男人的网站

Ability User Alliance – Choi Dong-woo

Dangun – Han Se-yeon

Immortal – Han Myeong-do

Fire Dragon – Park Ho-yeon

These were people he had already become acquainted with in the C-rank dungeon “Benandi’s Forest”.

Kang Hyeon’s interest, however, was not in them but in the ability users he was seeing for the first time today.

‘There’s no one with exceptionally outstanding magical power.’

The only way for Kang Hyeon to gauge his opponents was by sensing their magical power.

Although magical power itself didn’t represent combat ability, it was at least sufficient to serve as one measure.

‘The highest ones seem to be over the mid-40s… But most are below me.’

Stats are distributed according to the ability user’s combat tendencies.

Therefore, even if levels are similar, there can be big differences in magical power.

However, except for a few ability users who seemed completely magic-oriented, it appeared that no one had higher magical power than Kang Hyeon.

“What are you doing?”

Just then.

Kang Hyeon turned his head at the voice coming from beside him.

“Huh?”

Kang Hyeon was surprised to see someone he thought he would never see in a place like this.

“What kind of response is that? Not only are you exuding an unpleasant aura, but you’re also scanning people with magical power. Are you the pervert I’ve heard about?”

The source of the voice was a woman who caught the eye with her small build and cute appearance.

Her costume, which seemed to enjoy cosplay, immediately brought to mind an island country across the sea.

“What’s with this loli otaku?”

“W-What?!”

“I didn’t know a middle school student could pass the tutorial.”

While outwardly taunting the woman calmly, Kang Hyeon was inwardly surprised.

‘She felt me scanning with magical power?’

It’s not that he thought sensing magical power was his exclusive ability.

But it’s also true that he had never seen anyone else sense magical power like himself.

Moreover, this woman was one of those exuding stronger magical power than himself.

“What did you say!? This bastard just…!”

The woman, caught by Kang Hyeon’s provocation, stood up abruptly.

Kang Hyeon, not one to stay quiet either, stood up to face her.

The ability users around them, far from trying to stop them, rather looked at the two with interested gazes.

‘I wonder how strong this Kang Hyeon I’ve only heard rumors about is?’

‘They say his individual combat power is above Han Se-yeon and Choi Dong-woo.’

‘This should be interesting.’

As the stage was completely set, the woman instead broke out in a cold sweat.

‘What is this… It feels like I’m facing a monster, not a person.’

An aura she had never felt before.

The woman desperately tried to steady her trembling legs.

“So what are you going to do now that you’ve stood up?”

“Ugh… Urgh!”

Kang Hyeon spoke with an arrogant look, but the woman couldn’t answer.

Seeing the woman struggling, a few ability users gathered around her.

As Kang Hyeon’s aura dispersed, the woman finally felt at ease and caught her breath.

“What’s this? You all want to have a go?”

Kang Hyeon smiled as he faced the ability users glaring at him.

In fact, the people gathered here held a sense of caution and displeasure towards Kang Hyeon. To varying degrees, almost all the ability users in this place felt this way.

This wasn’t simply because of the rumors surrounding Kang Hyeon or his fierce impression.

There was one reason:

Kang Hyeon was truly exuding a threatening aura.

Cruel Family Destroyer: It’s a prejudice that monsters don’t have families. A title given ‘only to you’ who has destroyed countless families in shockingly cruel ways.

Effect: Strength +2, Disruphin’s hostility. The title holder instinctively invokes fear in others.

An incredible title gifted by someone.

With this title’s effect added to his already fierce impression, Kang Hyeon seemed to be picking fights and threatening others just by breathing.

The people here are the top ability users specially managed by the state.

Naturally, they had rarely experienced such an unpleasant pressure, so they couldn’t help but be hostile towards Kang Hyeon.

“Interesting. So I have no allies here, right?”

Kang Hyeon smiled bitterly at the hostility he felt.

“Hmph, of course. Did you think someone who acts like a neighborhood thug would have allies?”

The loli otaku, emboldened by the support from those around her, spoke confidently.

“I don’t want to hear that from a cosplay freak like you…”

“Shut up!”

Someone once said that life is a comedy when seen from afar, but a tragedy when seen up close.

At first glance, it seemed like a quarrel between a magical girl from a comic book and a gang boss, but those present were maintaining full-body tension in the brutal atmosphere that seemed ready to erupt in bloodshed at any moment.

‘Sigh, here we go again…’

Shin Tae-gil, watching from afar, let out a sigh.

“Mr. Kang Hyeon. Ms. Yoon Na-rae. Would you mind stopping there? Everyone else, please return to your seats.”

