Chapter 70
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 70
Chapter Title: Into the Gambling Den
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The battle with the Black Alligator turned out to be far more anticlimactic than the initial concerns had suggested.
Choi Yeon-ah's destructive power, amplified by her Water Blessing gear, was even more impressive than expected.
The swamp terrain, which had been the biggest potential variable, posed no significant issue for her either.
And the last remaining uncertainty—a sudden ambush from underwater—was averted thanks to Yun Ga-ram spotting the creature in advance.
The moment Yun Ga-ram detected it, Choi Yeon-ah charged in alongside Han So-yul and took it down with just the two of them, without any help from the other raid members.
Yeon Sung-hun quietly clicked his tongue at the sight of the massive alligator floating belly-up on the water's surface.
"Oppa, I think I'm a little scared.... She kinda reminds me of the old unnie...."
"You'll get an earful from Yeon-ah if you say stuff like that."
"But I learned it from her...."
"Here comes Yeon-ah."
"Eek!"
Yeon Sung-hun chuckled softly at Han So-yul shivering like she was having a seizure.
Fortunately for Han So-yul, Choi Yeon-ah didn't approach them.
She was humming a tune from a distance, clearly reveling in the refreshing thrill she'd felt after so long.
"Was Yeon-ah even more amazing back in the day?"
"...Don't even get me started. Everything Uncle Jin-su or I say about her isn't exaggeration. Her moniker 'Crimson River' didn't come from nowhere. They say blood flowed like rivers along the paths she passed...."
"Whew. Feels refreshing!"
"Hiiik!"
Han So-yul jolted as if convulsing at the sudden voice of Choi Yeon-ah.
Thankfully, it seemed she hadn't overheard the conversation, as Choi Yeon-ah just gave her a puzzled look.
"What's wrong, So-yul? You okay?"
"J-just a cramp! It's nothing serious, unnie!"
"Oh dear.... Did you come to Sung-hun for a potion, then?"
"Y-yeah! That's right! Oppa, quick, give me a potion!"
Yeon Sung-hun handed her a potion with a brief tsk, meeting her desperate gaze.
Han So-yul bolted the moment she had it in hand.
Splash, splash—the water sprayed up as Yeon Sung-hun smirked.
"So-yul got busted by you again, huh?"
"...No, it really looked like a cramp."
"Hm. Really?"
Yeon Sung-hun agonized for a split second—dozens of times over—about whether to come clean, but ultimately chose loyalty to Han So-yul.
"Yep, really."
"Hmmm. Alright, I'll let it slide this time."
Choi Yeon-ah's response made it clear she knew but was giving them a pass. Yeon Sung-hun gave an awkward smile.
"Anyway, have you thought about countermeasures for Hunter Shabel?"
"Mm. I've got a few ideas, but none seem easy. Do you have anything in mind, Yeon-ah?"
Choi Yeon-ah shook her head at his question.
"I've fought it a few times, but it's never been straightforward."
"Even at your peak?"
"It's ridiculously fast for its rank. And it's cunning—avoids direct fights and picks off the weakest targets first...."
"How did you handle it back then?"
"It doesn't fall for traps easily, so high-rank hunters like me just overwhelmed it with brute force. We turned the entire forest upside down."
"...I see."
"Not super helpful, huh?"
Yeon Sung-hun gave a wry smile at her sheepish grin.
Honestly, it wasn't particularly useful intel.
"So what approach should we take?"
"Best bet is me, So-yul, and if we have to add one more, Ha-na. The three of us against it."
"Hm... Think that'll work?"
"Ha-na might struggle a bit, but she needs the experience. You're planning to make her raid leader, right?"
Yeon Sung-hun looked at her in surprise at the quiet question.
"You figured it out?"
"Kinda. You'll probably split into two parties soon, and hand one to me and Ha-na, yeah?"
"Yes. Not right away, but I've been thinking about it."
"Figured as much."
Yeon Sung-hun asked Choi Yeon-ah, who nodded slowly.
"What do you think about Ha-na as raid leader?"
"I think it's fine. So-yul's too green, and Jin-su lacks the skill...."
"One's too young, the other's not quite there yet."
"Exactly. Far in the future, maybe not, but right now, no one's better suited. She's got good leadership too."
"Good. Matches what I was thinking—relieved to hear it."
Yeon Sung-hun let out a sigh of feigned relief.
Choi Yeon-ah stared at him intently, her lips twitching once.
"Something you want to say?"
"...No, nothing."
Her casual headshake felt odd, but before he could press, she changed the subject.
"So you're planning to fully step back from the front lines?"
"Yeah. Want to focus on my main gig."
"Which is being a hunter?"
"Alchemist first."
Choi Yeon-ah smiled quietly along with his grin.
"Kinda sad. Raids with you were pretty fun."
"Not quitting cold turkey. Gotta take time to prepare properly."
"Hope that prep takes a while."
"Not music to my ears."
She gave him a sly smile as he wryly grinned back.
The subjugation of Hunter Shabel was postponed to the next day.
It was getting dark anyway, and the raid members needed rest.
After exiting the rift, Yeon Sung-hun sent everyone to the hotel for downtime.
Not just the raid members—Yun Ji-su's survey team, Gye Cheong-san, and all the office staff were there too.
