Chapter 79 - Chapter 79 (1/2)

That wasn't a bad suggestion.

If Goh Gun-Hui were to lend his support, then even the most average guy would be on the fast track to success.

The National Assembly, the government, the Hunters Association, and even the mass media, too – it'd be very hard to find a sector that Goh Gun-Hui's reach did not extend to.

Not only that, if the person receiving that support just so happened to a rank S Hunter?

'I can't even imagine how far a person like that would climb up.'

All of a sudden, Jin-Woo pictured himself sitting right next to the member of National Assembly Goh Gun-Hui while kitted out in a super-dope designer business suit.

His heart palpitated ever so slightly.

'Such an opportunity wouldn't come knocking every day, right?'

Even if one wanted to walk down on this 'different path' Goh Gun-Hui had suggested, not everyone was qualified to step on this road, after all.

However....

There was one important thing missing from that scenario.

'If I sign up with the Association, I won't be able to increase my level.'

The higher ranked Hunters working for the Association never participated in raids at all. Their main role was to deal with other Hunters, not to hunt down and kill monsters.

And, even if he managed to get permission and participate in raids organised by the Association....

'Dungeons the Association deals with are rank Ds and Es, those that the Guilds aren't interested in.'

Could he continue on by hunting down low-level mobs that didn't even give him any experience points? No, of course not.

Jin-Woo strongly baulked at the idea.

'I wish to become even stronger.'

To a higher place.....

He wanted to climb up as high as he could.

Unless it was impossible, or there was no certainty, why should he give up on something he was fully capable of achieving?

What a nonsensical notion that was.

'As long as I keep levelling up, I will get stronger and stronger.'

Thump.

Thump.

Imagining that caused his heart to thump way harder and faster than imagining himself being next to the Association President Goh Gun-Hui.

Goh Gun-Hui too sensed the change in Jin-Woo.

'His breathing has suddenly picked up. Did he finally make up his mind?'

He could only hope that the decision was a good one.

'No, it simply has to be a good one.'

….If he thought about his remaining time.

His own anticipation no less than that of Jin-Woo's, Goh Gun-Hui waited for the answer. Each passing second felt like a minute.

Jin-Woo eventually opened his mouth.

"I'm sorry."

Goh Gun-Hui's expression hardened immediately.

'I thought I saw determination fill up his face just now.... Was I mistaken?'

He couldn't hide the disappointment in his face.

'In the end, the ambition of the man named Seong Jin-Woo was only about this much....'

Goh Gun-Hui wasn't lying about lending support for the 'other path'. Actually, he was thinking of something even greater.

'A new rank S to appear in two years....'

Goh Gun-Hui was thinking of keeping this youth close and teaching him the ropes, and if the kid showed promise, groom him to become the next successor.

Because, a powerful figure was needed to support the Association when he was gone. Meaning, Goh Gun-Hui was planning to hand over everything he had.

However, for the result to be like this....

'How laughable I am.'

Goh Gun-Hui took away the golden badge and asked in a dejected voice.

"Is it.... because of money?"

Jin-Woo replied right away.

"No, it is not."

Goh Gun-Hui snorted inwardly.

'They all sound righteous, of course.'

However, they were all the same inside. In the end, it was all about the money. And, the accompanying fame would be like icing on cake.

'Then again....'

Chasing after material wealth was an innate instinct found in all human beings, so Goh Gun-Hui didn't have any thoughts of faulting the youth for that.

Only that, he found it utterly laughable that people couldn't be honest with themselves.

"In that case, why did you say no?"

Goh Gun-Hui asked, even though he already knew the answer. He just wanted to see the youth's response.

However.....

"I want to fight."

Jin-Woo's unhesitating reply smacked the back of Goh Gun-Hui's head.

'What did he say??'

It definitely felt like he got sucker-punched just now.

"That.... Did you mean that you want to fight against the monsters?"

"That's correct."

Jin-Woo didn't bother with unnecessary explanations and spoke frankly.

"I want to enter Gates and hunt down monsters. I believe the place I belong is inside dungeons."

'How can this be?'

Goh Gun-Hui's eyes widened.

A man like him standing on top of many others knew whether someone was telling the truth or lying through their teeth simply from the light emitting from their eyes.

