CHAPTER 24

Chapter 24

The morning sun bathed the city in golden hues as Choi Jong-In stood near his office window, sipping his coffee. He had an important decision to make today, one that could alter the course of future events.

He placed the cup down and pressed a button on his desk's intercom. "Call Jongsoon. Tell him to meet me immediately."

Moments later, the office door opened, and Jongsoon, his vice guild master, walked in. Dressed in a sharp suit, he exuded an air of confidence, though his face showed mild concern.

"You called for me, Choi?" Jongsoon asked respectfully, standing before his guild master.

Choi nodded and leaned back in his chair, fingers interlocked as he studied Jongsoon. "I'll be heading to America today. I need you to manage the guild while I'm gone."

Jongsoon's brows furrowed in surprise. "America? Why? Did something urgent come up?"

Choi smiled slightly but didn't answer right away. Instead, he stood up and walked towards the large window, staring at the bustling city below. Finally, he said, "There's something important I have to take care of there. And I want you to handle everything here in my absence. If anything urgent happens, don't hesitate to call me."

Jongsoon frowned. "This is sudden, Choi. Should I be worried?"

Choi shook his head. "Nothing to worry about. Just be on alert. Keep the guild in check, and make sure our members don't get involved in unnecessary conflicts."

Jongsoon sighed and nodded. "Understood. But if this is about something dangerous, I hope you won't take unnecessary risks."

Choi chuckled. "I always take risks, Jongsoon. That's what makes me who I am."

Jongsoon shook his head, knowing he wouldn't get more information out of him. "Fine. Just don't forget you have a guild waiting for you here."

"Of course. I'll leave things in your capable hands," Choi said, patting Jongsoon on the shoulder before moving towards the door.

As he prepared to head out, his phone rang. Seeing the name on the screen, he picked up immediately.

"Choi Jong-In speaking."

"Choi, it's Gunhee." The voice of the chairman of the Hunter's Association was heavy with concern.

Choi's eyes narrowed. "What is it?"

Gunhee sighed. "It's about the Jeju Island raid. The Japanese side has declined our request for you to participate."

Choi smirked, already knowing the reason behind it. "Let me guess. They want Goto to take the spotlight?"

"That seems to be the case," Gunhee admitted. "They're pushing hard for Japan to create its own national-level hunter. They see this raid as an opportunity for Goto to prove himself."

Choi chuckled softly. "That's cute. But it doesn't change my plans."

Gunhee hesitated. "What do you mean?"

Choi's expression turned sharp. "If they don't want me there officially, I'll just go without their consent. I'll bring my dragon and monitor the situation from the sidelines. If things turn dire, I'll step in whether they like it or not."

Gunhee sighed again. "I had a feeling you'd say that. I appreciate it, Choi. I just wish I could've done more."

"No need to apologize, sir," Choi replied. "I'll handle it my way."

With that, he ended the call and continued his preparations.

Choi arrived at the airport shortly after, his presence immediately drawing attention. Heads turned as he walked through the terminal, his sharp features and powerful aura making him stand out even among the elites of society. His well-tailored suit hugged his athletic build perfectly, further enhancing his commanding presence.

"Is that Choi Jong-In?"

"Damn, I never realized he was this good-looking in person."

"No wonder he's one of Korea's strongest hunters. He looks like a model and a war god combined."

Ignoring the murmurs around him, Choi walked with purpose, his mind focused on the task ahead. He was heading to America not just for business but to change the course of a crucial event.

As he boarded the first-class section of the plane, he took his seat by the window. The flight attendants stole occasional glances at him, whispering amongst themselves. However, Choi paid them no mind. Instead, he leaned back, adjusting his glasses before closing his eyes.

The real reason behind Choi's sudden departure was simple.

Jinwoo's father, Sung Il-Hwan, would soon be freed from the dungeon. In the original timeline, he was introduced briefly only to be killed off in a pointless battle.

Choi found that outcome absurd. To introduce a character with such importance, only to dispose of him so quickly, felt wasteful. Now that he had the chance to alter events, he wasn't going to sit back and let things play out the same way.

This time, Choi would make sure Jinwoo's father meets with his family. Because with him alive, things could change—perhaps for the better.

As the plane soared above the clouds, Choi let out a breath, relaxing for the first time that day. His thoughts drifted to the upcoming Jeju Island raid, the Japanese interference, and the role he might have to play.

He smirked to himself. "They really think Goto can handle that raid alone? Naïve."

Despite being called a national-level hunter, Choi knew that he was still leagues above most of the world's S-rankers. He had power that no one else could comprehend. And if the Japanese thought they could keep him out of the fight, they were gravely mistaken.

His gaze shifted to the city lights below as the plane continued westward.

"A great war is about to begin..." he murmured. "And whether they like it or not, I'll be right in the middle of it."

His fingers tapped lightly against the armrest. "I won't just sit back and watch this unfold. Not when I can change things."

With that final thought, Choi closed his eyes and allowed sleep to take over.

This was just the beginning.

Chapter End.