SMH 114
Chapter 38 – To North Korea (3)
TL: Boko
Editor: Frost
Sung Joon’s trip to North Korea was decided. North Korea was unwilling to allow a private airplane into their airspace, so Sung Joon had to take a military plane.
Normally, South Korea’s Air Force would provide the plane, but because the situation was gradually worsening in North Korea, they offered to send their airplane immediately.
The faster they killed the Winter Sovereign, the better, so Sung Joon gladly allowed it. And the military plane that departed from North Korea Air Force Command a little while ago arrived in Seoul.
“This is Kim Hyun Sung. The military plane has arrived. We’ve already sent a car to bring you over, Mr. Kang Sung Joon. Please take that car and come to the airport.”
After Sung Joon received Hyun Sung’s call, he went down to the front entrance of his studio apartment, and saw a black sedan waiting for him; there was person he assumed was related to the Bureau, smoking a cigarette in front of the car.
When the man saw Sung Joon approach, he hastily put out his cigarette and opened the door for him.
“We’ll depart immediately.”
As soon as Sung Joon sat into the rear seat, the man got into the driver’s seat and spoke. Because they didn’t have time, the car immediately went to the airport.
“We’ve arrived.”
They were able to arrive at the airport within an hour. The car stopped at an area where around twenty people were gathered; they were either wearing suits or uniforms.
Sung Joon surveyed the gathered individuals,thinking perhaps that there was someone he knew amongst them, and he saw Team Leader Kim Hyun Sung.
He noticed Sung Joon as well, and waved his hand.
“Mr. Kang Sung Joon! We don’t have any time, so I’ll give you a simple explanation.”
“An explanation?”
“There are things that you have to be aware of when you go to North Korea,” Hyun Sung said, and Sung Joon nodded his head in understanding.
“I’ll keep it simple. As long as you don’t irritate Kim Jang Woon, you should be fine,” Hyun Sung said. Jang Woon was globally renowned as a cruel dictator. There was no telling what he’d do if Sung Joon irritated him.
“So long as they don’t irritate me first, nothing should happen.”
“Please ensure that there’s as little trouble as possible,” Hyun Sung requested. He knew about Sung Joon’s personality, so he was uneasy. Sung Joon was good-natured, but if they irritated him excessively, he would transform into a wild beast.
There were a lot of people from the army and the government, but they left everything to Hyun Sung. There wasn’t much time, so it would be more effective for one person to relay the details.
Aside from informing Sung Joon of the things to be careful of, he relayed a few more details to him. As soon as Hyun Sung was finished relaying these details to him, a first class sergeant came over to him, and opened his mouth.
“The airplane that North Korea sent is standing by. I’ll take you to it.”
Sung Joon, Hyun Sung, as well as the group of men in suits and uniforms followed the sergeant and went to the military aircraft that North Korea had sent.
The airport was vast, but because the North Korean Army’s aircraft was close by, they got there quickly. Eventually, they arrived in front of the airplane.
There were two North Korean soldiers standing in front of the plane.
“Please take care,” Hyun Sung said. Even a few of the officers that followed behind them saluted him. As soon as Sung Joon got onto the plane, the two guarding North Korean soldiers followed suit. They silently sat in front of Sung Joon and the crew member that had been standing by inside informed the pilot that everybody had boarded; then, the plane slowly began to take off.
As soon as the plane reached a safe altitude, the man that looked to be an officer, appeared before Sung Joon.
“Hunter Kang Sung Joon?”
Seeing the two North Korea soldiers immediately stand up and salute, it seems as though he was an incredibly high ranked officer, but because Sung Joon didn’t know the system of ranks in North Korea, he didn’t know exactly what rank the man held.
“Yes, that’s me.”
“I’m Colonel Lee Jung Soo from the Ministry of the People’s Armed Forces.”
He couldn’t tell him apart just from his insignia, but he was aware that a ‘Colonel’ definitely wasn’t a low rank at all.
And there was something more important than that.
“He’s an rank Hunter,” Rishubalt said.
Jung Soo wasn’t just a normal soldier, but an rank Hunter.
“It’s an honor to meet you. I will act as your personal secretary while you’re in Pyongyang.”
Contrary to his expectations, Jung Soo acted politely to Sung Joon.
“Have you come to relay matters that require my attention?”
“Rather than telling you about matters that require your attention, we’re planning on giving you schedule when you reach Pyongyang.”
