After coming out of the ruin, their hunting speed had noticeably increased.
Just like before, Gwang-taek, Yuseon, and Chang-su resumed hunting as a team, and Seong-jun also resumed hunting alone, but what was different from before was the existence of the mini-map.
With the mini-map, they could immediately check the terrain and enemy positions, which significantly cut down time.
In particular, Seong-jun summoned ten Enlightened Death Knights to hunt, and as a result, he could sweep through small groups.
“The original 12 hours was reduced to 4 hours and 12 minutes after registering it as a skill. If I raise the skill level a bit more, the gap between duration and cooldown will shrink even further, so I can use it more aggressively.”
Before acquiring the skill, the cooldown written on the skill book was 12 hours.
But after registering it as a skill, the cooldown reduction effect was applied, drastically cutting it down to 4 hours and 12 minutes.
That meant he could resummon them 2 hours and 12 minutes after the skill was dispelled.
On top of that, raising the skill level would increase the number of summonable soldiers and further reduce the gap between duration and cooldown, so it couldn’t be better.
“One thing disappointing is that healing and buffs don’t work on them, but well, this is still excellent.”
Summoning the Enlightened Death Knights gave him a huge boost in combat power, but unfortunately, healing and buffs didn’t work on summoned soldiers.
If they had worked, he could have amplified their power several times over with buffs and continuously restored their HP with healing skills, allowing him to use them for the full duration without worrying about forced dispelling.
“But shadow clones accept buffs. Why don’t these guys? Are shadow clones not classified as summoned soldiers?”
Unlike summoned soldiers that didn’t accept healing or buffs, shadow clones accepted both.
That suggested shadow clones weren’t subject to the same concept as summoned soldiers.
“I heard that summoners have exclusive buffs and healing for their summons. I wonder if those will show up on the auction house? I should check the auction site later.”
Though not certain, Seong-jun recalled hearing that summoners had separate buff and healing skills that only applied to their summoned soldiers.
So he planned to browse the auction site to see if any such skill books had been listed.
“Anyway, should I push hard for the remaining time?”
Currently, a little over 7 hours had passed since entering the dungeon.
He had planned for a 10-hour hunt, so for the remaining 2 to 3 hours, Seong-jun intended to accelerate the hunting.
After finishing the hunt, Seong-jun and his party exited the dungeon.
—
“Wow! The hunting speed was insane! Since we didn’t have to wander around with the mini-map, we could move straight to the monsters, so the speed skyrocketed. But compared to us, you seemed even faster, Seong-jun. Is that thanks to the Enlightened Death Knights?”
After acquiring the mini-map, their hunting speed dramatically increased.
But Seong-jun’s personal hunting speed had become 2 to 3 times faster than before.
The main reason was that he could now command the Death Knights through the Dark Enlightenment skill.
“Not having to get lost thanks to the mini-map is a big factor, but the damage from the 10 Death Knights is no joke. I tank and deal damage simultaneously while the summoned soldiers focus on attacking, and small groups of four or five get wiped out in an instant.”
Since the Enlightened Death Knights don’t benefit from healing skills, Seong-jun usually tanks.
Then the summoned Death Knights exclusively focus on attacking.
That way, he minimized the loss of their HP while maximizing efficiency during their duration.
“Probably why the clear rate is a whopping 29 percent. Considering we found the ruin 5 hours into the hunt and that the speed increased afterward, we could surpass 30 percent tomorrow. If we didn’t hunt 10 hours a day but stayed in the dungeon without leaving, we could finish it in three days. What do you think?”
Considering the significant speed increase after discovering Dark Enlightenment and the mini-map in the ruin, Yuseon’s words made it seem possible to clear the dungeon within three days.
Seong-jun nodded at Yuseon’s words.
“That’s possible. For now, let’s just stick to the usual 10-hour sessions for this dungeon. When we summon the next dungeon, let’s summon it as a closed dungeon and tackle it properly.”
With the promised date with Choi Sangjin only two days away, he didn’t want to rush the dungeon clear.
There might be unexpected variables.
So for this dungeon, he planned to proceed as before, and for the next one, he would summon it as a closed dungeon and not leave until it was cleared.
Since he would get both the first entry benefit and the dungeon lockdown benefit, the rewards and especially the experience gained would increase significantly.
For Seong-jun, who needed to reach the next level as quickly as possible, this was a good option.
“By the way, you’ll be using the elites and boss corpses for a while, right? Every time we clear, you’ll reduce the number of normal monsters and increase the number of elites and bosses. Of course, eventually, you’ll want to fill all your summons with bosses.”
