Myeongga Guild (3)

“If you look solely at the location, it’s a place where you could solidify a foundation safely by using The Abyss as a shield.”

There are a fair number of satellite guilds affiliated with the Jeonghwa Guild in the Gangwon-do region. However, their scale isn’t large.

Unlike other satellite guilds in different areas, which are practically subordinate to the Jeonghwa Guild, the ones in Gangwon-do are more accurately described as “pro-Jeonghwa.”

Besides, there weren’t many guilds in the first place that were big or capable enough for Jeonghwa to try subordinating them.

“I also heard there are quite a few dungeons over there that haven’t had ownership properly sorted out. It’s said to be a land of opportunity.”

Kang-hoo nodded.

Because no power had firmly seized control of the area, it was fitting to call it a modern-day Warring States Period.

In the original story, after The Abyss collapses, the Jeonghwa Guild expands north and east, integrating the surrounding forces.

But for now, the bloodlines are completely blocked due to The Abyss, so advancing into Gangwon-do isn’t even a dream.

The decision made by the Myeongga Guild seemed wise. With their skill level, they might seize quite a few interests.

Seeing Kang-hoo engaging seriously in the conversation, Jang Sun-young raised her voice slightly.

“Current domestic affairs seem really complicated. The Jeonghwa Guild has teamed up with the Haeyeong Guild and the Public Safety Bureau to fight against The Abyss.”

In the Gyeonggi and capital regions, the current alignment alone is enough to ensure there won’t be a day of peace going forward.

Neither The Abyss nor the Jeonghwa Guild would retreat easily, so a prolonged war of attrition is inevitable.

Jang Sun-young drew a virtual circle in the air, then slowly lowered her hand as she continued.

“On top of that, in Daejeon, Eclipse and the Anti-Eclipse alliance are facing off. What once seemed limited to Daejeon is now spreading outward.”

“That’s right.”

“And the conflict around Gwangju Songjeong Station is like a black hole, drawing in all the smaller surrounding factions—Mercenary Union Kingdom, Cheongho Guild, Yusu Guild, Haeyeong Guild… It’s like an all-out brawl.”

“Except for Jeju Island and Seoul, it does feel like confrontations are intensifying everywhere. Unfortunately.”

“We felt we needed a safer zone if we were going to maintain an independent guild presence.”

“That would be Gangwon-do, then.”

“Yes, there are disputes here too, but at least it’s not a place where fists do the talking.”

“I think it’s a good decision.”

“We have our own regional strategy plan. Would you, by any chance, consider joining us, Mr. Shin Kang-hoo?”

Jang Sun-young asked cautiously, her voice slightly trembling.

Had the entire conversation so far been a kind of build-up to a recruitment proposal?

It was plausible.

From the perspective of the Myeongga Guild planning a relocation, every Hunter would be valuable.

‘Standing directly in opposition to Jang Si-hwan is the worst move. That only helps him solidify his stance toward me.’

Kang-hoo was observing the situation with clear eyes.

He already knew that Jang Si-hwan held a certain interest and favor toward him.

The previous recruitment attempt via Gong Yoo-seok and Go Ju-hee was one such sign.

They had kept eyes on him but hadn’t pushed any further provocations—strengthening Kang-hoo’s assumption.

If he joined the Myeongga Guild outright here, Kang-hoo might gain a useful shield.

But from a broader view, Jang Si-hwan would likely consider the Myeongga Guild and Kang-hoo a single entity and mark them both for elimination.

In that case, the Thirteen Stars would regroup around Jang Si-hwan even before Kang-hoo could land a proper blow or cause any disruption.

All of Kang-hoo’s groundwork to stir inner conflict among them would be lost.

Managing relations with Jang Si-hwan was like walking a tightrope. It was a battle of subtle wits and strategy.

Kang-hoo didn’t want to foolishly reveal his hand early in a game of rock-paper-scissors with Jang Si-hwan.

He answered Jang Sun-young.

“I’d like to move according to my own vision and thoughts. I’m grateful for the offer, but my thinking is different.”

“Ah… I see. Thank you for your honesty.”

Jang Sun-young nodded, showing that she more or less understood Kang-hoo’s intention.

What she interpreted was an unspoken signal that Kang-hoo wouldn’t side with the Jeonghwa Guild.

From the line “I’m grateful, but my thinking is different,” she gleaned a subtle clue.

“I wish you the best.”

Kang-hoo added.

If she operated in that region, conflict with Jeonghwa Guild’s satellite guilds would be unavoidable.

Quite a few forces would be subdued by the hands of Myeongga Guild. That would naturally make them enemies of Jeonghwa.

From Jeonghwa’s perspective, already strained by fighting The Abyss, it would be like gaining another tumor.

“Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever need us. The Myeongga Guild will never forget your favor, Mr. Kang-hoo.”

“Thank you.”

“Also, I’ll pass along as many updates as I can through Dong-jae.”

“Thanks for the thought.”

