Chapter 1122

〈Chapter 1122〉 1122. Extreme Will

I’ve been invited by the chairman of Sejin Group.

One of Korea’s top-tier companies, deeply intertwined with the Hunter world. Even forming a small connection wouldn’t hurt.

“Seunghee mentioned the chairman has taken an interest in me.”

Through Seunghee, I learned how much the chairman knows about my relationship with her.

Hebvil’s catalyst. HB-1.

The chairman believes my relationship with Ha Seunghee is purely business-related. He probably can’t even imagine that I’m the guy who bangs his granddaughter’s pussy and ass.

I didn’t reject this invitation not only to give Seunghee face but because I anticipated something like this would happen eventually.

“The higher you climb, the more inevitable it is to meet those already at the top.”

I’ve already experienced this through the Game World. The stronger you get, the more the world changes around you. It’s simply time for my real-world reality to change as well.

I put on a suit and headed toward Ha Seunghee’s family estate.

The main house was on par with a nobleman’s mansion, and its surroundings were thoroughly controlled by security personnel.

“Mr. Sung Yoojin, welcome. Was your journey here tiring?”

A man in a black suit greeted me at the entrance.

“I’m not a kid; what could possibly be tiring? Can I go inside now?”

“Yes, the chairman is waiting.”

Confidently stepping through the gates, I felt the flow of mana shift. My skin tingled—I realized the estate was guarded by an impressive barrier.

“This level of barrier is expected for the headquarters of the Sejin Group chairman.”

Ignoring the oppressive boundary, I strode forward without hesitation. Security cameras and other systems tracked my every move.

•••

I entered the expansive mansion.

Ha Seunghee was waiting for me at the entrance.

“Welcome, senior. Surprisingly, the suit suits you well.”

“There’s no need to add ‘surprisingly.’ And why are *you* wearing a suit? Isn’t this your home?”

“I usually dress casually, but today requires proper formality.”

Following behind Ha Seunghee, I noticed imposing figures from the moment we entered.

They approached me with smiles, offering their business cards. Their cards revealed them to be presidents of various Sejin Group subsidiaries.

“Mr. Sung Yoojin, your reputation precedes you.”

I handed over my own prepared business cards.

“Keep the card you receive—might come in handy later.”

Ha Seunghee whispered to me.

“…I understand the importance of networking, but I doubt these will help much.”

“They’re not ordinary subsidiary presidents. They’re the chairman’s inner circle, holding significant positions in the Hunter market. For instance, the president who just passed leads a refined Mana Stone company. If you ever urgently need high-quality Mana Stones, you can contact him.”

“Are they giving me these cards because of you?”

“Do you really think so? These people have towering egos—they wouldn’t lift a finger unless Grandfather told them to. The fact that they gave you their cards means they judged you worthy.”

“Hmph, guess I am pretty exceptional.”

We passed through the living room, where a crowd had gathered, heading toward the staircase leading to the second floor. At the staircase entrance, we encountered Ha Joonsoo.

“……”

“……”

Ha Joonsoo and Ha Seunghee remained silent…


Staring each other down, they turned their gazes away.

“Sung Yoojin. My words from before still stand.”

“Same here.”

“…”

Ha Joonsoo shifted his expressionless gaze towards Ha Seunghui.

“Seunghui. I heard from grandpa about what you’re researching.”

“Don’t interfere anymore. This one’s mine to win.”

“Why would I interfere when it benefits the company? I’m just worried if you can handle it properly.”

“If Oppa doesn’t get in the way, things will go smoothly. I can already see the group’s stock skyrocketing.”

“Seunghui, be wary of your arrogance. This isn’t the end. What I’ve built up is far greater than you know.”

Ha Joonsoo walked past Ha Seunghui. Just then, a woman approached quickly from the first floor hallway and looped her arm through Joonsoo’s. It was actress Kang Namii. Stunned, my eyes widened as I looked at her. Dressed in an elegant white blouse and brown skirt, she appeared several times more pure than on TV. There was even a hint of softness on Joonsoo’s face looking at Kang Namii.

“Hello Miss, it’s been a while.”

“Yes, it has been. Kang Namii.”

“Is this gentleman your boyfriend?”

“No, he’s a coworker.”

“Hmm, is that so?”

After a brief greeting, Kang Namii followed Joonsoo into the living room. I stared after them. Despite thinking she was washed-up, she looked young enough to pass for early 20s, incredibly beautiful with that unique actress aura. Is their DNA really different from normal people?

“Senior, what are you spacing out about?”

Snapping back to reality, I diverted my gaze from ogling her behind. Seunghui was looking at me like I was a pervert. Pretending nonchalance, I said,

“It’s my first time seeing real-life Kang Namii… Got distracted. I’m a fan, you know.”

“Oh. I see.”

“Kang Namii is getting married in three months, right? Is her partner…?”

“Yeah. My older brother.”

I stroked my chin, slightly confused. For any other chaebol family I could understand, but Sejin Group is one of Korea’s top conglomerates – their heir marrying an actress?

“…Does her family have some hidden power?”

“Normal family. Her dad’s a civil servant, mom’s a housewife.”

“Still, marrying Joonsoo? No objections from the family?”

