Chapter 49 – South Korea’s Strongest Guild (1)
TL: Boko
Editor: Frost
“W-What do you want?”
Sung Joon smiled coldly, causing Han Seok’s face to stiffen. Sung Joon wouldn’t allow Han Seok to renege on his promise. Han Seok regretted saying that he would do anything to pay Sung Joon back, but it was already too late to take back what he said.
“There’s no way the rank 1 S-rank Hunter, Choi Han Seok would change his mind, right?” Sung Joon said. He spoke it so nonchalantly, but he was actually pressuring Han Seok.
Han Seok regretted saying that. He felt intensely anxious and spoke.
“Of course. Since you saved my life.”
Sung Joon intended to save his life either way, but because S-rank Hunters were so eccentric, Han Seok had assumed that Sung Joon would want something in return.
That small mistake had allowed Sung Joon to turn the situation in his favor.
“Anything at all?”
“Yeah!” Han Seok replied and Sung Joon smirked. Because Han Seok was prideful and the rank 1 S-rank Hunter, Sung Joon didn’t plan on asking him anything out of the norm.
“Please enter my guild.”
“Y-Your guild?”
Han Seok hadn’t expected that offer. Sung Joon nodded his head and continued.
“Yes. It’s to my understanding that you’re not part of a guild or a regular assault team… Am I wrong?”
There were some S-rank Hunters like Eun Joo or Ha Yeon who were part of a regular assault team or a guild, but there were also several S-rank Hunters like Han Seok who wanted to remain independent.
Sung Joon knew that Han Seok was unaffiliated with any guild or assault team from searching Hunter.com just a little while ago.
“No, you’re not wrong, but… I didn’t know you made a guild.”
The news had already spread far and wide that Sung Joon had created a guild, so most people were already aware of it, but it made sense that Han Seok didn’t know, as he didn’t seem interested in the affairs of others.
“You’ll uphold your side of the bargain, right? After all, you don’t take promises back. Right?”
“Of course not! Here’s my phone number. If you don’t believe me, then call me and send over the documents later! I’ll fill out the documents right away!” Han Seok said. Sung Joon smirked. It wasn’t what he had been expecting, but Han Seok, for a forty year old was quite simple-minded.
“I understand. I’ll call you later,” Sung Joon replied. The sound of the wind blowing was accompanied by two transport helicopters landing. They were workers sent by the Bureau to collect the magic stones.
Two investigators were mixed in. One of them recorded something on a chart and the other noticed Sung Joon and Han Seok, and immediately rushed over.
“Hunters Kang Sung Joon and Choi Han Seok, correct?” the Investigator asked, and the two nodded their heads.
“We reported your efforts to headquarters through the Observation Team.”
When a raid occurred, the Bureau’s Observation Team would be dispatched. They not only collected information regarding who should be the MVP, but they would also perform studies that pertained to the dungeons and the raids.
“Who is the MVP?”
“It seems like you are the most likely candidate of MVP, Hunter Kang Sung Joon.”
It was exactly what he wanted to hear. Sung Joon smirked.
“The raid has almost been completely quelled in all the other areas as well.”
“Then, can I go home now?” Han Seok looked at the Investigator and asked.
“Of course. The Bureau will provide you with the transportation.”
“I want a helicopter.”
“Understood. Please come this way.”
The Investigator led Han Seok to the transportation helicopter. Then, he stopped and turned his head towards Sung Joon.
“Make sure you call me! I’m not the type of man who goes back on his promises!”
He waved his hand, and Sung Joon watched his back as he left. The other Investigator approached Sung Joon and said.
“Hunter Kang Sung Joon! We’ve prepared a car for you. We can take you to your home.”
“Ah… Thank you.”
Sung Joon and the Investigator got into the Hunter sedan. As soon as he told him the address, the Investigator grabbed the wheel.
