SMH 120
Chapter 39 – The Person who Comes to Mind (3)
TL: Boko
Editor: Frost
South Korea’s thirteen ranked S-rank Hunter, the Shining Sword, Choi Eun Joo. She had first awakened as an rank Hunter and walked the path of an elite that not many could.
And formed the regular assault team ‘Dike’, garnering her wealth and fame, allowing her to live a life not envious of others. She, who became an S-rank Hunter in a country without many S-ranks, could have anything she wanted, and she was really popular due to her friendly personality.
But there was one person who she kept thinking of who confused her.
“Mr. Sung Joon…”
She tried to hold onto that name. Her voice, containing her earnest feelings, dimly spread through the air.
She really liked him since the first time they met. And now those feelings had grown such that they were taking hold of her heart.
‘Yeah, let’s contact him.’
In order to gain his affection, she would have to act. Eun Joo became aware of that fact once more, and gripped and raised her phone.
She had already memorized Sung Joon’s phone number, so she didn’t need to search for it. After she had entered his number, she pressed the message button.
Just in time, Sung Joon had finished his dinner at the Blue House, and had returned to his studio apartment. He had indirectly refused their offer, but when he thought about it again, it was best to keep his options open, so that’s why he had responded that way.
When he returned to his home and thought about it, he realized that he had responded well.
“I believe the fact that you kept your options open is a good move, my lord. If you completely control the armed intelligence agency, then when the Empire earnestly invades, you’ll have a reassuring ally by your side,” Rishubalt said. He was the type who would always move cautiously. Sung Joon had always liked that about him, ever since his past life.
“It’s good to be cautious, but since they brought up my patriotism, I think it’s not a good idea to become the head of the intelligence agency. I’d rather receive the Blue Dragon Group’s aid and found a guild,” Sung Joon said. When he had met the other day with Seol Ah, she had said that the Blue Dragon Group would assist him if he chose to form a guild, and she stated that there definitely wouldn’t be any interference from them with the guild activities.
Therefore, Sung Joon would rather form a guild with the Blue Dragon Group’s help, than become the head of the armed intelligence agency.
“But do you really need the assistance of the Blue Dragon Group? It’s to my understanding that you have enough funds.”
“I have enough now, but if you think about it from the guild standpoint, we would also need political support as well.”
Money was everything in the world, but they could do anything with political support, like they were a tiger with wings.
“I think I understand what you’re saying.” Rishubalt nodded his head and agreed with Sung Joon’s opinion. There were definitely some things that couldn’t be solved with money.
“Shall we take a walk?”
It was late, but he wasn’t sleepy. Sung Joon suggested to Rishubalt that they take a walk.
“If it’s your order, my lord, it is my duty to follow,” Rishubalt said, and Sung Joon smiled. Sung Joon draped a light overcoat over himself, and walked towards the park nearby his studio apartment.
The sky was pitch black and he couldn’t even see the stars that were so commonplace. The stars, hidden behind the clouds, dimly shined upon the park.
“The air’s nice. This is nice occasionally.”
“When you’re confused, a brisk stroll is great for organizing your thoughts.”
“It seems to be case,” Sung Joon replied, and nodded his head. Sung Joon traversed through the park and found a bench. He sat upon the bench and looked up at the dark sky when he heard his phone’s alert tone.
He had received a message.
‘Who could it be?’
He was curious, as it was too late to be exchanging messages at this time. He raised his phone and checked the message.
[Mr. Sung Joon. If you’re free, would you like to meet with me today?]
It was message from Eun Joo, but because it was so late, Sung Joon couldn’t help but furrow his brow.
[It’s really late. If I have the opportunity, I’ll meet with you next time.]
Sung Joon firmly rejected her offer, and walked back to his studio apartment.
* * *
“Die!”
It was definitely the other world language. Sung Joon moved his eyes busily at the wind blades that simultaneously flew from the front and back towards him, and grasped all the risk factors.
The Dragonkin Magic Knight was sure of its victory. It sported a clear smile. The wind blades that closed in quickly from the front and behind.
“Ha!” Sung Joon cried out, and released a large quantity of mana. Releasing an overwhelming quantity of mana to block a spell was an incredibly stupid and inefficient method. However, he had no other options right now.
“What a wise decision!” Rishubalt admired him. The mana that poured out of his body eroded the mana that composed the wind blades and shattered them.
