Chapter 1043

〈 Chapter 1043 〉 Spirit Rank

Friday, June 25th.

Seated on the couch, before me knelt Amatsuka Koyori, a sex doll connected to her, naked.

“According to Lord Wind God’s orders, I’ve investigated the Erosion Dungeon that appeared in Hokkaido, along with the Japanese Association and Korea’s Suwal Guild.”

I stretched out my leg, rubbing Koyori’s white thigh before slowly moving upward, teasing her breast with my foot. Her nipple was twisted under my toes.

“Hnnngh… I’ll report. A new dungeon gate appeared in the Erosion Dungeon where Suwal Guild’s first expedition team was dispatched. The entire first expedition team was wiped out after being engulfed by the dungeon gate.”

“Annihilated? You mean wiped out, not missing?”

I stopped teasing her nipple and wrote words on her body, asking if any bodies had been found.

“No bodies have been discovered. To be precise, due to Suwal Guild’s intervention, Hokkaido branch of the Japanese Association hasn’t done anything. However, the Japanese Association suspects the total annihilation of Suwal Guild’s first expedition team.”

“…”

I remained silent. Logically speaking, the Japanese Association’s assumption was almost certain. I asked about the nature of the dungeon that had appeared.

“It’s an A-Rank Open-Type Dungeon. Currently, Suwal Guild’s second expedition team has been dispatched while the Hokkaido branch of the Japanese Association is merely observing.”

“Why are they just watching? This isn’t someone else’s business since it’s happening in Hokkaido?”

“Apparently, it’s due to contract issues.”

Even though it’s only a branch, it’s still the Association. It was rare for any guild to hold the dominant position in a contract. Indeed, this was Suwal Guild.

“You said the second expedition team is currently in action. How’s the progress going?”

“They’re clearing the Erosion Dungeon and plan to attack the open-type dungeon this afternoon.”

I sighed. Just as I would, Suwal Guild must also hope Han Harin is still alive. But that possibility is infinitely low. Moreover, I didn’t trust Suwal Guild’s second expedition team.

“Koyori, can you handle this directly?”

If S-Rank Koyori were to take direct action, the dungeon could be cleared much faster than Suwal Guild.

“I operate in a different region, and since Suwal Guild already has a contract regarding this dungeon, it’s impossible. If I were to forcefully intervene… it might cause international problems.”

That’s right.

And this was also a matter of Suwal Guild’s pride. They would try to resolve it independently without external help.

If Koyori were to forcefully intervene, it might shake their influence. Since it’s already contracted, the Hokkaido branch of the Japanese Association would oppose it too.

There was nothing I could do. Troubled, I played with Koyori all night.

•••

Saturday, June 26th.

Public opinion towards the Korean Hunter Association was getting worse. This was because they hadn’t yet captured the Thorn Mask who committed the massacre. On the internet, people criticized the association’s incompetence, digging up past mistakes to criticize further.

Journalists gleefully began writing scathing articles against the association, and even public broadcast news started criticizing them.

No matter how you look at it, this was somewhat abnormal.

‘Is someone using the media to suppress the Hunter Association?’

The ones coming to mind were the government and politicians. In recent years, the Hunter Association…


The authority just kept growing higher and higher. It had reached a point where even the government felt threatened. They’d been waiting for this moment to finally rein in the association.

“Hmm, pretty plausible… But not my problem, is it?”

While the association might be in trouble, I wasn’t part of it, so all I could do was sit back and watch from across the river. Besides, the media was only biting the association, not the hunters.

“Jeez, Baek Ji-eun must be running around like crazy… Poor her.”

Right now, I was on the KTX heading down to Busan. Though Baek Ji-eun had asked for help, I declined and boarded the train to meet Park Su-ho instead. Not for Park Su-ho’s sake, mind you—there were just some things that didn’t add up.

I arrived at Busan Station.

In front of the station stood Park Su-ho along with several disciples of the Kwangwon Church. Dressed in what looked like training uniforms or something equally rural, they stood out like sore thumbs. The vibe screamed cult, and people nearby were giving them as wide a berth as possible.

“Yoojin-ssi! Over here!”

“Mr. Sung Yoojin! Welcome to Busan!”

“Our church does not discriminate against anyone!”

Park Su-ho and the other followers of the Kwangwon Church were making quite the commotion. Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Words like “cult” and “Kwangwon” floated around. Some people even seemed to recognize me.

‘Great, rumors will probably start circulating that I’ve joined a cult.’

That annoyed me.

Should I shout at them or something? As I debated this, Kang Ji-woo caught my eye. Even in those tacky robes, her refined beauty shone through.

“Wow, she’s even prettier in person.”

Seeing such beauty naturally calmed my irritation. I approached them.

“Big bro! Welcome! You’re new to Kwangwon, so it might feel strange, but once you experience our teachings, you’ll surely develop faith!”

I stared blankly at Park Su-ho.

He looked more energetic than the last time we met. His eyes sparkled. It didn’t seem fake.

‘Did he get brainwashed? Or has he really fallen for this scam of a religion?’

Most likely brainwashed. He wouldn’t have texted me asking for help for no reason.

“Mr. Sung Yoojin, it’s an honor to meet a famous hunter.”

Kang Ji-woo spoke to me. My gaze shifted from Park Su-ho to her, and my mood immediately brightened. She smiled gently, revealing adorable dimples.

“Yes, I’m Sung Yoojin. And you’re Kang Ji-woo, correct?”

“I’m one of the seven guides of Kwangwon Church.”

The hierarchy of Kwangwon consists of eight members: the leader and seven guides. The leader ranks highest, followed by the seven guides.

