Korea's Strongest: Kang Sung-gi (17)
I had a bad feeling about this.
"What's this strategy that only S-rank hunters can pull off?"
"Make a promise first."
"What kind of promise?"
"Let's keep everything we talk about here today just between us."
I shrugged.
"Sure."
Kang Dong-kwon leaned forward, his voice dropping even lower.
"Truth is, we never planned to raid the S-rank dungeon on schedule."
"What the hell does that mean?"
"Baek Seonghun must've pitched it after he got picked as leader. Stir up fear and pressure the government."
"Huh?"
"No need to be shocked. More than half the S-rank hunters already knew. Sure, the raid happened eventually, and we got everything we wanted."
But I couldn't help frowning. So this "S-rank only" strategy boiled down to gambling with the public's lives and safety for their own gain.
Delaying the S-rank dungeon raid and negotiating would've cornered the government—they couldn't hold out. Simple, but the most brutal threat. The public would blame the government over S-rank hunters anyway. And with the media on the hunters' side, no one would know the full story.
"Hahaha. There you go with that look again. Our hunter's so innocent~"
Kang Dong-kwon slid over next to me and patted my shoulder.
"That was the original plan, but a wild card showed up—you, Kang Sung-gi. And you flipped the vote. We did our homework, wondering if you were meddling for a cut of the profits we were eyeing. But nope, nothing like that. You're fresh to S-rank, and the only standout thing is your knack for charming women. Baek Seonghun sees it different, but I think you're going places. Jo Dong-geun's gone—who knows why—and someone needs to fill that spot. Better you than some untrustworthy prick like Baek Seonghun. The other two are on board too."
The other two had to be the remaining hunters who'd voted for Baek Seonghun. They'd probably hashed this out today, betraying him behind his back. Made sense. In this situation, Baek Seonghun had no shot at turning the tables, and the raid would go as planned.
"You get it? Unimaginable riches. The dungeon spoils will turn us into gods."
Kang Dong-kwon grinned wide, like he was already savoring it. Chilling.
So many S-rank hunters were just out for themselves.
"What if delaying causes problems? Say, a monster or two slips out?"
"Sometimes you sacrifice the few for the many. It'll be an even bigger warning. Once they see how terrifying S-rank monsters are, they'll cave to our demands. Hahaha!"
My head spun. I knew his game now, and I had no desire to keep talking to this slimeball. I topped off his glass, dipping my fingertip in just enough.
My body held countless poisons, endless ways to use them. I'd never formally studied poison arts, but it came instinctively—like any hunter wielding their skills without training.
I slipped in the narcotic from Park Hye-na yesterday, plus a heavy sedative.
We clinked glasses, and oblivious Kang Dong-kwon downed it in one go.
"You'll side with me, right, Sung-gi? Do that, and I swear I'll have your back forever. You lead, I'm your loyal dog. Hahaha!"
He was hyped, chugging more booze. Soon, his face clouded over as he rubbed his eyes.
"Ah, why do I feel so good? So sleepy..."
"Sorry, but I have prior plans. Gotta head out."
"Prior plans...? Cancel 'em. We're talking something huge... Urgh..."
Even an S-rank couldn't fight that toxin. Plus, he thought I was on board, so his guard was down. No clue he'd been poisoned.
I glanced at Kang Dong-kwon, face-planted on the table, snoring away.
"Whew..."
Not a pleasant chat, but I'd gleaned their conspiracy. Good thing he'd spilled it all. Hell, I almost owed him for walking right into it.
I stepped out and beckoned a staffer.
"Kang Dong-kwon's out cold. Get him a taxi home or something."
"Yes, sir!"
I handed off the heavy drunk and returned to my hotel room. I packed up—I was done with this place. Needed to consult someone, so I called Kang A-jin.
"Figures."
Kang A-jin said it like she'd known all along.
"Korea's behind the curve on bad trends. This might actually be good."
Valentina chimed in.
"Is dungeon privatization really a global thing?"
"Yeah, Korea's late to the party. Tons of countries already did it. The US is on the verge, Europe's countdown started. Why wouldn't they? It's profitable. Democracies have short regime lifespans, but hunters rule forever. Money flows their way naturally."
"Hm..."
Global trend or not, this was bullshit. Playing games with people's lives and property as stakes.
"It's worse."
Kang A-jin added.
"Politicians and chaebols are already in on it. They've cut deals. Kang Dong-kwon talked threats, but that's for the holdouts in congress—most went along. Even if the government's got the dungeons, doubt they'd use 'em right. It's all about the spoils, happening where the public can't see."
I hadn't thought of it that way. Hunters owning them or the government—same difference in the end.
"What do we do?"
Not some justice kick, but I didn't want in on this crap. I was fine without the real estate grab, no need to hold citizens hostage for more wealth.
"Why overthink? Just take it."
"Huh?"
Luiza cut in, leaving me no choice but to ask.
"Take what? The dungeons?"
"Yep. You take 'em. Do whatever once they're yours. Hate them getting it? Grab it yourself."
Kang A-jin nodded.
"Best solution. Your business launches soon. Stable dungeon byproducts? Perfect."
"Ah..."
Glad I came here instead of brooding alone. I'd never have landed on this so cleanly.
"Might as well start ASAP then."
"Start what?"
Kang A-jin asked back.
"The raid. Sick of the bullshit. I'm officially leader, right? Let's hit the dungeon tomorrow."
"Hohoho! That's my darling! Love that resolve~~"
Valentina sidled up, slipping her hand between my legs. I let her. Wasn't like it'd wear out from touching.
After booze and that sleazy alone time, yeah, I wanted a mood boost.
"Ooh~ No pushback today?"
Valentina beamed, rubbing her tits on my shoulder.
"Me too!"
Luiza pressed her full breasts against my back. White and black hands groped my cock over my pants.
Kang A-jin stared blankly till our eyes met, then looked away, cheeks flushing. She was aroused too.
I pulled their hands off my crotch.
"Whyyy~~ Keep brushing us off~~"
Valentina whined like she was really hurt.
"Gonna have to head to Brazil for real!"
Luiza pouted dramatically.
"Not that."
I soothed them.
"Night's young—let's take it slow. First: A-jin. Second: Lisa. Third: Valentina and Luiza. Sound good?"