Chapter 46
Chapter 46
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 46
Chapter Title: Triumphant Return
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The next morning.
Sword Tiger received shocking news through Yong-un, who had entered the hotel.
The death of the Reaper Guild's guild master—the shadowy leader himself—along with the complete annihilation of the Night Slaughter Society based in Jang-an-dong.
For something that had unfolded overnight during such peaceful times, the scale was far too massive. Sword Tiger couldn't hide his shock.
He had known for a while that Yong-un was strong, but he never imagined it was to this extent.
"Thanks. And sorry."
On the way to the Washington Dome.
Yong-un offered his gratitude to Sword Tiger, words he hadn't been able to express before.
"It's fine. It was my order, and I'll take responsibility for what comes after."
The efforts of Garosu Guild members to stop the Night Slaughter Society.
And their sacrifices to protect Yong-un's family.
Among them was the casting director who had followed Sword Tiger, now seriously injured. Sword Tiger's expression darkened at the thought.
"It's something that happens all the time once you join a guild and start hunting. Don't worry about it."
It could happen while clearing gates, or during disputes between hunters.
Hunters wielded superhuman power, and the monsters inside gates were no pushovers.
Most of what hunters did involved risking their lives.
But that wasn't the reason for Sword Tiger's grim expression.
"You can't underestimate the Night Slaughter Society."
The intel that Yong-un had wiped out not the Reaper Guild, but the Night Slaughter Society itself.
That detail kept nagging at Sword Tiger's mind.
"Don't worry. I gave them a solid warning."
"Pardon? Didn't you kill them all?"
"I'm not that stupid."
They arrived at the Washington Dome while talking.
As Yong-un strode inside, he continued.
"To make an example, you need someone to deliver the message."
Sword Tiger wore a puzzled look.
Yong-un glanced back at him and said,
"And no one will spread my warning better than someone who's experienced it firsthand."
In Sword Tiger's mind, the phrase "Night Slaughter Society annihilated" was revised.
To "one Night Slaughter assassin spared as an example."
A chill ran down Sword Tiger's spine.
'I thought he was just strong and straightforward...'
It wasn't just the Night Slaughter situation that got updated.
Along with the goosebumps came a revision to Sword Tiger's view of Yong-un.
From a simple man who bulldozed through everything with raw power, water or fire be damned...
To a brilliant commander endlessly generous to allies and ruthlessly merciless to enemies.
= = =
Yong-un entered the Washington Dome and emerged less than an hour later.
The battle everyone anticipated turned into a dull, uneventful match.
Because the former No. 5, Golden Cat, and No. 4, Sword Tiger, both forfeited before the fights even began.
Yong-un wanted duels with the hunters from No. 3 down to No. 1.
But they cited "another system" he'd mentioned beforehand, ending the rankings battle there.
No. 4: South Korea's Yong-un.
No. 5: South Korea's Sword Tiger.
With that achievement, the curtain fell cleanly.
Yong-un grumbled about the pointless system built on Supremacy of the Strong as he exited the dome.
Waiting for him were No. 1, Battle King, and No. 3, Sword Dragon.
"Were you scared?"
Already in a foul mood, Yong-un's voice sharpened toward them.
But Yong-un wasn't the only one irritated.
"Don't misunderstand. We're the ones who said we wanted to fight you."
Battle King scowled at Sword Dragon's words and approached Yong-un.
"Think I'd be called Battle King for nothing? It's because my fighting spirit is overflowing. I told you over and over I wanted to fight, but you wouldn't listen—what can I do?"
Was that why they'd waited over an hour?
Yong-un realized this broken system wasn't their fault.
Battle King grinned and extended his hand.
"So how about a match now? I'm game anytime."
Truly the Battle King.
A fitting title and actions to match—Yong-un smiled.
"Sounds good."
"Great!"
Battle King drew up his mana.
At the same time, Yong-un summoned his demonic energy and clasped Battle King's hand.
Urgent voices erupted from both sides.
"Stop!"
"You can't!"
It was Sword Dragon and Sword Tiger.
Despite their own bad blood, facing two battle-mad idiots like Battle King and Yong-un united their senses of normalcy.
"Why?!"
"What's the problem?!"
Battle King and Yong-un shouted at Sword Dragon and Sword Tiger.
Sword Dragon clicked his tongue at Battle King, while Sword Tiger awkwardly addressed Yong-un.
"If you two fight, the damage will hit the civilians who came to watch the matches. You still wanna do it?"
"Master? If you clash here right after entering the rankings, we'll be branded as troublemakers from the start."
Battle King glared back and forth, frowning.
"It's always the sword-named titles causing problems."
"Couldn't agree more."
But even as they said it, Battle King and Yong-un let their mana and demonic energy subside.
"Can't ruin things for others just 'cause we feel like it."
"First time making a name in the world—no stains on it."
