Chapter 109: Interview (1) |
The pharmaceutical industry has often deviated from its original mission nowadays.
Medications aimed at Hunters are sold at steep prices, skewing research efforts towards this demographic.
Substances classified as narcotics or stimulants, in particular, fetch exorbitant prices, making them highly sought after commercially.
Consequently, some pharmaceutical companies even receive funding from international criminal organizations for their research endeavors.
In this landscape, Jeondong Pharmaceuticals is considered a minor player.
The competition among these companies is fierce, with each one desperate to uncover the others’ secrets.
This competition naturally leads to an increase in requests for mercenaries to attack or sabotage the research facilities or supply warehouses of rival companies.
Kang-hoo anticipated that he might soon receive such requests from either Lee Ye-rin or Kim Su-kyung.
As long as the compensation is substantial, there would be no reason to turn them down.
Upon his arrival in Seoul, Kang-hoo promised to meet Jung Yuri again in the future and they parted ways.
He also made sure to thank her for arranging a meeting with Master K.
Rather than a verbal thank you, she suggested a drive along the west coast for their next meeting, indirectly inviting him on a date.
If their schedules allowed, taking a short break with her wouldn’t be too much of a hassle.
Kang-hoo took the subway to Samseong Station and made his way to Jeonghwa’s 5th building.
From the platform screen doors to the stairs, advertisements related to the Jeonghwa Guild were omnipresent.
These included guild promotions and videos showcasing their achievements, broadcasted by the guild itself.
Some ads celebrated or showed support for Jeonghwa Guild’s officers, courtesy of their ‘fans’.
The most striking were the birthday advertisements for Chae Gwanhyeong, put up by his fans.
【Chae Gwanhyeong, we’re grateful you were born and are with us. Always be with us. We love you.】
【On the day Chae Gwanhyeong came into this world, it snowed for the first time. Now it’s our turn to be the first snow.】
“……”
Kang-hoo, who wouldn’t flinch at gruesome and grotesque sights, grimaced at the message.
From a fan’s perspective, these comments are sincere.
But knowing the true nature of Chae Gwanhyeong, it was worrisome.
I can assure you.
Chae Gwanhyeong has no interest in those who call themselves his fans.
It would be a blessing if he doesn’t treat them like bugs.
He is immersed in a belief in destiny, thinking he is a chosen being.
To him, those who are not Hunters are just ‘trash’ created by God, unworthy even of breathing.
Passing through the dizzying array of advertisements to the exit, the situation outside was no less intense.
Hundreds of people were protesting against the guilds based around Osan Station, Bastard and Pyeongjeong, condemning them.
They were showing fervent support and performances of solidarity for the Jeonghwa Guild’s campaign in Osan.
‘If I ever become an adversary of Jang Si-hwan, those criticisms and curses will also be directed at me.’
Kang-hoo wore a bitter expression.
Seoul, a city of peace and stability.
To Kang-hoo, it felt like a vast swamp of death.
For those who follow and blindly believe in the Jeonghwa Guild, it’s a paradise on Earth.
But for those on the opposite side, it’s a city of death, where they could be oppressed at any moment.
If Jang Si-hwan orders it, there’s enough madness in Seoul to kill friends or family without hesitation.
‘Impressive, indeed.’
Kang-hoo admired the uniforms of Jeonghwa Guild members passing by on the street.
Touched by a famous designer, everything down to the smallest detail was perfect.
Thus, the Jeonghwa Guild’s uniform is considered a symbol of honor.
Even when there’s a chance to wear casual clothes, they end up wearing their uniforms. It’s a matter of career and honor.
Recently, the Jeonghwa Guild, having massively recruited members from its satellite guilds,
usually ensures that newly joined members from other regions get a tour of the Jeonghwa buildings in Seoul……
Kang-hoo thought Han Seo-yeon might be somewhere around too. She would be living well on her own terms.
Near the Jeonghwa 5th Building.
Perhaps because it was the day for interviewing external mercenaries, the area around the building was already crowded.
Given their backgrounds, a variety of rough-looking individuals were present.
Many had appearances that screamed, “I’m a mercenary,” complete with scars like badges of honor.
Then.
Thud!
A bald hunter bumped into Kang-hoo’s shoulder as he passed by. It wasn’t a light tap but felt deliberate.
That was still fine.
In such places, it’s common for some to show off their strength through unnecessary antics.
Unfortunately, the bald guy crossed the line the moment he saw Kang-hoo, who was a stranger to him.
Perhaps because Kang-hoo’s slender build looked small and easy compared to his own bulk?
“Why did you hit me?”
“Are you giving me a chance to speak?”
“Hey, I’m asking you. Why did you hit me?”
Kang-hoo noticed the insignia on the bald man’s shoulder, indicating he was from the Hae Young Guild.
Perhaps he thought he had the backing of the Jeonghwa Guild due to their mutual exchange partnership.
Of course, the Hae Young Guild itself had a bad reputation for being full of arrogant members.
Kang-hoo looked annoyed.
“What do you want? Do you want an apology?”
