Episode 91

From the other end of the phone, Jeon Se-hyuk chuckled.

As Kang-hoo waited without any particular reaction, Jeon Se-hyuk cleared his throat and continued.

-Coincidentally, Se-yeong also received the same contact. I was actually looking for a usable place.

“Please only do so if it’s convenient for you. There’s no need to overdo it.”

Since he was the one making the request, Kang-hoo spoke to Jeon Se-hyuk as cautiously as possible.

If he were to receive consideration now, it would be a favor, not something he was entitled to.

Jeon Se-hyuk didn’t owe him anything. Their relationship was equal.

-Not at all. I happen to have a dungeon available among those I own. However.

“However?”

-This dungeon is not one Se-yeong can enter alone. I was planning to look for party members anyway.

“That works out well, then.”

-Since the dungeon is registered under a borrowed name, it might seem odd if you search in external databases.

“That’s quite common.”

Kang-hoo spoke lightly.

Owning dungeons under borrowed names or renting them out is an openly common practice due to the taxes imposed on dungeon ownership.

Who would want to pay taxes to the Hunter Public Safety Bureau when they receive no assistance from them?

Thus, exploiting the tax exemption for owning up to two dungeons per person became widespread.

In fact, not using such loopholes was considered foolish. The Hunter Public Safety Bureau didn’t enforce it strictly.

-You’ll need to come down to Busan for now.

“I won’t be an unwelcome guest, will I?”

-If you come, Se-yeong will be very pleased. Just come down. You can have the loot.

“I believe a price must be paid.”

-Your coming is the price. You’ll understand why once you hear the story.

“Understood. I’ll contact you again when I’m about to leave on the KTX to Busan Station.”

-Today, right?

“Yes. I’ll contact you before departure.”

-Good. See you soon.

The call ended.

It felt like everything was going smoothly.

Though he wasn’t sure what kind of dungeon it was, the fact that his mere arrival was considered payment suggested…

It’s not a dungeon that can be entered alone. It requires at least two or three people.

Anyway, it seemed like a good situation.

With not much left until level 100, he wanted to reach his goal as quickly as possible.

On the KTX to Busan Station,

Kang-hoo recalled his battle with Jeon Jong-du as he watched the continuous rain outside the window.

The more he reflected on the fight with him, the more he found it to be significant and full of lessons.

It wasn’t strange that the entire Osho Mercenary Corps surrendered immediately after confirming Jeon Jong-du’s death.

Suppressing a level 350 hunter is definitely not an easy task.

Especially since Jeon Jong-du was a physical type hunter, which are notoriously difficult to kill.

Typically, such hunters are hard to take down because they excel in endurance, making it easy to miss the opportunity to kill them.

But since he was utterly defeated by Kang-hoo, everyone considered Kang-hoo much stronger than Jeon Jong-du.

That was the only explanation.

‘Of course, defeating Jeon Jong-du doesn’t mean I can automatically beat any other level 350 hunter.’

Kang-hoo didn’t get arrogant.

Level can serve as a “reference point” but not an “absolute measure.” There are always variables.

Jeon Jong-du was impulsive, and he lacked the wisdom to endure with patience against Kang-hoo’s persistence.

Kang-hoo was convinced that if Jeon Jong-du had been a bit smarter or thought more deeply, the outcome might have been different.

“Still, I’m definitely making good use of this body beyond its limits.”

He was wary of arrogance, but Kang-hoo did not forget to praise himself. There was no need to downplay remarkable achievements.

On one hand, he also thought that possessing Shin Kang-hoo’s body had been a fortunate event.

Had he taken over the body of Jeon Jong-du or another villain, the subsequent planning would have been incredibly complex.

Navigating many characters was too challenging with the knowledge he possessed, due to their significant drawbacks.

In this regard, the character ‘Shin Kang-hoo’ was both fully developed and rapidly evolving.

Moreover, ‘Congenital Mana Hypersensitivity’ was a significant handicap but also the best tool for unlocking boundless potential.

‘Once I reach level 100, I must meet Master K through Jung Yuri.’

He was curious about Master K and eager to meet him.

Having a reliable intermediary like Jung Yuri made him think arranging a meeting was a good idea.

Additionally, there was the issue of his dwindling supply of Mad Solarkium, which had reduced to two.

He knew of a few places in North Korea with Mad Solarkium, but accessing them was complicated due to lack of rights.

Currently, one cannot simply enter North Korea’s territory without permission.

Of course, there were hunters who ventured into North Korean territory without permission.

However, they were not protected under international law and had no recourse if they encountered disadvantages.

Thus, unauthorized entry into North Korea was not advised, as it was tantamount to risking one’s life.

Kang-hoo called Jung Yuri.

Just as he was about to hang up after the phone rang ten times, she answered with a sleepy voice.

-Umm?

“Seems like you were sleeping.”

-No, it’s fine. I was just resting my eyes.

