Chapter 52: The Seven Prophets (1)
“……”
Yoon Soo-ho stared at the man kneeling before him, at a complete loss for words.
He couldn’t even tell if this was reality anymore.
“Soo-ho, don’t you have anything to say to him?”
Chae Jin-young spoke to him amid his confusion.
But even those words barely registered in Yoon Soo-ho’s ears.
All his attention was fixed on Kwak Jeong-min.
A childhood friend from the same hometown, who attended the same schools.
A comrade who had once led the Guardian Guild alongside him, shaking the world with their fame.
And three years ago—a traitor who abandoned the guild and defected to GODS.
A whirlwind of emotions—rage, betrayal, sorrow, nostalgia—swirled chaotically inside him. He had no idea where to even begin.
Meanwhile, Kwak Jeong-min kept his head bowed, avoiding Yoon Soo-ho’s gaze.
Watching the frustrating sight, Chae Jin-young spoke to Kwak Jeong-min.
“Hey. Say something, anything.”
“What am I supposed to—”
Crack—
“Urk!”
Kwak Jeong-min’s head snapped up as the bones in his finger broke.
The moment he looked up at Yoon Soo-ho—
Bam!
Yoon Soo-ho’s kick slammed squarely into Kwak Jeong-min’s face.
Kwaang!
He crashed straight through the wall and flew out the other side.
Kwak Jeong-min had once risen to 1st-grade after receiving black mana from the Godfather.
But now, with all his mana drained by Chae Jin-young, he was severely weakened.
Even among 1st-grades, Yoon Soo-ho was on the stronger side—he had no chance.
Activating Lightning Flash, Yoon Soo-ho instantly crossed through the broken wall.
In the now-empty office—everyone had already left for the day—the two men began a brutal brawl.
Though it was closer to one-sided violence.
Thud! Thud-thud-thud—
Kwak Jeong-min was pummeled mercilessly.
Not just his face—his entire body swelled up, covered in dark blue bruises.
Chae Jin-young scratched his head as he watched.
“I told you to talk, not have a body conversation.”
But he made no move to stop it.
He had brought Kwak Jeong-min here knowing full well this might happen.
Kwa-deud-deuk—
“Grrrrk…”
Kwak Jeong-min grimaced as Yoon Soo-ho crushed his right hand underfoot.
Even without mana, his physical strength remained—he could have at least tried to block or resist.
Yet he simply took the beating in silence.
“Huu…”
After a long while of beating Kwak Jeong-min senseless, Yoon Soo-ho let out a heavy sigh and finally stopped.
Only then did Kwak Jeong-min manage to speak.
“Soo-ho… I’m sorry.”
“Looks like you haven’t had enough yet.”
“W-Wait! I’ve met all seven prophets of GODS. Don’t you need information to prepare?!”
“Everyone in GODS dies. Including you.”
The moment Yoon Soo-ho grabbed Kwak Jeong-min by the collar and raised his fist—
The fist stopped mid-air, held by an invisible force.
“I don’t care if you kill this bastard or not. But we need to squeeze out what we can first. Heart hot, head cold. Right?”
At Chae Jin-young’s mediation, Yoon Soo-ho finally calmed down and lowered his fist on his own.
Kwak Jeong-min let out a relieved breath—
Kwa-deuk!
Yoon Soo-ho stomped down and shattered Kwak Jeong-min’s shin.
“Kwaaaaaah!”
“Spill everything you know.”
Chae Jin-young nodded in satisfaction at Yoon Soo-ho’s decisive action.
“Now you’re finally starting to talk properly.”
***
Tz-kwa-kwa-kwa-kwa—
With a single swing of Yoon Soo-ho’s hammer, contaminated-zone monsters burst apart in droves.
Hunters shattered the frozen ones that followed.
Footage of Korean hunters valiantly fighting against hundreds of thousands of monsters spread across news channels and video platforms like iTube, reaching the entire world.
The video had been filmed at the Paju barrier and edited by Beijing Command to remove any potentially problematic scenes before distribution.
As a result, the identities of Intelligence Department agents and Eun Ji-eun remained completely hidden. The focus stayed on well-known hunters like Yoon Soo-ho.
