Chapter 117

Chapter 117
## Chapter 117: Duel Sealed and Corporate Strings

The following day, a phone call came in from Seong Si-hoon. To put it simply, he had decided to take me up on my offer.

“I knew he wouldn’t be able to turn it down!”

Jeong No-hoon let out a triumphant shout, a wide grin spreading across his face. He looked incredibly self-satisfied, clearly taking credit for the successful negotiation.

And honestly, he deserved the win. He had pinpointed the exact vulnerability of Taebaek LLC and struck it perfectly.

The “law of the jungle” is an incredibly effective instrument for cementing one’s status rapidly while at the height of your power.

“The true challenge starts once you’re at the top.”

Holding onto that position is where the difficulty lies. That is the cost of taking a shortcut to solidify your rank. Ultimately, that specific pressure was exactly what was pinning Seong Si-hoon down right now.

“I am the strongest. Therefore, every hunter under the Taebaek banner must follow my lead.”

That was the basic logic he used to justify his grip on power. But what happens if that foundational claim—the fact of his superior strength—is called into question?

The whole structure collapses. To ensure his authority within Taebaek remained unchallenged, Seong Si-hoon had no alternative but to agree to the terms I proposed yesterday.

“Told you! I knew this would be the outcome.”

Jeong No-hoon’s voice was bright and full of energy, clearly riding the high of a job well done.

“He basically cornered himself.”

That was the simplest way to summarize it. Regardless, my confrontation with Seong Si-hoon was set to happen behind closed doors, away from any prying eyes.

Depending on how the dust settled, I would either become his subordinate… or he would be forced to work with me. There was no middle ground.

“Are you certain you can take him?”

Han Sang-ah threw the question my way while unscrewing the cap of a massive jug filled with a truly questionable-looking liquid.

“Do you really think I’d pick a fight I wasn’t sure I could win? More importantly, what on earth are you drinking?”

Han Sang-ah took a long pull from the bottle before answering.

“A chicken breast shake.”

“That is definitely not the color of any chicken breast shake I’ve ever seen.”

She extended the jug toward me. I took a small sip and immediately jerked my head away, grimacing.

“I’m going to gag.”

“Exactly.”

Han Sang-ah gave a solemn nod of agreement and proceeded to chug the rest of the sludge.

“What’s the recipe?”

“Chicken breast and water.”

Is she actually losing it? No flavorings, no fruit—just meat and water? It was no wonder the taste was absolutely atrocious.

“Why would you even put yourself through that?”

“No need to chew. It’s the fastest way to get it down. Trying to chew through 600 grams of dry chicken breast takes way too much time.”

Once the bottle was empty, she had a brief moment of dry-heaving before tossing a palmful of vitamins into her mouth.

The physical rejection was proof enough that she wasn’t doing this for the culinary experience.

“Nobody sane lives like that. I nearly lost it this morning when I saw her drinking straight olive oil out of a lab beaker.”

That was Jeong No-hoon’s contribution to the conversation. It was a clear sign that Han Sang-ah was pushing herself to the absolute limit lately. She was obviously feeling the pressure of the growing power gap between us.

To be fair, I had used a bit of a shortcut myself. Utilizing the Banshee’s Tear Shard allowed me to skyrocket in power all at once.

However, that particular path wasn’t a viable option for Han Sang-ah or Jeong No-hoon.

“You’ve got plenty of money. Why not just buy some high-end elixirs?”

I tested the waters with the suggestion, and Han Sang-ah countered immediately.

“I have no interest in becoming a walking storage tank for mana. You aren’t winning your fights just because you have more mana than everyone else, right?”

“You’ve got a point.”

She was looking at the bigger picture. If she stayed this disciplined, it would eventually pay massive dividends.

“Han Sang-ah isn’t the one I’m worried about—it’s you, Chan-seok. This fight is unofficial. There are no referees. You could end up dead or permanently disabled.”

“Look at you, Jeong, actually caring about me. I’m touched.”

Jeong No-hoon snapped back instantly.

“If you end up in a coma, who’s going to generate my revenue? The money has been coming in so fast lately that I can’t even look at normal contracts anymore.”

“Your concern is truly heartwarming. You can stop worrying, though.”

I wasn’t planning on becoming a vegetable. If anyone was at risk of that, it was Seong Si-hoon.

“Oh, I almost forgot the most important detail. Where is this clash with Seong Si-hoon actually happening?”

I provided the location.

“The underground testing zone at Darakdae Training Ground. It’s quite a trek, so I’m planning to depart immediately after the crowning ceremony tomorrow.”

Jeong No-hoon’s eyes went wide as he let out a low whistle.

“I’ve heard the rumors about that place. They say they keep Predators and aliens down there for interrogation.”

“Want me to grab a selfie with one if I see them?”

He just shook his head at the joke.

“Regardless, Darakdae Training Ground… even if the public never hears about this duel…”

“The authorities will be watching.”

They would undoubtedly use the opportunity to measure the true extent of my capabilities.

“So, what’s the move? The government is going to be taking notes on your power level.”

I hadn’t revealed Paradox Flame during my bout with Choi Yeo-reum. I gave Jeong No-hoon a knowing smirk.

“Are you dying to know? You’ll find out soon enough.”

I had zero intention of concealing my strength. In fact, making a full display of it could serve as a potent deterrent.

*This is what I’m capable of. Unless you can take me out cleanly and instantly, you should think twice before crossing me.*

It was the classic “mutually assured destruction” strategy.

[Greetings, Hunter Yoo Chan-seok. Do you recall who I am? It’s Amethyst from Embargo Tower.]

My phone vibrated in my pocket. Upon checking the screen, I recognized the name immediately.

