Chapter 112. Did They Already Leave?

The hunting party cautiously ventured into the depths of the forest. Even though it was late morning, with the sun high in the sky, the forest was so dark, so much so that it felt like nightfall.

However, every member of the party was a high-ranking Hunter with a perception stat of at least level 50. The dim light filtering through the leaves was enough for them to see clearly.

“This place feels eerie,” someone remarked, their voice carrying through the group.

No one disagreed. The damp air, along with the faint scent of wild animals, made for an oppressive atmosphere. The remnants of an old city, tangled in the roots of massive trees, looked like a scene out of a post-apocalyptic movie.

Hmm...

Ko Cheong-Cheon, who was at the front of the group, sharpened his perception. Having experienced several S-class dungeons both in Korea and overseas, he was no stranger to such tension. Even though the atmosphere was thick with unease, he maintained a calm composure.

— The visuals are coming through perfectly. Please proceed as planned.

A familiar voice came through the small communication device in his ear. It was the blonde agent who had accompanied him, speaking from the control center.

Ko Cheong-Cheon fiddled with the camera attached securely to his collar. Unlike typical dungeons, this Giant Woodland had encroached upon reality itself, which allowed them to wear cameras and broadcast the expedition live. Initially, the Association President had been hesitant about the idea.

— We’ll proceed with the broadcast regardless of whether or not Korea allows it.

However, the Mercenaries Guild had insisted. Faced with this ultimatum, the Association President had no choice but to comply. Even if they blocked the broadcast domestically, the footage would still reach the U.S., rendering any restrictions meaningless.

In fact, this broadcast was more than just a show. It held significant implications, not just for Ko Cheong-Cheon and the Mercenaries, but for the diplomatic relations between Korea and the United States as well.

“

Hmm?

”

Suddenly, something pricked Ko Cheong-Cheonn’s senses. He raised his hand, signaling the group to stop. Weapons were drawn immediately, albeit none of the rest had sensed anything. The fact that Ko Cheong-Cheon had given the signal was enough to keep everyone on edge.

A few seconds passed in silence.

“Behind us!” he shouted abruptly.

Before the rear guard could even react, Ko Cheong-Cheon had already launched himself forward.

Boom!

A Hunter stationed at the back stumbled in shock as a shadowy figure dropped from the large tree overhead. In the blink of an eye, Ko Cheong-Cheon caught the creature and slammed it into the ground with brutal force.

“

Gah!

”

The creature had a human-like silhouette, but it was covered in ashen-gray fur and towered well over two meters. Cat-like ears perched atop its head, and its slitted, vertical eyes glinted menacingly.

“A T-Therianthrope!” one of the rear Hunters gulped nervously.

Despite knowing there was a chance they’d encounter Therianthrope here, seeing one in the flesh was far more unsettling. Its humanoid appearance made it all the more disturbing—creatures that looked too human always had a way of getting under one’s skin.

Crack!

Thud!

“...!”

With a cold, unflinching gaze, Ko Cheong-Cheon stomped down on the creature’s chest. The force of the impact was so great that the ground shook beneath them. Crushed under his boot, the Therianthrope met his end almost immediately.

“Incredible! Thank you for saving me!” the rear Hunter exclaimed, bowing his head deeply in gratitude.

Had it not been for Ko Cheong-Cheon, he’d have been the one lying crumpled on the ground right now. He had been glaring daggers at Ko Cheong-Cheon during their flight, but all that resentment had vanished in an instant.

“Don’t thank me yet,” Ko Cheong-Cheon replied curtly.

“Huh?”

The Hunter looked up, confused. His blood ran cold at the sight unfolding before them. Every hair on his body stood on end.

"We're surrounded."

From high up in the trees, dozens of pairs of glowing red eyes peered down at them as if they were prey.

"I'll set up a defensive zone!" shouted Shin Yoo-Sung, who was stationed in the center of the group, protected by the others. In an instant, a shield of pure white mana enveloped the party.

At that moment, the Therianthropes attacked, leaping from the trees with frightening speed. Their sharp claws struck the mana shield.

Ping! Ping, ping!

Despite their efforts, the barrier held firm. These creatures, the cat-like Felinara Clan, were strong. However, they were only around A-rank monsters—not bosses, just common monsters.

These guys won’t be able to break through even if they ambushed us in a massive group.

