The Assassin Hunter Stops Time
A stubborn expression hung on his face, sharp and unwavering. Even with his blackened skin and angular jawline, the thick eyebrows gave him an imposing presence. His build was lean, but the muscle hidden beneath it was clearly forged from years of gripping a hammer— a stark testament to the man before him.
Dojin asked, voice calm and polite.
“Are you Master Kwak Hansu?”
“... Who are you?”
The word “Master” etched deep lines across Hansu’s forehead. His furrowed brows made him look even sterner. Dojin replied with perfect respect.
“I am Ha Dojin of SW Technology.”
Only the elite of SW Technology used such a formal name card. The instant those words left Dojin’s lips, Hansu’s face changed. He stared at the hunter in shock.
“What does SW Technology want with me?”
“Nothing underhand. I simply came to meet Master Kwak Hansu.”
“... Come in.”
No hidden agenda. That simple. Dojin’s directness pleased him. Hansu set down the bags of metals and led the way inside. Dojin followed. Hansu poured coffee and placed it before him.
“Mix is fine, right?”
“I like it.”
Dojin took a sip. Hansu leaned forward, voice still friendly.
“A young man like you doesn’t wander all the way out here for nothing. What brings you?”
A hint of warmth had returned to his tone. The guard was lowering. Dojin answered carefully.
“I’ve known about Master Kwak Hansu for a long time. That’s why I wanted to meet you one day. When SW Technology reached out, I couldn’t ignore the chance.”
“Me? That’s too much of an honor. Still… is this a scouting offer?”
“I suppose it’s similar, but I wanted to talk first.”
Dojin knew only three things about the man: legendary blacksmithing skill, genius that stayed years ahead of its time, and the unfortunate fate of someone who had fallen out with Red Circle. He knew nothing of Hansu’s thoughts or true character. There were exceptions, like Han Sohee, but most people tied to Red Circle were rotten. Dojin had suffered the same fate himself. That was why he had come first.
And yet…
‘He’s far calmer than I expected.’
The edge he had felt at first had vanished. Had something changed? Before Dojin could ask, Hansu spoke first.
“I’m sorry, but if this is about scouting, I must decline.”
Hansu refused politely and immediately. Dojin raised an eyebrow in surprise.
“Is there a reason?”
He had not meant to drag the man anywhere, yet he was turned away without even discussing terms. There had to be a reason. Hansu’s voice stayed steady.
“I once received a scouting offer from a large corporation. The conditions were unusually generous… but.”
He glanced sideways at his wife, who had been about to break into tears. She stood and retreated to the bedroom. Hansu sighed deeply.
“I worked like a slave for over a decade, stealing almost everything from my craft. The pay was good on paper, but in reality I was treated like indentured labor. And when I was sick, the company offered no care at all. I took breaks for my wife’s illness, only to be told I had broken the contract later.”
He had once been young, proud of his skill, and now he had endured the worst experience life could offer. Five years passed, yet the money he received barely covered his wife’s hospital bills. That was why he had come to this remote village— for his wife’s health and his own livelihood.
A faint sadness flickered in Hansu’s eyes. Dojin exhaled softly.
“You’ve suffered a great deal.”
“I’m fine now. Orders still come in, and I get paid properly. I only wish the environment allowed me to create more.”
Dojin nodded. “I see. I was asking too much.”
Yet he pressed on.
“If the contract terms, facilities, and financial conditions are acceptable, would you consider joining us?”
Hansu shook his head firmly. “Even if you offered millions, I won’t leave this place. I’m sorry.”
“Thank you for your honest answer.”
Dojin drained the coffee. The bitter aftertaste lingered. Or was the bitterness from something else? He rose. “Thank you for your time.”
“Not at all. Thank you for coming all the way out here.”
It had not been long, but Dojin’s inner voice was clear.
‘He’s a good man at heart.’
He had no idea how someone like this ended up at Red Circle, but right now he posed no immediate threat. Later, when circumstances shifted, Dojin could visit again. “Unfortunately… I must still collect the weapon from SW.”
The weapon he had once used in his past life was forged by this man. He had come seeking it, but he had no desire to harm someone who was living peacefully. Dojin left Hansu’s house and walked back into the forest path. A faint regret remained, but he had decided: no greed. There was no need to force Hansu into SW Technology’s service. It was a shame the chairman might have benefited, but that was all.
“Let’s go back.”
There were far more urgent matters to handle. ‘To stop the Dungeon Break in Yongin in March…’ Even Sohee and Dojin himself needed to level up. Rest would be impossible by the end of the month. Dojin started the engine and sped away in his car.
