Chapter 876

EP.876 [Light Novel Side Story] Chronicles of the Death Dinassus Vol.1 023

Guild <May>.

Operating out of Incheon, May is a guild registered with the Korean Hunter Association, but it’s common knowledge that its largest investor is the Chinese guild <Zhonghua>.

Using the funds from cores gathered in vast plains, Zhonghua spread their subsidiary guilds worldwide, and in closed-off countries like Korea, they wielded influence through proxies.

Zhonghua had a significant desire for talent, and as such, they expressed great displeasure towards May for discarding Kim Nori’s parents like used tissues.

May had to make a choice to survive: either disband entirely, somehow bring Nori into Zhonghua’s fold, or choose a third path.

The reason they opted for coercion instead of persuasion wasn’t due to anything else.

In the past, those who committed illegal activities in places like Incheon formed the guild May with Zhonghua’s support. Though they possessed considerable financial power, this group was rotten from the roots and could no longer stay in Korea.

– Let’s pull off one last big heist and escape overseas.

Convinced by a man and Sang-a, members of the May Guild followed their plan, inviting Kim Nori’s parents under the guise of an apology to come to Incheon.

And they never returned home that evening.

* * *

<February 8th, 8 PM, Xian's Office.>

“Nuri! Any contact?!”

“It’s not working, they’re not picking up at all!”

Nuri fidgeted anxiously with worry. The couple had said they would look into guilds suitable for Nuri, and then all communication stopped. No matter how many times Nuri called, there wasn’t even a text message reply.

“Could it just be a prolonged conversation?”

“I don’t think so. If that were the case, they would’ve contacted us at least once in between. Even if only one of them.”

Yuna tried calming Nuri with positive assumptions, but Raon coldly countered and reassessed the situation.

“With the protection of the association diluted after leaving New Seoul, it’s possible there might be no protection for Nuri’s parents. Nuri, was the last place you heard about Incheon? Do you have any guesses?”

“I don’t know… if I knew, would I be standing here like this?!”

Nuri pulled her hair in frustration, and Xian gestured to calm her down while trying to soothe her.

“Nuri, do your parents usually interact carelessly with strangers?”

“…No.”

“Then they must have received a call from someone they know.”

Xian rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

“Nuri’s parents must know the situation you’re in. Yet, if they went to meet a guild, there must have been something irresistible.”

“That seems too pessimistic.”

Leaning against the wall, Gaon spoke indifferently. As Nuri glared at Gaon, she shrugged.

“They might’ve just gone on a date. Or maybe they really went to check out a guild for you. Why is everyone making such a fuss? Anyone listening would think they’ve been kidnapped.”

“Doesn’t it bother you at all, sister?!”

“Worrying is part of fate. Listen, it’s possible we won’t hear from them for a bit, so why are you getting so worked up over this? Your parents not answering isn’t exactly rare.”

“Not just a bit! I’ve already called over twenty times!”

Even as Nuri turned red with anger, Gaon nonchalantly shrugged.

“You’re causing trouble for your parents. And if you keep doing this…”

“Kim Gaon.”

Xian interrupted Gaon’s words with a gentle but stern voice.

“We need to have a serious discussion right now. If you aren’t going to help, could you please leave?”

“…Huh. Are you seriously asking me to believe this?”

Gaon pointed at Nuri and snorted.

“Believe that her parents got kidnapped by another guild?”

“Yes. I believe it.”

“Based on what?”

“Nuri feels it.”

Gaon stared incredulously at Xian’s serious expression before turning her gaze toward Nuri.

“Alright, Kim Nuri. What evidence do you have that your parents were kidnapped?”

“…Just… this uneasy feeling I have.”

Nuri admitted hesitantly, unsure herself. She believed that simply stating her feelings truthfully would carry more sincerity than concocting various excuses. Gaon threw up her hands and chuckled dryly.

“So, based on this uneasy feeling, we should report it to the police or the association? Hah. Is this my fault?”

Xian glanced at her and asked calmly. Xian shook his head.