The rift clear wasn't fully done, so no full celebration, but a bit of relaxation couldn't hurt.
Everyone cheered, as expected.
The office staff was especially thrilled. Even with their above-average pay compared to similar jobs, they earned less than hunters and rarely indulged like this.
Time for luxuries was scarce too.
Seeing them happy warmed Yeon Sung-hun's heart.
He'd wanted to book the whole hotel, but the sudden schedule made it impossible.
Money could've forced it, but the guild members talked him out of excess.
'Next time, do it right.'
Maybe overseas instead of domestic.
With that fleeting thought, Yeon Sung-hun slipped out of the hotel alone.
Day's work done—time for night's business.
He'd asked Gye Cheong-san, who knew the situation, to cover for him if asked.
He hailed a taxi straight to his destination.
Weaving through the bustling city streets, it dropped him at a quiet urban outskirts.
"...Quiet."
He started walking, leaving the departing taxi behind.
Passing streets with lingering building lights, he delved deeper.
A gloomy alley lit only by streetlamps, devoid of people.
Yeon Sung-hun quietly donned the mask he'd prepared.
He hadn't planned on it, but Gye Cheong-san insisted before he left the hotel.
Now somewhat famous, he couldn't risk exposure. Fair point.
Before masking, he downed his prepped potions: usual body enhancer and a voice modulator for tonight.
"Mm-hmm. Ahh."
Confirming the voice change, he finally put on the mask.
A bit stuffy from unfamiliarity, but no major hindrance.
"This the place?"
Atmosphere matched, info too, but unfamiliarity bred doubt.
"No one around—figures."
With his suspicious masked look, better that way.
Pausing to scan, he turned at distant footsteps.
"Heh, saw Boss Park today? Face like thunder."
"Heard he brought house deeds and his daughter's wedding fund."
"Kekeke. Getting royally screwed. Family wrecked, life ruined. Masterpiece."
Hehehe—
The nasty laughs curved Yeon Sung-hun's lips under the mask.
"Looks like I found the right spot."
He quietly headed toward the alley's end.
Under dim streetlight, two men were casually relieving themselves.
Yeon Sung-hun frowned briefly, then sighed and approached slowly.
"So anyway, I—"
"Today's my lucky streak—"
"You shouldn't do that here."
The casual chaters froze at the sudden voice.
"Wh-what the fuck?! Who—?!"
"Ah, shit! Got it on my hand! What the hell from behind—?!"
Whirling in shock, they clamped mouths shut at the masked figure.
Instinct screamed danger.
Yeon Sung-hun grinned amiably—eyes only visible, but intent clear.
'Hm. Just civilians?'
Chat suggested casual illegal gamblers....
"Tch. Pants first."
His voice held faint displeasure; they hastily pulled them up.
"A few questions."
"Y-yeah... Ask away."
"Where's the gambling den?"
They glanced at each other frantically at the calm query.
"Tsk. No signaling—straight answers."
They flinched at his glare but hesitated.
Yeon Sung-hun frowned.
'Tried being nice 'cause they're civilians.'
No cooperation? Time for mild pressure—no harm, just scare....
Sighing softly, he rummaged his pocket.
Glinting blade flashed briefly.
They spilled instantly.
"Uh... Why do you... want the place...?"
"Hm? Curious? Better not be."
"Hiiik...!"
They shuddered at his faux-concerned advice.
"N-no! Not curious! Just... uh...!"
"The boss finds out, we're dead!"
"Hm. Yeah?"
"Y-yes! So...!"
"Feels like nothing happens if you don't tell me?"
His eyes curved slyly; they trembled wordlessly.
Finally, tearfully:
"P-please... spare us...."
"Sniff... Mercy. Got a vixen wife and bunny kids at home...."
"And you come to a place like this?"
"Th-that's... sniff...!"
Yeon Sung-hun tsked at their pitiful pleas.
"Don't worry. That boss won't touch you."
"Y-you mean...?"
"Not what you're thinking. Just won't have time for you anymore."
Maybe slight variance depending.
They exchanged looks at his murmur.
He let it slide this time.
After brief silence, they spoke.
"Past this alley, green-roofed house."
"Side door behind it...."
"Past the yellow warehouse next...."
"Down the stairs...."
Words poured once started.
Yeon Sung-hun nodded, listening intently.
"Complicated route."
"Y-yes... Guides meet newbies."
"Super secret—no raids...."
"Hm. Tough solo."
They flinched at his mutter.
"I-I'm busy...!"
"M-my vixen wife and bunny kids...!"
He smirked at their pale, rambling excuses.
"No need for guides."
"Th-then...!"
"Don't come back here. Either of you."
"Y-yes...! Never again...!"
"Thank you! Bless you!"
He chuckled softly at their bows, then left quietly.
Detailed directions made the maze manageable.
Assuming truth—their terror said yes.
'No one's that bold to lie right then.'
He followed precisely.
Indeed labyrinthine.
Jumbled buildings like a maze; without guidance, he'd dawn-lost.
"...Right info?"
Followed to the letter, but no sign.
Did they fool him? Panic-mislead?
Backtrack?
Then, a spot thick with presences.
"...No need to double-check."
Matched description perfectly. He sighed in relief.
"Time to move."
Checking his mask, Yeon Sung-hun headed to the shabby building.