Lee Changgeon sipped his coffee as he reviewed the stack of reports piled on his desk.
[Regarding the Wizard of the Golden Tower]
The report detailed the Golden Tower’s recent activities—dungeons on the verge of Dungeon Breaks, sites where Dungeon Breaks had already erupted.
Thanks to them solving issues the Association struggled to handle due to manpower shortages, the Association staff could be utilized more efficiently.
Of course, this was not a free service.
“Uncle, do you have a moment?”
A few days ago, Yoo Seolha had come to see him with a list of necessities.
In exchange for the items they could provide, they had agreed to help with tasks the Association couldn’t manage.
“Thank you.”
“Your complexion looks better.”
“Really? Maybe it’s from learning magic.”
She had once been a child burdened by worries and overshadowed by her father’s presence, suffering mentally.
None of that remained.
She now looked confident and bright, which was truly refreshing to see.
“Hmm.”
Lee Changgeon turned to the next report.
[Regarding Potion Supply Sources]
They had investigated new suppliers to sever ties with China, but the prices were too high, and no one could meet the requirements properly.
‘Could this be China’s influence?’
Globally, the potion business was dominated by China.
With abundant manpower and low labor costs, China mass-produced affordable, widely usable supply potions and equipment.
The problem was their quality wasn’t bad at all.
Even top-tier countries capable of producing their own potions acknowledged the costs and manpower involved.
They only kept manufacturers of the highest-grade potions domestically, importing lower-grade ones from China.
Even though the World’s Top Five conducted potion business, they had no reason to assist Korea against China.
“…Hmmm.”
The only solution was in-house production, but Korea lacked the manpower to make it feasible.
The report also noted that all Korean Hunters with Potion Manufacturing Skill had gone abroad.
Just as Lee Changgeon pondered how to resolve this, a message popped up.
[Hunter of China challenges the Master of the Labyrinth 11th Floor.]
A message about the Stair War appeared.
“…So they finally made their move.”
They had confirmed the presence through a spectral surveillance method used on the 11th Floor.
The Chinese Hunter had been lingering on the 11th Floor for days, skilled enough to toy with the specters.
There was only one reason such a skilled Hunter hadn’t ascended the stairs yet: to issue a formal challenge to the Master of the Floor.
Knock, knock!
The door opened, and his secretary entered.
“President, have you seen this?”
“I have.”
“Is it going to be alright? China must have prepared thoroughly…”
“There’s no one else who can stop him.”
The strongest Hunter in Korea was the Hidden Piece Discoverer.
If he couldn’t stop the challenger, no one in Korea could.
“We just have to trust and wait.”
“…Still, it’s China.”
The secretary’s worry was understandable.
If China unleashed the vast wealth they’d hoarded over the years—the S-rank Skillbooks gathered by the Twelve Constellations and countless potions—they could create a force powerful enough to counter the Labyrinth’s buffs.
But even so, there was nothing the Association could do at this moment.
“Ugh, I’m hungry. Let’s eat.”
“Is now really the time? If the Hidden Piece Discoverer loses, Korea’s done for.”
“He’ll win.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Hasn’t he shown his capabilities until now? I believe in him. He’ll definitely hit China hard.”
Lee Changgeon truly believed it.
“Then we just keep doing what we usually do.”
“…Understood.”
“While we wait, let’s eat.”
Descending with his secretary to the Association cafeteria, Lee Changgeon checked the day’s menu. Something immediately caught his eye.
Jaeyuk Bokkeum Donkatsu Rice Bowl.
He admired the perfect combination and placed an order through the kiosk.
“What will you have?”
“I’ll take the Toowoomba Pasta.”
“We need to add some meat too.”
“Yes. Should we reserve a private room?”
“Let’s all eat together outside today.”
Lee Changgeon sat at a spacious table.
One by one, Association staff and Hunters returning from dungeon raids filtered into the cafeteria.
“President! Hello! Here for a meal?”
“The menu looks great today. You should eat quickly too.”
One by one, the Association’s executives came and went, exchanging greetings.
Lee Changgeon smiled and returned their salutations.
Driiiing!
The vibrating bell rang, and he returned to his seat with the secretary, food in hand.
The steaming donkatsu sat invitingly, accompanied by the bold presence of Jaeyuk Bokkeum.