Even normal monsters at A-rank boasted formidable power.
But they couldn’t compare to elites or bosses.
Eventually, he would fill all his summons with boss-level monsters, but for now, he planned to increase the number of elites and bosses while reducing the proportion of normal monsters to boost combat power.
“That’s how it has to be. That’s why I plan to tell Gyu-taek hyung-nim too. Even if we exclude this week’s trade, we still have two weeks’ worth of B-rank monster corpses and mana stones prepared, so there’s no immediate problem. But when the time comes to trade A-rank monster corpses and mana stones, I’ll tell him that elites and bosses won’t be included in the trade list for a while.”
Actually, from Mirae Group’s perspective, just getting A-rank corpses and mana stones was a huge benefit.
But since they had traded entire dungeons including bosses and elites until now, Seong-jun felt it was right to inform them in advance that for a while, when trading A-rank monsters, the bosses and elites would be excluded.
“Wow! If all your summons are filled with A-rank bosses, that’ll be something to see! If this works out, couldn’t it even make S-rank dungeons, known to be unassailable, possible? As I recall, A-rank bosses are stronger than S-rank normal monsters.”
S-rank normal monsters were stronger than A-rank elites but weaker than A-rank bosses.
In other words, A-rank bosses were weaker than S-rank elites but stronger than A-rank normal monsters.
As Gwang-taek said, if he filled all his summons with A-rank bosses, even if S-rank bosses were difficult, he could manage S-rank elites.
“That could happen. Well, we’re still far from filling all summons with A-rank bosses, but later it might become possible.”
Summons aside, if Seong-jun reached SS-rank, challenging S-rank dungeons wouldn’t be a vain dream.
Thanks to the Guardian ability, everyone would rise to SS-rank, and if all his summons were filled with A-rank bosses, it would certainly be a worthwhile attempt.
“Whoa! S-rank dungeons. If that becomes possible, wouldn’t we be the only ones in the world? The only team in the world capable of clearing an S-rank dungeon. That’s killer!”
“Haha, even if it’s possible, it’s something we’d only try way later. Besides, the immediate task is Revolution. They’ve probably already gotten information about us. They might try to pick us off individually when we’re separated, so if you sense anything suspicious, contact me immediately.”
Challenging S-rank dungeons was important, but more urgent was Revolution.
If they only targeted Seong-jun, it would be fine, but if they tried to eliminate his team members one by one, things could get troublesome.
So Seong-jun told them to contact him immediately if they sensed anything unusual.
“Right, without the Guardian’s Authority, we’re only B-rank at best, so it wouldn’t be easy to withstand Revolution’s attacks. Got it. I’ll refrain from going out alone as much as possible for a while.”
“Well, it’s not like we need to be on edge from now on. If Revolution makes a move, Choi Sangjin will contact us first. Anyway, everyone worked hard today. You must be tired, so let’s head back.”
Since Revolution didn’t know that Choi Sangjin had betrayed them yet, if they planned to operate in Korea, they would definitely use him.
And if so, Choi Sangjin would pass the information to Seong-jun.
Given that Seong-jun hadn’t heard anything noteworthy from Choi Sangjin yet, either they needed time to prepare a decisive blow or they had given up entirely.
In any case, it seemed they had no immediate plans to act.
With that, Seong-jun’s party left the hideout and headed to their respective homes.
—
Two days passed, and finally, the day of the banquet hosted by Shinwha Group arrived.
Many people were already present in the banquet hall.
“Haha, hyung-nim. I heard construction isn’t going well lately. Are you okay? If you need money, just say the word. As long as you put up your stocks as collateral, Shinwha Finance will lend you as much as you want.”
At Choi Sang-su’s words, the third brother Choi Sang-hyeok frowned and spoke.
“It’s just a temporary situation. Once we get through this period, things will improve, so focus on your own business. I heard you’ve been eyeing the electronics division? Hyung-nim Sang-jin isn’t easy enough for you to beat. I heard he’s doing quite well, even collaborating with a Swiss luxury watch company. It doesn’t look like you have a place to squeeze in.”
“What are you talking about, hyung-nim? Times have changed. It’s not the same era as before. In today’s world, to run a business, monster corpses and mana stones are essential. Collaboration? Design? Luxury? Hah, all good, but what takes priority is monster corpses and mana stones. That’s why I invited the Director of the Dungeon Management Bureau today. You know, hyung-nim, the department in charge of selling monster corpses and mana stones within the Association is the Dungeon Management Bureau.”