Ko Cheong-Cheon licked his lips in satisfaction.

Also, he was well aware of the value of Shin Yoo-Sung, an S-rank Healer. His abilities were rare and invaluable. In fact, Ko Cheong-Cheon had once subtly asked him if he ever considered leaving Korea, but Shin Yoo-Sung had been adamant, firmly rejecting the notion.

Well, that’s that.

Ko Cheong-Cheon thought, turning his attention back to the Therianthrope swarming outside the barrier. A fierce smile spread across his face as he deliberately stepped outside the protective shield.

"Ko Cheong-Cheon!" Shin Yoo-Sung shouted in surprise, startled by his sudden move.

Ignoring the shout, Ko Cheong-Cheon lunged at the nearest Therianthrope, his fist cutting through the air.

Thwack!

His punch, coated in a bright, blue aura, pierced straight through the Therianthrope’s heart. Without missing a beat, he retracted his fist and spun around to deliver a crushing kick to another one charging at him.

Boom!

The Therianthrope exploded where it stood. One after another, the cat-like creatures charged at him, only to be met with relentless onslaught.

His punches and kicks tore through them, and each time his fist or foot connected, the Therianthrope erupted into a gory mess, as if hit by a detonator.

Ko Cheong-Cheon’s special skill—one that earned him his S-rank—forced his opponent’s mana to expand uncontrollably, causing their bodies to explode from within.

Boom!

Baam—! Baaaam—! Boom!

The battle ended almost in an instant. As the last of the Therianthrope fell, the other A-rank Hunters stared at Ko Cheong-Cheon in disbelief, trembling slightly. They were seasoned fighters, strong even among A-ranks, yet Ko Cheong-Cheon’s power far surpassed them all combined.

They exchanged glances.

Phew... Nice...

This expedition will be no problem.

We were nervous about this being an S-rank dungeon, but... there’s an even bigger monster on our side.

The Hunters, some of whom were tackling an S-rank dungeon for the first time, felt a wave of relief knowing that someone like Ko Cheong-Cheon was with them. It gave them confidence they didn’t have before.

However, among them, Yeon Hong-Ah and Shin Yoo-Sung exchanged confused looks.

Why did he do that?

Was that really necessary?

They couldn’t understand why Ko Cheong-Cheon deliberately stepped outside the barrier and engaged the enemies up close. He could’ve easily picked them off from behind the shield using ranged skills.

As admiration and confusion swirled around him, Ko Cheong-Cheon smirked. Inwardly, he was dissatisfied.

Way too easy.

At this rate, there wouldn't be enough footage of him in action. Adjusting the slightly shifted camera on his collar, he clicked his tongue in frustration. Even though his mission was to follow the guild master’s orders, the footage needed to be dramatic.

For that to happen, It seemed he would need to create a more dangerous situation.

***

One of the many business ventures that emerged with the rise of Hunters was the rental of training spaces. Even Kim Do-Joon had briefly used it at one point.

In one such facility, where Hunters would normally be focused on their individual training routines, a group of Hunters had gathered in the lobby, glued to the TV.

“

Whoa

, look at that!”

“Is that what an S-rank looks like?”

They cheered in unison as they watched the footage of the hunting party deep inside the Giant Woodland. They were low-ranked—E or D-ranks, with the occasional C-rank at best. To them, watching Ko Cheong-Cheon effortlessly slaughter dozens of A-rank monsters was nothing short of awe-inspiring, a scene of envy beyond anything they’d ever seen.

“Hey, Ye-Seo! Come check this out!” one of them called out.

“I’m fine... I’m busy,” Ye-Seo sighed, bringing them their beer order.

It was supposed to be a simple part-time job, just manning the counter, but the lobby had turned into something that resembled a sports bar during the World Cup.

“Didn’t you say you’re from Haenam?” one of the Hunters asked Ye-Seo.

“Wait, really? Ye-Seo’s from Haenam?”

At the mention of her hometown, Ye-Seo simply shrugged and returned to the counter. It had been years since she had lived there, back when she was just a kid. To be honest, she didn’t have fond memories of that rural backwater. Ever since she went to college, she had always planned to move to the city. As such, she had been relieved, and even happy when she was forced to evacuate during the S-rank dungeon incident.

Of course, she didn’t let the adults know her true feelings out of respect.

