Jeju's Storm and Sudden Promotion
Taejeong returned to his lodging, took a shower, and collapsed onto the bed with his exhausted body. He'd fought nonstop for a full twelve hours straight, so it was only natural that he was worn out.
Lying there, staring at the ceiling for a while, he suddenly sat up bolt upright as something occurred to him and muttered under his breath.
"Quest open."
[Mechanic's Path 1-2]
A masterpiece by Siron Haider. The father of advanced science, Siron Haider, created three inventions that would mark a turning point in future history before his death. Among them, find his final work: the Bio-response Haider Element.
The Haider Element is buried deep within Baekrokdam on Jeju Island.
📍 Objective: Acquire the Bio-response Haider Element.
🎁 Reward: H-type Cheonmu Concentrated Guided Missile
"No matter how I look at it, that's way too far. Jeju Island? Come on."
Jeju Island. It had long since transformed into a massive monster-infested dungeon island.
An abandoned city where no human had set foot in ages. Even after the second Monster Outbreak, Korea was overflowing with territories it hadn't reclaimed. Most areas below parts of North and South Jeolla Provinces were practically abandoned, and Jeju Island across the sea was no exception.
The mainland had carved out logistics routes, allowing some development bit by bit, but Jeju was a whole different story. The reason? A relentless sea storm that had raged for decades.
Winds as fierce as typhoons whipped up monstrous waves stretching dozens of meters high. This colossal storm blanketing the entire southern sea had claimed countless lives. Over two hundred guilds had attempted to cross and seize the island, but those who actually reached it could be counted on one hand.
And even those who made it ashore couldn't claim the island. The cost-benefit just didn't add up.
Establishing a base on Jeju required massive manpower and materials. Plus, regular supply runs were essential for survival. But even a single crossing was a gamble with death—multiple voyages were a burden no guild could shoulder. One shipwreck could deliver a devastating blow.
In the end, it became a forsaken island untouched by any hand.
Of course, there were still bold hunters who braved the sea. These were solo operators targeting specific items, known to others as mana stone hunters.
"But what's this Bio-response Haider Element? If he's called the father of science, it must be something incredible. Gerard, do you know anything about it?"
The Bio-response Haider Element is a perfected human cloaking technology from the late 6th Industrial Revolution.
"Human cloaking? What's that?"
Think of it as the assassins' invisibility concept. Abyss Hide falls under this too. In simple terms, it makes you invisible to others.
"So, you become the invisible man?"
In classical terms, yes. But unlike the invisible man, who can't perceive himself, cloaking is far more advanced.
"What? That's insanely good! We have to get this, no question."
It was like striking gold with a casual question. Invisibility. He'd never seen it in action, but he'd heard assassin-type hunters used such tech. Back then, it was just a "Whoa, skills that broken exist?" kind of wonder. He never dreamed he'd wield it himself.
"Alright. Jeju Island it is. Let's review the options."
As Taejeong steeled his resolve, a knock came at the door. Park Se-ah entered.
"What is it?"
"A call from admin. They want you at the executive banquet hall."
"Oh, yeah? Got it. I'll get dressed and head out."
Taejeong opened his closet, scanning for something suitable. But it was all worn tees and frayed pants. The only decent option was the 100,000-won suit he'd hastily bought for his porter interview.
He threw it on, tied the tie sloppily, and stepped out. Park Se-ah, waiting, grabbed him as he reached for his shoes.
"Hold on."
"Why?"
"Who ties a tie like that? Here, let me fix it."
"Nah, it's fine, no need..."
He started to refuse, but her face was suddenly right in front of his. With no choice, he tilted his head forward. It looked awkward as hell, but she didn't seem to mind. She tied it neatly, then looked up.
"All done."
Their eyes met head-on. Taejeong...
"Eh... it's not much different from what I did."
"Isn't this better?"
"Maybe. Anyway, thanks."
Avoiding her steady gaze, he slipped on the polished shoes she'd prepped and headed out. In the elevator down, he stole a glance at her facing forward.
What was that earlier? Why's my heart...
Locking eyes with her stirred something strange in Taejeong. A pounding heart, flushed cheeks. A feeling he'd known once, faint enough now that it was just a vague memory. It was that girl.
