Chapter 26: Journey To Ulsan (1)

Chapter 26: Journey To Ulsan (1)

[Skill Book - Back Attack]

[Special Note: Assassin Exclusive]

[When attacking a target from behind, damage is amplified by an additional 33% compared to a regular attack.]

It was a passive skill.

No need to consciously activate it or consume mana, and it didnt trigger mana hypersensitivity.

Given Kang-hoos frequent lateral movements enabling back attacks, this skill book was a perfect match for him.

He absorbed the skill immediately.

It would be effective from the next battle, a reliable skill that promised efficiency.

[Shadow Step]

[Skill Proficiency: Lv. Max]

[Creates five shadows to move and then instantly transports to one of the shadows.]

[Shadows immediately disappear if they move beyond a 100m radius or suffer physical damage.]

[The unconsciously created shadows mimic the owner's movements, each moving differently.]

Kang-hoo checked the details of Shadow Step as well.

With maximum proficiency achieved, it was significantly more advanced than when Zanyoung had used it.

And my level has increased.

His level was now 33.

As was his custom, he allocated bonus points to vitality and reviewed his overall stats, which he had ignored for some time.

[Shin Kang-hoo Lv.33]

[Class: Assassin]

[Unique Talent: Quite Superior Strength / Exceptionally Keen Dynamic Vision]

[Strength 70][Agility 60]

[Health 198][Mana 20]

[Magic Resistance 45][Resilience 70]

Compared to his time before escaping Cheongmyeong Detention Center, he had undergone a complete transformation.

From a frail body at level 10 with vitality 10, he now possessed the vitality enviable by an athlete.

Of course, when his congenital mana hypersensitivity was triggered, it became a cursed body with a three-minute countdown.

But now, he had the foundation to endure that period.

It was a different story from when he immediately felt a threat to his life.

His mana was sufficient as it was.

Given his high ability to draw mana compared to other hunters, he didnt need to worry about mana supply.

Ive only started to fulfill my role; the journey is still long.

He didnt revel in happiness; such thoughts didnt occur to him.

Kang-hoo focused only on the fact that he was now significantly more resilient than before and moved on.

It was time to meet the main boss in this small dungeon.

Although he had never met the boss before, discovering its name was too easy.

Because

Shin Kang-hoo.

Another version of him was the main boss of this dungeon.

Meanwhile, at the same time.

Chae Gwanhyeong, who suddenly showed up in his office, incessantly downed strong whiskey.

He was someone whom even Chae Gwanhyeong respected as a superior.

Jang Si-hwan, the owner and founder of Jeonghwa Guild.

The two were close friends, beyond a mere superior-subordinate relationship.

So, Chae Gwanhyeongs impoliteness of coming to him and drinking without a word wasnt a problem.

Jang Si-hwan stood up.

His long hair fluttered.

His long black hair, reaching down to his shoulders, was so fine that the word lustrous instantly came to mind.

Jang Si-hwan asked Chae Gwanhyeong,

Whats the matter?

One of my favorite tools has broken. And the research on An Young-ho has also fallen through.

Isnt that a common occurrence?

Unlike the fretting Chae Gwanhyeong, Jang Si-hwan smiled and patted his shoulder.

Kang-hoo nodded.

Though impulsive, his decision to come here and the benefits he reaped had been substantial.

Shadow Step.

Skill Enhancement.

Red Ore.

None were easily obtainable, and for some, they could be once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

His business here was done.

He planned to return to Lee Ye-rin.

He considered visiting Ground Zero, but he still felt a bit underpowered for it.

Ground Zero was a place of various variables, without recommended levels or standards.

In other words, it was a wilderness for hunters.

Hence, diving in with mere bravado could prove problematic.

Instead, he planned to extract a more lucrative contract from Lee Ye-rin and acquire better items with it.

Leveling up was important, but the basic item setup was just as crucial.

At the same level, the right item setup could make power feel ten times stronger.

The next morning,

Kang-hoo arrived at the prearranged meeting place with Lee Ye-rin and met her.

Usually, they would meet at Daejeon Station, but todays meeting was at Pyeongtaek Station.

Thus, Lee Ye-rin initiated the conversation about the changed location.

The place is a bit unexpected, isnt it?

If it was always Daejeon Station, that would be stranger.

True, youre right.

Ive handed over Heo Jeong-tae properly.

Ive already received a call. Did you say it was our request? Haha, I didnt ask you to do that.

Kang-hoo just nodded.

Though he didnt say it directly, this was business.

By subtly mentioning the name of the mercenary group he was associated with, he raised its status

Naturally, the mercenary group then provided the client with better, more useful requests.

Before we discuss the next request, theres something I want to tell you. Do you know Cha So-hee?

I know. Im aware that Im being followed.

Did Seo-yeon tell you?

Yes.

Right. It seems Eclipse is after her. I put someone on her tail thinking it might help Seon-kyu. Heh.

Hmm.

Ill keep sending you secure messages about Cha So-hees location.

Thank you for the favor.

Well, its not like Im using expensive resources. Theres someone under me who enjoys tailing. Haha.

Kang-hoo expressed appropriate gratitude.

It wasnt his request, but Lee Ye-rin was offering the favor.

He was thankful, but there was no need to be overly humble.

Rather, it meant that Lee Ye-rin found him attractive enough to be so meticulous.

Lee Ye-rin shifted the topic when she deemed the conversation sufficiently covered.

The initial task for you was infiltration, but it appears we need to modify it to assassination.

Assassination.

He could undertake it if the compensation was right.

Assassination jobs usually targeted those who merited death.

Lee Ye-rin might navigate a moral gray zone, but she wasnt one to kill without discrimination.

It was likely she screened the requests, meaning this target probably had it coming.

Have a look.

Lee Ye-rin passed him a file.

Kang-hoos face tensed as he glanced at the first page.

The Butcher of Ulsan?

A name he recognized appeared.