Chapter 98
Chapter 98
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 98
Chapter Title: Contention (1)
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Awakener Association headquarters.
Lee Youngsik, summoned to the president's office, wore a sullen expression as he asked back.
"Gunja Sword... you mean?"
"That's right. We need to bring him into the Association. We can't just let a talent like that go to someone else, can we?"
Association President Han Seung-gyu spoke as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, but Lee Youngsik was utterly dumbfounded.
'What does Gunja Sword lack that we'd need to chase him?'
It had been a long time since footage of Gunja Sword matching Kang Inhyeok blow-for-blow—defying everyone's expectations—had spread across the globe.
His combat sense and genius, transcending raw physical specs, had been proven in real time.
And that was just the start.
His fame and image were impeccable, and he even had a backstory that no other hunter possessed.
Not just domestic guilds, but top guilds worldwide were eyeing Gunja Sword.
He wasn't just priority number one for recruitment—he was priority zero. And now they wanted to drag him into the Association?
How on earth...?
This had to be a joke.
Lee Youngsik swallowed the words rising to his throat and replied.
"Ahem! I understand what you're saying, President. But... realistically speaking, it's a tall order."
Not pleased with the response, Han Seung-gyu's cheek twitched.
"Hmm... Of course I know that. Hell, that's why I called you, isn't it? If it were easy, I'd have left it to HR. Why call you specifically?"
That's exactly why it pisses me off more.
They'd dumped all the blame on him when demoting him, pretending not to know him, and now that they needed something, they dragged him back in.
Whether he sensed Lee Youngsik's resentment or not, the president continued with a vague smile.
"Come on, think about it. If Hero Guild collapses, how massive would that vacuum be?"
No need to explain twice there.
Domestic guilds weren't the only ones watching—neighboring countries had their eyes glued too.
"Someone has to fill that gap... and wouldn't it look better if the Association did it rather than another guild?"
Lee Youngsik flinched.
He'd caught the ambition hidden in the president's words.
This was a chance to bolster the Association's power and strengthen its influence over the guilds.
And the fact that the president was saying this outright meant talks with government officials were already done.
'That sly old fox...'
Seeing Lee Youngsik's expression, Han Seung-gyu smirked and pressed on.
"If the guilds fill it, we might end up with a second Hero Guild... and we can't have that, can we? But to prevent it, the Association needs top talent too. Right?"
Only then did Lee Youngsik confirm the truth behind the rumors swirling around.
"...I've heard the government has been quietly approaching hunters who left Hero Guild lately. Is that...?"
"Haha! Sharp as ever! That's why it's so easy talking to you. Spot on. We're reaching out first to clean-record hunters for Association recruitment. Not announcing it publicly yet while we gauge reactions."
Lee Youngsik's mind raced.
'With Baek Jincheon stepping down, no need to watch their step while building power.'
Baek Jincheon and Hero Guild's downfall had flipped the board overnight.
And rapid change always brought crisis and opportunity in equal measure.
"Besides, I'm not foolish enough to assign the impossible. Take a look at this."
The president slid a folder of clipped news articles across the desk.
— Elusive Gunja Sword strikes again! Gunfight in Jeju this time? Eyewitness accounts from responding police!
— Spy ops disguised as vacation! Gunja Sword raids demonization factory!
— Fresh out of hospital and already back in action! Is he the modern hero who spares no effort for his body?
"Whoa..."
A sigh escaped Lee Youngsik's lips.
'This guy really is...'
Seeing his reaction, Han Seung-gyu piled on.
"A man like this seems to value public good and honor over money or power... don't you think? Doesn't he belong in the Association more than some guild? Naturally, we'd offer the best terms."
With that, he handed over a document listing Association perks.
Salaries unreal for civil servants, pensions, apartments, cars—the works.
And above all, thanks to upcoming government reforms, priority gate raid rights over guilds.
"...Impressive benefits."
"Heh, and it's not like I'm just throwing you in blind. Tough job deserves big rewards. Think of all you've done for the Association so far."
Han Seung-gyu shot him a meaningful look.
"You know a board seat's opening up soon. How about it? Nail this, and I'll personally nominate you. A board spot in the revamped Association—worlds apart from the old one."
Tempting offer, no doubt.
And refusing wasn't an option anyway.
Lee Youngsik bowed his head gravely.
"...I'll do my utmost."
"Haha! That's the spirit. Military's eyeing him too, so hurry. Looking forward to good news."
Leaving the office, Lee Youngsik pondered deeply, then quickened his pace as an idea struck.
Jeju Island, near the seaside.
The waves crashed fiercely against the uninhabited dark sea on this moonless night.
Whoosh... Crash!
They shattered against the jagged cliffs.
And atop one such cliff stood Kim Gunja, staring out blankly.