Predictably, countless articles exploded across the media, and the entire nation erupted in celebration.
[Awakened Association: “Monster Wave originating from North Korea completely defended”]
[President: “We will discuss compensation for Association President Yoon Soo-ho, Commander Kwon Hyeok-gyu, and all participating hunters in the operation”]
[“What if the defense line had broken…?” No evacuation orders issued for nearby cities during the defense operation—citizens left to bear the risk?]
[“Monster Wave brings upheaval to Korea’s hunter world” Overall hunter rank-ups, estimated byproduct value in the trillions of won…]
[“The true power of Korean hunters exceeds imagination” Interviews with famous hunters from around the world released]
After Beijing Command released the Monster Wave footage, a press conference led by Yoon Soo-ho began.
It started with words of encouragement for the exhausted hunters.
But toward the end, his expression hardened as he voiced concern.
—The Monster Wave was confirmed to have been orchestrated by the GODS faction within China. Unless we uproot them completely, they will threaten not only Korea but the entire world.
—The International Awakener Federation must heighten its vigilance regarding international security and take more direct, forceful action against the villain organizations spreading like cancer.
—According to intelligence secured by the Awakener Intelligence Department in this incident, elements within the Chinese Communist Party…
The press conference spread rapidly across the globe as well, and critical articles targeting China poured in.
[‘Chinese Communist Party Revealed to Have Collaborated with GODS and Exposed Its Ambitions Toward Korea’ — Led by Party heavyweight Commander Zhu Yinchang.]
[International Community’s Criticism Pours Toward China. European Union Declares: “We Will Reconsider Relations with China Going Forward”]
And then came the announcement from the International Awakener Federation.
[International Awakener Federation Chair Hannah Adams Announces Visit to Korea Within the Next Week.]
[Hannah Adams’ Visit to Korea Announced. World Dungeon Control Organization Member Shin Soo-jeong to Appear in Public for the First Time in a Long While?]
Jeong Bo-hoon stared at the flood of news articles, a mix of emotions swirling inside him.
There was joy at having successfully defended Korea, but also deep worry about the countless events that might unfold next.
Chae Jin-young’s existence made some of those fears seem unfounded, yet at the same time, it was precisely because of him that things had escalated to this point.
‘Aigo, my head.’
Jeong Bo-hoon pressed his forehead and flopped onto the sofa.
Because of Chae Jin-young’s unpredictable nature, he felt like he was aging faster by the day.
Of course, thanks to him, several potential catastrophes had been prevented in advance—which was fortunate.
But the man acted without any regard for the aftermath, causing massive incidents left and right, leaving Jeong Bo-hoon to clean up the mess.
‘At least I’m just a department head, so that’s something.’
Jeong Bo-hoon considered himself lucky that he hadn’t been called up to Paju and had instead stayed behind to protect Seoul.
Otherwise, he’d have suffered like Choi Hee-yeon—working himself to the bone.
Dolsae had also remained in the rear instead of being summoned to Paju.
The Tricksters and the Black Society, who had taken control of the Jeonbuk region, had united to guard against any possible Chinese rear infiltration.
He hoped no more incidents would occur, but cruelly, his watch vibrated.
After checking the message, Jeong Bo-hoon immediately sat at his computer and initiated a secure line.
“This is Head.”
—This is Imposter.
“Emergency situation? Explain in detail.”
Jeong Bo-hoon narrowed his eyes. Imposter’s voice continued without pause.
—Minister of National Defense Liu Qinglong has begun a secret meeting with the upper echelons of the Communist Party. It appears he intends to purge the GODS elements that have infiltrated China and carry out immediate executions.
“Liu Qinglong is moving personally? Is this confirmed?”
Liu Qinglong was a hunter powerful enough to ascend to the position of Chairman of China at any moment, yet he had remained quiet in his role as Minister of National Defense.
Formally, he held the position, but he never touched any actual defense-related duties.
All he did was dungeon raids and training.
He had never stepped forward directly before, so this move was completely unexpected.
—He seems furious about GODS. Effectively, they’ve been manipulating China’s power holders at will.