The Investigator began driving to Sung Joon’s residence while Sung Joon looked through the window. It seemed liked ruined buildings were quite a common occurrence.
“The damage seems quite severe.”
“This is the first time we’ve experienced a raid of this scale. But the damage was minimized due to your efforts, Hunter Kang Sung Joon. It’s not an exaggeration to say that you saved Seoul today.”
The Investigator praised Sung Joon. It wasn’t a bad feeling, so Sung Joon smiled.
“We’ve arrived.”
They conversed briefly and eventually arrived where Sung Joon’s car was parked. Once he notified him of this, Sung Joon opened the door and left. The Investigator opened the window and said.
“It’ll take a long time to process the rewards due to the size of the raid. I think it will take about a week.”
“You can take your time. Please do it properly.”
“I understand. Then, please take care.”
As soon as Sung Joon nodded his head, the Investigator departed. Sung Joon went to his own parked Hunter sedan. It had been chaos, but it seemed like his Hunter sedan wasn’t damaged.
“But I should still get it checked,” Sung Joon muttered and got into the driver’s seat. Then, he drove to his mansion. It seemed like wave had spread to near his mansion as well, as there were magic stones laying around.
He saw the Bureau workers collecting the magic stones. It seemed like his teammates had done well, as he saw traces of the battle, but almost no damage to his residence.
As soon as Sung Joon got close, the main gate opened. Sung Joon finished parking in the garage and got out of his Hunter sedan.
“You’re back?”
Zelos rushed over and reported the damage to the mansion. A few of the security equipment was damaged, but fortunately, there were no casualties.
“What about Mr. Park Jung Chul?”
“He’s busy with the restoration process,” Zelos replied. Sung Joon nodded his head with a satisfied expression. As expected, Jung Chul did things even when he wasn’t told.
“I’m resting until tomorrow, so don’t bother me unless there’s something that demands my attention.”
“I understand.”
“Keep up the good work.”
Sung Joon went up to his bedroom, threw himself onto his bed, and slept deeply. At eight o’clock in the morning the next day, Sung Joon woke up. After he’d taken a shower, he raised his phone, and in the other hand, he held the memo with Han Seok’s phone number.
Then, he dialed the number on the memo. He heard his phone ringing for some time and a little while later, Han Seok picked up.
“Is this Kang Sung Joon?”
“You know my phone number?”
“Nope. You’re the only one who would actually call me.”
Sung Joon could tell that Han Seok really didn’t like human contact very much based on his response.
‘Seems like what they say is true. S-rank Hunters and up have a screw loose somewhere…’
Sung Joon sighed briefly and shook his head.
“You called me, so talk.”
“I’ll send you my address, so please come over here. I’ll prepare the documents for your guild enrollment.”
“What? You want me to come over there?”
“Then do you want me to go over there instead? Are you going back on what you said?”
Han Seok was the one who said he’d repay the debt. Sung Joon came out so forcefully that Han Seok had nothing to say, as all he heard was Han Seok’s breathing over the phone.
“Send me a message with your address then. I’ll go right away.”
Han Seok was a simple-minded Hunter who wouldn’t go back on his word.
Considering how things had progressed so well, it seemed like Han Seok had decided to join his guild.
“I’ll be waiting.”
“By the way, is there a place where I can land a helicopter?”
“Yes, I have place where you can land one. Are you coming by helicopter?”
“Yeah. Just wait for me.”
Once their conversation was over, Sung Joon sent a message with his address. And a short while later, Han Seok replied.
“I’m leaving right now. On a helicopter.”
It was a brief, but intense feeling message. Sung Joon organized the document with Jung Chul and then, went to a wide open, vacant lot in the back.
He checked it once again, and confirmed that the space was good enough for Han Seok to land his helicopter.
“The helicopter is coming,” Rishubalt said. He heard the wind blow and the helicopter slowly descend.
It wasn’t a designated landing pad, but there weren’t any obstacles in its way, so the pilot was able to land the helicopter without much difficulty.
