Chapter 50 – Blood Christmas (4)
TL: Boko
Editor: Frost
His sword went deep into the Vampire Count’s stomach. Sung Joon attempted to cut through his waist, but the Count, befitting a high tier S-rank monster, noticed the danger and retreated right before the attack hit.
But because Sung Joon’s strike was so quick, the count detected the attack slower than usual. Although it wasn’t cut in half, it was still grievously injured.
“Ugh!”
The Count cried in agony and simultaneously, stemmed the bleeding with its Blood Magic.
The bleeding stopped and the wound began healing at a rapid pace.
“It’s high-speed regeneration!” Rishubalt said.
High-speed regeneration was an ability only a handful of Vampires possessed.
It didn’t require any casting. Because these Vampires could quickly heal their wounds by infusing mana into them, they were difficult to take on.
In order to defeat a Vampire with high-speed regeneration, one would need to kill them immediately. Sung Joon prepared himself for the strain on his mana and unleashed his Illusionary Sword.
Although the Vampire immediately retreated, it was still well within the range of the Illusionary Sword.
“Ugh!”
It was nigh-impossible to dodge the thirty one illusionary blades. Moreover, the higher Sung Joon’s synchronization rate, the more accurately the illusionary blades would aim for vital areas. The Vampire Count’s left leg was severed and blood spilled from its entire body.
“B-Blood Spear!”
As the Vampire Count fell, it cast Blood Magic to stop Sung Joon’s follow up strike. Six red blood spears formed in the air and aimed for Sung Joon’s vital points.
Sung Joon moved quickly to dodge the blood spears. He wasn’t able to dodge one of them completely, but he parried it with his sword.
“Damn it!”
Seeing that, the Count’s face was filled with despair. His left leg was severed and his body was riddled with grievous wounds from the illusionary swords, so he had done everything he could to cast that spell.
He had hoped that the spell would be able to prevent Sung Joon’s follow up strike, but he had failed, and fell in despair.
“Count!”
“Support him with Blood Magic!”
The nearby Vampire Knights hastily casted their Blood Magic. However, they were too late. Sung Joon had already raised his sword.
“Were the Empire’s Heretical Judicators this powerful…?” the Vampire Count said futilely.
The Vampire Count had done its very best, but Sung Joon was so powerful that it felt like it was an insect struggling against him.
‘To think I’d be taken down like this,’ the Vampire thought suddenly.
Then, Sung Joon swung his sword downwards.
The Count’s body was cut in two, spurting blood like a fountain, and the Vampire Knights’ Blood Magic came from behind him.
“Shield.”
One of the two necklaces he wore radiated a red light, creating a powerful magical barrier to protect him.
“He stopped all of our Blood Magic!” someone yelled.
The shield created by the ‘Dragon’s Protection’ could even stop high rank magic. There was no way the Vampire Knights’ Blood Magic could pierce through the shield.
“Get in close! Attack him with aura!” one of the Barons yelled.
Most of the Vampire Knights could use aura, but the strength of their aura was weak. Sung Joon was well aware of that fact, so he manipulated his aura. Then, he shot sharp shards of aura all around him.
“Ah!”
“He can use Aura Transformation as well!”
The approaching Vampire Knights, who’d used high-speed movement, fell.
The ground was filled with blood. The Vampire Baron, who had assumed command, saw the Aura Transformation and shook its head.
‘We can’t beat him…’
The Baron was filled with despair. Seeing that, Sung Joon smirked. His surroundings were filled with Vampire bodies.
“An impressive display of Aura Transformation,” Rishubalt said, marveling at the display.
‘Aura Transformation’ was a high rank technique that demanded a talent in swordsmanship and technical skill, but Sung Joon didn’t feel that it was very difficult, as he was once Roukel. He leaked out his killing intent and gradually walked over to the Vampire Baron.
“Run… away…”
His instincts warned him to run. However, he couldn’t move at all. The Vampire Knights accompanying him couldn’t move either. In no time at all, Sung Joon was right in front of the Baron but then he disappeared.
