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After spending hours stuck inside the somewhat filthy and unpleasant dungeon, the air outside feels refreshing, and even the slightly cloudy sky looks beautiful.

Jiho was basking in the lingering feelings of the dungeon raid when someone came up to him. Because they ran up and threw their weight on him, Jiho staggered. As soon as the other saw this, they tsked and helped him up.

“Why are you so weak even after you’ve become an S-rank?”

“…I’m not weak.”

“Sure, your abilities are strong. But your body’s weak. You don’t have any muscles like this Hyung-nim either.”

Jiho glanced at Seon Tae Woong’s thick arms. They’re not even as thick as Joo Yiwon’s; why is he bragging? Jiho was going to ask him to move his sweaty arm, but he held it in since it wouldn’t be polite to say to someone he just finished a raid with.

“Look at this record; even though it’s a small dungeon, it’s still sick. Hey, don’t you think we have perfect coordination?”

“I’m not sure.” 

They were just on the way out of a raid of Bangbae Dungeon #14, which they had won the bid for with Apollon Guild. 

While Jiho’s not sure of the coordination between him and Tae Woong, this dungeon is definitely compatible with Tae Woong. 

The gate, which had only swallowed two people when it first opened, increased to five after stabilizing. However, as this isn’t a big number, they filled the remaining spots left by Jiho and Tae Woong with gatherers from Apollon. 

Some were worried about two combat hunters raiding a S-rank dungeon, but the raid went even smoother than expected. Not only did Jiho’s [Blessing of the Star] level up, but he’s also much more adept at using his skills and plus, they’ve raided this dungeon before. 

Jiho also found raiding with Tae Woong satisfying. After all, it’s nice to see Seon Tae Woong display such overwhelming force with the power Jiho grants him.

Yet it’s not like they were enemies for a day or two. Isn’t Tae Woong’s change in attitude too swift?

But Seon Tae Woong himself is unabashed.

“Don’t be so petty. We’re even splitting the profits 7 to 3. Right?”

“Well, that’s true….”

When Jiho thinks about it, it’s not like Tae Woong’s the only one who changed his attitude. And on top of that, even though they’re managing Bangbae Dungeon #14 together, they’ve decided to split the items No Name: 7 and Apollon: 3.

At first, Jiho demanded 9:1 from Seon Tae Hui who insisted on 5:5. Obviously, No Name was the 9.

‘I am fine with sharing the bid with Apollon Guild, however, in terms of profit, I can share the bid with Chungram as well. They proposed 9:1 for No Name. What would you like to do?’

Naturally, Seon Tae Hui said that was absurd and was not happy.

Of course, despite his bold proposal, Jiho didn’t want to share the rights with Chungram. Chungram’s too big. Any guild gets compared next to Chungram, and Chungram would take all the credit.

Although immediate profit is important, Jiho’s goal is to become a similar-sized guild as Chungram. Others might laugh if they hear this, but…. Anyways, in order to get closer to that goal, co-managing the dungeon with a similarly-ranked guild poses a larger advantage.

Needless to say, Seon Tae Hui is probably aware of these thoughts too. That’s why she reached out about joint management.

But Jiho shamelessly came out like a child with no ulterior motives and greed.

‘Apollon’s Vice-Guildmaster-nim is correct, however…. We need gold due to our guild’s rapid growth. At least right now, we need somewhere with instant profit.’

This isn’t completely false either. Expenses increase exponentially for every guildmember that joins. Even if they squeezed all of the profits from an S-rank dungeon, they wouldn’t have enough. 

Thanks to this, after a heated discussion, they settled on keeping their profits 7:3. Actually, this is the exact ratio Jiho wanted. He just demanded 9:1 at first in order to start negotiations.

‘Since we’ll gain more profits after we collect a couple of raid strategies.’

Even though their portion is smaller, Apollon isn’t majorly losing out either. It’s difficult for a guild with an A-rank guildmaster like Apollon to secure the rights to an S-rank dungeon. This was only possible by bidding with No Name, an A-rank guild that’s on the rise.

Plus, once they secure the unexpected rights to an S-rank dungeon, Apollon Guild, which was already strong, can now cement their place as one of the top A-rank guilds. And since they’ve always had a lot of money, Apollon wasn’t particularly desperate for profit either.

That’s why this was a good deal for everyone.

Unlike Seon Tae Hui, who seemed to regret not getting more out of the deal, Seon Tae Woong looks like he has no thoughts. Well, it’s better that one person’s comfortable than for two to be in pain.

“What will you do with the materials? I thought you said that there is a material you’ve never seen before.”

“For now, I’ll send a request to AN. I hope it’s something that makes a lot of money.”

Because Jiho can see the system, he knows what the material can be used for.

