novelraw Chapter 121
Chapter 121
Chapter 121
Click, click, click.
The sound echoed through the room. Han Sang-ah was sitting at the table, staring blankly at something.
It was a device commonly called Newton’s Cradle. Five steel balls were each connected by strings, and when one was lifted and released, it performed a pendular motion accompanied by a clicking sound.
“What are you doing?”
“I am looking at the steel balls.”
She spoke in response to my question and then returned to staring blankly at the beads once more. Jung Oh-hoon clicked his tongue.
“Is it really okay to just be sitting like that? The results aren't exactly refreshing.”
Han Sang-ah replied to Jung Oh-hoon’s comment.
“Nothing changes just because I don't sit like this. Besides, this was already expected.”
The hunters didn't seem inclined to participate actively. Even when there were hunters who showed interest, a significant number of them lacked the necessary skills.
While Han Sang-ah watched the Newton’s Cradle, I watched her, and Jung Oh-hoon scratched his head, the voice of an expert came through the TV.
― At this moment, protecting our own borders is the more important situation. The threats that have occurred in Korea until now have defied common sense. Merely blocking the Erosion Zones isn't the only solution.
― The government has spent a large budget to sign additional contracts with hunters for the protection of the citizens. Previously, hunters were concentrated at the border and the 38th parallel, but this time it’s a bit different.
People were afraid. And, as if they had been waiting for that fear, the government succeeded in hiring additional hunters by offering good conditions to a large number of them.
Han Sang-ah turned her gaze toward me and spoke.
“The pay and conditions are very good. Honestly, from the perspective of hunters with some level of skill, there’s no reason to actively participate in the subjugation of the Triple Blood Cave this time.”
“I suppose so. Besides, in this situation, even if I were to go around and speak out...”
Jung Oh-hoon shook his head at my words.
“Don't even try it, you'll just get hit back. There are already all sorts of stories coming out right now.”
The stories Jung Oh-hoon was referring to could be summarized into a few sentences.
‘While the citizens are in danger, is this really the time to be subjugating an Erosion Core?’
‘He had a little success and now he’s desperate to play hero by himself.’
‘If he has time for that, shouldn't he be protecting the people with those skills? What is Yoo Chan-seok doing right now?’
‘That Yoo Chan-seok is a bastard crazy for bounties.’
It was only because of what I had accomplished previously that the criticism ended at this level.
It was truly a heartbreaking matter. In the end, it’s always this way.
My policy was always the same. If there was time to protect someone, I would go and eliminate the source of that threat.
The problem was that the people who needed protection amidst the threat found it difficult to empathize with my policy.
Actually, it wasn't like I was doing this because I wanted someone to empathize with me, so it wasn't something to get hurt over.
However, it was certainly a stumbling block.
“The government said they will stop the current emergency measures once the investigation into the monsters appearing outside the Erosion Zones is completed and the cause is revealed.”
I couldn't help but let out a laugh at Han Sang-ah’s words.
“If you were them, would you actively investigate the cause? Why do you think people are following the government’s measures without complaint?”
It’s because of the fear of monsters. If that disappears, people will never endure the current inconvenience. I wouldn't endure it either.
And furthermore, I was certain that what happened in the foreign residential area this time was 100% the government’s doing. There’s no way the government would smear filth on its own face.
“So, how many people did you gather?”
Han Sang-ah replied to my question.
“About thirty people. And the corporations are maintaining a passive attitude toward supporting us as well.”
It wasn't that they weren't providing funds, but the atmosphere wasn't one where they were easily throwing out billions like they did during the Jaun Valley subjugation.
“You brought the crown, so why can't you start the subjugation!”
Jung Oh-hoon muttered that as he looked at the crown placed on the stand.
I placed my hand on the crown I had received from the association and flowed a bit of mana into it. The crown scattered a faint white light in all directions.
It was a powerful force. Just as Sa Seung-hee had said, if the ability of this crown was activated to its maximum, the undead within a certain range would all become useless.
“Damn it, this great crown we worked so hard to get is just acting as a desk lamp.”
Jung Oh-hoon gave his evaluation as he looked at the glowing crown. After staring at the shining crown for a moment, I spoke.
“In that case, we should change the policy.”
“In what way?”
Han Sang-ah showed interest immediately. She had been looking at the Newton’s Cradle with an indifferent expression, but it seemed she had been feeling complicated in her own way.
“We just need to produce results and then gather people.”
I was just slightly changing the order of things.
If people aren't interested in a startup and there’s a lack of employees, you can start the company first and then produce results to move forward.
Ultimately, everything is proven by results. You can make people follow you with a brilliant vision, but if that doesn't work, you can make them follow you with brilliant results.
“Let’s prepare with the bastards who have gathered for now and push through to Kaesong.”
“Wow, the government is really going to hate that.”
That was Jung Oh-hoon’s evaluation.
“So what if they hate it, what are they going to do? Tell them to get lost.”
We aren't receiving subsidies from the government, nor are we a public enterprise or a state institution.
There’s no plausible basis for them to nitpick a hunter going into an Erosion Zone to hunt monsters.
With a tight budget and only about 33 hunters including ourselves, let’s push forward.
“Let’s go to Paju. Send a notice to the hunters who will join us as well.”
Since I beat Sung Sihoon, I was more than qualified to go and request cooperation.
“Damn, I wonder if they'll give us proper support.”
That was a single comment from Jung Oh-hoon. However, I thought Sung Sihoon would provide proper support.
Of course, that’s if he has a brain. But he shouldn't be a stupid person. No matter the circumstances, he’s the representative of a massive hunter corporation.