The head and the other guides are all overseas. Though Kwangwon originated in China, it had expanded its influence to the West, including the U.S. and U.K. To put it simply, Kang Ji-woo was the branch manager of Kwangwon Korea.

She extended her hand for a handshake. I took it—it felt soft and delicate.

After exchanging names, we immediately boarded the large bus prepared by Kwangwon. On the side of the bus, a horribly cultish slogan read, “Believe and blessings will come! Kwangwon Church!”

Typically, cults try not to reveal that they’re cults. They know the stigma attached to the term. However, Kwangwon was different—they made no effort to hide their religious identity. They were one of the more dangerous types of cults.

“When I heard that Mr. Yoojin would be visiting us, I was thrilled.”

Kang Ji-woo, sitting beside me, smiled brightly. Her proximity filled the air with a pleasant scent.

“To be honest, I’m not interested in religion. I only came because Su-ho wouldn’t stop pestering me.”

“Yes, I know. You’re a non-religious atheist, aren’t you, Mr. Yoojin?”

“Guess Su-ho told you that.”

“No, I did my own research. Since you’re famous, everything about you popped up right away when I searched online. There were interviews and TV appearances too.”

“Heh. Guess you’ve seen all that stuff. Kinda embarrassing.”

I chuckled. Contrary to my words, I didn’t feel embarrassed at all. It felt good to be recognized by such a beautiful woman. I could understand why people wanted to become celebrities.

“People call us a cult. But we swear, we don’t force our beliefs on anyone…”


“Ah. We’re simply spreading the teachings of Gwangwon Church and persuading others, that’s all. Even if Mr. Eugene doesn’t join our church, we won’t dislike or hate you.”

Her voice, expression, and gaze were all captivating.

‘A woman like this… if she started doing sex proselytizing, joining a cult would be inevitable…’

I kinda got why Soho Park joined a shady religion like Gwangwon Church.

‘…Wait. Hold on. That guy slept with a Moai-looking woman, right? Is Park Soho an idiot? He must be.’

I glanced back at Park Soho sitting behind me. He was holding hands with his Moai-like girlfriend, chatting happily, his mouth wide open in delight.

‘Really creepy when you see it in person. Park Soho always had high standards for women’s faces…’

Who would’ve thought he’d end up dating someone who looks like a Moai statue?

“Mr. Eugene, might I ask for your autograph?”

“My autograph? Jiwoo, I’ve appeared on TV a few times but I’m not a celebrity.”

“Do only celebrities give autographs? Sports stars sign too, right? And you, Mr. Eugene, are a super rookie who might become an S Rank Hunter someday. I want to get your signature early!”

“…Well, if you put it that way, I can’t say no. Alright, I’ll sign for you.”

“Would it be too much to ask for a photo as well?”

The word ‘photo’ made me hesitate for a moment.

If the picture spreads, rumors might circulate that I’m deeply involved in a cult.

But Kang Jiwoo, clearly smitten by my charm, was eagerly hoping to take a picture with me. It’s hard to ignore a fan’s request.

‘Well, if there’s trouble, I’ll just hack into the system and fix it. Or I could hold a press conference to clarify things.’

“If Miss Jiwoo wants it, how can I refuse? Haha.”

“Wow! I’m so excited! I was worried you’d turn me down. Alright, let’s do it like this…”

Kang Jiwoo switched her smartphone to selfie mode and pressed close to me. Her body touched mine, and I could smell her fragrance. By the way, her training uniform was made of thin fabric.

“I think it would look better if we’re even closer. Sorry about this.”

“No, it’s fine.”

Kang Jiwoo’s chest brushed against my arm. Soft. Even though she has a slender figure, she does have some assets—A cup at least.

‘This girl… she’s finally showing her true colors. Her intention to recruit me using sexual proselytization is clear now. Not bad… right now, I’m 30% considering joining Gwangwon Church.’

“Tsk. The angle isn’t coming out well.”

Kang Jiwoo pressed even closer. My willingness increased to 35%.

Click, click!

After checking the selfies she took, Kang Jiwoo frowned, seemingly dissatisfied.

“Look here. The pictures turned out blurry. Mr. Eugene, sorry, but can we take another one?”

“This is tough. Taking selfies isn’t easy, huh? Take as many as you need.”

Though I wanted to suggest asking Park Soho or someone else to help take the photo, I swallowed those words and continued taking selfies with Kang Jiwoo.

By the time we managed to capture a satisfactory selfie, we had already arrived at our destination. It seemed to be located in the outskirts, away from the city center. There were three three-story dormitory buildings, a playground, and a lecture hall surrounded by dense forests.

‘I kind of expected it, but this really feels like a church retreat.’

There wasn’t a convenience store nearby. When I asked, they said the nearest one was about a five-minute drive away.

‘So typical of a cult.’

I took a deep breath. At least the air quality here was good.

“Mr. Eugene, please come this way.”

Kang Jiwoo smiled and spoke to me.

“Huh? Are you personally guiding me, Miss Jiwoo? Aren’t you busy? I heard you’re in charge here.”

“Since you’re a special guest, I should guide you myself. Besides, I’m not that busy. Many people help me, and the believers here are all wonderful individuals.”

I glanced briefly at Park Soho.

“You’re lucky, man. It’s super rare for Miss Jiwoo to handle someone directly. Well, you are a promising B Rank Hunter.”

Park Soho seemed to understand.

And so did I.

‘Why would someone like Kang Jiwoo deal with me? Park Soho is just a nobody compared to me.’

I sharply turned my head away from Park Soho and followed Kang Jiwoo.