“It’s not wrong, but Kim Gaon. If there’s even a 1% chance Nuri’s right and your parents were truly kidnapped, can you handle the consequences?”

“…If I let them get kidnapped and live as that kind of person, I’d rather falsely report it and deal with the aftermath.”

“Exactly. And…”

Xian stepped forward, facing Gaon while protecting Nuri.

“Nuri is my guild member. If there’s a possibility her family is in danger, I can’t sit idly by.”

“…Tch. Who says I’m not family? Do as you wish.”

Gaon crossed her arms and shut her eyes. Her reluctance to leave the office outright stemmed from the unease rising within her because of Nuri. Xian sat down and muttered.

“She seems awfully calm despite the potential danger to her parents.”

“That’s reasonable, Guild Master.”

Yuna caught Xian’s mutterings. Raon nodded in agreement with Yuna’s opinion.

“It’s only been half a day since communication stopped, and it happens quite often normally. It’s a bit of a leap to assume kidnapping from this alone. That’s the general perspective…”

Yuna hesitated, looking at Nuri.

“But even if it’s not kidnapping, they might be in a situation where contacting us is difficult.”

“Hmm? Is that so? Then, Nuri, let’s try calling again-”

BEEP BEEP BEEP. Nuri’s Magical Gear rang out. It was Seohyang calling.

“Mom!”

[Yes, it’s me. …Where are you right now?]

Caught off guard by the accusatory tone, Nuri laughed sheepishly. Seeing Seohyang looked the same as before she left, Nuri’s worries eased.

“I’m at uncle’s office. We’re having dinner together.”

[What? You… Never mind. Good job, Nuri. Mom and Dad met some acquaintances in Incheon and just got introduced to a guild.]

“What? But we’re not supposed to have contact until the end of February!”

[That restriction applies to guilds approaching you, not you investigating them. Same goes for us. Now, here’s the main point…]

Seohyang paused briefly. Perhaps because it was evening, her voice seemed momentarily choked, making Nuri curious. Then Seohyang continued.

[Your dad’s old guild wants to see you once more. They admit they made a big mistake and promise it won’t happen again. Oh, May is connected to China but has incredible funding, you know? Plus, they’re reorganizing the guild specifically for you. A guild solely for you.]

“…Seriously, Mom, that sounds ridiculous.”

Nuri bent her head laughing awkwardly. Gaon, leaning against the wall, shrugged her shoulders.

[Ridiculous? Why not indulge a little? So, listen, when you get the chance… no, come to Incheon right now.]

“Now? This late?”

[Our guild master is here and plans to leave early tomorrow for the homeland. There might not be time later. We’ll do our best to delay him, so come as soon as possible. Got it?]

“Uh, yeah. Got it.”

As Nuri checked the time, startled, Xian interjected quickly.

“Nuri’s mother! I’m the person contracted to Room 301!”

“What is this guy-”

SHHH. Xian held up a finger to silence Nuri from an angle that wouldn’t show on the screen. Everyone held their breath, including Seohyang on the other side. Xian smiled innocently.

“Ah, don’t you remember? I signed a contract through Nuri one night. Late at night.”

[……Of course I do.]

Seohyang closed her eyes tightly and nodded twice. Xian removed his hand from Nuri’s lips and gently grabbed her shoulder.

“I recently bought a car. Would you allow me to drive Nuri? Absolutely not to impress anyone! It’s dangerous to travel late at night, isn’t it?”

[…….]

Seohyang nodded twice again. While Nuri stared at Xian, wondering if he’d eaten something weird, Yuna quickly opened another screen.

– You should play along and end the call quickly.

“……Mom. This guy and I aren’t close, so don’t misunderstand.”

[Of course not. Please take good care of her.]

The call ended. Nuri felt Xian’s cold grip on her shoulder and tilted her head curiously.

“Uncle? Can you let go now?”

“….It was unnatural.”

“What?”

“Everything about your mom, from her tone to her actions, seemed unnatural. Like she was watching someone else’s reactions.”

“What are you saying-”

Nuri gasped. If what Xian said was true, it meant her mom was in the worst situation she could imagine.