“Are you safe right now?”
—Yes. For now, I’ve gone into hiding in Anhui to avoid the crackdown. I’ll look for an opportunity to return to Korea.
“Then we can’t talk long.”
Even though it was encrypted secure communication, perfect security was impossible.
—Ah, one more thing before I go. Zhu Meiling, Commander Zhu Yinchang’s younger sister, and the Red Flower Society she leads are showing unusual activity. I’ll report in detail once I’m back in Korea.
“Understood.”
After ending the call, Jeong Bo-hoon hesitated for a moment before contacting Chae Jin-young.
“I just received intel that the Red Flower Society is showing suspicious movements.”
***
Jin-young, having spent some time assisting Beijing Command and the Association with matters related to the Monster Wave, stopped by home briefly for a meal before investigating the demon and the Demonic Sword he had abducted from the North Korean contaminated zone.
Chae So-young had food waiting for him.
Well… “waiting” might be generous—it was mostly delivery laid out on the table.
“You worked hard, Oppa. This one’s on me.”
“Oh, bossam—my favorite.”
Jin-young wrapped the pork in lettuce with ssamjang, chili, garlic, and even some cold buckwheat noodles.
Chae So-young picked up a piece of meat and spoke while eating.
“I’m thinking of joining the Association and working there.”
“The Association? Not joining a guild?”
The Korea Awakened Association did hire unaffiliated hunters, but the vast majority of its members were guild-affiliated.
Even Association President Yoon Soo-ho and Vice President Cha Se-hyeon were guild masters themselves.
The biggest reason most people became hunters was money—and no place paid better than a good guild.
The Association wasn’t exactly low-paying, but it was only slightly better than civil servant hunter positions.
“I’ll start at the Association first, build up my strength a bit more, then apply to the Crystal Guild.”
“Crystal’s not bad at all.”
“Not bad? It’s the best in the country, you know?”
The Crystal Guild, led by Shin Soo-jeong, had stood as Korea’s top guild for quite a long time.
Ever since Yoon Soo-ho had been defeated by the Godfather and started neglecting hunter activities.
Since then, the domestic hunter ranking number one spot had belonged to Shin Soo-jeong.
“But will the Association even accept you?”
Jin-young asked while stuffing a large wrap into his mouth.
“What are you talking about? I got scouted.”
“By who?”
“The Association President. He asked if I’d be interested in working in the secretary office, and I said yes.”
“Soo-ho? That guy’s full of surprises.”
When Jin-young tilted his head in confusion, Chae So-young frowned.
“I’m a 4th-grade hunter too, you know?”
“My little sister’s amazing.”
At Jin-young’s half-hearted praise, Chae So-young shook her head and changed the subject.
“Anyway, how was the Pyongyang contaminated zone? You haven’t purified it yet, right?”
“I haven’t.”
“Why not?”
“Hm… There’s a reason.”
When Zhu Yinchang died, the Demonic Sword he had been controlling lost its restraint and began to rampage.
But Jin-young had simply stuffed it into his subspace as well.
Killing the boss to purify the Pyongyang contaminated zone was one option, but Jin-young had grown curious about the true identity of the Demonic Sword.
Moreover, rapidly purifying the contaminated zones in North Korea wasn’t necessarily the best move.
Doing so would only bring Korea into direct border contact with China.
It would be far wiser to steadily rebuild the already-purified southern regions of North Korea first, while gradually building up enough strength to defend the territory.
Of course, that wasn’t Jin-young’s responsibility—it was something for the nation and the Association to handle.
“Oppa, ever since you joined the Intelligence Department, you’ve been full of secrets, haven’t you?”
Chae So-young narrowed her eyes as she spoke.
Just then, Jin-young felt his watch vibrate and pulled out his smartphone.
“Yes, Director.”
—I received intel that the Red Flower Society is showing suspicious movements.
“They’ve entered Korea?”
—No. It looks like they’re preparing something in China. They might attempt to infiltrate Korea soon, so I thought you should know in advance.
“Why wait for them to come? Just get me a fake identity and a flight to Qingdao.”
