84 - Murim Login

Chapter 84 Im Geokjeong pondered. 'This is insane.' Jin Taekyung is a C-rank hunter. In contrast, the Minotaur is a B-rank monster. Moreover, there aren't just one, but eight of them. The situation reflected in his eyes transcended recklessness and seemed utterly hopeless. 'All for a bit of money.' Forty billion won is indeed a life-changing amount, but it's not worth dying for. Im Changsoo blinded Jin Taekyung with money, and Taekyung lost his judgment. 'I have... I have to stop him.' Those vile members of the Sangdong Guild, the indifferent butler Kim, and Team Leader Choi—all were insane. He had to prevent the pointless death of his cherished brother. "Taekyung!" At the very moment Im Geokjeong was about to reach out to Jin Taekyung, who had just clasped his spear... Swoosh? "......What?" With the sound of wind rushing by, Jin Taekyung vanished. As an E-rank hunter, Geokjeong couldn't even comprehend the speed at which Taekyung moved. Events unfolded in the blink of an eye, leaving Geokjeong dumbfounded. What is this? What’s happening? Was Taekyung always this fast? No, can a C-rank hunter even be this fast? Shhiiiiing! Like black lightning, he streaked across the cave. One step, two steps, three steps. In an instant, the distance of dozens of meters was closed, and the tip of his spear gleamed. Swoooooosh! Slice! The Minotaur, over three meters tall, stumbled and lost balance. Its thick neck, which should have been atop its shoulders, was already severed. The creature, half-human and half-bull, seemed deceptively like an ordinary human in this critical moment. Thud. The swiftly severed head rolled onto the cave floor. Thump. The headless body of the monster crumbled, and blood gushed from the neatly sliced neck. "What is this......!" Someone's voice echoed the collective disbelief and shock of everyone present. Amidst the unseen shock and awe, one person grinned. "Seems doable?" That single phrase delivered the final blow. Im Geokjeong's legs gave way, and Im Changsoo muttered unconsciously. "Damn it... my 40 billion." Minotaurs are specialized for close combat. As a medium-sized monster, it boasts a massive physique, tightly packed with incredibly dense muscles, and wields heavy weapons like maces or axes. Crash! But what good is that? If they can't hit, it's all for nothing. No matter how hard they swing, they only end up shattering the unfortunate cave floor. 'I have to acknowledge their strength.' But fighting isn't just about strength. I lunged into one of the monsters' embraces and stabbed at its abdomen. Pooch. -An accurate strike! -Status ailment, [Bleed] activated! -Moooorrr. The Minotaur's cry was pitiable. It had lost too much blood to charge in ferociously as it did initially. That attack from a moment ago must have been its last desperate strike. -Moo, mooorrr. I approached the staggering creature, driven into a corner. Looking at its calf-like eyes slightly softened my heart... but who am I kidding, each one of these things looks like a five-billion-won bundle cashing in. “In your next life, try being born in Hoengseong, Gangwon Province.” -Mooorrr! Slice. The Minotaur took its last breath. Eight monstrous bodies lay sprawled, blood pooling large and crimson. Ding. -Level Up! The delightful system notification was like a movie soundtrack, though the true highlight of this movie lies elsewhere. I turned with a triumphant smile. “Now, time for some pleasant bookkeeping.” Among the people enveloped in shock and silence, one person stood out conspicuously. I began the accounting loudly so half-frozen Im Changsoo could hear. "So, five billion each, huh?...... flinch. “One, two, three, four. Eight total. That’s a neat 40 billion, oh, a few even dropped magic stones? I get all the by-products, right?” Flinch. Flinch. “Changsoo, why aren't you answering? Don't tell me you lied to me?” Im Changsoo forced a crooked smile. “Of course not.” “Mind your tongue.” “What? How could I? Uh, hmm?” “Mr. Taekyung. May I have a word?” “Mr. Taekyung? I wanted to ask since earlier, how old is our Changsoo?” “...Twenty-five.” "Tsk-tsk. This cheeky little brat. Only twenty-five and yet having such lack of manners with elders?” “I thought your tongue was cut in half since you've been speaking informally, like you were at least ninety-five. Why does your face look so worn? You didn’t register your birth late, did you?” As I continued, Im Changsoo’s face turned a vivid red with anger. “Try to keep that expression in check. If you turn red one more time, I’ll make you blush for real.” “...I'm sorry.” Barely managing to control his expression, the guy cautiously opened his mouth. “Um, can I ask one thing?” “Ask away.” “Are you really a C-rank hunter......” “Yeah. I am.” Im Changsoo looked at me and the scattered Minotaur corpses with eyes full of disbelief. “What... why.” “You don't have to tell me if you don't want to reveal it.” “Figure it out yourself.” “Uh, no, nothing.” Though he said no, he was definitely spinning wild fantasies in his head. After all, he saw me—an average C-rank hunter—take down eight B-rank monsters head-on. 