“Our family is pretty liberal about relationships and marriage. Even grandma and mom came from ordinary families.”

“…I see.”

Following Seunghui upstairs, Kang Namii’s image kept flashing in my mind. Seeing my long-admired crush in person made certain reactions immediate.

“Damn. If only I had those hypno-stickers… Dammit, no points.”

Sighing deeply, I tried clearing Kang Namii’s image to focus on other matters.

“We’re going to meet the chairman of Sejin Group, right? He’s probably waiting in his study.”

“…How did you know?”

“In dramas and web novels, the chairman is usually in the study.”

“Not nervous? Most people freeze up entering grandfather’s study for the first time. A few years ago, someone even got nauseous.”

“I am nervous.”

Dealing with important figures in the game world a few times has made me used to it.

“But I haven’t done anything wrong, and he didn’t summon me to kill me, so no need to shake like a leaf.”

Arriving at the grand wooden door on the third floor, Seunghui’s complexion changed completely. Chairman Ha Hyeonshin’s study makes even family members tense.

Seunghui slowly knocked on the study door with the back of her hand.

“Grandfather, it’s Seunghui. I’ve brought Senior Yoojin.”

“Come in.”

A weighty voice came from beyond the door. Before Seunghui could turn the doorknob, the door opened revealing a middle-aged man with progressing baldness. His face was drenched in cold sweat as he gave a silent bow to Seunghui before hurrying downstairs.

He doesn’t seem related, so probably one of the subsidiary presidents.

“Looking at the executives gathered on the first floor… Seems today’s the regular reporting day.”

Entering the study with Seunghui, the lighting was on…


Despite the dimness caused by the bookshelves crammed with books, the study was rather gloomy overall. At the far end of the room, near the window, a man sat at his desk.

This was Ha Hyeon-Shin, the chairman of Sejin Group. Though he was actually over 80 years old, he appeared to be in his mid-40s.

Ha Hyeon-Shin’s gaze turned toward me. His piercing eyes exerted pressure, binding my body tightly.

I almost chuckled at how predictable it all was.

‘Rich guys always try to crush their opponents’ spirit, don’t they?’

I wasn’t someone who would tremble from such intimidation. I had no intention of pretending to be scared either. I faced Ha Hyeon-Shin with dignity.

“It’s been a while. Do you remember me?”

“I met you in Jeju. That day left a strong impression—one I won’t forget.”

We only exchanged pleasantries during our encounter at the Jeju corporate trip. Ha Hyeon-Shin likely never imagined I’d end up in his private study.

“It hasn’t been that long… but you’ve changed quite a bit since then. Isn’t your growth too fast? Do you have some kind of secret?”

“Consistent training is my secret. More importantly, I’d like to know why you summoned me.”

“You’re bold. I don’t dislike young people like you.”

Ha Hyeon-Shin pulled out a file from his drawer and placed it on the desk.

“This contains information about you. You’re currently attending Gookcheon University. Your parents work in Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do. You awakened your abilities around two years ago. In just two short years, you’ve reached B Rank, though your actual skills are A Rank. If you were from a special family, this wouldn’t be surprising… but your background seems utterly ordinary.”

“…”

“Ah, did investigating you upset you? If so, I apologize.”

“It’s not exactly pleasant… but it’s fine. To be honest, those are all easily obtainable pieces of information.”

The details Ha Hyeon-Shin mentioned could be retrieved within a day through a detective agency. My parents are safe; they’re under special association protection. If anything happens to them, the association will contact me immediately.

“Your ability to maintain composure in any situation is impressive. When I was your age, I couldn’t control my emotions well…”

“I try to stay calm regardless of the circumstances.”

“The contract for HB-1 with Seung-Hui has been confirmed, correct? Are you really selling the rights to HB-1 for 30 billion won? It’s worth far more than that.”

“That matter is settled. I have no intention of reclaiming HB-1’s rights in the future. I swear. If necessary, I’ll even sign an agreement.”

“I believe you. For someone with your abilities, money isn’t that important. The reason I wanted to meet you directly was… to assess your talent.”

“…Talent?”

“When you rise to higher positions, you develop an eye for people. In my case, I’ve grown adept at gauging a hunter’s potential. After seeing most hunters once, I can estimate how strong they’ll become.”

“That’s an incredible skill.”

Answering dryly, Ha Hyeon-Shin chuckled softly.

“It seems you don’t believe me.”

“No, I do. This world is full of people with all sorts of unique abilities. Having a talent for recognizing others’ talents isn’t strange. I just don’t see how it relates to me.”

“Do you remember meeting me in Jeju? Back then, I didn’t find you particularly interesting. Another person named Park Su-Ho seemed far more talented at the time.”

“Su-Ho? He’s quite remarkable.”

“At that time, I gave you polite words, but let me be honest—I thought you’d fade away. Based on what I saw back then, I believed you’d struggle to reach A Rank. But I never dreamed you’d grow so quickly and stand before me today.”

“…”

Does he truly possess the ability to see through people’s talents? Given that he doesn’t push his grandchildren into hunting, there’s a high chance he does.

“What’s even more absurd is that I still can’t sense even a hint of your talent now.”

“…Hmph. I’m not sure what answer you’re looking for.”

“I want to test you. Would you care to spar with me?”