Chapter 44 – Lord (3)
TL: Boko
Editors: Frost, StellarRain
“You said you’re Marquis Laote, right?” Sung Joon asked fluently in the other world language. Jang Hoon and Shin Chul couldn’t follow along as they didn’t understand the other world language, but it wasn’t as if they were completely lost.
That’s because anyone could learn the other world language on Earth if they worked at it. It was just really hard.
“Hmm!”
Laote curiously looked at Sung Joon, as Sung Joon could speak in his world’s language.
“You’re just an insignificant human and otherworlder, yet you can speak our language?”
The highest ranking members of the Species Alliance like the Vampires, Elves, or Dwarves, were inclined to believe that they were superior to humans. Obviously Sung Joon didn’t like that they thought that.
“Where did you learn our language?”
“What’s the point in telling you? You’ll be dead soon,” Sung Joon said, throwing out a light provocation.
“That’s what you call a challenge?”
Laote acted calm, but it seemed like Sung Joon's provocation had ended up working. The sword in Laote’s hand was enveloped by a red aura. Sung Joon smiled and took two steps back.
“I’ll leave the minions to you.”
Sung Joon decided to leave the minions to Shin Chul and Jang Hoon. There was nothing more bothersome than minions getting in the way while fighting against the boss.
“You don’t have to worry about us.”
“We’ll finish them quickly and come help you with the boss!”
The two spoke confidently.
“Kill them,” Laote commanded and the Vampire Knights moved first. Laote’s intent was likely to launch a surprise attack on Sung Joon once he found an opening, but Shin Chul and Jang Hoon took on the minions. With a single leap, Sung Joon escaped the melee and landed in front of Laote.
“Tch!”
Laote clicked his tongue and finished casting his blood magic. The red magic circle on the floor spewed red blood, formed into sharp blades, and then rushed Sung Joon like a storm.
“This is high-rank blood magic! You must be careful!” Rihsubalt warned. The technique looked incredibly dangerous, even to Sung Joon. The marble floor was ruined, and the sound of blades cutting through the air intensified.
“It’s not over yet!” Laote yelled. Sung Joon sensed the movement of mana from behind him. He turned his head ever so slightly, turning his gaze backwards, and saw a blood red wall.
‘Is he trying to cut off my escape route?’
If Sung Joon were a mage, he wouldn’t have allowed the spell’s completion. Unfortunately, despite being a bit special, he was still a ‘Healer’.
“Laote’s blade is cursed. If you’re cut by it even once, your blood will explode, and the damage would completely destroy the affected region,” Rishubalt warned. Because he had experience fighting against Laote before, he was already well aware of this.
Sung Joon looked at Marquis Laote and smirked. Laote’s blood explosion may be fatal, but that just meant he needed to avoid Laote’s blade.
“Rest in peace.”
“Blink.”
Laote, who thought he’d completely corned Sung Joon, gestured and a storm of blood advanced upon Sung Joon.
The storm of blood advanced instantaneously with a speed akin to high-speed movement. Seeing that, Sung Joon used ‘Blink’.
“Blink?”
Blink was a difficult to handle magical technique that was only really used by high-rank magicians or the Imperial Army’s Pan-Dimensional Task Force.
Laote was momentarily taken aback by the unexpected maneuver. Sung Joon reappeared on Laote’s left.
“Gale Sword.”
Sung Joon unleashed his Gale Sword, which was a combination of sword winds with high-speed movement that instantaneously closed the distance.
Sharp sword winds poured out, but the red blood that collected onto the floor blocked them.
“This is active protection magic!” Rishubalt explained.
Active protection magic was a continuous spell that was maintained until the caster stopped supplying the required mana.
There was a continuous strain on mana, but because it was a continuous spell, it enabled the caster to focus wholly on offense.
It was classified as high-rank magic, and the magical formula was incredibly complex, so not many people could actually use it.
“If you want to pierce through it, then you need to use an attack with the force of aura.”
“Do I have no choice but to use the Illusionary Sword…?”
Sung Joon muttered to himself. It seemed like the Illusionary Sword, which summoned thirty-one illusionary aura blades that cut and stabbed, would easily be able to pierce through the active protection magic.