—You’re planning to go to China? Now’s not a good time.
“That’s exactly why I’m going. Let me know when the ticket’s ready.”
—…Haah. Fine, whatever.
The call ended with a deep sigh from Jeong Bo-hoon.
Jin-young thought the timing couldn’t be better.
Since the subspace portal could only open to places he had already visited, he needed to set a marker point in China anyway.
“First overseas trip, huh? This’ll be fun.”
“What? Take me with you!”
***
“Oppa’s news still hasn’t come in?”
A woman in a red cheongsam sat with her legs crossed in a chair and asked.
It was Zhu Meiling, leader of the largest organization among China’s Triads—the Red Flower Society.
A rugged-looking subordinate bowed deeply as he answered.
“My apologies, Dragon Head. We’ve searched every inch of the North Korean contaminated zones, but found nothing.”
“……”
Zhu Meiling was searching for her older brother, Zhu Yinchang.
She had already learned from the news that the Monster Wave operation had ended in failure.
The problem was that Zhu Yinchang, Kwak Jeong-min, and Sandesh Singh—who had led the operation—had vanished without a trace.
“What about the southern regions of North Korea?”
“Even in the supposedly purified areas, there are no traces. The black mana used to lure monsters seems to self-destruct…”
“Enough. I don’t want to hear any more.”
Hearing nothing but failure after failure was driving Zhu Meiling to the edge of a nervous breakdown.
Still, she refused to let go of hope.
This was Zhu Yinchang they were talking about.
Three 1st-grade hunters from GODS had gathered—there was no way he could have died so easily.
Especially not someone with the ability to control boss monsters. Dying inside a contaminated zone made no sense.
Perhaps he was lying low until the storm within China died down—even hiding the truth from his own sister.
Because right now, Minister of National Defense Liu Qinglong was wielding his blade, dancing through the real power holders of the Communist Party.
Any executive even remotely connected to GODS was having their heads chopped off like falling leaves.
If Zhu Yinchang returned to China now, he would be first in line for the purge.
His sister Zhu Meiling wasn’t safe either, but the hideout she was using was known to very few people.
Only the top executives of the Red Flower Society were aware of it.
“Have all the elite of the Red Flower Society gathered?”
“Yes. They await only your command to depart for Korea immediately.”
“Tell them to wait three more days. Support from GODS will arrive as well.”
The mastermind who had purified the southern North Korean contaminated zones and ruined the Monster Wave operation was undoubtedly that secret agent again.
This time, Zhu Meiling planned to take the field personally—seize Korea’s underworld and kill the secret agent.
She had the elite of the Red Flower Society, plus promised support from GODS.
Even after losing the Stalker, bringing in someone stronger wasn’t easy.
‘Who would’ve thought that perverted old man would actually come in handy at a time like this.’
Zhu Meiling was convinced this was her chance to finally eliminate the secret agent.
“I’ll relay the order and return.”
The moment her direct subordinate saluted and turned to leave the room—
Boom-boom-boom—
“……!”
Startled by the sudden noise, Zhu Meiling whipped around.
Her subordinate had just been smashed through the thick, reinforced wall.
As heavy footsteps descended the stairs, she released black mana.
But the instant she saw the face of the man who appeared, her brows twitched.
“Stalker?”
The Stalker—Dmitri Petrov—had returned alive.
He curled his lips into a smirk.
“Long time no see, Zhu Meiling.”
“You… how are you alive?”
She had long since assumed he was dead after losing contact for so long.
His survival meant he carried a great deal of information.
Still, she didn’t let her guard down. She wrapped her body in mana.
Showing up unannounced after complete silence was far too suspicious.
Moreover, he had just attacked her subordinate out of nowhere—she needed to figure out his intentions.
She couldn’t win against the Stalker in a head-on fight anyway.
“A lot happened in Korea. Made a new friend, even…”
“Friend…?”
At that moment, she suddenly felt a presence at her back.
‘When the hell did he get here…?’
But even though she wanted to turn around, she couldn’t.
An unknown power had bound her body completely.
A man’s voice came from behind.
“I heard you know one of GODS’s prophets. Why don’t you introduce me?”