BXBX NOVEL Chapter 54
Jo Seong-chan and Jo Dong-won
The older brother, Jo Seong-chan, had excellent leadership and a keen sense for command.
The younger brother, Jo Dong-won, had exceptional talent and sense for combat.
Combining their strengths to run the guild, it gradually grew in size, and finally reached the level of occupying a region of Seoul in alliance with other guilds.
In fact, the concept of territory in guilds was merely symbolic.
Nevertheless, occupying Seoul was an indicator and honor showing the guild’s excellence.
“It’s surprising that such a Haeseon guild completely collapsed…”
Han Jae-moon fell into thought after hearing Jo Dong-won’s story.
“How many guild members are left?”
“Most died or scattered due to injuries, and my brother is captured by the Jeong-jin guild.”
“I see the government didn’t impose much restriction even when people died…”
“That’s right.”
“Han Jae-moon. Who would care about such things in today’s world?”
It was as Kang Hyeon said.
At least in matters concerning ability users, the government has long since withdrawn its hands.
Unless there was knife fighting in the middle of a main street, the police did not interfere in disputes between ability users.
“The Jeong-jin guild used their suddenly increased abilities to devour all the other guilds they had allied with.”
“…”
“And they completely dominated that area.”
“It’s certainly a foregone conclusion that the Jeong-jin guild will enter the top 10 guild rankings this time, replacing the Guardian guild…”
At Han Jae-moon’s words, Han Si-hwan, the vice guild master of Guardian, frowned. However, as it was already a well-known fact, he couldn’t particularly refute it.
“Didn’t they say those guys got stronger because of some drug last time?”
“That’s right. As a matter of fact, that drug has started to be distributed in earnest these days.”
“What do you mean by ‘in earnest’?”
“Although it’s not officially approved, it’s being traded at high prices under the table. It’s so accessible that even ordinary people are getting their hands on it.”
Kang Hyeon stroked his chin at Jo Dong-won’s explanation.
“Indeed, if it’s a drug that increases abilities, even ordinary people would be tempted.”
Nearly half of all adults have awakened.
Although only a minority of them receive ability user permits and enter dungeons, even those who don’t would be interested in a drug that enhances physical abilities without side effects.
“The Jeong-jin guild has been taking this drug since before it started being distributed in earnest. They must be directly connected to the producer.”
“That’s certainly the case.”
Kang Hyeon nodded at Jo Dong-won’s explanation.
“I don’t even hope to revive the guild now. I just want to rescue my brother safely.”
“Hmm…”
“Although you’re helping us, I think there will definitely be benefits for you too, Mr. Kang Hyeon!”
Even though they had already promised to help while eating beef, Jo Dong-won was anxious that Kang Hyeon might change his mind.
“Alright. Don’t worry, I was going to help anyway even if you didn’t say that.”
“Thank you!”
***
Ippotranslation
***
Jeong-jin Guild office.
“Why is this week’s income only this much?!”
Guild master Hong Chae-yeon shouted, throwing the report.
“I’m sorry…”
All indicators of the Jeong-jin guild were literally skyrocketing, but it seemed not enough in Hong Chae-yeon’s eyes.
The man who got hit in the face with the paper bundle felt upset for a moment, but couldn’t say anything and just bowed his head.
‘She’s become even more eccentric recently.’
Hong Chae-yeon wasn’t originally a very gentle person.
But recently, as her abilities increased and the guild’s power grew, her personality had become much more volatile than before.
“I’ll tell the guild members to run more dungeons. And guild master…”
“What else?”
“I heard that Kang Hyeon has been discharged from the hospital.”
“Do I have to care about that guy?”
“No… I just reported in case. I’m sorry.”
“Get out!”
“Yes…”
The face of the man who bowed and turned around was deeply wrinkled.
‘What should I tell the guild members again…’
It wasn’t just Hong Chae-yeon whose personality had changed recently.
Other guild members were also becoming increasingly hot-tempered.
The symptoms were more severe for guild members with greater ability increases.
