The World Hunter Federation and Seokyoung Guild announced that 300 people were selected as the new Revengers, but they did not disclose the names. Whether to publicly declare oneself as a new Revenger was left to individual choice. Since this was a life-or-death raid, most decided to reveal that they were new Revengers, but there were a few, like Yoon Seo, who chose not to. Some had already lost precious loved ones and felt no need to announce it.
Now, these 300 new Revengers had to come together for training, and the only organization capable of accommodating such a large group was Seokyoung Guild. Hunters of all shapes and ages flew into Korea and gathered at the Seokyoung headquarters. They passionately trained together, combining their skills and strategies.
It would have been nice to have two weeks of intense training solely focused on the Great Dungeon, but the world would not allow them that luxury. S-rank dungeons began to appear steadily around the globe. Even though there were several months before deadlines, they had to prepare as much as possible before entering the Great Dungeon due to the imminent risk of major power loss.
Yoo Juncheol suggested that A-rank and lower hunters should focus on training, so the S-rank hunters decided to handle the newly appeared S-rank dungeons. There were three teams formed: one led by Soo Jaehee with Alec and Yelena; another by Kwon Jihan; and the last by Seo Chaeyoon. Kwon Jihan and Seo Chaeyoon decided to take on the dungeons individually.
While Kwon Jihan had a record of solo clearing S-rank Orange dungeons, Seo Chaeyoon did not, causing some to worry at first, but they soon realized such concerns were unfounded.
Initially, Kwon Jihan's clear record was faster, but later Seo Chaeyoon caught up, then Kwon Jihan surpassed him again, only for Seo Chaeyoon to overtake him once more….
In the end, Seo Chaeyoon won with a record of 45 hours and 30 minutes for clearing an S-rank Yellow dungeon.
As news of their solo clear accomplishments flooded the headlines every few days, even ordinary people began to develop a sense of safety, stabilizing the global stock market and housing prices.
For Yoon Seo, having solo cleared three S-rank dungeons was immensely valuable experience. Kwon Jihan seemed to have leveled up significantly as well, gaining a lot of experience.
The members of the Perfect team were also training alongside the other new Revengers, and they subtly flaunted their connections with Kwon Jihan and Seo Chaeyoon in front of others. "Remember when we went to the S-rank Yellow dungeon together?" "Hunter Seo Chaeyoon trained here." "Oh, Hunter Seo Chaeyoon really enjoys his meals." They spoke as if to make sure everyone heard them.
Hong Euiyoon was especially egregious.
"Oh, Seo Chaeyoon set another record. He was one hour ahead of Kwon Jihan. I can't tell if they're really close or not. Of course, I've heard Seo Chaeyoon play the piano before."
He would insert anecdotes about his relationship with Seo Chaeyoon in the most unrelated contexts.
"That piece was 'Flight of the Bumblebee.' He played it when he came over to my house. It was quite nice to hear. And we also had a meal together. I even have Seo Chaeyoon's phone number. He made me chocolate crack cookies too."
Despite such childish bragging, the new Revengers gathered around Hong Euiyoon, exclaiming "Wow!" In reality, Park Soobin, who had a deeper friendship with Seo Chaeyoon than Hong Euiyoon, could only sigh and shake his head.
To maintain their combat senses, A-rank hunters also rushed to clear any newly emerged dungeons below S-rank Navy level. However, they didn't go too often to ensure adequate rest.
As they continued to cycle through training and raids, time flew by quickly.
***
October 13th.
One day before entering the Great Dungeon, a press conference was held in the heart of Gwanghwamun, Seoul, South Korea. The official title of the press conference was "Arctic S-rank Red-Black Second Dungeon Press Conference." Since no stay would be permitted in the Arctic except for raid personnel, it was decided to hold a large press conference in Korea.
Only 33 people, including S-rank hunters, stood before the media, and many others gathered to watch.
The new Revenger that everyone wanted to see was, of course, Seo Chaeyoon, but Yoon Seo did not stand in front.
Instead, Kwon Jihan decided to take the spotlight. True to his personality, he should have stormed out with a cocky expression and a nonchalant tone saying, "Ah, this is annoying. I don't want to do this." However, another part of his personality fit the role of standing confidently in front of the camera to calm people's anxieties, as a rightful stronghold in the world.
Kwon Jihan answered all questions earnestly and spoke with a resolute voice, projecting a self-assured demeanor that would put everyone at ease.
The atmosphere of the press conference started off solemn and reverent but became increasingly chaotic toward the end.
