7. S-Rank Yellow Dungeon
The self-destruct item held by The Hunt leader was an S-Rank bomb powerful enough to wipe the entire region of Yangpyeong off the map, not just the exhibition building. Because so many people had gathered to see Seo Chaeyoon's weapon, the loss of life could have been in the tens of thousands.
However, first, because Kwon Jihan covered the bomb with his entire body, the damage would have been limited either to Kwon Jihan alone or confined to the VVIP hall.
And second, in the critical moment right before the bomb detonated, an unknown awakener cast a shield. Thanks to this, even though the bomb exploded in Kwon Jihan's arms, he emerged without a single scratch.
The shield's range covered the entire Yangpyeong, but even more astonishing was the shield's rank.
S++ Rank.
In history, only one person had ever created an S++ Rank shield.
Seo Chaeyoon.
In the past, he used a special skill to protect an entire city from an explosion in an S-Rank dungeon, just like now.
Seo Chaeyoon was there.
After ten years without a trace, the person who had vanished completely had come to the exhibition to see his weapon.
Yoo Juncheol quickly called a meeting. The location was not at the Seokyoung headquarters but at his private residence. Although he usually stayed at the Seokyoung guild residence, for confidential matters that couldn't risk any leaks, he always chose his secluded home deep in the mountains far from Seoul.
Five people gathered at the soundproofed, shielded, and security-rigged house: Seokyoung Guild Master Yoo Juncheol, Vice Guild Master Do Deungsoo, the world's strongest hunter, Kwon Jihan, and the President and Vice President of the Korean Hunters Association.
"It was smart to use the dagger as bait. I was certain Seo Chaeyoon would come."
"But it wasn't just Seo Chaeyoon who took the bait. A terrorist group even stormed in, almost leading to casualties."
Kwon Jihan frowned as he scolded them. Yoo Juncheol, already shocked upon hearing about the presence of a self-destruct bomb, apologized to Kwon Jihan.
"My apologies for that."
"If Seo Chaeyoon hadn't shown up today, I wouldn't be here either. That bomb was seriously powerful, I would've needed at least a month to recover."
The fact that an S-Rank bomb exploded in his arms, yet a month's recovery was all he required, showed his monstrous resilience.
"I was certain Seo Chaeyoon would come. After all, it's a weapon he cherishes…."
"That's right. According to Hunter La Bijina, Seo Chaeyoon believes he lost the dagger in the Great Dungeon. So, when he heard it would be displayed, he'd be compelled to come."
"He thought he lost it in the dungeon?"
At Do Deungsoo's words, Kwon Jihan raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, he'd think he left it in the dungeon."
"…"
Remembering how he heard the same thing at the exhibition today, Kwon Jihan let out a quiet "hmm" and smirked.
"Hunter Kwon Jihan, is there something unusual?"
"…No, nothing."
In response to the Hunter Association President's question, Kwon Jihan shook his head. However, Yoo Juncheol, convinced that there was indeed something, narrowed his eyes and scrutinized Kwon Jihan.
'Is this something that can't be said in front of the Association President and Vice President?'
Yoo Juncheol projected a display in the air.
"On the left is a list of people who were inside the building today, and on the right, a list of those who watched the exhibition hall video from outside. Altogether, there are 3,101 people. Of these, excluding women, foreigners, and those significantly outside the age range, there are 589 left."
"That's quite a reduction."
"There were a lot of foreigners."
The exhibition organizers had officially announced that an unnamed guild had collected Seo Chaeyoon's dagger and would display it for only two days. However, rumors quickly spread that this "certain guild" was actually the Seokyoung Guild. Although all previous items claimed to be Seo Chaeyoon's weapons had been fakes, Seokyoung's involvement raised credibility, attracting many international visitors.
"Seokyoung is taking on 200 of these, starting from the top."
"We'll investigate the remaining ones."
Do Deungsoo and the Association Vice President downloaded the list of 589 names onto their U-Pads. This marked the beginning of yet another investigation. Originally, Seokyoung handled searching for Seo Chaeyoon, while the Association gathered weapons and items needed for the Great Dungeon. However, this time, the two organizations agreed to work together for a shared objective.
"Let's finish the investigation as soon as possible. Where is the dagger?"
"We placed it in the guild safe. Since tomorrow's exhibition has been canceled anyway."
"So it's finally canceled."
"Sigh, because of this, we're being torn apart by everyone."
Though many had protested, eager to view the item the next day, with the current uproar, canceling was the only option. Besides, knowing that Seo Chaeyoon had appeared today, Seokyoung had no reason to risk displaying the dagger outside.
"Is the safe secure? The opponent is no ordinary thief or hunter, it's Seo Chaeyoon…."
