Chapter 23
Chapter 23
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 23
Chapter Title: The Mobilization Order
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“As you can see, Jeong Min-su, who we thought was an A+ grade demon, turned out to be S-rank. Crucial intel uncovered at the cost of our scouts’ lives. And just so you know, we’re still tailing him.”
“An S-rank demon. No ordinary threat.”
“And if he’s even using our scouts as fodder, he’ll only get stronger.”
The constellation and apostle system wasn’t all that complicated.
Perform actions your constellation likes or overcome trials, and you’d get rewards that made you stronger.
And it applied fairly, whether you were friendly to humanity or not.
“Anyway, we’ve got an S-rank demon—Slaughter King lineage, no less—rampaging right on Seoul’s doorstep. As you know, the Slaughter King is the biggest obstacle blocking Korea’s northward expansion, the mastermind who periodically leads hordes of demons south. That’s why we need a joint subjugation team to take him out.”
“So, you’re drafting S-ranks from other guilds. To clean up the mess Blue Dragon Guild made.”
“Guild Master Park Soonwon of Seoul Guild, that’s going too far.”
Seoul Guild. One of Korea’s top three guilds, affiliated with the Seoul local government.
Unlike guilds under the association or government, it operated as an independent entity, weathering countless legal battles but sticking to its guns.
The reason Seoul Guild took this path? Betrayals by the association and government multiple times left the city in chaos and fear. The then-mayor rallied a self-defense guild to protect the city themselves, and that’s how it endured to this day.
“Not too far at all. If those bastards march on Seoul, fine. But if they head out elsewhere? Don’t call us. That’s not what we signed up for.”
“Putting out a fire early saves the most in the long run, no?”
“Our mission is to defend ‘Seoul,’ even if Purgatory’s waves crash down. Why should we clean up Blue Dragon Guild’s shit from the start? Ridiculous!”
They had no central constellation, abilities varied wildly, but they were bound by one conviction: protect Seoul.
That resolve, plus backing from anti-association, anti-government Gangnam citizens and chaebols, propelled them to major guild status—one of Korea’s big three.
But their Seoul-only defense stance drew endless criticism.
“Seoul being Seoul, huh.”
“Figured they’d pull this today.”
“Not Seoul Guild if they didn’t.”
Long emphasizing “Seoul defense,” they faced poor views from other guilds. Yet their size as a top-three guild, Seoul government ties, and sponsorship from Gangnam’s politicians and chaebols made them untouchable.
Scale aside, provoking them gained nothing, so everyone gritted their teeth. Even Blue Dragon Guild had to shut up.
“What about Olympus?”
“Hahaha, we’ve gotta check with HQ first. As always, need approval from the higher-ups.”
Olympus, another of the big three, wasn’t a homegrown Korean guild but a global powerhouse matching the others in Korea’s turf and might.
“Olympus punks dodging again ’cause it looks unprofitable.”
“Demons don’t offer much gain, honestly. But they’re such sleazebags.”
“What can you do? They’re world’s strongest, tied to twelve constellations...”
Like the grumbling guild masters said, Olympus had overwhelming forces and skill but little responsibility to Korea—picking and choosing dungeons for max profit.
You wanted to ignore their arrogance, but a super-global guild managed by twelve constellations having a Korean branch was reassuring. Untouchable.
Plus, vets cycling out spread top-guild strategies, intel, and skills—a boon.
“So Seoul and Olympus are opting out again?”
“Ahh~ We’re not saying no outright~ Just holding off for now~”
“Taking that as a no. Shameless bastards.”
“Guild Master Cheonsu, we’re contacting them right now.”
Watching this, the association president and Awakener Management Minister sighed in unison.
An unprecedented S-rank demon crisis, and the big-three reps acted like this—sighs inevitable.
“Well, can’t be helped. All self-inflicted. Blame ourselves for the Grand Master’s departure.”
“Decades ago, and the wounds still run deep.”
“At least Blue Dragon Guild of Struggle took the flag. Their constellation’s nature ensures they’ll see it through.”
Arrogant, tyrannical, even allying with scavengers sometimes—but you couldn’t ditch Blue Dragon.
Their constellation, the Blue Dragon of Struggle, meant they’d finish what they started.
“Seoul’s the shield, Blue Dragon the sword. As long as that balance holds, we’re good. Olympus has issues, but they move reliably against Eternal Wrath and hostilities.”
“But this house of cards won’t last forever. Not with Blue Dragon’s heir dead.”