“Mana release? No way!”
The Dragonkin Magic Knight was taken aback. The spell it had just cast was high-rank magic. Because there was a limit to the spells one could block with a release of their mana, the Dragonkin Magic Knight hadn’t anticipated that he would block it with this method.
“Gale Sword.”
It was his turn now. He seized the opportunity and immediately unleashed his Gale Sword without hesitation. Sung Joon’s body shot towards the Dragonkin Magic Knight like a fired bullet.
His lunge, resembling a gale, and the waves of the accompanying sword winds, caused the Dragonkin Magic Knight to urgently raise his mana.
“Shield!”
The defensive spell was able to block the sword winds, but was shattered by the lunge.
“Ugh!”
Sung Joon’s lunge precisely burrowed into its heart, causing it to spit out red blood and stumble. As soon as Sung Joon drew his sword out, its blood spurted out like a fountain.
Rather than preparing his sword for a second strike, he nimbly moved his left hand and drew his dagger. Then, he cut the Dragonkin Magic Knight’s neck. The monster, whose heart and neck were severely injured, could no longer resist and weakly collapsed.
“It seems like the Boss is next,” Rishubalt reported. Sung Joon also nodded his head and opened his mouth.
“It seems like the Boss this time around is two S-rank monsters.”
“They seem to be suitable Bosses for an rank dungeon.”
“I feel like I could kill them within five minutes.”
Sung Joon showed his confidence, and closed in on the old stone gate. He activated the device and the huge stone gate opened whilst emitting a weighty sound.
“Slow!”
“Lightning Spear!”
As soon as the gate opened, two Dragonkin Magic Knights appeared. They simultaneously cast the Slow spell, and threw a Lightning Spear at him.
“My lord!” Rishubalt warned. However, Sung Joon didn’t lose his relaxed smile.
“It’s not a problem.”
He broke apart the Slow spell by releasing his mana. The lightning spear that arrived right in front of him released its electric current and wreaked havoc, but that was only after Sung Joon had used his high-speed movement and escaped.
“Be careful! He’s experienced in fighting against magic!”
One of the Dragonkin Magic Knights warned. The other one swung his blazing sword, and the red flames flew towards Sung Joon.
“Too slow.”
Not only did he dodge the flaming slash, he had gotten behind the Dragonkin Magic Knight and spoke in a calm voice. The Dragonkin Magic Knight urgently turned around and swung its greatsword.
Though it had hastily swung its greatsword, it was precisely aiming for a vital point. Its sword was also clad in a clear aura.
Sung Joon calmly raised his aura clad dagger and blocked the Dragonkin Magic Knight’s sword strike. And then he swung his sword, cutting through its upper body.
“AH!”
Its brief cry was accompanied by a spurt of blood. It stumbled and retreated; then, the other Dragonkin Magic Knight blocked Sung Joon’s path.
“If you want to die first, then I’ll grant you your wish.”
Sung Joon’s eyes gleamed. And he opened his mouth as he drew his mana.
“Illusionary Sword.”
“W-What the he…”
Thirty one illusionary swords were summoned and aimed for all of its vital points. The Dragonkin Magic Knight couldn’t help but panic. Because it was the first time it had seen such a sword technique in its life, it couldn’t even think about responding to it.
“Ugh!”
Its entire body was gruesomely ripped apart and died, and now, the fatally injured Dragonkin Magic Knight was the only one remaining.
Sung Joon threw his aura clad dagger towards the injured Dragonkin Magic Knight.
“Urgh!”
The Dragonkin Magic Knight avoided the dagger. It seemed to be in pain as the wound on its upper body widened, and briefly cried out.
By the time it had gotten a hold of itself, Sung Joon had already come much too close to it.
“H-He’s fast…!”
He was so fast that even an S-rank monster like it couldn’t see him. By the time it had noticed his advance, Sung Joon had already swung his sword.
“Ugh…!”
Despite it hastily stepping back, its stomach was deeply cut and blood leaked from the wound like a waterfall. Eventually, it fell weakly onto the ground.
“Absorb.”
He absorbed their mana and stamina, and the Dragonkin Magic Knights left behind magic stones and disappeared.
– Confirming assault, measurement complete. rank dungeon, clear.
