Chapter 5
In the quiet solitude of his quarters, Choi Jong-In sat deep in contemplation. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of a solitary lamp casting elongated shadows on the walls. The events of recent days played incessantly in his mind, a relentless loop of decisions made and paths yet to be taken.
The notion of establishing the Hunters Guild weighed heavily upon him. Through the intertwined memories of his original self and Daryl Evangelista, he was acutely aware that the guild's inception had not yet occurred in this timeline. This realization presented a unique opportunity—a chance to reshape destiny.
He recalled the timeline of significant events: the emergence of Sung Jinwoo, the weakest E-Rank hunter, who would eventually rise to become the Shadow Monarch. Choi had recently reviewed the registry of E-Rank hunters and found no mention of Jinwoo's name. This absence indicated that Jinwoo had yet to embark on his transformative journey. The cataclysmic war that loomed on the horizon was still a distant storm. Time, it seemed, was a luxury he possessed.
With this temporal cushion, Choi devised a strategic plan. His immediate focus would be on personal growth—mastering the dual disciplines of magic and swordsmanship that now resided within him. The fusion of his original abilities with the newfound prowess of a swordsman presented a unique challenge, one that required diligent training and introspection.
He resolved to postpone the establishment of the Hunters Guild until Sung Jinwoo's emergence. By then, with his skills honed and a deeper understanding of the evolving world, he would be better equipped to lead and make impactful decisions.
The following morning dawned with a crisp, invigorating air. Choi donned his newly acquired equipment: three meticulously crafted swords, each sheathed and secured at his hips in a manner reminiscent of Roronoa Zoro from the tales of "One Piece." The swords were positioned for optimal accessibility, allowing for swift, fluid movements—a testament to his commitment to mastering his swordsmanship.
His attire was both practical and symbolic. He wore a tailored ensemble that provided ease of movement, complemented by a pair of gloves designed to enhance his fire-attribute mana. As he stepped out into the bustling streets, the morning sun casting a golden hue over the city, he felt a renewed sense of purpose.
During his stroll, a particular storefront caught his attention. The display showcased an array of specialized eyewear, each designed to augment various hunter abilities. One pair, in particular, boasted the capability to boost mana regeneration—a valuable asset for prolonged engagements. Without hesitation, Choi entered the store and acquired the glasses, appreciating the subtle yet significant advantage they would provide.
With his preparations complete, Choi set his sights on a new challenge: an A-Rank gate he had personally financed. The decision to tackle such a formidable dungeon alone was unconventional, especially for someone renowned primarily as a mage. His choice of weaponry—a trio of swords—only added to the intrigue.
Upon arriving at the gate's entrance, a palpable wave of surprise rippled through the gathered onlookers. Whispers and murmurs filled the air as reporters and fellow hunters alike speculated on his intentions. The sight of Choi Jong-In, the esteemed S-Rank mage, equipped with swords and preparing to solo an A-Rank dungeon, was nothing short of astonishing.
The Hunter Association had anticipated the media frenzy and dispatched personnel to manage the crowd. Among them was the chairman's secretary, who approached Choi with a mix of concern and curiosity.
"Mr. Choi," the secretary began, his tone respectful yet probing, "may I inquire as to why you intend to enter this gate alone? And if I may, the swords—are they for...?"
Choi met the secretary's gaze, his expression calm and resolute. "I aim to test my newly acquired abilities."
The secretary's eyes widened in realization. "You mean to say you've... reawakened?"
Before the secretary could complete his thought, Choi nodded affirmatively. The revelation was staggering. A reawakening was a rare phenomenon, and for someone of Choi's stature to experience it was unprecedented.
Without further ado, Choi turned towards the gate. The swirling vortex of energy loomed before him, a portal to the unknown. With a deep breath, he stepped forward, crossing the threshold into the dungeon's depths.
The atmosphere within was markedly different from the world outside. The air was thick with mana, and an eerie silence pervaded the cavernous expanse. Stalactites hung ominously from the ceiling, and the ground was uneven, littered with jagged rocks and the remnants of previous skirmishes.