The Assassin Hunter Returns
It was one of those days in winter when the year was winding down in 2020. LA, United States. An event had occurred that would shake the world. The lobby was packed with reporters, leaving no room to breathe. Standing before them was a man with the expression of a lion, unflinching. He was the legendary warrior, Kyle Gonzalez. Tall and burly, his muscles looked ready to burst. Behind his sunglasses, his eyes blazed like embers. His golden hair, unkempt like a lion's mane, amplified his wild nature, and the microphone in his hand looked almost like a candy stick. One reporter asked, "I'm Julia from DNT News. I can't believe my luck at this glorious event." She suppressed her trembling voice and continued, "Mr. Gonzalez, what are your thoughts on achieving the unprecedented 250 levels?" 250 levels. The wall that had been called the Demon's Wall, something no one could break through, had finally collapsed. Kyle raised the microphone to answer, "I'm thrilled. I did something everyone said was impossible." "I'm Charlotte from the Washington Post. When you reached 250 levels, what do you think changed the most?" Many people wanted to know. The new benefits that came with 250 levels. How much stronger he felt compared to before. Kyle paused for a moment, then spoke. "There's a saying among hunters." Everyone listened intently. "Every time you gain a unique ability, you double in strength." In reality, it wasn't that extreme, but the sensation was real. Charlotte asked cautiously, "That means... compared to 249 levels, you became twice as...?" "No." Kyle shook his head. But... "I feel even stronger than that." "What?!" "M-Mr. Kyle! Tyler from New York!" "This is Mamoru from Tokyo TV! Let me ask!" The venue suddenly erupted in chaos. The host quickly calmed everyone, but Kyle stood up and glanced at his watch. He then tossed the microphone onto the table and said with power in his voice, "You all gathered here." Uuuuuuuung! The voice of dozens of people at once, clearer than any microphone could deliver. "250 levels is the domain of gods. A place no one can reach. Whatever you imagine, it's beyond that." With those words, the interview ended. As reporters bombarded Kyle with questions as he turned to leave, 250 levels began to spread. One by one, hunters reached this realm previously called the divine domain. But they all said the same thing. "It's a level where true massive growth is possible. The real domain of gods, something you can only reach by risking your life." * * * "The movements of the Red Circle Guild are suspicious." Chairman Gu Jinmo's face hardened upon hearing Kyungtaek's report. The conflict with Firebird Guild was still unresolved, yet their blades were now aimed elsewhere. "What is Hunter Ha Dojin doing?" "He's still at his home. No unusual movements reported." "You informed him?" "Yes, but... his reaction seemed as if he already knew something." While Kang Seungho had disappeared into the dungeon, Firebird Guild was expected to be quiet after the battle. But those expectations were shattered. They immediately turned their blades toward Dojin. Right now... "We need to figure out their intentions first." "I'll investigate quickly." "You always work hard for me." "Not at all. What I've received from Chairman is far greater." Kyungtaek bowed politely and turned to leave. The Red Circle's movements were too suspicious. Soon, Chairman Gu Jinmo remained alone in his office. He gazed down at the glittering night streets of Seoul. The underlying darkness hidden behind such splendor. He knew it far too well. 'The Red Circle...' How could something he once thought was just a pillar holding Korea together become so twisted? Yet he understood. Those who ignore money and power cannot exist. They were desperately fighting to protect their positions. "It won't be easy." But how to continue this difficult fight was entirely his choice and judgment. He would simply... "Push them as far as he can." Worry, curiosity, and expectation. These emotions strangely intertwined and wrapped around Chairman Gu Jinmo's entire body. The night felt unusually dark today. * * * Thud! Tap-tap-tap-tap! Dozens of hunters leaped across the building rooftops and moved with speed. The tattoo on their left chests marked them as Red Circle Guild members. In the lead, Jang Gwangho fiddled with the earpiece in his ear and said, "He's still in that same position?" "Yes, no changes so far." "Good. Maintain the surveillance." Dozens of Red Circle hunters, including Jang Gwangho, had begun following Dojin to this remote location he had never visited before. 