Sung Joon calmly planted his feet, and channeled his mana.
When Laote saw the flow of Sung Joon’s surging mana, he realized that Sung Joon’s was preparing to unleash an exceptional attack.
“I won’t let you do as you please!”
Laote summoned dozens of blood spears, directing them towards Sung Joon. At the same time, he used high-speed movement to close the distance.
Sung Joon not only evaded or defended against all the blood spears, but also parried Laote’s own attack and even managed to counterattack.
“Ugh!”
Due to the sudden counter, Laote groaned and stepped back. If it weren’t for the active protection magic, he would’ve been on the receiving end of Sung Joon’s counterattack.
‘This is the first time I’ve seen such nigh-perfect swordsmanship since Roukel…!’
Laote was flustered, but he pressed on, calmly attacking Sung Joon with his sword. As Sung Joon and Laote crossed blades, Sung Joon widened his stance and calmly widened the distance. Then, in that instance, he channeled his mana and lunged with his sword.
“Illusionary Sword!”
“This technique is…!?”
Thirty-one illusionary swords rushed towards Laote. Laote had only briefly seen the Illusionary Swords, but he realized from its inception that his active protection magic wouldn’t be able to defend against it. He’d brandished his blade clad in red aura while casting high-rank defensive blood magic and tried to defend.
But it was impossible for a Vampire noble to block all the illusionary swords, let alone one with his skills.
“AH!”
He yelled in agony as his left arm was severed. Laote tried his very best, but it didn’t matter. Laote used his blood magic to stem the bleeding and retreated.
“Tell me. Otherworlder… How do you know of a forgotten technique that only Roukel knew…”
He didn’t think he’d ever live to see another Illusionary Sword used. Laote voice was shaking tremendously. Sung Joon smirked and surveyed the situation around him.
Shin Chul and Jang were doing well. There were only five Vampire Knights left. Sung Joon opened his mouth with a calm expression.
“Go and tell them…”
Sung Joon used high-speed movement right as he opened his mouth, causing him to vanish. Laote sensed a presence behind him and quickly turned around. However, Sung Joon wasn’t there. Laote then sensed a presence to his right.
“That Roukel has returned.”
“Shit!”
Sung Joon's lightning fast slash severed Laote’s right arm. Laote couldn’t bear the pain and Sung Joon, upon seeing Laote flailing around, smiled icily.
“That is, if you can.”
Sung Joon aimed for Laote’s heart and lunged. Laote attempted to dodge the blow, but he had lost both arms and it was difficult for him to even keep his balance, so using high-speed movement was impossible for him.
“Ugh!”
Ultimately, his lung was completely destroyed. Red blood spilled out of Laote’s mouth, but Sung Joon didn’t stop there. He drew his dagger and followed up with another attack.
His dagger sliced through Laote’s throat. Red blood burst out like a fountain. It was fatal, even for Vampires who naturally possessed a high regeneration rate.
“Ugh! Damn it!”
Laote felt despair. He calmly assessed the situation, but no matter how he looked at it, there was no hope left for him. He couldn’t even use his blood magic to staunch the bleeding due to the severe pain.
Finally, Sung Joon pulled out the sword that had destroyed Laote’s lung and swung it, cutting Laote’s stomach. He continued, stabbing Laote’s left shoulder.
“AH!”
Laote let out an agonizing scream; Sung Joon smiled coldly and opened his mouth.
“Hey, Species Alliance’s underling. I won’t let you go easily, so don’t worry.”
“P-Please… let me live…!”
Sung Joon’s killing intent seemed to freeze the air. Laote begged for his life, but Sung Joon’s expression remained cold and unchanging.
“Sorry, but I’m not stupid enough to be merciful to my enemies.”
“AHH!”
His blade had pierced Laote’s right thigh. The more the pain, the clearer it became that he wouldn’t survive.
Sung Joon continued to torture Laote until he couldn’t even utter a scream; only then did he end his life.
“Absorb.”
Sung Joon absorbed the mana from Laote’s corpse.
