Chapter 163
As the most active figure in Asia recently, Nicholas had been constantly hearing news about him.
However, since they were all minor matters, he hadn't paid much attention.
But anything related to the Black Gate - or more precisely, anything related to Baek Mujin - was something Nicholas couldn't ignore.
'...So Baek Mujin has sworn loyalty, huh.'
Since it wasn't officially announced, he would have dismissed it as a baseless rumor under normal circumstances.
However, having observed Baek Mujin for years and constantly keeping an eye on him, Nicholas could be certain.
'This is definitely not just a rumor.'
In fact, Baek Mujin's actions had clearly changed since the subjugation of the Black Gate.
The previously free-spirited Baek Mujin was now staying in one place, the city of Paju, and voluntarily clearing nearby gates.
Of course, up to this point, it could be seen as a simple change of heart.
But he even went as far as boldly declaring his 'withdrawal' from the World Returnee Alliance.
'Those greedy and prideful bastards from the Alliance would never let this situation slide.'
Baek Mujin, who had been active in the Alliance, must have known this fact all too well.
Nevertheless, Baek Mujin was firmly expressing his intentions.
It could be seen as putting his life on the line.
A wry smile naturally spread across Nicholas's face.
'It means he truly intends to devote everything to Lee Seongjun.'
To be perfectly honest, it was a reality that was hard to accept.
It was unimaginable that Baek Mujin, who had always acted on his own whims, would swear loyalty to the point of risking his life.
Naturally, Nicholas began to investigate information related to Lee Seongjun, whom he hadn't paid much attention to before.
And only then could he somewhat understand.
"Lee Seongjun... he's quite something."
His previous achievements alone were enough to be called impressive.
However, his recent accomplishment was on a completely different level.
"To defeat the Black Gate's boss monster alone..."
Due to the massive explosion of power used by Eclipse, the Black Gate's boss monster, in the final moment, nearby recording devices were destroyed, so not everything could be confirmed.
However, the preceding battle scenes were clearly captured in video media.
'He's a skilled expert.'
He wasn't just a martial artist with a flashy name.
Lee Seongjun was truly worthy of being called a martial artist.
'He clearly knows how to use his power efficiently.'
In fact, the way Lee Seongjun used his martial arts was on a different dimension.
His mysterious footwork, dispersing like a mirage, toyed with Eclipse's gaze.
No, it wasn't just Eclipse.
Even though he had only seen it on video without being able to directly sense the energy, Nicholas himself had been captivated by those movements and failed to discern the truth.
Naturally, it wasn't just the footwork that was exceptional.
'His destructive power was also top-notch.'
From the red sword created with condensed power to the waves contained in his palm techniques, he was pursuing the utmost efficiency.
'He didn't waste even an ounce of power.'
When Nicholas first saw it, praise involuntarily flowed from his mouth.
But what intrigued Nicholas the most was something else.
'His judgment ability is also top-tier.'
Even when Eclipse's power suddenly surged, Lee Seongjun responded without showing the slightest agitation.
In fact, Lee Seongjun immediately recognized that ordinary attacks wouldn't work, accepted it, and came up with a counter-strategy accordingly.
This meant he possessed not only combat ability but also thinking and judgment skills.
'Perhaps... a new Guardian has appeared.'
Come to think of it, the prolonged peace had caused the Guardian organization to stagnate too much.
It was time for a generational change.
And now, a talent suitable for that had appeared.
It was impossible not to be tempted.
"Still, I'd like to have a proper chance to test him, just in case..."
A clear method didn't come to mind.
But it wasn't that there was no way.
By now, a strange light was gleaming in Nicholas's eyes.
"Anna, she would suggest a good method."
Anna Ferris, the founder of the Guardians and undisputed number one in rank.
Due to her nature of being cooped up in her room and devoted solely to magic research, she didn't quite match with the active Nicholas, but her brilliant mind would surely provide a clear answer.
"I should pay her a visit to say hello, it's been a while."
With a smile on his lips, Nicholas rose from his seat.
* * *
Korea had proven its strength and prestige to the world by successfully preventing the Black Gate, which was called humanity's calamity and doom.
Naturally, the negative image of being a small, weak country in the East completely disappeared.
Instead, it gained a strong and reliable image with names like 'Dragon of Asia', 'Country of Miracles', and 'Hunter Superpower'.
In fact, no country in the world could ignore Korea anymore.
Rather, they were all making every effort to establish relations with Korea.
"Countries like the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy want Korea to join the Summit of advanced nations and become part of the G8."
"Japan is acknowledging and apologizing for the past events during the Japanese colonial period."
"New Zealand has officially announced that it wants to become Korea's second brother country after Turkey."
Although the blatantly changed attitudes were somewhat uncomfortable, they were matters that could bring considerable national benefits, so Hyun thought Go Taehyeon would surely be pleased.