After Dojin left, his wife whispered softly in the bedroom.
“I’m sorry, dear.”
“What are you talking about? Sorry for what?”
“SW Technology is an incredibly good company, right? Their reputation is solid, and with their cutting-edge technology they have worldwide recognition. It’s the same place you mentioned a few times.”
Hansu shook his head. “I’m much happier here. We can live without worry, and your health matters more to me.”
“... I’m sorry.”
“Oh, I’m fine. Really.”
Hansu pulled her into his arms. Though they were not wealthy, they earned enough to live comfortably. If he had no regrets at all, that would be another story. He had wanted to discuss conditions, but…
‘There’s no way SW Technology would accept my terms.’
Hansu knew his own situation better than anyone. A master blacksmith? No—he was simply a common blacksmith making low-level weapons in the countryside. In his eyes, the direction Dojin had gone carried a faint trace of regret.
* * *
WHOOSH!
The off-road vehicle rumbled over rough ground and finally hit the paved road. Dojin accelerated, eager to return. For now he would set aside thoughts of Hansu and focus on leveling up. But then…
“...?”
He frowned as he spotted a vehicle approaching from the opposite lane. It had entered the same rough road he had just left. An unfamiliar black van. Common enough, yet…
“...?”
A chill crawled up his spine. Red Circle hunters often used that exact model. It might be coincidence…
“No way.”
Dojin slammed the brake and spun the wheel. He had to confirm. WHOOSH! DING!
The low sports car struggled on the rough terrain. Dojin slowed, exhaling softly. “It can’t be…” He told himself, yet the unease would not leave. And when he trusted his instinct, it was never wrong. “Damn it.”
He muttered at the parked black van.
* * *
“Hah, who the hell came all the way out here?”
Baek Ilseong cursed. He knew exactly why Baek Yeojin had sent him. That fox-like woman hated coming to the provinces. And then…
“Dragging a blacksmith along? What’s so hard about it? You’re not in trouble—you just don’t want to deal with it, damn it.”
Walking this path that no car could enter felt absurd. But securing the VIPs who had turned their backs on them was worth the effort. It was a dirty job, yet he had no choice. “We’re here.”
His subordinate pointed ahead. A single house. Barely big enough for a single family. And beside it…
“What the hell is that shack?”
“It looks like a workshop.”
“Tsk, you want me to drag a guy who lives in a dump like that?”
Ilseong sighed and jerked his chin. The subordinate nodded and walked toward the house. “Mr. Kwak Hansu? Mr. Kwak Hansu!”
His shout echoed through the walls. Hansu emerged from inside. “Who is it?”
The group of men gathered in front of the garden stiffened Hansu’s expression. Hunters, all of them. The leader in front asked.
“Are you Kwak Hansu?”
“Yes… but who are you?”
The leader glanced back at Ilseong and bowed slightly. Ilseong removed his sunglasses and hooked them on his collar.
“I’m from Red Circle Guild. Let’s talk for a moment.”
“Red Circle?”
The same place that had visited him recently. The corporation that had refused his absurd demands with contempt. Hansu’s face hardened.
“If this is about work, I have nothing to say. Please leave.”
“... What?”
Ilseong’s eyebrows twitched. Placing him in front of the man and telling him to leave? Too absurd— he almost laughed. Ilseong spoke coldly.
“There’s a misunderstanding. No place in this industry is better than Red Circle. We’ll offer the highest pay in the world to match Master Kwak’s skill. Come inside and we’ll discuss it.”
“I’ve already heard enough. I have no intention of joining Red Circle. Please leave.”
Hansu refused again, polite but firm. The second rejection pricked Ilseong’s pride. His eyes turned icy.
“Fine. Come inside and talk… placing me in front of you like this. I’ll shatter every last one of you here and finally understand the situation.”
He knew why Baek Yeojin had sent him. She had probably laid out decent terms and tried to convince him. With her personality, she would have given it two tries. But when even that failed, she sent him to use pressure. Not persuasion— abduction. Ilseong looked at Hansu’s sickly wife inside the house. A fragile woman who might die in an accident at any moment. “Stamp your seal or suffer misfortune?”
He laid his true intention bare. He only wanted to escape this dump as quickly as possible. But just then…
WHOOSH!
“...?!”
Something charged at blinding speed. Thud! “Kuh!”
Ilseong screamed softly as something pierced his left forearm. The spot felt strangely numb, like a cut string. And a voice rang out, cold and sharp.
“Did you not learn that some sounds can be allowed and some cannot?”
The man in the red coat stood on the opposite side. It was Dojin.