Looking at the president’s pale face, Seong-jun spoke in a quiet voice.
“A Saint… I really like that word. But you know, every now and then, some guy comes along and makes it impossible for me to act like one. Tell me, do I look like a Saint to you right now?”
With a thin, chilling smile on his face, Seong-jun looked less like a Saint and more like a fiend.
‘A… a fiend…’
The word was a complete contradiction to ‘Saint’, a term that shouldn’t have matched him at all.
The president thought of the word as he stared at Seong-jun, but he couldn’t bring himself to say it out loud.
He knew that one wrong word could literally cost him his life.
“…”
Seong-jun asked again, watching the man tremble.
“Tsk, I’m asking you. Do I look like a Saint?”
Startled by the repeated question, the president blurted out an answer.
“H-huh! My apologies! If you give me just one more chance, I will do my absolute best to make sure you remain the Saintly Healer Kim Seong-jun!”
Seong-jun let out a smirk at the sight.
“Is that so? Your best… that sounds nice. But how do you plan on doing that? What exactly will you do to make my face look like a Saint’s again?”
The president’s eyes darted around frantically.
Every word he uttered felt like walking on thin ice, as if his life depended on each syllable.
“T-that is… first, I will take care of Park Yoon-su, the scoundrel who caused this whole mess.”
When the president mentioned dealing with Park Yoon-su, Seong-jun shot him a curious look.
“Park Yoon-su, all of a sudden? How do you know if that’s what I want or not?”
“Ha, haha… He’s a guy who sold out his own friend because he’s crazy about gambling, isn’t he? Because of him, Healer Kim Seong-jun had to take a troublesome trip all the way here. Ah! Of course, I sincerely apologize for not being more thorough in my investigation. Anyway, it wouldn’t be right for Healer Kim Seong-jun to move personally to handle such trash, so I’ll finish things cleanly on my end so no harm comes to you.”
Seong-jun smiled, seemingly satisfied with the answer.
“Heh, at least you know how to read the room. But if you’re going to do it, do it right. Dead or alive, he must never show his face before my uncle again. Do you understand what I mean?”
Regardless of what happened, his uncle believed that Park Yoon-su had gotten his act together and left on a deep-sea fishing boat.
What would happen if he suddenly turned up dead?
Therefore, Seong-jun wanted his very existence to vanish from the world.
“Of course! You don’t have to worry about that.”
Seong-jun watched the president swallow hard while gauging his reaction and asked, “By the way, what was your name?”
The president answered hurriedly.
“I-I am Go Jaeseong!”
“Ah, right. President Go Jaeseong. Talking to you, it seems you’re a man who can be reasoned with. Why did you make such a mistake? In a world where Hunters are everywhere these days, you should be careful with whatever you do. If you impulsively jump at someone just because they’re a commoner, you’ll end up dying before your time.”
Even if the target was a commoner, there was no guarantee they didn’t have a Hunter in the family.
Even if it wasn’t an immediate family member, it could be a relative.
Loan sharks who focused on illegal collection had to be especially careful about such things.
Go Jaeseong nodded vigorously at Seong-jun’s words.
“I will keep those precious words in mind. I truly will.”
Watching him, Seong-jun spoke with a serious expression.
“President Go Jaeseong. It would be best if we never saw each other again. But if by some chance we do, whether I stand before you as the Saint Kim Seong-jun or the Fiend Kim Seong-jun will be entirely up to you. You understand what I mean, right?”
“Don’t you worry! Nothing happened here today, and that man Park Yoon-su will never appear before Healer Kim Seong-jun again! No, I’ll make sure you never even hear the three syllables of his name for the rest of your life!”
Deciding that this was enough, Seong-jun slowly turned around.
Then, he glanced back at Go Jaeseong one more time.
“Ah! It looks like treating these people will cost quite a bit of money. Do you want me to help you out a bit?”
Go Jaeseong waved his hands frantically at the offer.
“N-no, that’s quite all right! It seems the boys overdid it during their workout today and got hurt. I’ll handle everything, so please go in peace and don’t worry about a thing!”
He had almost lost his head; a few bucks were the least of his concerns.
Go Jaeseong insisted he would take care of it.
Seong-jun smiled and gave a light wave.
