Chapter 141: Hunters in Preparation (1)
The mission was to rescue the dwarves from a mine occupied by Black Wizards and their monsters. It was expected to be an extremely difficult operation.
Had the Black Wizards secretly infiltrated the territory of the Continental Alliance and seized a dwarven mine there, things might have been more manageable. But in this case, the situation was reversed: the captured dwarven mine was believed to be located deep within the territory of the Black Kingdom.
In other words, clearing the Gate meant infiltrating enemy territory, defeating the Black Wizards and monsters, enduring counterattacks on their turf, and safely retreating with the dwarves once the rescue team arrived.
"One fortunate thing is that demons don't seem particularly interested in dwarven technology."
It was the Black Wizards who were obsessed with the dwarves' superior refining techniques.
"We know that the Black Wizards will send a punitive force the moment they realize they've been attacked. That means we'll need to hold the mine with the dwarves until the rescue team arrives."
"Then how about this," Association President Kang Man-Ki offered. "We build a hideout nearby, sneak the dwarves out, and hide with them until the reinforcements get here. That way, we minimize direct confrontation."
It was a tactic commonly used by counter-terrorism units during hostage rescue operations.
"Or," another voice added, "we wait for the Continental Alliance rescue team to arrive first, and then conduct the rescue with their support."
This also seemed reasonable. Government-affiliated Hunters, due to the nature of their missions, often worked alongside counter-terrorism units and adopted their tactics.
However, Kim Ki-Rok shook his head. "I've considered those strategies myself. But Hunter Lim Min-Seong?"
"Yes, sir!" Hunter Lim Min-Seong, who had returned from a reconnaissance mission into the Gate, answered with a tense expression.
"You didn't spot any dwarves during the recon, did you?"
"No, sir. That's correct."
Due to the covert nature of the operation, they had carefully avoided any areas with even the slightest risk of detection. Still, it was strange that they hadn't seen a single dwarf.
"Ah! But just as I was about to withdraw, I spotted a dwarf in a three-story building."
"Were there Black Wizards nearby?"
"Yes, there were."
"Was the dwarf old or young?"
"They were old."
Kim Ki-Rok gave a faint, sad smile at Hunter Lim Min-Seong's answer. It was just as he had expected.
"Based on Hunter Lim Min-Seong's reconnaissance, I can say with certainty that simply extracting the dwarves is impossible. As long as the Black Wizards are watching them, we won't be able to evacuate them without first eliminating their guards."
Fighting was inevitable if they intended to save the dwarves. Upon this realization, the gathered guild leaders exchanged looks and sighed in disappointment.
"As for waiting until the Continental Alliance rescue team arrives before rescuing the dwarves and reclaiming the mine... that's not just difficult. It's impossible."
The gathered guild leaders tilted their heads. "Hmm?"
Kim Ki-Rok hadn't said it would be "difficult." He had clearly said "impossible."
"Impossible?"
"Yes. What we're doing is effectively a raid. We'll be launching a surprise attack from inside enemy territory. The Black Wizards will likely be caught off guard and see our assault as an ambush."
"However, an attack by the Continental Alliance would be a large-scale offensive, crossing enemy borders. The Black Wizards likely have a communication system in place and would have enough time to respond. With that window, they'd try to evacuate the dwarves."
"You're saying the Black Wizards could use teleportation magic to move the dwarves before the rescue team arrives..."
"That's correct."
President Kang Man-Ki groaned.
No matter how much he thought about it, he couldn't come up with a way to conceal a large-scale offensive that crossed enemy borders. Nor could he justify planning an operation based on the assumption that the enemy hadn't established a communication network.
That left them with only one option.
"In other words, we rescue the dwarves, reclaim the mine, and hold a defensive position until the rescue team arrives?"
"That's correct."
"Hoo... We'll pick this up again tomorrow morning."
Given the danger posed by an A-Class Gate, it wasn't a decision he could make on the spot.
"Participation in this clear isn't mandatory. Each guild should decide whether to attend tomorrow's meeting at their own discretion."
At Association President Kang Man-Ki's words, the Guildmasters fell silent, each lost in thought. This wasn't a simple Gate clear. It had the potential to escalate into a full-scale conflict, on par with a runaway Gate. A hasty decision could lead to irreversible consequences.