“Is there really a need for a schedule? I can just take care of the Winter Sovereign as soon as I arrive in Pyongyang.”
“However, the Leader said…”
Jung Soo looked embarrassed. It seems as though North Korea’s dictator, Jang Hoon, wanted to meet with Sung Joon.
“The city’s in ruins, yet their leader is this relaxed… What a chaotic state of affairs,’ Rishubalt said. He couldn’t nod because Jung Soo was right in front of him, but Sung Joon wholeheartedly agreed.
“If I must meet him no matter what, I’ll see him after I take down the Winter Sovereign,” Sung Joon said firmly. Then, Jung Soo nodded his head and opened his mouth.
“I understand. I’ll tell him that.”
“The Hunters of the Supreme Guard Command are on standby, correct?” Sung Joon asked. His synchronization rate was now at 45%, and based on what Hyun Sung had told him before leaving, the Winter Sovereign that appeared in North Korea was much weaker than the one that appeared in Paju. However, there would be a lot of problems fighting it alone.
“Of course.”
“But I heard that Pyongyang is in ruins. Are there any airports where we can make a proper landing?” Sung Joon asked; he wasn’t being sarcastic.
“We plan to use the number fifteen underground passageway to get to the center of Pyongyang underground. The Supreme Guard Command’s Lee Neung Hwa Corps is on standby there.”
Pyongyang had several underground facilities in case of an air strike. The Winter Sovereign wasn’t an air strike, but it was destroying Pyongyang right now, so the army’s command, as well as the soldiers that had persevered were hiding within the underground facility.
“Alright. How many of them are there?”
It was important to figure out how many soldiers he had to work with. Jung Soo opened his mouth with a calm expression.
“There are fifteen teams totaling 160 soldiers. The details are written here.”
Sung Joon took the document that Jung Soo passed over and read it.
“There are only nine rank Hunters out of 161 members…” Sung Joon muttered, as if he were speaking to himself.
“There are ten if you include me,” Jung Soo said. Sung Joon nodded his head, but his face wasn’t bright. The situation in North Korea was worse than he had expected.
‘I have no choice but to use all the forces available to me.’
Sung Joon, who used to be the greatest knight of the Knight Brigade, also had deep knowledge in tactical strategies.
“The plane will land soon,” Jung Soo said. And he sat in front of Sung Joon and fastened his harness. They soon landed with a slight impact.
As soon as the door opened, Jung Soo exited first and lead Sung Joon to the underground passage; once there, they took the underground passage.
The underground passage that Jung Soo had told him about resembled a subway station, but it was a bit more crude. However, the closer they got to the heart of Pyongyang, their surroundings became more magnificent.
“We’ve arrived. Welcome to Pyongyang.”
“I heard that there’s a rank system for Hunters in North Korea as well,” Sung Joon said.
“Of course. Since our system is much different from other foreign countries,” Jung Soo said, admitting that their system was indeed different from other countries.
“Please call the middle officers, or in other words, the team leaders.”
“Is it a mission briefing?”
“Something like that. And please give me a report on the situation as well.”
He needed to grasp the situation first, before he even attempted to create a plan.
“I’ll get it to you immediately.”
Jung Soo gave orders to some other soldiers, and led Sung Joon to his lodging. His lodging was big enough, as they were around forty pyeong[1] in size.
“If you wait just a little bit, I can quickly get you everything you need.”
Sung Joon nodded his head and Jung Soo left. After an hour had passed, he heard a knock on the door, and Jung Soo came in.
“This is the report.”
Jung Soo passed the report over, and Sung Joon took the report; he read it and then sighed. Pyongyang had already sustained so much damage that it would be difficult for it to recover.
The North Korean army had attempted to stop the Winter Sovereign as well as its minions at Pyongyang, but strangely, the monsters hadn’t moved an inch further. Instead, they stayed there, as if they were making a nest, and were thoroughly destroying Pyongyang.
“If I’m being honest, the situation’s not great,” Jung Soo said honestly. He was of the same opinion as the head of the Ministry of the People’s Armed Forces. They hadn’t been able to force Jang Woon to take refuge earlier, so the Lee Neung Hwa Corps couldn’t use their most effective strategies, and because of that, they had sustained heavy casualties.
“That’s true. It’s quite serious,” Sung Joon read the report over a second time and said.
“However, it’s not to the point where we can’t handle the situation. Please gather the team leaders.”