“Then I’ll leave, trusting that President Go will live up to my expectations.”
With those words, Seong-jun slowly walked away.
Watching his retreating figure, Go Jaeseong quickly bowed his head.
“Please get home safely!”
Once Seong-jun had completely disappeared from sight, the tension left Go Jaeseong’s body, and he slumped into his chair.
*Thud!*
“Phew! Crazy. I almost died for real. That insane bastard Park Yoon-su… who was he trying to get killed? He definitely did this on purpose, didn’t he?”
Considering Park Yoon-su was best friends with Lee Seon-jae, there was no way he didn’t know his nephew was a Hunter.
And not just any Hunter—it was Seong-jun, a man known as a Saint.
Mentioning Lee Seon-jae as a source of money could only be seen as an attempt to screw him over.
Just then, his phone began to ring.
“Eh? Ah! Right!”
Go Jaeseong hurriedly answered the call.
— Ugh, P-President! What the hell is going on here?
We went to Lee Seon-jae’s house and were attacked by some guys!
Their skills are no joke!
They’re on a completely different level from normal thugs!
It seemed they had run into the people sent by Gyu-taek.
They had boasted about being able to easily suppress ordinary gangsters, and it seemed their skills were indeed superior.
“Dammit! Just withdraw with the kids for now! Right now!”
— We’re already withdrawing.
But what is this place?
I thought he was just a fried chicken shop owner!
“Ah, forget it! Just get back here quickly!”
Go Jaeseong hung up and let out a deep sigh.
“Ha… I’m going crazy. How did things turn out like this?”
The office was trashed, and dozens of his employees were scattered across the floor, groaning in pain.
Against a normal Hunter, he would have hired a Villain or another Hunter to get revenge, but his opponent was Kim Seong-jun, a Saint who had emerged as a national hero.
If he touched him the wrong way, he wouldn’t even have bones left to bury.
“Yeah, this is all because of that Park Yoon-su! That damned bastard! You think I’ll let you go easily?”
Ultimately, Go Jaeseong pinpointed Park Yoon-su as the root cause of the disaster.
A murderous intent gleamed in his eyes.
***
Inside the car heading back to the hideout after tearing the loan shark’s office apart, Seong-jun was on the phone with Gyu-taek.
“Yes, they understood when I talked to them nicely. They decided to handle Park Yoon-su on their side. By the way, how did things go with the guys who went to my uncle’s house?”
— They said they talked some sense into them and sent them away.
Don’t worry.
Your uncle probably doesn’t even know they were there.
But can those guys be trusted?
People in that industry are notorious for stabbing others in the back.
Gyu-taek seemed worried that the loan sharks might betray Seong-jun, especially since Seong-jun had shown them his face.
“Trust them? Those guys? Haha, of course not. I just talked to them nicely because it might be troublesome if people start dying in broad daylight. That’s why I’m asking—could you keep an eye on them for a while? Since it’s a formal request, I’ll make sure you’re compensated well.”
Seong-jun had spared Go Jaeseong partly because he intended to use him to deal with Park Yoon-su, but also because his death might lead to complications.
If a murder occurred, the police would investigate, check CCTV, and start a massive inquiry.
It was easier to stop at a reasonable limit.
However, since he couldn’t trust the man, he asked Gyu-taek to monitor him.
— Compensation?
Forget it.
Think about how much I’ve already earned thanks to you.
I’ll take care of that, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Anyway, you know the second trade with the Mirae Research Institute is scheduled for this weekend, right?
There aren’t any changes to the plan, are there?
The amount Gyu-taek had earned just by acting as a broker for the monster carcasses and Mana Stones for Seong-jun’s party was astronomical.
And since the business would continue, he stood to make even more.
He couldn’t possibly take payment for such a small task; he could handle things like this as a courtesy service.
Regarding the second trade, Seong-jun replied that there would be no issues.
“Yes, the raid is proceeding smoothly. As I mentioned before, starting this time, we’ll be trading B-rank monsters and their carcasses. You notified the Mirae Research Institute in advance, right?”
— Of course.
I didn’t say which specific monsters since I don’t know myself, but I told them early on that they would be B-rank.
Then I’ll assume we’re trading at dawn this Sunday as planned.
Seong-jun smiled at Gyu-taek’s words.
