The Wise Cleaning Life Of A Returning Genius Hunter [EN]: Chapter 263

262

Northern Vietnam, Lai Chau.

A nexus point where the borders of Laos, China, and Vietnam converge.

A crucial gateway for accessing the continent, a place where byproducts from surrounding countries accumulate. It was there that Branch Manager Sean…

Bang, Kwakwang—!

“…”

Silently observed the hub coming under attack.

Of course, the attackers were the headquarters staff, who, like him, had been ordered to withdraw.

Branch Manager Sean attempted to maintain a calm facade, but the deep-seated fear etched on his face was undeniable.

And understandably so.

With the withdrawal order issued, the nature of the punishment awaiting him back at headquarters was chillingly clear.

“B, Branch Manager…”

Team Leader Jonathan from the control team, who was observing the scene alongside him, spoke with a hesitant voice.

“Is this really alright? Headquarters issued a withdrawal order, didn’t they? Shouldn’t we just head back…?”

“Tell me, do you honestly believe we’ll survive if we return in this state?” Branch Manager Sean retorted, his eyes fixed on the unfolding chaos.

“We’re all doomed now. We’ve lost the hub, and effectively, our foothold in Vietnam, because of our failures. And what about the billions of dollars in debt? Do you think the Secretary-General will simply overlook such a massive loss?”

“…”

“Begging for death might actually be the preferable option.”

Team Leader Jonathan’s face paled, fully aware that Branch Manager Sean’s words were not mere hyperbole.

“In that case, it’s better to do something, anything, even if it’s just a small gesture,” Branch Manager Sean said, his voice trembling slightly.

Only now, as the situation spiraled completely out of control, did the realization dawn on him.

He had been played by Kim Junwoo from the very beginning.

It was a situation that was inherently unresolvable, regardless of his actions.

Even with unlimited funds and manpower, without identifying the core issue early on, a reversal was impossible.

Kim Junwoo understood this, which explained his complete lack of willingness to negotiate.

And he, Sean, had foolishly believed that money could solve anything.

As a result, he had recklessly accumulated hundreds of millions of dollars in debt, using the hub as collateral, ultimately leading to the loss of the entire branch and Vietnam itself.

With a single misstep, he had jeopardized the Secretary-General’s grand plan.

The price for such a transgression was one he could never repay, even with his life.

So, from this point forward… he had to find a way to survive, regardless of the consequences.

Yes.

If he destroyed the hub here and now, he could at least prevent it from falling into the hands of another party.

Even if he couldn’t compensate headquarters for their losses, he could deny anyone else the opportunity to profit from his failure.

And if he was exceptionally lucky…

Perhaps he could earn some measure of leniency.

“Branch Manager!”

Just as he was conjuring the most optimistic scenario possible, Team Leader Chris from Operations Team 1 approached, shouting.

“What is it?”

“Upon inspection, there are still civilians inside. We should halt the attack temporarily and resume once they’ve all been evacuated…”

“What the hell are you talking about now!”

“…Pardon?”

“What about the civilians inside?!”

Branch Manager Sean glared at him, his voice rising.

“Is this the time for us to be concerned about the lives of others? We need to finish this operation before that bastard Kim Junwoo arrives! Don’t interfere, and continue the attack!”

“…”

His eyes seemed devoid of reason.

Team Leader Chris recognized the futility of arguing and quickly retreated.

Just as he was about to order his subordinates to resume their assault.

“Even though I offered you a chance to withdraw peacefully, you refused.”

A voice that sent shivers down his spine echoed through the air.

Everyone turned towards the source of the voice…

“Now, you’ve crossed the line.”

[Unique Skill: Demon King]

He was facing a demon.

***

The hub, the place he had rushed to upon receiving the urgent call.

As he expected, Branch Manager Sean and the headquarters staff were all gathered there.

“Branch Manager Sean, have you lost your mind?”

“…”

He questioned Sean, but received no response.

“Attacking even though you’re aware of the civilians inside… I doubt the International Association headquarters would approve of such actions.”

“…”

Branch Manager Sean’s face was a mask of shame, yet he remained silent.

It seemed he had completely lost his grip on reality.

In such a state, any attempt at persuasion would be futile.