“So-”

“Looks like that low probability event happened again. Raon, suit up. Yuna, help Nuri put hers on. And Gaon, quickly change into Nuri’s school uniform.”

Xian shouted at the startled group.

“Right now! Once we’re ready, we’ll gather at the parking lot!”

Without further explanation, Xian pushed forward with his command, and the group, though confused, followed his orders. Gaon, now dressed in Nuri’s clothes, grumbled as she grabbed Xian’s left wrist.

“Hey! Explain properly!”

“I’ll explain on the way. Let go.”

Click. Xian pulled out a gun hidden in his coat. Gaon flinched involuntarily and loosened her grip as Xian checked the weapon and pointed to a cabinet embedded in the wall.

“The situation is urgent, so listen carefully. Follow my orders first.”

“Orders? Ha, what authority do you have to command me-”

” ”

Xian whispered something very softly into Gaon’s ear. Gaon’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“How did you-”

“Quickly change and come down to the parking lot.”

Xian patted Gaon’s shoulder lightly and hurriedly left the office. Yuna, who had just retrieved Nuri’s school uniform from the office closet, handed it to Gaon and asked.

“What did the Guild Master say just now?”

“A, nothing… Nothing at all.”

Despite being dazed, Gaon quickly changed. Raon and Nuri donned Hero Suits, and Yuna covered them with disguising coats. They descended to the parking lot via the emergency stairs.

SQUEAL.

Xian stood atop a white 3.5-ton truck and motioned behind him.

“Yuna, sit here. Everyone else, get in the back.”

“…Got it.”

Even Nuri, who would usually complain, silently climbed into the back of the truck without hesitation. Gaon, her older sister, jumped inside the truck the moment Xian finished speaking. Just as Raon quietly approached the driver’s seat carrying a Core Weapon box, he asked.

“How did you manage that?”

His gaze pointed toward Gaon, still stunned.

“…I used a connection. Details are secret.”

Xian winked briefly and gestured backward. As Raon boarded through the side door and Yuna took the passenger seat, Xian flipped a switch, lighting up the interior of the truck.

POOF.

[Xian. Is, is this?!]

Inside the small container was space for three to four people, equipped with maintenance tools, a simple bed, and a tiny shower booth. Xian spoke into the microphone connected to the rear container.

“Bought it for dungeon repairs, didn’t expect to introduce it like this. Anyway, introductions aside…”

Xian pressed his fingerprint onto the smart lock and started the engine. The Core Engine rumbled slightly, sending faint vibrations through the vehicle.

“This is a long-distance business camping car. Exclusive to our guild.”

“…It’s rented.”

At Yuna’s comment, Xian silently pressed the accelerator.

* * *

<Meanwhile, at an office in Incheon.>

“Great job, Auntie act was flawless, huh? Heh heh.”

“…….”

“To be fair, with your husband in a life-or-death situation, you gotta do something, right? Isn’t that so?”

The man grinned as he pressed a knife to Doyun’s neck, and Seohyang silently turned her head away.

No matter the situation, selling her daughter to save her husband left her with no options. The man chuckled and pointed to Doyun tied to the chair.

“Don’t worry. Everything will be fine as long as the plan works.”

“……Why are you resorting to this? If you want to recruit Nuri, why not approach her properly?! What’s lacking in May that you’re committing these crimes?!”

“Well, it’s true, but I’m not exactly working for May either.”

As the man locked eyes with Seohyang, purple energy swirled in his eyes, shocking her speechless.

“Monst-”

Thud. Seohyang collapsed unconscious. Kim Sang-a, standing behind her, wiped blood from her face with her sleeve and sneered at the man.

“Stop flaunting the plan and focus on executing it properly. How’s the boat? Did you contact them?”

“…Of course. They’re scheduled to arrive here at 12.”

Satisfied with the coordinates provided by the man, Kim Sang-a lifted Seohyang effortlessly, a feat clearly beyond human capability. The man scratched his cheek and stood up.

