Chapter 233: Chapter 232

Seo Jiwoo briefly returned to her guild before guiding Suho to where the double dungeon was. The reason was to instruct the PR staff on the groundwork to support Suho's advancement into North Korea. Meanwhile, he began taking care of things one by one. First of all,

"I'll have to actively utilize the Shadow Exchange skill from now on."

[That's a good idea.]

Thanks to the recent incident in India, the effectiveness of the Shadow Exchange skill had been properly proven.

"Since we don't know when and where traces of the Cult of the Outer Gods will be found, it will be convenient to spread shadow soldiers everywhere."

[As expected, you're brilliant! Now that you have enough shadow soldiers, it will be easy to move around if you scatter the small fry everywhere. Of course, my Liege was able to spread his domain throughout the Earth, so he didn't need to do that. Sadly you have no choice but to run around since you're lacking.]

"..."

Beru was sincerely cheering for Suho, alternating between praise and criticism, but the critique stung a little. Anyway, Suho took the opportunity of the S-rank Hunters gathering at the Association to naturally assign soldiers to their shadows.

'Strange. Even S-rank Hunters don't notice the presence of soldiers dwelling in their shadows.' Of course, they would spot them if they came out, but when they just quietly followed in the shadows, it would be difficult to notice anything unless someone had exceptionally good senses. But Suho wasn't satisfied with this.

"Let's send them to other countries in advance."

[Oh? How do you plan to do that?]

"We can send them along in the shadows of flight attendants."

[Kieek! As expected, you're brilliant! Running around...!]

"Be honest. You're just making fun of me, aren't you?" But Beru had already disappeared into the shadows.

* * *

Thus, Suho sent numerous shadow soldiers on a free trip around the world using airplanes. And when they landed at their destination, the shadows naturally followed the passengers' out of the plane and began to wander around each country. He didn't send them one by one but several at the same time, scattering them even within the same nation.

'Since I have a lot of soldiers anyway, let's spread them out as widely as possible to find traces of 'them'.' But he didn't intend to let them just wander around idly.

'Focus on shady or dangerous places or other locations where villains are likely to be. And if you find them trying to harm people, you can deal with them.'

Suho didn't mind if the soldiers were revealed to people in the process. Because of the live broadcast from China, the apostles of Itarim, who knew about the shadow power, would have already figured out that the owner was Korean. In this situation, it was better for the soldiers to be revealed in various countries, making it difficult to pinpoint his exact location.

"And assuming the fact that our base is Korea has been exposed, let's spread even more here. We need to protect our family."

[You're really going to become a full-fledged vigilante. It reminds me of the old days.]

Sob...

Sob...

[You've grown up so well.]

Beru cried with emotion. He looked extremely proud that Suho was carrying out exactly what Sung Jinwoo had been doing, even though no one taught him.

* * *

The next place Suho headed to was the Pyeongtaek Dungeon.

[Pyeongtaek 3rd Dungeon]

[※]

[Entry prohibited except for Woojin Guild]

This was the dungeon where he had a conflict with the Black Tortoise Guild, and where the Gate to the demon world that served Esil was open. Since the magical beasts living there were all demons who followed her, Suho bought the entire land in this area and managed it instead of conquering the dungeon.

"Come out, everyone." As soon as he entered the demon world, he brought out the demons he had brought from India in his shadow.

𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

"Thank you so much, Suho." Esil expressed her sincere gratitude with great emotion.

This had a meaning beyond simply increasing the number of her subordinates. The more demons a demon noble had under their command, the stronger they became.

Whoosh!

Numerous bloodstones from the demons flew towards Esil. And when she opened her eyes again, having fully absorbed the energy.

Rumble!

The aura emanating from Esil's entire body was significantly different. She smiled brightly at Suho.

"Can you feel it? I've regained all of my original power. It's all thanks to you, Suho."

"Hmm. Is it about S-rank by human standards?"

"Can't you be a little more impressed...?" Esil was disappointed by Suho's bland reaction.

But he couldn't help but feel a little regretful. Of course, compared to when he first met Esil, who was skinny and dying, her dignified appearance was a welcome sight. But from his experience so far, the reality was that the power of an 'ordinary S-rank' wasn't of much help in fighting the apostles of Itarim.

"Can you get even stronger than this?"

"...Not everyone gains power by fighting like you do."

"You said demons are a race that gets stronger by devouring each other."

"That's true, but there's definitely an innate limit. To surpass that, I have to devour a demon much stronger than me, but at this point in time, there's no one like that in this universe."

"So you're saying that you have to rip off the World Tree or something, to get stronger? Like Vulcan did..."

"I'm telling you, Vulcan's case is special. But there's a much easier and more orthodox way. It's to become the Demon King."

Suho showed interest in Esil's confident words. He needed the 'purified blood of the Demon King' to make the Holy Water of Life anyway. And it was an ingredient that could only be obtained if Esil became the King of Demons.

"When can you become King?"

"Well. King..." At Suho's question, Esil narrowed her eyes and looked beyond the sky of the demon world.

The sky cracked and torn due to the dimensional gaps. Beyond that, ominous energy surged as if foreign enemies could pour in at any moment.

"A king is someone who reigns and protects. That's why we demon nobles have lived for ages, growing and protecting our territories. That was growth and survival for us."

Suho tilted his head.

"Protect? Protect from whom...?"

"This entire world."

"What?" When Suho asked back, Esil looked around the demon world with a slightly bitter gaze and said,

"The Dragon King said that this 'Nightmare Bud' thing drags human souls to the Sea of The Afterlife, right? But as you know, the souls of demons don't go there when they die. I guess the Nightmare Bud wouldn't be interested in us demons either."

