CHAPTER 31

Chapter 31

After the intense spar between Jongsoo and Hanekawa, the tension in the air had not yet settled. The gathered hunters, both from Korea and Japan, were still filled with excitement and curiosity about each other's abilities.

Goto Ryuji, standing at the sidelines, observed the match with interest. As the spar came to an end, he clapped his hands together and spoke with a smirk, "Thanks for the amazing show. It was an impressive fight."

His gaze shifted towards Jongsoo for a moment before he turned to Hanekawa, one of the Japanese S-Rank Hunters. "Hanekawa, can you deliver my words to everyone?" he asked.

Hanekawa nodded, "Ah, yes, Goto-san. I can."

Turning towards the gathered hunters, Goto continued, "To deepen our trust with each other, I have something I'd like to offer. With the same rules as the previous match, how about a duel between us—S-Rank Hunters only?"

Just as Hanekawa finished translating, a new voice emerged from below. "Alright. Only if magic-type and non-combatant hunters, where victory is difficult to determine, are excluded."

Everyone turned towards the approaching figure—it was Go Gunhee, the chairman of the Korean Hunter Association. His presence alone commanded respect.

Baek Yoonho then added, "Let's also add some extra rules. Other than wrist grabs, touching the back will count as a win. Knocking the opponent over is also a win. And most importantly, the match won't be one-on-one but a group match."

Choi Jong-In, standing beside Go Gunhee, smirked and said, "Oh… this is going to be quite fun. A match between Japan's S-Rank Hunters and Korea's S-Rank Hunters—it's a sight worth seeing."

Go Gunhee glanced at him and asked, "Will you not be participating?"

Choi shook his head with a small grin. "I wouldn't need to." His eyes shifted to Jinwoo, standing quietly among the group. He thought, This guy alone is already capable enough to defeat all of them… except for me, of course.

With the rules set, the participants from both sides were finalized.

Korean Team:

Baek Yoonho

Ma Dongwook

Cha Hae-In

Im Taekyu

Japanese Team:

Tanaka Kenjo

Hoshino Minoru

Kumamoto Atsushi

Tawata Kanae

Choi glanced at the Japanese team and thought, Hoo… these guys are strong. But that wimpy-looking, long-haired guy seems to be the most dangerous one.

Turning his gaze back to Jinwoo, Choi asked, "Mr. Sung, do you want to participate?"

Jinwoo casually replied, "Yeah, if given the chance."

Choi hummed in thought. He knew how this match would likely play out.

Meanwhile, at the ring, the participants took their places. The scar-faced man from the Japanese team scanned his opponents and thought, Ma Dongwook and Baek Yoonho… I can already tell how strong they are based on their spar earlier. But that bastard Baek Yoonho… I feel like he still has something up his sleeve.

On the opposite side, Tawata Kanae eyed Cha Hae-In. If it's a four-on-four battle, then my opponent should be that girl, right?

Ma Dongwook cracked his knuckles and shouted, "Alright, let's get started!" His mana flared around him in anticipation.

On the sidelines, Choi watched with intrigue. Compared to those 20 ants I fought back then, in terms of mana, the humans have the upper hand. But I don't know how strong they are now. In the original timeline, Goto and part of his team were wiped out by the Ant King. Should I let that happen? Having more strong hunters for the upcoming war is for the best… so that means I'll be saving your asses, Japanese S-Rank Hunters.

The battle began. The teams clashed fiercely, displaying their incredible strength. Ma Dongwook charged forward like a tank, while Baek Yoonho transformed into his partial beast form, his eyes gleaming with predatory instincts. On the Japanese side, Tanaka Kenjo, the scar-faced man, met Ma Dongwook head-on, their clash sending shockwaves through the reinforced battlefield.

While the fight raged on, Go Gunhee explained that the area was fortified with the greatest magic gems available, ensuring that no serious damage would extend beyond the ring.

Despite the intense battle, things followed the path of the original story—Ma Dongwook was eventually defeated by Tanaka Kenjo, while the others continued exchanging blows. However, when Tawata Kanae attempted to attack on Cha Hae-In with killing, Jinwoo reacted instantly.

He appeared beside Cha Hae-In and caught Tawata's wrist with ease. The room went silent.

Goto's eyes narrowed. That move…

Turning to Hanekawa, he asked, "Hanekawa… are you absolutely certain that man is a mage-type hunter?"

Hanekawa hesitated before answering, "Yes… well, that's what the official sources say. But I think it's best if you found out for yourself."

Jinwoo, still holding Tawata's wrist, turned to Cha Hae-In and said, "Hunter Cha Hae-In. I think it's best that we consider this a loss for the Korean team."

Cha Hae-In sighed and nodded, "Okay…"

As the dust settled, Hanekawa approached Jinwoo. "Mr. Hunter, there is a message that Goto-san wants to tell you."

Goto stepped forward, his sharp eyes locked onto Jinwoo. "You said your name was Sung Jinwoo, correct? Would it be alright if we had a one-on-one duel?"

Jinwoo's expression didn't change, but inwardly, he analyzed the situation. The aura he's giving off… I can tell what he wants, even without a translator. He wants to see for himself how strong I am. I'm not sure what his true intentions are… but it's not a bad chance for me to test how much stronger I've gotten from the Demon Castle.

Seeing Jinwoo smirk in response, Goto's eye twitched slightly in annoyance.

Hanekawa translated Jinwoo's response, "Goto-san, Hunter Sung Jinwoo has accepted your challenge. However, he said it's under one condition."

Goto raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

Hanekawa relayed Jinwoo's words, "He will only fight if Goto-san fights at his full strength."

Goto's expression darkened. Is this kid being serious right now?

Despite his irritation, he knew that rejecting the condition would make him look weak. With a sharp exhale, he agreed, "Fine. I will fight at full strength."

The tension in the air grew heavier as the duel between Sung Jinwoo and Goto Ryuji was officially set.

End of Chapter