The Prodigy's Arrival and the Sphinx's Riddle
Nam Gyuil swung his wooden sword in the training ground today as well, immersed in honing the swordsmanship of the Arnia Empire Knights.
Whoosh. Each time the wooden sword sliced through the air, a refreshing sound of wind followed.
Should I take a break?
Nam Gyuil wiped the sweat dripping from his forehead with his sleeve. He tucked the wooden sword under his arm and leaned against the wall.
Clink. He opened the thermos he'd prepared in advance and gulped down the barley tea.
Has it already been a week since I started training?
He'd devoted himself entirely to swordsmanship practice during that time. He'd repeated the same motions with brutal intensity, polishing them relentlessly. Now, they finally felt ingrained in his body.
During that week, 01 Team had recorded seven accident-free days. Their evaluations had risen accordingly, earning recognition throughout the Hunter Agency.
Of course, no one knew how they'd achieved those seven safe days.
He'd even overheard murmurs from other teams: "They're doing well, sure, but why are they doing so well?"
Nam Gyuil smirked.
It's all thanks to me constantly surpassing accident-free records.
It was possible because Nam Gyuil, growing stronger every day, had taken the lead in slaying monsters from all directions.
He glanced around. He wasn't alone in the training ground. His teammates were there too.
"Hah!"
Everyone shouted with spirit, training diligently, but Nam Gyuil wore a disinterested expression.
The reason was crystal clear.
Those guys are just copying my training.
As Nam Gyuil's feats grew more prominent, the 01 Team members had started mimicking his swordsmanship practice out of the corner of their eyes. They seemed to have noticed it differed from the Hunter Agency's standard methods.
But it was all for naught. None of them grasped the core principles.
Swining a wooden sword a hundred days won't mean a thing if you don't grow your internal mana.
Nam Gyuil shook his head. His teammates were passionately striving to get stronger, but they missed the crucial part, so their efforts never led to real growth. It was a pitiful sight, wasting energy pointlessly. On top of that, they couldn't even copy properly, making their sword motions awkwardly clumsy.
Their combat prowess was sorely lacking. If he were discharged, his comrades would be monster fodder in no time.
He'd built up too much camaraderie over the years to let that happen.
We've spent so much time together—I want to teach them the right training methods... But even if I did, could they keep it secret?
He couldn't be sure. Which meant he couldn't teach them.
Nam Gyuil sighed. Deep down, he wanted to form a guild with his teammates and operate together.
Though that's pretty much impossible.
With everyone having different discharge dates, how could it work?
As he thought that, his smartphone buzzed.
Vrrr.
Nam Gyuil pulled out his phone from his pocket. A notification from the video site Nutube—one of his subscribed channels had uploaded a new video.
He was about to dismiss it and pocket the phone again when the thumbnail title caught his eye.
[Hunter Agency to Disappear?]
Nam Gyuil furrowed his brow slightly. The Hunter Agency disappearing? That was impossible.
He tapped the video to check the contents.
• An opinion emerged in the National Assembly to recognize guild activity periods as Hunter Agency service time.
• The ruling party opposes, claiming 'guilds are profit-driven and won't serve the public good,' while the opposition counters that assigning mandatory quotas to guilds would make them accountable.
• Despite massive hurdles like bill passage and government negotiations, if legalized, the Hunter Agency could vanish.
It was intriguing content. Criticism had long mounted that the Hunter Agency threw young people into death traps without alternatives, so the opposition, eager to change the regime, was clashing with the ruling party.
Nam Gyuil's lips curved upward faintly.
Recognizing guild activity as Hunter Agency service time?
If true, he could form a guild with his comrades. Assuming, of course, the politicians reached a proper agreement.
Right then—
Beep beep beep.
The dispatch signal blared from the speakers.
Including Nam Gyuil, all of 01 Team grabbed their weapons and headed to the athletic field where the military bus waited.
Then he noticed something odd. Not just 01 Team—05 Team was assembling too.
Nam Gyuil glanced sideways at 05 Team. Two teams being mobilized meant one thing.
Lieutenant Colonel Park Heeryeong stepped onto the platform.
"A new species of monster has appeared in the gate at Yongsan-gu's Manil Building."
Two teams were deployed only when a new monster species was discovered in a gate.
Lieutenant Colonel Park Heeryeong continued.
Apparently, 03 Team had fought the new monster in the gate and been wiped out except for one. The sole survivor had muttered about the new monster before falling into a coma, critically injured.
