The night was quiet as Lee Seong-jun left the settlement office, his steps echoing against the empty streets. Yet, in the darkness of the abandoned construction site, he stopped.
'…A presence.'
His pupils narrowed. The Association had sealed off this place, claiming safety inspections, but lately, uninvited guests seemed to wander here often. This time, however, the presence was no stranger.
"Song Seung-jun."
The name cut through the night. From the shadows, the young hunter of the Nuri Guild revealed himself with an awkward smile.
"I thought I hid myself well. Didn't expect to be caught so easily. First, let me introduce myself properly—Song Seung-jun of Nuri Guild."
His polite tone couldn't hide the unease in his eyes. He had crossed paths with Seong-jun before, yet what he felt now was deeper, darker—like staring into an abyss. Goosebumps prickled his arms.
What are you, really?
Still, he knew one thing for certain: Lee Seong-jun had defeated the SS-rank villain Jo Se-hyeok. That alone proved his worth.
Bowing respectfully, Song Seung-jun continued.
"I apologize for approaching you this way. But I wanted to speak with you directly."
Seong-jun's gaze remained cold, unmoving.
"Keep it short."
Song Seung-jun nodded and went straight to the point.
"Nuri Guild wants to offer you joint affiliation. A 250 billion won signing bonus, an annual salary of 20 billion, and… ten percent of Nuri's guild shares."
It was a staggering offer—one few in the world could refuse. For Nuri, the deal was calculated; if Seong-jun grew, so would they.
But Seong-jun's expression didn't change.
Song added, "There's only one condition. I want us to use the priority rights to clear the Treasure Gate together. With fewer people, the rewards will be greater. For two of us… the profits could be unimaginable."
Seong-jun's answer came sharp and immediate.
"I refuse."
Song Seung-jun frowned. "Think carefully. Tomorrow marks the thirtieth day. The Association can't delay the raid any longer. If you don't announce your party, the rights will go to public auction. Is it wise to risk everything alone?"
His words carried pressure, but Seong-jun's face remained unshaken.
"Is it necessary to share?"
Song's eyes narrowed. "Hunter Lee Seong-jun… even you should know. Greed invites disaster."
His warning was laced with sincerity, but when Seong-jun only stared back in silence, Song's patience snapped.
"I know returnees are arrogant… but this is too much. Then let me teach you reality."
Steel rang as he drew his sword, a sharp aura bursting forth like a storm.
Seong-jun smirked. "Teach me?" His eyes glinted. "That's amusing."
The instant Song lunged, his form blurred like a mirage, vanishing from sight. A whisper brushed Seong-jun's ear—
"It'll sting."
A white blade sliced toward his back.
Whoosh!
But the strike cut through empty space. Seong-jun's presence had vanished, reappearing at impossible angles. Song's eyes darted wildly—left, right—only to see Seong-jun's figure split into two.
"An afterimage…?"
Gritting his teeth, Song's grip tightened. His single blade split into two—his true style revealed.
He crossed his swords, unleashing a torrent of slashes.
"Illusionary Sword Dance!"
Dozens of sword winds spiraled, cutting the air in a storm meant to crush anything in their path.
But before they could touch him—
"Star Protection."
A translucent shield bloomed in the air. The sword winds struck and scattered with metallic shrieks, sparks bursting around the barrier.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Song's eyes widened. "What…?!"
He had expected a battle, perhaps even a hard-fought duel. But not this. His strongest technique couldn't even graze Lee Seong-jun.
'He's on another level… untouchable.'
Under the moonlight, Seong-jun stepped forward, his calm smile sharper than any blade. The real fight had only just begun.