Information

Aestara Cave’s Round Mushroom
Rank	B
Description	Material item. If you consume this mushroom, which grew feeding off of Aestara’s spiritual energy, as a crystal filled with pure mana, you can recover lost mana. While it’s also good to consume raw, it’s even better cooked over a fire.

An item that can be crafted into a mana potion; with how difficult it is to supply mana, this item is, for lack of better words, spectacular.

But Jiho kept silent because he couldn’t reveal anything yet. Since AN will definitely come back with a proper result, he’ll just have to hold back until then.

“Hey, let’s raid this often. It’s nice and short.”

“Okay.”

This dungeon is heaven: it’s flatter, shorter, and doesn’t smell as weird as the dungeon he raided with Heaven Guild last time. Everything’s perfect except for the fact that he has to come with Seon Tae Woong.

“Then you’re going to join the debrief, right?”

“The raid wasn’t even that long….”

“People who raided a dungeon together should get to know each other. Don’t you think?”

Seon Tae Woong grinned. It wasn’t too annoying of a smile. Seeing that expression, Jiho thought back to how he would’ve readily joined in the past.

‘Because I liked people then….’

Well, according to Seon Tae Woong, these are all people he’ll continue seeing, so it makes sense for him to join them just this once.

“Alright, then I’ll go.”

“Great, we’re doing four rounds tonight!”

“WOOOOOW!”

Looking at all of the gatherers cheering, Jiho got a strong feeling that Seon Tae Woong and his colleagues are cut from the same cloth.

He messed up.

Although Jiho regretted his decision, it was too late as Seon Tae Woong and another person grabbed each of Jiho’s arms so that he couldn’t run and dragged Jiho off.

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“Eu….”

Jiho grabbed his dull head and got on the elevator that takes him to the guild. 

He had had a bad feeling. In the end, Seon Tae Woong and Apollon’s guildmembers dragged Jiho to five rounds. It was a special full-course: they ate a bunch of meat, got bingsu at a cafe, drank alcohol, sang a bunch of songs at karaoke, before finally finishing with hangover soup.

As he recalled the crowd that pushed him to sing, Jiho held his forehead again. While it’s not that he can’t sing, it’s not like he sings well, so he was embarrassed by how they cheered like they were at their favorite singer’s concert. 

In fact, the good singer was actually Seon Tae Woong. It was surprising how he was so good at singing across different music genres. And it was fun to hang out with other people.

Feeling the smile that naturally appeared on his face, Jiho chuckled. 

Yeah, he had fun. He was slightly worried that they’d raise a problem with the unusual nature of joint-management. But if it continues like this, it looks like they’ll maintain a good relationship with Apollon. 

Like this, one concern is gone.

Yet… there’s still one huge concern for Jiho.

Jiho’s biggest concern these days surrounds one man in the guild.

Yang Hojin.

That shameless fox keeps coming to work even though his identity was exposed.

He must’ve decided that there’s no need to hide his system window anymore as it’s the same as what Jiho first saw.

Jiho tried to chase out this guy with dangerous-looking skills like [Essence Absorption], [Charm], or [Dual Cultivation]. 

However….

‘I-I’m sorry Guildmaster-nim. I-I s-should’ve done more…. Y-you’re very m-mad, right? WAAH, I’m sorry. I will work harder next time….’

Before Jiho could even ask him to follow him to the guildmaster’s office, Yang Hojin started sobbing. In a crowded office, no less.

Wow, this sneaky fox.

Unfortunately, someone who should’ve been in the entertainment industry ended up as a hunter. Anyone who sees Hojin stammer that he’s sorry over and over again would think that he’s a victim while Jiho’s an evil guildmaster.

Though they explained that Hojin only apologized because of his timid personality and that Jiho was never going to scold him….

Since it ended like that, it’s become difficult to chase him away. While they filtered through applicants to pick good people, No Name Guild’s unity is still weak. If Jiho chased Yang Hojin out for not doing his work properly in that situation, what would’ve become of Jiho’s reputation?

That’s why Jiho had no choice but to leave Hojin, who’s like a thorn in his eyes, in the guild. Plus, he had more pressing issues to deal with like the joint-management or dungeon raid. 

But now that the pressing issues have come to an end, it’s time to take care of Hojin, who’s like a mine he left buried in the ground with a caution flag and fence. 

Afraid that it’ll look like he’s going to bully him if he calls him too soon, Jiho called Hojin in the afternoon while the guild was busy. Thankfully, Hojin didn’t make a fuss on his way to the guildmaster’s office like last time.

Actually, since Hojin approached Jiho with a purpose, Hojin probably wants to talk as well. Still, it seems that he does feel guilty as Hojin bowed his head as soon as he entered the office.

