Chapter 139

Chapter 139
## Chapter 139: The Marble Circuit and Clandestine Trade

—

Following a productive conversation with the President, we spent the night at the Paju accommodations provided by Taebaek LLC before making our way back to the capital.

After settling into our quarters within the Hunter Association complex, Jeong Oh-hoon sighed deeply and shifted his gaze toward me.

“I have to admit, the administration is complying with our demands with surprisingly little resistance.”

“What choice do they have? The alternative is for everyone on the peninsula to go down together,” I replied.

Han Sang-ah, who was currently occupied with unburdening herself of a massive travel bag, offered her perspective from the side.

“If I were the heart of Gonsalok, I would have attempted a diplomatic play with the South. Something along the lines of, ‘Surrender those three individuals to us, and we shall spare your nation from invasion.'”

That was a grim thought. However, the likelihood was minimal. Based on what we gathered from Seong-hong—that mid-tier operative from the Undying Legion we dealt with previously—the core entity of Gonsalok harbors no patience for the living.

In the middle of our talk, Han Sang-ah began rummaging through her luggage and produced a peculiar set of items.

“What is all that?” I asked.

“A Marble Run set. Didn’t you mention we should decompress before we move against Gonsalok? This is my plan for the day.”

With focused intent, Han Sang-ah began the meticulous process of assembling the components from her bag.

Wooden supports and metallic tracks were joined together piece by piece. Slowly, a sophisticated miniature gravity coaster began to occupy the corner of the living space.

She selected a polished steel sphere, set it upon the starting rail, and watched its descent with rapt attention before immediately diving back into expanding the circuit.

Jeong Oh-hoon observed her hobby for a few silent moments before leaning toward me.

“Her behavior is far too experimental to be considered human.”

“Do you even understand what ‘experimental’ implies? Being eccentric doesn’t automatically make someone an artist,” I countered. I glanced at my watch and pushed myself up from my seat.

“Regardless, you two should take it easy. I need to head out for a while.”

Han Sang-ah was far too deep into her kinetic sculpture to acknowledge me, while Jeong Oh-hoon gave a simple nod of understanding.

“Where are you off to?”

“I have a meeting with Sa Seung-hee, the proprietor of Oduak.”

I gestured with my phone to emphasize the point.

“Se-eun requested that I facilitate an introduction quite some time ago.”

Lee Se-eun had expressed a desire to speak with Sa Seung-hee. Although it had been delayed by various crises, a commitment is a commitment.

“Wait, are you heading out solo just to enjoy a private meal from Sa Seung-hee?”

“Hardly. I’m just making the introductions and then I’m out of there. I’m actually thinking about hitting a sauna afterward.”

Jeong Oh-hoon winced at the suggestion.

“You go to a public bathhouse, and you’ll have guys parading around in the nude trying to get your autograph.”

He had a point. In the worst-case scenario, I’d find myself signing a damp piece of paper while staring at some middle-aged man’s oversized anatomy.

“There is a bathing facility right here in the Association building, though,” I noted.

“Do you think it’s any different with the hunters and staff here? It’s the same circus.”

He was right. That sounded equally exhausting.

“There is a luxury hotel near Namsan that features private suites with Hinoki wood tubs and personal saunas,” Han Sang-ah suggested without looking up from her rolling marbles.

“Ha! Renting an entire hotel room just to use a bathtub? That’s the logic of a madman,” Jeong Oh-hoon scoffed.

I decided I’d just take a quick shower and pass out. I bid the two of them farewell and made my way downstairs.

By the time I reached the entrance of the Association headquarters, Lee Se-eun was already parked and waiting. As soon as I climbed into the passenger seat, she got straight to business.

“The administration has started issuing formal orders. The specifics haven’t been leaked to the press yet.”

“Regarding Gonsalok, I assume?”

Lee Se-eun nodded, pulling the car into traffic.

“The consensus within Zanabi is that you’re the one who pulled the strings.”

“They aren’t wrong. The government seemed hesitant to take a proactive stance against the Erosion Cores, so I gave them a necessary shove.”

She shot me a look of guarded concern.

“You pushed them, certainly. But don’t expect the politicians to be happy about being forced into a conflict of this magnitude without warning.”

“Please, when have they ever been fond of me?”

Even securing a single military transport for the mission at Sambuldong was like pulling teeth. Though it wasn’t public knowledge, the Korean authorities have been wary of me since day one.

Given that our objectives rarely align, I don’t see that relationship improving.

“I’m not looking for their affection.”

They aren’t exactly likeable enough to chase after anyway. In this game, whoever manages to put the leash on the other person first is the winner.

“I assume Mugunghwa and Taebaek received their marching orders as well. Everyone must be in a state of panic.”

“What’s the word on the ground?”

“It looks like a general mobilization. They are even reaching out to the Wonder Club for assistance.”

I was genuinely surprised. “The Wonder Club?”

“Those stationary fossils are actually going to move?”

“Gonsalok is a direct threat to the nation. Even they can’t afford to be lazy when their own survival is at stake.”

I leaned back against the headrest.

“The fire is at their doorstep.”

“Precisely. No matter how much pride or lethargy they possess, they won’t sit idly by while their own house risks burning down.”

Everyone has heard the terrifying legends surrounding Gonsalok. Even if most of those tales are exaggerated or inaccurate…

It remains one of the Great Eight. One of the eight most lethal Erosion Cores on the planet. And being situated in Beijing, it represents the most significant existential threat to Korea.

“The mobilization will be massive. We’re talking a full legion of hunters.”

“The reputation of Gonsalok demands nothing less than a total effort.”

Lee Se-eun stole a worried glance at me for a brief second.

