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Chapter 20: Preparation Pt. 3

Hunters lived one day at a time with their lives on the line, so time passed incredibly quickly for them. They would attack dungeons, risking their lives, and before they knew it, the calendar pages would progress one by one.

Rip.

That was true for any Hunter, even the Northern Army Guild.

Choi Yeong-Seong tore a page out of the calendar on the desk in his office and turned to the next page, signaling the change to the next month.

The Northern Army Guild had always been loyal to their Hunters, who would raid the dungeons. They even went as far as to devote even more resources to dungeon conquests to erase the regretful incident that had happened a little while ago. Alongside the association\'s continuing help, they continued with the never-ending dungeon reservations. A vastly growing number of Northern Army Guild members took turns attacking dungeons, growing at a rate that was impossible to ignore.

[<The Ruler of the Riverside> is watching you.]

As Choi Yeong-Seong grew stronger, his Sponsor, <The Ruler of the Riverside>, started to keep an eye on him even outside the dungeon. It was the mark of being favored. Many Hunters didn’t know this yet, but being favored by a Sponsor was a prerequisite for becoming an apex Hunter.

‘Just wait a little longer,’ Choi Yeong-Seong thought as if he was talking to his Sponsor. ‘I’ll show you the slaughter you love so much.’

Contrary to its unremarkable name, it was easy to see how destructive the Guild Master’s Sponsor was by seeing the actions of the person it sponsored. It was to the point that it could be thought that the riverside it ruled was most likely the bank of a river made of blood.

"Whew..."

Choi Yeong-Seong had also grown in strength like the rest of his guild. Unlike the other guild members, who had been taking turns and resting between attacking gates, he took part in all of the gate attacks. He actually reduced his rest time to make them. Through his effort, combined with the favor of the Sponsor, he had become an A-Rank Hunter, and could be said to have entered the highest echelons of the Hunters.

There weren’t many known A-Rank Hunters in Korea, and even if one searched throughout the whole world, there weren’t many Hunters of A-Rank or higher. For Heroes, the minimum rank to qualify was to become an A-Rank. He had finally finished all of his preparations. This wasn’t something he had just prepared to take down one punk.

‘After today, the Northern Army Guild’s name will become widespread.’

South Korea, no, the entire world would learn of his guild. All of these preparations were made for this image, a picture he had conceived when he had met that person. Finally, the day was coming when his painting would be complete.

***

Creak.

Choi Yeong-Seong opened the door to his office and walked out into the dark hallway. Although it was still daytime, the lack of windows contributed to the absence of light. He passed through the hallway and headed toward the auditorium, which was where the Northern Army guild members had gathered.

“You’ve arrived, sir.”

Just like always, the two pillars who held up the Northern Army Guild alongside him, Choi Yong-Su and Jeong In-Chang, were waiting with the door open to the auditorium.

“Let\'s go in,” Choi Yeong-Seong said and entered the auditorium. It was filled with their guild members, and the three of them moved forward through the path set aside by the guild members. He went first, flanked by Choi Yeong-Seong and Jeong In-Chang, eventually standing on the stage.

He looked down at the guild members and thought with satisfaction that these were his guild members and his own castle he had built with his own strength. When he had been just a boy, when he had known absolutely nothing, Choi Yeong-Seong had a dream. It was a dream that everyone had laughed at.

‘I will become a king.’

He had wanted to be an almighty king who could control the lives of the people with a single word and could move mountains and rivers according to his will. That had been his desire as a child. It had been a vain childhood wish, but before he knew it, when he opened his eyes, it was a power he held in the palm of his hand. While he wasn’t the king of the world…

“Northern Army Guild…”

…at least in the castle that he had built, he was the King.

“The day has finally arrived.” Choi Yeong-Seong spoke to the guild members with his characteristic smile. Just as he was trembling in anticipation, his guild members were also shaking with excitement.“The world will tremble at the name of the Northern Army Guild.”

It was the day. The day of the Hunter Mobilization Order, the day he would take the title of King.

***

"It looks like it is today,” said Kim Su-Yeong.

Just like Choi Yeong-Seong and the Northern Army, others had also been anticipating the day. Namely, it was Lee Jun-Kyeong and one other person.

“It seems like it is,” answered Lee Jun-Kyeong in an uninterested tone.

“What could you possibly be thinking about?” said Kim Su-Yeong in a frustrated manner. It was the day of the Hunter Mobilization Order. Lee Jun-Kyeong had been growing stronger by attacking numerous dungeons up until the last moment, growing to such an extent that everyone, including himself, found it hard to believe. After all, he had only become a Hunter less than two months ago.

‘To think that I have risen to a B-Rank Hunter. It’s unbelievable.’