Since it's a bound item that couldn't be stored in inventory, it was kept in Seokyoung's safe. Given Seokyoung's level of security, it would be safe even if S-rank Red Dungeons simultaneously erupted. However, the Association Vice President was still worried because the opponent was Seo Chaeyoon. Yoo Juncheol reassured him with a light smile, indicating there was no need to worry.
"Seo Chaeyoon likely doesn't even know where the safe is, so there's no need for concern. Even if he did know, reaching it would be quite difficult, so rest assured, Mr. President and Mr. Vice President."
"Where on earth is it?"
"That's a secret."
The location was a bunker beneath Africa.
After today's incident, Do Deungsoo used
There was a reason for going to such lengths. Besides Seo Chaeyoon, there were many others eyeing the weapon. With everyone focused on the weapon's location, it would have been foolish for a high-ranking Seokyoung Guild member to broadcast his whereabouts with a long route. Additionally, while
Even if Seo Chaeyoon discovered the safe location, without access to billions in funds, he'd have to take a long trip by plane or ship, making him easy to spot on Seokyoung's radar.
"Well, it's Seokyoung. I'm sure you handled it thoroughly."
The vice chairman shrugged. Hunter associations or alliances exist in every country and typically wield powerful authority, almost on par with intelligence agencies. However, things were different in Korea. Due to the presence of the absolute guild, Seokyoung, the status of the domestic Hunter Association was not particularly high.
It wasn't that they hadn't tried to curb Seokyoung's influence over the past twelve years. They had attempted multiple times, but Seokyoung only grew larger and more resilient, to the point where they no longer dared to compete, it was in another league.
Even now, the ones leading the meeting were Yoo Juncheol and Do Deungsoo, with the Hunter Association's president and vice president mainly listening.
"Jihan."
Moreover, in the current Seokyoung, there was also Kwon Jihan, who had a close relationship with the guild master.
"There were only two candidates present inside the exhibition hall today, Hong Euiyoon and Yoon Seo. You need to keep an eye on them."
"There was one more, though."
"Who? …Ah."
Only then did Yoo Juncheol recall another person and nodded.
"The 'Phantom Mask Thief' was also there."
"Was that thief also Seo Chaeyoon's candidate? Who are they?"
The vice president inquired. Yoo Juncheol responded.
"Park Kang. He's been active as the Phantom Mask Thief for about three years now."
"Park Kang… Ah, you mean that timid guy who stutters? I wouldn't have pegged him for that kind of person… Though, considering his abilities and skills, it does suit him."
The vice president tried to recall Park Kang's face, but it remained vague. He was someone whose presence was faint, timid and quiet, despite his large build.
"Isn't it odd that Park Kang would show up to steal Seo Chaeyoon's weapon, knowing we're aware of his identity?"
"Perhaps he underestimated us, assuming we wouldn't know his identity."
"Or he may have rushed in recklessly, solely focused on reclaiming his weapon."
"Will you interrogate him?"
"Yes, we've already scheduled it for Monday."
"The likelihood that Seo Chaeyoon is Park Kang has increased significantly. Who bet on Park Kang?"
"No one from the Association bet on him, haha. Most went with Hwashim."
"On our end… it was Team Leader Ki who placed a bet. I'd hate for him to win, though."
"Ah, anyone but Team Leader Ki. Is there still a chance it could be Hong Euiyoon?"
Do Deungsoo, who had bet a significant amount on "Hong Euiyoon being Seo Chaeyoon," asked. Since the Association's vice president had also placed his bet on Hong Euiyoon, he looked at Yoo Juncheol with hope. Yoo Juncheol nodded.
"Hong Euiyoon remains a strong possibility. Suspiciously, when I gave him the ticket, he said he'd go on Sunday. But he showed up today instead. If he were Seo Chaeyoon, wouldn't he be eager to see his weapon sooner?"
"Hmm, should I place more bets?"
"Oh, by the way, did you know? Kim Jinhae, Namgung Simhae, and Lee Jungin were also here today."
"Really? Them too?"
"I was watching the billboard outside the exhibition hall. Kim Jinhae and Namgung Simhae arrived together, while Lee Jungin came with his colleagues. Their names should be toward the end of the list."
"I can hardly believe it. All six Seo Chaeyoon candidates happened to be in the same place at the same time… what an incredible coincidence."
The vice president let out a frustrated sigh. Instead of narrowing down the candidates, it seemed their list was only growing.
"And what about Hwashim?"
"He was the only candidate who didn't show up."
"In some ways, that makes him even more suspicious."
Hwashim seemed destined to appear suspicious no matter what.
"Jihan, how was Yoon Seo? Did you notice anything unusual at the moment the 'Existing Spirit' was revealed?"
"Anything unusual…?"