“I apologize, Guildmaster-nim. Please don’t be too angry.”

“…Are you aware that you’re a bit of a jerk?”

“I hear that occasionally…. Though I, myself, cannot tell.”

Although his cautiousness befitting of a timid personality has no flaws, now that Jiho’s seen his true character, Hojin just looks fake.

“…Speak as you normally would when we are alone.”

“However, shouldn’t I be respectful within the guild? After all, we are guildmaster and guildmember.”

Then is he going to speak informally outside of the guild? Not feeling any sincerity in his “respect,” Jiho looked detached. 

“You may speak freely since the security in the guildmaster’s office is secure.”

“If that’s what you want. But why do you look so p*ssed?”

“Well, with what audacity is a spy sticking around?”

Yang Hojin’s system window still says [Guildmember of Mireu]. That’s why Jiho can only look displeased with him. Hearing the anger in Jiho’s voice, Hojin shrugged as if he found it a pity. 

“If you want, I can leave Mireu, but…. You still wouldn’t trust me, right?” 

“Of course I wouldn’t. You’d be leaving for show anyways.”

“Exactly. It’s not like I can make enemies out of them.”

Hojin mumbled before staring at Jiho with sharp eyes. 

“Are you discriminating against different species? Because you believe the legends that foxes are evil or whatnot….”

“…It’s not that, but your skills do look dangerous.”

“Ah, these skills are just to help smoothen my relationships with people a little.”

Jiho doesn’t think it’s “a little.” Hojin’s flashy skillset makes it seem that he’ll toss you away afters ucking you dry if you get on this man’s bad side. Seeing that Jiho is still looking at him suspiciously, Hojin lowered his gaze as if he was sad.

“I really am not here to hurt you. Of course, I did want to sound you out….”

“I see you are not even hiding it.”

“Nothing good will come from hiding things here. And while you seem to think that we were spying on you… I came under our young master’s order to protect you. Wouldn’t you have been in danger if I didn’t help you that day?”

That’s true. As an S-rank, Hojin is definitely strong enough to protect Jiho from most threats, and it would’ve been much more dangerous if it weren’t for Hojin that day.

Seeing Jiho waver, Hojin smiled charmingly. 

“If Mireu seems suspicious, you can meet our guildmaster. Though he can’t tell the full truth, he will reveal as much as he can.”

“Why should I trust him?”

“I won’t tell you to go to our guild. We’ll meet here, right in this building.”

He’ll come here? Jiho considered it before nodding. He can prepare for any potentially dangerous situations…. It’s a good choice.

---

The day he promised to meet Tae Yong. Hojin called Jiho, who was getting ready to meet Tae Yong, out of the office.

“Guildmaster-nim. C-come this way.”

“…I thought you said we’d meet in here.”

Despite their promise, Hojin is dragging Jiho out of his office. Jiho glared at Hojin. 

“W-we promised to meet in this building…. I-I never said o-office.”

“…”

He’s not wrong, but…. Jiho feels like he was tricked. Though in this case, it’s more that he’s still too naive to fall for it.

“I will not go into a basement.”

“That’s ob… we are not going there. Do not worry, it is an ordinary spot…”

How did they grab an ordinary spot to talk in? Hojin got on the elevator and pressed the button to the second floor. If it’s the second floor, that’s where all the eateries are. There’s no way they’re going to an ordinary restaurant….

Is what Jiho thought, but the two actually did end up in one of the restaurants on the second floor. It’s a store that sells braised kimchi that No Name’s guildmembers and Jiho himself often visit. 

Shocked, Jiho whispered to Hojin. 

“Do you own this restaurant?”

“One of Mireu Guild’s guildmembers owns this place. It’s a normal restaurant. We’re just borrowing the location.”

Hojin whispered before heading inside like he was going to eat. Then, he turned a corner that was out of everyone’s sight. 

The reason they’re hiding and disguising themselves like this is probably because they’re wary of Joo Yiwon, right? Since this is Joo Yiwon’s building, it’s easy to track their movements. 

The spot the two were heading to was a storage closet that the restaurant usually stores ingredients in. Though it isn’t a wide space, they must’ve organized it for this meeting as a space was cleared in the middle and even arranged with a table and chairs.

And in the chair facing them, Kim Tae Yong, who had arrived first, was sitting there. Looking more dressed than usual. The dark blue and white dapho suited Tae Yong well like it was tailored to him.

“Hello.”

Although he was slightly displeased, Jiho greeted him first. Tae Yong smiled at Jiho before suddenly standing up. 

Then… he performed a deep bow towards Jiho.

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LaZ Bird Corner

Not a deep bow XD. 

Chapter 97 will be split into two parts!

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