“But this thug here…!”

“We don’t have much time today.”

“Kang Hyeon, that’s enough from you too.”

Yoon Na-rae, the woman arguing with Kang Hyeon, couldn’t help but stop when Shin Tae-gil and Choi Dong-woo intervened.

Choi Dong-woo, in particular, looked quite displeased, unlike his usual self who always wore a friendly smile.

“This seems important, so let’s stop and start the meeting.”

Choi Dong-woo is not a rookie who has risen rapidly like Kang Hyeon.

He’s an absolute powerhouse who perfectly graduated from the tutorial and established himself as a complete strongman from the early days.

Moreover, with his excellent character and high popularity, other ability users couldn’t help but move at his words.

“Ahem, who said what?”

“Let’s start quickly.”

As the atmosphere settled down somewhat, Shin Tae-gil officially began the meeting.

“Since everyone is busy, I’ll get straight to the point. In about a month, the ‘World Dungeon Summit’ will be held in Korea. The government wants to entrust you with guarding the conference venue on that day.”

“Guarding?”

“Yes. As you know, the threat of terrorism hasn’t ended yet. For the next 6 weeks, the government will mobilize all its resources to clear the dungeons in the metropolitan area and block the source of terrorism.”

“What about the terrorists?”

“Investigations to track down the terrorists will continue simultaneously. You can think of all this as a precautionary measure.”

“Just a moment.”

“Yes. Go ahead.”

Han Se-yeon interrupted Shin Tae-gil’s words.

“So in the end, all of us have to be involved in guarding the conference venue on that day?”

“That’s right.”

“I understand the importance of the task, but I can’t spare time for such things.”

“…”

“I’m not affiliated here to waste time on something that may or may not happen when the enemy isn’t even clear.”

“That’s right. I’m not that free.”

“Wouldn’t the military and police be enough for security?”

A few ability users agreed with Han Se-yeon’s words.

“Sigh, I’m only telling you this… The military has already been crushed once. That’s why the President himself said it would be better if you all stepped in.”

“Even if it’s the President’s order, you can’t force us according to the contract, right?”

Han Se-yeon was right.

The relationship between them and the government was contractual. In that contract, the absolute upper hand was with the ability users.

“We know we enjoy many conveniences and benefits. But that doesn’t mean we’re an organization that must move according to orders like the military.”

“Yes…”

“If this is all you have to say, I’ll be leaving now. I have a lot of schedules piled up.”

As Han Se-yeon stood up, several ability users who agreed with her opinion also left the conference room.

“Sigh…”

Shin Tae-gil sighed at the sudden turn of events.

‘Everyone’s especially prickly today.’

Han Se-yeon’s sudden action was completely unexpected.

Even Kang Hyeon, who had always seen only Han Se-yeon’s upright image, was inwardly surprised and watched the situation with interest.

“Then can I assume that those remaining here accept the proposal?”

“We’ll have to hear about the compensation.”

“Right. We can’t do it empty-handed.”

This was a problem anticipated from the time of creating the Special Ability User Management Team.

Gathering such extraordinary individuals without restrictions made control difficult.

They decided to use carrots as much as possible to move these people as intended, but it wasn’t as easy as they thought.

“Please tell me separately about the compensation part. Whatever you want, I’ll try to match it as much as possible.”

***

Ippotranslation

***

After that, the meeting ended inconclusively. However, quite a few people remained without leaving the meeting room.

Not everyone here was famous, but regardless of fame, it was a verified fact that they were strong, so they were getting to know each other.

“I’m from a newly established guild this time…”

“Ah, I see.”

People are chatting quietly. At the center were Kang Hyeon and Choi Dong-woo.

“I’m sorry about the Seon Yeon-ho incident.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for, Brother.”

“No. It was done by my person, so I’m also responsible. I’m truly sorry. Sigh…”

Choi Dong-woo seemed to be under considerable stress due to the incident related to Seon Yeon-ho.

“By the way, are you participating this time, Brother?”

“Absolutely. Even if there’s no reward. No… I’m planning to participate even if I have to pay a price!”

“…”

“That bastard Choi Min-joon dared to toy with the Korean Ability Users Association and me. I absolutely won’t let it slide.”

“Yes…”

Kang Hyeon nodded awkwardly at Choi Dong-woo’s stern words.

“What are your plans?”

“Of course, I have to do it. I have several things to pay back to that bastard. And there are some things I want to get as rewards this time.”

“I see. I’ll be counting on you that day.”

“Likewise.”

