The Wise Cleaning Life Of A Returning Genius Hunter [EN]: Chapter 131

130

“Are Zambian forces advancing?”

Chief Secretary Caleb relayed the breaking news to Branch Manager Bruce.

“That’s what we’re hearing.”

“So, we couldn’t stop the deal…”

Bruce gnashed his teeth.

‘…I wonder if Representative Kim is safe.’

A failed deal likely means all plans have gone awry.

That would mean Kim’s safety couldn’t be guaranteed.

In the worst-case scenario, he might have been captured as a prisoner.

But… right now, the situation here took precedence.

“How long until they reach us?”

“Roughly a day should be enough.”

“Haa… Immediately recall all operation teams dispatched to the conflict zone. Let’s try to hold them off, even if it’s just us.”

Secretary Caleb’s expression, resigned, remained dark.

“Recall orders have already been issued. However, the distance is too great, and we need transport planes, but the government hasn’t granted permission… It will probably take at least two days for everyone to return.”

“How many personnel are left at the branch?”

“About 20 combat-ready personnel in total.”

“Haa…”

There was no way out.

Branch Manager Bruce let out a hollow laugh without realizing it.

A situation where they had to stop an attack with only 20 people.

Even in the midst of that, headquarters remained silent.

Moreover, the government, possibly colluding with headquarters, continued to obstruct them.

‘…It’s over.’

Branch Manager Bruce shook his head.

At this rate, the branch would soon collapse.

Of course, it wasn’t Branch Manager Bruce’s fault.

If headquarters had paid even a little attention to the branch, this would never have happened in the first place.

But… there was no way headquarters would accept that fact as it was.

‘If they had any intention of taking responsibility, they wouldn’t have abandoned the branch in the first place.’

Whatever choice he made, it would ultimately be his responsibility.

If they fought to the end, he might at least avoid severe disciplinary action.

But if they surrendered… in the worst case, he would be expelled from the international association.

A checkmate situation no matter how he looked at it.

‘They just needed a bullet shield from the start.’

Branch Manager Bruce seemed to vaguely understand why he, who had been a low-level employee, had been given this position.

If he had known this would happen, he should have taken some kickbacks.

He regretted it belatedly, but it was useless.

After organizing his thoughts for a moment, Branch Manager Bruce made a decision.

“Evacuate all employees.”

“……Pardon?”

“Empty the branch before the forces come up. There aren’t enough personnel anyway, so why bother taking damage?”

“Are you perhaps… surrendering?”

“Then, do you have a better idea?”

“…….”

“Since coming here, there hasn’t been anything I could do as I pleased, but now I can finally do something befitting a branch manager.”

“…….”

“I’ll take responsibility, so evacuate the employees quickly.”

Branch Manager Bruce said with a smile.

Like a child pretending to be an adult.

Of course, unlike his seemingly carefree expression, it was actually a statement made with a lot of resolve.

“……Understood.”

Just as Caleb, having confirmed the instructions, was about to leave the branch manager’s office.

“You don’t have to do that.”

Someone entered the branch manager’s office.

The person who appeared, dressed in a neat suit and pulling a carrier, was an unfamiliar Asian woman.

Branch Manager Bruce and Secretary Caleb’s eyes narrowed simultaneously.

“Who… ?”

“I’m Director Lee Ah-young, head of the support headquarters at Karma Corporation.”

Despite her introduction, their faces remained puzzled.

They hadn’t heard that additional personnel were coming from Karma Corporation.

“Ah, if you’ve come to rescue the representative… you’re a little late. It seems he’s been kidnapped to Zambia…”

“You don’t have to worry about that.”

She waved her hand as if even thinking about it was a bother.

“More importantly, I have something to tell you on behalf of the representative. Would now be a good time?”

“What……?”

She took out a document from her bag and handed it to Branch Manager Bruce.

Branch Manager Bruce’s eyes widened.

It was none other than the merger agreement between the Korea Ability Dimension Management Association and the Central Africa Integrated Branch.

***

Hanbyul General Trading, Management Office.

“They took all the hunter-exclusive weapons?”

Team Leader Ha Sung-il asked again, and Manager Kang Joo-han, who was examining the documents, nodded.

“Yeah. They were originally supposed to be delivered to the Seongnam and Suwon branches… but President Ha canceled it himself and took them for another project.”

“If it’s enough to supply two branches, the quantity must be considerable?”

“That’s right. Not just weapons, but other subjugation equipment too. Well, President Ha is personally preparing an overseas project this time. It must be for that.”

Team Leader Ha Sung-il’s eyes narrowed.

Overseas and weapons trade… that guy who’s never even been on a business trip in his life?

“Can’t we confirm which country he’s trading with?”

“Well. I’m not sure about that yet…”

“He went abroad this time, didn’t he? We can just check his plane ticket.”

“That’s possible, but you know we can’t check if he bought it with a personal card, right?”

Oops, Team Leader Ha Sung-il smacked his forehead.

There was no way he would be stupid enough to buy a plane ticket with a corporate card while conducting a suspicious business.

“Ah, he bought it with a corporate card. A first-class ticket to Zambia… for two.”

“……?”

Somehow, he seems to have gotten even dumber after hitting rock bottom once.

‘Well, that’s beside the point…’

Team Leader Ha Sung-il quietly organized his thoughts.

If it’s Zambia, isn’t that a country currently in conflict with Congo?

Above all, the existing association is in a state of dissolution, so weapons trading should be prohibited…….

‘If he’s trying to trade weapons with them…….’

Black market.

That’s the only thing I can think of.