"By the way..." Kim Ki-Rok added.
The pondering Guildmasters looked up, wondering what else he had to say.
"There are two good things."
Good things?
"First, we have access to a Permanent Gate. That drastically cuts down the time it takes to organize and dispatch a rescue team. The moment we pinpoint the mine's location, they'll mobilize."
The Guildmasters nodded. In a normal scenario, they would have to infiltrate, rescue, request help, and then hold a defensive position. That would take considerable time. But the Permanent Gate allowed them to change that sequence: infiltrate, request help, rescue, and then hold the line. It sounded like a minor rearrangement, but it made a major difference in difficulty.
"And second, the dwarves. According to High Elf Serena, dwarves always repay their debts. If someone saves their lives, they'll return the favor, sometimes with their most treasured possessions."
The Guildmasters' eyes changed at the mention of the dwarf's treasure. They immediately understood what Ki-Rok was implying. Although the Gate was extremely dangerous, if they succeeded in clearing it, they could each receive additional rewards from the dwarves on top of the standard Gate rewards.
"The dwarves live in their mining village, which the Black Kingdom has now taken over. Naturally, they'll have to relocate somewhere within the territory of the Continental Alliance. Now, where would they go?" Kim Ki-Rok stirred their thoughts even further before continuing. "The dwarves won't be able to trust humans. Which means they'll likely resettle in a fortress protected by the Beastfolk or the elves."
As it happened, there was a Permanent Gate that linked the elves' fortress directly to Earth.
"Dwarves are an exceptionally gifted race when it comes to craftsmanship. So, would they choose to live in a forested stronghold guarded by the Beastfolk, or move to the northern border under the protection of the elves? There, thanks to the Permanent Gate, they have convenient access to items from other dimensions."
Even after clearing and destroying the Gate, they could still interact with the dwarves, not as strangers but as benefactors.
"I'll end my explanation here," Kim Ki-Rok said with yet another clap.
With that, the Guildmasters split into groups and left the conference room. Their expressions were no longer as grim as they had been earlier. Left behind were only the members of the Association, the Shine Guild, and the DG Guild.
Association President Kang Man-Ki, who had been silently watching the Guildmasters depart, suddenly burst into laughter.
"Haha... Guildmaster Kim Ki-Rok. You're amazing."
If this information reached the guild members, they'd insist on participating whether their Guildmasters agreed or not.
***
Most of the monsters expected to appear in the Gate were Undead. Undead could be troublesome, but with the right preparations, they were manageable. Of course, if the Black Wizards used mana from the Demon Realm to raise them, things would be more complicated, but not to the point of serious concern.
At least, that's what Association President Kang Man-Ki had thought until he saw the scouting photos.
He let out a heavy sigh. "Their damn equipment..."
On his computer screen was the scouting team's report. Included was a photo of a skeleton clad in sturdy armor, brandishing a sharp sword.
"If most of the skeletons are like this..."
According to the report, seventy percent of the skeletons were armed.
There were instances where Undead retained the weapons they had used in life. However, after years of decay and exposure, it was rare for their equipment to remain intact. Most weapons were rusted and on the verge of breaking.
Aside from rare exceptions, such as Undead equipped with E-Class treasures or better, it was unheard of for them to possess gear in such good condition. The skeletons in the photo weren't just armed, they looked exceptionally well-equipped.
"They must be dwarven-made."
They already had to be cautious around Undead, but now, those monsters had become an even greater threat. Add the presence of Black Wizards and the creatures they controlled, and the Gate was beginning to look nearly impregnable.
Furthermore, the Black Wizards were humanoid. Given the choice, most Hunters would rather face an A-Class Gate full of monsters than a B-Class with intelligent enemies. Instinct-driven monsters are easier to fight than foes capable of thought and planning.
Even if they were enemies, there was always hesitation when it came to raising a weapon against something human. Especially if they talked, begged, or cried. That hesitation could prove fatal.
"Hmm... Most of our Hunters are experienced, so it shouldn't be a major issue. Still, we should be prepared, just in case."
Association President Kang Man-Ki immediately contacted his secretary's office to recruit and schedule consultations with psychiatrists. As he was working through his tasks, his phone that was still plugged in and charging suddenly rang.