“Huh…?”
By the time the Vampire Baron could sense Sung Joon’s presence, all of the nearby Vampire Knights spurted blood and had fallen to the ground.
Once the Vampire Baron realized this fact, Sung Joon’s sword had already cut through the Vampire’s left arm.
“Ugh!”
“Relax. I’ll end it soon.”
Sung Joon looked at the Vampire Baron, who screamed in agony, and quickly withdrew his sword. And then, forcefully pierced the Vampire’s heart with his blade.
“Ugh!”
The Baron died with its second scream.
“H-How can this be…?”
“The knights were all killed?”
The Vampires were shocked that the Vampire Nobles’ knights were all killed. There were only a handful of Vampires left, but none of them dare approach Sung Joon.
Sung Joon looked them over coldly. He didn’t feel the need to take them on. Sung Joon used his ‘Absorption’ and went towards the inner castle, but none of them tried to stop him.
Because of that, he got through the inner castle walls without difficulty. Rishubalt lead Sung Joon to the boss.
Though the boss’s location wasn’t fixed in this Awakening Dungeon, Rishubalt faithfully did his job and lead Sung Joon to it.
“It seems like the knights led by the Vampire Count was the main force,” Rishubalt said.
He’d entered the castle, but there was less resistance than he’d expected.
Sung Joon agreed with Rishubalt’s opinion and nodded his head. The knights must’ve been the Marquis’s primary forces.
“Is it empty here too?”
He entered the building, but he didn't feel any presences nearby.
“Rishubalt.”
“I’ll go scout and return.”
Sung Joon didn’t say any specifics, but Rishubalt realized that Sung Joon wanted him to scout and left. Rishubalt finished scouting five minutes later and returned.
“What’s the situation?”
“It’s mostly empty. I couldn’t take a close look at the boss room due to the interference, but it doesn’t seem like they have an ambush set up.”
“Good.”
Sung Joon nodded his head. It didn’t take long for them to arrive in front of the boss room. He took a step forward to open the door, but then…
He sensed a quickly approaching presence and quickly took a step back.
An aura clad sword cut through the gate. If he hadn’t taken a step back, then his head would’ve been split in two.
“I guess I was a bit short.”
Sung Joon heard a frigid voice from behind the gate. At the same time, the gate crumbled into pieces and a long-haired knight came out.
“You’re from the Knight Brigade?”
His breastplate was adorned with the Knight Brigade’s insignia. Sung Joon looked surprised, but Rishubalt wasn’t.
“The Empire formed an alliance with the monsters, so… it’s not surprising that there’s a knight in the Vampire Marquis’s castle,” Rishubalt said and Sung Joon nodded his head in understanding.
“My name is Gaius, rank 220 of the Knight Brigade. I’ll be in your care.”
Sung Joon saw the Vampire Marquis behind the knight, who introduced himself as Gaius. Once he’d drawn his sword, Gaius stared at him.
He didn’t move, but he knew that the Vampire Marquis could make its move once he and Gaius crossed blades.
“Lord Marquis Haku doesn’t like uninvited guests.”
“‘Lord’ Marquis? You call that monster behind you ‘lord’?”
Sung Joon was speechless at the way Gaius addressed Marquis Haku. He would believe it if someone were to tell him that Gaius was an informant for the monsters, rather than one of the Emperor’s subjects.
“Be careful what you say. You lowly human.”
Its icy voice resounded through the wide hall and corridor. The voice was tinged with a deep killing intent, but Sung Joon just smiled.
“This is the ‘best’ killing intent you can muster? You monsters are a joke.”
“Human, you dare!”
“Watch closely. This is…”
The moment Haku raised its blade, Sung Joon released his killing intent towards Gaius.
“Real killing intent.”
“Ugh!”
His killing intent was strong enough to temporarily freeze the elite knight, Gaius. He didn’t let go of his sword, but he was full of openings.
