The guild office wasn't as huge as the other big guilds but it was quite spacious. However, when three hunters, who were easily above S-rank, gathered up, even a great hall would look small.
Jin-Ho, who was the weakest person inside the room, remained rooted behind Jin-Woo without a trace of fear on his face. But inwardly he was beyond petrified.
One of the strongest S-ranked hunters and the Chairman of the Hunter's Association—Go Gun-Hee.
Sung Jin-Woo—the strongest hunter in Korea and possibly on this planet.
And the most anomalous but definitely a very strong hunter at a very young age—Nanase Haruka.
These three were present inside the same room.
Just like Jin-Ho, Woo Jin-Chul was also standing behind his boss with an indifferent look. However, Jin-Ho was forced to wonder if the orange-haired also felt nervous from inside.
Against the chaos ongoing inside Jin-Ho's head, Haru began a comfortable conversation with the oldest one in the room, "I apologize for not reporting to you earlier. I was spending some time with my family."
"I understand, Hunter Nanase. It's good to give your close ones some of your time." The Chairman appreciated the thoughtfulness of the younger one as he placed the cup back on the saucer.
Jin-Ho was only able to arrange some coffee and crackers since the Chief insisted on not doing anything extravagant.
Haru could sense that the Chairman's health had deteriorated recently—maybe because of the frequent appearance of high-rank gates which urged him to ask,
"Have you recently participated in a raid, Sir?"
Woo Jin-Chul uncomfortably shifted on his feet but didn't say anything.
The older one chuckled hearing that before he affirmed, "Indeed I have. It was an emergency."
Recently red gates and dungeon breaks have become as frequent as low-rank dungeons were in the past. And because of all the rush, recently the Association head had to step in, to negate the danger that lurked over the civilians.
If not for Haru's previous treatment then Go Gun-Hee wouldn't have been able to utilise his power once again, and still could have kept himself alive.
However, now the old man was nearing the end of the rope. His features have dulled and his body has turned weak over time.
'Until I can push myself I would do my best to serve my people...' Was his lone motive to keep going.
However, from Haru's perception, it was too early for the old man to retire.
"Chairman...I think you wouldn't like this but—"Suddenly, Jin-Chul sprang into action as he saw Haru's hand illuminated with a strange golden glow, as the orange-haired jumped to stand between them.
"Hunter Nanase, I would request you stop whatever you are trying to do," Jin-Chul warned Haru as he took off his glasses, showcasing his threateningly glowing eyes.
Jin-Ho panicked but he didn't move from his spot and clenched his fist to retain his composure.
Suddenly, the old man behind Jin-Chul sighed and said, "You don't need to be wary anymore...he has already done what he intended to do."
Hearing those words from the Chairman, Woo Jin-Chul frowned before he turned toward his boss and found him rubbing his chest slightly.
Focusing back on the aquamarine-eyed teenager, Jin-Chul found a strange golden orb in Haru's grasp.
"Hunter Nanase?"
"Ah, don't mind me. I just plucked out the essence which was exhausting him." Clenching his fist, Haru destroyed the orb that originated from Fragment of Light.
Jin-Chul stepped aside and asked the Chairman, "Are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere? Should I call a doctor?" Jin-Chul was already holding his phone with his fingers inches away from the screen.
However, "No...I am fine. Or to say, I am better than just fine."
The glow on the Chairman's face surprised Jin-Chul but since the man himself affirmed that there was no discomfort, the security chief put his glasses back and returned to his previous spot.
Jin-Ho heaved a long sigh of relief as he heard Jin-Woo asking,
"So that's the way you liberated my father."
Haru nodded.
The room fell silent for some moments as the two youngsters gave Gun-Hee some time to collect himself.
After a few moments, the older one asked, "Despite monitoring you for the past one and a half years...I still couldn't discern the range of your skills."
Jin-Woo chuckled at that before adding, "I share the sentiment, Chairman."
Go Gun-Hee could feel that he still possessed the energy which wasn't mana but it wasn't taking a toll on his body like before. He felt light and extremely healthy....a sensation which he hadn't felt for ages.
"Is there anything I can do to repay your kindness, Hunter Nanase?" With a smile that was less tired than before, Go Gun-Hee asked the young man in front.
Haru didn't take his time to think, "Your service towards the nation is hefty enough as a return. Don't worry about it anymore."
Go Gun-Hee didn't insist and moved to the main topic.
"The International Guild Conference."
As those words left Gun-Hee's mouth, Haru found himself frowning, "Doesn't that happen around fall? Why so soon?"
It was only February and the conference was suddenly taking place. Even though Sung Il-Hwan is no longer a threat to the world, why did these people suddenly decide to gather up?
"It seems they are concerned about the frequent gate opening."
Hearing the Chairman's words, Jin-Woo narrowed his eyes. For the international council to gather up the guilds so early to discuss the matter which has been in hot topic since last year....
...this can't be the only thing. There definitely was something.
"Chairman, when did you receive the invitation?" Jin-Woo gathered every eye in his direction.
Go Gun-Hee confirmed with Jin-Chul first before responding, "Three days ago. Why, Hunter Sung?"
Jin-Woo shook his head...but there was something on his mind. For the International Council to call this meeting just a few days after Haru woke up...
Jin-Woo wanted this to be a coincidence. However, more than anyone he knows that there weren't any coincidences in this world.
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A/N:- Hmm~