"Hmm?"
A familiar name appeared on the screen. The Association President immediately switched to speakerphone.
"What can I do for you, Guildmaster Kim Ki-Rok?"
—My guild meeting just ended, and I'm planning to meet with the elves.
"Is that so?"
—Yes. But after reading the Association's report, it seems like the skeletons might cause us some trouble. So, I called to check.
"I was just worrying about that myself."
—Understood. Then, after meeting with the elves and confirming their preparation status, I'll contact the Temple Alliance.
Association President Kang Man-Ki cheered inwardly. Working with competent people made everything easier. If they could prepare weapons or items imbued with the Temple Alliance's sacred power, there'd be no need to worry about the armed skeletons.
"Excellent. Please purchase as much holy water and as many weapons as possible."
—Will do. However...
Kang Man-Ki suddenly tensed. What was Kim Ki-Rok going to say now?
—Should I rent them or buy them?
For a moment, the Association President was speechless. Was that why he had called?
—Well, we've been spending a lot on guild member training and reinvestments lately.
What kind of excuse was that? The DG Guild owned the market streets near their own Permanent Gate. Of all people, they were claiming to be short on funds? The DG Guild, rumored to be raking in profits thanks to their in-house Spell Creator, Potion Brewer, and Weapon Reinforcement Expert?
Sensing the silence, Kim Ki-Rok quickly added a clarification.
—Well, it's not like we're the only ones who'll be using the goods, right?
"Hm. Bring... bring me the receipt."
—But they don't issue receipts.
"I'll send an Association employee."
—Okay. Then the dispatched employee...
"Wait a moment."
—Yes?
At Kim Ki-Rok's bright, carefree tone, Kang Man-Ki reflexively cut him off.
"Uhh... Guildmaster Kim Ki-Rok?"
—Go ahead.
"Uh..."
—Yes?
"How much do you think it'll cost?"
***
"The risk is higher than the Revival of the World Tree..."
That operation had been different since they received assistance from the elves, including three high-ranking High Elves as well as support from the Empire and the Temple Alliance.
This time, however, the Hunters would be on their own, responsible for raiding the enemy, rescuing the dwarves, and holding the line until the rescue team arrived.
Kim Ki-Rok licked his lips and stared at his smartphone. Should he call or not? After a moment of hesitation, he selected one of the saved contacts.
—Yes, Guildmaster.
"Ah, are you enjoying your trip?"
—Thanks to you, I'm having a good time.
"Did you manage to do what I asked?"
—Of course.
"Good. An A-Class Gate has appeared. We'll be participating in the clear. So please report back, Hunter Lee Chil-Sung."
Right after they had cleared the Gate Revival of the World Tree, Kim Ki-Rok had called Lee Chil-Sung separately and suggested he go on an overseas trip. Though he had initially refused, he eventually accepted when Kim Ki-Rok mentioned there would be a mission involved during his travels.
***
—Good. An A-Class Gate has appeared. We'll be participating in the clear. So please report back, Hunter Lee Chil-Sung.
In a narrow alley in Spain, a gagged man was shouting and struggling noisily. "Uppp! Uppp!"
Lee Chil-Sung frowned at him, then replied politely, "Yes, I understand. I'll return on the first flight tomorrow morning."
—Ah, take your time. The clear won't begin right away.
"Okay."
—So, where are you now?
"I'm in Spain."
—Nice... And that's Paco, I'm guessing?
"Yes. I've caught Paco."
—Good job. Hand him over to the police and enjoy some sightseeing. I heard there's a lot to see in Madrid Square.
"Understood. I'll contact you again once I return."
Lee Chil-Sung spoke with calm politeness, as if Kim Ki-Rok were standing right in front of him. Then, without hesitation, he drove his knee into the face of the Awakened criminal, Paco.
"Ugh! Kggh! Urgh!"
As Paco coughed and struggled, Lee Chil-Sung kicked him in the side with a scowl. "Shut up. Before I kill you right here."
Only then did Paco stop resisting.
If it were up to him, he would've ended this human trafficker on the spot.
Lee Chil-Sung dragged him by the leg while he searched for the nearest police station on his phone app.