CHAPTER 22

Chapter 22

As Choi made his way back towards his guild, he decided to make a stop at their guild building, which was located in the heart of the city. As soon as he stepped inside, the guild members greeted him with deep respect, acknowledging his presence with a mixture of admiration and awe. He nodded in response but did not linger, heading straight to his office.

Upon entering, he found Jongsoon sitting at his desk, engrossed in a report while sipping his coffee. The faint aroma of roasted beans lingered in the air, adding to the quiet yet focused atmosphere of the room. Choi leaned against the doorframe and called out, "Jongsoon."

Jongsoon looked up and smiled. "You look satisfied. How did it go?"

Choi smirked. "It was easy for me."

Jongsoon leaned back in his chair and took another sip of his coffee before setting the report aside. "So, what do you think about the upcoming Jeju Island raid?" he asked, his expression turning serious.

The question lingered in the air for a moment. Choi knew why Jongsoon was asking. The Jeju Island incident six years ago had left a scar in the hearts of many hunters. That raid had cost the lives of countless hunters, and one particular death stood out among the rest—Choi Jong-In, the S-Rank Mage Hunter. At least, that's what the world believed at the time.

Jongsoon had been on a raid when the announcement was made, and he still remembered the words clearly: "The S-Rank Mage Hunter Choi Jong-In is dead." Everyone knew the tragedy of Jeju Island. Even the White Tiger Guild had lost members in that disaster.

Now, Jongsoon was staring at Choi, waiting for his response.

Choi exhaled and replied, "No need to dwell on what happened back then. What we should be focusing on is how dangerous this upcoming raid is."

Jongsoon furrowed his brows. "How bad is it?"

Instead of answering immediately, Choi reached into his storage ring and materialized the carcass of the evolved ant he had killed on the island. The moment Jongsoon laid eyes on it, his face paled. The sheer size and structure of the ant indicated that it was no ordinary monster.

"This... this isn't normal," Jongsoon muttered. "Are you telling me there are more like this?"

Choi nodded. "At least twenty that I saw. And that's just what I could confirm. They've evolved, Jongsoon. They're stronger, more organized. They're acting like a civilization."

Jongsoon clenched his fists. "Then what do we do? Should our guild participate in the raid?"

Choi sighed and leaned back in his chair. "Yes, but only strategically. The main assault team will be composed of S-Rank Hunters, while the non-S-Rank members will be positioned on the nearby islands to intercept any ants that try to escape. I refuse to put our members in unnecessary danger. We both know how deadly that place is."

Jongsoon nodded solemnly. "Understood. I'll start making preparations."

Choi stood up and stretched. "Good. It's getting late. Get some rest and finish that report tomorrow."

As he left the guild building, Choi suddenly sensed an immense surge of energy. His instincts flared, and he immediately told his driver, "Head that way. Now."

The car swerved toward the source of the disturbance. When they arrived, Choi stepped out and saw Baek Yoonho and Hwang Dongsoo, who were currently being stopped by Chairman Go Gunhee's secretary, Woo Jinchul.

Choi adjusted his glasses and casually approached the group. "What are you guys doing, letting that kind of aura leak out?" His voice was calm, but the slight flare of his own aura contradicted his words.

Woo Jinchul, witnessing the irony of Choi's statement, thought to himself, Saying that while releasing your own aura... a little hypocritical, don't you think, Choi-nim? He maintained his usual deadpan expression but mentally sighed.

Meanwhile, both Baek and Hwang froze upon seeing Choi. Their thoughts mirrored each other: Why is he here?

Hwang Dongsoo clicked his tongue and sneered. "Tsk. I'm leaving. Since the big shot is here, there's no point in wasting my time."

Choi smirked and casually retorted, "Yeah, you should leave and run back to your guild master, H. W. A. N. G."

Hwang's face twisted with rage. He clenched his fist and swung at Choi without thinking. But in that moment, he forgot one crucial fact—Choi Jong-In was a National Level Hunter. The gap between an S-Rank and a National Level Hunter was like heaven and earth.

Before Hwang's fist could even make contact, Choi caught his arm effortlessly. He tightened his grip just enough to send a clear message. The overwhelming killing intent radiating from him made Hwang's face turn deathly pale. He could feel the difference in power. It was suffocating.

After a tense silence, Choi released his grip and spoke with an air of finality. "This is enough. Go back to America. You're not needed here."

Hwang gritted his teeth but knew he had no choice. Without another word, he turned and left, followed closely by Woo Jinchul.

With the disturbance settled, Choi turned his attention to the massive gate nearby. He adjusted his glasses and asked, "So, what's with this gate?"

Baek Yoonho let out a heavy sigh and explained the situation. "It's a Red Gate. No one knows if they'll survive."

Choi already knew what this meant. 

He crossed his arms and smirked. "Then I'll wait."

Baek raised an eyebrow. "You're going to wait?"

Choi simply replied, "I want to meet that Jinwoo kid."

Baek's expression shifted. Even he is interested in that guy?

And with that, the waiting game began.

Chapter End.