CHAPTER 28

Chapter 28

The next morning, Jinwoo underwent his rank reevaluation and was officially deemed the tenth S-rank hunter in Korea. The announcement shook the entire country, drawing countless reporters eager to capture the moment and document the rise of another powerhouse. Numerous guilds arrived at the evaluation site, each vying for a chance to recruit Jinwoo into their ranks.

However, among all the major guilds, the Dragon Knight (DK) Guild remained silent. Jongsoo had considered sending a representative to make an offer, but Choi Jong-In swiftly shut the idea down.

"Don't bother," Choi stated firmly. "Jinwoo isn't the type to work under someone else. I'm certain he's already planning to establish his own guild with that rich kid, Yoo Jinho."

Jongsoo frowned, reluctant to give up. "But there's nothing to lose by trying!"

Choi merely shook his head. "You'll only be wasting time. His path is already set."

Instead of focusing on Jinwoo, Choi Jong-In had a different priority. He issued an immediate summons for all DK Guild members to gather at their headquarters. Something significant was on the horizon.

Once the entire guild assembled in the meeting room, a sense of anticipation filled the air. The two S-rank hunters of the guild, along with Vice Guild Master Jongsoo, sat at the front, while A, B, and C-rank hunters took their positions in the back. Choi stood before them, his gaze sharp and unreadable.

"I will now explain the details regarding the Fourth Jeju Island Raid," he announced.

A stunned silence swept through the room. Everyone knew what that meant. Jeju Island had become a nightmarish stronghold for the Ant King and his monstrous horde. Three previous raids had ended in disaster, leaving Korea with nothing but casualties and despair.

Choi continued, his voice steady. "The association has decided to launch a fourth attack on Jeju Island. The main strike force will consist of all the S-rank hunters in Korea. The reason I'm telling you this is because I want all of you to be prepared for your role in this operation."

He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle before elaborating. "While the main force fights on the island, your mission will be to protect civilians. The Japanese team, led by Goto Ryuji, will act as bait, which means a significant number of ants will escape the island and fly towards populated areas. We cannot allow them to reach the mainland."

His expression darkened as he surveyed his hunters. "All A-rank hunters and above will be stationed near the island's vicinity. You won't set foot on Jeju itself, but you will act as the first line of defense should any monsters break through. I expect every one of you to be ready for this mission. That's all."

With that, the meeting was adjourned. However, before everyone could leave, Choi called out, "Chae Hae-In and Min Byung-Gu, stay behind for a moment."

The two S-rank hunters exchanged glances before stepping forward.

Choi turned to Hae-In first. "Do you want to participate in the raid?"

"Yes," she answered without hesitation.

Then, he looked at Min Byung-Gu, the guild's healer. "What about you? Will you be joining?"

Byung-Gu nodded. "I'll take part in this raid."

Choi sighed internally. He knew Byung-Gu had personal reasons for wanting to fight. The wounds from the previous Jeju raids still haunted him, and this was his way of settling unfinished business. The man had once considered early retirement, but after much persuasion, Choi had convinced him to stay—at least for now.

"Alright," Choi finally said. "Be ready. The association will likely call for us to gather soon."

Hae-In hesitated before asking, "What about you, Guild Master? Will you be joining the raid?"

Choi smiles slightly. "Of course. But I won't be in the same team as you. The Japanese hunters weren't too keen on my participation, so I'll be positioned separately."

Hae-In frowned. "Then where will you be?"

"Above you all," Choi said, his expression turning serious. "I'll be watching from a high vantage point. If I deem the situation too dangerous, I'll intervene. Don't worry—I have your backs."

The two hunters nodded, understanding the implication behind his words.

After they left, Choi remained alone in the meeting room, deep in thought. He knew how treacherous this raid would be. He had personally scouted the island before and confirmed the existence of at least twenty mutated ants—deadlier and more intelligent than any they had faced before. But the question remained: had more of them emerged since then?

He exhaled slowly, his gaze drifting to the documents on the table. Regardless of the numbers, this raid would be a battle for survival.

Chapter End.