“They’re waiting in the briefing room. I’ll take you to it.”
Sung Joon and Jung Soo went to the briefing room. The team leaders were already waiting for Sung Joon, and he explained his plan to them.
Because he had already killed the Winter Sovereign once before, it wasn’t difficult to formulate a plan.
“The operation name is ‘Siege Destruction Formation'[2].”
Sung Joon gave the operation a name, and finished off his explanation of the plan; their attack on the Winter Sovereign commenced.
Hunters poured out of the underground passage and attacked the Winter Sovereign according to Sung Joon’s plan. The North Korean army maintained an encirclement around the Winter Sovereign, while each team of Hunters carried out the plan; the artillery troops gave them cover fire so that the Hunters could penetrate deep into enemy lines.
“Hunter Kang Sung Joon. We’re getting close to the Winter Sovereign,” Jang Soo said. Sung Joon was covered by the most elite team, Team 1, and had come as close as he could to the Winter Sovereign.
“Are you sure you don’t need my help?”
“I’ll be fine by myself.” Sung Joon’s confidence shined through. Soon, the Winter Sovereign showed itself in front of him.
“I’m going. Please take care of the minions.”
“Please count on me.”
Sung Joon heard Jung Soo’s reply and nodded his head with a satisfied expression.
“Now, I’ll start the hunt.”
“Based on the reconnaissance unit’s report, South Korea’s S-rank Hunter, Kang Sung Joon, has made contact with the Winter Sovereign,” a Colonel reported. Jang Woon nodded his head and opened his mouth.
“What’s our best course of action…?”
“Regarding what?” the head of the Ministry of People’s Armed Forces, Lee Hae Sung said. He had assisted the dictator for several years, but there were many things he couldn’t understand about him. And it was the same with this situation too.
‘Why exactly did he stay in Pyongyang…’ Hae Sung inwardly lamented. If Jang Woon had left Pyongyang, he thought that the Ministry of People’s Armed Forces would’ve been able to use more tactical strategies and push the Winter Sovereign back.
“I’m talking about Kang Sung Joon. Will we be able to win him over?”
Hae Sung was taken aback at the sudden question, but he hid his feelings and opened his mouth with a composed expression.
“I believe that would be difficult.”
“But I don’t really want to give him back to South Korea…”
“But there aren’t any other methods, are there? I heard that he is… very strong.”
“No. There is another method,” Jang Woon said, and Hae Sung felt as though his heart sunk. What the hell was this crazy dictator going to say next?
Though he was a bit curious.
“You’ve heard about the monster poison that the Research Bureau has developed, haven’t you? Let’s use that. It’s a newly developed poison, so he won’t know how to cure it,” Jang Woon said, and Hae Sung slightly bit his lip.
‘I have to warn him no matter what.’
If he doesn’t want North Korea to disappear from the map.
[1] Reminder. Pyeong is a Korean measuring unit for land. 1 pyeong = 3.3m square
[2] This is some sort of meme in Korea. It’s the name that the protagonist gives his formation of 300 strong that encircles and defeats a monster army of 5000. It’s from this Japanese web novel: “最下位職から最強まで成り上がる〜地道な努力はチートでした〜.”
SMH 115
Chapter 38 – To North Korea (4)
TL: Boko
Editor: Frost
“Full Scale Attack!”
The Hunters faced off against the Winter Sovereign’s minions. As soon as the Supreme Guard Command Team One Leader gave the order, the Hunters moved as one.
Jung Soo joined in as well. Because he was a part of the Ministry of the People’s Armed Forces, he didn’t have the right to command. Sung Joon confirmed that they were fighting against the minions and used his high-speed movement to approach the Winter Sovereign.
Though the Winter Sovereign counterattacked by creating an ice storm.
“It’s no use.”
Sung Joon had already fought a Winter Sovereign which was more powerful than this one in Paju, so he could see through its attack patterns. He moved his body with flashy movements and while dodging the ice storm, he simultaneously attacked the Winter Sovereign.
“Illusionary Sword.”
The aura clad illusionary blades, with their sharp cutting power, cut through the Winter Sovereign’s left calf. Blood spurted out, and the Yeti momentarily lost its balance and its stance crumpled; Sung Joon didn’t miss that opportunity.
He had figured out the Winter Sovereign’s weakness in the battle at Paju and proceeded to maximize his advantage, and severely injure its right thigh.
