Chapter 73

======================

Lee Hyun-wook informed Woo Sung-moon that he had discovered that Okita Kaito's escape location was in the basement of the Taesan Guild headquarters. Therefore, he intended to have the government monitor the Taesan Guild.

'Of course, it's difficult to bring down Taesan with just this.'

It was impossible to topple a giant guild, the third largest in the country, with just one piece of evidence.

If the Taesan side claimed they were unaware, that would be the end of it.

However, with the government's sharp eyes focused on them, they wouldn't be able to act recklessly. 'By tying them up like this, I should be able to do my part...'

Lee Hyun-wook had organized the events to come in his notebook, and the next date on the list was approaching.

However... Woo Sung-moon made an unexpected proposal.

The Special Secret Police Bureau, a grand-sounding name. Woo Sung-moon asked Lee Hyun-wook to take command of this organization, even offering the legendary item 'Hugin' in exchange.

Lee Hyun-wook was taken aback by this sudden proposal.

"Could you explain what kind of organization it is and why I should take charge?"

In response, Woo Sung-moon began to explain the necessity of such an organization.

During the 4th Wave, the unknown force that attacked the 1st Battalion moved like they were in league with the monsters, though this was not widely known. However, government agencies, including Woo Sung-moon, were aware of it. Therefore, the government was secretly investigating the incident.

However, just a few days later, the 'Devil Summoning' and 'Assassination Attempt on the Saint' incidents occurred.

"From this, it has become clear that a large, unknown force is targeting our country."

Actually, it was targeting the entire world, but that was not important.

"However, we do not know who they are. Therefore, we plan to create a secret investigative agency to pursue this force. We are currently calling it the Special Secret Police Bureau... and we would like you to take charge."

Woo Sung-moon, who had not yet fully grasped the situation, was essentially asking Lee Hyun-wook to chase the villains. He made the bold decision to entrust the leadership of this organization to an outsider.

Indeed, the government's surveillance network had not been functioning properly recently.

If Lee Hyun-wook had not stepped in, it could have led to a significant failure.

Even the tracking of the escaped Okita Kaito was done by Lee Hyun-wook.

'...No matter how much a national intelligence agency knows, they can't be faster than me.'

Thus, Woo Sung-moon put aside his pride and expressed his reliance on Lee Hyun-wook.

"Corporal Lee Hyun-wook, I can give you unlimited investigative powers."

In a sense, it was like outsourcing the role of a counterintelligence agency, and this bold proposal left Lee Hyun-wook somewhat flustered.

'After the Saint, now full support from Woo Sung-moon...'

It was as if giant wings had been attached to both of Lee Hyun-wook's shoulders.

'However, Woo Sung-moon... has a very clear purpose.'

For the safety of the Republic of Korea, he would be the best ally, but if things went slightly off course, he could turn into an obstacle. His movements would be limited.

If the Saint was a compliant wing, Woo Sung-moon was a wing that flew only in the direction he wanted.

Moreover, if Lee Hyun-wook became the leader of this organization, his personal actions would become awkward.

As a member of a large organization, he would inevitably face more interference from higher-ups.

'In any case, I have a lot to do in the future. This is an opportunity I cannot afford to miss.'

'Therefore, I need to accept this proposal to a reasonable extent.'

After pretending to ponder, Lee Hyun-wook spoke.

"I am grateful that you see me as capable enough to take on such an important task. However... I don't think I am suited for the role of director. I don't have that kind of ability."

"Hmm... Didn't you command the Steel Battalion perfectly during the 4th Wave?"

Lee Hyun-wook shook his head.

"That was a temporary event that I handled well by luck. Leading an organization in the long term is a different matter. I excelled on the battlefield, not at a desk."

"Mr. Woo, please give me a suitable role in this secret organization. Then I will act as a freelancer, doing my part when needed."

Woo Sung-moon pondered for a moment.

'Indeed... he has a firm resolve to remain a freelancer.'

When Woo Sung-moon made the proposal, he used terms like 'freelancer' or 'contractor,' but appointing Lee Hyun-wook as the head of an organization meant he wanted him to dedicate all his efforts to the government.

However, Lee Hyun-wook managed to avoid even this subtle manipulation.

'But... just getting Lee Hyun-wook's cooperation is enough.'

Woo Sung-moon knew that this man would not ignore the threats facing the country.

On the other hand, Lee Hyun-wook also saw significant advantages in being part of this organization.

'In simple terms, it means having access to an overwhelming amount of information.'

It would be an excellent weapon to counter the villains' attempts to dominate the land.

'Before the 4th Wave, when Woo Sung-moon was alive, the villains couldn't easily infiltrate.'

After the 4th Wave, with the Republic of Korea in turmoil and Woo Sung-moon weakened, the villains began to dominate the land.

However, the worst domino effect of the 4th Wave was halted by Lee Hyun-wook.

'Now, I will turn that domino effect around.'

With this level of power, he could potentially eliminate the villain forces from the land.

"Corporal, that's fine. Then I would like you to take on the role of a department head in this organization."

Woo Sung-moon extended his hand, and Lee Hyun-wook shook it.

"Yes, I will do my part to ensure that no force can shake our country."

It wasn't a heartfelt statement, but it was certainly something that would please Woo Sung-moon.

