Forging Legends and Conquering Gates
Nam Gyuil handed over the items to the Kobolts. The Sichuan Tangmen's poisoned daggers and poison knives, and even Hancheol.
"Come back in a week, and we'll fuse these items with the ore to craft a legendary sword."
"I can look forward to it, right?"
"Of course."
The Kobolt thumped its chest confidently with a bold declaration. Nam Gyuil nodded in approval. Seeing that self-assured attitude, there was no need to worry. He headed home.
"Ssus."
"Krang!!"
Shy and Cute came scampering over. Nam Gyuil quickly whipped up some food for them. Lately, he'd been so swamped that he'd just boiled kimchi stew. 'Time for a proper nourishing meal today.' He pulled pork from the fridge, tossed it in a pot, and boiled it vigorously until the braised pork was done. A delicious aroma filled the air. Shy gulped, and Cute wagged its tail excitedly. They must both have been starving.
Nam Gyuil sliced the meat thinly so they could eat easily and served it in bowls. Cute dove face-first into its bowl, devouring the pork. Shy delicately speared pieces with a fork and chewed slowly. Their styles were so different—Cute like a puppy, Shy reminiscent of a cat.
Nam Gyuil washed the dishes. 'Now, to set up a formation so no intruders can threaten us anymore.'
This formation wasn't some enchantment technique. It was the real deal from the martial world. He'd use it to hide Cute and Shy even if someone broke in.
Nam Gyuil drew the formation on the wall. Recalling knowledge from the Akashic Records, he harnessed the harmony of nature. Suddenly, a fresh breeze blew through—even though the windows were closed. His hair fluttered as the formation completed.
"Now, even if someone sneaks in, we're safe. Any intruder will fall for the illusion and just keep looping in and out of the front door."
With that, Cute and Shy's safety was secured. Nam Gyuil fell into thought. 'Should I install one at the guild too, to keep items safe?' It was a brilliant idea. When clashing with major guilds later, the formation would play a huge role. 'Though that's still far off.'
He lit the gas stove and added the mid-grade elixir ingredients he'd received from Chairman U Seongjin to a pot. 'Time to make some for the team.' He brewed mid-grade elixirs, planning to give them to his comrades starting tomorrow. 'They'll all get even stronger.'
And now, it was time to hit the gates. Everyone in Public Guild had swapped their Hunter Agency service for guild activities. 'I've been putting off gates for training as long as possible.' But no more delays. Starting tomorrow, they had to enter gates daily—no excuses. Three per day, even. No big worry, though. 'With our current strength, we could clear six a day.'
Nam Gyuil smirked. The spar with Unha Guild had shown Han Kangsu and Lee Chanu's growth. This time, he wanted to check the others who hadn't fought. 'How strong have Hwang Ilsu and Hong Shinu gotten?'
Morning sunlight streamed through the windows. Public Guild members drank the mid-grade elixirs Nam Gyuil provided, then trained in mana cultivation and heart methods. They all felt the elixir's wonder—internal energy purifying, bodies strengthening. 'How does he even make something like this? Is Gyuil hyung a genius?''Incredible.' Everyone marveled inwardly.
As morning training ended, they swarmed Nam Gyuil.
"Hyung, where'd you get this stuff?" Lee Chanu exclaimed in awe.
Hong Shinu chimed in. "It felt like my power surged all at once, sir."
Everyone chimed in—amazed, impressed, 'As expected of our Gyuil hyung.' Nam Gyuil smirked at the praise, then grabbed his armor and weapon for the first time in a while.
"Gates this afternoon. Gear up properly."
"Yes, sir!"
"We'll close three gates a day for the next three days. Got it?"
"Understood!"
They moved swiftly, donning armor and weapons. Their gear was far better than during Hunter Agency days. Nam Gyuil had used the weapons factory to custom-fit everything, including stainless steel armor tougher than before. Swords were sharper than gate loot by leagues, plus throwing daggers for range. No shields needed with their martial arts mastery—except for Hong Shinu. Her Hao Sect Single Sword focused on thrusts; a miss left openings, so a shield was essential. Mastery eliminated misses, but she wasn't there yet.
Hong Shinu gripped her sword tightly. 'Chance to test how much stronger I've gotten.' She'd prove she wouldn't drag the team down—more than her share. That she could grow strong too!!
Nam Gyuil led them to the gate site, with Hwang Ilsu driving. The car roared down the road. Nam Gyuil gazed at the scenery, spotting news on roadside billboards.
Nam Gyuil smiled warmly at the news. Higher survival for national hunters—great tidings. 'Keep pushing forward.' He steeled his gaze. Too many foes to topple for a better world.
Nam Gyuil's team entered the gate. Lizardmen this time—the first monsters after his Akashic Records awakening. Back then, teammates couldn't keep up. Not anymore.
Slash—!
Lee Chanu used Nangong sect footwork to slit throats.
Hwang Ilsu was impressive too. Thud. He stomped so hard it left prints, then cleaved a Lizardman vertically in one stroke. The corpse split and fell. Terrific power.
Han Kangsu outdid them with masterful swordplay. Clang clang clang. He faced six alone. His Taeguk Sword wasn't perfected, but its movements were profound. Slow, yet overwhelming. Even more astonishing: he lightly deflected spears, turning them on allies.
"Shak!"
"Sha."
Lizardmen impaled comrades' hearts as Han Kangsu intended. He took all six in under a minute. Frowning, he pouted. "Couldn't use Taeguk Sword properly again." Already amazing, yet unsatisfied. How strong did he aim to be?
Nam Gyuil felt pleased. Everyone had grown. Except one worry: Hong Shinu. She'd once collapsed under assaults—how now?
Clang. She blocked a spear with her shield, advanced, and thrust—piercing the heart. Better than feared. Stronger, decent thrust. She'd pulled her weight.
Nam Gyuil approached. "Your hard work's paying off. Congrats."
"Thank you, sir."
Hong Shinu beamed. First praise from her respected leader—on combat, no less. Pride swelled—until...
"Shak…."
Another Lizardman's cry. She'd killed one; others five or six. Her smile faded. Still behind Han Kangsu, Lee Chanu, Hwang Ilsu. No room for complacency. 'Gotta train harder.' She'd master thrusts relentlessly. Prove effort made the incompetent strong.
She kept hunting, thrusting endlessly. Public Guild swiftly felled the boss and exited—in under 30 minutes. Guarding soldiers gaped.
"What? Done in 30 minutes?"
"Incredible. That's major guild speed."
"Yeah."
They eyed Public Guild with awe. Nam Gyuil led to the next gate, drawing more exclamations each time.
"Good work, everyone."
Nam Gyuil called out. They'd planned nine gates over three days but cleared all nine in one—thanks to explosive growth.
"You too, hyung!"
"See you tomorrow."
They stowed gear and headed home. Nam Gyuil prepped to leave. One snag, though.
'What about the monster byproducts?'
He eyed the pile taking guild space. Corpse materials were industrial assets—couldn't discard. Plus, gate closure reports for Hunter Agency. 'Need an admin.'
He'd thought so before but hesitated posting jobs. 'Tensions with major guilds.' Spies would complicate things. Needed someone loyal, tight-lipped. 'Where to find one?'
Dad ran the factory; comrades trained; siblings and mom lacked experience—they'd flounder.
Nam Gyuil pondered. 'Time to ask advice from someone trustworthy.' He dialed his smartphone.
The call connected.
"What is it?"