The Dungeon Management Bureau didn’t just manage dungeon portals; it handled everything related to them.
In other words, it also managed the corpses and mana stones coming out of dungeons.
That’s why Choi Sang-su, who had brought the Director of the Dungeon Management Bureau as a contact, couldn’t help but puff out his chest.
“Hmm.”
Choi Sang-hyeok couldn’t be unaware of that.
The construction industry was also an area where new technologies using monster corpses and mana stones were applied.
“Hyung-nim has also heard, right? The news that the healer Kim Seong-jun, called the Saint, and his team solo-cleared an A-rank dungeon. That means A-rank monster corpses and mana stones can be supplied regularly. In this situation, if we butter up the Director of the Dungeon Management Bureau well, we can increase the allocation of A-rank corpses and stones to our company compared to others.”
Monster corpses and mana stones were used in various fields, including bio, electronics, construction, and many others.
Accordingly, how many high-grade monster corpses and mana stones a company received could differentiate it from competitors.
In particular, A-rank monster corpses and stones were specially managed by each country, making them hard to import from abroad.
So far, companies had been competing over B-rank monster corpses and stones, but now with A-rank ones starting to be supplied regularly, the competition would extend to A-rank as well.
Moreover, because the quantity was very limited, fierce battles would naturally break out even over a few dozen corpses and stones.
“So? Even if the sale of monster corpses and stones falls under the Dungeon Management Bureau, there are eyes watching within the Association, including the President. Do you think they’ll allocate more corpses and stones specifically to us? No matter how close you are with Director Jeong Jin-bae, that won’t be easy.”
At Choi Sang-hyeok’s words, Choi Sang-su smirked.
“Of course it won’t be possible right away. But I’ve established a connection with the Dungeon Management Bureau Director, and if I steadily strengthen this bond, the day will come when the impossible becomes possible. I’ll make sure of it. Don’t come begging to me then. Look over there. Father is talking with the Director of the Dungeon Management Bureau for a long time, leaving others aside.”
Sure enough, Shinwha Group’s Chairman, Choi Kang-hoon, was engaged in a lengthy conversation with the Dungeon Management Bureau Director, Jeong Jin-bae.
Choi Sang-hyeok had nothing to say to that.
As Choi Sang-su said, the Chairman and their father, Choi Kang-hoon, was having a long talk with Jeong Jin-bae.
From a corporate standpoint, the Dungeon Management Bureau, which directly handled monster corpses and mana stones, was inevitably important.
Just then.
“Haha, what are you all chatting so happily about?”
Choi Sang-jin approached them with a smile.
“Oh! Hyung-nim Sang-jin. Haha, I heard you’ve been very busy with collaborations and whatnot?”
Choi Sang-su greeted Choi Sang-jin with a relaxed expression.
“Well, as the representative of electronics, I have to stay busy. By the way, how’s finance? I know a bit about business, but I’m not familiar with money-lending.”
At Choi Sang-jin’s belittling of the finance industry as “money-lending,” Choi Sang-su’s expression subtly twisted.
“Hah! It seems hyung-nim still doesn’t know the fear of money. All of Shinwha Group’s funds start from finance—from money-lending. Do you think you can do business properly while ignoring finance? No matter what, the day will come when hyung-nim has to come begging to me.”
“Is that so? Our youngest has really grown up. You’re even making threats that don’t sound like threats in front of me. You’ve handled a bit of money and lost your fear of the world? Sang-su. I know you’re eyeing electronics. But a person should know their place. You’re only fit for money-lending, not for running a business.”
As Choi Sang-jin and Choi Sang-su growled at each other, Choi Sang-hyeok cleared his throat and stepped in.
“Sang-su. Stop it. No matter what, isn’t that rude to your hyung-nim? And hyung-nim, please be patient. Should you both be red-faced in front of the guests?”
At Choi Sang-hyeok’s words, Choi Sang-jin snickered.
“Sang-hyeok. Do you think I don’t know you? I’ve known all along that you’ve been scheming behind the scenes to take over electronics. If you were going to do it secretly, you should have at least not been caught.”
While Choi Sang-su openly targeted Shinwha Electronics, Choi Sang-hyeok had been covertly scheming in the shadows.
“Haha, there seems to be some misunderstanding. Why would I target electronics? I’m already swamped with just construction.”