When the host announced the conclusion, murmurs spread among the reporters.
"Where's Seo Chaeyoon? Is he really not coming?"
"Isn't it too arrogant for him to not show up even once?"
"Damn it. If Seo Chaeyoon isn't coming, why are we even having this press conference?"
It seemed the reporters were waiting for Seo Chaeyoon to appear even in the latter part of the press conference. And perhaps the citizens felt the same, as voices of discontent began to emerge here and there.
The host and the hunters, who had diligently completed their interviews, were taken aback, unsure when to wrap things up. Among the representatives was Hong Euiyoon, whose face had turned a shade of red and was visibly agitated.
"Ah, ah."
At that moment, Kwon Jihan on the podium tapped the microphone and opened his mouth.
"Everyone, focus."
"..."
"I ask for your attention."
Kwon Jihan's cold gaze directed toward the reporters and citizens.
The unawakened ones in the crowd sensed the strange atmosphere and fell silent. However, their eyes still brimmed with dissatisfaction.
Kwon Jihan looked toward the back of the crowd. There stood Yoon Seo, watching with his hat on. His expression was hidden beneath the brim, but Kwon Jihan could guess what it might be.
Why is this happening?
That person is still filled with disillusionment about the world and justice… It seems like the whole world is provoking Seo Chaeyoon's disillusionment.
"I was once like that…"
No, it wasn't just once. Until recently, he acted as if he had entrusted his salvation to Seo Chaeyoon.
That's why… He hoped the world wouldn't make any more mistakes with him.
This isn't just for these people. Kwon Jihan simply wanted to soothe Yoon Seo's heart, which was undoubtedly cracked.
Kwon Jihan began to speak.
"Ten years ago, I was twelve years old. I vaguely remember gathering with other orphans in front of the shelter's TV to watch the Revengers being formed, summoned, and entering the Great Dungeon. I cheered them on, clapping along with everyone. Even as a child, I felt anxious and empathized with how terrifying it must have been. The next day, I overslept and woke up to play soccer with my friends. The day after that, I complained about the bad side dishes, and the following day, I snuck out to bring in new clothes. Playing, eating, occasionally fighting, and then playing again. As time passed and the Great Dungeon remained uncleared, the adults grew increasingly anxious. Many adults committed suicide, leaving the children to console them. Later, when the Great Dungeon was cleared, many in the shelter watched the TV, pouring out their resentment. "Why are they coming out now? Why did they delay?" Then, the screen showed the faces of survivors… there were only four. Over 1,203 people had entered. Massive tanks and armored vehicles had gone in, but only four came out."
"..."
"At that moment in front of the TV, I had many thoughts. I felt a thrill, sadness, anger, injustice, rage, sympathy, and then I was moved, only to burst into frustration again. The world had escaped the brink of destruction, yet instead of feeling joy, my heart was so heavy that I couldn't laugh for a while. In fact, I don't even have the right to say this because I had long forgotten those emotions."
"..."
"Tomorrow, 300 people will enter the Great Dungeon. While they risk their lives fighting in reality, you will live your daily lives just as I did in the shelter—playing, eating, fighting… This is a group of 300 people who volunteered to protect that everyday life. They are willingly entering a place where 1,203 people entered, and only four came out."
The crowd fell silent. The hunters on the podium were at a loss for words. The viewers in front of the TV would feel the same.
Kwon Jihan's message was clearly conveyed to everyone.
"What you should tell them is not to hand over Seo Chaeyoon. That would be disrespectful to our Chaeyoon hyung. In any case, this time, speak properly to these people. Everyone knows what needs to be said."
Kwon Jihan turned off the microphone and stood up. The hunters, who had been quietly listening, hurriedly stood up after him. They had originally planned to conclude with a collective greeting, but Kwon Jihan's abrupt exit left the host at a loss for words. Just as the other hunters were about to descend the stage, someone from the press shouted urgently, wishing them a safe return. Following that shout, people finally began to express what they truly needed to say.
Thank you, I'm sorry, go well, I'll be waiting for everyone to return alive…
Cheers erupted, followed by thunderous applause.
"…"
Yoon Seo watched the scene from the back of the onlookers, wearing a hat.
'You probably heard the rumors, but Kwon Jihan is a fighting fanatic.'
He recalled what Tae Jaesik had said months ago.
A fighting fanatic, huh?
Is there really a fighting fanatic who tries to talk things out like this?
From now on, if anyone calls Kwon Jihan a fighting fanatic, I should try to reason with them like he did today.
A smile crept onto Yoon Seo's lips as he turned away.