Hence, even now, watching the footage of the forest didn’t make her feel nostalgic. After all, the memories of that time were mostly of boredom. There was nothing to do in that quiet, isolated village.

“Wow!”

“Ko Cheong-Cheon is definitely the strongest.”

“Don’t even bother talking about that guy. The moment he was offered more money, he ran off to America.”

“I mean, this is

the

Mercenaries Guild we’re talking about. What, are you suddenly all patriotic?”

“What did you just say?”

Ye-Seo sighed as the Hunters bickered, resting her chin on her hand. Beyond the noisy group, the TV screen caught her attention. Not because she felt any sentimental attachment to her old home, but because she was captivated by the flashy skills of the Hunters.

Then, something flickered in her mind. While the others were mesmerized by the spectacle of the S-rank Hunters, something in the corner of the screen caught her eye.

A large tree root wrapped around a broken, weathered sign. It was a sign she knew well. It had hung over a small grocery store she used to visit all the time when she was little.

That shop had been the only one near her house, so she went there every day. And she remembered the old woman who owned it, always listening to her complain about how she was going to move to the city when she grew up.

She stayed in her slouched position, chin resting on her hand. Now, like the other Hunters, she found herself drawn into the footage on the screen, but for different reasons.

***

A deep rumble echoed as the massive Ice Crystal Giant crumbled to the ground. Kim Do-Joon exhaled sharply, trying to steady his breath. Despite the freezing environment, beads of sweat dotted his forehead. Even though there were no close calls, the sheer size of the creature had made it a challenge to bring down.

At the same time, he had noticed something during the fight. The Giant had moved with a strange energy, almost identical to the Aether Core. It seemed that was why it was named the

Ice Crystal Giant

.

𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

[You have absorbed the energy of Ice Crystal.]

[Your mana level has increased by 3.]

After defeating such a creature, it should’ve made sense, yet his eyes still widened in surprise. He didn’t think his stats would jump by three whole levels?

Whatever...

[You have defeated the Ice Crystal Giant.]

[You have absorbed all the Cores and completed the Ice Crystal.]

[You will be given rewards for successfully clearing the labyrinth.]

[Reward List]

1. Teleportation Stone

2. Tier 7 Labyrinth Key (Random)

3. Item Box (Random, Epic)

It had been a while since he last saw the clear message from a labyrinth. Kim Do-Joon gathered his rewards and returned home. He still had some time left, as the hunt had ended faster than expected. However, he had no interest in staying in that freezing place any longer.

When he opened his eyes, he was greeted by the familiar sight of the walls in his basement—his home.

“I’m back,” he called out.

“Ah, you’re back?” came a voice.

Kim Do-Joon stepped upstairs to find Jecheon Seong waiting for him. To his surprise, the old man was sitting in the living room, watching TV. Usually, he’d be holed up in his room, training, barely leaving unless necessary.

“What's this? Watching TV by yourself?” Kim Do-Joon asked with mild amusement.

“

Hmph

. It's nothing much, just... Come take a look at this,” Jecheon Seong replied, gesturing at the screen.

Kim Do-Joon glanced over at the television, confused.

"Isn't that the place you mentioned? Haenam, was it?" Jecheon Seong added.

“What?” Kim Do-Joon blinked and focused on the broadcast.

That could not be right because the hunting party was not scheduled to leave for another four days.

Yet, on the screen, the landscape clearly showed the vast, towering trees of the Giant Woodland. Moreover, he recognized the Hunters on TV. There were Shin Yoo-Sung, Yeon Hong-Ah, and several other Korean Hunters, along with Walter and members of the Mercenaries Guild.

Wait... did they already leave?

Alarmed, Kim Do-Joon rushed to his room and grabbed his phone. His screen was flooded with missed calls. There were over a hundred, most from Son Chang-Il and Lee Ji-Ah.

The messages were even worse. Skimming through a few of them, he quickly pieced the situation together.

The expansion of the Giant Woodland had abruptly resumed, forcing the hunting party to move out sooner than planned. They had urgently requested his presence, asking him to come immediately if he saw the message.

Damn it.

Instead of heading into the labyrinth for another run, he should’ve just waited outside! He just didn’t want to waste two weeks of downtime, but it was clearly the wrong call.

Feeling a deep sense of guilt, he dialed Son Chang-Il, knowing he’d let them down by missing the mission.