“A mere otherworlder!” the Winter Sovereign roared. Its yell was infused with mana, but it didn’t work against Sung Joon, whose synchronization rate was at 45%.
The Winter Sovereign yelled in agony at the horrific pain that it felt from both legs. By the time it had conjured an ice storm and turned its body to respond, Sung Joon was no longer there.
Though it was weaker than the Winter Sovereign that had appeared in Paju, the reason Sung Joon was able to so unbelievably overwhelm it was because he had faced it before.
He was also genius in combat when it came to figuring out his opponent’s weaknesses and strengths with just one look and not forgetting them. After all, he hadn’t gotten the position of the greatest knight in the Knight Brigade for nothing.
“Illusionary Sword.”
The Winter Sovereign narrowly detected Sung Joon’s presence and predicted his movements, summoning forth a high-rank spell, but Sung Joon charged while activating his ‘Dragon’s Protection’, so even if the Winter Sovereign cast Blizzard, it would be ineffective.
“Illusionary Sword.’
He used his lethal technique, Illusionary Sword, once more and dozens of swords rushed at the Winter Sovereign. This time, he aimed for its neck. The Winter Sovereign urgently used its aura armor, but defending against his attack was impossible.
“Ah!”
Its neck was ruthlessly stabbed, and the Winter Sovereign weakly collapsed. They said it was weaker than the one in Paju, but it was still a futile death.
The Winter Sovereign was unlucky enough to have faced Sung Joon as its opponent.
“Absorb.”
Sung Joon absorbed the mana and the stamina from the Winter Sovereign, and the moment he sheathed his sword, Rishubalt opened his mouth.
“Your synchronization rate is at 46%. Congratulations.”
“Can I enter the Awakening Dungeon now?”
“I don’t know why, but the next Awakening Dungeon will only open once you’re at a synchronization rate of 50%,” Rishubalt said.
“I see.” Sung Joon nodded his head. He didn’t know exactly how the Awakening Dungeon worked. There was still way too much he didn’t know.
“Hunter Kang Sung Joon!”
He heard Jung Soo’s voice from afar but by the time Sung Joon turned his head, Jung Soo had already closed the distance using high-speed movement.
“We have confirmed that the Winter Sovereign’s mana response has completely disappeared. The other monsters have been unsummoned as well!”
Sung Joon could feel the happiness within Jung Soo’s voice. Sung Joon nodded his head and opened his mouth.
“When do you think I’ll be able to get my payment for the magic stones?”
“If I’m being completely honest with you, we don’t have a proper payment system established, so the fastest we can get it to you is in around two days. And we pay through cash.”
“That’s fine. It doesn’t seem like it’ll take that long, and I’ll just take the magic stones with me.”
“I understand. I’ll relay that to the corresponding division,” Jung Soo replied.
“The accommodations underground were quite nice; may I stay in them until I’m paid?”
Because Pyongyang was pretty much ruined, he had to stay underground.
“Of course. Our Leader will like that as well.”
The two of them passed the ruined main street and went down underground. The leading members of the government and Kim Jang Woon were still underground.
“I’ll give you a pager. If you need me, just use this to contact me.”
“I don’t think I’ll need to contact you for the time being. Since I want to rest a little bit,” Sung Joon replied. He honestly wasn’t very tired, but because he wanted to talk to Rishubalt, he didn’t want any interferences.
“I understand. Then, please rest well.”
Because fatigue was common for Hunters after a Raid or a dungeon, Jung Soo looked as if he understood and left the room.
“There isn’t any wiretapping equipment or surveillance cameras. There also aren’t any traces of anyone trespassing into the room,” Rishubalt said. Though he didn’t possess an ability to sense whether there were surveillance cameras or wiretapping equipment, it seems as though Rishubalt was searching the room for them while Sung Joon was talking with Jung Soo.
Then, the moment that he was about to initiate a conversation with Rishubalt… he felt a presence approaching.
Knock. Knock.
Jung Soo knocked on the door, opened it, and entered. Sung Joon furrowed his brow since he had asked them not to bother him.
“Hunter. Our Leader is coming over.”
“Are you talking about Leader Kim Jang Woon?” Sung Joon asked.
“Yes, that’s correct,” Jung Soo said, and nodded his head.
