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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Hestia]
[Proofreader - Kaya]
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Chapter 106: Ah, So This Is What a Declaration of War Is (1)
"Your martini, sir."
A small glass was placed on the table.
It was the martini, the signature drink of the Milky Way Pub.
Two hunters engaged in smuggling operations conversed, with the shimmering, transparent liquid between them.
"Did you hear? Rakshasa targeted Ground Zero."
"They should focus on managing Busan. Why did they come up here to cause trouble?"
"I heard they took advantage of the Red Spider's disappearance."
"So, what happened?"
The Rakshasa Guild was the second most influential organization in the Korean underworld, after Ground Zero.
If Ground Zero was a cooperative of the three powers - Black Market, Red Spider (replaced by Yoojin), and Milky Way Pub —
Rakshasa was a group that tightly controlled the smuggling routes in the Pacific, including Japan and the United States.
"What do you think happened? I heard they went to the border area and were killed by monsters."
"Why did they go to the border area?"
"Nobody knows. I heard that the guy who took down the Red Spider settled in that cursed land."
"You mean that organization called Black Company or something?"
Black Company.
A force that suddenly appeared, devoured the Red Spider's territory, and became a new power in the Ground Zero trifecta.
Nevertheless, it was an organization with surprisingly little information known to the outside world.
"Wasn't Rakshasa Guild's preparation sloppy?"
"They mobilized 150 hunters. They even unleashed the Mad Dog."
"Th-The Mad Dog!? You're not talking about Kim Mijeong, are you?"
"Yep."
"That’s crazy..."
Even the infamous mercenary in East Asia, Mad Dog Kim Mijeong, participated?
It was surprising that the Mad Dog was under the Rakshasa Guild's command, but it was unbelievable that Rakshasa, who even mobilized a peak 6 Star Hunter, was defeated.
"Even if the Red Spider was in full force, it would have been at a level that could cause considerable damage."
"That's why it's surprising."
"Black Company. What kind of organization are they?"
The man gulped down the martini.
The strong scent of alcohol lingered in his mouth.
Nevertheless, the shock of the story he had just heard was not washed away.
"Are you alright?"
Old Man Jeon quietly spoke, and Madam, with a flick of her hair, glanced at the talking men.
"A small loss, but I'll manage."
"That's not like you."
"Why not?"
"You never take a loss. Isn't that the Milky Way's motto?"
Old Man Jeon chuckled.
The Rakshasa Guild's defeat.
This was information with enough explosive power to shake the Korean underworld.
Madam could have silenced the mercenaries who fled the border area and the Rakshasa hunters.
"You could have suppressed the spread of information and shaken the Busan underworld."
The annihilation of 150 combatants.
This incident was significant enough to severely impact the Rakshasa Guild's influence.
Since the parties involved wouldn't want to publicize this situation, Madam knew better than anyone how valuable this information was.
"Could it be that you're interested in that young man?"
"Should I get you some dementia medication?"
"I'll pass. I'm still in my right mind."
Squeak— Squeak—
The sound of polishing glass echoed through the bar.
"Cheon Yoojin, or rather, Chairman Cheon..."
"Huh?"
"I wonder how far he'll go. Don't you find it curious?"
This was a first.
She had never been this interested in a man before.
It wasn't romantic interest.
She had things to do and no time to be concerned about anyone else.
"Just two months ago, he was someone who infiltrated the Crimson Lair."
"He was, wasn't he?"
"Now he's defeated Mad Dog Kim Mijeong."
"His growth is indeed astonishing."
"Chairman Cheon isn't just strong. He has the skills, the vision, and the decisiveness to match."
It sent chills down her spine.
Madam unconsciously gripped her arms tightly.
'There's a reason he asked me to spread this information.'
Madam was certain.
‘Could he really be so naive as to not understand the value of this?’
A flicker of excitement went through her.
‘What is he planning?’
A soft smile touched her lips, so subtle she didn't even notice it.
"You're not actually smitten with him, are you?"
"I'm going to get angry for real."
"Heh heh. If you say so, I'll believe you."
Old Man Jeon, his smile still present, leisurely polished the glass.
＊ ＊ ＊
The news of the Rakshasa Guild's defeat spread quickly.
Like wildfire.
The rumor Madam started spread beyond the underworld and into the light, eventually reaching the ears of the hunter guilds.
"Huh."
