The five members of the Chinese dispatch team were turned into rice cakes in an instant.
“…!”
The entire Healing Guild was speechless at the tragedy that unfolded in an instant.
But that didn’t last long.
“Is that okay?”
“But they attacked first.”
“That’s true.”
They were worried about the backlash to come, but their expressions were all filled with satisfaction. They were able to get revenge for the humiliation they had suffered in the past.
“Karma, you bastards.”
They were thrilled and relieved.
A few years ago,
The Healing Guild had participated in an operation called the World Alliance Operation.
The operation site was China, and the members of the Healing Guild, including Pyeong-ari, had their first encounter with Sun Hong’s group there.
The atmosphere at the time was naturally tense, all because of Sun Yang. Even now, Sun Yang was copying healing products, just like he was back then.
As a result, Healing filed a lawsuit. However, the outcome was disastrous.
The Supreme People’s Court of China sided with “Sun Yang.” After all, money talks. Anyway, for that reason, the atmosphere between the two camps was not good.
The members of the Healing Guild looked at them like vermin, and the Chinese team picked fights under the guise of sparring. They scratched their pride so that they couldn’t refuse.
In the end, a sparring match was held, and the result was as expected. Was it fair to have a healer fight a hunter in the first place? But China’s atrocities didn’t stop there.
Someone secretly uploaded a video of the sparring match to the internet.
As a result, the Healing Guild was ridiculed for a while. The effort and cost of deleting the video was not insignificant.
It had been a few years since that incident. But the members of the Healing Guild remembered that day as if it were yesterday.
“Did you get it all on camera?”
“Of course. I’ve been filming them since they started talking about Paocai and whatever, so don’t worry.”
“It’s a sight to behold!”
So, he raised his phone. To give back as much as he received.
At that moment, Pyeong-ari, who had hastily left her seat, returned.
“Pyeong Team Leader, are you okay?”
Baek ho-dam asked when he saw Pyeong-ari return. Then, Su Seon-hwa quickly added her two cents.
“Of course, she should be fine! There shouldn’t be any problem with having footage of them rushing in first. It’s just exercising the right to self-defense! If there are any repercussions from this, I mean, really.”
“Really what?”
“We’ll protest in front of the Blue House!”
“Well, if things go our way, we might be able to protest. The Hunter General was right about those troublemakers… calling them ‘despicable and shameless’ is an understatement.”
It was a reference to their reprehensible behavior.
Pyeong-ari sighed briefly in response to Seo Sang-ho’s worried words.
“We’ve secured footage of them instigating the fight, just like Su Seon-hwa said. We’ve already delivered it to the association president, so there shouldn’t be any major issues. As for what the Hunter General said… well, those at the top will handle that. If they pretend not to know…”
Pyeong-ari swallowed hard. The members of the exploration team were all looking at her. After a moment, she spoke again.
“I’ll do whatever it takes to protect the Hunter General.”
Meanwhile, at the Blue House office.
“Here’s the video depicting the situation at that time.”
After finishing the report, the association president played the video he had received.
“Hmm.”
The president stared at the video with a displeased expression. Then, the ambient noise recorded in the video began to play.
“People who don’t even have a kimchi refrigerator at home dare to talk about kimchi?”
“That’s why they got punched.”
“Shoosh-shoosh-shoosh-shoosh…”
“Chinese hunters aren’t much either. How can five of them not even land a single effective blow?”
“[Is it really necessary to blame the Hunter General?]”
It was a blatant expression of enmity and bitter mockery towards the Chinese hunters.
Observing the president’s reaction, President Nam Woo-jong grew concerned about the future.
‘Could they hold Hunter Dok responsible?’
The worry was understandable. Hunter Dok Jong-sik was not only the overseer of the Sangwon-dong area, but also a central figure in the shelter incident.
‘This could easily escalate into a diplomatic issue. They might demand Hunter Dok Jong-sik’s punishment, or even extradition to China…’
Moreover, Jong-sik’s recorded remarks weren’t helping the situation.
‘He even said there’s no need to show them respect. Haah, it may be true, but those words should never have been uttered publicly.’
This wasn’t a problem they could easily dismiss. But then…
“Whew, I really can’t stand this anymore.”
The president’s voice, filled with anger, echoed through the room, heightening President Nam Woo-jong’s anxiety. To his surprise, he found himself speaking up on Jong-sik’s behalf.
“The primary responsibility lies with me. When the assignment letter for the dispatched hunters was issued, I should have requested modifications. My inaction contributed to this incident.”
He was prepared to accept the consequences if someone needed to take responsibility. However, an unexpected response came back.
“President Nam, you believe the fault lies with you? Where did you err? The wrongdoing lies with those troublemakers from Sun hong.”
“T-Troublemakers?”
“Why are you so surprised by our private conversation? Those disrupters are a constant nuisance. This time, we were prepared for them.”
Prepared? Then perhaps…
“You even planned the area assignment…”
The president nodded.
“The feud between the Healing Guild and Sun hong’s group runs deep. It was an opportunity for a confrontation.”
They had faith that Jong-sik would resolve the issue if it arose, which is why this plan was possible.
“So, Mr. President, this was all part of your strategy.”
“Who would have thought they’d behave with such pettiness? Calling kimchi ‘pao chai.’ Honestly, those troublemakers…”
President Kwon Hyuk-bong shook his head with a tremor.He continued speaking.
