Supply Runs and the Demon King's Gates
The next day, Taemin kicked off his morning with a meeting, only to realize that their supplies were far shorter than he'd thought. Even the food stocks, which he'd assumed were ample, weren't as plentiful as hoped.
To address this long-term, Taemin devised a plan: tapping into rural convenience stores scattered across Gyeonggi Province. By making modest purchases at around a hundred village shops—just like any ordinary civilian—no one would bat an eye.
Most places didn't take cards anyway, but that was no issue now. The banks tied to Wolfsrein would've likely surrendered by this point. Fortunately, they had plenty of cash on hand.
"Make sure your disguises are solid. Watch your words carefully. Don't let on that you're hunters, no matter what. Since you're buying in bulk, take the stuff outside and tell the owner a truck's coming—that'll make it easier."
The hunters assigned by Sin Dong-hyun nodded and stepped through the portal. Taemin himself headed for the portal to Icheon.
After stopping by the Hunter Market to pick up the items Sin Dong-hyun had requested, he passed an electronics store on his way back. His eyes were drawn to the TVs on display, which were airing the news.
The report detailed how the current government-backed Hwarang Guild and Suwon's Red Knight Guild had plunged into all-out war. Though the Red Knights had abandoned their main base under Hwarang Union's assault, they'd retreated with their full forces intact, broken through the encirclement, and allied with guilds in the Chungcheong region. They were now hunkered down in Cheongju, ready for battle at any moment.
Meanwhile, the guilds in Gangwon Province—which had backed the previous government—had forged an alliance with Gyeongsangbuk-do, mobilizing 10,000 troops from the eastern front. Analysts predicted they'd soon clash with the government forces as well.
Good news? This puts Hwarang between two fronts now.
Taemin absorbed the details before returning to base. He handed off the goods to Sin Dong-hyun and the others, then sought out the chief of staff.
"Hard work today. The management team says we've got three months covered now. All thanks to you."
"No need for that. We all pulled together. That said, I've got some updates."
"Updates? What kind?"
"Hwarang hit Suwon's Red Knight Guild."
The chief of staff muttered as if he'd half-expected it.
"Is that so? And the outcome?"
"They gave up their base but kept their full strength. They've linked up with Chungcheong and set up in Cheongju. The report mentioned guilds from Jeolla might join them too."
"Just as anticipated. If they've pushed to Cheongju, they broke the siege. Not one of the Seven Strong for nothing. Gives Hwarang plenty to worry about. The bigger the blob, the heavier the burden."
"Agreed. And there's more. Gangwon and Gyeongsangbuk-do have allied. With 10,000 on the eastern front and fifty guilds in the province, they're gearing up for war. Puts the enemy on two fronts now. Busan won't be far behind if this continues."
"Right. Busan's ties to the old regime make an alliance likely. That'd form a nationwide coalition. So... what should we do?"
"Watch and build our strength in the shadows. Even if the coalition forms, they lack decisive victories yet."
"Build strength in secret? We can't hunt. How?"
"Hold out a bit longer on that. I've got something in the works."
"What is it?"
"Hunting grounds. Not confirmed yet—I'll update once I know more."
With the report done, Taemin headed to the kitchen.
As he entered, Kim Hana—who was inspecting the interior—spotted him and greeted him warmly.
"Oh? Guild leader. What brings you here? Mealtime's still a ways off..."
"Got some business. Thought I'd grab a bite early. Don't mind me."
"You'll make it yourself?"
"Yeah. Just boil some ramen or whatever."
As Taemin rummaged for a pot, Kim Hana stopped her work, blocked his hand, and insisted.
"Come on, ramen? Let me handle it. Just sit and wait."
"No, really, if it's just ramen..."
"You need proper rice. You're the big boss here. Won't take long. Hang on."
Ignoring Taemin's protests, Kim Hana sat him down and whipped up a meal with various ingredients. True to her word, it was ready in under ten minutes.
"Here. It might not look fancy, but it's one of my specialties—should taste great."
The dish she served was egg rice topped with a striking red demi-glace sauce.
"Looks delicious. Thanks—dig in."
It tasted even better than it looked. A simple-looking egg rice that outshone most restaurant fare. Taemin cleaned his plate spotless, thanked her, and headed out.
"Belly full. Alright, shall we try again?"
Leaving base, Taemin ported to the Demon King's Castle he'd scouted yesterday. He'd circled the fields then; today was for the castle itself.
Inside, he bolted straight down the main path. Stray monsters latched on occasionally, but he ignored them and kept running. Two hours later, he reached what looked like the main gate.
"Map says this is the castle. Those the gatekeepers?"
Taemin eyed the demon-like creatures lined up on either side of the gate. Gray-skinned with long tails and massive wings sprouting from bony shoulder spikes. They wielded trident-like spears and didn't look all that tough.
Let's see what they've got.
"Nothing special."
Spotting their stats, Taemin charged. Then, something utterly unexpected happened.
A voice emanated from the gargoyle's mouth—what he thought was just a monster.
"Halt. Halt."
Taemin doubted his ears and stopped. He scanned the area, then addressed the gargoyles.
"Was that you?"
"Indeed, human. This is the undead sanctuary. We forbid outsiders. Begone."
The creature growled at Taemin, its eyes blazing red.
Absurd, Taemin shot back.
"Who the hell are you to order me around? Open the gate if you wanna live."
The gargoyle raised its trident as if expecting that.
"Human, you've lost your fear. This is our final warning. Don't curse us in death."
"That's my line... Though I wasn't planning to spare you anyway."
Taemin lunged. The gargoyles readied for battle.
"Pathetic human... Gah!"
The gargoyle priming its trident froze, eyes widening at the blade that'd already slashed its throat.
Wh-what speed...
Its thoughts cut short. The head rolled. Taemin eyed the last one.
"Your turn?"
"Unbelievable. So easily... Are you truly human?"
"As you see. Surprised I'm stronger than expected?"
"Frankly, yes. Strongest human to reach here yet."
From that, Taemin gleaned others had come before.
Makes sense. Not the only hunter.
"What happened to them? They get in?"
"All dead."
"What? To you?"
That gave Taemin a rough gauge of Yongin hunters' caliber.
If they fell to these, local standards are clear. These are mid-tier dungeon bosses at best...
"Heh... Arrogant human. With that skill, you earn it. Fine. Gate's open. Enter. But don't expect to leave alive."
"That so? Castle that impressive? You don't inspire confidence."
"You'll see—far beyond me. You won't pass floor 4. I stake my life."
"Floor 4? What's there?"
"Can't say. But you'll die."
"We'll see. Open it."
Taemin's taunt drew gargoyle laughter.
"Fool. That arrogance turns to despair soon. Opening now."
The gargoyle muttered at the door. The massive 10-meter gate creaked open with a chilling groan.
Kiiieek!
With it fully open, the gargoyle pointed inside with its trident.
"Enter, human. First to make me open it personally."
"Thanks for the service."
As Taemin passed, something struck him. He paused and turned back. The gargoyle met his gaze, stepping back with a shiver, stammering.
"Wh-what?"
"Forgot something."
"Wh-what—Gurk!"
Taemin's sudden Arrainba beheaded the defenseless gargoyle.
He flicked blood from his blade.
"No hard feelings. I'd be dead if I were weaker. And... don't grin like an idiot, punk."
Muttering to himself, Taemin glanced at the corpse, then stepped into the castle.