Chapter 36
A shabby-looking four-story building.
Junhyeok stopped in front of an office on the third floor.
[Daebak Private Detective Agency]
Though unsure what to expect, he opened the door and entered.
Ding!
A man who appeared to be the owner stood up to greet him.
“Hmm? A client? Haha, please have a seat here.”
As Junhyeok sat on the sofa, the owner continued.
“What brings you here today?”
He was a middle-aged man with a warm, neighborhood-uncle vibe.
It’s been a while. He hasn’t changed.
While the owner didn’t recognize Junhyeok, Junhyeok knew him well. Before his regression, they’d met in prison when Junhyeok was framed—a connection that later helped him uncover who set him up. This man had also aided his move to America. Reliable when it counted.
At the owner’s question, Junhyeok pulled a photo from his wallet.
No need to pretend familiarity; this version of the owner wouldn’t know him anyway.
“I’d like to find the people in this photo.”
The owner studied it briefly. “Hmm… Do you know any details about them?”
“Just the son’s name: Park Kang-ho. Probably mid-to-late 20s, but I’m not certain.”
This was why Junhyeok came—to fulfill Kang-ho’s dying request after receiving the Copy Master ability. Buried under other priorities until now.
“So we’re locating this Park Kang-ho?”
“No. He’s deceased. I’m finding his family at his request.”
The owner pressed further: “Any idea where they lived? Even pre-Cataclysm?”
Knowing just a former location would narrow things considerably, but—
“Afraid not. Only his name, approximate age, and this photo.”
The owner grimaced. “Whew! This… won’t be a walk in the park.”
“If it were easy, would I be here?”
Fair point. Easy jobs didn’t require specialists.
“Haha, true enough. But as you know, inter-Area travel’s teleport-only now—and those fees aren’t trivial. Should we search just Seoul Area or expand nationwide? Costs differ drastically.”
With ground routes blocked by monsters, teleport terminals were essential… and prohibitively expensive (2 million KRW one-way to Incheon). Most civilians couldn’t afford cross-Area trips—but money meant nothing to Junhyeok.
“Include all Areas.”
The owner’s expression sobered at “nationwide.” A lucrative job indeed.
“A full search will take time and significant funds. You’re certain?”
“Money isn’t an issue.”
After feigned deliberation, the owner quoted:
“100 million KRW retainer. 200 million upon completion. Possible extras for unforeseen costs—with detailed reports and receipts monthly.”
Reasonable, given teleport expenses alone could hit tens of millions for nationwide work. The success fee? Pocket change if they delivered results.
Post-meeting, Junhyeok headed straight to Taebaek Guild headquarters.
Now’s the perfect time. Wonder if Lee Daesoo’ll bite.
His goal: selling (and copying) the Taebaek Split skill card to Korea’s top-ranked tanker.
In the lobby, a hunter from their prior monster-gate incident recognized him:
“Junhyeok! What brings you here?”
After exchanging pleasantries: “Here to see Hunter Lee Daesoo. He said drop by anytime, but I didn’t call ahead—hope he’s available?”
The hunter guided him to reception: “Daesoo hyung-nim should be in! Eunjeong-ssi, call up—Junhyeok-ssi is here!”
“One moment,” said Eunjeong before relaying via intercom: “Lobby here—Junhyeok-ssi arrived… Understood!” She turned back: “Fifth floor please!”
“Ah, thank you. Thanks, Chanwoo-ssi.”
Junhyeok took the elevator to the fifth floor.
Moments later:
“Well, well! Look who it is! Haha, the Irregular himself, Junhyeok!”
Lee Daesoo greeted him warmly.
“What’s with the ‘Irregular’ stuff? Nice office, by the way.”
The spacious room matched the deputy guild master’s status.
“Gotta live up to the Taebaek Guild name. So, what brings you? Not guild recruitment, I assume—the Association already notified us about your contract.”
The Association had informed all guilds that Junhyeok had struck a separate deal. Even major guilds couldn’t afford to antagonize them. Though Taebaek had come closest to recruiting him, they’d ultimately stepped back—maintaining good relations until his potential second awakening.
Junhyeok cut to the chase: “Actually, I recently acquired a skill card.”
“A skill card?” Daesoo raised an eyebrow.
“Yes. A tanker skill card, of all things. I considered learning it myself, but…”
Junhyeok trailed off, then smiled.
“As I’ve said before, I’m your fan. It’d be better for Korea’s top tanker to use it than a mere first-awakened like me. I’m offering it to you at a fair price.”
“A tanker skill card?” Daesoo tilted his head. “Those are rare, but why not keep it?”
Tanker skills were notoriously scarce, driving up their market value. Most hunters would’ve absorbed it immediately. But Daesoo, unimpressed by common skills, remained skeptical. What could a first-awakened possibly have found?
“How long will you stay confined to Korea? It’s time to aim for the global stage. Boost your world ranking.”
“Global? What skill are you—”
Junhyeok produced the card with a knowing smile.
“Heard of Taesan Split?”
Daesoo jolted as if electrocuted.
“Wha—Taesan Split?!”
One of only nine such cards worldwide. A tanker skill that could outdamage dealers. The most coveted ability for tankers.
And it lay before him.
“This is genuine?!”
“Worth about 40 billion, I hear. Could fetch more at auction, of course.”
Easily 10 billion extra, given the frenzy top global hunters would unleash.
“You’d really sell this? Not use it yourself?”
“As I said, you’d put it to better use.”
Daesoo barely registered the reply.
“Wait here! Don’t move!”
The deputy guild master bolted from the room.