“Your synchronization rate has become 53%,” Rishubalt reported. Sung Joon nodded his head with a satisfied expression.
“We’ve finished up over here as well.”
That was Shin Chul’s voice. Jang Hoon pierced the last remaining Vampire Knight’s chest with his greatsword.
“Let’s get out of here.”
They’d cleared the elite S-rank dungeon. All that was left was returning home.
* * *
After clearing the elite S-rank dungeon, the group sold its magic stones. Sung Joon’s share was about $80 million. The total assault time wasn’t very long, even when they factored in breaks, which proved the efficiency of party play.
But because Shin Chul and Jang Hoon, while talented, couldn’t utilize ‘Absorption’, they had to rest for at least one week following an S-rank dungeon run. Therefore, he had to alternate between solo and party play.
“I’m a bit tired today.”
Sung Joon spent his sluggish afternoon sitting in one the large garden chairs. Since it hadn’t even been two days since he’d gone through the elite S-rank dungeon with Shin Chul and Jang Hoon, they were resting in another building.
The silence was broken by the sound of their security being installed, and the disturbance rang in his ears.
“I’ve brought some refreshments.”
One of the caretakers approached him, and left snacks and tea on the table and left. He had three caretakers for the mansion, as the mansion was so large.
He vacantly watched the workers work, but then his phone rang and he realized that he was getting a call.
Sung Joon took out his phone and checked the display. Chief Na Han Soo was calling him. Sung Joon brought the phone to his ear and opened his mouth.
“Hello?”
“Chairman. Construction for expanding the facility is finished. I felt like I had to inform you.”
“Ah… Thank you. I’d like to see just how much the laboratory has changed.”
“I think you can come in today. It’s still messy as construction was just finished. I feel like it’d do wonders for everyone’s mood if you were to visit, Mr. Chairman.”
“Then I’ll get going immediately.”
Sung Joon went over to the garage, and drove his car over to the laboratory.
Joo Sung, the head researcher was waiting in the parking lot for Sung Joon. Once she saw Sung Joon’s Hunter sedan, she immediately bowed her head and politely greeted him.
“There are no problems, right?” Sung Joon asked. Sung Eun nodded her head and opened her mouth.
“Yes. There’s nothing of note.”
She moved first.
“Please come this way. I’ll show you facilities inside the laboratory.”
Sung Joon, led by Sung Eun, looked over the laboratory’s facilities. In the middle of the tour, Han Soo joined in as well.
He introduced the new research facilities with an overwhelmingly confidence expression. Sung Joon, who’d finished his visit to the laboratory and returned home, learned from Jung Chul that the security system was fully installed.
Now it was time to call his father, Soo Hyuk.
//
Chapter 45 – Vladimir (1)
TL: Boko
Editors: Frost, StellarRain
The armed intelligence agency ‘White Tiger’ was formed by the South Korean government to watch and protect Sung Joon. They didn't start watching or guarding him yet, but Na Joon Yeol was made director and things gradually got started.
“I didn’t think Russia would do something like this!”
Kim Ho Joon, an rank Hunk Hunter and the team leader in charge of the White Tiger’s foreign agents, read a report submitted by one of his subordinates and immediately stood up with a grave expression. He urgently rushed over to Na Joon Yeol’s office.
However, Joon Yeol wasn’t in his office.
“Where’s Director Na Joon Yeol? It’s urgent,” Ho Joon asked the guard protecting Joon Yeol’s office.
“He went to the situation room ten minutes ago.”
“Thanks.”
Jang Hoon immediately walked over to the situation room. As soon as he entered the situation room, he saw Joon Yeol there, like the guard had said. Joon Yeol was inspecting the devices that they’d installed inside with one of the technical personnel.
“Team Leader Kim Ho Joon? What’s the matter?” Joon Yeol fixed his glasses and asked.
“Russia’s intelligence agency is on the move.”
“Let’s discuss this in my office.”
As soon as the words ‘Russia’s intelligence agency’ came out of Ho Joon’s mouth, Joon Yeol suggested that they move to his office to have this discussion.