His measuring tool responded with a mechanical sound. Sung Joon extracted a water bottle from his dimensional pouch and instantly emptied it; then, he looked Rishubalt and opened his mouth.
“Rishubalt. Did my synchronization rate increase by any chance?”
Today was November, 1st. He had pretty much been assaulting dungeons unceasingly without rest and as a result, his synchronization rate had risen to 48%.
Because his synchronization rate had risen to 48% quite a long time ago, Sung Joon asked Rishubalt, earnestly desiring for his synchronization rate to have increased.
“Congratulations! Your synchronization rate has become 49%! You can enter the Awakening Dungeon if you increase your synchronization rate by 1% more!” Rishubalt replied, and Sung Joon sported a clear smile. It had been worthwhile to have assaulted dungeon unceasingly without rest all this time.
“Let’s get out of the dungeon for now.”
Sung Joon happily walked back to the dungeon entrance to leave.
“I feel like I’ll vomit if I try to increase it by another 1%. I should rest for a few days.”
One hour later, he began to see the entrance of the dungeon, and Sung Joon glanced at Rishubalt and spoke. ‘Absorption’ couldn’t restore his diminished mental state. If it wasn’t for his past life’s memories imbuing him with superhuman willpower, he wouldn’t have been able to unceasingly assault dungeons without rest.
“That’s a wise decision. Rest is always important.” Rishubalt nodded his head and said. He was always stressing the importance of rest.
“Do you have a separate plan for resting?” Rishubalt asked.
“I have plenty of money, so I’m planning on going to the auction house. At the same time, it’ll improve my fighting strength before I enter the Awakening Dungeon,” Sung Joon replied. By selling the magic stones he had received from North Korea, he had more than $1.3 billion now.
Sung Joon planned to use his wealth to buy the unappraisable items at the auction house. There existed items that had a high likelihood of increasing his fighting strength.
“That’s a good idea.”
Eventually, he had returned above ground, took his car to visit the Dungeon Bureau, and sold his magic stones. And then, he soon went to the VIP auction house.
“Are you going there immediately?” Rishubalt asked. Sung Joon smiled and opened his mouth.
“I think the faster, the better.”
SMH 121
Chapter 39 – The Person who Comes to Mind (4)
TL: Boko
Editor: Frost
He thought it’d be better to contact Jung Chul[1] first, rather than just going to the auction house. Therefore, after Sung Joon got into the car, he sent Jung Chul a message that he was going to the ViP auction house before starting his car. Eventually, he received a message from Jung Chul. When the traffic lights turned red and his car stopped, Sung Joon checked his messages.
[I have an office in the VIP auction house as well. I’ll be waiting for you in the parking lot.]
It was a message from Jung Chul. Ever since the incident with Do Hyuk[2], Sung Joon had made a good impression on him.
Before long, Sung Joon arrived at Seoul Station.
Above ground, Seoul Station was a giant station, but the VIP auction house lay deep underground, only accessible by a hidden door.
“I’m at Seoul Station right now.”
Sung Joon, who had finished parking his car, immediately called Jung Chul. There were a lot of parking lots at Seoul Station . Therefore, he needed to contact Jung Chul and relay his location.
“You came quickly,” Jung Chul spoke, as if he had unexpected him to arrive so quickly. Because Sung Joon had arrived at a time that overlapped when people went home for the day, it seemed like Jung Chul was a bit late.
“I’m at the place we met last time.”
“I’m nearby. I’ll go immediately.”
Fortunately, the two were close by. Sung Joon browsed Hunter.com on his phone while waiting for Jung Chul.
“Mr. Kang Sung Joon!”
Five minutes hadn’t even passed before he saw a familiar face. He turned his head towards the direction he felt a presence to see Jung Chul dashing towards him.
“I thought you’d be a little late since it’s around the time people are off from work.”
“I thought I would be as well, but the traffic wasn’t so bad,” Sung Joon smiled and replied.
“I’ll take you to my office.”
The two went through the secret passageway within the station and reached the VIP auction house.
“You know that you have to wear a mask, right?” Jung Chul said, as he picked up the masks that were provided for them in the elevator. Everyone had to wear a mask in the VIP auction house. Jung Chul was no exception to that rule.
“Of course,” Sung Joon replied, and grabbed the mask. They cordially wore the masks and walked towards the office area; Jung Chul’s personal office was located over there.
“It’s right here.”
