CHAPTER 35

Chapter 35

The morning sun streamed through the windows of Choi's office, casting long shadows across the pristine floor. Seated comfortably in his chair, Choi idly watched a movie on a large screen, sipping from a cup of warm coffee. His office was spacious yet minimalist, with a large mahogany desk near the window and bookshelves filled with reports, books, and artifacts from past dungeons.

Just as the couple was about to kiss each other, a knock echoed from the office door. Choi lazily reached for the remote and paused the movie.

"Come in," he called.

The door opened, and his assistant walked in, accompanied by a tall, well-built man. It was Sung Ilhwan. The presence of Jinwoo's father was enough to make Choi put his coffee down. He stood up and greeted him with a polite nod.

"Good morning, Mr. Sung."

"Good morning, Mr. Choi," Sung Ilhwan responded, his expression neutral yet observant.

Choi gestured towards the chairs opposite his desk. "Please, have a seat."

Ilhwan shook his head slightly. "No need Mr. Choi. I believe we have business to discuss."

Choi chuckled. "Straight to the point, huh? I like that. Then, shall we take a little trip? There's something I'd like to show you."

Without waiting for a response, Choi strode toward the door. Sung Ilhwan followed.

They arrived at the guild's equipment room. The vast chamber was filled with an impressive assortment of weapons, armor, and magical gear, all meticulously arranged on racks and shelves. The room itself was a marvel, designed with advanced security measures to ensure that only authorized personnel could access the high-grade equipment stored within.

"This is our guild's armory," Choi explained. "Every guild member, from the lowest rank to the strongest S-rank, has access to these."

Sung Ilhwan walked through the aisles, his sharp eyes scanning the numerous artifacts. He could immediately tell that many of these weapons were made from the remains of high-level dungeon creatures. The raw power emanating from them was undeniable.

However, Choi led him further into the chamber, past multiple security doors, until they arrived at a secluded section at the very back. The atmosphere in this room was different—thicker, heavier. The mana flowing through the air was dense, almost suffocating.

"This," Choi said, gesturing around them, "is where we keep the special ones."

Unlike the previous room, the weapons and armor here were in a league of their own. The materials used to craft them came from mythical beasts and apex predators from S-rank gates. Some of the weapons glowed faintly with residual energy, while others gave off a chilling aura that made the very air tremble.

Choi walked over to a display case and picked up a gauntlet with intricate carvings running along its surface.

"This was crafted from the remains of a Wind Dragon," Choi explained. "Its scales were harder than steel, yet light as a feather. I figured it would suit your fighting style best."

Sung Ilhwan reached out and took the gauntlet. The moment his fingers made contact, a surge of power coursed through his body. He flexed his hand, feeling how naturally the equipment adjusted to him.

"Impressive," Ilhwan admitted. "It fits perfectly."

Choi nodded. "I also have something else for you." He walked over to another section and retrieved a shoulder guard and a chest plate crafted from the same Wind Dragon's remains.

"These will complement the gauntlet. You'll be faster, more agile, and the armor will provide protection without limiting your movement."

Sung Ilhwan inspected them carefully, appreciating the craftsmanship. Choi then moved towards a weapon rack and pulled out a long sword.

"This one is a bit different. It's made from a Wyvern I killed some time ago. Not as strong as a dragon, but it's still powerful enough for an S-rank hunter."

Sung Ilhwan tested the sword's weight, performing a few light swings. The balance was impeccable. He nodded approvingly. "This is excellent work."

Choi smirked. "Of course it is. I don't do things half-heartedly."

As Sung Ilhwan admired the weapons and armor, a question weighed on his mind. He turned to Choi and asked, "Why are you helping me this much, Mr. Choi?"

Choi, who had been looking at a nearby shelf, paused. Without turning around, he responded, "The reason is quite simple." He turned back to face Ilhwan, his eyes sharp. "First, you're an S-rank hunter, maybe even at the level of a national hunter. Strength like yours is rare. Second, when—not if, but when—a disaster comes to humanity, I want to be sure we have every possible advantage."

Ilhwan watched him closely. He could tell there was more to it than what Choi was saying. Choi was the kind of man who didn't do anything without a deeper purpose.

"…I see," Ilhwan said, though he knew there was more to it.

The truth was, Choi pitied Jinwoo's struggles. He saw a future where things would spiral out of control, and he wanted to make sure that people who could help were properly equipped.

After a moment of silence, Sung Ilhwan shifted the topic. "What's the plan for the Jeju Island raid?"

Choi smiles. "The plan is simple. We stay back and observe at first. If things go smoothly, we won't interfere. If it starts getting dangerous, we step in."

Ilhwan raised an eyebrow. "That's it?"

"That's it," Choi confirmed. "No need for unnecessary risks. But if you think it's about to go south, don't hesitate to act."

Ilhwan considered the plan. It was simple, but it made sense. "Alright, I can work with that."

Choi nodded. "Good. Then prepare yourself, because once the sun rises tomorrow, the Jeju Raid begins."

That night, preparations were finalized. The last strategy meeting between the Korean and Japanese hunters took place, outlining their attack formations and objectives. Among the gathered elite, Go Gunhee, the Chairman of the Korean Hunter Association, was keeping a close watch on everything.

After the meeting, Go Gunhee called Choi personally.

"Mr. Choi, we're ready," the Chairman said. "The Japanese hunters are confident, but I have my concerns."

Choi stood in his office, looking out at the city's shimmering skyline. A small smile formed on his lips.

"Understood, Chairman Go," Choi said. "My side will begin preparations as well."

As the call ended, Choi's expression darkened slightly. The Jeju Island raid was about to commence, and he knew better than anyone that no amount of planning could fully prepare them for what lay ahead.

He picked up his phone again and called Ilhwan.

"Get ready," he said. "Tomorrow, everything begins."

The night passed in tense silence, and when dawn broke, the world braced for what was to come.

Chapter End.