Chapter 36

Chapter 35: The Way an Old Hand Grows (2)

Zing.

With a needle-like killing intent, the two people took a few steps back.

"Well... I put a lot of effort into setting this stage, but it's completely ruined now."

The man who looked like Han Sangjin smiled bitterly.

His tone was filled with a sense of futility.

"Indeed. How did you figure it out?"

The female employee was equally frustrated.

They had set up a 'Dimensional Distortion' barrier across the entire Awakened Association building and used the 'Character Replication' magic to recreate their appearances.

Moreover, they had thoroughly grasped each individual's stats and unique abilities, reconstructing the entire system.

They had ensured that even if someone had 'Clairvoyance,' 'Mind Reading,' or even 'Eyes,' it wouldn't be a problem.

But somehow, what they thought was a perfect plan was exposed.

In such a futile manner.

It was because they hadn't anticipated that Jin Hyuk would use the 'Soul Brand' to silence the informant. They had assumed that even if he hid his identity, he would at least have made a secret contract with the Association President.

Without such a back contract, there was no reason for him to give up a favorable position and insist on a lower rank.

They had also overlooked the fact that Jin Hyuk's 'Eyes' were an unconventional type.

Their barrier failed to replicate the conditions for the system, causing Jin Hyuk to feel a strange sense of discomfort from the start.

[The 3-star 'Dimensional Distortion' barrier is weakening.]

[Remaining time: 0h : 2m : 59s]

The barrier, damaged by the dagger, began to waver.

This was due to the destruction of its central part.

'A 3-star Dimensional Distortion barrier...'

Something a boss monster in a low-level dungeon might use.

It's truly a pity.

The coins and mana spent on setting up such a stage would easily surpass the monthly budget of a medium-sized guild.

Jin Hyuk nodded at the two people.

"Since this money-wasting farce is over, now tell me. Why did you approach me?"

"Hmm. Shouldn't you ask who we are first?"

"Why would I ask? I already know who you are."

Jin Hyuk replied indifferently.

The two people's eyebrows twitched.

"Oho. You know who we are?"

"Bravado. You're just testing me, right?"

Bravado, indeed.

Given the information already provided, it wasn't difficult to guess their identities.

Wealthy, with excellent information networks, and unscrupulous in their methods.

There was only one organization that was eager to recruit hidden talents.

"You're the Maen. Judging by your mana levels, you've just completed your job quests."

"......!"

"......!"

Their pupils dilated.

The man and woman momentarily failed to control their expressions.

"Ha... You're not an ordinary guy. This is quite a shock."

"I understand why the executives have their eyes on you. I was wondering why they would pour so many resources into recruiting just one person, but now I see why."

They had approached many promising individuals before.

Some had made names for themselves in the [Tower of Trials] in the past.

Others had only recently begun to stand out in the real world.

But among them, no one had ever identified their true identities on their first meeting.

"You don't have time to listen to your flattery, so get to the point."

There was only one reason he was indulging in this meaningless conversation.

Curiosity about what interesting proposal these mysterious people might make.

Jin Hyuk glanced at the ceiling.

About 2 minutes left.

After breaking the barrier, the moment the dagger fell would be the end of this conversation.

"Don't glare at us so fiercely. It seems you have a bad impression of the Maen, but that's mostly just rumors."

"Hmm. The 'coin farmers' are now trying to clean up their image?"

"Let's call it pragmatism. Of course, if you're the type who believes that human life can't be exchanged for anything... further conversation would be meaningless."

"Interesting. Go on."

"First, if you join us, we'll give you this instead of a signing bonus."

The man took out a gemstone with a crimson hue from his pocket.

Could this be...?

Jin Hyuk's brows furrowed.

He recognized the item.

'Twilight Dew.'

A treasure possessed by Quisha, one of the half-human, half-demon overlords.

Healing, regeneration, enhancement, detoxification.

In the floors below the 10th of the Tower, it was almost a universal tool.

It could even be used to thaw 'Frozen Tears.'

But...

"You're just going to give this to me?"

If he put it up for auction, he'd get a call to exchange it for a holy relic within an hour.

"I personally find it a bit regrettable, but the higher-ups believe in using it. If you join officially, you'll receive benefits far beyond this."

The man shrugged.

Then, he immediately threw the Twilight Dew to Jin Hyuk.

Thud!

The heavy sensation in his palm.

Jin Hyuk firmly gripped the gemstone, about the size of a child's fist.

Wow.

You really are generous.

With such a fiery first condition, I'm looking forward to the second.

"So, what's the second condition?"

"Second, we'll take care of one person you want eliminated."

"Anyone, no matter who?"

"Yes. As long as the target is human... anyone."

His tone was full of confidence.

After all, while the Maen weren't officially ranked, their skills rivaled those of top-ranked players.

'If they say they'll eliminate someone, they'll really do it.'

It was practically a blank check guaranteeing success.

Right then.

Huh?

Wait a minute...

A flash of lightning crossed Jin Hyuk's mind.

"What if you fail to kill the target?"

"What?"

"There's always a possibility of failure."

"That won't happen."

"Our assassination team is composed of players far stronger than us."

The two people stated with certainty.

Indeed, they had said it themselves.

They would guarantee success.

"If that's the case, can we consider this contract null and void if you fail?"

"That, that's...!"

"Why? Are you losing confidence now? The second condition is meant to show the absolute power of the Maen Association. If you fail, it would be a contradiction, wouldn't it?"

Jin Hyuk taunted with a smirk.

His playful smile was an added bonus.

The man bit his lip.

"...Fine. But if the mission succeeds, you must immediately meet the executives with us."

"Agreed."

Nodding, Jin Hyuk took out his smartphone.