Jung Chul stopped deep into the office area. There was a nameplate that hung on the door that said ‘Chief Park Jung Chul’. He opened the door and Sung Joon entered the office first.
“Your office is nice. Are you in charge of the VIP auction house now?” Sung Joon asked. Originally, Jung Chul was only in charge of the normal auction house. Jung Chul smiled faintly and opened his mouth.
“It’s all because you took care of Kim Do Hyuk. I scored some points too, so I was promoted.”
Sung Joon genuinely congratulated him, and Jung Chul smiled. It was always nice to be congratulated for one’s efforts. Thus, Jung Chul decided to give Sung Joon a piece of information to at least repay his debt.
“Mr. Kang Sung Joon. We registered a peculiar item just a little while ago. It’s an item in the shape of a pill, and we sensed tremendous mana from within,” Jung Chul said, and Sung Joon’s eyes widened. He was interested.
“Is it an item that can’t be appraised?”
“Yes. That’s why we cannot use it. We’re sure that it’s a consumable item, but there’s only one of them, and it could also be poisonous, so we cannot test it. However, we’re sure that it’s no ordinary item. It’ll probably be auctioned off at next Tuesday’s auction.”
“But why are you telling me this?” Sung Joon asked, and Jung Chul grinned with a meaningful expression.
“I’m telling you this because it seems like you’ve been gathering peculiar items that cannot be appraised. Therefore, I wanted to repay my debt, even just a little.”
Jung Chul was the type that took notice of things quickly. He was able to guess that Sung Joon didn’t come to the VIP auction house to simply collect items.
“I see,” Sung Joon said dryly without any change to his expression. It was best to not agree or disagree in situations like this.
“It certainly is interesting.”
“You just need to come next Tuesday. I’ll contact you again then.”
“I understand. Then, I’ll come find you again next Tuesday.”
Sung Joon left the VIP auction house and returned to his studio apartment. And when the following Tuesday arrived, he returned to the VIP auction house after receiving a message from Jung Chul.
“We’ll start the auction in thirty minutes!” the MC said. Sung Joon sat in a corner of the wide auction house and raised the tablet PC. The images of items to be auctioned off, as well as a simple explanation was recorded onto them.
[Unknown Pill]
S-rank.
Unknown.
The explanation was so brief that he couldn’t even guess its use, but the moment he saw the image, Sung Joon began to recollect a certain memory.
‘The Jet-Black Pill…’
And Rishubalt likewise remembered it.
“It seems like it’s the Jet-Black Pill, the pill that is secretly given out to the Empire’s Special Forces.”
The Jet-Black Pill was a pill that is created from materials that only exist in the other world, and if ingested while applying a special method of managing one’s mana, it would permanently increase one’s interior mana.
‘I’m probably the only one here who knows the Jet-Black Pill mana management method,’ Sung Joon thought. He had never ingested the pill in his past life, but he had heard about its effects before, so he was familiar with it.
‘I might be able to raise my synchronization rate to 50% with it.’
His synchronization rate was currently at 49%. It was certainly possible. Also, he possessed a sum of more than $1 billion right now. He was confident that he would win the bid.
“We’re starting the auction!” the MC said, relaying that they were beginning the auction. Contrary to the other unappraisable items, there were several people competing for the pill, perhaps because they thought that by ingesting it, something special would happen.
The bid continued get higher and higher, and several of his competitors dropped out. However, Sung Joon didn’t budge.
“We have $30 million!”
Sung Joon only had two competitors left when he bid $30 million. By the time it had gone up to $40 million, the competitor right next to him sighed and left the auction house.
“We have $50 million!”
When it became $50 million, the last remaining competitor gave up and Sung Joon became the owner of the Jet-Black Pill.
“Congratulations on the winning bid!” the MC congratulated. After Sung Joon received the Jet-Black Pill, he returned to his studio apartment. There wasn’t anyone stupid enough to follow him this time.
As soon as Sung Joon entered his studio apartment, he immediately changed his clothes. Then, he picked up the Jet-Black Pill and sat in the living room. After that, he raised the Jet-Black Pill towards Rishubalt.
“I’m counting on you.”
“I’ll collect the other world energy.”
Rishubalt removed the other world energy, and Sung Joon appraised the Jet-Black Pill with his measuring tool.
[Special Forces’ Vision Pill]
S-rank.