Once the propeller stopped, the door opened and Han Seok stepped out. Like when Sung Joon last sawhim, Han Seok wore a black robe which looked to be an item.
“Have you prepared the documents?” Han Seok asked, and Sung Joon turned his head towards Jung Chul. He raised a small briefcase, which contained a pen and the necessary documents inside.
“They’re all ready. Would you like to go into the living room?”
Jung Chul had a lot of experience with high-ranking officials, so he knew how to deal with prideful people like Han Seok.
“That sounds good.”
“Please, follow me.”
Jung Chul and Han Seok went into the living room. Sung Joon observed the helicopter for a little while longer and then followed behind them.
Eventually, Sung Joon arrived in front of the living room door and heard Jung Chul’s awkward voice.
“That would be a bit difficult.”
“Why’s that?”
“The Guild Leader didn’t approve it.”
“Then, you just need to get his approval.”
It sounded like they were arguing, so Sung Joon opened the door and went inside. Their quarrel was briefly put on hold, and the two people focused on Sung Joon.
“What’s wrong?”
Jung Chul sighed, came over to Sung Joon’s side, and said.
“He wants us to change the guild payment rate,” he said softly, but the S-rank Mage Hunter, Han Seok could hear it. Considering the fact that Han Seok wanted to change the payment rate, it meant that Han Seok was trying to benefit from this deal.
Sung Joon was speechless the moment he saw Han Seok’s unpleasant smile.
“You should take the initiative. A whip is best for a disobedient dog like him,” Rishubalt said. Sung Joon didn’t nod, but he agreed. He acted immediately, releasing his killing intent and getting behind Han Seok.
“Transform.”
Jung Chul responded immediately. Sung Joon hadn’t explained his actions, but Jung Chul knew that something was wrong once he sensed Sung Joon release his killing intent. Therefore, he transformed his ‘ring’ into a ‘spear’.
“Summon.”
Han Seok felt a presence behind him and summoned his staff.
He double casted an offensive and defensive spell simultaneously, but Sung Joon had already transformed his ‘Roel’ into a sword and was pressing the blade into the back of his neck.
“Don’t misunderstand.”
Sung Joon was no longer respectful. Han Seok’s attitude would decide where Sung Joon’s sword would go.
“You’re the one who said he’d repay the debt.”
//
Chapter 49 – South Korea’s Strongest Guild (2)
TL: Boko
Editor: Frost
‘I didn’t think an SS-rank Hunter would be this strong…’
Han Seok felt the coldness of the blade, as well as Sung Joon’s voice, which seemed sharp enough to cut through anything, and regretted his foolishness.
If Han Seok had an opportunity, then he’d immediately cast Blink, but Sung Joon didn’t give him such opportunity.
There were no openings. At this rate, the moment he gathered his mana, Sung Joon would cut his neck.
“W-Wait a sec… Let’s talk…”
“Didn’t seem like you wanted to talk before.”
“Mr. Kang Sung Joon. Please, let’s talk. Please.”
Sung Joon’s warning caused Han Seok to immediately begin speaking politely. After all, Sung Joon had a sword at his neck.
In order to leave an even bigger message, Sung Joon clad his sword in aura. He pushed his sword forward, piercing through Han Seok’s neck, and causing him to bleed.
“Ugh!”
“Think you know what you should say next.”
Sung Joon’s cold voice felt like a sharp knife that pierced through his lung. He was so uneasy that it was even difficult for him to breath.
“As expected, the stick is best for a mad dog that doesn’t know its place.”
Rishubalt watched on in satisfaction and nodded his head. Sung Joon was always his priority. He couldn’t bear it if someone looked down on Sung Joon. If he could, he would have executed Han Seok himself, but it was impossible for him right now, as he didn’t have a physical body.
“My lord, how about using the ‘rune of loyalty’? Sir Zelos should have one.”