Master, are you alright? Heart rate exceeding 170 bpm.
"What?"
His unconscious mutter made Park Se-ah glance at him in mild surprise.
"Pardon?"
"Huh?"
"What did you just say...?"
"Oh, nothing. Talking to myself. Been running around all day, I'm beat."
"Want me to give you a massage when you get back?"
"No need. Let's go, we're here."
The elevator hit the first floor, and Taejeong bolted through the lobby. He mentally scolded Gerard.
"What'd you eat to spout useless crap like that? Making things awkward."
Relax. It's still very high.
"Got it, man."
He caught up with her late, hopped into the waiting car, and turned to Park Se-ah.
"Why are you coming along?"
"You'll see when we get there."
"...?"
The car hadn't gone far when the executive banquet hall came into view—exclusive to higher-ups. Flanking it were grand halls with lines of hunters snaking around, likely participants from today's territorial war.
Taejeong stepped out with Park Se-ah and bypassed them into the building. A lavish two-story hall glittered with ornate chandeliers.
He rolled his eyes at the opulence for a second before Park Se-ah slipped her arm through his, sidling close.
"What? What's up?"
"Don't you see?"
"See what?"
"Everyone came with a partner."
Only then did Taejeong notice the pairs everywhere.
"All secretaries?"
"No."
"Then?"
"Wives or girlfriends."
"But why me?"
"Boss doesn't have a girlfriend."
"What?"
He nearly retorted at her absurd claim but shut his mouth. Excuses would just make it worse.
"Do we really need to? I'm a lone wolf. Work over love."
"Bringing a date is banquet etiquette."
"Everyone knows you're my secretary anyway."
"Better than showing up alone."
New to banquets, Taejeong shrugged and grabbed a champagne flute. No reason—just everyone else had one.
Standing awkwardly, scanning the room, his eyes met someone across the way: Guild Master Yang Taesik.
"Oh, there he is. Come on over—we've been waiting."
"Hello, Guild Master."
Yang Taesik pulled him to the group's center after the greeting.
"Listen up, everyone. This is the young man, Yoo Taejeong, who single-handedly wiped out 10,000 Smith Alliance troops during the main castle assault. A true gem for our guild."
The crowd buzzed at the intro, greetings pouring in.
"You're the hunter with that Mechanic class. I'm Lee Han-yeok, 1st Raid Leader and Jenix Total Commander. Nice to meet you."
"Personnel Staff Officer Kim Yong-ho here. Heard about you from Manager Lee Tae-ho. Mind showing me sometime? Can't wrap my head around it—how'd you pull that off solo? Incredible."
"Strategy Staff Officer Lee Bu-young. Without you, I'd have been in deep trouble. Got the comms alert, thought we'd lost it. Then you radio back you'd held. It was on the brink of falling. On behalf of the staff, thank you. I misjudged badly."
These were Jenix's top brass, the elite of the elite. Taejeong's head spun from the nonstop praise.
This ain't no small deal. No end to it.
Dozens took turns greeting him. Yang Taesik scanned the room.
"We can't keep a talent like this as a regular guild member. Right?"
"Exactly. Soloing 10,000? Regular? Impossible."
"The regional command slot's open. Thoughts? By tenure, training commander makes sense, but for this skill set? Too much of a waste."
"Training commander? Wasting this guy there'd be a guild disaster. I back the Guild Master. Objections?"
"None."
"Good. All in favor—Personnel, wrap it up this week."
"Yes, sir."
The decision flew by in seconds. Taejeong stood dumbfounded. Promoted to executive on a whim? He didn't know regional commander's rank, but it beat training commander at the bottom by miles.
Yang Taesik approached.
"Regional command handles critical guild roles: external dungeon management, overall business ops. You'll learn the system faster than anyone. It's technically 5th grade, but perfect stepping stone to higher."
"I see."
"Disappointed?"
"No way—executive promotion? Just..."
"Just?"
"Worried about personal time. With my level, I still need growth time."
"No sweat. Plenty of personal time."
"Then I'll gladly accept."
"Nonsense—thank you. Now, a toast to our new regional commander? Let's drink like there's no tomorrow!"