If I were him... I looked at the turned-on TV.
― This is a special report. Sung Sihoon, the representative of Taebaek, has officially announced that they will support the necessary items for the Headhunter’s subjugation of the Triple Blood Cave.
Right, he would come out like that. Support is an inevitable situation anyway. Furthermore, if they didn't actively support us, I could pick a fight with them once more.
In this situation, the task of a leader of an organization is simple.
Since he’s going to provide support anyway, he should extract everything he can from it to the very marrow. What would that be in this case?
They said Headhunter and Taebaek aren't on good terms.
He was settling this rumor that had been circulating secretly. I had to evaluate it as a fairly good move.
It’s not like they're conducting a joint operation; it’s just cooperation.
Later, if we slip up, Taebaek can escape by saying, ‘We only provided support, we didn't carry out a joint operation!’
“See? Let’s move quickly. The monsters and the Erosion Zone are waiting for us.”
“It’ll just be more smelly corpses anyway.”
Since almost all of the monsters in the Erosion Zones threatening Korea were undead. Excluding the newly created Erosion Cores, there were no exceptions.
“Mr. Jung, stop talking nonsense and pack your bags.”
In the meantime, Han Sang-ah spoke while waving her smartphone.
“I’ve notified the hunters.”
While packing, I asked a question.
“A majority of them are the bastards who participated in the Jaun Valley subjugation before, right?”
“That’s correct.”
Since it was after working together once, they likely built up trust in us, and because that trust was built, they decided to join us this time as well.
If the Triple Blood Cave subjugation had been the first time and the situation was like it is now, it would have been hard to gather even 30 people. I suppose I should say it’s fortunate.
“Let’s go.”
We headed straight for the Taebaek branch located in Paju.
“I have been waiting. I am Lee Hee-sun, and I manage the Paju Taebaek branch.”
A woman wearing black jeans and a rider jacket greeted me. And, behind her, about 15 of Lee Hee-sun’s underlings were standing in a line.
“Nice to meet you. I think it’s very fortunate that the representative of Taebaek promised support this time.”
Lee Hee-sun spoke in a somewhat cold tone at my words.
“Considering what Hunter Yoo Chan-seok did to Hunter Yoon Sung-hyun, the representative certainly decided on a generous treatment.”
Ah, so she’s talking about that dead guy.
“I tried to resolve it through dialogue, but the opponent had no intention of resolving it that way.”
So it escalated into a fight. Of course, even in that situation, I didn't actually intend to kill Yoon Sung-hyun. But what could I do? When the opponent rushed at me with the intent to kill, I couldn't just let myself be killed.
“Here is the list of participants for this time.”
Han Sang-ah handed the documents to Lee Hee-sun.
“Yes, I will reflect this and guide the hunters to the prepared location.”
“I am curious about that prepared location.”
Lee Hee-sun immediately guided us to the accommodation where we would be staying.
“The place where you will stay is located in Dangdong-ri, Munsan. Necessary supplies and medical support will be provided from the Taebaek branch in Geumchon through Tongil-ro.”
If you go just a bit further north from Munsan, Imjingak pops up immediately, and if you cross over Imjingak from there, it leads straight to Dorasan Station, which used to be North Korean land.
Again, if you go just a bit further from Dorasan Station, the famous Kaesong Industrial Complex appears.
“Our primary goal is to clear the path to Kaesong first.”
From Kaesong to Sariwon, and from Sariwon to Pyongyang, we had to push all the way up. Once we arrived at Pyongyang, Pyeongseong, where the Triple Blood Cave are located, is as good as right in front of us.
“Oh dear, Kaesong is completely fortified right now.”
At Lee Hee-sun’s words, I let out an ‘Oh dear’ sound. Was it to the point where the word fortification was used?
“Can I get more details on that?”
“Yes. I will share them if you need. My subordinates will move the luggage you brought to the accommodation.”
Lee Hee-sun headed to the meeting room at the Taebaek branch with the three of us. When we arrived at the meeting room, information and materials about Kaesong, the current gateway to be crossed, were displayed on a large screen.
“A shield, huh.”
Han Sang-ah tilted her head as she examined the screen.
“It looks similar to the shield generated by the equipment deployed in England right now?”
“It only looks similar on the surface.”
It was a completely different object. To put it more bluntly, it was on a different level. It was a triple-layer shield. And it wasn't just triple-layered. The shield sandwiched between the two other shields was the core, and it had the form of a honeycomb structure.
“It is impossible to break through with the personnel currently available.”
That was Lee Hee-sun’s opinion. Of course, that was only her opinion.
“It’s true that it’s sturdy.”
In front of me, things like shields didn't mean much. No matter how delicately it was made or how strong it was, it was meaningless.
“There’s also a way to request cooperation from the Korean military, set fire to mortar shells, and then fire them.”
There are military units in Paju anyway. It’s not that difficult to get cooperation for something like a 120mm mortar. It’s not like we're asking them to fire a nuclear bomb.
“Something like a mortar shell will be easily intercepted.”
According to Lee Hee-sun’s explanation, beyond the shield sits a fortress in a form called a Star Fort. It’s a shape where low and thick terraced castle walls are layered in a star pattern.
And on the sharply protruding parts of each wall, lumps of light scattering a dark, eerie energy were floating.
“So if something flies in, those lumps of light intercept it.”
Then there’s no need to specifically request cooperation from a military unit. I looked at Jung Oh-hoon.
“Hey, you're going to have to work a bit.”
After all, hat’s the point of having good long-range fire?