Chapter 116: Park Dong-jae (2) |
I had another call with Jeon Se-hyuk.
For Kang-hoo, since a plan was established to ensure Park Dong-jae’s safety at 100%, the conversation went smoothly. Of course, there was one problem—his own safety.
“Let me start with the conclusion. If I meet Mr. Park Dong-jae, I guarantee a 100% escape.”
-100%, you say?
“Yes. It’s possible.”
-May I know how?
“I’ll tell you when we start. There’s no need to say it now.”
Kang-hoo drew a line appropriately.
It’s not that he doesn’t trust Jeon Se-hyuk, but there’s a proper order and phase for conversations in matters like this.
Especially since he values having control and proceeding at his own pace even more.
-For now, Se-yeong will move, and some colleagues who share my intentions will also take action.
“Are they reliable?”
-They are more trustworthy than me. They all know Dong-jae. They are also dear brothers to him.
“Too many people can be a poison, but a suitable number won’t hurt.”
Kang-hoo nodded.
Rescuing a hostage is not about the number of people involved.
Especially if the enemy can take the hostage’s life at any time if things go south.
-If you rescue Dong-jae as promised, I can also give you the ownership of the maze dungeon we went to before.
“That’s a bit unfair.”
-Excuse me?
“The dungeon isn’t accessible alone. Even if I receive its ownership, it’s meaningless unless I form a team.”
He hit the nail on the head.
Of course, Jeon Se-hyuk didn’t have bad intentions when making such an offer.
It just shows how important Park Dong-jae is to him and that he’s prepared to pay the price.
The sentiment was fully understood.
However, pointing out the flaws in his proposal was necessary for clarity.
Understanding his feelings doesn’t mean Kang-hoo would refrain from speaking his mind; indecisiveness is far from his nature.
-There are other dungeons available. I was short-sighted.
“Anyway, it would be better to meet in person. Where will the target location be?”
- It’s in Gangwon Province, related to the Osho Mercenary Corps.
“Not the Kashimar Guild?”
- There’s a backstory to that.
“Then come up. I’m at Suwon Station. It seems like a suitable place.”
- Understood. I’ll contact you as soon as I’m ready to come up.
“Then.”
The call ended.
Since there’s still time left before the assault on the Judges’ Hell, participating in rescuing Park Dong-jae seemed feasible.
Had it been someone else, the plan might have been met with skepticism.
But Park Dong-jae was different.
Investing time was worthwhile, and he could offer gratitude similar to An Yeong-ho’s indebtedness.
Connections aren’t just solidified through simple acts of kindness. Sometimes, it’s necessary to create emotional debts.
This subconscious creation strengthens bonds. Human emotions are indeed tricky.
Assuming good intentions and efforts will be recognized for their sincerity? That’s nonsense only found in novels.
“Jeon Se-hyuk gathering information and making a sloppy plan doesn’t seem likely. Infiltration won’t be an issue.”
In Kang-hoo’s calculations, rescuing Park Dong-jae was not a variable. It was a constant.
Using his teleportation ability, he could safely extricate him.
The problem was himself.
Given that he could only use his teleportation ability once a day, his own escape was crucial.
“Wouldn’t it be better to sell the dungeon to hire mercenaries en masse rather than giving it to Sun-kyu oppa?”
“Are you talking about a fireworks display?”
“Yeah! It seems like it would be cheaper. I’m not looking down on Sun-kyu oppa, but considering the cost aspect.”
“Dong-jae is a hostage. Do you think those dirty bastards from the Osho Mercenary Corps won’t slit his throat if things go south?”
“Umm……”
“They’re basically at rock bottom in life. That’s why they’re trying to suck everything they can from the hostage. What do you think they’ll do first if things fall apart?”
“That’s true.”
Ban Se-yeong, who was about to suggest a different approach to Jeon Se-hyuk, scratched the back of his head.
“It’s not about saving several hostages but somehow saving Dong-jae. A numbers game isn’t the answer.”
“Oppa, don’t you have quite a network of assassins? I mean, those with real skills.”
“Yes, but they all have too much on their plates to take on from one to ten, so they refused.”
“I see… that makes sense.”
It was understandable.
If you’re not specialized in stealth and infiltration, entering a building unnoticed is very difficult.
In the midst of a frontal assault, it might go unnoticed, but under normal circumstances, reliance on the assassin profession is extremely high.
That’s why all of Jeon Se-hyuk’s assassin contacts refused.
The risk was too high.
Most importantly, they had to bring out the hostage alive. Having someone to protect adds a significant burden.
If the mission had been infiltration for assassination or to destroy or steal information, support would have been abundant.
But it was a hostage rescue, so everyone expressed their refusal. They weren’t that desperate about Park Dong-jae.
“I’m curious about the plan. He guaranteed 100% escape for Dong-jae, but how is it possible?”
It was a lingering question that Jeon Se-hyuk couldn’t shake off.
He knew better than anyone that Kang-hoo wasn’t one to bluff or make baseless assertions.
There must be confidence behind his words, but he couldn’t guess. Not 99%, but 100%, what could it be?
Jeon Se-hyuk glanced at Ban Se-yeong, who shrugged.
“How would I know something oppa doesn’t? Let’s trust in Sun-kyu oppa’s confidence.”
“We need to quickly consider other proposals.”
“Dong-jae oppa is someone worth that effort. Let’s focus on that for now.”