Though, in truth, he had no intention of trying to persuade him in the first place.

[Unique Skill: Demon King]

Sss—.

Black tendrils of energy erupted around him as he prepared to strike.

“Ig, ignore him! Ignore him and continue attacking the hub!!” Branch Manager Sean screamed at his subordinates.

Knowing that the situation was beyond redemption, his subordinates immediately obeyed the order.

Kugugugung—!

Kwakwang—!!

“Damn it…!”

The attacks resumed, raining down upon the hub once more.

He moved swiftly, attempting to intercept the attacks.

[Unique Skill: Demon King – Tyrant]

[Creates a disposable skill based on the caster’s thoughts.]

[Skill creation in progress.]

[Skill creation complete.]

[The Day of the Dark Moon]

Sss—.

A black crescent moon materialized in the sky above.

Papababak—!!

The faint moonlight transformed into razor-sharp black blades, which plummeted towards the ground.

“Aaaagh!!”

“Kkeueuk…!”

Simultaneous screams filled the air.

But…

Bang, Kwakwagwang—!

Peobeobeong—!

Regardless of whether their comrades fell beside them, they continued their relentless bombardment of the hub.

They had all succumbed to a single, overriding thought: that destroying the hub was their only path to survival.

“Damn it…!”

[Acquired Skill: Destroyer]

[Acquired Skill: Quasar]

Bang—!!

Kwakwang—!!

He continued to unleash attacks, desperately trying to stop them…

‘Damn it, they’re too scattered…’

Hundreds of individuals were dispersed around the hub.

Unless he leveled the entire area surrounding the hub, it would be impossible to deal with them all at once.

But he didn’t have the luxury of taking them on one by one…

Just as he was grappling with the situation.

Kugugugung—!

“Damn it…”

Finally, the ceiling of Building A, the hub’s main shipping area, collapsed.

Inside were civilians, including hub employees. If he didn’t rescue them immediately, it would be too late.

‘Damn it, what am I supposed to do with these bastards then…!’

In a matter of seconds.

He frantically searched for a solution.

“Team Leader Kim, please prioritize rescuing the people inside.”

“…!”

A familiar voice reached his ears.

It was Operations Director Nguyen, who had rushed to the scene after receiving the news.

“We’ll handle the ones outside.”

“We?”

When he questioned him, Nguyen simply turned his head back, offering no verbal response.

Soon, hundreds of local operations team members appeared behind Director Nguyen.

‘When did he gather all these people…’

Regardless, the timing was impeccable.

There was still one more issue to address.

“I can’t confirm the exact number of people inside. It’s too difficult for me to handle alone. I need to request backup…”

“Don’t worry.”

“…Yes?”

“I already requested it.”

At that moment, as Director Nguyen spoke those words.

“Junwoo-ya!”

“Mr. Junwoo!”

“Hey, you bastard! Are you trying to get yourself killed!”

The entirety of Cleaning Team 3 came running into view, screaming at the top of their lungs.

The support didn’t end there.

“Kim!”

“What are you doing alone, Kim!”

“You should have called us immediately if something like this happened!”

The local cleaning team.

Everyone he had been working alongside for weeks had gathered at this location.

“…What is all this?”

“Have you forgotten, you idiot? Our job includes rescuing hunters trapped in dungeons, right?”

“That bastard, always trying to act like a lone wolf.”

“I brought equipment just in case. If the employees managed to evacuate to the underground shelter, it might not be too late yet.”

Department Head Park Geuntae, Han Sanghyuk, and Moon Soyeon each added their voices.

“Sanghyuk, make sure you have the rope ready. Soyeon, check the gas masks.”

“The building’s internal map has been uploaded to the PDA [Personal Digital Assistant]. Please review it. We’ll check the first-floor shelter first, then search the 2nd and 3rd floors in order.”

“I’ll take command of the site. Everyone, keep the radio channels open.”

“Okay!”

“Understood.”

“…”

He shook his head, observing their frantic activity.

Well, whatever.

He supposed he could trust them with this much.

“Go in. We’ll provide cover.”

“…Understood.”

Director Nguyen turned around as soon as he heard his response.

“Cleaning Team 3, entering.”

With those words, he stepped into the building, which seemed on the verge of collapse.