“They’re faster than I expected,” Rishubalt said. Sung Joon agreed. He expected that he’d some way or another have to meet with Kim Jang Woon as he had defeated the Winter Sovereign, which had ruined Pyongyang and inflicted tremendous damage to North Korea. However, it was a bit fast.
“Are you saying that he’s coming right now?”
“Yes. He’ll be here within ten minutes.”
“I understand. I’ll stay here.”
Exactly ten minutes had passed since Sung Joon’s reply. It seemed like Jung Soo was uneasy as he was continuously checking his watch. Then, Sung Joon sensed several presences approaching.
‘There’re more than I expected.’
Eventually, the presences got close. The door opened and Jang Woon came inside. Most of his attendants stayed outside. Jang Woon went inside with three soldiers who appeared to be Hunters.
“Now who is this? Isn’t this the savior of Pyongyang, Kang Sung Joon?”
“It’s nice to meet you. Leader.”
Sung Joon would prefer not to, but he was as respectful as possible. It wouldn’t behoove him to be the first to worsen the mood.
Whereas, Jang Woon spoke as soon as he saw Sung Joon and acted excessively close. Sung Joon didn’t like that, but decided to let it go for now.
“Right. Is your accommodation comfortable?”
“Yes,” Sung Joon replied. Then, Jang Woon nodded his head with a satisfied expression.
“Hahaha! What a relief! To be honest, I told my subordinates to put special care into your accommodation!”
“Thank you.”
He was emphasizing the ‘favor’ that he’d done for Sung Joon, but Sung Joon decided to just let it go and accept it. Jang Woon continued by talking about women or trivial topics, but suddenly opened his mouth with a serious expression.
“How is it?”
“Regarding what exactly?”
“Won’t you come over to our country? I can make it so you can have everything.”
Befitting his personality, Jang Woon spoke straightforwardly. Then, the look in Sung Joon’s eyes changed.
“If it’s an offer to defect to North Korea, then I respectfully decline.”
“Hey wait, isn’t that too much for someone who hasn’t even heard the conditions yet?”
“It’s fine,” Sung Joon responded firmly. Even if they offered him a lot of money, considering the long-term structure of North Korea, it wasn’t great.
“Then it can’t be helped… But you’re going to participate in the party, right? I asked for it to be organized.”
Though he had defeated the Winter Sovereign, Pyongyang was still in ruins. The fact that Jang Woon was going to have a party despite the situation made Sung Joon want to shake his head, but he resisted the urge.
“That doesn’t sound so bad. I’ll join the party.”
In any case, he needed to stay in North Korea until they were done processing his payment. During that time, he could at least participate in the party in order to prevent anything bothersome from happening.
“Good! This guy knows how to have fun! Make sure you come! I’ll send someone to come get you at six tomorrow evening!”
Kim Jang Woon seemed to be satisfied with the result as he smiled. After that, he shook Sung Joon’s hand and made his way to the exit.
The attendants on standby opened the door and right when Jang Woon was about to leave, he briefly paused; he looked at Jang Soo, who was standing next to Sung Joon, and opened his mouth.
“Aren’t you leaving too, Colonel Lee?”
“Yes. I just had something I needed to tell him regarding his payment.”
“Is that so? Then keep up the good work.”
Jang Woon waved his hand and left Sung Joon’s lodging and Jung Soo bowed towards his back with discipline. Eventually, the door closed and Jung Soo, confirming that the presences had gotten far away, looked at Sung Joon and opened his mouth with a grave expression.
“P-Please let me check if there is any surveillance equipment in here.”
He took something out from his chest and scanned his surroundings.
“It doesn’t seem like there is any surveillance equipment in here.”
“What’s the matter all of a sudden?” Sung Joon asked. Despite the fact that Jung Soo had confirmed that there wasn’t any surveillance equipment in the room, it seemed as though he was uneasy as he looked around the room once more and opened his mouth with a calm expression.
“Please don’t drink the alcohol at the party tomorrow. The Research Bureau developed… a poison that works on Hunters. If you’re poisoned, you won’t die, but your combat abilities will be significantly impaired.”
“I think I can tell what’s happening.”
Sung Joon was composed. He knew that something like would happen when Jang Woon failed to win him over and immediately suggested a party right after; it wasn’t difficult to figure out. But, he couldn’t help but be angry.
However, he had a question.
“But do you have a reason for telling me this?”
There was obviously some sort of secret feud for power going on, but Sung Joon acted like he didn’t know what was going on.