The delicious aroma compelled his hands to move instinctively.
He placed a touch of wasabi on the donkatsu, dipped it in sauce, and took a bite.
Crunch!
Inside the crispy fried crust was tender meat, perfectly blending with the sauce, while the wasabi cut through the greasiness.
“Mm.”
A satisfied sigh escaped him.
Next, he mixed some rice with the Jaeyuk Bokkeum and took a big bite, savoring the sweet and spicy flavors spreading.
“Should we get some of that too?”
“That looks delicious. Me too.”
“Donkatsu and Jaeyuk Bokkeum is irresistible.”
Leisurely enjoying his meal, Lee Changgeon overheard the conversations around him.
Two main topics dominated: the Ranker raid team just starting to tackle the Red Dungeon and the ongoing war on the Labyrinth 11th Floor revealed by the recent message.
“Do you really think we’re okay? Doesn’t feel like the time to be eating.”
“Oh.”
“If China’s serious, we can’t hold the Labyrinth. Looks like the top Rankers are off raiding the Red Dungeon.”
“But we have the Hidden Piece Discoverer.”
“He’s the Master of the 13th Floor. Someone else must be delegated for the 11th.”
“…Still, why does the president look so calm?”
“Maybe he’s just putting on a brave face? No use crying now.”
“Doesn’t seem forced though.”
Most shared similar sentiments.
Even though losing the 11th Floor meant not only Chinese retaliation but possibly the collapse of the Korean Hunter Association, the president remained unruffled.
Those inside the cafeteria viewed the situation with surprisingly calm eyes.
The secretary, twirling pasta with a fork, asked Lee Changgeon.
“Did you come here on purpose?”
“Have you ever seen me move without reason?”
Lee Changgeon smiled lightly, finishing the remaining food.
Then, a message appeared for everyone.
[The Master of the 11th Floor has defeated the challenger.]
[The stairs remain under Korean jurisdiction.]
[The number of dungeons generated on the 11th Floor has increased due to the challenger’s defeat.]
“Waaaaah!”
“Is this for real? Can this happen in Korea?”
“Incredible. Who was it? Anyone know?”
“Do I look like I know?”
“The Chinese are going nuts.”
“Ahh, that’s so tempting.”
“Auntie! One more bowl of rice, please!”
“Not makgeolli?”
“There’s none, so at least add rice.”
At this moment, no one cared how it happened.
Everyone simply rejoiced in the fact that a Korean Hunter had blocked China’s attempt to seize the Labyrinth 11th Floor.
That alone was reason enough to celebrate.
“Let’s have a drink of makgeolli. For today only, drinking in the cafeteria is allowed.”
“Wooooo!”
“Thank you, President!”
“Ah, this is Korea’s pride!”
Watching everyone’s joy, Lee Changgeon smiled contentedly, returned his empty tray, and stepped outside.
Handing his card to the secretary who followed, he said,
“Use this for payment.”
“Understood.”
“And today, let’s call it early. I’m planning to rest early just this once.”
“Yes, sir.”
The secretary bowed and took the card.
Back in his office, Lee Changgeon sat down to catch his breath.
Sipping the leftover coffee, he contemplated what lay ahead.
‘Joo Wonseong won’t just stand still with that personality.’
Controlling potions and dungeons was only the beginning. He would try to control deeper Labyrinth floors and item trades as well.
If things went badly, Korea might be expelled from the World Hunter Association, severing all ties.
‘Would the United States intervene then?’
If even some members of the World’s Top Five stepped in, the worst outcome could be averted.
But he wasn’t confident that would happen.
After all, they had feigned ignorance multiple times before.
“…Well. Hopefully, it won’t get that bad.”
There was always someone to find the Hidden Piece, and with the Golden Tower training wizards, Korea had the chance to raid the 21st Floor first.
Even if China pressured them, Korea had cards to play in trade.
From now on, diplomacy would determine Korea’s future.
“Let’s put worries aside for tomorrow.”
Today, he wanted to enjoy this moment of peace.
As Lee Changgeon stood up and prepared to leave, a telepathic voice rang in his mind.
[President, may I have a moment to speak?]
[Available.]
[China has sent an S-rank Hunter equipped with SS-rank Skills and items.]