Verifying mana amplification effect.
The formal name wasn’t the Jet-Black Pill. His memories weren’t exactly clear, but he knew that there weren’t any special side effects that would occur from him managing the mana incorrectly, so he ingested the pill without any hesitation.
After he chewed the pill and swallowed it, he managed his mana with the proper method, and the dormant mana within the Jet-Black pill began to pour out into his body.
‘It worked!’
He was half done now. Now, all that was left was for him to apply the mana management method and absorb as much mana as possible.
At least, that’s what he thought.
“Ugh!”
“My lord!”
Sung Joon’s once relaxed expression distorted. The mana was flowing backwards. Even if he left it like this, he wouldn’t receive internal injuries like the ones depicted in martial arts novels, but he wouldn’t be able to digest the Jet-Black Pill’s mana. He couldn’t give up on the pill after investing $50 million into it.
“Hoo!”
He calmed his breathing and managed his mana. Sung Joon used every method to calm the wild mana. As a result, the backwards flowing mana calmed within thirty minutes.
‘Now I just need to absorb it!’
He wasn’t far off from his goal. Sung Joon smiled. There were no longer any obstacles remaining and he was able to absorb the tremendous quantity of mana that lay within the Jet-Black Pill.
“Rishubalt, what’s my synchronization rate.”
“It’s at 50%,” Rishubalt replied.
“Now I’m half-way there, huh…” Sung Joon faintly smiled. It felt like only yesterday that his synchronization rate was at 5%, but he had already gotten half of the strength from his glory days.
“My lord, you currently possess the quantity of mana and the fighting strength of an SS-rank Hunter. If you request a reexamination, you could easily become an SS-rank Hunter,” Rishubalt said. Sung Joon nodded his head and opened his mouth.
“It probably won’t matter if I take my time with that.”
Because it wasn’t urgent, Sung Joon decided to take it slow.
“What’s changed after reaching a 50% synchronization rate?”
“Aside from your body being greatly invigorated, nothing else has changed.”
The body being invigorated[3] meant that the body’s physical abilities had strengthened. Sung Joon wanted to test his abilities immediately, but that wasn’t urgent either; besides, he had something he needed to do right now.
“I didn’t think I’d see a Jet-Black Pill in this world,” Rishubalt said. Not only was it difficult to manufacture, it was incredibly effective, so it was only given to a portion of the Empire’s Special Forces. That’s why it was difficult for it be seen on Earth.
“That’s not important.” Sung Joon smiled. The result was more important than the process.
“I need to take a shower.”
* * *
All of a sudden, luxurious ornamented doors opened and an upright, white-haired man, known as the Empire’s Special Forces’ Commander, Count Ares, strode in.
“You came?”
Anfellico, who sat behind his desk and was organizing documents, glanced at Ares and said. Seeing him so relaxed caused Ares’ feelings to go beyond rage; he actually looked speechless and opened his mouth.
“Have you still not gotten the report?”
“I heard. The Tactical Magic Tower was attacked, all the documents were burned, and not one person survived.”
“But you seem extremely relaxed.”
“If I were to make a fuss, it wouldn’t bring back the annihilated Tactical Magic Tower members, would it?”
Because he wasn’t wrong, Ares couldn’t continue easily. Just in time, Anfellico had finished organizing the documents, sat on the comfortable looking sofa to the side, and opened his mouth.
“I heard that the army would move.”
“I just received the royal command. News travels fast.”
“I was somehow able to hear about it.”
Anfellico shrugged his shoulders. Ares briefly sighed and shook his head.
“The Imperial Army and the Empire’s Special Forces will move first. And Sir Valian[4] has promised the Knight Brigade’s aid.”
“So it seems like the Imperial Army will be stationed at the next place we expect him to attack.”
“That’s correct. Even if our enemy’s a Dragon, it won’t be easy for him anymore,” Ares spoke, with a voice overflowing with confidence.
“I don’t know about the Knight Brigade, but if you mobilize the Imperial Army and the Special Forces, won’t our border with the Kingdom’s Alliance weaken?” Anfellico pointed out. It was great that they were stationing troops to prepare for the mysterious individual’s attack, but they couldn’t be careless in their fight against the Kingdom’s Alliance.
“The Allied Species will send us reinforcements.”
“I don’t know who’s been attacking us, but it’s become a big deal now.”
