Chapter 12

A week had passed since the harrowing events in the double dungeon. The story of Jin-Woo's miraculous survival and Kade's enigmatic prowess had spread quickly, but the true nature of the power Jin-Woo received from the System remained a secret, known only to him. Meanwhile, Kade had little interest in the rumors and speculation. He had his own agenda, which centered on creating his own guild. With the upcoming conference in a couple of days, he saw a perfect opportunity to market his prowess and charisma.

The past week had been busy for Kade. He had been raiding dungeons below B-rank with random parties, as he had yet to be officially ranked. Gi-Soo could only do so much before someone started asking questions, although that would change when he received his official rank. Maybe then he could venture into higher-rank dungeons even by himself, consuming everything at his leisure. For now, he was content just going to dungeons and earning some money to fund his guild.

Kade joined various groups, each time leaving a trail of awe and disbelief. His methods were unorthodox, his movements swift and deadly, and his smile unsettling. Hunters spoke of him in hushed tones, stories of his feats growing more legendary with each retelling. Kade's objective, however, remained singular, to create an organization similar to his old employer, with him at the helm.

On this particular day, Kade found himself in the company of a random party assigned to a B-rank dungeon. The group consisted of seasoned hunters, each carrying an air of confidence that came from experience. They eyed Kade with curiosity and skepticism, wondering how an unranked hunter could earn such respect and reputation.

As they ventured deeper into the dungeon, the air grew thick with mana, and the faint glow of luminescent fungi barely lit the place. The atmosphere was tense, the group moving cautiously, their senses alert to any threat.

Suddenly, a group of powerful monsters emerged from the darkness, their eyes glowing with malevolence. The hunters sprang into action, their movements coordinated and efficient. Kade, however, hung back, his eyes gleaming with amusement, as usual.

The leader of the group, a tall man with a scar across his face, barked orders. "Stay together! Don't let them flank us!"

Kade watched the battle unfold, his smile hidden. He waited for the right moment, and when a monster lunged at him, he moved with minimal effort. His fists connected with the creature's skull, shattering it instantly.

He then disappeared from where he was standing and started slaughtering the monsters with his usual unbothered expression.

The rest of the party watched in stunned silence as Kade tore through the monsters with ease, his movements a blur of lethal precision.

"Kade, behind you!" one of the hunters shouted, but Kade had already sensed the threat. He spun around, his hand cutting through the air like a knife, decapitating the monster that had tried to sneak up on him.

The battle was over in minutes, the ground littered with the bodies of the slain monsters. The hunters stood in awe, their mouths agape and their eyes wide with disbelief.

"How…how did you do that?" the scarred leader asked, his voice filled with a mix of fear and admiration.

Kade shrugged, his smile never faltering. "I just eat a lot of protein."

Within a week, word of Kade's prowess spread like wildfire. By the time the conference arrived, his name was on everyone's lips.

The day of the conference finally arrived. The place was packed with hunters and guild leaders, all eager to meet the rumored

10th S-ranker of the country.

The chairman of the Hunter's Association, Go Gun-Hee, stepped up to the podium, his presence commanding the room's attention. He looked around at the assembled crowd, a knowing smile on his face.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice carrying authority. "Today, we gather to recognize a new force within our ranks. Someone who has shown incredible prowess and potential, even before being officially ranked. It is with great honor that I introduce to you our newest S-rank hunter—Kade."

A murmur of excitement and curiosity rippled through the crowd as Kade stepped forward. His appearance was casual and his demeanor confident. He walked to the podium with a relaxed stride, his unsettling smile ever-present.

Go Gun-Hee continued, "Kade has proven himself in various dungeons, demonstrating a level of skill and power that is unparalleled. He has saved countless lives and completed missions with extraordinary efficiency. Today, we officially recognize his rank and welcome him into the elite circle of S-rank hunters."

Chairman Go exaggerated Kade's accomplishments, he didn't save countless lives nor did any missions, that was all a facade as he wanted Kade to have a strong foothold in Korea, as being a foreigner have some disadvantage

And maybe a bit of showing off to america, to make it look like Kade has been within Korea long ago

The crowd erupted in applause, hunters and guild leaders alike impressed by the acknowledgment of Kade's power. As the applause died down, Kade took a step forward, his eyes scanning the room. He raised his hand, signaling for silence, and the room fell quiet.

"Thank you, Chairman Go," Kade began, his voice smooth and confident. "It is an honor to stand before you all today. Over the past week, I've had the pleasure of working with many of you, and I've seen firsthand the strength and determination that defines our community."

He paused, letting his words sink in. "But strength alone is not enough. We need unity, vision, and leadership. That is why I am here today to announce my intention to create a new guild. A guild that will redefine what it means to be hunters. A guild that will stand at the forefront of our fight against the dangers that threaten our world."

The crowd listened intently with their attention rapt. Kade's charisma was undeniable and his presence commanding.

"I invite all of you to join me in this endeavor," Kade continued. "Together, we can achieve greatness. Together, we can protect our world and create a future where humanity stands strong against any threat."

As he finished, the room erupted in applause once more, the hunters and guild leaders clearly impressed by his speech. Kade had not only showcased his qualifications but had also laid the foundation for his future guild. The conference had served as the perfect stage to establish his authority and draw in support from the hunting community.

"Now let's answer some questions" Kade announced giving permission for media outlets to ask him questions.