Among the Hunters known to the world as of this point, the highest-ranking Hunter was an S-Rank. While there had been talks about creating a new grade above that classification, it was still a long way from being necessary.

In fact, there was still debate centered around whether or not there existed a strength that could surpass the S-Rank. However, for Lee Jun-Kyeong, subjectively or objectively, he had still reached a strength that could easily fit among the advanced level of Hunters.

The Super Rookie.

\'Is there anyone more suitable for that title?’

Though, it was difficult to continue calling him a Super Rookie, as his growth was so incredible that the term ‘rookie’ didn’t fit as well anymore. Despite all his effort, it was still mostly his rate of growth that astonished people. He hadn’t reached the pinnacle yet.

“You could die. Didn’t we tell you about the punks from the Northern Army Guild? They are far more dangerous than you think.” said Kim Su-Yeong in an even more worried tone. Today, Lee Jun-Kyeong would have to attack the gate that was causing the Association issues alongside the Northern Army Guild. However, the problem was that the Northern Army Guild never had any good intentions.

Kim Su-Yeong continued, "Didn\'t you say that other guilds that had previously entered a gate with the Northern Army Guild were annihilated? Of course, while there is no evidence that they were the ones who caused it…”

“Most likely, they were the ones who destroyed them,” responded Lee Jun-Kyeong as he began to prepare quickly. There wasn’t much for him to get ready. Similar to all the other times he prepped for a Gate, all he did was eat a good breakfast and check his equipment.

Kim Su-Yeong raised his voice, “Even after that, you’re still going? While I understand that there will be problems if you refuse to attend… but if it’s you, Mr. Lee, there may not be many issues! You’re already such a great resource for the Association. They shouldn’t be very offended if you refuse to attend this mobilization…”

He ended somewhat shrilly, "There is nothing more precious than your life!"

Kim Su-Yeong thought back to the past for a moment. Although the time he had known Lee Jun-Kyeong could be considered either long or short depending on the perspective, he had grown of the astonishing young Hunter.

Whether it was his charismatic figure, his humble acceptance of the power of a Hunter, or even that he hadn’t become full of himself with the title of Super Rookie, he believed Lee Jun-Kyeong could be described as a True Hunter. In fact, he thought that the younger man was the only one who could be described that way. Was there anyone who wouldn’t become fond of someone who was sincere and respectful? Kim Su-Yeong felt quite distressed now.

He begged quietly, "Please… Do not go."

He thought Lee Jun-Kyeong would die. He honestly believed that he would never see Lee Jun-Kyeong again after today. However…

Lee Jun-Kyeong stated firmly, “Let’s go.”

"Hunter Lee!" Kim Su-Yeong shrieked.

"Mr. Kim Su-Yeong." Lee Jun-Kyeong looked over at Kim Su-Yeong as he stood in the hallway, putting on his shoes.

"Yes… ?" asked Kim Su-Yeong, lowering his tone for a moment at the suddenly stern voice.

Lee Jun-Kyeong responded, "Did you say that life is the most precious thing?"

"Yes…"

The young Hunter then grinned. "I know."

Kim Su-Yeong felt it then. Lee Jun-Kyeong wasn’t participating in the mobilization with a mindset of letting whatever happened to happen as things would occur.

It was the exact opposite.

Lee Jun-Kyeong suddenly announced, “And now those punks will also know that life is precious too.”

He could feel it, a feeling of something dominating the entire situation…

The spirit of a King.

***

Countless people, either armed Hunters or Association personnel, had gathered to control the surroundings. A single glance was enough to notice that hundreds of Hunters were crowded in one place. This large number implied that the attack would be difficult. Hence, they were receiving a lot of outside attention.

“Why did you come?”

Among the armed Hunters were Yeo Seong-Gu and the League Guild. However, they had not been mobilized to attack the gate this time. They had wanted to participate, but the Association had rejected them and instead requested them to aid in attacking other gates. The reason why Yeo Seong-Gu and the League Guild had come was…

“We have declared that the Northern Army Guild is an enemy…” said Yeo Seong-Gu.“And that the Super Rookie is our friend. There is no way we wouldn’t have come here.”

As Yeo Seong-Gu spoke, he looked over at Choi Yeong-Seong, who was maintaining the Northern Army Guild from afar. For a moment, their eyes met. Although they were far apart, it felt as though the battle between them could have been felt by everyone. In the end, Choi Yeong-Seong broke eye contact first. Yeo Seong-Gu looked at Lee Jun-Kyeong again and said, “You still plan on going even if we try to convince you not to, right?”

“Of course. But it wasn’t as if you had any plans to convince me anyway?” Lee Jun-Kyeong responded mischievously.

Yeo Seong-Guburst into laughter for a moment. He caught his breath and continued seriously, “That punk is stronger than you think.”