Both Ares and Anfellico smirked. They didn’t know that even at this very moment, Sung Joon was regaining his past strength.
[1] The rank Hunter who’s responsible for the auction house Sung Joon used to go to before he got upgraded to VIP membership. His dad is a government official and Jung Chul has an intelligence agency.
[2] The guy who went crazy and was the Director of the Il Sung Group. He used the item of mass destruction and killed several people until Sung Joon took him down.
[3] I substituted this in earlier chapters with strengthened since I figured that’s what it meant at the time. Turns out I was right.
[4] One of the Thirteen Knights that presumably survived. He was the one Sung Joon screamed at for interrupting him when he was talking to the Emperor in his dream. This was right before the Emperor betrayed him and the Vampires attacked him.
SMH 122
Chapter 40 – Let’s Do Business (1)
TL: Boko
Editor: Frost
Sung Joon’s father, Soo Hyuk, was diagnosed with a terminal disease, a rare form of blood cancer. With current medical treatments, it was possible to improve his condition, but a cure would be difficult; however, Sung Joon believed that nothing was impossible.
He currently possessed a lot of money, and there were several talented individuals in America right now. Therefore, just a little while ago, he had decided to take over a company that produced famous medicine or a research facility that developed new medicine with his large fortune.
Thus, he visited the Blue Dragon Group headquarters to meet Seol Ah and get her advice on that and its corresponding issues.
“Isn’t that a hunter sedan?”
“I heard that it is extremely expensive.”
Everyone focused their attention on his car, as soon as he parked it in a nearby parking lot. A hunter sedan cost more than $1.5 million minimum, so it wasn’t a common sight.
He finished parking and sent a message to Seol Ah on the first floor.
“Mr. Kang Sung Joon!”
It hadn’t even been five minutes since he’d sent a message, and a voice he was familiar with called out to him.
When he turned his head towards the direction of the voice, he saw Seol Ah standing there, with her brown hair neatly tied in a ponytail and wearing a suit.
And Sung Joon approached her.
“You said you had something you wanted to ask me, right?”
“Yes. I’m thinking about taking over a pharmaceutical company or a research facility that develops new medicine.”
“It seems like you got a lot of money from the incident in North Korea.” Seol Ah smiled and spoke. Sung Joon didn’t reply. However, it was already widespread that by killing the Winter Sovereign in North Korea, he had become extremely rich.
“Let’s go up to your office. I need some advice,” Sung Joon said. He genuinely wanted to talk about the issue of taking over a company. It seemed as though Seol Ah picked up on that, as she nodded her head and smiled. It made her feel happy that she was able to help Sung Joon after such a long time.
She herself didn’t know why; she just felt great.
“Please come this way.”
Seol Ah guided Sung Joon, as he wasn’t familiar with the layout of the Blue Dragon Group main building. Sung Joon took the elevator and together, they went up to the floor with her office.
She stopped in front of a door that said ‘Head of the Guild Plan’.
“We’re here.” She smiled bashfully and opened the door. Since she was acting like such a young lady today, Sung Joon couldn’t help but feel flustered.
‘This is my first time in her office…’ [1]
As she went into her office, she was worried that he’d hear her heart pounding. She was really happy that Sung Joon needed her.
“Please sit down.”
“Excuse me.”
Sung Joon sat on the sofa, and Seol Ah sat in front of him.
“You said that you’d like to take over a pharmaceutical company or a research facility that develops new medicine, right?” Seol Ah hid her smile and spoke earnestly. She briefly ignored the fact that her heart was pounding so that she could help him.
Sung Joon nodded his head and opened his mouth.
“When I think about it, it seems like taking over a pharmaceutical company will be impossible, so I’m thinking of taking over a research facility that develops new medicine.”
“A research facility that develops new medicine?” Seol Ah asked.
“Yes, that’s correct.” Sung Joon nodded his head. If there wasn’t a cure, then he just had to make one. It would be impossible if he didn’t have the money, but Sung Joon currently had a lot of money.
“Could you please at least tell me what your plan is, even if it’s simplified? That way, I’ll be able to give you some advice,” Seol Ah said. Because she didn’t know what Sung Joon intended, she couldn’t provide him with an assessment.
“I plan to take over a somewhat renowned research facility and recruit the best researchers as well as set up the best equipment. Personally, I’m leaning towards the Seo Guk Research Facility.”
