Chapter 199: Chapter 197: The Pursuer (2)

“I’m getting sick of cup noodles…”

A man roughly slouched on a creaky chair, shoveling cup noodles that smelled stale into his mouth.

Takashi was eating cup noodles that he couldn’t remember when he had bought, simply because he didn’t feel like going outside again today.

After taking a bite of his meal, he began furiously typing on his keyboard, chatting with someone.

There were about ten people in the chat room, which was called “Taki Fam.”

Unintentionally, after Takashi created the anonymous chat room five years ago, the group bonded and stuck together.

There were ten members in total, all of them hunters.

They had only met in person once, during the early days, but it was a disaster because everyone just stood around awkwardly without saying a word.

It was like gathering ten mute people together, with everyone just staring at their phones instead.

Since then, they scrapped offline meetings and exclusively communicated through the chat room.

Because Takashi was the one who created the chat, the group naturally became known as “Taki Fam.”

Though Takashi didn’t put much meaning into it, his comrades felt a bit differently.

Among the members in the chat, Takashi was the highest-level and the most well-known hunter.

For one reason or another, the group tended to revolve around Takashi, even calling him their leader.

-“Did you hear? That bastard Yuji got so badly injured he had to get treated by Kosuke.”

-“Kosuke?”

-“Yeah, Nakanishi Kosuke. That perverted freak.”

-“He must’ve been desperate. Anyone who gets treated by Kosuke usually means someone died nearby.”

-“Exactly. The wound he got from that hunter from Korea must’ve been worse than we thought.”

Today’s topic was about Ishihara Yuji, who had been struck down by Kang-hoo.

Since they were all hunters with a good information network, sensitive info often got passed around.

The same went for the news about Yuji.

The fact that such deep details had been leaked meant the intel probably came from Kosuke’s side.

Kosuke was a hunter specializing in dark magic, transferring life force from one living being to another, enabling healing.

At first glance, it might seem like he was doing good, but the issue was that saving one life always meant another would die.

Moreover, he had a necrophiliac tendency, which drew heaps of criticism.

Watching his comrades’ conversation, Takashi stuffed more cup noodles into his mouth and typed quickly.

-“That Korean hunter? I’ve been getting to know him recently.”

It wasn’t much of a statement, but a slight grin appeared on his face as if he had made a new friend.

In Taki Fam, mentioning someone’s existence or name implied that person had some kind of value.

The current topic of conversation was Kang-hoo, so he felt the need to highlight his connection to him.

By being close to Kang-hoo, Takashi’s own value also increased.

-“How do you know that hunter, Takashi? I heard he’s currently active with the Rikou Guild.”

-“He came to me. Said he really wanted to meet me.”

-“Bullshit. You, sitting at home with greasy hair, scratching your scalp, with your hand down your pants?”

-“Nishida, do you want to die?”

Despite telling the truth, his comrades’ disbelief was disappointing.

But it was true.

Kang-hoo had specifically sought him out through the Rikou Guild, saying he really wanted to meet him, and their meeting had taken place.

However, Takashi’s comrades, who had known him for a long time, simply scoffed.

-“Nah, losers always attract each other. Maybe that hunter has the same vibe and was drawn to you?”

-“There’s always someone out there who likes what everyone else hates. No competition, right?”

-“Isn’t that hunter a guy? Takashi, are you gay?”

-“You bastards…”

Perhaps it was because of all the bad karma Takashi had accumulated over the years, but no one believed him, no matter how earnestly he spoke.

Meanwhile, in Daejeon.

Cha So-hyuk, who had just heard the news about Kang-hoo, was furious.

A video of Kang-hoo had been uploaded to Hunter Gram, showing he was currently in Osaka.

Cha So-hyuk had been waiting in Daejeon, where the Cheong-an Mercenary Corps was based, expecting Kang-hoo to show up any minute.

But he had been digging in the wrong place.

“I’ve been running around like a damn fool. Shit.”

Cursing colorfully, Cha So-hyuk puffed irritably on a cigarette, blowing out smoke.

Next to him, Kim In-ho fidgeted anxiously. Now that Kang-hoo’s location was known, the next steps were predictable.

“So-hyuk, I know what you’re thinking, but be careful with international moves.”

Given Cha So-hyuk’s fiery personality, it was clear he’d head to Japan.

The two had just visited the columbarium where Cha So-hee was laid to rest earlier today.

In front of Cha So-hee’s portrait, Cha So-hyuk had sworn once again to kill Kang-hoo.

With revenge consuming his thoughts, there was no way he would sit back now that he knew Kang-hoo’s whereabouts.

The problem was that Osaka was under the jurisdiction of the Rikou Guild.

If Cha So-hyuk rashly committed murder there, it could cause a conflict between his group, “The Sun,” and the Rikou Guild.

“Don’t make light of this just because it’s not your problem, hyung. So-hee is dead. You expect me to just sit back while the murderer walks free?”

“If a conflict arises with the Rikou Guild, it’ll be hard to operate in Japan in the future.”

“Rikou Guild? Screw them! I don’t care. As long as I get my revenge, I don’t give a damn what happens afterward!”

“So-hyuk…”

“Do I need to kill my own hyung, too? Should I remind you to ‘stay calm and be cautious’ by smashing your face in?”

“…”

Kim In-ho was speechless at Cha So-hyuk’s recklessness, though he understood his pain.