Ho Joon nodded his head and the two moved to Joon Yeol’s office. After they sent away the cleaner, Joon Yeol opened his mouth.
“Please explain things in detail.”
“The S-rank Hunter Vladimir, who is part of Russia’s spy team, and his team smuggled themselves into South Korea.”
“Well, at least we figured out that they smuggled themselves in.”
Joon Yeol was astonished. Russia’s spy team was a part of Russia's intelligence agency and was responsible for both foreign assassination and spying. Russia's team was quite famous for moving covertly.
It was difficult for them to completely track their movements with just the efforts of White Tiger and the national intelligence agency.
“We honestly only figured this out because we were lucky. The national intelligence agency reexamined the list of all foreigners who they suspected smuggled themselves into South Korea. We figured it out through luck.”
“Then, when did Vladimir enter South Korea?”
“We estimate that he smuggled himself in a month ago. He has probably already made a base in South Korea and has started to move.”
Ho Joon reported his opinion. The members of Russia’s intelligence agency were skilled enough to set up a foothold in South Korea in just a month and control all the information.
“What about his team members?”
It was really important to figure out their enemy’s members during an operation. However, Ho Joon just bowed his head with a serious expression.
“Were you not able to figure out who they were?”
“I apologize.”
Vladimir would be easily recognized as a member of Russia’s intelligence agency, so he was relatively easy to notice, but it would be difficult to find the rest of their members through the national intelligence agency and White Tiger’s efforts.
“It’s a relief that we at least figured out that they smuggled themselves in,” Joon Yeol said. If they hadn’t even figured that out, then there would be no point to White Tiger or the national intelligence agency. They had figured out that Russia’s spies had entered South Korea, even though it was through luck, so they could figure out some countermeasures.
“Please request reinforcements from the national intelligence agency. I’ll station some agents around Mr. Kang Sung Joon’s house, but he might notice, so please tell them not to watch him directly.”
“I’ll dispatch agents at fixed points, so if something goes wrong, we can immediately request for reinforcements.”
Joon Yeol and Ho Joon were well aware of how remarkable Sung Joon’s Presence Detection was.
“That seems best. Please do so.”
“I understand.”
Ho Joon nodded his head at Joon Yeol’s command and replied. White Tiger was beginning to move in earnest.
* * *
The national intelligence agency and White Tiger didn’t tell Sung Joon that Vladimir was aiming for him.
White Tiger’s Director, Na Joon Yeol, insisted that they needed to warn Sung Joon of the potential danger, but the other White Tiger executives used a ridiculous excuse ‒ that they couldn’t share the organization’s info with an outsider.
Because of this, Sung Joon didn’t know he was in danger and was just focusing on his everyday life.
“Construction for Block C is finished,” the construction head replied. Sung Joon had requested security equipment, as well as a separate four-story building as well.
Block A and Block B were two-stories, but Shin Chul and Jang Hoon were using Block A because Block B was much too small for the government dispatched guards to use. Therefore, he had asked for a separate four-story building, Block C to be made.
“Good work. May I look around?”
“Of course.”
Sung Joon surveyed Block C with the head of construction. Everything was set in place such that he could even call the guards right now and settle their room and board. He was extremely satisfied and the manager looked delighted.
To commemorate the installation of security equipment and construction of Block C, Sung Joon invited Jung Chul, as he’d done the most work.
Jung Chul’s car was able enter through the opened front gates. The latest scanner was installed into the front gate, but as per Sung Joon’s orders, Jung Chul didn’t have to go through it.
“I’m the one who introduced it to you, but it really is like a fortress.”
Jung Chul disembarked from his car and voiced his thoughts. This was his first visit since the installation of all the security equipment was finished. Jung Chul looked at the garden with a sharp gaze.
It looked like a normal garden, but there were automated turrets underneath the grass. There were machine guns set up on the rooftop and if he gave the command to ‘defend’, cover would spring up in certain key points.
“How many bodyguards do you have?”
“Twenty-eight. Amongst them, there are two B-rank Hunters.”
“Twenty-eight bodyguards including two B-rank Hunters… The government’s really putting the effort in.”
