Chapter 2 (1/2)
Coincidence or Inevitability (2)
Il-hyun got off at a station in Cheongseong.
The areas surrounding the station were completely under control since 4 am in the morning due to the D4-class gate that occurred near the station.
Of course, since the area was controlled, the road to the company was blocked.
It’s a big deal. If I’m late, my boss is going to be completely upset.
Il-hyun, who has never been late, sighed deeply.
It’s my fault for not studying properly. My job is really stressful and boring.
He wanted to write a resignation letter right now, but it was impossible.
No fussing, I have to find the way.
If he takes a taxi from here, the control will just block the car and ask them to go around. Then, the only way left is to break through.
He swiped through his phone to check the control area.
It was something he wouldn’t normally think of, but it wasn’t that much dangerous either. The monster at the gate that appeared had already been taken care of by the Awakeners, and Il-Hyun was waiting for the staff to finish up.
Okay, let’s go in.
Out of the station, Il-Hyun entered a control area that was poorly blocked by access tapes.
There were no people around. The empty roads and buildings are in a dilapidated condition due to the battle, creating a gloomy atmosphere.
But it wasn’t that scary because it was daytime, and the sun is shining.
Il-hyun hummed as he walked alone on the quiet street.
Wow… Is this how a monster body looks like?
Several corpses of wild dog monsters that have not yet been removed were dumped in a rough pile at the street corners.
The control team seemed to have completed the primary field treatment, and all the ether in the monsters’ bodies had been recovered. If ether, the most important resource, remained, the control team would still have been there until the last of it is taken.
However, Il-hyun felt an unusual aura. He followed his instincts and it led him to something… a corpse in the corner.
He stood in front of the body, staring blankly at it for a moment.
Then, without hesitation, Il-hyun boldly put his hand toward a bright light that laid inside the monster’s open belly.
Ughh…
The unpleasant smell and feel of the corpse nauseated him, yet it didn’t stop him.
A cube-shaped nucleus emitting bright light leaked out of his right hand as he retrieved his hand from the monster’s gut.
It was surely a mistake. It was not impossible that the squad had in their haste left one of the monster’s ether cores intact.
Is this an unprocessed ether stone? It’s my first time…
Il-hyun was fascinated and looked at the beautiful form overflowing with light.
Even the weakest monster’s ether core cost millions of won.
Although he has one in his hands right now, taking it away, of course, is a serious theft.
But Il-hyun is not thinking about that, at least not yet. The ether had certainly enchanted him.
His thoughts became obvious when the words came out of his mouth.
“Looks delicious…”
Surprised by his own words, he took a step back and did a quick look-around, trying to see if there’s anyone who may have heard or seen him.
“Oh no, what am I talking about.”
He returned his gaze at the glowing ether on his hand.
At the back of his mind, the right decision has formed: drop the ether, and leave. However, a part of him strongly rejects this thought.
Meanwhile, he is beginning to lose control, and his hand holding the ether began to tremble.
“Just a bite…okay?”, Il-hyun murmured.
Meanwhile, the strength of the grip was getting stronger.
Wow! The cube slowly began to crack, and the ether core shattered. It could never be broken by physical force.
The core broke out like a piece of glass. And the bright white light that was in it appeared so savory that Il-hyun had to eat it.
“Hoo, it’s delicious.”
Il-hyun said, running his tongue over his lips.
The power of predation, which had been hidden in him, has finally been awakened.
* * *
Tadadak! Il-hyun, who ate the ether, quickly left the control site.
He continued to run hurriedly and without caution.
He drew in a good breath and then jumped into their company building.
When Il-hyun entered the office, his boss noticed and simply shook his head.
Il-hyun, who would normally have his head bitten off, chuckled, sat down, then began to organize his desk.
“Il-hyun…? What are you doing?”
“Thanks for everything. Don’t mind me.”
He uttered, his voice filled with exhilaration.
He began to write something hard, and gave it to his boss.
When his boss peeked at what he has written, his eyes opened wide with surprise.
“Did you win the lottery?”
“I can’t even compare it.”
Il-hyun smiled and shouted from the chair.
“Choi Choi! Resign!”
* * *