Chapter 80: Journey To Yeosu (2)

Chapter 80: Journey To Yeosu (2)

There were several troublesome checkpoints.

Even in insignificant alleyways, they demanded tolls.

Using the ridiculous excuse of preventing terrorism, they ran metal detectors over the entire body.

With even a single dagger, it was impossible to avoid detection by the metal scanners.

The hunters of Jajang, upon this, would become furious, questioning why the metal was detected.

However, the amusing part was that after making such a fuss, they would simply say it was nothing and let you pass.

It was then Kang-hoo realized the checkpoints werent really about safety or security but more about making extra money. So, he changed his approach.

He withdrew a generous amount of 50,000 won bills from a nearby ATM.

He made bundles of 1 million and 2 million won, offering them to the obstructive hunters.

But with a condition.

Ill give it only to the one who treats me with the utmost respect. Just one person. I wont choose several.

The atmosphere changed from that moment.

The checkpoint searches disappeared as if by magic.

They vied to clear the way, remove obstacles, and even brought iced water for Kang-hoo.

Is this the taste of capitalism?

Kang-hoo felt the joy of spending money as he proceeded.

The area was firmly under the control of the local warlords, with Jajangs flags fluttering everywhere.

Though not as large as the group led by Lee Hyun-seok of The Abyss.

They were significant enough to be considered a local warlord.

Such a force likely had connections with local businesses, police, and the Hunter Public Safety Bureau.

No wonder the underlings acted so brazenly. It was an expected scene.

Contrary to expectations of difficulty in meeting the boss, Kang-hoos meeting with Kim Jahoh happened quickly.

When Kang-hoo inquired, offering a minimum of 1 billion won for dungeon rental, it seemed to pique interest.

It was rare for an outsider hunter to come to Yeosu to rent a dungeon license.

There must have been curiosity to meet.

Soon, he met Kim Jahoh.

His office was filled with the stuffed heads of wild animals.

Their eyes were wide open at the moment of death, which was chilling.

This was different from the neat and tidy offices of the Seoul hunters.

Although it was broad daylight, Kim Jahoh started the conversation, drinking vodka from his glass.

Not often we get outsiders here. You suddenly come wanting to attack our Jajang dungeon?

Ive been interested in a particular dungeon for a while.

I heard about which dungeon youre interested in. But theres nothing special about that dungeon.

Maybe intuition? I feel like this time I might find some good items.

Hey.

Hmm?

Are you, by chance, on drugs?

The conversation took a sudden turn, but it was an expected reaction.

Han Seung-hyeok had said the same thing before.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

It was strange for Kang-hoo to think a dungeon they had attacked hundreds of times was special.

If it had been a less-explored dungeon or one with something special, they might have been surprised.

But it was a plain, ordinary dungeon, so the sudden interest seemed incomprehensible.

Moreover, the 1 billion won they proposed for the rental was no small sum.

Cant I just be a hunter who loves adventure?

I wont stop you from coming to our dungeon and spending money on our organization, but its just too strange, isnt it?

Thats how the world is.

This guy, seriously. Hes really high or something.

Kim Jahoh clicked his tongue in disapproval.

The hunter appeared quite young, probably not even twenty years old.

After introducing themselves, Kang-hoo learned that the watchers name was Baek Seon-tae, an obvious alias.

Upon entering the dungeon, Baek Seon-tae crossed his arms and observed how Kang-hoo handled the monsters.

He saw no reason to exert himself, so he didnt bother to draw his weapon.

However, Baek Seon-tae watched Kang-hoos movements with interest, likely because they were of the same profession.

How long had he been watching Kang-hoo?

Once Kang-hoo had smoothly subdued the entrances monsters and finished his warm-up, Baek Seon-tae casually initiated a conversation.

They were in a lull between monster waves, creating a natural chance to talk.

Its been a while since Ive seen a good assassin. Good posture, no flaws. Interesting, isnt it?

Hard to find assassins these days.

More like hard to find skilled ones. Most just show off and end up killed.

Pride in his own profession and disdain for other assassins who didnt meet his standards were clear in Baek Seon-taes words.

Kang-hoo shared a similar sentiment.

Many in the assassin profession try to look cool without possessing real skill.

These types usually have brief lifespans.

Being an assassin is one of the most sensitive professions among hunters.

One mistake can easily cost you your life, consistently ranking at the top in terms of occupational risk.

If an assassination attempt fails, the assassin, being closest to the target, becomes the easiest prey.

The saying high risk, high return isnt without merit; the stakes are indeed high.

Baek Seon-tae continued,

Is there a particular reason you had to choose this dungeon, even though youre giving up most of the rewards?

Call it a sense of adventure. Seeking unpredictability in an uncertain world. Something like that.

Kang-hoo spoke offhand, then slightly turned his head and laughed as if he found his own response absurd.

His reason was clear.

He was here to learn skills through a skill book trick.

But he didnt feel like sharing his secrets with a stranger, so he resorted to talking nonsense.

Anyway, Im enjoying the view. Your level is unbelievably low for your skill.

Baek Seon-tae didnt conceal his sincerity.

His level was 250.

Compared to Kang-hoo, he was a 2.5 times stronger expert.

Yet, during the battle, he perceived near-perfection in Kang-hoos movements.

Clean, concise.

Seemingly effortless, yet each motion was sharp.

Not at all sloppy.

Any hunter would recognize how difficult it is for these descriptors to coexist.

If you could combine these words into one, it would be perfection.

That was the caliber of Kang-hoos movements.

Meanwhile, aside from Baek Seon-taes compliments, Kang-hoo was considering the current battle as training.

I need to dodge even more narrowly, to create the timing I want.

From the perspective of a novice, avoiding danger from the outset seems like the best strategy.

It significantly lowers the risk.

However, reality isnt always so simple.

An experienced hunter can predict your next move if you evade too early.

By showing your hand early, you make it easier for them to target you.

An experienced hunter naturally thinks a few steps ahead.

The later I dodge, the more time and attack opportunities I can waste.

Kang-hoo delayed his evasion to complicate the opponents planning for their next move.

This was Kang-hoos next step in growth.