“Sir Gaius!”
Haku threw his dagger at Sung Joon to protect Gaius. The dagger’s speed was a bit fast, but Sung Joon could take care of Gaius before then.
“Acceleration.”
However, Haku recited the activation words and accelerated the dagger. Sung Joon had no choice but to retreat due to the sped up dagger, but he had something up his sleeve too.
“Rishubalt!”
Sung Joon parried Haku’s dagger and called for his loyal spirit aid, Rishubalt. Rishubalt swung his sword.
“Ugh.”
Blood spilled from Gaius’s neck and he helplessly fell to the floor.
“Return.”
Although Gaius was killed by an unknown attack, Haku didn’t panic and collected his dagger. Haku calmly gathered its mana.
In no time, Sung Joon had used his high-speed movement to appear right in front of Haku.
“Ha!”
Haku yelled out, and the space bent, enabling him to block Sung Joon’s sword.
‘He bent space? What a troublesome ability…’
Sung Joon knew about magic that bent space, so he didn’t go any further and retreated, getting back into position.
“I guess you know about magic that bends space, huh. If that’s the case, then you know that there’s no hope for you,” Haku said.
Magic that bent space could block any attack. It was because of that knowledge that Haku was so confident. However, Sung Joon was also quite relaxed.
“I guess you don’t know much about it.”
Sung Joon’s presence disappeared.
“It’s pointless.”
Haku bent the space behind him. It didn’t even turn around, as it believed there was no reason to do so. However, that was a huge mistake.
“Dimension Slash.”
“Ugh!”
Dimension Slash could cut through all things, including space. He severed Haku’s waist, as well as the bent space. Haku’s upper and lower bodies were separated, spilling red blood.
“I can cut bent space as well.”
“Damn… it…”
“Hoo!” Sung Joon sighed.
The reason he was able to clear this Awakening Dungeon so easily was because Haku was overconfident.
Once he sheathed his sword, his measuring tool reacted.
– Verifying conquest, measurement complete. SS-rank dungeon, clear.
– Verifying the existence of a new item.
Sung Joon collected all the magic stones in the Marquis’s castle. He had to go around and collect them individually, as their bodies didn’t disappear in the other world.
There were a few Vampires that had survived, but Sung Joon didn’t stop them from leaving. Sung Joon returned to the boss room and took the item that Haku had left behind.
With Rishubalt’s help, the otherworldly energy was removed, and Sung Joon was able to appraise the item.
B-rank.
Verifying Return effect.
Verifying Acceleration effect.
rank.
Verifying Magic Recovery effect.
The ‘Knight Brigade’s Ring’ became rank once it was upgraded to +10, and the ‘Knight Brigade’s Necklace’ became rank once it was upgraded to +5. And the number engraved on it was changed to ‘220’ as well.
Seeing that, Sung Joon sported a satisfied expression and said.
“What great farming.”
It felt like he’d gotten a great Christmas present.
“Merry Christmas,” he looked at Haku’s corpse and whispered.
Then, he looked at Rishubalt.
“Let’s go back.”
//
Chapter 51 – Attack Dungeon (1)
TL: Boko
Editor: Frost
As a reward for his clear, the Awakening Dungeon raised his synchronization rate to 61%. It seemed like his earring, the ‘Dimensional Magic Collector’, had gathered plenty of magic.
Therefore, Sung Joon happily returned to his residence. As it was dawn, it seemed like everyone was asleep besides the patrolling guards.
“Sir Zelos is awake it seems,” Rishubalt said and Sung Joon nodded his head.
He felt a mana response from Zelo’s underground workshop.
Zelos was definitely in the middle of testing or researching something. He’d set it up so that mana wouldn’t leak from his workshop, but it couldn’t trick Sung Joon’s sharp senses.
“Good. Since I need to give him this.”
Sung Joon pointed to his earring. It was the ‘Dimensional Magic Collector’ that he’d gotten from Zelos.