“It’d be difficult to finance a Seo Guk Research Facility that develops new medicine, but if you’d like to take it over, you need at least $2 billion. You’ll probably need up to $3 billion, though.”
Because Seol Ah was trained in business administration, she calmly analyzed the marketplace, made a decision, and explained it to him. Sung Joon was flustered since he hadn’t expected that he’d need $2 billion, but he soon recollected himself.
He was an S-rank Hunter. Because $1 billion was a fortune, it was indeed difficult to gather, but it wasn’t impossible for him.
“If you’re short on funds, we can help you.”
The Blue Dragon Group’s Chairman was friendly towards Sung Joon, and because he was actively trying to make him an ally, Seol Ah could speak confidently and offer him their aid.
“No, it’s fine.”
However, Sung Joon shook his head. He thought of the Blue Dragon Group favorably, but he didn’t want that to bite him in the ass later[2]. Sung Joon thought Seol Ah would help him, but he also didn’t want to be in Chairman Yoon Tae Seok’s debt.
“I’ll gather the funds one way or another,” Sung Joon said. He would need to gather at least $500 million more, but his voice was bright. He was an S-rank Hunter, and also possessed the nickname, Unlimited Power, so it wasn’t impossible.
It was a problem that could be solved with time.
“If it’s you, it’s entirely possible, Mr. Kang Sung Joon.”
“Anyway, is the takeover procedure really troublesome?” Sung Joon asked. Seol Ah smiled and opened her mouth.
“It’s tough to the point that it’s almost impossible if you do it personally, but if I help you, you’ll only have to go through the simple procedures and then you’ll be done. So, don’t worry about the procedures,” Seol Ah replied, and Sung Joon’s eyes gleamed. This was the first time that she’d been so reliable.
“I understand. Then I’ll procure the funds as quickly as possible,” Sung Joon said. He parted ways with Seol Ah and on the way back to his studio apartment, he visited the Dungeon Bureau and applied for a rank dungeon solo play.
* * *
– Assault confirmed, measurement complete. rank dungeon, clear.
After he killed the Boss and absorbed its mana, his measuring tool reacted. Rishubalt, who had been hovering around, came before Sung Joon and opened his mouth.
“You have satisfied the conditions for entering the Awakening Dungeon. Would you like to enter?”
“Let’s go.”
“I’ll open the door to the Awakening Dungeon,” Rishubalt said. After Sung Joon had finished mentally preparing himself and nodded his head, Rishubalt drew his mana.
Their surroundings melted away like snow. And took on a new appearance.
“It’s night this time,” Sung Joon muttered softly, so softly that it was almost like he was talking to himself. He was outdoors, but the sky was dark and his surroundings was that of a vast plain. He sensed the presence of a dimensional barrier that severed access from the outside.
“There’s a temporary military post in front of you, about 500 m away. They seem to be supply troops, based on their formation,” Rishubalt reported. While Sung Joon briefly surveyed his surroundings, it seemed like Rishubalt had been scouting. Sung Joon’s eyes didn’t leave the night sky as he opened his mouth.
“What about their fortifications?”
“Because it’s a temporary military post, it’s just a thick wooden barricade. However, there are Vampire Knights on guard in the watchtower.”
“Vampires? Is it the Species Alliance?”
“Yes, their flag is definitely that of the Species Alliance,” Rishubalt replied, and Sung Joon slightly smirked.
“Good. They have to know about the return of the Sword Saint, too.”
“Are you planning on using stealth?” Rishubalt asked. The top tier rank monsters, Vampire Knights, had enhanced senses during night to the point that they’d be able to see through stealth. And right now, the sky was dyed black.
“It just seems better than attacking straight up.”
“Since your ability to hide your presence is outstanding, my lord, even though it is night time, it’s highly likely that the Vampire Knights won’t be able to detect you.”
It was a favorable opinion; Sung Joon was confident in concealing his presence.
“Stealth.”
He spoke the activation words, and Sung Joon melded into the darkness. After he lowered his presence as much as he could, he started to walk towards the post.
The Vampire Knights hadn’t been able to grasp his presence, even though he had gotten right in front of entrance of the barricade.
Even though it was nighttime!
“To think that you can conceal your presence to such a level that the Vampire Knights cannot sense your presence at night! As expected of you, my lord!”
