Lee Changgeon confirmed the faces of the Association Presidents displayed on the screen.
Although this wasn’t a face-to-face meeting, he could still feel how the atmosphere had shifted.
‘…Yokai.’
The session meant to interrogate China and decide on disciplinary measures had completely shifted to another subject just with a few words from the Japanese Association President.
“…That’s risky.”
“To have one person’s power sway the fate of the entire world… it’s definitely dangerous.”
“Isn’t that a bit of a premature delusion?”
“It’s not delusion. The Dokkaebi has been defeating Blood Fiends in just a month. Can you be sure he won’t surpass Cheonma two months from now?”
There hadn’t been a lack of promising candidates until now.
The budding talents worthy of the Twelve Constellations had existed for some time.
It was just that none had demonstrated the overwhelming performance of the Dokkaebi.
Because of that one impact alone, the Dokkaebi had become the subject of caution among all the Association Presidents.
Now, in the minds of those attending the meeting, the Dokkaebi was the only thought—China no longer mattered.
Allowing the mood to continue like this was not good.
Lee Changgeon turned on his microphone and spoke.
“If you put it that way, isn’t China the biggest threat right now? Cheonma’s strength is counted among the top within the Twelve Constellations. Besides, his name even uses the character for demon ‘Ma.’”
“Hmm… that has some truth to it.”
“Not wrong at all.”
At that, Joo Wonseong spoke up.
“Cheonma has never once harmed a civilian.”
Lee Changgeon chuckled inwardly at Joo Wonseong’s words.
“Can you guarantee that? Really, not even once?”
“…Are you insulting Cheonma now?”
“It’s just ridiculous to pretend to know everything about Cheonma when you haven’t even properly controlled the movements of the Blood Fiends.”
“…Watch your mouth, or you’ll be in big trouble.”
“That’s my business. Mr. President, you might want to make a proper apology.”
With a slight shift in the atmosphere, Lee Changgeon resumed sharing his thoughts with the Presidents.
“It’s certain the Dokkaebi is talented. But he was also the one who, when the Blood Fiends tried to attack the Association, protected civilians more than anyone else.”
“The Korean Association President is right. Jessica’s report said the same. Above all, is it necessary to fear what hasn’t even happened yet?”
The American Association President supported Lee Changgeon.
“Rather, with the help of the Dokkaebi, might we even see the end of the Labyrinth?”
“That’s correct.”
“Exactly.”
“Indeed.”
The American Association President smiled at the reaction from the Presidents who followed America.
“However, there is now a vacancy among the Twelve Constellations, and there are also gaps regarding immunity. We should meet soon. It might be best to discuss the Dokkaebi further then.”
“More importantly, wasn’t today’s gathering about the Blood Fiends’ atrocities and the corresponding punishment, not the Dokkaebi?”
The moderator nodded.
“We’ve digressed a bit. As the American Association President said, let’s end that topic here and proceed with the discussion about China.”
As the meeting continued, Lee Changgeon recalled the Japanese Association President.
He knew Japan had aligned with China.
But he hadn’t expected them to support China even at this meeting.
‘Something’s going on.’
The unknown enemy the Dokkaebi had mentioned.
The first, who had allied with China, was killed by the Dokkaebi’s hand, and the second must have contacted a new nation.
Lee Changgeon suspected Japan was that second nation.
‘I should warn him to be careful.’
[You have cleared the dungeon.]
He stepped through the blue portal and emerged outside.
Under the darkened night sky, he saw the Association staff gathered closely together.
Seeing that he had come out, they approached him.
“You’re really out early. They said you cleared three S-rank dungeons today… aren’t you tired? You’re amazing.”
“Dokkaebi-nim, good work.”
It had been a bit exhausting.
But thanks to moving around diligently, he had collected ten Guardians and was now able to proceed with the dispatch mission at the Alliance Center.
What had made this possible was the proactive help from the Association staff.
If they hadn’t quickly found S-rank dungeons and prevented any disruptors, it would have taken much longer.
He bowed lightly in gratitude.
“No, you all worked hard protecting the dungeon until this late.”
“How can you be so kind… do you have a girlfriend?”
“Hey, hey. You said you’d introduce your little sister to me!”
“Brother-in-law, how can you say that?”
“Hey, hey. Shut up. You’re the only one I call brother-in-law, Dokkaebi-nim!”
Seeing how good the mood was despite the late hour, he quietly slipped away.
Then, someone who seemed to be the group leader approached.
“I received a message from the Association President. He said to tell you that when you come out of the dungeon, you should go to this address.”
He memorized the address and nodded.
“Understood. Please make one call to say I’m on my way.”
“Yes. You did well today, and we look forward to working with you in the future.”
“Looking forward to it as well.”
Then, he used Teleport to leave the scene.
He moved to a place with internet reception and checked the location of the address.
[Hearty Beef]
The address was for a beef restaurant.
His remaining mana was too low to use Teleport or Fly Magic again.
He could refill with potions, but he wanted to just enjoy the breeze and move comfortably.
“Summon Wyvern King.”
Shuaaaak!
He looked at the wyvern that appeared in pure white light.
He didn’t know what had happened at the Dragon Lair, but the creature was brimming with energy.
“Did you get hit?”
[…No.]
“You want to get hit by me too?”
[Ah… no!]
“Then stop pretending to cry. Can you carry me and move?”
[Possible!]
He mounted the wyvern’s back, and it soared up into the sky.
“Keep going straight like this.”
[Yes!]
True to the Wyvern King’s name, it was fast.
Far faster than Fly Magic, it raced through the sky at tremendous speed.
Feeling the cool wind, he gazed up at the night sky.
The bright moon and stars.