He’d collected plenty of dimensional magic, so he needed to return it to Zelos. Sung Joon walked towards Zelo’s underground workshop.
“Zelos.”
Despite him deliberately making his presence known, Zelos didn’t notice him, as he was busy researching. It was only after Sung Joon called for him that he reacted and turned his head towards the entrance.
“Ah… you’ve come?”
Zelos was almost done researching. Sung Joon approached him and removed the earring.
“It seems like you’ve collected plenty of dimensional energy.”
Zelos closely observed the ‘Dimensional Magic Collector’. Then, he smiled and spoke. A gentle light was radiating from the earring’s jewel.
“Do you have anything else you need?”
“Not yet, but I may need some more materials as my research progresses. Please help me when the time comes.”
“Alright. Tell me when you need something.”
Zelo’s research was not only helpful for his revenge, but also for making money. If the theory behind his ‘attack dungeon’ was correct, then he wouldn’t have to compete for the sparse S-rank dungeons. He could just open a warp gate within an rank dungeon and kill the Species Alliance in the otherworld.
Looting would be a bit of a pain, but the otherworld magic stones were a bit higher quality. It would be difficult to sell them through official channels, but as Jung Chul specialized in dealing with these illegal channels, he had nothing to worry about.
“I understand.”
“How long will it take you to analyze the dimensional magic?”
“One week should be enough,” Zelos replied and Sung Joon nodded his head with a satisfied expression.
It wouldn’t be long before he obtained his revenge.
* * *
The new year was bright.
Early January passed by relaxingly. Shin Chul, Jang Hoon, and the other guild members had conquered an rank dungeon just a few days ago, so they were resting inside the mansion. Sung Joon was also resting, sitting atop a bench in the garden.
As he brought a mug filled with warm coffee to his lips, a guard approached.
“You have a visitor, Sir.”
“It’s Mr. Na Joon Yeol, right?”
“How did you know…”
“I have my ways.”
Once he drank all his coffee, he got off the bench. He hadn’t expected him, but he was sure that the mana he felt from the front gate belonged to Joon Yeol. He remembered his specific mana, as he’d fought alongside him before.
“You can open the gate,” Sung Joon said, giving his approval.
Visitors could only come through the main gate with his express approval. When he wasn’t present, Han Seok or Jung Chul would decide in his stead.
Han Seok couldn’t betray him due to the ‘Rune of Loyalty’ and Jung Chul was someone he could trust.
The guard left. Sung Joon went up to the living room and waited for Joon Yeol. He saw a black sedan go through the main gate through a window.
“Please bring some refreshments.”
A worker brought some tea and snacks, and placed them onto the living room table. Then, the door opened and Joon Yeol entered.
Based on his expression, it seemed like he had something important to say, so Sung Joon couldn’t help but feel a bit uneasy.
“Mr. Kang Sung Joon. It’s been a long time. Thank you for rescuing me at the Songpa District. I haven’t had the chance to, so I couldn’t thank you before.”
He was talking about how Sung Joon had saved his life during the large-scale raid over Seoul.
Na Joon Yeol had already visited Sung Joon and thanked him after the raid. But it seems like he wasn’t comfortable with just thanking him once.
“Even if I didn’t, another Hunter would’ve come to your aid. Please don’t take it to heart.”
“Do you truly think so? I heard that three of the top tier S-rank Hunters were far from the Songpa District and that the boss was SS-rank. If it weren’t for you, then I and Ms. Baek Ha Yeon would’ve died.”
It was an objective assessment, so Sung Joon could do nothing but nod his head. Joon Yeol paused to take a sip of his tea and then continued.
“You can consider this a ‘debt’. You can pay it back whenever you want.”
“I promise to pay you back.”
“It’s reassuring to hear that from South Korea’s 6th rank S-rank Hunter.”
“I’m rank 5 now. Our rankings changed just a little while ago,” Na Joon Yeol corrected.
