1)

“Hello. I’m Gwak Hyeong-seok of Heuksaja.”

“I’m Gwak Hyeong-su. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I was a bit late cleaning up some loose ends.”

Gwak Hyeong-seok and Gwak Hyeong-su approached side by side to shake hands with Kang-hoo.

Based on information derived from the scanned constellations, their levels were estimated to be around 450.

Kang-hoo could only “guess” their levels because they had virtually no presence in the original story.

Most of the time, they were only briefly mentioned in passing, so there was no reason to delve into detailed information.

As a result, for Kang-hoo, they belonged to the domain of the “unconscious,” but now that had become quantified.

Objectively speaking, they were weaker than Kang Dong-hyun, the leader of Eclipse, but still highly capable individuals.

‘The original story always centered around the Jeonghwa Guild in Seoul. That’s why events outside of Seoul rarely got the spotlight.’

Shin Kang-hoo had lived a life diametrically opposed to that of the original Kang-hoo.

As such, all the elements surrounding him now came from outside Seoul.

In other words, just like Heuksaja, entities that were minor in the original but now felt very significant to the current Kang-hoo would continue to appear.

And in the process, the unconscious realms would be brought into concrete form.

Things like their abilities, constellations, and hidden secrets or backstories.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Shin Kang-hoo. So you’re from Heuksaja. I’ve heard much about you—Lion King, Black Lion King.”

“Hahaha! Hearing those names really makes me feel good. I personally love those titles.”

Kang-hoo gave the two a small compliment, which immediately put Gwak Hyeong-seok and Gwak Hyeong-su in a cheerful mood.

In the long run, Kang-hoo figured there was no way to avoid a clash with Heuksaja.

After all, their backers were the Kashimar Guild in Russia, which had poor relations with Kang-hoo.

Moreover, they posed a threat to Lee Ye-rin, whom Kang-hoo viewed as a potential ally.

In fact, if the opportunity arose, they were a group that needed to be dealt with preemptively. There was no chance for friendship.

And because of that, Kang-hoo treated them all the more amiably.

Until he bared his sharp fangs, it was wisest to wear the gentle mask of a lamb.

“I look forward to working with you.”

Kang-hoo bowed his head politely to the two. It was a courteous gesture filled with layered meaning.

The more you show your dull side and offer goodwill to enemies, the easier it is to strike them from behind later.

Although they were strategically aligned for now, Kang-hoo didn’t think the partnership would last.

Oil and water don’t mix.

They only pretend to.

Around that time.

Jang Si-hwan had returned briefly to Seoul to treat a wound on his wrist sustained during combat.

For now, the command of the battlefield was in the hands of Chae Gwanhyeong, Jang Si-hwan’s most trusted friend and subordinate.

“Are you alright? It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you receiving focused treatment like this.”

A man looked on with concern as Jang Si-hwan placed his wrist in a treatment device linked to magic stones.

It was Gong Yu-seok.

Though Chae Gwanhyeong disliked him, Gong Yu-seok genuinely respected Jang Si-hwan and was very worried about his injury.

“Oh, this? It’s nothing. The Red Tiger Unit guys were a bit too persistent. I let my guard down.”

“The persistence of the Red Tiger Unit is truly something else. I can’t believe they tried to target you even at the cost of a hunter’s life.”

“Lee Hyun-seok is a clever man. And the hunters of The Abyss are ready to sacrifice themselves for their commander at any moment.”

“If you give me the word, I’ll head straight to the Dongducheon front and give my life for you.”

“No need to overdo it. We’re better off in the long haul. In terms of medicine, supply lines, and reinforcements, we have the edge.”

Jang Si-hwan sipped the coffee in front of him and gazed calmly at Gong Yu-seok.

He had come with something to report, though there had been a brief tangent in the conversation.

Reading the intent in Jang Si-hwan’s eyes, Gong Yu-seok immediately handed over a tablet PC.

A video was paused on the screen—one that Jang Si-hwan found very interesting.

“What is this?”

“I was delayed in reporting because you were resting all night. A battle broke out at Cheongmyeong Detention Center.”

“You mean Eclipse’s base of operations?”

Jang Si-hwan’s eyes gleamed red.

While he couldn’t keep track of every issue in the country in real-time, he had a firm grasp on all major developments.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“What was the result?”

“Warden Jo Hwan-seong of the detention center was killed, and both the center and the mana stone mine have fallen into the hands of the alliance.”

“This is the first I’m hearing of this alliance… I’m guessing Cheong-an Mercenary Corps and Heuksaja are involved. And maybe Jeon Se-hyuk too?”

“Exactly right.”

“But the hunter in this video doesn’t seem to belong to any of those groups, does he? Isn’t that Shin Kang-hoo?”

A faint curiosity shone in Jang Si-hwan’s expression as he licked his lips.

Even so, it didn’t make sense for Kang-hoo to be affiliated with any of the three factions.

Jang Si-hwan was certain this was a solo operation by Kang-hoo. But why did Gong Yu-seok bring footage of him?

If anything, Jeon Se-hyuk—who had a grudge with Eclipse—deserved the spotlight more.

“The reason I brought this video is because Shin Kang-hoo infiltrated the detention center alone and killed the warden.”

“Huh?”

“Not only that, he even blocked reinforcements midway, catching them completely off guard.”

“He infiltrated alone? From the outside in, and without any help from insiders?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Huh. That’s… insane.”

