Chapter 42 (1/2)

Episode 42

Yoon Kang-cheol burst into bleak laughter as he watched Yoo-seong’s declaration on his phone. He was sitting across the third ranker in Korea – the director of Gung-on- in a restaurant’s private space.

Anyone would have been surprised at that – QR and Gung-on representatives sitting together at the same table.

They weren’t exactly friends; however, they kept in close touch and collaborated in some situations.

“Everyone knows that he’s one person that always exceeds expectations,” Yoon Kang-cheol said.

He was pleased. Yoo-seong’s career was progressing just as he had speculated. The only problem was that it was becoming too much.

“But then, it gets to a certain point that his personality becomes nauseating,” Yoo-seok replied.

He watched Kang-cheol fix his attention on his phone. “Have you ever seen him in action at all? You should-”

“Turn your phone off,” Yoo-seok ordered suddenly, cutting Kang-cheol off.

“Why, if I may ask?” Kang-cheol said, looking squarely at Yoo-seok.

Yoo-seok liked to pretend that he wasn’t interested in the trending industry topics and public opinions, but Kang-cheol knew it was just a front. Yoo-seok’s ears had been up all through the meeting, listening to the proceedings from Yoo-seong’s interview.

His attention was perked, especially when the host mentioned Yoo-seong in the same sentence as Lee Jae-hak.

“Sorry. I came to this meeting thinking that you would be interested in what I had to offer. This was a waste of time,” Yoo-seok said, standing up.

“Well, I am listening. However, there are also other things important enough to talk about.”

“Is that so?” Yoo-seok asked as he watched Yoon Kang-cheol’s emotionless eyes.

There was a cold smile on Kang-cheol’s face.

“I think this meeting is over,” Kang-cheol said, standing up too.

He allowed his pent-up emotions to run loose.

“Do I look like someone who would sell QR to China? I would be crazy to do that.”

“We’re talking about Tenz, not China. Besides, you had mentioned about selling it in the past.”

“Really? Did you hear me say that? Your ears must have a problem, then. Since the only reason you came here was to talk trash, I think you need to know two things.”

Yoon Kang-cheol raised two fingers.

“First. I am not an idiot. Second, whether it’s to Tenz or Nabal, I have no intention of ending my fifteen-year career as QR’s boss.”

“Do you know who you’re going against?”

“Do I look like I don’t know?”

“You will be left behind. No, actually, you are already behind.”

Yoon Kang-cheol knew quite well what Yoo-seok meant.

Generations were changing. Normally, the ability of future generations should have improved on the achievements of previous generations.

Unfortunately, the previous generations were still better than the next ones.

“Ten years ago, we didn’t take China very seriously. No one expected them to catch up so soon. Now, they have overtaken us,” Yoo-seok began.

“With the improvements in the CE injection technology and hunting techniques, the gap between them and us began to widen. The next generation of Chinese hunters will inherit techniques to make more efficient use of the increased CE…” he trailed off.

“I know you’re not wrong. Anyone with eyes knows that. I just don’t think that the solution is to grovel at their feet and eat from their scraps. What were you expecting? You don’t think your special move will do your company any good, do you? The media will destroy you.”

“It will be worth it.”

Yoon Kang-cheol’s eyebrows flinched at Yoo-seok’s words.

“Of course, the skills they teach are not exactly the martial arts used by Ship Zone; however, they would allow us to use reprints.”

“Reprints?”

“There are many techniques kept in the form of documents and illustrations. It is said that the reprint of various martial arts has already been underway since ten years ago. Tenz can give all that to you.”

Kang-cheol shook his head dismissively as both of them sat down again. Yoo-seok ignored Kang-cheol’s gesture and continued talking.

“At such a low price, you get the skills, and, with that, we can develop our territory.”

“Whatever. My ‘no’ remains the same.”

“That’s good. I only came to persuade you to join Tenz because there is no reason for QR to be left in the mud, but you’ve decided to remain stubborn.”

Yoon Kang-cheol laughed. He knew that what Yoo-seok wanted was more than just the reprinted Ki techniques.

Still, Kang-cheol couldn’t help but be slightly shaken.

QR wasn’t the only company that Tenz was reaching out to. Foreign capital for many Korean hunting firms was struggling, and Tenz was taking advantage of it.

However, money wasn’t the main problem. The timing was just right.

Yoo-seong’s sudden appearance and rapid rise up the ranks was causing a lot of chaos.

Irrespective of whether they liked him or not, there was one emotion all hunters had towards Yoo-seong.

Envy.

He had such excellent skills, strength, honor, and recognition. The method of training recruits in the industry had improved in recent times. However, there were only a few whose entry skills exceeded the expectations.

Yoo-seong’s skill had far surpassed the basics. The whole of Gung-on had been embarrassed by Yoo-seong at the last event.

Cha Jae-gil and Ki Yoo-seok, who were in third place, hadn’t made the dive team.

This was an excellent opportunity for Tenz to take over the industry.

“You know it would be a waste of time to hold on to QR any longer,” Yoo-seok remarked.

“Think about it. I need to leave now,” he stood up.

“They haven’t even served rice yet,” Kang-cheol said.

“I don’t want to eat in such an uncomfortable situation,” Yoo-seok replied.

He stared at Kang-cheol before continuing.

“Here’s my personal opinion: there are some walls that cannot be pulled down with one’s strength alone. Well, the Alpha team that QR is raising this time… there are rumors that their performance is not so good. Honestly, if you go on like this, I don’t think things will get any better.”

Yoon Kang-cheol scratched his cheek. “I have never really seen it as a wall that cannot be overcome. I mean, consider how Lee Jae-hak managed to become first place instead of yo-”

“Stop it!” Yoo-seok said as his expression became distorted.

It was a famous story in the industry.

Now, Shin Yu-hee was in second place due to the Shantiga operation’s score. In the past, second place was like an exclusive seat for the senior players in the industry.

Now, she had left QR too.

“Shall I say one more word, though?” Kang-cheol asked with a cold smile.

When Yoo-seok didn’t reply, he continued.

“When I was young, I didn’t study Martial Arts very much, so I don’t know if it was Ssang-ryong’s eight chapters or energies that you hope to get in exchange for your selling out. But whatever the case might be, you, President Yoo-seok, will never go beyond Lee Jae-hak.”

“We shall see about that, shall we not?” Yoo-seok said after being silent for a minute.