Rishubalt suggested that they use the ‘rune of loyalty’, which would magically establish a master-servant relationship between two parties, so long as they agreed to it. As he said, a Magic Scholar like Zelos would have one.
“Mr. Park Jung Chul? Could you please call Zelos over?”
“Yes? Of course.”
Jung Chul withdrew his spear, which had been aimed at Han Seok, and left the living room to find Zelos. Five minutes had passed since he had left.
Han Seok felt as though five hours had passed. And after three more minutes had passed, the door opened and Zelos came in.
“Ah, I see. This is what was happening.”
It seemed like Jung Chul had given him a simple explanation, as Zelos didn’t seem very surprised. Instead, he looked curiously at Han Seok.
“It seems like the Hunters here know no fear. Against an SS-rank Hunter no less…”
Zelos trailed off, but it was easy to tell what he was saying.
“The fact that you called me means that you need something from me.”
“Good, you already know,” Sung Joon replied and turned to Jung Chul.
“Please step out for a bit.”
Jung Chul could tell what Sung Joon meant. He knew that Sung Joon was going to do something he didn’t want him to see, so he left immediately.
He tended to be quick on the uptake. That’s how he had survived in the business world for so long.
Once he had confirmed that Jung Chul’s presence was far away, Sung Joon looked at Zelos and said.
“Do you have the ‘rune of loyalty’?”
“I have a few in my dimensional pouch.”
As expected, Zelos had one. After all, he had most magical devices or materials.
This was only possible because of the huge carrying capacity of the dimensional pouch.
“I think I’ll need one.”
“I have one that you can use,” Zelos replied with a smile. Han Seok panicked as he listened to their conversation.
He’d never heard of the ‘rune of loyalty’ before. It was an obvious reaction.
Since the ‘rune of loyalty’ came from the otherworld, it didn’t exist on Earth.
“Here it is.”
Zelos took out the ‘rune of loyalty’ from his dimensional pouch. Sung Joon smirked as he took it.
If Han Seok would ‘cooperate’ with him, then he would gain a loyal S-rank Mage Hunter as his subordinate.
Sung Joon infused the rune with mana. It only made sense that the master would infuse his mana first.
Because the ‘rune of loyalty’ was abused in the otherworld, it was banned, but Zelos had secretly brought a few over.
“Choi Han Seok. Listen carefully.”
Sung Joon gave him a simple explanation as to how the ‘rune of loyalty’ worked.
“What kind of fantasy item is that…”
“So you want to die, then?” Sung Joon said and Han Seok grit his teeth. Sung Joon’s blade was slowly coming closer, pressuring Han Seok.
If it worked like Sung Joon had explained, then the moment he accepted the rune, he would forever be Sung Joon’s subordinate. He couldn’t believe it that easily, but it didn’t seem like Sung Joon was lying.
He had to think about this. However, his life took priority. He thought hard for a minute and came to a decision. Han Seok calmed down and spoke.
“I pledge my loyalty.”
He infused mana into the rune and spoke the activation words. The ‘rune of loyalty’ recorded both their mana signatures and formed a master-servant relationship between them.
Han Seok couldn’t feel the effects right away, but if Han Seok disobeyed Sung Joon’s orders, the rune would activate.
“Give me back the rune.”
“Understood.”
Sung Joon took the rune back from Han Seok and put it into his dimensional pouch.
If the rune was destroyed, then the master-servant relationship would go with it, so putting it into his dimensional pouch would prevent this.
“Heal.”
He’d become his loyal follower, so he withdrew his sword and healed Han Seok’s neck injury.
“Sit.”
“I understand.”
Han Seok listened to Sung Joon obediently. Zelos leaned against a wall and watched on, looking entertained by all this.
Han Seok sat in a chair and Sung Joon sat on the opposite end. Then, he pushed the document forward that Jung Chul had left behind.
“Then, please fill out the forms.”