“It’s a present from the head of the Ministry of People’s Armed Forces for the one who saved Pyongyang.”
“Is that all?”
“It’s probably exactly what you’re thinking, Hunter Kang Sung Joon,” Jung Soo replied, and Sung Joon smirked. He liked his honesty.
“Please tell me right now if there’s something you want,” Sung Joon said. He didn’t really want to owe them a favor later.
“Like I said, it’s a present. If there was something that we want, it’s that we would like you to know that the Ministry of the People’s Armed Forces wasn’t involved and that we consider you a friend, Hunter Kang Sung Joon.”
“That’s not difficult. I’ll remember that,” Sung Joon replied, and nodded his head.
“Well, that’s that, but is the poison only inside the alcohol?”
“Yes. Leader Kim Jang Woon will take out a bottle of alcohol, saying that it’s an expensive bottle. We’ve received word that the poison will be inside that alcohol.”
“How many S-rank Hunters will be there?”
“There’s one S-rank Hunter who answers directly to our Leader, Kim Jang Woon, and is part of the Supreme Guard Command,” Jung Soo replied. They didn’t possess that many S-rank Hunters, and they had lost several S-rank Hunters fighting against the Winter Sovereign, including Ryu Chul Sung[1]. Therefore, there was only one S-rank Hunter left in North Korea.
“Though it’s to my understanding that there are several rank Hunters. There will also be normal soldiers there as well.”
Modern firearms weren’t effective against monsters, but they could kill Hunters. Therefore, if there were a lot of soldiers present, it wouldn’t be difficult for them to even kill a high-rank Hunter.
“You don’t have to worry about that. Since all I need to do is kill them all.”
“Then I’ll get going now. If I stay for too long, people might get suspicious.”
It was the day after he left. Sung Joon went towards the party area and opened his mouth as he looked as Rishubalt.
“Let’s go, Rishubalt. It’s time to level up.”
[1] The “talented” S-rank Hunter who was the leader of the Supreme Guard Command. The U.S. was trying to scout him. The Winter Sovereign killed him in Pyongyang.
[2] It’s a Korean word that means to level up a lot in a short period of time. Assuming it refers to his synchronization rate.
SMH 116
Chapter 38 – To North Korea (5)
TL: Boko
Editor: Frost
“Our Leader is waiting for you.”
A soldier who appeared to be part of the Supreme Guard Command led Sung Joon to the party. Sung Joon couldn’t help but be surprised by the fact that they had the facilities installed for a party in a place meant for refuge.
“We’ve arrived.”
They walked for around ten minutes and he gradually felt his surroundings start to become glamorous. Then, he walked busily for twenty minutes. Soon, a large and splendid door was in front of them.
“Please go in. Our Leader should be here soon.”
After the soldier briefly saluted, he parted ways with Sung Joon. Then, the two soldiers guarding the entrance opened the door and Sung Joon went into the party area.
“It’s incredibly vast,” Rishubalt said. Just like Rishubalt said, the inside was so fancy and vast that Sung Joon could barely believe that it was underground. Soon, a young lady approached him and opened her mouth.
“You’re Mr. Kang Sung Joon, right?”
“She’s not a Hunter, but considering the condition of her muscles, she knows how to kill people,” Rishubalt explained. There was someone right in front of him, so he couldn’t show his agreement, but Sung Joon thought the same. His mood worsened as they had sent an assassin to stay near him.
“Please come this way.”
It seemed like she didn’t know how he was feeling, as she affably smiled and guided him to his designated seat. Sung Joon sat in the chair and Rishubalt circled around and surveyed the area.
“It’s a seat that’s easy to surround. Wouldn’t it better to sit in another seat?”
“As long as I don’t get poisoned, I can break through anything. So you don’t need to worry about it.”
Because the young lady who had guided him to his seat had left, he was able to reply to Rishubalt. Because the Supreme Guard Command’s Lee Neung Hwa Corps had lost several Hunters to the Winter Sovereign including Ryu Chul Sung, they didn’t have many superb Hunters left.
‘Colonel Lee Jung Soo said that there was only one S-rank Hunter taking part in this event… If that’s true, I can definitely win.’
Sung Joon organized his thoughts. The most talented Hunter in North Korea, Chul Sung, had died. He didn’t know who the last remaining S-rank Hunter was in the Supreme Guard Command, but he was confident that he could overpower him. It wasn’t excessive confidence; he was sure.
