“Phew. I’m full. Hyung, the food was delicious today.”
“Uncle, it was delicious. Oh, thank you, Team Leader, too.”
Yeona, coming out of the room, bowed politely. Jong-sik messed up Yeona’s hair and walked towards the cashier.
There was a staff member in uniform standing at the cashier. With a friendly smile, the staff member asked Jong-sik.
“How was the meal, sir?”
The monster dish based on Korean seasoning melted in the mouth, to be honest, it was delicious.
“It was delicious. Thanks to you, everyone in my family enjoyed the meal. Can I pay here?”
“Yes, sir. Let me assist you. Room 12, 4-person A course set.”
Nodding.
“That will be two million one hundred thousand won.”
Two million, one hundred thousand won.
Indeed, upscale restaurants are different.
There is a considerable feeling of expense.
But Jong-sik effortlessly handed over his card. Just the money he made today easily exceeded two million one hundred thousand won.
And where’s just that? With salary renegotiation, he can afford to eat three meals like this without burden.
“Geez!”
But Yeona and Jong-pal were different. They were surprised to hear the price and swallowed hard.
The staff member just grinned at their reaction. After taking the card, the staff member asked Jong-sik.
“Could you please provide your name or membership number? I’ll assist you with your points.”
“Membership number? I don’t have that. Would you like to register under Team Leader Pyeong-ari?”
Jong-sik turned his head and looked at Pyeong-ari. Then Pyeong-ari stepped forward and spoke.
“No, we visited here for the first time today, so let’s sign up for membership together. You can transfer the points there.”
Following her words, the staff member asked Jong-sik several questions.
In short, it was about his name, hunter rank, guild affiliation, and the most preferred food during the meal.
“Having a meal is quite challenging.”
While sincerely answering, Jong-sik couldn’t help but wonder about the last question. Could it be that they’re offering takeout?
“The tail stew was delicious, but why are you asking about that?”
“It’s because it’s our policy at B1 to provide the last chosen menu for free when customers revisit.”
“So, you mean if I visit next time, the tail stew will come out automatically without ordering?”
“That’s correct, sir.”
“Hmm. Then I’ll change it to the juniper berry sauce served with the tail stew. It was deliciously spicy. Maybe it’s because of the fiery herbs they put in it? It was tangy.”
As he spoke, another thought occurred to him. Jong-sik swallowed his saliva, and the staff member widened her eyes. Then she doubted her ears.
It couldn’t be otherwise, as the sauce served with the tail stew was B1’secret recipe.
“He must have not guessed it randomly if he mentioned juniper berries. But how did this guest know about it? Only our siblings know about it…”
A highly toxic fruit. Hasn’t B1 spent years researching how to detoxify it?
And to recognize even the fiery herbs they put in! The corners of the staff member’s mouth trembled.
Jong-sik chuckled and opened his mouth.
“Is that not possible? Do I have to choose only dishes?”
“Oh, no. It seems our special sauce at B1 suits your taste. I’ll register it. Also, your payment here is completed.”
“Oh, okay.”
Just as Jong-sik was about to turn around after receiving his card, the staff member hesitated and called Jong-sik over.
As the manager of B1, it was necessary to confirm whether he truly knew about the special sauce.
“Sir, if you have a moment, could you please…?”
However, her words were drowned out by another voice that suddenly came in. It was a customer who had just entered B1.
“Who is this? Isn’t it Pyeong-ari?”
It was Park Won, the head of the Iron blood Guild.
***
Meeting Pyeong-ari unexpectedly, Park Won was genuinely delighted.
“I never expected to see Dok Jong-sik here.”
Well, why wouldn’t he be here, considering he was with that person he was so eager to be with?
Meanwhile, Pyeong-ari frowned. Just from hearing the voice, she seemed to know who it was.
“Who’s this, isn’t it Pyeong-ari?”
“Yeah… Oppa, it’s been a while.”
As expected, things were unfolding as anticipated.
It was Park Won, the head of the Iron blood Guild.
Someone with whom she had a relationship to the extent of meeting a few times in her childhood due to their parents’ connections.
Of course, her feelings towards him were not particularly positive. He belonged to the category of people who lived off their apparent superiority.
“He’s still the same.”
Pyeong-ari thought to herself as she scanned Park Won up and down. She soon took a step forward, naturally concealing Jong-sik’s group behind her.
“Did you come here to eat?”
“We’re leaving after eating. Did you come here to eat too? Enjoy your meal.”
“Ah, why the rush? By the way, that hunter you recruited recently? We’ll have to see each other anyway, so it’s nice to greet each other in advance. How about introducing me?”
“Later. I’ll introduce you in a more formal setting. The atmosphere isn’t quite right now.”
“Sigh, Ari-ya, you’re too cautious. But don’t worry about that. Our Iron blood isn’t a place where anyone can just walk in. I won’t snatch what’s yours.”
“Ugh, can you watch your words?”
“Haha, just kidding. Can’t I joke around, big sis?”
“…”
“Jeez, if you’re not going to relax and introduce me properly, step aside for a moment. I’ll greet them myself. Hey, Dok Jong-sik?”
At his words, Jong-sik’s gaze turned towards Park Won. His tanned, somewhat awkwardly smooth skin, developed cheekbones, and sharp eyes reminded one of a gorilla.
Approaching confidently, the gorilla extended his hand towards Jong-sik.
“I’m Park Won, the head of the Iron blood Guild.”
Jong-sik silently looked at the offered hand. In response, Park Won gritted his teeth and continued.
“Since we’re in the same industry, we should at least exchange greetings, don’t you think?”
“In the same industry.”
‘But why does he seem to have a grudge against me?’
Jong-sik thought to himself as they shook hands.