Lee Changgeon’s eyes widened.
His surprise was threefold: that China had the capability to create such a Hunter; that China was angry enough to send one; and that the Hidden Piece Discoverer had managed to capture that Hunter.
[…What? Are you alright?]
[Yes, I’m fine. But the Chinese Association President is serious. Sending a Hunter like this proves it.]
[He’s proud of China. Losing the Labyrinth 11th Floor must have left a long scratch.]
[We can’t just take that lying down.]
Anger resonated in the Hidden Piece Discoverer’s voice.
Lee Changgeon understood that sentiment well but could only respond bitterly.
[Still, it’s China. Even if they hit us, there’s nothing we can do.]
[No, there is. But I’ll need your help, President.]
[What is it?]
[As you said, we can’t topple them all at once. So first, we’ll take over their potion business.]
Potion business… in Korea?
That was China’s tightest-held field. Korea lacked the infrastructure for potion production.
[I’ll handle that.]
His confident tone made Lee Changgeon speak up.
[What help do you need from me?]
[Just build a potion shop next to the Golden Tower.]
[I’ll find a supplier and start tomorrow. Will potions be distributed domestically then?]
[We’ll price them much cheaper for Korean Hunters.]
[Thank you.]
[If we move this way, China won’t stay idle.]
[No doubt.]
[Then seek help from the UK, France, and Japan. If you offer the Hidden Piece Discoverer to them, they’ll definitely act.]
[You… don’t mean—]
[I won’t betray them. No need to worry about that.]
If they acted, even mighty China wouldn’t be able to make a move easily.
[Lastly, could you make an official statement? I’m still not satisfied with how this ended.]
[Speak.]
[Demand a formal apology from the Chinese Association, and if they don’t comply, we’ll restrict Chinese access to the Labyrinth 11th Floor.]
[Considering Joo Wonseong’s personality, that’s practically a declaration of war. Can we handle it?]
[He can only control dungeon access anyway. That will be resolved when I reach the 21st Floor. Trust me and act accordingly.]
Lee Changgeon smiled broadly.
[I’ll have to wear a sharp tuxedo tomorrow.]
[Hidden Piece Discovered.]
[Hidden Piece Achievement rewards granted.]
[Dungeon raid rewards for the Discoverer’s nation increased.]
[Trial success rewards for the Discoverer’s nation increased.]
[Twenty Hidden Piece achievements accumulated.]
[Drop rates of Level Stones in the nation’s Red Dungeons increased. Skillbooks guaranteed to drop.]
[One Red Dungeon created.]
Gathering Dragon Heart Fragments, the Labyrinth was cleared.
[Labyrinth 19th Floor cleared.]
Stepping outside, Lee Changgeon saw the president making the statement he had requested.
—China tried to seize the Labyrinth 11th Floor without justification. Korea demands a formal apology from the Chinese Association, and if none is given, Korea will restrict Chinese raids on the 11th Floor.
China wouldn’t apologize. Joo Wonseong’s personality forbade it, and behind them stood the Apostle of the Thunder Dragon God, making submission unthinkable.
Still, the statement was necessary—to secure solid grounds for reclaiming all the Labyrinths China held.
‘Time for me to do my part.’
To crush China’s potion business, Korea must flood the market with higher-quality potions at lower prices.
Impossible for other countries, but achievable with Dragon Lair resources—using witches to establish potion factories.
‘For that, I need the Queen of the Witches.’
If he could secure the Queen of the Witches, who was under Redoc, one of the Lords of the Forest, everything would be settled.
[Moving to Dragon Lair.]
As the cave came into view, a new message appeared.
[Lycanthrope of the Black Moon Clan has died.]
[Lycanthrope of the Black Moon Clan has died.]
[Lycanthrope of the Black Moon Clan has died.]
[Lycanthrope of the Black Moon Clan has died.]
[Redoc, one of the Lords of the Forest, has discovered your presence. Prepare for the massive war about to break out.]
Seems the tail was too long.
‘Well, is that a good thing?’
With the skills and items the Small Blood Demon left behind, even those stronger than me can be defeated.
I still need to save the Queen of the Witches.
Since it’s come to this, I’ll take the initiative and strike first.
“Everyone, get ready.”
The war begins now.
Hey tl. You missed chapter 41
Fixed