But he knew that, in situations like this, keeping a cool head was critical.

However, it seemed that no further persuasion would work on Cha So-hyuk. His anger and hatred were too deep.

What was needed now was realistic advice.

Kim In-ho changed direction.

“Then, instead of going straight to Osaka, head to Tokyo. A member of the Toushi Guild was brutally killed by Shin Kang-hoo.”

“Are you suggesting I avenge the Toushi Guild?”

“You might be able to get some support with that as an excuse. Having the Toushi Guild backing you would make things easier.”

“What should I say when I get there?”

“…Never mind. I’ll go with you. It might be better if I help you.”

Kim In-ho nodded as if resigned.

With Cha So-hyuk’s temperament, there was no chance of a proper negotiation, and in the worst-case scenario, they might even earn the hatred of the Toushi Guild.

Rather than watch things spiral out of control, it seemed better to stay by Cha So-hyuk’s side and assist him properly.

At this point, Cha So-hyuk’s revenge was a foregone conclusion.

Since the head of their organization, Kang Taeyang, had ordered Kim In-ho to support Cha So-hyuk, he couldn’t just leave him be.

However…

Kim In-ho had doubts about how Cha So-hyuk, blinded by emotions, would fare against Kang-hoo.

Shin Kang-hoo, a cold and ruthless hunter. Could Cha So-hyuk really defeat him?

The next day.

After a good night’s sleep, Kang-hoo reviewed the information related to the Shadow Dungeon and formulated his plans for solo play.

Yesterday.

His negotiations with Fumiya had gone well.

He secured a raid license for the Shadow Dungeon from the Jigoku Guild.

In return, Kang-hoo agreed to participate in the raid of a dungeon that had been a headache for the Rikou Guild.

However, Kang-hoo had maneuvered the conversation to ensure that his requests were prioritized.

In other words, after visiting Sapporo, he would join the Rikou Guild for the raid in the agreed order.

Just then, his phone rang. It was a call from Park Dong-jae.

He hadn’t had a chance to contact him while in Japan, so maybe it was just a casual check-in?

But considering how busy Park Dong-jae usually was, it seemed more likely there was an important reason for the call.

“Hey, Dong-jae.”

-“Hyung. I’ve been trying not to bother you while you’re resting or working, but…”

“It’s fine, go ahead.”

-“Cha So-hyuk and Kim In-ho boarded a flight to Haneda Airport. They’re definitely headed to Tokyo.”

It seemed inevitable.

Kang-hoo had been thinking about a confrontation with Cha So-hyuk for some time.

Moreover, with the rumors spreading through Hunter Gram, there was no way Cha So-hyuk would just let it slide.

In fact, it was almost surprising that it hadn’t happened sooner. They should have fought long ago.

“If they’re going to Tokyo, they must be looking for the Toushi Guild.”

-“That’s likely. You did take down one of their bastards, right? It could be related to that too.”

“The picture is coming together.”

According to what he had heard from Park Dong-jae, Cha So-hyuk was a hotheaded and impulsive hunter.

If he had learned that Kang-hoo was in Osaka, he should have immediately booked a flight to Osaka, enraged.

The fact that he was acting more rationally and going to Tokyo first was probably due to Kim In-ho’s influence.

-“Are you going to be okay, hyung? Maybe you should lay low for a bit? Things could get messy.”

“It’s a problem I have to deal with sooner or later. Running or hiding isn’t the answer.”

Kang-hoo shook his head.

He hadn’t come to Japan to avoid Cha So-hyuk.

He had business in Japan, and he simply didn’t want to play along with Cha So-hyuk’s schedule.

But now things were different.

If he left Japan just because Cha So-hyuk was coming, it would make things awkward when he returned later.

As long as Cha So-hyuk remained alive, their bad blood would never end.

It was time to cut ties once and for all.

When he killed Cha So-hee, he had accepted that this would create a bad relationship with Eclipse.

Of course, back then, he hadn’t known about Cha So-hyuk’s existence, but now that he did, this was an unavoidable conflict.

-“Should I talk to Se-hyuk hyung about it?”

“What’s the point of getting another Korean hunter involved in a knife fight in Japan? No, thanks. I appreciate it, though.”

-“I’m just worried.”

“Trust me, I’ve got this under control. Don’t worry too much.”

-“Hmm…”

“Take care of yourself. Thanks for the call.”

Kang-hoo hung up immediately.

The longer the conversation dragged on, the more worried Park Dong-jae would become. He didn’t want to cause unnecessary concern.

“It feels like the bounty on my head will rise soon.”

Kang-hoo let out a hollow laugh.

It was inevitable.

As you grow stronger, just as many people will cheer for you as those who envy or try to block you.

Among them, there are always extremists who will come into conflict with you.

And conflicts between hunters usually end in death for one party.

One death will lead to another revenge, and once that revenge is completed, another vendetta will arise.

Would killing Cha So-hyuk really end things?

Probably not.

Cha So-hyuk’s criminal organization, The Sun, would surely keep an eye on him after that.

But of course, that didn’t mean he could just die “politely.” Avoiding conflict wasn’t the answer either.

“Should I call Ayane?”

Suddenly, she crossed his mind.

When he had fought with Jung Seon-rak, she had been a gunner hunter, and though it was their first time working together, they had displayed flawless teamwork.

If Ayane, a hunter of the Gray Border, joined him in this mud-filled battle of revenge, she might be the hidden card he needed.