It was the document for joining his guild. Han Seok hadn’t finished filling out the forms due to his unreasonable request, but they could talk properly now.
Now, he couldn’t even resist if Sung Joon wanted him to be the guild’s slave. He regretted being so greedy before, but it was already too late.
“Don’t worry so much. I’m going with the normal rate. I’m not planning on using you like a slave.”
“T-Thank you.”
Han Seok bowed his head at Sung Joon’s words. He thought for sure he would live the rest of his life like a slave. However, when Sung Joon told him that he’d be using the normal guild rate, Han Seok felt relieved.
It was to the point that he even felt thankful. The hate he felt for Sung Joon for using the ‘rune of loyalty’ on him had lessened, which was obviously what Sung Joon had been aiming for.
“If you get it, fill out the form,” Sung Joon said. Han Seok busily moved the pen. He finished the form quickly, as there weren’t any suspicious conditions. And Sung Joon gave the documents to Zelos.
Now, Zelos would need to pass it over to Seol Ah. Because all the procedures were finished, Han Seok went to his helicopter and left.
The helicopter slowly took off and Sung Joon watched it carefully.
‘Should I get a helicopter too?’ he suddenly thought.
* * *
The day after Han Seok had filled out the guild enrollment form, Seol Ah came over to Sung Joon’s mansion in the late afternoon.
Originally, Zelos was supposed to drop by Seol Ah’s office and give her the forms. However, she came by personally, so Sung Joon took the documents from Zelos, saying that he would give them to her himself.
“What about Ms. Yoon Seol Ah?”
Sung Joon, who had come out of Zelo’s workshop with the documents, grabbed onto Shin Chul who was passing by and asked.
They got a report stating that she had arrived at the mansion a little while ago, but because he had some things to discuss regarding the warp gates with Zelos, he hadn’t been able to leave the workshop.
“She’s in the living room.”
“Thanks.”
Shin Chul responded, and Sung Joon nodded his head. After that, he began moving towards the living room. There were several living rooms, but there was one place he used often.
Eventually, he arrived in front of the living room, opened the door, and went inside. Seol Ah was sitting on a chair drinking coffee.
“You’re here?”
“You came by faster than I expected.”
“I finished work early.”
Seol Ah replied whilst putting down her coffee cup. She couldn’t help smiling once she saw Sung Joon.
“You said you have a new guild member?”
“Yes. He already signed all of the enrollment forms. I think we’ll be finished as long as we register him with the Hunter Bureau, so I’d like you to do a final check on the documents, Ms. Yoon Seol Ah.”
“A new guild member, huh… I’m curious as to who it is.”
There were several people who wanted to be a part of the Lord guild, but because Seol Ah knew that Sung Joon didn’t allow just anyone in, her eyes shined with curiosity. She took the documents from Sung Joon and took a look.
“Oh my gosh! Did the rank 1 S-rank Hunter Choi Han Seok sign these himself?”
Seol Ah was shocked as she read through the documents. She was well aware of who Choi Han Seok was.
She looked at Sung Joon and questioned him. She thought she might’ve seen wrong, so she checked again, but the word ‘S’ was clearly written in the rank section.
“Yes. He filled it out himself.”
“Choi Han Seok was famous for being quite stubborn, as he didn’t join a guild or a regular assault team for the longest time… How did you convince him to join?”
“It’s a secret.”
Since she wouldn’t believe him if he said he used the ‘rune of loyalty’, Sung Joon didn’t explain it to her.
“There aren’t any problems with the documents, are there?”
“Please wait just a second.”
Sung Joon asked, and Seol Ah rechecked the documents. She was so surprised that Han Seok had personally filled out the guild enrollment forms that she hadn’t looked at it thoroughly yet.
“There aren’t any issues with the documents. However, you didn’t ‘threaten’ him or anything, did you?”
“He’s an S-rank Hunter. Would threatening him really work?” Sung Joon said nonchalantly, but Seol Ah shook her head seriously.