“Wipe off the drool before you lie.”

-Slurp.

Kang-hoo chuckled at Jung Yuri’s guileless response.

It wasn’t that she was particularly humorous or amusing, but she often brought a smile to his face.

Perhaps it was the influence of her pure and untainted soul, subtly affecting him.

-What’s up?

“I was wondering if I could see your grandfather? I have some items I want to purchase and things I want to discuss.”

-Grandfather? That shouldn’t be difficult. He’ll be pleased if I’m bringing someone along.

“Thinking I’m your fiancé?”

-Noo! That’s not it! It’s just that he’d be happy to use the excuse to see his granddaughter!

“Then arrange the meeting.”

-Okay, got it! But what are you doing now?

“I’m on my way to Busan.”

-Why Busan?

“For fun.”

-Not hesitating even for a second to lie.

“That’s right.”

-Anyway, got it! I’ll contact my grandfather and get back to you!

“Thanks.”

Things seemed to be proceeding smoothly. There was much he wanted to learn and inquire about from Master K.

Tap tap. Tap. Tap tap tap.

Suddenly, the rain became heavier, harshly beating against the train window, obscuring the view.

Inside the nearly empty carriage.

Kang-hoo reclined his seat slightly and closed his eyes, knowing time would fly once he arrived in Busan.

After her call with Kang-hoo ended.

Jung Yuri immediately called Master K.

Master K was notoriously difficult to reach, but for his granddaughter, Jung Yuri, he made an exception.

That’s right. She had been waiting for his call.

-Yes, Yuri.

Yul. Yuli.

It was Master K’s nickname for his granddaughter, Jung Yuri. Jung Yuri preferred being called that way.

“Grandfather!”

-Yes. Have you been eating well?

“I’m about to eat! Maybe I’ll order pizza today!”

-You had pizza yesterday too… Make sure to eat something healthy too. You’re too picky.

“Heh, got it, Grandfather! Oh! I called because I have something to tell you!”

-What is it?

“Do you know Jung Sun-kyu? Sun-kyu oppa.”

-The man who pulled you out of your wandering life stuck in Ground Zero?

“Um… That’s a bit harsh, but yes, that’s right!”

Jung Yuri blushed.

When she said she didn’t want to leave Ground Zero, Master K didn’t try to stop her.

He said that the choice and the responsibility were entirely hers. He also mentioned that he didn’t want to forcibly take her out of her shell.

In fact, both he and the grandmother had given all decision-making power to Jung Yuri.

Believing that one’s fate and responsibilities are entirely their own was their creed.

But secretly, he had hoped her reclusive life would soon come to an end, and his wish was granted.

The catalyst was Kang-hoo.

-So, why does this man want to see me?

“Oppa wants to meet you, Grandfather. He has things he wants to buy and questions to ask.”

-Me?

“Yes. He really wants to meet you.”

-Is he trying to be introduced as your husband?

“Ah! It’s not like that!”

Jung Yuri blushed again.

Regardless, it was true that Jung Yuri harbored some romantic interest in Kang-hoo.

It wasn’t strange for young men and women to be attracted to each other’s looks and personalities.

-How does that boy seem to you?

“He seems like someone with many hidden stories. His eyes are deep and sad, as if he’s embracing all the pain of the world.”

-Is he a patient? Drug addicts usually have that look.

“…Grandfather.”

A common reaction from Master K, who dealt with many plants related to Solarkium and drugs.

-Alright. Since my granddaughter is introducing him with a clear judgment, I should trust your judgment.

“From the outside, he might seem a bit off-putting. But he’s been a great help to me.”

-That’s enough for me. Contact me before you come. A call about 6 hours in advance should be fine for arranging the meeting.

“Wow! Thank you, Grandfather!”

-If you’re short on pocket money, let me know. Same if you need a dungeon. I’m hanging up now. A guest has arrived.

“Yes!”

After hanging up, Jung Yuri repeatedly kissed her smartphone, feeling her grandfather’s warmth.

Her grandparents had always been such supportive and generous people.

Jung Yuri didn’t want to disappoint them any longer.

Pulling herself together as a hunter and pursuing growth was her current goal and passion.

She had essentially received a green light from her grandfather.

All that was left was to visit Ground Zero when Kang-hoo was ready. That was all.

Meanwhile, at that time.

As the KTX was passing Kimcheon Gumi Station, Kang-hoo was awakened by a noisy sensation.

It wasn’t the carriage that was noisy, but the message window visible only to Kang-hoo was in chaos.

The reason was that the constellations were fiercely competing.

Scrolling up the message window, he found the content that seemed to have sparked the uproar.

It was the words of the Dimension Plunderer.

The one to retort was the constellation, Strategist of the Wasteland. The clash between the two constellations had been anticipated.

Just then.

The Great Calamity – Darkness had ‘joined’ this war.

The conflict among the constellations was more heated than expected.