Without any thoughts, he enjoyed the scenery as he flew, then saw the towering Golden Magic Tower.
“Well done. Let’s head back.”
[…If only a little longer……]
He dismissed the Wyvern King and dropped toward the ground.
He Teleported to an alley near the restaurant.
After landing, he cleared dust off with Clean Magic, then left the alley and moved in front of the restaurant.
“Welcome!”
“Has the Association President arrived yet?”
“Ah, you must be the Association President’s guest. Please come this way.”
Guided by the staff, he entered a room inside the restaurant, filled with the tantalizing smell of grilled meat, where Jessica, Yoo Seolha, and the Association President were waiting.
He sat beside the empty seat next to Yoo Seolha.
“Eat quickly.”
“Yes, I will.”
He picked up the chopsticks set in advance and brought a piece of nicely grilled Korean beef to his mouth.
The rich juices spread through the tender texture.
It was certainly delicious.
“Tastes great.”
As his chopsticks moved faster, the speed of the server grilling the meat also quickened.
They couldn’t keep up with his eating pace, so they even lit the grill on the side and cooked meat from both directions.
“Hungry all day?”
“Yeah.”
“Why would someone with money starve themselves?”
“I was busy with dungeons.”
“How many did you clear?”
“Three S-rank dungeons.”
“What?”
Jessica opened her mouth in surprise and looked at him.
“Three S-rank dungeons in one day? Don’t lie.”
“It’s true. I cleared all the new S-rank dungeons that appeared in Korea today.”
“It takes me at least a day or two to clear one… ah, no, maybe possible. That potion really makes a difference.”
“What potion?”
“He has a top-grade potion. Its effect is crazy. Speaking of which, give me a few next time.”
“I don’t have enough for myself.”
He loaded his plate with piled-up meat and stuffed it into his mouth.
“You stingy bastard. I’ll pay for it. How much do you want?”
“I really don’t have any.”
Top-grade potions couldn’t be mass-produced yet.
He barely had enough even for his own use.
“Well, if you have some to spare later, sell it to me first.”
“Fine.”
“…How did I end up obsessed with something like that.”
Jessica grumbled but raised her chopsticks and joined the meat-eating battle.
Afterward, Jessica and Yoo Seolha continued their business conversation.
While they talked, he focused on filling his stomach.
“Now I feel a bit better.”
“Feel better? You ate like it was a hundred servings. Even pigs wouldn’t eat that much.”
Jessica looked at him with an exasperated expression.
Her lively expression was quite amusing, contrary to the rumors.
“Thank you for the meal, Association President.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it. Shall we get up?”
Everyone rose and went outside.
While the Association President was paying, Jessica came over beside him.
“Hey, really no potions?”
“No.”
“Come on. Don’t be like that. Need anything? Let’s barter.”
“I’ll contact you if I do.”
“Do you have my number?”
“If I need anything, I’ll just ask the Association President.”
“Make sure to contact me. I’ll probably stay in Korea for a while.”
He just nodded vaguely.
After the Association President finished paying and stepped outside, they parted ways neatly.
“You need to talk with me for a moment.”
“Yes.”
He sent Jessica and Yoo Seolha off first, then got into a black sedan with Lee Changgeon.
[What would you like to discuss?]
[Japan’s movements are a bit suspicious.]
Japan.
[What happened?]
[They tried to frame you as a dictator by bringing up Batisthol’s name. Other than that, I have a bad feeling. Something’s definitely going on.]
[I’ll investigate separately.]
[And China’s punishment has been decided. They are banned from exploring the Labyrinth for the next six months.]
From the perspective of a nation,
Being unable to enter the Labyrinth for half a year meant no Hunter training for that period.
They could still run dungeons, but fundamental Growth happens in the Labyrinth, so Growth would essentially stagnate for six months.
It was basically giving other countries time to catch up.
But that was only from the country’s point of view. For him, who had nearly died, the punishment felt insufficient.
[A bit disappointing.]
[I agree. But this is the harshest punishment the Association can impose… Sorry. I would have liked to block dungeons too, but China’s potion and equipment export scale is too large to manage easily.]
In that case, he would take it by force and impose personal sanctions.
Anne was recovering, and the Dwarves were growing stronger.
It wouldn’t take long.
[Won’t they apologize?]
[They said they’d issue a proper apology after the Hall of Glory tomorrow. It wouldn’t hurt to watch.]
Hall of Glory.
Ah, that was coming up.
[Everyone below the 30th floor must participate, right?]
[Correct.]
Since participation was compulsory, he might as well aim to win and reap the rewards.
“Oooo!”
He stretched and opened his eyes.
He had been so tired that he collapsed as soon as he got home last night.
Yawning, he checked the time.
2 PM.
There was still time before the Hall of Glory started.
He moved to the Dragon Lair to take care of the tasks he had missed yesterday.
[Entering Dragon Lair.]
While summoning spirits was important, he first headed to the Alliance Center to handle the dispatch mission.
He entered the tent built of golden fabric.
Inside was the familiar space he had seen before.
The nearly 100-pyeong (approx. 330 square meters) space had everything needed to strategize and plan.
He approached the man seated at the long table in the center.
Two horns on his head.
A tail attached at the rear.
This was Baltimos, the Commander-in-Chief leading this operations headquarters.
“You’re already here?”
“Yes.”
“Hoho. You really met the conditions.”
Baltimos rose from his seat and called him over to the table.
“Just when I needed hands. Perfect timing.”
“A dispatch mission?”
“That’s right.”
Several dimensional maps were spread on the table, showing enemy and allied forces moving back and forth.
Baltimos pointed to one place.
“Rodwayne Gorge. Go there and retrieve the stolen Sacred Relic.”