“It was nice to finally meet you in person. I hope Mr. Shin Kang-hoo stays safe and does well.”

“I enjoyed our time together today.”

Kang-hoo shook hands with Jang Sun-young and Jang Tae-jin, wrapping up their short but weighty conversation.

If Myeongga Guild simply added a few more heads to their existing force, they would become a formidable power.

If they also received protection and support from The Abyss, there’d be no need to elaborate on their rosy prospects.

Things were flowing in a positive direction. Kang-hoo sincerely wished for the Myeongga Guild to settle smoothly in the Gangwon region.

After the conversation ended—

Jang Sun-young and Jang Tae-jin left, and only Kang-hoo and Park Dong-jae remained at the table.

‘Maybe its debuffer traits got strengthened? Just from the name, it sounds like a pretty dark constellation.’

Kang-hoo touched his nose while observing the new constellation Park Dong-jae had gained.

He was slightly concerned but trusted that Dong-jae would manage well—he was a smart guy.

Not knowing that Kang-hoo was scanning his constellations, Park Dong-jae stared back and asked,

“Hyung, do I have something on my face?”

“Your face looks a bit tanned.”

“Ah! I’ve been running dungeon loops a lot lately. Maybe I should start using sunscreen.”

“Forget it. There’s nothing that makes you look weaker than pale skin.”

“Was that a self-description?”

“…Can’t deny that.”

Kang-hoo, feigning a heart attack, clutched his chest as a kind of reaction to Park Dong-jae’s “counterattack.”

Normally, Kang-hoo wouldn’t even make gestures like that—but maybe because he’d opened up a bit, it came naturally with Dong-jae.

“The Myeongga Guild folks seemed really moved by what happened at the detention center. They kept talking about it until you showed up.”

“News travels fast, huh.”

“The video’s circulating, you know?”

“Well, that’s true.”

Kang-hoo was aware.

There had been a guard at the detention center who filmed his fight.

Naturally, the footage must have been shared on social media—and anyone interested would’ve seen it.

Among those viewers, he was certain, was Jang Si-hwan.

In other words, the existence of the Wall of Perfection had likely become public knowledge.

Even though he didn’t use Black Moon Slash or White Sun Slash in battle, it wouldn’t be hard to guess their existence.

‘I never thought I could hide a hidden skill forever anyway. Avoiding it out of fear would be even dumber.’

There were no regrets.

He hadn’t used it recklessly either.

In fact, Kang-hoo figured it had become a chance to impress Jang Si-hwan—a kind of favorable point.

But the problem was…

Vincent Meyer.

Vincent, who had previously trailed him, would likely be provoked even more by this latest incident.

Kang-hoo thought their twisted fate would resurface sooner than he’d originally expected.

Meanwhile—

Park Dong-jae showed Kang-hoo the mobile platform screen of Black Network on his smartphone.

“Hyung, look. Black Network is all about you right now. The coalition took the detention center, but you’re the main character.”

Just as Dong-jae said, nine out of ten posts were about Kang-hoo.

It probably had to do with the narrative behind it.

A few months ago, Kang-hoo had been a ‘detainee’ from the Cheongmyeong Detention Center, but now he’d returned as a ‘destroyer.’

He had personally destroyed the place that had dragged him into the depths of despair, so it made sense that people would find satisfaction in that.

Kang-hoo figured that many on the Black Network were thrilled by his underdog comeback story.

One post caught his interest. He asked Dong-jae for permission and read it. It had tons of comments.

“That’s funny.”

“Right? Pretty entertaining, huh?”

“Everyone’s got a different take.”

“Yeah. It’s because you’ve never declared an affiliation or supported any group.”

“Exactly.”

Kang-hoo welcomed the split in opinion.

The fact that no one could agree about him meant his cover was holding strong.

And if the interpretations varied that much, then Hunters like Jang Si-hwan were probably just as unsure about him.

“But there’s just one issue…”

“Yuji, right?”

“Knew you’d be thinking that too.”

Kang-hoo had already guessed where Park Dong-jae was steering the conversation.

Whether he liked it or not, Kang-hoo had attracted the Black Network’s attention like a vacuum cleaner.

Which also meant attention toward Ishihara Yuji had faded.

That, in turn, meant Yuji would likely resume his activities soon.

The reason Yuji had stayed quiet since arriving in Korea was due to the overwhelming focus on Kang-hoo.

Now that attention was fading, Yuji had no reason to hold back from going after his true goal—Kang-hoo’s life.

“Still, he dragged it out for quite a while.”

Kang-hoo said it calmly.

He had mentally prepared for a deathmatch with Yuji from the moment he knew the man entered the country. Time had passed since then.

In the meantime, Kang-hoo had grown stronger. Now, he had the ability to face Yuji head-on.

Ending a twisted fate is simple.

Reconciliation? Nope.

Apology? Even less likely.

Just death.

Once one side stops breathing, the thread of fate unravels naturally.

The dead don’t talk, after all.