'Yes, go ahead, let your imagination run wild.' No good would come from crossing the Sangdong Guild. Since they were already lowering their guard, I was grateful for it. “By any chance, is your identity clean... or no, never mind. Of course, it is.” When he caught sight of my spear, Im Changsoo quickly diverted his words. Watching his response was strangely amusing. “So?” “Yes?” “About the money. Where's my 40 billion?” Honestly, I'm a bit worried he’d turn it into a joke. Forty billion isn’t some pet’s name; it’s an enormous amount ordinary folks might never touch in a lifetime. However, Im Changsoo was different. “Oh, of course, I’ll give it to you.” “...Are you sure?” “Yeah. I keep my promises.” His direct answer was almost suspicious. No matter how high-status a B-rank hunter might seem, life has its limits. Yet, Im Changsoo was treating billions like pocket change. "You're not going to ghost me after saying all this, right? It’d be quite disappointing if you use the lack of a contract as an excuse." As I casually caressed my spear, he flinched in surprise. "Absolutely, absolutely not. I can definitely manage that amount." "Hmm. Seems like you're making quite a bit of money. Is the Sangdong Guild treating you well?" "No, it's not much different from the others." "Of course, there wouldn't be any special treatment. You're not the guild master's son or anything, right? What makes you so special to them?" Things felt slightly off. I pondered for a while before asking, "What's your father's name?" "He goes by 'Chun' and 'Soo'." "And the Sangdong Guild master's name?" "'Chun' and 'Soo' as well." What a strange coincidence for Im Changsoo's father and the guild master to share the same name. Then again, the world is vast, and names can often repeat. "So, just out of curiosity... what does your father do for a living?" "He's a hunter." "Just a hunter?" "He runs a guild." "Oh, I see." Turns out, he was the son of the Sangdong Guild master. A brief silence followed, and in that moment, I realized why Im Changsoo seemed so familiar to me. “So, you’re that guy?” “That guy?” “I’ve heard about you somewhere.” Around this time two years ago, I heard the story without giving it much heed. The late-born son of the Sangdong Guild master awakened as a B-rank hunter and secured a position in his father’s guild but was a known troublemaker for being notorious with women. Thus, the nickname... “Kkeol-ttok-swi, right?” Im Changsoo hung his head in response. Understandably, it's a shameful nickname to hear publicly. Despite needing to collect the 40 billion won, I consoled him in a warm tone. “It’s okay, man. It’s not uncommon. I actually dreamed of living like you once.” But reality was harsh, and dreams were confined to my 100TB USB. Jinho-hyung, a renowned authority in the adult video community, once borrowed it and returned with a single comment on his pale face. "This should be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage." Well, anyway. Im Changsoo looked up at my warm consolation. "Really?" Of course not. Do I look like the kind who just hits on any girl? I’m really a faithful sunflower, devoted only to Soongyi. Hold on, didn’t this guy hit on Soongyi earlier? “You rascal.” "Gasp!" Startled, Im Changsoo reflexively placed his hand on the hilt of his sword. Sling. Thunk. Yet, the blade barely emerged before disappearing again. I had swiftly approached like lightning, pressing down on his sword hilt and sweeping his legs. Crash! As his balance gave way and he toppled over, his face turned pale as I lightly pressed his neck. “Cough, cough!” "You little punk. Pulling out a weapon here?” Getting beaten up by Jin Mukyeong seemed worthwhile. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to subdue a B-rank hunter this effortlessly and smoothly. Changsoo was likely surprised, but I was more so. "This is a gate, dummy. Weren’t you the one reminding us earlier, and you've already forgotten?" "I-I’m sorry!" Though I felt like giving him a good beating, he didn’t cross the lethal line, so I let it go for now. Not because I hadn't yet received the 40 billion, of course. "Compensation." "Cough. What?" "You drew your sword. Ever heard of attempted murder? Plus, I expect a formal apology to me, to Soongyi, and to all our guild members." “What is this!” Changsoo looked around with eyes full of injustice, but found no assistance. His team members shrank back at a mere glance from me, while our guild members watching only added fuel to the fire. "Drawing a sword against a guild from an alliance. This is troubling." Butler Kim clicked his tongue as if in lament. "Is it because you don't want to pay? Honestly, Changsoo, that's just low, isn't it, uncle?" "Huh? Uh-huh. Young man, you're really a scoundrel!" With Soongyi and Im Geokjeong's low blow and scoundrel combo adding fuel to the fire. "And if everyone could look at my helmet here? This is a custom helmet crafted by the renowned Finnish equipment manufacturer Xylitone... It has various functions but most importantly has a video recording spell.” Down came the final blow from Team Leader Choi. Sensing the despair and betrayal, Im Changsoo looked around with his mouth agape, letting out a deep sigh. “I'll do it.” “What was that?” "I said I'll do whatever you want!" That was the answer I had been waiting for. With a satisfied heart, I helped him back to his feet. “You’ve made a wise decision. We can discuss compensation later.” “...This is maddening. If the old man finds out, I’m dead.” “Would you rather die here?” “Don’t you want the 40 billion?” "Cheeky." After letting out another deep sigh, Im Changsoo opened his mouth. “May I ask one question?” “A billion won per question.” "Kidding. Go ahead." "What exactly do you do?" Was he that curious? I responded with a chuckle. “I work two jobs.” Hunter and Martial Artist. The only dual-career in the world.