Chapter 133: Jeju Island (2)

Chapter 133: Jeju Island (2)

Contrary to my expectations of a long call, the conversation between Lee Ye-rin and the client ended quickly.

Though she used several phones and the sound was faint, I could still catch some of the conversation.

Of course, it wasn’t enough to grasp the full context. Soon after, Lee Ye-rin continued speaking.

-The negotiation is over.

“What did they say?”

-They agreed to accept everything. But if the bleeding doesn’t stop, they’ll revert to the original proposal.

“They’re asking for accountability.”

-They’re saying to earn their keep.

“Let’s accept it. As I mentioned earlier, what they want from me doesn’t seem to be about dealing damage.”

-That’s right.

“It’s just a simple task for me.”

-When should I notify them to commence?

“Tell them I’ll head to Jeju Airport as soon as it gets light. Around 8 AM.”

-Mr. Kang-hoo, you’ve always been quick to act, which I appreciate. You never hesitate, do you?

“Think of it as having a good client.”

-Then I’ll send the relevant documents right away, including information about the person we’ll meet tomorrow.

“Yes.”

The call ended.

My phone kept vibrating during the call, and it turned out there were numerous texts from Yun Sang-mi.

【Was Kang-hoo really Shin Kang-hoo?】

【Sister Seo-yeon talked about you before. I talked about you too!】

【Back then, I thought you were Sun-kyu, and she thought you were Kang-hoo. It seems we were talking about the same person under different names, doesn’t it?】

【I just talked with Sister Seo-yeon. Is this okay? We’ve really been marked by Eclipse.】

Yun Sang-mi had written everything she wanted to say despite not receiving any replies, showing her determination.

Kang-hoo replied.

【Check the Eclipse website for the hit list. See how many are on it. There are over 200, excluding me. Don’t worry.】

【Really. And I don’t think you’re in any danger, brother.】

【Ah! Thank you so much for taking care of me last time. It was the first time I ever received such care.】

【I wish you’d spit on your tongue before lying. Anyway, I’m doing well. Let’s meet again.】

【Take care, brother.】

Although it was a brief text conversation, Yun Sang-mi’s concern was genuinely appreciated.

A heartfelt concern is only possible with a warm heart.

“I better get some sleep.”

Kang-hoo lay down on the bed and, as always, played some classical music before falling asleep.

It’s time to boost recovery with the full effects of the constellation.

At that moment.

Baek Seon-tae, having finished a tiring day, returned home and couldn’t take his eyes off his monitor.

As a member of the Jajang military faction from Yeosu, Baek Seon-tae generally had no reason to focus on news from other regions.

However, he was very interested in the notorious domestic criminal organization, Eclipse.

Especially, he found the monthly published hit list from Eclipse always intriguing to follow.

Typically, being on that list meant you were a challenging and difficult opponent.

Usually, before anyone gets on that hit list, they are eliminated by investigators or hounds representing the organization.

Just then.

“Huh?”

The face of the newly updated person on the list was too familiar.

It was the man known as Jung Sun-kyu.

While also an assassin, this man had inspired Baek Seon-tae to genuinely want to learn.

At the same time, she was curious to see how Elizabeth, who had recently joined as a new face, would react.

“Is the Saint of Salvation the truth or a hypocrite?” Emilia thought there was a 99% chance of the latter.

Because this damn world favors those who can pretend to be truthful more than the truth itself.

Morning.

As planned, upon arriving at Jeju Airport, Kang-hoo was greeted by a comforting energy and couldn’t help but smile.

He hadn’t yet seen the city, but just feeling the gentle warmth enveloping his body made him feel as if he had returned to a peaceful, cozy hometown. It was almost magical.

The airport operated in collaboration with the Hunter Public Safety Bureau and the Groo Guild for processing.

Due to the stringent security measures in place, a significant number of criminals were detected at the checkpoint stage.

Just as Kang-hoo entered, two hunters were being led away in handcuffs.

As expected.

On the many display boards around the airport, the recently arrested hunters’ information and list of crimes were displayed.

【Oh Daegi】

【Assaulted the hunter ‘Kim Seok’ at a public gambling hall in Jeongseon, Gangwon Province, and fled with 1 billion won.】

【Dojugwang】

【Unilaterally assaulted a female passenger sitting next to him on a KTX train heading to Seoul Station and fled.】

Typically, the charges filed with the Hunter Public Safety Bureau are recorded, and it was the same for these two hunters.

Cases like Kang-hoo’s, where the deaths leave no trace, or the deceased deserved to die, do not constitute charges.

More precisely, even if there are charges, it is closer to turning a blind eye.

Nonetheless, Kang-hoo had no issues and quickly completed the procedures to exit the gate.

Numerous guilds were actively promoting nearby, specializing in gathering, mining, and exploration.

Presumably, the Groo Guild monopolized the core elements, while subcontracting the rest.

Otherwise, such aggressive recruitment wouldn’t be allowed.

Just then.

“Mr. Shin Kang-hoo, over here!”

An official from the Groo Guild, recognizing Kang-hoo, called out his name.

Turning, he saw a man wearing a badge with the laurel symbol of the Groo Guild.

“Is that you?”

“Yes, that’s right. I’m from the Groo Guild. I’ll ensure your safe passage to the meeting place. Please, this way.”

The man bowed politely and carefully guided Kang-hoo to where he needed to go.

A secure limousine, which he had once ridden thanks to Jung Yuri, was ready.

After Kang-hoo boarded, the man cautiously continued.

“You may have received some materials earlier, but I have organized them for better readability. Please, feel free to look at this.”

The man handed over materials that were much tidier than the ones received before.

“Thank you.”

“I’ll ensure a quiet ride to the site. If you need me, just press the bell. Take care.”

Soon, a barrier that perfectly soundproofed and isolated the driver and passenger seats was raised.

At the same time, another barrier was activated.

The structure was thoroughly soundproof and bulletproof, a thoughtful provision by the Groo Guild.

He reviewed the content again.

As he had learned earlier, there would be 9 members in the team, making a total of 10 including Kang-hoo.

The composition was a typical firepower setup.

One tank, four mages, four archers.

This type of team is commonly called a heavy damage party, focusing on maximizing damage output.

What’s most important here? The only melee dealer and the key to aggro, the tank?

No.

“If there’s no bleed, all nine are useless.”

It was the presence of a bleed dealer like Kang-hoo. This setup was missing the most crucial puzzle piece.