Chapter 142: Hunters in Preparation (2)

In the past, he had used letters and emails to deliver "opportunities" to foreign Hunters. Each method had its pros and cons, but they shared one major flaw: they were cumbersome and ultimately ineffective.

They failed simply because the recipients didn't trust them. In hindsight, it was easy to understand why. Unless someone was completely green, there was no reason to believe the contents of a letter from an anonymous sender.

To solve this, Kim Ki-Rok devised a way to build trust without revealing his identity.

"Then, I'll be counting on you," he spoke in German.

—Yes, Information Merchant.

After the call ended, he gave a long stretch and mumbled, "God, I really am tired."

He had built a network by handpicking trustworthy individuals and operating under the false identity of

Information Merchant

, a persona he created to work behind the scenes. Needless to say, not even those within the network knew Kim Ki-Rok's true identity.

Naturally, this method carried a major risk to the wellbeing of the network members. To mitigate this, capable Hunters were embedded in the network to ensure their safety.

"Let's see... Next up is..."

As soon as he opened his inbox, a flood of emails greeted him.

"Oh my, there's a lot."

Messages came from both domestic and foreign guilds, all requesting for the use of his Discernment Skill. Kim Ki-Rok copied and pasted a pre-written response, explaining that due to the appearance of an A-Class Gate, all requests would be put on hold.

This would elucidate the seriousness of the situation to everyone.

"Ah, I need a break..."

Kim Ki-Rok leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. Rather than resting, however, he ran through simulations of the possible scenarios ahead.

As expected, the most pressing and headache-inducing task was delivering opportunities to foreign Hunters. He was currently using both official and unofficial channels, each with its own strengths and drawbacks.

The official approach was a straightforward tactic of formally requesting Gate clears. It wasn’t the most efficient way to focus on individuals, but it laid the groundwork for guild-level development, which was far more effective in the long term.

The unofficial method relied on his network, operating through his alias as Information Merchant to distribute opportunities more selectively. However, this required extensive, time-consuming preparation to ensure the safety of those involved. Even with all precautions, success was never guaranteed. Still, whenever it had worked in the past, it allowed him to identify and nurture individuals with exceptional potential.

Kim Ki-Rok mulled over the two approaches, unaware of the passing time until a knock at the door snapped his eyes open.

"Whoo is ittt."

"Guildmaster."

"Oh?! You're here already. Come on in."

Formerly the head of security for Black Money, Lee Chil-Sung was now part of the DG Guild. He entered the Guildmaster's office and bowed.

"I'm back."

"Did you enjoy your trip abroad?"

Lee Chil-Sung said with satisfaction, "Yes. My younger brother really enjoyed it."

Kim Ki-Rok nodded at his response. He felt good about his decision to send him overseas on a vacation disguised as a business trip.

"That's a relief. What about the tasks I gave you?"

"It's all taken care of."

"Ah, you sure worked hard. We'll probably begin preparations for the Gate clear a few days from now, after the official meeting."

At the meeting led by the Association, attendees would go over the Gate-clearing strategy, the sequence of operations, and the selection of participants. Since a rough outline had already been established, most of the plan would likely be finalized then.

"Understood."

"Ah, just letting you know, you'll find some spirits teaching the Hunters in the basement."

"I see. Then I'll be training downstairs."

With another bow, Lee Chil-Sung exited the Guildmaster's office.

Kim Ki-Rok stretched and let out a long yawn. "

Ugh.

Lee Chil-Sung's back, too."

The Information Merchant had taken a short vacation, and Kim Ki-Rok himself had stopped accepting official requests.

"Hmm."

He had completed all his duties as Guildmaster.

"Hmmmmm."

With nothing left to do, Kim Ki-Rok sat for a moment, pondering his next course of action, before getting up from his seat. If nothing needed doing, he would find something, so he headed downstairs to the training area where the Hunters practiced.

"Hmm? It seems everyone is busy with Gate activities."

None of their ace Hunters were in sight, likely focused on leveling up in preparation for the A-Class Gate's Level 75 restriction.

The training ground was filled with C-Class Hunters—those between Levels 41 and 60—who wouldn't be eligible for the Gate clear even if they started leveling up immediately. Some were using the facilities to build stamina, while others were working on their fundamentals under the guidance of the spirits.

Arms crossed, Kim Ki-Rok looked around the training ground, lost in thought. "Should I level up?"

He had been holding off, mindful of Gates with level caps, but there was no longer any reason to delay. Such Gates would still appear, of course, but it made more sense now to leave those opportunities to other Hunters.

"Alright. I guess it's time to level up... for the first time in a while."

His contemplation was interrupted by the sudden buzz of his phone. Seeing a familiar number and name, he picked up the call.

"Hello?"

—Huh? Hello? Is this the Guildmaster?

"It is indeed him."

—What concept have you taken up this time?

"So, what's the matter, Ms. Seh-Eun?"

—I need some help.

"Hmm?"

She was currently with the guild's ace Hunters, diligently leveling up for the upcoming A-Class Gate clear.

"Help?"