The head of the Phoenix Guild, Kim Youngsoo clicked his tongue a few times and shook his head.
"Is this rumor true?"
"It's highly likely. We've cross-checked it several times, but..."
"I'm not blaming you."
"I'll ask the secretariat to conduct further investigation."
"Yes, please do that."
Kim Youngsoo, left alone in his office, pressed his fingers on the bridge of his nose, trying to shake off his fatigue.
Thump—!
"Guild Leader! Is that rumor true?!"
"Miseon, you're going to break the damn door down."
"Ah. Sorry."
Jang Miseon, a hunter known as the next Sword Saint, rushed in, her long black hair swaying.
"I heard that guy had a showdown with the Rakshasa Guild!"
"You've heard about it, then."
The fact that the head of Black Company was Yoojin was not widely known.
Who would have guessed that the rising star who made a name for himself during the Ground Zero power struggle and the Double Dungeon incident was the same person?
The Phoenix Guild had only just found out about this information after investigating the incident in the border area from various angles.
"I came to say hello before I go."
"You're going to help Cheon Yoojin?"
"I can't just stand by. I haven't even repaid him for his help from last time."
"Miseon. Calm down and listen to me."
Kim Youngsoo's calm voice filled the office, its weight palpable.
Though devoid of killing intent, his words, imbued with powerful magic, seemed to press down on their very souls.
"A-Ah, yes."
Jang Miseon, as if still having much to say, continued to move her lips but waited for Kim Youngsoo's reply.
"Miseon, there's no need for you to go help."
"I've also heard of the Rakshasa Guild's reputation. Even if it's Cheon Yoojin, I don't think he can win against them head-on."
"150 combatants were defeated. Even a peak 6 Star hunter is missing, so even Rakshasa won't be able to act rashly."
"Still..."
"And, I'm going to take some measures as well."
"As expected of you, Guild Leader!"
Kim Youngsoo felt a pang in his heart at Jang Miseon's admiring gaze.
'I can't tell her about this.'
Kim Youngsoo swallowed a bitter smile, his gaze turning to the corner of the table.
⋯⋯⋯
Newly acquired intelligence.
- Suspected connection between Arhan and Rakshasa.
⋯⋯⋯
'If this information is true, I can gain two advantages by checking Arhan.'
The Phoenix Guild's goal is to be the best in the country.
Though it's just a suspicion, if the two guilds have a close relationship, Arhan would have also been affected by this incident.
If he were to check the Arhan Guild at this time?
'I can confirm the suspicion.'
Even if the intelligence is wrong, it doesn't matter.
Yoojin and the Arhan Guild have been on bad terms since the Double Dungeon raid.
He doesn't know why they established a presence in the border area, but if he checks Arhan and prevents them from acting, it's like repaying the debt from the Double Dungeon incident.
'Repay the debt and gain Cheon Yoojin's favor.'
Kim Youngsoo's lips twitched as he finished his calculations.
Ring— Ring—
The classic ringtone broke the silence in the office.
"It's a busy day today."
"You're always lazing around. You need days like this too."
"I can't even argue with you."
Kim Youngsoo, after briefly grumbling, pressed the receive button.
"What is it?"
- The official distributor for the mass-produced mid-grade potion has been decided as Daehan Pharmaceuticals.
"Isn't that something the business department should be reporting?"
- Um, the problem is that Hunter Cheon Yoojin said he's going to hold a press conference at the mid-grade potion demonstration...
Kim Youngsoo, who had stood up abruptly, dropped his jaw.
"Guild Leader, what's wrong?"
"Seriously. He's really escalating things."
"Everyone has a press conference at the demonstration, don't they?"
"Holding a press conference after having a showdown with the Rakshasa Guild, it can't be a coincidence."
He'd already seen that Yoojin was no ordinary talent.
His knack for manipulating situations, making him seem far older than his early twenties, and his ability to turn events to his advantage were reminiscent of a seasoned businessman or hunter.
"Where did this guy even come from?"
He wondered.
What was Yoojin planning for the press conference?
Kim Youngsoo chuckled, his curiosity piqued.
＊ ＊ ＊
- As you requested, we've prepared a demonstration for tomorrow at the Seoul D Convention Center.
"Thank you, Chairman Jeong."
- Don't mention it. I haven't even finished repaying you for healing my husband.