It seems as though their rankings had changed due to the recent raid. Han Seok hadn’t said anything, so it seems like his ranking had remained the same.
“You’ve probably noticed by now, but I didn’t come here to relay my thanks or to tell you about my rank change,” Joon Yeol said with a serious expression.
Sung Joon just nodded his head and Joon Yeol continued.
“You probably already know, but I’m the leader of ‘White Tiger’ (Baekho). I came over here today as the leader of White Tiger.”
“Is Russia or China spying on us?”
As soon as Joon Yeol was finished, Sung Joon considered the possibilities. Although they’d formed a non-aggression treaty with Russia, they couldn’t completely trust them.
“Yes, someone is indeed spying on us.”
“So it’s not Russia or China?” Sung Joon asked and Joon Yeol nodded his head.
“An unknown (affiliation and nationality) ‘organization’ is following you, Mr. Kang Sung Joon. We ‘stopped’ the ones we could find, but there are probably more of them.”
Sung Joon had an idea as to who these ‘unknown enemies’ were.
‘They’re either from the Empire or the Species Alliance.’
If it’s not China or Russia, then the only two forces that had enough power to take Sung Joon on were the Empire or the Species Alliance.
He thought he’d taken care of all of them, but it seem as though Zelo’s pursuers had left some kind of clue. Sung Joon didn’t know what it was, but it probably didn’t contain any clear information.
‘It seems like the information wasn’t intact.’
If the information was clear, then they would’ve attacked Sung Joon already.
But based on Joon Yeol’s explanation, it seems like they were being careful and spying on him. If they were serious, then ‘White Tiger’ wouldn’t have been able to stop them.
“Do you have any idea who it might be?”
“I’m not sure. I’m not sure ‘yet’.”
Joon Yeol asked sharply. Sung Joon smiled and replied. It was an honest response.
He wasn’t sure whether it was the Empire or the Species Alliance yet. Despite that, he knew that the two factions were Sung Joon’s enemies. Or to be exact, Roukel’s enemies.
“If you have any idea, please let me know.”
“I understand.”
Sung Joon nodded his head, but he thought it wasn’t time yet. Although times had changed due to the appearance of dungeons and raids, it wouldn’t be easy for humanity to accept the existence of another world.
Even if they did, he couldn’t explain why they were hostile to him, especially if he used his ‘past life’ as an excuse.
“Then I’ll get going now.”
“You’re going already?” Sung Joon asked.
Although Joon Yeol was loyal to his country, he was still a skilled Hunter. Sung Joon knew it would be beneficial to get close to him, so he was always looking for the opportunity.
“A lot of recent events have overlapped. I’ll have to go back today,” Joon Yeol said and Sung Joon could do nothing but nod his head.
After all, it wasn’t easy being an executive of the Armed Policemen while also leading White Tiger.
“Goodbye.”
Joon Yeol took the black Hunter sedan and left Sung Joon’s residence. Sung Joon watched the car leave his residence from the living room’s terrace. Then, he sensed Zelo’s presence and turned his head around.
Zelos opened the door and came inside. He was wearing a white gown.
It was what researchers or doctors often wore, and apparently, Zelos liked the uniqueness of it, so he often wore them.
“Sir Kang Sung Joon. Could you spare me some of your time?”
“Let’s go to the study.”
He definitely wanted to talk about his warp gate research. Sung Joon lead Zelos to the study. They arrived at the third floor study and Sung Joon sat down in a chair. Zelos made sure the door was shut tight and that no one was around. Then, he spoke.
“The theory’s perfect.”
Sung Joon was excited too. He knew that his past self, Roukel, was good friends with Zelos. If he was speaking with this much excitement, then he was sure.
“Explain it in layman's terms,” Sung Joon said.
Although he had a fundamental knowledge of magic, it became difficult for him to understand when the complex explanations came around.
“If there’s a dimensional fissure, then we can create a warp gate that travels to the other world.”