—Yes.

"From me?"

—

Sigh

... Yeah.

"Huh? Aren't you in the Gate I recommended?"

—Yes, I am.

"And you're asking me for help? Even though you know what that'll cost you?"

—Damn it.

Kim Ki-Rok chuckled at Yoo Seh-Eun's honest frustration and began reviewing the guild members' schedules in his mind.

"Let's see, let's see... Where could our Ms. Seh-Eun be... Are you at Raging Volcanic Island?"

—Yes, I am.

"Oh? South Vermillion Bird and Miss Ji-Yeon should be there. Can't you manage with what you've got?"

—I'm asking for help because South Vermillion Bird and Ji-Yeon aren't here.

Huh? They weren't there?

Kim Ki-Rok tilted his head, puzzled, and mentally checked the Hunters' schedule again.

"Why aren't they there?"

—The Association asked for their help. Something about needing the power of flight and fire.

Ah, come to think of it, there was a Gate appearing around this time where those powers would be crucial. With a Break approaching fast, the Association must have called on DG Guild's Nam Dong-Wook and Lee Ji-Yeon, who happened to be nearby.

That made sense. But a new question formed in Kim Ki-Rok's mind.

How had they cleared this Gate during the last Attempt?

This hadn't happened before. No matter how closely his actions mirrored those in the previous Attempts, nothing was ever exactly the same; even the slightest variation could shift the outcome. Still, the differences so far were within an acceptable range.

"Hmm... I guess it's not a big deal. I had nothing to do anyway."

—Wow, damn. Some of us are working our asses off in the Gate, you know.

"Oh dear, you're really working hard."

—Yes. We are. All thanks to a certain someone who recommended this insanely difficult Gate!

The sound of teeth grinding came through the phone.

"What a generous soul he is. After all, the sweet fruit of growth lies beyond hardship and adversity.

Hahaha!

"

—

Ha! Ha! Ha!

"Let's see... It's a bit far, so it'll take about an hour."

—There's a soup rice restaurant nearby. We'll be eating there.

"Understood. I'll head out now, then."

***

Our Grandfather's Soup Rice was a small restaurant located near the Raging Volcanic Island Gate. Although the specialty shop only served a single kind of dish, food lovers adored its deep flavor.

Yoo Seh-Eun scooped a spoonful of soup rice and asked, "Why do you think that is?"

Kang Seh-Hyuk looked up. "Huh? What?"

"This place is called Grandfather's Soup Rice. So why is it an older lady making the soup?"

"Oh, that."

"Huh? You know the reason?"

"Yeah."

𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

"Damn it. Why are there so many people here today?" The grandmother muttered under her breath as she stirred the pot. Kang Seh-Hyuk watched her quietly.

Was there some tragic backstory behind this?

Yoo Seh-Eun decided not to pry. "No, never mind... You don't need to answer—"

"He hurt his back."

"Huh?"

"I heard he hurt his back making soup rice this morning and went to the hospital. According to Grandma, he was showing off his strength in front of some young ladies and overdid it trying to lift a box of soju bottles."

It wasn't anything serious. The grandpa was usually around, but today he wasn't simply because he had thrown his back out.

"Grandma," Jeong Man-Kook called out to the woman working in the kitchen.

"Stop eating! I can't believe a guy like you showed up today of all days when my husband's sick!" she shouted furiously.

Her rage was understandable. They were short-staffed due to Grandpa's absence and Jeong Man-Kook was already on his

twelfth

bowl of soup rice.

"Grandma, I understand that when soup rice is made in large quantities at once—"

"All that 'large quantity' went into your stomach! You little shit!"

Jeong Man-Kook, who looked like a sulking bear, drooped his shoulders. Despite her outburst, the spirited grandmother slapped down a plate of sliced meat on the table.

"Eat this. I'm still angry, but I've run out of ingredients because of you."

"Grandma."

"What is it now?!"

"I'd like to request two more servings."

"My god!"

Grandma sighed deeply and shook her head as she returned to the kitchen. Who knew how much time had passed when the front door swung open with a ding.

The grandma poked her head out of the kitchen and yelled, "We're closed! Sold out for today! We're out of everything thanks to this pig—"

She suddenly closed her mouth as a man with an unremarkable appearance stood in the doorway, holding a very cute little girl in his arms. The grandma wiped her hands on her apron and came out to greet them, her expression shifting.

"Well aren't

you

the cute one?"

"Hello, Grandma. I'm Kim. Ji. Hee."

"Ji-Hee. Even your name is adorable." The grandma chuckled at Kim Ji-Hee's bright smile. Her voice softened, her demeanor warm and welcoming. "Take a seat. I'll make something with what we've got left."

"Oh, it's really fine," Kim Ki-Rok tried to decline.

"I don't think so. I won't charge you, anyway. I'll just use scraps and leftovers, so sit." she grumbled her way back to the kitchen.

At that moment, Jeong Man-Kook raised his hand again. "Grandma."

"What now!"

"You said earlier that you were out of ingredients."

"We are! There's nothing left for

you

, you brat!"