Descent of the Thunder Emperor
A sneer twisted across Kwon Do-gyun's openly mocking face. Yet everyone else was too busy watching his every move to notice. Kwon Do-gyun—the S-rank hunter renowned as Korea's top star, the man raking in the most corporate sponsorships. In simple terms, he stood at the opposite pole from Park Tae-jun, who was firmly on the government's side.
Park Tae-jun, maintaining his smile without so much as a twitch at the blatant provocation, slowly opened his mouth.
"We've always let them slip away by the skin of our teeth, probably because some rat's been lurking somewhere. Guess that's why they say there are no secrets in this world."
No one missed where his gaze lingered—fixed squarely on Hunter Kwon Do-gyun, though who exactly he meant by "rat" remained a mystery.
The onlookers squirmed in discomfort amid the tense exchange between the two S-rank hunters.
"Oh dear, you should beef up security in your department. Keeping secrets is basic basic, after all. But if you ever need a hand, just give me a call anytime. I know plenty of folks whose only assets are patriotism and cash. They'd jump at the chance to help with national matters."
"I'll hit you up whenever I need money for rat poison."
"Hahaha, I'll be waiting. Well then, if that's all, I'll take my leave."
No sooner had he stood than half the people in the conference room surged out after him. It was no surprise that the faces of those left behind looked grim—some of them had been government affiliates until recently.
The numbers are growing.
Park Tae-jun's brow furrowed ever so slightly. He could see the scales tipping, the balance they'd held so long starting to shift.
We should have gotten the first button right.
He shook his head, recalling the three who had left the Hunter Association amid clashes during its founding around the original seven. Kwon Do-gyun was the son of Kwon Jeong-hun, the great archmage and one of those seven. He was the one who had forged the major guilds now aligned against the government, hand in hand with the conglomerates. That alliance had birthed the Guild Union. And it was that same crowd he suspected of funneling funds to the enemy.
Just hold on a little longer. I'll round them all up soon enough.
Alone in the emptied room, Park Tae-jun's eyes flashed cold.
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The incident was reported as freshmen risking their lives to contain a dungeon glitch that erupted mid-class. The school spun it into a tale of new heroes, launching a massive PR campaign to subtly tout the academy's top-tier education.
As compensation, most of the freshmen who emerged from the dungeon received official approval for a week's rest. While they lounged in nearby bars or slacked off in the dorms, I had been summoned to Professor Kim Tae-min's residence.
This place is fucking nice.
The faculty housing provided by the school was massive in scale, and the interiors showed meticulous care.
Well, with most professors being S-rank, it makes sense.
Compared to most S-ranks who built their own factions or scored lavish deals with corps and orgs, serving as a professor here was a huge sacrifice. Hell, they deserved dozens of places like this and then some.
What's Professor Kim Tae-min's rank, anyway?
I sat awkwardly on the sofa, scanning the room in thought. Despite his age putting him on the older side among faculty, the younger professors didn't treat him lightly.
My reverie broke with the aroma of fragrant tea and the professor's arrival.
"Welcome. Sorry to call you when you should be resting."
"No problem."
If you're sorry, don't call me.
I bowed politely, masking my inner grumble. Something about him put people on edge—an intangible pressure that made you want to tread carefully, though I couldn't pinpoint why.
"It's been ages since we had a guest, so I brewed it myself. Hope it suits you."
"I'll enjoy it."
A rich black tea scent wafted from the cup he set before me.
Hm? Not bad.
Deeper than expected, not quite my taste but perfectly drinkable.
"So, Kang Min-ho."
"Yes, Professor."
"You've acquired a thunder skill?"
"Cough! Hot, hot! S-sorry!"
His sudden jab caught me mid-sip, nearly spitting it out.
What the hell do I say? Wait, how does he even know?
A whirlwind of thoughts raced through my head.
Just kill him here?
I glanced up at him across from me.
"Hohoho, did I startle you? My apologies. I'm no good at beating around the bush."
His kindly smile, as if he knew everything, made me think twice about pushing it—might end badly.
Sc-scratch that.
This gut feeling always panned out—some survival instinct. Hard to explain, but it had saved my ass from near-death more than once by making me play it safe.
"Uh... how did you know?"
I asked cautiously, and he slapped his thigh with a knowing laugh.
"I knew it! Hohoho, just as I thought."
I scowled at his triumphant grin.
Damn, played.
Thought he had solid intel, but it was just a probe. Confident, sure, but...
Tch, old ginger is spicy.
That affable smile hid teeth—fall for it, and I'd regret it.
"If you're game, let's step out to the yard."
"Pardon?"
He set down his cup and headed out without waiting.
Argh, seriously. He's been dragging my pace since earlier.
If on purpose, he was a master. If not, a natural. Either way, out of my league.
"??"
With a light sigh, I followed him to the pristine lawn out back.
Bigger than it looks.
I scanned the surroundings as I approached him in the center. Fences enclosed it fully, ensuring total privacy.
"I'll attack you now. Defend with everything you've got. Half-ass it, and you might die."
"Pardon?"
Before my stunned reply faded, his figure vanished from sight.
What the—!
Where he stood, brilliant white lightning crackled. The trace of the thunder skill I'd gained yesterday.
In that instant, instinct kicked in. I activated it.
Thunder!
Time slowed in the skill's activation, revealing Professor Kim Tae-min closing in fast.
Shit.
Too late to dodge. I crossed my arms to block his fist—and a massive shock surged through them.
KABOOM!
The roar hurled my body back. Twisting mid-air, I landed without face-planting, shaking my ringing head as I faced him.
Ah, fuck. Head's pounding.
He stood there nonchalantly, white electric arcs dancing over his form.
Before my eyes, the Thunder Emperor had descended.