“You killed all my subordinates, didn’t you? Come on, I took care of them and planned to bring them to headquarters; that’s harsh.”

“Even if you brought them, you’d just use them as zombies for fun. What’s the point in dragging useless humans around? It’s better to cooperate with me quietly.”

Kim Sang-a pointed to her chest and mimed drinking something. The man raised an eyebrow and picked up the tied-up Doyun, chair and all.

“Hmph. Well then, let’s watch the diligent efforts of monster <Chae Moon-hee> for our lazy lord today, shall we?”

“You keep leaking information, huh?”

The man merely grinned mischievously. Chae Moon-hee, also known as Kim Sang-a, grabbed Seohyang’s Magical Gear and complained.

* * *

<10 PM, Road near Incheon.>

Clunk. The vehicle ran over the body of a fallen monster lying on the road. Yuna, gripping the seat beneath her, clenched her eyes shut and reopened them before asking Xian.

“Guild Master, could this be a false alarm after all?”

“Even if it is, there’s no harm in that.”

Xian drove steadily, avoiding the monster corpses as much as possible. Hunters regularly dealt with monsters, but occasionally, they wandered onto roads and got roadkilled.

“Guild Master, why did you decide to come to Incheon so grandly?”

Xian tapped the steering wheel with his fingers before answering.

“The more latent ability someone has, the more developed their senses become. It’s akin to a ‘sixth sense,’ especially among ability users who are sensitive to themselves and their surroundings. Nuri is like that.”

“Nuri feels this way, so it must be true? Because of her S-rank potential?”

“More or less. What do you think, Yuna? Feel free to say what you sense.”

While keeping his eyes on the road, Xian focused all his attention on Yuna. Confused why he deliberately seated her in the passenger seat instead of Raon, Nuri, or Gaon, Yuna decided to answer honestly based on her feelings for now.

“Various thoughts come to mind, but I feel…”

Yuna stared ahead resolutely and spoke firmly.

“Isn’t it possible they’re holding Nuri’s family hostage to get to her?”

“I think so too.”

Xian nodded and chuckled.

“Only B-tier villains mess with a hero’s family.”

The vehicle was nearing its destination. Xian turned on the mic again and spoke to the container inside.

“Okay. Two scenarios. If it’s just a simple guild recruitment attempt as Gaon suspects, we withdraw. I can’t object to parents researching guilds for their child. However…”

DING. The holographic map on the Magical Gear indicated they were approaching their target. Xian licked his dry lips and continued.

“But, in the unlikely event—and it is unlikely—that they’ve taken the two as hostages to harm Nuri…”

SQUEAL. Xian slowly drove while clearing his throat.

“We’ll dismantle them immediately and rescue the two. Understand?”

“…Is our full strength enough against an entire guild?”

“Calm down, Yuna. We’ll sweep them all if necessary. Therefore…”

Xian reached out to stop Yuna from unbuckling her seatbelt. As she frowned and tried to push his hand away, Xian shook his head firmly.

“Yuna, stay here and alert the police upon hearing the signal. Got it?”

“Signal?”

“Thunder.”

“Ah. Yes, understood.”

Yuna gripped her seatbelt tightly and nodded. Xian sighed in relief before checking inside the truck.

“…The bulletproof glass will keep you safe. No matter what, do not leave here. Got it?”

“Guild Master.”

“Promise.”

Xian extended his pinky finger. After hesitating for a moment, Yuna raised her left hand and hooked her pinky with his.

“I absolutely won’t leave. I’ll only open the door for you, so don’t worry and come back safely.”

“…Alright. Then, I’ll be back.”

After sealing the pinky promise with Yuna, Xian exited the driver’s seat. Outside, Raon and Nuri, disguised in Hero Suits under black raincoats, and Gaon, awkwardly wearing Nuri’s school uniform, waited.

Xian extended his right hand toward Gaon.

“Then, let’s go.”

“…Yeah, sure, okay.”

With a grim face, Gaon took Xian’s hand. The office building where Seohyang sent the coordinates still had its lights on.

“…….”

Xian took heavy steps toward the office building.