“There are several presences approaching. I’m betting it’s Leader Kim Jang Woon.”
“I think the same,” Sung Joon replied extremely softly, and turned his attention towards the entrance. The door opened and a group of attendants ran out, making a path. Then, the North Korea dictator, Leader Kim Jang Woon slowly walked in.
Everyone stood up and applauded, but Sung Joon stayed seated. A few prominent military men looked at him, but Sung Joon didn’t even budge. He only stood up and faced Jang Woon once he was right next to him.
“Have a good time, since we put in a lot of effort!”
And then the party began. The young lady that had greeted Sung Joon sat beside him and poured him a drink; and a performance began on the center stage.
Expensive looking alcohol and food was served on the table.
“Sung Joon. I have a bottle I’ve been saving… Would you like to drink some?”
The excitement of the performance was rising and when it seemed as though Sung Joon had drunk a lot, Jang Woon spoke quietly.
‘Is this what Colonel Lee Jung Soo was talking about?’
How dare they try to poison and kill him! He surged with anger, but he opened his mouth with a calm expression.
“A bottle you’ve been saving?”
“Yeah. The bottle was made in ’77, and it’s extremely expensive and precious,” Jang Woon spoke excitedly. Seeing Sung Joon drink so well, he thought he’d naturally take him up on his offer.
Even at this very moment, Sung Joon was emptying his cup and the young lady beside him was pouring him drinks.
While Sung Joon was drinking, Jang Woon ordered his attendant to bring him the bottle. Eventually, the attendant brought over a liquor bottle case that looked expensive just by looking at it.
“Do you want a taste?” Jang Woon asked; he smiled icily. Sung Joon’s sharp eyes didn’t miss that.
“The color’s quite beautiful. Could you please pour me a glass?” Sung Joon asked.
“Good! I’ll pour it for you personally!” Jang Woon smiled vigorously and began to pour the alcohol. As Sung Joon’s empty glass was filled, Jang Woon smiled explicitly.
Rishubalt paid close attention to Sung Joon’s raised glass and opened his mouth.
“It’s the Blue Spear Troll’s poison. It causes the poisoned individual’s mana to contort but don’t you already know of a way to untwist your mana, my lord? There shouldn’t be a problem even if you drink it.”
Sung Joon knew about the Blue Spear tribe; it was a Troll tribe. Just like Rishubalt said, their poison caused one’s mana to become twisted, but if one knew how to treat it, they could treat it by simply circulating their mana.[1]
In the other world, this treatment method was spread far and wide, but on Earth, Blue Spear Trolls only rarely appeared in Raids, so people didn’t know how to treat it here.
“Thank you for the drink.”
Sung Joon emptied the glass with a leisurely expression. As he expected, his mana started to become twisted. Sung Joon furrowed his brow and Jang Woon smiled.
“I need to go the bathroom for a bit. Just keep drinking by yourself for a bit, Sung Joon.”
He was probably trying to get away from the battlefield. It was obvious that they would attack as soon as Jang Woon got to safety. Sung Joon circulated his mana around and pierced through his tangled mana.
He was successful in completely piercing through the tangled mana within one minute, but he acted as though he was feeling off in order to fool his enemies.
“What impressive acting, my lord!”
His acting was enough to cause Rishubalt to admire him, and it seemed like the people in the party were being fooled by it as well.
The gathered individuals at the party exchanged glances with each other. It was almost as if he was hallucinating and hearing their eyes move.
And he felt killing intent. It was incredibly faint, but they couldn’t fool Sung Joon’s senses, which were sensitive to killing intent. And the closest killing intent he felt was right beside him.
Then, the moment he thought that…
“Slow!”
Someone who appeared to be a Mage Hunter suddenly stood up and cast Slow on Sung Joon. He was definitely an rank Hunter, based on the flow of mana.
And the moment she was sure that the Slow worked, the young lady who had continuously been pouring him drinks aimed for his neck with chopsticks.
“I was waiting.”
Sung Joon released his mana and forcefully repulsed the mana that composed the Slow spell.
“The Slow spell was dispersed?”
“Was he not poisoned?”
The Supreme Guard Command Hunters were flustered, and Sung Joon grabbed and twisted the young lady’s arm.
“AH!”
The woman cried out. Though she had been trained, it wasn’t easy to endure intense pain. Sung Joon didn’t stop at simply twisting her arm, he plunged his sword into her heart.
