CHAPTER 23

Chapter 23

While waiting outside the gate, Choi Jong-In and Baek Yoonho talking, their conversation revolving around the upcoming Jeju Island raid. Choi, adjusting his glasses, turned to Baek and asked, "What do you think ab—" But before he could finish his sentence, the dungeon gate suddenly shimmered and burst open.

All eyes turned toward the entrance as hunters emerged, their exhausted expressions revealing the intensity of the battle they had just endured. Among them, leading at the front, was Sung Jinwoo, his expression calm yet unreadable. The moment Choi laid eyes on him, memories from his past life surged into his mind.

"So he failed to get the shadow of that elf again..." Choi thought to himself, recalling the events of the manhwa he had once read before his transmigration.

Still seated in his chair, Choi stood up and approached Jinwoo, extending his hand in a gesture of greeting. However, Jinwoo, without even sparing him a glance, walked past him, his fatigue evident.

Choi raised an eyebrow and, with a smirk, said, "Is that how you treat your senior?"

A wave of silence spread among the hunters. They were all aware of Choi Jong-In's reputation. Seeing someone—especially an S-rank hunter—ignore him was unheard of.

Jinwoo, unfazed, simply replied, "I'm tired," his tone cool and indifferent.

Choi removed his glasses and chuckled, adjusting them back on his face. "Oh really? From that easy dungeon?" He let out a small fraction of his aura, just enough to pressure Jinwoo and make his point clear.

Baek Yoonho, watching from the side, thought to himself, "Talk about being hypocritical, Choi. You're scolding him for his attitude while flaring your own aura?"

Jinwoo's eyes widened slightly. He could feel the overwhelming presence that Choi exuded. It wasn't even his full power, yet it was enough to shake the air around them. He quickly analyzed the situation—Choi Jong-In wasn't just an S-rank hunter; he was on an entirely different level.

After a moment, Choi withdrew his aura, his smirk deepening. "No need to worry about it, I was just messing with you," he said with a chuckle. Then, as he turned to leave, he added, "You should get much stronger than this."

Jinwoo was taken aback by those words. He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Choi had already stepped into his car.

"Let's go home," Choi instructed his driver.

"Yes, sir," the driver replied, and with that, they sped off into the city.

Back with Jinwoo, he stood still, his mind replaying what had just happened.

"Is that how national-level hunters are?" he thought. He clenched his fists, remembering the sheer heat of Choi's aura pressing against him. It wasn't just powerful—it was suffocating, like standing beneath a relentless sun.

What did Choi mean by his words? Why did he tell him to become stronger?

Jinwoo exhaled, pushing those thoughts aside for now. He had other things to focus on.

Meanwhile, inside Choi's car, the city lights blurred past the tinted windows as he leaned back, one arm resting on the door.

"It really is beautiful…" he mused. "This is why I like driving at night. Looking at this sight...."

Moments later, they arrived at the main guild base. Security personnel immediately saluted as Choi stepped out, walking past them without a word. He made his way to the top floor, where his private quarters were located.

There, lying comfortably on the balcony, was Ignel—his dragon companion.

Choi let out a sigh. "As lazy as always," he murmured with a smirk, approaching the large creature. He reached out and ran his fingers along Ignel's scales, feeling the familiar warmth radiating from him.

Ignel opened one eye, sensing the solemn expression on Choi's face. Despite his lazy demeanor, Ignel was highly intelligent and perceptive. He understood his master better than anyone.

"A great war is about to happen, Ignel," Choi said, his voice quieter now. "We might play a huge role in it… or we might not. But what's certain is that many lives will be lost."

Ignel lifted his head slightly, studying Choi's face. He had never seen his master look so contemplative before.

Choi let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "But don't worry, my child. I will do anything to protect you."

Ignel blinked, his sharp golden eyes softening. Though he was a powerful dragon, bound by no system, he still saw Choi as a father figure—the only being in this world who truly cared for him.

Choi turned his gaze toward the night sky, his eyes narrowing. "Someone from your species will be the strongest among the enemies we'll be facing."

He didn't need confirmation. He knew what was coming.

With a tired sigh, he turned and headed toward his bed. "For now… I need rest."

As he lay down, his thoughts drifted to the future battles, to Jinwoo, to the Jeju Island raid, and to the unknown threats looming on the horizon.

One thing was certain—this world was changing, and he needed to be ready.

Chapter End.