“Sigh~ We regret that too. Guild Master Cheonsu skipped the funeral for this meeting—his heart must be in pieces. Looks like a revenge war; he’ll lead personally. Hope no issues.”
“To stabilize this S-rank demon subjugation, we need at least three S-rank hunters or ten A-ranks. Proper positions, of course. Begging active cooperation from other guilds.”
At those words, breaths hitched among the attending guild masters, as if the hammer had finally dropped.
They’d spare their forces and conscript others under “subjugation” pretext.
‘Here it comes.’
‘Please not us. Please not us.’
‘Get drafted, and it won’t end well.’
Eye games began—heads turning, ignoring Guild Master Cheonsu’s gaze.
S-rank demon subjugation: Necessary, but nobody wanted it if avoidable.
Dungeon monsters? Prep, scout, first strike. Demons? Human-like intelligences made fights messy.
Rewards? Barely anything beyond loot from their pockets, post-exp.
‘No one wants a no-gain brawl.’
Baekya Guild’s master, Shin Somi, agreed.
Honor and government bounties—mere facades. Best to skip.
“Hmm, hoped for volunteers. But we can’t ignore an S-rank demon, so association and government emergency draft it is...”
S-rank demon hunts were mandatory. National threat—no overlooking. Force-mobilize under authority.
Big three could refuse via clout; mid/small guilds couldn’t risk enmity.
‘Which guild gets shredded this time?’
Forcing mid/small to burn precious top Awakeners solidified big-three power.
Win-win raid for them.
Of course, Cheonsu wouldn’t cheer his son’s death.
“Hmm, for this op, Blue Dragon commits five A-ranks and one S-rank. So, we ask five A-ranks for frontal support. That’s per S-rank demon; add scavengers and minions, need more—factoring all guilds’ forces.”
Still, Blue Dragon pledged over half the muscle, for appearances.
Skip entirely? Incurs Struggle Blue Dragon’s wrath. They tossed in risky numbers grudgingly.
‘Bloodbath incoming. Poor guild that draws it...’
“Thus, summoning five guilds with A-rank Awakeners: Blade Excellion, Geukcheon-dae, Bulgul, Patient Avenger, Baekya. By Korea Government, Hunter Association, and Blue Dragon Guild authority: Mobilize subjugation team including one A-rank Awakener each.”
Shin Somi’s eyes widened at the names.
If she hadn’t misheard, Baekya was listed.
Stunned, she stepped forward, protesting.
“What? Hold on, Guild Master Cheonsu! Baekya’s only A-rank hunter is me!”
“Yes, you’re the A-rank, right? Or another? Your call, but I’m not drafting ghosts.”
“Even so, mobilizing a guild whose sole A-rank is its master? Too harsh! If something happens to me, the guild disintegrates.”
“Who has no excuses in this world? Anyway, looking forward to Judgment Eyes class power. Meeting adjourned. Prep per sent docs and dates! Or flee with scavengers.”
Guild Master Cheonsu ignored her, ended the meeting, and left.
Like Seoul and Olympus dipping, he confirmed power blocs brook no dissent.
As murmurs rose, his secretary approached the departing Cheonsu.
“No need to draft Baekya, sir? Her Judgment Eyes doesn’t suit demon hunts. Shines in fast maneuvers or Awakener clashes, not this.”
Baekya’s master Judgment Eyes: Dungeon support mage. Great for unknown raids—mapping, monster intel.
Known turf, pre-scouted foes like demons? Efficiency tanks; wastes A-rank value.
“That’s why no S-rank Cheon Yong. Minus her: One S, nine A. Plenty.”
“No thought they’ll rally more Awakeners or demons? A-rank demons mixed in could derail... Unless?”
Secretary twigged the malice; Cheonsu knew, drafted anyway.
He hid it, but plotted son’s vengeance.
“Scavengers and demons aren’t dumb—won’t ignore weak classes. Still, A-rank’s A-rank. Wanted to off the daughter, make that Amy taste same pain, but this’ll do.”
“Guild Master.”
“No worries. Tipped Cheon Yong ahead; we lose nothing. Told to bail if needed. Fail this, and fat-ass Seoul, Olympus can’t sit out next.”
“......”
“Success? Great. Fail? Plans ready. Don’t fret.”
Secretary wanted to warn of sacrifices, chaos—but Cheonsu’s eyes were long gone, son’s death a dagger shredding his sanity.
Mightiest big-three head, broken by grief.
Sensing the brewing disaster, retaliation plotted knowingly, but secretary couldn’t stop him.