He clicked on the contact list, which contained photos and names, and showed it to the two people.

"This guy is the target."

"Never seen him before."

"Me neither. Is he really that tough?"

"Just average... He doesn't often go out, so he might be unfamiliar."

He's probably unknown to almost everyone.

At most, me, Yu Yeon-hwa, and Lee Tae-min... and a few others, perhaps?

"Confirmed."

"Next time, we'll meet as comrades. Take care, handsome."

Just then.

Thud!

The dagger embedded in the barrier fell.

The time had run out.

Jin Hyuk, having retrieved the dagger, scanned the area.

'They're already gone.'

The two people were nowhere to be seen.

The original appearance of the Awakened Association, which had been cut off, was revealed with a rumble.

Now he could finally receive his second test completion certificate.

Ah! Before that.

There was one thing he needed to do.

Jin Hyuk quickly opened his status window.

[Whisper function activated.]

-Hey, do you have a moment?

He sent the message and waited a bit.

Then,

-What is it?

A stiff, irritated voice replied.

The recipient was none other than Cheon Yu-seong.

Such a cold guy.

-You said you wanted to get stronger, right?

-What kind of nonsense is this?

-Answer me. Did you say that, or didn't you?

-...I did say that.

-Then, I'll tell you the secret. You need to gain as much practical combat experience as possible with the strongest opponents.

-What?

-Fight, fight, and fight again. You need to cross dangerous lines to the point of risking your life to get stronger. This is a secret training method I know, and I'm telling you specially.

-Are you crazy? What's wrong with you?

-I love you, future Sword Saint. I believe in you. If you get seriously hurt, don't come back to take revenge on me.

-Hey, you...!

Jin Hyuk unilaterally blocked the whisper.

Phew.

I've given you a warning, so you'll have to handle the rest yourself.

By the way.

'What will happen if the Sword Saint and the Maen fight?'

Honestly, it would be quite entertaining...

But it's a shame I won't be able to watch it.

＊＊＊

About an hour later.

Jin Hyuk, having received his second test completion certificate, stepped out of the Association.

However, there were two more people with Lee Tae-min and Yu Yeon-hwa.

The people he had asked to handle the Black Raven Guild's affairs...

Kim Hee-woong and Ellis.

"Brother. These people know you..."

"Bro. Isn't that the secretary of the Black Raven Guild?"

Lee Tae-min and Yu Yeon-hwa asked with anxious faces.

To them, the Black Raven Guild only brought bad memories.

I understand.

Without knowing the full story, they couldn't help but react this way.

"It's okay. They are acquaintances."

Since things had come to this, he should use this opportunity to introduce them to each other.

He also needed to discuss future plans.

Jin Hyuk briefly introduced everyone.

Of course, he edited some of the information.

For example, he hid Ellis's true identity by saying she was a player from Northern Europe.

'If I revealed she's a true vampire, there would be a big commotion.'

At first, Lee Tae-min and Yu Yeon-hwa were skeptical, but they gradually nodded in agreement as time passed.

"The guild side will be handled by Kim Hee-woong. Tae-min and Yeon-hwa, keep in touch and work together. He can help with dungeon recruitment and various conveniences."

"Yes. Please leave it to me. I'll do my best to assist the acquaintances of President Kang."

Kim Hee-woong clenched his fist.

After being mistreated and overworked under Shin Geon-su, he now looked much brighter.

"Wow... So, brother, you're the master of the Black Raven Guild?"

"Officially, it's this guy, but I'm the one running it."

"Bro, you really... How did you conquer a ruin and take over a guild in just a few days? Are you even human? How...?"

Lee Tae-min trailed off, at a loss for words.

Jin Hyuk's identity as a high-level player was already known.

But this was continuously surpassing the limits of what he had imagined.

Crazy.

There's no other word for it.

At the same time, his heart began to race at the thought of knowing such a monstrous high-level player.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

'Meeting you is the greatest fortune of my life.'

While large guilds and top-ranked players in the world might boast about their achievements,

Compared to Jin Hyuk, they were laughable.

It's like someone bragging about learning calculus from Stephen Hawking.

'No matter what happens, I'll believe in and follow you until the end.'

Lee Tae-min had already made up his mind.

＊＊＊

While Kim Hee-woong was talking with the two people,

Jin Hyuk's gaze turned to Ellis.

"And you... sigh."

Seeing her puffed-up cheeks, he couldn't help but sigh.

"Fine. Let's stop arguing."

"Why! I didn't mean to go that far. But they provoked me!"

"Is it normal to blow up a building just because someone called you a brat?"

When I heard the whole story from Kim Hee-woong, I doubted my ears.

Just for that reason...

Damn. If all Koreans had your temper, the Miracle on the Han River and everything else would be history, and the Korean Peninsula would revert to the Stone Age within a year.

"Besides, after living for thousands of years, can't you overlook a little provocation?"

"T-That's because... no one has ever provoked me before."

"...I'm speechless. Really."

Arrogant queens and their fawning underlings.

Vampires aren't known for their thick skin and lack of pride for no reason.

Jin Hyuk, shaking his head, prepared to move.

"We need to go hunting, so come into the ring."

"Huh? Can't you hunt alone?"

"It's a group hunt, so I need support. Don't worry. If you help me this time, I'll let you rest for a while."

This time, Ellis was needed for efficiency, but he could manage on his own afterward.

"Then, what about it? But, is there even a place left for a group hunt? You said the guilds have monopolized everything up to the third floor."

The Tower of Trials has 50 floors,

So everyone knows that there are no unknown hunting grounds until the fourth floor opens.

But.

In fact, the Tower of Trials has more than just 50 floors.

Jin Hyuk's lips curled into a smile.

"I'm about to show you why I'm called a high-level player."