Thus, Hunter Agency command decided to deploy top teams.
01 Team was selected for their recent stellar performance—seven accident-free days.
"05 Team was picked because their new recruit is exceptionally famous."
Park Heeryeong explained and called the fresh newbie to the platform.
"Private Han Kangsu, to the platform!"
A boy who looked about seventeen climbed up. Friendly expression. Crisp gait. Even through his clothes, glimpses of well-honed muscles showed his physique was impressive.
"Hello. I'm Han Kangsu, son of Hunter Han Ducheol."
Everyone's eyes widened at that. Nam Gyuil's too.
Han Ducheol—one of Korea's top five hunters. The man who closed three gates a day. Born with immense talent, he'd turned a mid-sized guild he founded in his thirties into a major powerhouse.
For his son to enlist in the Hunter Agency was fascinating.
The law changed, so he enlisted.
A new law allowing minors to enlist in the Hunter Agency must have brought him here. It wasn't common.
Even with the law change, other elites scrambled to keep their kids out—delaying enlistment or avoiding it altogether.
But Han Kangsu enlisted honorably, without tricks, fulfilling his duty. Unlike typical elite offspring.
Rumors swirled he inherited his father's prodigious talent. A genius who'd even done TV interviews.
Han Ducheol had boasted his son matched his own gifts.
And that prodigy ends up in 05 Team.
Nam Gyuil looked impressed.
Han Kangsu saluted the senior national hunters.
"I aim to contribute to monster extermination. Please take care of me."
Pretty standard ambition. His mature tone for a seventeen-year-old suggested interview coaching.
05 Team leader Park Taesoo clapped enthusiastically first, glaring at his teammates to join in.
Clap clap clap.
05 Team followed suit.
Han Kangsu descended the platform slowly. Unnoticed by all, his smile subtly twisted into a sneer.
He glanced slyly at the national hunters.
They're all so weak.
A quick scan revealed their skill levels plainly. Combat-wise, none could touch his toes.
Guys I'd never even meet in society. Heh, consider it an honor to see the real me.
Outwardly a refined young noble. Inside, bloated with arrogance and ego.
I enlisted because I hate cowardly cheats. But since I'm here, I'll shine. Let them feel the gap.
Han Kangsu looked down on the national hunters.
Finally, Lieutenant Colonel Park Heeryeong shouted to all.
"Dispatch to the site! Everyone, board the vehicles!!"
All national hunters boarded.
Vroom.
The military bus spewed smoke and headed out.
Yongsan Manil Building. Soldiers and police blanketed the perimeter. Yellow barricades stretched long to keep people out. Armed troops encircled the building. Helicopters with mounted machine guns circled, ready to fire.
01 Team and 05 Team disembarked the bus and checked their weapons.
Nam Gyuil drew his dagger from his belt and adjusted his shield.
Then Han Kangsu's weapon caught his eye by chance. Not a dagger like his—a long sword. Its blade was pristine, unlike others' battered gear.
"Whoa, that guy's got some nice stuff!"
Lee Chanu stared enviously.
Awakeners used weapons looted from monsters. No metal from outside the gates. Thus, quality varied wildly—from chipped daggers to straight longswords.
Naturally, the wealthy got better ones.
Han Kangsu was no exception. Thanks to his father, his was superior.
Lee Chanu muttered jealously. "Man, some people are born talented, rich parents, top gear."
Nam Gyuil flicked his forehead at the childish gripe.
"Ow!"
"Cut the crap and prep. We're entering the gate."
"Got it."
Lee Chanu rubbed his head and final-checked his weapon.
The national hunters entered the building. They took the elevator to the seventh floor, spotting a clothing store.
Stride, stride. They hurried to the gate site.
Near the men's restroom, the gate appeared.
Just as they were about to enter, Han Kangsu ordered 05 Team.
"Stick close behind me, everyone. Follow my orders, and we'll all survive."
Nam Gyuil's eyes widened. Lee Chanu too.
"What the? Did that private just order his superiors? Sounded like he's taking command."
The Hunter Agency fell under the Ministry of National Defense—no matter how talented a newbie, ordering seniors like that broke protocol. There were lines. Ranks mattered.
05 Team looked displeased. But no one protested, despite the frowns.
The reason? Their leader.
05 Team leader Park Taesoo stood by Han Kangsu.
"You all hear Kangsu? Do as he says. Got it?"
"......"
05 Team clamped their mouths shut.
Park Taesoo nodded at a teammate he disliked.