The barrier's final chamber exit connected to this seaside precipice.
"......"
Kim Gunja gazed at the distant horizon where sea and night sky blurred into one.
He needed time to process the truth from that final chamber—his thoughts and feelings about it.
In his hand was a thick tome.
⚡ Rank:Legendary
Stores desired memories from the owner in audio and image form. Conditions for accessing records can be set.
Kim Gongja's final legacy.
A record of his life experiences, information gathered, and connections forged.
A kind of diary, one might say.
But given Kim Gongja's power and renown, anyone could tell these weren't mere diary entries.
Amid the vast dark ocean, a yellow light flickered from a distant fishing boat.
And in that moment, Kim Gunja's deliberations ended.
"Whew... Alright."
He raised the Record Tome and infused it with mana.
Vmmm—
The tome, glowing blue, floated gently in the air.
"Red Cloud Temple."
"View."
With those words, the tome radiated blue light and opened.
Pages flipped with a rustle, countless record afterimages flashing by like a panorama.
Records he'd viewed many times before.
The pages slowed and stopped.
One accessible record unfolded before his eyes.
Inside Red Cloud Temple's chamber.
His father, wearing an apologetic expression, stroked the head of his sleeping self.
— I don't want you walking my path. I just want you to live a normal life.
This was why Kim Gongja had kept his son's existence secret, even distorting memories.
He feared his child being forced into choices or swept up solely because he was his son.
And that fear spoke volumes about his own suffering.
Gazing at Kim Gongja, Kim Gunja declared firmly.
"I'll take a different path."
Sacrificing everything for the world wasn't for an ordinary guy like him.
He had no intention of becoming some grand hero.
"Strangers far away matter less than the people close to me—and myself."
A grin lit his face, free of any hesitation.
It was a decision born of deep thought.
His father's life was admirable, but he wouldn't follow it.
Father had his path; he had his own.
Just as Ma Ilcheon devoted his life to a single sword, and Stain chose paternal love over vengeance.
"But..."
Kim Gunja scratched his cheek, continuing like a promise.
"If I have the spare capacity... I won't look away. Anyone with power has a duty to step up."
That was his conclusion.
And his future plans aligned with it.
He wanted to reaffirm that vow before his father.
Hence revisiting the record.
The projection ended, and the tome snapped shut with a rustle.
Kim Gunja carefully took it back.
Plenty of unviewable records remained.
And since he could revisit them anytime, it was an artifact to cherish.
Still, the access criteria irked him a bit.
'What kind of record requires such high-level restrictions...?'
Viewing was tied to mana level.
Kim Gunja's max mana level: 11.
That unlocked just 67% of the total.
One more reason to grow stronger.
'Only then... can I handle whatever's in there.'
Of course, no way to know yet, so he shelved it.
Storing the tome in his subspace, he pulled out his phone.
One glance at the screen, and he sighed.
'Since when did my number become public property...?'
Somehow, they all knew it.
Calls nonstop.
Government, guilds, corporations—love calls pouring in.
He'd muted everything except Pentagram and contacts.
Skimming the call log, he calmly sorted priorities.
Three big ones.
'Info on Vatican healers, capital for growth, and defenses against any external power plays... that about covers it.'
Vatican for his friends' sake; capital for Customizing Room points and artifact buys to boost proficiency.
Last one: responsibility for his actions.
'Geum Jinung's handling Vatican intel, so word soon...'
Geumsan Group had branches worldwide.
Including Italy, bordering Vatican.
'Capital via hunting, but method's the issue.'
He'd relied on Hero Guild infrastructure for prime gates.
No more, post-departure.
'Market exists, but inefficient.'
Ultimately, efficient hunting needed backing.
Association, guild, or otherwise.
He'd scheduled a meet with Infinite Guild's Hong Sua to discuss.
She was the expert he knew who knew the scene best.
'Oh, right...'
Kim Gunja recalled the USB with demonization crew intel.
'Need to look into that too.'
He was about to call Geum Jinung when—
Bzzz—
Geum Jinung's name lit the screen.
'This guy's no saint either.'
Chuckling, Kim Gunja answered.
"Yeah."
— Hope you're well. Already stirred things up in Jeju, I hear.
"Haha, just happened... Actually, that mess has a favor I need. The outfit's bigger than expected."
— Any request from Kim Gunja is welcome.
"Thanks. I'll send details soon."
— Sure. Oh, calling about the Vatican intel you asked for last time. Got it.
Kim Gunja's eyes widened slightly.
Music to his ears.
"...Rumors true?"
Straight to the point.
Geum Jinung didn't disappoint.
— Yes. Even stronger healing than rumored.
Kim Gunja beamed.
A breakthrough for his friends' disabilities at last.
Grabbing the data from Geum Jinung, he raced to the airport.
To deliver the great news to his friends in person.