"Yes. When demons die, their souls wander the demon world and are reborn as new demons somewhere."

"Yes, but... What does that mean...? The demon world is both a home and a prison for us demons. No matter how much we try to escape, we're eventually forced back here." Suho's eyes widened at the unexpected words.

"The demon world is a prison?"

"Yes. Why else would they call the place where demons live hell? The demon world is a kind of giant fish tank. It traps our souls and makes us fight endlessly. Just like the Absolute Being of the past. That's why I've gathered this much power, so soon... a crisis will come. And we have to prove that we have the right to survive on our own."

Rumble!

An ominous thunderclap sounded in the sky.

"If I protect this territory at that moment, I will gain the right. The right to become King."

* * *

Meanwhile,

The S-rank Hunters were gathering their strength for Suho. Or rather, they were being squeezed by Yoo Jinho.

"Now that we've received the approval of five S-rank Hunters, the first step for conquering North Korea, all that's left is public opinion." Chief Director Lee Se-hwan gave a briefing.

'National Vote' This was a special procedure created by Association President Woo Jinchul, and it had a few distinct characteristics compared to other general votes.

One. Every Korean citizen, 'regardless of age or gender,' is given the right to vote.

Two. They can only cast a 'no' vote, not a 'yes' vote.

Three. If more than half of the Korean population votes against it, he cannot go to North Korea. (Invalid votes or abstentions are considered approval votes)

The most unique thing here was, of course, the first clause.

'Regardless of age or gender' This meant that even a newborn baby had the right to vote, and the voting rights of minors could naturally be exercised by their legal guardians or caregivers. The reason for this clause was, of course, that they were responsible for the safety of their children as guardians. And that meant that if public opinion felt even a little uneasy, countless parents could vote against Suho going to North Korea two or three times over, including their children's share. That's why public opinion was really important.

"...So, in the first place, this national vote is a procedure created for opposition. It's a clause that embodies Association President Woo Jinchul's firm will that you shouldn't go to North Korea." After finishing his explanation, Chief Director Lee Se-hwan took a deep breath and looked at each of the gazes focused on him.

CEO Yoo Jinho.

The S-rank Hunters.

Famous figures representing South Korea were gathered in one place for a single person, Sung Suho.

Gulp. Chief Director Lee Se-hwan swallowed dryly and continued,

"Actually, in most cases, it's normal to oppose it." And he displayed the internet public opinion on the screen.

"This is the opposing side's position. It's an obvious statement, but at the same time, it's a reasonable one."

[Reasons for Opposition]

If the number of S-rank Hunters decreases, the safety of our citizens will be threatened.

We're concerned that other countries will try to poach strong Hunters.

In the first place, what's the point of reunifying with North Korea in times like these?

It will only increase the land we have to protect and won't be of any help to Korea. ...

"And this is the position of those in favor." He displayed another screen.

[Reasons for Support]

Doesn't everyone remember the COVID-19 days?

The Cataclysm happened suddenly, who can guarantee when this situation will end?

We need to unify the Korean Peninsula before that time comes.

If there are any survivors still alive in North Korea, we need to rescue them as soon as possible. ...

"Even if we put aside other political reasons, we're also concerned about the last one."

Ma Dongwook stroked his bushy beard and clicked his tongue.

Baek Yoonho also nodded with a serious expression.

"If there are survivors there, we need to rescue them before it's too late."

"However, it's more efficient to conquer the dungeons that have appeared in South Korea instead. It's more important to take care of our own people in South Korea than to meddle in the North. Ahem. But that doesn't mean I'm against it." Hyeonmoo Gang habitually refuted Baek Yoonho's words, then quickly glanced at CEO Yoo Jinho and subtly changed his stance. Since he had already agreed to Suho going to North Korea, his personal opinion didn't matter.

"Ahem. Anyway, if we have the support of large guilds like us, public opinion will easily turn around. If we can just alleviate people's anxiety, they won't actively oppose it."

"That's right. Trust us."

"We'll take responsibility and control public opinion the moment the vote begins."

With virtual reality training at stake, the S-rank Hunters were more than ever appealing to CEO Yoo Jinho. But he, acting as Suho's representative, remained expressionless amidst all those gazes.

"So."

Flinch.

Everyone tensed at his chilling words.

"Are you saying that you're going to participate in our company's beta test with just that? Empty-handed?"

"Ahem!" The S-rank Hunters were hit where it hurt, they blushed and replied to Yoo Jinho's words.

"No, not empty-handed...!"

"Our guild's support is worth...!"

"Ah, let's stop with the unnecessary talk since we're all busy people. In the end, you're just saying you want to play the game for free. And receive all the publicity, brand value, and training benefits that come with it for your guilds." At Yoo Jinho's words, sighs escaped the S-rank Hunters' lips.

"...Then what do you want from us?"

"As you know, our Black Tortoise Guild is in a difficult situation these days and lacks funds. We were recently hit with a huge tax bill."

"Our Reaper Guild is already bankrupt."

"Now we can finally have a proper conversation." As they finally surrendered, a smirk appeared on Yoo Jinho's lips.

"I don't need money. I'm only concerned about one thing. Suho's safety. What can you offer him?"

"You want Hunter equipment, not money?"

"What kind of weapon do you need? I saw earlier that Hunter Sung Suho seems to be a tanker, do you need armor or...?"

"Would you also accept magic crystals or magic stones?"

"We have some rune stones in our warehouse..." As they continued to speak, Yoo Jinho's smile widened.

"Good. Let's see what you have. We'll let Suho choose."

"..." At that sight, the same thought came to the minds of Korea's S-rank Hunters, the protectors of the country.

'...What a robber.' He was a bully like no other.

To think playing a game would be this difficult. All they could do was sigh.