The position he occupied could only be reached by possessing such a skill, after all. That was why Goh Gun-Hui knew it.

'Those eyes.... He's being dead serious.'

Goh Gun-Hui's own eyes staring at Jin-Woo did a 180.

'How long has it been since I felt this?'

By the time Goh Gun-Hui had 'Awakened', his body was already too old. That was why, instead of fighting against monsters, he looked for other things he could do, instead.

By using the money he got from selling his company, he established the Korean Hunters Association, gathered Hunters, and with his fame serving as the foundation, he marched straight into the National Assembly, and even had a hand in creating laws that governed Hunters.

However, there was this lingering regret in his heart that would never go away, even though he worked tirelessly all this time.

'If only I was younger by 20, no, 10 years, I'd been.... With these young people, I.....!'

Thump, thump, thump....

Goh Gun-Hui pressed his hand on his chest. His heart that threatened to quit at any time was pounding quickly, rather noticeably, now.

'My heart can still make a noise like this?'

The rhythmic beating of the heart felt good.

On the other hand, Jin-Woo was tilting his head.

'Isn't this strange?'

He refused the suggestion of Goh Gun-Hui, fully preparing himself to be at odds with the Association in the process, yet the President seemed to be happy about something, instead.

'Well, it doesn't matter one way or the other....'

He had said what he wanted to, so Jin-Woo got up from his seat.

"My younger sister is watching the house alone, so I should get going now."

"Thank you for your time."

Goh Gun-Hui got up along with Jin-Woo and pulled something out from his inner pocket.

"And, please take this."

It was a business card.

'…..?'

"If you require my assistance, don't hesitate and give me a call."

Goh Gun-Hui was smiling brightly.

What Jin-Woo said was right. Powerful Hunters belonged in dungeons.

Although he had failed in recruiting Jin-Woo, as the President of the Association, or perhaps as a fellow Hunter, Goh Gun-Hui wished to help Jin-Woo out however he could.

If he were to be more honest, then....

'This young man, I like him.'

That was why he needed to offer advice, as well. Nagging would only come from someone holding interest towards you, after all.

"It's impossible to enter high-ranked dungeons by yourself. Please, give it a careful consideration when choosing a Guild to join."

'Your choice would change the status quo by a great deal.'

After hearing Goh Gun-Hui's earnest advice, Jin-Woo briefly formed a mysterious smile.

"Thank you."

Jin-Woo pocketed the business card in his wallet, lightly bowed towards Goh Gun-Hui and Woo Jin-Cheol, and left the waiting area.

"Fuu...."

While letting out a sigh, Goh Gun-Hui plopped down on the chair.

"Are you alright, sir?"

Woo Jin-Cheol guessed that Goh Gun-Hui wasn't feeling good, and quickly approached his boss. However, Goh Gun-Hui smiled and waved his hand away.

"No, I'm fine."

Actually, he was beyond fine.

What an enjoyable meeting this had been, a first in such a long while.

Goh Gun-Hui sat there smiling for a long time, before turning to his PA and handed out an order.

"Clear the schedule for the rest of the day."

"But, sir. The meeting with the Ministers...."

"Cancel them all."

Goh Gun-Hui chuckled to himself.

"I do not wish to waste this good feeling on those small-minded idiots."

He wished to retain this lingering feel-good attitude for today, at least.

Suddenly, Goh Gun-Hui shifted his gaze over to Woo Jin-Cheol. Seeing that rarely-seen smile on the President's face, even Woo Jin-Cheol began feeling a bit hyped up, as well.

"Is there something you need, sir?"

"No, well. It's nothing serious but, my man....."

Goh Gun-Hui took his time as he scratched below his chin.

"How about having a drink with me today?"

At this quite unexpected suggestion, Woo Jin-Cheol could only form an awkward smile.

"I'm not very good with holding my liquor, sir.... Will that be fine with you?"

"Uh-huh. I didn't take you for a person like that."

Goh Gun-Hui playfully clicked his tongue.

"Haven't you heard of the old saying about the cup size of a man's drink determining the extent of the world he can make his own?"

"My apologies, sir."

Woo Jin-Cheol's face reddened in embarrassment and scratched the back of his head.