Bab 56: Chapter 56: Plot
Next morning.
Incheon International Airport, Seoul, Korea.
Rose exited her gate at Incheon International Airport, stretching her legs after the long flight from LA. As she made her way to the main terminal, a commotion up ahead caught her ear.
A small crowd had gathered near the arrivals exit. She heard excited whispers - "It's The S-rank hunter Hwang Dongsoo!"
"Oh my God! Why is he here though?"
"You remember about his brother, right? Maybe he is here because of that."
"Oh My God, I totally forgot about that! Let's go and check!"
Some started whispering to themselves others grabbed their phones and started going live on social media sites.
That's when she noticed the private jet with the Scavengers Guild's emblem parked on the tarmac, with steps lowered for its passengers to disembark. A tall, well-built young man descended, flanked by handlers.
Immediately, reporters swarmed, microphones and cameras outstretched. "Mr. Dongsoo, any comment on your latest success raiding the A-rank dungeon in Washington?"
Dongsoo smiled amiably but said nothing as the crowd engulfed him.
Rose walked closer towards the crowd as she watched him acting all high and carrying. She knows what kind of person Dongsoo is.
"Mr. Dongsoo, any updates on the search for your brother?" a reporter called out above the din.
"Ah.." Dongsoo faltered slightly, jaw tightening as the crowd paused expectantly.
Dongsoo took a measured breath to steady his voice. " As the Association has said, he is been missing as of now. I've no new information at this time."
But the reporters were relentless. "Are the rumors true he may have fled to the US and you are protecting him? And the fact that his previous shady murders inside the Gates were being backed by the Scavengers Guild?"
A vein bulged in Dongsoo's neck as he reined in his anger.
"Hey reporter, what is your name?" He asked.
"S..Sir..? "
"Fuu~ Listen, buddy, I'm not threatening you or anything. I'm just warning you not to use The Scavengers Guild's name so lightly. If we filed a defamation case, I don't think you or your News company can take it."
The reporter shrank back in the crowd and Dongsoo let out a deep sigh. If he was not representing his Guild at the moment he would.. he would.. 'Calm down Damit!'
"Listen Guys, I cannot speculate on rumors. Please, I have no further comment on my brother's 'crimes' or whereabouts."
A determined female reporter called out, "Mr. Dongsoo, is it true your visit relates to observing Azaroth Morningstar's exceptional hunter evaluation posted online? Are you here to personally escort him to the Scavengers Guild?"
Dongsoo paused, visible thoughts flickering behind his eyes.
He remembered Azaroth was actually the son of the prestigious Berserkers Guild's Vice Master.
When he was using his contacts to get information about Dongsuk's case. He suspected the Chairman of the YooJin Construction company, Yoo Myunghan as he was the father of his brother's latest victim. And the fact that he was able to back the news channels of Korea.
Second, He suspected his other son, Yoo Jinsung but soon thought otherwise as he was just a manager and wasn't that influential that the news companies would try to go against Scavengers.
As Dongsoo mulled over the case in his mind, another possible suspect occurred to him - Jinho's cousin sister, Yoo Soohyun.
She was one of Korea's top models with millions of followers across social media platforms. If she wanted, she could certainly influence public opinion and news coverage.
But something didn't quite add up.
The news companies and the association will not antagonize him or his guild and lower the public opinion of people regarding hunters or the high-ranking guilds just because of an influencer.
Dongsoo had heard rumors floating around that Azaroth Morningstar, the previous controversial figure and the new talented hunter with the new record of Mana Density in the evaluation had been seen getting cozy with this Yoo girl at his last beach party as well as a romantic candlelight dinner at a restaurant.
Not to mention that this Azaroth brat is backed by Korea's Hunters Guild, maybe he—
"Mr. Hwang..?" The female reporter's voice broke his chain of thoughts.
Composing his features, Dongsoo replied calmly, "I'm afraid you're mistaken lady. I've no such thoughts at the moment. I'm simply here to know about my brother and relax in my homeland as usual during my time in Korea."
The reporter looked disappointed at getting no scoop. But Dongsoo held his tongue, he had a clear warning from the Guild Master to not cause any trouble for the Guild.
As the reporters pressed him further, Dongsoo's eyes scanned the crowd and spotted a familiar face - Rose, assistant to Azaroth's father back in the US.
He had met her several times at high-level guild conferences and parties held by the 'Guilds of the world'. A sly smile played at his lips as an idea came to him.
"Yeah, I'm not here to scout Azaroth," he told the reporters. "As you can see, Miss Rose is here. I'm sure she and Azaroth's father want to bring him back to the US. Why don't you direct your questions to her?"
He gestured casually towards Rose, whose eyes widened in frustration as all the cameras abruptly swung in her direction. She was suddenly put on the spot without warning.
Dongsoo chuckled internally. With the attention drawn away, he signaled his security and began making his exit. "You'll have to excuse me now. Good luck with your interview, Miss Rose!"
He threw her a mock salute and parting wink, leaving her to fend off the onslaught of questions from the hungry journalists.
Now, he needs to go to the Korean Guild Association and ask those fuckers about all the details.
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The scene shifts to the towering building of the renowned Hunters Guild.
Inside, Choi Jong-In's office was filled with his excited energy as he practically danced around the room.
Though he maintained a calm expression when they left for the A-rank dungeon, he couldn't deny the nerves that fluttered in his stomach at the thought of Azaroth leading his first-ever party.
However, those worries were now replaced with overwhelming joy and pride.
Not only did Azaroth lead the team flawlessly with no casualties, but they also broke the record for the fastest A-rank dungeon clearance!
What a great debut as a squad leader!
A sense of accomplishment and triumph filled every corner of the office, bringing a smile to Choi Jong-In's face and a warmth to his heart.
Couldn't be more proud of you.. Now you have really proven yourself..
You have become what you always wanted to be..
Now I have no worries about this Guild..
He has decided.
He can now make Azaroth the Guild Master before he goes to face his inner demons- The Jeju Island..
And he will have an heir even if he never returns from there..
He plans to not include Azaroth's name for the upcoming raid which is gonna happen after some weeks as Azaroth has a much greater future ahead of him and he has nothing to do with that Island.
"Haa.. No sentiments man, I'm sure we'll be able to clear that Island~"
Jong-In poured himself a celebratory drink, pride, and relief washing over him. His faith in Azaroth's talent had been rightly placed.
Choi Jong called for his secretary as his secretary entered. "You called Master Choi?"
"Yeah! Come and join me for a drink! And where is Azaroth?"
"Sir, Azaroth left the guild immediately after dismissing his squad."
Jong-In frowned. He'd planned to personally congratulate and take Azaroth out to celebrate.
'This young Brat. No time for his uncle huh? Let's call him!'
Grabbing his private phone, Jong-In's fingers had barely started dialing when it buzzed in his hand. Seeing the caller ID, his grip tightened till his knuckles whitened.
"Hi Mr. Choi, this is Rose. I presume you remember me. I was hoping to get in touch with Azaroth. Is he available by any chance?"
Her sugary voice grated on his nerves. Veins popped in Jong-In's neck and forehead.
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