Twenty-eight bodyguards was a high number for the government, especially when they were providing them to someone else. Sung Joon knew at least that much as he’d learned about it through places like Hunter.com.
“They’ll need quite a bit of firepower to get through this place, even if you’re not here, Mr. Kang Sung Joon,” Jung Chul smiled faintly and said. Sung Joon nodded his head and opened his mouth.
“It won’t be attacked so easily. The air’s quite cold outside, so why don’t we go inside?”
“Ah… That sounds nice. I’m looking forward to it.”
The two went to the mess hall. Because Shin Chul and Jang Hoon had gone out to drink, only the two of them were in the mess hall.
The caretakers placed dishes with food atop the table. As they ate, they talked about various matters.
Around the time their meal was at an end, Sung Joon opened his mouth with a serious expression.
“Mr. Park Jung Chul. I heard that you’re not part of an assault team right now,” Sung Joon asked and Jung Chul smiled as he raised his wine glass.
“Are you trying to scout me?”
“You could say that.”
He put down his depleted wine glass and turned his gaze towards Sung Joon. The brief silence felt heavy.
Sung Joon hid his concern. If Jung Chul refused him then it couldn’t be helped, but if he could, he wanted to make Jung Chul one of his men. If Jung Chul joined Sung Joon's team, Jung Chul would add fighting power, yes, but more importantly he would increase their ability to gather information, so he was someone he needed.
“Of course I’ll accept your offer. Where else would I go if the first and sole SS-rank Hunter in South Korea offers me a spot in his regular assault team?” Jung Chul replied. He wanted to have firm connection with Sung Joon. There wasn’t any stronger connection than being part of his regular assault team.
“You’re planning on forming a guild soon, right?”
Jung Chul was quick on the uptake. He didn’t explain anything, but he had figured out Sung Joon’s intent regardless.
“Of course. If I didn’t plan on making a guild, I wouldn’t have gone through the trouble of forming a regular assault team.”
There were several differences between a regular assault team and a guild, but the tax was the biggest difference. However, Sung Joon’s guild was tax exempt, so he wouldn’t have to pay taxes whilst enjoying all the benefits of a guild.
Therefore, one could say that maintaining a regular assault team without making a guild was a loss.
“I believe you’ll give me at least an executive position if you form a guild.”
“You may not be a the Vice Guild Leader, but you’ll obviously receive an executive position. Hahaha,” Sung Joon said and laughed lightly. Jung Chul also smiled and filled his wine glass. The two continued to drink well into the night.
Jung Chul accepted all of Sung Joon’s conditions, including moving into a separate building and living there. That day, Jung Chul called a designated driver late into the night and went home.
The next day, Sung Joon departed for the Dungeon Bureau so that he could grab an appointment for a dungeon assault and increase his synchronization rate.
“It’s unfortunate that Yoo Shin Chul and Park Jang Hoon are still resting,” Rishubalt said. Sung Joon nodded his head as he drove his car.
“It can’t be helped. They are different from me.”
Sung Joon was the only Hunter that could use Roukel’s hidden technique ‘Absorption’. Thus, because he could replenish both his mana and stamina, he could enter dungeons without rest. He did so so often that he received the nickname ‘Unlimited Power’.
“I can open the Awakening Dungeon once your synchronization rate reaches 55%. I’m looking forward to seeing how you get your revenge this time.”
“Me too.”
He was still unclear about the conditions for opening the Awakening Dungeon, but there was one thing that was clear: the Awakening Dungeon would open where Roukel held a grudge.
“I want to know more about the Awakening Dungeon… but there’s nowhere I can learn about it…”
“Sir Zelos was nice to have around at times like this.”
Zelos was a young magic scholar that had followed Sung Joon’s past self, Roukel. He also held a deep understanding of dimensional engineering. If he was by his side right now, he would be a great help.
“We probably won’t be able to meet Sir Zelos again, right?”
“He’s probably dead, so no,” Sung Joon said objectively. Zelos was one of the key members who followed him. When Sung Joon’s past self, Roukel, died in the Ridonia Great Plains, did the Emperor just leave his close associates alone? Nope.