“I’m Dok Jong-sik.”
“So, did the equipment fit well today?”
Once again, there was a hint of animosity in his tone. Jong-sik groped through his memories for any clue to this unfamiliar person.
No matter how hard he thought, he was clearly someone he had never seen before. Wrinkles formed on his forehead.
“Have we met before?”
“Hehe, have we? Ah, you seem flustered.”
Park Won burst into laughter as if amused. But for a moment, he revealed a glimpse of his true power.
“Say it again.”
It was an intimidation tactic. A skill that instilled fear not only in monsters but also in opponents.
“Oppa, what are you doing!”
In an instant, Pyeong-ari grabbed Yeona’s hand and unleashed the skill, Breeze of Tranquility. It was a difficult situation for an ordinary person to face.
Suddenly, a menacing atmosphere filled the area in front of the B1 counter.
Reacting swiftly to such occurrences as usual, the staff disappeared into the background, and Jong-sik opened his mouth with a cold expression.
“Jong-pal, take Yeona and go home first.”
“…Hyung.”
“I told you to leave.”
Meanwhile, Park Won continued with his intended words.
“Trying to act tough in front of family… ugh.”
But unfortunately, he didn’t get to finish his sentence. Jong-sik had pinned one of his shoulders.
In the meantime, Jong-pal left with Yeona. Feeling somewhat relieved, Jong-sik didn’t hesitate to reveal his strength.
“I asked if I’ve seen you before.”
“…Ugh, won’t this guy let go?”
“I can’t.”
“Aaargh!”
Crack*
An irresistible force pressed down on his right shoulder. Park Won couldn’t bear the pain and screamed.
‘Damn it.’
He needed to retaliate immediately, but he couldn’t muster the courage to use his skills. In that moment, he felt a foreboding sensation akin to crossing a river.
Thud.
His knees, which had been barely holding up, finally gave in. First, his right knee buckled, then his left knee followed suit.
In a humiliating position, Park Won clung to his feeble pride. Although it was ultimately a meaningless outcry.
“Aaargh! Do you know who I am…?”
“Tsk, so annoying.”
At this point, Jong-sik found himself contemplating, ‘Should I kill him?’ It would have been a straightforward decision in the mainland. He would have killed him immediately after revealing hostility.
However, this was South Korea. He felt like unnecessary trouble would follow. Besides, Jong-sik wasn’t alone anymore. He always had to consider Yeona and Jong-pal.
‘This is a headache.’
Meanwhile, sensing the tense atmosphere, Pyeong-ari urgently shouted,
“If only our people would come down right now…”
“J-Jong-sik. Stop it. Please shut your mouth, too, Oppa!”
He felt like he might need some advice. Jong-sik glanced at Pyeong-ari, the team leader.
“Team Leader Pyeong-ari . You saw it clearly, right? This guy threatened me and our family.”
“I did. But still, Jong-sik, please…”
“From what I remember, there was something like self-defense, right? Is it still applicable now?”
“What?”
“I felt like I was under a threat of death just now.”
However, Pyeong-ari wore a bewildered expression, completely unmoved by Jong-sik’s absurd remarks.
“So, you feel like you should kill this guy in self-defense… Pyeong-ari Team Leader, can you provide testimony or handle it at the guild level?”
“No! What are you talking about?”
“Hehe!”
Team Leader Pyeong-ari’s tone was somewhat serious, causing Jong-sik to chuckle. Of course, Park Won’s reaction was no different.
Then, it happened.
“Hehe. I think that’s enough.”
A voice echoed from the entrance of B1
***
“Father? Father!”
It was the Chairman of the Iron Blood Guild, Park Dong-seok. In an instant, Park Dong-seok closed the distance and stood in front of Jong-sik. Several people rushed over belatedly.
“Director! Let go of him right now…”
“Stop!”
Park Dong-seok shouted loudly towards the crowd rushing towards Jong-sik. They hesitated and stepped back.
“Only Manager Kim remains, everyone else leave.”
“…Yes, understood.”
Jong-sik’s right hand was still pressing down on Park Won’s shoulder. Park Won screamed as he looked at Park Dong-seok. Park Dong-seok frowned.
“Aaargh!”
Quite the commotion.
Jong-sik glanced at Park Dong-seok.
‘He’s got quite the presence, unlike his son.’
Of course, it didn’t change much.
“Ah, Ariya, long time no see. But why is my son in this state right now?”
Park Dong-seok asked Ari, and Jong-sik answered on her behalf.
“Your son attacked my nephew.”.
“So, what do you intend to do?”
“I was already contemplating that. How should we handle this situation?”
Who could speak to the Chairman of the Iron Blood Guild like that? Pyeong-ari was dumbfounded.
But Jong-sik’s question was not surprising compared to what followed.
“It’s my fault for not raising him properly. I’ll apologize on behalf of my son, so please forgive him just this once.”
“Well, it seems like your son has different thoughts.”
“Park Won! Apologize immediately.”
“Father, I, I can’t apologize to this guy right now… Aargh!”
“Look at this. I can’t leave him alone because I’m worried…”
Thwack! A thick fist struck Park Won’s cheek.
“Ouch.”
The force was enough to knock Park Won unconscious. Only then did Jong-sik withdraw his hand. Park Won’s body fell limply to the ground.
“He’s my only son. I’ll make sure to educate him firmly to prevent such incidents in the future.”
“Next time, I’ll really kill him. Just as your son is precious to you, my family is precious to me too.”
“Thank you.”
Park Dong-seok nodded respectfully. Pyeong-ari blinked in disbelief at the incomprehensible situation. Jong-sik looked at her and said, “Come on, Team Leader Pyeong-ari , let’s go.”
