Chapter 114

Chapter 114
## Chapter 114

### Chapter Title: Parting Ways with Cheorwon

—

A woodland area filled with withered, dying trees was being consumed by intense black flames, incinerating everything.

In reality, it wasn’t just the woods. This isolated sub-dimension was perishing, completely shrouded in a void-like fire.

— G… Aaaah…

“Just where do you plan on fleeing?”

The ghouls that had already experienced death once were meeting their end a second time before my eyes. The glowing resentment in those scorched husks, born of a deep-seated malice toward the living, was finally being extinguished.

“Based on the plan, this should be the final one.”

I spoke softly while observing the crumbling world and the heart of this Erosion Core, which was reaching its unavoidable conclusion while being engulfed in Paradox Flame.

Choi Seung-gi had informed me that the spear commissioned for me was finished. Furthermore, the Association President was scheduled to announce this evening that the right to the crown would be officially passed to me.

This signified that my fortnight-long stay in Cheorwon was coming to a close.

“It was a fairly relaxing and enjoyable time while it lasted.”

I gave the heart of the Erosion Core a slight nudge with my foot—it had reverted to a still cadaver after losing its power—and it disintegrated into ash, drifting away into nothingness.

“Nine rank 3s, four rank 2s.”

That was the tally from my solitary, diligent sweeps across northern Gangwon-do. It had effectively wiped out almost every major risk in the northern sector of Gangwon-do, a region once belonging to North Korean territory that had recently been infested with beasts.

The press was busy spinning narratives about how such a feat was impossible for anyone but me—the person who had clashed with Choi Yeoreum and eventually come out on top.

However, I didn’t see it that way.

Hunters of the caliber of Lee Se-eun or Kang Hoon were more than capable of accomplishing this. After the destruction of Jaun Valley, the remaining threats in Cheorwon had dwindled to a relatively manageable level anyway.

“Well, these statistics don’t carry much weight.”

Once the Erosion Core was neutralized, a prize chest materialized. That concluded my early morning tasks for the day.

I tucked the chest away and made my way back to the Zanabi outpost in Cheorwon, leaving the flickering interior of the Erosion Core behind me.

“Greetings, friends. It’s time for another round of training.”

Following the midday meal, I walked over to the training grounds where Han Sang-ah and Jeong O-hun were practicing and shot them a smirk.

“Jeong, you’re the first target today.”

“For god’s sake.”

Jeong O-hun grumbled as he stood up. He appeared exhausted, yet his gaze was intensely sharp—a massive improvement compared to his state before arriving in Cheorwon.

“Glare all you want; staring doesn’t grant power. If it did, everyone would be an elite.”

I mocked him, prompting Jeong O-hun to hoist his rifle.

“I swear, I’m going to put a round right between your eyes!”

There was no formal start. Jeong O-hun immediately used his power to drift slightly off the ground and squeezed the trigger, targeting me directly.

“Stay focused. Observe your target clearly. Keep your posture steady and your breathing rhythmic.”

I evaded the shot and closed the distance, striking his ribs with the butt of my spear. Jeong O-hun was sent tumbling through the air, but he managed to stabilize himself mid-flight and resumed firing.

The projectiles snapped off my spear and buried themselves in the dirt. The empty clip fell from the weapon, and a fresh one he had prepared levitated upward, clicking into place in a heartbeat.

“…”

Suddenly, Jeong O-hun’s gaze became vacant for a brief window. It was happening again. Before I could intervene, he abruptly struck his own face with a palm.

“Excellent. You’re starting to understand.”

“Hitting myself is better than taking a hit from you!”

Both Han Sang-ah and Jeong O-hun had been falling into these trance-like states frequently of late.

This was occurring because their physical capabilities were evolving at a pace their mentalities couldn’t quite match. It was a side effect disguised as a form of “empty-mind” enlightenment.

Actually, Han Sang-ah had already experienced this once in the past.

Regardless, reaching this stage meant their grueling efforts over the last two weeks were yielding significant results. It also represented their most precarious phase.

“If you let your consciousness slip away even for a second, you’ve failed.”

All that labor and pain would become a total waste of time. I had cautioned Jeong O-hun and Han Sang-ah about this repeatedly.

Feeling as though you’re disconnected from reality during a fight, drifting into a peaceful unconsciousness?

Your gaze fixed on the foe but seeing through them, your limbs moving automatically in a natural rhythm of attack and defense?

That isn’t how I achieved my strength. Even if such paths existed, I wouldn’t know how to follow them.

“Your physical forms are ready. Now, make your minds catch up. Simply climbing onto a feral stallion and clutching the hair isn’t the same as riding.”

You must break the stallion. Subjugate it and force it to go exactly where you command, at the pace you dictate. That is what it means to ride.

Both of their bodies were now akin to fully developed feral stallions. If they succeeded in taming them, they could ride toward any goal.

And once a rider successfully breaks a horse, they can replicate the feat time and again.

Because the skill and the instinct have been mastered.

That was what I expected from these two. Not to be someone desperately hanging onto a bucking animal like so many others.

“Well done.”

With a sharp crack, the shaft of my spear collided with Jeong O-hun’s head, concluding the training session.

“Your progress is undeniable.”

“I’m aware.”

He had enhanced his skills in every aspect. Jeong O-hun replied while sprawled out flat on the turf.

“If this is the effective method, why don’t other hunters adopt it?”

“Because it’s incredibly difficult to execute. And people have a natural obsession with secrets.”

Methods to acquire wealth, to drop weight, to improve academic marks.

People assume there is some hidden shortcut in everything. But that isn’t the case.

No. The reality is that almost no one achieves success through some hidden trick.

“Next, Han Sang-ah.”

