CHAPTER 33

Chapter 33

After the intense events that unfolded in the gym, the hunters began to disperse, each returning to their respective homes. The atmosphere remained heavy with the aftershock of the confrontation between Sung Jinwoo and Goto Ryuji, as well as the unexpected interference of Choi. In the long, dimly lit hallway of the venue, Choi and Go Gunhee walked side by side, their right-hand men trailing closely behind them. The only sound echoing through the corridor was the tapping of their shoes against the polished floor.

As they walked, Choi broke the silence. "So, what will be the plan for the raid? Other than Japan serving as bait while the Korean hunters eliminate the Ant Queen?"

Go Gunhee sighed, rubbing his temple slightly before answering, "We are still formulating a plan that ensures we can finish this mission without any casualties. The Ant Queen is formidable, and we must tread carefully."

Choi nodded, his expression serious. "In that plan, the Association should take note that there are still twenty elite ants present. And worse, we don't know what they are capable of now. Also, I will proceed with my own plan—I'll remain in the sky atop my dragon, providing aerial surveillance and backup if needed."

Go Gunhee stopped momentarily, turning to Choi with a grateful smile. "Okay, Guild Master Choi. And about what you did for me back in the gym... I am truly grateful. My body feels lighter than before."

Choi merely waved his hand dismissively. "Don't mention it, Chairman."

Soon, they reached the parking lot. Choi, Jongsoo, and Yontae made their way toward their car, preparing to head back to their guild base. As they walked, Choi's sharp eyes caught sight of Jinwoo standing by himself. Without hesitation, Choi approached him.

"Mr. Sung, will you be taking part in the Jeju Island Raid?" Choi asked.

Jinwoo met Choi's gaze, his expression unreadable. "I will."

Choi did not expect this answer. In the original timeline, Jinwoo was not part of the raid. He felt a sense of intrigue as he thought to himself, 'Well, things will definitely be different now that I exist in this timeline.'

"Okay, Mr. Sung. I will take my leave now," Choi said, turning to walk away.

Before he could take another step, Jinwoo's voice called out. "Mr. Choi, who do you think would win if we fought?"

Choi halted in his steps, tilting his head slightly to the side, allowing his glowing eyes to meet Jinwoo's. A faint aura of fire flickered around his irises. He then smiled and responded, "Currently, I will. But if you grow much stronger than you are now, you might just be able to defeat me."

With that, Choi resumed his path toward his car, where Jongsoo and Yontae were waiting. As soon as he entered the vehicle, Jongsoo turned to him. "So, what do you think about the Japanese hunters, guild master?"

Choi leaned back in his seat, exhaling. "Them? So-so. They're quite strong, though—I didn't actually expect them to be that competent."

Upon arriving at the guild's main base, Choi made his way to the top floor, a place where he often found solitude. He pulled a cigarette from his pocket, lighting it up as he leaned against the railing, overlooking the city skyline. The night breeze carried a sense of calmness, but his mind was already thinking about their next move.

Taking out his phone, Choi dialed a number. The phone rang a few times before a familiar voice answered on the other end.

"Good evening, Mr. Choi. What can I do for you?" Sung Ilhwan's voice resonated through the line.

Choi exhaled a small puff of smoke before responding, "Mr. Sung, I wanted to ask if you'd be willing to take part in the Jeju Island Raid. Don't worry, you won't have to do anything unless things go south. I just can't afford to let any casualties happen."

A short silence followed before Sung Ilhwan replied, "Of course, Mr. Choi. I'll help."

Choi smirked slightly. "By the way, you don't have any equipment, do you? Come by my guild's base tomorrow. I'll provide you with some gear."

Sung Ilhwan hesitated for a moment. "Mr. Choi, that's too much."

Choi chuckled. "Don't worry about it. I'm rich."

Ending the call, Choi turned his attention to a massive figure curled up in the corner of the rooftop—Ignel, his dragon. The massive beast was in his usual slumber, undisturbed by the conversation.

Choi took a final drag from his cigarette before flicking it away. He stepped toward Ignel and called out, "Ignel, wake up. Do you want to have a spar?"

The dragon stirred, his large golden eyes opening slowly before his entire form shifted. A glow surrounded him as he transformed into his humanoid form—a tall, imposing figure resembling Choi himself due to the mana infusion he had received while still in the egg.

Ignel stretched his limbs before cracking his knuckles, a small grin forming on his lips. "A spar, huh? Fine. Try not to lose too quickly, Master."

Choi smirked, his own aura flaring to life. In the next instant, both of them disappeared from the rooftop, their battle beginning in a flash of fire and power.

Chapter End