“You need to be a bit more aware of where you stand. There’s no one you can’t threaten in South Korea, Mr. Kang Sung Joon.”
Sung Joon was South Korea’s only and first SS-rank Hunter. He had enough influence to move the president himself. Seol Ah believed that Sung Joon needed to be a bit more cognizant of that fact.
“Is that so?”
Seol Ah looked at Sung Joon as he smirked and nodded his head, and just sighed. She swallowed down her coffee in one go, and then spoke once more.
“Now that I think about it, you told me about someone called Mr. Zelos, yes? The one you wanted to enroll as a Hunter.”
“Did it go well?”
“I was worried since he’s a foreigner with an unknown identity, but he was approved because of your influence, Mr. Kang Sung Joon.”
“That’s a relief.”
“He’s rank,” Seol Ah said and Sung Joon nodded his head. Zelos did indeed have enough strength to qualify for rank.
“I’m glad that it went off without a hitch.”
“Anyway, when you register Choi Han Seok, your guild rating will increase exponentially.”
“Even more?”
Because the Lord guild had Sung Joon, who was an SS-rank Hunter, they had immediately become a high-rank guild. Seol Ah took out her phone and began calculating the possibilities.
“I believe you’ll easily be able to get into the top thirty guilds. Congratulations in advance.”
//
Chapter 49 – South Korea’s Strongest Guild (3)
TL: Boko
Once Zelos was registered as an rank Hunter, and the rank 1 S-rank Hunter, Choi Han Seok joined, the Lord Guild became a top 30 rank guild.
This is the first time a guild consisting of a small handful of elites (less than ten members) had reached the top ranks.
Han Seok, who had entered the Lord Guild, now lived in Block B with Jung Chul. He had lived in quite a luxurious home before, though not as luxurious as Sung Joon’s.
Thus, one might think he would complain, but the ‘rune of loyalty’ prevented that from being an issue.
“I can’t believe it. Not only did you get the rank 1 S-rank Hunter to join your guild, but… you got him to behave too…”
Seol Ah came to Sung Joon’s mansion to discuss guild-related matters. When she saw Han Seok, who remained still from behind Sung Joon, like a loyal aide, she spoke.
This was the first time she’d ever seen Han Seok, but because she had heard several rumors regarding him, she thought the two might be playing an elaborate joke on her.
“Rumors tend to exaggerate.”
“That’s true.”
Sung Joon spoke. Seol Ah nodded and agreed.
“Still, it’s not the Middle Ages anymore, so it seems kind of awkward to have someone standing behind you like that.”
To be honest, she only said that to get Sung Joon alone in the living room.
“I suppose that’s true.”
Sung Joon didn’t notice her intent, as he assumed that Seol Ah was uncomfortable because this was her and Han Seok’s first meeting.
He responded willingly and ordered Han Seok to briefly step out. As soon as he left, Seol Ah took the briefcase from her bag and said.
“This is your report on the sale of magic stones. Please take a look at it.”
Originally, Sung Joon planned until he was paid for the raid, but Shin Chul and Joon Hoon had finished resting, so Sung Joon had gone through a dungeon assault with them.
He planned on selling the magic stones to the Blue Dragon Group, as he had a contract with them. Seol Ah was asking him to look over the relevant documents.
“I guess it’s true. Once you become Guild Leader, you have to do a lot of bothersome things,” Sung Joon said as he perused the documents. Seol Ah smiled faintly.
“That’s how it is for anyone in charge.”
“There are no problem with the documents. You can proceed as planned.”
Sung Joon gave her back the briefcase.
“Ok. Also, grandpa wanted to say ‘thank you’.”
Her ‘grandpa’ was the Blue Dragon Group’s chairman. Though they hadn’t acquired that many magic stones, as they were a small group of elites, the magic stones were nevertheless high quality, so the Blue Dragon Group profited considerably.