There was probably a large-scale purge, and Zelos would’ve likely lost his life as well. At least, that’s what Sung Joon thought.
“I see. It’s the unfortunate truth.”
It seemed as though Rishubalt felt regretful that he’d never meet Zelos again, as he spoke softly. He was quite close with Zelos.
“The truth is always so cruel,” Sung Joon said with a cold expression. Eventually, they arrived at the Dungeon Bureau’s parking lot, and after Sung Joon had parked his car, he immediately got out.
“We just need to take revenge for Zelos now. Got it?”
“I agree. I will support you to the best of my ability.”
“Good. For now, let’s apply for a dungeon solo run,” Sung Joon said, and Rishubalt nodded his head. The two stopped conversing in order to apply for a dungeon solo run, and entered the Dungeon Bureau.
And on a rooftop far away from them, two men were watching him.
“Nikolai. I’ve confirmed that the target has gone into the Dungeon Bureau.”
The man watching the Dungeon Bureau with a high magnification telescope reported. Then, a blonde haired man wearing sunglasses and smoking a cigarette lifted his radio.
“Senior Vladimir? This area’s clear.”
“We’ve just gotten access to the server. We’ve confirmed Hunter Kang Sung Joon’s solo play request. We’re going to set a date for the attack, so return to base.”
“Understood.”
A plot was brewing.
//
Chapter 45 – Vladimir (2)
TL: Boko
Editors: Frost, StellarRain
It was late at night. Night had fallen for Sung Joon’s estate as well.
As Sung Joon was in the middle of an rank dungeon solo run and it would be some time before he finished, Vladimir gave the order for Nikolai and his teammates to commence the attack.
Vladimir’s Alpha Team of thirty members, and Nikolai’s Beta Team of twenty members arrived near Sung Joon’s mansion.
There were agents from the national intelligence agency as well as White Tiger all around the area, but the spies from the Russian intelligence agency were used to avoiding notice.
“Based on our intelligence, the mansion has already been equipped with security equipment,” Nikolai reported. He’d acquired information from his field agents that Sung Joon’s mansion had been turned into a fortress.
“It hasn’t been leaked that we’re on the move, right?”
“Unlikely. We made sure to cover it up.”
“Then that must mean he’s just keen on safety.”
There was some high ranked Hunters that were concerned about their families’ safety. He could understand why he did it.
“Have you acquired the floor plan?” Vladimir asked. If they had the floor plan, they would know where exactly the security equipment was installed. Thus, they’d be able to reduce their team member’s casualties once they attack.
“I’m sorry. We attempted to procure the floor plans, but there was a chance that we would be discovered.”
“Then I suppose it can’t be helped. Let’s proceed.”
It’d be nice to have the floor plans at their disposal, but he believed that it didn’t matter. According to their information, the Alpha Team and Beta Team had more forces than the mansion had guards, and they were also the best of the best as well.
“Once again, this is the mission objective. Our goal is Kang Sung Joon’s father, Kang Soo Hyuk. Aside from him, you can kill everyone else. Actually, make sure you kill them. We can’t leave any evidence behind,” Vladimir said. The Alpha Team and Beta Team members nodded their heads.
‘We have finish everything before Kang Sung Joon returns.’
They would be finished if Sung Joon were to come back. Vladimir had asked for a small team of elite Hunters, but the Russian intelligence agency was engaging in intelligence warfare with the U.S., so they sent him a team mixed with normal members instead.
“The Stealth Team will go first,” Vladimir ordered. Five members from Alpha Team who could use stealth moved first. Their duties would be to disable the security equipment and to assassinate any guards on patrol.
The five members of the Stealth Team carefully and covertly moved and went over the wall. The moment they tried to get through the garden…
Beep, beep!
They heard the sound of machines accompanied by a burst of light. With one glance, Vladimir knew exactly what it was.
‘So they even have stealth disablers?’
He was taken aback. Contrary to a stealth detector, a stealth disabler interferes with the mana’s wavelength and forcefully disables a person’s stealth. Because they were so expensive and rare, he hadn’t imagined one Hunter, albeit an SS-rank one, would have one.