“...”

Yeo Seong-Gu chided the other Hunter, “You may already know this, but I’m reminding you again.”

As expected, Yeo Seong-Gu seemed to have felt the change in Choi Yeong-Seong. While Choi Yeong-Seong’s power was officially listed in the Association as a B-Rank…

“It feels as though he has become an A-Rank,” said Lee Jun-Kyeong, voicing out the other man’s thoughts out loud.

Yeo Seong-Gu grimaced slightly. “As expected, you could feel it too.”

Lee Jun-Kyeong was sure of it. Choi Yeong-Seong had grown stronger.

“Well… your growth is honestly more surprising to me.” In fact, Yeo Seong-Gu seemed to be more surprised by Lee Jun-Kyeong, who he had not seen in a long time, than Choi Yeong-Seong. There was no way he wouldn’t have been surprised. There was a significant difference between raising one rank versus three ranks in one month. It was a type of advancement that no one would believe.

“You must have your own plans. Whatever happens…” Yeo Seong-Gu’s face was no longer filled with worry. Instead, anticipation overflowed from his expression. "I want to see you grow. We’ll stay here until you come out."

“Why would you go out of your way like that?” Lee Jun-Kyeong teased Yeo Seong-Gu, whom he had become friends with again. But unlike his playful tone, he was quite thankful for the support.

"If, by chance, you don’t come out and only the Northern Army Guild does…" said Yeo Seong-Gu with an intensely murderous look. "I will not let the Northern Army Guild survive."

It was crazy for Yeo Seong-Gu to say he would annihilate an entire guild. While some might think it was conceit or arrogance…

‘You’ve grown too, Hyung.’

…Lee Jun-Kyeong thought differently. Yeo Seong-Gu had also improved, and the League Guild as well. It was to the point that even Lee Jun-Kyeong was surprised. But, unlike how he had completely filled up his time by using the information he had from the future, all they had was the present. They must have gone through many days of backbreaking work in order to advance so much.

‘The current League Guild is…’

They seemed to have grown more than the League Guild he had known. He wondered if this was all influenced by his return to the past. He thought about it for a moment.

"And this…”

Yeo Seong-Gu took out something and placed it in Lee Jun-Kyeong’s arms. Lee Jun-Kyeong didn’t even have any time to check what it was.

"The attack will start soon!"

He heard a voice calling the Hunters that were to be mobilized for this attack.

"It should be of help,” Yeo Seong-Gu said, leaving before he could respond.

“Then I should go too,” said Kim Su-Yeong, leaving alongside the League Guild and Yeo Seong-Gu. There was no one left among the many Hunters that Lee Jun-Kyeong knew. From this point on, he would have to fight alone.

"Please gather around once you have finished your maintenance!"

Lee Jun-Kyeong had already completed his maintenance, so he proceeded confidently toward the front of the line of waiting Hunters. He stood in front of the other Hunters, directly next to the Northern Army Guild. Opposing him…

“Nice to see you again.”

…was Choi Yeong-Seong, the Guild Master of the Northern Army, and Choi Yong-Su, who exuded a killing aura.

“...”

Jeong In-Chang stood with an unknown expression. Lee Jun-Kyeong let out a long breath, ignoring them.

“Whew…”

It was a B-Grade Gate, a great power gathering towards a single place. The group had confidence in being able to attack that level of power. However, the reality was different from their feelings. The reason the Association had summoned and mobilized them was...

‘Wave-Type Gate.’

…because this gate had many unusual points. While the measured value of the gate’s magic power was B-Grade, it was clear that the estimated grade was a delusion when one actually entered it. Most importantly, wave-type gates were a unique type of grade that was raided only by surviving till the end of the repeated waves of monsters. That was why they had mobilized so much manpower. Lee Jun-Kyeong already had a lot of information about this gate as this gate had been famous.

‘This was where you earned the name Gunther.’

This was the place where the Northern Army Guild Master, Choi Yeong-Seong, had been reborn as the Hero, Gunther.

The place where he and the Northern Army Guild would cement their place in Korea and the world.

The place where Choi Yeong-Seong would start to be called the War King.

The place where an uncountable amount of Hunters would die.

There were a vast amount of facts that Lee Jun-Kyeong knew about the gate, and he made a conviction to himself.

\'While this will be someone’s victory.\'

The winner wouldn’t be Choi Yeong-Seong. This gate, that had been the very gate that Choi Yeong-Seong had become a hero…

‘But.’

…would have its history changed.

"We will be entering the Rhine River Gate!"

It was the Rhine River Gate, where the victor would be the one who held all the glory in his hands.

‘That’s going to be me.’

This was the first event that Lee Jun-Kyeong would change after he had returned to the past.