“Apologize. Now.”
“Sorry. Now I’ll be going.”
Although he apologized, it was done in a manner that was bound to upset the listener.
Without any hesitation, Kang-hoo turned to leave, prompting the bald man to throw a punch without a second thought.
Thud!
The bald man’s fist exploded against the back of Kang-hoo’s head. The impact sound was crystal clear.
But something was off.
Swish! Slash!
A sharp cutting sound came from behind him, and suddenly, his entire body felt cool.
“Aaagh!”
“What, what’s with that guy!”
Passersby, who were just walking by, screamed upon seeing the bald man suddenly in his underwear.
Looking to see what had happened, the bald man realized his fist had landed on a clone, not Kang-hoo.
Kang-hoo had used a clone technique before the fist could reach him and quickly moved to the side, easily getting behind the bald man.
“If you cause trouble one more time, you’ll be completely naked next time. Behave yourself.”
Kang-hoo, with a mocking smile, looked at the bald man and then turned away.
But the bald man, already humiliated, wasn’t about to back down.
“Fck off, you little sht!”
Another punch flew.
Whoosh!
This time, it was Shadow Step.
As if toying with the bald man, five shadows flickered in and out.
As the confused bald man’s gaze darted forward, Kang-hoo moved to one of the shadows behind him.
And then.
Slash! Swish!
Within the precise and clean movement of a dagger, the bald man was…
Twuk.
“Aaagh!”
“Pervert, it’s a pervert!”
“What’s that, is that all?”
“Is there even anything there?”
He became completely naked.
The humiliation mixed with the screams was just an added bonus.
Click, click!
The succession of camera flashes followed. An embarrassing history for the bald man was created in an unexpected place.
By then, Kang-hoo, the one who caused the situation, had already left the scene, vanishing silently along with his invisibility.
At that moment.
“What are you watching so amusingly?”
“There was a scuffle near the building entrance. It was resolved so effortlessly and swiftly.”
“Who was it?”
“I thought the face looked familiar; it was the hunter we’re interviewing today.”
“Who?”
“Jung Sun-kyu. The hunter whose skill combination listed on the paperwork caught my attention.”
“Ah, the assassin?”
“Yes.”
Two peers in their late forties, who were also lovers, were having a conversation. They were responsible for interviewing Kang-hoo today.
Their names were Kong Yu-seok and Ko Ju-hee.
Within the guild’s hierarchy, they were ranked 16th and 17th, specializing in physical combat and magic, respectively.
Both were at level 425, indicating their compatibility not just as lovers but also in terms of strength.
“How was it?”
“The use of clone technique and lateral movement was impressive. And that Shadow Step skill seemed quite fascinating.”
“That skill that allows instant teleportation to a shadow’s location?”
“Yes. I searched through the skill book database, but there was no record of Shadow Step…”
“Well, not all information is in the database. But if it intrigued you, he must be skilled.”
“Yes, to put it simply, he’s clean. Cleanliness being a top priority for an assassin.”
“Sounds promising?”
Kong Yu-seok and Ko Ju-hee’s gaze landed on Kang-hoo’s photo in the middle of the documents they were holding.
Both had marked his file with a red star, indicating their curiosity during the document review phase.
The person of interest had arrived.
They were the appointed examiners for him. The impending meeting made their hearts flutter with anticipation.
At the end of the corridor, in the interview room, numerous hunters were seated, filling up the chairs laid out in a line.
There seemed to be an endless queue of hunters, more than one might expect.
Kang-hoo found the chair with his name and sat down.
He wasn’t sure how the sequence was arranged, but being near the front, it seemed he wouldn’t have to wait long.
However, as time passed, the atmosphere outside the interview room began to feel strange.
Twenty hunters went in before Kang-hoo, and all were rejected.
If they had been deemed suitable for the expedition team, they would have been directed to a separate room for a one-time contract procedure and briefing, which would have taken a considerable amount of time.
Yet, not a single person emerged from the long wait, a clear sign of rejection.
‘It seems they’re picky even in their search for heroes.’
Kang-hoo snorted.
Given it’s the Jeonghwa Guild, they could afford to be selective. Perhaps many mercenaries didn’t meet their standards.
He was confident in passing their stringent verification; the only question was how much he should reveal.
“Jung Sun-kyu?”
“Yes.”
“Please come in.”
Following the guide, Kang-hoo entered and immediately recognized two faces in front of him.
Kong Yu-seok, Ko Ju-hee.
Characters created with intention in the original work.
A couple designed to depict a beautiful and meaningful middle-aged love, but ended up becoming background characters in the narrative.
One of the couples he felt sorry for when writing the epilogue, now before him in person.
Though termed middle-aged and in their late forties, in person, they could easily pass for their mid-thirties.
“Jung Sun-kyu? Could you step forward a bit? We need to verify your face again.”
At that moment, Ko Ju-hee, with her distinctive pointed nose and a mole, started the conversation.
As Kang-hoo stepped forward, Ko Ju-hee glanced between the documents and Kang-hoo, then tilted her head in curiosity.
“Is it really you?”