“He wanted me to give this to you too.”
Seol Ah took out a thick envelope and placed it on the table. His eyes shimmered with curiosity and Sung Joon grabbed the envelope.
“May I open it?”
“Yes, please take a look.”
Within the envelop were ten dungeon priority tickets. The item was a necessity for any Hunter who owned a guild.
“I didn’t have enough priority tickets… Could you give him my thanks?”
“Yes. I’ll make sure to.”
Sung Joon smiled and replied. She removed the briefcase, but before she said her farewells, Seol Ah anxiously said.
“It’s almost Christmas… Do you have any plans?” she mustered up her courage and said. Was her sincerity relayed to Sung Joon? Seol Ah felt intensely anxious and watched Sung Joon.
“I’m planning on renting a party room and hosting a party for my guild members.”
Sung Joon’s reply was much different from what Seol Ah had expected. But because she had a lot of experience in the business world, she didn’t show her disappointment.
“Why not use our hotel’s banquet hall?”
“We don’t have enough people to warrant using a banquet hall.”
“You can invite other people too. It’s a good opportunity to form connections.”
Although South Korea had changed significantly with the outbreak of dungeons and raids, personal connections still remained important.
Because Sung Joon was an SS-rank Hunter, he wanted a lot of high rank connections. Since he was connected to the Blue Dragon Group, they were already approaching Seol Ah to talk to him.
If they had the opportunity, they would come and find Sung Joon with an attractive offer.
“It’s a good idea to form a lot of connections, Mr. Kang Sung Joon,” Seol Ah said. Sung Joon agreed.
“Then, can you take care of it please?”
“Yes. I’ll take care of it,” Seol Ah replied happily, as she could be helpful to him.
She wasn’t a Hunter, so she could only help him in business matters like this.
“Please check the list of attendees later.”
Checking the list of attendees was paramount. Therefore, she wanted Sung Joon to do it. Sung Joon nodded his head and said.
“Of course. Thank you for doing this for me.”
“I’ll take care of it perfectly like always.”
“I’m counting on you.”
Seol Ah smiled. Because she wa done with what she came for, Sung Joon quickly stood up from his chair.
Then, Seol Ah sported a disappointed expression and followed behind to the parking lot.
If one wanted to get to the parking lot, then they would have to pass the garden. Jang Hoon was going on a walk while pushing his (Sung Joon’s) father’s wheelchair. The armed guards were guarding the perimeter meticulously.
‘Dad…’
Sung Joon saw him and bit his lip slightly. He was getting the best of treatment, but even so, his health had been worsening significantly as of late.
Thus, it was difficult for him to even walk to the garden without his wheelchair.
“Sung Joon!”
Jang Hoon, who noticed Sung Joon, called for him. Soo Hyuk, who was watching the cold wind shake the trees, turned towards Sung Joon.
He waved his hand happily, as though signaling Sung Joon to come over. Soo Hyuk (Sung Joon’s father) hadn’t seen Sung Joon with women very often.
So he was curious. Sung Joon noticed that his father had called for Seol Ah as well and sighed.
“Would you like to see my father before you go?”
“Can I?”
Sung Joon asked, thinking she might be bothered. But contrary to his expectation, she replied enthusiastically.
He smiled at her response and was the first to begin walking towards them. As they got closer, he noticed how emaciated his father’s face was. Sung Joon’s heart hurt at the sight.
“Is this your girlfriend?”
That was the first thing Soo Hyuk said when he saw Seol Ah. She was so happy at the misunderstanding that she smiled, but Sung Joon just smiled awkwardly.
“She’s our guild manager, dad.”
“Is that so…”
Sung Joon responded firmly, so Soo Hyuk turned his gaze towards the lawn. He was attempting to hide his disappointment, but Sung Joon was easily able to tell how he was feeling. Seeing that, he spoke.
“I’ll have some good news for you soon.”
“Really…?”