'They've already figured out our intentions...' Of course, with SW Technology behind them, it was entirely possible. But the funny part was that despite knowing their intentions, 'They still dared to openly provoke us?' At the outskirts of Seoul where Dojin had moved. A desolate place filled with the atmosphere of redevelopment. No people at night, and no nearby CCTV. Provocation. Come if you can. Attack if you're confident. "Why wouldn't I create this stage for you?" Perhaps the guy prepared something. But it didn't matter. Red Circle hunters were strong, no matter what preparations he made. And most importantly... 'This place will be your grave.' Because he was right here. Incompetent guys like him couldn't even stand against a dozen or so people. Just like the Firebird Guild hunters. But then... "Hunter Jang Gwangho! The bastard has entered the dungeon!" "Oh?" Jang Gwangho's eyes sparkled. What plan was he hiding that allowed him to act so arrogantly? Had he hidden other guys? But then... "Hunter Jang Gwangho, but... this dungeon seems a bit off." "What do you mean?" "It's a dungeon with a limit of two people. The limit is two." "What?!" * * * "I need an empty dungeon with a limit of two people." "A limit of two?" "Yes, and no level limit." Upon hearing Dojin's words, Kyungtaek exhaled softly. After reporting on Red Circle's movements, Dojin suddenly requested this. "You knew about this?" "Yes." The moment he heard about Gwangho, he anticipated this situation. After all, the man had great ambition. He just hadn't realized it himself. But after the fight with Firebird Guild, he must have sensed the change in how others viewed him. And with... 'Kang Seungho has conveniently left the position open.' His mind was transparent. With Kang Seungho gone, the burning desire to eliminate the most bothersome person, himself, and secure his place must have ignited. "Getting an empty dungeon isn't difficult. But... are you sure?" Kyungtaek asked cautiously. The opponent was Jang Gwangho. The only one in Red Circle who could rival Kang Seungho. There were doubts about his strength, but in the battle with Firebird Guild, he had completely disappeared. Firebird Guild's Lee Hyejin was never an easy opponent either. Yet the ability to wipe out the main attacking force... 'He truly is the strongest blade.' Anyone who knew understood this. But Kyungtaek quickly realized he had spoken rashly. He had worried Dojin. "I was talking nonsense." Who was asking who was fine? Dojin gave a faint smile at the corners of his mouth. Kyungtaek said, "I'll prepare it immediately." "Yes. And treat the guy attached to me as if you didn't know." "Understood." He already knew someone from Red Circle was attached. He thought it was very stealthily moved, but Dojin couldn't be fooled. The difference between stealth, pursuit, assassination, and tracking was the difference between heaven and earth. Soon after, a call came from Kyungtaek. Fortunately, the dungeon was not far. "Then..." Now, lure them in. When Jang Gwangho learned the empty dungeon had a limit of two people, what would his expression be? Would it be as distorted as his confidence? Eventually, Dojin arrived at the empty dungeon Kyungtaek had indicated. And as the guys were almost there... Creak. Dojin slowly stepped into the dungeon. Just once... "Let me see the power of that great predecessor." A fight he hadn't experienced in his past life. But... Hehe. A strange anticipation made his heart race. And shortly after... Creak. The guy entered the dungeon. * * * It felt like coming home after a long time. Of course, it had to. For over two months. Cut off all contact and locked away in the dungeon. How long since he last used the dungeon's respawn system? In reality, there were situations where he almost died several times. But... "It's finally succeeded." Kang Seungho, who had achieved 250 levels, immediately checked his new abilities. As always, bonus stats were granted. 'Skills...' Kang Seungho quickly opened his skill window and checked. Soon, the corners of Seungho's mouth lifted long and wide as he looked at the newly generated skill. "250 levels is the domain of gods." Kyle Gonzalez, the first to reach 250 levels, had said that. Starting with those words, the few hunters who achieved 250 levels sympathized. It was something on a different level from the abilities they had gained before. And now for Seungho as well. "Hehehehehehe! Hahahahahahahaha!" Unstoppable laughter erupted. The killing intent he had felt from Ha Dojin... That chill was meaningless now. Why hadn't he reached 250 levels sooner? Regret filled him. Ha Dojin? 'No.' That guy was not the problem. He no longer needed support from politicians or large corporations. Now... "Korea is mine." Seungho's eyes sparkled with greed.