It was then. Suddenly, hostile magical energy swept over Kang Hyeon’s body.

Startled, Kang Hyeon quickly turned his head.

“What?”

There stood Yoon Na-rae, the woman who had been arguing with Kang Hyeon since the beginning of the meeting.

Yoon Na-rae was glaring at Kang Hyeon with her lips pursed.

“What.”

“Why are you staring at people? It’s unpleasant.”

“I’m not interested in perverts who sell naked figurines. I’m waiting because I have something to say to the Association President, so don’t mind me.”

“Hey, this otaku is unnecessarily picking a fight…”

“Both of you, stop it.”

As sparks were about to fly between the two again, Choi Dong-woo stepped in to mediate.

“My Brother Kang Hyeon isn’t that kind of person. He’s a very righteous and admirable man. And Miss Yoon Na-rae is also an excellent magician and a fine woman, so please don’t fight like this.”

“But selling disgusting figurines is a fact, isn’t it?”

“There are circumstances for that…”

“Enough. It’s not good to behave like this when you’ll continue to see each other. Miss Yoon Na-rae, that’s enough from you too.”

“Tch…”

Kang Hyeon vowed to someday flatten Yoon Na-rae’s pride completely.

“So what did you want to see me about?”

“About joining the Ability Users Association’s direct team that you proposed last time. I’m here to decline.”

“I see… So that’s how it turned out.”

“Yes. I’m sorry, but I’m still more comfortable working alone.”

Hearing the conversation, Kang Hyeon immediately understood the situation.

‘So brother Dong-woo is trying to recruit this kid.’

Although he didn’t know what abilities Yoon Na-rae possessed, it was clear that she at least had an excellent sense for magical energy.

Choi Dong-woo also said she was an outstanding magician, so it was clear she wasn’t just an average person.

“Haha. Well, can’t be helped then. If you ever change your mind, feel free to come to me anytime. You’re always welcome.”

***

Ippotranslation

***

After the conversation, Choi Dong-woo said he wanted to treat Kang Hyeon to a meal as an apology.

Kang Hyeon refused, saying he didn’t need to worry too much about the Seon Yeon-ho incident, but after Choi Dong-woo’s persistent request, he finally agreed.

It absolutely wasn’t because he changed his mind when told the menu was beef.

“After all, when it comes to meat, it’s beef, right?”

“I think so too. Haha!”

Korean beef short ribs with a nicely browned surface. Kang Hyeon picked up three pieces at once of the glistening meat, lightly dipped them in salt, and shoved them into his mouth.

The meat juices flowing in his mouth! Kang Hyeon smiled happily at the meaty aroma filling his nose.

“You eat meat very manly too. Hahaha…”

“Yes. I’m more of a big eater than I look.”

“You look like it too…”

A little while later.

After more than 300,000 won worth of food had entered his mouth, Kang Hyeon, feeling reasonably full, asked something he had been curious about.

“Brother Choi Dong-woo.”

“Yes?”

“Is there a reason you’re trying to recruit that Yoon Na-rae kid or whatever?”

“Ah, you mean Yoon Na-rae.”

“Yes.”

Kang Hyeon was secretly curious about what Yoon Na-rae’s abilities were.

However, he had been holding back because it was clear he would only get cursed at if he asked her directly.

“Well… First of all, she excels in healing magic.”

“…”

“Of course, unlike before, there are now many skills and abilities related to recovery available in the market.”

“Yes.”

Healers are rare now as they were before.

However, as Choi Dong-woo said, now that healing magic has become quite common, its value isn’t the same as before.

“Just for that, you’re making efforts to recruit her? It doesn’t make sense.”

“That’s right. The really important thing is her combat ability.”

“Combat ability…”

Kang Hyeon stroked his chin, deep in thought.

“Yoon Na-rae doesn’t belong anywhere and conquers dungeons alone. It’s absolutely impossible with just healing magic alone.”

“That’s right. No matter how excellent your recovery ability is, there’s the magic problem. And if you die before you can heal, it’s over.”

“Exactly.”

Conquering dungeons alone is something Kang Hyeon has done to the point of boredom. Therefore, he knows well how difficult it is.

“She has an excellent sense for combat. Even if her direct combat power is a bit lacking, she has many things that can support combat.”

“Support?”

“I can’t give you the details due to privacy concerns. Haha.”

“Tch…”

“To summarize in one word, she’s an all-rounder. She’s a talent who can adapt very flexibly to any organization she joins or any situation she faces.”

“I see.”

Kang Hyeon nodded, understanding the story to some extent.

‘In the end, it means she’s a jack of all trades, master of none.’