“Go with plan B! All forces, charge!”
The commander in charge of the Supreme Guard Command ordered. The several thousands of soldiers assembled at the party area, which was as wide as a soccer field, turned into enemies. It seemed as though there were at least a hundred Hunters as well.
“Fire!”
The closest soldiers aimed their automatic rifles at Sung Joon and fired. And from the rear, rocket launchers and offensive spells rained down upon him.
“Shield.”
Sung Joon utilized the ‘Dragon’s Protection’ ability and defended against them. Not one of their attacks pierced through the S-rank item’s magical barrier.
“Fire! Keep firing!”
“It’s no use! Something’s blocking our attacks!”
“So this is an S-rank Hunter?”
Everyone was shocked. They had expected that their bullets wouldn’t easily get through, but they hadn’t anticipated that the Hunters’ offensive spells wouldn’t get through too.
“Don’t stop! He’s definitely using up his mana too! Keep attacking until he runs out of mana!” someone yelled. However, Sung Joon was relaxed. He was definitely using up mana, but there were a lot of people here who could act as mana batteries for him, so he planned to just wait.
While maintaining his Shield, he utilized high-speed movement.
“Hold your fire! There’s a chance you can hit your allies!”
“Ceasefire!”
It was difficult for ordinary soldiers to keep track of an S-rank Hunter using high-speed movement and aim their guns at them. Therefore, the sensible officers ordered their subordinates to temporary ceasefire. At this rate, there was a chance they’d hit their comrades with friendly fire, and Sung Joon was waiting for this opportunity.
“W-Where is he?”
“I don’t see him!”
It wasn’t only the soldiers who couldn’t find him; the Supreme Guard Command Hunters likewise couldn’t track Sung Joon either.
“You idiots! He’s over there!”
The S-rank Hunter, Colonel Park Tae Yong yelled, and the Hunters finally responded, but it was too late; Sung Joon was already at the center of their ranks.
“Tempest Sword.”
Sung Joon softly spoke the activation words; he swung his sword and two hundred sword winds raged in the vicinity.
“AH!”
“Ugh!”
The Hunters spewed blood and fell. The swords winds didn’t have as much cutting power as aura, but because it was so sudden and was an attack that they hadn’t expected, most of them hadn’t been able to react.
“Absorb.”
With one attack, he had slaughtered at least twenty Hunters, then used his ‘Absorb’ to replenish his mana and stamina.
“Colonel Park Tae Yong! Get in there!”
The General, wearing an insignia with a star, urgently yelled, and a man up at the ceiling, veiled in black and wielding a short sword quickly fell towards Sung Joon.
He simultaneously landed softly and swung his short sword at Sung Joon’s neck. It was a sword strike clad in aura, so Sung Joon enveloped his own sword in aura, and raised his sword in defense.
“People call you a Healer, but was that just a disguise? Impressive,” Tae Yong said. Sung Joon smiled icily and opened his mouth.
“Do you usually talk this much when you fight?”
“Your provocation won’t work.”
Tae Yong closed the distance with swift movements and lunged with his short sword. It looked like he only stabbed once, but he had actually attacked several times at such a speed that he left behind five afterimages; it was a peculiar technique.
However, Sung Joon had met several strange opponents in his past life, so he easily blocked the five stabs.
“You blocked this?” Tae Yong was astonished. That just now was his secret technique. However, he hid his confusion and continued onto his next attack.
Sung Joon blocked Tae Yong’s quick and continuous attacks with his nigh perfect swordsmanship. No one could overpower Sung Joon with the sword.
The other Hunters couldn’t even intervene in their fight. Just one B-rank Supporter Hunter had cast Haste on Tae Yong, that’s all.
“Then try blocking this too!”
Tae Yong moved quickly, leaving behind an afterimage, trying to confuse Sung Joon. At the same time, an aura slash came from behind.
“Are you dead?”
He had thought that his aura slash had reached Sung Joon, but then…
“Sorry. That was my afterimage,” Sung Joon said coldly. Tae Yong’s aura slash had cut through the air and passed by, but Sung Joon was already aiming for his rear.
“You know, I have a technique that’s similar.”
Sung Joon drew his mana and opened his mouth.
“Illusionary Sword.”
[1] It’s basically like the flow of mana is tangled up and he just pierces through it somehow using his mana.