CHAPTER 29

Chapter 29

The Hunter Association's headquarters was bustling with activity. Within the grand meeting hall, the highest-ranking Hunters of both Korea and Japan gathered to discuss the upcoming Fourth Jeju Island Raid. The tension in the room was palpable as the meeting progressed, with representatives from both nations carefully negotiating their roles in the operation.

Goto Ryuji, the leader of Japan's S-Rank Hunters, sat at the long conference table, his presence commanding attention. He smirked slightly as he addressed Chairman Go Gunhee.

"We understand that the Korean team will be tasked with eliminating the Ant Queen," Goto began, his tone measured yet condescending. "Meanwhile, my team will serve as bait to lure the ants away. This is acceptable. However, before we proceed, I have one condition."

Go Gunhee narrowed his eyes. "And what would that be, Hunter Goto?"

Goto leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "I want to assess the strength of your Hunters firsthand. A sparring match—my team versus your S-Ranks. It would be… informative to see if they are capable enough for this mission."

The arrogance in his voice was not lost on anyone in the room. Some of the Korean Hunters exchanged glances, their expressions hardening. Go Gunhee, however, simply smiled, though his thoughts were anything but amused.

Who does this guy think he is? Does he truly believe he's on the same level as Choi Jong-In?

"Very well," Go Gunhee said, keeping his tone even. "We can arrange a spar. Our Hunters will meet you in the training facility at six PM."

Satisfied, Goto nodded. The meeting soon adjourned, and preparations began for the impromptu battle between the two nations' strongest Hunters.

Later that evening, within the training hall of the Hunter Association, the air was thick with mana. A multitude of high-ranking Hunters gathered, both as participants and spectators. Some were stretching, while others were chatting amongst themselves, preparing for the upcoming sparring matches.

Sung Jinwoo stood beside Go Gunhee, observing the scene. As he did, a sudden and powerful surge of aura rippled through the room, causing even seasoned Hunters to tense up.

"Your intuition is quite sharp," Go Gunhee remarked, glancing at Jinwoo with amusement. "It reminds me of someone else I know. To sense that from such a distance… I assume you're referring to the S-Rank Hunters currently warming up?"

Jinwoo's expression remained neutral, but his eyes flickered with interest. "S-Rank Hunters?"

"Yes," Go Gunhee confirmed. "Since we only have four days left before the raid, the Japanese team, including their leader Goto Ryuji, is here as well."

Hearing the name, Jinwoo's expression darkened slightly. "Goto Ryuji… Could it be?"

Go Gunhee chuckled. "Yes. He's known as the strongest Hunter in Japan."

Jinwoo scoffed. "Ahh, that guy."

"Would you like to come watch?" Gunhee offered.

Curious, Jinwoo nodded and followed the Chairman into the gym. Inside, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation.

Baek Yoonho, the muscular Guild Master of the White Tiger Guild, was currently engaged in a friendly spar with Ma Dong-Uk, a Judo master and the head of the Fame Guild. Ma Dong-Uk's voice rang out, filled with confidence.

"Come on, instructor Baek! A young Hunter like you can't even use your strength properly?"

Baek simply smirked. "I'm not an instructor, Instructor."

The two clashed again, their movements swift and powerful. Jinwoo observed them quietly, his sharp eyes taking in every detail.

"All of Korea's S-Rank Hunters gathered in one place… It's quite a sight," Go Gunhee mused. "The mana surge you felt earlier was probably from them."

Jinwoo narrowed his eyes. "Baek Yoonho is slightly losing?"

A calm voice suddenly interjected. "However, if Hunter Baek Yoonho were to use his full power, Ma Dong-Uk would not be able to keep up with him."

Jinwoo turned, slightly surprised. He hadn't even sensed the presence of the man speaking. Choi Jong-In, the Guild Master of the Hunters Guild, approached them with a relaxed but confident demeanor.

"It's been a while, Hunter Sung," Choi greeted him.

Jinwoo nodded in response. "Guild Master Choi."

Choi gestured toward the sparring Hunters. "The one wearing the Judo uniform is Ma Dong-Uk, Guild Master of the Fame Guild. He may not be flashy, but his close-combat skills are nothing to scoff at."

Jinwoo glanced back at the fight, then asked, "You said Hunter Baek isn't going all out. Why would he hold back?"

Choi smiled knowingly. "There are too many eyes watching."

As he spoke, he subtly motioned toward another section of the gym where a group of Hunters stood together, their sharp eyes scanning the room. The Japanese Hunters.

Goto Ryuji stood at the forefront, flanked by his elite team: Izawa Itpei, Ishida Mari, Tanaka Kenji, Hoshino Minoru, Kumamoto Atsushi, Takawa Kanae, Huzeshima Tatsumi, Kaye, and Shimizu Akari.

The air between the two factions was thick with unspoken rivalry. Korea's Hunters eyed the Japanese team with caution, while Goto's team wore expressions of quiet confidence.

Goto met Jinwoo's gaze, his smirk widening slightly. "So, that's the national hunter of Korea… interesting."

Jinwoo simply stared back, unbothered.

The tension in the gym continued to rise. The sparring match had yet to begin, but the real battle had already started—the battle of pride, power, and dominance between two nations' strongest Hunters.

Chapter End.