“Is that it?” Sung Joon asked and Zelos nodded his head.
The explanation was a lot more brief than he had expected, but Zelos had relayed all the important information, so Sung Joon liked it.
“Where can we find dimensional fissures?”
Knowledge regarding to warp gates was considered high rank to even the Magic Scholars, so Sung Joon didn’t know much about them.
“They appear irregularly. When a warp gate is opened, the fissure must be a uniform size. It seems like the Empire or the Species Alliance have created something to expand the size.”
“Probably.”
“That’s correct.”
“Then all we can do is wait?”
“No. The ‘dungeons’ exist on this side. The space is unstable due to the weak link between them and the other world,” Zelos explained and Sung Joon’s eyes shined.
“Then, there’s a high chance that we’ll find a dimensional fissure in them.”
“Most of them are weak, but you should find a fissure in the dungeons. I can create a magical device, or an item, to expand that fissure and create a warp gate.”
Sung Joon nodded his head. It seemed like it shared the same fundamental principle with the Awakening Dungeon.
“The higher the dungeon’s rank, the more likely that it will have a fissure. I believe rank dungeons will be enough.”
“How long will it take to make?”
“It won’t take very long. But I don’t have one of the materials,” Zelos said honestly.
He could obtain all the other materials with Sung Joon’s help, but he couldn’t obtain the last, most important material. That’s because it didn’t exist on Earth. He spoke with a calm expression.
“I need a Riodin Crystal.”
It was a rare gem discovered by the Archmage Riodin. That’s what Zelos needed.
//
Chapter 51 – Attack Dungeon (2)
TL: Boko
“I know what a ‘Riodan Crystal’ is. But doesn’t it only exist in the otherworld?” Sung Joon sharply pointed out.
Because he’d been a Hunter for quite some time now, he knew most of the materials and items that existed on Earth.
Thus, he knew that ‘Riodan Crystals’ didn’t exist on Earth. Yet it wasn’t common in the otherworld either.
“You don’t have to worry about that. Riodan Crystals exist here as well.”
“Really,” Sung Joon said assuredly. Then, Zelos nodded his head and spoke.
“I must’ve not explained it very well. The Empire’s Investigation Squad crossed over to Earth with a small quantity of Riodan Crystals. They’ve stashed it in their base, and I know where that base is.”
Zelos avoided the Empire’s purge and then came to Earth, but he always had to keep an eye out for any pursuers.
He had only been able to survive by being one step ahead of them, so he had set up an independent information network and ‘watched’ their bases.
In order to survive.
“Where is it?” Sung Joon asked pressingly.
He was excited, as he wouldn’t have to play on the defensive anymore.
“It’s in New York.”
Sung Joon decided to travel to the U.S. A few days later, he gathered his guild members and explained the situation.
He kept out the Empire and the warp gate, and told them that he had business in the U.S.
After he’d told the others, like Hyun Sung and Seol Ah where he was going, he booked a flight to the U.S.
He must’ve booked his flight too late, as the earliest flight was in a week.
“A week, huh…” Sung Joon reclined in his chair and muttered. He could see the solution to all his problems right in front of him, so he felt pressed for time.
He’d considered asking the air force for a plane, but entering U.S. airspace with a Korean military plane would require him to go through some troublesome procedures.
With his influence, Sung Joon could do away with the procedures. But that in itself was a pain in the ass too. If he didn’t have any other options, he would’ve gone with the military plane, but now wasn’t the time.
“How about asking Jennifer? The Central Hunter Bureau should have a private jet stationed in South Korea.”
“Ah!”
It was only after Rishubalt’s suggestion did Sung Joon remember Jennifer. It only made sense that an intelligence agency would have a means of transport in a foreign country.
This was especially true for South Korea, as it was a strategic location for several countries. Therefore, several intelligence agencies were stationed here.
The Central Hunter Bureau was the same. They should have a plane to make travel as seamless as possible.