[Yes, I remember. Hope you’re well. What can I do for you?]

[I apologize for the sudden reach-out, but do you have any availability today? Our Planning Director is hoping to speak with you.]

The Planning Director of Embargo Tower? I sent a brief confirmation, bid farewell to Han Sang-ah and Jeong No-hoon, and made my way to the address provided.

The location was a grand, elegant hanok. Looking at it from the street, you would never guess it housed a high-end restaurant. Guided by an attendant, I slid open the heavy door to the private room and greeted Amethyst and the gentleman seated next to her.

After the initial introductions, I took my seat across from them and surveyed the room.

“A traditional Korean meal, I see. Honestly, I was in the mood for Italian.”

Bradley Piazza, the Planning Director, was of Italian-American descent, to my knowledge. He let out a soft laugh as he responded.

“In meetings of this nature, the food is secondary. The importance lies in the company and the topics on the table.”

“I suppose that’s true.”

If it was just about hunger, eating a bowl of rice and some kimchi at home would be far more relaxing than this.

Bradley gave Amethyst a subtle nod. She rose, bowed politely, and exited the room.

It was just Bradley and me now.

“Should we cut to the chase? What’s the reason for this invitation?”

He answered without hesitation.

“Our intelligence suggests that Headhunter’s upcoming objective is Samhyeoldong. The information is quite solid.”

I took a spoonful of pine nut porridge and nodded.

“That’s accurate.”

There was no sense in lying about something so transparent. Bradley leaned in slightly.

“Samhyeoldong is situated in the region formerly known as Pyeongseong City.”

“And your point is?”

He maintained a calm smile as he spoke.

“It’s a fascinating location. That specific site used to house North Korea’s National Academy of Sciences.”

“I find it hard to believe that the leftovers of a defunct state’s research lab would be of interest to an organization like Embargo Tower.”

Bradley shook his head.

“The data isn’t our priority. It’s the infrastructure. We all know the previous regime had a penchant for conducting illicit activities in deep underground bunkers.”

True enough—calling it a “national academy” was generous. The Kim dynasty’s primary interest had always been subterranean nuclear development.

“The Korean authorities will likely renovate the site and repurpose it.”

“So?”

“Based on your recent history, Yoo Chan-seok, you don’t seem to be particularly aligned with the interests of the South Korean government.”

He finished with a knowing look, watching for my reaction.

“While you are managing the situation at Samhyeoldong, would you consider a minor favor? In exchange, Embargo Tower can provide significant resources to Headhunter.”

A “minor favor.” Was it really simple enough to be handled over a quiet lunch?

“You want me to plant some of Embargo Tower’s ‘monitoring equipment’ there before the site is handed over?”

“Precisely. Even if we have no ill intent, the Korean government might misinterpret our presence later on.”

Essentially, he wanted me to spy on a facility the Korean government planned to use, without their consent.

“Intent?” This was clearly intentional. And it wasn’t a “misinterpretation”—it was espionage.

I returned his smile.

“Director Bradley. I think Embargo Tower has made a few assumptions that don’t hold up.”

“Oh? How so?”

I took a sip of water, maintaining eye contact.

“My status with the Korean government isn’t positive or negative—it’s neutral. I am simply a man tasked with eradicating Erosion Cores.”

I hadn’t signed any treaties with them, nor had I ever had a formal diplomatic discussion.

“Yet, the government here seems quite pleased with your accomplishments.”

“What of it?”

Was he being intentionally dense, or did he really misread my character?

“I am not a corporate mogul or a politician. If there is an Erosion Core, I destroy it. I couldn’t care less about which nation profits or loses because of that action.”

I’m not risking my life for the benefit of any single country. A janitor cleans up the mess because it needs cleaning, not because of who owns the building.

“I will neutralize Samhyeoldong. Whatever happens to that land afterward is none of my concern. If you’re so eager to get in there, send your own operatives and see how it goes.”

Whether Embargo Tower succeeded in their surveillance wasn’t my problem.

“But regarding the incident at Daema Island previously…”

“We didn’t interfere there.”

My only role was the destruction of the Erosion Core. Sure, I might have dropped a subtle hint about potential future directions.

But taking action on those hints? That wasn’t our doing.

The situation at Jaun Valley followed the same pattern.

We handled the cleanup, and that was the end of it. We engaged with corporations for funding because the mission required capital, and we recruited hunters for the same practical reasons.

“Isn’t that exactly what we are proposing? Financial backing for the Samhyeoldong mission.”

“Listen, I’m always open to that. I’ll gladly take your money to help clear out Samhyeoldong.”

But that wasn’t the reality of the offer. They were only offering funds on the condition that we acted as their personal installers for spy gear in a derelict facility.

Did they really not see the massive ethical gap?

Paying a worker to clean a house is one thing; paying them to steal the owner’s data while they’re at it is something else entirely.

“The answer is no, Bradley Piazza. If you want services beyond the destruction of the Core, you’ll have to find someone else.”

Headhunter—the three of us—did not come together to be corporate spies.

“So… you perform the heroic deed and then simply walk away with clean hands?”

“That’s the plan. If you don’t like those terms, hire a different team to handle Samhyeoldong.”

If you don’t have the guts to do it yourselves, don’t complain when we do the job our way and leave. It made me want to drive a utensil through his skull.

“I have a very clear understanding of Headhunter’s position now.”

“I’m glad. Now, you’re still going to let me finish this expensive meal, right?”

He nodded silently. After that, we finished our lunch in a quiet, relatively pleasant atmosphere.

See? Eating rice and kimchi in the comfort of my own home would have been much less of a headache.