‘Are the side effects of the drug really starting to appear?’
When they first purchased the drug, the seller had warned about side effects.
-There may be side effects associated with ability increase.
-Side effects?
-Yes. There’s no problem yet, but we’re not sure what might happen in the future.
-It’s fine, don’t worry about it. As long as it’s confirmed that abilities increase, I’ll transfer the money right away.
However, Hong Chae-yeon, blinded by desire, didn’t consider side effects at all.
As a result, the guild did prosper and grow at a tremendous pace.
But the man’s worries only deepened.
‘Incidents and accidents have increased enormously recently. I thought it was just a phenomenon occurring as we accepted new guild members, but…’
The man’s fist clenched tightly.
‘If it’s really because of the drug, this is serious. We shouldn’t take it anymore.’
He was just an administrative person, so he didn’t need to take the expensive drug.
At first, he felt left out about it, but now he felt rather fortunate.
‘I need to leave the guild before something worse happens.’
***
Ippotranslation
***
“For now, the most important goal is to rescue the man named Jo Seong-chan.”
“Yes.”
“Well, if he’s dead, there’s nothing we can do.”
At Kang Hyeon’s words, Jo Dong-won’s brightened expression became gloomy.
‘I don’t think he needed to say that…’
Being in a position to ask for help, he couldn’t bring himself to say it out loud.
“And we secure the drug.”
“Is that all?”
“That’s it. What more do you need?”
“Nothing.”
“Okay. But why is Mr. Han Si-hwan coming along?”
“Ah, well…”
Han Si-hwan stuttered at Kang Hyeon’s question.
“The motto of the Guardian guild is to protect humanity. We can’t stand by and watch such dangerous drugs being abused!”
“Still, I don’t think you need to move together…”
“And, maybe it might be related to Guild Master Park Se-hyeon too. Guild Master also had a sudden increase in ability right before he passed away.”
In fact, the original purpose was to observe Kang Hyeon’s activities, but the flustered Han Si-hwan blurted out whatever came to mind.
‘Wait… This sounds plausible?’
But as soon as he said it, he thought it might actually be related to Park Se-hyeon.
If he was someone who always longed to become stronger to protect humanity, there was a possibility he might have turned to drugs.
“But please don’t interfere, and when you move with me, you need to follow my instructions well.”
“Yes.”
“And I can’t take responsibility if you get hurt along the way.”
“I understand.”
Kang Hyeon nodded at Han Si-hwan’s response and picked up his smartphone.
“Before that, let’s gather some information first.”
“Do you have a method?”
“What method? I’m just going to call Team Leader Shin Tae-gil and Brother Choi Dong-woo and ask them.”
After a brief connection tone, Shin Tae-gil’s voice was heard over the phone.
-Have you recovered well?
“Yes. My body is all I have, you know.”
-I’m really grateful for your help this time.
“We’ll talk about the rewards for dungeon clearing later. For now, I called because I was curious about something.”
-Go ahead.
“Do you know about the Jeong Jin Guild? I heard their rise has been insane recently.”
-Yes, I’m aware of them.
“I heard that guild is a den of junkies. Do you know anything about that?”
-Junkies..?
Shin Tae-gil’s surprised voice was heard at the unexpected word.
-What do you mean by junkies?
“I heard there’s a drug these days that increases your abilities just by taking it.”
-Ah! I have heard reports about such drugs being distributed recently. But we’ve been so busy that we haven’t been able to pay much attention to it.
“Hmm…”
-Actually, we’re currently focusing all our efforts on catching the group that caused the dungeon terror incident last time. Even that is not going well as the trail has gone cold.
“I see. I’m planning to investigate this, so I’ll ask for support if needed.”
-I’d be grateful if you could do that.
“I’ll contact you again later.”
-Alright.
Kang Hyeon shook his head as he ended the call.
“No useful information?”
“Nope.”
After that, he also contacted Choi Dong-woo, but he didn’t say much either.