The five members who infiltrated the garden had their stealth disabled, and the automatic lights which detected movement were directed at them.
“Trespassers! Sound the alarm!”
The guard who was on watch at the guard tower loaded his machine gun and yelled. As soon as the alarm rang, the guards on standby in Block C rushed out of the building and moved in their respective positions. And the automatic turrets installed in the garden revealed themselves.
“Shit!”
The automatic turrets began firing. Grenades and gunfire rained down upon the five members of the Stealth Team like rain.
“S-Shield!”
The Mage Hunter hurriedly used his Shield and the other members threw themselves to the side to avoid the barrage of gunfire.
They had suddenly been attacked by a barrage of gunfire and grenades, yet the Mage’s shield was still intact.
“Hahaha! Shoot all you want!” The Mage yelled pompously. Meanwhile, two other members of the Stealth Team were filled with holes and fell to the ground. The others either dodged the gunfire or took out their weapons and defended against it.
“We are taking out the guard tower first.”
While the defender's attention was focused entirely on the Mage Hunter, the other two Stealth Team members took out their daggers to take down the guard from afar. The two were aura users, but they were skilled enough to use an aura slash.
“Ugh!”
Then, the moment that they were going to throw their daggers… an ice spear pierced through pierced through the defensive spell and into the Mage’s chest.
The Mage Hunter fell to the cold blood, shedding blood.
“They got through a B-rank Mage Hunter’s defensive spell with one attack? This is at least an rank Hunter!”
“Don’t panic! We expected this much resistance. First, we need to call for reinforcements!”
A Russian intelligence agency Hunter raised their radio.
“They’ve found us! We need reinforcements immediately!”
“I’m already coming with the Alpha Team,” Vladimir said through the radio.
Kwang!
A giant fireball struck the guard tower. The guard tower was engulfed in flame and collapsed; at the same time, Vladimir and the Alpha Team came over immediately.
The automatic turrets aimed at them and fired once more.
“Shield.”
The Mage Hunters of the Alpha Team used defensive spells to block the barrage of gunfire. Eventually, the agents took out their automatic rifles and fought back.
It had become a shoot-out.
“Where is the Beta Team?”
“They’ll join up with us after taking out the Korean intelligence agency and White Tiger agents,” Vladimir replied. His eyes moved quickly and surveyed his surroundings. Vladimir was well aware that they had to take care of everything before the forces from the Armed Police Department arrived. In other words, his team had ten minutes to wrap everything up.
If the Armed Policemen got involved, it was guaranteed that the situation would become much more difficult.
“We’re attacking in an extended order. I’ll take care of the security equipment,” Vladimir said and immediately used high-speed movement. Two guards who were also Hunters blocked his way, but…
“You’re in my way!”
Their heads flew as Vladimir swung his blade. The guards attempted to aim their rifles at Vladimir, but an S-rank Hunter was much too fast for normal people to react to.
“Ugh!”
“AH!”
Several guards fell and spurted blood. More than half of the automatic turrets had been disabled. Han Kyung Min, the B-rank Mage Hunter responsible for Soo Hyuk’s safety, told the guards fighting at the first line of defense to fall back to the second line, and instructed them to join up with the Lord team members.
Fortunately, Jung Chul had finished moving and was in Block B. An rank Hunter was a powerful force in it of itself.
“Who the hell are they?” Jang Hoon asked with an infuriated expression. Shin Chul blocked the enemy’s gunfire with his magic while he spoke.
“I don’t know either. What I can say for sure is that they definitely have an S-rank Hunter.”
Once Shin Chul had seen Vladimir’s mana reaction, he could easily assess that he was an S-rank Hunter. Jung Chul came over to his side.
“We’ve asked for reinforcements from the Armed Police Department. They’ll send forces from a nearby guard post.”
“Didn’t they disable our communications?” Shin Chul asked. When the attack had first begun, Shin Chul had attempted to contact the Armed Police Department, but the signal was jammed so he couldn’t connect.
“I hacked the jamming signal. It wasn’t easy, but it was possible.”