“If this operation fails, you’ll be the primary target for all the public outrage.”

“I’ve already accounted for that.”

It’s always been the case. Since my return to this world, the only time I felt truly at peace was during that brief stint as a logistics intern. Beyond that, it’s been constant friction.

It was a short period, but I miss it. No grand burdens, just days that passed as smoothly as a calm river.

Perhaps that’s why it felt like it ended in the blink of an eye.

Regardless, if things go south, I take the fall.

“But if we succeed, I intend to claim the lion’s share of the rewards.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure. The Wonder Club isn’t just joining to save the country…”

I could finish her sentence for her.

“They want to ensure they get enough credit to keep me from overshadowing them.”

“Not just them. There are plenty of powerful interests who are desperate to stop your influence from growing any further.”

It was predictable. It’s been that way from the start, and it likely won’t change.

“It’s fine. I’ll take what’s mine.”

“I know. You always do.”

We continued our conversation until we pulled up to Sa Seung-hee’s establishment, Oduak. The shop was closed to the public, just as we had arranged.

I sent a quick text, and moments later, Sa Seung-hee unbolted the door.

“Hunter Yoo Chan-seok. And I believe this is our first formal meeting, Hunter Lee Se-eun.”

She gave me a casual nod of recognition—we had crossed paths several times—before turning her polite, yet reserved, attention to Lee Se-eun.

There was a palpable sense of distance. It was understandable; she had never expressed a desire to interact with Lee Se-eun in the first place.

“I’ve always been grateful for the services of Oduak. It is an honor to finally meet the owner,” Lee Se-eun said, mirroring the professional tone.

“Shall we go inside to talk?”

“Actually, I’ll be taking my leave here. I’ll catch up with you both later,” I interjected.

My role was solely to bridge the gap. There was no reason for me to stay for the details.

Sa Seung-hee looked at me, her eyes narrowing slightly as if searching for something, then she gave a small nod.

“Very well. Safe travels. And, congratulations on your success at Sambuldong.”

—

After Yoo Chan-seok departed, Lee Se-eun and Sa Seung-hee took their seats opposite each other at a table within the main branch of Oduak.

“Now then, what is it that you require of me, Hunter Lee Se-eun?”

“The charitable foundation I manage privately also oversees several orphanages.”

“Yes, your philanthropic reputation is well-known in that sector.”

Lee Se-eun slid a folder of documents across the table in response to Sa Seung-hee’s comment.

“Young adults transitioning out of the orphanage are permitted to stay in our transitional housing for two years. Following that, we maintain contact every three months for an additional three years.”

Sa Seung-hee flipped through the pages.

“I see fifteen individuals went missing but eventually returned. It seems the issue was resolved?”

“We provided counseling upon their return. Some of them admitted to being recruited into the illegal trade of hunter equipment as low-level couriers.”

Sa Seung-hee let out a soft “ah.”

“And that is weighing on your conscience, I take it?”

“It’s a dangerous path, and most black-market gear is hazardous by nature.”

Sa Seung-hee clicked her tongue and studied Lee Se-eun.

“Are you concerned for their safety? Informants rarely have long lifespans. They confided in you—exposing this could cost them dearly.”

“I’ve already considered the risks.”

The youths were currently under protection. It was obvious that the criminal syndicates involved were engaged in far more than just simple trade.

“Certified safe equipment for civilians is prohibitively expensive,” Lee Se-eun continued.

Low-grade, illicit gear is almost always flawed. Suffering from chronic nightmares is a minor symptom; in extreme cases, it can trigger permanent insanity.

There are also physical toll factors. The adverse effects are unpredictable.

“However, the majority of the gear circulating within our borders is relatively safe,” Lee Se-eun noted.

Domestic safety standards were high and national security was tight. Most smuggled goods in Korea are toys for the wealthy; they have the capital to ensure they aren’t buying junk that will kill them.

“The real issue is the export market.”

Other nations? Many have compromised security and zero oversight. Buyers there are often desperate and poor, so they purchase high-risk equipment for protection regardless of the danger.

Lee Se-eun took a sip of her tea and locked eyes with Sa Seung-hee.

“The reality is that most hunter gear and monster byproducts pass through Korea first.”

Even smuggled exports are often routed through domestic channels.

“I want to identify the major players involved.”

“I’m afraid what I know is mostly just hearsay,” Sa Seung-hee replied, looking troubled.

“I suspect it is more than that.”

Sa Seung-hee’s polite smile vanished as she returned Lee Se-eun’s gaze.

“As I mentioned, people who talk don’t last very long.”

“Chan-seok mentioned that you’ve been a great help to him on numerous occasions.”

“Different people have different priorities that outweigh their personal safety.”

Sa Seung-hee’s ultimate goal was the total eradication of the Erosion Cores.

“The Headhunter has neutralized three Rank-1 Cores in a incredibly short window. He has gained immense status and wealth, yet he continues to push forward.”

She placed a hand over her heart and smiled thinly.

“I have waited a very long time for a hunter of his caliber to appear. Is it risky? Of course. But the smuggling of gear? That isn’t my concern.”

She had no personal stake in the black market for equipment, and she saw no reason to endanger herself over it.

Especially not now, while the Headhunter was clearing high-level threats at such a pace. She didn’t want to jeopardize her chances of seeing her dream realized.

“I might actually get what I want soon. It would be a tragedy to die just before I see the end of it.”

“Sa Seung-hee, I am also assisting the Headhunter. I am even considering joining his team formally.”

Sa Seung-hee shook her head with absolute certainty.

“Do not do that, Hunter Lee Se-eun. Your joining would be detrimental to both the Headhunter and yourself.”

Lee Se-eun looked visibly taken aback. Not helpful?