Their hands parted.
"Phew..."
Sword Tiger finally relaxed his tense nerves.
But true to form for these two eager fighters, even after releasing hands, they locked eyes and spoke.
"Come to Spain. We'll fight to your heart's content."
"I'll drop by once my business is done."
"I'll be waiting! Hahaha!"
Battle King burst into hearty laughter and turned away.
Sword Dragon glanced at the relieved Sword Tiger and said,
"Heard from Golden Cat. You've changed a lot."
Sword Tiger's eyes sharpened at Sword Dragon's words.
Sword Dragon nodded faintly at Sword Tiger's unyielding presence.
"I'll be waiting. Show me the sword that laid Golden Cat low."
"You got it. I'll be the one to break your sword."
"Interesting."
Sword Dragon smiled for the first time at Sword Tiger's fearless retort—no fear, pure confidence.
Then he followed Battle King's distant figure.
"Let's go."
"Yes, sir."
With Battle King and Sword Dragon gone, Yong-un led Sword Tiger toward the international airport.
The rankings competition he'd joined to build influence.
He hadn't claimed No. 1 due to the system, but it ended on a satisfying note.
Turning hunter-weak South Korea into a powerhouse boasting No. 4 and No. 5.
= = =
Yong-un and Sword Tiger returned to South Korea.
And the country erupted.
From the airport onward, a barrage of reporters and cheering crowds.
"Wooooaaah!"
"Yong-un! Yong-un!"
"Sword Tiger! Sword Tiger!"
"Oppa! I'm a Soul Lion fan club member! Just one photo, please!"
"Oppa!!"
The throng was so dense that the reporters' voices barely carried.
Fortunately, dozens of hunter bodyguards held back the masses.
They cleared a path all the way to the white van outside, letting Yong-un and Sword Tiger board safely.
"Good work."
Once inside, Myung-su greeted them from the passenger seat.
"Is it always like this? Guess people have nothing better to do."
"Feels like being a celebrity—nice."
Sword Tiger beamed at the women slapping the back of the van in excitement.
Yong-un shook his head at the sight.
"Celebrities must be exhausted. Shivering at the thought of dealing with this daily."
"Can't help feeling good, though."
Sword Tiger scratched the back of his head with an awkward grin.
Yong-un simply looked away and closed his eyes until the van departed.
"We're heading out."
The bodyguards pushed back fans as the van carrying Yong-un and Sword Tiger pulled away.
The noisy clamor faded, replaced by the van's quiet comfort—finally, some rest for Yong-un.
But as soon as they set off, Myung-su handed over a tablet PC, making Yong-un open his eyes.
"Korean news articles while you're on the way."
[Massacre at Reaper Guild—Night Slaughter Society's doing.]
[Jang-an-dong Night Slaughter Society site of slaughter. War between Reaper Guild and Night Slaughter Society?]
[Hunter wars breaking out again?]
"The massacres at Reaper Guild and Night Slaughter Society have been settled as a war between them."
Yong-un nodded at Myung-su's words.
Sword Tiger shut off the tablet, easing a lingering worry.
But another concern in Sword Tiger's mind spilled from Myung-su's lips.
"Be careful of the Night Slaughter Society."
The same warning Sword Tiger had given, now from Myung-su.
Both knew Yong-un's power well.
Yet the repeated caution prompted Yong-un to ask,
"Why?"
"The Night Slaughter Society never forgets revenge. Not even against the president."
Yong-un glanced out the window nonchalantly at Myung-su's words.
Then Sword Tiger, the first to warn him, spoke anxiously.
"Their assassins throw away their lives for revenge, no matter how strong the target. If they can't get close, they'll strike at weaknesses to bring them down."
The word "weakness" sharpened Yong-un's gaze.
Unlike his Demon Sword days, when he had no vulnerabilities and nothing to lose.
Back then, he'd killed freely and instilled terror.
But now, Yong-un had a glaring one.
His family—a fatal weakness.
Swoosh.
Demonic energy leaked from Yong-un's still form.
'Weakness, huh...'
If the Night Slaughter Society was that kind of group, they'd bare their fangs at him again someday.
Of course, the warning was fresh, and pinpointing him as the culprit would take time.
But as an organization controlling assassins like the Hao Clan,
They'd figure it out eventually.
"Master?"
Sword Tiger called out uneasily, sensing the thick demonic energy and killing intent.
'No telling when that'll come. I need to build a force strong enough to protect my family from them. Until then...'
And when the weakness vanished.
Yong-un would uncoil.
Starting with eliminating potential threats.
"Good call entering the rankings."
No change in plans.
With his name raised, now leverage it to strengthen his faction.
Build a massive force to protect his family.
It would begin with Unwoo Guild.
"Heading to the Hunter Management Agency?"
The driver responded to Yong-un's question.
"Yes!"
"Then stop by Unwoo Guild first."