But a wry smile was playing on Go Taehyeon's lips.
"...It's ridiculous."
The executives of the Hunter Association, including Jo Ganghyeon, cautiously asked:
"Is there anything particularly uncomfortable for you?"
"No, it's not that. I just found it amusing that all these things happening now stem from just one person."
At Go Taehyeon's words, the heads of the executives gathered in the conference room nodded.
Though he didn't directly mention the person's name, it was clearly understood.
The executives also felt reassured just by his existence.
"We certainly still feel a bit dazed about it too."
Because the country lacked power, there had been numerous instances of being oppressed and ignored.
However, from the moment Hunter Lee Seongjun began to make his mark, no country could casually disregard Korea.
Rather, when going abroad, being Korean alone would sometimes result in kind treatment and praise.
It was impossible not to feel like they were dreaming.
Seeing the smiles blooming on the executives' faces, Go Taehyeon spoke:
"Proceed with all the proposals just mentioned if you judge them appropriate based on your capabilities. However... don't forget that matters related to this Black Gate incident must be handled faster and more decisively than anything else."
They had won the war against the Black Gate.
And the number of magic stones obtained from the corpses recovered after the incident was enormous.
As they had agreed to distribute them differentially according to the contributions made on the battlefield, the largest sum would end up in Lee Seongjun's hands.
This was because he was undoubtedly the one who made the greatest contribution by single-handedly protecting Seoul's airspace and defeating Eclipse, the boss monster.
'We'll know for sure once we do a rough calculation, but...'
It would easily exceed hundreds of billions.
This was because the energy of magic stones is currently used in numerous magitech applications and as a stable development energy for Earth, replacing nuclear power, so the demand was endless.
Of course, there would be some headaches due to tax-related issues.
But fortunately, unlike before, there was no need to move directly.
The stabilized Infinity Guild had started moving, so Lee Seongjun's asset management could be pushed their way.
Moreover, the executives of the association were now filled with individuals who could be considered fully on his side, Go Taehyeon's side.
"Yes, we'll keep that in mind!"
"Excellent attitude. Then let's end today's meeting here."
As soon as Go Taehyeon finished speaking, the executives showed a unified movement, leaving the office to prepare for their respective duties.
Although the executives would handle what could be considered the main tasks, this didn't mean Go Taehyeon could simply relax and play.
'These old geezers have become too greedy.'
A look of complexity briefly flashed in Go Taehyeon's eyes as he rested his chin on his hand.
Recently, the hottest topic in political circles was about Hunter Lee Seongjun.
Lee Seongjun had clearly proven several times that he now possessed enough power to threaten the nation.
Those in political circles with vested interests were very uneasy about this and wanted to somehow forcibly put a leash on Lee Seongjun.
'Foolish ones. They still don't understand that Hunter Lee Seongjun is not someone who can be tamed with a leash like a dog...'
Was it because they had been in power for too long?
Those causing problems believe that with their power and money, they can restrain any strength and freedom.
Because of this, Go Taehyeon had been having a considerable struggle recently.
'It can't be helped for a while.'
President Do Minjun, who could be considered on Lee Seongjun's side, had given him a lot of power, but with his term reduced to about a year, his influence was gradually waning.
And Kim Yunseok, the opposition party leader, was not missing this opportunity to raise his voice.
'It seems... there are also movements aiming for the next administration.'
It was an incredibly foolish choice.
From the beginning, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Korea's current power comes from Hunter Lee Seongjun.
'Yet they try to restrain Hunter Lee Seongjun...'
It was so stupid that calling them fools wasn't enough; even a little thought would make them realize their judgment was wrong.
But their anxious mentality was making them make foolish decisions and brainwash themselves.
In the end, it meant he had to prepare countermeasures to fight against the old geezers seated in Yeouido.
"It looks like I'll be busy for a while because of these puppies who don't know to fear the tiger."
Go Taehyeon clicked his tongue and left the office.
He had to move as quickly as possible to ensure that not even the slightest harm would come to Hunter Lee Seongjun.
* * *
Although there had been a major incident of a Black Gate forming in Seoul's airspace, people continued their lives as usual since there was no direct damage.
The same was true for Lee Seongjun.
He quickly returned to his daily routine, sharing happiness with his family as he had always done.
Of course, it wasn't exactly the same as before, given the massive event of the Black Gate.
Buzzzz-! Buzzzz-! Buzzzzzz-!
His phone, which had always been quiet, had been buzzing frequently lately.
Baek Mujin - I've cleared all the dangerous gates in the Paju area.
Baek Mujin - While at it, I also eliminated the villains lurking around.
Baek Mujin - [Photo attached] [Photo attached] [Photo attached] [Photo attached] [Photo attached] [Photo attached]
Baek Mujin - If you have any special instructions, please let me know anytime.