“Of course.”
Sung Joon nodded his head and replied. Soo Hyuk smiled.
“I’m sure you’re busy. Sorry for using up so much of your time. I’ll get going now,” Soo Hyuk said. It seemed like he was a bit invigorated from what Sung Joon had said.
Sung Joon accompanied Seol Ah to the parking lot. Seol Ah’s secretary, Choi Ara, was waiting by her car.
“Then, I’ll contact you soon.”
Seol Ah was happy that she could stay in contact with Sung Joon, even if it were work related.
She felt like this relationship, which seemingly hadn’t progressed, was getting a bit better. Once she entered the car, Choi Ara got into the driver’s seat. As soon as Sung Joon waved, the car left.
“Choi Han Seok.”
Once the car left the main gate, he called for Han Seok. Han Seok appeared from nowhere with a calm expression and said.
“You called for me?”
He spoke completely different from before. It was because the ‘rune of loyalty’ was active.
“The rune of loyalty is a lot more effective than I thought it would be.”
He looked at the changed Han Seok and muttered to himself. He had said it softly, but Rishubalt, who was beside him, could hear it too.
“I believe it’s a good thing. It’s better to establish a master-servant relationship than to allow for any insubordination,” Rishubalt said.
Even if he was still insubordinate, the effect of the ‘rune of loyalty’ would prevent Han Seok from disobeying Sung Joon’s orders. It also made Han Seok submissive, which was made it easy for him in several ways.
“We’re going to ‘Seo Guk’.”
‘Seo Guk’ referred to the research facility that Sung Joon had bought.
“Bring the car over.”
“I understand.”
Han Seok replied and began to move. Sung Joon’s Hunter sedan was parked in the garage.
Five minutes later, his Hunter sedan arrived in the parking lot. Han Seok was in the driver’s seat and Sung Joon got into the rear passenger seat. Once he got in, the car left for the Seo Guk research facility.
Their destination was the Seo Guk research facility. It was a visit to check on their drug development progress. While Han Seok drove, Sung Joon called Director Na Han Soo.
“Yes, Chairman. This is the Director.”
“I’m going to visit.”
Before he even heard Han Soo’s response,. he ended the call. Not longer after, he arrived at the laboratory and Han Seok skillfully parked the car.
“Wait here.”
“I understand.”
Han Seok nodded his head. The head researcher, Joo Sung waited for him at the first floor entrance.
She soon noticed Sung Joon and greeted him enthusiastically. After that, she lead Sung Joon to the director’s office. As soon as he opened the door and entered the room, he saw Han Soo, who was trying his very best to hide his anxiousness.
Sung Joon naturally walked in and sat on a sofa. Han Soo sat across from him.
Sung Joon hadn’t even said anything yet, but Han Soo felt an unknown oppressive feeling pressing down on him, so he felt uneasy.
“How is the drug development going?”
“It’s progressing smoothly.”
“Don’t say what you always say in the reports and tell it to me straight,” Sung Joon pressed. Han Soo felt intensely anxious and said.
“The drug will be ready by February of next year. It should be able to halt the progress of Kang Soo Hyuk’s rare blood cancer, but we haven’t gotten approval for animal testing yet.”
“Animal testing?” Sung Joon asked. Han Soo nodded his head.
“Yes, it’s necessary to test the safety of the drug. Human tests is best, but it’s difficult to find others with the same disease, and it’ll also difficult for the clinical judging committee to approve our request.”
Sung Joon wasn’t familiar with the processes that came with developing new drugs, but he saw how serious Han Seok’s expression was and could tell how troublesome the situation was.
“Do we need approval for animal testing too?”
“Of course. If we go ahead with it, then the ethics board or an animal activist group won’t let us get very far,” Han Soo said, frightened. However, Sung Joon calmly organized his thoughts.
‘The Christmas party… might be a good way to resolve this issue.’
Sung Joon’s eyes shined.
//