Meanwhile, Kim Gang-seok, who had been listening to the conversation, inwardly sighed.

'Lee Hyun-wook... you've completely slipped out of my hands...'

Lee Hyun-wook had become a significant figure, to the point where Kim Gang-seok felt embarrassed for once thinking he could nurture him as an officer. He felt a mix of pride and a vague sense of bitterness.

***

The next day, a search and seizure operation began at the Taesan Guild headquarters.

'Woo Sung-moon has drawn his sword properly.'

The official reason was 'cooking the books.' They couldn't use the fact that Okita Kaito's last known location was detected there, as that would be like showing all their cards from the start.

'However, by continuously engaging in psychological warfare, we will gradually wear them down.'

If Woo Sung-moon decided to harass the Taesan Guild, he could do so persistently.

'Good, while this is happening, I will do my part.'

Lee Hyun-wook planned to focus on his growth and building a reliable force. Of course, if the government requested support, he would have to respond, but not immediately.

Lee Hyun-wook opened his notebook for the first time in a while.

- October 11, Guro District, Orc Gate, Potential Item Appearance Expected

'How can I get this...?'

He had written down all the potential gains he could secure, but most of them had to be abandoned for various reasons.

This Guro District Orc Gate item was one such case, but he had found a way to resolve it.

'I guess I need to go out today.'

Lee Hyun-wook could now freely leave the base. As a collaborator with a direct presidential agency, he no longer needed to be bound by the discipline of a regular soldier.

That afternoon, Lee Hyun-wook visited Shin Gil's office.

"Bro, how have you been?"

The Hope Guild had recently met with the main guild, Jumoonara, and participated in a dungeon raid as their support. However, they had no significant tasks beyond that.

"That's the thing, the guild has suddenly grown, and I'm worried if I can handle it..."

In just a few days, Park Chul-soo felt the weight of his responsibilities more acutely.

"Bro, don't worry about money."

"Haha... That's a reassuring statement, thank you."

Soon, a large sum of money would come in.

Most of the rewards from the 4th Wave were Lee Hyun-wook's. While some would go to those who fought with him, he had performed the best in the three erosion factors, earning him 90 million dollars (approximately 1 billion won) and three hero-grade weapons, as well as...

'...the legendary item, Hugin.'

However, distributing such a large sum of money would take time, so it was delayed.

'And with the Saint's support, there's no way we'll fail due to lack of funds.'

Although Lee Hyun-wook said this, Park Chul-soo's expression did not improve.

"By the way, Hyun-wook, there's something I want to discuss with you..."

"Hmm?"

"We've grown in size, but I'm not sure if I can find enough tasks."

In simple terms, guild tasks meant 'dungeon raid rights.'

And it wasn't Park Chul-soo's fault. It was difficult for medium and small guilds to secure 'dungeon raid rights.' Large guilds monopolized most of the opportunities, and medium and small guilds were left to take on subcontracted roles, such as 'porters,' 'gunners,' or 'dungeon dismantlers.'

In other words, the Hope Guild was destined to continue in such roles.

However...

"Ah, I was going to mention this. I think we'll secure a dungeon raid right within three to four days."

Park Chul-soo's eyes widened at Lee Hyun-wook's words.

"...What? Is there a gate without an owner that we can bid on?"

"No, it's not a bid."

"Then where will we get the dungeon raid right? I can't think of any way..."

Lee Hyun-wook took something out of his pocket.

- Blue Fire: Catherine YO

It was Yoo Hae-na's business card.

"What? Catherine Yoo, the Seoul Operations Director of Blue Fire?"

Lee Hyun-wook called her number.

A few rings later...

- Yes?

As expected, Yoo Hae-na's elegant voice answered.

"Catherine, this is Lee Hyun-wook. Do you remember me?"

There was a brief silence, and she seemed somewhat surprised by the unexpected call.

- Oh, who is this? The savior of Seoul? How did you get my number? Ah— maybe you've become quite famous, and you're thinking of joining our Blue Fire Guild...

"Haha... No, that's not it."

She didn't seem to have given up on recruiting him.

- ...Then, what is it?

"We had a bet, remember?"

- ...

The Red Gate in Cheongdam, where Lee Hyun-wook and Yoo Hae-na had a bet.

Which side, Blue Fire's raid team or AMT's special raid squad, would defeat the boss monster first?

Lee Hyun-wook won the bet, and Yoo Hae-na, in a fit of anger, told him to ask for whatever he wanted.

And Lee Hyun-wook had not yet made his request.

"I have something I want to ask for as the prize for that bet."

***

The reason Blue Fire is called the top guild in the Republic of Korea is simple.

They have the most players and close the most gates annually.

Yoo Hae-na, as the Seoul Operations Director of Blue Fire, oversaw the raid teams responsible for the Seoul area.

Lee Hyun-wook was now sitting in her office.

"...So, you're asking for a dungeon raid right?"

"Yes, that's right. Just one will do."

Lee Hyun-wook asked for one dungeon raid right as his bet prize.

"Huh, why... Are you setting up a guild or something?"

Lee Hyun-wook shrugged, not bothering to explain.

"Catherine, you boldly told me to ask for anything. A dungeon raid right should be fine, right?"

"...Do you know how much money a single dungeon raid can bring in?"

Lee Hyun-wook leaned back on the sofa