***

Bang, Kwakwang—!!

In that place where attacks rained down relentlessly.

Team Leader Chris from the operations team, also consumed by madness, continued to assault the hub.

Peong—!!

“Ugh…!”

He was sent sprawling to the ground by an attack that came from an unseen direction.

He hurriedly raised his head.

“Hello, Team Leader.”

Operations Director Nguyen stood before him.

“You bastard…”

“What the hell are you doing? You’re supposed to be the leader of the operations team, responsible for protecting the safety of civilians!”

At his question, Team Leader Chris merely chuckled instead of answering.

“I spared you because I didn’t have time to deal with you, but you came looking for death.”

Team Leader Chris immediately rose to his feet and glared at Director Nguyen.

Simultaneously, Director Nguyen chuckled and spoke.

“Actually, I was secretly hoping you would show up.”

“…What?”

“I wanted to personally shut that arrogant mouth of yours, the one that doesn’t know its place.”

“Ha, have you ever seen such a crazy bastard…!”

[Unique Skill: Hell Warlock]

[Hell Fist]

He momentarily lost his composure at Director Nguyen’s taunt and raised both fists.

Kung, Kuung—!!

As he punched the air, condensed flames erupted from his hands and hurtled towards Nguyen.

Of course, Nguyen didn’t remain idle.

[Unique Skill: Beast – Azure Dragon]

Geugeugeugeuk—.

Horns and scales began to emerge, transforming him into a dragonkin form with a bluish aura.

Kwang—!!

Team Leader Chris’s flames struck him directly.

Director Nguyen staggered momentarily from the impact, and Team Leader Chris seized the opportunity.

“Did you really think you could defeat someone from headquarters? You’re on a completely different level from bottom-feeders like you, you Asian bastard!”

[Unique Skill: Hell Warlock]

[Hell Breath]

[Hell Fist]

[Hell Sound]

Kugugugugu—!!

Peong, Peobeobeong—!!

Kwakwang—!!

He unleashed a barrage of skills at Director Nguyen.

He had no intention of toying with him or demonstrating the difference in their power.

He was consumed by the single-minded desire to kill the man before him.

But.

“Heoeok, heoeok…”

That didn’t last long.

He had used his skills repeatedly, but for some reason, the man in front of him showed no signs of faltering.

“You have good endurance, you bastard…”

Team Leader Chris said, panting heavily.

He was already exhausted from attacking the hub, and being provoked, he had recklessly expended his skills, depleting his stamina in an instant.

“I agree. We are on different levels.”

Eventually, when Team Leader Chris’s assault ceased.

Director Nguyen, who had been crouching down, solely focused on defense, cautiously spoke.

He slowly lowered his guard and looked at Team Leader Chris.

Operations Director Nguyen.

For years, he had risked his life every minute of every day in operations with Huin, without command, support, or branches.

He had participated in hundreds of subjugations with nothing but his bare hands, and each time, he had overcome near-death experiences.

And he had survived all of them.

His weapon was not powerful skills, luxurious equipment, or high rank.

Just.

[Unique Skill: Beast – Azure Dragon]

[Awakening – Dragon’s Wrath]

The overwhelming experience gained from risking his life in hundreds of subjugations.

A battle fought solely for survival.

That was all.

[Eastern Grand Duke]

[First Volume]

Gugugugu—!

Soon, the surroundings trembled violently, and blue energy swirled around Nguyen’s entire body.

“Ha, what are you going to do with that B-rank skill…!”

[Dragon Transformation]

Kwang—!!!

With a deafening explosion, Nguyen’s fist connected directly with Team Leader Chris’s abdomen.

Team Leader Chris couldn’t even scream.

He was unable to move or breathe, writhing in agony as his organs twisted within him, and he collapsed to the ground.

“Did you really think that you, who have only ever conducted safe operations with full support, could defeat me?”

“…”

The moment Team Leader Chris knelt on the ground and looked up at Nguyen, fear washed over his face.

His entire body began to tremble, and he mustered the strength to speak.

“Wa, wait a moment…”

“Ah, and.”

But Director Nguyen had no intention of listening.

“Use honorifics.”

Shwuk—!

His fist, crackling with blue energy, flew towards Team Leader Chris once more.