Chapter 15: The Hill Of Storms (2)

Chapter 15: The Hill Of Storms (2)

Kang-hoo had some free time after he got off at Yongsan Station.

There were fewer people around than before, so the number of trains heading to Gapyeong had decreased.

The first place Kang-hoo visited was the Hunter Market located inside Yongsan Station.

Operated directly by the Hunter Public Safety Bureau, the market was large and offered a wide range of items.

He had a total of 200 million won to spend.

He scoured the market for the best item he could afford, and he found success.

[Joy of the Sky - Weapon]

[Grade: 5th Grade]

[Strength +50]

[Health recovery speed increases fivefold if in a non-combat state for more than 30 minutes.]

It was an item that could be quite helpful for recovering health while resting or sleeping.

Of course, it wasnt all-powerful due to its condition; a non-combat state meant not using any mana at all.

In areas outside the metropolitan region, where one must always be vigilant, such situations were uncommon.

Still, his strength had increased significantly.

After discarding his practice dagger and switching to this new weapon, he felt a dramatic change.

Kang-hoo gripped a stone he had picked up from a flowerbed in front of the station and exerted force.

Crrrunch. Crunch.

A stone he would not have dared to crush before was now shattered into pieces.

Yes, this is what strength is.

He had been neglecting it due to the overwhelming power of his skills.

In reality, strength, the foundation of all power, was always important.

Being an assassin class didnt mean he needed agility just for swift movements.

The primal power to push ones physical strength to the limit and cut off an enemys breath was crucial as well.

Mana hypersensitivity does make me overly cautious during battles

Kang-hoo thought, stroking his forehead with his fingertips.

Mana hypersensitivity had its pros and cons, but the advantages far outweighed the disadvantages.

This was evident in the battle at Club Hades.

Despite the side effects, Kang-hoos ability to use his skills without worrying about mana allowed him to act liberally.

He stood out from other hunters who constantly had to manage their mana reserves.

No wonder Yun Sang-mi had asked him several times, Arent you running out of mana?

She must have found it puzzling.

Then.

Rumble!

A thunderous noise erupted from his stomach, which he had been neglecting. He hadnt eaten anything since dawn.

Its time for a bit of a Seoul price experience.

Despite the expense, he knew he couldnt prepare for dungeon raids on an empty stomach.

He made his way to a restaurant.

And then.

Galbitang. 150,000 won per bowl.

He was confronted with the harsh reality of Seouls cost of living.

In Seoul, the price of food, reflecting the sacred value of peace and life, was exorbitantly high.

Typically indifferent to culinary delights, today he allowed himself an indulgence.

After devouring a 150,000 won bowl of Galbitang, not leaving behind a single drop of soup or a grain of pepper, he strolled along the streets near the station.

The sky, overcast like at Daejeon Station, felt strangely warm and gentle.

It must have been his imagination.

Feeling confident that nothing untoward would happen here, the world seemed different to him.

Kyaa! Over there! He came this way! He must have turned his car around! Lets hurry!

Ah, really? Why is it so hard to spot these oppas?

Hurry up and run! If were late, we wont even be able to snap pictures!

At that moment, women who appeared to be well into their thirties began to dash ahead with enthusiasm.

Their level of excitement and cheering was such that one might assume a celebrity had appeared.

The group Kang-hoo observed was merely a segment of the entire crowd, which was assembling from various directions.

Could it be.

He had an inkling.

Thats when it happened.

That oppa he looks kind of handsome, doesnt he?

Yeah, for real. He resembles Minho from Nine Boys! No, hes even more handsome than Minho?

Who is he?

Women in the crowd began to whisper as they noticed Kang-hoo, who had been blending in quietly until now.

Despite his pale, bloodless face, his concealed allure was undeniable.

It even aroused a peculiar protective instinct.

Yet, no one dared approach a man they didnt know.

Thus, Kang-hoo left Yongsan Station with ease.

Just setting a clear short-term goal!

That alone gave significance to the 150,000 won Galbitang he enjoyed at Yongsan Station.

That evening,

Kang-hoo arrived at Gapyeong Station at the designated time and promptly received a quick delivery from Master K.

Slipping ten Solarkiums into his inner pocket felt like loading a vault with cash, and it filled him with immense satisfaction.

Its too quiet here.

Considering it was a weekday night and he was outside Seoul, the silence might be understandable.

But he had expected more people, perhaps those who had caught the last train from Yongsan, yet the place was deserted.

He double-checked his equipped itemsemergency food, medicines, and Solarkium.

Now he was fully prepared to enter the dungeon.

He had also thoroughly studied the information about the dungeon provided in advance; all that remained was to await the entry time.

But then,

Please! Ill give you everything I have, just let me go! Im begging you!

Not far off, yet close enough to be heard, a womans plea pierced the silence.

He couldnt simply ignore it, especially when the content suggested a grave crime might be unfolding.

Dont need everything. Just lend your body for a while. Thats all Im asking.

The last trains gone, and theres no Public Safety Bureau nearby. No point in screaming.

Think a prince on a white horse is going to show up? Sorry, but weve already cut the throats of such guys.

Kekeke!

He heard at least four mens voices. There might have been more silent ones, so the minimum count was four.

Since it was on his way, Kang-hoo walked toward the source of the voices.

Going north from Gapyeong Station Exit 1, he encountered even fewer people.

The only convenience store in sight had closed before dusk.

In a dark alley, he spotted a woman being harassed by four men.

Buildings up to three floors loomed on either side, all long abandoned and empty.

Help me, please!

The woman, making eye contact with Kang-hoo, cried out desperately. The gangs attention turned to Kang-hoo.

Hey. You think this is a novel where you play the hero? Just mind your business, okay?

If you dont want a knife in your heart, keep walking. Got it?

Mana traces followed the daggers that two of the men spun.

They were hunters.

That explained their arrogance.

Without a word, Kang-hoo turned his head and walked away, his steps showing no hint of regret.

See! Haha! Life isnt like a novel, is it? Just strip quietly. Well be gentle.

Hehehe!

As the four men watched Kang-hoo leave and began unzipping their pants in anticipation,

Pssht!

One of the more alert hunters, hearing a sound of wind, stopped unzipping.

Thats when.

Fwook!

Kuhuk!

Suddenly, Kang-hoo reappeared, swiftly stabbing one of the men there before moving on.

Though it was a fleeting attack, it left the mans groin soaked in blood.

Kang-hoo had not emerged from the south, where he had pretended to leave, but from the desolate north side.