Sung Joon called Jennifer without hesitation.
“Yes. This is Jennifer.”
Although it was dawn, she picked up immediately. She must’ve seen the caller ID and known it was Sung Joon, as she spoke in fluent Korean.
“I’m planning on going to New York. I’m in a hurry, but the earliest flight is in a week.”
Sung Joon went straight to the point. After all, he didn’t need to tell her how he was doing.
“We can provide you with a private jet.”
Jennifer was quick on the uptake. Although he hadn’t even said much, she knew what he wanted and was able to provide a solution for him.
“Is that ok with you?”
“We normally can’t, but we’ll make an exception for you.”
Jennifer emphasized the term ‘exception’. Although the U.S. still wanted Sung Joon, it was difficult for them to make a move due to the establishment of the White Tiger, even though they were allied nations. But with this, they’d be able to make a good impression.
“I see. Thank you.”
“We can take off immediately. Are you all ready, Mr. Kang Sung Joon?”
The Central Hunter Bureau was prepared for an emergency, so they had a plane ready to take off at any time.
“Where should I go?” Sung Joon asked.
He wasn’t going to sightsee over a long period of time, so he didn’t have that much to bring with him.
“Please come to Incheon International Airport. I’ll inform the agents there beforehand.”
“I can ride the plane with my weapons, right?”
“It’s a private plane, so yes you can,” Jennifer replied.
One place Hunters were forbidden from carrying weapons was inside a plane.
When Hunters boarded a plane, they would transport their weapons through a freight car. It was necessary, but also a pain, so Sung Joon had been concerned. Fortunately, he didn’t have to worry about that in a private jet.
“Then I’ll be going to the Incheon International Airport now.”
As soon as he ended the call, Sung Joon carried his bags down to the garage. Han Seok was waiting in the driver’s seat. He would be his chauffeur until he got to the Incheon International Airport.
He was an S-rank Hunter, so Sung Joon was probably the only one in South Korea using him as a chaffeur.
Sung Joon was able to arrive at the airport comfortably because of him. He sent Han Seok on his way and waited for the agent in the parking lot.
“Mr. Kang Sung Joon?”
He waited for about five minutes and then, someone carefully approached him and called his name. Sung Joon turned his head to the sound of their voice and saw a man who appeared to be an airport employee.
“Ms. Jennifer sent me. This is my ID card.”
In order to prove his identity, the worker showed Sung Joon his ID card. His ID matched the agent Jennifer had told him about.
There was one thing that didn’t match his expectations: he was Korean. However, he’d heard that this was common in the field, so it wasn’t very surprising.
“We’re done with the procedures. You can get on the plane now.”
“Are you sure?”
He was sure that he had to do those procedures, the ones necessary when entering another country. Sung Joon’s question caused the agent to smile and then speak.
“There’s nothing impossible with the U.S.’s ‘protection’.”
Quite the meaningful statement. The agent led Sung Joon to the private jet.
“We’re here.”
“It’s a lot smaller than I expected.”
He’d expected it once he’d heard it was a private jet, but it was so small that he was doubtful it would even make the trip to the U.S.
“That’s not the one. It’s the one on the left,” the agent said and Sung Joon looked to the left of the small plane.
There was an airplane so large that he couldn’t see it all with a single glance.
“Holy…”
“It’s the same type of plane that the President uses, Air Force One. It’s the largest plane we have in South Korea.”
The agent looked at Sung Joon and smiled. Sung Joon was bewildered, as he’d expected a small plane.
“It’s a lot larger than I expected,” Sung Joon said honestly. Eventually, he turned his attention back to the agent.
“And you’re letting me use this?”
“That’s correct. We’re only taking you, Mr. Kang Sung Joon. No one else will be on the plane.”
“Impressive.”
“Please keep in mind the lengths that the U.S. went for you.”
“I understand. I’m not that bad.”
Hearing that, the agent nodded his head. Then, he went up the stairs and said.