At my command, Han Sang-ah lunged forward, her blade unsheathed in a blur. It was incredibly rapid—to an average hunter, it would appear as nothing more than a silver streak before their life ended.

I stepped out of the way of the edge but retreated slightly. In that heartbeat, along the path of her swing, violent blue-white sparks of electricity surged outward. Even if you avoided the initial cut, you’d be electrocuted if you failed to notice the lingering discharge.

“I feel like I’ve encountered that technique before.”

“I’m mimicking you. Though the outcome is slightly different.”

Han Sang-ah had been observing me intensely. And she had found a level of success with it, tailored to her own abilities.

“Naturally, it’s different. Our methods of engagement are distinct.”

I maintain my azure trails for extended periods. That is because I prepare for long-term endurance battles. But Han Sang-ah has no reason to keep hers active. She needs to strike and finish the fight instantly.

Just that slight variation. She was taking my particular strength and reshaping it to fit her own combat style, absorbing the essence of it.

As our practice continued, Han Sang-ah’s eyes began to glaze over, just as Jeong O-hun’s had.

“Hey.”

Jeong O-hun was more proficient at snapping himself out of it. Perhaps it was due to his prior experience? He recovered on his own, but Han Sang-ah remained lost in the haze.

I moved in and delivered a light slap to her cheek. Her head jerked to the side, and her consciousness returned.

“I’m sorry.”

“There’s no need to apologize to me.”

“You still have a long way to go~”

Jeong O-hun mocked her from the edge of the field. Han Sang-ah paid him no mind and kept her attention on our duel.

“Kang Hoon is here.”

While still engaged with Han Sang-ah, I noticed Kang Hoon arriving accompanied by several other hunters.

“Yoo Chan-seok, look at me.”

Right, she was correct. Following Han Sang-ah’s reminder, I turned my full focus back to our combat. Once we finished, Kang Hoon walked over.

“The growth of these two is staggering. They are completely different people than they were two weeks ago.”

“They put in the necessary work.”

“I suppose a talented instructor produces talented pupils.”

I gave a broad smirk in response to Kang Hoon’s compliment.

“I appreciate all the help you’ve provided in various ways. We truly enjoyed our visit. However, it’s time for us to return.”

There was no point in staying longer. My primary reason for coming to Cheorwon was to pass the time while the final arrangements were being made.

“I suspected as much, though it’s still regrettable to see you go. Then again, you three are pursuing a very renowned objective. And Zanabi has already gained plenty from your presence.”

Kang Hoon didn’t seem interested in trying to coerce me by using his status as a Partner Hunter.

“I’ve finally been able to pay back the assistance Hunter Lee Se-eun gave me in the past.”

Had she not aided me during my early days as a hunter, Taebaek might have been my only path forward.

“Indeed. It’s better to depart with a smile so we can do the same when we cross paths again. You’ve done great work. I’ll keep the contract conditions favorable, so contact me if you ever reconsider.”

Kang Hoon reached out his hand, and I grasped it firmly.

“He even set up our transport back.”

With that settled, Han Sang-ah, Jeong O-hun, and I climbed into the vehicle and began the drive toward Seoul. It was time to get back to the real mission. Our first destination: Sa Seung-hee.

“Oh, I was told you were in Cheorwon. Are you back already?”

As we walked into the Oduak main office in Iksun-dong, Sa Seung-hee met us, drying her wet palms on her apron.

“Yeah. The groundwork is essentially finished now.”

She scanned the three of us as we took our seats. I didn’t waste any time.

“We’re talking about Samhyeoldong, right?”

Sa Seung-hee gave a nod.

“The rank 1 Erosion Core located in Pyongsong City, South Pyongan Province.”

If we were talking about proximity: it was much closer than Jaun Valley over in Changchun.

Furthermore, the entities manifesting from that Erosion Zone were experts at enhancing the strength of other undead.

“Even ghouls from rank 3 Erosion Cores get powered up to nearly rank 2 status.”

If the undead from Samhyeoldong start buffing those from rank 2 cores, the threat level hits the roof. Even if they don’t quite reach the power of a true rank 1 entity.

“And the sheer quantity is staggering.”

Rank 2 zones already have massive numbers. When they are empowered, you get both quality and quantity—a dense, overwhelming force in monster form.

“They possess a clear hierarchy as well, moving with tactical precision. And they lead their enhanced subordinates in organized units…”

“Which is why the crown is a necessity?”

Sa Seung-hee nodded at my observation.

“If you attempt a traditional assault, they will retaliate with perfect military strategy. The three of you might be fine on your own.”

Large-scale raids on rank 1 zones require a multitude of hunters. There was no assurance that the rest of the group could survive against empowered undead.

Han Sang-ah, who had been following the conversation, intervened.

“There is another complication. The administration is pouring funds into keeping hunters within domestic borders. Most hunters would rather take a secure paycheck anyway.”

It was hard to determine the exact turnout until we actually launched the call, but there was no guarantee we’d see the same numbers as Jaun Valley.

“And then there’s the matter of talent.”

Jeong O-hun chimed in. The elite hunters were all securing high-paying, low-risk contracts.

“What about the high-ranking foreign hunters, like Adakawa Nanami?”

Jeong O-hun gave a dismissive shake of his head at Sa Seung-hee’s inquiry.

“Jaun Valley was located on Chinese territory, regardless of the outcome.”

While Korean hunters eventually cleared it and Korean corporations were now handling the development, at the time, it was overseas soil.

“Samhyeoldong was North Korean territory until recently, meaning it’s now under South Korean jurisdiction. They are outsiders. With the tightened entry laws, it means…”

Jeong O-hun stopped speaking, dragging his thumb across his throat in a grim gesture.

Recruiting international hunters would be a nightmare as well. It was a mountain of complications.

But honestly, obstacles of this nature don’t really qualify as being truly “difficult.”