“Then I’ll see you Saturday evening. And thanks for sending people to my uncle’s house.”
— Haha, of course.
We’re partners.
I’ll see you Saturday.
“Yes, take care.”
After finishing the call, Seong-jun headed straight for the hideout.
It was late at night in a deserted warehouse in Incheon.
*Rumble!!*
The warehouse door opened, and a dozen or so people entered.
Inside the warehouse, one man sat tightly bound to a chair.
“Hey, Park Yoon-su.”
The ones who entered were none other than Go Jaeseong and his subordinates.
The man tied to the chair was Park Yoon-su.
“How did it go? Seon-jae gave you the money, right? We were very close, so he would have given it over the moment you mentioned my name. Ha, haha.”
Park Yoon-su seemed to firmly believe that Lee Seon-jae had paid off the debt for him.
Go Jaeseong walked up to him without a word and suddenly kicked him.
*Thud!*
“Guh!”
Kicked by Go Jaeseong, Park Yoon-su tumbled to the floor along with the chair.
Looking down at him, Go Jaeseong growled.
“You son of a bitch. You were really determined to get me killed, weren’t you? Did you not know who Lee Seon-jae’s nephew was?”
How could he not have known?
He had even been personally threatened by Seong-jun.
“…”
Seeing Park Yoon-su remain silent, Go Jaeseong realized the man had known about Seong-jun all along.
“Ha! This bastard knew. Then you must have also known that his nephew was Kim Seong-jun, the national hero they call a Saint? And yet you sent me there? Why? Were you trying to use Kim Seong-jun’s hand to get rid of me?”
Park Yoon-su cried out in terror.
“H-huh! No! Absolutely not! It was just that Seon-jae was the only one I could think of who could pay back the money for me!”
In reality, Park Yoon-su had only mentioned Lee Seon-jae because his life was in danger and Seon-jae was the only person who came to mind.
He realized the threat of Seong-jun too late, and by then, it was too late to say anything, so he had just kept his mouth shut.
“Is that so? You think you can just say you didn’t know after almost getting me killed? Because of you, my boys were all sent to the hospital, and I was one step away from death. And you’re giving me excuses?”
“I’m sorry! I’m really sorry! I was in a desperate situation and didn’t think of Seong-jun at the time. Please save me! If you just let me live, I’ll go to Seon-jae myself and bring the money!”
Park Yoon-su shed tears and begged for his life, but Go Jaeseong had made a promise to Seong-jun.
He couldn’t let him go.
Even without the promise, he had no intention of doing so.
“What are you waiting for?”
As Go Jaeseong nodded, several subordinates approached Park Yoon-su, who was still tied to the fallen chair.
*Step, step.*
At the sight, Park Yoon-su wailed and pleaded.
“Ugh! P-please spare me! Pl-please… Mmph!”
The men approached and pressed a handkerchief over Park Yoon-su’s nose and mouth.
“Mmmph! Mmmph!”
Park Yoon-su struggled and shook his head, but he soon went limp.
Since the handkerchief was soaked in chloroform, he fell unconscious almost immediately after inhaling it.
“Is the preparation ready?”
One of the subordinates answered Go Jaeseong’s question.
“Tomorrow at dawn, a deep-sea fishing vessel is leaving Incheon Port. They said they’ll start the ‘work’ as soon as they leave Korean waters.”
At that, Go Jaeseong spoke with a serious expression.
“Don’t make any mistakes. If even one thing goes wrong, both you and I are dead. Don’t let your guard down until the very end and make sure he’s handled cleanly.”
“You don’t have to worry about that. Those guys are known for their clean work in this field.”
Go Jaeseong shuddered at the subordinate’s words.
“Ugh, just thinking about earlier makes my legs shake. A Saint? Bullshit. Is that a Saint? He’s a fiend. I really don’t want to get involved with him ever again, so finish this properly. Make sure the boys keep their mouths shut too. If someone says the wrong thing, there’s no telling what might happen.”
Go Jaeseong still trembled when he thought of his confrontation with Seong-jun.
He never wanted to cross paths with him again, and he judged that there must be no mistakes in this task for that to happen.
If something went wrong, he might have to face Seong-jun as a true fiend.
***
Several days had passed, and Seong-jun had been busy during that time.
