Chapter 29: The Time Of The Beast (1)

Chapter 29: The Time Of The Beast (1)

With each level up, he gained free stats, and most importantly, the health stat, which was crucial for Kang-hoo.

Such items were known as stat-proportional items, highly valued for their efficiency.

Of course, their charm diminished once they no longer provided proportional benefits.

But by that time, it was likely that better items would be available to wear, so there was no need to worry.

In short, for the growth phase, this items performance was superior to any other. Without hesitation, Kang-hoo removed the Prelude to Madness gloves and put on the Soul Mate gloves.

[Guided by the Wind - Shoes]

[Grade: 5th Grade]

[Agility +50]

[Permanent increase in movement speed by 33%.]

No need to think twice about changing these shoes.

Before taking off his current shoes, Kang-hoo double-checked them. It was always good to be thorough.

[Pursuit Shoes - Shoes]

[Grade: 6th Grade]

[Agility +25]

[When chasing a designated target, movement speed increases by 25%.]

As expected.

The new shoes were undoubtedly superior from any perspective.

Kang-hoo immediately changed into the new shoes. He could sell the old ones for something.

Afterward,

the items looted from the dead hunters were either duplicates or less efficient.

So, he categorized them all for sale. He estimated that selling them might easily bring in about 500 million won.

Kang-hoo didnt concern himself with the value of the spoils Yun Sang-mi collected.

That was her domain. Perfect separation of rewards was one of Kang-hoos fundamental principles.

Vrooom!

The safety bus continued its journey south.

The bus driver, having stopped his bleeding and resolved the interior situation, regained his composure.

Especially since Kang-hoo had given him 2 million won for driving and medical treatment.

He had to push hard on the accelerator. Thanks to that, the ride remained comfortable.

Although the bus smelled of blood, Kang-hoo paid it no mind. His expression was calm.

Yun Sang-mi occasionally wiped her nose but soon grew accustomed to the familiar smell.

The silence inside the bus filled with sounds only after they stopped at a rest area.

Kang-hoo bought canned coffee, while Yun Sang-mi purchased canned beer, sparking a bit of conversation.

As usual, Yun Sang-mi was the first to speak, with Kang-hoo typically playing the listener.

Oppa.

No.

Eh? I just called you Oppa. Whats there to dislike? I havent even said anything yet?

Lets play solo.

What? Oppa, thats scary! Did you learn how to read minds or something?

No. When you seriously call me Oppa, it usually means you want to team up.

Tch. Youre really playing hard to get.

Yun Sang-mi pouted, her intentions exposed before she could articulate them.

From her perspective, Kang-hoo was too valuable a resource to go solo. Of course, that was her personal view.

His skills were exceptional.

It seemed he could be dropped anywhere and resolve any issue.

He also seemed fearless.

In reality, she harbored more concerns.

Even during the earlier bus fight, despite her own skills, she felt daunted by the outnumbering foes.

Had Kang-hoo not been assertive in taking control, she genuinely contemplated disembarking.

The plans of the other mercenaries were predictable.

They would wait until Gong Tae-su and his team entered the dungeon, which would cut off external information.

During that time, they would clean up the surrounding area of the dungeon.

Then, as Gong Tae-sus group emerged, they would immediately ambush them.

This method was also the most certain way to target Gong Tae-su.

Since the dungeons entrance and exit were the same, there was no other escape.

At that moment,

Make way! Anyone blocking the path of Captain Gong Tae-su will regret it!

A booming voice echoed.

It emanated from the Red Blood organizations members moving forward. One of the subordinates with a loud voice seemed to be shouting.

At the center of the group was Gong Tae-su, the mage hunter with striking golden gloves.

The mercenaries who saw Gong Tae-su swallowed their nerves.

Although Kang-hoo was in plain clothes, he could clearly discern their origins and nature.

But that wasnt his concern.

As expected.

The situation was unfolding exactly as Kang-hoo had anticipated.

He focused on Gong Tae-su, but no constellation information was visible on him.

Instead, the subordinates guarding Gong Tae-su had contracted constellations.

Has he created a mask? I dont know how, but its perfectly concealed.

Kang-hoo nodded.

The Gong Tae-su in sight was not the real one; he was a fake wearing Gong Tae-sus face.

Where the real one was, he didnt know, but it was clear that the man everyone saw was not him.

His thoughts couldnt stop there.

Before the fake Gong Tae-su appeared, mercenaries had positioned themselves around the area.

That meant the real Gong Tae-su might be planning a larger encirclement to take them all down at once.

Who would want to let those who came to kill them go easily?

Especially the Butcher of Ulsan, it would be strange if he let them go without a fight.

Lets find him.

Kang-hoo surveyed the surroundings from the rooftop.

He wondered if Gong Tae-su, watching all this, was also itching to make a move.

The stage was well set in disguise, and if things went as planned, catching a big fish was just a matter of time.

Surely, the real Gong Tae-su would be watching from somewhere close, waiting for the perfect moment to counterattack.

That hotel isnt bad.

Kang-hoo eyed a hotel with a clear view of the dungeon.

The real Gong Tae-su might be staying there. Of course, the hotel would also be crowded with mercenaries.

Maybe its time for some shopping.

Kang-hoo refocused his attention.

Though he had quickly surveyed the surroundings in a moment of impulse, nothing would happen right away.

The dungeon Gong Tae-su planned to attack would take at least a day to conquer.

So, stepping out for a bit to visit other places wouldnt pose a strategic problem.

With a market nearby, he intended to visit it and sell all the loot from the bus battle.

Based on that balance, he planned to buy a useful item.

After selling everything, he expected his balance to reach around 2 billion won.

With that amount, he could certainly purchase a fourth-grade item. Preferably a ring, as he had more room for accessories.

An hour passed.

After scouring Ulsans Third Market, Kang-hoo chose an item that caught his eye the most.

It was a ring that seemed significant to him, as he suffered from mana hypersensitivity and pain exposure.

In fact, he had always wanted it, but could never find it in the market.

That item was