From beside him, Rishubalt made a huge fuss over nothing. It didn’t feel bad. Sung Joon drew and raised his sword, and as he gathered his mana, his Stealth was lifted.
The Vampire Knights in the watchtower, who were on guard, focused their attention on Sung Joon.
“An enemy?”
He’s gathering his mana! He’s trying to break open the door! Stop him!”
Three Vampire Knights came down in order to stop him, but..
“It’s too late.”
Sung Joon discharged an aura slash and shattered the entrance of the barricade. While a battalion of Orcs gathered in order to deal with the attack, the three Vampire Knights blocked Sung Joon’s path.
Red aura danced upon their blades.
“A human?”
“Is he from the Kingdom Alliance?”
The Vampire Knights briefly conversed and slightly closed the distance. Sung Joon raised his sword and assumed a defensive stance.
‘It’s a triangular formation. They’re going to attack all at once.’
Of the three Vampire Knights, the most veteran amongst them gave the signal. The remaining two moved into position in order to attack him in a triangular formation all together. But at that moment…
“Huh?”
One of the Vampires that passed by Sung Joon spewed blood, and weakly fell onto the floor; there was a dagger burrowed into the Vampire’s neck.
“Y-You crazy…!”
“I couldn’t even see him!”
The remaining two Vampire Knights were flustered at their comrade’s demise; their comrade had been much too easily dealt with.
“He’s at least the level of an elite knight! Get ready… Ugh!”
“You talk too much.”
“Cough!”
The Vampire Knight, who seemingly possessed a high rank, vomited blood. Sung Joon’s blade had already pierced through the Vampire’s heart.
“Team Leader!”
“Absorb.”
Sung Joon retrieved his dagger, and threw the dagger at the Vampire who was over-anxiously calling for his Team Leader.
“You won’t take me down so easil… Ugh!”
The dagger destroyed his heart. Though Vampires possessed powerful regeneration capabilities, the strike ended the Vampire’s life in one hit.
Sung Joon cleaned up the Vampire Knights, and as soon as he entered the post, he was blocked by an Orc Blademaster leading a battalion of Orcs. But this was only after the top tier B-rank Elf Rangers had assembled atop the post.
“How dare you aim for the Species Alliance’ supply troops! You’re truly reckless! Everyone, attack!” the Orc Blademaster ordered. The Elf Rangers let loose their bowstrings, and dozens of arrows pierced through the air, fiercely flying towards him. However, Sung Joon didn’t even move a single step.
“AH!”
Whenever Sung Joon swung his sword, the advancing Orcs spurted red blood. To him, who had gained a synchronization rate of 50% and had attained the level of an SS-rank Hunter, Orcs were no match for him.
His thick killing intent that spread through the air even limited the Orcs’ actions.
‘It’s a seriously thick killing intent.’ The Orc Blademaster, who commanded the Orc battalion, had no choice but to recognize that.
“I think it’d be best to retreat.”
“Let’s join up with ‘them’,” the Elf Ranger Commander said. The Orc Blademaster nodded his head in agreement. Their forces retreated and Sung Joon eliminated the small amount of troops left, and went to the center of the post.
And the moment he reached the command barracks…
“Welcome, young Swordmaster. I am Viscount Entilrike.”
The Vampire Viscount revealed himself. It seemed like he was in charge of the supply troops. As soon as he showed himself, Sung Joon immediately felt a powerful flow of mana, accompanied by dozens of masked individuals emerging from the darkness.
“The Ghost Squad, huh? But there are only three first class assassins. Are you planning on making this your grave?”
Sung Joon wasn’t surprised because as he made his way to their command building, he had felt the peculiar presence of those stealthed, as well as their flow of mana.
Entilrike smirked.
“This is your answer.”
At some point, the entire Species Alliance’s’ soldiers here had surrounded him. However, Sung Joon looked as though he had expected all of this already. He didn’t once show any signs of panic.
“It seems like there’ll be a lot of people going to the grave today.”
Sung Joon infused his green gemmed ring, the ‘Feast of Poison’ with mana.
“It’s clean up time.”
[1] He’s been to her personal office in the Iron training center, but he’s never been in her office in the Blue Dragon Group main building.
[2] It’s a Korean expression that basically means allowing someone to exploit your weakness. I just translated it this way because it’s contextually the same.