"Didn't you arrange the distribution rights for Saint's Tear and connect me with contacts in the US?"
- The potion distribution was something Daehan Pharmaceuticals wanted to request. I still owe you.
Jeong Soonim, the CEO of Daehan Pharmaceuticals, agreed to the request to schedule the Saint's Tear demonstration without prior coordination.
- Benefactor, how are you doing?
"The rumors travel fast, huh.
- It's still top secret that you're the new force in the Ground Zero trifecta, though.
"I'm perfectly fine."
- So, is the demonstration related to what happened at the border region?
"Well, you could say that."
Yoojin responded vaguely.
‘Where's the fun in giving everything away?’
"Partner, aren't you being too hasty?"
"The potion's performance is undeniable."
"Of course, it is, but..."
"From now on, we're going to make a killing."
Yoojin gave Shin Joonseok's tense shoulder a reassuring pat and thought—
‘Relax. This potion was a huge hit even before I regressed. It's bound to be a success. Trust me.’
[Potion]
This is the most consumed item when hunting monsters in gates.
Injuries during combat are unavoidable.
Since there are few divine hunters, potion use was essential.
"Low-grade potions can't heal serious injuries."
"But mid-grade potions cost 1,000 won per bottle."
"We can only use them in emergencies."
Like a thirsty man digging a well, hunters reluctantly carried expensive mid-grade potions.
There have been quite a few attempts to develop a recovery agent with the efficacy of a mid-grade potion without troll's blood or blessings, but no company has achieved noticeable results.
Until Shin Joonseok appeared.
"A medicine that reproduces the effect of a mid-grade potion without troll's blood. It's a first in the world."
"I heard that alchemist Shin Joonseok is from Daesung Research Institute."
"What about Cheon Yoojin? Did he help with the potion production with his divine magic?"
"Let's go and hear what they have to say."
The hunter industry was buzzing.
Major corporations in Korea showed interest in the official sale of Saint's Tear, and large guilds that consume a lot of potions also participated in the demonstration.
The media, of course, wouldn't miss such big news.
The venue they had booked for the demonstration was absolutely packed.
"Whoa. Look at the crowd."
"I brought some calming pills. Want one?"
"Damn it! Give me one of those."
Shin Joonseok, his hands trembling, took a small pill and swallowed it.
"Were calming pills always this sweet?"
"There's an old saying that good medicine is sweet."
"I think you mean good medicine is bitter. Anyway, I feel a little better now."
‘Yeah. Partner, you're right. It's actually just coffee candy disguised as a pill.’
〔Oh, mouth of destruction.〕
'Would you please refrain from casually disparaging others?'
〔It seems quite obvious that he is a key player in this scheme. How can this be called disparagement?〕
'Look, he's calmed down. The ends justify the means.'
The effect of the calming pill was remarkable.
Shin Joonseok, who had seemed so nervous just moments ago, walked confidently to the front of the stage and calmly proceeded with the Saint's Tear demonstration.
Sizzle—!
"Wow. The recovery speed is on par with a mid-grade potion!"
"Around 92%. This is good enough to use as a replacement."
The reporters, upon seeing the potion's effect, frantically typed on their keyboards.
Guild representatives were also busy checking the available funds needed to secure Saint's Tear.
"Can it be used for fractures or internal injuries?"
"Yes. While recovery may be slower for severe injuries, the potion will still fully regenerate damaged tissue as long as it's not completely destroyed."
Shin Joonseok handled even difficult questions with ease.
The Saint's Tear demonstration was a huge success.
An innovative item that would mark a new chapter in the hunter market officially made its debut.
"If the supply of Saint's Tear is sufficient, the gate raid speed will also increase."
"Mid-grade potions are not only expensive but also not readily available."
"We don't have to rely solely on the priests' healing spells anymore."
"Everything's about to change."
Just as the people in the audience were starting to calm down a bit, Shin Joonseok glanced back.
He gave Yoojin a look that said, 'Are you sure I should read this introduction?'
Yoojin nodded.
‘Phew. Oh well, here goes nothing.’
Shin Joonseok took a deep breath and spoke—
"Next, we will have a press conference with Mr. Cheon Yoojin, the CEO of Black Company, who contributed to the production of Saint's Tear."
As Shin Joonseok introduced Yoojin, a wave of anticipation washed over the silent crowd.
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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Hestia
[Proofreader - Kaya]
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