“I’ll take you to your room.”
The interior of the plane was wide, and it was even set up with a private room. There was a flight attendant waiting for him in his room. She was a beautiful Caucasian woman. He felt relaxed, as she could speak Korean, although it wasn’t the best. Eventually, the plane took off.
The flight time was long, but his private room was comfortable, so he didn’t feel any jet lag. Even after he landed, Sung Joon wasn’t required to go through any other procedures.
“The private jet will stay here until you’re finished with all your business, Mr. Kang Sung Joon.”
“Is that alright with you?”
“Please just think of this as the U.S. government’s goodwill,” the Central Hunter Bureau employee said.
Because he had no reason to refuse their goodwill, Sung Joon happily nodded his head. After all, he’d learned that the more time saved, the better.
“Thank you for your consideration.”
“And could you please take this?”
The worker passed him a card that was about as large as an identification card. There were some numbers on the card, whose meaning Sung Joon couldn’t ascertain.
“This is a Central Hunter Bureau ID card. You can use this instead of an identification card, and you can use it to request assistance from either the Central Hunter Bureau or the U.S. government.”
“Thank you.”
Sung Joon took the ID card and put it into his wallet. It felt like he’d eventually find a use for it. He’d been provided a private jet, and he could even call for the Central Hunter Bureau or the U.S. government’s help! With this, he could tell just how much the U.S. was favoring him.
‘Was there something important in Russia’s secret files…?’ Sung Joon thought.
In the past, he’d had trouble with the Russian intelligence agency, and he’d sold the secret files he’d acquired from the bases to the U.S.
It seemed like the U.S. government or the Central Hunter Bureau had made good use of the secret files.
“Then, have a nice ‘vacation’.”
There was some sort of hidden meaning behind the word ‘vacation’, but Sung Joon just smiled, left the airport, and spread out his map.
Zelos had given him the map, which detailed exactly where the Empire’s Investigation Squad’s bases were in New York.
He must’ve used magic, as its quality was much higher than normal maps. Sung Joon didn’t know New York very well, but by comparing the map with his phone’s map, he could tell that their base was located in the John F. Kennedy International Airport.
“Let’s get a move on.”
“How will you get there?”
“I’ll take a taxi and stop nearby. Then, I’ll go by foot.”
He’d exchanged plenty of money. There was no point in suffering through public transportation. Sung Joon could’ve asked the Central Hunter Bureau for a car, but he didn’t want them knowing where he was going.
“My lord… if you want to use a taxi, then you’ll have to speak English.”
Rishubalt carefully voiced his opinion. Sung Joon, who was walking over to the taxi stand, stopped. He was briefly flustered, but soon regained his composure.
“I can speak some English.”
Eventually, he got into a taxi, but the words wouldn’t come out easily. Ultimately, he used his phone to translate and was able to arrive near the airport.
He ordered coffee from a nearby cafe and while drinking it, carefully observed the building.
“Rishubalt. Can you scout out for me?”
Sung Joon acted as though he were talking to someone on his phone in the corner and asked Rishubalt. The building had five floors and if Zelos was right, then all of the floors were a front.
“It’ll be difficult for me to scout. I feel a powerful mana interference.”
“Seems like they’ve prepared themselves.”
“What will you do?”
“I’ll make my move at night,” Sung Joon said.
There was a hotel nearby. Sung Joon used his phone to translate once more and was able to procure a room.
He laid down on the bed within the wide room, and passed the time. And when it was night…
“It’s night time.”
“Is it time…?”
Sung Joon changed his ring to ‘Roel’s’ sword form, and went into an alleyway nearby his destination.
“Stealth.”
His body melted into the darkness. Once he was completely hidden, Sung Joon carefully entered the building.
At the same time, his eyes quickly darted around and surveyed his surroundings. It didn’t seem like the place was equipped with any stealth detecting or stealth removing items.
“This’ll be a piece of cake.”
Sung Joon smirked.
//