“Right. A hunter on the verge of level 400 can’t even save his own brother.”
“People have their own specialized talents. Don’t be too hard on yourself, oppa. I’m too dumb to come up with such a plan.”
“That’s true.”
“What’s with that quick acceptance without hesitation…….”
Ban Se-yeong felt like she had suffered an unexpected defeat in her attempt to comfort Jeon Se-hyuk.
The meeting happened quickly.
Jeon Se-hyuk, who was in the middle of forming a team, led them straight to Suwon Station.
They convened in a security office that Jeon Se-hyuk had rented in advance for their meeting.
Following Jeon Se-hyuk’s lead, they exchanged greetings with the group he had brought along.
Although they all shook hands with Kang-hoo with friendly eyes,
Unlike the trusting Jeon Se-hyuk and Ban Se-yeong, their eyes were full of doubt.
This was because they had heard that Kang-hoo’s level had just surpassed 100.
In a way, Kang-hoo had the lowest level among all the present members.
Since Kang-hoo was to play a key role, skepticism was inevitable.
Of course, no one showed it outwardly.
There wasn’t a single hunter present who could confidently claim to replace Kang-hoo’s position.
There were no assassins, and no one else was confident about rescuing Park Dong-jae with 100% certainty like Kang-hoo.
Jeon Se-hyuk led the briefing.
Kang-hoo planned to figure out the infiltration strategy based on the information shared during the briefing.
The plan was simpler than expected.
The calculation of the infiltration route was easily solved, thanks to the internal map Jeon Se-hyuk received from Lee Hyun-seok.
Initially, the area holding the hostage wasn’t a completed building but one under construction.
This was a variable caused by the sudden attack of the Kim Su-kyung Mercenary Corps and the death of Jeon Jong-du due to Kang-hoo’s efforts.
Thus, there was a security loophole in the ventilation shaft line going from the first floor to the basement.
Moreover,
Jeon Se-hyuk had acquired a master key from an insider through the Kim Su-kyung Mercenary Corps.
There was no need to pick the lock of the security door where the hostage was held. It could be opened with the master key.
‘The Osho Mercenary Corps isn’t an organization boiling with brotherhood but follows a very capitalistic flow.’
Kang-hoo nodded his head.
It was not surprising to have traitors rampant in such a scenario.
If it were a closely-knit organization, cooperation from an insider would rather be seen as a trap.
Considering their cohesion, it was certain they’d spill any information, whether they had it or not, tempted by money.
After the final check, Jeon Se-hyuk turned the conversation to Kang-hoo.
The most crucial part of the discussion hadn’t been mentioned yet.
“We need to address the most important puzzle. Of course, I would carefully request an explanation from Mr. Sun-kyu.”
“It seems like we’re fully prepared. There’s a route with poor security, and we have the master key.”
“Right.”
“After rescuing the hostage, the whole team will attract attention from the outside during my escape.”
“That’s correct.”
In essence, as Kang-hoo tries to escape after sending out Park Dong-jae,
Jeon Se-hyuk’s team plans to raid the temporary detention center from the outside, dispersing their forces.
In any case, when the enemy’s forces are divided, the focus on Kang-hoo will inevitably loosen.
“I understand your intentions, but it’s not pleasant being viewed with suspicious eyes.”
Other team members, hit by Kang-hoo’s words, averted their gazes in embarrassment.
He didn’t want to blame their inner thoughts. If they don’t understand, they can’t help but doubt.
They must be curious how a level 100 assassin like himself is confident in ensuring Park Dong-jae’s 100% escape.
No, aside from understanding, they couldn’t even begin to imagine how it would work.
While the assassin profession specializes in infiltration, it struggles with protecting companions.
The method to dispel doubt is straightforward.
Prove it.
Aware of this, Kang-hoo was ready to demonstrate. However, he had something to declare first.
Regardless of their opinions of him, he was determined to surpass their expectations.
“Mr. Se-hyuk, may I borrow your body for a moment?”
“…Yes?”
“Just a touch on the shoulder, once. That’s all I ask for your consent.”
“That’s not difficult for me……”
【Would you like to teleport?】
【The success rate of transporting one person is exactly 100%.】
Before he could finish his sentence, Kang-hoo tapped Jeon Se-hyuk’s shoulder, harnessing the power of his constellation.
The next instant.
“Huh?”
“What, what?”
Jeon Se-hyuk vanished from everyone’s sight, disappearing quietly, without a sound or a gust of wind.
“How, how did that happen? Where did Se-hyuk oppa go? Is it like invisibility?”
“That’s not it.”
Kang-hoo chuckled and shook his head at Ban Se-yeong’s incorrect assumption.
Then, he pointed towards the smartphone Ban Se-yeong was holding.
“Why the smartphone?”
“Try making a video call.”
Following Kang-hoo’s suggestion, Ban Se-yeong immediately made a video call to Jeon Se-hyuk.
Shortly after, Jeon Se-hyuk answered the call, and his surroundings appeared on the screen.
“Oppa? Where are you?”
“It seems like my camera is showing the window of the office we were just in. Isn’t it?”
And everyone could see it.
Jeon Se-hyuk, who had been in the office just moments before, was now on the rooftop of the building across.
At that moment, any doubt about the 100% probability was dispelled.
And.
“This can’t be real.”
Someone whispered.