“But anyway, you’re not at fault. The ones responsible are Sun hong and his group.”
“…”
“Well. That’s just his personal opinion, isn’t it?”
“R-Right! Just a personal opinion. And South Korea is a country with freedom of expression.”
“That’s right! It’s the same with the showdown.”
In the past, hadn’t China also expressed a similar stance?
‘What’s the problem with a showdown between individuals? It’s deeply regrettable that disgraceful videos have spread.’
It was when the unprecedented showdown between a healer and a hunter unfolded.
President Kwon Hyuk-bong couldn’t help but recall the past and let out a wry smile. Then, looking at the relaxed face of the association chairman, he issued instructions.
“So, inform the Pyeong-ari Hunter that there’s no issue. They might be worried. Oh, and it goes without saying, but exclude Sun hong’s group from all further training. How can they handle the remaining training with their condition like that? They’ll just be a nuisance.”
“Yes. I’ll inform them immediately.”
At that moment…
The phone installed in the office rang loudly.
A moment later…
President Kwon Hyuk-bong’s voice resounded loudly.
“How could this happen? Doesn’t China understand the seriousness of the situation? Acting like this in a meeting meant to prepare for an imminent disaster! Who said the showdown was the problem? Didn’t they say so before? The showdown is a personal issue. What I’m saying is that the process was flawed. Provoking hunters with distorted claims from another country, disrupting the training atmosphere-!”
***
Some time later.
“Uuuuu.”
“Please, let’s never see that again.”
Amidst the jeers from the healing guild members, Sun hong’s group left the shelter. They looked rather pathetic being led out by the Chinese embassy staff.
‘It’s going to be tough to show our faces around for a while.’
Seeing that, Pyeong-ari felt a sense of relief wash over her. It seemed she wasn’t the only one feeling that way. There were voices suddenly heard.
“This is what happens when you sow seeds like this.”
“That’s right. Being extradited to China?”
“Seems likely, right? But can they escape unscathed?”
“Huh?”
“That country is famous for its severity. If you tarnish the national image, you disappear without a trace.”
“What a ruthless country for its citizens.”
It was the dungeon raider team members.
Jong-sik, who had been silent until now, also spoke up.
“But what’s going to happen to me now? Haven’t heard anything specific? Wondering if I should skip the afternoon training…”
It was a question posed considering that responsibility comes with every action.
But he had his ‘exemption clause.’
If he were to face punishment for today’s events, he planned to use it. But wouldn’t Pyeong-ari be surprised to hear him say that?
“What’s going to happen! You’ll participate in the afternoon training and lead the guild members. What’s the use of training without someone in charge?”
“Huh. Are you going straight home after the training?”
“Where to?”
“Anywhere. Police station, association, or maybe the Blue House?”
“Oh no, after training, we’re going out for dinner! Why would you go to the police station? No punishment will be issued for today’s events. It’s been said that everything will be taken care of from above. So don’t worry unnecessarily.”
“Well, that’s good for me, but…”
“Oh, and Commander Doc! The chairman asked me to pass on a message.”
“What’s the message?”
“I drank a lot the night before and had a bad hangover, but thanks to you, I feel better now. Had a proper cider, you know?”
“Cider? What’s that supposed to mean…”
Jong-sik cocked his head in confusion. Seon-hwa, who was beside him, chuckled and added,
“Today, the Mr. Dok’s actions felt as refreshing and satisfying as drinking cider. That’s what it means. Thanks to that, I had a good sip of cider too. Oh, and take a look at this!”
With that, Seon-hwa suddenly pulled out her phone.
Inside was a video uploaded to YouTube.
The title was ‘Sun hong Duel Video OMG.’
Despite being uploaded just ten minutes ago, the view count had already surpassed a hundred thousand.
*
PingpingzuoㆍJust now: They got their asses kicked. (Thumb up 8.4k)
L Honggildong: They’re just loudmouths. They finally met their match this time.
L Maratanghansik: But why are they here? Are they here to learn for the end times? Then they’ve done something unnecessary. It’s faster for a condensing boiler to save the world than for China. Agree?
L ㅇㅇ: Yeah, agreed. Send them back and replace them with a condensing boiler~
L SpaghettiJoah: This video seems edited? Search for the Senate District mobs and check it out. That’s the real deal. A legend has descended.
L Worried: Kimchi is Korean food. Kimchi es comida coreana…
L Simgot: Taiwan number one.
*
The comments section was as lively as the high view count. Seon-hwa stuck closely to Jong-sik’s side and read the comments out loud.
“They’re calling Mr. Dok a legend? Oh, this one’s funny too! Mr. Dok. Do you know why China is called China?”
“Well…”
“It’s because the land is vast to be called a small country, but the interior is narrow to be called a big country, so they call it China. But now they’re saying it’s a complete mess, so should we call it that?”
“Uh, well…”
Even Jong-sik, who had a high barrier for laughter, found the comment amusing. At that, Seonhwa exclaimed, “Oh, look at this one too!” and grabbed Jong-sik’s arm.
Just then, someone broke into the space between Jong-sik and Seon-hwa.
“What’s so funny? Let me see too.”
It was Pyeong-ari. She grinned and lifted the corners of her mouth. Seeing her, Baek ho-dam chuckled, and Seo Sang-hoon seemed to catch on something and subtly raised his eyebrows.