It was unfortunate news for Vladimir, but Jung Chul specialized in things like this.
“Anyhow, it seems like the defense line is falling.”
Jung Chul raised his spear, clad in a bluish aura.
“I think stopping them this much is plenty. We couldn’t beat them, but there were at least twenty-five of them,” Shin Chul said. It was a miracle that they were able to hold out this long against several attackers of mostly Hunters.
They would have been able to hold out longer if not for the S-rank Hunter Vladimir. Even so, all their security equipment and guards hadn’t been taken out yet. There was a handful of them, so they were still holding out.
“It seems like we’ll have to take down an S-rank Hunter.”
Jung Chul calmly assessed the situation. The S-rank Hunter was disabling all of the security equipment. If they didn’t stop him, there was a chance that Vladimir could get into the main building.
“I agree with you. But can the three of us stop an S-rank Hunter?”
“Even if we can’t, we need to buy time until either Mr. Kang Sung Joon comes back or the Armed Police Department sends us reinforcements.”
Shin Chul wasn’t confident, but they couldn’t just lose without fighting back. Jung Chul grabbed his spear tightly and tracked Vladimir’s movements.
And the moment he predicted his movements, he used his high-speed movement and closed the distance. Vladimir had sensed the fast approaching Jung Chul and swung his sword. At the same time, his transformed aura wrapped around Jung Chul’s arm like a whip.
“Ugh!”
Jung Chul was flustered, but fortunately, the aura wasn’t in the shape of a blade so his arm wasn’t severed. However, that didn’t mean that he could relax.
“Shock.”
“AHH!”
As soon as Vladimir spoke the activation words, a wave of mana travelled along the aura and pushed its way into Jung Chul’s body. Jung Chul couldn’t bear the awful pain, let out an agonized cry, and lost consciousness.
“This is the end.”
Vladimir announced Jung Chul’s death and struck with his sword, but was blocked by Jang Hoon’s greatsword.
“Ice Spear.”
Shin Chul shot out four ice spears towards Vladimir to divert his attention. They fought an intense battle, but ultimately Jang Hoon fell to his knees covered in blood.
It seemed like Shin Chul had run out of mana as his complexion was pale. Most of the security equipment had also been disabled and aside from Han Kyung Min, who was in charge of the guards, all the rest of the guards had been killed.
Among the thirty agents, nineteen had either died or sustained severe injuries.
“We’ve sustained considerable damage. After we’ve acquired the target, we must group up with the Beta Team and leave immediately,” one of his subordinate agents reported. Vladimir bit his lip.
“I didn’t think they’d be this tough… It seems like we look Kang Sung Joon’s defense system too lightly.”
Eventually, he turned his attention to his subordinate agent.
“What about Nikolai?”
“T-Truthfully… We can’t contact Nikolai or the Beta Team.”
“What did you say?”
Vladimir’s eyes widened. He took out his communication equipment and tried to trace Nikolai and the Beta Team’s signal, but there was no response. His confusion was apparent, but then, something dropped in front of him.
“Nikolai!”
It was Nikolai’s head. At the same time, he sensed a presence and when he turned around, he saw Sung Joon with a icy expression.
“I didn’t even invite you, yet you come over to mess my place up? If you really wanted to die, you should’ve just mailed me. I would’ve killed you for free…”
Vladimir was Russian, so he didn’t understand Korean, but he had a hunch that Sung Joon was pissed.
‘Something’s wrong… how did he already clear an rank dungeon?’
Vladimir was incredibly anxious. He hadn’t even realized that Sung Joon had set a new record.
“Something smelled fishy so I finished quickly, but when I came back, I saw this mess you made.”
Sung Joon raised his sword. Simultaneously, Vladimir signaled his subordinates.
“Subdue him immediately!”
The aura gleamed upon the Russian intelligence agency’s Hunters once they heard the urgency in the command, and rushed towards Sung Joon. Despite the multiple attacks, Sung Joon’s expression remained calm.
“Don’t think you’ll come out of this alive.”
He raised his sword.
“Tempest Sword.”
The sword winds raged. A true tempest.
//