He’s completely lost his mind.

How could he conduct black market trading under the name of Hanbyul, a company his father raised?

Team Leader Ha Sung-il gnashed his teeth.

At that moment, a call came from an unknown number.

「This is the Violent Crimes Unit 1 of the Gangnam Police Station. Are you Ha Sung-il?」

It was a call from the police station he had visited a few days ago.

“Yes, yes, that’s me.”

「We investigated the hospital CCTV as you requested… Ha Dong-bae’s death one hour before Ha Sung-tae visited. Have you heard anything from him?」

“……No. That guy hasn’t been to the hospital even once since my father passed away.”

「Ah, is that so? Hmm, then that’s a bit strange.」

The hand holding the phone tightened.

‘What the hell is this crazy bastard doing…….’

「Well, anyway, we’ll investigate a little more. We’ll contact you again if there’s any progress.」

“Yes, thank you. Goodbye.”

Team Leader Ha Sung-il hung up the phone and pondered for a moment.

Then he picked up the phone again.

“Yes, Grandfather.”

His grandfather, Chairman Ha Deok-soo, answered.

「What is it?」

“Please don’t be surprised by what I’m about to say.”

***

Zambia Temporary Association Camp.

“You found me? Do you know me?”

“Of course, I know you.”

I answered with a smile.

I can’t forget.

How could I forget?

You’re the one who demoted a former SSS-rank hunter to a janitor overnight.

I wanted to see you so much that you even appeared in my dreams.

“Are they also affiliated with the International Association?”

Chairman Kennedy, no, the Zambian branch manager, asked.

I shook my head.

“It’s better if you don’t know. They’re not the kind of guys you want to get involved with.”

I turned my head towards the Zambian forces aiming their weapons at the Balance Team.

“You guys should step back too, so you don’t get hurt unnecessarily. You’re no match for them with that number.”

“Wh-what…?”

“S-so, you’re going to face them alone?!”

“Hey, hey!”

Without replying, I walked forward.

The entire Balance Team prepared for battle.

Without paying attention, I opened my mouth towards Team Leader Marc.

“Are you okay with this, Team Leader? It seems like the Balance Adjustment Team will be disbanded as of today.”

“Who says so.”

Team Leader Marc immediately raised his gun.

[Unique Skill: First Sniper]

[All attacks will never miss the target designated by the caster]

[Bullet – Mercury]

[Loading Complete]

Click, Titan was loaded.

And…….

[Unique Skill: Blood Carnival]

[Unique Skill: Supernova]

[Unique Skill: Holy Sword – Damascus]

[Unique Skill: Assassin Shadow]

Bang―!!

Boom, Kwa kwa kwang―!

Puh buh bung―!!

The Balance Team’s attacks poured out all at once.

“Who says so?”

[Unique Skill: Demon King – Predation of the Strong]

[While the unique skill is active, if the magic power is lower than the caster’s, all attacks are nullified.]

“If I say so, that’s what it is.”

As soon as they touched the black aura that was erupting, all attacks were rendered useless.

“……!”

“……!!”

They hesitated.

But the one who was actually flustered was me.

“Is this all you’ve got to catch me?”

You came to face me again without any preparation?

Even though you prepared a Mana Stone last time?

“…….”

“…….”

Amidst everyone’s silence, Team Leader Marc let out a snort.

“As if.”

Soon, his gaze turned behind me.

The moment I realized it.

The entire Balance Team was rushing towards the Zambian forces behind me.

‘Shit, they were aiming for this from the start…!’

I quickly turned my body and pointed to the Zambian forces.

[Acquired Skill: Incarnation – Uriel]

[While the incarnation is maintained, the allies designated by the caster will not die]

I pointed to the 50 people as they were.

[Ally designation complete]

[Death immunity for the designated allies for the next 10 seconds]

Kwa kwa kwang―!!

A brief moment as a huge impact traveled through the ground.

Fortunately, all the Zambian forces were safe.

“Is it enough to just shut my mouth?”

“Then? Why bother facing a guy that even Mana Stones don’t work on.”

“Do you think you can kill them while ignoring me?”

“I should be the one asking that.”

Team Leader Marc’s eyes flashed.

“Do you think you can fight us while protecting them?”

“…….”

He’s right.

It’s the Balance Team, whose job is to kill hunters, not just anyone.

Moreover, it’s not just some random small fry, but the team leader himself is moving.

It’s not easy to face only them, let alone fight while protecting someone.

But.

[Unique Skill: Demon King – Dictator]

[Creates a disposable skill according to the caster’s thoughts.]

[Skill creation in progress.]

[Skill creation complete.]

“That’s only true when we’re on a similar level.”

[Skill creation complete]

[Created Skill: Scissorhands]

“If you’re overwhelmingly strong, it doesn’t really matter.”

Swoosh―.

The black aura instantly transformed into a giant blade, cutting through the entire Balance Team.

Avoid it if you can.

[Unique Skill: First Sniper]

[Bullet: Venus]

[Loading Complete]

[The movement speed of the target hit by the bullet is increased to the maximum]

Bang―!

At that moment, a light flashed from Team Leader Marc’s gun.

Swish swish swish―

The entire Balance Team disappeared before my eyes.

No.

It’s impossible to follow their movements with my eyes.

“This isn’t the time to be spacing out.”

“Cough…!”

One of the Zambian forces collapsed, spitting blood.

They properly aimed for the gap when the skill effect ended.

These bastards are for real……!

The black aura surrounding me exploded.

Taat―!

At this moment, I too move in the same time as them.