“Right, don’t forget that attitude. If I catch you scheming behind my back again, I won’t stay silent next time. I’ve let it slide because we share blood, but even if we’re brothers, the moment you cross the line, war begins. I’m already busy dealing with hyung-nim, so don’t make me have to deal with you two as well.”
Choi Sang-jin issued a warning to his younger brothers.
But that didn’t mean his situation was good.
The gap between him and the eldest brother was already enormous, and the two younger brothers were coming after his electronics division.
“Oh? Hyung-nim actually knows how to threaten? Well, I’ll keep that in mind. But it seems the person hyung-nim invited isn’t here? Wasn’t it Representative Kang Hyeok-jae of the Korean Party as usual?”
Kang Hyeok-jae was the party leader of the current ruling party, the Korean Party.
Choi Sang-jin had built a relationship with Kang Hyeok-jae since his days as a congressman, supporting him in various ways until he became the party leader.
It was no exaggeration to say that Choi Sang-jin had made Kang Hyeok-jae the party leader.
So, he always invited him as a key connection to the banquet.
But for some reason, he wasn’t visible, which made Choi Sang-su and Choi Sang-hyeok curious.
“I’ve made some new connections. I just got word that he’s almost here, so he’ll arrive soon.”
At that moment, Choi Kang-hoon, who had finished talking with Director Jeong Jin-bae, approached them with his eldest son, Choi Sang-min.
“Haha, so you were all here.”
Choi Sang-jin immediately bowed his head.
“Chairman, Vice Chairman. You’ve arrived.”
Though he didn’t run the company, as the Vice Chairman of the group, the eldest son Choi Sang-min was the closest to being the next Chairman, more than anyone else.
At Choi Sang-jin’s words, Chairman Choi Kang-hoon said with a smile.
“In private, call me Father.”
“Ah, yes. I’m so used to calling you Chairman. I’ll be careful.”
Since Chairman Choi Kang-hoon absolutely forbade using private titles in public settings, the number of times he was called Chairman far exceeded being called Father.
Of course, calling him Chairman or Vice Chairman even in such a setting could be seen as intentional on Choi Sang-jin’s part.
“Anyway, Sang-su. You’ve made quite a substantial connection this time. You’ve even established a relationship with the Director of the Dungeon Management Bureau. Don’t neglect him, and make sure he’s solidly on your side. He will definitely be useful to us one day.”
At his father and Chairman’s praise, Choi Sang-su’s mouth stretched to his ears.
“Haha, don’t worry. I plan to manage that connection more carefully than any other.”
“Good. You’ve worked hard. The star of this banquet is undoubtedly you, Sang-su.”
At the regularly held banquets, Choi Kang-hoon gave bonus points to the person who brought the most helpful connection to the group.
Those points were later crucial for succession.
Of course, until now, the eldest son, Choi Sang-min, had been overwhelmingly close to being the successor.
Just then.
Creak!
Someone opened the door of the banquet hall and entered.
It was Seong-jun, wearing the suit Yuseon had bought him before.
“Hm? That person…”
Not recognizing Seong-jun, Choi Kang-hoon looked at him with a puzzled expression.
“Haha, he’s finally here. I invited him as a new connection I’ve made.”
On the other hand, Choi Sang-jin, who recognized Seong-jun, spoke with a smile.
But someone else recognized Seong-jun before them.
“Ah! Healer Kim Seong-jun! Healer Kim Seong-jun, what brings you here?”
It was Director Jeong Jin-bae of the Dungeon Management Bureau.
“Director Jeong. Haha, you’re here too? I was invited, of course. Seeing you here feels fresh. Ah! There he is. Mr. Sang-jin!”
Spotting Sang-jin, Seong-jun waved and greeted him.
“Haha! Seong-jun-ssi! Welcome.”
Choi Sang-jin approached Seong-jun.
“I said I’d leave early, but I’m a bit late. There was more traffic than I thought.”
“It’s fine. Just having you here is an honor.”
As Seong-jun and Choi Sang-jin talked, Jeong Jin-bae said with a surprised expression.
“Oh! So Healer Kim Seong-jun and Representative Choi Sang-jin know each other?”
“Ah, yes. It hasn’t been long since we met, but we get along very well, so we’ve become close quickly. You could say we have a special relationship now?”
Meanwhile, Chairman Choi Kang-hoon and his sons, who had belatedly recognized Seong-jun, hurried over.
“K, Kim Seong-jun Healer? Oh! Healer Kim Seong-jun has a connection with my second son?”
Though Seong-jun was much younger, Choi Kang-hoon treated him with the utmost respect.