While raiding the B-rank dungeon Demon Warrior’s Labyrinth, he also continued Karl Buckman’s treatment and kept his schedule with the Holy Emperor.
And today, he visited the Association at the request of the Association President.
“Haha, welcome. I’ve been waiting for you.”
“Yes, but Association President, it looks like you’ve lost half your weight in the meantime.”
The Association President’s face was indeed looking quite gaunt.
“Don’t even mention it. They’re attacking us from all sides; it’s truly miserable. Frankly, it’s not like we caused the Dungeon Break. We did our best to respond, so I don’t know what more they want.”
Because the damage from the incident was so severe, the theory of responsibility toward the Association had emerged.
Due to this, not only Jung Tae-hoon but also the Association executives had been unable to rest properly for days while coming up with countermeasures.
“I understand how you feel. I really do. Anyway, what is the reason you wanted to see me today?”
Seong-jun had a rough idea, but he feigned ignorance.
“Phew… I think I’ll need Healer Kim Seong-jun’s help again. It’s not about avoiding responsibility, but rather wanting to take only as much responsibility as is fair. Could you… help us?”
At the Association President’s desperate request, Seong-jun smiled.
“Of course. Are we strangers? But as I mentioned before, I’m happy to help, but have you discussed what you’ll offer in return…?”
When asked what he would give in return for the help, the Association President spoke carefully.
“Hmm, first of all, I will provide you with a permanent rental of artifacts like last time. However, while we provided A-rank last time, we will provide one S-rank artifact for each of you this time. Additionally, we will raise the management grade of not just Healer Kim Seong-jun but your entire party to a level equivalent to S-rank Hunters. Also, if you ever need to go abroad, you’ll be allowed to use the Association’s private jet at any time, and we will actively help with whatever else you might need from the Association without question.”
Seong-jun’s expression slightly soured at the Association President’s words.
“Is that all? Somehow, it feels like the level of reward has decreased since last time.”
Perhaps because the total tax exemption was so massive, the conditions offered this time seemed relatively weak.
“I’d love to give you everything, but as you know, it’s a sensitive matter… if it becomes known that money or something of equivalent value changed hands, it could lead to many misunderstandings. That’s why there are limitations to the rewards I can propose. If there is something else you want, please tell me. I’ll grant it as much as possible within our power.”
The Association President also knew that the conditions were weaker than last time.
Since these were the only things he could think of immediately, he asked Seong-jun to tell him what he wanted instead.
Seong-jun leaned his upper body forward and spoke in a low voice.
“Since you put it that way, there is one thing I’d like to ask for help with. I heard that the Association sometimes helps with ‘identity laundering’ for certain people. I’d like you to do that for one person in addition to what you just mentioned. I heard you do it for Hunters secretly naturalizing in Korea. The person I’m thinking of isn’t a Hunter, but they need a new identity. Ah! They aren’t a criminal or anything, so you don’t have to worry.”
The Association President’s eyes widened at the request for identity laundering.
“Pardon? I-identity laundering?”
“Yes. I heard you do it for Hunters who naturalize. There is someone who needs a new identity. Like I said, they aren’t a criminal.”
The Association President looked thoughtful for a moment.
Seeing this, Seong-jun continued.
“I heard that you might have to step down from your position as Association President if you take responsibility for this incident. Compared to that, isn’t this a cheap price to pay? Even though you can’t avoid responsibility for what has already happened, I might be able to ensure the blame doesn’t reach you personally.”
What else could he do?
Just as Seong-jun said, if things continued as they were, he might have to resign.
“Phew… so, who is the person who needs identity laundering?”
Seong-jun gave a triumphant smile at his words.
“A woman in her mid-to-late twenties, a Korean national.”
After Seong-jun’s brief explanation, the Association President nodded.
“A Korean woman in her mid-to-late twenties. Very well. I’ll do it. But for that to happen, our staff will need to meet the woman in person. Is that all right?”
“Of course. Contact me whenever. Whether we visit you or you visit us, we’ll match whatever time and place you want.”
Even if she got a new identity, he planned to have her stay out of the public eye for a while, but it was still better to have a legitimate identity than to stay as she was.
Having secured a new identity for Lee Seon-hwa through this deal, Seong-jun wore a satisfied expression.