When Jang Si-hwan used the word “insane,” it meant it was hard for him to believe.

And it also meant he had no idea how Kang-hoo pulled it off.

“Watch the footage. There are a few skills I think you’ll find interesting.”

As the video played, Kang-hoo was shown fighting multiple guards at once.

Judging by the angle and surroundings, it was clear one of the guards had recorded it.

Because it had been filmed in the rain, the quality wasn’t great, making the details hard to see.

But Jang Si-hwan clearly identified one very peculiar skill.

‘Is that… the Wall of Perfection?’

Previously, he had been notified via a hidden skill alert about the existence of the highly versatile skill called Wall of Perfection.

Since he also possessed a hidden skill, he had received the notification message that only hidden skill holders could get.

Jang Si-hwan had a good reason to believe the defensive skill Kang-hoo used was the Wall of Perfection.

It didn’t suit an assassin at all, and its efficiency was unusually high.

After all—

Even with dozens of gunners aiming and firing at him, every bullet was blocked by the wall.

No ordinary assassin could possess such a skill, and even if they did, it wouldn’t be that effective.

In the footage, Kang-hoo neutralized the gunners’ attacks using only a defensive skill.

And in return, the gunners suffered a relentless, one-sided death at Kang-hoo’s hands.

‘If Shin Kang-hoo really did obtain the Wall of Perfection on top of those hidden assassin-type skills he’s suspected of… the game changes entirely.’

Jang Si-hwan lowered his gaze slightly so Gong Yu-seok wouldn’t see his eyes, which gleamed with a strange light.

Conflicting emotions stirred within Jang Si-hwan.

Curiosity about Kang-hoo was now mixing with a faint sense of fear at the threat he posed.

It was a complex feeling not easily experienced.

Having wrapped up everything at Cheongmyeong Detention Center, Kang-hoo set course straight for Yuri Land.

He had completed all his outside affairs.

He had obtained Infernus in Busan and successfully replaced the warden at Cheongmyeong Detention Center.

Now, he planned to return to resume training with Celestial Assassin and depart for Japan on the scheduled date to meet Takashi.

Before heading back, he decided to call Park Dong-jae, just in case.

If he happened to be nearby, Kang-hoo figured he might as well meet up with him and possibly the Myeongga Guild.

Even a brief chat wouldn’t take more than three or four hours.

The moment Kang-hoo dialed the number, Park Dong-jae picked up immediately—as if he’d been waiting for the call.

“Hyung!”

“Oh, Dong-jae.”

“I heard about what happened at Cheongmyeong Detention Center! Se-hyuk hyung told me, but I could hardly believe it!”

“News travels fast, huh.”

“Se-hyuk hyung kept it secret even from me, so I just found out now! I get it—it was wise, but still kind of hurtful, you know?”

“That’s how it turned out.”

“As expected of you, Hyung… You’re amazing.”

“Dong-jae.”

“Yeah?”

“I’m planning to go abroad soon. Since I’ve got some time, I wanted to meet with the folks from Myeongga Guild. Would it be too sudden if I asked to meet now?”

“Whoa, I just got chills.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m meeting with the Myeongga Guild right now. And we’re not even far from Cheongmyeong Detention Center.”

“Really?”

“Yeah! You could get here in 30 minutes, easy! You just left Cheongmyeong Detention Center, right?”

“Yeah, I did.”

“Let’s meet right away, Hyung! The master said she’d be more than happy to welcome you! She’s asking you to come as soon as possible!”

“Then just send me the address. I’ll catch a cab or whatever and head over.”

“Got it. I’ll send it right now!”

Though the meeting came about suddenly, the timing was perfect, and the encounter was arranged in an instant.

There was nothing to lose from growing closer to the Myeongga Guild. In fact, there were plenty of advantages.

Thanks to the early warning he’d given them about the Haeyeong Guild, there was little chance of future danger now.

Moreover, because of that, the Myeongga Guild held a strong sense of indebtedness toward him.

It may not feel great to measure people’s worth by their emotions—

But in terms of power dynamics, Kang-hoo clearly held the upper hand over the Myeongga Guild.

Jang Sun-young, the master of the Myeongga Guild, had the kind of personality that couldn’t stand being in anyone’s debt.

She was cut from the same cloth as Lee Hyun-seok, the leader of the warlord group The Abyss, making her the type Kang-hoo found relatively easy to control.

‘I really do feel like my range of activity is expanding. That’s great. If I can secure my territory outside the Jeonghwa Guild’s sphere of influence…’

This was the picture he’d envisioned from the start.

Building ties with all major factions except for the Jeonghwa Guild, their allies, and Eclipse.

It was a blueprint he had been laying the groundwork for over a long time, and now, the lines were finally being filled in with vivid color.

At that moment—

“Come to think of it, if I’m heading to Japan for the Takashi situation, wouldn’t this be a good chance to take care of that other matter too?”

The thought suddenly occurred to Kang-hoo, and he shifted his gaze to the constellation window.

The third perk of the constellation ‘Angel of the Battlefield’ and the tri-choice reward had just popped into his mind.

Increase in Divine Power.

Rental of a Divine Skill.

Acquisition of Absolute Radiance.

Whichever he chose, it would be a gain. So he figured he might as well claim the reward while he was in Japan.

It was too tempting of a prize to simply ignore and leave behind.