"Minhyeon. Got a problem?"
"No, sir."
"Good. Manage your face."
"......"
The sullen 05 Team dropped their gazes.
Han Kangsu could act that way thanks to Park Taesoo.
Nam Gyuil grasped the situation instantly.
Leader's backing him, so no one calls him out.
In the Hunter Agency, team leaders held immense sway. Surviving dangerous gates long-term proved their skill.
Hence their strong voice.
Given the agency's high mutilation rate, an intact senior veteran commanded huge respect.
But Park Taesoo's a nasty piece of work.
He had skill, sure, but his personality was rotten.
Cowardly and sleazy.
Park Taesoo hadn't risen by merit alone. He'd talk big about fighting full-force but shoved dangers onto others.
He'd betray anyone for his own safety.
Brave 05 Team veterans died as a result, leaving him leader.
But why's he siding with Han Kangsu?
Wouldn't use someone, let alone help.
Pondering, Nam Gyuil figured it out.
Guild job?
That explained everything. Discharge intact from the Hunter Agency, and guilds scouted you. But few wanted back into gate hell, so guilds always lacked manpower.
Scouts background-checked soon-to-discharge hunters.
They've got all the dirt on Park Taesoo's rep.
They'd hate him.
Dragging a guy like that burdens the rest.
Park Taesoo's only path to a big guild? Connections.
Brown-nose Han Kangsu for a cushy guild spot closing safe gates?
Money and bragging rights secured.
Classic Park Taesoo.
Nam Gyuil shook his head.
Fool. Backing Han Kangsu like that for scraps? It'll tank team morale.
And Han Kangsu barely glances at him.
No eye contact confirmed it.
Han Kangsu spun and entered the gate. Park Taesoo chased desperately.
"W-wait, Kangsu! I'm coming!!"
05 Team sighed and trudged after, unenthused.
Nam Gyuil scratched his head.
That team's a mess.
But it was their issue. Not his to meddle in.
"Let's go in."
Nam Gyuil led 01 Team into the gate.
Inside, an alien landscape unfolded. Thick air. Hot wind brushed their hair.
This gate's backdrop was some structure's interior. Torches hung on the walls.
"Phew, it's a sauna in here."
Lee Chanu fanned his collar against the heat.
The interior was abnormally sweltering.
Nam Gyuil scanned around. Heat aside, only a straight corridor lay ahead.
Now, how to proceed. Check for monster ambushes first?
As he pondered, Han Kangsu led 05 Team forward blindly.
"Just follow my words, and no one gets hurt. We close the gate."
Han Kangsu emphasized again. Park Taesoo fawned like a lackey, rubbing his hands.
"Kangsu says it, so we follow. Right, guys?"
Park Taesoo turned to 05 Team.
"Yes."
"Yep."
05 Team answered reluctantly.
Nam Gyuil crossed his arms. This joint op felt off.
Hong Shinu asked Nam Gyuil.
"Sergeant Nam Gyuil, what do we do?"
"Forward for now. Watch for ambushes—full vigilance."
"Understood."
01 Team advanced.
About five minutes in, no monsters appeared. Instead, something unexpected did.
A Sphinx statue and a forked path.
A voice emanated from the Sphinx statue. An unfamiliar language, yet somehow comprehensible.
[Gates of Choice]
Two paths lie before you.
Both lead to the great one.
The right is gentle, yet demands crossing countless hills.
The left is swift, but requires scaling a cliff that touches the heavens.
Choose your path and meet the great one.
"This ain't no ordinary statue."
Lee Chanu scratched his head.
The national hunters confirmed they'd heard the same from the Sphinx.
"Matches."
"Same here."
Everyone got identical messages.
The two paths led to the boss monster.
The dilemma: left or right?
Nam Gyuil pondered, replaying the riddle.
Right: gentle but many hills.
He shared his guess.
"Right means fighting lots of weak monsters? Slow but safe."
"Then left?"
Lee Chanu tilted his head.
Nam Gyuil continued. "Left's fast but has a sky-high cliff—a powerful monster on the shortcut."
Lee Chanu frowned thoughtfully. "Left's quick but risky."
The hunters mulled it over. No easy answer.
After deliberation, Nam Gyuil decided.
"Slow and safe—right!"
"Fast despite danger—left!"
Nam Gyuil turned. He'd said right.
But someone simultaneously pushed left.
Their eyes met: Han Kangsu.
"Right wastes time. We go left."