-I also think the conflict between Jeong Jin Guild and Haeseon Guild is a serious problem. But it’s not good for the union to interfere in every guild matter. I’m sorry, but I’d like you to investigate this personally.
Kang Hyeon sighed, having failed to obtain the information he wanted.
“Haa… Can’t be helped.”
“…”
“In this case, we’ll go with the original plan of a frontal approach.”
“A, a frontal approach? So you did have something in mind?!”
Jo Dong-won sent an expectant look at the grand-sounding words.
“We just go there, smash them, and take it.”
“…”
“What else can we do? That’s how this world works.”
“Puhuh. It already sounds like fun!”
An Yu-seong snickered at Kang Hyeon’s words.
“As expected of Mr. Kang Hyeon. A frontal approach means a head-on attack, of course.”
“Yep. That’s right.”
“…”
Han Jae-moon, Han Si-hwan, and Jo Dong-won quietly exchanged glances.
‘These guys aren’t normal…’
***
Ippotranslation
***
E-rank dungeon ‘Village of the Dead’
This dungeon, occupied by the Jeong Jin Guild, was a place where undead monsters appeared.
Originally, undead dungeons were quite unpopular.
This was because they produced few byproducts and weren’t profitable.
However, the undead here had a certain probability of dropping precious metals, so the Jeong Jin Guild was managing it with special care.
“Did you get anything?”
“We got about 10 rings and bracelets.”
“Just 10? Are you kidding me? You can’t even meet the quota with that!”
“I’m sorry.”
“Then don’t do things you’ll be sorry for!”
Lee Pil-gyu, the executive managing the Village of the Dead, shouted in an extremely agitated voice.
“Even if you can’t keep any for yourself, you should at least gather enough to pay tribute to the guild. You idiots!”
“Urgh!”
A man who was kicked by Lee Pil-gyu clutched his stomach and rolled on the ground.
“Haa, fine. I’ll move myself. Damn bastards. This is why trash like you are useless.”
The guild members’ eyes turned vicious at the relentless insults, but no one dared to challenge him.
‘This nobody… If only I had more of the drug..!’
Lee Pil-gyu took most of the drugs allocated to the branch, citing his position as an executive.
The pill, commonly called ‘Monster Power’, literally gave you strength like monsters the moment you took it.
The guild allocated a tiny amount to each branch based on the number of personnel, but Lee Pil-gyu took more than his share, even touching the drugs meant for other guild members.
The guild members knew this fact but had to comply because they lacked the strength to oppose him.
“Oh my, isn’t this a heartwarming sight?”
At that moment, everyone’s heads turned at the sudden unfamiliar voice.
“Who are you!?”
Then they saw a strange man walking in casually.
“It’s me, you bastard. No matter how poorly they perform, is it right to use violence against your guild members like that?”
Kang Hyeon sneered, raising one corner of his mouth at Lee Pil-gyu, who was glaring at him.
“I don’t know who you are, but this is Jeong Jin Guild territory.”
“So what?”
“If you don’t want to die, get lost.”
“What? Now threats too? This guy is completely useless!”
As Kang Hyeon continued to mock him, veins popped on Lee Pil-gyu’s neck.
“I’ve changed my mind. Hand over everything you have right now. Then I’ll spare your life.”
At Lee Pil-gyu’s signal, the guild members immediately surrounded Kang Hyeon.
They seemed very familiar with this kind of situation, as if they had done it many times before.
“These guys always lack originality.”
“…?”
“It’s always the same pattern.”
Despite being surrounded by more than ten people, Kang Hyeon didn’t seem tense at all.
“Ba, Badass Guild?”
Suddenly, a guild member at the back muttered, seeing the ‘Badass’ letters written on Kang Hyeon’s back.
“Branch Manager! This guy is wearing Badass Guild clothes!”
“Badass or whatever, who cares?! Just beat him up!”
Kang Hyeon nodded at Lee Pil-gyu’s words.
“That’s right. Just beat me up. Who I am doesn’t matter.”
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